HomeMy WebLinkAbout0015 PROPHECY
It was 1973. Judgment Day was due to roll around in a few days so Gabriel and St.Peter were putting
their heads together and getting the records in shape for auditing. Somewhere in the stack they came to
the roll of the Zephyrhills High School Class of 1953.
Said Gabe to St. Pete, "They sure had some hum-dingers in that group. Here's one feller Jim Welsch,
who's really raking in the green stuff selling brass to the government to be used in the making of 24 karat
gold braid through that process developed by a former classmate, Toby Smith, who is now head of the
chemistry department at Vassar.
"Here's another education-minded '53er--Wanda Riley, president of the Painless Pull Dentist School.
Speaking of teachers, and education, this Shirley Lanham is teaching flying. Seems this career developed
through an early interest in the Air Force.
"Now there's somethin' I wish I coulda done--right after graduation, Jim Kennedy retired. It seems he
spends all of his time fishing using as bait, Worms With Fish Appeal from Bill Sabin's Worm Hatchery.
Billhas a Masters in worm culture from Harvard.
"One gal really set herself up well--"Cookie" Richards'Self-Service Ice Emporium. Ice for every
occasion. Wonder where she got the idea for that one?
"This class certainly supplied a lot of replacement stock for the celebrity world. Roger Whitworth re-
placed Bob Woodruff at the University of Florida, the only school ever invited to participate in all the bowl
games. In the music world, Beverly Bolt replaced Evelyn and her Magic Violin in the All-Girl Orchestra
with Bev and her Caroling Clarinet. And according to this, when Lyndall Wheeler hit Hollywood, Marilyn
Monroe, Ava Gardner, and Elizabeth Taylor just packed up and quietly left town.
"Wouldn't you know one of these characters would turn out tobe an automotive engineer? His name
is David Vestal and his latest development is a parachute brake for low-flying drivers.
"Mary Kate Witt is now managing Calumet Farms which has moved headquarters to Zephyrhillsso as
to have their entries nearer to that multi-billion race track built in Zephyr Park in honor of Mr. John
Clements by the class. The profits are used for the upkeep and maintenance of the"shack," favorite dress-
ing room of the boys' Physical Education classes at Z.H.S.
"Speaking of Zephyr Park, Ray Geiger was so fond of the place thathe became a hunting and fishing
guide there. He operates in partnership with Mildred Mattingly who built a pioneer drug store, hunting
lodge, and night club in these wilds hoping for the spread of civilization to reach her. Patty Smith has a
full-time job--distilling her cure-all cough medicine during the day, and acting as Mildred's hat-check
girl at night.
"Joan Myers took the title of 'Miss Universe' last month topping contestants from Venus, Mars, and
Mercury. She was of course, representing Earth. It seems after being voted Best Looking and Homecoming
Queen, she moved right on to it.
"Sebron Thomas went into Red's poolroom after graduation and never came out again. He's now the
manager and 'pro' of the place.
"Neva Jean Sellars, after playing first Sousaphone in the Band of America, moved up to the position
of program consultant to Paul LaValle.
"Another of those in radio line was Ginger Sawtelle. She improved on the old wireless radio by making
it tubeless, waveless, painless, and soundless.
"Gerald Miller is now the head chef in Antoine's Resturant in New Orleans. The place is famous for
his Grits a laHarmonica.
"Robert Jones and Dorris Whitworth formed a friendship in school that carried into a career for them
both--they're touring Dixie with Jones' and Whitworth's Super-Colossal Flea Circus, featuring Flerman,
the Talking Flea.
"Pat Trebour opened a used-helicopter lot on 5th Avenue. She no longer is Pat Trebour, but the
'Mad Madame, ' dealer in helicopters with a heart.
"Hazel Dukes joined the Army and is now atop sergeant in charge of calisthenics. Hear her? 1,2,3,
bend--lower over there!! pick it up now--1,2,3, bend 1,2,3, bend--faster------------
"Having learned all the tricks of the trade, Merlene Nelson is now the sole owner of 'Joward Hohnson's
Inc.'
"Margaret Hill opened for fashionable beach resort in Indian Rocks. Among her clientele are high
government officials of Zephyrhills. Of special note is the beautifully decorated Caucus Room featuring
a varied cuisine and the soothing musical strains of 'Maggie and Her Madcap Five."
"Joan Braden got so much practice at 'slave-driving' while editing her school paper that she moved
headquarters to Siberia and is managing one of the largest salt-mines up there, that is, she was at last
reports. Of course you never can tell--here today, liquidated tomorrow. Well, St. Pete, there's no doubt
where this crew is going to end up."