Dear Hearts and
Gentle People:
Did you go over
the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house? Or were you the
Grandmother destination? Regardless, I hope Thanksgiving was a happy day for all
of you.
We had rather
remarkable weather, which you will see from the photos when you travel to our
website. When The Wall That Heals visited Lexington it was very fall-like, with
one chilly day and several rather balmy ones. However, Thanksgiving Eve made it
look like Christmas. You will see our Missouri weather when you view recent
pictures.
The four-day Wall
visit drew a large amount of people to town, and the presentations were
extremely interesting. The entire event was very moving, and this was a
wonderful example of Wentworth and the Lexington community working together. So
many people deserve praise, but I believe Mark Mullenioux at WMA and Kenny
Nadler for Lexington carried most of the weight.
Last month Arthur
'56 Knapheide sent his first grade class picture from Arnold School. You failed
miserably in identifying them! I'm not even in that class, and I did better than
some who tried. I'll run it again, and let's see if you can add to what we know
already. After all, the photo is only 60 years old. Now, before we get to the photos
(or did you peek already?), let's read the mail.
Regarding the information
about the Veterans Memorial, Harry Dunford wrote:
Thanks for your fine treatment of the Veterans
Memorial in the latest TLC. It is much appreciated. We have now raised $32,500
at latest count. I have a picture of the Lexington's "metropolitan star" and
also a picture of the "soda jerk of 1938 to 40" which I will send along when I
get to it.
Okay, maybe we'll see those next
time.
Mary Kay Wilcoxon '58
Gooseman wrote:
Enjoyed the newest TLC and all the web pictures...especially the Arnold
school photo that Arthur sent in. I picked him out immediately before it
was completely loaded. ;)
The identification has been updated, but
not completed, on the webpage in this issue.
The poster you have on the new Veterans Memorial is
one that I made up for Carl Soendker. Don't know how many I've printed for
them. Unfortunately, the phone # on it for Carl is incorrect. I had
mistakenly gotten the wrong # and then made him a bunch more that had the
"correct" number.
When you mention this memorial project, you might
stress that it's for all veterans who have served their country, not
just those who gave their lives like the 'old' memorial was for. I think
many people really don't realize that this one is for everyone. I have
even purchased a brick for Jeff (her son) who is retiring in 2 weeks,
along with bricks for uncle Charlie (Wilcoxon) and also Uncle Elmer
(Knapheide). I am really excited about this project and can
hardly wait to see it materialize. It will be beautiful. Just
thought I'd pass that little bit along to you.
A few weeks after she wrote the above, Mary Kay asked me
to let everyone know that her husband, Charles Gooseman, died while they were
visiting family in Las Vegas. Most of you know this already, but I'm sure she'd
be happy to hear from any of her old friends.
Jack Gueguen sent a request:
Susan, as I read about people's nostalgia over our
old school, I am recalling a large pencil portrait I made of it--in elaborate
detail--looking from the corner of 16th and Main. It was about 2 by 3
feet. I asked my sisters if they had it (I don't), but apparently they
don't. If it could be located, we could make some smaller (or full-size)
prints of it with current means of duplication. I liked sketching
buildings (still do) and thought about becoming an architect for a time (until
my eyes got too bad). If anyone has a clue as to where it might be (maybe
given to the museum on 13th St.?), speak up. Shirley Guevel may have some
idea.
As you know, Glen Whitney passed away after the last
regular issue came out. Jack wrote again about him:
Susan, if you get some reminiscences of him for
TLC, mine would be short: To my knowledge, he was the last LHS faculty
member of my time (47-51). I recall him as a well-dressed,
well-groomed man of quiet nobility and ready smile, always encouraging, and
upbeat.
And from Lovella Yates '56
Damborg:
Thank you for the notice of
Glen's death and service. I shall be thinking of him and his life in
Lexington. I recently saw Our Town and thought about all the people
in Lexington and, for that matter, all those who grow up in small towns.
People like Glen go about their jobs and their community life in a quiet style,
no fancy fame or fortune coming their way, but being so conscientious and
forthright. In these turbulent times they are valued people, as they were
in our growing up.
Barbara Lee '57
Fay contributed the following:
Bill and I enjoyed the Four Hits and a Miss
performance, one of the 2004-05 "Live! In Lexington" concert series
performances. As the familiar tune of Sentimental Journey was
beautifully harmonized by the group, I couldn't help thinking back to
1950 when I was in 7th or 8th grade and played that very same piano
that was used during the performance. Back then, the piano was in the
library (now the museum) on 13th Street. The piano has an interesting
history that Susan will probably love to relate, but it's a wonder that it still
survives and is restored to its lovely state today. By the way, for us
locals, be sure to subscribe to this series next year. Great entertainment
and worth every nickel!
And now you may travel to the website, which is chock full
of photos and stories.
Your
devoted scribe,
Susan
TLC #70: Nov. 27, 2004