Editor, Barbara Mullins McEntire
Reunion 2000 Weekend
Virginia Juhan Jones
On Friday night there will be a reception in the Ballroom at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast. This will give everyone a chance to register, get name tags and videos (if you are a paid up member of the Alumni Association). Reminder, You do not have to be a member of the Association to attend the renion! There will be a display of memorabilia, scrapbooks, etc. We encourage you to bring your annuals or any other things you might have for "show and tell." This reunion will give everyone a chance to talk with old frinds and get reacquainted with those you haven't seen for a while. Of course, this will be your opportunity to tell all of those "tall tales" about how you made all "A's", were voted the best looking or made 20 touchdowns in one season. Don't worry, no one will remember whether you really did or not. Friday night will be light snacks and an open bar.
The Hilton Atlanta Northeast is approximately three miles from the Atlanta Athletic Club where the reunion dinner will be held on Saturday night.
At the Hilton Atlanta Northeast the room rate of $69.00 (single or double) will be available from Thursday, June 8, 2000, through Sunday, June 11, 2000, for persons who wish to come early or stay after the reunion.
I hope you plan to stay at the Hilton as it is a very nice hotel, with many amenities, and the rate is great!
We will have a Hospitality Suite which will be open on Friday and Saturday. Hazel Bramlett Hayes and her committee will be in charge of this area, so take the opportunity to come by and visit with your former classmates.
The reservation cut-off date for the $69.00 rate is May 26, 2000.
If you are flying in and need transportation you can call "The Airport Connection" at 770 457-5757.
They will give you transportation rates to the hotel.
Virginia Juhan Jones
Bill Baker
Less than a year from now the Brown High year 2000 reunion will have come and gone. In other words,it will be history.
The question now is simply does the membership wish to continue with the Association organization and the Rebelation newsletter? The current committee, many of whom have been working since 1989 on the 1990, 1995 and 2000 reunions, will be stepping down.
If an Association and a newsletter continuation is desired,then a new committee needs to be formed and step up now. This change-over will take place on July 1, 2000, after the reunion is over and the current committee has had time to wrap up all the functions connected with the 2000 reunion. Otherwise, the Association and Newsletter will come to a grinding halt. If any of you have any interest in forming a new committee, please make your interest known to one of the following:
Virginia Juhan Jones 770 446-7892
Don Sledge 770 476-8978
Jimmy Goldin 770 446-7676
Status Report as of April 15, 1999
Members - 341
Planned Attendees - 421 - Including nine who are not currently members
Rooms For One Night - 58 (includes two nights and three nights)
Rooms For Two Nights - 35 - (includes three nights)
Rooms For Three Nights - 4
Thirty-Seven individuals wish to continue publication of the newsletter and said they would volunteer for future tasks
Note: The difference between paid memberships and videos accounted for is due to the number of married couple alumni
200 Memberships paid through 2000= 179 videos accounted for
104 Memberships paid through 1999 - 97 videos highly probable
KNOWN DECEASED - 101
Submitted by
Burt Terrell, Records Keeper
I, too, remember the Blue Jacket, Joe Cotton's, Adams Park, Mosely Park, etc. I recall the parades on Peachtree St. when a group of us would gather and go and get an Orange Pekue next to the Lowe's Grand. Oh, Boy! I remember "The Igloo" on Gordon St. and those wonderful hamburgers and fries. Also the Cascade Theatre close by. And Barbara, the many times we walked home from school and some of the "things" we encountered on the way. Mr. Manley was real special to me in D.E. in my senion year, a real sweet person. Also, Mrs. Ryan, my homeroom teacher...Oh! the memories. The cashmere and angora sweaters, the black orchids at the dances and the Pep Rallies. I could go on and on about our special school, but it would never end. So I'll just stop with a line from our victory song - "On Brown High School, on to victory!
Frances Elrod Holland, '51 Lilburn, Ga.
I have so many memories of my years at Brown Junior, as well as High School, some I cannot mention! But this one memory is so much funnier now than when it happened.
Some of us "macho" guys thought we would skip school one day. We met at my house, Bill "Nose" McCollum, "Bullet" Payne, Bing Brown, Lee Hale, Sonny Harmon and some others were playing Bridge (yeah!) and my brother Jimmy, who also attended Brown had a night job and was sleeping. We were keeping him awake, so he threatened to call Coach Devaughn and tell on us!
We were having a great time until we looked out our window and saw Mr. Heidecker, Coach Rowlett and Coach DeVaughn drive up. It seems my brother was true to his word!.
We all hit the back door with the exception of "Bullet" - we forgot that "Bullet" had a cast on his leg! But it was too late to save "Bullet" so we sacrificed him! That sounds better than "too chicken" to go back for him! But "Bullet" did survive, he hobbled to a closet and covered up with some clothes. He did overhear some of the kind remarks made that were spoken in reference to our futures. Coach did leave us a note that stated we were to report to his office within one hour - we did!
Now, you talk about extra running! and come to think of it, I really don't know what "Bullet's" punishment was. I'll have to ask him at our reunion! And we never forgave Jimmy, my brother!
Bobby Moore, '51
We remember the most "colorful" teacher of all, Mr. Shirley T. Capps. He taught English in a classroom in the basement. If you were talking in his class when you were supposed to be quiet, he would give you what he called "a bale of fodder", which was simply a paper of sentences with grammatical errors which you had to correct. If you did not turn this in he subtracted points from your grade. This was how Fella and I met. Mr. Capps introduced us as he felt there would be a contest as to would get the most "bales". It was a close race, but Fella won. He felt I caused him to get a very low grade. I spent the next several years helping him in English, through high school and Georgia Tech to make up for it.
One day after we had discussed different people swallowing grasshoppers at recess, Mr. Capps volunteered to eat a grasshopper if we would pay him. He said there was nothing to it and immediately popped a grasshopper in his mouth. We offered him a coke with which to swallow it, but! he chewed it very slowly. He refused the coke. Instead, he opened his mouth slightly so that we could see the grasshopper being chewed. (Ed. Note: As the kids of today say, "GROSS!") Everyone became very ill. Mr. Capps just smiled at all of us with parts of the grasshopper still on his teeth...some things you just never forget. He collected his .25 cents.
We are looking forward to the reunion.
Fella and Elaine Pinkard Roberts, '51
Louise Garrison Brooks' recollections of our Adair Park section reminded me of the Youth Center sponsored by Stewart Ave. Methodist Church and located just above Brewer's Pharmacy on Stewart Ave. at Pearce. Atlanta Police Detective I. A. Thomas almost single-handedly kept this facility open about three nights a week, and also influenced several of the neighborhood guys into police work. His daughters, Eleanor Thomas Wiley and Pat Thomas Colwell, (I think she may have been widowed and remarried) were then, 1947-1949, elementary age. They got a bunch of us together for picnics in 1986 and 1989. I used to work after school at the Stewart Avenue branch of the Atlanta Public Library around 1946-1948.
Doug (and Gloria) Fowler, '50, Statesboro, Ga.
One of the most exciting memories I have of Brown is "The Football Train" trip to Macon, Georgia to play Lanier High School! Of Course, don't ever forget the State Championship win and the holiday for the entire student body! I learned to love football at Brown! Other Memories, Mr. Wall's homeroom class talking about our weekend dates. Miss Sinclair's shorthand classes with Vivian Heaton, Doris Hamlett (Hatterick), Bobbie Teagle (Kemp) and others! Doris was sweet enough to let me borrow her wedding dress. I have been married to John Griffin, Grady graduate, for 46 happy years. Bobbie and I worked at the same advertising agency in Atlanta. Finally, unfortunately, and quite embarrassing for both of us..graduation night at the old Atlanta Auditorium, I was awarded a music scholarship by name only! Mr. Martin called Barbara Merck rather than Barbara Mullins who actually won the award. As you will remember, we didn't know what to do and I always felt terrible about going forward to accept the award.. which I immediately gave to Barbara when the mistake was discovered. But the damage had been done. Barbara, years later I still feel bad about that!!! (ED. Note - Barbara, don't feel badly about it. I felt so sorry for you, getting a scholarship and then having to give it up was no fun! We both can laugh about it now.)
I'll close sending congratulations and many thanks to all that have worked on this reunion and Rebelation 2000. This has truly been a "labor of love."
Barbara Merck Griffin, '50, Mableton, Ga.
I remember Pilgreen's on Lee Street (the lot went through to the street behind them). In 1953, when Diane (my wife) graduated, we met there the next morning after all night at Stone Mountain, climbing to the top and carving our initials in the mountain.
Hal Cline, '51, Covington, Ga.
Remembering: On Friday, January 23, 1948, at 8:00 pm I walked down the middle aisle of the Brown High auditorium along with 60(?) other seniors. The girls were dressed in long white taffeta gowns with puffed sleeves and "sweetheart" necklines, cradling a dozen red roses in our arms. We were soon to become Brown High's first graduating class. Thas was 51 years ago this past January. It's hard to believe so many years have passed!
I seldom see any of the other grads, but do keep in touch with Mary Jane Welden Granberry (1/48) who now lives in Venice, Florida and Louise Cheek Magbee in Alexandria, Louisiana. I particularly have fond memories of Louise Girardeau Cook who taught several of my classes in both Junior High and High School - she always showed she believed in me - and I'm sure her other students received her same interest and encouragement. Wonder what became of Dorothy Naab, Betty "Skipper", Margaret Wimberly, Gertrude Bradley and the other graduates.
When Roger and I retired, we moved to Henry County, Roger's home 50 years previously, where we are scaling down and building a cluster home. McDonough is a small town with a town square and a small town charm. We are enjoying the somewhat slower lifestyle.
Alice Meaders Glass, Jan. '48, McDonough, Ga.
Receiving a Rebelation 2000 in the mail brightens my whole week. It's like visiting with dear, old friends. I have to admit to pulling out my '50 Laureate to refresh my memory on a few students - after all, 49 years is a long time
Memories of teachers: Mr. Capps must have read every book in print. I got my avid love of reading from him. When you submitted an oral book report you had better have read the book. He knew every detail. Miss Severance's instruction in her typing class kept me a job all these years. It was the only "A" I made in college. They are hard to come by in higher education. I saw the lovely, sweet Miss Rickard at the nursing home my mother was in. Miss Rikard was there also, and I ran to visit her and bless her dear heart, she did not know me. I said "Miss Rikard, you have to know me, I was the dumbest person in your algebra class and you spent more time with me than anyone (except maybe Henry Smoak, a close second).
Please let's have a hotel to be headquarters. That's the most fun - hospitality room, etc.
Shirley Aranoff, '50
As a raw 7th grader just fresh out of Adair Park Elementary School, I was soon introduced to the rigors of Joe Brown Junior High. That is where I first met Mr. Ted Heidecker. He was my 7th grade homeroom teacher. Later on, he taught me Mechanical Drawing and Electric Shop. I have such fond memories of Joe Brown Junior (and) High School teachers like Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Pattillo, Mrs. Liggin, Miss Mann, Mr. Capps, Mr. Fannin, Mr. Rothberg, Mr. Clark, Mr. Taylor, Miss Ryan, Mr. Spitler, Miss Outlar and Coaches Gorham, Rowlett, Green, Peek, and Fletcher.
At the end of Spring, 1950, my Brown High days ended. Sylvan Hills High School was constructed and I moved over in the Fall of 1950 and graduated from Sylvan in the Spring of 1951. Wouldn't you know it...Mr. Heidecker was principal at Sylvan.
After military service, college and a lot of maturing, I got to know Mr. Heidecker on a personal basis. In the late 1960's we would get together for lunch and visit construction sites where my company was working. Isn't it amazing, the ones we initially feared the most turned out to be the ones for whom we had the most respect! Not only Mr. Heidecker, but all the other teachers at Brown High, made a lasting impression on me during my formative years. Thank God for them all.
Jakie Heaton, Sylvan, '51
I looked forward to going to school each (well, most) day. Can you imagine! We had such fun! I especially looked forward to our "gang" at lunch - there was Louise Lett, Delores Tuck, Pat Wootan, Nadine Hall, Betty Marshall and me. Hope I didn't leave anyone out. The memory is not what it used to be. It varied sometimes, but was always fun. Without a doubt, Louise could tell the best and funniest jokes, and always knew what was going on in school. It was wonderful! And in those days I could eat mashed potatoes and Eskimo Pies at the same meal - those were turly great days!
Looking back, we had some very good and dedicated teachers who wanted us to succeed and to those I am truly grateful. It is amazing how often I've thought of them through this journey called life.
Thanks to Louise, Barbara and the whole committee for a fabulous job!!
Mary Young Lane, '49, Atlanta, Ga.
I remember:
Col. Morris removing a wart from my finger with acid.
Coach Jane Knowles letting me be on the swim team even though I didn't have the determination or the competitive spirit for it. I had lots of encouragement from Mary Potts. My first golf lesson on the front lawn. I hit a ball through Mr. Hansard's (my homeroom teacher) window, barely missing him. Memorable teachers, other than those mentioned above, who left lasting impressions on me were Mr. Warren, Mr. DeFoor, Miss Witcher, Mrs. McCall, Miss Hutchinson and Mr. DeVaughn.
GRADUATION, 1950:
Singing "When you walk through a storm, keep your head up high and don't be afraid of the dark..." it brings a tear to my eye and I will always love it.
My dear friend, Carolyn Chambers' delivery of the Valedictory.
Our Class Breakfast at Joe Cotton's after the dance.
Climbing Stone Mountain with Sonny Smith, Dorothy Kent and Don O'Neal. I'd never stayed up that late before.
I have fond memories of those years, but I think I could enjoy it more since becoming a little less timid over the years. Who we are is a result of all our experiences, so I have no regrets.
I'm looking forward to Reunion 2000. Many thanks to all you hard workers putting it together.
Virginia (Ginger) Kerr Layton Pofahl, '50 In 1948, as Mr. Lunn came in late to his history class at Brown High's basement, he was greeted by Beverly Wood's blackboard drawing of him discussing troop movements at Valley Forge and my entertaining of the class with my Duncan yo-yo. After a good laugh by all, of the drawing, he turned to me and asked if I had permission to yo-yo in class. I replied that I did and had a note from Mr. Martin, our principal saying that it is alright. He took the note and handed it to Louise Lett and asked her to take it to Mr. Martin for verification of its authenticity. Of course it was a forgery. So I had to go and see Mr. Martin. After a good laugh he advised me not to forge any more notes.
That was not the first or last time a yo-yo caused a problem for me, even 50 years later.
Do you remember this, Louise? I have told this story for over 50 years and it always gets a laugh. Looking forward to seeing you in 2000. And yes, I'm still yo-yo-ing!
Ernest Johnson, '48
There's an expression, "The Grass is always greener on the other side." This was particularly true of me as a teenager. Looking around at my contemporaries at Brown High there were some who had characteristics I would have died for...for example: to have eyebrows like Carolyn Trippe, to look like Bobbi McKee in blue jeans, to have big gray eyes like Joyce Ivey, to be able to play the piano like Betty Jean Pinson, to be able to draw like Pat Echols or Ann Anderson, to be able to sing like just about anyone, to have a sweet disposition like Sarah Brown, to have the athletic skills of Tubby Atwood and on and on. Of course, one thing I could have really died for was the time Clovis Martin let me drive Miss Rikard's brand new car when I had never been behind the wheel of any car before and after several blocks we realized the emergency brake was still engaged.
Peggy White Alley, '49, Amarillo, Tx.
Memory lane for me recalls many fantastic friends, classmates and teachers. I particularly think of Homeroom teacher Miss Ryan. She was an attractive Home-Ec teacher and her room was bright and cheerful, filled with the basic food charts which impressed me for a life time, though cholesterol was never mentioned then. I often used homeroom time to compare workbook notes for Miss Sinclair's Bookkeeping class. I remember Miss Gibbs suggesting we take pencil and paper to the movies (not rated then) and write a report for extra credit in her English class
A not so pleasant memory for me is the crowded hallways and stairs while changing classes. Being short and petite, this was frightening. I also recall the landmarks - Stewart Ave. Methodist Church, Library and RR crossing at Lee Street, and of course, the corner drug store. I walked to school from the Adair Park area and met friends all along the way. This was great fun. I pause and reflect and realize our lifestyle then was safe, nice and simple. I like basic, simple and healthy life. Thank you Reunion Committee members and Newsletter Editors for a great job. I do enjoy reading Rebelation 2000.
Margie Winslett Smith, '51, Smyrna, Ga.
Each morning a person from the band played "Call to the Colors", one person on each floor and the basement. I was one of those persons.
I wonder how many people remember this and I wonder how many people know who all played. This would be a good contest.
Roy O. Shuford, Jr. '50, Williamson, Ga.
I was in the band during Jr. High School and played "to the colors" on my trumpet which echoed through the halls as the flag was being raised every morning. I really wasn't very good, but I was the only one who played loud enough to be heard all over the school. I remember baseball games at John A. White Park. We were in the early innings of a game once when an unexpected cloudbust flooded our field. Buddy Young's father was there and offered to take Buddy and me back to the school. In our haste to escape the weather, I jumped in the car still wearing all the catcher's equipment, including the mask. Just as suddenly as it started, the rain stopped and the umpires insisted that the game resume. Coach Carl Fletcher called all the players around him and discovered that Buddy and I had left. He turned to Nolen Foster and ordered him into the game to catch. Nolen couldn't find the catcher's equipment and asked Coach Fletcher what to do - he had no equipment, not even a mask. Coach Fletcher stood glaring out across the field, arms crossed, and replied simply, "so catch without it -!"
Eric Burk, Valdosta, Ga.
Fondest memories - a toss up between "Ma" Witcher's math classes and Friday night football games. I really enjoy reading Rebelation 2000 so I can keep up with my classmates, even though I was at Brown Hi for only my senior year after transferring from Marist. Since then I have graduated from Ga. Tech, married a wonderful girl (Doris) from Huntsville, Ala. We have 4 grown children and have recently moved into a new town house in Dalton, Ga. I have recently retired after losing both kidneys and my right leg in an accident last year. Because of my health problems I must painfully miss the upcoming reunion. If at all possible I would like to purchase a copy of the video when it is available. Please let me know how I can get a copy. Keep up the great publication.
David Deiters, '49, Dalton, Ga.
(David, as a paid up member of the Alumni Association, the video will be mailed to you after the reunion. Ed. Note.)