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John Davis (1965)

I know everyone was wondering who were the smartest & best looking 5 & 6th graders in Woodland Grammer School history - well here they are!! 

Tim Tucker (1965)

Top Photo ( Row 1) Santi Miguel,  Danny Lavorico, Tony Montoya, Keith Phillips, Gary Smyth, Alan Drever, Steve Hull, Vern Vick.( Row 2) Linda Lara, Linda Thomas, Judy Young, Linda Knipe, Esther Mejia, Nancy Walton, Pat Campbell.( Row 3) Larry Purdue, Betty Kincannon, Yolanda Martinez, Ann Sandoval, Betty Baca, Paulette Hinton, Linda Pool, Trudy Anderson, Diana Amen, Esther Woods, Linda Carrion, Linda Tingle, Pam Daniels. ( Row 4) John Cooper, Gregory Mena, Ronnie Moore, Mike Norton, Alan Clements, Ronnie Pickett, John Warner, John Davis, Linda Davis, Linda Leeper...........( 2 Alans, 8 Lindas, 3 Johns, 2 Bettys, 2 Esthers, 2 Ronnies and 1 very confused teacher.)

Jack Martin Jr (1966)

John Davis, thanks so much for your post on the 25th, which included the picture of my dad's 6th grade class (circa '58-'59, best I can figure) at Dingle School.  Probably quite a number of WHS grads were in his class over time, either in 6th or even earlier when he taught 8th.  (I was at Holy Rosary in 6th, and didn't hit "civilian" school until 7th at Lee, so I avoided the dreaded "my dad is my schoolteacher" thing.)  

He passed away September of 2012 at 98 1/2, just a couple of weeks before he and my mom Doris would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary-----maybe some will remember her from the 23 years she spent working downtown at DMV-----de facto running things there, she was pretty much always the "go-to"-----or her time working for Drs. Blevins and Neumann at Court and West Streets.  

He was a hard-working guy, spending 38 years as a teacher, principal (Red Bluff High) and administrator (he came to Woodland from Red Bluff in approximately '55, as an assistant to Mr. Cobb, then the superintendent of Woodland schools).  But he always had much more than that on his plate. We farmed 20 acres of walnuts for a number of years 5 miles west of town, living amongst the Schneiders, Frickes, Timothys and Blickles. (Had to sell the place when he badly hurt his back lifting, natch, a sack of nuts).  He also worked summers at the old Contadina cannery on the east end of town.  For many years, he was the Director of Special Events at the Yolo County Fair, organizing the entertainment (and in the process, landing me a summer job at the Fairgrounds for four years running-----I remember the local teacher Art Eve also worked summers there, a very gentle, gracious man).  Some might recall that he was also an accomplished musician.  He taught guitar and banjo privately, played in the Sacramento Banjo Band (which sometimes played at the Fair, causing him to need to change hats on the fly during Fair hours, as he was always on duty, scrambling to cover his entertainment obligations on the grounds), and had his own dance band way back at SF State, where he got his degree in music (he later got his master's in education over several summers at Stanford),  He also served two terms as President of the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society, which puts on the Sac Jazz Jubilee every Memorial Day weekend (or at least used to, as the music menu has drastically changed in recent times to keep up with the times), and also played at the Jubilee himself every year, first with the Sutterville Stompers, and later with his own combo, JM Jazz.  And he loved every bit of it.  I remember him once mentioning a musical association with a guy named Pete Rugolo.  Just the other day I was looking at one of my Miles Davis CD's, and right there among the credits was Rugolo's name.  Quite the pedigree.  He and Mom also belonged to the Fliers' (he served on the board for a time) and played a lot of "Scotch Foursomes" golf after work with other couples.  And he was a long-time member of the Rotary Club.

I can't remember them all, but in my younger days I recall at one point realizing that my dad was juggling 5 different jobs at one time.  Can't imagine doing that.  Quite a Renaissance man, plus (as the picture attests) the man knew how to dress the part.  

Theresa Eve (1964)

Jack Martin:  Thank you for the summary of your parents lives who worked so hard.  It seems that all the teachers had to work very hard beyond the classroom routine.  Thank you also for mentioning my Father, Arthur Eve, who beyond teaching also work at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, in charge of the home economics building.  He actually really enjoyed that work during the summer, and did pride himself in keeping the building as clean and organized as possible.  He enjoyed teaching, and seeing all his students grow into fine adults.  I appreciate your kind words about him as a gentle and caring man.  He is missed.  As we all miss our parents, realizing their total values and what they taught us by their example.

Janet Long (Levers) (1966)

Yes, Jack, your mom was the "go-to" at the 'old' DMV office. In early '70's, I worked at Andco Farms in the trucking office, and spent many hours on the phone with her, licensing trailers for temporary (not full-year $$) use. She was always incredibly helpful and accurate. I know you couldn't get that kind of service these days. Doris was for sure old school-by the book- but it was a gift to have her walk me through that. Is she still in the house on W. Casa Linda that backs on (once my in-laws') now my daughters' place?

Jack Martin Jr (1966)

Thank you John, Anne, Janet and Theresa for your kind thoughts about my dad and mom.  I've since remembered that he also worked some summers in the grain elevators (on the then-southeast edge of town ?) and he was also a long-time member of the Willow Oak (all-volunteer) Fire Department.  So just maybe, somewhere in my recitation, I actually have recalled all 5 jobs he was simultaneously holding down at one point.  Janet, Mom is still living on West Casa Linda (at 92) and seems bound and determined to stay there.

Jack Martin Jr (1966)

And I almost forgot-----thank you too, Craig, my old high-school / law-school classmate.

Jack Martin Jr (1966)

Robert --- Thanks so much for taking the time to track down and post my dad's obit from the Democrat.  It's very much appreciated.

Craig --- That "old folks place" in SF was the Sutter Residence Club, at the edge of the Tenderloin.  Their downtown core was peppered with "residence clubs" back then (very early '70's), no idea if they're still around. They fed us (sort of) twice a day and the rooms were pretty much bare bones, but they were perfect for us who had no time for anything except going to class and studying, at least as "first-years."  I was too scared to try to make time for anything else, with the exception of intramural football and a little hoop.  I wouldn't wish that first year on my worst enemy.  (Well, maybe on my WORST enemy.)  And, you're welcome.

Theresa Eve (1964)

Reading The Daily Democrat and seeing that there are a lot of changes going on in Woodland.  The State Theater is being reconstructed, not sure just how that will look when completed.  They did save the art deco features from the original building.  I know the memories I have in my mind, will probably not be totally reproduced.  There are also plans for a new Hotel to come into the plan of reconstruction.  With the new Court House being built, it appears this new Hotel will be close.  Main Street has been just reopened, as all these changes have been in the works.  Woodland is undergoing a new face lift. 

Don Murdoch (1962)

  My heart goes out to the family and friends of Phil Marquez and Dan Mezger, both of whom we lost in the last week.  I knew both of them quite well and played little league and softball for many years with them.

   Filly had a great sense of humor.  Only those of you who follow sports might understand the following:  Last year I saw Filly in the barber shop and I said "Hey, you're a month older than me but you're a year behind me in school. Why is that?"  His response was "I was red-shirted in kindergarten".  That's a sense of humor.  

  You will both be greatly missed.  RIP Filly and Dan.

Greg Kareofelas (1962)

Don, thanks for posting about Philly and Dan

I remember Philly driving that cute little 1937 Ford Coupe, dark green, if memory serves me well. If someone has a pic of him and that car, it would be nice if you could post it, Remember when he worked for Irv Didion at the Richfiled Station on 6th (?) and Main?

Good thoughts to the families and friends!

Cathy Avilla (McCartney) (1965)

Greg,

The old Ford that Philly drove....he bought that from my Dad, Tony Avilla.  My
Dad bought from a former neighbor of ours when we lived on
Clover Street.  Nana, who was our neighbor had in an old shed in her backyard.  The car had belonged to her husband who I never knew as he had passed away long before we lived there.  Anyway, Dad, bought it, and it was in great condition.  He kept a a short time and then Philly bought it.  One time a bunch of us girls were walking on College Street, Philly came by and stopped.  We all jumped on the running boards to go on a short ride.  Good memories. 

Stanley Carter (1968)

Ron Blickle (1963)

Just returned from the funeral Mass for Dan Mezger at Holy Rosary.  Standing room only and a beautiful tribute to a great guy.  We started Kindergarten together in the Fall of 1950 and even though he went away for High School and College, we always shared those early years in various sports and Boy Scouting.  I will miss his great attitude and big smile whenever we met again over the years.  He was a fighter who always kept a positive outlook no matter what adversity he faced.  God speed, Dan! 

Tim Tucker (1965)

Stanley, it was a 1937 model and the paint was original. Factory reference, Bright Vinyard Green. It may have been re-painted gray later on.  I came real close to buying it from Philly for $ 850.00, but the mechanical (not hydraulic ) brakes were a little scary. So I passed. Needless to say one of my life's many regrets. To this day when ever I see a 37 Ford coupe, it reminds me of my friend. Rest in peace Philly.

Tuni Gravink (House) (1964)

Cathy Avilla McCartney,

Did you also live on Buena Tiera St. In Woodland? I believe 209 was the number. It was across from the Adams house. That was our first house. It had the bar built in the back room (what was a closed in porch) with the barbecue area.

I used to tap dance on it, of course; that was not what i was supposed to do but; sure was fun, and going through that window to get too my bedroom was one great short cut.  I have always wanted to go back and see the house and take some photo's of it, but last time i got just a photo of the front of the house.  Tuni Gravink-House

Cathy Avilla (McCartney) (1965)

Tuni Gravink House--yes, we moved into your house at 219 Buena Tierra Drive when I was in third grade.  I had the same bedroom that you did.  That was a great back room. And, very unique, with the bar.  My parents lived there until 2004 when both of them passed away.  We then sold it.  The new owners painted it and put furniture out on the front porch.  I might have a picture somewhere, if so I will send it.  Remember the saloon doors going into the kitchen?  My parents eventually added on another bathroom, wish they had done that while I was growing up.  And added air conditioning. 

It was a great place to grow up.

Lynn Drumright (Black) (1961)

I was shocked to read about Philly.  He was such a good person and friend to me before and after my husband died.  I was sad when he left Elm Ford because he was my gabby friend while waiting for a car to be serviced.  My husband just shook his head when in 1998 I came home driving a brand new Ford Expedition.  Philly had told me to drive it for the weekend and see if I liked it.  My husband knew he was in for a new payment the minute he saw me coming down the street.  I think he had a conversation with Philly about that.  What a sweet man.  I'm sure his family will miss him terribly. My God bless them all.

Tuni Gravink (House) (1964)

Cathy Avilla McCartney, yes it was a great house to grow up in! My dad, his dad Harry Gravink, and and army buddy of dads built that house. I have somewhere around here a photo of dad, and me as this little thing riding on the tractor, that dad was using to level the ground so they dig the headers for the foundation to go in, and all that fancy stuff. I remember when dad closed it in, and put windows all along it, and he was puttying the windows, and as he was doing that i was going behind him undoing them! I thought it was clay to play with truly did. Boy did i get a talking to on that one!  We had chaise lounges out there , and a big round redwood table, which many a birthday parties were held for myself and my sister. We even had a birthday party one time for our old cat Buddy.  Mom always was painting out there, and yes the house needed a second bathroom. The backyard was huge, and we had our swing set way in the back, and that huge play house (we thought was ours because it had a chaise lounge and a old school desk, and some other things in it) we lived in that thing!  We had window seats along the windows, with pads my grandmother had made, and you lifted them up and bingo- great toy boxes, and the room stayed pretty clean. Mom had it made in that house, as we played out there all the time, and the rest of the house stayed clean. Many pot lucks held back in that room, and i practiced my ballet and tap, while mom played the songs for the dance presentations over in Sacramento. The piano was in the middle room as you came up the steps from the patio.  My grandfather built the divider in the Kitchen, not sure if it was there still with you, it had some black squares, and such which held some nic nacs on them, and i have two here in my house that he made that matched them.  I have a photo of my birthday party with my cousins in that kitchen nook area. The swinging doors were yes fun!  We had the Crawford kids to play with Harriet Shamshian, Westons, Adams and Geers, and on down the line. Boy we were all playing our little heads off, it was a quiet and nice time to grow up, of course now life has changed. I remember eating bon bons in that back patio with our cat Buddy, and mom making popsicles, and that back room was wonderful.  I have been tempted to go ask the people that live in it now if i could come by sometime and just walk through it, and have a memory walk. But i also know people like their privacy too, so i drive by it, and remember.  Mom used to pain great murals on that front living room window for all the holidays.

Tuni Gravink-House

Tuni Gravink (House) (1964)

Craig Mayfield,  Yes i did live around the corner from you, we all at one time played together , and we all congregated at the pool !  Many of us walked to school togehter and cut through Dr. O'Hara's yard to get to Gibson, and then we all walked together to the high school.  That particular block of Buena Tierra had a bunch of kids biking , playing, and visiting each other all the time all the way down to College Street.  Tuni

Anne Douglass (Loud) (1964)

Jack Martin, you mentioned that your father was an accomplished musician.  I found this picture of the Dixieland Jazz Band, made up of Jack Martin, Fred Miracle (?), Bill Linford, Harold Douglass, Gordon Friday, ?, ?.  Need help with the last two names and confirmation that second from left is Fred Miracle.

Jim Miracle (1969)

Wow I haven't seen this picture since shortly after it was taken.  I am thinking it is mid to late 50's and yes that is my Dad, Fred Miracle playing Bass with the fake mustache.  I know the man playing the Saxaphone is Ray Walker a music teacher that moved to Santa Rosa mid 60's.  The clarinet player is Ron Evans (think that was his name), the music teacher at WHS at the time.  They used to practice in our living room.  Great childhood memories.

Tuni Gravink (House) (1964)

Craig Mayfield, you probably meant you lived on Casa Linda, and we moved to Casa Linda (other side of West Street ) later on.  Dr. O'Hara was really pretty cool. He had a fish pond in his yard, and tried for so long to catch one of those goldfish, and one time i was so into getting this one goldfish that; he apparantely had been watching me, and said well, Tuni did you finally get it? I almost fell into the pond, as he scared the beegeez out of me!  It was a fun area to live in, and you had a safe place to play too. Most parents looked out for each others kids, and the Crawfords had the most candy in their endtables hidden in their rooms (Chris and Cindy). Our bedroom faced each other., and we would talk to each other through the windows when weather was nice and mom would open the windows. They were always in our yard, and visa versa. Mrs. Gibson, who lived further down on Gibson Street had the best lemon cookies, and ice tea, and she could play the paino so well too.  The Hollingsworths who lived on the other side of our house, do you rmember them? Their granddaughters taught all of us how to do the hula, as they lived in HI, and came over a lot to visit their grandparents. JoAnne Longee and Shelly Burns and Elliot Hull lived in the vicinity also (Shelly on Casa Linda) and Elliot that cross street, and Jo Anne on Casa Linda) . Everyone was always biking together , or down at Tom Fisks house playing ball and running with their dog. I loved that area, and felt it was truly safe there, of course, i could write a book on the alleys of Woodland, and who had cookies and lemon ade for the kids riding through with their bikes, and what places would let us use their restrooms. My girlfriend Jan Anastasi - Schafer is amazed at the little adventures i took on my bike. Did my folks know , not of many of them no , but some yes, because; the town was small, and everyone knew everyone! Word traveled fast of whose kid was where and when.  Tuni

Greg Kareofelas (1962)

Thanks everyone who remembered Philly and the 37 Ford. Yes, when Philly first got it, it was green and I think he repainted it gray. Also yes, the 1937 Ford was the last car to still have Mechanical Brakes :-)

So far, no one has come up with a pic of Philly and the car. What a difference between then, when even if you had a camera, you rarely took pix of the familiar. Now, as a friend just pointed out, we all have a great camera, that you can also use as a phone!

cheers, greg

Theresa Eve (1964)

Now, Greg, we all do not have those fancy cameras with a phone.  There are a few who just keep the regular camera, and just a phone for emergencies.  High tech, is great, but can be a downfall if not careful.  Backup plans are always a good thing to think about.