Now This Becomes Even More Fun - Orvie Has Notes!

Received the following e-mail Friday from our classmate Orvis Kline - the man behind the camera for the preponderance of photos in the 1957, 1958, 1959 editions of The Bison. Because he comments on photos which appear on this website, I am breaking his email into segments and republishing the photos to which he refers.
- Dennis Mollura
_____________________________

Hi Denny,
Really great to hear from you!! I wanted to get a quick note back to you so you know I received it and wasn't ignoring you (:~). I'll have more time once wrestling season concludes (for me) this weekend (Regionals).

(Editor's note - Orvis has been a high school wrestling referee for many years in Southeastern Pennsylania and beyond - not surprising, since he hails from the "Cradle of High School Wrestling in Pennsylvania.")

Here's some info I sent to Peggy Jo in an email:

I 've been tuning in to the Blog since you (Peggy Jo) alerted me to it and just love it! (I even made a comment last night!). As I said there - those old pictures really bring back memories! So far - all of the ones shown as "Bison Photo" were taken by me!

Since I was taking a correspondence photography course at the time, I was trying to do my yearbook photos "the professional way." Which meant that I kept notes on most of the photos I took. That includes almost all of the school/event photos that appeared in the Bison during my years as "Bison Photographer".

Actually - the only time I wasn't taking pictures for the Bison was early sophomore year and for about a month our senior year. I have spent about 6 hours going through unpacked boxes looking for that stuff (I never throw anything away!) - but so far I've only found one notebook (just last night), but no pictures or yearbooks! My notes in that one confirm the names posted so far for "Shelf Day."

The only photos that I hope to find are just some originals from Bison photos. Mr. Weidner was pretty strict on keeping any Bison photos - so I mostly had to give everything to him.
- Orvis Kline

Inside Story Behind the Neil Buckley Photo

I've got to make a comment on the Neil Buckley photo and see how many remember the circumstances surrounding Neil's sneaky way he came up with to grow that beard! The picture was taken in the Boys Room on the first floor about 2 days before Mr. "Speedy" Mead ordered it shaved off. I wanted to get that "angry James Dean" look (more correspondence influence!) and he kept smiling until I said " think of Mead ordering you to shave it off - or be suspended!" That got the look you see in the photo! I was proud of that - and with Neil's permission - later won 1st prize in a photo contest at the NY School of Photography - one of the reasons I was accepted for the residence course!

By the way - in case you don't remember - that "beard" thing started at Camp Mountain Run Scout Camp the summer before our senior year. Neil was trying to grow a goatee and we were ragging him about having to shave it off when school starts. He bet us a shake at Quigley's he could make it through the first month before he had to shave it. He told everyone he had burned his chin/face while working with gasoline on his car and wore the funkiest bandage to cover it. I still don't believe he got away with it for almost two weeks before some teacher got suspicious and Mr. Mead got involved. As I told PJ (Peggy Joe Knepp Thompson) - I took that picture about 2 days before he had to shave it!
- Orvis Kline

Identities of Shelf Day Classmates Confirmed

I have found one notebook so far out of all the junk I kept - but was fortunate for it to be the one with reference to the "Shelf Day" pictures I took that are on the site. I can confirm that Denny Mollura, Joyce Moody Fletcher and Wil Shirey are correct in the names. Here's what I wrote all those years ago: "Auditorium Stage - CHS - Shelf Day. 4x5 Speed Graphic w/flash. Standing - L-R, Jerriann Jury, Barb Ondo, Sarah Lyons, Paul Clarke, Pauline Maloni, Helen Adam, Jimmy Stewart, (sitting L-R) Lew Marrara, Chuck Nelson, Dave Schucker."I guess that lesson about documenting pictures was valid!

- Orvis Kline

Photographer's Memories of the Smiling Herb Photo

The picture below was taken outside the Auditorium. Keith Knepp and Herb Maney (the ham with the nice smile (:~)) were helping the guy who did a presentation and demonstration for us load his stuff back into the truck after the show. I told them to "hold it" and smile! Herb did - Keith didn't hear me and was still trying to get the board into the truck - with Herb holding it back and smiling!! Boy, these old photos sure bring back some good memories!!
- Orvis Kline

Herb Maney - Heavy Lifter with a Smile

Herb Maney does the heavy lifting as he helps transport a nuclear chain reaction exhibit to (or from) an exhibit site. Nowadays, Herb's carrying the load as chairperson of our 50th-year class reunion. The top of the head you see behind the board belongs to Keith Knepp.

- Bison Photo by Orvis Kline

50th REUNION PROGRESS REPORT

The committee has had three "MINI REUNION" meetings in Clearfield while working on plans for the 50th Class reunion. The meetings have been attended by a group of very sincere, interested, and well informed members of our class who are genuinely interested in making this a very friendly, informal,and entertaining class reunion to be enjoyed by all class members and guests.

Many hands make the work go faster and the number of volunteers that has come forth thus far has been very satisfying. However, there is always room for many more participants and their ideas and input to make this reunion what you want it to be. You do mean something to this class and your ideas will be appreciated and considered. In addition, you will be part of the "MINI REUNION" which takes place at each of the two-hour planning sessions. We have all enjoyed the meetings and have had a great time at each, in addition to making great progress toward the final production of our 50th reunion.

The subcommittees are listed in a complete summary composite of the meetings to date, submitted on this blog at an earlier date in January by our very capable secretary/reporter Joyce Moody-Fletcher under the heading "UPDATE ON 50th YEAR REUNION PLANS". Please refer to that article for the listings of the subcommittees and plans to date that have been accomplished.

This blog is the product of the good work of Denny Mollura and many contributors who have provided some wonderful memories with the items provided for the blog. Please feel free to send any items you might have to Denny for inclusion and edification on the blog. Thus far, as chairperson, I am well pleased with the wonderful cooperation and willingness to work on our reunion by so many really concerned and talented people .

We have made great progress and can make even more in our future meetings, the next of which is scheduled for April 5, 2008 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Shaw Library. Please make an effort to attend and add your talents to the making of our class reunion plans so that nothing is left out that you might have wanted included. It is your reunion, so please participate, if at all possible. We encourage participation by everyone.

The reunion is to be a relaxed, informal, getting reacquainted after all these years get-together where what you have accomplished, where you live, and what you drive, will take a back seat to a friendly hug and/or handshake, and conversation down memory lane where we can truly enjoy the company of those classmates we were so close to all those years ago, but from whom situations and distance have separated us over all these years .

Yes, Frenchville is a few miles from Clearfield, but remember, many of us rode a school bus every day on those same roads just to get to be able to, very proudly, say we are graduates of CLEARFIELD AREA HIGH SCHOOL. In addition, the grounds are very spacious with pavilions in which groups could gather if they wanted a more private spot, a ball park for those who may want to display their still admirable athletic skills, and grass for just lying back and relaxing. The old complaint that there unions are too classy and stuffy is no longer a factor. Come as you are, as you wish, and enjoy your fellow classmates' company in a totally relaxed, as you want, atmosphere.

Looking forward to seeing you at a planning session.

Your chairperson, Merlyn (Herb) Maney

Parties and Dancing - Some of the Best Times

Jim Stewart and Barb Thomas

- Photos Courtesy of Peggy Jo Knepp Thompson

Great Memories of Great Classmates

Karen Way and Joyce Schultz

Joyce and Wil Identify Shelf Day Classmates

Wil Shirey agrees with Joyce Moody-Fletcher that the classmate sucking milk is Lewis Marrara. He also believes the classmate between Barbara Ondo and Paul Clarke is Sarah Lyons. Others are Jerriann Jury, Pauline Maloni, Helen Adam, Maybe Jim Stewart, Maybe Chuck Nelson, and David Schucker.
- Bison Photo

Just Another Day in Chemistry Class

POP WEIDNER (aka Dennis Mollura) warms up (or down) as the class prepares to fathom the day's truths and unknowns.
- Bison Photo

Update on 50th-Year Reunion Plans

By Joyce Moody-Fletcher

NEXT PLANNING MEETING - Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the Shaw Public Library - 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Please plan to attend if at all possible. We'd love to have your participation

50TH-YEAR REUNION DATE - confirmed date of August 1, 2009, to be held at the Frenchville Picnic Grounds. Attire is casual. We have the picnic grounds all day, so please plan to come early and bring members of your family.

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS - Those who have attended our meetings THUS FAR: Anna Unch-Davis, Joyce Moody-Fletcher, Gary "Chip" Lawhead, Pauline Maloni, "Herb" Maney, Joyce Amon-Michaels, Denny Mollura, Sue Sherkel-Nagle and husband, Karl, Bonnie Henchbarger-Powell and husband, Ed, "Wil" Shirey and wife, Karen, and Joyce Shugarts-Undercofler. All classmates are invited to attend and participate.

COMMITTEES:

CHS WEBSITE - Denny Mollura (chsclassof59.blogspot.com)

ENTERTAINMENT - Wil, Sue, Denny. Peggy Jo Knepp-Thompson

FOOD SELECTION - Anna, "Chip", Joyce Undercofler and Joyce Michaels

FUND-RAISING - Wil and Tom O'Day - to send a letter to classmates
requesting donations and consider a 50/50 ticket.

GIFTS/SOUVENIRS - Wil and Karen Shirey / Bison paperweights + Patty McCoy-Livelsberger / gift bag(s)

MUSIC - No DJ or band - Joyce Undercofler to make a CD of "Music from the 50's."

PHOTOGRAPHER - Joyce Undercofler to contact Paul Dale

PROGRAM BOOKLET - Sue Weisshaus-Speicher

A MEMORIAL TABLE for our deceased classmates was discussed. Joyce Undercofler offered to contact Barbara Bauman-Polkinghorn to write their names in calligraphy - IF it is decided to have a memorial table.

OTHER ITEMS TO ADDRESS - We discussed making an effort to get our class banner from the high school. And, we are seeking ideas for a theme so we can appoint a Decorating Committee and decide on decorations for the event.

THESE ARE JUST THE HIGHLIGHTS. Please come to the April 5 planning meeting for a full review and update and an opportunity to express your ideas for making this the best reunion ever.

Memorable Guy - Slightly Different Orbit

We weren't exactly part of the "Beat" generation, but one of us could claim membership. The late, great Neil Buckley. Such wonderful memories of a truly memorable classmate.
- Photo courtesy of the 1959 Bison, Jerriann Jury Editor

Ogden Avenue Gang at the 45th-Year Reunion

Butch Davis, Ed Carns, Joanne Shimel, Joyce Shugarts and Chip Lawhead
- Photo courtesy of Wil Shirey

Getting Closer on Majorette Names

Thanks to input from Joyce Moody and Peggy Jo Knepp, we're getting closer to identifying all the majorettes. Front row, left to right, Louise Learish, Barbara Bloom, Mimi Crowe, LaRee Luzier, Marjorie Jordan, and who is this in the far right?. Back row, Becky Kline, Pat Eadie, Peggy Jo Knepp, unidentified, Deanna Foor, Beverly Caldwell, and Joanne Shimel. Please fill in the remaining name.

More Fun Photos from our CHS Years

Fun time at a Connie Selfridge Party - Karen Way, Penny Hile, Joyce Schultz and Connie.

- Photos courtesy of Peggy Jo Knepp Thompson

50th Year Reunion Update Coming Soon

Joyce Moody Fletcher, the cornerstone of all CHS alumni activities, has prepared a comprehensive summary report of our progress so far in planning for our 50th Year Class Reunion. It will be published here as soon as Joyce and Herb Maney, our reunion chairman, fine tune it for accuracy and inclusiveness.

Stay tuned.

CHS Mutual Mooching Society Materializes

With the busy Holiday Season behind us, it's time once again to provide an update on our classmates and their activities.

Suzy (Sherkel) Nagle notes that a ""CHS Mutual Mooching Society" appears to have combusted spontaneously:

- Suzy and husband Karl mooched off Jeanine (Moon) Duke and Jim Poulos in Mebane, NC for two days on their way to Surfside Beach in November;

- Sue (Weisshaus) Speicher and husband Terry mooched off the Nagles on their way home to Florida from spending Christmas in DC. They also had dinner with Sandy (Brown) and Don Everist while in DC.

- Wil and Karen Shirey visit with LaRee (Luzier) and Dave Shirey when they go to Arizona in March for baseball spring training.

- The Nagles are waiting to hear from Jeanine and Jim Poulos regarding their rescheduling a visit to South Carolina. (It turned the Nagles were "overbooked" the first weekend in February, which was their first choice.)

- The Nagles also are planning to visit with Bev (Caldwell) and Bob Law in Hampton, GA sometime before they head to their new home in Indiana, PA on April 1st.

Note that the Nagles appear to have ignited many of these Mutual Mooching activities. Good for them. It's a great way to reconnect with old friends and classmates.

We're sure there are many more examples of this mooching activity. Please let us know if you are involved or know of any.

- Dennis Mollura

Next Planning Meeting - Sept. 29, 1-3 p.m.

The next planning meeting for our 50th-year reunion will be held Saturday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Walker Conference Room, Shaw Public Library, 1 S. Front St., Clearfield.

Hope to see many of you then.

- Joyce Moody Fletcher

Imagine, an "Old Master" painting for $4.00

There was a time. Take a look at the Shull Studio price list for our senior pictures. A dozen 3x5 photos in folders for $12. "Old Master" painting for $4. Only $1.50 for a resitting. Even by 1959 standards, these prices seem amazing.

If you have other memorabilia from our high school years (or earlier), please share them with your classmates through this website. Right now, Peggy Jo is carrying the load for all of us.

- Price list courtesy of Peggy Jo Knepp Thompson

Presenting....Miss Betty's Sleepy Elves!

By popular demand, presenting the Sleepy Elves from Miss Betty's Dance School. Front row, far left, Gloria Rice. Back row, from second left, Bev Caldwell, Suzy Sherkel (the sleepiest elf), John Siebenrock, Gloria Heitsenrther, Peggy Jo Knepp.

Our thanks to Suzy Nagle for providing additional identification to the first posting. Will someone please help identify the other darling elves.

- Photo courtesy of Peggy Jo Knepp Thompson