Hawthorne Feedback

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Hawthorne Time and
Temperature

A pretty good guitar picker----Ry Cooder

Name: Ray () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 19:23:29
E-Mail: rjshelley@yahoo.com
City and State: Mena, Arkansas
Class: 58

Message: Sharon & Barney, My mother was selected as a contestant for 'Queen for a Day', around '54 or 55'. She didn't drive so had to take a bus to the show. Her request was for a hand printing press, for my brother, who had CP. My Mom was selected as the winner for that day and received numerous prizes. My Dad, who was a job printer for the Hawthorne Press, didn't have a clue of what my Mom was up to. Someone called the Press to inform my Dad that his wife was on TV. He went next door and caught the show on their Television. You know, I wish I would have asked my Mom what her thoughts were on the bus ride back to Hawthorne, after being crowned 'Queen for a Day'.. Oh, and the hand press, it started my brother off on a job printing career, that was very successful. When he retired, he had several pieces of automatic machinery. Stay safe, Ray
Great story Ray, Thanks.....

Name: Sharon Branigan () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 18:58:48
E-Mail: srbranigan.srb@verizon.net
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 76
Message: It was great fun meeting Don and Helen Burns at the Santa Paula airport on Sunday. Great show of classic T-Birds. Also, the airport museum sponsors an open house on the first Sunday of each month. Their "Young Eagles" program offers free airplane rides for youth ages 9-17 on these days. Get there at 9:30 to get in line. Also, check out the collections that some of the museum members have- very cool stuff- some old race cars, airplanes, an incredible radio collection; plus lots of pilots who love to tell flying tales. "What's Cookin'" is the name of Queen for a Day host Jack Bailey's cookbook; it's available on ABEBOOKS.COM .

Name: Sharon MacDonald () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 17:21:49
City and State: Burlington, Wisconsin
Maiden: Badger
Class: 1963
Message: Barney, the MC when my Mom was on the show was Jack Bailey. He also wrote a cook book that was given to all the contestants. My Mom lost track of hers, but recently at a flea market I picked up a copy and it is pretty funny.

Name: Raymond Smith () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 16:56:02
E-Mail: Kawabunganorth@juno.com
City and State: Portland, Oregon
Maiden: Hot and Sunny today
Class: 1981
Message: I been thinking. I remember I used to go to Alondra Park in Gardena for some really good picnic's and go to a few of the annuals Hawaiian Luau's. Does anybody remember what Alondra Park was before it was built? I have noooo clue. I also wonder when it was built?

Name: doris () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 13:57:14
E-Mail: of course
City and State: somewhereinthewildwildwest
Maiden: donaldson
Class: BC
Message: HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETEY GIRL! And my goodness gracious ... you ARE just a mere G-I-R-L! REMEMBER THAT! Now I shall sing a special happy birthday song to you.
Happy BD to you - Happy BD to you, You look like a monkey ... you smell like one too!!!!
LOLOLOLOL!!! Do have a good'un from the precious feminine princess of the northwest territories

Name: Barney McArdle () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 13:44:57
E-Mail: barney.f.mcardle@boeing.com
City and State: Everett, Washington
Class: 1958
Message: Sharon Badger, I don't think we knew each other, since I was in the class of 1958 but you were talking about "Queen For A Day". Can you tell who the MC was for that show? Not something I always remember but when I saw your note I remembered who it was.

Name: Dan Johnson () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 10:47:32
E-Mail: wch1ispink@aol.com
City and State: Sherman Oaks
Class: 77
Message: I had no idea who Emitt Rhodes was until I read the posts yesterday. He's even been involved in a Paul McCartney tribute album! It's good to know I'm not the only one!

Name: Gomez () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 10:32:39
E-Mail: causeieatsmespinach@attbi.com
City and State: Sunny Oreygun
Maiden: Honduras
Class: 197?
Message: Kelley thank you for remembering but are you sure that 9 isn't a 6? I can't remember? Just tell Don Blackburn I'm 40.

Name: Sharon MacDonald () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 10:10:55
E-Mail: rmac@genevaonline.com
City and State: Burlington, Wisconsin
Maiden: Badger
Class: 1963
Message: When we first moved to Hawthorne, my mother would get tickets to all the tv show tapings and I would get out of school to go with her (no one else would). One day she took me with her to Queen for a Day and she was chosen to be on the show (she wanted a new washing machine). Also on the show was a lady named Hilda Andriacchi (sp?) who was also from Hawthorne. They became good friends after this. I don't remember who was the winner that day, but my mother always said that meeting a new friend and being on the show was so exciting, it didn't matter that she didn't win.

Name: Kelley () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 09:26:28
E-Mail: kelleycurrie@charter.net
City and State: Englewood,Or
Maiden: Currie
Class: 67
Message: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WOOF, KONNIE (PETEY) SMITH...A CHILD @ 49 years old today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday Gomez.....

Name: Baxter Dodd () on Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at 01:25:55
E-Mail: baxterldo@aol.com
City and State: Riverside, CA
Class: 57
Message: More about Mr. William?s? early years @ HHS: I remember when a French Foreign Exchange student came to HHS for his senior year. In talking with Mr. William?s he happened to mention that he fenced competitively in France. A discussion ensued about what style was more effective, French vs Italian. One word led to another and soon they were taking off jackets, rolling up sleeves, and shoving tables out of the way. The duel was on! Right there in the art class! Just like in the movies! Then the French student broke the tip off his blade. That ended the game. The French student was good but William?s was proving his point about effectiveness when the kid?s blade broke. Of course it was all done in good spirit, sportsmanship, and respect. But I got to thinking, what other teacher would keep a couple of swords and gear in a class closet?? This was before Mr. Williams started the fencing classes. He started them after I graduated. Sure wish I could have been there for those classes. Found out later that while this was going on, Interpol was looking for the French exchange student. His crime? He turned 18 while here in school and did not report for induction into the French military as was the French law at that time. As I recall, they allowed him to finish the semester and then immediately report to the French army.
No wonder the French are such fierce warriors. They get their soldiers from Mr Williams art class.

Name: Renee () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 23:02:14
E-Mail: aroundworldsubs@yahoo.com
City and State: Oceanside, CA
Maiden: Chaput
Class: 1991
Message: Hey Cougars! Who joined the military from class of 1991? Email me at aroundworldsubs@yahoo.com thank you!

Name: MIaaka DeForrest () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 22:03:24
E-Mail: miaaka@hotmail.com
City and State: Cartago, CA
Maiden: Lester
Class: 77
Message: Keith, glad to here that the weather is great in Hawaii right now, heading there in about 10 days. My 12 year olds very first plane trip. looking forward to a fun time with her.

Name: Kim Begley () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 20:29:09
E-Mail: kbegley@pacbell.net

City and State: Scotts Valley, CA
Maiden: Stembler
Class: 73
Message: Dearest Enza, my thoughts and prayers go out to Momma Nicocia and your family. I know what you're going through and hope you can feel my hug from here. xxoo

Name: Don (crow) Burns () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 20:22:53
E-Mail: burnslock@yahoo.com
City and State: Downey, Ca.
Class: 57
Message: Hey Cougs, my Mother Sister & I were living in Port Orford,@ the time you said they dropped incendiary bomb, they really kept it hushed up because this is the first I've heard of it. My Aunt & cousins still live there, I'll write & ask them about it. Also had a Coug siting @ Santa Paula Airport, the famous t-shirt lady Sharon (Bierman) Branigan, Mike, & son, Mikey. Had a pleasant conversation with them. More later Don
Hey Don, Glad you're not the only one who doesn't remember the good old USA getting attacked in WWII, and glad you got to meet the Branigans; 3 of my favorite people.

Name: John Norman () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 19:38:50
E-Mail: jdloma@earthlink.net
City and State: Mira Loma, CA
Class: 68

Message: JB, the status of my sister (Judy) is she is well and alive leaving in Homer Alaska (if you call that living). Just got an email from Sue Jolly asking for her number, boy how this site works. Once again what a great job you have done.
Thanks Johnny, I mean John. Geez, old habits, and names, die hard especially since the last time I saw you, you were about 11 and I was 19. Hope you can make it to a Cruise night one of these days. Would love to talk about the old days with you and brother Jimmy.... I mean Jim.

Name: Penny Prouty () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 14:59:29
E-Mail: penny_prouty@usw.salvationarmy.org
City and State: Torrance, CA
Maiden: Prouty
Class: 1962

Message: Another note about our favorite teacher, Mr. Williams...in follow-up to the recent messages from Karen Tamilonis ('64) and Baxter Dodd ('57)... I hope Mr. Williams is hearing some of this praise...that he knows the positive effect he's had on his many students and how he's being remembered through the years. And Ricki Valencia, if you're out there, and you have a chance to remind him, hope you do so.... Not too long ago, I had the chance to get together with my old ("young") friends, Patty Smith (Class '59) and Sheila Smith (Class '62). We were attending a conference and as we hustled from place to place (with books, etc. under arm), it reminded us of rushing across campus to Mr. Williams' classes....(somehow, we were always late...could never figure out why)... The three of us had a good time remembering the days we spent in Mr. Williams' classes. He had a great sense of humor that kept us laughing, a lot of the time, but he also knew how to get our artistic imaginations going in the class, and gave us the confidence to express ourselves....I thank you for that, Mr. Williams! Patty (now Patty Tarullo and Sheila (now Sheila Griffin) are still enjoying their involvement in the art field....Patty's even taught some art classes....and for me...I had 4 years of classes with Mr. Williams...would have loved to continue the classes for another 4 (or 40) more years!
Mr. Williams must've been a good teacher/mentor as he's one of the most talked-about on the website. Thanks Penny for your 2 cents....

Name: Larry Biller () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 14:44:03
E-Mail: lbiller49@yahoo.com
City and State: Portland,OR

Class: 1967
Message: Hey Ray and anyone else interested: Emitt Rhodes is still in the recording business but not his own material. He still lives in Hawthorne. I just purchased his CD "Daisy Fresh. From Hawthorne, California" It's great to hear his music again. I like it better now than I did back then.

Name: Stephanie Brito () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 12:50:54
E-Mail: happyisles@aol.com
City and State: RPV, Ca.
Maiden: Hall
Class: 61

Message: All you Cougars are just great with the memories of growing up in a place called Hawthorne. I'm so glad you all realize what a special time it was. And I'd like to thank those who looked for and hired such excellent teachers for us. They were the best. Thanks also for the WWII history. I am still getting an education----at Cougartown! John Baker deserves the Nobel prize for web sites and our gratitude.
Hi Stephanie, Yes, I love the stories as much as you do and I'll just accept the gratitude as I don't think there is of yet a Nobel prize for websites.

Name: Jim Peppers () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 01:59:54
E-Mail: JimPeppers@yahoo.com
City and State: Athens, Greece
Class: 61
Message: Dear Paco Duran, Hey man, I told you I didn't think Carol would remember that. For her, it probably was too trivial to put in the old memory bank, but, as I said, it was unforgettable for me. Anyway, say hello to Carol for me. Tell her to write. Does she have an e-mail address? Hope you, mama Duran, and all your family are well. Thanks for relaying the message to Carol. Saw her picture in your Paco Pics. She's still a beauty, isn't she! Be good, Jim Peppers

Name: Joe Bell () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 01:48:07
E-Mail: jb41jb@yahoo.com
City and State: Artesia CA
Class: 59
Message: Thank you for all the information you provide on this site John. I checked you reunion page last week, and saw a first decade reunion planned for Oct. and decided to send in for it, O.K.
"Classes from 1952-1962 Reunion October 15, 16 and 17, 2003 at the Riverside Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. Hotel rooms: $19.00 a night On or before July 1st, the tickets will sell for $70.00 per person. >From July 2nd through October 3rd, the tickets will sell for $75.00 ......" I thought the first decade would be from '54 to '64 ? There was no Class of '52, or '53. Like this write-up says. Anyway I got the reservations, Thanks for keeping us all updated on everything, the first 40 years after I graduated I lost contact with so many friends. Always a Coug. Thanks for C-Town.
Hey Joe, Glad you noticed. Lots of people think this is the only page on the Cougartown site.

Yes, you're correct about classes, as the class of 54 was the first SENIOR or graduating class, but 52 was the first year of the school (all freshmen and sophomores).

Name: Baxter Dodd () on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 01:33:40
E-Mail: baxterldo@aol.com
City and State: Riverside
Class: 57
Message: An earlier post mentioned Mr. Williams. I remember when he first came to HHS. He took Mrs. Bellin?s (sp?) place when she left on a maternity. Mr. Williams came from the real world of commercial art and had a lot to offer. He also gave good, sound advice and guidance to a lot of people--including me. The year he came to HHS the drama class decided to do a version of ?Mid Summer Night?s Dream.? I don?t know if it was in his contract but Williams got roped into designing and decorating the stage sets with no budget. He took on the job, formed a group of volunteers, and coordinated with the wood shop to get the job done. He even used the wood shavings from the shop. They were glued in place and painted green for the grassy hill side. The play was a success.

Name: Ray Castillo () on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 21:24:18
E-Mail: raycastillo@prodigy.net
City and State: Palmdale, Ca.
Message: Hey Larry Biller, thanks for the link to the mmit Rhodes sight. Somewhere in my basement is a cassette of the album they mention on the sight you sent a link to. Do you know if he's in the producing business or anything equally suited to his talents today?

Name: Jan Peterson () on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 19:36:08
E-Mail: jpeterson50@aol.com
City and State: Carmichael, CA
Maiden: Freeman
Class: 1967

Message: To: Enza. I did not know you or your family, but I want you to know that there will be prayers for your Mom and your family from No. California. My Mom was diagnosed with a non-operable liver cancer this past summer so I know how you are feeling. Please give her my best thoughts and prayers from another Coug! Jean, you are amazing. I know why you can't find your keys, you are enjoying your past too much. Your memories are great to read. Thanks for jarring all of our memories too. We spent the weekend washing all of the winter YUCK out of the backyard. It looks so great. Hubby is ready to BBQ, and the toys are in the pool. I can hear ice clinking in the glasses as I type. Have a great week all. Jan

Name: Chris Hood () on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 17:51:43
E-Mail: protectingourcoastline.com
City and State: Coos Bay, Oreogn
Maiden: Hoody
Class: 71

Message: John with regard to ?Jap? attacks on the mainland. In 1942 a small Japanese plane launched from a submarine, dropped a bomb just north of Brookings Oregon and started a small fire. Then in 1944 the Japanese released balloons with incendiary bombs in an attempt to set the Pacific Northwest forests a flame. In 1945 six picnickers were killed when one of those bombs exploded as they were attempting to pull it out of the woods. It was only then that the government publicized the attacks and warned its citizens of the dangers of potential unexploded devices. This occurred about 50 miles South of Coos Bay around Port Orford, Oregon and the six people killed (all children) were the only known mainland fatalities as a direct result of enemy action. A side note, the pilot of the plane that dropped the bomb, Nobuo Fujitia has returned to the area several times as a mission of peace and friendship and in 1962 donated his cherished samurai sword to the City of Brookings. And on the 50th anniversary (1992) of the bombing he planted a symbolic redwood at the exact spot where the bomb landed.
Thanks Chris....

Name: cheryl () on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 16:34:58
E-Mail: hrlep@aol.com
City and State: lake hughes,ca.
Maiden: mcgaha
Class: 1964
Message: this is a great website, i`m so excited. i worked at the froster freeze on 120th & hawthorne in the early 60`s what a trip!!
Hi Cheryl, Glad you found Cougartown.

Name: Jean MacErnie () on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 01:19:57
E-Mail: mamamac.1@juno.com
City and State: Hawthorne CA
Maiden: Caldwell
Class: 68

Message: Here are a few ol memories of Eucalyptus..Does anyone remember the lady that used to sell milk and ice cream in the outside lunch area...Her name was Jewel.All those field trips....In 2nd grade Mrs Daly took us to the Helms Bakery where we got a little loaf of bread and our little card board trucks...But I swear we also got a little chocolate donut. Afterwards we had our lunch at Mrs Dalys house. I remember our trip to the dairy and watching them make milk, butter and cheese...The ride on the tug boat was another memory too. Does anyone remember our kindergarten teacher who was from Hawaii...Her last name was something like Chinin...She introduced us to the hula. Later there was our fourth grade trip to Knotts Berry Farm. We received a folding church thing that when you opened it up there was Jesus. It would glow in the dark and when it glowed, Jesus's eyes would open...Carving missions out of a bar of soap....First book reports....6th grade camp, where I quickly found out that the kids from the other elementary schools near by were pretty cool after all! I remember that May pole thing mentioned some time back, and the halloween parades...and the Halloween carnival...and the regular carnival...the cake walks...grab bags for a quarter. You would fish for them. The home made goodies that our parents made....Some ones mom made some fantastic fudge...there was dodge ball. I dreaded that one...I mean I totally hated it and thought it was a worthless sort of mean game. Does anyone remember the haunted house on 120th near Eucalyptus on the corner. It was a very old house that didn't look lived in. The window up stairs was always opened, there were lots of weeds, trees and bushes behind the chain link fence. We swore we always saw some one in there looking at us. Everyone would dare each other to go in there....I don't think anyone did. There was a methodist church on the corner of 120th and Inglewood ave. Occasionally I would go over there with another friend and we would sneak upstairs just to press the keys on the organ. Then we would get scared and take off running. Remember those bomb drills? Everyone would get under their desk and cover their heads...and the fire drills...single file!! Mr Hilton in the 6th grade. One time a student got into trouble and was told to go to the office. The boy wouldn't go so Mr Hilton dragged the kid who was still in his desk to the office....desk and all. Remember trick or treating in your neighborhood? We would always go to the gas station across the street from the Methodist church were Mr Nichols gave us donuts. His kids Sherry Nichols (65) and Kathy went to HHS. I remember one year...I was about 12 or 13 I saw a kid who was in high school dressed up as a baby. All he had on was a diaper (looked real) a baby bonnet and a big baby bottle, maybe a pacifier...that was it. We were only allowed to trick or treat from Broadway to the gas station on 120th, and from Sundale to Burl Ave. Of course I remember those fond memories of graham crackers and milk. It was an honor to be chosen as the milk moniter and get to distribute those little cartons...remember the little hand prints that we made in clay...valentine cards...on the first day of Kindergarten we had to draw pictures of ourselves....Remember the flag salute and the part where we would swear they were saying for WITCHES stand...and of course the dreaded nap time, that I am sure most of us totally conked out in....oh and finger painting....I think I am starting to freak myself out with all the stuff I can remember from Kindergarten which was like 48 years ago.....But yet I can't find my damn car keys that I just laid down a few minutes ago...oh oh...
Hi Jean, Yes, you do a fine job of bringing back those early memories. I'm sure you've triggered a few memories in others too. I know you did in me as I have one of those Knotts Berry Farm Jesus glow-in-the-dark Church lookin thingys that we all received on a third grade field trip. Wish I could find it.

Name: Carol Shih () on Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 22:13:32
E-Mail: sapphirecat@earthlink.net
City and State: Saratoga
Maiden: McClintick
Class: 75

Message: Well, I just sent my first born off to her senior prom. It's been quite a "drama" filled few weeks with many ups and downs. The one guy she wanted to ask her was asked out by another girl. Then some well meaning girlfriend talked a guy who was "only a friend" into asking her....But, then she found out it was a set up. And she didn't want a "pity date".... Next thing we hear is she is taking a blind date who is a sophmore at a local college....The good old friend of a friend. But, at last finally she is out the door with a guy on her arm. Now, I get to stay up until they get home safe from downtown San Francisco.
AHHH YES, the pity date. I remember them all well.....

Name: fraz () on Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 21:52:13
E-Mail: somewhere in HB

City and State: HB, Ca
Maiden: Steve
Class: 66
Message: A little late on the topic of first concerts, but in 1964 I spent a wonderful afternoon at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium with "The Duke of Cool, his sister Kelley, "Big Hoody" and the Rolling Stones!!! ....Steve...
UH...that would be the Duke Of BOSS, Steve....

If you have comments or suggestions, please email me at john14@cougartown.com

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