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Belle, my English Teacher in 7th Grade was Miss Stossel . She was like Miss Tankard - a great teacher, who taught us to love literature! She had us memorizing poetry all semester! I can still remember some of the poems I learned in that class!

In 8th Grade, I had Miss Morton. She was "different!". All I remember of her in that class was that we were asked to write a "Class Poem," but in the end, she rejected our suggestions, and wrote it herself! She also taught us Algebra, and we were so confused, we all ended up in Mr. Ooghe's class the next semester, where it became much clearer, because he explained it to us!

Miss Morton became a good friend of my Mother after I left Richmond, and the two of them joined the Poetry Society of Virginia. My Mom published a few of her poems in various magazines, and she won a prize in a Poetry Contest judged by John Ciardi! They were two women who loved poetry!

That's all I can tell you about "The other two English teachers!" Fortunately, I have a good memory of my teachers at Westhampton, but I have to read my report cards from Tee Jay to remember some of those who taught me courses other than English! I guess my memory of my days at Westhampton is "stuck in time!"

I hope that the next time we come to Richmond in 2022, I won't be totally shocked by the new appearance of Westhampton School ! What I have been wondering all this time is: "Where do kids who live in the West End go to school, now that our Alma Mater is NO LONGER being used for that purpose?

10/16/19 09:23 AM

#815

Russell Flammia

Hi Marilyn,

I rode by Westhampton the other day. The original building is still there but all the other buildings are gone, so there is a big void. So much for Bon Secours and the council person who represents the 1st District of Richmond. The only thing some politicians see is money and power, not necessarily what the best thing to do.

I hope you can return to Richmond before 2022, of course that will be the year for our 60th reunion.

10/20/19 09:01 PM

#816

Dick Goldman

Subject: Memories and Birthdays

So I just sent Dale Bagby another birthday wish as I have always remembered her birthday since we were in 5th grade and I sat behind her. I learned her birthday was October 18 which is exactly 10 days before mine putting her in the category of an older woman. We are both, along with another large group, a part of the mid-semester half grade group that by the eighth grade had to either move up a half year in class or go backwards. So those of us who moved up are just now experiencing our 75th birthdays, later than most of you.

At 75, we all have lots of memories. There is a book entitiled "Is There Life After High School?" I think the essence of the book is that we all live up to or down from the image we created of ourselves in high school. This website keeps the experience of growing up in those years in front of us.

So with these sort of memories in my head (and my 75 coming up next Monday), I took my daughter, Emily, to see "Beautiful" on Broadway, as it is scheduled for its final performance next Sunday. It's a musical about Carole King's life and music. My wife JoEllen had seen it already with her sisters.

It was nothing short of amazing and wonderful. It featured the songs she wrote for others up to the times she performed her own music which exploded onto the music scene in her album, Tapestry. It also included many other hits from her associates at her studio in New York. It was inspiring and uplifting, but for most of the audience it was nostalgic.

My thoughts during and after and in going through the photos (particularly Memory Lane) on this website, reminded me of just how blessed we all were to grow up in the times we did. Our era's music changed the world of music forever. (It seems doubtful that in another 50 years there will be a muscial play written about any singer/songwriter of today's music).

Our times were special and we have the music of so many wonderful artists to remind us of the wonderful times in which we grew up, the teachers we had, the leaders we had, the neighborhoods in which we lived, riding our bikes wherever we needed to go, and playing with our friends. I remember fliping baseball cards with Stephen Miller, riding on the handlebars of Lee Ellman's bike, playing sand lot baseball with Bobby Bayliss, playing chess with Gilbert Brown, shooting baskets at Miller's house with Sidney Padow, playing music with Dickie Klein and Andy Bendhiem, dancing cheek to cheek with Linda Salsbury (to "Chances Are" by Johny Mathis), watching Bobby Caudle quarterback our football team, talking about religion with Alex Williams, Junior Stunt Night and Billy Collins, and so much more. We cannot duplicate those times, but can remember them and only hope for a future where the rich environment in which we grew up, can be had in some other form for our communities and family members.

Happy fourth quarter birthday to all of you.

Dixk(ie) Goldman

10/21/19 12:02 PM

#817

Russell Flammia

A wonderful reflection of growing up. Well spoken Dickie

10/21/19 02:42 PM

#818

Sally Kincannon (von Rumohr)

I enjoyed reading about your schoolday memories, Dickie Goldman! You write very well --- as if it was yesterday! I hope "Beautiful" comes to Arizona one day, because we have seen "West Side Story" and "Jersey Boys" at The Phoenix Theatre in the past two years, "The Fantastiks" was performed in Yuma, and they all brought back a lot of classic songs we remember!

I have a feeling that my Granddaughter's Generation might come up with a play one day based on the lives of Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendez, Adam Levine, Bruno Mars, and Usher or some of the female singers like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, or Demi Lovato. Eminem has already appeared in a movie about himself, and Justin Timberlake has starred in several movies by other screenwriters.

Don't sell these young adults short, but they will probably never duplicate the number of Jazz, Pop, or Rock & Roll Stars we had in the glorious 50's and 60's ! I haven't seen any new groups who sing and dance like the Temptations or The Spinners, but there is that group of young opera singers from Italy!

Oh! And Happy Birthday, Dickie, and welcome to "Club 75!"

10/21/19 03:27 PM

#819

Thank you, Dickie, for so eloquently sharing your memories with us. We do, as a group, have so many wonderful times, people and events to recall. And it's important to pause and take note. I'm very grateful to you for doing just that! Well done:-)

10/21/19 05:29 PM

#820

Alexander Williams

Beautifully said, Dickie, with your trademark empathy, insight and wisdom. Thank you. Alex

10/21/19 06:01 PM

#821

Russell, thanks for your message! I'm glad we saw Westhampton's Junior High Building in all its glory when we were in Richmond, and I am NOT there to see "the empty space" now ! I'm not sure if we will be coming back to Richmond before the Reunion, because the expense of flying there from here is pretty outrageous and Joel always seems to find some "good deals" when we DO plan those every-5-year visits! (-now only 2-1/2 years away!).

For now, I have "put off"my 2nd Cataract Surgery for a while, because Joel is due for Back Surgery in 3 weeks, with a 6-week Recuperation Period! Personally, I can only handle one crisis at a time!

It's SO MUCH SIMPLER to muse on the good times in our youth than to deal with current health issues! Maybe after 7 years of "putting this off," Joel will be able to enjoy the next Reunion better than EVER!

Dickie, it's a shame I live so far away from all my classmates! I have a HUGE collection of records from about 1949 to 1988 and a bunch of Tapes & CD's since 1989 to present. Whenever I need "A trip down Memory Lane" I take them out & play them on my 3-speed record player! My Sister took my Daughter, Granddaughter, and her Boyfriend to see "Carousel" in New York 2 years ago, and I bought tickets to treat them to "Xanadu" a few weeks ago at a new "Broadway Theatre" in Arizona. It is SO MUCH FUN to watch their faces light up, when they see the shows and hear the music we enjoyed years ago!

How did your Daughter enjoy the show?

10/24/19 05:32 PM

#822

https://www.richmond.com/eedition/richmond/page-a/page_9ee7ef6c-7e0c-56bb-932c-5d533921110a.html

Below is a Letter to the Editor written by our own Jimmy Antonick. Following the letter is a link to an article written by Dr. Bill Lohmann about Bruce Heilman a World War II veteran and former President of the University of Richmond. Both are good reads.

Below is the link to the article about Dr. Bruce Heilman written by Bill Lohmann.

10/25/19 12:27 PM

#823

Melvin Katz

Mike: Thank you for posting Jimmy's letter to the editor. What a very nice tribute Jimmy has written. It reminded me that when I was a Board of Directors Member at Maymont, The Gov.'s wife, Jeannie, was a member of a committee I chaired. She requested that one of our Committee meetings could be held in the dinning room of The Governors Mansion,Gov. Jerry Baliles was Governor at the time. Looking out the dinning room window of The Governor's Mansion, I could see my fathers Shoe Repair Shop which was on 9th Street. A great memory that I will always hold dear.

10/28/19 10:43 PM

#824

Jimmy- Great letter! I enjoyed reading about two forward-looking men with open minds about International Trade. Sometimes, I think I walked backward in time when we moved to Arizona 30 years ago. International Relations South of the Border and across the Ocean are pretty strained now, and we haven't had an open-minded Governor since Rose Mofford. I wish Arizona & the U. S. Government could take a cue from Virginia! This State has a lot to learn, and so do the folks in Washington, D.C. I don't know a lot of people where I live who encourage International Trade, but I have always sought international handmade items for gifts for my family & friends. I wish I had known somebody like you when I started my Art Co-op here with young Artists from Mexico! Their paintings & drawings were beautiful, but Arizonians frowned on the fact that they later moved back to Mexico, and nobody wanted to buy the Artwork but Tourists! Such foolish Arizonians! I haven't seen any Artwork like theirs since then. They were unique!

10/31/19 10:23 PM

#825

https://www.richmond.com/sports/high-school/plus/thomas-jefferson-beats-a-class-stalwart-and-starts-earning-some/article_09751832-fb9b-11e9-b9c7-c767bb69fbcd.html

Below is a link to a nice story about Tee Jay Vikings Football. They are 7 and 1 and have an excellent chance of winning the Class 2 High School division.

11/04/19 12:03 AM

#826

Hi, Russell! I (we) can't be there, but you forgot to put the date in November! Was it the 2nd? 9th? 16th? 23rd? or 30th? Sorry I can't join you, but hope you all have fun!

11/15/19 12:06 AM

#827

Congratulations! It looks like quite a few alumni of Tee Jay have made a name for themselves in "The Big Wide World!" I have really enjoyed reading about Russell, Dickie Laster, Bobby Bayliss, and others who have "made their mark" on their communities! I keep bragging about the students I knew at Tee Jay! People here think that is amazing! There are others I have followed through the years on this website and also whenever we visit Richmond! I hope we hear more about them in the future!

11/24/19 08:07 PM

#828

Russell Flammia

Hi folks,

An alumni contacted me about buying one of the benches I used to sell to various alumni. My friend who made them no longer does so. Just wondering if anyone is downsizing and would like to sell theirs. If so send me an email at rflammia@rvaschools.net and let me know the price. Thanks, Russell

12/26/19 03:36 PM

#829

Katheleene Paul Bishop

Katheleene passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2019.

Kathy was a 1964 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School.

Published in Bennett Funeral Home-Chesterfield Chapel on Dec. 26, 2019

12/27/19 08:49 PM

#830

Katheleen Paul Bishop

BISHOP, Katheleene Paul, 73, of Richmond, passed away at home after a short illness December 22, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Althea Paul; and sister, Laverne P. Stott. She is survived by her son, James Paul Bishop; and his father, Jim Bishop; nephew, Ashley L. Stott; and numerous other loving extended family members. Kathy was a 1964 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. She retired in real estate from Century 21 Old Richmond Realty and Keller Williams Richmond West. She was an active and devoted member of Central United Methodist Church. The family would like to give special thanks to her loving friends for the cards and support and to Heartland Hospice for the care given through her illness. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave. Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 30, at Central United Methodist Church, with interment to follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1211 Porter Street, Richmond, Va. 23224 or to the American Cancer Society.

12/29/19 04:38 PM

#831

I hope everyone is having a nice holiday.

Going back to a message I wrote. Drucilla Waring was our teacher for the first half of 6th grade. I do not know about the rest of the year. I found an old report card when I was going through things in my brother's attic. It was for sixth A I hope that this info triggers some memories. I have to say, though, that I don't remember much about the 6th grade.

Belle

If we are entering the "rainy" season it's time to go to Padows.

12/29/19 06:34 PM

#832

Wow, Belle! Isn't it funny how things show up from many years ago, when you have been thinking about them for so long? I was looking through some "On-Line Class Folders" today and found an old photo I have wondered about for awhile and couldn't find it: Four Generations! - My Mom at age 90, Me at age 54, My Daughter- around 30, and my Granddaughter - around 9 months! It's probably the ONLY 4-generation photo in our family! WHAT a treasure! I'm going to frame it!

My Granddaughter is leaving Phoenix on the Midnight plane tonight, with a group of Students from Arizona State University. They are going to Poland, where my Mother's Ancestors lived. The town they came from in the late 1800's to early 1900's is no longer there; it was on the Border of Austria, and it no longer exists! It was attacked by the Cossacks during the Progroms, and later by the Naziis in Germany, but her relatives were smart, and they left long before World War I and II. There is nothing there now but a factory! My older 2 Sisters searched for it when they were spending their Junior Year of College Abroad in Vienna, and that was the report they gave us. It is now part of Ukraine! So our family history is in Baltimore Hebrew Cemetary, Temple Beth-El Cemetary, and the house across from the Old Synagogue on 19th Street in Richmond!

Before she left, I showed her our Family Tree -Names of People I never met! All of them died before I was born, or before I was age 3! They were ALL immigrants to the United States, except for one who was American-born, and his last name came to be from "a twist of fate!". The Clerk at Ellis Island could not spell his Dad's last name, so he reversed it to the first name!!! -Wolf. My Dad added the "e," because he said it looked like "A Wolf without a tail!". And that is how my name ended up being "Marilyn Wolfe!". I was given my first name after my "Great-Grandma Molly!" My oldest Sister has discovered a new Relative who was related to my Grandma Annie Brooks Wolf's side of the family! She lives in Chicago, less than 15 minutes from the house where my husband Joel grew up, and HER ancestors came from Lithuania!

I just LOVE digging up old memories! That makes the holidays fun! I showed my Granddaughter photos of "Grandma Annie" (my Dad's Mom in Richmond) and my Grandma Clara (my Mom's Mom in Baltimore) and my Granddaughter was comparing the photos to her Mom (my older daughter, Rachael), to see if there was any resemblance! My younger Daughter Amy looks -A LOT like her Great Grandma Annie Brooks Wolf, but my older daughter Rachael says: "I'm a Ruben!" LOL!

12/29/19 06:49 PM

#833

PS-Belle: I would LOVE to go to Padow's with you! The ONLY Deli we have in Yuma is German-style, and they have NO Cole Slaw to serve with the Corned Beef Sandwiches!

When I asked: "WHY NOT?" the Owner said: "We don't want to compete with Kentucky Fried Chicken!"

(Can you imagine THAT????)

Yuma is "A Trip!"

Our Synagogue here has about 15-20-30 members (ALL Senior Citizens), and no kids! After living in Richmond with 3 synagogues and a BIG Jewish Community Center, that is pretty scary! Most of the members left and moved to California! But some of the Founders are still here, because they or their parents could not cross the bridge to California, unless their parents had a lot of money or a job waiting for them in California! (That's the legend passed on by the former Jewish owner of the local Bakery-- the ONLY place in town where you can find homemade Challah!)

Culture Shock!

02/04/20 03:07 PM

#834

Dear Marilyn,

Maybe your deli could service hot roasted potatos. German in style. I at lots of poptatoes while I lived in Munich some years ago. Always you had a beer with it. (The wine was too expensive.) I hope they have cheesecake. Food in Richmond has changed a lot. Many, many new restaurants downtown. All are a tad expensive. But how would I know; I'm still at Julians Restaurant across from Broad Street Station. However, they are good.

Enough on food. Talk to you soon.

02/04/20 06:46 PM

#835

Hi, Belle! "This Old Geezer" can't drink Wine or Beer, eat Cheesecake, or handle spicy food like German Potato Salad! (Digestive issues of my Senior Years!). But I DO remember "Julian's Restaurant" on Broad Street! In fact, when we were in Richmond for my Cousin's 80th Birthday, my family filled up the long, long table by the wall there! Maybe we will do it again in 2-3 years! That place makes a scrumptious meal !

PS - You were in Munich???

02/04/20 09:56 PM

#836

Marilyn,

The potato salad I ate was not spicy, a bit mundane. And yes I lived in Munich, Germany for 4 months. I was auditioning for the agents for the many opera houses in Germany. Munich is a beautiful city with weather much like Richmond. Leaves turning yellow and red, men with large carts sweep them up. I enjoy the many museums. October fest was fun with the parade and beer wagons, waitresses holding 5 steins in each hand. I have a lot of good memories.

Belle

02/05/20 02:16 AM

#837

Belle, I always thought German Potato Salad had Bacon in it! That's off my diet too! No greasy foods!

There are people online who are requesting a Deli down here - (there are several chain store Deli's

now), so if I wait for another 25 years, maybe one will set up shop here one day! But by that time,

I might not have any teeth to chew my sandwich!

A hunk of Corned Beef at the Grocery Store now costs $20 ! That's more than I would pay for 2 meals

at Padow's, and most of the store-bought Corned Beef yields more Fat than Meat!

Interesting description of your visit to Munich! Germany may be famous for its Writers, Composers, and

Musicians,, but the German Artists I remember learning about were those in the mid-20th Century

-World War II years, who were part of the Bauhaus Movement, plus Hieronymous Bosch many

centuries earlier, and lots of Graphics & Gothic Church Architecture! I hope you got to see some of their work,

as well as maybe attending at least one Classical Music Concert or Opera, while you were there! I remember

learning that they also have some famous statues there called " Dying Warriors," which came from a temple in

Greece!

02/05/20 07:11 PM

#838