Got power?

We live just right around the corner from the hospital on Hickory Hills, and we've been without power since Tuesday night around 8:30. We've been staying in a room at the hospital since my wife is a nurses aid there. Our church recieved power on Friday. Tyson Foods got their power on Friday. They were without power since late Tuesday. Thank God Tyson has power! We can go back to work tomorrow! Nice to be off Tuesday thru today but it aint good on the pay check. We'll sure be glad when our power is back on.

We need to thank our good fire chief for the fantastic work he's done in the rescue efforts.

My power went off sometime Tuesday night and I spent 2 nights in the warming hut at the old gym, thank you Lord. Power was restored on park lane late Friday. I have a greater appreciation for the Red Cross and all the workers that kept the gym warm, safe and everyone well fed. Thanks to all.

I agree about the old gym...it reminds me of "The Giving Tree," where the tree continued giving of itself throughout the life of a boy.

That old gym has housed us during great games, with the smell of popcorn and sodas. It's given us great memories as we stomped on those wooden bleachers to cheers led by cute girls in corduroy circle skirts.

I can still see the stains on the curtains up on that stage, and my sister in a play directed by Wilson Jarrell.

That building has so many memories!

We are one of the lucky few. We happen to own a house in Cape, so we have moved up here where life seems totally undisturbed compared to Dexter. Our house there, though, is a different story. We're on a dead end road out in the middle of nowhere, and all the poles are down on our lane. Our yard looks like a bomb went off. I'm sure it will be weeks before we can move back home.

lovebooks, I remember that play, too. My sister was "Inertia"--a maid. Your brother and I dressed as clowns and passed out programs and seems we did something else on stage. We didn't have speaking parts, so I can't remember what purpose we had. It was a thrill for me--I thought he was just the cutest boy I'd ever seen! (yeah-I was right!) I remember the dressing room with those scratched mirrors and our sisters putting make-up on our faces--with big red circles on our cheeks. I'd bet you wanted to do it, too. It pays to be older sometimes. (tee hee) The old gym was also the place for our Mother-Daughter Banquet in Jr. High F.H.A. I broke a string of pearls, and they rolled to all corners. (quite a sound reverberated during a supposed to be quiet time) Some things I suppose should be forgotten. Later, my son had wrestling practice in the old building--this made four generations of our family to use it. Mom went to HS there,too. So YES--thanks for keeping the gym, Dexter!

oops--I never claimed to be a mathematician. I suppose it was just three generations...Hey, I'm good with words, and that has served me well enough. I'll live without being a numbers person.

There was a time that I cared, but I got over it.

I've already posted this on a different spot on here...but oh well, here goes!

I had my hysterectomy/bladder suspension on Monday the 26th. I heard of all this destruction and mayhem on Tuesday night on channel 12 news. My husband and our house guests reported that we lost power around 11 Tuesday night. I was released from the hospital Wednesday, and though I was told I'd be better off staying at the hospital, I wanted to come home! We only lost power for a couple hours Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, and I had cable for all but 3 hours. So the hospital would have been a better place, but I just couldn't take it anymore...they said go, and I went!

I came home to a mess! My yard only has small trees mainly, so it wasn't bad, but the rest of the neighborhood, and the places we passed in town on our way to our house, was a disaster! So, we bought a little heater that fits onto a propane tank, cooked our dinners on the BBQ grill, and bundled up as tightly as possible at night. Wednesday night was BY FAR the worst night, at least where I was concerned...but I was home, and that's really all I cared. We went on like this until Saturday morning around 11, and that's when my mother-in-law emerged from her bedroom with the news that we FINALLY had power. My youngest son headed straight for the t.v. and we had cable also, which meant I finally had a phone too. Had I have stayed with AT&T, I would've had a phone the entire time I was without power, but I digress.

Though it was a pretty rough event, especially for me, I enjoyed it. I learned how my grandparents and their parents lived. I learned how they stayed warm, ate, and had nothing better to do but be close with family and neighbors. I had a blast watching my kids outside helping their daddy help our neighbors. They even made a little bit of money shoveling drive-ways and such. They sure made me a proud momma...they worked so hard! My husband was also a sight to see with all his selfless work. I got to spend time with them all without the normal interuptions, and I believe it actually helped in my healing to get back to basics. And though I don't wish this kind of thing on us ever again, it will definetely be a time I'll NEVER forget!

God bless you all!

Well, gonenow, maybe you aren't a Hunting...weren't all the Hunting kids great at math? I have my sister working on these latest clues!

MADdy: You need to proofread those last couple of sentences for some incorrect spelling. Too many r's.

Madeline, the photo makes it look like you have much bigger problems than ice. Apparently you've been so busy and distracted that you haven't noticed your house is at a 10 degree angle descending into a sinkhole!!

lovebooks, I thought you knew who I was! No, I'm not a Hunting. GL--there was a younger girl named Holly. It seems like maybe there was another. I did know about Pete.

Miss Teachout did one thing for us all--she created an image/memory that none of us will ever forget. I'll bet I'm the only student who had the courage to walk out of her class when she was trying to "light me on fire and save the matches." I listened to the tirade for a few minutes. When I saw that she was making my friends cry because of what she was ranting and yelling at me--I walked out. I went straight to Darrel Cole's office--without a pass. She didn't bawl me out again. The next year, I think I was her yearbook pet. Maybe she was sorry? Doubt it! Did she scare an education into me? Nope. I just wanted out, and I wasn't scared of her. I did learn one thing from her--how not to treat my students.

Madeline, you also may have been too busy and distracted to notice, but it appears the house is also being enveloped by tree branches. Before long you'll have to hack your way in like Indiana Jones. Good thing you have the experience of your Kudzu hunting days to fall back on. http://forejustice.org/md/blackberry_huntin2.jpg

GL--If I squench my eyes, I can see Omar Sharif at your ice castle. Beautiful, but beastly storm. My friends and I have prayed hard for you all. My mom didn't complain a single time--and she had no heat, other than the gas cooking stove. I hope all are warm and toasty again soon!

There was Holly and my sister said she thought there was a Jill, too.

lovebooks--I believe that is right.

When my dad remarried, he married a woman who had a daughter February 23, 1979, and I've heard some mean stories about that blizzard. My dad was in Arizona at the time (that was a year and a half before I was born), so he didn't have stories of it...but she sure did after just having a baby!

Goat Lady,

'Tis true--Miss Teachout was bawling me out at her best. I was NOT paying attention when she asked me a question--I was worrying about my brother, who was about to be drafted, and my "boyfriend" who was on his way to Vietnam. NO, it really didn't matter much to me what she was talking about that day. When she asked me if I could recite the National Anthem, I offered to go to the band room and come back to play a solo performance if that would make her feel any better. I then gave her the first few lines, but alas, she started in on my again. When I glanced behind me and saw a couple of girls who had tears rolling down their cheeks--I decided I had to end it. She was on a roll and would not have stopped for awhile. I just picked up my books and walked out--while she stomped and continued the attack. I don't really know how long she ranted before she absorbed what I had just done. I didn't get in trouble--and she never mentioned it. I think she might have been the one who was "counseled." I am a brave soul, I suppose. Ha! My sister was aghast when I told her. Of course, she never did anything she wasn't supposed to. I was the rebel--ha ha! I'm also the one who ended up teaching high schoolers.

I wish I had seen your performance! It is a hoot to see the kids perform my teacher act. I have them do it sometimes--when the mundane activities need a gouge in the ribs. I'm glad I can laugh at myself--if somebody is going to, it might as well be me!

Haha! Nobody ever accused Teachout of having a sense of humor, for sure! In my impersonation, I even added the part where she would reach into her blouse and pull up her slip straps! Ohhhhh, I was CRUEL!! The audience's laughter was intoxicating, so I just kept adding new things to the routine! I still remember Wilson Jarrell's expression when we previewed our impersonations in class! He knew he shouldn't laugh, but his eyes twinkled mischievously! He HAD to let me do it! It was just too good to resist!

I'm surprised that I didn't crash and burn with Teachout glaring at me in fury!

I just thought of something else: Teachout would call on us, and if we didn't know the answer, she would screech, "Well, don't just sit there like an idiot! Look it up! Look it up!" And she would hover over us like a big bat until we found it and read it to the class. However, if we tried to look it up BEFORE she told us to, she'd screech, "Don't try to look it up now! It's too late! You should have done the assignment last night!!!" Then she'd launch into her "I-might-as-well-try-to-talk-to-this-wall-as-try-to-teach-you-people" lecture, punctuated by forceful stalking back and forth in front of the class.

Oh, my, she gave a very impressive performance!

I'm trying to remember what year each class was. Freshman year - Civics with Mrs. Totten, whom we LOVED, even though she was a strict taskmaster. Sophomore year - World History with Wilson Jarrell (the light went on in my head in this class!). Junior year must have been Teachout's American History class. Senior year - no history that I can remember, except for a bit of English history in with the English IV class. Then, of course, there was Wilson Jarrell's speech and drama class the senior year. (Ahhhhh!!! Pure heaven!!!)

GL-Don't we ALL remember that "Look it up!" speech! I can see her as plain as day--more than 40 years later. The only thing I need to add is that there were tiny puffs of smoke that sometimes slipped out in the midst of it all. I CANNOT say where she hid that last bit of smoke from the teacher's lounge. She must have had little compartments in her throat and lungs--little pockets...or else there was another lit cigarette in there somewhere. That smoke prevented her from smelling the toasted marshmallows the publications class had going on in the adjoining room. I'm surprised we (I mean THEY...) didn't get lead poisoning from sticking marshmallows on the ends of pencils and toasting over the smokers' lighters. Luckily, the room never caught fire either. Those secret marshmallows were the best ever! HA! (so I heard)

I had Mrs. Totten for eighth grade math. She was not sympathetic of a student who was not a math whiz. I only asked a question once. Her response was, "I don't see how anybody would not understand!" It sure taught me to keep my questions to myself!

Memorable stories of former teachers weren't so funny at the time, but my sense of humor was not destroyed--just dampened from time to time.

Does anyone know when power will be restored to grant street area????????

Jakeo, post that question on the main page, and you might get an answer!

Gonenow, you're workin' overtime to keep from incriminating yourself in that marshmellow incident, aren'tcha, girl???? Haha! I'll bet you were in the BIG MIDDLE of that escapade!!

As for Mrs. Totten, she was our math teacher in ....what grade?? Well, it was junior high, anyway. She must have known I had a severe math deficiency (a result of getting NO fifth-grade education in the Malden schools), but I don't remember her being cruel to me. I did try hard in all her classes. Her son was in our class, so maybe she tempered her approach.

Did you have Mrs. DeJarnett for 8th grade history?? HORRIBLE woman!!! She made us outline every chapter! I would never have majored in history if I hadn't been inspired by Wilson Jarrell in later years.

MD--I did have Oma. (DeJarnett). She liked me, for some reason. She was a boring teacher though! Recited from memory...chapter after chapter after chapter...(yank on a strap now) after chapter.

Did you have Lovee Stoll? She was a sweetheart. (She also had the slipping strap disease.) Of course, we can't leave Rotha Wilson out of that category. She was also a very nice lady. Sister said she learned a lot from her. I can't say that, but she was nice. I was in her class when JFK was killed.

Mrs. Totten told me not to bother taking algebra in high school. She said I belonged in remedial math. I had to go back to wave my report card when I proved her wrong. She once told me that my sister would never have made such a stupid mistake. Hmmm. The incident I remember most was when she caught a little fellow throwing a paper wad from the 3rd floor of the old HS building. She made him race up and down the stairs the rest of the period throwing an eraser out the window, then retrieving it. If he was too slow in returning, she yelled at him again. I'm glad he didn't have a heart attack. We were all terrified of her.

I must admit something here. I've never had a toasted marshmallow that I didn't feel the urge to grab a pencil. HAHA! One day SOMEONE even brought s'more ingredients. The best part was that the kids in history class could see what we were doing. They always let us know if she turned and started toward the publications room. They sometimes got in trouble for laughing--for no reason at all. (ahem) There was a windowed wall between her history class and the publications room. I wonder if it is still like that?

I was not a bad kid--I just always looked for a way to make the tedious not quite so... You know my sister would not have done any of the things I did. I guess Arvella was partially right. So once again, I'm...

Oh, oh, oh!! You bring back memories! Yes, I had Mrs. Stoll, and while she was ordinarily sweet and boring, I remember a particular time when she wouldn't answer one of my questions (have no idea what the topic was), and I sat and glared at her and tapped my pencil on the desk until she had to reprimand me; I don't recall that she ever DID anything particularly violent, though. Being in her class was like sinking in quicksand. At least Teachout was never BORING!!

I love the eraser story about Mrs. Totten!! Haha! She was great! The kid deserved it!

Speaking of things being thrown out that 3rd floor window - my husband, who was a year ahead of me, told about a kid in McElrath's math class throwing a CHAIR out that window! Did you ever have him for math? D-I-S-G-U-S-T-I-N-G! I once saw him try to UNZIP a girl's dress in the row in front of me! Long, greasy black hair, shiney navy blue suit, covered with chalk dust - You couldn't forget him!

Oh! Must comment on Rotha Wilson. Yes, nice lady and a competent, though slightly foolish teacher. No major problems in her class. She was just so darn SWEET that even the boys behaved. If we started to get out of hand, she would croon, "We are adults, now, children!" Haha!

I particularly remember her being sickenly sweet to Don Darby, and when she turned back around to the board, he would grimace and mutter under his breath, but he wouldn't step out of line. It just wasn't worth it, for some reason!

Good grief, I can't stop!! Most of those "publications" classes have been turned over to the business teachers, I think, and they're a full-time class, so it's done in the regular classroom. It's all high tech computer stuff now - digital cameras - no dark rooms anymore.

GL, by the time I came along, Mr. McElrath was the principal of my elementary school. I had no real dealings with him. I had a science teacher much like that though. He later became a principal at the JR. High. I guess one of the principal's requirements might have been "seedy", at that time. Another principal, whose name I'm afraid to mention, was my 7th grade history teacher, before going to the high school with us. He was the meanest man I have ever known--bar none! One day, he took his anger out on the quietest kid in the class. He picked him up BY HIS EARS and shook him. Had he done that to me, my parents would have been after him like flies on molasses. I don't know why he did it--that was the nicest, most shy kid in there. He never said a word. Maybe that was it--he didn't answer a question? This teacher was huge, as well as mean. He may still be terrorizing folks someplace.

We've talked about the good and the bad teachers. It seems like we should credit a few more of the good ones, since we had several of those. I would give my "BEST" award to Delores Parmenter. She had the true gift.

Okay, Gonenow, you had to graduate in 1967, which was two years ahead of me. I am determined to figure out who you are!

I have a Lovie Stoll story. When there would be too much talking going on in class and no one was paying attention to her, she would say, "I want everyone to write their names on a piece of paper if you're talking, and send it up to the front of the row." Ooooooooooookay. So one day she said that, and Sherry M stood up and went around the room taking up the pieces of paper!! We were so flabbergasted because Sherry was so good in class, but every once in awhile she would do something like that and we'd get such a kick out of it.

Teachout story: She was super mean to my sister, put up with my brother, but never picked on me. I always had my work done, though. I was scared to death of her. Didn't even take Publications because I didn't want to deal with her. But she picked on one of my best friends a lot. One day she sent my friend to the map. She told her to find a certain place we were talking about. My friend couldn't find it. So Teachout had her stand there the entire class time looking for it. Of course, she finally broke down and started crying, and when she did, Teachout said, "Well, you'll never find it standing up here bawling. Sit down." Hateful woman!

Hahaha! Lovebooks, I don't remember Teachout being mean to your sister, but I was so absorbed in looking out the window w/o getting caught that I had to be super careful.

Besides, Teachout spent most of her energy storming at Russell Layton, who laughed so hard his face turned beet red. I thought he'd strangle himself before SHE strangled him!! I could never understand why he wasn't afraid of her, but he wasn't. She probably kicked him out of class (don't remember), but I could never figure out why she waited so long before she did it.

Some kids are impervious to that kind of punishment!

I CAN'T IMAGINE McElrath being a principal=-===Could I be mixing up McElrath with McElroy?? Maybe that teacher's name was.....Just a minute -- I have a yearbook right here -- HA! found him, nasty, nasty man -- leering at the camera! It was McLeroy! I remembered that wrong! Oh, geez, I'm sorry for that! I'll bet Mr. McElrath was a nice man, and I just slandered him!!

Can't resist this -- My husband told a HARROWING story about McLeroy: Some of the guys in his class ('59) would drive by McLeroy's house and scream and honk & throw things, torment him something awful! One night, he got fed up with it and SHOT at them with a shotgun! One of the boys - can't remember which one - had a shot come through right next to him in the back seat!

They never did it anymore after that...(Guess he got his point across, didn't he??)

GL--I think the day of shooting at rowdy kids is behind us. Of course, it's the kids who are found with weapons now. I guess weapons might have scared some of the old meanies into being nicer to us. Ha! Teachout knew the worst that would happen to her was that the girls might cry. (or at least one might walk out--ha!) The boys might snicker a little--but only a little.

lovebooks, I know you're close. Keep thinking. I'll bet you remember the BIG, mean principal at the HS. One thing I'll never forget was when he locked us in at the prom, and we weren't allowed to leave without calling our parents. It was awful! Some of us went just to see the decorations and get dressed up, then planned to go home or to the Pig--anywhere except there where we had no dance partners. We were literally locked in. Is that not mean? My parents weren't at home, so I had to stay. Torture, I tell you!

Oh, my gosh! I never heard that! You know, there were exactly 100 in my graduating class, so when you add the other classes (only juniors & seniors were allowed to go, I think), that should have been enough to have decent dancing partners, you'd think. Still, it wasn't.

My husband (to be) rounded up a buddy to take me to the prom my senior year - since he'd graduated and wasn't allowed in.

Ah, Lovebooks, you're getting close, aren't you? Gonenow has given some hints. Think of a very GOOD girl in my class - someone who was SO nice that she'd never do ANYthing wrong! Yes, I know who it is - but I'm NOT TELLING!!! Hahaha! You have to guess, too!!

Regarding that prom problem: You're right, GL. Only DHS juniors or seniors were allowed to go. My best bud's boyfriend was from a different school. He was waiting for her on the parking lot--fuming! The principal wouldn't even let her go out to tell him why she didn't come out at 10:00. He thought she was in there having so much fun that she simply forgot he was out there waiting. Mine was gone in the military, so he didn't know anything about any of it. Yes, we usually went with a group of friends if our special one was not allowed in. I don't know if that was good or bad. I remember another year when I was NOT a junior, and my boyfriend took one of his classmates. I was so jealous, but twenty years later I had to forgive her. Ha!!

That man had to be the most despised principal DHS ever had. I'm still too scared to mention his name. I think he's still alive--somewhere, though not Dexter. He might have a mean relative who would find me and shake me by my ears.

Oh my goodness GL, Gonenow, and lovebooks! You girls sure can chatter!

I sure wish I had someone to reminisce with from my high school days! I graduated 10 years ago this year, but there doesn't seem to be anyone else that young on here. It gets lonely at times....

dolphin--Enjoy being the age you are. You are living the best years of your life right now. I would gladly relive the days when my children were home wanting this or that, making messes, needing picked up from practice, doing homework...but those were the favorite times of my life. YOU are the lucky one! Take care of yourself, and raise some happy children.

GL--was my sister really that good? Maybe that's why the teachers expected more of me than I could manage. If I could have stopped laughing about it all, I might have been more popular with some of those dictators, I mean teachers.

GL, GONENOW and Lovebooks, I've been reading the blog and it has brought back memories and nightmares from my days at DHS, which was long before your time.

Picture this little country pumpkin who had gone to a one room country school all 8 years of grade school and her Dad was the only teacher she ever had before being thrust into Teachout's class. I was petrified to say the least!!!

The two memories that are still so vivid are: (1)The time she ask a question and no one could answer it, I was almost sure I knew the answer but was afraid I might be wrong so I didn't answer. Of course she did her thing and then told us to open our books and read our assignment. When I opened the book I saw that I would have been correct had I answered sooooo I closed the book and started to retie my belt. She saw me close my book! She called me by my FIRST and LAST NAME and began screeching, told me to quit fooling with my belt and get that book open!!! I can still remember the dress I was wearing that day but I don't remember the question!!! This was the last hour class, so I didn't cry until I got home.

(2)The other incident was when she screeched and screamed at the whole class. A sophomore boy, who had epilepsy, was in our freshman history class. None of us knew that he had it until he had a seizure a few days after school began. He was up staggering around when she went to his aid, as she was trying to get him out of the room he fell with his head in the wastepaper basket. After she got him out of the room she came back in and started in on us about how we had acted, how we had embarrassed him, and how ashamed we should be. I really don't remember how we reacted but I'm sure only a very few had ever seen a person have a seizure.

During my senior year she had to leave the building for an hour soooo she came into study hall and ask me to stay with her sophomore history class while she was gone. Well, you can imagine how those kids behaved with Teachout gone!!!!! Some of them still remembers me "keeping" Miss Teachout's class.

I know who Lovebooks is but I'm still trying to figure out the identity of GL and GONENOW, as my little Sis was a 1960 DHS grad.

Oh, yes, gn, your sister was THAT good! As I look back, I think I can say that she was the absolute sweetest and nicest girl in our class - and beautiful, to boot! I've seen a few students like that over my years as a teacher - ones that absolutely everybody liked - but they aren't common.

It was good that you came along later and shook things up! Haha! I would love to have seen you walk out on Teachout!! And the roasted pencil marshmellows!! Terrific! I'll bet you haven't told your sister THAT one!! Let's hope she never takes a peek at these blogs!!

Oh, Dolphin, I've always thought you weren't typical for someone your age. You seem so much more mature than one who graduated only ten years ago! And Gonenow is right! I'd give up all my funny memories to be reliving those days when my three children were home - and, of course, my husband, too.

The trips back into the past make me less lonely for the present. (Plus, I'm watching "Mama Mia" for the SECOND time this weekend!!)

GL--My sister does know what a fun-loving, somewhat fearless little sis she has. She doesn't envy me that though--she really wishes she had learned more. Sound like me, anyone? Anyone? Nope--maybe you were supposed to be my sister, MD. I appreciate the compliments for her, and I'll probably pass them along. She knows about "us". Ha!

Genbug, if you look at the bio information, you'll know who Goat Lady is. It is the rest of us who might be a mystery. We are just sisters of the 1960 girls.

Oh trust me girls, I do very much cherish all the time I get with my boys, and wish everyday that my husband were around more to give more of his time. I guess maybe that's the reason I've learned to cherish my time with my kids and husband so much...because time with the four of us together at once is few and far between! He's been searching for a local job as of late, but jobs in general are just too scarce to have any luck.

Oooooh, genbug!! Your 5:09 posting hadn't come up when I posted at 5:18! Hahahahaha! Now I have to guess who YOU are!! However, you've given no clues as to your sister's identity. I know who lovebooks and gonenow are, but lovebooks doesn't know who gonenow is.

I have no idea how long Dale Teachout had been teaching before we came along, but I'm wondering if she had always been such a terror - or if she was just barely hanging on at the end of a long career. Believe me, I know how that is. Thirty years is plenty of time to teach. By the end, you're just worn out with dragging all those papers home to grade. Then they add State-mandated standardized teaching and AYP's, and it's too much!

Gonenow has pretty well blown my cover, so you can figure out who I am pretty easy. I don't even try to disguise it much anymore.

Give me some hints about your sister -- but don't tell me outright!

Oh my! I might have made a big mistake. I made an assumption that may have been right--or could have been totally off the wall wrong. Don't take my word for who anyone might be. So sorry!

Well, I have trouble keeping it all straight myself, so don't worry about it! My sister says I let the cat out of the bag some time ago.

C'mon, genbug, HINTS! HINTS! HINTS! Tell some more stories about your sister, and maybe we'll figure out who she is! Do keep in mind that I have all four of my yearbooks here by the computer!

GL, I think Teachout had always been a terror she was 41 years old when I first had her as a teacher. I don't think she could have gotten much worse than she was then!!!! But I loved history and still do. I have a granddaughter who teaches high school history in Mississippi, another granddaughter is a grade school counselor K/4th (over 400 students)in the Springfield, MO area also have another one in the teaching profession but won't tell you what/where she is, that might give everything away.

OK, about my sister; she was always laughing and I'm sure you could have heard her all over the building and she is still that way. Her 2 best girl friends also were also 1960 grads. The guy she was dating when she graduated was a 1960 DHS grad, I believe he played football. She married a 1962 grad but they did not date while in high school.

lovebooks--I just figured out that Teachout was nice to you because of ME! Maybe I just paved the way for ALL little sisters who had the courage to stand up to what our "elders" wouldn't. Ha! Just maybe she thought you'd walk out, too. I think she pulled that same "stand at the map" trick on one of our classmates, too. How any teacher could think learning would take place under the fear of her stick, I just don't know! She was so boring--standing there repeating the same stories blah, blah, blah that she had spouted for years. I do remember that she was a victim of a thwarted love, and I imagine she just took that out on all of us. Even after all that she did to try to demean me, she trusted me enough once to send me to her house (at the top of Dexter Hill) to retrieve something she had forgotten. I'm surprised she would let someone who knew as little as I did have the key to her house. Tough one, she was!

Genbug--my niece is a counselor at Central HS in Springfield. Her mom graduated from DHS in 1960. The mystery intensifies, doesn't it? I'll ask sis who the biggest laugher in the class would have been. In my class, it was likely to be ME!

GN, my granddaughter graduated from Kickapoo High School in Springfield and is a counselor in Willard. Willard district is building a new elementary school near the Springfield airport, she will be moving to that building next term.

My Dad taught for 43 years most of that time was in rural schools but he was teaching at Central in Dexter when he retired.

Genbug, what years did your dad teach at Central? I went there, and so did my daughter. Not too many elementary male teachers that I can recall.

GONENOW, My dad was at Central from from 1961 to 1971.

Oh, that let's me out. I left Central in ... 1956? The only male teachers I recall were the science teacher...ah, ah...darn! Have I forgotten his name? I liked him - glasses, bookish and quiet but firm - and an art teacher who stirred things up for a while. Don't remember his name...Graves?

I'm going through the yearbook, looking for laughers!!! Laughers who dated a football player...

I think the answer'll come to me in a FLASH of insight!

genbug, I'm stuck. I was at Central at that time. I didn't have any male teachers though. Seems like I remember a man whose name started with L. I won't say more than that. Could that be your dad?

No flash of insight for me yet, and you have no idea how long I POURED over my last Reveille this morning! I remember two particular laughers-- but I don't remember if either one of them dated a football player. Besides, I saw one of them at a class reunion (2000, maybe?), and she was married to a much younger man who wasn't from Dexter. (She looked fantastic, by the way...)

I believe I'm handicapped by the fact that I've been away from Dexter so long. Even if I'm nearby, it's not the same thing. I'm also amazed at how little I knew about my classmates at the time. Of course, I didn't grow up in Dexter from the beginning.

My sis has lived away from here every since she married. At first they lived in St. Louis but have been gone from there for a number of years. They came home once or twice a year until our mother passed away. They do come back once in a while to see my family and my brother-in-law has three brothers who live here.But they tell us that the road goes both ways.

Mmmm...that hint may help gonenow - and maybe lovebooks - but it doesn't help me! I don't know who left and who stayed!!

I'll let things stew a bit; maybe I'll have an epiphany tonight as I sleep -- unless those strong winds start throwing more tree limbs around! If it isn't ice, it's wind! Grrrr!

I have had a blast reading all of these memories of teachers. I have no idea who any of you are but, oh my, what a crew!

Wilson Jarrell was my cousin but I never had him for a teacher. Sounds like he was a good one.

I too was deathly afraid of Dale Teachout and spent most of my time in her class trying to hide behind the person that sat in front of me and hoping that she would forget that I was there. So sad. In later years I had occasion to visit with her in a different setting and found, to my amazement, that she had a great wit and sense of humor. If she could have used that in her classroom, it would have been a different story.

Oh, my, yes - Your cousin was an excellent teacher! I had him for sophomore World History first, then English III, then Speech and Drama. He was a far different fare from the rest of our teachers - young, energetic, and inspirational. I don't know how long he had been teaching when we came along, but he later went into administration (more's the pity) and I don't know if he was able to retain that freshness and enthusiasm throughout his career.

I've often wondered how he could stand it there with all those old biddies teaching beside him!

I'm not surprised that Dale Teachout had a reservoir of wit and humor; I can only wonder why she didn't use it in her profession. My husband, who didn't like very many of his teachers, did like her. I think she just let the ne'r do wells in our class get the best of her.

Teachout Story: One of the stories I've heard was that she was a victim of a thwarted love. Supposedly she promised oh her mother's death bed that she would remain single to be with her sister. Now, that may not be true--but if it is, it might be understandable that she'd be a bit crabby. If she had lost the love of her life over a promise--well, that would just be enough to add the "meany effect" to every aspect of life.

I also know that she suffered from migraines. The ONE day that I felt sorry for her, she was sitting in "her corner" at the back of the room. She had her head down on her arms. When I had to go in to ask a question about the yearbook mailing, she raised her head and tears were streaming down her face. Yep, I did feel sorry for her that day. Now, I'm plagued with migraines, so I know exactly how she had to feel! So, maybe somebody else has a story as to why she was so disagreeable?

One thing I remember about Wilson Jarrell--he made his own clothes. I was a seamstress, so I remember that he let me look at his new sports coat to see how the seams met. He was a creative soul--I'll say that for him. Does anyone sew anymore?

GONENOW,

So you were a seamstress while still in school, were you ever in the Sew With Cotton?

I use to love to sew and now I hate to even think about sewing!!!! I sewed for my daughter, myself and all of my granddaughters (the whole 9 yards; smocking, ruffles and lace) except the last one who was 7 years old yesterday. It's so much easier just to take her shopping. She wants everything to be made from cotton knits and has had to have the tags cut out of neck every since she was old enough to say "cut that out!"

My mom made most of my clothes, but I have conscientiously avoided it - except for a brief time when I stayed home with my first-born. If I'm interrupted from a project, I often don't get back to it.

I remember Home Ec with a HARRIED Mrs. Rankin! For some reason the administration always loaded down those classes! Poor Mrs. Rankin, she would look down the loooong line of girls, standing with their sewing projects in their hands, waiting for her help! I met her in later years (somewhere), and I was struck by how CALM she looked!! I had never seen her like that!!

It seems like Sew with Cotton entry was in junior high--can't remember for sure. I think I won a ribbon. Mom didn't let my sister sew--she was terrible at a machine! Ha! She could outdo me in almost anything, unless it involved dexterity with hands. I could leave her spinning then. I didn't have Mrs. Rankin, but I knew her from FHA. I remember that she looked at the ceiling most of the time. I had Evelyn Anderson for home ec, and Ruth Mayer. Both were excellent teachers. My mom taught me to sew when I was little though. She was an excellent seamstress. I made my own clothes for years, then I made my daughter's. NOW, I make nobody's. I doubt I could sit that long at a machine. I'd have to be able to read at the same time. Ha! Our high school no longer teaches home ec. Kids today will have to hire someone to sew a button!

In our area, it's called FCCLA, and it involves a lot more than sewing. Boys take it, too, for some reason. One of the things it does is give them leadership opportunities when they run for State offices.

Can you imagine boys in our home ec classes?? Hahaha! Some of our topics were pretty embarrassing!!!

I thought of something else this morning. One of our local boys shot up in the FCCLA organization in high school - and now he's practicing law!

Dale Teachout promised nothing to her mother at her death. She chose to remain single because she was very aware she could not devote herself totally to the task of teaching if she were involved with rearing a family. She and Glenna were quite the pair. At one time Dale Teachout owned 3 engagement rings, each labeled with the fellow's name. Now, let us hear stories about her kindness and her dedication to teaching! She was Missouri's Teacher of the Year her final year. The surgery to correct the ulcer failed and eventually led to her stroke which killed her. For those of you who were "scared to death" of her--you simply were just normal students. She taught exactly what the State Department of Education expected her to teach. (Doing one's job is a novelty to some of you.) Her wit and sense of responsibility kept her sane during the years she taught you how to become doctors, lawyers, and teachers. Too bad she failed to teach good manners.

I'm not sure how much you know of Dale's teaching style, but it certainly was not kind--and it assuredly did not bring out the best of students who were so afraid of making a mistake that they kept their eyes downcast and heads tucked to avoid eye contact. Sorry--she may have been a good teacher in some folks' opinion--but not mine. By the way, I was Teacher of the Year in 2004--and I've never had to use threats or scream to achieve that honor, or to attract the attention of my students. Demeaning students is not a necessary teaching tactic--nor is yelling and pointing the evil stick at kids. I wasn't afraid of her, but I was not the normal student. I've known folks who thought she was a good teacher, some on this blog. It's a matter of opinion, but she was never known for being fun or nice in a classroom.

P.S. Good manners are best taught by example. The manners displayed in her class were definitely not the kind we should hope our students display. If we taught that way now, we'd have a real teacher shortage since most teachers would go to prison. Parents of today would not tolerate it.

P.S. again--I'm sorry. I was quite astounded by being chastised that we should have learned better manners from our former "terrorizing teacher". Of course, today's teachers wouldn't end up in prison, most likely; however, they would end up in court! There would be many who would be "encouraged to retire", or forfeit their certificates. Thankfully, there is a different demeanor demanded for educators of today. I am proud that my students are not afraid of me! I do demand, and obtain, their respect. I learned a lot from a few of my teachers about how NOT to teach school. I also learned a lot about how to be a good teacher from some of the excellent teachers in the Dexter system of yesteryear. I am thankful for them all.

Well stated GONENOW, my thoughts exactly!!!

TNmom2, my Dad taught school for 43 years and he also followed the State Department of Education rules and regulations. But he never did it by screaming or being verbally abusive. To this day, I never hear anything but praise from his former students and other teachers with whom he taught. He was very well respected.

I, too, am sorry for "raining on your parade" of humorous (vicious) stories about Dale Teachout. It is much easier to remember and to say rotten things than it is to remember and to say complimentary things. Perhaps you did not know of the many students who would not have had Christmas gifts had it not been for the screaming, ill-tempered Dale Teachout. Or the students who wore warm coats? Or the ones who went on school-sponsored trips because she chipped in the dues? Or the ones who "visited" with her in her home because of having been kicked out of their own home? Or the ones who ate lunch because they were paid for by the Evil One herself? I could go on but it would serve no purpose for entertainment. Enjoy your stories of marshmallows being consumed behind her back. (She knew of the activity, by the way.) The students who benefited from her are the ones from whom you will never hear--because that is how she wanted it.

TN2: I do believe your stories of HIDDEN kindness. I believe that she was a good woman at heart. I also know that ALL good-hearted teachers do the same things you mentioned DT has done. I don't believe you, however, when you tell me that she knew of the marshmallows--any teacher who knew that was going on would have put an end to it on the spot--liability is something that cannot be ignored. We were kids then--I know that it was not a safe thing to do. I also know that she would not have turned her back to lining us out, had she known. I would think even less of her under those circumstances. I believe that you're trying to take the fun out of any memories we might have of good times in her class. It didn't work.

I'm not going to continue the discussion, because there is no point in it. Students who survived her class KNOW what it was like. I can still see her walking up and down the rows with her yardstick--like the tyrants she might have been trying to teach us about. Nobody can take those memories away. I, for one, wish they could.

Regardless of your attitude, I shall, once again, repeat that she knew of the marshmallow incident(s). She may have been told at a later date and saw no reason to bring up a sour topic but she knew. As for the "good times in her class" that you mentioned, I failed to read of any of them. I also understand that you are the ONE in the blogs so continue with your hammering away. I have found that the best way to deal with lousy memories is to put them away--not put them on display. So, now I am gone now, too.

Wow, I had no idea all this was going on. Sorry I missed it.

I'm glad to know about all the good things our history teacher did. Very few people are all good or all bad. As for the lack of "manners," I have to agree with GN - There were no manners involved. Most of us took our medicine quietly, but the resentment was still there. Now that we're beyond fear of reprisal, the truth comes out.

However, it's best to remember that much of the stories about the past are just meant for the fun of sharing and are the "stuff of legends." If I had my choice of being remembered as well-mannered and boring - or a rip-snorter, I would choose the latter.

ten2, I had no intention of answering your humorous entry, but I just have to comment, since you must think you know me well. If you know who toasted marshmallows, then you know of about 12--maybe many more. (By the way, it was not my lighter. I wasn't a smoker.) If you know who walked out during a tirade of unwarranted humiliation and demoralizing, perhaps you know me. I can't imagine that she would have told that story, since it was not something for any teacher to be proud of. You see, I was not one of the trouble-makers. I was a good kid, who never missed the honor roll. I would never have spoken disrespectfully to her, though that was the way she addressed most of us--most of the time. So, if you know who the ONE (ha) is--please be sure to stop me and say hello. Better yet, just give me a call. I'll be waiting.

Gl & GN, I happen to mention this blog to my little Sis, who is visiting me here in Dexter. Now she is wondering who Gl is and who your sister is, GONENOW. Back in February you two ask for hints about her. She said to tell you that she dated the captain of the football team and that she was an attendant to the football queen (sr. year). Also her best friends were E D and D G who also graduated in 1960.

She wants a few hints from you two.

Madeline, she says that she rode the bus with you when you lived across the road from the Boyd School.

I'll have to see if the library has a '59 yearbook!