Feb 10, 2022 - Throw Back Thursday -THE HAYES FAMILY SAGA PART 2 - Plus Class News
This is the second in a multi-post true story in our town. I hope there are some lessons to be drawn here but I’m not sure yet.
The Congressional - Part 2
A white sport coat and a pink carnation
The Country Club of Little Rock is about as far away from deadly gunfire as you can imagine, yet tragedy can impact even the most unlikely places. The club is located at the end of Country Club Boulevard in the Heights neighborhood where gate posts greet drivers with a daunting sign reading “Members Only.” Only a small fraction of us have ever been inside a country club and fewer will ever be members. The name itself is misleading, as the Country Club of Little Rock built in 1902, is comprised of nearly 300 acres of golf course and buildings which are totally surrounded by urban development. Post World War II prosperity allowed families to purchase homes, cars, and some luxuries like country club memberships. The late 1950s and early 60s were flourishing years for the club in Little Rock. There was a focus on youth at the club - swimming, tennis, and rock and roll dances with live bands like Johnny and the Rebels, all by invitation only and chaperoned carefully. After entering the club and walking up a wide staircase, a left turn had you entering the largest ballroom imaginable. It was filled with young girls in formal dress - and boys often in tuxedos at Christmas and white sport coats, with pink carnations in spring.
The live music included “slow dances” interspersed with fast-paced rock and roll, during which the “jitterbug” was danced by couples holding hands, twirling, and spinning to the beat. Girls and boys were allowed to “tag” dancing couples, and they could then dance with the partner of the person tagged. The dance partners of a young man named William Graham (Bill) Hayes were tagged frequently. Bill had grown up at the club. The youngest son of a physician and himself a tennis champion, he was a popular guy. A female classmate of Hayes described him as “having everything - looks, personality, intelligence and connections.” Another described him as “one of the nice guys.” He lived with his parents Dr. Harry and Violet Hayes. His four siblings Tom, Dick, Harry and Sarah Jane Hayes were much older and by the late 50s and 60s Bill and his parents were the only occupants of the stately home on Shadowlane, just a short walk to the country club.
Bill Hayes seemed destined to succeed in life. Some of our lives far exceed expectations and others follow paths no one might ever foresee.
Next post, chapter 3 - “ The President’s Daughter.”
1956 CLASS NEWS
Our sympathy to the family of June Clifft who passed away January 9, 2022.
Mary June Clifft Bulger
September 21, 1938~January 09, 2022
Age 83 - Born Sept 21, 1938
Died Jan 9, 2022, At home in Crestview
We moved to Crestview in 1976 from Little Rock, Arkansas.
She was a retired Bank Teller. She also worked as a bookkeeper for many years in Crestview at Lowe’s Towing. After she retired, she and Edward Bulger married on August 16th, 1997. Bless his heart, he was not accustomed to having spunky women in his life that told HIM what to do!! But he got over it and they had 8 great years together. She has always been a very active member of her church family. In 1976 when we first moved to Crestview she went right to work at Woodlawn Baptist and was a member there for well over 40 years. The last several years she was a member here at Pyron Chapel. Momma loved to sing! Her and her sister, Linda Kay started singing on the stage when they were just 6 and 4. Momma sang in every church choir of every church she attended. She sang for a while with the Sweet Adelines and even did some musicals! Momma loved to cook and for a time her and Jane Veteto catered weddings here in Crestview as well providing the flowers and dresses for the bridal party. Ohhhh and momma loved to shop!!! Anytime, anywhere!!!
Due to Covid and her health problems it had been almost 2 years since she had been able to attend church. But on December 19th, Lisa and Jim were able to bring her for the Christmas music. She was so excited! She absolutely loved coming to church and it was only fitting that she went home to Heaven on a Sunday.
She is preceded in death by her father and mother George Thomas “Jack” Clifft and Mary Ruth Upton Clifft and her late husband James Edward Bulger. Also presenting her in death are her brother and his son Dennis Clifft and Matthew Clifft. Additionally, her brother-in-law and nephew George Brown and Terry Brown.
Surviving members of her family are daughters Kay Lynn Moore and her husband Thomas Sullinger, Lisa Ann Medford and her husband Jim. Her sister Linda Kay Clifft, her brother Larry Clifft and her wife Cassandra Kay, and her sister-in-law Shelly Clifft. Her granddaughters Mackenzie Thomas, Emily Medford, Madison Hendrix, Lauren Medford, Deli Taylor. And the one and only Great Grandson Jaxson Stow Thomas. Along many nieces and nephews.
Memaw loved life, her family, the music but most of all she loved her Jesus, she is singing and dancing in the streets of Heaven today.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at Pyron Chapel Baptist Church, with Pastor Bill McGraw officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, January 13, 2022, from 6 to 8 pm at Brackney Funeral Service Chapel.
You may leave your condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
An E-mail from Mary Kell's daughter, Penny; when you get a chance, send a note or card to Mary:
Marylou, This is Penny (Mary Parker's Daughter). I wanted to see if you can start sending these updates to my email address going forward. Mom doesn't have a computer any more and this email doesn't get checked very often. Mary is doing pretty well although the Alzheimer's is progressing. She's still able to get around great but they've had to stop all group activities at her assisted living place to try and reduce the # of covid outbreaks so they are very bored & going a little stir crazy. Her address is Mary Parker, 1201 NW Tullison Rd, Apt 320, Kansas City, MO 64116 if anyone wants to write to her or send a card. I'm sure that would brighten her day! We're hoping we can bring her to the reunion (if it is back on for this Fall). I hope you are doing well. Take care and thanks for switching this over to my email address. pennyt365@gmail.com
Ben McMinn has had a fall which resulted in cracked pelvis and possible injury to his right leg. However, in Ben fashion, he claims other than hurting like hell, everything is fine!
Cecelia Autry has also had a fall, broke her pelvis, femur and hip, is in rehab using a walker and hoping to get home next week. OUCH! But, like Ben, she is upbeat and positive!
I have been in touch with Bobby Stewart and his wife, Bea. Bea had a stroke back in the fall and after an extended hospital stay, she went into rehab for some paralysis on her right side. Bobby has to travel over an hour to visit her, but does so each week. They have two daughters near the rehab where Bea is and those girls visit their mother daily. Bobby is always still having problems with one foot so that he has to use a walker most of the time. However, talk about troopers, they are both planning on coming to our Reunion September 22, 23, and 24 and have already reserved rooms at the Hotel. Now that's loyalty for you! We can't wait to see you two and meet your daughter will come with you!
Send a little love Bill Hedges way. Thankfully it was the flu and not Covid!!!!
Sarah Wafer hopes she and her granddaughter are finally settled in. They are in Forney, TX. If you need the address, hit REPLY
1955 Class News
Marylou, With great sadness, I have to report the death of Don Ragan, Class of 55, who passed away today, 2/8/2022. We were the closest of friends and have remained in close contact for over 70 years. - Don Crowder
* * * * * * * * * * *
To the '55 Little Rock Girls who meet for lunch at Izzy's once a month from Mary Thomas:
SO, FOR MARCH, I HAVE A SUGGESTION ----- PLEASE SAVE THE DATE OF MARCH 8, 2022 FOR OUR LUNCH GET TOGETHER --- THAT IS A TUESDAY –
Anne Bone has been in touch with Betty Houchin. Betty will be in LR on Tuesday March 8, 2022 and would like to meet with as many as possible for lunch. She did not get to come to our reunion because of covid, but is coming to Arkansas to visit with family and would like to visit with classmates. I suggest we meet on Tuesday March 8, 2022 , at Izzy's on Cantrell Road for our lunch get together instead of Thursday, So with a little “heads up” perhaps most of us can keep from making any appointments on March 8th and make a special effort for lunch that day to visit with Betty. We all need to get out and about and hopefully this will work out. Thanks Ladies - Mary Gardner
ML