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