Roosevelt News

-- East Coast Edition –

 

-- Printed in Loving Memory of Wanda J. Jackson 1934 - 2011 –

 

News Center

Read old/current issues and send news or comments online at:

http://www.234enterprises.com/RooseveltNews/newscenter.htm

 

Editors:

E-mail: mmay@234enterprises.com

 Carolyn Niebruegge May                      Michael L. May

Vol. 1, Is. 8                                                                                        Sept. 9, 2011

 

 

From the Editor

 

Well, two weeks later we’re still “jumping through hoops” with our email provider (EarthLink) and our ISP (Comcast) trying to determine which of the two blocked one of our emails on August 25th.  Within the last 2 weeks, I’ve safely been on the phone to points around the world for more than 8 hours.  While describing to one US support representative why I preferred to not use their support in India because of the communication barrier, he suggested that the problem was probably that their tech could not understand my accent.  Hmm.  Neither provider has been able to come up with a concrete answer of why we got blocked or if we are clear to not get blocked in the future.  As the little guy says in the commercial describing where babies come from -- “it’s complicated” and I don’t think ANYONE knows for sure what happened.  Did they think the Roosevelt News was spam, did we just send too many emails in one day, or what concerns me most did someone not wishing to receive the newsletter think that marking it as spam would make it stop and “flag” the newsletter to the email provider as spam?  On that note if any of you no longer wish to receive the “Roosevelt News -- East Coast Edition” -- at the end of the newsletter is an “Opt out” clause in which you can click on the “Opt out” link, enter “Remove” in the subject line, send the email and we will gladly remove you from the mailing list.  Whatever, we have minimal confidence that “fixes” are in place to keep it from happening again.  What I do know is that I will not attempt to send 700 emails again in the same day.  Bottom line, normal email traffic is flowing freely from our EarthLink account, but no mass mailings have occurred over Comcast cable since the 25th.  The newsletter from Atlanta was sent over my Sprint air-card without incident--which leaves Comcast as the possible culprit (even though they say they’re not) and suggests since the email went through from the EarthLink account one might surmise there is no issue with them.  I have established new accounts within Comcast that will send mail out on their servers which they prefer over second party servers (EarthLink), but I’d rather not send from a new account unknown to current subscribers.  However, that said, a Comcast technician assured me today that sending the newsletter through EarthLink over the Comcast network should not create any issues.  Are you confused yet?  Well, I am.  As I said, “It’s complicated.”  So, if you’re reading this--possibly later than normal--and it says that it came from “mmay_234@comcast.net” you’ll know it “bombed again” on EarthLink.

 

mlm

 

 

Content Contributors for the Week

 

Beth Mahoney

Carolyn Martin

Jerry Hayslip

All those who sent messages to the Email “Bag”

 

Thank you all!

 

 

Remembering Carl Arthur (C. A.) Smelser

 

Memories of Carl Smelser go back to my earliest childhood in Roosevelt.  Before I really knew who Carl was my Dad had explained to me, “this is a man who deserves your respect” -- a fact that even at my young age I would have figured out very quickly without Dad’s instruction.  Carl was proud, gruff, animated, and a little bit loud.  I must admit that exhibiting such characteristics, he scared me a little at first.  However, that all changed when he invited me next door to Nash’s for an RC with peanuts--not at a booth in the “in-store café” since they didn’t have one, but “spraddle legged” on the oiled hardwood floor between the checkout and the door.  There we were--Carl in his dark business suit and me in my overalls--nearly “blocking the road” for any new customers who might attempt to enter.  Carl sat there laughing, talking to me, waving and speaking to those who entered, and pouring peanuts into his RC.  As I write this (sitting on my back deck in the early morning, overlooking the Squirrel Lair, listening to the much needed water from the sprinkler gently falling on the back yard) I swear, in the background, I can hear the Judd’s quietly singing, “Grandpa Tell me Bout the Good Old Days.”  I think I’m there.

 

Carl was one of the few Roosevelt residents who might feel just as comfortable on the streets of New York City as he was on the back roads of Oklahoma.  Carl had class and talent.  He was an accomplished musician.  I know that he played the clarinet and the piano.  If I’m not mistaken, I believe that at one time he played with one of the Dorsey Brother’s Bands.  I so remember passing his and Elouise’s house on Main Street in Roosevelt,  only to imagine what it might look like inside.  I know that there was a grand or baby grand piano inside on which he “tickled the ivories loud and often.  Oh by the way, Martin and Beth Mahoney now call that place that looked like a palace to this little boy home.  I only heard Carl play the piano once.  He had invited us out for a “Meers Burger” at the Meers Store in “beautiful downtown” Meers, OK.  They usually had someone playing there.  I don’t recall if they did that night or not.  However, if they did, I’m sure Carl just said, “Hey kid why don’t you take a break, I’ll take it from here.”  Anyway, he played much to our enjoyment.  Oh yeah, and the hamburgers were GREAT--the size of a dinner plate cut in quarters.  That was probably wasted verbiage since most of you locals have probably eaten more of them than I have.

 

Most of my crossover with Carl was in the bank.  My Dad frequented that place often and I usually went with him.  I can still hear Carl yell as we entered the front door, “Hey come on back!”  He always got up out of his chair for a quick handshake and greeting to both of us.  Then with fluid like motion would sit back in his chair, spin around to the typewriter, quickly twirl a bank note into the machine and say, “How much do you need.”  Oh yes, Carl was quite a good typist--one of the best “two fingered” typist I’ve known.  I only remember one encounter with Carl back in his office without my Dad being there.  When Carolyn and I married we decided that a house trailer might be the way to go.  We had it all figured out, except where the money was coming from.  After a lot of thought and with enough time for Dad to get to Carl before we did, he suggested, “why don’t you go talk to Carl.”  Sounded like a good idea to me, so off to Roosevelt we went to “sew up” the money for our new dream home on wheels.  Same cordial greeting, same smile, but he didn’t reach for the bank note--instead in a stern, fatherly voice he said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.  You better put some more thought into that,” sending us on our way with our tails between our legs.  If Dad really talked to Carl or not we’ll never know because if he did, he took that little discussion with him to his grave.

 

I will never forget when the bank underwent a major remodeling project--probably sometime in the early 60’s.  Timing is really not important, but the grandeur of it was.  I assume that Carl got decorating help on the renovation, although it may have been done by him and Elouise.  She was a very talented lady also.  Whatever, it was one of the most stunning renovations I had seen and was just as current the day the bank closed as it was the day it was done.

 

He was a friend and served as an example to all.  I doubt there was ever an employee in the Security State Bank that wouldn’t have “fought a circle saw” for Carl or vice versa.  Again, as my Dad told me as a child, “Carl Smelser is a man who deserves your respect.”

 

Carl Arthur Smelser, or as he preferred “C.A. Smelser” was an “original” and a true Roosevelt icon.  Carl, continue to RIP.

 

mlm

 

 

Thoughts from the Squirrel Lair

 

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.
I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." -- Abraham Lincoln

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“How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young?” -- Paul Sweeney

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Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. -- Author Unknown

 

 

Roosevelt High School Reunion 2011

 

Watch this space for news on the upcoming Roosevelt High School Reunion which will be September 30 and October 1.  We will be bringing you updates on the plans for the Reunion.  In addition, we will include a list of all of those who have sent in their registrations to attend.  Watch to see who of your classmates/friends plan to attend and encourage those who are not on the list to come.  The more the merrier!!

 

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20 Year Party

 

The class of 1991 would like to invite everyone to come help them celebrate their 20 year class reunion.  We will meet at the Roosevelt Bar Friday night, Sept. 30, after the mixer at the grade school.  Hope to see you there. 

 

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Auction

 

As the 2009 Newsflash which was sent out with the Reunion Invite and Registration form mentioned, there will be an auction again this year.  The auction is very important as that is the source of revenue to keep the Alumni Association functioning.  The past auctions have raised funds which enabled the Alumni Committee to make the decision to eliminate the $5 membership fees.  So as we approach the reunion, everyone needs to be thinking of items they will bring to auction.  You might be surprised how much one of your former classmates would like to have an item of yours.  We thought it might stir up interest if we could publish a list of items you are planning to bring.  So please email us a listing of any items you plan to bring, mmay@234enterprises.com.

 

Items thus far:

 

Basketball autographed by the 1995 OU Sooners girls’ team

Crank telephone from the 1940’s or 1950’s

 

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Reservations

 

September 29 is only 3 weeks away.  If your name is not on the list below, please send in your reservation.  You will miss a great time visiting with former school mates if you don’t attend the reunion. 

 

Reservations for the 2011 Roosevelt High School Reunion have been received from the following:  Those in red are new this week.

 

Class of 1945:  Joyce (Clark) Henson and Alex Cedillo & Annette Williams; Frances (Smith) Hopkins and Bill Smith

Class of 1946:  Emily (Martin) Bennight and Welsey

Class of 1947:  Bobbi (Alford) Buckner

Class of 1948:  Cotton (Muse) Mathis and James; Richard McConnell; Dee (Muse) Moore

Class of 1949:  Bob Sheets; Pat Moore; Norene (Goodin) Jackson and Willie

Class of 1950:  Paul Hay

Class of 1951:  Lena (Kenimer) Harris; Betty Broadus

Class of 1953:  Tom Alford; Shirley (Webb) Cook and Dober; Evelyn Walters; L. D. Sheets and Oweeda;  Phyllis (Cook) Stafford and Randall

Class of 1955:  Beverly Gray and Don Taylor

Class of 1956:  Rose (Chance) Anderson; Dwight Peterson; Buck Cook; Bill Pitts and Edra

Class of 1957:  Jim Law and Alice; Johnny Block; Walter Farrar; Darrell Cooper and Dovie

Class of 1958:  Merle Jones and Kathy Falconer; Ronald Hebensperger and Janet; Arden Beavers and Sharon; LuAnn Cook

Class of 1959:  Jerry Alford; Norwood Pollard; Gene Janes and Janice; Mike Berridge; Dale Tufford; Dale Cain; Jackie Davis; Dolores (Eaton) Earley; Betty (Gaidaroff) Morgan and Linda (Gaidaroff) Clark; Lee Griffee and Shirley; Betty (Armstrong) Barnes and James and Kendra; Yvette Nash

Class of 1960:  Henry Graves and Delois; Cheryl Eaton; Jimmie Johnson and Carolyn

Class of 1961:  Paula (Miller) Block; Linda (Muldowney) Dills and Robert; Jim Hebensperger; Linda (Goodin) Hash; Judy (Nash) Williams and Eddie

Class of 1962:  Joe Mac Ankney; Howard (Rex) LaFever and Mary; Dan Hayslip and Susan; Bill and Jean Ann (Schrader) Lyde; Ronnie Collmer; Freddie Johnson and Joan; Austilene (Turner) Borum; Sam McNeil and Doug

Class of 1963:  Johnny Alford; Karen Denton and Tommy; Stana (Brewer) Lee

Class of 1964:  Bonnie (Pollard) Phillips and John; Jerry Hayslip; Tommy Hebensperger

Class of 1965:  Michael May and Carolyn; Bobby Miller

Class of 1966:  Malynda Adams and Donald

Class of 1968:  Judy (Starcher) Tripp; Kathy (Boyd) Cacini

Class of 1969:  Janet (Starcher) Shirley and Randy

Class of 1971:  Glen Brazil

Class of 1972:  Jenny Loveless and Paul; Joe Rutledge

Class of 1973:  Rick Hilliard; Bruce Cook and Vickie;

Class of 1975:  David Jackson; Gilbert Alonzo and Tonya Burton

Class of 1977:  Gayla (Cook) Miller; Johnny Starcher and Donna Schiller

Class of 1978:  David Stroud and Gayleen; Penny (Martin) McCustion

Class of 1979:  Pam (Stroud) Jackson; Sabrina (Stroup) Vincent

Class of 1988:  Mijo Chard and Linda Melton

Class of 1989:  Ryvers Simmons

Class of 1991:  Glenda Jenkins and Cody; Krystal (Mahoney) Lancaster, Bill and Tommy

Guests:  Brenda (Stroud) Wilhite; Clithia (Stroud) Kilbourne; Carri Stroud; Carolyn Martin; Charles and Barbara Pollard; Samatha Jo (Cooper) Beason and Robert

 

 

Alumni Website

 

We have renewed the account that Wanda Jackson had set up at the photo sharing website, picturetrail.com for the Roosevelt Alumni:  http://www.picturetrail.com/rooseveltalumni.  She had posted many pictures from past reunions, class panels, and old schools buildings along with write ups about them.  We thought you might find these interesting if you haven’t visited this site in the past.

 

 

Where have you been?  What have you done?

 

Watch for this new section beginning in next week’s newsletter.  We have had readers suggest that we ask former Roosevelt students to write about their family, where they live or have lived over the years, their work, hobbies, etc.  We think this is a great idea and expect the first report for next week’s newsletter.  We ask that each of you consider sending us information about you and your family.  News from all ages—young and old—would be great but maybe some of those who graduated in the early years could “step up to the plate” sooner rather than later.

 

 

News

 

Sunday, September 3, 2011, was a very special day.  Mrs. Allene Penrod celebrated her 100th birthday.  Her three children, Beth Mahoney, James Dale (Jim) Penrod, and LuAnn Smith along with all 7 of her grandchildren, 8 of her 11 great-grandchildren, and 3 of her great-great grandchildren joined her for the celebration.  Several nieces and nephews along with some old friends were also present.  The big party was held at the Roosevelt Senior Citizen Building where all enjoyed lunch and later cake and ice cream. 

 

Mrs. Penrod received many flowers, plants, and gifts including a new monitor for her computer.  She also received several $100 bills and lots of cards.

 

Now a few days past 100 years young, she is back to her computer games and catching up on her programs on MSNBC. 

 

The editors of the Roosevelt News – East Coast Edition want to wish her a belated Happy Birthday.  We missed her name in last week’s newsletter but late is better than never.

 

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We, Mike and Carolyn May, enjoyed Labor Day weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS).  Our son, Kevin, his wife, Brenda, and our granddaughter, Raegan, joined us for the big weekend.  In addition, Mike’s cousins, Gary and Carla Gray, from Dumas, Texas, dragged their 5th wheel all the way to AMS to join in the fun.  This was the fifth year for us to go to AMS so we again enjoyed the company of many friends who we have camped with throughout the years.  The weather was extremely hot and the sugar ants were terrible but we still had a great time.  Unfortunately, Tropical Storm Lee ended our weekend prematurely as rain forced the delay of the race for two days.  None of the family could wait out the delay so those tickets were wasted.  In fact, we were home in Virginia in time to watch the end of the race when it was run on Tuesday.  Must say it was a great race and would have been great fun to be at AMS to enjoy rather than in our family room at home.  We sure wished that Tropical Storm Lee had headed northwest toward Texas and Oklahoma to relieve the extreme drought rather than pouring on the south and eastern part of the U.S.  There is considerable flooding in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. today where they have received over 9 inches of rain.  The heavy line of rain was just a few miles to the east of us through early this morning and we had only received a useful 3 inches.  However, about noon it moved to the west and we have already received an additional 2 inches today and it is continuing to pour.  Hopefully, we won’t suffer flooding as so many areas have.

 

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The extreme drought conditions continue to plague Oklahoma and Texas.  There has been some relief in the temperature over the past few days but rain did not come with the lower temperatures.  In fact, none is predicted for the near future.

 

Unfortunately, wild fires continue to flare up in these extreme conditions.  A fire has been burning in the Wichita Wildlife Reserve the past few days.  Reports are that more than 40,000 acres have burned.  The fire has spread out of the Wildlife Refuge to as close as 3 miles east of Highway 54.  Fire fighters from several states have been called in to help fight the fire. 

 

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Please send us news of the activities going on in you and your family’s lives.  We are all interested in hearing about our friends and their families.  Send the information to mmay@234enterprises.com.

 

 

Birthdays and Anniversaries

 

We have compiled all of the birthday and anniversary information we could from Wanda’s files.  We are sure we are missing some.  Please send us the birthdays and anniversaries for your family and friends so that we can have as complete as list as possible.  We are going to start with what we have from Wanda’s files so if we miss you, please send us the information so we have it for the news next year.  In addition, should any of the birthdays we list be wrong, also please let us know.

 

Happy Birthday To:

 

September 9 – Vera Muse Miller
September 9 – Tristan Howard
September 9 – Carie Stroud
September 9 – Lynn Davis
September 9 – Stormy (Jackson) Vanzant

September 10 – Karla Armstrong  
September 10 – Eddie Gibbons
September 10 – Ryvers Simmons, Class of 1989
September 10 – Kent Walker
September 10 – Jerry Downen
September 11 – Shawn Moore
September 11 – David Everett
September 11 – Glen Brazil, Class of 1971
September 12 – Garrett Copeland
September 12 – Ralph Jesse Dickson

September 12 – Jimmy Neuwirth
September 13 – Cat Coffman
September 13 – Pat Miller
September 13 – Norris Lee Dickson

September 14 – Eric Jackson

September 14 – Penny Martin McCuiston

 

 

Humor

 

Lost Glasses

 

While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch.  After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant and resumed their trip.

When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table, and she didn’t miss them until they had been driving about forty minutes.  By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.

 

All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old man.  He fussed and complained, and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive.  The more he chided her, the more agitated he became.  He just wouldn’t let up one minute.

 

To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant.  As the woman got out of the car, and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her, “While you’re in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card.”

 

 

From the Email “Bag”

 

September 3, 2011

 

George Farrar and I share September 1 for our birthday.  Add if you don't mind.  I really enjoy the newsletter.  My health has put me in a nursing home, and I really enjoy hearing about Roosevelt news.  Thank you for all you do.

 

Jan Perkins Sullins

Grandview, TX

 

 

Obituaries

 

Joan (Johnson) Christenson, 78, (Class of 1951) passed away September 6.  We will post further information when it is available.

 

Joyce (Robinson) Sorrell, wife of “Buzz” Sorrell (class 1960) passed away late last month.  We will post further information when it is available.

 

Useful Links:

 

Becker Funeral Home of Snyder, OK

http://www.beckerfuneral.com/?page=snyder

 

Ray and Martha’s Funeral Home of Hobart, Mt. View, and Carnegie, OK

http://rayandmarthas.com/

 

Roosevelt Cemetery Layout

http://www.234enterprises.com/Roosevelt%20Cemetery%20Layout.htm

 

Roosevelt Cemetery Markers (Picture Trail)

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/listing/user/rooseveltcemetery

 

Roosevelt Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=99397&CScn=roosevelt&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Hobart Rose Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=99399&CScn=Hobart+Rose&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Hobart Resurrection (Catholic) Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2246374&CScn=Resurrection&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Mountain Park Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=99042&CScn=Mountain+Park&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Snyder Fairlawn Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=98391&CScn=fairlawn&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Spring Hill Cemetery in Cooperton on Find A Grave

 

 

News Center -- Always Available Online

 

Remember--past, current, and all future editions of “Roosevelt News -- East Coast Edition” can be viewed online from any computer at: http://www.234enterprises.com/RooseveltNews/newscenter.htm.  We highly recommend that you bookmark this link.

 

In addition to viewing all copies of the paper, you can use this website to send comments or news items to us for publication.  Simply enter your name, your class year (if a Roosevelt graduate), your email address, and the comments you want to make or the news item you want to send and click on “Submit Information” button at the bottom left of the page.  The information that you submitted will show on your screen under a title of “Form Confirmation”—confirming that what you entered was sent to our email. 

 

 

Email Addresses

 

This newsletter is an email edition.  The only way for you to receive it and keep up-to-date with your friends from Roosevelt is for you to keep us informed of changes to your email address.  So please be sure to notify us at mmay@234enterprises.com should your email address change.  We also encourage you to send us email addresses for friends and family who might also like to receive the newsletter so that we can include them on our list.

 

 

Feedback

 

We welcome your comments and feedback on the “Roosevelt News -- East Coast Edition.”  Send comments and feedback to: mmay@234enterprises.com

 

 

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