Temple: A Quaint Country Town in Southern Oklahoma

Semi-Final: Shattuck 56, Temple 44

2011-11-27T12:08:00.000-06:00

Temple played Shattuck at Weatherford in semi-final game SatNov 26, 2011.

End of 1st quarter Temple 14 - Shattuck 8.

End of 2nd quarter Temple 20 - Shattuck 8.

End of 3rd quarter Temple 36 - Shattuck 24.

End of 4th quarter Temple 44 - Shattuck 56.

Temple scoring : 53 yd TD run, 80 yd TD run,40 yd TD run, 4yd TD run, 60 yd TD run, 61 yd TD run.

Temple was leading 44 to 32 with 7:33 left in 4th quarterwhen Shattuck took over and scored the

last 3 TD's to take the victory.

Tipton and Shattuck will play in the championshipgame. Temple beat Tipton 52 to 6 earlier in the season.

Go Temple!

2011-11-23T06:07:00.000-06:00

Temple will play Shattuck at SWOSU ( Weatherford ) SaturdayNovember 26, 1:00 pm

2nd Round Playoff: Temple 34, Timberlake 22

2011-11-19T12:43:00.000-06:00

Temple played Timberlake in second round playoff game atTemple 11/18/11.
End of first quarter Temple 0 - Timberlake 8.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 22 - Timberlake 22.
End of 3rd quarter Temple 28 - Timberlake 22.
End of 4th quarter Temple 34 - Timberlake 22.

Temple scoring: 4yd TD run, 64 yd TD run, 46 yd TDpass,11 yd TD run,3 yd TD run.

Temple will play Shattuck next week in semi-final game atnetural site and time to be determined later.

Previously undefeated DC-Lamont ( last years State Champand ranked no. 1 ) was knocked off by Tipton 13-12 and now Temple is the onlyunfeated team in Class "C".

Playoff Round One: Temple 54, Balko 8

2011-11-19T09:59:00.002-06:00

Temple played Balko in first round playoff game at Temple11/11/11.End of 1st quarter Temple 20 - Balko 0.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 40 - Balko 8.
Game was stopped with 5:59 left in 3rd quarter by mercyrule Temple 54- Balko 8.

Temple scoring; 60 yd TD run, 20 yd TD pass, 75 yd TDpass, 65 yd TD run, 71 yd TD run,60 yd TD pass, 90 yd TD kickoff return, 60yd TD pass interception return.

Next week Temple will play Timberlake at Temple.

Bill

Temple 66, Ryan 18: Temple Ends Season District Champs

2011-11-19T09:58:00.000-06:00

Temple played conference foe Ryan at Ryan Nov 4 ,2011.End of first quarter Temple 30 - Ryan 0.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 60 - Ryan 18.
Game stopped by mercy rule with 11:42 left in 3rd quarter.Temple 66 - Ryan 18.

Temple scoring:
36 yd TD run, 70 yd TD run, 53 yd TD run, 55yd TD pass interception return, 3 yd TD pass,
27 yd TD run, 2 yd TD run,62 yd TD run, 75 yd TD run.

At end of regular season Temple 9-0 overall, 8-0 districtplay, ( District champs)

Playoff begin next week with Temple hosting Balko at 7:30pmNov 11.

Season re-cap: Temple scored 506 points and gave up 64. Allgames stopped by mercy rule. Only 1 game went into 4th quarter and it was stopped with 11:04 left.

Bill

Homecoming Grand Marshal

2011-10-30T06:55:00.000-05:00

Dorothy KingCourtright, Grand Marshal for the 2011 Homecoming Parade in Temple. Wagon Driver KennyBachand.

Temple 46, Corn Bible 0

2011-10-29T08:46:00.000-05:00

Temple played conference foe Corn Bible Academy at TempleOct 28, 2011.
End of 1st quarter Temple 38 - Corn Bible 0.
End of 2nd quarter game over by mercy rule Temple 46 - CornBible 0.
Temple scores, 30 yd TD run, 15 yd TD run, 80 yd TD puntreturn, 82 yd TD punt return,50 yd Td pass, 76 yd TD pass.

Temple only team left unfeated in conference play. Next weekTemple will end regular season with game at Ryan.

Bill

Temple 52, Grandfield 0

2011-10-16T06:19:00.000-05:00

Temple played conference foe Grandfield at Temple Oct 13,2011.End of 1st quarter Temple 16 - Grandfield 0.
Game over at end of 2nd quarter by mercy rule. Temple 52- Grandfield 0.

Temple scores - 70 yd TD run, 2 yd TD run, 61 yd TD run,21 yd TD run,
15 yd TD run ,44 yd TD run, 51 yd TD run.

Next game will be Oct 28 at Temple against Corn Bible.

Temple 52, Tipton 6

2011-10-08T08:09:00.001-05:00

Temple played conference foe Tipton at Tipton Oct 7, 2011.
End of 1st quarter Temple 24 - Tipton 0.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 44 - Tipton 0
Game over with 8;23 left in 3rd quarter by mercy rule,Temple 52 - Tipton 6.
Temple scores ; 80 yd TD run, 12 yd TD run, 65 yd TD run, 1yd TD run, 79 yd TD run, 16 yd TD run, 64 yd TD run.
Temple is rated #4 in state and Tipton #7. Somewriters had Tipton picked to win. Either Tipton is
over rated or Temple is under rated because Tipton could notmove the ball or stop Temple.
Temple looked great on both offense and defense. No oneexpected a score like this.
Next week Temple will play Grandfield at Temple and it willbe an easy game.

Bill

Temple 60, Thackerville 6

2011-10-08T08:08:00.001-05:00

Temple played conference foe Thackerville at Temple Sept 30,2011.
End of 1st quarter Temple 38 - Thackerville 0.
Game over at end of 2nd quarter by mercy rule. Temple 60 -Thackerville 6.
Temple scoring; 47 yd TD run, 27 yd TD run, 54 yd TD run, 20yd TD pass, 50 yd TD run,
60 yd TD run 61 yd TD run 50 yd TD run.
Thackerville had no defense, Temple run a total of 15 playsand scored 8 TD's.
Next week Temple will play Tipton at Tipton and it will be areally tough game.

Bill

Tmeple 58, Cement 8

2011-09-25T07:56:00.000-05:00

Temple played conference foe Cement at Cement Sept 23, 2011

End of 1st quarter Temple 24 - Cement 0

End of 2nd quarter Temple 32 - Cement 0

Game over with 2:20 left in 3rd quarter by mercy rule Temple58 - Cement 8

Temple scoring: 65 yd TD punt return, 66 yd TD run, 5 yd TDrun, 5 yd TD run,

71 yd TD run, 70 yd TD pass interception return,44 yd TDrun, 17 yd TD run

Bill

Temple 48, Duke 0

2011-09-25T07:54:00.000-05:00

Temple played conference foe Duke at Temple Sept 16, 2011.

End of 1st quarter Temple 40 - Duke 0.

Game was over at half by mercy rule. Temple 48 - Duke 0.

Temple scores: 44 yd punt return for TD - 24 yd TD pass - 29yd TD run - 20 yd TD pass

20 yd TD run - 9 yd TD run.

2nd quarter played byTemple Subs.

Bill

Temple 50, Mountain Vew-Gotebo 0

2011-09-12T18:21:00.000-05:00

Temple played conference foe Mountain View-Gotebo at MVG Sept 9, 2011. End of 1st quarter Temple 16 - MVG 0.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 32 - MVG 0.
End of 3rd quarter Temple 44 - MVG 0.

Game was over with 11:04 left in 4th quarter by mercy rule. Temple 50 - MVG 0.

Temple scores: 23 yd TD pass, 32 yd TD run, 11 yd TD run,16 yd TD run, 1 yd TD run, 55 yd TD run and 12 yd TD run.

Bill

Temple Football: Temple 74, Alex 26

2011-09-12T18:19:00.000-05:00

Class "C" Temple played class "B" Alex at Alex Sept 2, 2011. End of 1st quarter Temple 30 - Alex 20.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 62 - Alex 26.
Game was over with 4:11 left in 3rd quarter by mercy rule. Temple 74 - Alex 26.

Highlights:
Temple scored on their 1st play with Aaron Holden 60 yd TD run.
Temple scored on their 2nd play with Nic Brown 85 yd TD run.
Other scores; 28 yd TD run, 65 yd TD run,13 yd TD pass, 53 yd TD pass 1 yd TD run,
2 yd TD run, 10 yd TD run and 59 yd TD run.

Bill

Temple Class of 1925 in 1925 and 1975

2011-06-19T08:14:00.000-05:00

Photographs of the Temple Class of 1925 in 1925 and 1975 from the Temple History Museum collection. Both photos were taken in front of the Tandy house.

Seated: Ruth Haney, Tim Maxwell, Ethel Smith, Dan Mccoy, Irene Bowers

Second Row: Homer Jones, Katy Page, Walter Graham, Delilah Worsham, Cal S. Malven, Snowie Spurlock, Jess Carty, Pauline Camp

Back: Mrs. Eleanor Graves (sponsor), Kermit Jones, Gladys Parks, Oplis Spurlock, Alda Burt Rankin, Jack Meeker, Cannie Spurlock, John Gower, Othello King, Edd Page, Grace Magee, Ray Gower, Lucille Collins.

Front: Walter Graham, Ruth Haney Jarrett, Cannie Spurlock Goodwin, Tim Maxwell, Dan McCoy, Lucille Collins Minnick.

Back: Eleanor Graves (sponsor), Gladys Parks Purvis, Oplis Spurlock, Jack Meeker, Othello King Hooker, John Gower, Edd Page, Grace McGee Jemison Thurman, Roy Gower.

1965 Temple Tigers Football

2011-06-12T10:25:00.001-05:00

The 1965 Tigers were undefeated, 10-0. This is one of many photos and artifacts displayed at the Temple History Museum. The Walters Class of 1969 had a reunion at Temple's Rockin' H restaurant on Saturday and then visited the museum.

Taylor the Tailor

2011-06-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

Robert J. Taylor in his tailor shop in Temple, Oklahoma, about 1915. Photo donated to the Temple History Museum by W.A. Yielding.

Temple's oldest Alumni member has passed away.

2011-06-05T05:00:00.002-05:00

John Gower passed away April 23rd at the age of 103 in Ponca City, Ok. John was the last surviving member of the 10 Gower children who grew up in the Temple community.

Barber Shop 1929

2011-06-04T14:46:00.000-05:00

A photo from the Temple History Museum shows the Barber Shop in Temple in 1929. Chair 1 barber Charlie McBride, customer Wendell Sparks; chair 2 barber ?, customer Lew Wit; chair 3 barber William L. Burton; chair 4 barber Osa Wilson.

The museum features artifacts, historical photographs, stories from its 1902 origins to boomtown days. It is open 1:30-5pm Saturdays, 205 S Commercial, Temple, Oklahoma, or by appointment. "Like" this on Facebook:

Temple's Majestic Theatre 1947/1948 Sinbad

2011-06-02T07:40:00.000-05:00

Here's a photo from the Temple Museum, which is open on weekends or by appointment. The Majestic Theatre in Temple about 1948: Norman Jean Reece puts down her dime to see "Sinbad the Sailor." L.D. Burns, the last owner of the Majestic, takes the dime from inside the ticket booth. J.R. Glasgow may be the other person in the booth.

Write to Joe Canary

2011-04-24T09:15:00.002-05:00

Here is a new address for Joe L. Canary, Jr. Joe was injured in Afghanistan. His father graduated from Temple. His grandfather was Superintendent here.

Joe L. Canary, Jr.

c/o Kim Spivia

Bldg. 3625, Room 129

3298 George Beach Ave.

Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234

Temple Museum Opens

2011-03-22T18:23:00.001-05:00

Oklahoma Sen. Don Barrington, state Rep. Dennis Johnson, other dignitaries and more than 60 other supporters of the museum participated in the opening of the Temple Museum on Saturday, March 19.

The opening was covered by KSWO-TV from Lawton, Okla. Oklahoma Historical Society Director of Research Bill Welge, who has provided support and advice throughout the creation of the musuem, also attended the opening as did Temple Chamber of Commerce Officers Tara Brown and Lana Driskell.

Museum Association President Harold Powell welcomed guests and gave a brief history of Temple and the museum. He said the idea for a museum began in 1978 when he purchased the blacksmith shop located behind the City Hall. He formed Temple Museum Association in 1999 and donated the blacksmith shop to the Association then we mailed out over 1000 copies of the proposal to the World Wide Temple Community. The plan was to cover the building to preserve it and include an office and display space.

Plans changed in 2005 when Jay Driskill donated the old cleaners building to the association. The museum association renovated the old building, which during the 1940’s contained a cleaners business and later served as a parakeet house, laundromat and storage facility for Jay’s antiques.

The Temple Museum Association has 179 founding members. It has spent $24,000, and benefited from many hours of donated labor and vehicle miles that went into fixing the facility. Mary Lou Powell Connelly, Nadine McClung Gibson, Bob and Gwen Waller, Wanda and Ken Haley donated funds for Bob Palmer’s murals which brighten the town. Harold says the murals gave the museum creditability.

Senator Don Barrington opened the red door into the museum. Attendees quickly became interested in the many photographs and the artifacts from the communities past. Some walked outside the back door to the blacksmith shop which has an interesting interior and waits funding for saving it for future generations.

Museum hours will be Saturday and Sundays 1:30 - 5:00 pm. Admission is $5. Museum Association members and students free.

Temple Museum Opens its Doors

2011-03-21T23:40:00.000-05:00

Here's a note from Annette Keeter. More from the opening coming soon....

The Temple Museum opened its doors on Saturday March, 19th.. What a great job Harold and Lois have done.. You really need to try to make the exhibit the next time you are passing through Temple.

There are pictures of the Temple we all remembered when we were growing up in the forties and fifties..

It is something that Temple can be proud of for the future generations.

Come on by sometime.

---Annette Keeter

Temple Museum Grand Opening

2011-02-25T16:20:00.000-06:00

Temple will celebrate the grand opening of the new Temple History Museum, Saturday, March 19, 1:30 pm. We are expecting a large turnout.

Museum hours will be: 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and by request. Admission $5.00: free to Association Members, students and volunteers (memberships $25. individual, $35. family). We need support for future operations. Harold Powell, Temple Museum Association,
P O Box 234, Temple, OK
73568

How to write to Joe Canary

2011-01-30T15:33:00.000-06:00

Renee Gower provided this information in case you would like to write to Joe Canary

Lance Corporal Joe Canary Jr.

National Naval Medical Center

8901 Rockville Pike

Bethesda, Md. 20889-5600

Severe US Marine injury with local ties

2011-01-29T06:02:00.000-06:00

Joe Canary Jr. is the son of Temple alumni Joe Canary, grandson of former Temple High School Supt. L.T.Canary and Lawanna Canary Spurlock of Temple. He is the nephew of Glenda and Steve Canary.

Joe Jr. is a 20 year old US Marine who has been stationed in Afganistan for a few months. Last Thurs. he was hit by a land mine and lost both legs below the knee. He also has damage to one hand. He will be arriving today, Jan. 25th, at the Bethesda Hospital in Maryland to begin the long healing and rehab process.

I am asking you to send this message out. This young Marine and his family need postive thoughts and prayers to deal with this tragedy.

Vickie

Temple History Museum Update

2010-12-11T11:29:00.000-06:00

Here's an update on the Temple History Museum sent to supporters:

Our dream of a museum to preserve the history of the Temple community is coming true thanks to support from the worldwide Temple community. The Temple History Museum will have an informal opening tonight (Dec. 11) when it is part of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Christmas Home Tour. A formal opening will come later.

I’m writing this letter to seek continued support from Temple residents and others who have an interest in preserving the history of Temple and its families. We need your financial support to operate, maintain and expand the museum collection, which will include a file for every family for which we have information. These files may be used by our descendents for generations to come.

About four years ago Jay Driskill donated the old cleaners building for the museum. Since then, we have spent $26,000 cash and hundreds of hours upgrading the building, installing eye-catching murals outside and displaying our current collection inside. Local response has been very positive.

We’re looking for your support to continue. No gift is too small or too large. There are several levels of memberships: Diamond $25,000; Platinum $10,000; Gold $3,000; Silver $1500; Bronze $500; Lifetime $250; Family $35; Individual $25.

Do you have stocks that are paying very little dividends and capital gains tax on selling would be high? You could create a charitable gift annuity with the Temple Museum Association, which might work to benefit both you and the museum for generations to come.

The Temple Museum Association is a tax code 501 (c)(3) entity, which means CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE. Please send contributions to the Temple Museum Association,

P. O. Box 234, Temple, OK

73568. Questions? Call 580-342-6930 or e-mail.

Sincerely,

Harold Powell

Look for 'Temple History Museum' page on Facebook

2010-12-11T09:39:00.000-06:00

The Temple History Museum has a page on Facebook. Click here to see it, or use this link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Temple-History-Museum/173508309332585#!/pages/Temple-History-Museum/173508309332585?v=wall

Fw: Bedlam countdown: No. 5 - 1958 | NewsOK Videos

2010-12-06T20:05:00.007-06:00

Shared by Vickie Nowlin
This is my friend Myrna, whose deceased husband played for OU. Harold, did you know him? You played for OU before him, I suppose. Jim (Lawrence?????) Myrna remarried and I have only recently found out her first husband played ball. Lawrence may not be his name.

This is from a note that I sent to my 2 Sons earlier. I am trying to share stories of my life with their Dad so they will have them to remember when I can no longer remember them...which may be any day now. :)
The Daily Oklahoman ran a series last week on Countdown to Bedlam.showing
the Top 10 Faves, over the years. In 5th place, in their estimation, but
#1, in mine, was the 1958 Game, Jim's Senior Season. We had been beaten
only by Texas, and only by one point. We were still smarting from that. We COULD NOT let A & M beat us.We OWNED the Big 7 and they were in the lowly
MVC.

The game stayed tied 0-0 through 3 quarters and everyone's nerves were on edge. All of the wives sat together in a special section and we always left the game a little early to get down in the end zone or exit, or wherever the
team headed, after the game. We sat there and sat there, and actually stayed too long. We finally left our seats and headed to the designated area for meetin' and greetin' our guys. It was still nuthin' to nuthin' and we had to push through a crowd that was on their feet, just to get to the ramp.

We were actually running around the outside of the stadium when we heard all sorts of celebratory sounds from inside the stadium.cannon.cheers.guns.you know the drill. We didn't know what had happened, but we knew that
something BIG had. Just as we got to the gate, the crowd started pouring out and Duane Moses, one of Jim's Sayre HS team mates saw me and ran over and picked me up and threw me up in the air.(I was teeny tiny then! :) ) and said we had won. Later, in what seemed like FOREVER, The Happy Sooners came out and there were Hugs all around. I soon learned that Jim had been a Hero, of sorts, opening the hole for Bobby Boyd to go through for the winning TD. Ah, Yes.those were the days!

Deer Creek 40, Temple 6

2010-11-21T06:24:00.000-06:00

LAMONT, Okla. (Friday, Nov 19, 2010) -- Temple played Deer Creek-Lamont in a second round state playoff game at Lamont.

End of 1st quarter Temple - 0 Deer Creek - 0.

End of 2nd quarter Temple - 6 Deer Creek - 6.

End of 3rd quarter Temple - 6 Deer Creek - 20.

End of 4th quarter Temple - 6 Deer Creek - 40.

Temple played good football the 1st half but run out of steam in the second half due to injuries to key

players plus a 5 hour bus ride. Temple ended the season with 9 wins and 2 loses.

Bill

Playoffs: Temple 22, Sharon Mutual 18

2010-11-13T05:08:00.000-06:00

TEMPLE, Okla. (Nov 12, 2010) -- Temple played host to Sharon-Mutual tonight in a 1st round playoff game.

End of 1st quarter Temple - 6 Sharon-Mutual - 0.

End of 2nd quarter Temple - 6 Sharon-Mutual - 18.

End of 3rd quarter Temple - 14 Sharon-Mutual - 18.

End of 4th quarter Temple - 22 Sharon-Mutual - 18

Temple advances to 2nd round game next week away from home, Probably with DC-Lamont.

Nic Brown scored on a 42 yd TD run and a 10 Yd TD pass.

Aaron Holden scored on a 1 yd TD run.

-Bill

Temple 46, Ryan 22

2010-11-06T05:49:00.000-05:00

TEMPLE, Okla. (Nov 5, 2010) -- Temple played district foe Ryan tonight at Temple.
End of 1st quarter Temple - 8 Ryan - 6.

End of 2nd quarter Temple - 22 Ryan - 22.

End of 3rd quarter Temple - 30 Ryan - 22.

End of 4th quarter Temple - 46 Ryan 22.

Temple played sloppy defense 1st half but 2nd half they played really good defense. In 8 man football to hold a GOOD team scoreless for a half is hard to do.

Temple ended the regular season 8-1 and with tonight's victory came in second in the district and next week will play 1st playoff game against Sharon-Mutual or Waynoka at Temple.

Now some unoffocial highlights:

Cody Littles 39 yd TD run, 41 yd TD pass.

Nic Brown 83 yd TD run, 19 yd TD pass,80 yd TD run, 33 yd TD run.

Bill

Temple 42, Corn Bible 22

2010-10-30T13:58:00.000-05:00

CORN, Okla (Oct 29,2010) -- Temple played Corn Bibe Acemedy tonight at Corn.

End of 1st quarter Temple - 0 Corn Bible - 0.

End of 2nd quarter Temple 16 Corn Bible 14.

End of 3rd quarter Temple - 28 Corn Bible - 22.

End of 4th quarter Temple - 42 Corn Bible 22.

Highlights: Aaron Holden 1 yard TD run, 62 yd TD run, 47 yd TD run.

Nic Brown 13 yd TD pass, 51 yd TD run.

Kyle Baze 28 yd TD pass.

This was a hard fought battle on both sides. At the end of 3rd quarter looked like either side could win.

Temple was able to score twice in 4th quarter, Temple had 2 stops near the goal line and overcame a rash

of penatlies to pull out a victory.

Next week Temple will play Ryan at Temple. This will be another tough game.

-- Bill

Temple 50, Grandfield 0

2010-10-15T04:32:00.000-05:00

GRANDFIELD, Okla. (Oct 14,2010) -- Temple played district foe Grandfield at Grandfield tonight.

End of 1st quarter Temple 30 - Grandfield 0.

End of 2nd quarter Temple 50 - Grandfield 0. End of game by "MERCY RULE".

Unofficial highlights.

Kyle Baze 15 yd TD pass.
Aaron Holden 45 yd TD run - 55 yd td interception - 5 yd TD run.
Nic Brown 65 yd TD run - 40 yd TD run.
Garret Thompson 1 yd TD run.

Temple had a game scheduled with Lawton Christian next week but Lawton Christian did not field a team this year. Next game will be with Corn Bible Academy Oct 29 at Corn Bible. This could be interesting.

Bill

Temple 6, Tipton 32

2010-10-09T08:53:00.000-05:00

TEMPLE, Okla. (Oct 8 ,2010) -- Temple played district foe Tipton tonight at Temple.

End of 1st quarter - Temple 0 - Tipton 6.
End of 2nd quarter - Temple 0 - Tipton 20.
End of 3rd quarter - Temple 6 - Tipton 20.
End of 4th quarter - Temple 6 - Tipton 32.

There was no doubt that Tipton was the best team. Temple could not run the ball or throw the ball. Next week Temple will play Grandfield at Grandfield on Thursday night, it should be an easy game.

Bill

Temple 46, Thackerville 0

2010-10-02T05:19:00.000-05:00

THACKERVILLE, Okla. (Friday Oct 1, 2010) --Temple played district foe Thackerville tonight at Thackerville.

End of 1st quarter Temple 24 - Thackerville 0.
Game over at 4:22 left in 2nd quarter by "MERCY RULE" Temple 46 - Thackerville 0.

Unofficial highlights:
Cody Littles 51 yd TD run, 24 yd TD run.
Nic Brown 16 yd TD run, 12 yd TD run, 44 yd TD run.
Kyle Baze 30 yd TD run.

Next week Temple will play Tipton at Temple. Then we will know what kind of team Temple has because Tipton will be tough.
--Bill

Temple 50, Cement 0

2010-09-25T04:53:00.002-05:00

Friday Sept 24, 2010 -- Temple played district foe Cement tonight at Temple.
End of 1st quarter Temple 22 - Cement 0.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 44 - Cement 0.
Game over with 11:44 left in 3rd quarter by "MERCY RULE". Temple 50 - Cement 0.

Unofficial highlights:

Nic Brown 14 yd TD run -20 yd TD pass- 85 yd KO return.
Aaron Holden 15 yd TD run-53 yd TD pass interception return.
Kyle Baze 62 yd TD pass.
Cody Littles 51 yd TD run.

Next week Temple plays Thackerville at Thackerville.

--Bill

Temple 50, Duke 0

2010-09-18T08:44:00.000-05:00

(Friday, Sept 17, 2010) -- Temple High School played district foe Duke at Duke tonight.

End of 1st quarter Temple 36 - Duke 0.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 50 -Duke 0. Game over account "MERCY RULE".

Temple scored four touchdowns in the first five plays.

Unofficial highlights

Aaron Holden 40 yd TD run - 20 yd TD run - 46 yd TD run.
Garrett Thompson 85 yd TD run - 52 yd TD pass.
Nic Brown 49 yd TD pass.
Kyle Baze 53 yd TD pass.

Next week Temple plays Cement at Temple.

Bill

Pictures Worth 103 Years

2010-09-13T22:26:00.002-05:00

John Gower's nieces shared photos from his 103rd birthday celebration.

Four generations of Gowers: John's daughter-in-law Camilia; John; Camilia's daughter Clarke and her 11-month-old daughter Leila.

John Gower

Oldest Alum Celebrates 103 Years: John Gower

2010-09-12T05:46:00.000-05:00

I received this from Renee, Thad Gower's daugther and niece of John Gower:

Temple Alumni's oldest dues paying member John Gower celebrated his 103rd birthday on Friday, Sept. 9, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. John has outlived all of his immediate family: brothers, Ray, Glen, and Thad; six sisters, Neva Mae Bowers, Irene Gower, Lillian Goodwin, Billie Worsham, Marie Murrell, and Rita Cox; his 2 children, and his wife who was 104 when she died a couple of years ago. John's mind remains alert but his eyes are failing. He recently moved to an assisted living center in Ponca City. where a celebration was held in his honor.

Homecoming Dedicated to Christy Lewis

2010-09-11T11:09:00.001-05:00

Christy Lewis

The Temple Homecoming parade and halftime at Friday's football game were dedicted to Christy Lewis, a Temple teacher of 25 years who died July 13 at the age of 50. Christy's daughter, Lindsey Lewis Calhoun, led the parade in a convertible driven by Lindsey's father Kyle, and she was in half time ceremony.

Temple 68, Mountain View/Gotebo 22

2010-09-11T05:42:00.000-05:00

Temple, Okla. (Friday Sept 10, 2010)-- Temple High School played District foe Mountain View/Gotebo at Temple.

End of 1st quarter Temple 36 - Mt View/Gotebo 6
End of 2nd quarter Temple 50 - Mt View/ Gotebo 14.
Game over at 1:55 left in 3rd quarter by "Mercy rule". Temple 68 -Mt View /Gotebo 22.

Highlights (unofficial)
Kyle Baze 30 yd TD pass-
23 yd TD pass-
20 yd td pass interception.

Aaron Holden 4 yd TD run-
40 yd TD run-
60 yd TD pass interception-
80 yd KO return.
Nick Brown 26 yd TD run.
Cody Littles 44 yd TD run-
26 yd TD run.

Bill

Tigers Season Opener: Temple 60, Alex 30

2010-09-06T12:15:00.000-05:00

Friday Sept 3, 2010. THS kicked off 2010 football season tonight.
Class "C" Temple played class "B" Alex at Temple tonight. First half looked like either team could win but in the second half Temple pulled away for it's first victory of the season.

End of 1st Quarter Alex 16 - Temple 14.
End of 2nd quarter Alex 24 - Temple 30.
End of 3rd quarter Alex 24 - Temple 52.
End of 4th quarter Alex 30 - Temple 60.

Bill Ille

A Temple Tiger Football Legend by Jerry Fetters

2010-09-02T17:15:00.000-05:00

Temple Tiger football season is upon us again. This is a football legend about a powerful Temple Tiger kicker during the 1953 season. At that time Temple was able to have both varsity and junior varsity football teams. It was too long ago for me to recall how the splits were made officially but even in hindsight it is clear that the better more experienced players were on the varsity and we others made up the junior varsity. We JV players didn’t get much playing time on the Friday night games so we had a few games scheduled for Thursday nights. One such game was against Frederick JV. It was a cold and windy night. The JV players were taken to Frederick on one of the school buses. Our head coach J.D. Lynch also went along to coach the JV team even though he had a varsity game the next night.

Being responsible high school students we were lectured on being sure that we took all of our equipment with us. We arrived in Frederick and changed from our street clothes to our Temple football uniforms and shoes. At least those of us who took all of complete uniforms changed into them. We went onto the field and prepared to kick off. Our kicker goes onto the field with one street shoe on his right foot and barefoot on his left foot. He kicks off and does reasonable well for such an equipment deprived football player. He smilingly trots off the field, Coach Lynch then calls Bobby Graybill aside and as Bobby tells the story, “really ate his rear about where were his shoes.” Bobby confessed that he had forgotten his football shoes and in the tension filled confusion he had also lost one of his street shoes. Coach Lynch told him to go to the bench and set for the rest of the game.

Bobby says, "It was so cold and I had nothing else to lose so after the half I just left the field and went to the bus where it had to be warmer." Being such a critical player, Coach Lynch never noticed his absence. Bobby got on the cold bus and decided to start the bus and turn on the heater. The heater was not very powerful but better than being outside. The cheerleaders saw Bobby on the bus and the bus running and they all drifted towards the bus one at a time. Bobby said he was in “hog heaven” being on the bus with all the cheerleaders. All of a sudden he looked at the gas gauge and it showed under a quarter tank. Bobby quickly shuts off the engine. After the game the team loaded onto the bus to head back to Temple. As we were starting out of town the driver noticed the gas gauge. Guess what?? No stations were open after 9:00PM. Bobby was in big trouble with both Coach Lynch and the bus driver. One hour later the bus driver had called a service station owner who reluctantly came and provided gas to the departing Temple Tigers and their former kicker. After that game, it was mutually decided between Bobby and Coach Lynch that Bobby would no longer participate in football. Thus the University of Oklahoma and probably some NFL pro team were eventually deprived of his prowess as a kicker.

Letter from the REAL Temple Alumni Association

2010-07-19T17:29:00.000-05:00

Here's a letter from Richard Glenn, the president of the REAL Temple alumni association. Richard was concerned his letter, sent to members of the alumni association, would be confused with a scam circulated by email.

Here's the real letter:

July 15, 2010

Dear Temple Alumni:

We are writing to let you know about a problem the Temple Alumni Association will be facing in the very near future. The Alumni base is shrinking every year. The graduating classes are much smaller than in the past, and the membership in the Alumni Association is rapidly declining as there are less than 500 members in the ranks. Consequently, donations are lower also.

As you know, the association awards two $1000.00 scholarships to deserving seniors each year. We also try to help purchase a “big ticket” item every two years or so for the school. Without the help of the Alumni Association, Temple schools could not afford items such as new stage curtains, sound and video system for the auditorium, and other improvements. Money is becoming very tight for the scholarships and for the 2011 reunion. The Alumni officers met recently and determined that we are being forced to increase dues to $10.00 for each biennium. This increase will help insure that we can continue to have our reunions, award our scholarships, and help our school. However, these dues will not start arriving until the Fall of 2011.

We will gratefully accept any donations you might feel led to send to the association to help us get through this tough time. Your generosity is appreciated more than you could ever know. Many of you have gone “over and above” through the years and your involvement and assistance has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing everyone in 2011.

Sincerely,

Richard Glenn, President
Temple Alumni Association
P. O. Box 298
Temple, Oklahoma 73568

Beware of Questionable Alumni E-mail/Website

2010-07-16T17:15:00.009-05:00

Some Temple alums have received an email that appears to be trying to trick people into paying money to join a website with no real connection to Temple alumni. We don't know of any Temple connection to this site; if you receive the email, don't follow the link, and don't submit a payment. If you know of a real Temple connection, let us know. Otherwise, be wary. Temple is not alone. There are many complaints about this site online from alumni from schools across the country.

Here's a sample of the questionable email:

From: "Temple Alumni"
To: xxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 1:26 AM
Subject: Temple Alumni Site
Greetings Alumni,
One more chance before the Temple Alumni site goes to an annual fee. Hurry and become a lifetime member now while it is still a one time $10.00 fee.
Use this link to become an upgraded lifetime member:
https://www. alumniclass. com/templehighschool /login-spr?uri=/templehighschool /members/activate
Thanks for your support!
Regards, Randy
Alumni Webmaster

If you receive an email like the one above, please ignore it.
-Harold Powell

Temple Museum Association

2010-07-05T09:58:00.000-05:00

We set up an online store to support the Temple Museum Association. You can purchase merchandise that includes pictures of the new murals on the front of the museum building. A small amount of anything purchased through this link will support the museum.

Elmer Graham Dies at 94

2010-06-20T13:06:00.000-05:00

The Wichita Falls Times Record News says Elmer Graham died on Tuesday.

Signs of Summer in Cotton County

2010-06-15T15:14:00.011-05:00

We’ve had a lot of irons in the fire and no time to blog. Trying to do better. Thanks to those who have written that they missed us.

Cotton County has turned hot and dry. Combiners are loading up and pulling out. The cows have gathered in the ponds and under the shade trees.

Is said that the wheat crop came up short of bushels and low in quality and market. Graze out used about half of the acreage and appears to have done much better than grain.

Clarence Vache baled his wheat instead of harvesting it for grain or grazing.

Murals Flank Entrance to Temple Museum

2010-06-14T15:12:00.002-05:00

Bob Palmer of University of Central Oklahoma and his assistant Lisa outline figures in one of two murals commissioned for the Temple Museum.

Lisa ads details a mural depicting the construction of the First State Bank building in 1905.

Harold Powell and artist Bob Palmer pose in front of one of the finished murals depicting cotton pickers in 1916 with the cotton gin, which would later become the Bone Gin, in the background. Mary Lou Powell Connelly, Bob Waller and The Ken Haleys donated the funds for the murals, which are a bright spot on Temple’s Commercial Street.

The next steps for completion of the museum are attic insulation and displays.

Harold Powell

Hoot Gibson's funeral moved to Feb. 2

2010-01-29T17:27:00.000-06:00

Due to extreme winter weather conditions, funeral services for Charlie “Hoot” Gibson have been changed to Tuesday, February 2nd at 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Temple.

Hoot Gibson

2010-01-27T17:33:00.000-06:00

Charles “Hoot” Gibson, Temple Class of 1952 has died. Services will be at The First Methodist Church, Temple at 1:30, Saturday, January 30th, 2010.

--Harold Powell

Home Towns

2010-01-20T04:29:00.000-06:00

Jayne Anne Phillips wrote a short story about her hometown in the January 10 edition of Smithsonian magazine. Her closing words hit the nail on the head about home towns: “Towns change; they grow or diminish, but home towns remain as we left them. Later, they appear, brilliant with sounds and smells, intense suspended images moving. We close our eyes and make them real.”
--Harold Powell

Memories from the Class of '44

2009-12-20T13:45:00.000-06:00

Got this email from a Temple alum from the Class of '44.
Mr. Powell:

I'm glad this year's Temple reunion was a great success. I am 81, graduated at Temple High in 1944 and wish I'd made it to the reunion. Our Class of '44 had small reunions on even-numbered years until we dwindled down to a very few, at least of those near enough to this area to attend the get-togethers.

My husband (who was from Spavinaw in NE Oklahoma) was ill the last fourteen years of his life after several CVA's, so was unable to participate in sizeable groups or events of any length. I sort of lost contact with many.

Glad you had a good time and hope to make the next reunion. I visit my sister, Betty, in Temple Manor Nursing Home. She likes to go out for lunch and for rides in the car. I look forward to lunch at the new restaurant in Temple on Tuesday, weather permitting.

I enjoy your E-mail messages.

Thank you,
Billie (Frances Brown) Campbell

Temple Alumni Reunion – November 28, 2009

2009-12-12T14:59:00.000-06:00

I am elated about last weeks Temple School Alumni Reunion. Maybe that is because of my 75 years. Maybe it is because I had few responsibilities for this one.

Tried to meet and visit with all 230 present.

The agenda for the day was the usual three hours of visitation in the old school rooms and halls, program in the auditorium, and dinner at the cafeteria. Then we had a reception for classmates of 1951, 1952, 1953 at our Carothers house across the oval from the school.

Present were Ted and Sharon Newsom, J. R. & Marie Glasgow, Mary Jane Parkey, Jean Lowery, Willie Richardson, Webb and Mary Lou Connelly, Alex Seward, Vernie and Sue Henderson, Joe Knox, Pat Satepeahtaw, Clovis Kindred, Virgil King and daughter Dianne Harrison, Coy Richardson, Vonden Richardson, Bill and Merlene Bean, Dean and Florene Henderson, Marilyn Jenkins, Katy Nowlin Green, J. W. and Sue Thompson, Doug Henderson, Bill Hooper, Norris and Vickie Nowlin, Lewis and Ann Burton, Nat Holman and Harold and Lois Powell.

Many reminiscent tales came up. Much comradery and some punch were served. Thanks to all there. Regrets for those not there.
About 8:30 we disbanded. Some went to the Alumni Dance at Walters.
We had the Temple Museum building open 9 to 12 the morning of Temple Alumni Reunion. The dozen alumni that dropped in seemed pleased with the prospects. We will need more support to insure operations.

You and your descendents will be proud of the Museum. Contribution to the Temple Museum Association is tax deductible per IRS Code 501 (c)(3). Note that if you donate appreciated property you will not have to pay tax on the appreciated value nor will the Association.

Harold Powell

Another Version of Fight Song

2009-11-29T09:52:00.001-06:00

Hi, Gerald and other Fellow Tigers

Maybe we'll get that song all put together!
I keep remembering fragments--it seems one part was

Beer, beer, for old Temple High
Bring on the whiskey, bring on the rye
-------
Don't let a sober creature in

While our loyal sons are marching
Down to the bar for more

Isn't this fun?

Thanks
Billie Frances (Brown) Campbell

Karan Rae Johnson Lewis, 1938-2009

2009-11-28T05:42:00.000-06:00

Karan Rae Johnson Lewis, Temple High Class of 1956, died early Friday morning, November 27, at her home near Hastings. A memorial service will be scheduled early next week at the Methodist Church in Temple. Karan is survived by her husband Tab and sons Kyle and Break Lewis. Karen was 71.

Another Version --Fight Song Lyrics

2009-11-22T09:33:00.000-06:00

Frances Brown Campbell sent this comment a couple of weeks ago:

"We never stagger
We never fall
,,,,,,,,,,,,
While our Loyal Tigers
Are marching on to victory!"

Victory after victory!
Great going, Tigers.

(wish I could remember the rest of the words which we sang back in the '40s)
Billie -- Frances Brown Campbell (Temple Class of 1944)

We never stagger,
We never fall,
We sober up on Club 7
Home made alcohol.

--Gerald Jerry Bowles (Temple Class of 1952)

Here is what I remember:

We never stagger
We never fall
We sober up on wood alcohol
Send some freshman out for gin
Don’t let a sober teacher in

--Harold Powell (Class of 1952)

Never Stagger....

2009-11-20T07:59:00.000-06:00

The song goes something like this.

We never stagger,
We never fall,
We sober up on Club 7
Home made alcohol.

Enjoy the updates on the football team.
The names of some of the players that make
great plays and some stats would be interesting.

Thanks,

Gerald Jerry Bowles

Cotton County Farm Boys

2009-11-19T19:44:00.002-06:00

“Beef” magazine reported that the value of all cattle sold in Cotton County Oklahoma in 2007 was $46,411,000 on 338 farms.

For the information of all those former Cotton County farm boys who have wondered if they should have stayed on the farm: I returned to the farm and once figured that I annually raised wheat and beef sufficient to feed 4000 people for a year. I would be pleased to have $10 from each person fed. Over 30 years I never made that much. Did receive lots of exercise, fresh air, sunshine, wide open spaces and pleasant association with good people.

Harold Powell

From the Class of '52

2009-11-16T04:08:00.001-06:00

Called Raymond Elis (Toddy) Nail last week. He is a 1952 classmate. Says he probably will not attend the Temple Alumni Reunion 28 November. Too much going on at home.

Seems Raymond has lived an interesting and productive life since Temple High. Served four years in the Marines. Retired a Los Angeles policeman. After LA he lived in Provo, Utah for ten years where he raised and trained Arabian horses before the move to Texas. He’s been married to the same woman for fifty years. He is active in a singing group that entertains all around. He sang, played guitar and entertained publicly for ten years. He keeps busy now.

I asked if George Neaderhiser getting us (Toddy, Joe Knox, Vonden Richardson and me) to sing as a quartet at Temple Hi influenced his later musical activities. He said maybe so.

I asked him if his being an Oklahoma State Champion high jumper influenced his life. He replied maybe so.

I suggested he write the interesting story of his life. He said he never considered writing. He, like the rest of us, should write our story. We each have a unique history.

Harold Powell

More thanks for Temple football notes

2009-11-15T05:18:00.001-06:00

Thanks for doing this. It's been great keeping up with our Tigers! Thanks again! ;)
-Teresa Nunn

Thanks for the game coverage

2009-11-15T05:13:00.001-06:00

Another thank you from t_emken:
I would like to say thank you for the scores of the game Though i don't live in Temple, I try to keep up with things.

We Never Stagger

2009-11-15T05:11:00.001-06:00

Frances Brown Campbell sent this comment a couple of weeks ago:
"We never stagger
We never fall
,,,,,,,,,,,,
While our Loyal Tigers
Are marching on to victory!"

Victory after victory!
Great going, Tigers.

(wish I could remember the rest of the words which we sang back in the '40s)
Thanks Billie
-- Frances Brown Campbell

Waynoka 48, Temple 14

2009-11-14T18:33:00.001-06:00

Friday 13th was a bad night for the Temple Tigers.
Temple played Waynoka at Temple in a First round playoff game.

End of 1st quarter Temple 8 - Waynoka 14.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 14 - Waynoka 28.
End of 3rd quarter Temple 14 - Waynoka 34.
End 0f 4th quarter Temple 14 - Waynoka 48.

Temple ended the season 9 and 2. Last year Temple ended the regular season 6 and 4 with 3 of the loses by the 45 point rule and ended the season with a loss in the semi-final playoff game. Strange year.

Bill

Temple 42, Corn Bible 0

2009-11-07T05:44:00.003-06:00

Temple played conference foe Corn Bible Friday, Nov. 6, at Temple.

End of 1st quarter Temple 6 - Corn bible 0.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 12 - Corn bible 0.
End of 3rd quarter Temple 36 - Corn Bible 0.
End of 4th quarter Temple 42 - Corn Bible 0.

The regular season is over and Temple went undefeated in District C-2. The State playoffs start next week and Temple will play either Forgan or Waynoka of Distract C-1 in Temple.

Bill

Temple 56, Grandfield 0

2009-10-31T05:01:00.000-05:00

Temple played conference foe Grandfield Oct 30, and it was BAD. Game time was 7:30 and the officials did not get there until 8:45, they went to the wrong town.

End of 1st quarter Temple 36 - Grandfield 0.
Game was called at end of 2nd quarter account MERCY rule.
Temple 56 - Grandfield 0.

Temple will play Corn Bible at Corn Bible next week.

Bill

Temple 48, Duke 0

2009-10-24T06:22:00.001-05:00

Temple played conference foe Duke at Temple Friday, October 23.

End of 1st quarter Temple 12 - Duke 0
End of 2nd quarter Temple 20 - Duke 0
Game ended by mercy rule with 2:10 left in 3rd quarter Temple 48 - Duke 0 Next week

Temple will play Grandfield at Grandfield, should be easy game. Grandfield has not won a game this year.

Bill

Reunion: Temple Classes 1957, 1958

2009-10-16T17:37:00.014-05:00

Here are pictures from Roger Norman:

Temple 50, Thackerville 30

2009-10-16T17:34:00.000-05:00

Temple played conference foe Thackerville at Thackerville on Thursday, October 15, 2009.

End of first quarter Temple 14 - Thackerville 0.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 34 - Thackerville 8.
End of 3rd quarter Temple 36 - Thackerville 22.
End of 4th quarter Temple 50 - Thackerville 30.

Early in 4th quarter Temple 36 - Thackerville 30 but then Temple got untracked and put them away.

Next Friday is homecoming and Temple will play Duke and it should be an easy win.

Bill

Temple Alumni Reunion- 2009

2009-10-11T04:55:00.001-05:00

The biennial Tiger reunion happens Saturday November 28, 2009. Alumni President, Richard Glenn says the day’s activities will be much like past reunions. The school will open at 1:00 p.m. Visiting and walking the hall will continue until about 4:00 p.m.

During the visitation the Class of 1949 will meet in a room at the school to celebrate their 60th reunion. Hosts for that class will be Bobby Atchavit and Merlene Rylant Bean. They are looking for addresses for classmates Duane Brown and Connie Goodwin.

The assembly will begin at 4 p.m. in the Auditorium. Richard says that according to Roger Norman the fifty year classes of 1958 and 1959 will entertain during the program. This could be a revelation well worth the trip. After the program dinner will be served at the School Cafeteria.

After the dinner 1951, 1952, 1953 classes and their relatives and friends are invited to a reception at the Carothers–Lemoine–Powell house located across the oval East of the Temple School. Hosts 1951 – Lois Powell, Nadine McClung Gibson, Clovis Crow Kindred, Buddy Jo Hooper; 1952 – Harold Powell, Mary Jane Reece Parkey, Vernie Henderson J. W. Thompson, Willie Henson Richardson, Alex Seward, Charles “Hoot” Gibson; l953 – Mary Lou Powell Connelly, Bobby Waller.

Also meeting after the dinner will be the Classes of 1975, 1976 and 1977 which will meet at the Walters Golf Club House. Hosts for this will be Lana Driskill Spake, Leta Ginn Coates, Melody Bowers Robinson, Pam Long Hooper.

At 8:00-12:00 p.m. the Alumni dance will take place at the Cotton County Expo Center behind the Rodeo Grounds in Walters. Music will be provided by Penni Lawrence Band which plays country and “newer stuff”. Word is that this is a seasoned band recently playing at Lubbock, Texas. Penni is a Comanche, OK native.

Only alumni who paid dues in 2005 or 2007 will receive the Alumni Association reunion letter. If you do not receive a letter but want to attend or receive letter in 2011 you may send dues of $5.00 to P. O. Box 298, Temple, OK 73568. Dinner tickets are $14.00 each and dance tickets $10.00 each.

--Harold Powell

Temple 16, Tipton 8

2009-10-10T04:51:00.001-05:00

Temple played conference foe Tipton at Temple Friday, Oct 9.
Both teams had 4-1 records and both teams had 3-0 conference records.
End of 1st quarter Temple 0 - Tipton 8.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 8 - Tipton 8.
End of 3rd quarter Temple 8 - Tipton 8.
End of 4th quarter Temple 16 - Tipton 8.
Temple will play Thackerville next Thursday at Thackerville and it will be another tough game.
--Bill

Temple 54, Cement 6

2009-10-03T05:32:00.000-05:00

Temple played Cement at Cement October 2.

End of first quarter Temple 26 Cement 0.
End of second quarter Temple 48 Cement 6.

Gamed ended with about 9:00 minutes left in 3rd quarter by mercy rule Temple 54 Cement 6.

Temple had too much speed for Cement. Next week Temple will play Tipton at Temple and it should be a tough game.

For anyone that may not know, Temple plays 8 man football. 8 man football has a rule called MERCY rule. That means after 2 quarters have been played if a team gets 45 points ahead the game is over.

Bill Ille

Temple 58, Victory Life 8

2009-09-26T06:06:00.007-05:00

Temple played conference foe Victory Life Academy, a Christian school at Durant, tonight at Temple.

End of 1st quarter Temple 22 Victory Life 0.
End of 2nd quarter Temple 52 Victory Life 8.
Game ended by mercy rule with 9:21 left in 3rd quarter Temple 58 Victory Life 8.

If you are not familiar with 8 man football there are 5 players on the line and 3 in the backfield. Temple has in the back field 2 sophmores and 1 freshman. They do a good job being so young.

Next week Temple will play at Cement and it should be another easy game.

Bill Ille provided this report from Friday's game. Thanks!

Temple Football versus Mountain View/Gotebo

2009-09-20T14:47:00.001-05:00

Bill Ille, Class of 1950 reports on Temple’s home game Friday Sept. 18th.

Temple played conference foe Mountain View/Gotebo at Temple. End of 1st quarter Temple 14 Mountain View 0. End of half Temple 38 Mountain View 12 Game ended by mercy rule 4:14 left in 3rd quarter Temple 60 Mountain View 12.

Temple Football Reporter Wanted

2009-09-20T14:46:00.002-05:00

This from Jerry Bowles, Class of 1952, from Alabama:

I have found a web sight that gives the scores of Okla.
High Schools football games. It looks like Temple has good
team this year. Is there any chance that someone could report
on the games and put a brief summary of the games and results
on Harold's Temple web site?

Class C
1. Shattuck (1)#2-0
2. Timberlake (2)#2-0
3. Seiling (3)#2-0
4. Temple (4)#1-1
5. Thackerville (7)#1-1 Beat Duke, lost to Fox
6. Covington-Douglas (6)#0-2 Lost to Seiling (12),lost to Garber
7. Deer Creek-Lamont (8)#2-0 Beat Braman, beat Waukomis
8. Corn Bible (9)#2-0 Beat Victory Life, Beat Merritt
9. Waynoka (10)#2-0 Beat Sharon-Mutual, Beat Braman
10. Forgan (NR)#1-1

The top four spots all remain the same as they all win, including Temple, who beat Class B ranked Alex after losing to Ryan last week.

Temple Tour: B&O Cash Store

2009-09-19T16:10:00.003-05:00

Penni Lawrence Band to Entertain Temple Alumni

2009-09-17T17:16:00.003-05:00

I received this notice from Richard Glenn, president of the Temple Alumni. He asked us to share this information about special entertainment planned for the 2009 Temple Alumni gathering with with as many alums as we could reach. Please pass it on! -- Harold Powell

The Penni Lawrence Band will perform for the Temple Alumni at Cotton County Expo Center, Walters, Oklahoma (behind the rodeo grounds) from 8 to 12 p.m. on November 28, 2009.

Penni Lawrence has been performing for live audiences all over the U.S. since she was 3 years old. She started performing on her father's country music show, The Union Mill Opry, based in northwest Missouri. In 1986, the show turned into a weekly televised program in their regional area. Penni has performed at various state fairs and festivals, conventions, private parties, and competitions throughout the U.S.

Penni is a 3-time state finalist in the national talent competition, the Colgate Country Showdown, and also was the 2006 winner of the West Texas Relay Idol competition. Penni formed her own band in 2006. Her band members include some of the best musicians you will find anywhere. This band has a refined level of talent that will simply exceed an audience's expectations - this added to the fact that 4 of the 5 band members sing lead vocals, making their versatility reflect a rare ability to showcase a broad range of classic & traditional country hits - along with performing your favorite classic rock tunes. Penni's standout vocals as the lead singer are only exceeded by the exceptional musicianship in each of her band members.

Penni has recently opened shows for artists such as Tim McGraw, Lee Greenwood, Bryan White, Charlie Robison, Rick Trevino and Gene Watson.

In June 2009, Penni independently released her highly-anticipated debut CD, appropriately titled "It's About Time". Penni is currently involved in establishing her presence in the southwest Oklahoma area while performing with her band in the Texas/Oklahoma region to promote her new CD.

The Snake and The Rat

2009-09-15T19:10:00.002-05:00

Daughter, Beth, and three grandchildren from Falls Church, Virginia, visited the Powell farm last week. Both planned and not planned farm experiences happened during their visit. Eleven-year-old Cole told of one of them in a note left on grandmother’s typewriter.

“Good morning everybody. Today is Thursday, August 27, 2009. I am typing this in Temple, Oklahoma. A few days ago my Granddad caught a rat in a trap. He was going to show me the rat today, but when we got to the trap we saw a snake with a bulge in its belly where the rat was. The snake was able to slide into the trap and eat the rat, but when he ate the rat he was too big to get back out of the trap. My granddaddy then told a story about a wolf who got into an orchard through a hole and ate all of the apples but was then too big to get back out.”

The postscript to the story is in the photo above. The next time we visited the snake, he had spit out the dead and stretched rat and escaped through the holes in the trap on an empty stomach.

Harold

Temple News

2009-09-15T01:52:00.001-05:00

Temple will soon have a fancy western style restaurant courtesy of Bobby Hale and son, Robert. The restaurant will occupy the downtown open space created by the Town’s demolition of the Lodge building. The restaurant to be named “Rocking H” will occupy about 6000 square feet. Opening date has not been set. However construction has been going at a fast pace.

Fritz Burrow with son Travis James has set up a Machinist Shop next door south of Rocking H. Fritz is renovating and improving the building and has installed machinery. He is aiming for government contracts.

T.H. Rogers Lumber Yard has set stakes for start of office building to replace one that burned a few months ago.

--Harold Powell

Bring A Dime

2009-09-14T01:49:00.001-05:00

This from J. R. Glasgow, class of 1952:

I have sent this poem out which was written by one of my internet friends. I can relate to this. Growing up in Temple during the 30’s and 40’s and coming from a low income and big family. A dime was hard to come by then. Eight of us children and my grandmother lived with us. While growing up I thought I was worse off than others but talking with people at the Temple alumni reunions I have found that a lot felt the same way. Most remember the wife going with husband to pick out feed and flour to get the right sack to make dresses and shirts out of.

Bring a Dime
The tattery girl with hungry brown eyes,
Sits on the edge but she never cries,,
Watching and wanting and always alone,,
Wondering what life will be like when she's grown.

Bring a dime and pay your own way,
One whole dime to brighten your day,,
Candy or soda, a book or a toy,
One big dime buys so much joy.

Bring a dime, Oh! So much money,
If only she had one, life would be sunny,,
Bubble gum, jawbreakers, strawberry pop,
All for herself to the very last drop.

"Bring a dime and be part of the group,"
The leader said to the girl scout troop,,
The little girls smiled and stepped up to pay,
A whole big dime! Her dream fell away.

The tattery girl crept out thru the door,
She knew she would not come back anymore,,
So much money to be a girl scout,
One more thing she would live without.

Now she is old and has many dollars,
Nice clothes to wear and fur on her collars,,
But never quite able to find that dime,
She needed so much in that long ago time.
Mary June Christensen
I have not made the many dollar yet but am not too bad off. I started with nothing and still have most of it. My internet is paid up and that is where lots of my friends live.

John (J.R.) Glasgow, Class of 1952

J. R.
About your memory and Mary June Christensen’s poem of growing up poor. I remember a Christmas day when I was about five. We lived in a two room house with path in north Temple. I was walking across town to my grandmother’s house. At a house where I thought rich people lived I saw a boy my age riding a new shiny tricycle. I thought that I wanted to someday have a tricycle like that.

Another incident about then but on a hot summer day I was walking to town when at the back yard of the Mooney house I heard laughter and splashing in the back yard. I peeked through the picket fence and saw a bunch of kids in a swimming pool. I thought how wonderful it would be to swim in a real swimming pool.

You and I had one big thing in common. Our dads always had a job. They were workers. They were good examples for us.

Harold

2009-08-01T12:48:00.002-05:00

Jerry Bowles was my pal and classmate during our days growing up in Temple. His mom was Lulu Maxwell Bowles. She raised six good kids. Jerry has written other poetry. I think the “Ode to Mom” is one of his best. Thanks Jerry! --Harold Powell.

I was out in the yard this afternoon watering my flowers and this poem came to mind. I thought you might enjoy reading it. I wrote it in 1992.

--Jerry, July 22, 2009 Eclectic, Alabama on Lake Martin.

GO WATER THE FLOWERS
One of my most fond memories of growing up was listening to Mama sing. Mama always had a yard full of flowers. She seemed to be happiest when she was watering her plants and singing. It wasn’t really singing because there were no words. Maybe humming, but more. The notes came clear and beautiful as if from some unknown musical instrument.

Many times I would go outside to find Mama quiet and working in the flower beds. She would be down on her hands and knees talking, digging, and throwing weeds every which way. I never bothered her or asked her who she was talking to. After a good digging, she would water the flowers and make her joyful melody.

After I grew up, left home, and started a family of my own, the problems of living became a reality.Then I understood what Mama was doing. She was down on her knees in the dirt, talking to God and casting her burdens aside.

I’m older now and the years have passed me by. I’ve had many burdens along the way, but God never promised that life would be easy. I know that God’s and Mama’s love are always there to see me through. Sometimes I get down on my knees in my flower beds. I dig in the dirt, throw out weeds in my life, and talk things out because I know that’s what Mama would do.

Mr. Hand

2009-06-20T16:18:00.000-05:00

I remember a Mr. Hand who was the grade school principal when I was in first grade ('46-'47). I don't remember if he remained principal after my first year though. I do remember him coming around to classrooms to make announcements. He seemed to be an intimidating figure to us little guys.
-- Bill Dobbs

In Memory of Dad

2009-06-19T22:44:00.002-05:00

Here is something I wrote about my dad, Dewey Keck. Since it is Father's Day Weekend, I wanted to share it in his memory.

My dad, Dewey (no middle name) Keck was born Jan. 12th, 1912. We all know the biggest news of that year was the sinking of the Titantic in April, but I am sure that my grandparents' lives were far and away different from those who traveled on that fateful voyage. Dad was born in a dugout house during a bad ice and snow storm to Mollie (Mary Francine) Grove and Olloway Wm. Keck. They had just moved their 2 other sons (Bonnie and Tinker) up to Carter County, Okla., from Nocona, Texas. They traveled in wagons pulled by Mr. Keck's team of mules. A cowboy who, in his youth, rode the Chisolm Trail, my grandfather took his family up to the Oklahoma oil boom area of Wirt (Ragtown), Okla., to find work. He used his teams of mules to move dirt for roads and dikes in those oil fields where slush pits were dug and foundations for the large tanks that held the crude were being built. Mollie was expecting my dad when they crossed the Red River and made their way to their new life.

Mules and Jennys (half mule-half horse) played a large role in my dad and his brothers childhood. Bonnie and Tinker hauled water with their Jennys and sold it to the neighbors in the community. As Dad grew up, he played all over the country and along a creek that ran near the place that the family moved to from the temporary home in the dugout. His Jenny was named, Ole Blue. As was the custom, these Jennys ran free all over the countryside and kids from the area would round them up and ride them and set them loose and then another group of kids would catch them and ride them for a time. After Dad grew older, he ultimately lost track of Ole Blue, until one day a wagon pulled up belonging to an old man that sold odds and ends to the country folk. They called him the old junker.

Suddenly, Dad recognized Old Blue in the team of Jennys pulling the old junker's wagon. He rushed out to see him and found that Ole Blue was not the healthy Jenny he had played with for so many years. He had been beaten and only had one eye and held numerous scars around his head and neck. Dad lost his temper and started yelling at the old junker and all the while started unharnessing Ole Blue. He could not bear to see his old childhood friend in that condition. But my grandfather (The Old Man) stopped him and told him that Ole Blue belonged to the junker now and that Dad had to let him go. Dad told me that watching the junker ride off with Ole Blue was the hardest thing he had ever had to do.

This is a poem I wrote about Dad and Ole Blue.

OLE BLUE

The Old Man lead the Jennys across the path towards the orchard.

The two were jumpy and wild-eyed
New to the place,
A mare and her colt.

The mare became by brother's and the colt was given to me.

I named him, "Ole Blue".

I suppose we were well matched,
Leggy and sprite,
Running wild in the country,

Loners in a crowd.

Together, we played out the old cowboy stories

Told by the Old Man
Leaned back in his chair
On winter nights in the front room.

No one really ever owned Ole Blue
True to his spirit,
Me lying the the dust at his feet.

But we had that understanding.

Time made that understanding binding, as we grew sleek and tall.

Kindly remembering the races,
Running madly through the thickets
To drink finally the cold spring water.

Each of us had our own paths to trod
Inroads to wander,
Pains to endure.

Only to meet once again and embrace for a moment.

Sweet touch of childhood melting,

And I watched you ride away.

By: Vickie Keck Nowlin

Dad died April 1st, 2001. I love you Dad....Happy Father's Day!!
Your "Sweetheart of the Hills", Vickie Sue

Vencil Not Hand

2009-06-17T18:35:00.003-05:00

Vera Sue Wilson Golden wrote: Yes – I made a mistake. It was Mrs. Vencil. I had a senior moment. I knew a Mrs. Hand from some other place. Sorry folks!!! Forgive me?I have heard from others. That proves that some are reading and checking.

Temple School Reunion Planning

2009-06-15T07:20:00.000-05:00

Temple School Alumni Association officers met Thursday to kick off planning for the biannual reunion coming Saturday November 28th. Attending the meeting: Richard Glenn, president of the Association, Joy Monroe Glenn. VP; Dana Allen McIlhaney, secretary; Sally Campbell Eckhardt, treasurer; Lois Lewis Powell, membership and Harold Powell, past president.

After discussion of various suggestions for changing the day of the reunion, decision was made to poll alumni to determine future reunion days.

Decided was that the reunion format will be similar to past years. Committees will be formed for the various tasks to be done. Decision was made to appoint younger management for the dance. The Temple Chamber of Commerce has volunteered to cater the dinner. A letter will be sent to the Alumni mailing list early in October.

--Harold Powell

Mrs. Hand

2009-06-15T07:15:00.000-05:00

Annette Waller Keeter, class of 1956, had a coment about teachers in Temple School:

Sue Golden Wilson said Mrs. Hand read us stories in the sixth grade. I thought it was Mrs. Vencil. I can't imagine Mrs. Vencil turning over her class to someone else.. I looked in the 1950 year book and there is no Mrs. Hand that is in there under the faculty. Any other classmates remember Mrs. Hand?
--Harold Powell

Lewises Host Brick Swap

2009-06-14T06:58:00.001-05:00

Tab and Karan Lewis were hosts for an International Brick Collectors Swap Meet at their farm home June 6th. About 100 brick collectors from as far as Florida, California and New York showed up and enjoyed camaraderie and brick trading. The weather and the turnout were perfect. Brick Association members meet a few times annually to trade named bricks. Tab is a past president of the Association and has a large alphabetized collection.

It is a heavy hobby.

--Harold Powell

Business Update: Fire Destroys T.H. Rogers; Dairyland Re-Opens; NewGreenhouse

2009-06-14T06:55:00.003-05:00

T.H. Rogers, a long term Temple lumber business suffered a major fire about 2:00 am Tuesday morning, June 9. The business and sales building was totally burned. Quick action by the Temple Fire Department kept the flames off other structures. Manager Micah Lipscomb said that fire inspectors believe the fire was caused by electrical short somewhere in the attic. Micah also said that T.H. Rogers will rebuild.
Other community building losses the past two years are the Lodge building and the Sands Motel. The Lodge building was demolished leaving an open space downtown. The Sands remains a burned out ruin.
The Dairyland restaurant recently reopened. Hopefully it will make a go. The town needs it for food service, tax revenue and jobs.
A new business in town is Wayne Daniels watermelon and cantaloupe producer. Wayne has set out thousands of watermelons and cantaloupe plants on Red River and Cache Creek property. He has purchased the Auto Dealership property northeast of town and set up a green house where he sprouts his plants. The building will be warehouse and distribution center for the produce. Wife Tonya sells plants out of the facility.
--Harold POwell

Memorial Day Ceremony

2009-06-14T06:54:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jack Jackson and Larry Taylor, a Memorial Day ceremony took place at the Temple Cemetery on May 25th. Among the thirty attending were Odessa Grant and sister, Betty Roland. They came from California and were delighted to see the old hometown. Debria Schuler says they and others were in town to attend a reunion of descendants of Howard Turner. Lisa Metcalfe sang the National Anthem beautifully. Guest speaker for the event was LTC (Ret) Paul Metcalfe. A roll call was done of the living WWII veterans in the community: Tuffy Casteel, Jack McGee, Glen McCluskey, Carl Fletcher, Louie Riddles, Grady Cosden, Wesley Bowles, Louis McGee and James Harden.

--Harold Powell

Indian Tale

2009-05-29T18:14:00.002-05:00

This story from Frances Jean Nowlin Brubaker, Class of 1952:

My grandparents bought land in what was known as “Big Pasture” down on Red River and moved to Cotton County about 1906.

Mary Catherine Gann Nowlin was born in Brown County, Texas on April 3, 1860. She departed this life July 8, 1959 in Cotton County, Oklahoma. She married James Calvin Nowlin in 1876. He was born in Alabama on October 15, 1850, and died October 14, 1922 in Cotton County, Oklahoma. Our Dad, Rufus Eugene Nowlin, was next to the youngest in this family of five children who lived to be grown. He had three older sisters: Margaret, Ruth and Nancy and a younger sister was Audrey.

MY grandmother opened my imagination with stories of her life and childhood. The following is an event that took place during my grandmother’s first year of school.

The setting was rural Texas in 1866. Buffalo herds roamed the plains of Texas and wild Indians raided and killed settlers coming to the area. These would have been Comanche and Apache Indian tribes. Men from this part of Texas did not have to serve in the Civil War for they were needed at home to protect their families.

This was a one room school situated near a stream. Probably located in as central an area as they could manage for the children who were to attend. My grandmother and her older brother walked several miles to school. This particular day my grandmother’s brother was sick and her mother wouldn’t let her walk this distance alone to school.

Some child in the classroom spotted two horse back riders in the distance. Soon the entire classroom was aware of the approaching riders. It was apparent these riders were headed for the school. The classroom was a stir! The children were restless and pointing. In vain, the teacher was trying to maintain order until she saw these two horsemen were Indians. Quickly she went to the little window at the back of the room and frantically began helping the children out with instructions for them to hide in the brush down by the stream. When these two Indian men came through the door the teacher and two children, a boy and a girl, stood petrified with fear at the back of the room. The young teacher put her hand to her chest and begged them not to kill her. As soon as the first arrow pierced her body she became enraged, and began be meaning these two Indians. She would not flinch nor fall, but continued to rage verbally at them until they killed her. Possibly she may have wanted to divert their attention from those children who had escaped hoping to give them time to hide.

This brutal scene took place in the presence of the children who did not have time to escape. The Indians motioned for these two children to go outside with them. They then patted their horses for them to get on their horses. –A TEACHER KILLED AND A BOY AND A GIRL STOLEN BY THE INDIANS--.

When they found the teacher lying on the floor of the little school room she was full of arrows. They did not try to remove them, but cut the arrows off to bury her.

The children who escaped stayed hid out until late evening. News as to what had happened began to trickle through the area. The tragic event ended school for that year.

Several years later some settlers traveling through the country bought this white boy from the Indians for a sack of flour. The Indians said he was a bad boy. The boy would show people scars on his lets below his knees where the Indians stuck feathers beneath the skin and set the feathers on fire. The Indians did this because he tried to run away.

Evidently, this account is recorded. In the summer of 1966, while visiting my parents in southern Oklahoma I came across an article in the Wichita Falls, Texas newspaper written by Jack Kemp. The title was “Just a Hundred Years Ago”. The article told how children collected pennies to buy a headstone for their teacher who had been killed by the Indians.

I tried to tell the story as near as I could to the way my grandmother told us.

Frances Jean Nowlin Brubaker, Class of 1952.

A "Book" for Graduates

2009-05-28T20:52:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Blackburn was class sponsor for my senior year at Temple High (1951). She and her husband, John, went on the senior trip with us. Later she taught speech at Walters.

Harold mentioned she introduced him to poetry. She published a book of poetry, “PONDER…ings” in 1974. Below is a poem from the book which is aimed at new graduates.

“Seniors"
School is like a book!
It has a hard durable cover.
There is much reading matter involved.
Inside there are many characters, main and minor,
Good and bad?
There are many events from beginning to end.
There are crises---
And a climax!
Sometimes
The characters laugh;
Sometimes
The characters cry.
We mustn’t forget the introduction
And we CAN’T forget the END.
The twelve years are like twelve chapters.
Memories of those
Will be part of us
Forever!
Yes,
School is like a book,
And now
YOU have finished it!

By – Ella Mae Blackburn”

Copied by Lois Lewis Powell. Class of 1951

2009-05-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

Billie (Frances Brown) Campbell, a 1944 graduate of Temple High, responded to the posts about Temple teachers:

I only attended THS from 9th through 12th grades, as we lived north of town near Pioneer school, which provided grades from Primary through 8th grade. The teachers I remember most vividly are Miss Christine Simpson (English) and Mr. Jarrett, who taught one semester of Psychology (his main duties were those of either Principal or Superintendent). Miss Simpson never scolded or even raised her voice, but there was complete quiet and order in her class. I came away from those two teachers with a love for words and for language, and with a fascination for human behavior, the latter of which became the basis for my career as a psychotherapist after some years of work at OU.

Two other teachers I remember were Mr. Robert Mastin
(coach, who made no secret of the fact that he hated being required to teach girls' physical ed) and Ms. Burright (sp?) who taught vocal music and who once embarrassed Mr. Mastin by composing and having us sing a response to his favorite song, "Bicycle Built for Two". It went something like this: "Bobby, Bobby, here is my answer true: I'm half crazy, all for the love of you; But we'd better postpone the marriage, since we can't afford a carriage, For I'll be hanged, if I'll be banged on a bicycle built for two."

Ah! Weren't those the days?!!

Bill Dobbs remembers

2009-05-26T19:34:00.001-05:00

After reading the posts about teachers, Bill Dobbs wrote me about his memories of teachers over 60 years:

Memories of a first grader

It was the fall of 1946 when I started school. I was 6 years old and fresh off the farm. On my first day of school, I remember being assigned to Mrs. Wanda Johnson’s room where we all took our seats. I was seated toward the back and I was astounded to see a little white haired girl sitting several seats in front of me. Mrs. Johnson called our names and we each approached her desk where she gave us a page from a tablet. I think that the exercise was to put names and faces together. I then learned that the little white haired girl was Jeannie Cooper who would be a friend through 12 years in Temple and through college and beyond. Jeannie was not white haired at all but just about as blond as one could get. But once again, it was my first day of school, what did I know?

Mrs. Johnson’s class was too large, so an overflow (first and second grade) class taught by Mrs. Wilkins was created and that is where I was assigned. Our classroom was the one just to the south of the back of the auditorium, just up the hall from the girl’s restroom. In Mrs. Wilkins class, I met many friends for life.

I remember first seeing Roger Norman in class and was very intrigued to see that he was wearing short pants. This was quite novel to me since my fashion world was centered on blue roundhouse farmer overalls.

In the first grade, one not only learns academically but also learns the rules and customs of school. One of the terms used, if a restroom trip was necessary, was to ask the teacher, “May I go to the basement?” Where did such a term come from? Years later, I learned that the old school building that had not been around for about ten years had the restrooms in the basement. It’s funny how such a term can take on a life of its own. I think the phrase did go away after two or three years though.

In 1946, the cafeteria had not yet been built. For those who brought lunch, we would have it in the large sixth grade room at the south end of the building. I can still remember the great diversity of smells that came from the room as lunch boxes were opened. To a first grader, the sixth grade desks seemed enormous. Usually, two first graders could sit at one desk eating lunch with feet not touching the floor.

During my first year of school, I rode the bus driven by Harry Bizzell. One morning my mother fixed my lunch and packed it in a brown paper bag. She also filled a pint fruit jar with milk and placed it in the bag as well. On that particular day, I was riding on the front seat of the bus by the door. As we proceeded to school, the bus made a sudden stop and the lunch jumped from my lap and onto the floor. The jar of milk broke and ruined my lunch. Later that day at lunch time, Harry came to my classroom and took me downtown and bought me my lunch. Such a simple act of kindness and thoughtfulness can be remembered for a long time.

Being fresh off the farm, I had not attended kindergarten and of course learning to read was a big deal. Years later my Dad would tell how I would sit in his lap learning to read and at times would cry from frustration. The reading program used was “The Friendly Village” series and it was used through the fourth or fifth grade. The characters in the series were Alice and Jerry and their dog Jip. Mr. Carl was their mentor. I think that he was a cobbler. I have had phrases burned in my memory such as, “See Jerry run. Run Jerry run. Run, run, run!”

Mrs. Wilkins set up a little woodworking shop at the back of our classroom. It had a workbench and some simple hand tools. There she taught us how to do some woodworking. I remember making an elephant pull toy. Little diversions from the everyday drudgery of writing in penmanship books were a pleasure. Even passing the wastebasket, sharpening a pencil or dusting erasers helped to break the monotony.

Temple HS Reunion

2009-05-25T19:37:00.003-05:00

John (J.R.) Glasgow is the keeper of e-mail list for Temple Alumni. If you are not on his list send us an email with your name, including maiden if applicable, and class year, and I'll pass it on.

Some alumni have proposed changing reunion from Saturday after Thanksgiving to Friday.
WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOUR COMMENTS! Post them by commenting on this blog or write to me, and we will submit them to current alumni president, Richard Glenn, for consideration.

Renee Gower, class of 1967, was the latest alum to weigh in on changing the reunion date:
I know that Glenda Canary wrote to you about changing the date for the Alumni get together to a time when it's not a holiday. I actually wrote that to Glenda and she copied it and sent it on to you. I've felt for a long time that we should change the date. When this tradition was started many had family in Temple but that is not the case now. They've moved out of the area and they spend Thanksgiving with their families and will never come to Temple on Thanksgiving. I strongly believe that if this reunion was held at another time of the year the attendance would improve.

-- Harold & Lois Powell

Teacher Tribute

2009-05-25T19:31:00.000-05:00

As a student in Temple School in the 1940s, I never dreamed that sixty years later I would pay tribute to my teachers.

In first grade Miss Bowles was stern and no student would dare cross her. She taught respect for teachers. Miss Woods read to my second grade class daily after lunch. She taught that reading was fun. Ester Powell promoted me to fourth grade even though I didn’t know arithmetic (a result of California schooling most of that year). She spared me the humility of failing. Elizabeth Hooper’s geography lessons opened my mind to other cultures. Mrs. Vencill’s 6th grade class was a no nonsense experience. Erma Dawson demonstrated patience and caring from which I learned some of the same. Miss McClarty got us singing, and I’ve never stopped. Mrs. Blackburn led us into poetry, some of which I often remember. Pa Price taught Math and inadvertently storytelling. Mrs. Kennedy made us diagram sentences day after day. From that I gained knowledge of sentence structure which helped me through college and an Army career. Mrs. Hickerson taught speech and helped get me out of my shyness. Lewis Knight taught Agriculture. Looking back I can see that he was amazingly tolerant of the pranks of the boys in his classes. I know for a fact that most of those boys have turned out to be good men. Some have apologized to him for their behavior and others would like to apologize. Lewis a 1939 Temple grad attended the Tiger reunion and seems unscathed by our indiscreet behavior. I think he is a fine man and I know past students love him for his patience and kindness.

Athletic coaches were a big influence too. James Taylor was a great teacher. His example gave me the idea to go to college to become a football coach. (I was sidetracked from coaching by a military obligation that turned out OK.) It is a truth: Teachers make a difference in our lives.

(This is reprinted from my Kernels from Temple column in the Walters Herold in January 2006.) --Harold Powell

You smell . . .

2009-05-10T06:16:00.003-05:00

If you only read this blog in email, you may have missed this comment on the blog from Ed Deutschendorf:

I really enjoyed reading Kathy's recollections of Mrs. Mae Blair. I was extremely afraid of her. Being in the 7th grade, new to junior high, I was pretty insecure anyway, and then to have Mrs. Blair as a teacher really got me going.

My sister, Kerry, loves to tell this story about Mrs. Blair, but I have to give a little background that she leaves out.

In 1970 I was in the 5th grade. I was firmly entrenched in the Temple school system having moved to Temple half way through my 3rd grade year. During that 5th grade year a new kid moved in; his name was Eric Claunch. I hope I am spelling his last name correctly. Eric was a very outgoing kid and a tremendous athlete. We played football together in the 6th and 7th grades. He reminded me a lot of Brett Gunn. He would have been a tremendous asset to our football team, but he moved away shortly after we entered junior high.

Eric would do or say anything. He even had the nerve to flirt with the older 6th grade girls, and he was the new kid. Wow! He always had that look that made you wonder what was coming next, and something was always coming. I am not sure if split classes (mixed grades in the same class) were unique to Temple, but I was in several. Mrs. Blair's class was one of them. Some of my 7th grade classmates shared her classroom with some of the 8th graders. Eric Claunch was in that class. We probably didn't get into any more trouble than any other class, but Eric seemed to push the envelope in any class.

I believe Mrs. Blair knew she had to stay ahead of Eric to keep him in line, and I think she did for the most part. You didn't get much past her. That is the background.On one particular day, we had a memorization assignment of some sort in Mrs. Blair's class.

The way I remember it, prior to class beginning on that day, it seemed we were all intent on the final prep for the assignment. In other words, there wasn't the normal chatter before class. Mrs. Blair was at her desk, completely in control as always, and Eric walked into class. Eric had his hands behind his back, and he gave the whole class this look that said, "Watch this!" The beauty of the whole thing was that we had no idea what he had planned.

Eric walked up to Mrs. Blair and the coversation went something like this:

Eric : "Mrs. Blair."

Mrs. Blair : "Yes, Eric."

Eric : "You smell....(long pause)"

When he said that, the entire class gasped audibly; we thought the world was going to end right then and there. You could physically sense the fear in that room. We all knew Eric was toast, but we feared that Mrs. Blair would find a way to implicate the whole class. After the pause, a long pause mind you, he said, "...like a rose.", and he gave her a rose that he had been hiding behind his back.

The class came unglued. I am not sure her class was ever the same after that. I would love to have known what she thought that day. She never mentioned it. Being the astute 7th grader that I was, I do believe she saw Eric in a different light after that. You would actually catch her smiling at something he said or did from time to time after that. Maybe she did appreciate a good joke.

Teachers Remembered

2009-05-09T12:23:00.001-05:00

Pat Lyford Wrote:
I began thinking of the teacher's in my four years at Temple High. Mrs. Washington in the Library with blue hair, sometimes purple. Mrs Lowe, who taught us more than college kids get now in the English and public speaking world. Mrs. Kerr, who taught us typing and bookkeeping (can never remember how to spell that); James Dean, the band director who followed Alfred Montain. Mr Miller was an extremely good math teacher. Did Mrs. Miller teach home economics? Didn't we have a Mrs Blackburn, a tiny little woman with jet black hair. Of course, how could we leave out J.D. Lynch. I also remember a young male teacher who taught physics I think, Mr Risen(sp?) who blushed every time the girls would go to his desk to ask a question. What about Herb Hickerson and Mr. Groenwald (sp?) And the strange science teacher, who kicked me out of physics for misbehaving. I guess Mr. Risen taught Geometry. I'm sure there were many more, but those seem to have stuck in my mind.

Missing Emails

2009-05-09T12:21:00.000-05:00

This was misdirected to a spam folder a couple of weeks ago and I just found it:
"HI HAROLD--THIS IS DALE MOORE--ENJOYED THE POEM FROM DORTHY BRIDGES--HER HUSBAND RAYMOND ILLE WAS MY BEST FRIEND IN HIGH SCHOOL--LOST CONTACT WITH THEM."
Dale is anticipating the 60th reunion of the class of 1949. He's living in Costa Rica. He wants to know if the class is planning anything special.

And another missing email, commenting on the movie poster: Yes, Roger, I do remember that movie. I rarely missed a Sunday afternoon "technicolor" film. If you want to read about it and the plot...just type in your browser "The Greatest Show on Earth" by Cecil B. DeMille. The movie came out in l952. This reply is from your wife's first cousin, Martha "Jean" Wall Griffith.

Plane Crash Remembered

2009-05-08T18:18:00.002-05:00

From Jerry Bowles: I remember the plane crash. Like Harold, I walked out to the site and saw the indentation of the body in the ground. The plane was on fire and was a Air Force twin engine B26 light/medium bomber. I wouldn't swear that this is true, but that's how I remember it.