Last Updated on Monday, November 2, 2009
Coney Island & Moonlight Gardens
Grandview Memory of Principal Earl Daniels
Input from Leo Knoll, '50 9/20/00
I remember how we used to sneak a smoke in the boys' bathroom. One day, Don Vann, Paul Howard, Glen Uthe, and myself were dragging away on a Lucky Strike. We were passing the butt around, puffing away until it was red-hot. Suddenly, we heard the door creak. Vann quickly through the fag in the toilet and flushed it away.
JL Cobb entered the restroom sniffing the air. "I smell cigarette smoke. You boys smoking?" he asked in menacing voice.
"No Sir", said Vann, "Somebody before us must have been smoking.
Cobb looked at us disgustedly. "I can't prove it was you guys. Get back to your classes." We got the hell out of there real fast.
Input from Jackie Gilbert Reekers '48 10/2/00
It was the second semester of my Sophomore year. I had signed up for English Class with Miss Culbertson. The class was over crowded & Mr. Cobb came in & changed some of us to different teachers for English, including me. I was changed to Miss Loving's Class. I heard she was a hard teacher & was scared to go to her class. I saw Mr. Cobb in the hall later that day & asked him if I could stay in Miss Culbertson's class. He was very nice about it, but said I had to stay in Miss Loving's Class.
I believe I learned more English from Miss Loving than any other teacher. I signed up for English with her in my Jr. & Senior year. She was a great teacher
I believe I learned more English from Miss Loving than any other teacher. I signed up for English with her in my Jr. & Senior year. She was a great teacher
Segment Dave Franks
Input from Larry Weier '49 9/9/2000
Obituary in past week's papers listed death of Dave Franks NHS'46 at age 72. Living in North Ft. Lauderdale FL at time of death. Survived by 6 sons and 4 daughters.
Dave was a terrific football player for NHS as a fullback and linebacker. I was a freshman in his senior year and served as cannon fodder for the varsity. Dave later played for Xavier U under Ed Kluska, I believe. Very good in college, too, although not a big guy.
The obituary noted that he had worked with Newport's recreation dept. and later did similar work in Florida. He also coached a semi-pro football team in Cincinnati.
He was a good guy and a good athlete.
Input from Leo Knoll, '50 9/11/0
I was shocked to hear that Dave Franks passed away. I played football with Dave at Xavier University. He had to quit in his Junior year as he had to support his wife.
He was a great linebacker, as good as Tito Carinci. He had a good sense of football, was tough, and fast. At Newport in the early 40's he was the greatest athlete who ever came out of that school. He won 14 letters (can you imagine that?). Also, he was smart as Heck. I loved Dave as a good friend. So long, Dave
Input from Jerry King '53 8/26/00
Last week I was in the Cincinnati area to visit with my father in his nursing home, to visit with my sister Shirley, and then up to Indianapolis to visit with my daughter and 2 grandsons.
After I visited with Zip, I stopped at Crystal Chili for the obligatory cheese Coney Island. Were the Conies as small in 1950 as they are today?
I then did a quick driving tour of downtown Newport before going to ShirleyÕs home. I enjoyed looking at the restoration work in the East End; I thought of Pacifica, CA in brick. Bright colors and obvious pride in the rework. The blocks seemed to be much shorter than when I walked from the high school to the track and then back home. Did Newport get wet and shrink? I saw the biggest hanging bell IÕve ever seen. I didnÕt take time for the aquarium; how many Ohio River catfish can it hold?
During the visit with Shirley, she gave me some clippings that my parents had saved. The one below is a photo of the Newport Youth Canteen that was operated for a couple of years in the gymnasium of the 4th Street school. I donÕt recognize any of the people in the photo but you may.
That led to a discussion of the different places we went to dance while in school. Not counting the "sock Hops" in the NHS gym we recalled the following:
Summer dances outdoors in the schoolyard of the 4th Street School, I think they were on Mondays.
Sunday (?) summer outdoor dances at a Catholic school somewhere around 10th and Columbia or further west.
Canteen dances on Friday or Saturday evening at Bellevue High School?
Canteen dances on Friday or Saturday evening at Dayton High School?
Canteen dances on the weekend somewhere in Fort Thomas.
And not dances but the summer concerts in Devoe(?) Park in Covington.
DidnÕt we have tons of fun?
Segment NHS Sports
Input from Jerry King '53 8/26/00
My other message today told how my sister Shirley had given me some newspaper clippings that my parents had saved.
The photo below is of a basketball team, basketball league I do NOT remember. My mother put a 1953 date on the clipping but I think it was much earlier.
Ignore the geek in the back row - left side. Remember C Deering ? R Knapp? Paul Guy? Elmer Haas? I've received several messages with name corrections I believe C Deering was really C Derrick.
Input from Clarabell Burkhart Davis '48 10/2/00
Correct me if I am wrong but the story I remember hearing from Jim Ellington and Dick Drake was that at half time Grone pointed in the direction of the North and said,(I'll clean it up) "You persons had better do something in the second half because it is a long walk back to Newport." That was followed by ***&&&%%%$$##@@##@@#>><<! Things got better though when Roosevelt High School of Atlanta came to Newport. We won but not sure of the score.
Input from Dick Bird '48 10/2/00
Jim Burkart graduated in '48 with our class. Jim and Eddie had an older brother who was in show biz, then about 1950, came home to work in the bar. I remember my dad being at Burkart's bar when I was 5 years old. At that time they had pictures on the walls of the newspaper cartoon characters. I had my first beer there after high school and was devastated when I saw the place in '98 was closed and up for sale. They also had the 1-3-5 Social club that fielded a great softball team in the Tuesday night beer league. I played right field one year. Does anybody know where Jim is now?
Input from Norm Youtsey ' 10/2/00
I just read your account of Ron Downard. I remember Ron as one of the most positive guys and hardest workers on our 1955 teams. He was a great leader. I often think of you all and our 1955 team; guys like Phil, Holzschuh, Woods, George Rush, etc., course I played with George at Centre. Have you any info on them? I am in Massachusetts, where are you? Can you give me any info on how Henry Green and Ralph Chapman died? Good to hear from you.
This all started with a message trying to remember who Gypsy Gray was. Suggestion was that she might have been a dancer at the Gayety in Cincinnati.
Input from Clarabell Burkhart Davis '48 10/1/00
Gypsy Gray taught typing and short hand stenography) at Newport High School. She didn't dance at the Gayety! I know because my cousin played the drums in the pit and I got to sneak in the stage door when there was a good headliner! Jim Parks, band director, knew him well. Sometimes Jim and my cousin sat in at musicals that played Cincy and didn't bring orchestras.
Are there any out there that remember Moonlight Gardens? How about the last boat back to Cincy. Dock on Saturday Night? Who knows the name of the boat?
And no, I am not related to Ed Burkhart. I think he spelled his name Burkhardt or as some spell it Burkart. I went to school with Jim Burkhardt and I believe he may have been related. As long as I am on names and the spelling of them. Jim Sandner(notice there is an "n" following the "d" would have had fits to hear you pronounce his name as if it was Col. Sanders!!!
Input from Chuck Sensel '50 10/1/00
Jerry or somebody: please tell Clarabell that there was a gypsy rose lee who performed at the vine St. opera house in Cincy that she refers to as the gayety.
There was also another by the name of rose la rose.
We should not type class everyone who went there even as an elementary student on Saturdays after a class at the YMCA and some fresh fruit for lunch at the 6th St. farmers market. I have heard of an endman later turned preacher who may have done that. or someone from Fort Thomas.
Input from Larry Weir '49 10/1/00
Yes, I remember teacher Gypsy Gray and never once confused her with Gypsy
Rose Lee, who did perform at the Gayety.
I also remember the final trips back down the river on the Island Queen. Did you remember the that the band was the Clyde Trask band, among others? Like the Jimmy Wilburs band.
Yes, Ed and Jim Burkhardt (of the family's cafe at 9th & Park Ave) were brothers. Spent MANY nights there.
Input from Faye Stokley Beck '54 10/1/00
YES, I remember Gypsy Gray I took a business course from her briefly. The outstanding thing I remember about Ms Gray is that she dressed in layers long before it was in fashion. Of course she didn't blend or match colors, etc. I think she did it for warmth. Plus she was absent a lot...must have been ill and we just thought she was "strange". I'm beginning to identify with her strangeness in some ways...that's scary!
Input from Jean Jordan '53 10/2/00
Gypsy Gray was the name of an NHS typing teacher. She was a neat teacher, but really got upset with some of the kids in class when they acted up! I
Thank god for all the good lessons i got from NHS - especially in the office skills...
Input from Phyllis Buckler Cutter '53 10/2/00
Is he kidding about Gypsy Gray? She taught Selling or something like that when I was in High School. I do not remember if it was sophomore or Junior. Heck, it may have been when I was a Senior, but I do, indeed, remember Ms. Gypsy Gray.
Phyllis Buckler Cutter or Phyllis Buckler Lowe Cutter (I was married to Elmer Lowe for 23 years and we had 4 sons and 2 daughters.}
Input from Roman Grothaus '48 10/2/00
Hi ALL I ----ROMAN GROTHAUS CLASS OF '48 solemnly swear I've never ever saw Clarabell B. at the Gayety Theater---On stage or off.
I do remember that curtain though---Some of the so-called dancers seemed to hang on it a lot doing their routines.
Anyone remember??? Miss Gray???Of course ---I got up to 30 or 35 words per minute just to pass the typing class. Wish I could do it now.
Remember Burkhardt"s Saloon??? Not Me.--- But I do know the Football Coach used to do a regular check there to make sure no Players were in there.
Moonlite Gardens----Not too many years ago on one of my visits home my 4 brothers and our wives went there to relive old memories. Had fun, even remembered riding in the Canoes in the little lake there. WHO SAYS: MEMORY IS THE FIRST THING TO GO
And Clarabell Jim Sandners probably turned over in his Grave with my spelling of his name. I stand corrected. Roman
Coney Island and Moonlight Gardens and the Island Queen
Input from Carol (Marz) Morgan Õ48 on 11/2/09
Loved reading about all the memories of Devou Park and especially of Moonlight Gardens . I believe it was summer of 1947 I was sitting on our front porch on Maple Ave. in Newport when my brother, Gayle, came running out to show me a picture in that day's Times-Star. It was the "Coney Island" (the Island Queen) boat on fire while in dry-dock in Pittsburgh. I looked across to the porch next door to tell Verna Wahlbrink (remember her? Beautiful girl.) We were all devastated by this news. How could that happen to our beloved Island Queen??? I wish now that I could have known at the time that this beautiful excursion boat up the river to California, Ohio to Coney and the Gardens would be one of the highlights of my youth. I could sit on the front steps of my porch in the summer around 6:00pm and listen to the magical sounds, quite clearly, of the calliope on the boat down on the river before she took off for Coney and Moonlight Gardens once again - and I lived between 8th and 9th Sts.
Input from Ralph Marsh Õ51 on 10/26/09
I remember most about Moonlight gardens was celebrating our graduation. I was dating June Palm. I was only sixteen at graduation and didn't have a car yet so her brother Gene drove us there. We had a great time but missed the last bus. We walked back to the Gardens and was talking to the bandleader, Clyde Trask, who told us he lived in Park Hills. He offerred to drive us home and of course we let him.
Input from Ray King '48 10/1/00
Clarabell asked for the name of the boat to Moonlight Gardens and it was the Island Queen. It burned at the dock in Cincinnati. It also traveled to Coney Island.
Ed Burkhardt died several years ago. I was fortunate to play softball with the old 1-3-5 club which was stationed at the cafe. We would play games and then go to the backroom and talk half the night. Those were the good old days.
It is good that we have the time to remember all the things that happened in Newport many years ago.
I'll give you a challenge now. How many remember the football trips to Atlanta when Foxy Fayne Grone was head coach and Stan Arnzen and Boone Wilson were assistants.
Input from Don Littleton '51 10/1/00
Wasn't Moonlight Gardens at Coney Island? The name of the boat was the Island Queen. Good memories but couldn't stand the Dr. Pepper soft drinks on the boat. I live in Dr. Pepper country and still can't drink it.
Input from Jinny (Brauntz) Harden '48 10/2/00
I sure remember Moonlight Gardens and I believe the boat was the Island Queen. Rode it many times.
Input from Mary Rauss Goyak '50 10/2/00
I remember THE ISLAND QUEEN and dancing on the decks going up the Ohio to MOONLIGHT GARDENS to dance to the big bands that visited Cincy. That era is almost over except for a scattering of appearances and all the nostalgia seekers in ballrooms.
Some of the bands we saw were Stan Kenton, Sauter-Finnegan, Ray Anthony, Harry James, Les Brown, the Dorsey's and on and on. I can't forget those lovely cruises up the river with friends, feeling the cool breezes off the river, after very warm days. Thanks for the memories
Input from Dick Bird '48 10/2/00
During courtship and especially after we got married, Ruth and I went to Moonlight Gardens a lot. Unfortunately, the Island Queen had burned in Pittsburgh about 1947? Does this mean I get a prize?
Grandview Memories (Mr Earl Daniels, Principal)
Input from Gary Howard '59
As a child I attended Grandview Elementary School. As the school year approached for me to enter the 6th Grade, I learned that our school was going to merge with the old East Clifton school. East Clifton was located between main and 18th streets. So there was some excitement about just what was going to take place when all the new students and teachers came to our school. When school finally started at Grandview that fall we discovered that Mrs. Walhbrink was no longer principal. Instead, she had been replaced by Mr. Earl Daniels the former principal at East Clifton Elementary school. We learned that Mr. Daniels lived in Mentor, Kentucky and that the train stopped right behind his house every day and brought him to Newport in time for school. He had been doing this for over 30 years.
I truly believed that everyone in the class loved him from the moment we first saw him. His eyes twinkled and he smiled a lot betraying his kindness. As the year went by he was as much a father to us as a school teacher. He had a deep love of Baseball and told us that he had seen "Shoeless Joe Jackson" play ball in Campbell County Kentucky. This of course was after Jackson had left the majors. Mr. Daniels was given to telling long winded tales about baseball. This of course thrilled the boys and bored the girls. His smile gave away the fact that he had a genuine love of children. But this did not get in the way of him taking a paddle to us boys, much to the girls delight.
What I remember most was his sitting on the corner of his desk in a brown herring bone sports coat reading Walt Whitmans "Snow Bound" Unless my memories have been dimmed with time, I recollect that he mostly read Snow Bound on cold snowy days. Sometimes you could look around the room and see the girls shiver while he was reading. But there was never an interruption to his reading. For those who have not read this wonderful piece, it is very long and Mr. Daniels finally finished it by the end of winter.
This was much to our sorrow that so much joy had ended.
This school year tied in with the fact that I had chosen to play "Knothole" baseball for the very first time. After I made the team I learned that we would practice at the fields in Bellevue at the 6th street fill on Wednesdays at 3:30 in the afternoon.
I don't recall exactly what time Grandview let out, But I recall it was about 3;00 or 3:30. So there was no way I could make this practice. Finally I went to Mr. Daniels and told him my story.
Mr. Daniels was very understanding and he arranged for me to get out of school some 45 minutes early on Wednesday to catch a bus to head toward Bellvue, Ky. He always asked me how I did and was very interested in our games and the scores.
I wonder if any of the other folks who attended school in his class that year recall his reading of "Snowbound"
Gary Howard
Class 1959
Devou Park Concerts
Input from Ralph Marsh Õ51 on 10/26/09
Has anyone ever written about the Devoe Park Concerts on Tuesday evenings at the Bandshell? They had great entertainment there. Ruth Best was Emcee starting the show with "Hi Neighbor" and ended with "Old Kentucky Moon Keep Shining" Many of the entertaining guests came from Lookout House, Yorkshire Club, Beverly Hills, etc.
Many of us walked from Newport across the Fourth St. Bridge down through Covington and up the steps to Crescent Avenue through the park to the Band Shell carrying blankets, etc. You sat on the hill in the grass to watch the show. Although there were people there of all ages, there was never any problems or disturbances.
Input from Courtenay Walker Õ47 on 11/01/09
Courtenay was kind enough to provide links to 2 URLs that give information about Devou Park
Click HERE for a link to the Kenton County Public LibraryÕs list of articles on Devou Park
Here is his message
Thought this might interest you, re DEVOU Park in Covington:
Kenton County Public Library -- Genealogy Click HERE to get to that site
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In 1845, James Taylor Eubank purchased a portion of what today encompasses Devou Park. Shortly thereafter, he began constructing a substantial brick Federal ... |
Ross, KY Swimming Pools
Input from Martha (Shay) Sapsford Õ59 on 11/01/09
I know many of us in the class of Ò59Ó remember the icy cold waters of the two pools in Ross, KY
Before entering the pools we had to go into that icy cold shower just to get to the icy cold pool. How many of you all remember that? I sure do!
If you have a memory, send them to me for sharing.
Jerry King NHS_Alumni@Mac.COM
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