Subj: Olney
Memories # 6
Date: 5/19/01
8:14:30 PM Central Daylight Time
Hello again to all Olneyites!
The time has come for the Memories # 6 to be sent out! Memories keep
coming to our minds and passed on through e-mail which has made Memories # 6
come into existence. I am still receiving many positive comments
about these Memories that are sent out and how much everyone is enjoying it!
Keep thinking and keep sending......As most of you know by now, Gus Sliva, one of our favorite teachers from ERHS, passed away
this past week. If you have special memories of Gus and Mary, maybe we
can all share them in Memories # 7!
Happy Reading!
Ann Weesner King
pianoann97@aol.com
Class of 1960
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
David Scherer
descherer@juno.com
Class of '65
cTo the many Olneyites,
I have been reading the many memories with great interest. I do remember
many of the stores, people, and
events that have been mentioned. When you stop and think about it,
wasn't Olney a great place to grow up?
How many of us would love to have our kids raised in the atmosphere,
education, and discipline that we were
raised in? But I fear those days are forever gone. How many of us
would
return to Olney to live? Probably
not many. The world we now live in has changed so much. Some for the
better - some for the worse. It would
be an interesting experiment to see how many of us could return to Olney
to live and be content.
I graduated with the Class of '65 - probably the best class in the
history of Olney. I do have a few memories
to add. How many of you remember Mrs. Finch? She taught 7th grade
English if I remember correctly. Mrs.
Finch was a rather large women who didn't maneuver very well. When she
was ready to get up from behind her
desk she couldn't move her chair because of her weight. So, being the
enterprising women that she was, she
simply slid the desk away from her when she wanted to get up; and pulled
it to her when she was seated. She
also occasionally would walk around during class. I remember several
spots
in the classroom where she would
utter the phrase "tight squeeze." As young lads of about 12
years old it
was all many of us could do to keep from
rolling out of our seats. However, she was a fine teacher.
Keep up the good work.
Dave Scherer
Class of '65
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Clarence Smith
CJSMITH@wworld.com
Hi.
I read with interest all the memories included below. Since I've lived in Olney
most of my life and worked for the Water Dept. before my career
in the Fire Dept., I remember most of the grocery stores in Olney. The
ones that come to mind immediately are: B&B on W. Main near the Coke
plant; Wilbur's(Arledge) on
E. North; Myer's on E. South; Brown's on S. 130; Osborn's, then Welker's on S.
130; Gher's on S. Whittle near the railroad; Red
& White on S. Whittle; Taylor's on W. Elm; Fair Mkt. on N. Fair; Maas Mkt.
on E. Main. The grocery on N. Walnut referred to as Snider's was Schneiter's. The Beal referred to as the owner of
Beal's News Stand was Joyce Beal Akes father and not
the Beals who owned the old Bowling Alley or the Holiday.
That is Ralph Beal who is still there. More
later.
Clarence Smith
======================================================Ruth Winkler Reckling
Rreckling@aol.com
I must have been a wild child in High School
because I haven't heard anyone talk about some of the things some of us use to
get up to. Does anyone remember drag racing on the old highway or glasspaks? What about the drive-in and trying to peek
into cars with steamy windows? Remember loading people into the trunk to
sneak in? I remember in junior high having someone run over to Mikes to
hold a table and getting a hamburger and splitting the fries and milk shake and
what about marshmallow cokes? Slumber parties and
smoking? I had 4th hour study hall and 5th hour lunch and would
sneak out for a longer lunch hour and getting caught by the principal. How about Pow Wow, and homecoming and
prom. Parties out at the lake at night.
Parking and listening to Fats Domino sing I got a thrill on Blueberry
Hill. Remember driving around in the country and looking for people
parking? That had a name but I can't remember what it was called. I can
remember getting chased and all of us laughing like loons and thinking it was
great. TPing houses, I think our class was the first
to do that (hey '59) Sitting out in the parking lot of the school and
smoking, going to someone's house after school to watch Bandstand. I
remember the rivalry we had between Flora and Olney, the first hickey I ever
saw on a girl (eckkkkkk) Playing poker and 2s,4s,10s and one-eyed jacks and queens were wild.
Playing strip poker and putting a hundred bobby pins in our hair to use
(in those days that was really risque)
Sometimes in the spring when I go outdoors around 7:00 p.m. there's a
smell and feeling in the air that reminds me of being 16 again and anticipating
something great was going to happen. Girls, what about your first car
date, corsage, formal? Your first kiss (awkward but great) your first
French kiss (eckkkkkkkk) Long phone calls,
crushes, heart breaks, going steady? Hearing someone actually did IT (oh
my goddddd) High
heels, and learning to walk and be cool, strapless formulas you were constantly
tugging up. Dragging Main,
over and over and over. Running out of gas, playing
chicken. Being the go-between for girls and boys to get together,
"he told me he really likes you"
It was mostly great, but I wouldn't go back for anything. See ya
Ruth
=====================================================
lestivers@rr1.net (Loyd E. Stivers)
BEEN RECEIVING YOUR LETTER AND THEY MAKE GOOD
READING. MY CLASS WAS 10 YEARS BEFORE YOURS
SO MY MEMORIES ARE DIFFERENT FROM YOURS. THE
CAFE ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE COURT
HOUSE WAS ONE OF MY FIRST TASTE
OF WORKING. I WASHED THE DISHES IN THE SUMMERTIME. MY
GRANDFATHER WAS THE CHIEF OF POLICE AT THE TIME.
BEFORE THAT HE WAS THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WAS A
BOWLING ALLEY ABOVE THE WABASH WHOLESALE STORE
ACROSS FROM THE SHOE
FACTORY. USED TO SET PENS
THERE. THERE WAS ALSO A DUCK PEN ALLEY ACROSS FROM THE COURT HOUSE
UPSTAIRS. I DON'T REMEMBER THE NAME
OF THE STORE ON THE GROUND FLOOR. WE USED TO SWIM AND FISH
IN THE WILSON
POND, PLAY BALL ACROSS THE STREET IN THE POND'S FIELD. WAS RAISED ON MONROE ST.
WITH BROTHERS AND A SISTER. WE ALL
GRADUATED FROM THE OLD
HIGH SCHOOL. I
THINK MY BROTHER
WAS THE LAST TO GRADUATE FROM THERE. THERE
WAS A HOUT BAKERY ON MAIL STREET NEXT TO
LAMPKIN
MOTORS AND AL's
TAVERN. THE FIRE CHIEF LIVED ABOVE THE CITY HALL AT THAT TIME WITH THE
FIRE TRUCKS
IN THE BUILDING BEHIND. USED
TO BE A FEW CARDS GAME BEHIND THE TRUCKS. WE SPENT MANY A DAYS
UPSTAIRS IN THE LIVING QUARTERS. THE STAIRS
GOING UP WAS BESIDE THE CELLS AND YOU COULD TALK TO
THE OCCUPANTS AS YOU GO UP
ENOUGH FOR NOW, BUT THERE IS PLENTY MORE THAT COULD BE SENT
IF
I WOULD TAKE THE TIME TO PUT IT IN SOME ORDER.
MY GRADUATING CLASS WAS 1950 AND WE DID THE 50
YEAR THING LAST OCTOBER
NAME WAS RAY OR BURT HE WAS SOMETIMES CALLED.
MY MOTHER'S NAME WAS OPA. MY SISTERS NAMED WAS CORRINE, AND THERE WAS
ME AND BOB AND JERRY. THAT WAS OUR ENTIRE FAMILY AND WE WERE
ALL RAISED ON MONROE ST. MOTHER AND DAD WENT
TO THE ELM STREET CHURCH,
AFTER THEY RETIRED BACK TO OLNEY, AND THEY MOVED THE KIDS MEMBERSHIP TO THAT
CHURCH. THE MEMBERSHIP MIGHT STILL BE THERE IF IT IS
STANDING. THEY THEN MOVED TO THE CALVARY BAPTIST NORTH
OF TOWN. THE CAFE ON THE NW CORNER OF THE COURT HOUSE, I DON'T REMEMBER THE NAME, BUT I WASHED A LOT OF
DISHES THERE WHEN
I WAS ABOUT 12
YEARS OLD.
I WENT TO THE PERSON WHO WOULD REMEMBER AND HAD
THE KNOWLEDGE WHICH SHOULD BE ACCURATE. THE NAME OF THE STORE ACROSS FROM
THE COURT HOUSE ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER
WAS NAMED RECTORS. THE SPELLING MIGHT NOT
BE RIGHT. AND THE CAFE ACROSS THE STREET WAS CALLED LUCILLE'S.
AGAIN THE SPELLING IS NOT CORRECT. STILL WORKING ON MY LIST AND
WILL
SENT IT ONE OF THESE DAYS. THE MORE I THINK
ABOUT IT THE MORE I FIND I JUST HAVE TO GET THEM DOWN SO I CAN GET MY TALES
STRAIGHT.
THAT'S ABOUT IT FOR NOW, MORE TO COME LATER
SEE YA'LL
LOYD E STIVERS
Class of 1950
====================================================
jahawk@gower.net
Jim Hawkins
Hi Ann-
Just finished reading the 4th Edition of Memories.
It always interests me to see and read things about Olney. Marian Eagleson had forwarded me the information. I am a
member of the 1951 Class. My wife, Colleen (formerly O'Brien), is a
member of the 1956 Class. We are both looking forward to returning this
October for our reunions.
Thought it was interesting that someone had mentioned my folks store on East Main.
Boy, has that area, as well as other areas in Olney, changed over
the years.
My folks store was located almost at the corner
of East Main & North East St. My grandparents (Harry & Nettie
Hawkins) lived next door to the store, and we lived just around the corner at 120 North East St.
Of course, the local neighborhood grocery stores are a thing of the past.
My dad also operated a hauling business for several years at the same
location. Someone mentioned Mr. Hatch. He and his wife Mildred were
both associated with teaching. One time Mr. Hatch took Bill (his son) and
I frog hunting to some local ponds between Olney and Newton. Nothing like wading
around in water up to your neck in the dead of night with a flashlight in one
hand and trying to nab a frog with the other hand. We did,
however, end up with several frogs that night. In addition to Bowers Drug
Store, we also had Bond (operated by a Mr. Loveman)
and Schmalhausen's Drug Store located on the South
side of Main Street
between Fair and Whittle streets. At one time, if I remember correctly,
all three served plate lunches. Then on the North side of the street next
to the Arcadia
on the East was Tilton Drug Store. This used to be a stopping place for a
soda after the movie. During W.W.II, I remember Tilton's always had a
place like several other businesses for you to leave your foil, etc., for the
purpose of supporting the war effort. My Grandmother Hawkins always made
scrapbooks (used old wallpaper books and smaller books) capturing just about
any and all events associated with Olney and the people. I am pretty sure
that these scrapbooks went back to the 1920's. A few years ago, I gave
these books to my cousin June Dickerson (formerly Hawkins) in Noble. I
had a lot of fun going through these books ever so often. They really did
represent a lot of history.
People mention things that really bring back a lot of memories. I had forgot about the radio station being on top of the Penny
building - do remember when Jackie Jarred had her dance studio up there.
Someone mentioned the teen center - also remember the ones on East Main and Fair
Street - think the one on Fair Street came about the time that we
had the Junior Sheriff's Association.
Think everyone knows that Olney was blessed with several high-ranking military
personnel from the Civil War up to the present times. One of the Dorney twins (can't remember which one) rescued Tom Harmon
(famous football player). His son is Mark Harmon the actor. We all
have heard of General Frank Schilt (famed Marine
Corps aviator and received the Medal of Honor during the 1920's). The
airfield is no longer active, but used to be located on old Route 50 east of
Olney - near Ernie Ulrich's place on the South side of the highway. I
think the airfield was dedicated Schilt Field (honor
of General Schilt) sometime during the late 40's or
very early '50's. In part, this was really quite a day as described:
General Schilt along with 3 or 4 other flyers
flew in and landed during the dedication that day. They were all flying
the WWII Navy/Marine Corps Corsair. This was the same type aircraft
(single-engine/propeller-driven) flown in the Pacific area during WWII.
We have all heard of the Black Sheep ("Pappy Boyington")
- Same type aircraft. It was really amazing to see General Schilt crawl out of his Corsair with his leather jacket and
leather flying helmet/goggles on. He was truly a childhood hero to me -
even yet today.
I'll sign off for now. Hope you enjoy the
thoughts.
Had best sign off for now. I could go on and on, but I had should save that for
the next time. Take care and talk with you later. My wife is calling me for dinner, so will sign off for now.
Jim Hawkins
5619 Oleander
Dr.
Tyler, TX
75707-2008
jahawk@gower.net
Class of '51
=============================================================
Dr. Boyd Wagner
bwagner@huntsvillefumc.org
Sure enjoy all the memories you are receiving from
names I haven't heard in years. It is good when you get this old, to
think back on those really good times.
Keep them coming... as for me I am just enjoying reading.
Boyd Wagner
Huntsville, TX.
=============================================================
Dorothy Tice Moore
djmoore4@juno.com
Olney Memories: Since I am older than most of you all writing your
memories of Olney, your memories are a little fresher and newer than
mine.--- I remember Whitakers cafe or store across from the Post
Office, and we would go and buy our candy soda's.
etc. The J and J, Gassman's
Ice Cream shop by Bowers
Park, the only
grocery store I think was Kroger's maybe an IGA.
The old Elks theatre always made me feel like rats were running under
the seats, so I sat on my feet! The old public swimming pool at the park
was a big deal to us for a fee of 25 cents, where a couple of guys almost
made me drown, being smart alec's,.! Fessel's cleaners was also
on
Whittle? I can't even remember the names of some of the street I've I been
gone so long!
Trying to find something to do as a teen was a challenge.
We had 2
movies, 2 Bowling alleys, a skating rink near route 130,
where we would
go to meet guys!! At one time when I was in High School the town tried a
Recreation center on Fair Street
in the old Summers Clinic, that did not
last too long.
Some of us thought we were smart and would go out to the swimming
pool in the wintertime and smoke cigarettes, we would hide
so no one
could see us! Fortunately for me I had the GOOD SENSE to give up that
habit real fast!!
I was so hurt to see the old High School torn down, and also the old
Depot. But the Depot is being restored I understand, hope so as I believe
in preservation of History. Olney has progressed so much over the years,
but the same evils that prevail everywhere in the world has also touched
Olney, We had little or no crime, you felt safe. Left your doors unlocked.
Those innocent days are gone forever, but I am thankful that I grew up in
small towns and had the experience of living in Olney. Hope some of my
old friends and classmates from 1950 can add some of their memories
too!!
Dorothy Tice Moore
=============================================================
Joan Cummingham
jmc27@midwest.net
Ann,
I am Joan Cunningham, teacher from Junior High. Some copies of your
"Olney Memories" made it to me and I have certainly enjoyed them.
Your mentioned the science projects-quite a
number of my former students say they remember the projects and I remember a
lot of them too.
I continued teaching in Junior High and went from
there to the Middle School. I retired in 1983 after teaching seventh and
eighth grades for 30 years. I have enjoyed my retirement--traveled quite a bit
and have become involved in genealogy. Genealogy can really become an
addiction.
You certainly brought back many memories about
things and places that I had forgotten about.
Joan Cunningham
======================================================