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06/29/17 03:37 PM

#6175

Linda Bristow (Elias)

So glad to see our class page on a roll of communicating! It makes me happy!

Love to all, Linda

06/30/17 10:21 AM

#6176

Joan Pease (Clark)

I can't remember if I posted this old picture before or not - it was a field trip that included New Salem and the state capitol. Maybe 6th grade at Franklin School? I'm holding my sack lunch in the front row and recognize several faces. See anyone you know?

06/30/17 04:00 PM

#6177

Judith (Judy) Winquist (Neal)

Joan, I remember going to Springfield on a field trip when I was at Franklin School. I was thinking it was in 5th grade with Mrs. Zook. If it was 6th grade, I had Mrs. Davis. Did you have Mrs. Zook or Mrs. Davis?

06/30/17 04:42 PM

#6178

Milan Jackson

I had Mrs. Davis at Franklin and I don't think we went anywhere. :)

Oops, I didn't have Mrs. Davis. I had Walter Gray for 5th and Patricia Macy for 6th

07/01/17 10:29 AM

#6179

Joan Pease (Clark)

Judy, I had Mrs. Davis, and as I recall, our principal was Dorothy Busbee. (Perfect, stern-sounding name for a principal.)

When my mother died, I found and kept a recipe card that listed the kids she was in charge of on that field trip: Candy Robbins, Denny Van Steenberg, Bob Brannon, Carol Popelka, Vicki Rizzuto, Steve Wilson and Danny Woodard. Denny is standing next to me with a camera around his neck, Virginia Spry is behind him and Vicki is in front of the bus driver. Fred Livings is farther down the front row, wearing a western-style shirt.

07/01/17 11:36 AM

#6180

Milan Jackson

Dennis was the first person I knew personally that died when we were young. He ws 11 and was killed in May of 1957. It must have been the same year as the picture. Sad times.

07/01/17 02:08 PM

#6181

Dianne Shaffer (Troxel)

I am the little girl in very back by herself. Sitting on ledge. I was shy and quiet. I must say I have changed somewhat over the years. I went in May with my grand daughter and the 5th graders from Bent School to Springfield. Brought back memories.

07/01/17 03:56 PM

#6182

Joan Pease (Clark)

Diane, I've looked at this photo many times and wondered who that little girl was. Thanks for identifying yourself. I also realized today that my mom is standing to the bus driver's right, just behind Virginia.

Milan, I remember going to the Van Steenberg family funeral; that car accident was the worst in the state's history at that time. I think we were given the day off school to attend the funeral, and it was very solemn and sad.

Garen, I remember your name - thanks for pointing out another childhood connection.

Our family lived on East Chestnut Street in grade school, surrounded by lots of Catholic families. We used to hang out at the Koos family house, and now Chris is Mayor of Normal. I would not have called that one when I was a kid! :-)

07/02/17 08:06 AM

#6183

Jack Keefe

The loss of Denny Van Steenburg was traumatic. He was in my sunday school class at Second Pres (as was classmate Larry Chace). I think his nickname was "Hamburgers," but I never asked him why. This tragic accident carries its own reminder around my office because I work with a relative of the Van Steenburg famiy.

Coincidentally, that same night -- May 25, 1957 -- the Esquire Theater ran its very last movie and then closed.

07/02/17 07:22 PM

#6184

Michael (Mike) Franks

Broken hearts never heal. Denny and I were menbers of the YMCA, years ago. We were the same age, but attended different schools in Dist. 87. His father George, was my dentist. We were SO young! Denny was a very good athlete. There was no doubt that he had an incredible future ahead of him.

I honestly don't think that any of us have forgotten the Van Steenberg's, though it has been over 60 years. Thank you Joan and Jack. At 10 or 11, years old, I could not comprehend the significance of loss. I pray for all of the loved ones that have touched our lives. May they rest in peace.

As a post script, I wanted to write much more. I just could not express what I felt in my heart.

07/03/17 02:16 PM

#6185

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Hi everyone!

I see that tomorrow is Mike Kaluf's birthday. Does anyone ever hear from him? I saw him at the 10th or 20th reunion, not sure which. I haven't heard a mention of his name in a long time.

Linda

07/03/17 05:23 PM

#6186