Chapel Hill High School Class of ‘57

Well, in anticipation of our 55th class reunion in 2012, they have joined forces and are working on a project that should result in a DVD for everyone that is about us, the Class Of ‘57.

Elaini Says:

“Our plan is to to prepare a Ken-Burns-like documentary for the 55th reunion next year (probably in mid to late May). Milburn and I will do the story board and script. Bill Jefferson will put together the photos, sound, and music. We are hoping that our classmates will contribute photos as well as take the opportunity to tell us about their lives and how their lives have developed since the 50’s (or before) and what their high school experiences have meant to them and their families. To do this we need your help — send us a short, quick summary of your lives from then to now and especially, any photos you can spare.”

NOTE: You may contact Elaini, Bill, or Milburn through the information listed for them in the web page’s Class Directory at the right.

“Friendly” weather set the stage for this year’s CHHS ‘57 gathering. Jean (Bowden) Roberson and Carolyn (Dark) Lacock did most the planning, organizing and executing for a great afternoon and evening at Jimmy Freeland’s place in the country. The month of May turned out to be excellent for outdoor socializing — comfortable short-sleeve weather and nearly bug-free, notwithstanding the distant but continual roar of 13-year cicadas!

Attendees from afar included but were not limited to David Schwentker and Roy Teague.

Jimmy and his wife Joyce prepared fried chicken, barbecue, vegetables, salads and desserts enough to meet everyone’s grazing needs.

A few pictures follow so you can see how we are doing these days. For simplicity, I used the girl’s maiden names in the labels.

Pete Ness

Jean Bowden, Betty Lou Andrews, and others

Alice Jean Riggsbee, Wesley Woods, Rebecca Partin, Wayne Lacock

Robert Glosson, Bill Jefferson

Bill Jefferson, Roy (Merle) Teague, John Foushee

Glenda Andrews, Willie Fischer

Sandy Fischer

Jeanette Carlilse, Don Atwater

Ann Neville

Grey Moody, Gordon Neville

Wayne and JoAnn Poe

Jan Neville, Paula Sturdivant

Jimmy Freeland, John Foushee

Rayvon Sturdivant

Millburn Gibbs, Bill Creech, Henry Andrews

There’ll be more pictures as time permits!

WHAT?
Our next CHHS ‘57 get together, a one day affair, is now on the schedule.

WHEN?
May 21, 2011 at 2 p.m.

WHO?
All of us that are able to attend.

WHERE?
Jimmy Freeland’s place in the country where we have gathered before.

WHY?
Because it’s time for another reunion — that’s why!

Jean (Bowden) Roberson volunteered to take care of arrangements for this gathering. There is no charge anticipated as the class treasury will cover the cost for use of Freeland’s shelter and the planned barbecue dinner. Please let us know by May 10th for sure if you will attend and how many — that is our “deadline” so we can provide a head count for food purchasing. And by all means, respond as soon as you are sure. You can “RSVP” to Jean at:

Jean Bowden Roberson
4756 E. Greensboro/CH Rd.
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 376-3807

Or alternatively, to peteness@triad.rr.com (336-366-4224) I’ll pass the email responses on to Jean.

Besides the website, we’ll also email everyone that we have email addresses for and will send a letter to those that have resisted the computer era.

Directions to Jimmy Freeland’s:

From Carrboro, take NC Highway 54 West, approximately 7.5 miles, then turn left on Morrow Mill Road, go 1 mile and it is on the left. That is Jimmy Freeland, 6624 Morrow Mill Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 for you Magellan/Garmin/TomTom fans. If you need help I’ll have my cell with me/turned on and it’s 336-258-0081, or, Jimmy Freeland’s cell number is 919-971-9126.

Hope to see you there!!

Pete Ness

David Schwentker ventured to Chapel Hill last week and joined with a handful for lunch at the Garner Golden Corral. Looking youthful in his short pants, Dave provided both comparison and contrast to Ralph, who was also clad in short pants and something resembling a hat. The rest of us dressed more conservatively, befitting our age group. Ahem.

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Marilyn Watson Szilagy, Lala’s sister, left us a note here at the website with the sad news that Lala has passed away. Here is her obituary from The Garner News:

Lala A. Watson, 70, died Saturday, May 30 at Rex Hospital.

The family received friends and relatives Tuesday, June 2 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home from 1p.m. to 1:45 p.m. A prayer service and burial at Sandy Grove Church Cemetery in Angier followed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Watson’s name to St. Mary Mother of the Church Catholic Church (1008 Vandora Springs Road, Garner, NC 27529 919-772-5524).

Jesse Belle Lewis
February 24, 1915 — September 22, 2009

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Jessie Belle Lewis of Enfield, NC, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009 in Raleigh. She was born Feb. 24, 1915. Miss Lewis was preceded in death by her parents, James Henry “Sam” and Frances Parker Lewis, and her brother, J. W. Lewis. She is survived by her sister, Claudeline Lewis; her nephew, James Grier Lewis, and his wife, Carol; and her grand-nephew, Josh Parker Lewis, and his wife, Laurel. Miss Lewis gave her life to teaching high school English. She taught for 32 years before retiring to Halifax County, having taught in Mooresville, Greenville and Chapel Hill. She also supervised student teachers from East Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a distinguished woman educator, Miss Lewis was a member of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for 58 years and also served a term as president of the society. She had been president of the North Carolina English Teachers Association and had served as editor of its publication. One of her highest acclaims as an educator was an invitation to teach at the American University in Beirut. She traveled extensively throughout the world and was a life-long learner. Miss Lewis was actively involved in her community. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church, where she served as Church Clerk, Historian, Sunday school teacher and formerly as chairman of the Board of Deacons. She was also a member of the Antioch Adult Choir and the Building and Grounds committee. She was a lifetime member of the Hardrawee Extension Club and a member of the Enfield Tuesday Afternoon Study Club. The family will receive friends at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Ave. in Roanoke Rapids on Friday, Sept. 25. from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and other times at the home. Funeral service will be held at Antioch Baptist Church. 4070 Heathsville Rd. Enfield, on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Susan Joyce, Rev. Joy Heaton, Rev. Winfred Porter and Rev. Judith Powell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to Antioch Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.askewfs.com.
Obituary From The Raleigh News And Observer

Miss Piggy and Friend joined the Mini-Reunion gathering.
Yes - - Barbecue was served at the occasion.

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NOTICE **** NOTICE **** NOTICE **** NOTICE *** NOTICE
Our CHHS57.COM web server had a system crash — big time. This article, originally posted May 17th, 2009 is a reconstruction. Ignore it’s current March 2010 date!
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Saturday, May 16, Jean and Milton Saffelle were gracious hosts, the weather cooperated with only a momentary sprinkle or two, and Ralph’s efforts to organize the get-together culminated in another interesting and enjoyable gathering of the Class of ‘57.

About 40 attended, consuming the catered barbecue, fixings and “too many desserts” ranging from banana pudding to several pies to choose from. If anyone left less than full, it was their own fault.

Henry Andrews called to say “Hello” (He had a stent added a few days before and is recovering well) so several had a chance to talk with him. Murphy Ranson and his wife Betty showed up, as did Tommy Hogan. Very good to see them both since they usually don’t make it.

Enough words. Time now for the pictures!

Pete Ness

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NOTICE **** NOTICE **** NOTICE **** NOTICE *** NOTICE
Our CHHS57.COM web server had a system crash — big time. This article, originally posted April 11th, 2009 is a reconstruction. Ignore it’s current March 2010 date!
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Ralph “The Hat” Macklin has labored once again and organized the next CHHS ‘57 mini-reunion. Now it’s up to the rest of us to make it a successful gathering!

WHEN: 4 pm until . . . Saturday, May 16, 2009

WHERE: Jean (Neville) and Milton Saffelle’s residence, 105 David Miller Court, Chapel Hill, near Jordan Lake.

FOOD: Grey Moody informs us the cost is covered by the class treasury. We are having it catered (BBQ, slaw, baked beans, potato salad, etc) Those wanting alcohol are expected to bring their own. Anyone wishing to bring a dessert may at their discretion.

ENTERTAINMENT: Nothing extraordinary. I’ll bring some 50’s background music and my camera — the rest of you can swap lies, feel full after eating, and admire the surroundings while music plays.

RSVP: Let Ralph know if you are coming so he can set the catered quantities — ralphmacklin@bellsouth.net, phone (919) 942-1839.

DIRECTIONS FROM JEAN: Head down 15/501 as if you are going to Pittsboro, you will pass a shopping center Cole Park Plaza (on your left) stay on 15/501 for another mile or so and you will come to another shopping center Chatham Downs. After you pass Chatham Downs you will come to another stop light about 2 miles down the road. Take a left at the stop light and you will be on Jack Bennett Road. Go 2 miles and take a right onto Big Woods Road. Proceed down Big Woods for 2 miles then take a right onto Gallup Road (BIG WOODS SUB-DIVISION). Going up Gallup Road you will go over 3 speed bumps, after the third speed bump you will take the next right which is DAVID MILLER COURT. We are at 105 DAVID MILLER COURT. You can park on the road or at my son’s house — someone will be there to direct you. We are asking everyone not to come down our drive way, it is a little hard to get out when there are a lot of cars. Just a little note, after you get off of 15/501 most of your cells phones and GPS systems will not work in this area.

Pete Ness

Thanks to Ralph Macklin’s efforts, we had a successful turnout for what promises to be the first of “annual” reunions. The next one is set for May 16, 2009 and details will come along later.

About 35 turned out for this gathering, including husbands and wives. Rather than labor you with details, here are some pictures to document the occasion. They should be more entertaining than my words. If you don’t recognize one or more attendees, break out the yearbooks and get to work!

Pete Ness

The next seven photos are similar, but the faces and expressions kept changing so they are all included

(AKA Dinner With Dave)

As you probably know already, there’s a mini-reunion scheduled for Thursday, 15 May 2008, 6 p.m., at Squid’s in Chapel Hill. Yes, David Schwentker will be there, and hopefully several more that don’t always show up.

Ralph Macklin is doing the arrangements and needs an RSVP from anyone wanting to attend — he’s ralphmacklin@bellsouth.net, or, 919-942-1839.

The restaurant’s address is 1201 Highway 15-501 Bypass, Chapel Hill, NC. Squid’s phone is (919) 942-8757. It is a seafood restaurant.