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Kay's Halloween Visit

Group getting together before Kay returns to her home in Concord, California. Standing left to right, Pat Stamm, Ina Lott Whittington, Vera Marshall Brown, Katherine Meyer Turcotte and myself, Marian Love Phillips. Kneeling, Kay Hess Simms and Myrtle Loviza Curro (Alvarado).

(These are also our sorority pictures. When Kay came to town she wanted to come to our PAK meeting so she could see everyone. Pat Stamm attended S.F.X.A. until she reached high school and then transferred over to a public high school as did Barbara Ables Kinnebrew who passed away on Monday, December 15, 2008)

George Brown and Vera Marshall Brown and Kay Hess Simms.

Sue McNamara Fowler, Katherine Meyer Turcotte and huband, Roy Turcotte.

Kay Hess Simms and husband, Jim of California.

Myrtle Loviza Curro (Alvarado), Ina Lott Whittington and Sue McNamara Fowler.

I'm not sure when these pictures were taken but it was around Halloween a few years ago when Kay Hess Simms and her husband, Jim, came to visit her classmates and friends here in Vicksburg. Kay and Jim live in California and try to make it to Vicksburg every other year. Here we are eating out at Jacques in The Park, at Battlefield Inn. Left to right, Barbara Ables Kinnebrew (deceased), myself, Marian Love Phillips, George Brown, Vera Marshall Brown's husband and Myrtle Loviza Curro (Alvarado).

October 1995 Get-together!

Lois Sullivan, Kay Hess Simms, Sue McNamara Fowler, Catherine Meyer Turcotte, Vera Marshall Brown, Myrtle Loviza Curro (Alvarado) and myself, Marian Love Phillips.

Lois Sullivan, Kay Hess Simms and Catherine Meyer Turcotte reminiscing of days gone by.

Sue McNamara, Ina Lott Whittington and Vera Marshall Brown looking at high school photos.

Myrtle Loviza Curro (Alvarado), Vera Marshall Brown, Kay Hess Simms and Catherine Meyer Turcotte at Vera's home.

Merry Christmas!

~Bob and Marian~

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50's Christmas Music

Click here to hear some 50's fabulous Christmas music! Enjoy!

A View from the Past

Most of the buildings in this photo of Crawford Street taken about 1948 by Robert McCord from the top floor of the downtown post office are no long standing. Starting on the left was the Merchants Bank, the Catholic Church rectory, St. Paul Catholic Church, First Baptist Church and the telephone building. In the background is the Colbert Hotel, better known as the Carroll and in later years as the Jefferson Davis. The photo was given by Marjorie McCord Strickland to the Old Court House Museum. (Taken from The Vicksburg Post)

Barbara Helen Ables Kinnebrew

Barbara Helen Ables Kinnebrew passed away on Monday, December 15, 2008, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson at the young age of 67. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 18,2008, at 2 p.m. at Glenwood Funeral Home. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 tonight, December 17, 2008, at the funeral home.

Barbara was born in Vicksburg to R. M. and Helen Ables on December 10, 1941. She attended St. Francis Xavier Academy until May 1955, then attended and graduated from Culkin Academy. On the court of Culkin's homecoming royalty, Barbara was crowned the beautiful homecoming queen of 1958. After graduation she achieved her beautician's license from Fondren Sisters Beauty School in 1961. She also studied nursing at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.

On August 24, 1961, Barbara then married Walter Lenard Kinnebrew of Vicksburg, she was awarded a football scholarship to "Ole Miss," the University of Mississippi. She lived on campus in Oxford while Walter played football. After Ole Miss and a transfer to Delta State, Barbara and Walter relocated back to Vicksburg, where she remained the rest of her life. After a divorce in 1995, Barbara went on to achieve Realtor awards, and she was a Multi-Million Dollar Producer for 12-plus years.

Barbara was a faithful servant and lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Vicksburg. She was an active member of Pi Alpha Kappa Sorority, Omega Chapter. Barbara touched many people's lives with a Bigger Than Life smile accompanied by laughter. Just like her dad, Barbara never met a stranger. She was so much fun and, with her, there was never a dull moment. Barbara loved life and loved her family, especially her three children and her to sisters and anyone associated with them. She had just started a new beginning with T. K. Grant, whom she called "a jewel," when she was diagnosed with liver disease.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Yvonne Kinnebrew Miles-Poyner and husband Scott of Prosper, Texas, and Jennifer Jenean Kinnebrew Dougherty and husband Neal of Clinton, her son Walter Lenard "Kenny" Kinnebrew Jr. of Baton Rouge, her grandchildren, Spenser Alexis Miles of Prosper, Alexander Neal Dougherty and Bradley Joseph Dougherty of Clinton, Kent Robert Kinnebrew of Baton Rouge, Shanna Nicole Kinnebrew of Monroe and Rose Marie Kinnebrew of Vicksburg, her sisters, Gertrude Ables Haden and husband J. B. and Jean Ables Kette and husband Charles both of Vicksburg.

Pallbearers will be Walter Lenard "Kenny" Kinnebrew Jr., Neal Dougherty, Scott Poyner, Mike Haden, Eddie Haden, Richard Kette, George Kette, Don Marcus, Gary Stavely and Clarence Cable Jr.

A View from the Past

This observation or winding tower as we called it, was located on Old Jackson Road in the National Military Park and was one of three such structures built to provide views of the landscape. One was on Confederate Avenue near All Saints' school and another was near Fort Nogales. The one shown here was near the Illinois Memorial. The towers, erected by the federal government, were made of concrete and steel and eventually were demolished because of deterioration and being deemed unsafe. The last one came down in the early 1960's. This photo was published by City News Company of Jackson and is from the postcard collection at the Old Court House Museum.

Memories: I remembered one time a bunch of us girls were out and someone dared us to steal a smudge pot and put it on the top of one of the winding towers...of course we had to do it!

Graduation Ceremony or What?

Picture of myself, Marian Love Boyd Phillips, taken in the S.F.X.A. Auditorium with classmates. Not sure if this was a graduation day or what. Sister Mary Assumpta has boxes in front of her and so do the S.A.H.S. boys. If anyone can remember what was going on here, leave a comment. I'm having a Senior moment and can't remember. Picture was taken in May 1959.

1959 Classmates

Not sure when this picture was taken but may have been in the early 80's. Left to right is Vera Marshall Brown, Sue McNamara Fowler, Margaret McCormick Tice (deceased), Ina Lott Whittington, Myrtle Loviza Alvarado and myself, Marian Love Phillips.

Double Surprise

Time: 6:00
Date: Nov. 24
Place: Betty Rose Setaro's
Characters: Seniors and Juniors


The scene is a comfortable living room half-filled with laughing, whispering girls. The mood seems to be an undertone of excitement.

Suddenly, the stage door is thrown open, and one of the principals glides in.

"Hi, Judy! Come right on in! Hurry, so we can hide and surprise Frances!"

"Oh, I know y'all are teasing me. This is my surprise birthday party too."

Stern astonishment appears on the faces of the others. "No, Judy, now get ready to surprise Frances."

The stage door is again thrown open, and the other heroine staggers in.

"Surprise!" Happy Birthday, Frances and Judy!"

The two main characters looks awfully pleased. The brunette proudly declares that she "knew all the time y'all were kiddin' me."

Everyone gathers in the center of the stage around a table. Gaily wrapped presents are brought in, and the heroines open them, with many exclamations of delight!
(Taken from the Maryon)

Snapshots from 1958 Class Reunion

Michael Joseph Hosemann giving a speech for his Class of 1958, S.A.H.S.

Glenda Betts LaGarde giving a speech for her Class of 1958, S.F.X.A.

George, Vera's husband taking a picture of Vera, unidentified lady and Shirley Farish.

Ina Lott Whittington and myself, Marian Love Phillips (Class of 1959)

Roy Turcotte (Class of 1959) and Katherine Meyer Turcotte (Class of 1959)

Something has really got Vera (Class of 1959) tickled and with her husband George.

Sue McNamara Fowler (Class of 1959)

Myself, Marian Love Phillips (Class of 1959) with Michael Joseph Hosemann (Class of 1958).

The Alumni Banquet was held in April 2008 at St. Michael's Parish Hall and the Class of 1958 was honored. Here are a few snapshots of the event.

A Little Corn for the Ball

(The Harvest Ball, that is....)

It was a late autumn afternoon in November, the 25th to be exact. I was standing in the cornfield soaking up the sunshine. It was on an ordinary day, peaceful and quiet. At least it was until a certain green and creme-colored Plymouth came down the road and stopped. Before I knew what was happening, a whole bunch of girls piled out and started pulling me and my fellow corn stalks up by our roots. Little did I know, as they threw the roots first through the windows, that this was to be the turning point in my life.

However, it didn't take long for me to realize the excitement in store for me and my buddies from the field. I'll never know how we survived that ride into town with all the dodging and rushing that we did!

By listening to the girls' conversation I gathered that we were to be used for some sort of dance. I thought to myself, Who in the world would want to dance with a clumsy stalk-like me? Why I'm still green behind the ears."

From closer observation, I learned the girls names. It seems that the high school was well represented having at least one girl from every grade. The seniors there were: Mary C., a dizzy blonde; Shirley H., the one who kept pulling on my ears, and Delia D., who had a death grip on the pile of us. The only junior there was Betty Mc., but she squirmed enough for ten people. Two sophomores, Kay S. and Joyce B. kept playing peek-a-boo over us and those two freshmen , Myrtle L. and Jackie M. were forever giggling at our shadows on the highway and poking me in the side.

Well, one thing's for sure, this has been the most exciting event I can remember happening since I was a little sprout. Here comes the unloading. Wham! Have no fear, that's only the sound of me and my friends hitting the ground. Yes, they had the nerve to throw us out the window.

I was so dazed from the blow that I didn't awaken until some time later. Only a mummie could have slept thought that noise! There was loud music coming from the front of the room. "Calling All Cows Down to the Barn, "were the only words I could hear. It made me feel right at home.

But I'm really not, though. Just look at this place! My fellow cornstalks are tied to post and there are funny little grapes, pumpkins, and trinkets hanging from strings over their heads. Well, I really haven't got any room to talk. They made me into a scarecrow. Across from me is another scarecrow, a boy setting in a wheelbarrow. Personally, I think these bales of hay are much more comfortable for reclining. I have the funniest feeling that I'm being stared at. It couldn't be the boys and girls. They're all dancing. Oh, now I see you. There is a big, fat yellow moon winking down on me. He seems to be enjoying the whole affair, so I think I'll be quiet and let you listen to the festivity.

"Bobby, I think that scarecrow looks just like you. Did you pose for it?"

"Alright, Kay, just because you're on a diet, you don't have to take it out on me. Ups, please don't hit me, Stewart! I apologize! (famous last words)

Saved by the special! Everyone is running around like they are crazy. Uh, Oh! Somebody collided!

"Oh, excuse me, Janice. I didn't see you."

"Ugly horse, Jacky. You were just trying to run away so you couldn't have to dance with me. But I like you though. I promise!"

Well, I hate to keep interrupting, but these folks sure do tickle me. They keep calling each other horses, but the look like ordinary humans to me, even if they do act kinda funny. I wonder what's the name of this place I'm in anyway. Oh, here's the intermission program. Maybe they'll tell me.

"Howdy friends and neighbors. This is your Grand Ole Oprey sponsored by your Purina dealer, Neal O'Neil Incorporated coming to you from the S.F.X.A. Cow Barn."

So that's where I am. I wonder if the S.F.X.A. means, "Sore Fit X-amined and Attended. Could be, the way those folk are wearing those great, big floppy boots. They look like something the cows drug in on their way down to the barn. It looks like everyone else thinks they're funny too, because they sure are laughing hard, especially when they cracked that advertisement about Norbert and syndicated, "Listen to the Goony Ard" to little Willy back at Cooke's Crossing.

What do you know, they finally got down to the eating part of the party. If I were a real girl instead of a scarecrow, I'd rack up on those cookies and drinks.

Look at all those pretty dresses! I feel slighted in my rags. Since I've been listening long enough to know their names, let me tell you what some of them are wearing.

Josephine Nohra looks just like a peasant girl in her black skirt printed with orange marigolds and her matching orange blouse and cumber bun.

There goes Janice Calcote whirling in her full, red, felt skirt and matching red plaid blouse. Her come Joy Canizaro cutting in. She looks cute as pie in her pumpkin-colored peasant blouse and her skirt of aqua with the multi-colored printed figures.

In fact, everyone looks as if they're having a great time, and so am I, but there goes the last dance. Well folks, this has been the first and will probably be the last time I'll go to a Harvest Ball. In spite of all the rough riding, I really have enjoyed this dance and I want to congratulate everyone who helped to make it the big success that it was.

There to the last of the couples; there go the lights; and here I go back to the cornfield. So long!

(Taken from the Maryon)

Sports Page

We have some good material for our basketball team this year. We also have a very fine coach too, Miss Joyce Jamison. The girls as you know are Delia Durst, Mary Campbell, Shirley Farish, Better Rose Setaro, Betty McIntyre, Mary Joy Canizaro, Katherine Meyer, Muralyn Totty, Marlene Wilson, Pasty Glass, Jackie Melsheimer, Myrtle Loviza and Theresa Martin. Our managers are Shirley Habeeb and Janice Jabour. Betty Mullins is the scorekeeper.

I know everyone is going to all the games so here is a schedule to help you out.

Date - - - - - - - - -- - -Team

Thurs., Dec. 1 - - - - - Edwards

Tues., Dec. 6 - - - - -- Culkin

Fri., Dec. 9 - - - - - - - Jett

Tues., Dec. 13 - - - - -Tallulah

Tues., Jan. 10- - - - - Edwards

Fri., Jan. 13- - - - - - Culkin

Tues., Jan 17 - - - - -Jett

Fri., Jan 20- - - - - - C.H.A. vs. S. A.C.

Sun., Jan 22- - - - - - Jackson

Thurs., Fri., and Sat.,

26, 27, 28- - - - - - - - County Tournament

Tues., Jan. 31- - - - - Port Gibson

Fri., Feb. 3- - - - - - - C.H.A. vs. S.A.C.

Tues., Feb. 7- - - - - - Port Gibson

Thurs., Fri., and Sat.,

9, 10, 11- - - - - - - - - Sub-regional Tournament

(Taken from the Maryon)

More Freshmen Frolics

Maggie says:

Now is the time of the year for Marie to grow taller...for Theresa, Sue and Margaret to start observing from the G.O.C. Post at LeTourneau's (local joke)... for Kay to learn to play the drums for Katherine to begin catching flies, 'specially mo-sketters and Patsy Glass to make the football team as you know who's replacement.

Did you know:

Myrtle's favorite food is Ballard's biscuits? (all she has to do is beat em up.)

A certain angel from the Freshmen class accidentally spilled water on the Flashes flashy tailback at the Spaghetti Dinner? (we are withholding the name to protect her.)

Certain Freshman angels were bad Halloween night?
(Taken from the Maryon)

PLACE THE FACE

The first two students turning in the name of this boy will receive a certificate for 5 cents worth of candy at the candy sale. Turn these names into Mary Bea and Delia before 3:15.

Place the face of this Senior boy,

Whose name you all should know.

When dancing to "Good Rocking Dad"

This Kat can really go.

He's tall and straight. He's active

In horseplay he's renowned.

In short he's just an alright guy,

Who's fun to be around.

(Taken from the Maryon)

Letter to Santa Claus from the Seniors

December 14, 1955

Mr. Santa Claus

North Pole Headquarters

Dear Santa:

I don't know if you remember us from the past years or not, but we have at last become seniors at S.F.X.A. and would like for you to help us in any way possible to secure the things that we would like to have for Christmas. We have all been good girls and would enjoy having the following items:

Shirley Habeeb, one of our car loving seniors, would like a red Thunderbird so she can take all her friends riding.

Mary Ann K., who has suddenly become interested in motorcycles, wants a pink and black speedy one so she can keep up with a certain boy.

Shirley Mullen says if you just bring her one big "Hershey" she'll be satisfied.

In our midst, Santa, we have Delia Durst, who would really like some extra money in her stocking to pay for these phone calls to Pennsylvania 6-5000.

Poor little Wanda Hampton has been waiting for a Teddy Bear for so long. We should just put "TED" for short. Try real hard Santa to bring one for her.

Jeanette Given says she has about everything she wants, but would you please bring her the pair of blue rosaries in Strauss-Stallings window. I'm sure she could use them.

Janice Jabour, our little "bop-bop" senior, would like some dresses to wear to the dances during the holidays. She would appreciate them very much.

I know you may think this is silly, but Mary Brunini wants a figure. She wants to be a rich-ch-ch-ch woman, so someone will marry her.

There is one senior who just can't seem to wait for her hair to grow so she can wear a pony tail. Santa, if you have an artificial pony tail would you please bring it to Jo Nohra.

One of our many basketball players, Mary Campbell, wants you to leave her a basketball goal in the backyard so she can practice during her spare time.

Santa, Sister Mary Assumpta, our class sponsor did not say what she wants, but we know she would like for you to bring her another senior class next year just as good as we are!

Well, bye for now, Santa, and don't forget the seniors of S.F.X.A.

Love,

Seniors of "56"

(Taken from the Maryon)

Homecoming

October 28 dawned fair and clear and ten little girls I could mention were happy and excited. But after dinner (a very light one, I might add) the clouds rolled back and heavy, and then the same ten little girls were said and prayerful. Because as you all remember that was the night of Homecoming and the ten little Sponsors wanted to make their appearance that night. That afternoon (when the skies had cleared) Mr. Ford came up to S.F.X.A. to show these girls what to do. Then the excitement mounted higher and higher.

Nearly all arrived bright and early (I did say nearly) to get their large gold mums and inspect all the pretty red cars!! Everyone looked so nice in their suits and hats, and especially Merry Christmas i her green velvet suit and her long red Thunderbird (Oh! excuse me I meant Mary Campbell, those colors confused me for a minute!!)

Well, on with the story. Our three Cheerleaders for the night, Beckey, Dooley, and Jo were presented with gold mums, and they certainly were surprised!!!

The Sponsors had a surprise too when their red Pontiac wouldn't start and half-time and they had to pile into the other two cars. But all turned out happy, even though that crack Shirley M. was sitting in was a little uncomfortable.,

At half-time the Sponsors were introduced and here they are:

QUEEN ~ ~ Mary Campbell

Senior~~~~Sponsor

Teddy Marshall~~~~~Betty Ann Smartt

Ray Terry~~~~~Shirley Habeeb

Jackie Wood~~~~Mary Campbell

William Cooke~~~~Delia Durst

Perry Hale~~~~Shirley Mullen

Jerry Cronin~~~~Judy Hale

John Hebler~~~~Kay Lavecchia

Joe Crevitt~~~~Frances Smith

Norbert Johnson~~~~Kay Stewart

Billy Gargaro~~~~Andrea Kelly

After the introductions, Mary was presented a large bouquet of mums, which she still has, pressed in a book (A VERY BIG BOOK)!!!

I would like to give a little recognition to Robert Wilkerson, who got Homecoming together, and who also drove the Queen's Thunderbird so carefully??!!

Also a little recognition for the DOORMAN in the car; I wonder how he rated such a ride??!!

As that is all for this year's Homecoming, I guess all I can say is "See you next year, about the same time and I know the same station!!!!"

(Taken from the Maryon)

Sextet

After several tryouts in Sister Cecelia's music room, the members of the Senior Sextet were announced. The lucky girls are as follows:

First sopranos - Delia Durst, Betty Mullins

Second sopranos - Shirley Mullen, Jeanette Given

Altos - Shirley Habeeb, Mary Bea Brunini

Keep up the good work, girls!! We want some wonderful performances from you.

(Taken from the Maryon)