You ain't nothin' but a Hound dog!A Class of '70 Hound dog, the best of breed!
One month ago, 85 of our "littermates" gathered back at the Mother Kennel to rehash old times. What a weekend! Just this weekend, I was back at "Ground Zero" (home, sweet home) to "play" in the Newport Country Club Invitational 4-Ball. While a good time was had by all, the fun and frolic did not measure up to the 30 year Shebang we celebrated in June. A little side note to the golf tournament --- I did see classmates John Sink and Mike Brand at the tourney along with many other NHS refugees from other classes. Coincidentally, John, Mike and I all ended up in the same flight (it was not the Championship flight). It is apparent that I made the better choice in partners for the tournament since my teammate (Greg Hubbard, younger brother to Bill, Class of '67) and I took second place in the flight. John and Mike were "also rans", but I can tell you that they sure had a good time at the party (as did Coach Butch Duncan).
During the weekend, I took the time to "cruise" Newport as many of us did in the late '60s. My wife, Kathi, tolerated my antics in "reliving" a part of my youth in a community that has seen some changes, but in many ways is the same. Near where Shelby's (and Paul's) Drive-In once stood there is a Hardee's. Near the spot of Jack's Dairy Cup there is a Dairy Queen. Circling the Sonic like we once circled the Dog 'N Suds is just not as exciting. McDonald's is not the same destination as Sim's. Brother's Pool Hall is a vacant lot on Front Street. The whole city block where the old Newport Hospital once stood has recently been cleared. The old access to the "cutoff" at the river has a "no trespassing" sign posted, but like most "country boys" I ignored it and drove over the levee. While there was nothing on the river, my "mind's eye" could still see the old house boats and docks up and down the cutoff where we enjoyed hot summer days (like today).
What was particularly exciting was to notice businesses in town carrying the names of classmates or being owned and operated by classmates. At the risk of failing to name many of them, I will just mention some (it won't be the last time I fail). There is Eddie's Auto Parts (Eddie Carpenter). Just down the State Street from Eddie's is Rutledge Electric (Buddy Rutledge). Around the corner is Shear Magic (Cherry Lou Smith) where I stopped in for a visit, but did not get my hair colored. Near downtown is Churchman's Lumber (David Churchman). Steve Ahart has Ahart's Garden Gate off Hwy. 67. Brand's Body Shop (Mike Brand) remains in its same location on the highway. Kenny Thaxton has the C. R. Fortune Beer Company. And out near Jacksonport is the infamous Faye Ruble's (John Brownd) where the Scheming Committee planned that Fabulous 30 Year Reunion. Kathi and I had lunch at Faye Ruble's on Friday. Great catfish!!!
To wrap up the reunion, that Scheming Committee led by the Wizard of Wonder, Cherry Smith reports that the Class of '70 has $275.97 in the bank after all bills are paid. Now we all know that our class periodically has expenses and it is always nice to have a cushion. Also, I know that our class gave to the school as our "gift" a curtain for the auditorium that is long since forgotten after 30 years. So I want to challenge those receiving the Miles' Files to send "at least" $30 (that is just $1 for each year following the Escape from Remmel Park) to replenish our treasury and to give consideration to leaving something more meaningful to our alma mater. There are 50 classmates on my email list and a positive response from each one reading this will bring in $1,500 to add to the $275.97 we now have. Let's try to raise $2,000 for the year 2000 and commemorate our 30 year reunion in grand fashion. Please send your donations of $30 (or more) to NHS Class of '70, c/o Cherry Simmons, 2909 Melody, Newport, Arkansas 72112. I will update you all from time to time about our progress toward the goal of $2,000 for our class treasury. $30 is a cheap ticket for all the wonderful memories we have from those high school and grade school days together.
Also visit the NHS website at www.nhsalumni.net. We now have our names listed and I am working on getting additional information to Harriet Brantley Lane (Class of '64) for posting on our page. Harriet is the guru for the NHS site and is doing a marvelous job. If you have not registered on this site, please do so. It will enable classmates to find you when they need you. And believe me, everyone needs someone to talk to from time to time and there are no finer folks than childhood friends.
As proof, my week was made easier with cybernotes from Drew Stewart, Cherry Lou, Dale Hunter, Donny Appleton and Nancy Rhodes. Just "scribble" out messages to one another and this big world can be reduced to the "old neighborhoods" we knew as kids. Seeing many of you after 30 years at the grand reunion, my memories are etched a little deeper in my heart. Thanks for staying in touch!
Miles from Nowhere, guess I'll take my time ...
joe
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