2025.09.25 THROW BACK THURSDAY - MORE MEMORIES OF FAIR PARK AND SUMMER FUN PLUS CLASS NEWS

THROW BACK THURSDAY -  MORE MEMORIES OF FAIR PARK AND SUMMER FUN PLUS CLASS NEWS

Joe Crow sent some wonderful memories he has of Fair Park and suggested that I print them and ask each of you to let us know of

some of your experiences at Fair Park.   Send them in and I'll reprint next week.

Over The Jumps was so much fun. I remember it from when I was a little kid. I actually liked riding in the carriages better than on the horses. I loved the sound it made a creaking of the base as it gave an undulated along with the sound of wheels turning/squeaking/creaking. There was also a smell about the rides. I think it was a combination of dirt and oil they used along with the heat generated when the machines ran. Also Laughing Sally out front who never quit laughing. Ours was not the only laughing Sally. They were all over the country at carnivals. You can look them up on Google.

The Skating rink was just down to the right after the Dodgem cars. Funhouse was on the left side near the swimming pool. Ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl completed the rides and then there was miniature golf. Maybe I forgot one of them.

I think of Diane Perrier selling tickets at Fair Park/War Memorial pool, her husband lifeguarding and Jack Sanders and Linda Cooke working there as well. Season ticket was five dollars. I was a regular. Went off the 5 m platform every time I was there diving or jumping. Les Paul and Mary Ford always blaring from the speaker on the tower in the middle pool singing “How High the Moon”,  “Tennessee Waltz” or “Hummingbird”

Willie from the state hospital in his raincoat with baseball glove, hanging on the fence, oogling the girls and talking to everyone.

I think most of us look back on those times as happy, peaceful, and we didn’t really have any significant problems other than pimples and whether we were popular or had a date for the next weekend.

Joe

I spent almost every full day at Fair Park pool.  When I think of the pool I immediately think of Miss Grimmett!  She didn't put up with any monkey business.  You got in the shower or you didn't go in the pool.  Being there early in the morning was special.  It was almost like a magical place.  My Mother kept hoping I would learn to dive, but I never got over my fear of it.  I only jumped off the 5 meter one time and thought I was going to have a heart attack before I hit the water.  Then when I came up, there was Buddy Milligan, laughing and trying to push me under.  Now how in the world can I remember that 75 years later!!!!   I mostly remember all the cute life guards.  Oh what a thrill just seeing them sitting up on that bench.  Let's see - Jeff Wilson and Benny Wise are the two I remember easily.  And speaking of the boys, that reminds me of Mr. Scott.   We were all sure there was "something" going on between Ms. Grimmett and Mr. Scott -- "just what" we weren't exactly sure about, but it sure occupied a lot of our time.  And then we would slather on that baby oil with what was it we put in it?  Then we'd lay back in the sun and sizzle!!!  I've noticed the last few years I'm paying for some of those sunburns!!!!

ML

1956 CLASS NEWS

Robert Jennings Obituary

December 24, 1938 - August 26, 2025
Robert "Bob" Jennings, 86, of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on August 26, 2025, with his wife of 49 years, Karen, by his side.
Born December 24, 1938, in Clinton, Arkansas, Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Russian linguist and instructor at the Presidio. Following his service, he enjoyed a 32-year career in various roles with Southwestern Bell and SBC, where his work ethic and leadership left a lasting impression.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Otheal Jennings; his daughter, Toni (Sterling); and his brother, Tom. He is survived by his wife, Karen; children Bob Jr. (Melanie) and Zach (Megan); grandchildren Tara, Rachel, J.R., Nina, Joby, Harper, Kaya and Beckett; great-grandchildren Alexis, Trey, Elizabeth, Nathan, Matthew, Lauren, Tyler, Sage, Callum and Charlotte.
Bob and Karen shared a love of golf and enjoyed frequently playing together. He was a lifelong fan of baseball and its history and shared a passion for collecting cards and discussing daily boxscores with his son, Zach. He was a wonderful, and often colorful, storyteller. With his quick wit and caring soul, Bob made friends wherever he went.
Consistent with his wishes, the family had a private service. Should you wish to honor Bob's life, tributes can be directed to Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA).

REUNION NEWS

From today, we are almost exactly 7 months out from our 70th REUNION!!!  We will get together the last weekend

in April, 2026, which is April 23, 24 and 25.  Although this is the actual 70th Reunion of the Class of 1956, we are

inviting all members of classes that graduated in the 50's to come and have fun remembering all of our fun times

at Central  (for some it is just from "Little Rock High School"; yep, some of them are still around!)  LOL

We're hearing from the Classes of 1952, 1955, 1957 and 1958.  If your Class isn't listed here, get in touch with me!!!

Let's make this a really special event.  I know traveling is not as much fun as it used to be, but if you fly in, we'll

get you to the Embassy Suites Hotel in West Little Rock.  We're working on making that our headquarters for out-of-town 

classmates.  There will be one BIG event, a banquet on Saturday night, March 24, 2026, in the Ballroom of the Pleasant 

Valley Country Club.   For those of you living here, there will be valet parking so all you have to do is drive up to the front 

door of the Club and that's it!!!!   For out-of-towners, we'll get you to the Club and we'll also get together for dinner at a 

place in walking distance from the Hotel.  Same with breakfast that Sunday morning.   So start making your plans NOW!!!  

MARCH 23, 24, 25, 2026!

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Text to Fred. . .

Hi Fred, this is Alan next door.    I have a confession to make.   I've been riddled with guilt these past few months and have been trying 

to pluck up the courage to tell you to your face, but I am at least now telling you in text as I cannot live with myself a moment longer without 

you knowing.   The truth is I have been sharing your wife, day and night when you're not around.   In fact, probably more than you.

I haven't been getting it at home recently, but that's no excuse, I know.

The temptation was just too much.  I can no longer live with the guilt and I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies and forgive me.

It won't happen again.   Please suggest a fee for usage, and I'll pay you.

Regards, Alan. 

The Response …

Fred, feeling insulted and betrayed, grabbed his gun, and shot his neighbor dead.  He returned home where he poured himself a stiff drink and sat down on the sofa.
He took out his phone where he saw he had a second message from his neighbor. 

 
THE SECOND MESSAGE
 
Hi Fred,  This is Alan next door again.   Sorry about the typo on my last text.   I expect you figured it out anyway, and that you noticed
that darned Auto-Correct changed "wi-fi" to "wife."

Technology hey?

 Regards, Alan

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ENJOY THIS FALL WEATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ML