Friday, February 21, 2014

Robinson Elementary Teacher Makes Large Donation

For those of you who attended George R. Robinson Elementary this might be of interest. From 1949-1975, Miss Joyce Garrison, who married and became Mrs. Earl Calvin Parke, taught at Robinson School. In the early 1980s I was attending a luncheon of the Freedoms Foundation here in St. Louis County and happened to see a familiar face. I kept bugging my husband, insisting I KNEW her but couldn't place her, happens a lot to me! I finally went to her table and told her I was sure we had met, and asked if she was perhaps a teacher. Yes, was her answer, and I said in Kirkwood? Yes, and I asked Robinson School? Yes, again. I then said, "I am Leslie Vander Meulen and I think you were my brother's first grade teacher." And immediately she said, "Well yes, you must be Kert's sister." We then had a nice conversation about Robinson, Kirkwood, roots and little Kert. As it turned out she was a member of the MO Mayflower Society and I had seen her name for years as I served in various Board positions. Because she didn't attend meetings regularly (we only have 3 per year) I never saw her so I had no way to know she was the former Joyce Garrison. In 1984 she and her husband retired to Westfield, NY, the area where she was born, very close to my family's Dutch roots around Lake Erie. She was a member of the Buffalo NY Colony of the Mayflower Society after she went back to NY, and the DAR as well as the MO Retired Teachers Assoc.

The current issue of the "Mayflower Quarterly" just arrived and I was surprised to flip to a page and see a photo that looked familiar - Mrs. Parke. The title: "Mayflower Descendant Leaves Society Unprecedented Bequest"... really caught my eye because we get lots of bequests - unprecedented not so ordinary! Our sweet Miss Garrison left the Mayflower Society over $1.5million!!! She had no children and the article describes the bequest as the "majority portion of her estate".

She earned her degree in Elementary Ed at Wash U. She was born in Silver Creek, NY and is buried in the Garrison family plot at Ripley, NY, survived by a niece and two nephews. She died in December 2012. You can go here to see her obituary.

What a lovely connection to make with this lady from Kirkwood doing so much good for such a good cause. The fund will be the Joyce Garrison Parke Memorial Fund. I am sure our Society will find a good home for the funds, as we have a large house museum/library and offices in our care and we are always publishing new research on Mayflower passengers and topics.

In this class were, among some I don't remember, Ray Stelfox, David James (who shared my same b'day and lived just down from Larry Gibbons), Lydia Flanigan, Ricky Kohler, Bob Delong, Bruce Rutherford, Anne Smith, Mary Clifton, Doug Hayman, Bill Watts, Mike Caldwell, John Guyer, Russ Magee, Becky Smith, (the late) Ronnie Reid, and (the late) Charlie Huebner. BUT THEN you'd know these faces if you'd seen www.khs65.com where I have a post with lots of class pix ~~and I have more to post, lurking on this computer somewhere!!!

Arlayne McManamie-West's husband passes away

Our classmate Arlayne McManamie-West's husband, Charles William West (67), passed away due to a massive heart attack-Tuesday, Feb 18 at Mercy Hosp in Des Moines. His funeral was today, Friday, Feb 20 at 1:30pm Urbandale, IA; they were married 45 yrs, have 3 children & 10 grandchildren. He was a devout Christian, Elder in his church, and played drums in their church orchestra. Our sincere condolences Arlayne, may he rest in much love and peace.

Friday, February 14, 2014

KHS64 MEMBER RICH MCDONNELL PASSES AWAY

Many members of our class knew Rich McDonnell through his music. Someone mentioned to me this week that he had died and I just now had time to look up his obituary in the Post. Here is the link to the obituary. Some of you may know that his brother is Mayor of Kirkwood these days. Weren't we fortunate to have so many talented musicians in our midst growing up in Kirkwood in the mid '60s? Perhaps why our music continues to unite us all these years later.
Another of our time gone too soon.

McDonnell, Richard E. Passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Dear friend and former husband of Cynthia P. McDonnell (nee Platte); loving father of Boyd (Paige), Carter (Kate), and Clayton (Corinne) McDonnell; dear grandfather of Ryan, Maris, and Myles McDonnell; dear brother of Arthur (Barbara) McDonnell, Diane Hadley, Kenneth (Donna) McDonnell, Mary Carole (Jeff Nilles) McDonnell, and the late Holly McDonnell; dear uncle, great-uncle and cousin. Richard was a friend to every person he met, and will be remembered for his love and warm spirit, genuine interest in others, his beaming smile, and largerthan-life presence. He enjoyed a 30-year career with A.G. Edwards, and for the last 15 years, lived his true passion, as founder of the MAXJAZZ record label. To his core, Richard was a lover and champion of jazz and its artists. Services: A memorial gathering will be held from 3-6pm on Thurs., Feb. 13, at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd., in Kirkwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to Jazz St. Louis, 3547 Olive St. Ste. 260, St. Louis, MO 63103. www.boppchapel.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stltoday/obituary.aspx?n=richard-e-mcdonnell&pid=169629586&fhid=6378#sthash.Br4EdyPb.dpuf

Richard E. McDonnell

Obituary

Guest Book

"Such a great guy! First to introduce himself and make you..."
- Kate Black

View Sign

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stltoday/obituary.aspx?n=richard-e-mcdonnell&pid=169629586&fhid=6378#sthash.Br4EdyPb.dpuf

Richard E. McDonnell

Obituary

Guest Book

"Such a great guy! First to introduce himself and make you..."
- Kate Black

View Sign

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stltoday/obituary.aspx?n=richard-e-mcdonnell&pid=169629586&fhid=6378#sthash.Br4EdyPb.dpuf

Richard E. McDonnell

Obituary

Guest Book

"Such a great guy! First to introduce himself and make you..."
- Kate Black

View Sign

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stltoday/obituary.aspx?n=richard-e-mcdonnell&pid=169629586&fhid=6378#sthash.Br4EdyPb.dpuf

Richard E. McDonnell

Obituary

Guest Book

"Such a great guy! First to introduce himself and make you..."
- Kate Black

View Sign

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stltoday/obituary.aspx?n=richard-e-mcdonnell&pid=169629586&fhid=6378#sthash.Br4EdyPb.dpuf

Thursday, February 13, 2014

JIM OLSON CREATING AGAIN!

Our classmate Jim Olson, of Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame and KHS65 Track Team fame is now entering a new arena. Check out his latest project at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/634329694/break-a-leg-talking-key-chain
and be SURE to watch the video; you'll see Jim as he is today and have a chance to pledge to this fun invention, but even if you don't want to do that, it's a fun project to learn about. Jim was a long-time advertising guru with Gray Advertising, a really creative kinda guy~ Among my favorites were his great Dodge RAM Truck ads on TV, and my all-time favorite, for McDonalds, "Put Litter in its Place"... The project is also on Facebook, The Original Break A Leg typed into the FB search bar will bring it up. BREAK A LEG Jim!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

BOBO, Papa Choo Choo, trains and Kirkwood - what a life!

For most of my life one of my favorite Kirkwood places has been the Museum of Transport. If you grew up in Kirkwood you will remember it wasn't really all that much when we were little, but WOW, it's world class now. THE place to have a grandchild's birthday party, an adult fund-raiser, a day out in the sun enjoying stuff such as a '57 Chevy, old trains, walking through old trains, history of our area, history of the world of trains and other modes of transport, you name it, they've got it...oh and did I mention part of the facade of Coral Courts??? I've blogged before about the tunnels, and Dave Beardsley I think added some G2 on them too...historic part of the property. If you haven't been lately, just GO. It's not far south of Manchester on Barrett Station Road. Gotta be careful, some of the roads have changed, but you'll recognize a lot of the area.

Bob O'Neill of our class has volunteered at the MOT for over 50 years - you do the math to figure out when he started! He recently told me he "fell in love" with trains as a very little boy and just never outgrew it. Dave Beardsley has been a devoted volunteer newbie since his retirement too, and they are making great strides in saving, renewing and publicizing the trains held in the Museum's properties. Recently Bob told me they'd received two train cars to use as workshops for their various projects. Earlier in the summer those two great pals helped me move some furniture and I discovered some wood shelving I don't need and can't store. Remembering the new train cars and figuring these narrow shelves would be perfect, I offered the shelving to them & they loved the idea - poof - the shelving disappeared from my life, a good thing. In appreciation for their help that day we agreed they'd give me a tour of their current projects at the MOT and I'd buy lunch. August 22 was one of those days this summer when it seemed like May not August, and it was great to be outdoors. I met Bob and Dave at the MOT and got a great tour of their two new train cars, outfitted with workbenches, tools, storage, toy train parts, the whole works. It's AMAZING what they can take advantage of that others would pitch! The staff was already working hard on the toy train exhibit which will open just after Thanksgiving so I could see some of the "in progress" works. Meantime, Bob had to work the trolley ride for awhile, so Dave & I hopped on and chatted the whole time! Then it was off to lunch at where else than PJ's in Kirkwood...yum. However, I'm still indebted, Bob bought lunch saying he owed Dave a lunch anyway, but that still doesn't get me off the hook does it?

I have a friend who is interested in trains too, so when Bob was telling me about this huge engine and its history and the fact that it's one of the largest locomotive engines ever, I listened. Do I now remember all he told me, well NO, but Dave has a Facebook post that gives a bit of info about Union Pacific and its old, huge locomotives.

Above are Dave and Bob with their huge engine, and there's a canal tender, who knew? It's called a Mule, an electric locomotive which ran alongside the canal locks and which has a winch for towing ships through the restricted spaces; we're never too old to learn are we???
And I'll brag on my son a bit, when he was still in high school Matt automated the MOT's Friends database and early store software in the gift shop. He then supported that software until later technology replaced it. If memory serves, he was working there before he could drive!

THANKS DAVE and BOB for a great day, lots of learning and fun. I am in AWE of the amount of work you do and have done (especially Bob for all these years) to volunteer at this worthwhile Museum and keep the history of trains and training alive. GOOD JOB!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Condolences to KHS65 Classmate Larry Barnett

Thank you to Jim Day for alerting me to Larry Barnett's recent loss, his daughter Melony. Here is the obituary from The Kirkwood Webster Times of 9/6/13:

Melony Lynn Barnett

Died: Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Melony Lynn Barnett of St. Louis, formerly of Kirkwood, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013.

Ms. Barnett was the mother of Sonjah Ann-Marie Ferguson and Miles Edward Ferguson; daughter of Susan Nichols and Larry Barnett; sister of John Barnett; stepdaughter of Edward Langford; niece and cousin. She was gone too soon.

Services were private. Arrangements by Bopp Chapel, Kirkwood. Online guest book at boppchapel.com.

I hope that those of you who wish to will send a condolence to Larry on this tragic loss. May she rest in peace and love.

Monday, July 8, 2013

VIET NAM VETERANS MEMORIAL - THE TRAVELING WALL

Last month the Sunset Hills Historical Society brought the Traveling Wall to St. Louis County for 4 days. It was open 24 hours per day and was visited at all hours. Visitors saw an 80% portable wall which looks a good deal like the actual wall in Washington, DC. One could fill out a request sheet and the location of the name was filled in by a volunteer sitting at a computer. Veterans could look at a large mounted map of Viet Nam and put colored pushpins where they served. Many gifts and souvenirs were left at the wall in memory of loved ones. There was a lovely wreath on a stand, and flags were in view in several places. Military guards were present 24 hours too. Young men from Mo Air Natl Guard and other units. Each evening there was a program and the night I was there it began to rain literally just as the evening's program began, so we moved into the Lindbergh High School auditorium. The Wall was on the parking lot, plenty of parking for visitors and a very nice space to accommodate many visitors. I believe in all there were something like 500 volunteers involved in bringing this wonderful memorial to the people of Missouri. I wanted you all to know of course that I visited Jerry Rawlings'

and Jeff Beardsley's names on the Wall, just as I have done in Washington, DC. The picture here is the two request sheets used to give me the location of the names.

I spent a full day and evening volunteering to help feed the many volunteers - we had pizza, fruit, cold drinks, breakfast sweets in the morning, sandwiches and such to sustain the soldiers and other volunteers constantly in attendance. Our classmate Frank West, himself a Vet, stopped by to say hello, which was a nice KHS treat! I had the pleasure of seeing several others whom I know and met many wonderful folks giving of their time and energy to assist the public as they paid their respects, mourned or simply visited out of a sense of history and honor. My friend Sandie Grassino was in charge of providing all the food for the volunteers and I'm so glad she asked me to help - I doubt anyone went hungry!

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Traveling Classmates return from Hawaii

Bob & CJ O'Neill have returned home from a two week jaunt to Hawaii, lookin' really great you guys! And Pat and Dave Hoag are setting off soon for a two week jaunt to Greece and other places that direction. Who else is traveling this summer?

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Viet Nam War KHS65 veteran, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

For my Kirkwood friends, I need some help. I am involved in the coming exhibit, The Traveling Wall, the VietNam Veterans Memorial. We had a classmate named Jeffrey Randolph Beardsley. His name is on the Wall, panel 38W. The records state he was from York, PA. I've known for many years he died during the VietNam War but someone told me this is not our Jeff B. The records all add up, born 4/1947, joined the Marines 8/68, died 11/18/68 in South Viet Nam. But the record says he was from York, PA. I THINK I later learned his parents had moved after we graduated from KHS, and being still young, he might have moved with them, or at least might not have enlisted as a resident of Kirkwood. I want to get this straight, I found no other Jeffrey Randolph Beardsley than ours when I did a cursory internet search.

I am going to be posting more info about the Traveling Wall, which will be at Lindbergh High School 6/13-16 and am looking for volunteers to help with the food service for the many volunteers needed to tend to the exhibit. There will be many volunteers to feed, as there will be those walking the Wall 24 hours per day, those assisting visitors, etc. etc. Stay tuned! I've satisfied myself that the Jeff Beardsley on The Wall is our Jeff. PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE SOME TIME AND WANT TO HELP WHILE THE WALL IS HERE, LESLIE@KHS65.COM
THANK YOU!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Don Stream's mom passes away - her obituary

Here is an email I just received from the Kirkwood School District. Many of you know Don of our class and many others know his brother Rick from his wonderful community service in Kirkwood:

Friends,

As many of you are friends and colleagues of the Stream family, we wanted to share Joan Stream's obituary and memorial service information with you. Please keep the Stream family in your thoughts and prayers.

Stream, Joan (nee Abbott), 89, a longtime resident of Kirkwood died peacefully April 3, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.

Beloved wife of the late Lawrence Edward Stream who passed away in 1963 at the age of 42; dear sister of the late Eleanor Wright; dear mother of Donald (Joann) Stream; Eric “Rick” (Ellen) Stream; Roger Stream; Douglas (Anne) Stream; Scott (Debbie) Stream; Jeffrey (Shelly) Stream; Chris (Nancy) Stream; and Laurie Stream. Dear grandmother to nineteen, great-grandmother to six, aunt, cousin and friend to many.

A 1941 graduate of University City High School, Mrs. Stream received a full scholarship to attend Brown University where she met her future husband, Larry. He graduated early to serve as a Naval officer in the Pacific during WWII and she transferred to Washington University in St. Louis and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1945; first in her class. She and Larry were married the next year, settled in St. Louis and began their family of eight children before moving to Kirkwood in 1951.

Mrs. Stream’s many activities and volunteer work included: Keysor Elementary School where her children attended for 24 years; an Elder and Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood where she was a member for over 62 years; a Pink Lady volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital; a volunteer with the youth baseball Khoury League; an active supporter of the Muny Opera since 1946; Forest Park forever member and St. Louis Zoo Friend. She was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan all of her life.

A service will be held Sunday, April 7, 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 E. Adams, 63122. A reception at the church will follow immediately. A private burial will be held Monday morning. The family is grateful and wishes to thank Bethesda Dilworth Nursing Home for the excellent care Mrs. Stream received the last six years.

Donations may be made to the Salvation Army of St. Louis or the Kirkwood School District Foundation c/o Joan Stream Scholarship Fund.