A CLASSMATE REMEMBERED Betty Lou (Baker) Shafer of Schertz, Texas passed away on Saturday, May 26, 2012 after a courageous eight-year battle with ovarian cancer. Betty was born November 6, 1935 in Urbana. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Shafer (CHS 1952) and her parents, Lou and Colletta Baker. Betty is survived by five children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, her brother Jim Baker of Schertz, and her sister Mary Margaret Miebach of Philo, Illinois. After 36 years of government service, Betty retired from The Air Force Agency in 2002. You are invited to sign the electronic guest book at www.schertzfuneralhome.com. (Source: The News-Gazette, Wednesday, May 30, 2012) During the 1950s, Betty Lou lived at 807 West William Street. She helped plan "Class Skip Day" - an event honoring the graduating class on Thursday, May 14, 1953 at Kickapoo Park. At the CHS 1953 Baccalaureate, Sunday, May 24, 1953, Betty Lou, along with eight other senior girls, sang "'Til We Meet Again." (Source: The Champaign Chronicle, Friday, May 22, 1953) While attending CHS, Betty Lou participated in Wig 'n' Paint, GAA, Basketball Cheerleader, Office Help, Junior-Senior Prom Committee, Senior Class Skip Day, and Senior Stunt Show. Her senior picture caption says...."Short as any dream." (Source: 1953 Maroon) Submitted by Phil Matteson May 30, 2012 CONGRATULATIONS TO MYRNA AND "RED" Myrna (Primmer) and Eugene "Red" Anglin of Mahomet celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary at the home of their daughter Peggy Cler in Savoy with close friends and family on April 21. The celebration was also hosted by daughters Karen Pasley and Jennifer Mueller. The couple eloped on April 15, 1952. They have three children, Karen Pasley of Mahomet, Peggy Cler of Savoy, and Jennifer Mueller of Champaign; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild. "Red" (CHS 1951) retired from the University of Illinois Steam Distribution Department in 1993. He worked for the U. of I. for 35 years. Myrna retired as a receptionist at Busey Bank in Champaign in 1999. Prior to working at Busey Bank, Myrna was employed as the office manager for Weberg Furniture in Champaign for 18 years. (Source: The News-Gazette, Wednesday, April 25, 2012) Submitted by Phil Matteson April 26, 2012 A Teacher Remembered Thomas C. "Tommy" Stewart, 86, of Champaign, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012. Thomas was born October 9, 1925 to Thomas C. and Elizabeth Crawford Stewart in Gary, Indiana, and married Lulu Belle Nash in June 1950. He is survived by his wife, son Thomas C. (Cynthia D.) Stewart, Jr., daughter Susan Stewart, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, and a stillborn baby son. Tommy graduated in 1944 from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, where he lettered in football and baseball and spent summers life guarding on Lake Michigan. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving two years, mostly at Pearl Harbor. In 1946 he chose to play football at the University of Illinois, where he played in the 1947 Rose Bowl game. Upon graduating from Illinois in 1951, he took a teaching position at Bement High School and became the head football coach. In 1952, Tommy left Bement to be assistant football coach and PE teacher at Champaign High School. He took over as head football coach in 1953 and retired in 1983 from CHS. The family will hold a private funeral ceremony at Mt. Hope Mausoleum. A public memorial service is planned at Combes Gym in Champaign Central High School from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 31. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family asks that donations be made in Tommy's name to the Champaign County Humane Society, or to the Tommy Stewart Memorial Fund at Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation, PO Box 1166, Champaign, IL 61824-1166. (Source: The News-Gazette, Wednesday, March 28, 2012) When Hall of Fame football coach Tommy Stewart retired in 1983, he was the winningest active coach in the State of Illinois. He compiled a 31-year football record of 199-74-10 at CHS. His 1981 team won a still-standing school record of ten games. Tommy was a head coach in three sports....football, baseball, and swimming. Also, he was an accomplished official in basketball, working the state finals twice. (Source: The News-Gazette, Monday, March 26, 2012) Coach Tommy Stewart was truly one of a kind. Submitted by: Phil Matteson March 28, 2012 A CLASSMATE REMEMBERED Olevia (Anderson) Robertson was born on October 11, 1935, in Friars Point, Mississippi to Albert and Rosie Anderson. Within the year the family relocated to Champaign. Olevia was the eldest of 18 children. She was an active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. After graduation from CHS, she attended the American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee. She married James L. Robertson on August 18, 1955, becoming a military wife. During her life she traveled to, or lived in, all 50 states, Guam, Philippines, Bahamas, Mexico, and Canada. She and her husband, upon his retirement from the Air Force, returned to live in Rantoul. Her love of reading included a love of learning. Throughout her life she took several courses at local community colleges, including Parkland College in Champaign. Olevia served as a Girl Scout troop leader for more than ten years. She was employed as a secretary at Mount Hope Baptist Church for 25 years, retiring on October 3, 2004. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and two brothers. She is survived by her husband, four daughters, three grandsons, a great grandson, and 14 brothers and sisters. A Celebration of Life will commence at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 1, at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 808 East Bradley Avenue, Champaign. (Source: The News-Gazette, Tuesday, February 28, 2012) During the 1950s, Olevia lived with her parents at 313 East Bradley Avenue. Her father was a mechanic doing auto repair work, and her mother was a homemaker. (Source: Champaign-Urbana City Directory 1950) During our days in high school, she is remembered as a polite and quiet girl. The caption under her senior picture reads..."Always nice, always kind." (Source: The 1953 Maroon, page 20) Submitted by Phil Matteson February 29, 2012 A RANDOM PERSONAL MEMORY During the winter of 1946, outdoors on the front yard grounds of Lottie Switzer grade school, a group of young boys were practicing basketball to represent the 6th grade team. There was no need to have tryouts, because only six boys were interested in basketball. The weather was chilly, but the sun was shining...the boys did not complain. The ball was bounced on the cinder-covered ground area and the shots were directed to a hoop (without a net) attached to an old telephone pole...the boys did not complain. The young boys were Joe Bland, Fred Hill, Phil Matteson, Jerry Waugh, Richard Williams and Robert Williams. In the winter of 1947 during 7th grade, my interest in playing basketball continued at CJHS. At this age, a young boy follows a hero at a higher school level. My local heroes in basketball were the "Whiz Kids" at the University of Illinois. My scrapbook contained their newspaper pictures. For 65 years I have not forgotten my heroes, pausing to reflect as each one passed away beginning in 2000 with Jack Smiley, then Andy Phillip and Ken Menke. Today I attended the visitation, and tomorrow the funeral, for the last "Whiz Kid," Gene Vance, who has been my neighbor for the past 23 years. My basketball heroes have graduated, but they are still playing in my memory lineup. Submitted by Phil Matteson February 22, 2012 SIXTY YEARS AGO IN THE CHAMPAIGN CHRONICLE * Saturday is the date of the annual donkey basketball game in the CJHS gym. The game is sponsored by the CHS Future Farmers of America. Price of admission is 50 cents for high school students, 75 cents for adults, and 25 cents for gradeschoolers. Among CHS boys who signed up are Quinton Bowles and Jack Dixon. Among girls who will play are "Perky" Paris and Virginia Percy. * CHS's entry to the "Shorthand Penmanship Contest" will be in the form of a team with Mrs. Helen Krumsiek as sponsor. Some team members are Barbara Bailey, Betty Lou Baker, Shirley Hausmann, and Margaret Clabaugh. All entrants will write the same letter in shorthand. * A New Year's Eve party was held at Tresa Petersen's house. Among those present were Ruth Woodworth, Joyce Denman, Shirley Price, and Carolyn McCord. * A slumber party was given by "Perky" Paris at her sister's home after New Year's Eve dates. Among those seen there were Lois Smith, Louise Smith, Julia Clark, Jan Royse, Barbara Bailey, Shirley Hausmann, Nancy Shubert, Rita Warmbier, Esther Pittman, and Betty Lou Baker. * Champaign wrestlers defeated Peoria Manual last Friday, 41-5. This was the Maroon's third victory in five starts. Dick Nesmith and Wendell Hull scored 6-2 wins over their opponents. * Approximately 100 girls received awards at the GAA tea held December 19. Awards were the "I" - "C" and the numerals. Junior recipients of the "I" award were: Donna Davis, Mary Ellen Heinicke, Gay Parkhill, Tresa Petersen, Betty Stilwell, Ruth Woodworth, and Helen Worsham. Recipients earning the "C" award were: Sarita Alexander, Barbara Bailey, Mary Jane Bruggeman, Ruth Bulkley, Julia Clark, Mary Ellen Cochrane, Tresa Petersen, Carolyn Schloz, Nancy Shubert, Martha Sloan, Lois Smith, Louise Smith, Carol Stahl, Betty Stilwell, Jeanenne Taylor, Ruth Woodworth, Donna Davis, Carolee Kofoid, Sharon Lappin, Jackie Luce, Margaret McHenry, and Gay Parkhill. Juniors awarded their 53's were: Betty Lou Baker, Carolyn Fletcher, Kay Kesler, Doris McCown, Virginia Percy, Shirley Pheris, and Esther Pittman. (Source: The Champaign Chronicle, Vol. XXVI, No. 14, Friday, January 11, 1952) Submitted by: Phil Matteson January 11, 2012 RANDOM NEWS FROM CHAMPAIGN Looking back at 2011: ~~Cheddar's Restaurant, which had been on North Prospect Avenue for 16 years, was torn down in the Spring to make way for a new LongHorn Smokehouse Restaurant, now in operation. ~~A former popular Champaign BBQ spot, Po Boys, moved to Urbana. ~~Carle RX Express, which has been around for 27 years, sold its assets, including its stores, to Walgreen's. ~~The last area Jerry's IGA located in Round Barn Shopping Center closed. ~~City of Champaign has been interviewing candidates for its new police chief, as the current chief will retire early in 2012. ~~The owners of Bunny's have purchased the former Jolly Roger restaurant building in downtown Urbana, along with parking lots and three commercial lots. In all probability, the building will be torn down for some new undetermined development in the future. ~~Meatheads Burgers & Fries recently opened on the former Adair's Dairy Bar site, developed in 1949 on South Neil Street. This site has also been the location for Ponderosa Steakhouse in 1969, and Block Buster in 1984. The Meatheads chain prides itself on fresh Angus beef burgers, hand-dipped shakes (memories of Adair's), and french fries hand-cut from Idaho potatoes. Shake flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mocha, Oreo, and coffee, with chocolate sprinkles (the soda jerk at Adair's used to make a special root beer shake). Looking ahead to 2012: ~~The former Howard Johnson's Motel across from West Side Park in downtown Champaign is slated for a $15 million renovation to become a supportive living facility. The project is currently delayed by difficulties in obtaining financing. ~~Jet's Pizza, a fast-growing chain, plans to open a store on South Neil Street on the former Katsinas Cafe restaurant site. Jet's is probably best known for its deep-dish square pizza, and the Champaign location will be its first in downstate Illinois. ~~The Unit #4 Board of Education selected Judy Wiegand to become the School Superintendent in Champaign effective in 2012. She already has 25 years experience in the Unit #4 school system. During our days at CHS, the Superintendent was Dr. E. H. Mellon. Submitted by Phil Matteson January 2, 2012 A Teacher Remembered Dorothy J. Munger, 94, of Urbana, passed away Monday, December 5, 2011, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was born November 25, 1917 in Shelbyville, Indiana. Miss Munger graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1936. She continued her education at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, where she received her Bachelor's Degree. Later, she received her Master's Degree at the University of Illinois. Miss Munger started teaching in the Commerce Department at Champaign High School during 1939. She was at CHS for 38 years as a teacher, department head, and retired in 1977 as Dean of Girls. (Source: The News-Gazette, Wednesday, December 7, 2011.) Miss Munger always had a good laugh when sharing a personal story from one of her early years of teaching at CHS. Mr. Carl Allison was a demanding Principal at that time. He used to stand in the office watching the clock in the morning. At 8:00 a.m., he would draw a line beneath the name of the last teacher to sign in "on time," and would speak sternly to those who were late. One morning, Miss Munger could not arrive on time, because the circus had come to town and the elephants were parading tail-to-trunk down Randolph Street. She gave that excuse to her colleagues and to her Principal. The following morning she found an information brochure from Alcoholics Anonymous in her mailbox. (Source: The Tattler (Original title of CHS newspaper), 80th Birthday Edition, May 6, 1995) Miss Munger was a favorite teacher for the CHS Class of 1953. She was a special guest for many of our class reunions. Along with teaching many of our class members where the "home row" is on the typewriter, Miss Munger was sponsor for the Commercial Club of which Phyllis Lichtenwalter was President; Sarita Alexander was Vice President; Tresa Petersen was Corresponding Secretary, and Ruth Woodworth was Treasurer. Other 1953 class members in the Commercial Club were: Leona Gericke, Monika Loerke, Sue Maley, Treva McWethy, Carol Merrifield, Shirley Pheris, Shirley Price, and Joyce Simpson. (Source: The 1953 Maroon, page 83) Submitted by: Phil Matteson Sunday, December 11, 2011 CHS HAPPENINGS 60 YEARS AGO IN THE CHRONICLE "Flamingo" Includes Murder, Mob Out of the dark times of the French Revolutionary Period comes "Black Flamingo," a play which will hold its audience from the first curtain to the last curtain call! A two-night run on Thursday and Friday, with the first curtain going up at 8:00 p.m. as planned. Activity ticket holders will be admitted free. Other tickets are on sale at 50 cents for students, and 60 cents for non-students. "The play is extremely challenging, and while it is difficult for the actors, staff and director, all are enjoying their work on it," Miss Marian Stuart, the Director stated at rehearsal. Opinions from several of the actors were obtained..."Boy! What a scoundrel. Never have I read of such a scavenger!" This came from John Wilson in regard to his part as one of the villains. Lloyd White finds the part of Popo becoming quite a challenge. Donna Davis said..."I've seen many flighty people in my day, but Clotilde takes the cake!" Clotilde, played by Donna, is a young maiden who falls in love with Popo. First Quarter Ends Whoopie!! Two and one-fourth months, nine weeks or 63 days. However it is termed, the first quarter of the 1951-1952 school year is now over. + Early to bed, Early to rise, And your gal goes out with six other guys Class Committee to meet Monday Junior Ring Committee will meet in Room 128. Lloyd White is the chairman, and Donna Davis, Phil Brown, Bob Slade and Barbara Cook comprise his committee. They will be assisted by the class officers, Phil Matteson, Helen Worsham, Betty Stilwell, and Sharon Lappin. + Confucius says: People who cross ocean twice and no take bath are dirty double crossers. CHS, Tigers renew battle at UHS Field The mass hysteria that engulfs the twin cities of Champaign-Urbana every year about this time is again upon us. The year 1951 seems due to present a more exciting inter-city battle than has been since 1942. In that year, Urbana muddied Champaign to a 20-0 victory. Don Pittman, a reserve coach at CHS now, played on that UHS 1942 team. From all reports, Urbana that year had a better edge on Champaign than the score indicated. The next year, CHS reversed the situation. On the record are 33 wins for CHS and 8 for UHS, tied four times. Champaign has scored 691 points and Urbana 209. In 1928, a forfeit by Champaign gave Urbana a 1-0 win. The Maroons, under Coach Les Moyer, were forced to give up all games that year after a winning season, when it was learned one of the players was 22 years old and ineligible. Source: The Chronicle, Vol XXVI, Friday, November 2, 1951, No. 7 Submitted by: Phil Matteson on November 7, 2011 A CLASSMATE REMEMBERED An e-mail communication has been received from Joanne Lewis who wanted to inform CHS 1953 classmates that her husband, Tom Lewis, passed away last year on April 15, 2010 unexpectedly of a heart attack. Tom was born January 24, 1935 to Leonard L. and Annabelle B. Lewis. During the early 1950s, the family lived at 809 West Hill Street. Tom's dad operated a small neighborhood grocery store at 504 North Prairie Street in Champaign. In ninth grade at CJHS, Tom was in Homeroom 9-9. He played tackle on the grid squad that beat Urbana 26-0. Also, Tom was active in the Projector Club, which had members run projector machines and keep them in good repair. At CHS, Tom played tackle on the football team during his sophomore, junior and senior years. Also, he participated in wrestling during his junior year and became a "C" Club member during his senior year for his football letter award. After high school graduation, Tom enlisted in the US Army and completed some service time in Germany. Out of the army, he attended a school of ministry in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. While in Wisconsin, he met Joanne and they were married in June 1960. Their family consisted of twin sons and three daughters. During his working years, Tom worked for Sunstrand Corporation in Rockford, sold trailers in Wisconsin, bought and remodeled houses in the Houston, Texas area, and sold solar panels for the past ten years in Spring, Texas. The caption under Tom's senior picture in the 1953 Maroon says...."A fellow with legs a little longer than the usual plan. " (Source: Joanne Lewis e-mail Tuesday, October 4, 2011; Reba Lewis, Tom's sister, telephone conversation Wednesday, October 5, 2011; CJHS 50-Retro pages 44, 52 and 74; Maroon 1953 pages 31 and 94.) Submitted by Phil Matteson October 9, 2011 SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR COACH STEWART Coach Tommy Stewart was the featured guest at the 83rd Annual "C" Club Alumni Reunion Dinner on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at the Round Barn Banquet Center in Champaign. During the program, the 2011 "C" Club Hall of Fame inductees were introduced. Then, former coaches and players talked and recounted stories about Coach Stewart. At the end of the program, it was announced that tomorrow (October 9, 2011) is Coach Stewart's 86th birthday. The group sang Happy Birthday to Tommy. CHS 1953 classmates in attendance were Terry O'Neill, Captain of the 1953 Varsity football team, and Phil Matteson, a bench-warmer specialist. Note: The only CHS classmate inducted into the "C" Club Hall of Fame is Ola Bundy in 1992. Ola was active in GAA along with many other interests in high school. After CHS and University of Illinois graduation, she was a high school teacher in Grant Park, Lansing, and Champaign. She was an assistant executive director at the Illinois High School Association from 1967 until she retired in 1996. In addition to being in the CHS Hall of Fame, Ola was a member in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, and Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame. She was a member of the US Olympic Women's Volleyball Committee for the 1972 and 1976 Olympic games. Ola was inducted into the Illinois Girls' Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the National Federation Hall of Fame in 1996 for her national leadership of girls inter-scholastic athletic programs. She was awarded the U. of I. letter "I" for her participation on U. of I. athletic teams, and received a "Woman of Distinction" in education award. Many referred to Ola as the first lady of Illinois girls athletics. Old died Saturday, February 18, 2006. Submitted by Phil Matteson October 9, 2011 NEWS FROM CHAMPAIGN Theatre patrons enjoyed a walk under the new Virginia Theatre marquee Wednesday night, September 28, 2011. The marquee's lights were lit in the evening for a dedication ceremony that included a brief concert by the Champaign Park District Youth Theatre Group. (Source: The News-Gazette, Thursday, September 29, 2011) Submitted by: Phil Matteson, September 29, 2011 LEGENDARY CHS COACH, TOMMY STEWART, BEING HONORED Coach Stewart became the varsity football head coach four games into the 1953 season, taking over for Fred Major who was ordered by his doctors to retire because of ill health. Coach Major was head coach at CHS for eight years, producing five Big Twelve conference championships, which contributed greatly to the winning tradition that is a part of CHS. (Source: The 1954 Maroon, page 104) Coach Stewart was head football coach for 30 years, retiring in 1983, and he is still a revered icon, even as the 30th year of his retirement approaches in 2013. He always has embodied the character, commitment, dedication and personality that parents want in the role models who influence their teenagers. The feelings of endearment remain strong with his players more than a quarter of a century after Coach Stewart was in their high school lives. A special recognition for Coach Stewart, who is now 85 years old, will take place October 8 in conjunction with the CHS Annual Hall of Fame banquet. Coach Stewart was a three-sport head coach in football, baseball, and swimming. Anyone who played for him is invited to return for an evening that will feature a continuous slide show and a tribute to the coach who guided CHS to its still-standing single season record for wins (10-2 in 1981). (Source: The News-Gazette, Sunday, September 25, 1011) Submitted by: Phil Matteson, September 29, 2011 CHS HAPPENINGS 60 YEARS AGO IN THE CHRONICLE The doors to CHS opened in 1951 to us as the incoming junior class. Five new teachers were added to the faculty. Mr. Don Hamacher filled the position as music instructor and assistant to Director, V. C. Shaul. Mr. Don Pittman is the new driving teacher. Mrs. Melba Reichard is the new girl’s gym teacher, and will help Mrs. Mary Major as co-sponsor of GAA. Mr. Herman Linder is the new aircraft teacher. Mr. H. I. Wick is a new addition in the industrial arts department, teaching wood shop. Do you need friends? A get-together dance will be sponsored by the Student Council following the CHS vs. Mooseheart football game next Friday in the Junior High Gym. Sharon Cruthers was named General Chairman. Barbara Bailey is on the Decorations Committee; Don Scott is Cloakroom Head, with help from Phil Matteson; Larry Hopkins will help with Refreshments; and Chairman of Advertising will be Phil Matteson, with help from Helen Worsham. The Student Council is selling a general activity ticket for $5.75 in full, or $2.00 down and 50 cents every week until paid. Included in this ticket are ten basketball games, six football games, a year’s subscription to the Champaign Chronicle, three plays, the Annual Musical Stage Show, and the Homecoming Dance. How did some classmates spend their summer? Carol Stahl, Barbara Cook, and Sharon Lappin worked as nurses aides at Burnham City Hospital. Mary Ann Stahl visited her aunt in Southern Illinois for two weeks, but stayed home the rest of the time and loafed. Judy Turner went to music camp. Betty Stillwell spent five weeks at a ranch for boys and girls in the Teton Mountains of Wyoming. Helen Worsham was a girl scout counselor in the Ozarks. Barbara Bailey and Julia Clark traveled to Canada for one month. Phil Matteson bought a 1937 Ford and soon sold it while working most of the time as a soda jerk at Adair’s Dairy Bar. In defense of the Big 12 title, CHS will face many problems to hurdle during the four non-conference games preceding the Big 12 race. Where weight is concerned, the CHS forward wall will be one of the biggest in recent years. Tackle-to-tackle weights range from 180 to 190 lbs. The CHS backfield power took a hit, with Terry O’Neill out for six weeks because of a broken wrist. Mr. Dillman, “Why are you late to school every morning?” Terry O’Neill, “Well, every time I get to a corner, a sign says “School, Go Slow!”” (Source: The Champaign Chronicle, Vol. XXVL No. 1, Friday, September 14, 1951) Submitted by Phil Matteson September 14, 2011 SOME NEWS FROM CHAMPAIGN * Congratulations to Bill Hartz. Bill and his wife, Meta, plan to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family. They were married September 10, 1961, at Peace Lutheran Church in Thomasboro. They have four children: Kimberly of Tomahawk, Wisconsin; Kristi and Karla of Champaign, and Kara of Paxton. They also have seven grandchildren. Meta retired from the State Universities Retirement System in 2009. Bill still works with Neiman Foods, Inc., County Market. He has now been in the food retail industry for more than 50 years. (Source: The News-Gazette, Sunday, September 4, 2011.) * Early in August, Don Scott and his wife of Palatine stopped in Champaign for a short visit with Phil Matteson and his wife. Don is researching his family history in Champaign County, and was making use of the Champaign County Historical Archives at the Urbana Free Library. * Then, in mid-August, Jim Neal, of Newark, Delaware, visited Richard Haines and his wife in Mahomet. Jim had attended his grandson’s wedding in Yosemite and was returning through Illinois to visit relatives in Chicago, Bloomington, and Peoria. * On August 25, a group of girls in our class had their "4th Thursday of the Month Luncheon" at Old Orchard Lanes. Those attending were: Margaret (Clabaugh) LeGrande, Jean (Decker) Meislahn, Shirley (Hausmann) Schweighart-Soucie, Myrna (Primmer) Anglin, Shirley (Richardson) LeBaugh, Carolyn (Schloz) Hamrick, Nancy (Schubert) Darnall, Lois (Smith) Dunn, and Louise (Smith) Hill. * Also in August, Deak "Sonny" Matteson of Sebring, Florida was here to visit his relatives. Sonny has some health issues and is legally blind. However, he still has plans to build a house and move to Jamaica. * This past Wednesday (August 31), Park Avenue in front of The Virginia Theatre was closed between Randolph and State Streets for arrival of a new marquee. The triangular marquee from the 1940s was removed earlier in the summer. The Virginia Theatre will enter a new era with a new marquee, which is better suited to the building’s antique design from the 1920s, and will make The Virginia appear as its architects originally intended. The theatre was constructed in an Italian Renaissance-style exterior, and Spanish Renaissance-style interior. The theatre is 90 years old, with the lobby areas having undergone significant restoration during the past year, when workers literally peeled back the layers of paint to find the original colors that ornamented the walls during years past. (Source: The News-Gazette, Tuesday, August 30, 2011.) * This past Friday night (September 2) was not like old times. It was the Champaign vs. Urbana Friday night football game. However, all eight sports writers for The News-Gazette had predictions of Urbana winning. However, Champaign won the game 31-28 in the last six seconds of the game. Would you then say, “Champaign upset Urbana”? That would not be like old times. * Finally, some eye-opening statistics from 50 years ago, which would be close to 1953, and today about the Champaign School District. ~ In 1961, the District had an enrollment of 8,532 students, with an annual budget of $6.84 million. It had 506 teachers, consultants and administrators, plus 163 non-academic workers for a 669 grand total. ~ Now, today in 2011, the enrollment is 9,479 students with an annual budget of $103 million. It has 813 teachers, 76 administrators, and 510 non-certified workers, for a 1,399 grand total. (Source: The News-Gazette, Sunday, September 4, 2011.) What a difference! A 947 increase in enrollment, but a $96 million budget increase and 734 more non-certified workers! Submitted by Phil Matteson September 4, 2011 SOME 2011 NEWS FROM CHAMPAIGN One, Two, or Three Champaign High Schools? The future of Champaign Central High School (formerly our Champaign Junior High School building) is currently on the Unit 4 School Board's agenda. This year, the Board will likely vote on whether to build a new high school on one of the seven remote sites on the periphery of the community, or preserve and renovate the current Central location. The price tag for new construction is estimated to be in the $60 to $80 million range, with sites under construction being 70 to 80 acres. The board members have stated four alternative approaches: (1) Do nothing, (2) Purchase land around the Central High School current site for expansion, (3) Build a new third high school, or (4) Build a new freshman-only campus and expand Centennial High School to make a single high school. (Source: The News-Gazette, Sunday, February 6, 2011) Our old "500 Club" is sold! The Champaign County YMCA has sold its historic building at 500 West Church Street in Champaign. The property has been on and off the market for several years. The original mansion dates from 1909-1910, when it was built as the home of David and Rachel Phillippe. Mrs. Phillippe was the daughter of influential Champaign banker B. F. Harris. A citizens' group bought the home in 1938 for use as a YMCA, using a bequest from the late William B. McKinley. The property was long known as the McKinley Memorial YMCA. (Source: The News-Gazette, Wednesday, May 11, 2011) Happy 150th Birthday to Champaign! Champaign has been celebrating 150 years of existence during the past year. A celebration was held to close out Champaign's Sesquicentennial Anniversary. A photo gallery from the event is available online at www.news-gazette.com. (Source: The News-Gazette, Friday, June 24, 2011) Trouble right here in C-U Champaign, Urbana, and several other governments in the county have been funding the Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) to promote Champaign County tourism. Now, the Mayor of Urbana believes that Urbana does not get a discernible benefit from their funding to the organization. So, the Mayor wants to withdraw $72,000 annual funding, which would be a $144,000 loss for CCCVB because of dollar-for-dollar matching grants from the State. This is 23% of the CCCVB total budget and would represent a significant loss of ability to promote tourism. Of course, there was a response and retaliation of sorts from a veteran Champaign council member that maybe participants of festivals and other events could withdraw their venues from Urbana. The same Champaign council member raised the possibility of dropping Urbana from Champaign-Urbana, because of old-fashioned thinking that this is a twin-city. (Source: The News-Gazette, Wednesday, July 13, 2011) Local Photographer shutters shop! Who took your family wedding pictures or portraits? Bob McCandless, 86 years old, is closing his studio after 46 years in business since 1965. Digital photography has hurt the traditional studio business. "I have negatives back to 1965. I'm going to sell them for $10 an envelope, and buyers can have any of the proofs or negatives in them," he said. McCandless has already sent 93 envelopes to the Champaign County Historical Archives at the Urbana Free Library. (Source: The News-Gazette, Thursday, July 14, 2011) Contact Bob McCandless at 217-367-4686 if you think he has a negative of your family portraits. Slow Champaign Real Estate Market In Champaign, the average length of time a home has been on the market is 114 days. As of July 14, The Champaign County Association of Realtors MLS had 2,078 active listings. The last time there were that many listings was four years ago in 2007. Most June sales in Champaign tended to be in the $100,000 - $149,999, and $150,000 - $199,999 price ranges. The selling price for homes ranged from 93-99% of the listing price. (Source: The News-Gazette, Monday, July 18, 2011) Submitted by Phil Matteson News and Information Archives Back to Home Page