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PERSONAL
MEMORIES OF MHS CLASS OF 1966
At the last posting I introduced a new section to the blog. In
it, I shared memories of my freshman year teachers: Mr.
Shannon-English I, Mr. Wilson-Algebra I, Coach Davidson-General
Science, Mrs. Swift-Latin I, and Mr. Wade-Senior Band. Several
of you commented that reading these memories prompted memories
of your own. I, now, gratefully share some of YOUR
memories…Thank you.
Latin I: Mrs. Julia Swift
Brenda Jenkins (’67)—Mrs. Swift was hard of hearing. One day in
Latin class I had not done the homework of translating, so I
mumbled the Mary Had a Little Lamb rhyme. She looked a little
confused, but after a slight hesitation, she went ahead and
called on the next person. Thank goodness my classmates didn't
laugh out loud! I admired Mrs. Swift. She was gracious and a
good person. Latin certainly helped my studies of French and
Spanish, as well as improving my English vocabulary.
Jerry Boyd (’66)—I had Latin I during a different period than
you, Jerry Armour, I think. I remember figuring out (or somebody
told me) that Mrs. Swift's index cards (by which she called on
people to translate/read) were NOT shuffled regularly. So, once
I knew the order of the cards and who was 1-2 students before my
card, I'd start counting ahead several sentences and frantically
trying to translate some of the words into my version of a
coherent statement. Typically, if you got part-way through a
passage and stumbled or paused long enough (a regular feature of
my translations!), Mrs. Swift would throw you a life-line
prompt. She was a merciful lady!
However, I also remember the panic setting in when I'd realize
occasionally that the card order was off...whether she had
intentionally shuffled them or accidentally dropped the stack, I
never knew...or maybe she just had a wicked sense of humor after
all those years teaching? It was an early lesson for me in
"crisis management" that I'd draw on for several other classes
I'd face in future years at MHS!
Carl Johnson (’68)—I think I had Mrs. Swift for sophomore
English in '66. She was very gracious and quiet. I had Mrs.
Higgins for Latin.
Carroll Ann Bechtold (’66)—Tresa Miller and Nancy Dillon were my
muses since I was so interested in language.
General Science: Coach Louie Davidson
Jerry Boyd (’66)—I also remember Coach Davidson's re-wiring
lesson, but I wasn't bold enough until adulthood to try it
myself. I've always had a healthy respect (translation=fear) for
electricity and plumbing...and I've gladly paid skilled people
to perform such repairs for me.
English I:
Jerry Boyd (’66)—I had Mrs. Litton for English. As I recall, I
think it was her first teaching position after graduating from
UT. Every Monday, we wrote a theme in class (either on her topic
or sometimes she'd write several on the board from which we
could choose).
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday we'd do grammar exercises and
such. On Friday, she'd return our graded themes, having marked
our mistakes with the "codes" from our grammar text. We spent
that class period looking up the codes and trying to figure out
how to correct our mistakes. Then, we had to write (on the back
of each page) the rule we had violated, followed by the
corrected sentence(s), and any misspelled word had to be written
correctly 5 times. Committing either a "comma splice," run-on
sentence, or having more than 3 misspelled words in a theme was
an automatic F.
It wasn't until 3 years later that I came to appreciate why she
had us do all that. Sitting in the first week of freshman
college English, it was the same drill: Mon=theme writing; Wed=
grammar exercises; Fri=correct our graded themes using the
Harbrace College Handbook codes, and we adhered to the same
three "automatic F" rules. Mrs. Litton had prepared me well for
an academic future I couldn't imagine as a 14-year-old. (I was
also fortunate that Mrs. Litton was followed by Coach DeLosh,
Mrs. Hudson, and Mr. Sam Martin. Because of them, I was
well-prepared for the demands of the required freshman and
sophomore college English courses.)
Algebra I:
Jerry Boyd (’66)—I had Mr. Dennis in 1st period for Algebra
I—for me, not the best way to start the day! I did ok the first
6-weeks; but once things got more complex than x + 2 = 4, solve
for x, I began to suspect that the author(s) of my Latin text
had also written my Algebra text! I also began to suspect this
might be a pretty long year.
Senior Band:
Diana Smedley (’66)—I marched with the color guard during my
sophomore year. I particularly remember Hillbilly Day! The
parade was so much fun. My costume was shorts overalls so it had
to have been warm that day in ‘63.
On Madison High School (In General):
Jerry Boyd (’66)—At least we got to change classes every
hour...and that was kinda cool. But the coolest part was
figuring out to the second on the big clock on the wall in each
classroom exactly when the class-change bell would ring. Knowing
that precise moment, especially for the period before lunch, was
essential for things like getting to the front of the lunch line
without being seized en route by Coach Watson, Coach Overby, or
some other imposing male teacher. Live by your wits!
Diana Smedley (’66)—I loved my few years in Madison. My heart
broke when DuPont transferred my dad. We moved every 3 years.
But I am so blessed, thanks to social media, to have been able
to go back and renew those precious friendships. I really enjoy
this blog even though I was not a part of so much of it. Thank
you.
DISCUSSION GROUPS
“Students Discuss What Their Futures Will Be”
Do you guys remember discussion groups in school. Well, I don’t
remember many, but Mr. Dillingham in American History and Mr. L.
K. Thompson in Sociology had some pretty lively class
discussions on various topics.
Sometimes, the discussions would turn toward what life in the
future might look like. For example, after we’d covered a
particular social problem in Mr. Thompson’s class, he might ask
the class, “Do you think America will be facing similar problems
in 40-50 years from now?” or “What might be new problems we’ll
be facing?” I’m not saying we came up with anything as profound
as the kids in the following videos, but it was always a fun
discussion.
Still, as I watched these videos, I wondered what some of us
might have said in such a discussion group perhaps led by Mr.
Dillingham or Mr. Thompson. What would our teenage-selves be
telling our adult-selves, about what challenges we might face in
today’s world?
I encourage you to watch these. You may differ in your views of
these 1958 students’ opinions of the value of college education.
And, you may see some similarities between our world today and
the predictions of the 60s kids. Whatever your take, I think
you’ll find all of this pretty interesting!
“1958 H.S. Students”
(30) What 1958 HS Students Felt Their Futures Would Be Like -
YouTube
“1966 Students”
(30) 1966 Children about future - YouTube
OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Of course, not every learning moment occurred at school. Carroll
Ann Bechtold, Diana Smedley and Noroma Carr remember
enlightening times spent away from school.
Carroll Ann Bechtold (’66)—I remember slumber parties and
sock hops at Diana Smedley’s house. A photo was posted here
earlier of some of those in that group.
Diana Smedley (’66)—I remember much of my freshman year,
the year before I was in the color guard. I particularly loved
the slumber parties, since I could be with so many different
girls. My dad worked for DuPont and that meant moving every 3
years. It was really hard on me, so the time with the girls was
special.
The slumber parties were a way to really get to know each other
and to just be girls without the worry of hair or makeup to
impress the boys! I recall sock hops being held at school in the
gym and, for us girls, we could try out our dance moves at those
sleepovers. Of course, we didn’t think of our sleepovers as any
sort of social development—they were just fun. The picture I’m
attaching is of Linda Gillem’s slumber party in 1962. The other
picture you saw previously on our page was taken at my house—on
Diane Drive.
Noroma Carr (’66)—The best I can remember of the slumber
party at Diana's was that we were in the basement and I think I
remember playing music. Gene Pitney was one of my favorites. We
must have been on our best behavior because I don't remember the
typical slumber party tricks. Just a bunch of teenage girls
getting together, talking about boys, and acting silly.
MADISON HIGH NEWS
TEENS CAPTURE SEASON SPIRIT
“Penny Johnson (MHS ’64) Gives 'Energy, Time, Love’ To Help
City's Less Fortunate”
December 22—The true spirit of Christmas will make the
season brighter for many lonely and often neglected members of
the community. In nearly every school, young people have been
planning Christmas projects, with enthusiasm, unselfishness and
a genuine desire to give gifts that can't be bought in a store
and tied up with red ribbon—their energy, time, and love.
Madison junior Penny Johnson (’64) joined nearly 200 other high
school students from 26 Y-Teen and Hi-Y clubs visiting in 14
nursing homes, taking fruit, candy, and small gifts to elderly
patients. "The main idea is that we give some of our personal
time visiting people who are quite often forgotten because of
their age and their inability to get around," Penny said.
The students also sing carols, put on skits and talent shows,
and serve refreshments. This is a joint Christmas project for
senior high school members of the Y-Teens and Hi-Y clubs. It is
the project's fourth consecutive year. –The Tennessean, 22
Dec 1962, Page 5
SENIOR BAND
“Madison’s Senior Band to March in Donelson Christmas Parade”
November 29—Madison’s Marching Band has been chosen to
march in the celebrated Donelson Christmas Parade tonight.
Thirty floats, nine bands and piercing sirens from the AI Menah
Shrine Motor Corps will bring the Christmas season to Donelson
with a parade estimated to attract at least 40,000 spectators.
Other participating high school bands will include: Donelson,
DuPont, Goodlettsville, East, TPS, Two Rivers, Castle Heights
Military Academy in Lebanon, and Hendersonville. The parade will
start at Fairway Drive and Lebanon Road in the Merry Oaks
shopping center and extend to Old Lebanon Road at the highway
triangle, across the Donelson Plaza Shopping Center into Lebanon
Road near the Commerce Union branch bank to the Junction of
Stewart's Ferry and Lebanon Roads. –The Tennessean, 29 Nov
1962, Page 9
SENIOR CHORUS
“Peabody Hosts Vocal Festival”
December 4—Madison choral students were among the 350
students from 15 mid-state high schools who participated in the
annual solo and ensemble festival of the Middle Tennessee Vocal
Association at Peabody College. Holmes Ambrose of the Peabody
music faculty and Neil Wright of Middle Tennessee State College
faculty were the judges. Jerry D. Williams, director of music at
Peabody Demonstration School, is association president and
festival director. –The Tennessean, 04 Dec 1962, Page 19
GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL
[Members of this year’s girls varsity basketball team are: Betty
Carter, Bobbie Jones, Judy Sutton, Becky Thompson, Diane Holt,
Jean Mosley, Beverly Tuggle, Mary Evelyn Head, Melissa Collier,
JoAnne Saverio, Marguerite Wolfe and Rhonda Wade.]
“Madison Girls Top Litton, 36-33”
December 1—Madison’s girls maintained their unbeaten record as
they stopped Isaac Litton, 38-33 in a Saturday night game played
in the losers' gym. Dianne Holt got 12 points to lead the Rams
to their second victory after the win over Antioch, 38-35. She
had support from Bobbie Jones with 12 and Joanne Saverio with
six. –The Tennessean, 03 Dec 1962, Page 23
BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL
[Members of this year’s boys varsity basketball team are: Ronnie
Buchanan, Bobby Wells, Chuck Boyd, Dale Brady, Ronnie Jackson,
Bill Swain, Ronnie Deweese, Bobby Young, John Reynolds, Dickie
Davis and Wayne Bailiff.]
- Madison 42 Antioch 47
- Madison 31 Litton 46
“Chuck Boyd, Ronnie Buchanan and Dickie Davis to Join
Madison’s Basketball Team”
December 6—Madison coach Bill Brimm will welcome three
football players to the Ram lineup tomorrow night at Dupont.
Regular guard Chuck Boyd, Ronnie Buchanan and Dickie Davis will
be making their first appearance since sitting out the two weeks
required after grid season. Brimm also says 6-4 Bill Swain is
walking without crutches and his knee is mending so that he'll
probably join the Rams after the Christmas holidays. Bill was
injured during the football season. –The Tennessean, 06 Dec
1962, Page 28
- Madison 34 DuPont 50
- Madison 29 Central 39
- Madison 37 Hillsboro 40
- Madison 60 Bellevue 43
BOXING
“Two Madison Students on Amateur Boxing Card”
November 28—Fifteen bouts are listed on the amateur
boxing program scheduled tomorrow night at the Police Department
gymnasium. The first fight will start at 7:30 p.m. On the card
from Madison: 119—Tommy Brew (MHS ’66) v Michael Green (STS) and
141—Randall Rigsley (MHS ’64) v Wayne Cunningham (Police). Both
Madison boxers would lose their bouts by decision. –The
Tennessean, 28 Nov 1962, Page 29
“Tommy Brew (’66) on Boxing Card Set for Saturday At Lebanon”
December 5—(Lebanon, Tenn.) The first amateur boxing card
of the season will be held here Saturday night. A total of 13
fights have been arranged. Fighters on the card Saturday
represent Lebanon, Madison, and Nashville Police. Fights will be
held in the National Guard Armory starting at 8 p.m. In the
119-pound class, Tommy Brew (Madison) takes on Alvin Clark
(Lebanon). –The Tennessean, 05 Dec 1962, Page 30
“Three MHS Freshmen Compete in Amateur Boxing Card at State
Training School”
December 13—Three MHS freshmen competed in last night’s
amateur boxing card at the State Training School. In the
119-pound class, Tommy Brew (Madison) decisioned Bill Fry (TPS);
in the 125-pound class, Buddy Pinson (Madison) decisioned Bill
Whittaker, Lebanon; and, in the 140-pound class, Ron Quillen (TPS)
decisioned Joe Woodson (Madison). --The Tennessean, 13 Dec
1962, Page 31
VARSITY FOOTBALL
“FINAL TENNESSEAN ACTION RATINGS”
1. Oak Ridge 101.3
2. Chattanooga Central 100.6
3. Springfield 92.8
4. Jackson 92.1
5. Brainerd 86.1
6. Knox Central 85.1
7. Madison 84.9
8. MBA 84.0
9. Memphis Central 83.2
10. Morristown 83.0
--The Tennessean, 25 Nov 1962, Page 72
“JIMMY DAVY’S PREP PARADE”
November 25—Madison’s Butch Cartwright, 190-pounder who
has played most of the time defensively before this year,
probably will play in the line in college. He will probably sign
with Memphis State, joining 1961 All-City Ram Bull Cartwright, a
tackle. The boys are no relation…Madison coach Bill Brimm
yesterday wrote one last note on the 1962 Ram football season.
"We played as well as we could," he said, discussing a 13-7
Clinic Bowl loss to Chattanooga Brainerd. "We couldn't handle
their line and we were never in field position to pass in the
second half," he said. "This bunch of kids this year did more
with less than any I've had. They worked like dogs all year."
Brimm was happy that Ram captain Bobby Sloan was named a most
valuable player in the Clinic Bowl game. “He has been a great
leader for us and no one is more deserving of an honor. He
played an outstanding game in the Clinic Bowl." The Ram banquet
is set for Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. –The
Tennessean, 25 Nov 1962, Page 75
“Downtown Optimist Club Honors NIL Grid Stars, Coaches”
December 20—NIL football isn't over yet. The Downtown
Optimist Club honored the local prep players and coaches of the
year today at its regular noon luncheon. Players receiving
awards at the Capital Park Inn were Madison fullback Butch
Cartwright (Big Eight), West halfback Johnny Sullivan (AAA), TPS
halfback John Hammonds (AA) and Howard fullback William
Tankersley (A). Coaches of the year honored were Bill Brimm of
Madison, Jim Kennedy of West, Cliff Goodman of Central and Doug
Hall of Bellevue. –The Tennessean, 20 Dec 1962, Page 40
“Chicago Bear Quarterback Bill Wade, West High coach Jim
Kennedy and Madison Tackle Danny Fisher (’63) Speak at FCA
Breakfast”
December 29—Bill Wade, the Chicago Bear quarterback, was
the main speaker at the annual father-son breakfast sponsored by
Fellowship of Christian Athletes this morning. The breakfast was
held at the Belle Meade Buffet, at 8 a.m., and was open to
anyone interested in the work of the FCA.
In addition to Wade, other speakers were West High’s coach Jim
Kennedy and Madison tackle Danny Fisher. Good as Wade was, and
as was Coach Jim Kennedy, most of the adults in the audience
felt that young Danny Fisher, All-City tackle from Madison,
carried off most of the honors.
Fisher, who was among the Nashville delegation to the national
conference at Lake Geneva, simply "wowed 'em," to borrow a
sports term. "Those of us participating in athletics in high
school, and in college, too, should be thankful to our coaches
who have introduced us to this program," Danny said in a serious
manner. Then just as seriously, he added: "I can truthfully say,
this (FCA) is the only thing I've heard them say is more
important than football."
The breakfast is an annual affair at which the year's work of
the FCA is reviewed. All members of the Nashville delegation to
last year's national conference at Lake Geneva were guests of
the local chapter at the breakfast. –The Tennessean, 30 Dec
1962, Page 37
FORENSICS
“Madison Wins in Midstate Debate”
December 2—Madison High’s Debate Teams were winners in
yesterday’s Murfreesboro Central - Middle Tennessee State
College Invitational Debate Tournament. The Madison teams won
both the varsity and novice affirmative events. The tournament
was entered by 140 debaters from 13 Midstate high schools.
Events and winners were: Varsity Affirmative Team: Kenneth
Kornman (’65) and Charles Nelson (’65), Madison. Nelson was best
affirmative speaker. Novice Affirmative Team: Leon Johnson (’66)
and Dennis Dotson (’66), Madison. Dotson was best affirmative
speaker. –The Tennessean, 02 Dec 1962, Page 26
FACULTY & ALUMNI NEWS
Faculty:
“Former Madison Teacher Miss Betty Lackey Joins Justice
Department.”
November 25—Former Spanish teacher Miss Betty Lackey taught for
two years at Madison (1960-61 and 1961-62). She is now employed
in the office of the legal counsel of the U. S. Department of
Justice in Washington, D. C. Miss Lackey graduated from
Vanderbilt University in June, 1960, and taught at Madison High
until she accepted her present position with the Justice
Department. –The Tennessean, 25 Nov 1962, Page 18
Alumni:
“John Smith (MHS ’59) Named Starter for Sewanee Basketball”
December 1—John Smith (MHS ’59) was named a starter for the
Sewanee basketball team for this year. Sewanee Tigers coach Lon
Varnell hasn’t yet determined his complete starting lineup, but
has thus far named 3 of the starters: (captain) John Smith, 6-2
senior forward from Madison High School in Madison, Tennessee,
Mit FitzSimmons, 6-3 junior forward from Atlanta and Joe
Drayton, 5-10 sophomore guard from Ridgewood, N.J. Smith is the
lone senior on this year’s Sewanee team.
While at Madison, John was a 4-year letterman for the Rams’
football, basketball (captain-4, All-19th District-4,
All-Tournament) and track teams. He served on the Ram Staff, was
a member of the Senior Chorus and Student Council, and was named
Neatest Boy-4). --The Tennessean, 01 Dec 1962, Page 14
“IN/AROUND MADISON DURING NOV. 26-Dec. 31, 1962
November 26—U.S. Representative-Elect Richard Fulton met
with Post Office Department officials today to recommend that
the department proceed to build a new post office at Madison. He
said the government had purchased a site for a new building at
the corner of Old Hickory Blvd and Gallatin Road. –The
Tennessean, 27 Nov 1962, Page 4
“ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD DURING NOV. 26-Dec. 31, 1962 [FROM
WIKIPEDIA]”
November 26—The Beatles made their definitive recording
of “Please Please Me” at EMI Studios in London. George Martin
produced.
November 28—U.S. Postmaster General J. Edward Day
announced the "Zoning Improvement Plan" that would implement a
five-digit number identifying each post office in the United
States. It would be known as the “ZIP Code.”
November 29—An agreement was signed between Britain and
France to develop the Concorde supersonic airliner.
November 30—The United Nations General Assembly elected U
Thant of Burma as the new UN Secretary-General.
December 2—After a trip to Vietnam at the request of U.S.
President John F. Kennedy, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mike
Mansfield became the first American official to make a
non-optimistic public comment on the progress of the Viet Nam
War.
December 3—A decree from the Roman Catholic Church
confirmed that Saint Patrick (387–493) was the patron saint of
Ireland.
December 8—The 1962-63 New York City newspaper strike
began with the walkout of International Typographical Union
members from their printing jobs, halting the production of all
of the city's major newspapers. The strike would last for 114
days.
December 13—The Osmonds made their national television
debut, singing on The Andy Williams Show, and would appear the
following week on Williams' Christmas special. Their younger
brother, Donny Osmond, would debut the following Christmas.
December 22—For the first time, a song by a British band
reached #1 on the American singles chart. More than a year
before The Beatles, the instrumental “Telstar” became a hit for
The Tornados.
December 26—Died: Calcedonio Di Pisa, 31, Sicilian
mafioso, was murdered on the Piazza Principe di Camporeale in
Palermo while walking to a tobacco kiosk. Three men were
reported to have shot him with a sawn-off shotgun and revolvers,
but bystanders in the square, when questioned by the police,
could not recall hearing any shots.
TOP SONGS HEADING INTO JANUARY 1963:
“Telstar” The Tornadoes
(7) The Tornados ~ Telstar (1962) - YouTube
“Bobby's Girl” Marcie Blane
(7) Bobby's Girl - YouTube
“Go Away Little Girl” Steve Lawrence
(7) Go Away Little Girl-Steve Lawrence - YouTube
“Tell Him” The Exciters
(29) The Exciters - Tell Him - YouTube
“Two Lovers” Mary Wells
(29) Mary Wells - Two Lovers - YouTube
“Up on The Roof” The Drifters
(29) the drifters - up on the roof - YouTube
“It's Up to You” Rick Nelson
(29) 1963 HITS ARCHIVE: It’s Up To You - Rick Nelson - YouTube
“Half Heaven - Half Heartache” Gene Pitney
(29) Half Heaven Half Heartache (Remastered) - YouTube
“Don't Make Me Over” Dionne Warwick
(29) 1963 HITS ARCHIVE: Don’t Make Me Over - Dionne Warwick (hit
45 single version) - YouTube
“You've Really Got A Hold on Me” The Miracles
(29) You've Really Got A Hold On Me - YouTube
NEW—(at #93) "He’s Sure the Boy I Love” The Crystals
(29) The Crystals - He's Sure The Boy I Love (Audio) - YouTube
NEW—(at #96) "Hey Paula” Paul and Paula
(29) Paul and Paula - Hey Paula - YouTube
--Billboard Hot-100 Chart: Week of December 29, 1962
“Half Heaven - Half Heartache” Gene Pitney
***This record goes out to all of Noroma Carr’s friends over in
Madison. Gene Pitney is one of her favorite singers…***
(29) Half Heaven Half Heartache (Remastered) - YouTube
WHERE WERE YOU IN ’62?
Submitted: Jerry Armour (MHS ’66)
On December 18, 2020
REFERENCES:
In addition to my own memories as well as those from other
former classmates, material for this project is borrowed from
the following:
American Graffiti Movie:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069704/
Billboard Charts Archive:
http://www.billboard.com/archive/charts/1966/hot-100
History: www.history.com
Madison High School Alumni Association (MHSAA) Archives: Ram
Pages, yearbooks, trophies and photos
http://www.mhsaa-rampage.com/
Movies of 1962:
https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/year/1962
NASHVILLE MEMORIES FROM THE 1950's, 60's & 70's:
http://www.nashlinks.com/remember.htm
On This Day:
https://www.onthisday.com/
The People History: What Happened in This Year--Important News
and Events, Key Technology, Cost of Living and Popular Culture:
http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1965.html
THE TENNESSEAN-ARCHIVES: NEWSPAPERS.COM
HTTP://HTTPS://WWW.NEWSPAPERS.COM/IMAGE/111875363/
The Tennessean Nashville Then:
http://www.tennessean.com/.../nashville-then.../28422303/
Weather Underground:
https://www.wunderground.com/.../1966/1/22/DailyHistory.html
Wikipedia-World Happenings (By the Month):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_1965...
Wikipedia—Year in Music: https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/1965_in_music#December
The Wonder Years-TV Episode & Music Guide:
www.wonder-years.tv/episodeandmusicguide.html*
BILLBOARD.COM
1966 Archive
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