WYANDOTTE HIGH SENIORS

Organized 1991

REX NEWBOLD, PRESIDENT (913) 631-6921
MARILYN GUNDERMAN, VICE-PRESIDENT (913) 384-3924
JEANNE PARKER, ACTIVITIES (816) 252-3397
GAYLE CUMMINGS, SECRETARY (913) 299-0548
MARGE CURRAN, TREASURER (913) 299-8426

         SPRING 2004          Issue 26

 

YOUR PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

 

                                          After being involved with the WYANDOTTE SENIORS since its conception, I

                                  have marveled at the great people who have come together to form a great

                                          group who can express their Wyandotte spirit even after all these years. We

                                          can all experience those feelings that we had when we walked the halls as

                                          bulldogs and enjoy the friendliness that was such a main part of Wyandotte

                                          High. We invite everyone to join us and share in this spirit and friendship of

                                          Wyandotte.

 

                                          We have planned many great activities for the corning year. We will have

                                          overnight trips, day trips and activities where we will meet to enjoy the

                                           activity. Our goal is to have as many as are able to join us for as many

                                           events as they can. We also encourage our members to invite their friends

                                          that were blessed by attending Wyandotte or even if they were not so

                                           blessed!

 

                                          Again, it has been my privilege to have the best group to make everything

                                          run so smoothly.  These outstanding officers are Marilyn Gunderman, V.P.,

                                          Jeanne Parker, Social, Gayle Cummings, Secretary and Marge Curran,

                                          Treasurer.  

                                                                Rex Newbold, President

 

                                                             

The Kansas City Star -- Wyandotte & Leavenworth   Posted on Wed, Jun. 23, 2004  
                            By KERRI FIVECOAT-CAMPBELL Special to The Star

Class of '44: What a ride it's been
                  Numbers dwindling, but ties are still strong

In 1944, Minnesota Avenue was still known as “The Avenue,” everyone knew what a Packard was and America was at the height of World War II.

In the spring of that year, nearly 650 students graduated from Wyandotte High School and entered a world at war. Most were drawn immediately into that defining period in American history, either in military service, supporting industries, war-bond drives or conservation efforts.

In the decades since, nearly a third of them have died, but many of the survivors remain connected today through friendships that have lasted a lifetime. This past weekend, the Wyandotte High School class of 1944 celebrated its 60th reunion at a reception on Friday at the Hilton Garden Inn and a luncheon on Saturday at the Reardon Center in Kansas City, Kan.

Though time and physical distance have separated the class, 147 alumni of the group came from 14 states and Canada to reminisce and see old friends.

Frank Hursh, who has chaired the reunion committee since the class started holding reunions in 1974, said that when they started planning the 60th reunion one year ago, they expected that only about 100 people.

“It goes down a little every reunion, but over 100 people was certainly more people than we thought would come,” Hursh said.

Phyllis Hurst, one of the 18 committee members, said she believes one of the things that resonates with so many members of the class after so many years was the small-town feel that Kansas City, Kan., had at that time.

Many of the people in her class, she said, had attended the same grade school — Mark Twain Elementary — through the eighth grade, before graduating from high school together.

“We went through school together for all of those years and build a nucleus of friends,” said Hurst. “Some of the poorest and some of the wealthiest lived within a few blocks of each other and that didn't make a difference; we all thought that's what made it nice.”

Hurst's father owned Shaw Motor Co., the Packard dealership at Sixth Street & State Avenue at that time. Many of her classmates' families, she said, owned or worked at businesses on State and Minnesota Avenues.

“We would go to Minnesota Avenue and watch the people walk by,” said Norma Lee Winters, who has been friends with Hurst since they started kindergarten. “It was a big school, but it had a small-town feeling; everyone knew everybody.”

Winters also recalls meeting friends by the fireplace in the main hall at Wyandotte to hear the latest gossip about who was dating — or who was no longer dating.

That small-town feel, Hursh said, was not the only thing that connected the students. Wars, both past and present, also connected the group. Most of the fathers of their generation had fought in World War I; many of their classmates helped in the World War II effort through war bond drives and later, through enlistment and helping with USO shows.

Hursh recalled hanging out at a spot called Blender's at 38th Street and State Ave., before he graduated and enlisted in the Navy. He later married Mary Alice Walker, one of his classmates.

“We were caught up in the war and some of the older members of the class went in before graduation and then went to summer school,” said Hursh. “But I didn't turn 18 until summer, so I finished school before enlisting.”

Two of their classmates who didn't wait until graduation to enlist were Bob Callahan and Richard Boring, who joined the Marines together, but ended up in different divisions.

Callahan gave up the opportunity to be the football captain in 1943, instead serving in the Pacific theater until the end of the war. He finished his high school coursework in 1946. He still attends reunions with the class of 1944, because he considers that his class.

“Everyone was going to war and we wanted to go,” said Callahan. “I wouldn't give it up for the world, but I would hate to go through it again.”

Callahan was wounded in Korea in 1950 and was discharged in 1952, then went on to work for the Board of Public Utilities for 37 years. Boring now lives in Texas.

Hursh said he didn't know how many in their class had died in World War II, but he knew of several. To date, Hursh said, approximately 200 people from the class have passed away.

Things have changed significantly in Kansas City, Kan., and in the world since 1944. The remaining members of the class are now in their late 70s and things that were commonplace in 1944 seem foreign to the younger generation.

“I had to explain to my grandkids about what a Packard was,” said Hurst.

Winters believes part of the appeal for the reunions to the class of 1944 might be old-fashioned nostalgia. The reunions “bring back memories of happy times before too many worries, except for the men who went off to war,” she said.. “We didn't think about things like terrorists.”

The changes in the world haven't been all bad for the class of 1944. Things the class couldn't have even imagined 60 years ago, such as e-mail, help keep members of the class connected.

“Thanks to e-mail, we hear from people a little more than we used to,” said Hursh. “But it is still fun to get together and see everyone again and visit a little.”

Every so often, the name of one of our classmates comes to our attention and with it a story we would like to 
share.
We thank Marilyn Gunderman for her suggestion and input concerning Wyandotte Seniors member, 
DON WOLF, CLASS OF 1954. 

Don and his wife are natives of Wyandotte County and the parents of 5 children, 2 step-children and 16 
grandchildren. Don is the owner of WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY, 3117 Merriam Lane and teaches at Johnson County 
Community College two nights a week. He joined the Navy after graduating from Wyandotte, where he 
studied photography. After the service he pursued this career and has been doing it every since. At the 
present, he and three other photographers are in the fields of food, fashion, annual reports, catalogs, etc. 
The portraits that you see in the newspapers of the Channel 4 and Channel 9 anchor teams are samples of his 
work. According to Don, the highlight of his professional life was to photograph two Gucci catalogues. Many 
of the photographs and images in the STRAWBERRY HILL MUSEUM are his work.

A particular love of Don's is the ST. THERESA'S ORPHANAGE in Zagreb, Croatia. He is continually raising 
money for them as the government in Croatia does little to support their needs. It was noted that the 
building had a badly damaged leaking roof, little equipment, and a lack of sleeping quarters, among others. 
Now thanks to Don they are enjoying new cubicles with new beds, a new roof, etc. Don is known as 'PAPA 
WOLF' by the children and nuns there. More important than the many awards and accolades he has received, 
is continued DONATIONS. This is a charity that is hard to find, in the 100% of donated monies go directly to 
the orphanage. There are NO administrative costs! What a wonderful service or better investment to make 
than in CHILDREN and their future.

If interested in helping, donations can be sent to Christ The King Catholic Church, RE: St. Theresa's 
Orphanage, 3024 N 53rd Street, Kansas City, KS 66104



WYANDOTTE IN THE 50's PICNIC

Where: Wyandotte County Lake 
Beach Shelter House 
(Handicap accessible)

Date: October 10, 2004 RAIN, SHINE, SNOW or WIND!!

Time: 11 a.m. to ?? --- The shelter is reserved all day

Host: Class of 1958 for the Classes of 1950 thru 1959.

There is no cost to you. 

Bring your own picnic basket (food, drink, utensils).

Wear a nametag with your Class Year noted!

Your impromptu entertainment encouraged and most welcome!! 

Visit the Class of 1958 Bulldog Bytes newspage at  http://www.oocities.org/bulldogbytes1958/  
and their web page at:  
http://members.cox.net/wyandotte1958/  


A RECAP OF OUR ACTIVITIES  --

In November 2003, we made our annual trek to Branson, Missouri. We had a great trip enjoying great 
weather, good shows, and wonderful fellowship.

December 2003 - Our annual meeting was held at the Cascones Restaurant in Overland Park. We had a good 
meeting. To Jeannie goes a special thank you for juggling plans after the Golden Ox decided to close for 
business. 

In January 2004, we met at the Heartland Theatre in Crown Center to attend and reminisce to the music of 
Frank Sinatra. It was really a great show.

Feb 10 - 13 was our annual trip to Las Vegas. This year we stayed downtown to show us a different view of 
Vegas. We stayed at the Four Queens and had our 'farewell dinner' at the Golden Nugget.

March took us to the Woodlands to try our luck with the dogs. We had a good lunch and a lot of fun - and a 
few winners!

April found us at the Argosy Casino. We do other things besides gamble. After a wonderful buffet and 
pleasant conversation, everyone was on their own. 

The above are some of the highlights of our year.

The only thing we were lacking at our outings was YOU! (Please ignore that sentence if you were in 
attendance.) We always have a good time renewing old and few friendships while enjoying the day. Come 
and help us swell our crowds this next year! Jeannie and her committee has some excellent trips planned for 
us all. Read about them, and choose as many as you want to attend!!

We received a nice note from the widow of member Fred Clever, who passed away this February in Seattle, 
Washington. She was letting us know how much he appreciated receiving our newsletter! To her we send our 
condolences and our appreciation for her gratitude.

It's always nice to know that we're not wasting our time!


ACTIVITIES FOR 2004

JUNE 26, 2004 - HEARTLAND THEATER - Saturday, 4:00 P.M.
The play is "Menopause" - $24
2450 Grand - Crown Center - Kansas City, Missouri

JULY 24, 2004 - DINNER - HEREFORD HOUSE - Saturday, Noon
Bacon Wrapped Filet of Beef, $18 or Teriyaki Chicken - $10

OCTOBER 10, 2004 - NEW THEATER RESTAURANT - Sunday, 11:45 a.m.
The play is 'DRIVING MISS DAISY' - $35.20 - Includes Dinner
9229 Foster, Overland Park, Kansas 66212

NOVEMBER 19 - 21 - BRANSON, MISSOURI, BUS TRIP - (Fri., Sat., Sun.)
Hotel - Comfort Inn, Thousand Hills
$385 double, $479 single, $355 triple, $345 quad
Shows: Pierce Arrow; Doug Gabriel, Broadway; A Star Spangled Christmas; 
Lost in the 50's; and Allen Edwards Breakfast Show
Five Meals: Breakfast at Hotel (2); Pasta Grille; Whippersnapper's; and 
Breakfast with Allen Edwards

DECEMBER 11, 2004 - ANNUAL MEETING AND LUNCHEON - Saturday 11 a.m. 
ARGOSY CASINO, Terrace Buffet Blue Room - $12
777 NW Argosy Road, Riverside, Missouri
ELECTION OF OFFICERS

CASINO TOURS - Call Hal Cummings for details - (913) 299-0548

June 8, 2004 - Tuesday - Harrah's, Topeka
September 24 & 25, 2004 - Friday and Saturday, Tama, Iowa

LAS VEGAS, 2005 - IF ENOUGH PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED, WE WILL GO PROBABLY IN FEBRUARY. CALL 
JEANNE PARKER IF YOU WISH TO GO - (816) 252-3397

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RESERVATIONS FORMS - Copy and paste the form(s) you need onto a computer program such as Notepad or 
Microsoft Word, or you can request them from Jeanne Parker (816) 252-3397. 

Return your reservation and money to Jeanne Parker, 12901 East Terrace, Independence, MO 64055, by the 
indicated date for each event. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HEARTLAND THEATER - Return reservation As Soon As Possible
June 26, 2004 Saturday 4:00 p.m.
The play is "Menopause" $24/person
2450 Grand, Crown Center
Kansas City, Missouri

NAME _____________________________________________

CLASS YEAR ________________________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________

____________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER _________________________________

AMOUNT ENCLOSED _________________________________

Return your reservation and money to Jeanne Parker, 12901 East Terrace, Independence, MO 64055
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HEREFORD HOUSE 
July 24, 2004 Saturday RESERVATION DEADLINE: July 1, 2004
19721 East Jackson Drive (I-70 & Little Blue Parkway)
Independence, Missouri 

Cocktails - 12:00 Noon (on your own)
Lunch - 12:30 p.m.
Menu - Bacon Wrapped Fillet of Beef $18.00       Teriyaki Chicken $10.00

NAME _____________________________________________

CLASS YEAR ________________________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________

___________________________________________________


TELEPHONE NUMBER _________________________________

AMOUNT ENCLOSED _________________________________

Return your reservation and money to Jeanne Parker, 12901 East Terrace, Independence, MO 64055

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Theater Restaurant
The play is: "Driving Miss Daisy" 
October 10, 2004, Sunday, 11:45 a.m. 
9229 Foster
Overland Park, KS 66212
$35.20 per person, includes Dinner
RESERVATION DEADLINE: First half due on July 10th
Second half due on September 1st

NAME _____________________________________________

CLASS YEAR ________________________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________

____________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER _________________________________

AMOUNT ENCLOSED _________________________________

Return your reservation and money to Jeanne Parker, 12901 East Terrace, Independence, MO 64055


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BRANSON, MISSOURI, BUS TRIP - NOVEMBER 19 - 21 - (Fri., Sat., Sun.)
Hotel - Comfort Inn, Thousand Hills
$385 double, $479 single, $355 triple, $345 quad
Shows: Pierce Arrow; Doug Gabriel, Broadway; A Star Spangled Christmas; 
Lost in the 50's; and Allen Edwards Breakfast Show
Five Meals: Breakfast at Hotel (2); Pasta Grille; Whippersnapper's; and 
Breakfast with Allen Edwards
$100 due August 1, 2004 Rest of payment due September 19, 2004

NAME _____________________________________________

CLASS YEAR ________________________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________

___________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER _________________________________

AMOUNT ENCLOSED _________________________________

Return your reservation and money to Jeanne Parker, 12901 East Terrace, Independence, MO 64055

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ANNUAL MEETING AND LUNCHEON - DECEMBER 11, 2004 - Saturday 11 a.m. 
ARGOSY CASINO, Terrace Buffet Blue Room 
777 NW Argosy Road, Riverside, Missouri
ELECTION OF OFFICERS

$12.00 due by December 1, 2004

NAME _____________________________________________

CLASS YEAR ________________________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________
___________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER _________________________________

AMOUNT ENCLOSED _________________________________

Return your reservation and money to Jeanne Parker, 12901 East Terrace, Independence, MO 64055

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~