The message forum is an ongoing dialogue between our classmates. There are no items, topics, subtopics, etc.

Forums work when people participate - so don't be bashful! Click the "Post Response" button to add your entry to the forum and then click "Submit".

Teddie Jordan

WTL, I enjoyed your post. Welcome back to the lone star and your ideas and comments are too cool, and made my day. Hope to see you on the 29th. Meantime catch a few redfish and feed the porpoise, on purpoise!

Jimmie Lee Smith (Brawner)

I've never loved baseball - played on one team at Baptist Temple - was thrilled when my son quit after being creamed in the face his first season of "real pitch" ball.  But, you know what?  Except that we might not have a "pro" pitcher (but, I'll wager that Sharon Allen is as close to being a pro at so many things, that she's probably pitcher material, too), I think we old ladies could take you old men.  What do you think, ladies?  But, I'm with Wayne - EMTs MUST be close, HAS to be very cool weather, probably won't be a regulation 9 inning game (I know I couldn't last that long), and I'm sure we'll come with lots of other stipulations: ice & Ben-Gay on demand;  masseuse/chiropractor on the premises; substitute runners under the age of 50 available; a comfy, padded stool for the catcher and a gofer to retrieve the ball for her; glove protection for our manicured nails; resting chairs at each base - well, you get my drift.  Biggest  hurdle will be finding a date when everyone willing to play could participate - possibly in conjunction with our April Spring Fling before we get any older????

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

BIG THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE A DONATION FOR THE NEW FOOTBALL UNIFORMS!  Hugs

News from Waltrip Alumi Association -

Waltrip's Homecoming Game against Furr High School,
Delmar Stadium, October 7 @ 7 pm

All alumni are encouraged to be at the game.  The football team will be wearing the new uniforms that were donated by Waltrip alumni.

We hope to see all the Waltrip alumni in the Houston area at the game to show support for the best high school in Houston!

 FYI:  The Class of '86 will be attending the Homecoming game

Wayne Lake

On a more serious note, I found an interesting article by Dean Swanson in a Heights magazine titled ‘Reagan Masonic Lodge No. 1037’. It has some interesting info about the our schools’ famous local namesakes. I will paraphrase for brevity and will apologize to all who already know this stuff, but I didn’t and found it enlightening.

My father was a Mason and I think my brother, Dennis (Reagan ’60) was in DeMolay for a period. I don’t know much about it except that my dad belonged and he was a pretty serious, God fearing man but he never talked to me about it at all that I can remember.

The marker in front of the Lodge building at 16^th and Heights Blvd reads as follows: “Reagan Lodge, the first Masonic lodge ………December 12^th, 1910…….was named for John Menniger Reagan (1818-1905) who served as a Judge, Confederate Postmaster General, U.S. Congressman and Senator, framer of the 1876 Texas Constitution and first Texas Railroad Commission……….

Two area schools, S.P. Waltrip and Helms Elementary are named for individuals who served as Masters of Reagan Lodge.  S.P. Waltrip was an educator, Superintendent of the Houston Heights schools under HISD. The 1932 Pennant, Reagan’s Yearbook is dedicated to S. P. Waltrip and includes this passage; “This man, a spotless character and Christian gentleman, set for all of us an example that is worthy of emulsion.”      

Cooley Elementary is also named for a member of the lodge, Daniel Denton Cooley, the father of the Houston Heights,” affiliated with Reagan Lodge in 1923 until his death in 1933 at the age of 83.  I guess Dr. Denton Cooley, first with heart transplant maybe with Dr. Debakey (according to Wikipedia) was his son?

wtl

Teddie Jordan

Wayne, my dad was also a Mason, a founding member of Oak Forest Lodge #1397. I am proud to say that I am also a member of that lodge. Masons are, as you described your dad, good, God fearing men. And my dad and namesake definitely fit that description.

One thing that puzzles me is that the name of Reagan high school was recently changed because John H. Reagan was affiliated with the confederacy, but the plaque references John M. Reagan of the same generation?

PS-I think I figured it out Wayne, either you or the plaque writer mispelled the middle name, it is Henninger, not Menninger, same guy. 

Bj Brady '65

Brothers- I was a very active member of Reagan DeMolay and served as Master Councilor in 1966. Had a great time. I went into Masonry in 1975 and served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1979. I am about to receive my 50 year DeMolay membership pin from Master Robert Hagan.  Good memories. My grandfather was a member of Reagan Lodge. Small, little world, is it not....

Larry Reid '63

My father Martin Reid was an active member of the Oak Forest Lodge. My mother Clara was active in the Eastern Star. My father was also a member of the Shrine. My brother Mylie was a Demolay at Reagan Lodge. My sons are Masons.

Like Wayne's father, I knew my dad was a very proud Mason but he did not talk about it much. This was part of the Masonic Lodge modus operandi. They do not recruit members. I have wonderful memories of the old lodge on Shepard that was above a Laundry. I also loved visiting the Reagan Lodge on Heights Blvd! It was a beautiful building. The Oak Forest Lodge later moved to another location on, as best I can remember, Antoine?

The Masonic Lodge has a rish history in the United States and played a major role in establishing our great nation. They do a lot of good work!

CORRECTION! It was the Garden Oaks Lodge where my dad was a member and then later he joined the Oak Forest Lodge.

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Gooooooooood morrrnin Chappell Hill.....Good Sunday morning to all yall Waltripians. "This is the day that the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it....."  

     Just thought I'd share the sunrise with you that we witnessed this Sunday Morning ! ! !  On my 2nd pot of coffee by this time. I wait all night for the sunrise, and sure nuff, yonder it comes! 

     Been thinking long and hard about having an annual softball/fellowship/reunion up here on the hill, and lo and behold, got a phone call from brother Wayne TL this fine mornin!   Seems he had the same idea !
Watcha think myne fellow goombahians?    Of course a few details would have to be worked out, and I've been verkin on them since I started the Coopers Memorial Ball Field !   

     What month and day?   Probably February/March/April, would be the best three months to plan for something of this magitude.  Hopefully we will be out of the spring killer storms we've experienced for the last 2 years up here, and unless we have a pole shift, those three months shouldnt be too warm!  As for time of day, I'm up before dawn everyday, so from dawn to dusk would be good hours for me, with an occasional nap thrown in for g ood measure.

    Major thing, is the ball field is in, and concession stand is up and ready, club house is ready to go, tables and chairs are not a problem, once we get a head count.   Got 3 huge igloo/coleman ice chests, probably each hold 4 or 5 cases of beah and softdrinks.  Large wheeled smoker/BBQ pit, plus Grill Master propane BBQ Pit.  

     The clubhouse is 1200 sq ft, nice gray concrete floor, so you neednt be whorried about dropping BBQ sauce on the floor. Cleans right up !   It also comes with a regular size fridge and freezer. Oncet (east texas for once) all the veeehicles are removed, it be a fine clubhouse/daince floor and domino/card playing AA rea ! ! ! !   Plus, 3 large wall ocillating fans, plus floor fans in case we have an early summer.

      Got about 3 or 4 acres of parking, depending on whether the weather will cooperate.  

      This can be like a picnic, everyone can bring MY favorite dishes, which includes just about everything except sushi and liver and onions!    Lots O places sell BBQ by the pound, and the best and least expensive place I have found is a place in Spring Branch on Long Point between Wirt and Bingle, called Beef and Bun.   Great brisket and as of last October, was 9 dollars a pound. Most everyone else charges upwards from 13 to 20 dollars a pound.  We used them to augment the brisket I was cooking, last October for Dianes Retirement party. 

   I also cook great carnitas to make pork sliders etc....

      Chicken  and sausage is a no brainer.   I have found the best sausage in the whirld.  Thin casing, plus great flavor that doesnt beat you up hours later !   Thin casing is a must for me, because like a lot of old folks, not saying that any of youse youtes are old, just me, I have a hard time chewing chewy stuff.   It's HOLMES sausage from Richmond/Rosenburg area.    I know, I know, we live right behind Chappell Hill sausage factory, and theirs is good also too, but casing is a little tuff for my tooth. 

     The sausage is Pork/Venison, and has less fat than all the other sausage.  Found Webers BBQ sauce to be about the best as far as taste. Some sauce is too tart, too sweet, too this or that, webers is just right!
In my opinion! ! !  And mostly I'm right just about everything, everytime.   I thought I was wrong once, but I was wrong !   

     I will have portacans brought in, and depending the cost of the Air conditioned ones, maybe one of those! Guys can pretty much call a tree and a rock a portacan, but the ladies need something just a tad more sophisticated than a tree and a rock, wouldnt you think? 

     Also Pork and beans is a no brainer, if you use Bushs Baked beans, and from where I stand or sit, those are about as good as any!   

     NOW, havink mentioned all the aforementioned here to fore, most everything is, SEMPER GUMBY,
always flexible ! ! ! !     This probably would work better if it were a potluck type affair, bring your favorite dish, and share with others, especially me !    Your favorite beer, lemonade, beer, tea, beer, wine, whiskey etc....there are so many options, a person would be hard pressed to not have a good time ! ! !

    
     I know it's not Goode Company, or Fudds,, but it could be fun !   Soooooo, let me know what yall think about an annual softball/picnic/get together/ re onion.....If you get too with spirit, you can just fall out on the hill, and those of us left standing can sprinkle ORTHO aint killer on you, and you be just fine.

     Even if no one wants have it, I'm going to  anyway, me and Wayne will be a settin on a couple of coolers out on the hill, havin a grand old time. When we get too, with spirit, if you will, and even if you wont, we can just fall off the coolers, and roll down the hill into the crick, sober up, walk back up the hill, and start all over again ! HA !!!!!

     SEE, this can be like Andy Hardy and Polly putting on  a show in the old barn, yeah, that's the ticket! ! !

Keep the sun at your six and ride boldly ride...
Your special ed frien, Andy Beauregarde Hardy esq

Beau Wann, Jr.

        Attention, attention, the blue birds just arrived Friday October 7th...YEA...  Just thought I'd share this picture of the BLUE BIRD nests I took out of the Blue Bird houses.  They dont like to use last years nests ! They'd rather work themselves to death flying in new bird nest makin materials, so I've heped em out!

     I was thinkink, maybe I could spray the nests with shelac or something sticky that hardens, and keep em as decorations....Hmmmm?   Any idears?

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Hello...do not open any email you get from me. I have not sent out any, and my account says I have sent out over 100, and got back the failure response. I dont know if someone has hacked my email or what.  I REPEAT, I HAVE NOT SENT ANYONE ANY EMAILS TODAY OR ANYTIME IN THE LAST WEEK OR SO OR LONGER.

Beau Wann, Jr.

Henny and john P adams have both responded about an email I have sent them, I have not sent them anything. I tried to send them something to tell them not to open anything from me.   for some reason it will not let me send any emails. SO, IF ANYONE IS READING THIS, AND HAS JOHN ADAMS AND HENNYS EMAIL ADDRESS, OR PHONE NUMBER, GET IN TOUCH WITH THEM AND TELL THEM NOT TO OPEN ANYTHING FROM ME....THANBK YOU

Terry Jones (Gallemore)

Beau,

Count me in for Coopers Memorial Field First Annual Ballgame and FIESTA!  Sounds like a lot of fun!

John Philip Adams

I recieved your Text from the phone. DId Ms. Lee try to correct your punctuation and usage of the east texas english language?

Teddie Jordan

Cephus, I hope you got the $1000 I wired you in London after I got the email from you about being stranded there because you lost your billfold!

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Gooooooood Mornin Waltripians.   We had 50 degrees yesterday mornin at 6:25 AOf M, and then about 10 minutes later, dropped into the fridged zone, 49 gredees....YESSSSS, that's what I'm talkin about ! ! !  Got the snowplow and snowmobile and sled out and ready to go.   Just waitin on that first snowflake !   Two weeks ago today, it was 105, I kid you not !  The day before it was a paltry 100. Saturday anad Sunday before that, it was 103 both days.  50 degree shift to the south....I love it...come old man winter, BRING IT ON DUDE ! ! ! !   

     Hey Terry, COME ON DOWN....yea...JPA, no, havent heard from Ms Lee (Cole).  I'm pretty sure she knows a clown when she reads one.   I had the best english teacher in the whirld, Mrs. Simpson !  I learned alot, but fought against it paper and pencil (english for "tooth and nail").  

    Hey TJ, I said I had a conundrum and lost a mallet, not I lost my wallet in london. Well, you should have known it was  a scram because I would have axed for at least 10K !

     Ok now class, so now it's Me, Diane, Wayne TL, and Terry Gallemore coming to the Coopers Memorial Ballgame sometime in the early sprang !   February and March, or first of April would probably not interfere with any stuff. Nothing going on in Feb or Mar, and Easter is on April 16th and Palm Sunday the Sunday before Easter.   And the SPRING FLING at Goode Co is in late april? 

        I'll have to check, and work around that so as not to interfere.  I like Goode Co., glad Johnny set that one up. The food is good, and they alwaays have a beertender for youse youtes, and the staff is super friendly.  I didnt much care for Spring Creek BBQ.  The room was nice, the free rolls wrre nice, and of course the company was GRRRReat!  I think as good as all yall are, we could stand around in the parking lot and have a great time ! ! !    Good freinds and fellowship are people and not a place.

     And, AND, since the wind blows pretty much year round up here, especially in the so called windy months of February and March, BRING YOUR KITES ! !!!!!!   I have one kite that is in the guise of a REDTAIL HAWK !  My beloved bought that for me. I have been flying it for a few months now.  I dive bomb the cows next door.  They are not amused, and have bellowed for me to quit it!       So I just dive bomb Dixie and Jack, who dont like it eyether!    I am going to buy some more kites for visiting dignitaries, like  ALL YALL ! ! !

    Ok, got to move a freezer, and put out 150 pounds of seed today, so got to get movin ! ! !   Oh, finally got my garage wired for edisonisms joules watts and amps,   and we're big bad and nationwide.   So nice to be able to open the door and turn on a lightswitch and not have to plug in an extention cord for lights and pawr (east texas for power) .

    Keep the sun at your six and ride boldly ride...and whilst you are riding boldly riding, and find yourself in Chappell Hill, give us a shout and we'lll talk you in!

Your special ed frien and brother in classmate...Allan Badillion Trahern aka Olbeauwannkanobi

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Blessed Sunday morning to all....If I may get personal here, Diane and I are in shock. A long time friend and neighbor from our Candlelight days has passed away.  We have been friends and neighbors with Jeff Byers and his wife Cathy and our unofficially adopted grandaughter Lucy for 25 years or so.  I know you've heard me speak of Lucy.  Graduated Magnum cum everything from kindergarten to the Honors classes at UH, and now attending the U of T medical school in Galveston. (proud granpa aint I) . Any way, her father died last night at Memorial Herman hospital down in the med center.

     He was just 50, if that. He had been fighting some sort of infection for about a month. It attacked every organ in his body.  He was at Memorial city when they finally lifeflighted him to Memorial Herman thursday or friday.  Took em till last night to identify part of it, but too late.   Jeff was "as good as it gets", if I may borrow a phrase.   Kind and gentle, smart and loving, just so easy going, without being boring.   As well as a neighbor and friend, he was also our insurance agent at State Farm.  He was always looking out for us for better programs and how to save some money  with insurance.

    So, maybe a small prayer for Cathy and Lucy, to help them cope, and heal, and to not lose faith in God and Jesus.

Pat Brantley (Ross)

Brother Beau,  my computer has been hacked and all my contacts have been warped and evidently I have written some bizarre stuff.  I think the idea of a big puzzle and some lemonade sounds great.  You are not working to destroy something, but to create something.  It is wonderful.  Don't go nuts with the project like the Winchester House in San Jose, but enjoy your life at your pace.  I would start a puzzle at my house, but there is no safe working surface.  My dog and cat were trained by a big time enabler - me.  God has blessed me more than I can even comprehend.  I would ride Pegasus if I had the chance.  

I hope the October get together was wonderful.  

Pat Brantley (Ross)

When tragedies occur we are not capable of walking alone.  I know this.  You are 100% correct about reaching out and refusing to retreat into ourselves.  I will be praying.  My husband has been gone for several days to visit a wonderful friend (since 1967) who has ALS.  He is traveling with 5 other people from our home church group. Her prognosis is three more months.  She is smiling and praying for her husband

Incidentally, since I don't know if my last post even went through, my computer was hacked also.  

Gloria Hornick (Walker)

Beau, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  We never know what the next day may hold, but we must have faith and get help from our friends, as you said.  I am praying for you, Diane, Cathy, and Lucy now, as well as others who are going through difficult times.  We never know what some are facing, because they are reluctant to share, but this group of friends is one we can depend on.  Thanks to all of you who share and help support others.  

Beau Wann, Jr.

     Thank you Pat and Gloria, i very much appreciate your support !   But what the heck, we all know that we support one and other, but just hearing it, is such a welcome comfort, and again I thank you !

.   

Ruth Ellen Winters (Schmidt)

Beau I am so sorry about your friend. Jeff and Cathy are. Friends of ours also we go to church with them. I sub at school  with Cathy have insurance. Ditto everything you said. Jeff was the nicest kindest man. My heart feels so bad for Cathy and Lucy. They are the nicest family and shock is how we all feel. My daughter lives right across the street from them. She has been watching her house and dogs. My granddaughter went to school with Lucy.  We know Jeff is In a better place but he still will be missed.  Those left behind I pray for comfort and peace in knowing this  This has shocked so many  and reminded us how precious life is and how quickly it can change  faith is a great comforter  right now it just hurts   Gods Blessings to all the Byers family and you and Diane 

Jackie Crowe (Finch)

BroBeau and Diane, so sorry for the loss of your neighbor, Jeff.  Felt like we knew the family from all your writings, especially Lucy.  So tragic and heartbreaking, I'm crying, too.   Many prayers for them and you and Diane. God Bless and hugs

Beau Wann, Jr.

    Thanks Jackie...  Wow, small whirld!  Thanks Ruth Ellen and thanks to your daughter for taking care of the pups and the homestead!  The grief that Cathy and Lucy will have to endure will be made somewhat bearable by friends like you and your family, and of course the church family. There was also one of Lucys cousins there that has a 2 month old baby. I think your daughter also found a self rocking bed, or swing and came in and put it together. The baby had an ear ache, but went fast asleep soon as the swing started.  Shoot, I need me one of those swings!      Seems to be no end of support from your family, and I know that the Byers are so appreciative.

     Once again, thanks to a member of the Waltrip class, a burden is made just a little lighter.  Thanks again Ruth Ellen and to your daughter, whom we've met when we lived next door to the Byers.

   Diane and I have visited OSL church on several occasions, for Lucy and for us as well.  Went there for Lucys confirmation, and upon graduation from middle school to High School at Lutheran North.
What a beautiful church inside !  The front doors are massive and beautiful. 

 Here's a bit O trivia about your church, it is the tallest "ONION DOME" west of the Mississippi. 

     Thank you again Ruth Ellen, for your prayers for Cathy and Lucy, they are gonna need them.  I  can tell you, this is one service I wish I didnt have to attend. Well, we all wish we didnt have to  go to any memorial service, but that isnt realistic is it. .  

    I know Cathy and Lucy would want to thank everyone personally  for the love and support shown to them in this time of need.   Until that time, Diane and I thank you all, for the love and support you have shown the Byers.  God Bless you all...

Ruth Ellen Winters (Schmidt)

Oh yeah it's going to be real hard. When you saw one you saw three. I am not looking forward to this funeral either. It's going to be a hard one. She does have a lot of support from a lot of different places. She probably will get stronger for Lucy's sake if nothing else. But it will be hard and take awhile 

Johnny Sheffield

Our prayers go out to Jeff's family. 

Beau and Diane , I know you both will

be strong for the family because when you have

live so long by someone they become part of your family. 

I believe that is why our class was so

close. 

God bless you all and Jeff's family. 

See you both in a couple of weeks. 

Johnny