TLC - The Lexington Connection

TLC #107: January 21, 2008

Dear Hearts & Gentle People:

It was time for a new TLC anyway, but once again circumstances dictated the timing.

Her family has asked me to let you know that Harriett Ann Skelton '51 Hall passed away Sunday morning in Richmond, where she had lived for many years. The services are set for Friday (visitation at 10, followed by the funeral) and will be held in Richmond, with burial at Machpelah. If you would like to get in touch with the family or would like more details about the services, please feel free to contact me. Mary Kay will keep me posted about the arrangements. I know many of you were close to Harriett Ann, Mary Kay, Charlotte and Arch. I'll be glad to forward messages.

It has been very cold in the old hometown, and we've had our share of ice and snow this winter. Things have been quiet since the holidays. A few relocations have occurred downtown, and one major renovation is taking place. The Connor-Waggoner store building, which for many years was Kenton's Florals and Gifts, has been purchased by Brant & Michelle Neer. They have a real estate firm, Welcome Home Realty, and are making some restorations. It's always a treasure hunt when you work on a building downtown. Recently they uncovered a large sign that says "See Us For All Your Printing Needs." If any of you have memory or information about the history of the building, perhaps you can fill in the blanks. They believe the printing business was there shortly after the turn of the century (last century, that is), and some of us know it had to go back at least 60 years.

Our trusty webmaster is out of town, so there may not be anything new on the site....yet. We'll come up with something to entertain you, or make you homesick. If you run out of anything to do, you can always peruse the archives and read the first 106 issues of TLC. The new URL is http://www.TheLexingtonConnection.com

I've mentioned this before, but we have a monthly event here called Tall Tales & Short Stories of Lexington. The purpose is to preserve the social history of Lexington, so we concentrate on subjects that are not already well recorded. Some day a book may come out of this, but meanwhile we're having a lot of fun doing it.

It's an extremely casual get-together at our Mexican restaurant Las Carretas (formerly the home of The Brewery), and we meet for an hour on the third Thursday. This month's subject was "Great Athletes of Lexington." Bob Mitchell led the discussion, and he concentrated mainly on his years in coaching. There was so much interest we decided to do Part II next month (2/21) and feature the 40s, 50s and 60s. Please send suggestions and, if you can, be there to join in the fun.

The class of '58 has been having entirely too much fun planning their 50th reunion. And they have a great website, with many photos: http://www.gobigblue58.com

As for the mail, there weren't any long missives, but I am going to include little notes because it brings us all closer together. I do appreciate your thanks for TLC - it's a labor of love.

Ray '58 Parker:

I want to tell you how much I enjoy reading TLC. I'm a graduate of LHS, class of 1958. I've been getting a copy of TLC forwarded from my cousin, Valerie Wood-Hellyer, for some time. I would like to subscribe to TLC and become a regular member. I presently live in Excelsior Springs, and my mother still lives in Lexington so I get back home frequently.

John =9258 Cross:

Just a note to wish you and yours a merry Christmas and happy new year. Thanks for your tireless efforts to keep us distant and long-lost Lexingtonians informed.

Susan, thanks for the TLC. I'm printing it to read in the car as I'm about to leave for a week of silent retreat by Lake Michigan. Be sure that I'll have every one of the "dear hearts" with me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all the old friends still in the old home town.

You may have already seen it, but just in case. In the Kansas City Star "Star" Magazine section in this Sunday's paper (December 16) is an article written by our own Jim O'Malley. It is a fun read and more history about our dear Lexington.

It IS a fun read and interesting. It may still be on the Star website.

Earlene Hancock '57 Edwards:

Am still enjoying reading the newsletter. Keep them coming. I did make it as far as Kansas City, KS in September but did not get down to Lexington. My plans are to make it to Lexington this coming spring or summer, and I will be sure to call you. Hope you had a nice Holiday.

Roger Nolte:

Merry Xmas to you--would like you to know that the newsletter you have so faithfully edited and printed all these years has been a great asset to Lexington. It gets the news of Lexington all over the USA--and probably some other parts of the world. Betty and I both look forward to the "next" issue. I still get it--thanks to you--keeps me up on what is happening in the city of Lexington. Just want you to know how much I appreciate what you do for all your school mates.

Sharon Shurmantine '65 McGinness:

I would love to hear stories about Dr. Brasher. He was such an important part of my life for so long - from delivery until I moved away. I know lots of people in Lexington have stories about the old days of doctors making house calls. Do you think this would make an interesting topic for reminiscing?

Great idea! Send in those sentimental memories and funny experiences with Lexington doctors!

Here's wishing you all a 2008 filled with love and happiness!!!

Your devoted scribe,

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