ACALANES 60th Reunion Stories

3/24/20 - Here's the "Paradise" of the late 1940s and early 1950s, as told by Alan Dunham, '54.

"I was teased in high school and never advertised that I was from Canyon. I didn’t know I grew up in Paradise. However in later years I realized what a wonderful sense of community there was in Canyon. We all served on the volunteer fire department, took care of the roads, water systems, school, scouts and etc. Growing up was safe in those days. There was no need for police, everyone knew you. When we hitch hiked, the first car that went by would pick us up.

As kids we played in the redwood groves and fished in the creek that serpentined through the school yard, let our dogs play without a leash, had an abundance of places to camp and the only fences were to keep the horses in their pastures. My school had one room through the sixth grade. They added a second room when I was in the seventh grade because there were more than twenty five students. We would team up with Moraga School to put together football and baseball teams to play Orinda, Lafayette and Walnut Creek Grammar Schools. My parents never drove me to school or picked me up after school. Now, people bring their kids from Oakland, Berkeley and as far away as Pleasant Hill.

We would hitch hike to Berkeley on Saturday mornings to attend the YMCA and a matinee in the afternoon. Sometimes we would run through the Sacramento Northern Railroad tunnel to Montclair. We would often ride our bikes to Orinda to get a haircut and an ice-cream cone at Loards which served as an all-day adventure. If we wanted to play football on a lawn we would ride our bikes to Saint Mary’s College.

My assistant scout master was an art student at the College of Arts and Crafts and would critique my drawings. (I’m a retired Architect and he supported my artistic talents.) We would go together on errands (can’t do that now).

We were close to everything yet we felt like we were in a faraway rural area. If one looks at a map, you will see how central it is. My dad worked near the Civic Center in San Francisco. Canyon is closer to the Civic Center than Novato in Marin County which is a commuter town where we now live.

Of course those were the war and post war years. The 60’s were different everywhere.

Of course, the best thing that happened at Acalanes was that I met Roberta Miles in one of my French 1 classes. We rode the same school bus, however she doesn’t remember that. We dated once when she was a freshman. We reunited at a Cal basketball game after she transferred from UCSB. Roberta and I were married in 1960 after she graduated. She is everything I’m not. We are planning our 60th Anniversary with a family reunion on Maui this June." [Here's Alan at the Canyon School Centennial in 2018]

[I would have loved to run through that tunnel with you. - Fred]

1/15/17 - Something pretty special just happened . . . Steve Platt Got Married to Therese Rohling!!! . . . and here are the Bride and Groom: You recently met them at the Acalanes 60th Year Reunion just last October. Here they were and at our table too:

According to Howard Jones, Steve Platt's wedding was really beautiful. There were about 40 people attending and everyone had a great time. The wedding site was a little Presbyterian church up in the hills of Sausalito. The reception was held downstairs in the church. Steve's bride, Therese, has 4 sisters. They are all blonde and pretty, just like their sister.

Here's Steve with, left to right . . . Scott, Mark, Jr., Jason, Steve, Christian, Mark (Eric is invisible??)

Howard Jones said it was so much fun to get together with Steve and Jay Bridges again. During our time at Acalanes, the 3 of us were involved in several "epic car chases". We were always "the pursued" and Steve was always the getaway driver. The people who were chasing us were not very nice. Perhaps we are here today only because of Steve's incredible driving skills. All had fun. Here's what counts now!

1/2/17 - Phil Shoptaugh and I (Fred Arbogast) go back a very long way . . . even to the late 1930s. Here is a picture of my 3rd Birthday Party on March 8th, 1941 in Oakland. I had all of my friends with me plus . . Phil who attended too. Lots happened over the ensuing years and Phil and I finally moved to Lafayette in 1949-50. We rode bikes, and made wooden coasters. Both of us were in the 7th and 8th grade classes together at the Lafayette Grammar School. At that graduation on our way to Acalanes, we played our horns with Phil Lemos (RIP buddy) and Oscar Busch, our beloved music teacher and mentor, at the celebration . . . and here we are! So Phil and I attended Acalanes and graduated in 1956.

Phil decided that to be drafted would be a bad thing. I agreed and so did Dave Pitkin. So the three of us decided military service could be minimized long-range, if we enlisted in the Army's Active Duty for Training program to get the obligation behind us.

Here we are with Phil's finance, Pat Monosmith. Then we both got married, went to college, and Phil tried real estate for a while, but decided to do a trek East. He and Pat visited us in Delaware ("the pygmy state that unleashed a herd of rouge corporate elephants on the nation" - Ralph Nader, 1985), after I took a job with the DuPont Company in 1963.

Phil then got involved in the Philadelphia musical scene but soon he and Pat traveled to Boston. There, he achieved a significant award from Erich Leinsdorf, conductor of the Boston Symphony, at Tanglewood. But soon afterward he and Pat returned to the West where Phil played trumpet with the San Francisco Symphony for many years.

After altering his direction, Phil founded a high level brass group of associated brass musicians from the Bay Area called Brazzissimo. Here he continued performing with his trumpet work for many years . . . now Phil is an emeritus player, I think. But he still keeps his "chops" up. Here is his group. If you will click on http://brazzissimo.com, great sound will emerge!

So, moving right along . . . Phil needed more . . . particularly after the Oakland Fire when he and Pat lost their house and all of their possessions. Yikes!

Phil started thinking about games and things we used to play with as kids. Innovation took over and he started a business developing games and puzzles for kids of all ages. After an incredible amount of development time things started growing. Here in the picture Phil is busy at work in China doing toy product development with collaborators in Shanghai. On the left is his logo . . . if you dare, just click on it to see what he has created . . . Might want to get something for the kids . . . and even you. Phil has made frequent trips to China as well as Germany for many years now.

And so using Phil's product, "Jawbones", this Trumpet has emerged . . . pretty creative, eh? . . . Give us a tune Phil . . . Sandy and I will be waiting up the hill in Angels Camp for a visit from you and Pat someday! . . .

Happy New Year

It should be real happy in 2017

Free again . . . Hope it lasts . . .

9/20/16 - Tom Layne, '57, has quite a story to tell. His wife was a 1955 class member

but her family moved to Fresno for her last two years at Roosevelt high school. Her name was, at that time, Linda Firby, '55. She and Tom dated for most of his last two years at Acalanes. After he graduated, he and Linda had no contact for some 45 years. Hummmm, reminds me of someone I know . . . Anyway, In 1995, he looked for her on the internet, unsuccessfully. But in 2001, he

received a note from her, asking if he was the Tom Layne that had dated her at Acalanes. One year later, They were married! After 14 years together, Linda passed away this January after dealing with cancer. Although Linda attended Acalanes for only two years, she had fond memories and remembered many of her friends. Perhaps they would like to know what happened to that cute blonde girl with the laugh that told you “Linda is in the house!” Tom mentioned there was a recording made with all of the Acalanes sounds that we all will remember. It's on the Acalanes Story - 1956-57. See if you recognize anything!!!

6/18/16 - Ken Clapp, '57, has and still is super active in the sport and business he loves . . . Racing Cars! Ken's interest started in 1946 and he never looked back. His resume is too huge to mention here, but he's been involved in NASCAR, worldwide and worked his way up through many responsible positions and top management jobs. In 1999 Ken retired from NASCAR and they made him a senior consultant. He remained very active and still is today as he consults to NASCAR Digital Entertainment primarily. You can see all about Ken. Just Google him!

Ken recently sent in his reservation for he and his wife, Dee, for the 60th Year Reunion. Here's his letter to "Tush":

"Sorry I didn't get this to you sooner but been gone a ton. Indy, Charlotte, St. Louis, home and them LA for 4 days. All years seem to go like that. I have been gone away on business a total of 69 days so far this year and have about that many yet to go. I found out a couple of days ago I will be going to Beijing and Shanghai trying to organize some racing over there.

I have 5 great grandkids, and I expect more to come fairly often!

Life is good and I love my 65 year effort in racing, never plan to leave the sport.

Looking forward to seeing everyone. Still doing lunch & dinner, etc. with Pete Villa, Gary Biederman, Ed Deemer, Ron Fadelli, Pat Macauley, Dave Calestini, Ernie petrucci and Gary Gorman. I have known Gary since 1944 from Sunday School even before I was in kindergarten.

Thank you for the efforts you are putting into this reunion, I know it is a lot of work and sometimes frustrating."

6/14/16 - Gary Bedsworth, '57 and his wife, Diane, had a fantastic photo safari in Africa this year. They visited 4 counties including, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa, and viewed possibly 1000 animals in the wild, some as they feasted on their prey . . . Leopard, lion, elephants, hippos, zebra, hyena, mongoose, monkeys, baboon, giraffe, glorious bird species, and many members of the antelope family, some large, some small, but all beautiful. And of course they saw many not listed. It was a wonderful experience! Here's more from Gary.

"We had the good fortune to spend three weeks in Africa during April. Not only was it a mind altering experience but a great adventure in African food and culture. The food by the way was varied and well prepared even in the African safari wilderness. We enjoyed a great variety of vegetable and fruits, lamb, wild game, and fresh fish in all the safari camps but especially in Cape Town. The preparation of African food tends to open the mind to alternative ways of preparing vegetables and fruit. (I bought two African cookbooks.) Multiple vegetables were served at lunch and dinner prepared in ways I have not experienced in the USA. The history of food in European culture especially Portuguese has taken French and English recipes in a different direction."

By the way, Yes, Gary is still sharing the "Chef" part of his career. There are still seniors who want to improve their cooking skills and present new foods for their families. Some don't cook anymore, the markets have almost everything prepared, some don't want the chemicals and preservatives, and some pass the notes on to their families and friends. Gary enjoys sharing his skills and doing additional research. Here are some tips and recipes (MS Word) you may want to check out:

3 Soups & Stews . . . Cooking 101 - Crock Pot . . . Summer Cooking.

"I would not be true to one of my passions if I did not go fly fishing while in Africa. Yes, there are numerous trout streams in Africa and fly fishing, though not common, is practiced throughout Africa. In the bush camps the tribal natives were VERY interested it this new way of fishing. Only a very few natives in four of the five safari camps we visited had seen a fly rod. Yes, I did go fishing, but not for trout, first on a river in Zambia then for Tiger Fish on the Zambezi within ear shot of Victoria Falls."

"Diane and I would Love to Attend the 60th Year Class of 1956 Reunion this year but we have had just to many trips this year. Four country photo safaris in AFRICA, Atlanta graduation for our grandson's high School graduation, fly fishing in August with Wally Marsh, '57, September fishing trip with my wife, Diane, and a November Mexico fly fishing trip with my son, Jay. Also I've been teaching fly fishing and of course, cooking as a VOLUNTEER. YES, retirement keeps us busy . . . AND . . . had a New York trip for a 1 year check up - cancer free! I will attend the Class of '57 Reunion next year if still kicking the hell out of fun and productive life. Enjoy the reunion and new memories with your classmates. Love to all, enjoy life while you can!!!!!!"

5/18/16 - Eddie and I go back all the way to Mrs. Bouchet's 6th grade class, Mr. Anderson's 7th, and Mr. Trask's 8th. Then on to Acalanes for the next 4 years. Ed was a great football player making Varsity as a sophomore, but got injured and couldn't play his senior year. We sure could have used him!

Well, after college I went East. Ed meandered down to L.A. to embarked on a stage and screen career. Collecting photos for our 50th Reunion, Ed sent in the scene from the movie, Airport with George Kennedy and Bert Lancaster.

In the movie business, Ed completed over 84 shows and 2 stage plays. He shot "Joe Kidd" in old Tucson, Arizona in 1972 as the bar tender. It was directed by John Sturges. This was Ed's 3rd movie and he felt lucky to be working with Clint Eastwood, Robert Duval and John Saxon.

Ed did the Adam 12 pilot show with Martin Milner and Kent Mclord. Jack Webb liked Ed's work and cast him in 12 episodes of Dragnet in 1978 for Universal Studios. Looks like Ed is ready to arrest you in the photo.

Ed was cast in the Combat show with actor, Vic Morrow, at MGM studios. Ed says he only survived one time! Looks like Vic must have "bumped him off" as a member of the Vermacht, but making amends in the photo.

The Batman TV show was shot at Desilou Culver Studios. Ed worked as "Yock" with Adam West, Burt Ward, Caesar Romero and Clint Ritchie. I'll never forget when my oldest daughter was watching Batman on the new color TV, she would dance around and repeat what she thought the name of the show was. She would yell "THAT MAN" . . . hahaha! Can't say if I ever recognized you on that set, Eddie.

Now we see Ed and Gulli at the reunions. Ed says he "had a good run in the movie business". Now he is in the construction business and a happy camper.

Next year, Gulli and Ed will be going to Sweden to see their 3 grand nephews. He says, "see you at the 60th. "Same here" . . . Fred Arbogast

Here's Ed with Clint . . . I think they would like Ed to pour 'em a drink!

Can you believe it . . . the "Yock" is one of the Joker's bad guys . . . . . .

3/2/16 - Of Vehicles & Chemistry Here's a little story about Harry Noller and me (Fred Arbogast). Once upon a time, we were taking Organic Chemistry in Berkeley. Our

collaboration was helpful to survive the course that we took in the ancient Chemistry Building there. At that time we met up with Pete Chiesa and explored other things too . . . but that's another tale.

Harry had a Triumph motorcycle and once we both climbed on and headed for the tennis courts at Lake Temescal. Don't recall who won.

Earlier, I had an Indian Chief (74 cubic inches) that I used for commuting to Cal but Dolores Roeschen, '57, had urged that I toss it, so I did. I have to say, its exhaust resonance is still in my gray matter . . . as is that of my later TR3A trekking across the U.S. to take the job in Delaware.

Here is the exact model (minus the wire wheels) that I owned during the last "epoch" or period getting through the final "agony" caused by the College of Chemistry at Cal. It was painted black before the cross country trip.

Anyway, Harry just educated me regarding Enzo Ferrari's recollection that he was taken by the sound of the 1916 Packard V12, and it led him to create his V12 racing cars. That came up when I dug up my great uncle's old Audel Automobile Guide showing the Packard "beast". Anyway, according to Harry, the first V12 Ferraris, designed by Gioacchino Colombo, were built around 1947. Not flathead like the Packard, but single overhead cams with roller cam followers.

Speaking of motorcycles, here is Harry's BMW R00S sport bike that he rode until recently (when sold it to his department chair at UCSC). Harry says, "1000cc boxer twin, wonderful torque and precision handling..." Ready for a "wheelie", anyone?

2/24/16 - Way back in September 2014, Ron Hartsough and I (Fred Arbogast) struck up an email conversation and found out that we both started life in Oakland and actually went to the same schools up through about the 6th grade.

I am "blown away" that Ron started at Crocker Highlands school in Oakland. So did I, Bob Johnson and Jan Lilja. This picture below of our Hi 1st grade class (for hi rez click on the photo to see the faces close up) that must have been taken in the Fall of 1944. Miss Gillies was our teacher and I think is the young lady on the far right first row. I'm on the top row, 3rd from the right, Bob is on the middle row 1st on the left, and I think Jan is 5th from the left in the middle row. My buddies were Stevie Levey on my left and Jimmy Dixon middle row 2nd from the right (he was a big football star at Piedmont High). He was probably playing when we lost to them in Piedmont one evening, ugh!

I started Kindergarten in Crocker Highlands February 1943 in Mrs. Bauman's class. In the middle of Hi 1st, we moved so "little Freddie" transferred to McChesney in Oakland where I completed Hi 6th before transferring to Lafayette Grammar School in 1949. And rest is history. Ron must have been in the Kindergarten Class of September 1943. Then he also went to McChesney. That would put us together since I went back a half a grade in Lafayette. It's amazing the way Ron and I cross paths with those we have known in the past. Way back then in Oakland, Mom was working part time sorting out post cards for Mike Roberts, Bob Roberts' father and famous photographer, and Dad was a paid soloist, singing for a big church in Piedmont while working at the Central Bank on 14th and Broadway. We lived at 1018 Mandana and I used to walk to school . . . always trying to avoid the little traffic boys and their signs. Later I was even a traffic boy at both McChesney and Lafayette. Every once in a while we would take the train out of Trestle Glen to San Francisco to visit my great uncle who was a dentist there, and I would run to get the first seat . . . got it only once.

Ron went to a "kindergarten reunion" in 2013 and 30 classmates showed up including spouses, and we were very proud of the turnout. It was Crocker Highlands in Oakland, Kindergarten Class of 1943 and, as with Acalanes, most of the class still live in the Bay Area. As Ron related to me . . . "We had a nice boozy lunch at the home of a classmate who had inherited his family home in Piedmont, where we used to go after school or sometimes at recess when his mother gave us kool aid and peanut butter cookies. I brought Plumeria leis for the ladies and we ate outside on a very cool, clear day and gabbed until about 5:00 PM. It was a one-off success and renewed connections continue on."

7/30/16 - Keith Takahashi just came over to play with Katy Jones and Howard too. It's not very far to get to Webb Lane from Boyer Circle in Lafayette. Well later . . . much later, Katy, now living far East of Lafayette, was looking through her photos recently for something suitable to send the website. She found these little gems that originally came from Howard's collection. They appear to be taken around 1946. "Keith came over to play with us" and here's the route! In the 40's, Lafayette seemed like a paradise to a kid.

All are having a great time with Keith, including Howard, Katy and their Father, Leonard.

7/28/16 - Howard Jones, recently completed a two-year term as Commander General of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars. It's members are descendants of the Confederate Officer Corps. He also speaks to heritage groups and elementary school children about American history. He is shown wearing the uniform of George Washington's Guard. [Great stuff, right Katy?]