Ed Stanfield

A Clydesdale?...

Well, I have hauled a little beer in my day, You aren't suggesting I am FAT are you? My pic must more telling than I thought...

On a more somber note, I remember Steve from a few classes we shared, but like most everyone else, I did not really know him. His talent and skills however are unmistakable. I am saddened by his death as I am by the death of all our classmates who have passed.

I may have mentioned this before, but I once was told that God grants us each a full, complete life.  Steve's life was full.

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Unlike some, I knew of Steve's artistic talent, but like others, I had no idea he took it to the level he did.  I just wish I could have talked with him one more time.  At the last reunion I attended, we talked about some old times and had some really good laughs.  He left us way too soon.

Ed, I wasn't thinking about weight.  I see your pic and listen to some of your commentary in reference to your past years, and I think.  Ed's like a Clydesdale, in that you're not like a race horse, and you wouldn't prance like an Arabian.  You don't flaunt, but like a Clydedale, you personify dominance and power, like a King.  When you enter the barn or pass by, you sort of demand respect and get it.  You can be very funny in your way, but stern and confident in your gate.  You would be a great horse racing guy.  I can see you at the Derby, sitting back with your favorite Southern Bourbon, or the famous Mint Julip, a cigar, a racing form, and watching each race very calm and cool.  If you win, so be it, cash the ticket later, if you lose, move on.  For a real horse player, it's not winning or losing, it's the rush of the moment, the event.

Ann Bailen

Jack, thanks for posting the utube about Steve. It was a wonderful tribute to him and tears are still

sliding down my face. We were all lucky to have known him as a child , teen and as a talented artist. He

had a great friend in you.

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Hey Max,

I don't have any saddle shoes left, but I do still have a pair of all white soft leather loafers with tassels.  They are just sooooo cool.  And they still fit.

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Helen,

I'm sorry I haven't gotten up to the Brown's.  We are about 6 weeks behind for our weather here, and so now we are getting the nasty rain, wind shears, funnels, and huge hail in some area.  Between that and make-up ball games, the week-ends have been really busy.  But I will get up there

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Judy,

My aunt and uncle lived in Sunnyland and all the kids later moved to Washington.  There was Bradley, Brenda, Jimmy, and Janet Swearingen.  Brad and Brenda would both be in their 60's.  Jimmy and Janet would be in their 40's.  Jimmy was kind of a drifter type kid, never got married till lately and has no children.  Janet married a guy much older than her and never had any children.  Brenda was married to Wayne Pruitt, who passed away a couple years ago.  A really sad story.  They had Mandy, not married, and another daughter, married with adopted child.  Brad married, and his wife's name is Rita.  They had Jason and Julie.  Jason is good looking kid, but married a girl with 4 or 5 kids and the two of them have at least one of their own.  Julie is a very attractive girl, and she married a guy who is a teacher and football coach at Washington High Scool.  I know they have children, but not sure of the names.  Let me know if any of them ring a bell.

Jack Habich

And Ann, with you having started in advertising, and Max having dabbled in graphic arts/design, I know you both know this stuff ain't as easy as it looks.

Not being an expert on Steve's life, I do think he was fortunate to hook up with Linda Myers, his partner.  They both came into the room as capable, confident, but self depreciating.  They had a different set of skills that meshed perfectly, and when they left the room, they more often than not had results they could sell.

"The Ultimate Hangover" cracked me up, and it demonstrated perfectly how Steve could put together a photo, some words and a sense of humor to create a high impact image.

Milan Jackson

Happy Birthday Pam Sperlin Bacon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Milan,

I have a task for you since you are the man!!!!!  I have researched and done what seems like everything I can to see if there is a picture or some comentary of this little hole in the wall place.  Way back in the day after several of us, (myself, Jack Habich, Ronnie Bess, Tim Schmidt, Chuck Jenkins, Dave Uban, and several others I' sure I may not remember), would go to this place after a Sat. movie, some knock hockey or ping pong at the YMCA, across from Withers Library.  I'm ALMOST sure it was called The Chili Parlor.  It was a very narrow place, around the corner from the Library headed north, just after you passed the alley.  They had really great burgers, fries, and juke box.  Does anybody remember this place and do I have the name right?  I'll also keep searching.

Milan Jackson

The Chili Parlor was on East Street just north of Wither's Library. Directly across the street from State Farm. This is the only angle I have of it. It's the last sign to your right. You can barely see it.

Judith (Judy) McLean (Wilder)

Rod,

What a small world!!  Brad and Reta Swearingen go to the same church as we do and Jason was in my daughter's class in school from grade school until they graduated.  In fact they only lived a few blocks from us back then and we still don't live very far from them now.  Swearingens are great people.  I knew that Brad spent time in Bloomington because he talked about how he remembered Ken Lehr from when he was younger and spent summers in B'ton (little league, I think).   Lehr's are very good friends with them and they belong to a wine group together.  Jason and Carmelina and all five of the kids come to our church also.  Carmelina's oldest is the same age as one of my grandaughters.  In fact their birthdays are a day apart.  They'll be 15 in a couple weeks.  Jason and Kara (my daughter) will be having their 20th Class reunion in July.  Brad of course also does any legal work that we might need done.  Nice to know a lawyer.  I don't know Julie very well but have been to some social things where she's been also and she seems to be alot of fun.  Her husband was one of my grandson's football coaches for awhile. They are a very nice family!  I can't wait to see Brad on Sunday. 

Judy

Harriett (Holly) Rust (Wood)

 Jack, thanks so much for posting the video of Steve.  Your communication to members of our class about the seriousness of his illness certainly brought me back into the fold, so to speak, as it seems it did for many others.  Thanks for reconnecting me to all of you!

Rod, all the talk about horse racing takes me back to my years growing up.  My parents raised Quarter Horses...we had working horses and racing horses.  At one time we ran about 100 head.  One of our colts won the Illinois Futurity one year.  I spent most of my spare time from ages 6-21 when I got married breaking colts and getting them ready to sell.  Weekends you'd find me at horse shows all over the midwest and down into Texas.  I loved watching the races and used to think I'd like to be a jockey, but I was already too tall and the few women who were riding were really tough ladies.  But I learned some amazing lessons about people and life during those years.  Sometime I'll tell you about my adventures rodeoing!

I am back home in Colorado until fall.  It hasn't felt like spring yet, as we have had snow several days the last few weeks.  I am suffering from California withdrawal!  I'm sure it will be plenty warm in Bloomington in August! 

Cheryl Turner (Hitzner)

Rod - I do remember the Chili Parlor.  Always had chili and a butterscotch milkshake there.  I have a newspaper article about it and a picture if I can remember where I put it!!!!!  I promise to make it a priority and will post it soon.

Jack, I had goosebumps and tears watching the video about Steve.  A short time before his death we were corresponding (thanks to you, Jack) and his sense of humor was amazing.

Jack Habich

Holly, I'm sure there is a joke in there somewhere for Steve........what he had to do to his future so that you could get hooked up to your past.......something like that.  But whatever, know that he really enjoyed hearing from you. 

And Cheryl, as I may have said before, when I read him your note about how you lamented that you didn't know him well enough in HS but that you always did think he was cool, he  laid there in bed, about three weeks left,  pointed to his less than Charles Atlas body and said "now she tells me".

And for what it's worth, I think his business associate, Linda Myers, has a very interesting mind.  I mean who else would think to write a nursing home novel?

On the chili place, I remember the Chili Parlor but was there not another chilli place on Monroe Street just east of East Street, or am I thinking of the same one?

Ed Stanfield

Chilli and a buttrscotch milkshake?

Cheryl, that combination will rot yer innerds

can't even imagine.... <mumbles to self>

Judith (Judy) McLean (Wilder)

Jack,

There was a place on Monroe street between East and Main on the south side of the street.  I can't remember what the name of the place was but some of us who went to Jefferson School would go have lunch there on Fridays when we were in 5 & 6th grade.  They had food like the Steak 'n' Shake.  I remember I used to get a Chili Mac and coke and it was 52 cents. 

Cheryl,

Do you remember that place? It would only be about 3 or 4 blocks from your house.  It was half a block from the Post Office.  In fact I think you were probably one of the people who went there with me.  I don't remember the Chili Parlor behind the library at all.  Should I be worried about that?  Unfortunatly, I have alot of things I don't remember anymore. 

Everyone,

Went to see Sue on Thursday and she said to tell everyone she said "Hi".  See looked really good is getting stronger and they are starting to train Mike on things he'll need to know when she gets home.  Starting the transition home but are not giving them a set date yet.  She's a little upset because she was hoping to not have to come home with a trach but thats not going to happen.  Just too much damage to the nerves in the diaphragm.  Will take a long time for them to heal and know just how much will come back.  Keep the prayers coming!!!! 

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Ed, you got that right. I love both chili and butterscotch, but together??? In Helen's words, EWWWWWWWWW....just wondering if that is any better than caviar.

Jack, I also want to thank you for posting the video about Steve. As you known, my whole career has been involved in art, including 25 years in graphic design. In addition to being a testament to Steve's personal character the video showed an amazingly skilled, creative and intelligent approach to everything he touched. It was really impressive. I didn't know Steve very well in HS, but I think he took art classes with Miss Stein. She would have been thrilled to see what he accomplished. That video reinforces how much we have all missed by not being aware of each other's contributions as we have matured. Part of the beauty of this site is being able to look back to our origins and celebrate what everyone has done with the tools we were given. He made a big statement. I love that. I am constantly surprised by all you guys who were on the wrestling team, you were real sleepers who can still inspire us. (That includes my buddy Dave Holt who makes the most lethal coffee I ever had.)

Milan Jackson

 Kings Coffee Shop was on Monroe between Main and East Sts. It was formerly a Steak n Shake. It was on the south side of the street next to the alley. 

Judith (Judy) McLean (Wilder)

Milan,

Yes that's the place...I thought it was a Steak'n'Shake but wasn't sure just knew the food was like theirs.  I also thought it was someones name because I think my parents knew the people who owned it.  That's part of the reason my mom would let me go there at lunch time when I was in grade school.  Thanks for reminding me!

Helen Nicolaysen (Thompson)

Holly, we live in Manitou Springs, CO, which is connected to Colorado Springs, CO.  I'm certain you probably are familiar with Old Colorado City and the tourist area in Manitou Springs, which leads to Pikes Peak.  Where do you guys live?  It's a small small world.  I believe Linda Bristow use to French Ride in competition and rode horses in a stable behind the old drive in theater.  I think we use to be able to ride horses and pay by the hour to ride there, didn't we?  Did you and Linda ever ride together or connect with one another during your riding days?  Linda attended high school with us for a while before moving back to Texas.

Milan Jackson

Bill and Vera King owned the coffee shop. He had been in management with Steak n Shake. I think Bill bought it from Steak n Shake around 1954. It was a popular place as Steak n Shake and afterward too. Kings was very popular. Years later, he opened a coffee shop in downtown Normal. I can still picture Bill King. Nice guy.

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Milan,

You are just something else.  My goal now will be to stump you, if that is possible.  I knew Bill and Vera really well.  Bill was a really great guy, and my Mother and Vera were great friends.  My parents played cards with them once or twice a month in a card club.  Most of the time all the kids of the parents would be there.  They had a daughter and a son named David I think.  For quite some time my Dad worked for Northern Ill. Gas, and the office was just around the corner on Main from the Coffee Shop.  I would go see may Dad and we would eat there in the back with Bill.  A free lunch is a free lunce and it always tasted just like S & S.  When Bill finally got out of the food business, he worked for one of the banks there in town.

Cheryl,

I was thrilled to hear that someone else not only remembered the Chili Parlor, but actually went there.  I really liked that place.  And of course, Milan had a picture. He is amazing.

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Holly,

Great to hear about your exploits with the horses.  I knew several things about your family that I'm sure you and I never talked about.  First let me tell you that your younger brother ED was always referred to as Little Eddy by those of us who ice skated with him at Lakeside.  I also knew you Dad was really into horses.  Since I skated so much, I always had several pairs of skates laying around that I would sell.  I have no idea how this came to be, but your Dad and Little Eddy came to my house on Harbord Drive and bought a pair of skates for Eddy.  My Mother knew your Mother from PTA and by the time your Dad and Brother left, our Dad's had talked all about the horses.  My Dad's Grand Parents owned trotters in Southern Il. and even had what then was called the State Blue Ribbon Winner.  I think his name was Blue Boy.  So that was part of the conversation.  Also, I think your older sister married Bill Wetzel, a Lawyer Bloomington.  I have no idea of your relationship with Bill, but, but, he was not one of my favorite people at one time.   I caddied a few times for guys who played against him.  And since he certainly wasn't rooting for them, that probably had a little to do with my impression of him.  Ha! Ha!  Anyway, it was good to hear from you and maybe you can help some of us Handicap the Belmont.

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Mel,

You mention the wrestling team and particularly Dave Holt.  I wrestled with all those guys and Holt was a real dog.  Holt never put out 100%, he loafed around, never tried very hard.  He was 50 lbs. heavier and 7 inches taller than me and he was always wanting to practice against ME.  What's that say.  Aren't I right Jack.  Of course I just kidding.  Dave was as hard a worker as there was and he left everything out there every time.  He did alway want to wrestle me and couple of other guys lighter guys, bu all at once, in practice.  We even won a few times.  Holt was exceptionally strong.  Here is the one of the best stories you'll ever hear about Holt.  We had a meet against Pekin I think.  Everybody was weighing in and Donnie Penn was at 167.  This guy named Dawayne Antrum came in to weight in at 167 also.  Donnie swore there was no weight this guy could make weight.  He had to be 190 if he was a pound.  Wrong.  As I recall Antrum just tore Donnie up and Donnie was a pretty hard core guy.  Well, later on we had to wrestle that same team.  Holt was at 167 and of course Antrum was there, at 167 again.  Keep in mind that Antrum either was the State Champ or became the State Champion.  Anyway, Antrum beat Holt something like 14 or 15 to 3 or 4.  Then when the meet was over, Antrum came over to Holt and told  him that in all the guys he had ever wrestled, (and that was a lot), he thought Holt was the only guy that he would never be able to Pin.  That was a real testament to Dave.  Antrum went on to Southern Ill. on a wrestling scholarship and in the spring of his Freshmen year he was killed while riding a Motorcycle with his girlfriend.  Do you remember that Jack?

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Judy,

Yes, what a small world.  First off, Brad spent several summers living in Bloomington with his Grand Parents.  The lived in this house I used to call the Castle.  In was on the corner of Main and Wood I think, across from the old Clark gas station.  This house was so cool.  It must have had 20 rooms.  Brad played Baseball a few summers, but He and I always spent a lot of time together.  Our families were close, so we saw each other often all through the year.  HIs Grandmother, Mrs. White absolutely loved Brad.  Her daughter was married to my uncle, Brads Dad, but was killed in a car accident when Brad and I were very young.  Mrs. White was absolutely an Angel from Heaven.  She was the kindest, sweetest, giving, lady you would ever meet.  She was the type of person that would have taken care of the world if she could.  She lived a long time and never changed.  She was special.  I bet Ken and Pat have no idea he and I are cousins.  What a hoot.  If you see Brad Sunday, tell him you heard his Dad caught a Monster Catfish one time.  Also, tell him you hear he had great hair during the later Hippie Era.  Oooooh, we could tell hundreds of stories about our families.  All true and some that are just off the wall funny.  Tell Brad and Rita, Cheryl and I said Hi and all is fairly good with Aunt Wava, for her age.  Thanks.