Memories of Vigor High School 1958

You must have some special memories of classmates or teachers of Vigor High School.  If you would like to share some memories or experiences of the persons of the week, please send that information to Johnny Henderson or to Jimmy Martin (Webmaster).   We know you will not attempt to embarrass others.  If the embarrassment is yours, that is acceptable. 


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Mr. R. E. Faulk - Assistant Principal
" Memories" 
Mr. Faulk - Assistant Principal
Jimmy C. Martin - I had a very special relationship with Mr. Faulk. It was in my Sophomore or Junior year at Vigor that I remember getting an invitation from him for a one-on-one visit in his office.  I don't rightly know if any other classmates ever had this type of special invitation or not.  However, I know Mr. Faulk was a popular administrator and he may have issued invitations to others without my knowledge.  Well, I promptly arrived at Mr. Faulk's door and was invited inside.  He closed the door so that we could have a private conversation.  He politely informed me of the reason for the invitation.  As best as I remember the gist of the conversation was that he wished to impress upon me the importance of my regular attendance at Vigor High School.  He just couldn't stand the thought of my missing the daily school activities.  He loved the school and just naturally assumed that was the case for everyone.  After the discussion, and one other activity, (the impression) I agreed completely with Mr. Faulk, and I might add that I agreed with great enthusiasm.  I fully understood his position, without any hesitation or reservations.  I assured Mr. Faulk that his desire for me to enjoy his school was also my desire.  I would happily look forward to arriving each and every school day.  (My apologies to James W. Martin Jr. for tarnishing his good name.)
John Henderson - Mr. Faulk took the paddle to me once that I can remember.  I got two whacks - which were really not that bad.  When my daddy heard about it, I got several more.  I don't recall my infraction but I got what I deserved, a good lesson from two great men.  I greatly admire them both. 

Edward C. Kotis - One day a couple of my cohorts and I decided we would take a smoke break in the boy's rest room near the entrance to the auditorium. I guess we thought that was the student's lounge or something. Anyway, to our complete surprise, in walked “Coach” Faulk himself with an invitation to join him in his office for some TEA; (Total Enlightenment Again). After he explained the rules of the campus regarding students’ engaging in adult habits, he gave us a choice of 3 licks right away, or 1 a day for 5 days. Now, one lick is not so bad, but I had a busy schedule and really didn't have time to meet with him every day for a week. So, I opted for the 3 and I remember it to this day. I never had another such meeting with Mr. Faulk. He and I were always on good terms, from the time he was the Baseball and PE coach, through his tenure as the Supreme Commander of the Wolf Pack. A great guy! 

Jimmy Robinson -  I climbed in my homeroom window (with help) to unlock the door, having beat Miss Ongais there from an auditorium event. I was sent right away to Mr. Faulk's office. I don't remember whether it was 2 or 3 whacks but tears came to my eyes. Perhaps I was a little thinner than John Henderson. I have never climbed in a window since.

T. W. Yates - Like some of my classmates, I had "philosophical" discussions with Mr. Faulk on three occasions.  The first time, when I was in the ninth grade and he was a Coach, he introduced me to "Mr. Paddle" for an infraction of the rules.  You were required to "toe-the-line on the Gym floor and receive your punishment.  I tell you, whoever said that fear is not a deterrent, never felt "Mr. Paddle".  The other two times that I met one-on-one with him for "pep" talks was when he was assistant principal, and I escaped the paddle.  Whew!  I had the highest regard for him both as a coach and Principal.


Lucille Lloyd
John Henderson - I always liked Mrs. Lucille Lloyd.  She had a great sense of humor and was always involved in some project.  One spring day, I went with some of her science students to her home in Fairhope for an outing.  We had a great time and I have been infatuated with both science and Fairhope since then.

 


Clerah C. Butler
 " Memories"
John Henderson - My best subject was always math - and quite naturally, I enjoyed Mrs. Butler's classes.  Although she was mostly quiet and serious, she had a dry wit and loved to laugh.  I realized her special love for life and humor when she took a small group of us (Quill & Scroll I believe) on an overnight trip to Huntingdon College -my first visit to a college campus.  I was impressed and knew that I just had to go somewhere that had buildings and a campus like that.  I am very much indebted to Mrs. Butler for leading me to understand that you must reach for your dreams.

Ed Kotis - "I remember math classes under Mrs. Butler.  She scared the heck out of me!  She lived right down the street from me and I would not go ask her a question about a homework problem I didn't understand.  To make things worse, I sat right next to Eileen Healy in class and she knew everything!  Like Henderson though, I learned to appreciate Mrs. B's dry wit and special sense of humor.  I overcame my intimidation and went to her house one evening for help.  I was met with a warm welcome and tremendous willingness to help.  She wouldn't let me go until she was sure I understood.  I was overwhelmed by her kindness and that she really cared about me that much.  I was never afraid of her again.  She inspired me in a subject that didn't come easy for me; she taught me how to learn and how not to give up."


 School Flower White Rose
"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."   George Washington

"Flattery looks like friendship, just like a wolf looks like a dog."  Anonymous

"Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."  Mark Twain 


                                                                       Memories of our Senior Class Trip to Washington, DC
How many classmates can remember where this picture was taken?

A trivia question to those who went on the trip... In a Virginia restaurant ( I think in the hotel we stayed) a lot of us ordered a particular breakfast food, and they had never heard of it. What was the name of the food, and who finally got it for us? :-)

Send your answer, on the back of a twenty dollar bill, to Jim Martin 201 Gardenbrook Circle Gardendale, AL 35071.

Hope you have a Happy New Year.

Jim Martin (James W. Martin, Jr.)

Better quality pictures of this and others available by e-mail on request to:

Jimmy C. Martin

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Updated 05/16/04