FLASHLIGHT
49th Edition
First issue November, 1920

WELHISCO ALUMNI NEWSLETTER

JANUARY, 2011

WELHISCO

Trojan Head designed by
Kermit Ruyle '47

Reminder
20 Months until

Reunion 2012

October Birthdays
Page 4

Missing Alumni
Found
in December:

'41	Eugene Torrence
'63	Jerry Schowengerd
'65	Bruce Hedges
'68	Ken Jones
'72	Phyllis Cargal

2011 WHS Club - Membership Drive

Club Application

Keep your membership current.

$10.00 for email
$15.00 for USPS mail
2011 Members
Thanks for your support

Duncan Yo-Yos

Its hard to believe the yo-yo is as popular today as it was when we were in school and long before then. Duncan® yo-yos have been widely recognized as the finest yo-yos in the entire world since 1929 and the name "Duncan" has been synonymous with the yo-yo across the USA and the world.

Entrepreneur Donald F. Duncan Sr. purchased the Flores Yo-yo Company in 1929 from a Filipino immigrant, becoming an indelible part of our American history. Yo-yos were promoted across the entire United States continuously from the late 20s to the mid 60s when the Yo-Yo man would show up on school playgrounds. Owning a Duncan yo-yo and seeing the official Duncan Yo-Yo Man perform his tricks was an inimitable part of our childhood.

The Classic Line is the yo-yo most of us will remember from our childhood. The Imperial and Butterfly are two of the most sold yo-yos in the entire world, and are still the standard by which most beginner yo-yos are judged by.

Jim Shaw '45 (1464 Morton) remembers the Yo-Yo man showing up on the school playground when he was in grade school. He said doing tricks with a yo-yo it was very popular. Some guys were better than others doing their tricks.

Bill Voos '48 (1292 Delaware) doesn't remember a yo-yo man visiting the playground. He remembers a coke guy with a carnival "popcorn" type vending machine with circus animals giving out coke coupons to all the children.

Phillip Crownover '60 (6149 Plymouth Ave) remembers the Yo-Yo Man coming to the junior high playground and how he told everyone the tricks was in the way the string was placed on the yo-yo. He showed them how to place the string to do different trucks such as with a tight string you could throw it straight out and it'd come back. With a looser string you could make the yo-yo do a round the world and to walk the dog by throwing it down and let it roll across the floor. There were other tricks such as Rock the Baby, loop the loop, Shoot the Moon, make it sleep plus many others.

Al Bayliss '55 (6410 Wells Avenue) said he didn't remember anyone coming to the playground but he does remember entering a tournament held at Kressges - once. The boys took their Yo-Yos seriously back then and the talent was excellent. Al said he didn't make it pass the first round.

The Yo-Yo man was usually a Filipino, probably because a Filipino invented the Yo-yo. It was a big deal to have him carve your initials or something else on your Yo-Yo. This is a toy that's withstood the age of time.

FLASHLIGHT
Page 2 JANUARY, 2011

How do you store your pictures? Framing, scrap-booking or sticking them in shoeboxes? With the advent of digital photography, there are several options for 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.)

Jim Shaw '45 (1464 Morton Ave) was able to name most of the WHS Peppers shown in to the right.

From front to back are: Dorothy Herren, Virginia Caudle, Janette Helling, Betty Jean Lloyd, Bob Purvis and Bill Goetz. All the girls were from his class of '45. Bill Goetz was in the class of '48.

Photo sent in by Roby Watson '43 (6428 Wells) appearing in the December '10 Flashlight.

We all know it took more than a set of D cells to get Wellston’s Flashlight shining again. Thanks to Bob Haefner ‘49 who taught me how to build web pages and post them to the Internet for all to view, helping to refresh so many memories. We don't have to download the paper, which had caused some computers to crash, the paper is now posted to the Internet.

Since Dec, '06, with the contributions of many pictures and stories being sent by the alumni and Bob Haefner with his genealogical stories of our little community, the Flashlight has been successful. Wellstonities have once again become a close knit family, renewing and/or making new friendships. Our alumni club has been has been increased to include up to 1979 bringing in more memories. I feel confident everyone's learned a little something new about Wellston and its history they never knew before. I know that I have.

We are starting our fourth year of our Alumni Club. We have averaged 300 members since it started in 2007. As of this date 324 alumni have joined for the 2011 year of which 140 are mailed to those without an Internet connection. At the end of 2011 we had 470 club members, mailing out 190 Flashlights. Our membership is starting to drop but with the new classes added, hopefully it will increase so we can continue posting and mailing the Flashlight.

Because of the reunions and newsletters, many alumni are now corresponding via phone or email. We meet for lunch or dinner and are taking trips together. We have come a long way from Reunion 2003. Our reunions have truly reunited us as classmates and friends, not just for a weekend but for life.

Thank you so much to those who feel our efforts are worth the ten dollars a year for email notices or fifteen dollars having the Flashlight mailed to your home and can afford to help us with expenses. Your payments also provide the same Flashlight for the occasional viewer, plus alumni without Internet access can receive a free printed copy from a friend and, of course, provide a free look for a few that do not have the eighty four cents a month to spare. Bless you contributors for joining the Alumni Association, making this newsletter a success.
JoAnn (Williams) Croce '60, Editor (6140 Wagner Ave) Picture of the Wagner Gang supplied by Janice Clark '61 (6136 Wagner Avenue) Click to enlarge.

FLASHLIGHT
Page 3	JANUARY, 2011
“The 2009 Gathering of the Clans” in Edinburgh by Bob Coates - Class 1952
Marching up the Royal Mile from Holyrood Palace to the Edinburgh Castle was the highlights of my trip; so I just had to go back to Scotland in 2010, which was the first “Clan Gathering” since 1832. The Next Gathering will be in 2014. This trip was such at great time for me that I just have to go back again. Why am I wearing a Kilt with the Clan Farquharson Tartan; it’s a long story and a leap of faith. I can trace my father’s side of the family back to the early 1800 to the area in North Carolina that is now Raleigh. There was a fire that destroyed 60 years of records in the late 1800; therefore a leap of faith to Jamie Coates that was deported from Scotland in 1745, one of the lucky ones as the English hunted down and killed all the rebels that were not killed in 1746 at Culloden Battlefield. My Great Grandmother on my father’s side came to the USA when she was 12 years old. My Mother’s maiden name was Scott. Her side of the family goes back to the 1840s, and again due to that fire, not looking farther on their part, I'm not sure Scotland is were from they came from. She did sing old Scottish Songs to me when I was a “Wee Lad” So you see; American born; but Scot thru and thru. The young Lady with me was part of our tour Group. The second Picture is the famous Edinburgh Tattoo where pipe bands from all over the world perform on the Parade Grounds in front of the Edinburgh Castle. The next picture is from the top of the castle; the parade grounds are further down; see the 4th picture. The Tour was great from Glasgow, north to the Highlands; Thru Braemar, my Clans area, and Balmoral down to St Andrews and Edinburgh. We saw sheep shearing, tasted several Single Malt Scotch’s, got a boat trip on Loch Lomond and took pictures of “Neisse” at Loch Ness, tasted Haggis, and so much more! Can't wait to get back to Scotland; however I need to replace the carpet in my bedroom and thinking of remodeling both the bathrooms and kitchen so no trip this coming year, or possibly even the next.
FOND REMEMBRANCES BY Jim Shaw - Class of 1948 (1464 Morton Ave)
It is now 2011 and the significant events of 2010 have been reprised on TV and in newspapers –celebrities who have died, major events, the “bests” and the “worsts.” For me, reading Bill McClellan’s column on Mother’s Day,2010, was a significant event, as he wrote about finding a letter that his deceased mother had saved for years as he was closing out her belongings. He wondered about the letter, what motivated her to save it, what was its significance to her? Questions that could never be asked or answered. I, too, had such an experience when a similar task fell to my wife and I after my mother passed on. I found a clipping, attributed to an Ellen Clementine Howarth, which asked this question: “Where is the heart that doth not keep, within its inmost core, Some fond remembrance, hidden deep, of days that are no more? Like Bill McClellan, I had the same questions and those words still stay with me. When I was planning the 50^th reunion of the Class of ’45, we used those words as part of the cover of our reunion booklet. What are your fond remembrances that you have of your Wellston experience that you can share for the FLASHLIGHT? Your input will help to keep it fresh and interesting! Email us your story. Jim Shaw, ‘45

FLASHLIGHT

Page 4

JANUARY, 2011

Obit

Memorial
Our Wellston Trojan

Classmates Remembered List
Rest in Peace

Gary Verble '64 passed away on December 15, 2010 from a kidney disease. His body was cremated.

Gary married Shirley Pilkenton '67 (who passed away in '03). They had two children, a boy and girl. Gary was a avid bowler earning (2) 300 rings in his career. He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone and lived in Fenton until his death.
Gary lived on (Isabella) in Wellston.

Memorial Notices:

Holiday Greetings: Just a note too the mid 50s group, we celebrated my birthday on Aug 14 and my mom's, Genevra (Henneke) Hansen Aug 15th. Back in the late 40s and 50s, having four kids in the Wellston school system, she was active to the point that on one year ('55, I think) was PTA president. The story was that's how I got my diploma. On Sept 2, 2010 at the age of 99 she's gone to be with Rick ('01) and Marion '10 Hansen. We'll always miss family and friends this time of year. Have a healthy and happy New Year. Ron Hansen '56 (6211 Derby)

******************

Grace Williams passed away 12/7. Grace was known by many alumni as a long time employee from Wagner Electric, a chief shop steward, and a member of Local #1104 Executive Board for many years. After retiring from Wagner Grace remained very active in the retirees club until her illness.

Grace is survived by three daughters, JoAnn '60, Germaine '67 and Judy '70. (6140 Wagner Avenue)

Condolences to:

Carlyle '52 and Ron '56 Hansen in the passing of their mother Genevra at the age of 99 on 9/3 (6211 Derby)
Carol '55, Richard '60, Dick '65 Mueller in the passing of their mother, Loraine 12/1 (6306 Hobart Ave)
Loretta (Hulahan) '43 in the passing of her husband Bob Arras on 12/1 (6423 Myrtle Avenue) Guest Book
JoAnn '60, Germaine '67, and Judy '70 Williams in the passing of their mother Grace at the age of 86 on 12/7 (6140 Wagner Avenue) Guest Book
Betty Housewright '60 in the passing of her son, Keith Tomnitz on 12/18 Guest Book (Gamelton Avenue)

WHO'S BIRTHDAY IS IT THIS MONTH?

Jan 1	Martha McFall '54	Jan 9	Betty Shaw '47 Herb Eberle '56 Judy Blake '68	Jan 20 Carl Henley '62 Marcia Cline '65
Jan 2 Jan 3	Colena Prince '56 Donna Phipps '62	Jan 10 Jan 12	Carsten Miller '47 Marie Stillman '47 Luke (Ray) Davis '58 Rober Ashenbremer '59	Jan 22 Mike Hopen '69 Jan 23 JoAnn Gillies '58
Jan 6 Jan 7	Clara Louise Fricke '47 Virginia Sasseen '52 Jim Radtke '59 Frank Clark '43	Jan 15 Jan 16	Don Presson '65 Ken Dahl '53 Bob Hauther '55	Jan 24 Harold Hanner '64 Jan 27 Laverne Narrell '49 Cheryl Horne '61 Jan 28 Phillip Crownover '60 Clarice Ashby '63
Jan 8	Ray Morse '56 Pat Thompson '65	Jan 17 Jan 18	Shirley Smith '50 Carl McQuay '51	Jan 29 Shirley Stroud '56 Jan 30 Eileen Klinger '46

FLASHLIGHT

Page 5

JANUARY, 2011

WHS Club Membership Dues
2011

If you received an email with the January 2011 Flashlight link, then you are a 2011 member. However, we have not received your dues if you had to search for the January Flashlight on the Internet. If you are having financial problems or unable to join the 2011 club, please contact the office or one of our Trustees. Because of the generosity of our alumni who sent in extra with their dues we are able to help those less fortunate. Our goal is to keep everyone in touch with each other.

Membership dues are $10.00 for email notices or $15.00 to have the Flashlight mailed to your home. Those with email addresses receive links to the monthly Flashlight plus any alumni news as it becomes available. (Non-members receive their class news) Thanks for your support!
2011 WHS Alumni Club Member Application.

Wellston street names: Have you noticed Wellston address or street names are being added to stories and/or comments? If you're like most you really don't remember where some of these streets were located. We have a recent map you can look at which tells exactly where each street is located. Some street names have been changed such as Delaware but most knew what that was anyway.

Click the map picture to view larger or click Google to view all of Wellston and the surrounding area (South of Page and Hillsdale).

Pat Miner

6588 St. Louis Ave

Did you know both Mrs Claus and Santa came from the class of 1962? Pat Miner on the left and Jack Jeffries on the right both dress up for their grandchildren.

Click The Santa pictures to view both with their families.

Jack Jeffries

6400 Lenox

Thanks to all the Trojans who help keep the Flashlight on the web for reconnection to Wellston. I enjoy keeping up with the kids whom I went to elementary school with during 1940-1944 years. I graduated high school (in Tennessee) in 1948...therefore I found several names of kids I went to school with that were in those classes.

I have reconnected with Bill Voos through email. Bill and I have reminisced over the past year about our Wellston friends and experiences as well as the events in our lives over the past 65+ years. This has been a good emotional experience for me and I thank everyone for the part you played in it.

Thanks for the Flashlight and the work all you guys and gals have done to produce such a publication. Even though my time in Wellston was relatively short, and I did not go to high school there, I've read about several of those who were friends in elementary school at Ella and Evergreen and enjoyed seeing their pictures and reading about them in the past issues of the paper. Harold Jackson '48 (6204 Ridge Ave)

Willy Wellston is on

Are you??
Facebook.com - Search for Wellston or Halter High School

FLASHLIGHT

Page 6 JANUARY, 2011

All I really need to know I learned in MASSAGE SCHOOL:

(Mari's mom fell and broke her hip. this is a repeat from January, 2009)

by: Mari (Treadway) Roades '65 (6523 Mount Ave)| FLASHLIGHT REPORTER

The following article was in the Notebook I received when I started massage school. I’ve passed it on to many people and felt it was worth passing on to you all.. As you read this article, you will see as I did, this basic advice can apply to any school, job or personal situation.

Be punctual, prepared and keep good notes. Wash your hands. When you are ready, the perfect teacher will arrive. Knowledge of Greek and Latin prefixes is beneficial. Don’t panic, tests are for your own growth-if you falter you can, and will, repeat the lesson. Nurture your Self. Strength lies in balance. Receive massage. Eat your vegetables. Drink plenty of water. Be cheerful. Exercise daily. Wear comfortable shoes. Breathe deeply.
     Create a peaceful environment. Nourish the senses; aromatic candles, meditative music and cotton flannel sheets. Every body is sacred. Be reverent. Warm your hands. Warm the room. Warm your heart. Talk less, listen more. Live open-minded. Beware of your prejudices. Refuse gossip. Value confidentiality. Be honest. Presence and intention are paramount.
     Wholeheartedly attend the moment. The lightest touch can heal.
     Transition with ease and grace. Spirit each move. Individual responses vary. Deep pressure. Gentle rocking. Embrace the difference. Stretch. Don’t pretend to be an expert on that which you are not. Never force. Never rush. Care. Pain is subjective. Laughter is healing, so are tears. The body remembers. It’s never too late to ice it. Forgive. Forgive yourself.
     Practice, practice, practice. Challenge rules. Welcome possibilities. There is no routine. Let it flow. Create. Dance. Don’t forget to breathe. Deeply. Relax. Shoulders down. Knees loose. Move from your center. Trust intuition. The mind thinks, the heart knows. Believe in others. Believe in yourself and your profession. Believe in a force greater than yourself.
     Be gentle, be strong, be willing and the healing power of creation will flow through to benefit all you touch. From atom to universe we are whole and all are connected. Honor all. Judge no one. Offer freely to those in need. Continue to learn. Share your knowledge. Respect. Expect respect. Strive to grow, every day. Be open to prosperity. Be grateful. Follow up and follow through. Success walks a determined step. Clarify aspirations. The path will clear. Dream specifics. Doors will open. Dream big. Thoughts manifest. Never give up. Never lose hope. And above all else. . . LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.
Written by : Jo Sodano

Yours In Good Health…..Happy Everything to Everyone in 2011…..Mari

FLASHLIGHT

Page 7 JANUARY, 2011

Memories of Sutter Field

by: Roger Noon '62 | FLASHLIGHT REPORTER
(6418 Mount Avenue)

The lead article about Sutter Field a few issues ago in the Flashlight brought to mind some memories of the place for me as well.

Strange, I don’t remember much about the house itself because I must have been focused on what was going on behind it, like sports events. All I remember was our bus driver, Mr. Saffley lived there.

The first memory was a Junior High field day at Sutter. That memory was a particularly good one because I have a couple of running medals as a prized possession. I also recall (perhaps it was at the same time) watching Bob Saffley of the high school football team practice punting the ball for what I thought was an enormous height and distance. I thought-I could never do that! And I was right, I never did that!

The second memory was a little more painful. When I went out for track in High School, we wore those thin pants and shirts. In cold freezing weather (before I knew about sweatpants and hoodies), I practiced on the field and developed what was called at the time “lumbago” (lower back strain). I remember going to Dr. Toon’s office in the Wellston Loop for treatment being bent over with pain, but getting some kind of treatment in which one experiences hot and cold in a few minutes. (Can you imagine this, Roger Noon to see Dr. Toon!)

I think I am correct (or at least hope so!) that the track was made from cinder which made it an interesting running surface. I still have some cinder under the skin in my left knee where I fell down and did not get the cinder completely out. Guess one could call it a “battle scar”.

But like most of the students of WHS, the field is best remembered for all the football games played there. When I was in the marching band, I remember mostly a muddy field and gray skies during those seasons. There was one particular game when our band took to the field at half time. The field was so muddy it really did a number on our uniforms (remember the black/red ones with the soldier type hats and epaulets on the shoulder?). I remember during a transition formation from one song to another, my snare drum flew off the brace for it on my leg and I was wildly trying to march and hit the drum at the same time! (The drummers gave the “cadence beat” that kept the band in step). There were probably less than 25 people in the band. Our “formations” left something to be desired, but I heard some very good instrumentalists and we did try-wavy lines and all!

Although our guys gave it their best shot, our teams did not come away victorious very often. I remember one Homecoming Game we were beat by a big score (remember the floats with borrowed trailers, chicken wire and tissue paper?). But since we managed to score a touchdown on the other team, it was enough of a “victory” for us and we celebrated anyway. Why be sad when Homecoming was meant to be fun!

Can’t say I met any Alumni at the Homecomings or would have known what to say if I did. But I do recall Mr. Stegall talking about Norm Siebern with the Yankees who played at Sutter Field. Roger Noon WHS 62 (Hillsdale)

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

FLASHLIGHT

Page 8

JANUARY, 2011

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
Phyllis (Crouch) Russom '62

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
(Office closed until April 1st)

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!

A senior citizen said to his eighty-year old buddy:
'So I hear you're getting married?'
'Yep!'
'Do I know her?'
'Nope!'
'This woman, is she good looking?'
'Not really.'
'Is she a good cook?'
'Naw, she can't cook too well.'
'Does she have lots of money?'
'Nope! Poor as a church mouse.'
'Well, then, is she good in bed?'
'I don't know.'
'Why in the world do you want to marry her then?'
'Because she can still drive!'
                    *******************************

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm.

A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?'

Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot momma and be cheerful.''

The doctor said, 'I didn't say that.. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful
            *************************************

Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember..
Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.
'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?'
'Sure..'
'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.
'No, I can remember it.'
'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so not to forget it?'
He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.'
'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks.
Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!'
Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes,The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.. She stares at the plate for a moment. 'Where's the toast ?'

                     Happy New Year!!

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!!

Trojan Head designed by Kermit Ruyle '47

(Mari's mom fell and broke her hip. this is a repeat from January, 2009)

Trojan Head designed by
Kermit Ruyle '47