John and Carol (Martinson) Seim. Can somebody send some info? We just got a line on Lynne Spellman Lommen. You might say we sort of had a blind spot. There she was, all along, at the Little Blind Spot in the old JC Penny bldg on Broadway. She owns it, along with her husband, Paul. Thanks, Patty Wicken, for the info. We're still looking for the Tin Man (Dave Overly) and a host of others. See the listings below and dig in. Thanks! 
Dave Overly and Lynne Spellman had roles in the senior musical. Does anyone know where they are today? Get in contact with either of them and tell them to write, call or email the Trailboss@swpub.com Write to Stan Rolfsrud, 2355 Abbey Point, Shakopee, MN 55379.
Betty Larson and her husband kept the class entertained at the 25th. Haven't heard from Betty lately. Anybody? Trailboss@swpub.com
Reading the bios and entries has been a nostalgic trip evoking many memories not visited for a long time. I recently received an email from Sara Smith Sevey -- whom I haven't seen probably since the sixties, along with most of our classmates.
A forty-year reunion seems the perfect time to head back to Minnesota. I left Minnesota in 1967 and have lived in Salt Lake City (twice), California, Arizona, and, since 1982, Baldwinsville, New York, which is a suburb of Syracuse.
My husband and I married in Salt Lake City in 1975 and have two sons - Mikael, 27, living in Boston, and Mark, 23, living in Syracuse.
Back to school
Over the years, I have been in touch with Sheri Platto (class of '66), and more recently have been in email contact with Kathy Sherry Skadsberg and Lynn Dietz Evans.
After my youngest son graduated from high school, I decided to go back to school and in 2003 I graduated from the State University of New York at Oswego with a BA in English and Philosophy. As the saying goes, better late etc., and for the past year I have been working at Onondaga Community College in the math dept. . . . . go figure.
I am seriously working on attending the reunion, another ten years and how many of us will be left?
Ruth Ryding Yamaguchi
By Tom Obert
Sports reporter
Minneapolis North annihilated all opposition in winning the class 3A girls basketball tournament. Alex lost to North by ONE POINT, at North, during the regular season. Sartell finished third in the state tournament - they finished fourth in the Central Lakes Conference regular season, won by the Alexandria Cardinals.
Classmate Judy Seppanen Davis called yesterday. She was in Alex for a visit and thought I had called her (I suspect Sue Engstrom is doing a better job of contacting classmates than I am). Anyway, Judy lives in Oregon (apparently all the Seppanen siblings live on the West Coast) and hopes to make it to the reunion - directed her to the blogsite for all the poop. Mostly I remember competing with Judy and Lorlee Bartos to see who could answer math problems the fastest in Morrie Butler's 8th grade class.
Major milestone tomorrow morning - it will be the first time since last October I will be taking the garbage out in daylight...........
Pat Ziebarth Kolodjeski checking in on this cold Saturday morning in March.
We have moved from St. Joe to Avon. We needed a house more adaptable to my wheelchair, so we built a new house.
Both of our daughters have married since we have been here. We are grandparents of the cutiest little girls ever.
I have included my new address and email.
Looking forward to seeing everybody!
(If you'd like to contact Pat, the Trailboss will be glad to give you the address info. Email Trailboss@swpub.com.)
As an A&W carhop of probably the longest standing in the class of 65 , Sandi shouldn't complain --- Inside work would have been nice on those April days when A&W opened for the season [April in Minnesota] Outside???!!!….. Heck, sometimes your hands were so cold, you couldn't write the order and you could hardly wait to get back to hug the Gallon root beer jug filled with hot water that barely took the chill off. And then, of course, there were the hot summer days…..
The wage as I remember it started at 65 cents an hour and maybe I was making 85 cents by the end of my carhop days. Now, that was the legal wage at the time. And as I recall $3.00 in tips for a 6 hour shift was considered a bonanza. I am not complaining --- I saved virtually every penny and it was my nest egg to start college. But also back then, I paid $125 for tuition at fees at UMM and my off-campus apartment was $30 a month.
Yikes… I'm starting to sound like one of those old codgers "in the good old days….. I walked miles to school through waist high snowdrifts"
Lorlee
As we continue our discussion on exactly when released time was held, my sister, (Solveig aka Sam, aka Sosie) a 1966 graduate, checks in. She writes from Sunol, California, where she is a technical writer for a software company. She also "studies" wine in area vineyards:
Hi Stan,
I just took a break from Oracle confusion by clicking on your blog. If that Karen Schjei Benson hasn't yet checked in, here is what I remember about Wednesdays. See if this triggers anything for you. I can't swear by it, but this is what I remember.
In Sixth grade, I attended Wednesday morning Lutheran school. Afterwards, I would wander around downtown until Mom or someone would transport me back to District 460. One time I spent most of a morning in Herberger's basement picking through the bargain bins. I found a tan-and-white striped sweater and decided it was a good value. A clerk regularly checked up on me. I said I wasn't sure if I could wear it with my tweed skirt, the mainstay of my school wardrobe. The clerk assured me it looked just fine. Lesson learned that Wednesday: Do not make a fashion decision on the advice of a bargain basement clerk who wants the wierd kid with thick glasses to get out of her section and return to school. We got our real Bibles at the end of Sixth grade, with our names written in a beautiful script by a lovely woman in Ladies Aid. That way, we wouldn't lose them at Luther Crest Bible camp, for which we were now eligible.
In Seventh grade, we graduated to Confirmation Classes held on Wednesday afternoons, where we were taught to underline important passages in our Bibles, a most daringly blasphemous thing to those of us who said "before I die" Every Night in the glow of our little neon crosses and hoped that whatever death was chosen for us, we'd have just enough time to pray "Forgive me" for the sins we'd committed that day. I think other kids also walked to their respective churches, but we had the shortest route. Afterwards, I remember walking fast to get back to the bus across from The Fountain for the ride home. It was in these afternoon sessions that Pastor Westby taught us about sex and marriage. I believe we knew all we needed to know about living the Lutheran life by May of Ninth grade, when we were confirmed and received a watch from parents, if lucky. Then I got my first taste of wine. Jug wine. Mogan David, a New York Concord grape, no doubt. It had a slightly sweet aftertaste.
Speaking of Lutherans and wine, husband Bill found a connection where you can order wine shipped from BevMo (Beverages and More) at http://www.bevmo.com/. Wouldn't that be cool? You could get a selection of wines, not all from the same winery. But alas, not to Minnesota! Bev says No. BevMo in California, BevNo in Minnesota.
Sosie
Hi Stan,
I went to the Episcopal Church too, so remember the cold! And it was pretty boring so can see why Dave Aldous was stirring things up, tho don't remember any specifics. I also remember the confirmation classes on Saturdays, with Patty, Dave, KB Teglund, Carol Navratil and others. (also choir practice, which I hated, but my Mom made me go) On Wednesdays, we could also go to other churches so I sometimes went with Paula and Claudia to the Catholic Church, as I wanted to be with my friends, but sometimes just stayed at study hall (where there was never much studying going on, just goofing off and passing notes) .
I remember Noonan Park, but mostly we skated at the Central School rink, playing crack the whip, and hockey, then going in to warm up afterwards. There was never a place to sit down. That rink was close to Paula's so guess that's why we always ended up over there, and we could just keep our skates and stuff in our lockers, too. Those were great times!
I too, was a Candy Stiper at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, along with Paula and Claudia. The nuns finally caught on to us treating ourselves and friends to the chocolate malts in the Snack Bar. That, along with other silly pranks like putting stuff in the dumbwaiter, got us transferred to other areas. I eventually ended up as a nurse's aide there. My dad thought that would be good preparation for nursing school. I used to look out the windows of the solarium and see everyone on Paula's porch having a good time when I had to work. They had the fun jobs, car-hopping at Claudia's folk's A & W, making good tips and meeting cute guys and there I was, working minimum wage and emptying bedpans!
Sandi Pennar Bonesteel
Hi Stan,
I hadn't checked the website for a couple of weeks and when I did today it was to find all the trivia debating going on. We moved to Alex when I was in 8th grade and I remember going to religious classes at the Catholic church on Wednesday afternoons and not going back to school afterwards.. I met Claudia Johnson the first week of religion classes and we became fast friends. It was great to read all the trivia, the music (I think I could remember almost all the songs listed).
I didn't spend much time skating at Noonan's Park but did spend tons of time skating at the rink in "the big hole" behind Central school, and remember all the music they used to play there. We did live next to Our Lady of Mercy Hospital. Does anybody else remember being a Candy Striper at the hospital?
Paula (Widstrom)Hanson
Collette Gillispie
Collette Gillispie, Surprise, Arizona, died February 14, 2005 at her home. Collette grew up in Falls City, Neb. where she married James C. Gillispie Jr. They moved to Alexandria in 1947. She was employed by Wedum Supply for 25 years.
In 1972 they moved to Big Sky, Montana where they opened and ran Jimmer's Brass Bell & Caboose for 15 years. After their retirement they spent their winter months in Surprise.
Collette was an avid golfer, playing in the Resorter's Tournament at the Alexandria Country Club for many years. She also enjoyed downhill skiing and bridge.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jimmer; her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Roger Neils of Clear Lake; her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Tona Gillispie of Mankato; daughter, Cindy Gillispie of Leander, Texas; grandchildren, Matt, Jessica and Alli Neils, Thad, Kelli and Jimmer Gillispie; and great-grandchildren, Trent and Maija Carriveau.
Memorials may be made to: Susan G Komen Cancer Research, PO Box 650309,
Dallas, TX 75265-0309.
Patty Collins dropped a note to the Trailboss to comment on the trivia we've been throwing around here. Karl Tegland has been debating the Trailboss as to whether Religious Instruction was held on Wednesday mornings or afternoons. The Trailboss consulted fellow confirmand Karen Schjei Benson for a ruling on this but hasn't heard back yet. Read Patty's note carefully below and you'll see she doesn't shed much light on the controversy either. -- Trailboss
Hi Stan,
Nothing like meaningless trivia to get the 65ers going!
Gary Johnson was an elementary school teacher married to Carol Schiefer (Home Ec. teacher) at one time.
I think the answer to Clifford's question is the St. Luke's Hospital. I was born there. It cost my parents $23 room and board for mother and baby for a full five days. I also have the receipt.
I remember religious instruction at the Episcopal Church every Wednesday, last hour of the day. Polly Mason was our instructor. If I remember right, Dave Aldous was always in trouble. The Episcopal church was quite small and we were a very diverse group. I have fond memories of everyone. Norma Longfellow was our elementary instructor, and I believe we attended every Wednesday morning. Yes, it was freezing, and, yes, I can't remember learning a thing, at least not in Junior High School. I guess we were having too much fun to care. Does anyone remember ice skating at Noonan's Park? Louie Ley's Dad was the warming house attendant.
Pat
Being third or fourth on an email carbon copy is a lot like listening in on a party line without depressing the snooper button. (ROckwell 3-7364) The Trailboss has received a variety of third hand postings in the past week, much of it inspired by our trivia quiz. Below are some nostalgic bursts from a variety of writers, picked up and presented, without attribution, for your enjoyment. -- Trailboss
"Only the Lonely," Roy Orbison's 1960 classic will always remind me of the Fountain of Youth as the song that always seemed to be playing there that summer when we were on our way to or from ball playing in the "hole in the ground" behind Central. Remember in 1962 when "Peppermint Twist" and "Duke of Earl" battled for No. 1 on the Top 40 for almost the entire summer? Even KXRA played the Top 40, was it Friday or Saturday night? But mostly it was KDWB, WLS in Chicago (with Dick Biondi), and I've forgotten the call letters of the station in Little Rock. Hell, now we can't even get WCCO in Alex anymore.
It was KAAY. And Mrs. Hanson was so sweet at the Fountain of Youth. She wore white anklets.
1965 Greatest Hits
1. Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
2. Downtown - Petula Clark
3. I Can't Help Myself - Four Tops
4. Hang on Sloopy - McCoys
5. I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown
6. Wolly Bully - Sam The Sham and the Pharoes
7. I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher
8. Stop! In The Name Of Love - Supremes
9. Shotgun - Jr Walker and the All-Stars
10. I Do - Marvelows
11. California Girls - Beach Boys
12. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me - Mel Carter
13. I'll Be Doggone - Marvin Gaye
14. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye
15. Downtown - Petula Clark
16. A Lover's Concerto - the Toys
17. How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You - Marvin Gaye
18. Nowhere To Run - Martha and the Vandellas
19. 1-2-3 - Len Barry
20. Help Me Rhonda - Beach Boys
21. Let's Hang On - Four Seasons
22. The Tracks Of My Tears - Miracles
23. Papa's Got A Brand New Bag - James Brown
24. Back In My Arms Again - Supremes
25. Yesterday - Beatles
26. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Rolling Stones
27. Too Many Fish In The Sea - the Marvelettes
28. Catch Us If You Can - Dave Clark Five
29. This Diamond Ring - Gary Lewis and the Playboys
30. Ferry Across the Mersey - Gerry & the Pacemakers
31. It's Not Unusual - Tom Jones
32. Get Off Of My Cloud - Rolling Stones
33. Ooh Baby Baby - Miracles
34. It's The Same Old Song - Four Tops
35. Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan
36. Land Of 1000 Dances - Cannible and the Headhunters
37. Turn, Turn, Turn - The Birds
38. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place - the Animals
39. All Day and All of the Night - the Kinks
40. I'm Telling You Now - Freddy and the Dreamers
Attending religious instruction was optional. If your parents signed the papers --- you could attend a religion class at your church for I believe it was one hour (or maybe half a day -- in the morning) on Wednesdays and then return to school. I believe I did this while attending Central Jr. High. All I remember about the religion class was walking over to the Episcopal Church and meeting with the minister and other kids in a freezing cold room. I mean FREEZING cold room. (The Parlor Room?) In the winter we kept our jackets, hats, boots and mittens on throughout the session and we sat on FREEZING COLD metal folding chairs. Talk about torture. I think you could even see your breath. Remember that the Episcopal Church was poor and I think they conserved on the heat -- like maybe not heating the church on Wednesdays. (This was the OLD Episcopal Church not the new one). All I remember about those Wednesdays was being so darnn cold. Don't remember a lick about the religion being taught. The highlight of the escape from school was stopping at the bakery on the way back to school and buying a fried roll. Can you believe we were granted this time away from class from a public school? Times have changed.
I went to "Religion" on Wednesdays at Calvary. We Lutherans had heat! Ha!! Just teasing you. I loved it. We sang at least two songs every Wednesday. One memory is that our class just loved the song, "There Is A Balm in Gilead". It is a funeral song. But we all just loved it. Mrs. Pearson tried her best to keep us from singing it; but every Wednesday we'd sing that funeral song. Just 'cuz it was pretty, I guess.
Well, I thought I remembered that Catholics went on Wednesday afternoon not in the morning and then went on home after.... who knows, maybe my memory is shot. But take it from someone who has lived in the Bible Belt for 25 years--- where they speak longingly of prayer in schools and how the world has gone to hell since it has been abolished -- the way it was handled back then was appropriate and civil. I don't ever remember a prayer in school. The pledge and a song in grade school but no prayers. Release time was handled away from the school as a very separate matter and the appropriate way to handle the separation of church and state. Your parents signed or they didn't and if they didn't, my recollection is that one just went to study hall instead.
Mmmmmmmmm, "Pine Nuts" - still the best sundaes ever!! Rexall used the little tin holders with paper liners. I think THAT was the trick! They just don't taste the same for some reason. I remember the delicious fries at Woolworth's lunch counter. REAL potatoes, peeled and sliced thin, fried (I'm sure) in LARD! They'll never taste like that again.
Some random thoughts, memories:
Friday and Saturday nights spent driving around the drive way at McCarthy's (precursor to McDonald’s) and cruisin down Main Street to Big Ole and turn around and do it all over again.
The outdoor Sunset Drive-In run by the Blooms. Remember the smell of grilled hotdogs? The intermission so you could go to the concession stand? Also, a truck used to drive down the rows of cars and SPRAY for mosquitoes. Remember that you rolled the speaker up with your car window. Remember the ad warning you to not drive away with the speaker still hooked to the window?
Corn dogs and tater tots at the A&W. A&W car hops. The Orbit where the girls wore blue culottes and white shirts.
Corner Bar. (owwwww!)
Girls' showers not working at Central Jr. High so we had to take a "sponge" bath after exercising.
Skating at the Legion Park and the warming house where your wet mittens could dry hanging by the stove. And the music on the loudspeaker where you could hear the scratch in the “Skater’s Away, Glide Glide and Sway” record.
Seeger's Recreation Center. No girls allowed.
A lot of kids went to the Saturday matinee shows at the State Theater in the late Fifties and before the show they always played Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino, The Happy Organ by Dave "Baby" Cortez, and The Wayward Wind by Gogi Grant. The balconey inside the State Theater was the main place in Alexandria (probably) for making out. I've always wondered when the State Theater closed. I know it was before we graduated. Maybe by a couple of years. Also, it was a good thing no girls ever came down to Harold Seeger's basement bar and pool room because the bathrooms were terrible and had the stench of 3.2 beer and other odors. JVA
