I Remember Madison Central High

My Best Friend: From Selma Dewey Calnan

I met Joan Porter Severa when she entered Madison Central Junior High in 1938. Our mothers worked—Joan’s as a single mom at Manchester’s that I thought of as the most elite store in town. Both of my parents worked so Brother Buddy (Carl) and I fended for ourselves while our recently widowed Swedish grandmother kept house. Joan and I were engrossed in school activities, writing poetry for the Mirror and working on our alliance. Nevertheless, when we played baseball Joan sprained a finger. When we idled at Lake Mendota, she fell out of a willow tree on her head into the water. When we climbed to the top of a broken-glass-studded stonewall to see what was on the other side, she fell on her knee that still hurts.

Buddy, a scientist and entrepreneur, had discovered a bonanza in the deserted rose garden that lay beyond the wall where Joan hurt her knee. He could redeem garter snakes at the Biology building on campus for three cents each! Joan and I joined him on a once-in-a-lifetime venture, spending a hot, dusty afternoon catching the unresisting snakes with our bare hands as they were draped among the rose brambles. Joan exhibited extra bravado by winding one around her arm as we dragged our catch down State Street to the biology building. Unfortunately one of her mother’s customers informed on us, the very last straw. Mrs. Porter offered her a bicycle if she would promise never to play with me again. Joan chose me over a Schwinn, sealing our friendship now in its seventy-second year.

In 1948 I moved to California and Joan stayed home, spending 30 years at the State Historical Society where we had whiled away dreamy Saturday afternoons. When she retired as curator of costume she wrote a tome, “Dressed for the Photographer,” succeeding as a magical blend of Jessica Fletcher and Auntie Mame. Then as a Master Gardener, she created a legendary garden and wrote “Shady Perennials in the Midwest” (adding Martha Stewart to her persona.) Finally, as a spin –off from her first book and with the encouragement of Sotheby’s, she wrote “My Likeness Taken,” on daguerreotypes. All three are still in print and bringing in royalty checks that surprise her as unexpected presents.

In 2007, we were last together for the 65^th and Final Reunion of Central’s Class of 1943. All that’s left of the school is the arch but we continue to bloom where we are planted—she in Madison and I in Bishop, noted for the world’s longest Mule Day parade. We keep our friendship evergreen with frequent calls and emails. I treasure a picture from a reunion in 1975 when we discovered that Champagne cures wrinkles.   

 

Memories from Judy (Copus) Piepr

 I remember coming to Central High on a school bus -- it was the first time I had ever been on a bus.  We lived in the suburban area just  below Nob Hill, and the bus route didn't run quite that far.

It was certainly different going to a huge high school.  I graduated 8th grade from Badger Elementary School, where each room contained two classes.  Now, each class had five or six home rooms.  Scary.

I thought I would never remember my schedule, where my locker was located, or the names of the teachers and classmates.  It didn't take long, though, and I felt very comfortable at Central.

I remember Miss Smith, the junior high principal.  She was the first to make me understand that grammer is important.  Believe it or not, "that there," and "this here," were pretty common words coming out of my mouth up to that point.  I will be eternally grateful to her for bringing it to my attention that people (especially potential employers) do notice how a person speaks.

I will also remember our senior high homeroom teacher, Mr. Herried.  (I hope I have the "i" and "e" in the right place.)  He made each student in his homeroom feel as though he or she could go on to be whatever they chose.  (Not as easy as he made it sound.)

I lost touch with so many of my classmates.  Our 50th class reunion is coming up in 2011, and I hope to see most of them at that time.  I saw on a updated class roster that Dan Dryden had passed away.  I went to Badger School with Dan, and he was one of the "smart kids."  At Central he was on the staff of the Madison Mirror.  The stories he wrote for English class were wonderful.  Over the years, before I knew he passed away, I hoped to see a novel written by him being sold at one of the book stores.

I loved going to the football games and cheering our team on.

I had a wonderful time in Mrs. Ellen Meister's foods class.

I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Eisenman's hisory/geography class.

My sister, Vivian, and I used to go to Fanny Farmer and buy almond bark with our lunch money.  (Have you noticed the price of almond bark at Fanny Farmer lately?)

I enjoyed my years at Central High, the melting pot of Madison.  I met many interesting people, and learned a lot about getting along with others.

John Streiff: Memories

I remember a few incidents that I thought were amusing at the time.  

• On the first day of Physics class Mr Sprecher walked into the classroom 2 minutes, late enough that all the students were in their seats, and kicked the wastebasket across the room.  That he said was an example of overcoming inertia.
  
  
• On another occasion he parked his small car, perhaps a Crosley, in the area for bicycles just to annoy the junior high principal.  Do you remember Vida Smith.
  
  
• After football practice I was behind the coaches walking back to the locker room and I overheard coach Pollack say to the other coaches that our guards, which I theoretically was, are atrocious.  I wasn't quite sure what atrocious meant, but I knew it wasn't ferocious.
  
  When I got home and looked it up I knew that professional football was not a viable career path.
  
  
• I know you'll have many stories involving Harris.  But, I'll add another.  It wasn't terribly uncommon for a gym teacher to be showering with us after class.  I don't remember the specific details, but Harris came into the shower room and there were half a dozen of us students showering at the time.  He sucked in his gut and looked over at me saying Streiff, I doubt if you'll be in as good a shape as I am at my age.

Jerry Marble: Memories

The time was spring of our junior year, It was practice time for track.

Sam Loniello and I were practicing throwing the discus. As was the procedure for a throw we would face in the opposite direction to wind up to toss. I went through the spin and released the disk. As I watched it soar away I noticed Sam was talking to someone and the disk was heading straight for him. I yelled at him and as he turned towards me the disk passed over his head but close enough for him to feel it touch his hair. All I could do was thank GOD for Sam being as short as he was.

IT STILL GIVES ME SHIVERS TO THINK ABOUT IT.

Sheila Owens: Memories

• I remember my grandmother pulling me out of St. Patrick’s Grade School and moving to California (her dream) second semester (1955).  I cried all summer to go home (Madison).  She gave in and then spent the remaining time insisting that I go to Edgewood.  Well after crying for a month - I won.  Thank God for tears and I don't regret one of them. 
  
  
• I did bring back a fashion statement from CA - a charcoal colored Bermuda skirt - lined with red taffeta (taffeta shorts underneath) - gray and red argyle knee socks and a red crew necked sweater.  It stopped traffic on the square - well maybe not stopped but I did get a few odd looks.  Now remember that only 1/2 inch of my knee showed and now more than that much flesh shows hanging out of the young girls short shorts and bare midriffs. 
  
  
• I remember being in class and was called Sheiler.  I asked Mr. Peepers to call me Miss Owens if he couldn't pronounce my name properly - what a brat I was (am).  I remember wearing braces with rubber bands and sneezing in class - one rubber band landed on the back of Chuckie's sweater and I was sent out of the room to compose myself - I couldn't stop laughing.  I remember scumming for sorority and wearing unmatched clothes - no combing of hair - no matching socks - and polishing the senior boys shoes for pennies for charity.  I thought I suffered that week.
  
  
• I remember duck tail haircuts, crew cuts, lying on the couch to zip up my jeans with a pliers - and they say the kids wear tight pants now - I remember all the greasy goo the men wore on their slick backed long hair - black leather jackets - collars up - button down shirts - wearing cardigan sweaters backwards with matching angora socks - buck skin saddle shoes - better yet pink buck skin saddle shoes - penny loafers - neck scarves to complete the outfit.  I remember bobby pins, pony tails, hoop skirts with lots of starched petty coats.  I remember always straightening the seams of my hose held up by a garter belt - and on dress up day wearing three inch pointed toed spiked heels.  I remember my grandmother saying that if I played Heartbreak Hotel one more time she was going to break it.   I remember drama club and performing in the plays and one in particular was being the mother in “Our Town” and having to use baby powder in my hair to gray it up a bit - never thinking that someday there wouldn't be one speck of my hair that isn't gray.
  
  
• I remember curly fries and root beer at the Hungry Hungry - my first pizza at Paisan’s.  Dollar night at the Outdoor - Walking to Central from Williamson Street to save the bus money for a coke.  Walking home from Central barefoot in the rain so my new shoes wouldn't get wet. 
  
  
• But the most important thing I remember is how all of us shared a bond of caring about each other, laughing at and with each other and memories of them that carried us into adulthood and helped form our outlook on life - past - present - and future.  I thank each and every one of you.

Theron Morris: Memories

I wasn’t planning on doing this, but I received a personal call from Stu (never seems to change) Shapiro. He called and asked me to jot down some of my memories at Central High School. Since I only attended Madison Central for my senior year, I was a bit surprised that I was asked, but what a great year it was. It has been 50 years, but I do have some memories that have stayed with me through all this time. Of course, these impressions are totally subjective, but here goes…

• I remember my first day in the homeroom. Jerry Norsman coming over to me to introduce himself and said,  “I hear you’re new here and you play baseball,” let me introduce you around.
  
  
• I recall attending my first football game at Breese Stevens Field where I saw a group of girls from Central all sitting together; Jerry told me they were from a high school sorority, who would have pot luck dinners and then come to the games together. I had no idea that high schools had sororities.
  
  
• Trying out for choir and being chosen by Miss McCormack (my favorite teacher) to be part of men’s double quartette. What fun it was!!!
  
  
• Meeting a classmate who lived right behind me, Ray Kelliher, who not only became a fellow teammate in basketball, but most importantly a life-long friend. I will always remember basketball season and Boomer Harris, an experience like no other.
  
  
• Going out for the cross-country team to try and get in shape for the basketball season. Tossing up my  “cookies” after running about a half-a-mile at our first practice. Lesson number one, try not to eat a big lunch before going out for practice. Lesson learned!! Gee, it sure looked a lot easier than it was.
  
  
• Becoming part of a group of guys called the “Cheerful Charlies.” I have many wonderful memories of that crew (Bruce Gibson, John Streiff, Ernie Storm, Jim Voss, Bill Frederick, Chuck Leroux, etc.), and none that I can talk about!
  
  
• I will never forget playing first base and being part of bringing home a Big Eight championship to Madison Central. Getting a hit with the bases loaded against Madison east pitcher Pat Richter, in the championship game. Yes, that is one memory I will never forget.
  
  
• Finally, I will always remember coming to a school as a senior, not knowing anyone and how difficult I thought it would be. However, the warmth and friendliness of all the kids at Madison Central made me feel welcome and made my senior year so wonderfully memorable. Thank you, classmates.

Sue (Anderson) Taylor: Memories

I have so many memories from Central and all of them good. I loved my 4 years there from 7th thru 10th. I was very sorry I had to move but my parents bought their first home when I went into my junior year and I had to go to East.

Central the melting pot. I loved meeting and making many friends. Triple Trio in Jr. High, and Sr. Choir with Ms Mac were my fondest memories. Also the operettas, basketball games, the LOFT, football at Breese Stevens Field . . . all wonderful memories. Ms Morris yelled at our Geometry class one day and her false teeth fell on the floor, BUT, no one dared laugh. Christmas time at Central was magical. Back in the days you could celebrate the holiday. I would go back to H.S. in a heartbeat.

Stuart Shapiro: Memories

Kicked off the team

Every one seemed to smoke in those days and having a cigarette was pretty acceptable for many people. True young people weren’t supposed to smoke but celebrities did and even professional athletes relaxed according to the advertising with a good smoke. I smoked but not all the time, least of all during football season.

I was in tenth grade and out for football. Coach Pollack posted a list in our locker room at Breese Stevens field as to who would be dressing for the Friday night game. My name was on the list. I was really excited, not many tenth graders got to dress for varsity games.  I had played on the meat squad for two weeks against all conference Paul Smelzer. He was big, strong, fast, and mean. Meeting him was like trying to stop a truck or worse. Trucks aren’t mean, he was. When he pulled from his position that usually meant 220 pound all conference full back Dennis Schmelskopf would come roaring through. That was worse because he was mean and with a head of steam built up. I didn’t complain though, that wasn’t allowed, although I had the bruises to justify it.  Maybe getting beat up by guys like Smelzer and Schmelskopf was worth it, maybe the coaches had noticed.

It was lunch hour in the early fall, sunny and warm yet.  I was on Gorham Street where some student cars were parked. Chuck Gribble offered me a cigarette and I accepted. We were lighting up.

All of a sudden one of the football coaches go out of a car near us. He was moving his car like the kids did to prevent being ticketed.  Freshman Coach Risser looked over at me from about four car lengths away and said simply  “Shapiro, check your equipment in!”

I didn’t go to another practice; the season was over for me. The last thing I had to worry about was dressing for a big game. I was trying to be cool and tough as a 10th grader. My mother knew what had happened, and didn’t say much more that she knew about it, my dad didn’t talk about it.  Getting kicked off the team did register though, and I really appreciated being able to play the next two seasons.

  

The Christian Stein Award

It was class award night and I was excited about graduating. I was never a really good student but by the time I was a senior I knew I had to work and was getting pretty good grades. I sure wasn’t going to get any awards for scholarship though. Thus towards the end of the ceremony I was really shocked when Principal Brown called me to the stage. The auditorium was packed with students and parents.  I was honored with the Christian Stein award.  Most graduates I’m sure don’t remember the award.  It was for the kid that had improved himself the most through his high school years. That moment is precious to me.  It did a lot to build my confidence and probably helped me in my struggle to get through the University of Wisconsin.

  

Al Colucci

I remember Al Colucci in his first year of teaching at Central.  Mr. Colucci didn’t look very formidable and some even made fun of his fireplug build. He stood up in front of the class the moment the bell rang and got started with his first class. His remarks went something like this. “Before starting teaching I was in the 82nd airborne as a paratrooper. I learned how to take people apart. If any one wants to screw around in this class, start now and I’ll demonstrate.” The classroom really was quiet and stayed that way. He was a great guy.

The Christmas Tree

I was homeroom 301 President. It was Christmas and we wanted a tree in our homeroom.  The “hat” was passed and some money collected. Several of the boys volunteered to get the tree. They got a great tree and at a very reduced price (in fact for free) while visiting the arboretum and cutting their own down. The money went for beer, their reward for the effort.

Christmas came and passed. The tree went through Christmas break without being watered and the needles were really falling off it. Mr. Lanning, our homeroom teacher, was in poor health, missing quite a few days of school, and we had a lady substitute.

I don’t remember who got the idea. We convinced her that the janitors would not want all those needles falling in the hallway. Because of this there was just one good way of getting it down from the third floor and that was via the window. She went along with the plan, not that there was any pressure to get her consent. The window was raised and several of us tossed the tree as far as we could. It was really neat seeing the tree fall three stories. Nothing bad happened. The cars were parked far enough away, thus not hit. Best of all we didn’t get into any trouble.

The 2:30 am Lecture

Away football games at Kenosha or Racine meant late nights. The interstate system was yet to be built. We traveled by Greyhound or Badger bus, leaving early Friday afternoon, playing the game at 7 pm, afterwards eating dinner (fried Chicken) at a restaurant after 9 pm and getting back to our Breese Stevens home base between 2 and 3 am in the morning.

Central didn’t win that many games. Other schools in the Big 8 Conference had so much more size and depth, thus conference wins were really important. There was talk about a taking Central out of the Big 8 Conference because of its size. We had to prove differently.

Racine Horlick was a school we could beat if we put our mind to it.  There was a lot of screwing around on the bus trip to Racine. I remember a muscular guy named Cunningham sponsoring misbehavior that others copied.

We played the game and we lost, 13 to 21.  We just didn’t show up, it was a pathetic showing. No one seemed too concerned though, and some of the same screwing around went on during the trip home.

The bus pulled up at Breese Steven’s and players started getting off.  Line Coach Bob Harris, The Boomer, a mountain of a man, stood up almost immediately. His words, in his booming and somewhat impeded (because of his hair lip) speech were  ‘Linemen stay in your seats” When the backs were off the bus the lecture started, and you could hear him all the way to the back. There were no sounds other than his voice.   “I have never coached a worst bunch of “kittens” (a cat reference but a slightly different word) than you-when are you going to grow up?“ He obviously had been boiling all the way home and he really unloaded for 10 minutes or more. I don’t remember his exact words but they were about accepting responsibility as an adult, and not acting like a bunch of little girls. For good measure as I recall, after the lecture he told us that we could all show up for Four Lakes football later that morning. That would be in about four hours.

The 2:30 am lecture affected me, I have thought about it many times during the last 50 plus years. 

Sonia Andrusier: Memories

• Mr. Brown, our very soft-spoken principal;
  
  
• Orchestra practice with Mr. Fandrick;
  
  
• Working backstage on our production of "The Mousetrap";
  
  
• Doing the Charleston (in front of all those people!) during the school talent show -- with a young man named Joe (who was a class behind us);
  
  
• Oddly enough, I remember my prom dresses (and my dates!) for both the junior & senior dances (ah, just like a woman);
  
  
• Lunchtime dances in the gymnasium;
  
  
• Climbing the stairs to our graduation ceremony;
  
  
• Typing class (on those old manual typewriters; thank goodness I learned to do that -- got me a good job in Chicago right after graduating UW).

Mary (Hampel) Endres: Memories

I have many wonderful memories of my high school years at Madison Central but two are my favorites.

• The first is the Pep Rally before each football game. I was brimming with pride to be wearing the orange and black.
  
  
• The second is my many evenings at the Loft, dancing and playing pool, etc.  Those were the "good old days", indeed!