Just let me hear some of that rock and roll music
Any old way you choose it
It's got a back beat, you can't lose it,
Any old time you use it...> Beatles
Name: Art LA Mere () on Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at 07:07:30
Email: artlamere@msn.com
City and State: Bettendorf Iowa
Class: 1973
Message: The Christmas lights at first I thought I remembered them going across the street at three big intersections but after thinking about it they were only on the poles but like at Rosecrans and El Segundo they had something bigger there I think. Who remembers what was on the poles?
Name: Baxter Dodd () on Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at 02:38:53
Email: baxterldo@aol.com
City and State: Riverside, CA
Class: 1957
Message:
Most of you are probably aware of this site: http://www.hermosawave.net/webcam/newcamvideo.asp It is a live cam mounted on Hennessey's Tavern at the Hermosa Beach Pier looking north towards the volleyball nets. There is also an interactive 360deg panorama photo that was shot on a nice day. I am not plugging this site or any of their ads but It is a great stress reducer. On pressure days at the office meeting publication deadlines, I would open the live site and move it to the corner of my computer where it could be easily seen throughout the workday. Like the "feedback" info from this Coug site, just knowing it was real and is still there helps keep all the other business-of-the-day in its proper perspective.
Baxter
Name: Judi Garcia () on Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at 01:31:25
Email: judith.garcia@jocogov.org
City and State: Kansas
Maiden: Garcia
Class: 1978
Message: I was recently in California due to the death of my dad. My oldest daughter traveled with me and on our way to LAX to come home, I drove her by HHS and the surrounding area. I had not been in Hawthorne since I left in 1983. It brought back alot of memories, but I was very sad to see how it looks there now. HHS resembled a detention center. Not the way I remembered it! What happened to the Mall?
It went broke.....
Name: Meta Ridings () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 23:58:05
Email: dridi3651@aol.com
City and State: Marietta, GA
Message: I'm not a HHS grad. I graduated from Lawndale High in 1975. I have really enjoyed reading some of your posts. They bring back a lot of memories of growing up in the area. In one of your posts there was mention of kids that grew up in Holly Park. That is where my husband(Westchester grad) grew up at 116th and Van Ness. Some of the names mentioned from Cimarron and Henry Clay he remembered. I asked him about the golf course murders and he said he recalls his dad telling him about them and he believes it happened in the mid to late 70's. So maybe it isn't an urban myth after all. Thanks C-town for all the fun memories
Thanks Meta, Nice to have neighboring schools drop by as we all had the same memories growing up in the same area. Join in anytime.
Name: Dave Krikac () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 21:52:23
Email: dave@thegearfoundation.org
City and State: Franklin, TN
Maiden: Biff McGurk
Class: 1976
Message: Hey Cougs...First - Linda Flores - I am sorry to learn about your sister, Our family will keep yours in prayer, I wish I could say something to help you get through this, I am sorry.
Secondly, if there are any Cougars who just HAVE to have a pair of Alan Jacksons' signed Jeans for Christmas, I am auctioning a pair on EBAY (Item 3857880387) to raise funds for The Gear Foundation www.thegearfoundation.org So bid away.
This Christmas I sit truly blessed with GREAT Friends and family and health. We are SO lucky, God Bless the Cougars and their families....Thanks John for ALL you do.
Hi Dave, Merry Christmas and good luck with the Jeans sale. Come on out and join your fellow Cougs on February 12th for Cruise night as this one is going to be a FUN one.
Name: Denis Sweinhart () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 21:52:13
Email: dsweinhart@aol.com
City and State: Alhambra, CA.
Message: Even though I graduated from the Alhambra class of 1967, I was one who enjoyed joining you on Friday and Saturday nights with my 65 Chevy Impala street racer for the fun. It was always a challenge to be one step ahead of The Hawthorne police. Thank you
Hey Denis, As a brother street racer, and one also trying to stay one step ahead of John Delberto, Fred Moore and the rest of the Hawthorne Gendarmes from the 60s, I salute you. Thanks for making your presence known and join in anytime.
Name: Elizabeth Estrada () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 21:11:30
Email: dzlizzy31@hotmail.com
City and State: Redondo Beach,CA
Class: 1969
Message: I'll go if Doris goes...
Hey, does anyone remember the Christmas lights on Hawthorne Blvd and did they ever arch across the Blvd or were they just on poles on each side of the street?
I remember the ones in Inglewood going all the way across the street, but I think ours just hung out on their respective poles.
Name: Doris () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 17:42:48
Email: dorisjeanatmindspringcom
City and State: Twin Falls, ID
Maiden: Donaldson
Class: 1957
Message: Okay I can't stand it any longer. No one has mentioned Cruise Night on February 12. Let's get it together gang and rally round Foster's on the 12th of Feb! I am planning on being there come rain, snow, sleet or hail. If we all meet and it's rainy or snowy or even cold, we can all go to a nearby restaurant or bar and have our celebration there. We'll leave one guy behind to tell newcomers where we are or leave a note on the window or all of the above. Let's make this a GOOOOOD wintertime cruise. I don't get to come to all of them so I get really jazzed for the ones I DO get to attend. Especially you old-timers; let's see lots of representation!!!! Cougars RULE!
I AGREE!! Let's make this one a Cruise to remember. Walter can bring the oldies, Wayne can bring the Squeeze Box, everyone that has one bring their Cruisers, and we'll ALL bring our El Molinos and reminisce the night away. Make your plans now Cougs. It's February 12th at Fosters.....BE THERE!!!!
Name: Linda Flores () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 16:21:14
Email: lflores2@socal.rr.com
City and State: Gardena CA
Maiden: Swankier
Class: 1975
Message: Dear Pam, Thank you for responding. I do hope you can attend the services or write something of your memories of Lisa on the web obituary. It would truly mean a great deal to me and the rest of our family. It was so sudden and unexpected and we really do not know what happened yet. I wrote to Ms. Courtney also. If you are in touch with any of her classmates, please pass the info on about her services, etc.
Thanks so much, Linda
Name: Keith D. Jones () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 15:51:12
Email: cmi50@yahoo.com
City and State: Kona, Hawaii
Class: 1976
Message: I was just remembering the little shack on Inglewood Ave. that sold fresh strawberries. Does anyone remember that. I couldn't wait for strawberry season and my mom would make us strawberry shortcake. It was the best ever. At Christmas she made chocolate chip cookies like I have never tasted before or since. They were great and she would have to hide them from me and my brother cause we would eat them all. She would make dozens and dozens of them.
Name: Charlie Fox () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 15:45:56
Email: cfox@elcamino.edu
City and State: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Class: 1966
Message: I would like to wish my mom a happy belated 80th birthday (Dec. 6). Mary Fox was the school nurse at HHS during the 60s and early 70s. And no, she was not the one rumored to tape aspirin to students' foreheads. That would have been Mary Lucey.
But your mom took over for Luce Nursey (that's what the student body affectionately called her), so she must have picked up some of her skills. Happy Birthday Mrs Fox......
Name: Jeannie Waring () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 15:12:58
Email: jeanniew@gwgc.com
City and State: Westminster, CA
Maiden: Wright
Class: 1966
Message: Has anyone seen Rosie Trott? I haven't seen her since graduation. I remember her as being so bubbly and full of life. I had her in my home ed class and a couple of PE classes. Let me know if anyone has her address or what happened to her. Thanks Jean Anne
Name: Pam Betraun () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 15:01:05
Email: pbetraun@lrwonline.com
City and State: Redondo Beach,CA
Maiden: Heath
Class: 1978
Message: I am so sorry to hear that Lisa passed away. We were in drill team together.
Name: Fred Rinaldi () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 14:19:58
Email: fredrinaldi@raytheon,com
City and State: Manhattan Beach
Class: 1966
Message: (Serra High)
As for Okeefenowkee in the late 50's Steve Stevenson (class of 66) and I lived in Hollyglen and basically lived across the street over there. There was a little swamp next to the RR tracks by the cement factory and we would "Hunt" for frogs tadpoles and any other slimy thing that lived there. It was open fields from Aviation to Sepulveda. We would hunt rabbits with our bow's and arrows and once in a while rip off fresh honey from a bee farm out there. At night we would sneak out and go to a "hobo" camp and listen to stories of the hobos who rode the rails. Much simplier times back then. Love the web page.
Thanks Fred, Yes it was much simpler for kids.
Name: Pat Underwood () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 13:32:28
Email: onefamilyhistorian@socal.rr.com
City and State: Hawthorne, California
Maiden: Lawndale High
Class: 1963
Message: John; How could I forget Pearl Harbor Day, it's my youngest son's birthday. He's seventeen today and he is the only child I have at home. Happy birthday Louis, I love you, even if you are a teenager. LOL. Merry Christmas C-Towners stay safe.
Merry Christmas Pat and Happy Bday Louis
Name: Linda Flores () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 13:07:51
Email: lflores2@socal.rr.com
City and State: Gardena CA
Maiden: Swankier
Class: 1975
Message: Viewing & Services for my sister, Lisa Swankier, Class of 1978, HHS, will be held Thu, Dec 9 with Viewing from 3-7 p.m. and Service from 7-8 p.m. @ McCormick Mortuary, 13806 S. Hawthorne Blvd, Hawthorne. If you knew Lisa and can attend, please do. If you knew Lisa and cannot attend, McCormick will be posting a web obituary where you can write about your memories of her @ www.lafuneral.com. Thank you all.
Sincerely,
Linda
Name: LeRoy Cannefax () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 11:27:47
Email: lcann44@aol.com
City and State: Redondo Beach
Class: 1971
Message:
Hey John, I have an update for you. (Just read the current page of FEEDBACK)
Alas, the old WOODY'S is now out of business at long last. I too have many memories of that place as a kid. The building is still there and currently being gutted. George, (owner of the Stick and Stein) tells me the building will re appear as an I-HOP.
George is upset, because he has been trying for years to get that property. He wanted to put in a bowling alley.
Personally, I wish George had won out...
Thanks John for what you do. COUGARTOWN is a great place to reminisce about the old days. All of us from the Hawthorne area and yes HHS, have a lot in common. For example; how about the picture of the PLAZA, THEATER our old picture house huh? Memories only to be found on COUGARTOWN; thanks to you!
You have a great holiday season:
LeRoy Cannefax 71'
MAN that is tough to take. I was just thinking about going there for lunch too. And another fun South Bay landmark goes away. Thanks for letting us know, Leroy, and for the nice thoughts on Ctown. You and yours have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Name: Joe D'Errico () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 01:50:54
Email: derrico@aol.com
City and State: Boise, Idaho
Message: I have fond memories from the late 1960's of sitting in the back of the family station wagon, looking up in awe at the giant oil tank decorated like a jack-o-lantern. Was that in San Pedro? I do remember that they gave you free carmel corn when you drove in to park.
Hey Joe, Yes, it's San Pedro. You can see it well from the Harbor Fwy.
Name: Baxter Dodd () on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 00:12:29
Email: baxterldo@aol.com
City and State: Riverside, CA
Class: 1957
Message: Seeing that great photo of the Plaza Theater, even without its tower, brings to mind how some guys used to pool enough money to get one guy inside (less than 20 cents). Once inside he would quietly meander closer to one of the exit doors behind the velvet curtain and, as soon as the usher was gone, would let in his buddies. Now, I never did that myself and I am sure nobody reading this has done that but I have heard that was done now and then. But of course we...uh...I mean, they usually got caught and thrown out. It was really stupid when guys would try that during the afternoon matinee. The curtains did not stop the day light so the doors were opened and closed quickly and noisily. They always got caught. Ah, but it was fun?to watch, that is. I also remember in the early '50s when occasionally there were PR men from the tobacco companies in the theater entrance passing out little boxes of 4 or 5 sample cigarettes to the "adults" as we entered the theater. All we kids (ages 12-14) did was tell them we would take the samples home to our parents. No problem.
Now THERE are some memory floggers. When you mentioned opening the exit door and the sunlight would come flooding in, I remember that for sure. You might as well have rung a fire bell announcing the entrance of illegal movie goers.
Also I remember the cigarettes and other things like leaflets being passed out in the Plaza. Great memories from a fun childhood place. Thanks Baxter.....
Name: Jan Peterson () on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 18:59:27
Email: jpeterson50@aol.com
City and State: Carmichael, CA
Maiden: Freeman
Message: WOW, I have not logged in for sometime and I log into CT and see a Birthday greeting from Cindy. Thank you so much. There sure are alot of things you get on "Senior Tuesday" when you reach 55. I will have some new duties on Tuesdays. The Maxon's and the Freeman's have alot of history from 122nd Street. A lot of good memories there! I have been so busy with my 22 month old granddaughter. I love it, but I am sure now why we are meant to be "new" parents in our 20's. She gives me a workout! Thank you Cindy & John. I will log in more often, I miss the Haytown chatter. Hugs, Jan
Name: Laurie () on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 13:38:46
Email: lauriekelleher@yahoo.cm
City and State: New York, NY
Maiden: Bednarski
Class: 1974
Message: To Keith and Bob: I learned to ride horses at the stable you both refer to, which was officially called "The South Bay Riding Academy". And as I remember, we used to call it "Hokey Panokey". The stable Keith's cousin used to board at was "Tee Pee Corral". Oh... I miss my pony.
Name: Cindy Colby () on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 09:51:23
Email: cindycolby@adelphia.net
City and State: Seal Beach, CA
Maiden: Maxson
Class: 1963
Message: Happy Birthday to Janis (Freeman) Peterson. I hope you have a special day. Cindy
Happy Bday Janis. We haven't heard from you in a long time. Where have you been??
Name: Ron Miles () on Sunday, December 5, 2004 at 17:28:18
Email: ronaldmiles@hotmail.com
City and State: Whitefish Bay, WI
Class: 1965
Message: Hi, I just found this web site. It looks great.
Hey Ron, Glad you found Cougartown. Come on back any time.
Name: Victoria Ridley () on Sunday, December 5, 2004 at 12:23:23
Email: gemini@cyberus.ca
City and State: Ottawa, Canada
Message: I'm looking for graduates of HHS (or other high schools in the area), 1962-65 who remember seeing the band Rick and the Ravens. I'm especially trying to find the high school that had a graduation dance in June 1965 at Ports O' Call in San Pedro. Can anyone assist--or does anyone know anyone who may be able to help? This is for an upcoming publication. Thanks! Please email me directly...
Victoria Ridley gemini@cyberus.ca
Name: Bob Clobucker () on Sunday, December 5, 2004 at 02:16:24
Email: rclobucker@aol.com
City and State: Reno, Nv.
Class: 1973
Message: Re. To Keith Jones and others-- The place was known as Okeefenowkee - great place to go out and ride dirt bikes and roll a car or two. Rasin some hell was the order of the day-late 60s -early 70s. The Bollingers who lived out there were way cool. Attn Jim B - awesome riding- Bultaco Cemoto! Sure was nice to go out there and have a little country style fun-an escape from the urban jungle. Best Wishes, Bob C.73
Mike Shay was riding his one lunger Indian out there one day in the early 60's and he didn't have an air cleaner for it. A Hispanic kid told him he'd better get an air cleaner before he gives his bike a "Tijuana Rebore".....never forgot that one.
Name: Linda Flores () on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 17:47:01
Email: lflores2@socal.rr.com
City and State: Gardena CA
Maiden: Swankier
Class: 1975
Message: It is with much sadness that I am writing this e-mail. My sister, Lisa Swankier class of 1978, Hawthorne High, passed away Thurs, Dec 2.
I'd like to have a viewing or service for her here in Hawthorne to give those who knew her an opportunity to remember her. We will probably schedule this Fri, Dec 10, in the evening or Sun, Dec 12, in the afternoon. I'll keep you informed of any plans we make. If you are no longer in the area, the mortuary will be posting a web obituary so that people can write about their memories of her. Again, I'll keep you informed when they post this.
I do not have many names, addresses, phone #'s, e-mail addresses, etc. of people who knew her and am working off of the Cougartown website to obtain info. If you have any contact information about people who knew Lisa and were friends with her, I would truly appreciate you forwarding me this info or forwarding my info to people so that they can contact me.
Thanks so much,
Linda Flores
lflores2@socal.rr.com
Linda, Very sorry for your loss and sincere condolences to you and to Lisa's family.
Name: Dave McConnell/Cliff Hitchcock () on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 13:53:41
Email: Thedesertcafe@yahoo.com
City and State: Hawthorne, Ca
Class: 1974
Message: Happy Holidays to all Cougars here at Cougartown. I really enjoy reading the posts from the alumni. There is a great spirit here.
Please take a moment a check out a new Christmas song written by myslef and Cliff Hitchcock, Help Us Mr Santa.
Have a great holiday season
Sounds great boys, Good Luck.....
Name: Schroeder, Jim () on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 11:30:58
Email: chezwizz@yahoo.com
City and State: Central Point, Oregon
Class: 1966
Message: Seasonal Greeting from the brisk Northwest. I'm a bit flummoxed about the Boll conundrum and OK Market, where I religiously purchased wax teeth on my way to Intermediate. Two Boll families -- related, resided in Hawthorne. One (The York delegation-though they went to St Joseph) comprised of Gary, Dennis and LeRoy -- lived on Freeman(?) a-twix 118th and Imperial -- and the others who owned OK Market comprised of Clinton and Dale Boll. Where does Karen fit in? The ladies of the 'hood rarely flew under my radar, but I think LeRoy (class of 66) had an older sister. Again, it's trivia time. Also in the same vain. A&W on Freeman and Imperial? There was a Burger place on the SW corner and the OK Barber Shop on the NE corner-- a later day addition on the SE corner was a store (where they didn't check your ID) run by an oriental family -- and the other corner seemed to be a vacant lot, but that was then and this is now. I need a guiding light. Clear it up for me Pope John. Then, tell me where I left my glasses? Is there a prize for asking pointless questions?
No problem Jim, I will "Windex" your mind right now.
Karen is Clinton and Dale's Sister(OK Grocery kids), and cousin to Leeroy, Gary, and Denny(at least 66% Optimidgets living on north Freeman). Karen Boll is wife of Jim Essner, owner of Jerry's Barber Shop, which is right across the street from where the OK used to be.
I guess when they razed the OK grocery, Karen didn't have any place to go, so Jim took her in and they've been happily married ever since. Thanks to Jim and Karen for supplying the picture of the OK.
The A&W (this wasn't THE A&W) was on the NW corner of Imperial and Freeman next to Franks Place, later The Hat Club and STILL later, Beer County (notice I never forget the name of a bar). Hope this erases all possible erroniuironeusaroneus incorrect thoughts you might have had.
Name: Armand Vaquer () on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 10:06:30
Email: AMVaquer@aol.com
City and State: Tarzana, CA
Class: 1972
Message: Enza asked if there's a "Santa Claus" lane in the Valley. Yes, there is. It is in Woodland Hills. Take the 101 Freeway from Sherman Oaks and exit at Winnetka. Turn right (or north) and the neighborhood is the first street to the right. I haven't been there for a couple of years, but it usually is a good one.
Name: Keith D. Jones () on Friday, December 3, 2004 at 21:48:10
Email: cmi50@yahoo.com
City and State: Kona, Hawaii
Class: 1976
Message: Sorry I didn't mean anything. I was thinking the graduating class of '54 our first I thought and then you graduate at 17 or 18 so I just did the math I learned at HHS and figure we didn't have anyone around in 1933. I forgot all about the parents and teachers. Sorry. Mele Kalikimaka to everyone of all ages. Aloha
People lately are taking what's said here way to serious. This is all in fun. No need to get all humped up or get your panties in a wad. We all came from the same place. Hey Keith, no need to apologize, and a Mealy Kalikamakaze to you too. Now see, all in fun. Merry Christmas......
