'54  "The Luckiest Generation"

Bruce & Mariellen Staller  Co-Editors…email your stories, pics and comments to mumarm1@aol.com

 

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR

MAD ALL-CLASS REUNION

ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER  USS MIDWAY MUSEUM

OCTOBER 1 -2, 2010

MAD’54 for August 7, 2010…

Welcome to the page that continues to celebrate the lives of the unbeatable, best ever class to graduate from Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte High, the Class of 1954. 

From Arkansas Marilyn Giboney, now Robison,  writes of here new life…

Just an update. I was widowed last year after 53 yrs of marriage. I met a wonderful  widower who is also a full time minister and was married June 26th so have a new name and new address. Thanks for all your work. Marilyn Giboney McAllister. Now am Marilyn Robison, email me at marmc2416@hotmail.com. 

 

Where go the years?  Down what tunnel of time are poured the precious days?

 

We are young, and the fires within us burn bright.  All the world lies before us and nothing is too great to be done, no challenge too awesome.

 

Then suddenly the days are no more, the years are gone, and the time that remains is little, indeed. 

 

From “To The Far Blue Mountains”, the second in the Sackett series by Louis L’Amour.

 

And then there is no time……

 

Sad to Report the Passings of Carol Runge Enmark and Robert “Bob” Tope.

Cheryl Jack wrote us in July and told us of Carol Runge Enmark’s death… 

I talked to Margie Clark (VanGundy) and she let me know that Carol Enmark (Runge), not sure of spelling, also passed away.  She apparently died in her sleep and I'm still waiting to hear from Margie the details.  She was Margies best friend for the last 60 years, so she is pretty devastated over it.  We just saw Carol a couple weeks ago when we visited Margie & Ken at their home in Oceanside.  Carol was happy, laughing and having a good time.  Anyhow, any details will have to come from Margie.  Cheryl Jack

 

And your editor remembers that during the ‘60’s Carol Runge was co-editor of The Runge-Torrigan(sic?) Newsletter which reported on the goings on of Ayn Rand and her pro-capitalist/ Objectivist movement.

 

Margie Clark will write us something soon about Carol Runge Enmark’s life since MAD.

 

Derwood Crocker reflects Robert “Bob” Tope who passed away on July 8, 2010.

 

In reflecting on my experience of my dear friend Bob Tope a term came to mind that I was not familiar with until a few months ago when I saw the movie “Blind Side”.  The term is “I’ve got your back” or something like that.  My point is that without ever really thinking about it, until now, I always felt that way about Bob tope.  He would have always have been there for me if I had needed it.

 

The first time was in the third grade at First Avenue School.  I barely new Bob but we were all standing in line for the slide. Some one came up to me and started pushing me out of line. (I actually was short once and very shy).  Bob stepped in and let whoever it was know very clearly that I was not to be pushed around.  Maybe a small thing but I never ever forgot it,

 

Another thing was playing football with Bob.  I remember him being able to kick a field goal from the 50 yard line. In practice but never in a game, that I can remember. Oh Well.

 

Bob always said what he wanted to say when he wanted to say it.  It seems like I have the same memories of his personality in grade school as I did from last October.

Bob is without a doubt one of most unique people in my life experience and I will greatly miss him. I will miss being able to hit the speed dial on my cell at any time and say what the crap are you doing now? And get the response of “what the hell business is it of yours”?

 

I am also very glad that for the last couple of years after all of the sarcastic bull crap we were ending our calls with “I love you”.  And that is where I will leave it.  Derwood

***

 

 

Joni Biddle LeBlanc’s Memories of Bob Tope

 

I moved back to Monrovia in the third grade at Santa Fe School, and Miss Wiley was our teacher.  As far as I know, Bob and Priscilla were in my class from then on.  I remember that Bob was always a big boy and probably one of the only boys that was as tall as me by the sixth grade.  I have wonderful memories of my young days at Santa Fe School.  The friends made there have been friends throughout my life.

 

Bob was always a happy boy, and full of fun.  I cannot ever remember him getting into trouble, so he must have also been a pretty good boy. If my memory is correct, their lovely mother was a school teacher in another district, so perhaps he feared for his life or fanny, as in those days we did not dare humiliate our parents, whether school teachers or not.  When we were in high school Bob was one of our football heroes. 

 

I did not see him for many years, and heard he had moved to Alaska.  Having him attend our '54 Class Reunions was always a great treat.  He became a warm and kind man and his precious wife Judy was a friend from the beginning.  At our last reunion in 2009, I had the opportunity to visit with him quite a bit.  He had some of his beautiful and charming children along and it was fun to meet them.  I was afraid that it might be the last time I would see Bob, as he had seemed quite weak and frail.  But it was still good to visit with a long-time friend.  Jonie Biddle LeBlanc

  

Sister, Priscilla (Tillie) Bradburne writes:

My brother Robert "Bob" Stewart Tope passed away on July 8, 2010 in Anchorage, Alaska of Congestive Heart Failure. He would have been 75 years old on July 25th.  
Bob was born in Alhambra, CA and raised in the Arcadia-Monrovia area before moving to Anchorage, Alaska in 1969. He was a John Deer dealer for the Alaska Pipeline before starting his own company dealing in Heavy Equipment appraisals etc.

Bob was born in Alhambra, California and raised in the

Arcadia-Monrovia area before moving to Anchorage, Alaska in 1969. He was a John Deer dealer for the Alaska Pipeline before starting his own company dealing in Heavy Equipment appraisals etc.

 

One of my fondest memories was when he was in 10th grade and working with the owner of the first "In and Out Burger". He came home and told my mother he didn't want any dinner.  She asked why and he stated he had been in a hamburger contest that day and

consumed 12 hamburgers. Of course that hit the newspapers. He proclaimed he was the inventor of the In and Out double burger.

 

He never met a stranger, and was always very out going. He leaves his wife Judy Martin Tope and three children, Michael, Mindy and Mark who all live in Anchorage,

Alaska. He will be greatly missed. 

Tillie Tope Bradburne

 

 

The following was written by Bob?s nephew David Bradburne:

 If ever there was a person that the phrase "they broke the mold after they

made him" applied to someone, it would be my uncle Bob Tope.

 

Bob was truly a one of a kind. It didn't matter where Bob went or who he was with, he never met a stranger. He could and would speak to anyone, anywhere, anytime.  And he always made people feel comfortable. He had a unique ability to make people like him from the minute they would meet.

 

If you needed help, Uncle Bob would do whatever he could to help you out. A smile on his face always,

forever young at heart, a great sense of humor, loyal to his family and friends and an all around generous person. Bob will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.  David Bradburne 

 

The MAD Class of 1954 Scholarship Was Awarded June 14^th Clifton Auditorium.  Buz Buster writes:

Once again the Class of 1954 has awarded $2,000 Scholarship to a graduating senior who is enrolling in college this fall. The scholarship was awarded on the basis of academic success, school activities, community participation and future career potential.

 

This is the 25th year we have given this scholarship and therefore we are very proud all the recipients of this award, in every case, have been deserving of this scholarship and have gone on to the achievement of a higher education.

This year's recipient Diana Ortiz, shown above with Bruce Staller, Marilyn and I,  will complete the appropriate courses in pre law at Pomona College and then go on to pursue her objectives in the field of law and politics. Her commitment to her college success is evidenced by the grades she received at Monrovia High School. Her lowest grade during her four year attendance was a B+.

 

We need your help to continue this noble cause in helping our young people achieve a higher education. I urge you to consider making a tax-deductible gift $25, $35, $50, $100, or more if at all possible.  Mail to: Bruce Staller, The Monrovia Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 2447, Monrovia, CA 91017.  A tax receipt will be sent.

 

The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can put your contributions to work by placing them in an interest bearing account in order to reach the goal of perpetuating the annual scholarship.  Wildcats Forever,  Buz

 

There Is So Much To Do Around L.A., Continued…

Two weeks ago Mariellen and I saw the recent HBO bio-pic, “Temple Gradin” at The Screen Actor’s Guild.  Julia Ormond, who plays Temple Gradin’s mother, was present and told of her experiences making the film.  Julia Ormond is up for a best supporting actress Emmy for her performance. 

 

Claire Danes, above, totally immerses herself in the character of Temple Gradin.  She just isn’t recognizable as Claire Danes!  She is up for a best actress Emmy.  Pic is from the LA Times. “The Envelope” of 8/6/2010

 

“Temple Gradin” is an off-beat bio.  Temple is autistic at a time when little was known about autism.  Her mother does not let her rot in her affliction.  Rather she encourages her to learn, go to college, get an advance degree and make something of her rather off-putting self as an animal scientist. 

 

TEMPLE GRADIN is the best movie I’ve seen this year.  It may replay on HBO. Or get the DVD on August 17^th.  

Questions That Arose In The Canyon Oaks/Mountain Park Library.

Mariellen and I have long volunteered at this library which serves Monrovia’s Alternative and Continuation High School.

We were recently placing old books tossed by MHS but deemed worthy of “our” library.  Remember the checkout cards that you signed?  Most of these old books still contained them. One Mayflower Heroes by Archer caught my eye. 

 

Nine lines down on March 4, 1951 is Mavis Davis sig.  Any one know what became of Mavis?  Don’t find her in the ’54 annual.  I recall her at Monroe from 1^st grade on.

 

But look, line one, Noel Tsuneishi, October 9, 1939!  What happened to Noel and his family?  Did they wind up in the stables at Santa Anita Race Track in early 1942?  And from then where?  Manzanar?  Did the family ever return to the SG Valley?  Did Noel opt out of the camp for the Army’s “Go For Broke” company?  Then did he make it through the war? Makes you wonder.

 

 

And Now An Offer You Can’t Refuse……

First one to identify this ancient fishmonger seen at a recent Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair wins a meatloaf dinner for two at the equally ancient V&H Café. 

   

 

Hint: He didn’t participate in the ’54 graduation ceremony.  Email your answer to Mariellen at mumarm1@aol.com

The Flemings, Viki and Lyle, sent this pic of last October’s Reunion jaunt through Monrovia.  Many thanks.

 

Hey Duarte MAD Grads. 

You may or may not still live in the area but wonder what's going on in Old Duarte.  Well now you can log onto Duarte Community Television's website and catch up with Duarte.  Go to www.dctvduarte.com and enjoy what's going on in the your home town. 

It Was The Very Best of Times…
Nostalgia reigned at our M.A.D, 55th Reunion held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd thru 5th.
Your committee invited members of the classes of ’53, ’54 and ’55. 

Many thanks to our Reunion Committee of Bob Huntington, Gene Bishop, fearless leader Ray Infantino, Enid Arozena Busser, Larry Cullinane, Mariellen Staller, Buz Buster, Bruce Staller. 

Special thanks to Harriett Cravens Bernard’55. Kathi Henry’53 and Gretchen Cacciotti’53 for working so hard to ensure their classes’ attendance.

But There Was A Downbeat…

They were supposed to attend the reunion but within days of each other we received messages that Gary Price gardon1000@sbcglobal.net, Robert McKinley campmck2@cox.net and Tom Flournoy flojo36@yahoo.com had serious medical problems and would not make the Reunion.  Glad to report that they’re on the mend and still among us.  Please email them your get well thoughts and your take on the Reunion.

Buz Buster on the Monrovia Tour
On Saturday, about 30 classmates and spouses participated in the Town Walking Tour. Marilyn and I started off at the new library. The staff was so helpful in showing us this great addition to Monrovia.

For those of you who did not go on the tour try to visit the library and take a look around. Don’t miss the Heritage Room - it has all the Monrovia High School Annuals dating back to the beginning up to the current edition.

Today, there is an art gallery on Lime, right across the street from Library Park. The gallery occupies the space once held by Burton's Hideaway, which was Bill Burton's dad's bar.  It is the only art gallery still open in Monrovia.  Quite a few more bars, though.

It was great that we had people that were born and raised in Monrovia because it was like a living history lesson of the town. One person would point out that their grandfather owned a certain store and they lived above it back in the 30’s and another would point out that there was a store such as McBratney’s and a whole flood of memories would come back. Everyone in the group would add their information and memories regarding downtown Monrovia making the walk a meaningful tour.   It was truly a wonderful experience.
Buz Buster
THE FRIDAY EVENING COCKTAIL PARTY
held at the Doubletree Hotel in Monrovia was a smashing success.  Over 75 grads and their spouses got reacquainted over cocktails and appetizers.

That bartender poured ‘em with a heavy hand at the Doubletree. Tony Saccoman and Don Polifka wisely sit next to the Lifesaver ring.

Memorybook maker Enid Arozena Busser’54 and Marlene Little Willet’54 recount 55 long years.

Marilyn and Buz Buster chat it up with Doctor Jack Kistler (center).  Jack’s still in practice in the Riverside area.

A pensive Scott Morris (center) pondering on the 35year old Bordeaux or the Two Buck Chuck.  You’re in Monrovia, Trader Joe’s Hq., Scott.  Take the Two Buck Chuck!

Bill Holmes took most of the pics of this party and the Santa Anita bash.  Thanks Bill. Thanks also to Judy Tope for sending along the pics her family took at Santa Anita and to Derwood Crocker for several sharp Sat. Eve. Shots.

Sandi Russell Pearson’54 and Pat Scott Lonon’54 were early arrivals and ready for refills.

Bob Tope’54, all the way from Alaska, Barbara Treydte Steggall’54 and Mariellen Matthews Staller’54 catch up on the last five years.

Barbara Prior Jameson’54, Jim Jameson’53 and Gloria & Gene Bishop’53 are all smiles at Friday’s party.  Jim went to West Point, retired as U.S. Army Colonel and then had a second career as a stockbroker.  Gene Bishop was a MAD yell leader and later served as president of California State Bank which he and brother, Tom ‘55, started.

Lyle’53 & Lorna Fleming greet arriving guests.
They now reside in Chico, CA, south of Groucho and west of Harpo.

THE SATURDAY EVENING AT SANTA ANITA…

Over 160 MAD Grads and guests gathered in the elegant Directors Room to celebrate at least 55 years since graduation.  Note the beautiful staircase whose use later in the evening would deliver a musical surprise to us all.

Ethyl Vance Wilson’53 and Don Polifka.  Ethyl brought down the house when she strode up to MC Infantino and loudly declared I’m here to tell you that I’m very much alive!  Seems our ’53 webpage had been misinformed of Ethyl’s demise.  Later in the evening, Ray went from table to table and had each alumni introduce himself.

Long time Arcadia classmates Chuck Williams’54, Derwood Crocker and Tom Tobin share the evening’s special glow.

Dick Bradburne, bro-in-law, Bob Tope’54 and his sis, Pricilla Tope Bradburne’54, share a laugh.

Fresh from a day at the races, Howard Krisvoy’54 and wife, Miko, chat it up Viola Feuhr Panman’53.

  

Judy Coleman Aronson’55, Audrey Crellen Beatty’53, Marilyn Jones Buster’56 and Carol Muffley Simms’54 get reacquainted in style.

Four 55ers ready to make it to the buffet.  Barbara Dollar’55 identified John Craigmyle and Alan Heritage as the guys to the left of Jimmy Olson and Hal Folts.  For her prompt identification of John and Al, Barbara wins two meatloaf dinners at Monrovia’s V&H Restaurant.  Well, Barb, the V&H has been closed for about 50 years.  The meatloaf available to us is more than a little green. How strong is your stomach? Can you come to CA as the FDA won't let the stuff across state lines?  Let Mariellen know at mumarm1@aol.com .

Leonard Wilmsen’54 tells Molly Hughes Holguin’54 and hubby, Vic, about moving north shortly before graduation.  

  

John Bianchi’55 and his lovely wife, Nikki enjoying Bob Huntington’s talk.  Bob eloquently spoke on the “Greatest Generation” and his remarks follow:

Many of you have heard of or read Tom Brokaw's best selling book "The Greatest Generation" written in 1999. It tells of some of the WW II heroes and their personal stories - stories of bravery, patriotism, self sacrifice, etc. And modesty!   Tom Brokaw writes:

At a time in their lives when their days and nights should have been filled with innocent adventure, love, and the lessons of the workaday world, they were fighting in the most primitive conditions possible across the bloodied landscape of France, Belgium, Italy, Austria, and the islands of the Pacific.

On the 40th anniversary of the allied landing at Normandy, Tom Brokaw began to see - and hear - the extent of their accomplishments.

As I walked the beaches with the American veterans who had returned for this anniversary, men in their 60s and 70s, and listened ta their stories, I was deeply moved and profoundly grateful for all they had done. I came to understand what this generation of Americans meant to history. It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced.

I'm really pleased to introduce two graduates of MAD who were bonafide members of “The Greatest Generation"

Frank Bell, MAD Class of 1936 and wife Ramona. PLEASE STAND. Frank and Ramona are 91 and 90 years of age respectively and celebrated their 69th anniversary last July. Frank was shot down in WW 11- he actually lost one wing of his plane and his wife thought he was killed. They live on McKinley Place in a home they built 60 years ago. He sold his Monrovia insurance business to some lIupstart" or "punk kid" named Ray Infantino.

Bob Humble, MAD Class of 1948 and wife Marilyn. PLEASE STAND. Bob attended First Avenue School and MAD where he played football and ran track. He and Marilyn, also a graduate of MAD, have been married for 58 years. After graduation he joined the National Guard and went to Japan and Korea. He returned home in 1952 and continued with the military, completed the Command and General Staff College, and after 40 years of the military he retired as a Colonel.

Adding it up, here before you are four people with a total of 127 years of marriage!

These MAD graduates are our own home-town heroes of The Greatest Generation. We deeply appreciate your patriotism and sacrifice, the "sacrifice" meaning to the military, not marriage!

WE SALUTE EACH OF YOU!

Frank & Ramona Bell celebrate Frank’s 72nd reunion and their 69th wedding anniversary.  Frank piloted an A-26 bomber over Germany during the closing months of WWII.  He was shot down but obviously lived to tell about it.

Bob’48 and Marilyn’52 Humble celebrate his 61st and her 57th reunions.  Bob served in the National Guard, Monrovia, and was called up for the Korean War.  He made the Army a career and retired with the rank of colonel. 

At the bar, but not a lawyer among ‘em, ‘54’s Chuck Sihler, Derwood Crocker, Bob Tope, Ray Infantino, Bob Huntington, Bruce Staller and Reggie Jack pause briefly for the camera.

Gene’53 & Gloria Bishop and 54er’s Ron & Barbara Griep Solar share a shining moment.

Jim’54 & Arlene’53 Fremeau and Pat Bennett Rankin’54  trading MAD recollections with Phil Smith’52.

Robert Schow, ’52 webpage editor Jane Nash Millet and hubby, Tom enjoying a laugh with Sally Nash (left).

Sally Nash listens as Jack Nash’54 and Joan Biddle LeBlanc’54 remember their days at Santa Fe Elementary School.

Jocelyn Orth Pyle’53 and Karen Wenzlaff Saunders’53 whoop it up as Judy Coleman Aronson takes the mike from Ray Infantino.\

A disappointed Phelps Wood ’54 listens intently as Beverly Gaebel Wood’55 tells him he may have but one dessert.

Buz Buster and Don Thomas’54 trying to figure what went wrong with their 8th race selection.

Committee Chair Ray’54 and Laurie Infantino are all smiles anticipating their move to La Quinta.

Former jockey, Wolfgang Backstretch, autographs Barbara Dollar Rogan’s’55 program as a smiling Hal Folts’55 looks on.  After leaving racing in 1965, Wolfgang took part in an experimental drug program that injected retired jockies with Human Growth Hormone.  Now 6’2” and 260 lbs, Wolf had a second career as a circus lion tamer.  “Once you’ve had the whip, you can’t give it up,” said Backstretch.

Background, left, Harriet Bernard Cravens, ’55webpage editor heads for the buffet as Tillie Tope Bradburne’54 and Rosemary Armstrong Brown find a seat.

Ken Clark & Margie Van Gundy Clark’54, relax, as Moe Witt’54 and Reggie Jack’54 argue the relative merits of brewski and merlot. A relaxed Cheryl Jack texts her daughter.  Editor’s note: for this pic we moved Moe to his left so he would not be in jeoprady under the horse’s tail.

Marilyn Nollac Spears’53, ‘53webpage editor Kathi Phelps Henry and Gretchen Kambeitz Cacciotti’53 are excited and surprised as….. 

And then, surprise.  A unit of the MHS Marching Band announces its arrival while wending its way down the stairs.  Now, reflect.  Who among us, at our age, would care to descend that stairway, your vision impaired and center of gravity compromised by that bass drum?

The band, under the direction of MHS Band Director, Daniel Magallanes, played school songs that we knew and many that we didn’t.  For many alumni its appearance was the evening’s high point.  Your committee made a generous donation to the MHS Band Fund administered by the Monrovia Schools Foundation.

And one more cheer from Yell Leaders Judy Coleman Aronson’55, Gene Bishop’53, Ron Linderman’54 and Buz Buster’54.

Finally, Isn’t this what reunions are all about?  Two old friends, a little worse for wear, sharing old memories and making new ones.  This reunion also differred from all our previous ones.  There were no living teachers present.

Now, please all stand for the MHS Alma Mater.  Thank you for coming and sharing this evening.  Arrive safely at your homes.  Keep your health and we’ll see you soon.

 

 

 

Coming Soon... more Reunion  Pictures will be added  & news & Personal Stories from Sue Hardy Keavney and Suzanne Green Blake
 

Lastly, you have the pleasure and sometimes sad responsibility to send us your news.  Please email to: mumarm1@aol.com
Mariellen & Bruce
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