FLASHLIGHT
43rd Edition
First issue         November, 1920

      WELHISCO ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 

                                 July, 2010


WELHISCO

Trojan Head designed by  
Kermit Ruyle '47

List of donors who were happy to to make a difference in a grads life


 

Reminder
26 Months until

 Reunion 2012
 




 

 


July Birthday's
Page 4


Missing Alumni
Found
in May:
 

1

Carol Uebinger '60

2

Glenn Fleek  '60

3

Ken Ragsdell '60

4

 Christine Trent '60


 


WHS Club - 2010
Member Names



Thanks for your support


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wellston: can life pulse again?
 by: Jonathan Sanders
Former
Librarian - Wellston High

The story of Wellston dates back to the late 1800s when the major center of population was St. Louis City and the northwestern edges of the city expanding out to the county was considered country. The advent of the streetcar lines meant that residents of St. Louis city could escape from the congestion of the city to the pastoral rolling hills to the north and west of the city.

Four families figured prominently in this area, and all four had substantial farmland in this part of St. Louis County. Natural Bridge road was named because of a rock bridge that stood in the area. To the south of Natural Bridge was the Kienlen Property and to the north was the Jennings farm. Kienlen Road turns into Jennings Station, a legacy of the road connecting these to farms. Further west in what is now the western border of Wellston was the Lucas and Hunt farms and the road connecting them is now known as Lucas and Hunt.

The country clubs that still exist in this area are holdovers from the days when this area were the country homes of the wealthy residents of St. Louis city. Further west on Natural Bridge was Bellerive Country Club, which sat on what is now the site of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Bellerive, founded in 1897, moved to Town and Country in 1960 and the land was given to create UMSL. If one walks UMSL’s undulating hills it gives a feeling of walking a golf course!

Erastus Wells entered the picture in the 1870s. Wells was the founder of the Olive Street Road trolley line, and he purchased land from the Kienlen family and built his country estate in the area of what is now the intersection of Kienlen and Martin Luther King, formerly known as Easton. Wells extended a spur line off Olive to the northern edge of Wellston and the southern part of what is now Pine Lawn. This area developed as a get-away for city residents to spend a day in the country. The part of Wellston that is now James Harvey Place was the site of the Suburban Garden, which like the Delmar Garden in what is now University City was a recreation attraction. There was a German beer garden and eventually an amusement park which was popular until the end of the First World War.

                                                       Continued on page 5


 

 

FLASHLIGHT
Page 2                                                                                       July, 2010

 

    How do you store your pictures?   Framing, scrap-booking or sticking them in shoeboxes? With the advent of digital photography, there are several options sharing the photos you love, making them last a good, long time: You can either: Email,  scan  or use US Postage (If photos are to be returned, please include return US Mail postage.)                              

 

  The Paper Moon picture is of Marian '48 and Bill '55 Eggert taken at Forest Park Highlands around '42 or '43. The other picture was taken Sept 1956. "That's Patty (Marian's daughter) and me, when I was in Montgomery Al. on my way back to Florida", Bill said. "Patty was born July, 1956 while I was in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas. I had been in St. Louis on leave because of mom's operation. I was in an accident with my 1951 Mercury in Wellston, at the bowling alley on the corner of Easton Ave and Ogden. I had 3 appraisals, all too high, so I took it to Montgomery where I had it painted white with customizing, added skirts and whitewalls and still had enough to pay for the trip home and back. Now those really were the GOOD OLD DAYS." (Relayed by Sandy (Gibbons) LaRouche '57).

On June 30, 1953 Chevrolet introduces the Corvette. Billed as a 1954, there were only 300 built in 1953. Fifty-six years later, approximately 225 of them are still known to exist. All of the cars were Polo White with a red interior and a black canvas tip. There were two options offered: A signal seeking AM radio ($145.15) and a heater ($91.40). Although listed as options, all 1953 Corvettes were equipped with both items. The radio had an interesting feature: since fiberglass is electrically inert, the antenna was simply incorporated in the trunk lid. This would not be possible with a conventional steel body.

BILLY HALEY AND THE COMETS

The featured song is "Rock Around the Clock" make by Bill Haley and the Comets in  1955, the first rock 'n' roll record to achieve national popularity. Haley succeeded in creating a music that appealed to youth because of its exciting black beat, its urgent call to dance, and the action of its lyrics. The melody was clearly laid down by electric guitar, the lyrics were earthy and simple. Haley abruptly ended the ascendancy of the bland and sentimental ballads popular in the 1940s and early 50s. He also succeeded in translating black rhythm and blues into a form that adolescent white audiences could understand.



Old bus transfer found on Ebay.

Wagner Electric
Retirees Picnic

August 19th at St. Rita's Church
10:30 am to 1:30 pm
North and South Avenue @ Page Ave
Entry Fee: $3.00 - light lunch served
For more information contact: Jerry Blankenship 314-808-4209

 

FLASHLIGHT

Page 3

July, 2010

CHEISA '64 FINDS ADDITIONAL TALENT

Interest in art began in Italy where he was born for Americo Cheisa '64. He enjoyed creating all types of art from pencil sketching to metal objects. After high school he continued his education by attending Rankin Technical School where he learned the welding trade. Besides making his living with this trade he was able to create many art objects he sold at different events.

Americo was good using pencil and graphite but he wanted to expand his abilities by learning how to use charcoal.  After retirement he was able to get more item off his "bucket list". He attended Florissant Valley Community College taking a charcoal art course.

His artistic abilities shine with his charcoal creation of Gus Zeltmann's Texaco Service Station, located on Delaware at Plymouth Ave, which he copied from a picture taken in 1934 and his portrait of his mother and father.

Americo has shown his art work at several art exhibits in the St. Louis area including Forest Park and Florissant Valley Community Colleges.

In photo to the left, his sister, Josephine '61 admires his work.
 
(Click pictures to enlarge and see the detail of his work)


Four Wellston 'cougars' were spotted prowling the streets of Branson in March. Left to Right: Carol Beeman '60, Cheryl Horne '61, Mary Ann Crecelius '60, and Janet Scott '60.

A warning has been issued to watch out for these four dangerously fun loving ladies. Its believed they have a great time no matter where they are or who they're with! They are known members of the 'Red Shirt' gang.

Donna Hagan '68 share's her container garden and the benefits of planting in containers. They include cucumber, watermelon, zucchini, radishes, carrots, onions, green beans, potatoes, corn, tomatoes - cherry and regular, and strawberries.

Now she can sit back, water and watch her garden grow without weeds!  Learn how and the benefit of container gardening:
Jack Schlieker '45 and his wife, Virginia celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 1st with an open house (from 2 - 4 pm) when they exchanged and renewed their vows.

Standing in the back of the happy couple are their three sons, John, Paul and Timothy.
(click pic to enlarge)

Mary (Martin) Curtis became first time Great Grandma to a 7pound 5 oz baby boy on June 16th making this a very special day. The baby now shares his birthday with his Great-Grandpa as they both were born the same day, different years!

 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 4

                                 July, 2010


Donna Reutter '60
 

Where in the World is Donna Reutter '60?
Check out the link taking you to the missing alumni list in your class. They may not even know they are missing!!  If there’s someone on the list that you know the whereabouts of (living or deceased) please email us the information, or have them contact us. As you see there are only a few classes with people missing. Most classes have someone who takes the initiative to keep their class list current. While this is not an easy task to undertake, it does make the job easier for the Reunion Committee. Check all the classes, because someone’s brother, sister, aunt, uncle, parents or even neighbor, might be on the "Missing List". The list spans a period of over 30 years. MISSING ALUMN

Obit

                    
Memorial

Our Wellston Trojan

Classmates Remembered List
Rest in Peace

 

Pat Smith '59 passed away June 20th from complications due to a stroke. She was retired from Bryan Cave Law Firm; a member of the Sweet Adelines Choir and devoted to her church and active in Prayer Shawl Group and Book Club. Pat enjoyed doing needlework and cooking. Please take a moment to sign her Guest Book.
Jimmy Jackson '64 passed away June 24th from complications of Agent Orange (Vietnam War). A memorial is being plan but date is not available at this time. Jim was the owner of a Professional Career Management Firm (Head Hunter). He lived in the 6200 block of Wagner Avenue when attending WHS.
Condolences to:
Mike Smith '61 in the loss of his sister, Pat Smith '59
Jean (Wright) Smith '61 in the loss of her sister in law, Pat Smith '59
Beverly (Jackson) Kirkseey '61 in the loss of her brother Jimmy Jackson '64

    WHO'S  BIRTHDAY IS IT THIS MONTH?  

July 1 Micky Collins '42
Martin Kammeier '55 
July 10 Elva Torrence '47
Don Blume '51
July 20 Victor Wright '57
July 2 Bill Voos '48  July 11 Bud Watson '60
Millicent Watkins '61
July 21 Sheryl Stilts '65
July 4 David Kammeier '60 July 13 Clara Thompson '47 July 22 Don Siress '63
June Lawrence '63
Carol Hulst '65
July 6 Tom Baum '54
Joyce Yokum '58
Larry Cargal '67
July 14 Bonnie Landsbury '57 July 23 Sherri Collins '66
July 7 Dorothy Broker '42
Joe Hunter '54
Roberta Zeltmann '58
Sharon Mobley '65
July 15 Robert Lee Smith '42
Erlene Reese '54
Judy Pallardy '62
Bea McBride '66
 
July 25 Helen Smith '43
Clarence Syler '56
July 8 Poncho Cannady '51
Billy Chaudoin '59
July 16 John Dicks '50 July 26 Jim Shaw '45
Norman Siebern '50
July 9 Marian Eggert '48
Ruth Douglas '53
July 18 Paul Hegstenberg '67 July 28 Jim Chapman '60

Love in the Air
A prom time memory from Sandy Gibbons '57


    I was always a kind of weird kid. Ask anyone who knew me then, even my best friend, Sandy Whiat Schopp, now of San Clemente, California. She'll tell you.  I read too much, worried, danced, ate, sang, obsessed and dreamed too much. I probably felt way too much, too.

    I moved to Wellston in 6th grade and for many valid reasons, I was as timid as a wild rabbit. As a result of my multiple neuroses, until my junior year in high school, I never attended any mixer, hop, spread--any of those social interaction things, out of fear that I wouldn't be accepted there. I felt very ugly and clumsy.  You may have felt that way in your own life once or twice or if you are lucky, never at all.

    Some time in about my junior year, I figured out that there were not only other people who felt uncertain, like me, but some people who felt even worse than I did. I didn't want anybody to feel that bad.  So  I bought a copy of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" at Walgreen's and read Dale Carnegie  walking back and forth to work after school.

    It was about the same time that my doctor put me on thyroid medication coupled with Dexamil, a lovely little peach diet pill, all perfectly legal at that time. Suddenly I began to acquire a new shape; I began to talk—to everyone, everywhere.  I mastered the art of the two word compliment. I dashed about bridging gaps, getting everybody involved.  I no longer crept into a room, I entered with the velvet stage curtain wrapped about my body declaiming, "Ahh, tis spring and the forsythia is in bloom!"

Read the rest of the story:

 

 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 5

                                 July, 2010

Wellston: can life pulse again?
 by: Jonathan Sanders
Continued from page 1

The street car continued to thrive, and as it grew, so did Wellston. The terminus of the Hodiamont trolley line (the #32, which still remains the route number for the #32 Hodiamont bus) was in Wellston and this became known as the Wellston Loop. The Wellston Loop was a major shopping hub from the 1930s until the 1960s, supporting the needs of local residents drawn to the area by major industry like Wagner Electric and others as well as city residents who would take the trolley to Wellston for shopping and recreation.

The shifting demographics of the area, combined with the growth of automobile transport after World War II eventually spelled the demise of the Wellston Loop. St. Louis County grew to the north and west, and where folks would formerly have taken the train to Wellston for their shopping, newer developments such as Northwest Plaza siphoned off business from Wellston. Prior to the 1960s, the major east-west corridors were Natural Bridge Road and the St. Charles Rock Road. Manchester ran west to what was formerly farmland and Olive Street Road’s terminus in Chesterfield was farmland as well. To get from North County to South County meant traveling US 67 (Lindbergh Boulevard).

Interstate 70 was the first interstate highway, built in the late 1950s. Interstate 270, the outer belt, was built by the late 1960s, as was the inner belt, I-170. This fostered the spread of population to areas that had formerly been remotely connected to the urban core of St. Louis. Prior to the construction of I-44, the southwest corridor was Route 66 which extended from Chippewa to Watson from south city to Kirkwood, Webster Groves and points west.

The creation of the Bi-State Development Agency in the early 1960s – and the overt encouragement (some would say bribe) from General Motors to tear up trolley lines and establish bus routes (with sleek new GMC busses) – hastened the demise of the inner ring commercial areas such as the Wellston and University City Loops, Maplewood, and Ferguson.

Maplewood and Ferguson still maintain some vestiges of the old days, and much of that is due to the efforts of local business leaders who have worked hard to restore some past glories. The University City Loop – which formerly lived in the shadow of its sister Wellston to the north – saw a revival because of the work of Blueberry Hill owner Joe Edwards and other local business people.
Wellston suffered from this lack of strong leadership, and as businesses died off and population shifted, Wellston declined. Today, the largest property holder in Wellston is the Wellston Housing Authority and St. Louis County. Sadly, there is not the industrial base in Wellston to support shops that existed in the past. Wellston is no longer a destination; for many, it is considered an area to avoid or at the very least an area to pass through on Skinker from Washington University to Interstate 70.

What I have found intriguing about Wellston are the vestiges of its past that still remain. Some of the treasures from the Wellston Loop are gone (notably the Wellston Loop Building) but walking the Wellston Loop and examining the vacant storefronts gives an idea of what the past was like. The old high school on Evergreen Avenue still stands with its Art Deco front and sturdy brick facades. The inside of the building is rotted away and trees sprout up through the gym and auditorium.

Perhaps the 1939 Wellston High is the symbolic legacy of Wellston. Some see it as an abandoned, boarded-up building but upon closer examination, one can almost sense the life that used to pulse through it. It begs the question of Wellston: can that life pulse again?
 

Willy Wellston is now a member of



Are you??
Facebook.com - Search for Willy Wellston

 

 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 6                                                                                                  July, 2010

Flavonoid-Rich Diet Can Help Your Heart

by: Mari (Treadway) Roades '65 | FLASHLIGHT REPORTER

 Experts advise eating more fresh fruits and vegetables to maximize the health benefits of this natural antioxidant.

 Ever wonder why that daily apple is so good for you?

 Scientists did, too, and what they’ve found is that apples aren’t just packed with essential fiber and vitamins; they’re also rich in flavonoids that can cut your risk of death due to heart problems.

We have known about these for a long time, but more recently, research has helped us understand how these substances in plants can benefit our health.  They have antioxidant properties that are believed to protect against free radical formation.  Free radicals are molecules that damage cell membranes and cause defects in our DNA.

Flavonoids, along with plant sterols and sulfur-containing compounds, are classes of micronutrients found in fruits and vegetables.  Research is finding that they seem to reduce the risk of fatty deposits in artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Consider, for instance, a study in the March issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that found women who eat a diet containing foods rich in flavonoids had a decreased risk of death from coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

More specifically, the study’s authors reported that eating apples and pears and drinking red wine are associated with lower CHD and CVD deaths, while grapefruit consumption was linked to lowered CHD death.

Conflicting evidence

However, not all studies have reached the same conclusion.  Scientists reported in December’s issue of Free Radical Biology and Medicine that recent studies found that very low concentrations of flavonoids exist in the blood after people eat foods high in flavonoids.  They also point out that fruits and vegetables also contain many macro-and microntrients that might contribute to the food’s antioxidant benefits.  They conclude that the antioxidant benefits that come from eating flavonoid-rich foods are likely the consequence of increased uric acid levels, and not necessarily the result of flavonoids themselves.

The American Heart Association wants to see more studies on flavonoids and other plant chemicals (also known as photochemicals) to determine not only the true benefits of flavonoids and other known micronutrients, but also whether other unrecognized plant components can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.  The organization also wants to see a nutritional database that includes better information on micronutrients so consumers have a clearer sense of just how much flavonoids are in their favorite foods.

Still worth eating

Despite the conflicting finds from those two recent reports and the need for more research, most research still points to the benefits of eating foods high in flavonoids.

It’s always difficult to study how the foods we eat affect our bodies, but enough research has pointed to these same foods that are high in flavonoids as being beneficial to our health in a variety of ways.  Thus, it seems wise to aim to include them in our eating plan.

Besides the foods high in flavonoids are highly nutritious for many other reasons, making them healthy choices all around.  The large majority of studies show that eating more of these foods can benefit our health, even if only to take the place of other foods which may not be good for us.

There are no specific guidelines that say how much flavonoids you should get in your daily diet, but the USDA recommends two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables daily (or nine servings total). Considering most Americans don’t heed those recommendations.  You should start there to help guarantee you’re getting enough nutrients-including flavonoids in your diet.

Don’t overdo it

But be careful not to get too much of a good thing.  It may be tempting to reach for a pill in drug store that contains flavonoids, but a high concentration of one particular type of flavonoid may do more harm than good.

 Too much soy, which also contains flavonoids, can be problematic for some women.  Some agencies such as the American Institute for Cancer Research, advise women who have had hormone-dependent breast cancer to limit themselves to a few servings of soy foods per week and to avoid soy supplements because of the possibility that soy can promote a recurrence of cancer.  It’s best to talk to your doctor about your soy intake.  And be sure to discuss your diet with your doctor if you are taking chemotherapy medications.

In the end, it’s best to aim for a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.  Foods contain a greater variety of these good-for-you chemicals (than supplements), as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber. Plus you are less likely to get too much from goods if you choose a variety and aim for balance.

Foods Filled with Flavonoids: 

Onions, Kale, Broccoli, Citrus fruits, Berries, Apples, Soy, Tea, Red Wine, Grapes, Tomatoes

What you can do:

Substitute fruits and vegetables for less nutritional items in your diet: Exchange strawberries for ice cream or cut up carrot sticks and celery instead of potato chips.

Try a cup of almond or rice milk in your cereal or to make cocoa.

Snack on nuts and sweet potato chips.

Have a glass of lemonade using real maple syrup to sweeten it.

Add variety to your diet.  Pick up some pomegranates or blood oranges instead of your average apples.  Choose colorful fruits and vegetables, which tend to have the most flavonoids…

 Remember……We are what we eat…..Relax…..Enjoy the journey

 

 

 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 7                                                                                                  July, 2010

Some Reflections on the Last WHS Graduating Class

by: Roger Noon '62 | FLASHLIGHT REPORTER

          Whether it was Wellston High, Halter High or Eskridge High, the graduation +events of 2010 marked the end of our school system.

          Thanks to the generosity of so many of you, (noted in the last FLASHLIGHT) and matching funds of the Welhisco Alumni Board, we were able to be present and provide incentives for young men and women of promise. The auditorium of Harris-Stowe College was crowded with family, relatives and friends along with other well-wishers like any other graduation you and I had. There was plenty of excitement and anticipation. There was a sense of sadness this was the “last” of something that had been in constant process with so many generations of Wellston people for over 100 years (117 to be exact)! 

          You gave me an opportunity to speak to the Class of 2010 through the presentation of Scholarship Grants. I would like to share with you some of what I said to them.

1.    I asked them to say after me “I NEED---TO SUCCEED. Failure-is not an option.” They are the hope of the future and the way to counter poverty, crime and a culture of disappointment with the success of a good education.

2.    I shared with them how the Scholarship monies came to them- how we designated the teachers and staff of the school to provide an application which included information together with writing an essay. Any senior was encouraged to apply. Five seniors applied and were recommended. They received the grant amounts according to their final grade point average. The monies will be forwarded to the higher education institution of their choice for whatever needs they might have.  (Last month’s edition noted that all graduates had invitations to institutions of higher learning and are considering their choices!)

3.    Each of the applicants were acknowledged by this writer personally (as last month’s photos illustrate) on behalf of the Alumni. The smiles on their faces testify as to what it meant for them.  I reminded them that even though the graduation was bitter-sweet, the former Alumni of Wellston graduations wanted this moment for them to be a reminder that we care.

4.    Finally, this writer wished them God’s blessings; that He would open their hearts and minds to the unlimited possibilities that awaited them. They were encouraged to make a difference with their lives.  Once again I asked them to repeat: “I NEED TO SUCCEED. Failure is not an option.”

Following the graduation service a number of scholarship parents came forward and expressed appreciation for the grants made to their children.  The cheering graduates had their pictures taken, said their goodbyes and left for celebrations afterward in typical fashion.  

Accompanied by Alumni Trustee JoAnn (Williams) Croce, her husband John and a number of Alumni, it was over and the history of Wellston Schools came to a close. You were there in spirit by your gifts! Congratulations everyone!  

Roger Noon ‘62   

Wellston High School Flashlight shining a light on our traditions,
our history and our future

 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 8

                                 June, 2007

Editors
Bill Voos (’48)
Sandy (Gibbons) LaRouche ’57
JoAnn (Williams) Croce ’60

President
Mary Kay (Parker) Morse '56

Secretary/Treasurer
Jim Shaw '45

Trustees
Joe Hunter '54
Gloria (Schwenk) Turner '59
Larry Turner '60
JoAnn (Williams) Croce '60
Donna Hagan '68

Buzz Book
Pat (Miner) Slatton '62

ClassMates Remembered
Carol (Beeman) Hathaway '60

WELLSTON HIGH SCHOOL
WHS Alumni Club
P.O. Box 774
O'Fallon, MO 63366

Phone  636-696-4693

E-mail

NEW
[email protected]

 

LET'S GO TROJANS!
 

Email address are available online:



Reconnect to your class friends and neighborhood playmates.
If you would like to be listed send us a note!

 


   INTERNET GEMS:   


You Know You're in a Redneck Church if:

1.  The finance committee refuses to provide funds for the purchase of a chandelier because none of the members knows how to play one.

2. People ask, when they learn that Jesus fed the 5000, whether the two fish were bass or catfish, and what bait was used to catch 'em.

3. When the pastor says, "I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering" and five guys and two women stand up.

4. Opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holiday.

5. A member of the church requests to be buried in his 4-wheel-drive truck because "It ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get out of" (Love it!)

6. The choir is known as the "OK Chorale."

7. In a congregation of 500 members, there are only seven last names in the church directory.

8. People think "rapture" is what you get when you lift something too heavy.

9. The baptismal pool is a #2 galvanized "Wheeling" washtub.

10. The choir robes were donated by (and embroidered with the logo from) Billy Bob's Barbecue.

11. The collection plates are really hubcaps from a '56 Chevy.

12. Instead of a bell you are called to service by a duck call.

13. The minister and his wife drive matching pickup trucks.

14. The communion wine is Boone's Farm "Tickled Pink."

15. "Thou shall not covet" applies to huntin' dogs, too.

16. The final words of the benediction are, "Y'all come back now, Ya hear." God  Bless and don't fergit ta say yer prayers!

Send in Your Story! Let us know where you’ve been and what you’ve done with your life.  Everyone loves a good story – what better reading then about someone you know!! 

06/30/2010 07:57:59 AM