Love 208

THE PURDY STREET NEWS-LOVE FROM 208, July 29, 2006---Old Hot & Humid Sumter

Dear Everyone:

No use to comment on the weather---it is terribly hot almost everywhere in the U. S. and believe I saw on TV where Europe is having hot weather in England---when I was there it was my experience that the Brits could not stand hot weather. Remember one time they called off court at old Bailey due to the heat It is summertime nice and quiet here at home, and right after the first of August all thoughts will be on school openings. Sales tax free days coming up. I have been invited to the big kick off for school district 17 that is held every year at Patriots Hall. Some of you that finished Edmunds remember the auditorium there. Seems to me the seniors got the best seats also got to leave first as part of senior privileges.  Seating capacity was 1492, made it easy for us to remember as 1492 was the year Columbus crossed the ocean blue. Almost all is gone at old Edmunds now---and Lincoln High is changing its name as Trinity Methodist and the Salvation Army are in a joint venture to change this into a boys club. Incidentally, The Salvation Army Boys club needs some funds for this and have asked me to ask you all to consider this in your prayers, giving and other support. Hope I will get an e-mail with details before we send this, if not ---we will try to send details for next week. One Salvation Army expression that I like is---put your hand on your heart and say Heart to God, then move your hand to your wallet and say Hand to Man. And of course, I always say that some of your friends and relatives have been Promoted to Glory.

Promoted to Glory this week was Mrs. Archie Crumpton ----she has been residing at Covenant Place for the last few years. Was over 90 but a real inspiration to all she came in contact with.  Great smile and as she was a Nettles she would and could share a lot of Sumter's history---always seem to be very friendly and caring a trademark of her family They lived on Saratoga Street for a long time. Daughter is Lucy Gordon, retired teacher in Columbia

Another promotion this week is old Classmate of 45, William Bill Weatherly. Not only a loss for folks in our class but a blow to Sumter and in particular the American Legion. He was a real contributor for Sumter and everything around he and his family. Also promoted to glory was Charles T. Walker(Robbins Ave)we were friends as his daughter Martha Fullington had a real interest in history. She was one of Grady Locklear's students. She worked for the State Archives and we shared this mutual interest.

Got a little sick report, Rick Roddey had a fall as we had reported. s
She was sent over to Columbia and they repaired the back damage, but could not fix her back problem that she has had so long. She is now back at Tuomey. Please pray that she and my friend Julian Moore will get some relief from their real hurting backs. And by the way, had someone fuss about all my reports of sick and promotions to Glory but some good things happen from this. Phil Booth is back at coffee club---grateful to be out and asked me to thank his old high school friend Julius Moseley for the flowers, thoughts and prayers. These old friends are in their 80's and since I am thinking about it, best wishes for recovery to Jenny Wenzel who made a new home at Covenant Place a few years back. 

All of Sumter---and all of the Bar were delighted that George C. James, Jr. (Buck) has been sworn in as a circuit court judge. Excellent. Judge Howard King is retiring. Judge Tommy Cooper presided. He is retiring before long. Excellent praise came from Buck's partners and president of the Bar, Jack Erter---and as always retired Chief Justice E. Finney made outstanding remarks(we are all proud of him)Buck is just 46 and we hope he will serve us a long time. Sorry that no one was there to take a picture of the current Bar. Don't think they have had a group photo since about 1990(of course I want one for the archives). Lots of distinguished guests and friends were there. We were honored with an invitation.

And another honor for one of ours:  At it's 41st annual Conservation Awards Banquet earlier this year,...........quoting the Coastal Conservation 's report: " the S.C. Wildlife Federation bestowed its Wildlife Conservation Award on veteran environmentalist Jane Lareau, Land Use Director for the Conservation League. For more than 30 years, Jane has either led or participated in most of the major battles to protect South Carolina's natural resources. In 1989, Jane took a huge leap of faith when she signed on with Dana Beach to help found the Coastal Conservation League. Her passion, good humor, and love of the natural world inspire all who know her." Jane Lareau was Edmunds HS Class of 1969 and lived on Pumpkin Lane. Regards, Elizabeth (McLeod) Britton (Bubba says thanks)

Elizabeth would also like to get some history of the Assembly Dance Club and or the Cotillion.  If any one has any old minutes, clippings, etc.I would also like anything you might send us as I have limited files on these two clubs. Also,  while you are looking see if you might have something on the Cosmos Club---this was mens club---

Bubba, I was hoping that you could help spread the word that the Sumter High School Class of 1986 is planning their 20th reunion. Tentative dates include the homecoming football game at Memorial Stadium on October 6th. Possible golf tournament early that Saturday morning followed by a reception that night. Other activities are in the works but the most important thing we need to do right now is spread the word. If you are a member of this class, please register your information at www.sumteralumni.com . This will help us keep everybody informed of the upcoming events. Thank you! Mike Doyle SHS 86'.

Friend Eddie Porter sent us this one about his brother:
As many of you don't know, Rob Porter is now the Director of Development with the Departments of Architecture and Arts and Humanities at Clemson University. He and his family moved back home to South Carolina from Nashville while working at Vanderbilt University School of Law (Fundraiserfor the alumni). Rob is the son of Edward (Porter Cabinet Shop) and Edna Porter. He also worked with Crosswell Baptist Church as the Youth Minister and First Priority in Nashville. He is glad to be back home in South Carolina - closer to his family and friends.

Betty Caulkins wrote: Great talking with you this morning. Our committee is looking for any thing of interest that we might be able to display in our archives for THE TUOMEY HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSES. (1914-1967) There were 433 graduates. Mr Cox has offered a place for the display when we are ready. Would love to have a uniform from the different periods of the school, pictures of all kinds, etc. Many thanks for your help!!! Mayor Bubba says this will be a great project and recording of the rich history of Tuomey Nurses. I have offered my files. Look in your attic,  if you have uniforms left by Grandmother, Mama, aunt ???Or some of your own caps, pens, etc. How about any pictures????No details yet as to where to send but it will beat having your children throw them out,   A good opportunity for all of us to thank all of you for taking care of all of us!!!  Betty was for many years at Dr. Levis firm, knows everyone. But more everyone knows her for a good job.

Just in case you missed it, our local Applebee's is hosting a pancake breakfast to support the library. Tickets are only $5.00 and the library gets ALL the money. This is a part of Applebees Community Outreach and they should be commended for it. Tickets are for either the 8;30 am seating or the 9:30 seating. Regular menu item's are excluded and unavailable only pancakes, bacon, sausage, OJ, coffee but all you want. So please come and support the library even if you dont wish to eat, you can buy a few tickets and give them away to friends at $5 you cant go wrong! Tickets are on sale at all the branches or by calling 773.7273. Ya'll come! It is August 12---Saturday 8:30

Had a reason to contact Welly Bradham ---He has own real estate firm at Mt. Pleasantso asked him about his brothers---got this update: Welly writes---Brother Riley lives in Columbia now where he sees a lot of his old friends including Ashby Dick His eyesight is much better, and I will tell him you asked about him. Brother " Crow " (Gilbert) is recovering nicely from his quadruple bypass surgery. Brother Randy continues to be one of the most amazing people I have ever known. He has learned how to fly and doing a lot of it.---Welly continues-- I was a Fighter Pilot myself for a while, flying in Japan and then flew the F104 Starfighter at MacIntire SCANG in Columbia.

Sumter is in winner's bracket through three games at Riley Park. In State Tournament. Try this web site for 14 year old world series. Team from Sumter will play in Texas http://www.upstatetoday.com/articles/2006/07/28/news/sports/sports01.txt

Brick project at Riley Park looks good had correspondence with Jobie Dixon about his Dad that was on first team in 29. Jobie also wrote that he and his wife had been entertained by Donald Trump at a 100 room house in Florida and that some of the guest had titles of royalty. His word was that he was only redneck there. But guess he got all that culture and art of finery at Clemson??? (Think some of my friends missed this)

To talk with God just talk direct. Call, no menu, no extension, you dont even need to say who's calling. He already knows and does not have call waiting.

Love from 208