For the last few days, I’ve re-worked the page about our classmates who have died. You’ll notice in the left hand corner a new item (“Classmates Who Have Died”) on the Links list:
New Links Menu
I have also updated the top menu to include a link called “In Memoriam.” Both links will get you to the new memorial page. The reason I moved it to here was that it makes it easier for me to update. Take a look at it now.
The new top menu
If you can add any information about our classmates who have died — their careers, their families, where they lived, etc. please feel free to send it to me. And of course, we love pictures! Use the Contact Us button to communicate with me and I’ll post it on the blog.
Photo by Roger Guggenheimer showing an icicle hanging from the school roof, depicting how cold it has been in McCloud lately. He says it is getting up to 25°, which is warm considering the temperatures of this past week!
Roger is an elementary school teacher.
There’s no question that ever since the awful shooting tragedy in Newtown, CT, there’s been a focus on elementary schools and the teachers who protect children . . . everyday heroes, if you will. That’s why I was glad to hear from one of our BHS’68 grads, Roger Guggenheimer, who teaches a 3rd-4th grade class at McCloud Elementary School, McCloud, CA. The school’s small classes enable students to focus on learning and allow teachers to work one-on-one with students. Roger’s class only has 11 students!
He writes: The tiny but mighty small country school I teach at is McCloud Elementary, located on the eastern flank of Mt. Shasta in far northern California. Our school has a wonderful variety of programs including competitive sports and skiing/snowboarding. Academics is a big focus here, though we have a small staff. What we lack the most is technology. With California’s budget under the gun, our computer lab went down the drain. Each teacher has one fully functional used computer that was donated by the Forest Service. . . I miss the days when we could actually teach with a complete computer lab, but there just isn’t any money to buy any new computers . . . All this means we have to rely on ourselves to do the teaching the old-fashioned way, with books, and it does work. To date we still have money for plenty of supplies, unlike so many other places.
I was especially glad to read on his school’s website that the children in his class sing complex songs and create new lyrics for other songs. They learn to read rhythms as well as music on the staff, accompanied by “Mr. G’s musical expression on a bamboo xylophone.” With music often being the first program to be cut in public schools, this is welcome news indeed.
Mount Shasta, CA
It was my question, “How did you end up there, anyway?” which led Roger to answer that it was due to a hitchhiking trip to Mount Shasta, CA which changed his life forever, and caused him to move lock, stock and barrel to this small town, population 3,394.
Roger says, “Life is slow and easy here, and there is no crime to speak of. As a 20-something I wanted to ‘go back in time’ to a more gentle era where people knew their neighbors, spoke to one another, and watched out for each other. I struck it rich when I landed here. Not in money, but just in the lifestyle of no crowds, no traffic, lots of trees, fresh air, blue skies and fresh, clear chemical-free water to drink and recreate in . . . Hard to believe I’m still in California.”
He says that when he wants more excitement or culture, he hops on a jet and flies to another country where he can pursue one of his favorite sports, scuba!
Shock and sadness has hit the family of Dave Satel, member of the Class of 1968, with his sudden death last night. His wife, Sandy, wrote on his FaceBook page:
Last night I lost the love of my life and soulmate for the [past] 40 years! My husband David Satel is in Heaven. I have no words to explain I am in shock! He was the most loving kind, intelligent and caring husband and father. The Besto of Best. Babe I love you so much and will be with you!
Here’s what people have been writing on his FaceBook wall:
I have never yet met a man as Kind, as sweet, and the biggest heart like David Satel’s. He was the BEST Landlord that I ever had for a business along with you. My prayers go out with you all.
David Satel and his wife, Sandy
If not for David I don’t think I would have made it to be who I am today. I’m in shock, sad, and at a great loss of words for you.
David was an amazing person and will be missed.
Heaven got another angel tonight…. The best Dad ever! Words can’t describe what I am feeling right now.
I will always remember this great man! You will be missed, David.
David was the owner of David’s Vending Sales in Shadow Hills, CA, which sold and repaired new, used, and antique vending Machines dispensing soda, snacks, coffee, and food. In addition to his wife, Sandy, survivors include his children, David Satel Jr. and Lisa Satel. Condolences may be posted to David’s FaceBook page.
Merrily Thorne Prescott (on the right) says this is the way women carry water in an Iraqwi village in Tanzania.
Merrily Thorne Prescott
Some of us have the luxury of traveling, not only to various parts of the United States and Canada, but perhaps to Europe or Asia. But our classmate, Merrily Thorne Prescott, spent 31 days touring Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana and had the adventure of her life! She says that in October, she and a friend, Jayne, were part of an 11-person tour group which “saw so many different animals up close and personal in their natural habitat.” They also visited villages, a ceramic bead factory, a glass factory, and a school. Merrily and Jayne then spent ten days on their own touring South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, including “magnificent Victoria Falls,” riding an elephant, walking with lions and petting cheetahs! She says “I fell in love with Africa and hope to return to Tanzania or Kenya, perhaps to work at a school or ??? I have new African friends I want to see again. Planning and preparing for Africa was almost a full-time job.”
Merrily is riding an elephant in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
I really liked Merrily’s comment about packing her suitcase: “Limiting ourselves to 33 pounds for 31 days was an almost impossible task but we succeeded.”
In addition to Africa, Merrily also traveled to Chicago, Southern California, and Florida. She will venture off to the Dominican Republic in March and to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
This lion looks awfully close!
Merrily has retired from teaching and is enjoying life in Texas near her daughter, Tracy. She says she has “lost almost twenty five pounds” and “look and feel much better . . . my goal for 2013 is to keep that weight off.”
Awhile back I wrote about having left my iPad in a Subway restaurant and being so thankful that someone turned it in to the restaurant staff. I was so amazed that there were still good, honest people left in the world. In case you would like to read the post, you can click here. Well, it’s happened to me again, and this time I can thank the people at my local Costco for having the systems in place for bumbling people like myself.
I was in the checkout line and handed the cashier my Costco card.
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but there’s a block on this card. Did you report it stolen?”
“No, I didn’t. Is there something wrong?” I immediately called my husband, and asked whether he had lost his card. “No, it’s right here in my hand. In fact, we even made payment on the account and it’s not due until the 12th.”
I even called my son (since we’re all on the same account) to find out whether he had lost his card. He said, “no, I have it right here.”
In a few minutes I had my answer. The cashier went to the office and came out with my wallet! I had taken out my Costco card earlier, and must have either dropped the wallet in the parking lot or somewhere in the store, and someone turned it in! The store immediately put a block on my account. So I have to count myself either incredibly lucky, or undeniably forgetful! I didn’t even know I had lost my wallet — Costco knew it before I did!
The view on San Fernando Road, Burbank
All this made me think back to Zody’s in Burbank, located where there is a Kmart is now. It was located on San Fernando Road and was one of the first “big box” discount stores in Burbank. You could buy all sorts of things at Zody’s — from clothing, to household goods, to sporting goods, even jewelry.
While we are on the subject of discount stores, I also remember ice cream at Newberry’s (where it was 10¢ a scoop) and Thrifty Drugs (where it was only 5¢ a scoop!) on Magnolia.
I’m sure that in those days if you lost your wallet, you’d be out of luck!
The All City High School Band of Burbank marching in the Rose Parade, 1968
It’s New Year’s Day, and even though the Rose Parade TV coverage starts at some ungodly hour here in Hawaii (something like 6 am), I always try to catch a glimpse of Burbank’s entry. According to the Burbank Leader, the city of Burbank has participated in the Tournament of Roses every year, with either a float, a band, or a decorated car (during World War II).
The Burbank Leader published a story on New Year’s Day, 2003 which detailed Burbank’s then-history of participation for 89 years, and its success record in winning prizes. “Burbank has continued to win various awards over the years, but the greatest award for the volunteers seems to be the sense of accomplishment, pride and community spirit which has come with every Burbank entry.
The Burbank Tournament of Roses Assn.’s consistent participation in the parade is unique because it is one of only six organizations that enter self-built floats and is staffed entirely by volunteers.”
The Burbank Tournament of Roses
The Burbank Tournament of Roses even has its own website where you can view a complete history of its designs and awards. There is even an application form available if you care to submit a design for next year’s parade.
When I was in college at the University of Southern California, a bunch of my friends decided to spend the night on the parade route, to insure a good viewing spot. I remember being kept up all night because of the traffic noise and party revelers and thought never again! I’m just content now to watch it on television, even if it’s early in the morning after New Year’s Eve. When I was a college freshman, I was in a choral group called the Trojan Chorale, and we performed during the half-time show at the Rose Bowl (That was the year O.J. Simpson won the Heisman Trophy!). As I was in the front row of the choir, my family all saw me sing on national television!
In our class, Laurie Eisenberg and John Wray remember marching in the Rose Parade with Burbank High School — and John especially remembers marching behind 12 camels!
Class of 1968, do you have any memories of the Rose Parade or the Rose Bowl?
Today I received a report from WordPress.com about this blog: Nathan Myhrvold’s ground breaking Modernist Cuisine has 2,440 pages. This blog had about 10,000 views in 2012. If each view were a page, it would equal 4 copies of Modernist Cuisine.
It’s the end of the year, and a time when we look back on what has happened to us in 2012. This Burbank High Class of 1968 blog, for example, I started writing in January, and although I’ve lost a little steam lately, I resolve to keep working on it. There have been 58 posts; 10,180 pageviews, 184 pictures uploaded and 70 comments. Our best day was January 5th, when 464 of you clicked on the link I sent you to see what all the fuss was about. I mean, it will soon be 45 years since we all stood on that stage at the Starlight Bowl, ready to set the world on fire. Now many of us have either retired or are on the cusp of retirement!
Donna and her cousin, Ginger
One thing I am proud of is how we have been able to connect people, separated by time and distance. For example, my posts about Donna Canzoneri Wray led to her cousin finding her after 26 years. You see, to protect people’s privacy, I won’t publish everyone’s email address, but I’m happy to make connections. Want to get in touch with someone? Write me and I’ll try to connect you. (Unfortunately we don’t have everyone’s email address–some people are still missing.) We enjoy hearing about your successes, children, grandchildren and all your news.
What Fruit Am I, by Karen Walther Berg
Karen Walther Berg published a bilingual (Spanish/English) riddle book for kids 3-7 , called “What Fruit am I?” Karen writes: “This is to announce to you, my friends, that my first book has come out as an iPad book. You can purchase the App at the iPad App store. I am so excited and wanted to share this with you. My new website is www.whatamibooks.net and there you can see a preview of the book. You can also get the APP for free to preview it, and buy the APP after you have seen exactly how it works. The first one is about fruit, to teach concepts to young children in English and Spanish in a fun way. My secondary goal, my dream, is for parents and children to teach each other. The next one will probably be about vegetables. I would like to expand and offer these books in Japanese, Chinese, French. You might not know that I teach in a bilingual elementary school (Evergreen Elementary in Shelton, WA) and this is really dear to my heart and years in the making. Thanks to everyone who has had a part in making it come about.”
Another person I heard from recently is Morton Davis (aka Jim Morton). If you don’t recognize his name, he says “around 1994, I legally changed my name from Jim Bob Morton to Morton Davis. My grandmother’s maiden name is Davis and I wanted a ‘new/fresh start’. I adopted her maiden name as my last name and dropped my first names (Jim Bob) completely. You will find me in the 1968 year book as Jim Morton. My sister, Elaine Morton is in the 1967 year book, and my brother Eddie Morton is in the 1966 year book . . . I studied trumpet privately with a very fine musician named Silvio Savante (not sure of the spelling of his last name), in Burbank. When I was in fourth grade, I rented a Tenor Sax and signed up for the Emerson Elementary band. The band leader told me that he wouldn’t allow the saxophone in his band. That was very unfortunate, as I had no intention of playing trumpet or any other instrument in the band, and never had an interest in playing in any school band thereafter. When I was 19 years old, in Vietnam, I found an abandoned guitar. A fellow soldier taught me three chords and I began to learn how to play Bob Dylan tunes.” Morton says, “Thank you for all your great posts, regards Burbank Hi…class of 68′. Just want to take a moment to wish you a Merry Christmas and a most enjoyable and prosperous New Year, 2013.Looking forward to hearing more from you in the New Year.”
Keep those cards and letters coming! The best way to share is to write me using the “Contact Us” tab above.
Cathy Palmer, the blogger for Burbank High’s Class of 1967, recently wrote about art teacher, Doris Adams, and one of her famous students, writer/producer/director Tim Burton, and gave me permission to repost it on this blog. My only art class was with Mrs. Adams, and what I learned in her class has stayed with me in my pursuit of graphic design.
Doris Adams, art teacher. Photo from the 1968 Ceralbus.
Mrs Doris Adams taught ART at BHS in the 1960’s and 1970’s. she is a very talented artist herself. She is now in late 80’s and still very active and involved in many things. She lives in Aliso Viejo in Orange County.
One of her BHS Art students was writer/producer/director Tim Burton, BHS ’76. About two years ago Tim Burton reconnected with Mrs Adams while he was preparing for the exhibit of his own art at two US shows, first in NYC at the Museum of Modern Art and then in Los Angeles at the LA County Museum of Art from May to October of 2011. Tim had a film crew go to Mrs Adams’ home to interview her in early 2011. That footage was edited into a video that was shown on monitors that the public could see during his art exhibits in the museums in both NY and LA. In the video Mrs Adams shares her memories of having Tim as a student at BHS, how quiet he was, how he always finished his art assignments early, all fond memories of Tim. Tim invited Mrs Adams and her whole family to the opening of his art exhibit in Los Angeles at the County Museum of Art in May of 2011, and they attended!
Tim Burton is a Burbank High grad!
Recently in mid-September Mrs Adams received another invitation from Tim Burton, this time for her and her family to attend the premier of his newest film, “Frankenweenie”, which was held later in September! Mrs Adams thought we would like to know that Tim does remember his days at BHS.
Another of Doris Adams’ former BHS Art students, Alan Landros ’70, is in contact with her from time to time, and he received a note from her in September where she told of her latest contact with Tim Burton.
I had no idea Tim Burton was a Burbank High grad! He was involved in the production of Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Batman Forever, Planet of the Apes, Corpse Bride, and other movies.
It’s Black Friday, a holiday which seems to have surpassed Thanksgiving and Christmas in news media attention. As for me, I’m staying as far away from retail environments as possible! I will gladly leave all that shopping madness to others, thank you very much.
I thought I would take this opportunity, though, to tell you about a great FaceBook page which I discovered recently, called Burbank in the 60s. It was put together by Debbe Bowser Smith, a Burroughs High graduate of 1970. She has posted a bunch of pictures of Burbank stores and other establishments as well as photos of nostalgic items. Here are some of my favorites:
McDonalds on Olive Avenue
Look! here’s a picture of McDonalds on Olive Avenue. You can see that a hamburger only cost 15¢ and they had only sold 1 million! Apparently this photo was taken when the restaurant first opened. Of course, the restaurant has undergone many renovations since then.
Look at the prices at this old McDonalds menu sign!
Unbelievably, the cheeseburger was only 4¢ higher, at 19¢; and french fries were only a dime!
By the time we graduated in 1968, the price of a hamburger had gone up to 18¢.
The Smoke House still exists today.
On the other end of the dining spectrum is a picture of The Smoke House. The Smoke House was built at the end of the Second World War (1946) and still exists today. It originally was located at the corner of Pass and Riverside Avenues but was moved to its present location in 1949. Many local celebrities were seen at the Smoke House and it still enjoys a reputation as a fine dining establishment.
There’s a story that has been passed around my family for years and years about when I went there as a toddler. I apparently enjoyed the meal so much that I (allegedly!) proclaimed: “Let’s eat here EVERY DAY!” Of course in those days, it was considered a place for special occasions only, probably due to the menu prices.
And how many movies did you see at the Cornell Theatre on San Fernando Road? It first opened on November 18, 1949 but was torn down in 1980 after closing in 1978. That’s where I saw “Gone with the Wind.”
The Cornell movie theatre, not far from Burbank High.
We enjoyed donuts from Martino’s Bakery, which still exists today.
Debbie Martino
And speaking of retail establishments, we can’t forget to include Martino’s Bakery, which now is located on Victory Boulevard. Here’s an excerpt from the Martino’s website: When I think of Burbank , California , only two places come to mind: the original Bob’s Big Boy and Martino’s Bakery . . . There’s something about Martino’s Bakery that has kept customers coming back for over three-quarters of a century. My guess for its success? One thing: Martino’s tea cakes. Actually, the first time I’ve physically stepped in to the bakery was last week, but I had seen, tasted and savored Martino’s tea cakes long before. My mother grew up in Burbank , and her siblings and my grandparents have boasted about Martino’s tea cakes for as long as I can remember. Hence, I was born and grew up hearing about these wondrous little pastries. (Kristin Franklin)
That was the day the Mickey Mouse Club first premiered. It was also the day the Soviet battleship struck a World War II mine in the Baltic Sea.
But it’s very possible that YOU were having fun on the playground at Emerson School, 720 Cypress Avenue, Burbank on that very day!
Out of the blue, we were contacted by Abraham Raphael of thearchivist.com about a video he created for a Los Angeles family from home movies which contained images of children on the playground of Emerson School on October 3, 1955. Since many of the students in Burbank High School’s Class of 1968 attended Emerson School, it’s very possible that you may find yourself in the video!
I think I found Marilyn Kasper and Carole Aikin — tell us if you recognize more faces! Unfortunately I didn’t see myself in the video, but maybe you will! You’ll also see “The Bungalow,” a temporary classroom located on the edge of the playground.
A recent picture of Emerson School on Cypress Avenue.
Burbank High Class of 1968 