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Name: Tom Nadal ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Sep 4, 2012, 9:47 am - HHS Time
Class: 1977
City & State: The OC

Message: I knew my Cougar amigos would come through with the answers to the questions I had about the Plaza Theater and the other theater, which I now know was the Rex. That business card ad from the Leuzinger yearbook makes it look like the same guy owned both? I don't have any great Hawthorne movie stories to tell. The only thing I remember is seeing Saturday Night Fever at the Plaza Mall theater, about where Taco Bell now sits. Hey, John, ever think about writing a book about Hawthorne history? City of Good Neighbors, Part II?
It's being written right here, Tom, thanks.
Name: Tom Shelley ~~~~~~~~~~ Mon-Sep 3, 2012, 11:16 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Beaumont, CA

Message: Wow, the Plaza Theater! What great memories. It's where most of we boys and girls got our first lessons in anatomy. But that aside, I remember one summer Wednesday night 4 or 5 of us guys were sitting around Bob Fraser's converted garage-room playing cards and listening to records (yes vinyl). We decided to head to the Plaza to see the latest "horror" movie "The House on the Haunted Hill". We settled into our seats, feet on the backs of the ones in front, joking and laughing to prove to other 11 people in the theater that we were a bunch of macho guys who were not going to be frightened by some dumb "scary" movie. We continued our goofyness as the hand held camera moved down the slightly darkened hall. As it turned the corner and the closet door opened the camera zoomed in on the dead body hanging from a rope. Five very tough wise guys gasped, yelped and otherwise convulsed with shock and, yes, horror! And believe me, our eyes were glued to that screen and there was not a peep out of that group of tough guys for the rest of the movie. Good memories with good friends.
I liked Westerns
Name: Gary Bickers ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-Sep 2, 2012, 4:31 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1963
City & State: pve cal

Message: The Plaza on a Saturday morning; 20 cartoons and "Long Long Trailer" now that was a good day.
Amen to that Gar',
Name: Rick Salisbury ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-Sep 2, 2012, 11:17 am - HHS Time
Class: 1975
City & State: North Bend, Wa.

Message: No, happy B-day week John!
Thanks Rick.
Name: Steve Fraser ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-Sep 2, 2012, 9:58 am - HHS Time
Class: 1966
City & State: Laguna Woods
No E-mail
Message: Tom, was Mom thinking of "The Rex"?
YES!! The Rex Theatre.
Name: Jerry Miles ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-Sep 2, 2012, 9:26 am - HHS Time
Class: 1966
City & State: Fair Oaks, CA
No E-mail
Message: The Plaza Theater was built in 1926, closed in 1970, and demolished in 1971. The other theater nearby was called the Rex and was located at 115 E. Broadway, now buried like the Plaza under the closed Plaza Mall. It was about half the size of the Plaza seating 350 as opposed to the Plaza's 891. I believe it predated the Plaza and closed in the late forties or very early fifties but I do not have exact dates. Mattel moved its headquarters to El Segundo in 1990. Sorry, I don't remember what year Buzz showed up.
OK Jerry and I put our heads together and, with the help of old newspaper articles, this is what we came up with. The Plaza opened April 1, 1926 as a theatrical performance building and converted in 1928 to a movie theatre. The address was (301) 4355 Plaza Square.
Name: Lisa Dulin ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-Sep 2, 2012, 8:57 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Graham
Class: 1967
City & State: Palm Desert. CA

Message: John, Happy Birthday!
Thanks Lisa, nice to finally meet you at Cruise Night.
Name: Rick Salisbury ~~~~~~~~~~ Sun-Sep 2, 2012, 8:51 am - HHS Time
Class: 1975
City & State: North Bend, Wa.

Message: Here's a topic I just found out about last month. Did anyone know Ba,Ba,Ba,-Ba,Babaran? My wife Debbie lived across the street from her, and baby sat her three children.
Hi Rick, Did she know any of The Regents?
Name: Tom Nadal ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Sep 1, 2012, 9:47 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1977
City & State: The OC

Message: Need some help from Hawthorne historians.
1)When did the Plaza Theater open and close?
2)What was the name of the original movie theater near by? (my mom said movies there were a dime.)
3)What year was Buzz Aldrin the grand marshall of the Hawthorne parade?
4)When did Mattel close?
Gracias
Fun questions there Tom. Anyone have the answers?
Here's one answer: "The last film was shown at the Plaza on December 31, 1964. The last ownership group bought the theater in 1965 but never re-opened it to show films. The Plaza was torn down in August 1971."
Name: Judy Blomsterberg ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Sep 1, 2012, 4:42 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: DeGrazia
Class: 1964
City & State: Torrance

Message: Sorry to report the passing of 2 more alumni from the early 60's. In seaching for Kenny '60- and Nancy Bausman '62, we learned that both had passed away. Kenny passed in 2011 and Nancy in 2009. Kenny was the one that taught me how to drive in 1961..& took me to Hollywood race track's parking lot each weekend and let me have the wheel.. back in the early 60's that where we all seem to go to get the hand of driving, so thank you Kenny, you did a good job. On a lighter note, another annoucement is that the HAWTHORNE VFW will be throwing a NFL BBQ in the canteen (bar) on Sunday, Sept 9th. The A/C will be cranked up, the beers are cold.. and where else would you need to be??? (I heard that JB) I may even have a raffle, the winner will get all he/she can drink that day and then I'll drive you to the Hollywood race track for a lesson or two.
Sounds like a fun day at the VFW Judy, thanks for the information.
Name: Cindy Pablico ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Sep 1, 2012, 9:49 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Christon
Class: 1971
City & State: Hawthorne, Ca.

Message: Hello Cougs today is the opening season for USC fans vs Hawaii and we will win Fight On I'm a USC fan myself don't forget to watch at 4:30 today ch. 11 if someone wants to know can't wait to the game and stay cool too warm for me these days I hope it gets cooler soon. Have a great day
Name: Janet(Jan) Hyatt ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Sep 1, 2012, 8:40 am - HHS Time
Maiden: Brown
Class: 1963
City & State: Sparta ,Mo.

Message: The short message 2 nights ago was a test, my computer had a few problems, all fixed now. John hope you had a great Birthday, August is also my month. Wanted to share some good news, our son's had a surprise anniversary reception, for our 50th August 1, we were very surprised, the 3 grandaughters helped, big cake and all the trimmings. It was held at College of The Ozarks, Point Lookout, Mo. 50 years has gone so fast. August was a busy month, grandaughter began college at College of The Ozarks, she is very lucky, the college is very good, has had national recognition. Happy Fall Jan in Mo.
Thanks Jan and congratulations on 50 years. Wonderful story.
Name: Jerry Skaff ~~~~~~~~~~ Sat-Sep 1, 2012, 7:35 am - HHS Time
Class: 1967
City & State: thousand oaks,Ca

Message: Happy Birthday John Hope all is well The class reunion was the best Nice to see everyone.
Hi Jer', Sounds like everyone had a fun time man. Reunions are THE BEST!!!
Name: Mary Ann Martin ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Aug 31, 2012, 2:32 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Walton
Class: 1961
City & State: Nashville AR

Message: Those B-days just don't quit coming, do they John? I've stopped counting! And, a heads up .. I got hacked. Bad. Apologies to anyone who got weird stuff above my name. Arkansas had a lot of Isaac rain and wind yesterday, but no major damage. Stopped just in time for football games! I know,one must keep their priorities straight - Fight On and WPS!
Mary Ann, When they DO stop coming, that's when you're in trouble Stay dry and Fight On.
Name: Clark Millman ~~~~~~~~~~ Fri-Aug 31, 2012, 10:28 am - HHS Time
Class: 1976
City & State: Manhattan Beach, CA

Message: A final Cougar sighting to finish the summer! Met Maria Esqueda(93) who works as a receptionist at my doctors office. I felt younger when it turned out that some of my teachers from the 70s were still there when Maria graduated in 93!
Good One Clark!! Thanks man.
Name: Janet(Jan) Hyatt ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Aug 30, 2012, 7:11 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Brown
Class: 1963
City & State: Sparta ,Mo.

Message: Hello, it's been a while. I'm back!
Hi Jan, Thanks for checking in.
Name: Cheryl Nicocia ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Aug 30, 2012, 6:35 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Christensen
Class: 1962
City & State: Keno,Oregon

Message: Happy Birthday my friend .... we WILL talk lol
Yes we will, thanks Cheryl and will see you in a month.
Name: Richard Of ~~~~~~~~~~ Thu-Aug 30, 2012, 6:53 am - HHS Time
Class: 1969
City & State: LongBeach
No E-mail
Message: Sorry JB, but a guy as important as you to us, does not just have a birthday day, but a birthday week. So Happy Birthweek!
Thanks Richard.
Name: Sharon Branigan ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Aug 29, 2012, 6:58 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1976
City & State: Milton, GA

Message: Happy Birthday, Johnny!!! I hope you've had a wonderful day!!! Love you bunches!!! xoxoxoxo
Welllll.....today was ok.... but YESTERDAY was the birthday day. Thank you Sharon, I know you've been busy over at Facebook. I forgive you
Name: Jerry Miles ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Aug 29, 2012, 1:13 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1966
City & State: Fair Oaks, CA
No E-mail
Message: This was just posted on Facebook. Wouldn't it be great if a Cougar (like me) won! The Beach Boys have almost hit 1,000,000 likes on Facebook. To celebrate we will pick one lucky fan to win a copy of Sunflower on vinyl signed by Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston. Just tell us your favorite Beach Boys album and why it means so much to you!
Name: Cheri Longanecker ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Aug 29, 2012, 12:50 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Longanecker
Class: 1965
City & State: Yuma, AZ
No E-mail
Message: John, Hope you had a wonderful day. Thank you for all you do.
Yes it was a fun day all around. Thanks Cheri.
Name: Jim Frederick ~~~~~~~~~~ Wed-Aug 29, 2012, 7:37 am - HHS Time
Class: 1969
City & State: Santa Susanna /Hanalei Kauai

Message: Just tuned into CT , Been away for for a few days to Flagstaff Az. And i see that JB is having ANOTHER BIRTHDAY! HAVE A HAPPY DAY! BETTER YET , WEEK! You're da mannnnnn!
Thanks Jim.
Name: Armand Vaquer ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Aug 28, 2012, 11:33 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1972
City & State: Tarzana, Karloffornia

Message: Happy Birthday, JB!
Thank you Armand.
Name: Linda Dill ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Aug 28, 2012, 11:24 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Sutton
Class: 1967
City & State: Redondo Beach

Message: Happy Birthday, John.
Chris Prewitt, did you get any pictures at the reunion? It was good seeing you and the rest of our classmates. I would love to have a picture of Judy Early and/or Corky Fish if anyone has one. This was one of the best reunions yet!
Thanks Linda, glad your reunion was the best.
Name: Richard Hanson ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Aug 28, 2012, 10:38 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1956
City & State: Simi VAlley, Ca

Message: Wish I had known last Saturday, would have brought you a Birthday Cake. Hawthorne is a much better place because of you. Happy Birthday - We love ya mannnnn
Thanks Richard, bring the cake to the next cruise night.
Name: Chris Prewitt ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Aug 28, 2012, 9:14 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1967
City & State: Fullerton, CA

Message: Happy Birthday John!
Thanks Chris.
Name: Cindy Pablico ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Aug 28, 2012, 8:40 pm - HHS Time
Maiden: Christon
Class: 1971
City & State: Hawthorne, Ca

Message: Hello Cougs A Great Big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to John Baker many, many more John your doing a excellent job in everything you do & to all Happy Birhdays today take care & Celebrate in Style
Hi Cindy, thanks again. Didn't we do this same one this morning
Name: Gary Bickers ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Aug 28, 2012, 3:54 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1963
City & State: pve cal

Message: I would like to know when exactly Bob Fitzgerald became Bobby Fitzgerald. I have known Bob for 55 years and we have been through a lot together and I have never heard "Bobby" once. Bob was the first guy I ever saw with hair on his chest. I was 14 years old trying to make the B team. Bob along with Gary Butler, Roy Carpenter and several others were my heroes. Bob, I now have to call you Bobby.
Name: Bob Faulkner ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Aug 28, 2012, 3:18 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1963
City & State: BIG RIVER, CALIF

Message: JOHN BAKER, I TOO ALONG WITH ALL OF C-TOWN WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY. MAY THIS DAY GO BY R...E....A....L S....L....O..... WITHOUT YOUR CREATION AND DEDICATION THIS SITE WOULD NOT EXIST. YOU HAVE FOR YEARS ALLOWED US TO EXPRESS OURSELVES FREELY ON MANY ISSUES, SOMETIMES WITH HEATED DEBATES. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. HAVE YOU HEARD OF ANY PLANS FOR THE CLASS OF 63 REUNION IN 2013?
Thanks Bob and yes, I think Myrtle Reeves was talking about a 63 reunion/get-together at Cruise Night on Saturday. Hope you all get it done man.
Name: Jerry Simpson ~~~~~~~~~~ Tue-Aug 28, 2012, 12:56 pm - HHS Time
Class: 1962
City & State: Santa Clarita CA.

Message: Hello John and Happy Birthday. Have a Great Day. Looking Forward to the Reunion, seeing you and all the others. And my ol' bike riding friend.
Hi Jerry, Thanks for the BD wishes and yes, I will see you and Don the last weekend in September.

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