Thursday, October 26, 2006

Where did you live in high school?

Home on Hannah Avenue

My parents owned this home from 1951-1958, then moved to Lincoln Street until 1996 when they moved to the Pinecrest Apartments. However, it was the third house Dad bought in Mt. Morris that year. It was his habit to buy a home for his family sight unseen by my mother. I think she got tired of remodeling old clunkers, and said NO to the nice new home in the Carr Addition on the east side of town because she thought it was too small. So then he bought a new two story on the east end of Lincoln Street, but it was too small also. So he traded that home with DeKonings who lived in the lovely big old house on Hannah Avenue. It also had room for Dad's truck since it had a large barn/garage, a full basement, full attic, 4 bedrooms, and a den/office that doubled as a music room.

This was a great "kid" house. Within two blocks of us lived the Mayos, Bearmans, Stevens, Davies, Dohlens, Zumdahls, Priemers, Sweets, and Knowles, although not all at the same time. It had a tree in the front yard (not in photo) that was perfect for climbing, and I staked my horse in the back acre. Mom had a huge garden (although that wasn't so great for kids because we had to help) and for awhile we even had chickens (loose zoning). For slumber parties, I took over the living room and Dad's office/music room, and my sister Carol had hers (with Rabbit, Ole, Chickie, Mary Lynn and others whose names I've forgotten) in the attic which had a high pitch and windows on 3 sides. I could have the whole CBYF group (probably 20 kids or so) on the front porch. When Tina K. moved to Florida after our junior year, I had all the girls in the class of 57 in the living room for a good-bye party. Different groups used our barn for floats. I can't identify this one (there were 4 children in our family in high school in the 50s), don't think it was a class float, but perhaps an organization. If it wasn't built in our barn, I have no idea why I have the photo. Can you identify it?

6 comments:

Norma said...

You were a sophomore in fall 1953, Carol was a junior. So which was it? Her class or your class?

Norma said...

Thanks for clearing that up. I'll probably need a class of 1955 member to confirm this chicken was in our garage.

Anonymous said...

That was so long ago,the chicken,the egg(or the garage) I am surprised anyone remembers any of it..The senior float for 1957 WAS build in the Corbett garage. I was chairman of that float and Harold Hoff helped us ..he seemed to be everywhere that year! I am surprised Norma didn't do a piece on him...

Anonymous said...

That was so long ago,the chicken,the egg(or the garage) I am surprised anyone remembers any of it..The senior float for 1957 WAS build in the Corbett garage. I was chairman of that float and Harold Hoff helped us ..he seemed to be everywhere that year! I am surprised Norma didn't do a piece on him...

Anonymous said...

Norma, My name is Lori Mayo, my dad was Carl Mayo! I was reading about my Aunt Libby and found out that you must have known this family? There is so much that I dont know about my dad and his family. Sure would like to know more. My Uncle Johnny Mayo passed away the end of February! I miss him so much!!! Please email me anyone that knew this family

LoriLozanoKing@aol.com
I really look forward to hearing from you!! Thanks for all of your help!!

SharonR said...

Wow, my daughter sent me this, Carl Mayo was her dad, of course, I am her mom. The Zumdahls are my relatives, and I knew Libby, Lois and the whole family. I used to ride with Libby on bikes we she did her early morning paper route. I didnt graduate with the MMHS 1955 class, I had moved to Oregon. This sure is an interesting blog! Names I recognize for sure.