North End
Newport News, VA

URGENT NOTE TO MARISSA:
AOL wouldn't deliver my note to you because
I'm not on your approved list of recipients.
 I'd be delighted to post any information you have; just send
it to nnhs65@gmail.com or nnhs65@yahoo.com and I'll make
certain it's added - and be sure to tell AOL that I am not an ogre
(though I've always suspected that they are)!
 
- Carol Buckley Harty ('65) of NC - 01/09/12, 9:33 AM
Webmstress, www.nnhs65.com 


 

  
THEN:
Hill's City Directory for Newport News - North End, 1954
 1965 City Directory - Huntington Avenue
 1965 City Directory - Washington Avenue
THEN:


I will share one of many "Joe (Mooney) ('65) stories" with you. Of all that knew Joe, there are few, if any, that go back any further than I. We began our friendship at about age 6/7 and remained very close until our early adult years when life's other responsibilities separated us from regular contact. On those rare occasions that we were able to gather again, I could tell by the hugs that we extended one another versus a handshake, that friendship lived on and was as cherished by Joe as it was me. For many years we had shared "secrets of the soul" with one another, and when "best friends" was in vogue, that was Joe and me.

On one warm breezy summer night as we sat on Joe's front porch in the wee hours of the morning, a strange occurrence was to evolve before our very eyes! We lived within doors of each other in rows of 2 story apartments - today they would be called townhouses; they were far from that - and we both had benefited from the good works of the Salvation Army Church that sat directly across the street from Joe's place.

Sitting in that "glider" swaying back and forth, we were busy discussing each and every possible thing that would come to mind. There was never a shortage of subjects. The church was a wooden structure that came to a peak in the middle and the facade was covered with clear glass. This allowed one to "see" into the sanctuary from outside. Having been in the building many times, we knew that from our vantage point that the pulpit was to our right and back toward the far wall. 

As we sat there solving the world's problems, the dark church was in our full unobstructed view a mere city block width away from where we glided back and forth. All of a sudden, I noticed a "light" up near the pulpit. At first, I thought it was a burglar!

I said, "Joe, look!"

"Where?", he said.

"In the church", I replied.

There we sat looking at the "light" (burglar?) in the church.

 

Quickly, it was to become apparent that we were not watching a burglar. The "light" began to expand and engulfed the entire sanctuary to the point that you could see the rows of pews! It was as bright as day! Then to our horror, the "light" began to move toward the front of the church, the glass facade! Was it coming at us?

As it continued toward the glass, it rose toward the ceiling and exited through the peak in the roof leaving a wisp of vapor! This was quickly dissipated by the summer breeze. We sat there in complete astonishment for what seemed like an eternity.

Then I said, "Did you see that?"

Joe simply responded, "Yeah!"

I said, "What was it?"

To which he replied, "I don't know!"

After another extended period of silence, I said, "I'm going home."

He said "Me, too."

 I said, "You are home!"

 He said, "Then I'm going in."

"I'll see you tomorrow", I said, leaving.

Many times in the future, Joe and I would discuss this "event" with hope of somehow coming to a rational explanation. We were never able to do that. I have shared this story with only one other person, Aderon Gibbs ('66). I now share it with you. Now, in hindsight, how I wish I had brought this forward while Joe was still available to collaborate the truth of it all. Isn't that always the case?

What had we seen? The "Twilight Zone"?

What still amazes me, is that some 40+ years later I can still remember that "experience" in such vivid detail. Believe it or not!
Strange!  For what it's worth.

- Wayne Stokes ('65) of VA - 11/14/01

Thanks, Wayne!
Plucked from my files and finally posted on 02/14/04

THEN: NOW:
  It is as close to recreating the one from 1940 as I could get.  Unfortunately, the blooming trees were
an impediment.
1940 1940  Saturday, May 31, 2003 ~*~*~*~ Thursday, January 29, 2004
Here is one of several shots I have of North End. It was 49th Street.

The players are: (l-r):  Jimmy Spotts (my mother's cousin's husband, and father of LaVerne Mildred ("Tootsie") Spotts, NNHS '63, who was middle-named after my mother); Mom; Steve Rockney (a suitor before my dad showed up)

Note the wonderful detail and trim on the homes.  I would have to drive over there to be sure, but I believe all of these are now gone and some ugly, sided duplexes are in their place.   Even better, look at the car on the right; I half expect Elliot Ness to jump out and make an arrest.		  

Just returned from NN ...
Took the opportunity to go down 49th Street.  It turns out that the south side is pretty much intact,
but the north side is all gone, and the feared duplex mushrooms have sprung up. 

I should be able to recreate  a nifty "now" shot for comparison
with the 1940 version. 
Maybe next Tuesday ...

 

 The H.G. Wells story, The Time Machine,  and the original film of the same name have always mesmerized me.  To see the effects of the
passage of eons of time, accelerated to such a degree, that a human may observe them is to me intoxicating.  Not surprisingly, I am drawn to "Then & Now" books and photographs. When the opportunity arises to create such photographs myself, it is a rare treat to be savored.		 Such an opportunity was presented to me when I found the 1940 photo taken on 49th Street in North End. Once I realized that many of the homes in the background had survived .... well, I was drawn like a moth to a flame.  As I held the original photo in front of me and looked over it, comparing every detail to the current scene, it was an overpowering feeling
to know I was standing exactly where that photographer stood over 60 years ago ... to know that kinfolk long dead stood RIGHT there.  It is my own personal
"time machine".		 Remember that image on North End of my mother and 2 guys on 49th Street?  And the "Now" shot I took in the spring when everything was obscured by trees?  Not obscured today. You may want to replace the currently posted "Now" shot with this one. Notice that it more accurately recreates the angle of the original.
Now, Dave - you know I hardly ever "replace".  It's so much more fun
to "add"!  Thanks!

- Carol Buckley Harty of NC - 01/29/04
- Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 05/21/03, 05/23/03, 06/01/03, 01/29/04 and 04/12/04
Thanks, Dave!       

Riverside Hospital - ADDED 03/30/06

In visiting your site today, along with some other new photos from Dave Spriggs, I gave particular notice to those
from North End. Being from "those parts", I have a keen interest in what "it" looks like now.

 Having not been down that way in years, and even then it was more than I cared to see, or more correctly, less than
I had hoped to see. Now these 3 photos only add to the sadness that I feel when I see what is, as opposed to what was.
There is even less now than just a few years ago!

- Wayne Stokes ('65) of VA - 08/12/03
Thanks, Wayne!

I remember North End as well!  Thanks for the memories!

- Sarah Puckett Kressaty ('65) of VA - 08/13/03
Thanks, Sarah!

Both Wayne and Sarah mentioned the homes the once graced the south side of the 200 block of 50th Street. 
I wanted to add that I, too, remember them.  The one which stands out most in my mind was located on the corner
of Huntington Avenue and 50th Street.  The image I have in my mind, albeit somewhat foggy after nearly 50 years,
is of a stately and tasteful brick structure which had an eating establishment in the basement level with the entrance
on the 50th Street side.  I seem to recall glass and brass and lights and the word "Grill"; it looked so classy, like
something from the "Big City" ... a place where rich people would eat.   And I seem to have this image of a camel
associated with it. Either there was an image of a camel or the word "CAMEL" or "DROMEDARY", or all of that, 
near the entrance.  Of course I could get to the Library and find it in the City Directories of the late 50s, but what
would be the fun in that?  Better to toss it out there and let the Old North Enders work on it.

Working our way south on Huntington Avenue, I bet Wayne and Sarah also remember the Colonial Store grocery
between 47th and 48th next to Calvary Baptist Church.  My Granny would shop there nearly every day and take me
along sometimes.  It was not a large store, but it looked large to a 7 year old.  I seem to recall creaky wooden floors. 
She would buy peas still in the pod, and I would sit with her and shell them out.

Just across 48th Street from the Colonial Store was a butcher shop by the name of Davis & Welstead. Granny would
shop there, too, and bring home the most wonderful sausage and pork chops.  Ahhh, what memories!!!!!

- Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 08/15/03
Thanks, Dave!

THEN:

As I continue to look back upon my days in North End, little by little,
long ago and mostly forgotten events return to my memory. As in any neighborhood, North End had it's share of different "cliques" - birds that flocked together to pursue a common cause; worthy or otherwise. It was not unusual for one to migrate from one "clique" to another as certain skills would develop. That was indeed my case.

As it became apparent, after my full and complete release from the brace and crutches that for years were my constant companion, that I had a bit of athletic skill, I migrated to the "athletic flock".  Although I had left the "hoodlum bunch", I always remained friends with them and would acknowledge them whenever I saw them.

Having laid the groundwork, I shall share a story with you that was both comical and sad.  Headed for Jackson Gym, which was open nightly from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM for "open play" pick-up basketball games, I was nearly in front of Calvary Baptist Church when I heard a car turning left onto Huntington from 47th attempting to head north on Huntington.

It was Winter and already darkness had fallen by 6:00 PM. Sounding the horn and waving at me from behind the steering wheel of that car was Johnny L.  He came to an abrupt stop right in front of the church and before my very eyes!  Johnny was the half-brother of Scootie K. and known to us all as being "a little slow".  Harmless, but certainly not bright. And, as his brother, not a member of the "athletic bunch".

Anyway, his "abrupt stop" was brought on by the fact that he had rear ended a parked car in front of the church!  Although older than the rest of us, he by no means was of the age needed to have a drivers license - and he certainly did not own a car. Upon his "stop", he came out of the car and stood by the driver's door.

Speaking to him from the sidewalk in front of the church as he stood dumbfounded beside the smoldering car, I asked, "Johnny, were did you get the car?"

"I found it", he said.

"Found it?", I said.

"Yeah", he replied.

I said, "You mean you stole it!"

He immediately admitted that and asked, "What do I do now?"

Knowing that Johnny had less than a spotless record with the police, and that something of this seriousness would certainly put him behind bars, there was only one thing to do; get out of there!

I said "Johnny, get away from here now, run home, stay there, and don't mention a word of this to anyone - not even Scootie. Do you understand me?"

To that he replied, "Yes."

"Then run", I said.

He did!

I continued to Jackson Gym, played until they closed, and headed back to my 50th Street home, the same way I had come. I had expected to see police everywhere, and who knows what else? To my amazement and relief, there was nothing. It was if nothing had happened there. Everything had been cleaned up and moved. Nothing was ever learned of that incident and I feel confident that the insurance companies made everyone whole again.

At 13/14, I had no knowledge of the concept of "accessory after the fact"!  I was just trying to keep a "slow learning" friend out of trouble. Regarding that event, I succeeded.

I don't know whatever happened to Johnny or that bunch. As I said, I was not a member of that clique. But at least that night, right or wrong, I kept him out of jail.

Man, the things that went on in North End. And to imagine, I survived it. Amazing!! Wyatt Earp had nothing on those of us from North End!
- Wayne Stokes ('65) of VA - 08/18/03 
Thanks, Wayne!

 
 
WAY BACK THEN: THEN: NOW:
"...that lot across from the pharmacy
(east side of Huntington, just north of 50th (NE corner of 50th), was barren when I lived in North End!  So it must have long ago been "taken".  I recall that with absolute clarity because I stood on that corner in front of the pharmacy and Rainbow Soda Shop many a night.
There was only an empty lot
across the street in that direction."
Early 1900s Monday, April 19, 2004
Huntington Lodge
5000 Huntington Avenue		 Empty Lot
5000 Huntington Avenue
Courtesy of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 04/12/04
Thanks, Dave!		 - Wayne Stokes ('65) of VA -
04/12/04
Thanks, Wayne!		 Image by Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 04/19/04
Thanks, Dave!  Perhaps it was a fire...


 
THEN: NOW:
  Sunday, August 10, 2003
Ad from the Daily Press - 04/26/60

... And here is where the North End Pharmacy once was at Huntington Avenue and 50th Street. Another Family Story says that my dad, the Sailor, and several shipmates were hanging around there on liberty in 1943 when some North End gals, among them one of my mom's cousins, enticed the boys to follow them, and they led them down 47th Street ..... right past my grandparents' home with my mom sitting on the porch.  As they say, the rest is history.
- Carol Buckley Harty ('65) of NC - 11/23/03 - Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 08/10/03
Thanks, Dave!


 

NOW:

       
     Irving Adelson
 
     
NEWPORT NEWS - Irving Adelson, 83, passed away on Aug. 3, 2007, at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington. Irving was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Frieda S. Adelson. He was born in Palisades Park, N.J., and was a resident of Newport News, Va., for 52 years. Irving served in the United States Army as a pharmacy technician on a hospital train across Europe from 1942 to 1946. He married Frieda Sturman in 1947 and graduated from the Rutgers College of Pharmacy in 1949. He was president of the Peninsula Registered Pharmacist's Association in 1959. Irving and his wife Frieda were proprietors of several pharmacies in Newport News including the North End Pharmacy at 50th and Huntington Avenue from 1950 to 1972. He and his wife also owned and operated the Medical Center Pharmacy on Main Street and the Prescription Center on West Avenue in Newport News. He joined Revco Pharmacy in 1972 until his retirement in 1989. An integral part of his retirement was part-time employment at Hidenwood Pharmacy in Newport News until he and Frieda moved to Rockville, Md., to be with their children in August 2002. The son of the late Eva and Philip Adelson, and the brother of the late Sam Adelson, survivors include four children, Barry Adelson of Houston, Texas, Frona Adelson of Arlington, Va., Evan Adelson of Lynchburg, Va., and Julie Adelson Kaye and Howard Kaye of Burke, Va., and two grandchildren, Seth and Sophie Kaye. His family and friends will always remember him for his hard working and sentimental nature. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Irving's memory to the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6, at Rodef Sholom Temple, 318 Whealton Road, Hampton, Va. Interment will immediately follow at Rosenbaum Memorial Park in Hampton, Va. Family will be receiving visitors at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 943 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, Va., through Wednesday, Aug. 8.

Published in the Daily Press on 8/4/2007.
Guest Book
 

 

I was so sorry to hear of Irving Adelson's passing.  He lived next door to my family in Christopher Shores in the early 60's and I worked for him in the North End Pharmacy.  I can remember the minimum wage being $1.00/hr, but I only got $.90/hr because I was under 16 years of age!  I worked there after school my junior and senior years and both of those summers.  The drug store didn't close until 10:00 at night, so Mr. Adelson gave me a ride home and I thought he was one of the nicest, funniest, "old people" I knew!  (He was probably in his late 30's at the time, but I thought everybody over 21 was "old").  Since it was my first experience in the working world, I was fortunate to have such a wonderful employer and I saved up enough money to take 22 new pleated skirts with me to Elon College!

- Sandi Williams Patrick ('64) of VA - 08/04/07
Oh, what a nice remembrance!  Thank you for sharing it with us, Sandi!

Carol: 

I am happy to see that you added Irving Adelson's obit to our page.  As far back as I can remember he was a part of my life,
whether we saw him for prescriptions or just going into North End Pharmacy for a coke, I always went back to say hi! 
When I married and moved out of state, Mom and I would always go to see him wherever he worked!!  

- Sarah Puckett Kressaty ('65) of VA - 08/06/07
Thank you, Sarah!


 
THEN: NOW:
When I first met Rose Woodard when we were nine years old,
she lived here with her parents in the third story apartment
on the left.  They later moved to Tuckahoe Drive.

Elsewhere in the building lived Sandra ('56) and
Courtney Kerman ('59) and their family.

The building was of a dark brown brick at that time. 
I have fond memories of visiting here.
Friday, November 14, 2003
Huntington Avenue at 52nd Street
- Carol Buckley Harty ('65) of NC - 11/16/03 Image by Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 11/14/03
Thanks so much, Dave!

Indeed, the apartment building where Rose Woodard lived, when you two first met, was constructed of a brown brick.
Apparently, as was done to "my" North End Pharmacy building, someone has gone through "NE" painting every
apartment building "a whiter shade of pale"!

When looking at that photo, Rose's place, you will notice just to the right, a house. At one time, and Rip (Collins - '65 - of TN)
should remember, Ernie Murphy ('65 - of VA) lived there. That's where he kept all of his "fastest cars in the world".

- Wayne Stokes ('65) of VA - 11/24/03
Thanks, Wayne!


 
WAY BACK THEN: NOW:
  Thursday, October 23, 2003 Thursday, February 5, 2004
Huntington Avenue at 53rd Street Huntington Avenue at 53rd Street Huntington Avenue at 53rd Street
Courtesy of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 10/19/03
Thanks, Dave!		 Images by Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 10/23/03
Thanks, Dave!		 Images by Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 02/06/04
Thanks, Dave!

Hi, Carol:

Checking out the Old Neighborhoods, and viewing the recent photos taken by Dave Spriggs ('64 - of VA) of 53rd Street
and Huntington Avenue in North End sure brought back memories.

The house facing Huntington Avenue on the North East Corner of this intersection was the residence of Dr. Price and his family.
My late classmate of NNHS 1957, Adrienne Price, was his daughter. They maintained a lovely home in this neighborhood.
We lived two doors north, at the corner of Huntington Avenue and 54th Street when I was a Junior and Senior TYPHOON
and have fond memories of this fine neighborhood. A VIP Gate for the Newport News Shipyard was on 54th Street, and only
used on special occasions such the launching and christening of vessels. I understand most recently it was the gate used
by the Bush family when they came to the yard for that purpose.

- Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 10/30/06
Thanks, Joe!

WAY BACK THEN:

NOW:
1906 Friday, September 7, 2007, 12:05 PM
5600 Huntington Avenue - Residence of Mr. Walter A. Post 5600 Huntington Avenue
This PC came up on Ebay recently. I used the 1910 census and determined that the address is 5600 Huntington. It looked very familiar, so I was reasonably sure that it survives. Still, it could have been one of those with the porch missing or disastrous "improvements."

- Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 09/07/07
Thanks, Dave!

 The good news is that it is still there and in fairly good shape. Oh, there is some peeling paint and other geriatric problems, but nothing serious. In the 1906 image, you can see a structure in the rear (most likely a carriage house/garage) with two floors and a dome. It is still there, but there is only one floor and no dome. I am guessing a fire.

- Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 09/07/07
Thanks, Dave!


I lived two blocks up and around the corner from 5600 Huntington, at 315 58th Street. I remember that house, and some of the
other grand old ones on Huntington, many of which had carriage houses. I had been inside a couple of them because we
knew people who owned them, but not 5600. Our house was not small, but it was utterly dwarfed by those. It's a shame to think
of them torn down, or burned, or gone to ruin like once genteel old maiden aunts. I have not been back to Newport News
except once-- 1973?-- and from what I read in the newsletters it must be so different now.

(I hardly recognize the town here in NH where I went to college-- Keene --where Jumanji was filmed-- when I lived there it was
fewer than 1000 students at the college, and about 10,000 people in town; now it's about 24,000 in town, and 5000 or so at the
college, and the grand old houses on lower Main Street have been mostly replaced by college and commercial buildings,
and those on West Street by restaurants and strip malls.)

- Domi (Colleen Ann Domitilla O'Brien) ('64) of NH - 09/09/07
Thanks, Domi!
 
Webguruess,

Re:       Dave Spriggs' ('64) of Va. find of the post card depicting the house at 5600 Huntington Avenue. The esteemed Mickey Marcella
('54) Va. wrote an historical monograph about the North End about three years ago. My brother, Harry Covert ('57) N. Va., shared
his copy with me. It was a great read. Mickey's informative article chronicled that the house was originally the residence of Collis Potter Huntington, founder of N.N. Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; namesake for Huntington Park, etc. I recall the house passed through the families
of other shipyard presidents, including Homer L. Ferguson. Where is Mickey when we need him? Maybe he will share his writing here.

- Norm Covert ('61) of MD - 09/11/07
Thanks, Norm!
 
That was a very interesting postcard of the Walter Post Residence
on Huntington Avenue, posted by Dave Spriggs ('64 - of VA).
I really enjoy his contributions.

Here is another photo of the same house, taken in 1981.

- Elizabeth Lankes (HHS - '71) of VA - 09/11/07
Thanks, Elizabeth!
1981 - Image by Elizabeth Lankes (HHS - '71) of VA
5600 Huntington Avenue
 

Hello --

Well you know how serendipity works.......I'd been searching all night for a photo of our old house at 5600 Huntington Avenue, had about given up and finally found the website called "north end" that I'm not sure if you're responsible for(?) but in any case, would love to give some "correct" information to add to that site and also would like to say that I've sure enjoyed reminiscing for the last couple hours -- I know my bloodshot eyes are going to regret it tomorrow!!!!! ;)

If you have any info on how to contribute to these pages, please let me know!

Thanks,
- Marissa J. Burton, former NN resident ('67-'81)

Thanks so much, Marissa! It's very simple. Because I'm a control freak, the site is not interactive; you just send me a note
(nnhs65@gmail.com or nnhs65@yahoo.com) and I'll post any information you want! We're always happy to expand our archive.


 

WAY BACK THEN:

NOW:
1906 Sunday, November 23, 2003
5700 Huntington Avenue - Homer L. Ferguson Home 5700 Huntington Avenue
We all know that Homer Ferguson was instrumental
in establishing the Shipyard. I found in my book cabinet
a commemorative book published by the Shipyard.
Contained therein was (this) image.

- Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 11/23/03
Thanks, Dave!

 I tried to find some little kids with tricycles to stand
in the driveway, but, alas, could find none. 
Still, a very nice "Then & Now", doncha think??

BTW, did I mention that Homer was a graduate of USNA??

- Dave Spriggs (NNHS - '64, USNA -'69) of VA - 11/23/03
But of course!  Thanks, Dave!

The Homer L. Ferguson Home at 5700 Huntington Avenue was used as a dormitory for Apprentice School students
in the early eighties.  I gleaned this from the current owner of the house this past December, who came outside to see
who the guy staring at the house was. 
 
I'd flown up to Richmond for the funeral of my good friend Chuck Noe, whom some people on the website might know
as the guy who recruited NNHS great Bucky Keller ('58) for Virginia Tech.  Anyway, I had several hours to kill, so I parked
the car and walked along old Huntington Avenue and the side street, remembering when part of that house was used
as a private school.

My memory is a little foggy, but I think my mother wanted to go back to work, and would have needed to wait another year
'till I was in school to do it. But if I enrolled in the "5700 School", I might able to skip first grade and start at Stonewall Jackson
( and thanks, by the way, for those pictures.. ) in grade two.

I have lots of memories of that school: Rummaging through a box of musical instruments to "play in a band".. starting plants
in milk carton pots from seed, catching snowflakes on dark construction paper so we could see that no two snowflakes were
alike (only the quickest and brightest of our class nodded our heads and said "..sure.. I can see that ). But mostly I remembered how big the classrooms were, and was surprised to be standing outside the building and wondering how all of us fit into that sunroom in the back.

- Bill Black ('66) of GA - 01/13/04
Thanks, Bill!

WAY BACK THEN: THEN: NOW:
1920s 1950s Friday, November 14, 2003
Huntington Avenue at 60th Street
Courtesy of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 11/09/03
Thanks, Dave!		 Courtesy of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA -
09/06/04
Thanks, Dave!		 Image by Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA -
11/14/03
Thanks, Dave!


 

THEN:

NOW:
1947 2003
314-64th Street, Newport News, VA
Carol,
 
Attached are two photos, one in 1947 and one in 2003 of our house at 314-64th Street in the North End of Newport News.  64th Street was the last street in the city limits of Newport News before it consolidated with Warwick County.  The house was purchased by Calvary Baptist Church and was and, I think, still is the parsonage for the pastor.  The current pastor has been there since my dad left in 1960
. 
 I spent a great deal of time playing on the banks and beach of the James River which was just across what was then Huntington Avenue.  Much of the river has been filled in and my beach is a shipyard parking lot now.  As you can see the house has not changed much on the outside.  You will note in the old photo that there is a small tree on the left between the sidewalk and street - It is a BIG tree now.  You can't see it in the photos but there was a big sycamore tree on the right that is now gone.  The 3 big Poplar? trees that were in the left hand side yard in 1947 are gone in 2003, and if I remember correctly came down during a hurricane prior to 1960 but laid down towards the street and hit nothing. It may have been Hurricane Hazel but my memory is not good enough to be certain about that.
 
One little tidbit about the location is that if you dig down about a foot anywhere in the yard you find concrete under the ground. My dad discovered this when digging post holes for a fence around the back yard to keep me and my siblings in the yard when we were small.  I still have the heavy railroad "boxcar mover" bar that he used to break holes in the concrete and occasionally use it if I hit rock when digging that needs to be broken up.  A backbreaking job but it is easier with it than without.  We were told that there was a concrete anti-aircraft gun emplacement there during WWI but I cannot vouch for the validity of the story.
 
Thought that you might want these for the North End Neighborhood section of your website.

- Al Simms ('60) of VA - 02/04/07
Thanks, Al!

Carol,

I was mistaken about the current pastor being there since my dad left in 1960.  There was another in between Rev. Crane and my dad.  And my mother tells me that the house is no longer the parsonage.  Everything else in my email is correct.

- Al Simms ('60) of VA - 02/04/07
Thanks again, Al!

WAY BACK THEN: NOW: WAY BACK THEN: NOW:
   
  Friday, November 14, 2003    
Huntington Avenue at 69th Street    
Courtesy of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 11/13/03 and 11/14/03
Thanks, Dave!		    

 

WAY BACK THEN: NOW:
Perhaps this will stimulate some discussion among the more senior alumni.
If you look closely at this image, in the upper left corner you
will see the very familiar water tower.  But, look to the right
of the tower. Is that not a bridge over the RR tracks? 
By my calculations, it is at 58th Street.		 The same area today almost suggests that a bridge stood there.

Does anybody have a recollection of a bridge at that location?
Why and when was it removed?
  2007
- Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 10/18/07
Thanks, Dave! I'd ask you how on earth it is that you came to spot a teeny-tiny bridge in this huge image, and then were
able to pinpoint its location, and then find a corresponding present-day map, and THEN spot clear evidence
that, yes, indeed, there once was a bridge there, but I already know the answer to that riddle. You're magic!

"Anyone? Anyone?"

My best to Charlie Hilling (Class of 56), now enjoying retirement as I am.  He and his brothers were one of the North End families that I remember as we all hung out at the Rainbow on 50th Street and played in the Big Field at 48th Street and Virginia Avenue,
now Warwick Boulevard.  I sure would like to know the whereabouts of Freddie McDowell.  I wonder if Freddie can still shoot
his "set shot" like he did when he played basketball.  It sure was pretty to see those long shots.  I think Freddie was in the
Class of 55, if I am not mistaken although if might be Class of 56. 
THANKS, for the memories of North End. 

- Bobby Turpin ('58) of VA  - 08/06/04
Thanks, Bobby!



Someone asked about Freddie McDowell. He was in my class, 1956. I think he lives out west somewhere. I will try and
find out where. Also, Doug Brown was in my class and he hung out with the 50th street guys!!! Also, Charlie Hilling was
in my class, and I think he was in the North End group of guys.

- Nancy Bigger Alligood ('56) of VA - 08/08/04
Thanks, Nancy!

Bobby Turpin ('58) brings back one of my favorite memories of NNHS Basketball, when he described the wonder
"Set Shot" that only Freddie McDowell ('56) could shoot. It was a two hand push shot, just a few feet inside the half court
line. It was a thing of beauty. All net! When the boards would jam up for Horace Williams ('5?) or Slade Dunn ('56),
Coach Chambers would give Freddie the green light to shoot that beautiful shot. That was before the three point score,
but it was worth more than three points, because it would open the lane for the center or forwards to use the backboard.
If the opposing team considered Freddie's shot a "lucky basket" and continued to block the backboard, Freddie
would take the ball up the court, and as cool as if ice water were running through his veins, pop another one of those all
net swishes and make believers out of them. If I were a betting man, I would bet that Mickey Marcella ('54) can give
Bobby Turpin an update on Freddie (The Great Set Shot) McDowell.

- Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 08/08/04
Thanks, Joe!

THEN - The 1950 North End Basketball Team:
Freddie McDowell and I grew up in North End. He lived on 42nd Street and I lived at 4905 Virginia Avenue. We went to Jackson School together. I talked to Freddie about 2 years
ago and he was living in Boise, Idaho. Joe Madagan, Freddie could really shoot that set shot. Also they shot foul shots underhanded.

We also hung out at the P. D. and Rainbow Grill. The Anas family were the owners
who lived on 57th Street. They had 3 daughters and one was named Christine
(Anas Thomas - '60 - of TX).

I have really enjoyed the pictures of North End and WGH Radio.
Lots of memories. Thanks to the North End guys.

Nancy Bigger, Hello to you. Maybe Annette Domino knows how to reach Freddie.

Also, Bobby Turpin, thanks for the message. How is Willie doing?
1950 North End Basketball Team
From Left:  Harry Covert ('57), Freddie McDowell ('56),
Charlie Allen ('56), Bucky Lenhart ('56), Richard Crouch ('5?),
Cecil Miller ('56), Charlie Hilling ('56), and Jesse Kersey ('58)
- Courtesy of Charlie Hilling ('56) of FL - 08/10/04
OH, WOW!  How adorable!
Thanks so much, Charlie!

THEN - The 1953 North End Basketball Team:
Hi Carol,

We were so sorry to learn of Donnie Spencer's passing. 

Here is a old photo of our basketball team:
Back Row:  Donnie Spencer ('56), Charlie Allen ('56), Woody Hudson, George Spady, Merle Cobb ('56);
Front Row:  Charlie Hilling ('56), Freddie McDowell ('56), Doug Brown, Bucky Lenhart ('56)
1953 North End Basketball Team
- Courtesy of Charlie Hilling ('56) of FL - 04/20/09
OH, WOW!  What precious memories!
Thank you so much, Charlie!

THEN - The 1956 NNHS Virginia State Championship Basketball Team:
1956 Anchor, p. 86 1956 Anchor, p. 87 1956 Anchor, p. 88 1956 Anchor, p. 89 1956 Anchor, p. 90 1956 Anchor, p. 91
One fine day, these pages will be also included on the long-promised "Sports" link.
Meanwhile, they need to be shown here now for the sake of continuity and elucidation.

-  Carol Buckley Harty ('65) of NC - 08/11/04

I seem at last to have actually added a Basketball link shortly after writing this note.....

- Carol Buckley Harty ('65) of NC - 01/09/12

Theme from "All in the Family" courtesy of http://www3.sympatico.ca/rgoebel/kim/aiftheme.mid
at the suggestion of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 07/26/03
Thanks, Dave!

                  Victorian Gingerbread Trim gif courtesy of http://pub29.bravenet.com/resources/clipart/index.php?search=category&categ=12&cp=28

Animated Army Flag clip art courtesy of http://www.angelfire.com/ny4/KevsGifsGalore/Patriotic.html - 06/18/03

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