Feb 2, 2022 - Throw Back Thursday - SAGA OF BILL HAYES Plus Class News

We're expecting sleet and ice here in Little Rock tomorrow, so THURSDAY IS COMING EARLY THIS WEEK!
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Jim Pfeifer has done it again! Sit back and enjoy reading the first in a multi-part story about Sarah Jane Hayes brother.
The Congressional Part 1
Gunshot at the Minute Man
The sound was unmistakeable outside the restaurant. It was gunfire... and it was close. It was an unfortunate and fearful sound; but in an odd way, gunfire was related to the brand of the fast food chain outlet where it was heard. “Minute Man”, the name chosen for this restaurant, was likely selected in its 1948 inception for the “quick” duration of food preparation by the cook staff; but also it offered a connotation of armed warfare. The Minutemen were America's most elite militia in our country’s founding years, and were the first armed soldiers to arrive at or await a battle. The logo of this mid-20th century restaurant was a stark and serious soldier, a Minuteman, holding a long musket (a lengthy rifle-like weapon which shot as many as four lead balls per minute.) This soldier logo, gun in hand, high above the restaurant and brightly lit in pink neon, had never witnessed a crime as violent as happened that day in February of 1976.
The Minute Man restaurant predated McDonalds, and was a dominant and popular Arkansas chain in the mid-20th century, peaking in volume at 57 outlets. Its popular staples included a “real charcoal broiled hamburger” and a “radar deep-dish pie,” with the latter cooked in some of the first microwave ovens placed in American restaurants, and served from small round cardboard containers. The radar pie was said to burn the roof of the mouths of customers eager to take a quick bite of their dessert.
The site of the South University Avenue branch of the Minute Man was chosen to attract students of University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which was just down the road and across the street. That fateful day in 1976, the cook staff of this branch, dressed in white paper chef’s hats, cautiously peered out windows and doors after hearing the gun shot and a follow-up crash. They spotted an orange Fiat convertible with a shattered window which had crashed into the manager's car, and they ran to the scene. A lone still figure was in the convertible. The sounds of wheels spinning on pavement were heard and a car rushed out on University Avenue into lanes facing oncoming traffic. It jumped the median and disappeared into a labyrinth of surrounding neighborhoods in the early dusk of winter. Sirens and flashing lights of emergency vehicles soon streamed under the neon soldier in the Minute Man sign.
The headlines in the Arkansas Gazette the next day read, "FBI Informant Gunned Down in Minute Man Parking Lot."
Episode 2 to follow. “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation.”
1956 Class News
Our sympathy to Monica Starnes three children who have truly been angels while taking care of their Mother who suffered from Alzheimers. Monica was such a sweet person that it's not surprising she raised thoughtful children.Vernon Newman was a big part of Monica's life. When we get the date for the funeral, I will pass it along to all of herLittle Rock friends.
Bogie is having lots of problems with her legs. She is mainly in a wheelchair now but can still walk with the aid of her walker. She lives with her two daughters who are a big help to her. However, she's certainly not giving up. Fingers crossed she will still be able to make our 65th Reunion still planned for September 22, 23 and 24.
Warren Thompson and his wife Dian are also having problems getting around, but like Bogie, have their fingerscrossed they can come to our Reunion in September.
I loved reading about Carol Griffenhagen's family and house. I remember her lovely parents well and believe she hosted the breakfast for some of us after the Senior Prom. - Wickie Brown Plant
ML - Does the use of the 14 muscles offset the calories in a six-ounce glass of wine? What about two six-ounce glasses? That makes me even more passionate about exercise and more appreciative of my daily glass of Riesling or Roscato!! - Gary Frederick
My 85th was on January 6, 2022-still blessed to be going strong-subbing at Maumelle Charter High School every day! - Peter Hartstein
Great stories ML. Carol G. was a very sweet girl and good fiend of Carolyn’s. I never knew that much about her family’s trials and tribulations etc. and I’m sure that’s the case of many more of our Jewish class mates’ relatives. - Jimmy Martin

I know many of you knew Jane Huggins' big brother, Rowe. He was only a couple of years ahead of us. I was so saddened to read his obit today. I thought you might want to see it also. Rowe put up with a lot from all of us "West Side girls", right Nancy and Mary?

Rowe Loftin Huggins passed into eternal life on January 23, 2022. Born July 23, 1936 in Floydada, Texas

to the late Thomas Fred Huggins and Laura Rowe Huggins, Rowe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Carol; sisters Jane Bell and Gwen Gay; and brother, Fred Huggins. A lifelong Razorback fan, Rowe graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1958. He had a successful career in sales and marketing, but his favorite occupation was serving on the Razorback Club Board and as a treasured member of the Razorback Foundation. Rowe and Carol were involved in the country music business for a short time; however, it is the memory of his singing and love for Karaoke which many will remember. He happily took requests, and was especially known for his rendition of Elvis’ American Trilogy. Rowe’s love of music and song was the very reason he served on the board of the Village Concert Association for twelve years and helped raise funds for the Village Players. Rowe was a member of Village United Methodist Church, where he served on several committees, often taught Sunday school, and of course, loved singing in the choir. He is already missed by all who love him.

1955 Class News
I was good friends with Carol in Little Rock...our families were close - just wanted to say hi to her love Ann Dickinson (class of 55)

Marylou, I was glad to see the note from Gene Pfeifer. I missed seeing him at the 65 reunion. To all the 1955 alumni God Bless.- Pat Keebey

Good show Marylou.  Thanks for all --- BTW February 13 is my BD.  Reason why I never much observed Valentine’s Day!! - Robert Swinney

ML