Skater's away, Glide, Glide and Sway . .

You can almost hear the scratchy needle blast skating tunes from the warming house as these youngsters crack the whip behind ol' Central Junior High. That's Fillmore Avenue in the background, named after the illustrious 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore. In the foreground are 65ers Kathy Sherry and  Susan Gorham. We're not sure who the little kids are, perhaps Kathy or Sue will tell us. The photo comes from the Tom Obert collection.

Kiger to head south in December

Hi Stan,
    My son Jack (Jefferson class of 1998) (NDSU masters architect) moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fl (near Destin) this past June to take a civilian contract job with the Air Force and just bought a 4 bedroom house.  I plan to drive down around the Dec 15 via Oklahoma City, New Orleans to visit him.  The rest of the family will arrive by plane the 20th for two week holiday.  This will be the first of many trips to the beach for us.  Oh, boy would I love to go back to New Mexico, "Land of Enchantment" as I have fond memories of my freshman/sophomore years at UNM.    
burke kiger

Chairman found, explanations offered

Detective Bartos was right. Reunion Chairman Bob Watson was heading due south. He sped away early in his mint-condition 1960 Nash-Rambler, the one with the fold-down seats, like Paul Strandberg drove. Using the icy northern blast as a tailwind, he was tooling down Highway 29 toward Glenwood when a valve-lifter snapped.
He made it to Forada.
He took refuge there at the Muddy Boot, used the pay phone, and was picked up later Wednesday. While waiting for his ride, he had the delicate task of explaining to Big Jack why the 2010 Class of 1965 Reunion Bash won't be held in his fine establishment after all, and just to show there were no hard feelings, he shot the minnow, twice. "Maybe 2015," Bobby promised with a jaunty wave on his way out. "That'll be the big one, you know, The Big Five OH!"
Jack didn't appear too impressed as he studied the IOU Bob had left him on the bar, payable by the Class of 1965 Treasury.
The chairman was surprised when told that the Class of 1965 Reunion Headquarters on the Second Floor of the Woodtick Lodge on West Little Lake Darling had been left wide-open and abandoned.
"I told Betty to lock up," he said with a blank look. "She's got the key. She told me we had to get the piano  out of there before we close up. She's been using the class baby grand to practice her 'Darling Duo' singing and dancing act with Carol. Ordinarily Betty is so reliable. I can't imagine what happened. There must have been some miscommunication or something."
Calls to Betty in Fayetteville were not immediately returned. The voice mailbox said she was presently unavailable, as she had made the final table in the local satellite World Poker Tour Texas Hold 'Em Tournament. No other explanation was given.
Mr. Watson's alibi for the missing After-Dinner Speaker's Fund Cash Box held up as well. Watson was headed south to Omaha to see if he could interest local resident Warren Buffet in making a special appearance next August. "Getting a Nebraska speaker to come to Alexandria in the middle of the summer should be easy," he said. "But it is not as easy as it sounds. So I brought along the cash box. It gives me something to jingle", he explained, "when they say 'Show me the money!'"

Snowbird haven in Albuquerque

Carolyn and Harland write:

Stan, in answer to your request, "Anyone heading South, let us know."  Well, we are South in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and  anyone heading this way on Route 66, (Or I-40) is welcome to stop at our home for a home cooked meal or go out for a good Mexican meal with some wonderful margaritas, sopaipillas and flan!  (This is the real stuff! )

Remember, we are just an email away:  hchoffland@aol.com  to make reservations.

Classmates of '65 and '68:  Carolyn and Harland Hoffland
----------------------
Thanks, Carolyn and Harland. How was the pepper crop this year?
Stan
------------------
Carolyn writes:
It was a  fantastic crop  this year!  We froze about 60 quart bags of green chili, it is HOT and wonderful.  When I do red chili I buy the dried red chili pods at the market and then prepare them for our favorite dishes.  Instead of canning pickles (Like I used to do), we now prepare chili! 

Det. Bartos offers flight theory

Lorlee Bartos writes:
The telling clue is in "the cold fall wind blowing off Little Darling."  The Reunion Chairman is no fool -- not leastways as I remember him.  Like the birds in one of the previous posts, he has "de-camped" -- or more appropropriately "de-woodticked" for warmer climes. 
I expect he will be back when the temp is once again above 60 degrees (at night).  We here in the South will be on the lookout for any sightings and report them to you immediately. 
Your Texas correspondent.
Lorlee

Reunion office abandoned, no explanation yet

Visitors to the headquarters of the 2010 Reunion of the Jefferson High Class of 1965 yesterday were stunned to find the office doors unlocked, windows wide open but no one there. The abandoned offices are located on the second floor of the Woodtick Lodge, West Little Lake Darling, Alexandria, Minnesota.
There was no sign of the recently-appointed reunion chairman, Bob Watson, who also serves as office manager. No forwarding address was given.
An emergency meeting of the reunion committee was called late last night in hopes of finding an explanation to offer to class members.
Examination of the Woodtick suite revealed only ordinary office materials: Subway sandwich wrappers, a torn pizza box and receipt (pepperoni with extra cheese), a case of empties, worn deck of World Poker Tour playing cards and a leather-bound dice cup (No dice). Black and red curtains with tiny embossed Cardinals flapped in the cold fall wind blowing off Little Darling.
Searchers were unable to locate the After-Dinner Speaker's Fund Cash Box.
Flabbergasted by this development, a reunion representative, who did not wish to be identified, said that class members should be reassured that the reunion will go on as planned.
"Our earnest money check has cleared the bank," he said. "Our plans have not changed. Bob was doing just a great job getting this thing organized. It just doesn't make any sense. We're flummoxed."
Repeated attempts to reach the absent chairman failed yesterday.
In hopes of getting to the bottom of this unexpected development, the committee has hired a special investigator who will examine the premises, interview associates and get back with a full report.
"Until then," the embarrassed representative admitted, "We just have nothing to go on."
Persons with any information are urged to contact this blog, the unofficial site of the class reunion, by emailing Rolfsrud@gmail.com
All tips will be held in the strictest confidence.

Heading South? Tell us. . .

Photo by Stan Rolfsrud

Are you a snowbird heading south for the winter? Let us know when and where and maybe we'll make some connections for you on the trail. Florida? Arizona? Texas? Times? Dates? Could be fun to see who's out there. Email your planned destinations to Rolfsrud@gmail.com

15 years ago

This article appeared in a January, 1995 edition of the EchoPress: Click to enlarge.

Happy Birthday, Sue

We all know which Bday it is!

Our classmate Sue Gorham Tegland celebrated her birthday this week at Famous Dave's in Everett, Washington. Pictured are son, Bob (22), husband Karl, son Tom (23), Sue's sister Janet Gorham Hagen, and Sue.
Thanks for sending the photo, Karl. We wish more readers would send stuff as we update ourselves again for next year's reunion. Please send material to Rolfsrud@gmail.com or mail to Rolfsrud, 2355 Abbey Point, Shakopee, MN  55379

Four abreast down the Champs-Elysees

Keith Bakke, Sandi Pennar Bonesteele, John Helgeson, Lynn Nordstrom (nee Joni Hopfner)

Here's a new batch!

Karen Meyer and Al Esterberg

These prom snaps were supplied by Sandi Pennar Bonesteel. That's her in the color photograph. Elsewhere are Charley Stark, Al Esterberg and so many beautiful maidens. Let's start identifying them. Send your names to Rolfsrud@gmail.com. There's more photos to come, as soon as we get these finished.

Two classmate parents remembered

Mavis Salt

Georgia Mavis (Weatherwax) Salt Knudson was born on June 5, 1915 to George William and Clara Ethel (Lee) Weatherwax in Alexandria, MN. Mavis graduated from Alexandria High School in 1933 and was a member of the National Honor Society. She attended Normal Training for Education at Bemidji State College. Mavis moved back to the area to teach country school in the Kensington and Holmes City area.

Mavis was united in marriage to Walter F. Salt on June 15, 1940 in Alexandria. During WWII she was in the selective service in Harrisburg, PA. She went back to teaching country school in the Alexandria area until 1972 when the last of Minnesota’s country schools were closed. Mavis then went to work for Alexandria Newspapers as Circulation Manager and wrote a weekly historical column; “100 Years Ago – 50 Years Ago” until her retirement in 1992. Mavis married Rev. Martin Knudson on August 3, 1985 in Alexandria.

Mavis enjoyed knitting and made thousands of “Caps for Kids”. She sang with The Euterpean Singers in Alexandria, and was active in her church circle. Mavis mostly loved spending and being with her grandchildren, Steven, Scott, and Kristin.

Mavis died on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at Clearwater Suites at the age of 94. She is survived by her son, Tom Salt of Alexandria; daughter, Jeri Lee (Peter) Hillemeier of Alexandria; grandchildren; Steven (Lynn) Hillemeier of Olivia; Scott Hillemeier of Lakeville and Kristin (Brian) Bellicot of Savage; great-grandchildren, Kiley Sue Hillemeier, Kaleb Anthony Hillemeier, Kade Steven Hillemeier and Sydney Elle Bellicot; brother, Gerald (Poik) Weatherwax of Alexandria; and sisters, Audrey (Elroy) Froemming of Alexandria and Shirley (Hope) Bisek of Alexandria. Mavis was preceded in death by her by her parents, George and Clara Weatherwax; husbands, Walter F. Salt and Rev. Martin Knudson; daughter, Mary Kathleen Salt; and grandson, Joseph Scott Hillemeier. A special acknowledgement goes out to the caregivers at Clearwater Suites and Conservators, Anna Solheid and Rob Rydberg; and Julie Thompson.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2009 at the First Congregational, United Church of Christ in Alexandria with Reverend Scott Keehn officiating. Music by organist, Diane Alveshere and soloist, Kim Byrne. Interment in the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers are Dottie Erickson, Mark Erickson, Linda Pierce, Jim Schoenrock, Tom Byrne and Paula McGregor. Honorary casket bearers were Renee Byrne and Rick Pierce.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

-----------------------------

Dorothy Elizabeth Kobs, 93, of Coos Bay, Oregon, formerly of Alexandria, died October 19, 2009.

A celebration of life service for Dorothy will take place at a later date in Alexandria.

Arrangements are with Coos Bay Chapel; (541) 267-3131.

Still don't know who this is. . .

I had a huge crush on Danny Tigges (Tegas, Tegus??) in 6th grade so know it's not him.

Sara

And the teachers are. . .

Kathryn Aga Lee writes:

The teachers standing in front of Lincoln School are Bernice Whalen, Miss Erdahl and Myrtle Scott. Amen

Lunch Ladies back story

Thanks for the note, Bonita, and the photo. How about some details? We're not sure where Bella's is. What did you really talk about?

Editor

===================

Bonita responds:
The restaurant's name is maybe Bella's on Broadway. It's an off-shoot of Cafe Bella's in Glenwood. Nice atmosphere and good food if you're into pasta and etc. They do have burgers and other sandwiches now too. Anyway, they are located on Broadway, where Kolstad's Menswear used to be a couple of stores south of the old Woolworths (Bobby Watson's Dad's place).

There was quite a bit of discussion about the Alex Golf Club back in the days when the girls were taking lessons and golfing out there. The memories that they had about some of the women and of course men who were members at that time were pretty funny. Things that went on at private clubs back in the partying 50s and 60s...wow. Nothing illegal or anything, just some funny stories.

But of course we mostly talked about recipes, cleaning products and if there were any openings in the Ladies Aid at the Church.

Bonita

Mailbag

Bev Roers Korkowski update:

Oops…got the name wrong on the teachers. I was so sure that’s who it was (Miss King) but when I saw the others’ guess, they are indeed right! As for a couple of the other pictures, that is Lynn Schultz in the one picture with Mary Jo and the Froemmings. As for the picture of the blond boy, my very first instinct was that it was Danny Tigges and now that someone else has guessed that, I would say that’s who it is. He had a sister Lucinda, and I’m quite sure he attended St. Mary’s, maybe for just one year. (The rest of us only attended two years as it didn’t open until we started the 5^th grade.)

Hope that helps! I still haven’t had time to go down and check for some old pictures…but I will soon. J Bev

Field report from The Ladies Who Lunch

Last week Kathy Sherry Skadsberg, Billie Jo Jones and Bonita Olson Gilbertson met at Cafe Bella to catch up on the news, have a glass of wine and a nummy lunch. Golf games, both current and back in the 50's and 60's, were discussed along with other stories about growing up in Alex. Boy, the memories we all have...we were so lucky to grow up here!

-----------------------

Thanks for the note, Bonita -- Very thoughtful to include us. We love getting this stuff. Editor

More from the Tegland Archives

Ramona Froemming, Lynn Schultz, the late Mary Jo Simenson, Steve Froemming

Now who's this?

Karl Tegland (who took this picture during noon hour) couldn't place the name of this young man standing near Central Junior High. Can you?

Was it Danny or something?

Thanks.

Rolfsrud@gmail.com

---------------------------------

Sara writes: I remember a boy transferring from California when we were in 7th grade who was blond and I think his first name was Scott. Hopefully that will trigger someone's memory.

I remember a Danny Tegus (or Tegas) but don't remember him being blond.

Sara

Precious, just precious

We know the name of the young man standing on the south slopes of Central High. That's Tom Obert, of course. Now who are the teachers in the photo below?

Sara writes:

Is that Miss Scott on the right? She was the principal at Lincoln when we were there. I have no idea who the other two might be.
Sara

Bev writes:

I do know one of the teachers in the photo….the one on the far right is Cora King. I had her as my first grade teacher; don’t recognize the other two but I’m sure someone will know. B.

Tom writes:

Where did you get that photo? I don't have that photo. That is Miss Scott on the right.

Editor says: The pictures are from the Tegland archives

On her way to an Evening in Paris

The late Bud Gorham took this 1965 photo of his daughter, Sue, in the family living room. She was on her way to the senior prom, in a dress sewn by her grandmother.

Upon seeing this photo, Sue writes:

I loved that my grandma was so good at sewing and fitting. She continued to sew me some outfits for college, before I made the switch to jeans and sweatshirts. But the hair for that prom was another story. I could only get the last appointment of the day, and the hairdresser was tired and overworked, and it showed. I think my hair was still a bit damp for that photo. Lots of hairspray kept it together long enough, I guess.

For junior prom, Karen Schjei Benson's mom made me a dress of gold brocade, which I imagine was not easy. I still appreciate all the hours she put into cutting, fitting, pinning, and sewing that one. Of course, she made Karen's as well, and I have no idea whether I even gave her a thank-you gift.

Sue

Take our poll

As we look through class pictures from the 60s, some are reminded that a lot of the clothes we see, particularly gowns, were sewn by mothers and grandmothers and relatives. Did your mother ever sew stuff for you, besides buttons? (We're not being sexist, if your FATHER sewed for you, that's a story and we want to hear it now.)

Please take the poll at the right. It is completely anonymous. The system allows you to vote just once, but you can change your answer. Should be fun.

When we're done with this poll, we'll take another to see how many of US sewed for OUR kids.

You don't have to be a member of the JHS Class of '65 to participate, but you should be a Boomer.

===================

Sandi Bonesteel adds:

I think the poll will show more moms and grandmas sewed than not. They sewed bridesmaid dresses for my wedding and continued to sew over the years for my girls. My grandma was quite the seamstress, and had a successful little business going before the Alexandria and Minnesota Centennials. She sewed dozens of the prairie dresses and sunbonnets for women and girls to wear in the events.

Sandi

Donna Podratz writes:

In the beginning, my mother was sewing alot. We have a photo from 1958, sporting our Easter dresses made out of pillow cases. Yes, pillow cases. When she took on two other jobs, she couldn't sew anymore. Today, at age 86, she continues to make lap robes for the VA Hospital.

I sewed for my children until they were 4. Then they no longer cared for elastic waist pants, but I continued to sew Halloween costumes.

In 2000, I put my sewing machine away. Then last year, I dug it out again. My grandchildren love these things called "granny pants". They are fleece and you can buy them at Hockey games for about $20-24 or have grandma make them for $8. Thats what I have been doing. So for me, its come full circle. I have a singer sewing machine that I actually had to get a loan for in 1971. ($199) It is NOT computerized.

p.s. The "granny pants" are elastic waist.

Donna Crouse Podratz '68

An Evening in Paris, Part Deux

This is why Mrs. Roers stood up to take her prom pictures. Sandi Pennar Bonesteel's Grandma apparently stayed seated while taking these wonderful snaps of the 1965 Grand March at the Senior Prom. Not sure who the ladies are, but that's Sandi in the light blue gown, marked with an X. She's followed by her chums, Joni, Cathy B. and Claudia. The photo below features Terrie Wadsworth, Ken Widstrom, Ellen Van Kempen?, Sandi, Joni, Cathy and Claudia. The editor just got Sandi's package today. There's a trove in there. More to come. Hey, is that Dave Prazak and John Helgeson?

Sue Baumbach -- Class of '64 laureate?

In 1960, ninth-grader Sue Baumbach wrote this poem for the Alexandria Junior High newspaper, The Cardette. (Remember her --- her family owned Baumbach Drug.) She was no Paul Strandberg, of course, but Susan Baumbach Vass did grow up to be a famous author and a comedienne.

From her web site:

Susan has helped audiences “laugh their way to good health” in over 2,000 appearances from coast to coast.
With her roots in stand-up comedy, Susan has opened for such national acts as Robert Goulet, Andy Williams, Lee Greenwood, The Smothers Brothers, Doc Severinsen, Jay Leno, and Joan Rivers.
She is a veteran of countless television and radio appearances, including Rosie O’Donnell’s “Standup Spotlight”, PBS’s comedy special about Minnesota comics, “Land O’Loons”, and National Public Radio’s “Prairie Home Companion” with fellow-Minnesotan Garrison Keillor.
She is the author of a best-selling humor book, “Laughing Your Way to Good Health”.
Famous for her squeaky-clean, corporate-appropriate comedy shows, she has literally entertained car salesmen at breakfast and nuns the same night!

-------------------------

Editor's favorite Susan Vass quote: "I have been married so long I am on my third bottle of Tabasco sauce."

Paul Strandberg, class poet laureate

This poem was written by Paul Strandberg and was delivered informally during his 1965 senior year. It was to be sung to the tune of "On Top of Old Smokey" and it is a series of smart-ass observations about his favorite high school teachers arriving at work one fine morning. Karl Tegland accompanied Paul on the guitar for the one and only performance.

On top of the morning,

Under full power

Mr. Melby comes cruising,

At five miles an hour.

Just minutes later,

Mr. Rueter arrives

In his battered old Woody

That must have nine lives.

Who's that over yonder,

Not a car nor a bike

It's just Mr. Dzuik,

On his daily mile hike

Here comes Mr. Conner,

He'll tell you soon

That he conquered the crossword

In the Sunday Tribune.

At Eight Twenty-five,

A red Buick comes whirlin'

And who should step out,

But, short sleepy Erlin.

I strode the west hall,

Armed with my hall pass

I kicked down the door

And I saw his class. . .

of Greengo, Greengo, Greengo

Shouldn't twist in a tight skirt

We were ninth graders in February of 1962 when the Cardette published these opinions. Bud and Lynne were Mid-Winter Royalty and we were dancing The Twist in the gym. But not without some controversy, apparently.

Possible Key: J.B.=Judy Blanchard?; R.D.=Rich Divine?; J.H.= John Herdan?; C.D.J= Casey DeJong?; R.T.=Richard Temple? Any other guesses?

Parisian update

Bev Roers Korkowski writes:

We’ve had a few laughs about the picture showing the “April in Paris” prom for 1965….after showing the picture to my sister and to my husband (already having my own thoughts about the picture) I asked them if they noticed anyone in the photo. Both of them said “that’s mom standing up with her back to the camera”….and they are right….I’m sure of it. For that prom, I wore a pale turquoise dress and as you can see in the photo, there appear to be two gals rounding the bend in that color so I’m sure one of them is me, and of course, my mother was going to get her picture!! How would we do in a police lineup??? Bev

Editor says: Okay, Bev. That's your Mom with her Insta-matic taking your picture in the gorgeous turquoise gown. Now go dig out that picture and send it in. We want more! This web site don't run on imaginations, ya know. Anybody else? Rolfsrud, 2355 Abbey Point, Shakopee, MN 55379

or Rolfsrud@gmail.com

Sara and Morrie

From the Tegland archives.

Please send a nice caption for this photo to Rolfsrud@gmail.com. We'll use the best one.

Sure looks like Paris. . .

Tegland Archives

"An April in Paris" was the theme of the Prom in 1965. This rare color photo highlights the Grand March, where parents sat in the bleachers and watched their kids walk by in formal gowns and rented clothes. Still have your prom pictures? Please send one to Rolfsrud@gmail.com or mail it to the address mentioned above. Not sure about the theme of the 1964 Prom, below. But sharp eyes reveal that Karl Tegland and Sue Gorham are leading this march, apparently as Junior Class Officers. The Junior Class was charged with organizing and presenting the proms for the seniors, this editor recalls. Click on the image to enlarge. Sharper eyes will spot John Fahlberg, Paul Donley, Barry Bauer and Rusty Rolandson. The prom was a spring event, and the scoreboard still has a paper label taped on it from past tournament games. A bag of balloons hangs over the A in the center of the gym, awaiting its climatic moment. A bedecked volleyball standard becomes a May Pole.

Et Tu, Brianus?

Tegland Archives

Brian Berglund was at the toga party too. Romans drank milk, of course. Notice the bottle caps. Who had the school contract that year, Carlson's Dairy or Dutch Girl Dairy? If those are red, it was Carlson. Blue: Dutch Girl.
We've received comments from readers that you enjoy these old photos from the Tegland Archives. How about digging out your prom photo? Please email any photos you find to Rolfsrud@gmail.com for all of us to enjoy. Your digital camera will do a good job of copying it.