The above photo (from page 101 of the 1961 Sheyenne yearbook) was taken either in the Teen Canteen, located in the basement of the Straus Company, or at somebody's house party. It certainly reminds us of the popular Canteen. From L-R, we have Margaret (Peterson) Anderson dancing with Roy Lang; Barbara (Sheppard) Lang with her partner, John Manstrom; and Jerry Viseth (sadly, he passed away) dancing with Marilyn (Vandestreek) Burton. Click on picture for larger image
Our class produced two military and commercial aviation pilots, which I think is remarkable for a class of only 90. John Manstrom spent eight years as an active-duty Navy pilot and six years in the reserve, retiring as a commander. He then flew for 30 years as a Delta Airlines captain and has lived in the Atlanta area of Georgia for 37 years. Roy Lang was a TWA captain, spending 34 years with the airline and was Air Guard pilot for eleven years, retiring as a Captain. He currently lives in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
John flew mostly Boeing aircraft, up through the now popular 767. Roy was in the left seat of 727s, becoming a captain and instructor on the 757 and 767 aircraft types. Thanks to these exemplary professionals for their service to our country and for their outstanding and long careers with two major airlines. We're proud of you fellas!
"Ma" (Alice) Ratzlaff Walker was the "house mother" of the Teen Canteen and it was her job to keep all of us 61ers in line. I don't believe she had much trouble with our class--reports are we were "the good kids." However, members of some of the other classes were a handful for her, as I hear tell. She had a terrific personality and temperament, ideal for handling teenagers.
In visiting with Cap'n Roy, he remarked that that the "teen canteen could not be built today, the way it was constructed back then. Being in the basement with really no escape windows or fire escape, it wouldn't be allowed as a public meeting place." I think he's right. But it was a great asset to the teen community in Valley City and we can thank the late Herman Stern and his family for donating and maintaining this well-used space (along with the Boy Scout room down the hall). - Larry Gauper, VH61, Fargo, ND
7 comments:
I am not sure if this is the canteen, but it sure brings back memories of all the good times we had. It was amazing that students from three high schools could come together at the canteen and always get along. I do not remember any major problems that "Ma" could not handle. By today's standards, we were very tame. I think the canteen was open three nights a week. As I said before, we should have statues of her and Herman Stern as a thank you.
I agree, Dennis, that this might not be the canteen but, like you say, reminds one of that wonderful asset for the teen community. And, again, here was a place where kids from all three schools could get together. I don't remember doing much at the canteen, but did attend Boy Scout meetings down the hall. By the time I got to canteen age, I was working at Mr. Ingstad's radio station (the "lonesome Larry" routine I've mentioned before). Always enjoy your comments, Dennis...wish more people would chime in like you and give us their memories too. If anyone knows exactly where this shot was taken, let us know!
Don't think this is the canteen . . it's one of our classmate's basements, but I just can't come up with the memory. Note the record player plugged into the wall on a very high wall-socket, and the small box on the chair that holds the 45 rpm records. One 33 type album is leaning against the wall . . . .Larry, can you determine who it is? So, its probably a Valentines Day type party, and perhaps the photo was taken by someone from the yearbook staff?
Help, people . . . .where was this?
I think you're right, Barb, but whose basement? Help, somebody (that phrase sounds like a Beatles song). Regarding the album, I'll take a guess that it's a Bobby Darin 33 1/3 LP. It would fit with the era. However, I might be wrong. Anybody? Take a guess.
My guesses would be Marilyn V's or Rhea D's. It just resembles a basement in the distant memory.
Marilyn says that it's not her basement . . . next guess??
Arlene Anderson's basement also comes to mind for some reason.
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