Bruce Wilson

In case anybody was wondering about that CV bomb shelter.

1957/01/08 - FALL OUT SITE APPROVED AND FUNDS AUTHORIZED - A letter was read from the Planning Commission recommending that the proposed fall out shelter be located at the old Library site° Ed Culnan, Director of Civil Defense, was of the opinion a more suitable location would be on the Civic Center grounds, but would put it wherever the Council thought best. The Council was of the opinion the purpose of the Shelter would be better served by locating it on the Civic Center site, because of the volume of traffic. It was moved by Councilman DeWolfe, seconded by Councilman Dillon, and carried, that the fall out shelter be located on the property across from the Civic Center, the exact location to be left to the discretion of Mr. Culnan and the Engineering Dept. City Engineer Floyd presented plans for the proposed fall out shelter and submitted three bids received for its construction. The low bid of L. C. Kuebler for $995.00 does not include excavation. ( City Council Minutes, Jan. 8, 1957. )

Remember the air raid drills? We were instructed not to head for the shelter, but rather to hide underneath our desks, whose sturdy wooden construction would provide our only protection from radiation in the event of nuclear attack.  Jim Longerbone will attest to this probably not being adequate I would assume.

Also, according to Google maps it is 2.6 miles from my house on Minot Ave to CPJHS and 1.5 miles to CVJHS. Yet, we were provided bus rides to Castle Park and had to walk to Chula Vista. Perhaps this was a cost savings measure to enable paying for the bomb shelter?

Does anyone remember what grade in elementary school the standardized tests commenced? This is signifcant for me since my high scores on those puppies confirmed that I was just a extremely shy little kid and not suffering from mental retardation and/or deafness.

Beverly Burton (Ryan)

Today at our Reunion Meeting, I was asking if anyone remembered the trip to the Navy Ship and here is Susan talking about it.  I hope I can find my picture of us on the deck.  Yes, Clara Jane and Jane Ladley were my friends along with the ones Sandy Smo mentioned.  Glad Hazel Goes Cook was mentioned. But I love the photos that Rosie posted of all the others.   I was the new girl from Texas and I got to sit by Blanca because I talked to much and Mr. G thought I would be quiet, but Blanca and I got along just fine.

It has been fun reading about all the memories that you all have.  Keep it up and hopefully most will attend the Reunion and we can relive them face to face.

Beverly Burton (Ryan)

Oh and I forgot about France...my husband and I lived in Le Havre for one year and Gail is correct, the French are not all hateful to Americas.  We met many that were grateful for our help and one older guy in Toulousse showed me a picture of the American family that saved him as a youth and this guy was like 80! 

Karen Etsuko Tachiki (Savel)

Ellen, I sadly do not remember much about orchestra but I took orchestra at CPJH and HJH and I fondly remember Mr. Wagner. I really do not remember anyone in the class except the first violin Steve? whose father was in the San Diego Symphony I think. And Mr. Wagner played viola for the San Diego Symphony and later as an adult I often attended the symphony and saw him but not playing. It seemed he was involved with the organization? or some support position with the symphony. And do you remember in the 8th grade he and his wife invited the orchestra students to their home for a backyard barbeque at the end of the school year. I did not take orchestra in the 9th grade but I saw Mr. Wagner at school one day and he spoke with me and hoped I was still playing the violin. I think I said I was but really I sort of lost interest in playing. Of course now I wish I still knew how to play. I still have my violin, it is a cute half size and I sometimes get it out to show friends. And I believe I read Mr. Wagner's obit in the San Diego paper a number of years ago. What a nice man he was, a good teacher and is in the positive column of my educational experience. I have a vague memory of taking violin in elementary school. I'm not sure if I'm remembering that from before my family moved to Chula Vista or it was also at Hilltrop Drive Elementary School. I did already have a violin by junior high school. Maybe I can do some research around my house to see if there are any other pieces of history from Hilltop Drive Elementary School that might clarify that bit of my music experience. I'd be intereseted to know if you remember any of the other students in orchestra. 

Bruce Wilson

Y'all remember Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up? Now you know  why, or do you.

... short documentrary film produced by the Federal Civil Defense Administration and the National Clean Up-Paint Up-Fix Up Bureau ...

In 2001, the Library of Congress deemed the film "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" and selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.

National Clean Up-Paint Up-Fix Up Bureau ... a trade (front) group for the paint industry.

Rosalee May (Rosie) O'Day (Mason)

Lancerettes tenth grade -- 1961 - 1962.  This was the main group where tenth grade girls could participate.  We had a lot of fun marching at parades and at halftime for the football games.  As I recall, we always marched in front of the award winning Hilltop High School Band.  Those in white were the Captain and Lieutenants.

Rosalee May (Rosie) O'Day (Mason)

Seven friends at Rosebank School sixth grade promotion -- Pam Layton, Gail Dillion, Vicky Hughes, Diane Leoni, Rosie O'Day, Shayne Schuller, and Marcia Stump, June 1958.

The same girls on graduation day from Hilltop High School June 1964.

Rosalee May (Rosie) O'Day (Mason)

Karen Etsuko Tachiki (Savel)

Be great to see the 2014 version!

Gail Eileen Dillon (Boone)

I can't seem to find my copy, but the remembrance book for the 40th (?) reunion has a picture of the same group.  Anybody have it?

Rosalee May (Rosie) O'Day (Mason)

Great memory, Gail.  There were only 5 of us out of the 7 at the 40th, and the picture was posted in the Memory Book.  I've scanned it and posted below.  Good idea, Karen.  Maybe if we are all at the 50th, we can take a 2014 version.

Susan L. Frise

Sandy, you won't get sued for saying anything because it was all true.  I believe he did get fired and I think he is probably long gone because he was so much older then us.

Yeah, Mary S. and I were friendly in 6th grade--everyone else got to paint a mural and he assigned Mary and me to do a "special" report on 'something' (Can't recall the details of that) and I wanted to work on the mural, not that report.  She was so smart that I know she did well in life.  Glad to hear you, Ellen, had seen her in the 80's and that she had done well enough.

George Bracey Gillow

HILLTOP JUNIOR HIGH 1960 PHOTOS

I was able to visit Hilltop Middle School (formerly Hilltop Junior High).   Principal Maribel Gavin had told me that they had photos on display that were taken early in 1960, when the school first opened.

The pictures on display were small photos, taken I suspect with 127 film, so the quality was not too good.

There was one panorama picture of the entire class of 1962, but none for 1961.  I remember when they took the one for our class.  I lost mine, but if anyone has the picture it would be neat if you could scan and post.

The campus is showing it's age.  I remember how new everything was like the lockers, tools in shop class and cafeteria.  Most of it looks the same but showing age. 

Here are the photos.  I don't recognize anyone.

George Bracey Gillow

SAN DIEGO IN THE 1950S KPBS PROGRAM

KPBS did a very good program in 1997 called Remembering San Diego the 1950s narrated by Marion Ross (Happy Days).  Below is the program in two parts.   (I put it on YouTube as "unlisted".  It cannot be found by searching.)

A few VHS tapes of the program are available on Amazon.com and sometimes show up on ebay.

The program has lots of good shots--most in color--of places like Balboa Park, the Zoo, Beaches, drive-ins, restaurants and the Padres playing in Lane Field.  There are a number of people who make comments about living in San Diego in the 1950s, most of them were in high school during that time.  One is from Chula Vista.

Toward the end, they cover music of the 1950s where former disc jockey Don Howard talks about his time at KCBQ and there was also "The Mighty 690",  KDEO, and KGB.  Also local music groups were featured such as the "Nomads" and Rosie Hamlin, once a student at Sweetwater High, talks about her song "Angel Baby" which became a national hit.  You can hear it by doing a search of her or Rosie and The Originals on YouTube.

So were the 1950s a better time?   I did a short "bullet point" analysis which can be downloaded from my website as a pdf document: http://www.gillow.com/images/The_1950s.pdf (takes a few seconds).  I would be interested in comments: were the 1950s better, worse or good and bad?

Here is Part 1 (30 minutes)

Here is Part 2 (30 Minutes)

Patricia Ilene Berry (Hodges)

Hi Joann,  yes we had a great trip to South Carolina.  It was kinda fast and flying.  Graduation of my oldest granddaughter brought back memories of our graduation except that were inside in air conditioning and had a bit more comfortable seats.  Instead of sitting in the ampitheater.  Went from there to a party at her mother's house.  Next day we started back home and arrived back in LA at 10:30 pm central time.

Also recognized one of the Jr. High pictures had Robin Chavez in it.

Michele Lynette Adney (Aldrich)

Haven't been on here for awhile but saw the names of some teachers I remember.  Mr. Wagner was one of my favorites.  I was in choir all through school and he was my choir teacher my sophmore year.  Does anyone remember the school assembly where he jumped up & really lit into everyone for their lack of respect while saying the "Pledge of Alligence" and singing the National Anthem?  It shocked us all because we had never seen him actually angry.  I think by the time he was done even those of us who were being respectful felt guilty.

As to Mr. Gronberg .... I think you've covered it very well.  I had him senior year for Spanish and learned nothing.  But I know a couple of the girls who did speak it a little and often he had them blushing.  A sad little man!

I have to laugh ..... as I read so many of these posts, I wonder, "Where was I when such & such was going on?"  Oh, that's right!  I was the quiet one sitting in the library, reading a book.  LOL!  Oh well, in spite of that, I do have good memories of Rosebank (Rosie, I was in the OTHER 6th grade class) & of Hilltop.  I do remember a lot of you and I did enjoy being in choir & Lance & Pennon!  Still hoping to make it to the reunion. 

Ellen Jo Ann James (Bell)

Oh the pictures!  All dresses and skirts.  And all the boys riding bicycles. You don't see the kids on bikes now.       

I

Rosalee May (Rosie) O'Day (Mason)

Hi Michele,  I wish we had a picture of the other Rosebank classes.  I'd love to see them!  So glad you are contributing your memories to the forum.  I hope we see you in September!

Gail Eileen Dillon (Boone)

Good morning everyone.  Michele, were you in Mrs. Switzer's class with me?  Anybody else?  The faces in the other class are sooo familiar, it really makes me wish I still had the group photo of my own class.  I don't remember if there was a third or fourth group; I know all our  6th grade classrooms were in the far corner nearest the playground.  I think we were lucky to go to school when 6th was part of elementary.  All the years I spent teaching middle school convinced me that 6th and 8th graders shouldn't have been on the same campus.  I think kids in general in this country get rushed thru childhood too fast.

Michele Lynette Adney (Aldrich)

Yes, Gail.  I was in Mrs. Switzer's.  I always remember her as one of my favorite teachers!!!  Let's see ..... I think Kay Ochi?  Mike McCreery?  Patty Leckford?  John something. LOL!  Goodness, I can pictrure faces but can't seem to put a name to them.  My grandchildren call that my "age blip".   I need to dig in my "stuff" and see if I can find my school pictures.  That might jar my memory.  I'll try to make that one of my projects. 

John Carleton Cowherd

Rosebankers;  Rosie, Kay, Michele,Michelle,Gail, et al:  I was at Rosebank for fourth through sixth grades.  I'll see if I can help with the pictures.  I know I have them, it's just a matter of what box they are in. Long story, you'll probably hear it in September.  I think my teachers were Casey, Eklund, and Switzer. .

George:  I have the 1961 HJH panorama photo.  I brought it to the last reunion, and will bring it in September.  It would be difficult to scan because it is so long.

Bruce: thanks for the origin of why we called Frank Fernandes "Skeez".  I always thought it was "Skis", because he ran flat footed.  Where did the Skeezix come from, the comic strip?

I truly enjoy all of your memories, particularly my Rosebank classmates that went all the way through HHS with me.

Jerold D. (Jerry) Wiederhold

Kris (Hoover) Sweet got on me to sign up on the forum, now she is silent and I have to give her a bit of prod to speak up. It is interesting to read about how many of you grew up together and have grade school memories. Since I was a transplant from IB, can’t say I know any of those stories or friendships.

My memories seem to be slightly different about Hilltop and the area. Coming to Hilltop Jr. a cultural shock of sorts. IB being highly populated with military, and its nearness to the border was a culture unto itself. I remember mostly the wonderfully fun beach parties and bond fires on the north end of Coronado beach, and several times on the State beach on the Strand. Fishing in the slough on the eastside of the Strand. Being in the Sea Explorers, there were many adventures up and down the coast, most memorable being the trips to Catalina, almost sinking in a storm and diving for dinner. On one trip, climbing a cliff, the footing fell away and winding up on a ledge until midnight, hence a nickname of Cliff Hanger.

The equivalent of a concert by a renowned groups  at the National City roller rink, the most fun was with Rufus Thomas noted for the song “Walking the Dog”. A few others that I really don’t remember(age I suppose).

John Seagram  was the first experiment with a judo throw, as he landed some feet from me, I was filled with the biggest “oops”. He also helped me learn a tune on the guitar. And a few other softer and gentler mannerisms.

Ron Stanley and I took up suba diving in ’63 and spent many weekends in the water at  La Jolla and Catalina being the most favored. There were a few trips to Mexico, combining surfing and diving. Surfing was a fair weather sport for me, but it came to an end at the Bufadora south of Ensenada. Me and the board took a nose dive and the board went flying in the air and landed on my head. This was about the sixth time in six times. I took it as a sign to find another hobby.  Back to diving, Mexico, Hawaii, Viet Nam, Japan, Okinawa, all with good memories.

Mr. Clark and Mr. Fetter found me at the San Diego Civic Center at a Piano Concerto. The performer was from Russian, and was excellent. Mr. Clark came up to me and called me by name and said, “What are you doing here?! This was shortly after coming home from the Corps, but remember saying to myself, “What did I do for him to remember me”, I never had a class with him. Mr. Fetter came to my rescue, and asked what I thought of the concert. I responded, “nice” and didn’t say much more. When in fact the pianist had evoked tears , laughter, sadness, and hope.

Mrs. Fields was probably the best teacher for me and my antics. She inspired me to read, and the book she used to catch my attention, “The Citadel”. She also got me to read poetry and ask a lot of questions. Remembering to give the gal who collected the attendance a bit of a hard time at the door, bowing deeply and welcoming her in a baroque. She was kind enough not to slap my face!

Just a few of the memories, and of course here’s to Kris, my Prom date, and may she pop up here before long, along with Pamela Dean and Ron Stanley(TX), and the many silent others.

Patricia Lee Leckman (Banner)

John, oh, yes, Mrs. Switzer.  I remember singing through the sixth grade year.  She always created some reason for us to sing and learn.  It was a lifesaver for those of us going through the hormonal turmoil brought on by beginning the teen years.  I remember her as kind and caring.  It was sad that she had already become a widow from the Korean Conflict, I believe.  It is my understanding that she has passed on.

Yes, John, Miss Eklund was our 5th grade teacher.  She greeted me as a new teacher in the District, years later.  I was amazed that she remembered me eventhough I had a different last name by that time! 

Bruce Wilson

Name Recogntion

John: regarding Skeezix, the name I think came from his dad, I really do not know the exact derivation. Terry may recall precisely. I know Mr. Hollister, our baseball coach in Little League, shortened it to "Ski".  How it became plural is beyond me.  Who knows, maybe Frank will make an appearance at the reunion.

Another name to add to the most recognizable San Diego county high school graduates is NASCAR champ Jimmie Johnson (Granite Hills).

After some thought, my vote for most recognizable Hilltop High School student goes to Tom Waits. His version of Tom Traubert's blues(Walzing Matilda) alone is closing in on 4 million views on the old UTube.

Here's a guy I recognize as a good friend once upon a time.

Terry Lee Maple

I lived down the street from Frank on Carla Avenue. Frank was confident while I was cautious, but we were good friends. For some reason he suppressed his bad boy behavior when I was around. His nickname "Skees" is derived from the scary character on the Uncle Wiggly board game, the Skeesix. Frank had an older sister (Francine) who teased him and said Frank looked just like the Skeesix, and the name stuck. Indeed, he was known throughout his youth as Skees but the media also labeled him Ski Fernandez during his very successful high school football and baseball career. He was a great team-mate and I have great memories of playing with him. With Frank at quarterback we were always in the game.