In Celebration of MHS Class of 1958

In Celebration of MHS Class of 1958

A Tribute and Celebration

We were the class of 1958, members of the Greatest Generation as well as children of the Greatest Generation. Born in 1940, we are also called members of the Traditional Generation.

Our childhood, post World War II, "was the best of times . . . it was the age of wisdom . . . it was the epoch of belief . . .it was the season of Light . . . it was the spring of hope . . . we had everything before us . . .we were all going direct to Heaven . . . ." (A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens.) At least, that's the way I felt about it. We were truly blessed.

- Ouida Tomlinson -

This blog is a place for 1958 graduates of Meridian, Mississippi, High School to stay in touch, post their news, items of interest and photographs.

CLASS OF 1958 MEMORIES (Click to read all posts relating to sports, honors, graduation and other memories of our class in 1957-58.)

FACEBOOK PAGE FOR CLASS OF 1958
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MHS58/

____________________________________

HOME


Monday, November 30, 2009

Sunday, November 29, 2009

73,000 healthy pets killed in 2008 in Mississippi

This is my rant for the day.

You can bet that the number for 2009 is up, and the number is up in other states as well because of the economy. This article in today's coast newspaper, The Sun Herald, makes a disgusting statement about the irresponsibility and indifference of pet owners and the public and yes, how little life is valued. Don't say "They are ONLY dogs - they are ONLY cats." They are God's creatures, and we are charged to care for them.

There are other statistics which could be added: (1) the number of dogs who died from heart worm because the owners would not spend $5 a month for heart worm prevention; and (2) the number of pets who died from abuse and neglect. One glaring fact hit me after Katrina and that was the huge number of dogs in Louisiana, rescued after the hurricane, who were reported to have heart worm. Mississippi would be no different.

Pope John Paul II referred to the culture of death in our world today. The maltreatment of animals and the family pet is another symptom of the bigger picture.

Article from The Sun Herald:

The No. 1 killer of dogs and cats in Mississippi is euthanasia. A study conducted by the Humane Society of the United States found 73,000 pets were euthanized in Mississippi shelters last year. That’s almost three animals for every household in Gulfport.

The real reason they died is no one cared. What can you do to help? If you want a pet, adopt, don’t buy. Your local shelter is full of animals just waiting for someone to love them. If you already have a pet, make sure it does not reproduce. For more information, call 863-3354 ex. 130.

David Waltman, is the clinic director of the Louise Fenner Claiborne Spay Neuter Clinic at the Humane Society of South Mississippi.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Mary Anthony McLemore Weaver


Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Happy Birthday to Jewel Partridge Williams





Happy Birthday

Jewel Partridge Williams

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Murphy

Murphy has been my foster for a year now. Because of the economic downturn, there are many Maltese with my rescue group who are in foster care, awaiting adoption. Placement is very slow. I foster for Northcentral Maltese Rescue. Please go to Poppy's Blog to see videos and pictures of Murphy and read about him, and to Northcentral Maltese Rescue page for adoption application forms and information. Or call Mary Palmer at 262-633-9371. Murphy wants to go home! (with you or your friend)

Ouida

‘The Blind Side’ Arrives In Theaters Friday - OleMissSports.com—Official Web Site of University of Mississippi Athletics

‘The Blind Side’ Arrives In Theaters Friday - OleMissSports.com—Official Web Site of University of Mississippi Athletics

Did You Know?

Happy Birthday Jim Farr


HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM FARR

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

I'll Be Home Again

I was born in Oxford, MS, in 1940, and named Ouida Landreth. I began kindergarten in 1945. It was located near St. Peter’s Episcopal Church but on the opposite side of the street. I began first grade at Oxford Elementary School, across the street from St. Peter’s. It was torn down to build a new federal building many years later. I attended the First Baptist Church in the church building that few will remember. It was torn down in the 50’s and was on Van Buren Avenue, across the street from the present church. As I recalled the new building was dedicated in about 1950 or 1951, and I was the first one baptized there. (In my 50’s I converted to the Roman Catholic Church.)

I went to school with David Blaylock (father owned Blaylock’s Drug Store where Square Books is now), Brenda New (a year younger, father owned New’s Drug Store), Roslyn Neilson (a year younger, father owned Neilson’s Dept. Store), Margaret Gathright (father was an owner of Gathright-Reed), Virginia Lamb (mother owned dry cleaners which was near Leslie Drug Store), Carolyn Bickerstaff (daughter of Dr. Bickerstaff who taught in the Math Dept. at Ole Miss and Mrs. Bickerstaff who taught English), and Betty Jo Hilbun (whose father had a business called Huggins & Hilbun). I also went to school with Carolyn King, Jean Johnson and Betty Francis Wilson.  (Carolyn, Jean and I moved away and so did not finish high school in Oxford.)  There were so many others I could tell about as everyone knew everyone in this small town.

I went to the movies at the only two places in town – the Lyric Theatre and Ritz. The Lyric is where the world premier showing of "Intruder in the Dust," was held in 1949. It was based on Faulkner's novel and filmed in Oxford. The Oxford I grew up in and remember best is Faulkner’s Oxford, and I often saw him around the square. In fact, the Oxford I visualize is mainly found in the book, William Faulkner, The Cofield Collection, published in the 70’s. For example, I remember where the First National Bank was in the 40’s on the square but have no idea what is there now.

At one time my family lived next door to the Pettis family (Pettis Cigar, I think, on Jackson Ave.). I believe the address was 510 or 512 University Avenue, next door to the Mary Buie Museum. Every Easter I was always given an Easter chicken or a duck. They usually went to live on my grandparents’ farm, but one remained in town with us. He liked to chase girls up and down University Avenue and also liked to go strolling to the square. One of the taxi drivers always brought him home. Such was the wonder and joy of living in this small town.

My dad and mom rented the downstairs apartment to Bo Bowen, an Ole Miss football player and his wife. They had a baby son who also played football for Ole Miss later. Johnny Vaught arrived at Ole Miss in the 40’s, and I grew up always assuming that Ole Miss would win every game. I went to games with my parents, and Vaught was one of their friends. His farm was located near family property on Highway 6 West. I understand he lived there until his death.

One of the things I have always loved about Oxford has been stories about some of the folks. Motee Daniels, for example, was one of the local characters. The first time I saw him was at an Ole Miss football game in the 40’s. He worked for Jack Daniels at the time, so my dad said. He was decked out in a colorful outfit, drinking Jack Daniels from an animal flask with the opening in a rear location. Later, in the 60’s, I met him in the attorney’s office where I worked on the square. Motee visited almost daily and entertained me with funny stories about his adventures, none of which I can remember.

For all you Oxford lovers, my childhood friends and I could walk around the square with you and tell you many stories about what used to be. Before I leave this earth, I’ll be home again. You betcha.

(Dear Class, this was written for other purposes, and I need a web place to park it to share with some others. In any event, I hope you enjoy.)

Gregorian Chant 24/7

Gregorian Chant 24/7

Eternal Rest for Velma Bailey

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Bob Bailey's Mother, Velma Garrison Bailey

Graveside services for Velma Garrison Bailey will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Magnolia Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Smith officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Bailey, 100, of Meridian, died Monday, Nov., 16, 2009, at Anderson Regional Medical Center. Born on November 26, 1908, she was a lifelong member of 15th Avenue Baptist Church.

Mrs. Bailey will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and faithful wife. Survivors include her daughter, Martha Bancroft and her husband, E.C., of Meridian; son, Bob Bailey and his wife, Amanda, of Yazoo City; granddaughters, Ann Weddington and her husband Alex of Meridian and Mollie Stock of Greenville; grandsons, Bruce Bancroft and his wife Tina of Madison, Scott Bancroft and his wife Alicia of Meridian, Hayes Dent and his wife Carolyn of Jackson and Richard Dent of Denver, Colo.; great-granddaughters, Lindsey Bancroft and Bailey Weddington of Meridian, Sloan Bancroft of Ridgeland, Trinity Bancroft of Madison, Margaret Dent of Jackson and Annie Kinkead Dent and Cary Dent of Denver, Colo.; great-grandsons, Conner Bancroft and Eli Bancroft of Meridian, Hayes Dent III and Kinkead Dent of Jackson and Knox Dent of Denver, Colo.; and caregiver, Shirley Adkins. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Bailey; son, Johnnie B. Bailey Jr.; parents, George Laurence and Annie Ford Garrison; sister, Exie Beagle; great-granddaughter, Maggie Jones; and great-grandson, Stokes Jones.

The family requests memorials be made to 15th Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund, 1318 15th Avenue, Meridian, Miss. 39301. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at 15th Avenue Baptist Church.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Help the Animal Rescue Site With A Daily Click

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

To further assist, a linked image has been placed above the post section on this blog. Click the image and it will take you to the Animal Rescue Site where you will see the purple box to click. It only takes a minute.

Here's the web site: http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/ . Please pass it along to people you know.

Class of 1957 Pictures

This darling little fellow's name is Michael.
Guess who his mom and dad are.
Picture was made in about 1974.

Gay & David Elliott at All Saints Episcopal School Reunion.


David Elliott at ASES Reunion

CLASS OF 1957 REUNION IN 2002
(from Bob Chatham)

Left to right, Gordon Kent, Les Rooker, Bob Haygood,
and Bob Chatham


Henry "Tootie" Dunnam and Herschel Anderson.
(Herschel died in March 2007.)


Jerry Brown and Kay Henson.
(Jerry died in Sep 2005.)

Joy McRae, Virginia Ann Walker, Peggy Joyce Shirley,
and Sue Clinton Russell.

Mary Hope Baker, Faye Carol Hall, and Russelyn Dennis.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

St. Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibiliti​es that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing,
Dance​, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

Happy Birthday Ron Adams



Friday, November 13, 2009

The Blind Side - Story of Michael Oher

Michael Jerome Oher (born Michael Jerome Williams Jr. on May 28, 1986) is an American professional football player for the Baltimore Ravens. He played college football at, and graduated from, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). His life prior to college is the subject of Michael Lewis's 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, and a movie titled The Blind Side, scheduled to be released on November 20, 2009. Wikipedia.




Thursday, November 12, 2009

Happy Birthday Mike Davis

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Carolyn Tanner Kozman


HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROLYN

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

They Mattered

By Richard Wilbur, from On Freedom's Ground, III (Like a Great Statue)

Mourn for the dead who died for this country,
Whose minds went dark at the edge of a field,
In the muck of a trench, on the beachhead sand,
In a blast amidships, a burst in the air.
What did they think of before they forgot us?
In the blink of time before they forgot us?
The glare and whiskey of Saturday evening?
The drone or lilt of their family voices?
The bend of a trout stream? A fresh-made bed?
The sound of a lathe, or the scent of sawdust?
The mouth of a woman? A prayer? Who knows?
Let us not force them to speak in chorus,
These men diverse in their names and faces
Who lived in a land where a life could be chosen.
Say that they mattered, alive and after;
That they gave us time to become what we could.

(Thanks to What Does This Prayer Really Say)

Veterans Day - November 11, 2009

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Happy Birthday Bill Tatum


These fellows are rushing to your house,
to wish you a happy birthday and eat birthday cake!


Sunday, November 8, 2009

"THE MAMA"

My daughter, Debbie writes for a newspaper in Livingston, Texas, and they were discussing the medicinal value of onions and garlic. She asked me for my opinion, since I am old and wise. This is what I sent to her, and she published it in her paper. It has created such a stir, I might should have kept my mouth shut. HeeHee. Now those people are asking me to write a book.

Subject: Onions

All I know for a fact is, my Grandmother Reeder always wore a little white cloth bag of "stuff" around her neck that reeked of onion and garlic. She called it asafetida. It was used to repel all diseases and illnesses. All of us grandchildren never got close enough to her to give her any disease.

She lived to be 89, had 9 living children, never went to a doctor in her life, pulled all her own teeth and could eat anything that didn't eat her first. She dipped Garrett snuff, the bottle had to have 4 dots on the bottom, (strong) and she could out spit everyone in the family. She never wore any false teeth, hated them, but she loved to cook in old cast iron pots, some of which I still have, and she laughed just like my Daddy.

I watched as she beat my Grandfather over the head with her shoe, then grabbed an extension cord and began to whip the tar out of him with that too. I don't remember what he did to deserve it, because I was little, but I figured he must have needed it.

She was "THE MAMA" and Mama ran the house back then. Her hair was thick and white as snow gathered on a pine branch right after a winter snowfall and her eyes were so blue, you could almost fall into them, but when she got mad, she got quiet, and that was the loudest noise I ever heard.

I didn't get to really know her until she got older, I was always afraid of her and I didn't like to hug her for the smell that was hers personally, but I loved my Daddy, and so I had to love her too.

I wonder what my grandchildren will remember about me someday?

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Cats Close out Regular Season

The Meridian High Wildcats closed out the 2009 regular season with a convincing 54-12win over the Terry Bulldogs. The Cats are Region 3 champs and will host a first round playoff game within the friendly confines of Ray Stadium next Friday, Nov.13. Their opponent will be determined tomorrow.

Go Cats Go!

Gabriel & Stanley

This was sent to me by Larry Tyner. It reminds me of a good marriage: playful, accepting and content.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Civil War Site

If you enjoy Civil War history, this is a great site to explore. Be sure to click on Original Photos, on the left of page. These are original black and white pictures. You can click to enlarge and see a caption. The Civil War Events tab at the top will keep you busy with all the States info. http://www.mikelynaugh.com/VirtualCivilWar/index1024.htm

Thursday, November 5, 2009

FALL COLORS

This great photo was taken by my son Peter. These beautiful fall days make me happy to be alive.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Happy Birthday Annette Walley Hall


HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNETTE!!!