Proud Grandpa Hanks

Got the following from Ron Hanks, who is a proud grandpa (and with good reason). Our congrats to young Ronnie.

You know me!  I love bragging about the #1 golfer in the Hanks family and here I go again.  Grandson Ronnie, Becky and Brad’s son, was DePauw University’s #1 golfer this past season and now word is out that he made the NCAA Division III All-Freshmen Team.

Farewell To Jack Dreher

Courtesy Terre Haute Tribune-Star: (follow link for guestbook, etc.)

Jack P. Dreher
Jack P. Dreher, 71, of Terre Haute, passed away Friday, May 15, 2009, at St. Vincent Seton Specialty Hospital, in Indianapolis. Born Aug. 21, 1937, in Terre Haute, he was the son of Joe Dreher and Thelma (Knox) Dreher. He married Martha Jackson, and she survives. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, in Okinawa. He worked and retired from Wabash Fiberbox after more than 40 years. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Marine Corps League. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, sports, construction, and helping his friends with their construction projects. Survivors include his wife and companion of more than 40 years; a brother, Charles Dreher and wife Lyn of Cary, N.C.; a sister, Carolyn Burke and husband Maurice of Terre Haute; a sister-in-law, Ethel Retosh, several nieces and nephews; special friend, Kathleen Milburn and her boys of Terre Haute; his beloved Yorkie, Buffy Joe; and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Judy Jane Dreher. Services are 1 p.m. Tuesday at Roselawn Funeral Home, 7500 N. Clinton St., with Pastor C. Ray Leach officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, with the Terre Haute Marine Corps League providing military rites at the graveside. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Monday.

Jack in happier times: (with John Raley)

Terre Haute Mill Demolished

Courtesy of Terre Haute Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — Cars lined the streets and lawn chairs filled the grass as spectators gathered in Voorhees Park on Saturday morning.

But it wasn’t for the Easter Bunny or brightly colored eggs. People wanted to hear something go “boom.”

Demolition of the paper mill at Prairieton and Voorhees was scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, but technical difficulties delayed the crash about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, security and demolition personnel kept trying to push spectators farther and farther back from the fence surrounding the plant.

“Get to the other side of the street!” one worker yelled to no avail.

A cord was rolled from the tall tower at the facility’s center, all the way to a connector box with a “T” handle.

A siren blared out one last warning call before the demolition crew hollered “fire in the hole” and the handle was pushed.

A loud crack was audible and a flash visible before the tower leaned back and fell to the ground with a crash.

“Wow!” voices from the park cheered.

Among the observers was Leah Disalvo, 4, who attended with her grandparents and siblings. “It was cool,” she said.

Her big brother and sister weren’t so easily impressed.

“I thought it would go past the fence,” said Rachel, 61/2.

“I thought it would be better if something blew up,” commented Zachary, 81/2.

Demolition and cleanup continued throughout the day.

RIP Don Blackburn

Courtesy of Terre Haute Tribune-Star

Donald E. Blackburn, 65, of West Terre Haute, passed away at 1:01 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2009, at Union Hospital’s emergency room. He retired from Wabash Fiber Box, after 33 years of service. He was born Nov. 13, 1943, in Terre Haute, to Edward Blackburn and Helen Sanders Blackburn.Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Ella M. Brackall Blackburn; a son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Stephanie Joy of West Terre Haute; a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Ted Brown of Brownsburg; a son, James Blackburn; a daughter, Angela Blackburn Mason; his stepmother, Ruth Blackburn of Brooksville, Fla.; a brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Fran Blackburn of Decatur, Ill.,; a brother-in-law, Charles Brackall of Marshall, Ill.; four grandchildren, Avery Brown, Luke Brown, Branch Joy and Parker Joy; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Karen Gustafson.He was a 32nd Degree Masons and a member of William Penn Lodge 727 Free and Accepted Masons, a member and past monarch of the Kerman Grotto, and was a member of the United Paperworkers Union. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving with the military police stationed in Germany, during the Vietnam War.Services are 3 p.m. Monday at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N. Third St., in West Terre Haute, with the Rev. Kevin Devine officiating. Burial is in Bethesda Memorial Park, with graveside military rites conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 972. Visitation is 11 a.m. until services Monday.

Take A Look At This Beauty

For those who might not know, Ken Boehm has a very interesting hobby. He has restored a classic car — a gorgeous 1955 Chevrolet.

Take a look. (Click to enlarge picture.)

RIP Jack Smith

Courtesy Terre Haute Tribune-Star

Jack R. Smith, 65, of Terre Haute died in Union Hospital March 19, 2009. He was born in Terre Haute on Dec. 7, 1943, to Jesse and Beatrice (Simrell) Smith. He was a retired machine operator for Wabash Fiber Box Company. He is survived by his girlfriend Artie May Rogers; three sons, Roy Smith and his wife Annette, Ron Smith and his wife Penny, and Rodney Smith and his wife Gina. He has one sister, Georgia Anne Cook, eight grandchildren, one great-grandson, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jesse Smith, Jr., and a sister Norma Luken. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at DeBaun Springhill Chapel There will be no funeral services. Cremation is scheduled. For those who choose, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Try Your Luck — Twenty Questions

Just for a change of pace, I thought I’d post a quiz offered up by Ken Boehm. It’s meant to be a chain letter and I don’t do those, but maybe this will work instead.

1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?
A. Flintstones vitamins
B. The Buttmaster
C. Spaghetti
D. Wonder Bread
E. Orange Juice
F. Milk
G. Cod Liver Oil

2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was…
A. Sugar Ray Robinson
B. Roy Orbison
C. Gene Autry
D. Rudolph Valentino
E. Fabian
F. Mickey Mantle
G. Cassius Clay

3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, ‘We have met the enemy and…
A. It’s you
B. He is us
C. It’s the Grinch
D. He wasn’t home
E. He’s really me an
F. We quit
G. He surrendered

4. Good night David.
A. Good night Chet
B. Sleep well
C. Good night Irene
D. Good night Gracie
E. See you later alligator
F. Until tomorrow
G. Good night Steve

5. You’ll wonder where the yellow went…
A. When you use Tide
B. When you lose your crayons
C. When you clean your tub
D. If you paint the room blue
E. If you buy a soft water tank
F. When you use Lady Clairol
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent

6. Before he was the Skipper’s Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie’s friend…
A. Stuart Whitman
B. Randolph Scott
C. Steve Reeves
D. Maynard G. Krebbs
E. Corky B.. Dork
F. Dave the Whale
G. Zippy Zoo

7. Liar, liar…
A. You’re a liar
B. Your nose is growing
C. Pants on fire
D. Join the choir
E. Jump up higher
F. On the wire
G. I’m telling Mom

8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and…
A. Wheaties
B. Lois Lane
C. TV ratings
D. World peace
E. Red tights
F. The American way
G. News headlines

9. Hey kids!  What time is it?
A. It’s time for Yogi Bear
B. It’s time to do your homework
C. It’s Howdy Doody Time
D. It’s Time for Romper Room
E. It’s bedtime
F. The Mighty Mouse Hour
G. Scoopy Doo Time

10. Lions and tigers and bears….
A. Yikes
B. Oh no
C. Gee whiz
D. I’m scared
E. Oh my
F. Help! Help!
G. Let’s run

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone…
A. Over 40
B. Wearing a uniform
C. Carrying a briefcase
D. Over 30
E. You don’t know
F. Who says, ‘Trust me’
G. Who eats tofu

12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women’s stockings….
A. Troy Aikman
B. Kenny Stabler
C. Joe Namath
D. Roger Stauback
E. Joe Montana
F. Steve Young
G. John Elway

13. Brylcream…
A. Smear it on
B. You’ll smell great
C. Tame that cowlick
D. Grease ball heaven
E. It’s a dream
F. We’re your team
G. A little dab’ll do ya

14. I found my thrill…
A. In Blueberry muffins
B. With my man, Bill
C. Down at the mill
D. Over the windowsill
E. With thyme and dill
F. Too late to enjoy
G. On Blueberry Hill

15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by…
A. Clark Gable
B. Mary Martin
C. Doris Day
D. Errol Flynn
E. Sally Fields
F. Jim Carey
G. Jay Leno

16. Name the Beatles…
A. John, Steve, George, Ringo
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo

17. I wonder, wonder, who..
A. Who ate the leftovers?
B. Who did the laundry?
C. Was it you?
D. Who wrote the book of love?
E. Who I am?
F. Passed20the test?
G. Knocked on the door?

18.. I’m strong to the finish…
A. Cause I eats my broccoli
B. Cause I eats me spinach
C. Cause I lift weights
D. Cause I’m the hero
E. And don’t you forget it
F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me
G. To outlast Bruto

19. When it’s least expected, you’re elected, you’re the star today…
A. Smile, you’re on Candid Camera
B. Smile, you’re on Star Search
C. Smile, you won the lottery
D. Smile, we’re watching you
E. Smile, the world sees you
F. Smile, you’re a hit
G. Smile, you’re on TV

20. What do M & M’s do?
A. Make your tummy happy
B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket
C. Make you fat
D. Melt your heart
E. Make you popular
F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand
G. Come in colors

Answers below: DON’T CHEAT!

—

Don’t look until you’re ready to add up your score.

—

Hah! Caught you looking.

—

Below are the right answers:

1. D – Wonder Bread
2. G – Cassius Clay
3. B – He Is Us
4. A – Good night, Chet
5. G – When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent
6. D – Maynard G. Krebbs
7. C – Pants On Fire
8. F – The American Way
9. C – It’s Howdy Doody Time
10. E – Oh My
11. D – Over 30
12. C – Joe Namath
13. G – A little dab’ll do ya
14. G – On Blueberry Hill
15. B – Mary Martin
16. G – John, Paul, George, Ringo
17. D – Who wrote the book of Love
18. B – Cause I eats me spinach
19. A – Smile, you’re on Candid Camera
20. F – Melt In Your Mouth Not In Your Hand

Wow! Finally — Something New.

First I want to apologize to those who might have been checking here occasionally — I haven’t exactly been overly active in posting.

I also want to apologize to those who occasionally send me humorous or informative stuff, because I haven’t found a way to work any of those into a post — but I will.

Anyhow, I did want to let everyone know that I have – finally – added some old photos to the site. You can look at them by clicking on the little versions over on the right, or on the “more photos” link.

Just to get it started, here’s a good one. Remember any of these folks? (Click to enlarge.)

Shut-Down Paper Mill Burns

Excerpts from news story, courtesy of Terre Haute Tribune-Star:

A large black shroud of smoke could be seen as far away as Riley, about eight miles from the former International Paper facility at 2401 Prairieton Ave. Firefighters responded about 2:25 a.m. Sunday to heavy smoke and flames at the closed paper plant, said John Gardner, public information officer for the fire department.

Gardner said Sunday the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The facility is being dismantled. “The only thing we can come up with so far is that maybe some contractors were using torches as they were disassembling and something caught fire,” Gardner said.

A heavy tractor was used to cut a trench across an area of the fire to preserve more valued equipment that was to be removed from the facility, Gardner said, and allow the remainder of the plant to burn itself out.

Smoke could still be seen high in the air by 9:30 a.m. Sunday, when the temperature hovered at 8 degrees.

Firefighters remained on scene for about nine hours, with the blaze finally extinguished about 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Gardner said.

Protective clothing helped firefighters battle the cold at the closed paper plant, yet firefighters were limited to one or two hours at a time fighting the blaze, depending on the situation, “if they were wet or if they were protected from the wind,” Gardner said.

“The American Red Cross had a heated school bus that was used as a command center and the Prairie Creek [Volunteer Fire] Department had a rehab unit with heat, plus all the fire engines have heaters,” he said, adding that Honey Creek Fire Department also assisted.

“Fighting the elements makes it extremely rough on firefighters and equipment, when it gets wet, freezes up and gears freeze up. Plus, you have to pay attention to exposed skin and just battle pure exhaustion,” Gardner said.

Charlie Dreher Will Be Remembered By Many

Courtesy of Terre Haute Tribune-Star:

Charles Edward “Chuck” Dreher, 78, of West Terre Haute, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in Indianapolis. He was born on Nov. 30, 1930, in Terre Haute, to Charles Louis Dreher and Muriel Evelyn Dowell Dreher. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carole Nichols Dreher; three sons, Douglas Dreher and his wife Cheryl, Charles Eric Dreher and his wife Judy, all of West Terre Haute and Michael Dreher and his wife Darci of Covington; two daughters, Regina Foradori and her husband John of Terre Haute and Susan Paulin and her husband Jim of West Terre Haute; 14 grandchildren, Peter Morris and his wife Marcie of West Terre Haute, Amanda Woelfle and her husband Todd of Terre Haute, Sara Nickles and her husband Dusty, Charles Trevor Dreher, Clifford J. Paulin, Brittany Paulin, and Jenna Dreher, all of West Terre Haute, Angelica Foradori and Mario Foradori of Terre Haute, Dane Dreher, Colton Dreher, Tanner Dawson Dreher, Zachary Black, and Gabriel Dreher of Covington; three great-grandsons, Anthony Morris and Luke Morris of West Terre Haute and Gavin Woelfle of Terre Haute; three sisters, Betty Waldrop of Clinton, Mary Vrabic and her husband Donnie of Terre Haute and Pauline Kelsheimer of West Terre Haute; one uncle, William Dowell and his wife Wiladeen of West Terre Haute; two aunts, Audrey “Sis” Scott of Clinton and Doris Farmer of Terre Haute; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; a granddaughter, Jacki Dana Morris; and several aunts and uncles.Chuck worked as a production scheduling manager at Wabash Fibre Box Company in Terre Haute. He retired in 1993, and celebrated the event by taking his family to Disney World in Florida. He was a member of the St. Ann Roman Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 541. Chuck graduated from Fayette High School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 through 1953, during which he was stationed in Germany. When he was younger, he played baseball and softball. He enjoyed working in his yard, traveling, spending time with his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. He loved cheering on family at sports events such as softball, baseball, football, basketball, cross country, track, running events, and gymnastics. He volunteered at several events over the years at St. Ann, the K of C, and the former Schulte High School. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Ann Church, 1440 Locust St., in Terre Haute, with the Rev. Darvin Winters officiating. Entombment is in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation is 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N. 3rd St., West Terre Haute, and also from 9:30 a.m. until service time in the Church on Thursday. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Community Outreach Services, 1440 Locust Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church.