FLASHLIGHT
51st Edition
First issue         November, 1920

      WELHISCO ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 

                                 MARCH, 2011


WELHISCO

Trojan Head designed by  
Kermit Ruyle '47
 

Reminder
18 Months until

 Reunion 2012
 




 

 


October Birthdays
Page 4

Missing Alumni
Found
in February:


 

'63 Barbara Headd
'67 Judy Carpenter


 


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




Happy St. Patrick's Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WAGING WAR AT WAGNER

by: Dr. Linda Tate -
Daughter of Bonnie Landsbury '56

WWII-era advertisement from Wagner Electric Manufacturing

WWII-era advertisement from Wagner Electric Manufacturing (UC-Davis History Project)

In the early twentieth century, industry and business also began to thrive. Indeed, according to an encyclopedia published in 1901, the Wellston Loop was one of the “greatest business districts in Missouri.”

According to the City of St. Louis website, “Industrial activity in the northwestern industrial district [the part of St. Louis City in which parts of the Wellston community could be found] owes its development to the construction of the Terminal Railroad belt line about 1900. The convenience of rail access combined with plenty of adjacent vacant land resulted in the establishment of many industrial plants in the area.”

According to the City of St. Louis website, “Industrial activity in the northwestern industrial district [the part of St. Louis City in which parts of the Wellston community could be found] owes its development to the construction of the Terminal Railroad belt line about 1900. The convenience of rail access combined with plenty of adjacent vacant land resulted in the establishment of many industrial plants in the area.

Wellston was one of the first suburban outgrowths of St. Louis and was one of the oldest industrial districts in the county. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, in 1906 “a fast-growing motor producer identified the [Wellston] area . . . as the site for its new factory. Wagner Electric found access to railroad and public transportation as well as plenty of land. Other manufacturing firms followed Wagner to Wellston, including General Electric, which in 1911 established a lightbulb plant.”

By the mid-20th century, companies in the Wellston area included Fulton Iron Works, Mazda Electric, Vi-Jon Laboratories, Moog Industries, Curtis Manufacturing, and of course Wagner Electric, which continued to be a major employer, providing jobs for 6,000 workers at its height in the mid-1950s.


Student editors of the 1950
 Welhisco wrote, “In Our Town are found a number of prosperous industrial

Marie and Arthur Landsbury in front of the Wagner Electric Manufacturing Plant

Marie and Arthur Landsbury in front of the Wagner Electric Manufacturing Plant, where they were both employed (collection of Bonnie Burrows)

plants. A bustling crowd comes and goes on the streets where retail shops are found and proves that Wellston is a vigorous and prosperous business center.” The busy employment at Wellston area factories was a crucial component of the community’s hustle and bustle.

Eventually, like so many other industrial companies, Wagner Electric began to look for new plant locations – places where labor could be had at cheaper rates. “Employment declines,” says the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “and by 1980, Wagner Electric was down to about 1,500 workers in Wellston.”

When Wagner finally closed its Wellston plant in 1983, it donated its 55-acre site to St. Louis County and got a $3 million tax credit in exchange.

 

But it also left behind a legacy of toxic waste. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) were discovered on the site, and although Wagner ultimately paid St. Louis County $2 million, the site remained contaminated. No businesses wanted to purchase and renovate the factory – and it fell steadily into disrepair.
               
                                          Continued on page 2


 

 

FLASHLIGHT
Page 2                                                                                      MARCH, 2011

 

    How do you store your pictures?   Framing, scrapbooking 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.)                              

MARCH MADNESS - WELLSTON 1923-1924

The earliest record of our Wellston basketball team was found in the 1924 year book - Won 6 loss 9. Ritenour was the first opponent of the season, and Wellston won an easy victory. Kirkwood, Webster and Maplewood then took three well-played games from Wellston. After the Normandy game, which Wellston won, the captain and chief scorer was was declared ineligible for the rest of the games. This was a hard blow to the team as he was one of the best forwards in the county. After a defeat at the hands of Clayton the running guard was declared ineligible because of scholastic difficulties, which added to the teams discouragements, but they didn't lose their fight. University City was defeated in Wellston's first home game, which, by the way, inaugurated Wellston's new gymnasium. Click the picture to enlarge. you will see a couple of familiar names and faces.
Waging War at Wagner Electric: Continued from page 1
 

A ground-breaking 1997 study examined the role that environmental justice and urban geography played in the “Fiasco at Wagner Electric” (A. Hurley, Environmental History 2.4: 460-481).

For many years, those who saw the old Wagner factory – whether visiting it in person or viewing it from the comfort of a MetroLink car – described it as a bombed-out remnant of industrial battle. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes, that by the mid-1990s, “the buildings were covered in graffiti, and some walls were missing. The site was overgrown with weeds. Plastic was flying out of the windows.”

When Wagner Electric shut its doors in 1983 and left behind toxic waste, it was difficult to imagine how Wellston could ever be the site of successful redevelopment.

Designated as a federal Empowerment Zone and as a federal Enterprise Community, Wellston may now become just that: a Phoenix rising from the ashes of a once-proud neighborhood.

In the mid-1990s, the sadly deteriorated Wagner complex became the site of the Metropolitan Education and Training Center.

Wellston Neighborhood Park

Wellston Neighborhood Park, funded by an Empowerment Zone grant (Greater St. Louis Empowerment Zone)

Developers are now removing the final remnants of the Wagner factory in preparation for the construction of Plymouth Industrial Park. And St. Louis County plans to build another industrial park across the street on the site of the former Abex plant. Both facilities – the Wagner factory and the Abex foundry – closed for business in 1983.

Other efforts are underway. St. Louis County has begun repaving Wellston’s streets. Habitat for Humanity has joined the effort to revitalize Wellston: already about 100 new houses have been constructed in the once-thriving community. And MetroLink includes a Wellston stop on its route – perhaps signaling a return to the community’s key role in the area’s transit history.

[The above article was taken from the Blog of Dr. LindaTate who is collecting data for a new book she is writing about Wellston]

 

FLASHLIGHT

Page 3

MARCH, 2011

CLASS OF 1965 'RAT PACK' YEARLY MEETING

Some Ladies of the Rat Pack (class of ’65) spent time relaxing together in Gulf Shores, Alabama last October. They enjoyed time reminiscing and planning future trips.  As the finger of fate allowed their paths to cross (many years ago), they reached out and grabbed each other and never let go.  They accept each other “as is” with no apologies, or judgments.  They are definitely more than friends, they are Soul Mates!  (Louise’s adaption for the Rat Pack from Suzy Toronto’s More Than Friends Poem)

Sally (Beebe) Wills, Millie (Blackwell) Wright, Sharon (Cain) Henley,Louise (Landsbury) Overbey,Audrey (Pilkenton) Pappas,Mary (Treadway) Roades, Linda (Waldrum) Berghold, and Sharon (Zeltmann) Chiesa.


Sally Beebe


Millie Blackwell


Sharon Cain


Louise Landsbury


Audrey Pilkenton


Mary Treadway


Linda Waldrum


Sharon Zeltmann

Every year snowbirds head south escaping from cold winters, including a lot of Alumni. These Wellstonites have been enjoying the emerald green water and sugar sand beaches of Destin for the last three years. They celebrated Valentine’s Day at the Ocean Club, a favorite local restaurant. Plans have been made to meet again next year.

Left to right: JoAnn Williams '60, Pat Miner '62, Larry Turner '60 and Jerry Slatton '57.

I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed exploring all the info available for us to read/look at (reading Dr. Linda Tate's Blog). It has taken me back to a really fun time in my life--growing up in Wellston!! It grieves me to look at the pictures and see what has happened to our little (and BIG) town(s).

I just want to make a couple of comments. I have no clue, other than my imagination, what "Steven Jones" street is, unless maybe our old Delaware?! What the heck is "R.M. Morse" street? Comments on Etzel says, "Between Steven Jones and Skinker"!! Again, I'm guessing--would this be between our old Delaware and the Hodiamont streetcar track? We older folks could more readily recognize THAT description!

There is a picture labeled "Wellston 119" whose comment says, "Streamline Deco on Etzel Avenue between Steven Jones and Skinker". That building is VERY familiar to me, and perhaps others who had familys who worked at Wagner Electric. It is the Wagner Union Hall--IUE-CIO Local 1104. I have been there several times with my dad when they were on strike, collected turkeys being given to members on holidays, even eaten there! (These things may have ALL happened when they were on strike).

My uncle, Lowell Waldron, was president of Local 1104 at least one term; maybe more. When I was a little girl, there was a HUGE brown sided house to the right of the "hall" as you're facing it. Uncle Lowell bought that monster to fix up and rent out. I remember being there during the "fixing up" process, and I feel certain I was a LOT of help!!

For any of my FB friends who are remotely interested, I have many photo albums, one of which is my maternal ancestors (The Waldron/Mock one) which have a couple of old news articles in it. One is dated Dec. 19, 1945, and shows my uncle, as well as others, on the picket line in front of Wagner. Another has my uncle and a few other guys looking over the (this) union hall building being constructed. It is dated Feb. 15, 1949.

As long as we're taking trips down "Memory Lane," I want to take a BIG one!!

I am so thankful and grateful to all who take the time and make the effort, to compile all of the information and pictures for posterity and the enjoyment of others.

P.S. My Waldron relatives lived @ 6145 Gambleton Place. I have assorted pics taken outside there from roughly the late 30's (most not too good), some taken when it was in a horrendous state of deterioration, and some others when it was being brought back to life! FYI!!
Janice Clark '61 - 6136 Wagner Avenue

Editor's note: The current Steven Jones Street is indeed our Delaware Avenue.

                                      10th Reunion
Nortre Dame de Lourdes 
Wednesday,
May 18th, 2011
Luncheon 11:30 am

 at
Grappa Grill
(Invitation only)
(St. Charles, MO)
Contact: Jerry Sullivan
314-843-5529

[email protected]
to be added to their database to receive an invitation


 

FLASHLIGHT

PAGE 4

MARCH, 2011

With regard to your request for information about the Hodiamont Streetcar line, I rode the Hodiamont a lot, usually going to the Grand Avenue area or all the way downtown.  My first real job, in the summer of 1948 after I graduated from WHS, was at the Wagner Electric Brake division on South Broadway and I took the Hodiamont Car all the way down to Broadway, then transferred to the Broadway car for another long ride.

 The irony in this is that when I found out I would be hired at Wagner, I was delighted because our house on Delaware was practically across the street from the main Wagner plant on Plymouth Avenue and a less-than-10 minute walk away. I was surprised to find that, instead, I would be working for Wagner way down on South Broadway.  Still, I was happy to have a summer job making factory wages.     

I'm sure the Hodiamont Car went all the way downtown during the years I was riding it, but the route may have changed later when the street car lines were being changed and dismantled.  Also, there were several cross town cars, including the Broadway car I mentioned, that you could transfer to. (The Grand Avenue Car took you to Sportsman's Park to attend the Cardinal and Brown's games and it took our Wellston Hi-Y Club members to play basketball and swim at the old North Y, for instance. Also, many Wellston kids rode the City Limits, which went all the way to Maplewood.)

 The Hodiamont was the last line in the system, probably because it ran much, if not most, of its route on its own separate right-of-way after turning east off of Hodiamont into what I would loosely describe as the "Cabanne area" where it traveled through an area of substantial old two and three story homes with large yards and trees.  Soon it was moving quickly on its separate lane behind rows of tenements with back stairways and porch areas filled with an interesting clutter of ice boxes, washing machines, etc. 

 I especially enjoyed viewing these structures at night when the interior lighting allowed you to peek into numerous "family tableaus."  The images were so strong for me that I later recalled some of them in my "mind's eye" and created watercolors and drawings, a couple of which won awards at the St. Louis Artist's Guild and elsewhere.

 I don't recall the exact route after the Hodiamont crossed Grand, but I believe it made a "dog-leg" turn to the south on Jefferson and back east before ending up on Washington Avenue and the connection to the Broadway line.  I have the feeling that the line turned south and began its return going West on Olive in the heart of the downtown business district, But I'm not sure. In any case, the Hodiamont Car ended up on it's own right-of-way again and came merrily jolting and swaying back to Wellston.

 I loved the streetcars and I miss them.  It is always a delight to find a tram line in a foreign city like Vienna, Milan or Rio and ride it back into a land of memories.  

 Bill Voos '48 - 1292 Delaware Ave 

 P.S. During the summer of 1950, St. Louis Public Service Company hired about 25 college students, including me, to conduct rider research by riding streetcars and buses and checking the number of people who got on or off at transit stops.  We covered every line and it was an interesting summer, but that is another story. 
 

(Editor note: click the route map to enlarge.
Bob Haefner '49 submitted the map to help us remember the route.)


 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 5

                              MARCH, 2011


I know a little about the Hodiamont streetcar. After it made its stop at the Wellston Loop it continued on making three more stops at Lotus, Wabada and Kennerly. It made a loop at Suburban Gardens where the motormen could rest and use the little outhouse there.

At night some of the motormen would bring women with them. The lights would go out on the streetcar then a little later they would pop back on and the streetcar would start its journey downtown.

I lived in a two-family flat at the dead end of Timberlake Avenue where the streetcars looped. My mother wash and iron curtains for people, her curtain stretchers lined along the house. She had made friends with some of the motormen. One of them let me ride downtown with him. I sat in the single seat behind him. To a little boy that was great fun! The streetcar did go all the way downtown to Broadway making a loop so it could return to Wellston again. I remember trying to see the river in between the buildings.

Another thing I liked to do when the streetcar came up to Grand Avenue was look at the large movie posters on the side of the St. Louis Theatre. I was nuts about the movies. It sure was fun remembering these things.
 Ray Woodworth '53

Obit

                    
Memorial

Our Wellston Trojan

Classmates Remembered List
Rest in Peace

 

Carsten Bowman '47 passed away Monday, February 7th with his family by his side. Carsten had suffered many years with emphysema. Carsten would have graduated in '45 if he not joined the service during WWII, helping to defend our country.  He completed his high school education after returning home.
 
Carsten lived in the 6300 block of Derby Ave, two houses from the grocery store and across the street from the McQuays. Please take a moment to leave a short story or your condolence by visiting: Obit and Guest Book link
 

Betty (Grant) Blume, Class of 1951 passed away January 30th in her sleep. She had been recovering from (heart) bypass surgery. Betty was laid to rest on February 4th.    

Betty was married to Donald Blume, class of 1951 for 57 years. They started dating when she was 13 years old. Betty's was a travel agent. She lived on Lenox Avenue in Wellston.
Please share a story or leave your condolences while visiting Betty's Guest Book

 

Jacquelyn (Smith) Klotzer - Class of 1951 passed away February 8th from complications of a stroke.  Jackie retired in the early 90s as a textbook buyer at the University of Missouri-St. Louis for some 20+ years.

Jackie lived at 6532 Easton Avenue….Her grandfather owned the piano store and ran it from the front of their home. Please take a moment to visit Jackie's Guest Book  leaving a short story or your condolences.
 
Barbara Lee DiPaolo (nee Taylor) - class of 1957 passed away Monday January 17, 2011 from heart failure. Barbara had a successful lung transplant November, 2009. In 2010 she developed cancer in her other lung. During her struggle to regain her health back, her heart became very weak and unable to continue the fight.
Barbara was a retired travel agent. She lived at
1541 Ogden Ave
 
Clarence Syler - Class of 1956 passed away Monday, February 14th, from lung cancer. Clarence was retired as a grounds keeper from Boeing Corporation.

Guest Book:  Please take a moment to sign his guest book, share your condolences, or read his obituary

Clarence lived at 6415 Hobart Avenue
Condolences to:

Nova Miller '45
in the passing of her husband, Carsten '47 on 2/7/2011
Don Blume '51 in the passing of his wife, Betty Grant '51 on 1/30/2011
Pat Taylor '59 in the passing of her sister, Barbara '57 1/17/2011
Vickie, Jack '68, and Bob '69 Chappins in the passing of his sister, Donna '73  Guest Book

    WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS IT THIS MONTH?  

Mar 1 Richard Bowles '43
 
Mar 11 Jackie Grooms '56
 
Mar 19   David Bayliss '58
Mar 2


Mar 4
Darlene Zeltmann '63

Bob Coates '52
Bobby Dearin '62
Mar 13


Mar 15
Marie Cole '52

Barbara Polk  '59
Mar 29   Mary Ann Crecelius '60       
Mar 30   Glenda Laws '54

Mar 7


Mar 8

 

Pat Miner '62

Larry Ridgeway '56

Mar 18



 

Americo Chiesa '64



 
Mar 31   Ralph Broeker '55


 
 

 

 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 6

                                 MARCH, 2011

Foul Balls Don’t Score Many Runs

By: Larry L. Bollinger (Bobo) Class of 1960
1561 Ogden
Part 2

Now with a bit of Wellston history:

 

The section of Ogden Avenue, where I grew up, was on the north end of Ogden Avenue and north of Easton Avenue (now Martin Luther King Boulevard). At the north end of this short section of Ogden Avenue (one block long) was our ball field on the east side. We had lots of kids on that section of Ogden. Names like the Slattons, the Palmers, the McBrides, the Ashenbremers, the Taylors, the Gammas, the Oellermans, and Art Handshy come to mind, not to mention the kids on the adjacent streets. I know that a Tom’s Toasted Peanuts warehouse was erected on the vacant ball field lot at some point in time.

I was born December 22, 1941. Prior to my entry into this world, my parents entered into a Sales Contract to purchase a 3 room new brick bungalow known as and numbered 1561 Lewis Ave. This happened February 23, 1940. Please note that the Ogden Ave. we knew as kids was formerly Lewis Ave. Terms of the Sales Contract: earnest deposit - $100, cost of the house - $2,950, at closing $450 cash (which included the earnest money), leaving a balance of $2,500. The balance due was to be paid in the form of a Building and Loan, payable approximately $25 per month, including principal, interest taxes and insurance for 15 years. My parents did pay off the loan, and we lived there until I went to college in 1961. Shortly thereafter, my parents sold the property and moved to Overland, Missouri. This move became necessary when Wagner Electric transferred my dad from the Wellston plant to their new Page Avenue facilities in Overland.

North and west of the Wellston district was the Hillsdale area. Some, maybe all, of the Hillsdale kids attended the Wellston School District. Do any of you remember the old walkway bridge that crossed over the railroad tracks, west of Ogden Avenue, and the dirt pathway that connected Hillsdale with Wellston? Hillsdale had a boy’s club and we were lucky to have parents and sponsors who supported our baseball teams with bats, balls etc. (The midgets, the bantams, etc. were names of the different age groups). Hershel Harber Construction Company comes to mind as being one of our best sponsors.

Hillsdale was located adjacent to the Normandy School District and most of the players on my baseball team were from Normandy. Some names of the Normandy players that I remember were Jim and Tom Dix, Gary Dotter and Joe Tormino (spelling ?) which some reportedly went on to play college ball and received offers from major league farm clubs. Well, you had to be pretty good to play on this team! Several Wellston boys made the team, Jim Radtke, Ronnie Walker, Larry Turner and me. We thought we were in the big leagues! Jim and Ronnie were a year older than Larry and I, and we looked up to them. My nickname of Bobo was firmly implanted by this time. I think Larry Turner was responsible for this, and the name of Larry almost vanished from my life until my college days. I am somewhat surprised that my Wellston High school diploma did not have Bobo Bollinger on it. All my teachers called me Bobo and even our high school principal, Mr. Nibeck bought into it.

Yes, there are many fond memories about Wellston and my youth. Hoping this article brings back some for you, and I thank those of you who were a part of my life. In ending, Bobo wishes you the best as we complete our earthly tasks.

 

 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 7                                                                                      MARCH, 2011

Improving Your Digestion

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

Before You Eat:  The first step for healthy digestion occurs before you eat, when you salivate and produce digestive juices in anticipation of a meal.  If you skip this step (many stressed people do), you set yourself up for poor digestion.  So, relax for at least five minutes before eating.  Enjoy the aroma of food cooking and anticipate your meal.

Another important component of your pre-meal prep work should be to assess your mood and know how to eat in accordance with it.  If you need to calm down, eat meals high in carbohydrates that will tend to increase your body’s production of serotonin.  If you need a mood or energy boost, eat a meal high in protein, which will promote the creation of dopamine.  If you are overly acidic, you’ll feel calmer and stronger on a mostly vegetarian diet.  Get your protein from combining whole grains and legumes (beans and peas) and soybean products.

As digestive enzyme production diminishes with age, the intestines also have reduced motility.  Consequently, it takes more time for a meal to be digested and eliminated.  So, take the time chew food slowly and thoroughly to break it into smaller fragments.  This will increase its exposure to digestive enzymes in hour saliva and trigger the release of other digestive juices farther down the intestinal tract.

If your digestive system is really weakened consider cooking and pureeing some of your food.  Liquefying food into extremely small particles gives pancreatic enzymes a break and helps your body absorb nutrients.

Eat a Feast of Digestive-Friendly Foods

For good health and seamless digestion, the Mediterranean way of eating is excellent.  It includes mostly whole grains, legumes, fresh vegetables, fruits and fish rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and tuna.  In addition, include the following foods in your diet.
 

  • Eat whole foods that are unprocessed and unrefined.  For instance instead of picking up dried apple slices for a snack, buy whole apples instead.  Eat them unpeeled.  Use whole grains instead of refined grains like while rice or white flour.  Whole grains provide a complex mixture of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fats, vitamins B and E, and minerals.
     
  • Eat sprouted seeds, beans and legumes.  Sprouted alfalfa, green peas, lentils, garbanzo beans, sunflower seeds and adzuki beans are easy to digest.  They also contain natural digestive enzymes and don’t stress the pancreas.
     
  • Eat plenty of raw vegetables.  Like carrots and celery.
     
  • Eat certain fermented foods like natural sauerkraut (available at health food stores) and yogurt.  If you are allergic to dairy products take probiotics, the beneficial organisms themselves, instead.  To get the best probiotic support it is suggested combining at least two or more strains rather than taking a single strain.  Two extremely powerful strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum.
     
  • Eat enzyme-rich fruits such as melons and papayas, along with vegetables, nuts, beans, oatmeal, oat bran, sesame seeds and dried beans, which are rich in fiber.  Fiber improves bowel function, decreases the tendency to over-acidity in the intestines, and promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal flora.
     
  • Avoid caffeinated beverages and sugar, including sugary drinks.
     
Most important “Life Is Short”, so always have a calm atmosphere when you are eating and eat things that taste good and bring you pleasure.

Yours In Good Health….Love Love Love   Mary


If there are any topics you are interested in hearing more about…email me at [email protected]

 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 8                                                                                    FEBRUARY, 2011

WHS Black History

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

In 1954, with the Brown versus the Topeka School Board decision, it was ruled that integration of public schools be carried forward “… with all deliberate speed.” With some places in the U.S., there was a great deal of concern, resistance and violence.  In others, it seemed to be no big deal. It was more a matter of dealing with new kids who had another color other than white kids.

In 1954-55 the Wellston system welcomed 13 African-American students as High School Freshman: Darryl Arrington, Jonetta Bell, Lloyd Brown, Vivian Bruce, B. Foard, Arlevia Hayes, Estella Hayes, Marvin Hutt, Gloria James, Thelma Parker, E. Reece, Martella Williams and J. Wright.

With the school year 1955-56 there were African-American students in the Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior Classes. The Junior Class included: Darryl Arrington, George Bell, Lloyd Brown, Vivian Bruce, Harvey Cloyd, Lou Emma Johnson, Zella Mason, Wilhemena Morris and Walter Parker.

By 1956-57 there were 15 African-American students eligible for graduation. If we go by alphabetical order the first African-American student to graduate from WHS would have been Darryl Arrington. The entire class of African-American students included: Raymond Babbitt, George Bell, Lloyd Brown, Vivian Bruce, Harvey Cloyd, Maryer Hopkins, Barbara Mason, Zella Mason, Deloris Morris, Floyd Reed, Lorraine Sims, Inez Temple and Norma Woolfolk. All grade levels of WHS had African-American students which now numbered 40.

There were a total of 37 African-American students in all grades in 1958.

With 1958-59 school year, from the 13 entering African-American Freshmen 1955, only Dorothy Arrington graduated in the four-year cycle in 1958-59. Darryl Arrington, Lloyd Brown, and Vivian Bruce, graduated in 1957. Marvin Hutt, Thelma Parker, Gloria James and Martella Williams graduated in 1958. Graduating with Dorothy Arrington in 1959 after the first four years of integration were Harriet Carroll, Elizabeth Davis and Joy Keen.

The 1955 year book shows African-American students in library training, service club, Glee Club, Band, Junior Varsity and Freshmen boys' basketball teams. The 1956 year book shows African-American girls and guys on the Basketball and Football teams. Gloria James is noted as the first African-American WHS cheerleader in 1956 and served on the Student Council. Carolyn Crowder followed as a cheerleader in 1959. There were also 2 African-American Majorettes in 1957 (Bestella Williams and Thelma Parker). Zella Mason joined the National Honor Society in 1957.

It appears that early African-American students at WHS participated in almost every aspect of what was offered in the way of clubs, sports and extra events offered at the school in the earliest years of integration. Many had impressive resumes of activities with their graduation pictures.

I don’t remember a Black History Week or Month when I attended WHS (’58-’62). It was a feature in African-American Schools. But as the contributions of African Americans became more apparent in history, it became clear this was an overlooked and undervalued aspect of the educational process. I know it became a feature of future High School education at WHS.

By taking the time to expand the scope of history, and interact with different kinds of people, we learn to value every person regardless of what color they are, geography or culture they come from. I know it has been of immense value to me.

We know the first African-American graduate and the last African-American graduate (James Woolfolk) of the last WHS class of 2010. Do we know who the last White graduate of WHS?  If you know or think you know, let me know. It would be an interesting tidbit of history as well.  Roger Noon ‘62             

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

 

FLASHLIGHT

     Page 9

                                MARCH, 2011

Editors
Bill Voos (’48)
Sandy (Gibbons) LaRouche ’57
JoAnn (Williams) Croce ’60
Bea McBride '66

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!

 


     CREATIVE PUNS FOR 'EDUCATED MINDS'

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference .  He acquired his size from too much pi.

 2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

 3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

 4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.

 5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

 6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

 7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

 8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in  France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

 9. Two silk worms had a race.  They ended up in a tie.

 10. Time flies like an arrow.  Fruit flies like a banana.

 11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

 13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway.  One hat said to the other, "You stay here; I'll go on a head."

 14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger.  Then it hit me.

15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: "Keep off the Grass."

 16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital.  When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, "No change yet."

 17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

 19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

 20. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

 21. A backward poet writes inverse.

 22. In democracy it's your vote that counts.  In feudalism it's your count that votes.

 23. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

 24. Don't join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects!

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!! 

02/25/2011 09:02:07 AM