OwlSpirit
Web Site of
The Reagan County High School Alumni
of Big Lake Texas
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CONTENTS
OF OTHER INTEREST
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OWL SPIRIT UPDATE
SUMMER, 2002
REUNION REPORTS UPDATED AUGUST 22, 2002
Received from Linda Short Burnett, ' 59 (e mail -lindaburnett@attbi.com): September Metro-Owl Luncheon is scheduled for September 7th
at Luby's Cafeteria in Grapevine. Please invite any RCHS Ex's or attendees you may know. We are having great luncheons but are
missing seeing many who are in the area. If you need directions e-mail me. Location is William D. Tate and 114 frontage road.
Received from Linda Short Burnet, ' 59: Hi Friends, Mark that calendar for Sat., Aug. 3rd. Luncheon is 1:00 at Luby's cafeteria in
Grapevine. William D. Tate and 114 frontage road.
Received from Linda Short Burnett, ' 59: The first metro-plex luncheon was a tremendous success --not in terms of
numbers but in enjoyment. Everyone had such a good time visiting that time eluded us. We met at Luby's in Grapevine on Sat.
June 26th at 12:00 noon, greeted, dined, mingled, reminisced, caught up and were delighted by the appearance of that illusive poet,
M. T. Wallet until someone looked at a watch and said, "Is it really 3:00 o'clock?" and then we remembered the other things on our
agendas for that afternoon. Before disbursing Wilbur Lancaster acted as moderator, and the group unanimously agreed
that we wanted to make this a regular monthly luncheon and that everyone should make an effort to get others to
attend. Linda Burnett agreed to be the e-mail contact person, and the date was set at the first Saturday of each month
at 1:00 p.m. We will continue at Luby's as long at that will accommodate the group. That location is at William D. Tate
and 114 access road. Those attending were:
Mrs. Jackye Havenhill, librarian/mentor; '53 David and Anne McFadden; '54 Roy and Kay
Fell; '55 Wilbur Lancaster; '56 Shirley Harris Halydier; '57 Barbara Stiles
Hancock; '58 James Whitehead; Marlin and Judy Morris; '59 Teed Boyd;
Linda Short Burnett; '6? Pam Havenhill Massey
Several other "ole Owls" called to say that they could not make this first date but were definitely interested in
attending. SOOO... the next meeting is August 3rd, and we want to see you. (Ed Note: Linda's e-address is lindaburnett@att
bi.com)
Received from Billy Tom Curry, former teacher at RCHS: I thought you might appreciate this: A week or so ago I
E'd B. J. and Bren to ask if they knew what had become of Linda Livingston. I visited
with her at either the '90 or '95 reunion and at that time she lived in the Abilene area. Haven't heard
anything from or about her since that time. Neither of them knew anything.
Then a few days later, "Bingo". She shows up in your guestbook. I E'd her and we have been having a lot
of fun catching up on what has been happening in our lives.
I think things like that happen often but the parties fail to tell us. When they do it feels "good". So, feel
good for a spell, and bask in the feeling. BTC (Editor Note: Thanks, Bill, I do appreciate the feedback. There were two reasons
I started this page: One, learn HTML coding and two, start an avenue where we alumni could stay in touch. Reports like yours show
that electronic reunions do occur between those that walked the halls of RCHS. Speaking of reunions: My brother, Mike Massey,
keeps telling me that he has "put the report of 1972's Reunion in the mail". I think he must have put a 37 cent stamp on it instead of
hitting the "send" button. So......... any of you who were at the 1972 reunion and want to make a report, don't hold back.)
Received from Margaret Nossent Nixon, '56: This is a brief report of our reunion:
The 1956-1957 Reunion was held in Big Lake at the Reagan County Community Building on June 22nd,
2002, beginning at 9:00 AM with cinnamon rolls and coffee. Hugs, laughter, and viewing memorabilia
from elementary and high school days were followed by a catered luncheon. Class meetings were held at
2:00 PM, with the Class of 1957 touring the high school. The Class of '56 conducted their class meeting
at the home of Jack & Joleta Harris.
Dinner was served at 6:00 PM, followed by a program by Gayle McMullan Dodson, in which Mr. & Mrs.
Japson Pettit were given red ribbons for being "Super Grand Parents" and attending most of our reunions
over the years. One of '57 Senior Sponsors was Jeanne Wynn, who was named " Reunion Queen" ,as this
was her first reunion. Damon Davis was named "Reunion King".
A Live Auction by Doc Dodson brought in $500.00 for the classes to donate to an as yet unnamed
recipient. Vic Atwood donated a beer cooler, containing a 6 pack of beer, to represent all the beer coolers he had taken
from various and sundry teens over the years in Big Lake, saying that he was proud of taking it from
teens and, hopefully, saving lives in the process. Also, another highlight of the auction was a jersey that
had been worn by Charles Chamberlain when he played football. Jack Owens stated that he would pay
$100.00 if Charlie could get into that jersey. Charlie did, and Jack paid! I think that I may have covered the high spots.
Afterwards, a dance was held.
Those in attendance from 1956 were: Nancy Boyd Chapman, Odessa, TX; Nancy Barnes Corbell,
Stephenville, TX; Jerre Kay Mills Eschberger, Fort Worth, TX;Shirley Harris Halydier, Plano, TX; Jack &
Joleta Harris, Big Lake, TX; Andy & Doris Holmes Matranga, San Antonio, TX; Dawayne Moore, Midland,
TX; and Margaret Nossent Nixon, San Angelo, TX.Margaret Ann Martin Owens, Oklahoma City, OK;
Those in attendance from 1957 were: Grace Owens Buckbee, San Angelo, TX; Charlie & Carol
Chamberlain, Eastland, TX; Doc & Gayle McMullan Dodson, Midland, TX; Hank & Dorothetta Pettit Ernest,
Broomfield, CO; Riley Featherston, Raleigh, NC; Barbara Stiles Hancock, Dallas, TX; David Jacobs, Houston,
TX; Damon Davis, Spring, TX; Jeffrey Kelly McAllister, Fort Worth, TX; Oddus & Kay Merrifield, Eastland,
TX; Jim Tom Mills, Keller, TX; Jack & Margaret Ann Martin Owens, Oklahoma City, OK; Juan & Susana Pena
Ramirez, Big Lake, TX; O. W. Parker, Big Lake, TX. Senior Class Sponsor, Jeanne Wynne, Ruidoso, NM.
There are a few others and I'll get back to you on those that were in other classes. Love, Margaret
David McFadden, Dallas, TX, Wilbur Lancaster, Euless, TX, Donald & Mary
Ann Barbee Meroney, Marian Sue Roach Byrd, Vic and Helen Norwood Atwood, all from Big Lake.
(And a post script received after above was posted) Diane, I just thought of something Gayle forgot to announce at her class meeting.
Fran Tinney Harris, Class of '58, and married to Kenneth Harris, Class of '57, fell and broke her left hip. Naturally, they had to miss
our wonderful reunion.
I also neglected to mention that the Class of '56 has voted to meet each year, rather than every 5 years.
We plan to meet the 2nd weekend of October, 2002, in San Antonio. We will begin the weekend at the
home of Andy & Doris Holmes Matranga for a Friday evening dinner. We have tentatively decided to
meet in Granbury, TX, in 2003.
REUNION INFORMATION
June 26, 2002 update from Linda Short Burnett, '59: The first Metro-plex ex's luncheon is this Saturday (June 29th) at 12:00 noon
at Luby's Cafeteria on the corner of William D. Tate and 114 access road. Looking forward to seeing many friends. Linda (Ed Note:
Linda has done a lot of planning on this event - Hope all in the Metro area can be there)
Update from Linda Short Burnett, ' 59, regarding Metroplex luncheon: Hi RCHS Owls, The first Metroplex luncheon
will be Saturday, June 29th at 12:00 noon at Luby's Cafeteria in Grapevine. This is the only place I found with a large area that didn't
have to have a $50-$300 deposit. It is also quiet enough for old folks to talk without competing with loud music. It is very easy to
locate. It is in a shopping center on the corner of William D. Tate and the 114 Access Road, directly behind the Fina Station. If you
are coming north on 121 exit William D. Tate, cross 114 (one block). If you are going west on 114 exit William D. Tate.
At this meeting we will make plans for future luncheons.
I am looking forward to seeing many ex-owls. Please inform anyone you know that may be interested.
Received from Jeanine Tarvin, ' 72 (Jeanine's e address is jtarvin@esc18.net):
Hi Diane, Yes, the Reagan County High School Class of 1972 will be celebrating its 30 year reunion this summer in San Antonio.
We celebrated our 25th there 5 years ago and had so much fun that we decided to make a return trip there.
Five years ago we stayed on the River Walk and this year we will be staying at the Menger Hotel.
It is located across the street from the Alamo and borders the River Walk Mall. We will be meeting
on June 21, 22, & 23 of this year. Thank you for your interest.
The Classes of ' 56 & ' 57 will have a reunion in Big Lake on June 22nd at the Reagan Co. Community Bldg. Contact
Margaret Nossent Nixon at mnixon @wcc.net for further information.
Received from Linda Short Burnett, ' 59: Hi Friends, For many years Reagan County Ex's have met in San Angelo on a
Saturday once every month. They call themselves the Nifty-Fifties and have a wonderful camaraderie. I said when I moved to the
Metroplex that I was going to get a luncheon started here as there are many ole Owls in this area. Well, I have been here 10 months;
so, I better make my threat good. Please reserve the date of June 29 for our first gathering. At that time we will plan for whatever the
group wishes to do in the future. I am looking for a location that will be easy for all to find and will let you know more
details later. Anyone you know in the area please invite or give me their e-mail address or telephone number so that I can make
contact with them. I am hoping that we will have a good turnout and am looking forward to renewing many old friendships. Please
give any suggestions or information that will help us get this off the ground. I am excited that I have gotten feedback from at least a
dozen people already. I am still looking for any info you have on people in the area. PLEASE talk to anyone you know and encourage
them to join in. We will meet this first time in Grapevine. We can then decide what we want to do in the future. I will be visiting family
in New Orleans and Seattle for two weeks and will be away from my computer The 2nd week of June I will get out complete information to you. I hope this date change will help to increase attendance. I am really
looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Linda (lindaburnett@attbi.com)
The following is copied from a Guestbook entry: Sandra Thompson's, ' 77, e mail address is Sandralrt@hotmail.com.
The RCHS Class of 1977 is also having a reunion this summer. We will follow in the footsteps of other RC exes and reunion in
San Antonio. The date is July 19 & 20. If anyone would like more information about this reunion, please check out this website
www.reaganhi1977.bizhosting.com/77.html Designed and created by one of Reagan County's own - Deona Jones Thompson or
you can e-mail me.
The 1959 RCHS Class had its 42nd reunion on May 17, 18 and 19. To date, no update or report on this event has been
received by the OwlSpirit. Come on, ya'll, share your good times with those class members who couldn't be there or those
upper and lower classmen who would like to hear how you are doing.
We met for our July Nifty 50's Luncheon on July 27, 2002, at Zentner's Steak House in San Angelo.
The only business we conducted was the decision to hold the luncheon on the last Saturday of the
month, each month. The next luncheon will be held at Zentner's on August 3lst. That way we will not
have a conflict with the similar luncheon held on the lst Saturday of each month in Grapevine.
Those in attendance were:
Big Lake: Dale & Adelia Reams Calley, Jerry & Billie Floyd, Bobbie Malone McAlister, Buddy & Shirley
Swanzy Miller.
Mertzon: Richard Boggs, Walter & Mildred Norwood Rackley, Dorothy Miller Basham.
Odessa: Myrl & Nancy Boyd Chapman.
San Angelo: Grace Owens Buckbee, Gerald Owens, Kay Weatherby Ellis, Max & Margaret Nossent Nixon.
The Nifty 50's Group met on June 29, 2002 at Zentner's Steak House. Those in attendance were:
TULSA, OK: Buster & Mary Ruth Taylor Holt, Bobby & Brenda Holt.
WACO, TX: Ross & Ruth Murr Pilant.
BUCHANAN DAM, TX: George & Diana Lea Salyer Dykes.
MERTZON, TX: Ray Dorsey, Walter & Mildred Norwood Rackley, Richard Boggs.
MIDLAND, TX: John & Marinell Cartwright Glidewell.
MILES, TX: Braxton Glidewell.
BIG LAKE, TX: Lloyd & Bobbie Malone & Rick McAlister, Bill & Ann Way & Casey Dan
Schneemann, Donald & Mary Ann Barbee Meroney, Boone & Joyce Nunn Stokes.
SAN ANGELO, TX: Gerald Owens, Grace Owens Buckbee, James & Lucy Warriner Vinson, Kay
Weatherby Ellis, Gene & Jo Cook, & Max & Margaret Nossent Nixon.
The next luncheon is scheduled July 27, 2002.
The Nifty Fifties meeting that was scheduled for June 29 at Hickman Museum has been changed as follows:
I have news about the Nifty 50's that was supposed to be at the Hickman Museum in Big Lake on the 29th. The museum had to
cancel, because the air conditioning did not get installed. We still plan to have a luncheon there in the future, but not the 29th.
We are, however, going to have a luncheon in San Angelo at Zentner's Steak House on the 29th at 1:00.
I don't know if you want to try to change your message, but I thought I could try. Love, Margaret
Received from Margaret Nossent Nixon, ' 56 about Nifty Fifties: We are not meeting in May and will
be at Hickman Museum in Big Lake for Lunch on June 29th. I don't know if it is noon or 1:00, so I'll get back to you.
Received from Tammy Blakely, ' 86: I am Tammy Blakely and I currently serve as the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce
manager, secretary, director, and many other not so nice titles. I am a 1986 RCHS graduate. I have enjoyed reading through these
pages although I am considered a "baby" alumni. Although I do not share the years, I share the same love for Big Lake. I am fortunate
to have kids that appreciate Big Lake as a hometown and haven't yet learned the phrase "I hate this town and when I leave I'm never
coming back!" I hear it so often from high school students and I silently muse "That's just what you think!"
The main reason that I write is to ask for input on how the Chamber could help spread the news of this site. I think that it is wonderful
and want as many to know about it as possible. I am going to work on including a link in the www.biglaketx.com site and hopefully that
will be a big help. Other than that, I am at a loss. Those of you who haven't yet be sure to check out our site. It is a work in progress,
but we're trying hard to keep up with the times.
Thanks Diane for the work you are doing. I love anyone who still loves Big Lake. Especially those of you who have traveled to and lived
other places. There is a warmth here that is special. However, with the changing times, I fear that it is losing the closeness that used
to be shared. I work hard every day to keep us all together, so that the light will still be on when alumni decide to visit!!
Thanks Again,
Tammy Blakely, Big Lake Chamber of Commerce
(Editor Note: And Tammy followed through on her idea: She got the OwlSpirit added to the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce web page,
soooo, consider us "linked". :-})
The Beauty of West Texas
West Texas is a place of inherent beauty,
You can see it most everywhere you look.
From the dry creek bed and the river,
To the flowing stream or brook.
From the top of a barren mesa,
You can survey the expanse below.
Beholding beauty in the dust devil's path,
And beauty in the winds that blow.
Beauty can be seen in the sunrise,
Or before a majestic sunset.
There's beauty beneath nature's fury,
Where the storm clouds pose a threat.
Like an artist at his canvass,
Creating a vividly awesome scene.
Morning and evening colors are breathtaking,
By all God's handiwork may be seen.
M. T. Whallete (c) 2002
Thanks to Sam Douglas, ' 70 for the striking sunset picture. Only in the wide-open spaces of West Texas can you see sunsets that
gorgeous!! The picture inspired M.T. Whallete to compose the poem.
