The Home TimesThe Home Times Issue #2 January 7, 2011 A Bi-monthly Supplemental Newsletter To The Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite
What is there not to love about
these two guys? They call each
other brother. They have
known each other since they
went to the Home; Sooky in
1926 and Dale in 1929. Sooky
was at the Home for 12 years,
leaving just one year before
graduation. Dale was at the
Home for 10 years. I asked
Sooky why he didn’t graduate.
He said he was asked to leave
after being caught in the “girls
dorm.”
Dale wrote and published a
book in 1990 called “Another
Time, Another Generation”
outlining his stay at ISSCH and
his military career. He has
written many endearing poems
about “Home Life” that was
published in “The Land Of
Perpetual Childhood” Poem
book. It was at Homecoming in
2007 when both guys were
honored with the highest award
our Alumni Association gives,
The Mac Schofield Award. It
was that year when both were
instrumental in spearheading the
project to become the “Veteran’s
Memorial Wall” dedicated to
the Home Kids who were
casualties in World War I and
World War II. With the help of
the cadets and LTC Riley, Army
JROTC instructor, they found
photos and information to
document these fallen soldiers
and honor them.
Both Sooky and Dale know
what it means to serve our
country. Dale served in the
Army for 40 years beginning in
the North African Campaign
and Europe. After returning
home, he joined the Army
Reserves.
The former ISSCH is now home to the quasi-military
academy run by the Indiana National Guard. The Hoosier
Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduated 94 cadets December
18, 2010. The Academy targets youth from ages 16 to 19
who have dropped out of school and are unemployed. They
must be drug free and have no felony convictions or pending
court cases. The cadets get daily training in life skills, health
and fitness, academics and leadership. They spend five (5)
months living on campus. After they graduate, they are
assigned mentors for a year to ensure they stay on track. The
academy hopes to graduate two classes a year, but plans to
double the classes in the coming years. They moved to
Knightstown from Edinburgh, Indiana after Governor
Daniels closed the Home in 2009. Even though our Alumni
is not happy with the change in the Home, we are still happy
that it is serving the purpose of helping our youth. We
support the kids graduating and welcome them into our
Alumni Association.
We are very proud to announce the first recipient of the
ISSCH Alumni Association $500.00 Scholarship. The
scholarship was awarded to HYCA Academy Graduate
Anne Phelps by Doug Jordan, (pictured above) our new
Alumni Association President. Congratulations to Anne!
The Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe
Academy Graduates 94 Cadets
Happy 2011Happy 2011 To Our Alumni and Friends! To Our Alumni and Friends!
Sooky left the Home with
$15.00, a new suit and a
cardboard box full of “stuff.”
After finishing High School, he
worked in the Steel Mills in
Chicago. He went on to Tampa
University in Florida and
earned his business degree. He
served in both the Navy as a
combat pilot, and the Coast
Guard. He had the honor of
being selected to scout and
locate the sites for the Down
Range Radar Tracking Stations
for the “Space Program.” After
retiring from the military in
1962 a Lieutenant Commander,
Sooky worked 24 more years
for Prudential Insurance Co. as
First Vice President.
Sooky lives in San Antonio,
Texas and Dale in Tucson,
Arizona. Both send their love
to all of their “Homie” friends.
Where are they now?
Carl “Sooky” Scott & Dale Hughes
from Morton Class of 1939
Carl “Sooky” (on the left) and
Dale Hughes (on the right)
accepting the Mac Schofield
Award in 2007
Issue #2 January 7, 2011
A Bi-monthly Supplemental Newsletter To The Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite
J. Charles Lawhorn 78, Greenwood, Indiana, passed away
December 4, 2010. Charles was a graduate of the Class of
1950. He will be remembered on the Morton Homesite for his
unbelievable knowledge of
the Home and it’s History.
He shared his experiences
often. He was very
disappointed when the
Home closed in 2009 and
would express his feelings
often. Charles loved the
Home. He was deeply hurt
when he lost his dear wife
Ogla in the Spring of 2010.
All of us always looked
forward to Charles posts, as
they were smart and full of
information. He will be
sadly missed on the Morton
Memorial Alumni Homesite.
Charles and Olga had a
beautiful family of 6
children. Daughters Linda J.
Woods, Cathy Franks, Vicky
Lee, and Lora Vivas. Sons Gary Dupre’ and Adrian Lawhorn.
The family celebrated Charles’s life with a private service. Our
sincere Condolences go to their family.
Evelyn (Balle) Sophronia Gaster, Class of 1942
Evelyn Sophronia Gaster, 87, peacefully went home on Tuesday,
December 21, at The Village at Legacy Pointe in Waukee, Iowa.
She spent her final days surrounded by loved ones, including
her only daughter Cindy (John) Tometich of Johnston and four grandchildren: Melissa (John) Ulrickson of Ankeny and their four
boys - Sam, Jack, Max, and Frank; Elizabeth (Scott) Behrens of
Kansas City and their two girls; Evelyn and Annabelle; Ryan
Tometich of Johnston; and Mary (Jonathan) Kaisand of Ames.
Evelyn was raised at the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's
Home, spending time whenever she could with her beloved
parents and siblings. After attending beauty school, she moved
to Iowa, worked as a beauty operator, and married Harold
Gaster in May 1948. Consistently putting the needs of others
before her own, she exemplified this Scripture: "Your attitude
should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who...made himself
nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." She loved to
volunteer at her church, serve coffee to a daily houseful of
visitors, and spend many of her days loving on her family.
Remembering our loved ones… What the caterpillar perceives as the end, to the butterfly, it’s just the beginning…
2010 Brought losses to our Alumni and
their families…
When a Home brother or sister passes
It is felt by all, as we are family…
This statement is so true for those from the children’s home.
While growing up at the Home you develop a family bond with
your roommates. Many children were at the Home all of their
young childhood, so naturally, they think of each other as their
brothers and sisters. We have lost some loved ones in 2010.
Not only in our Home family, but some have lost dear family
members too. Below is a listing of those who have passed since
January 1, 2010. Remember, there could be some missing on
this list. If you know of any of our family members that have
passed and are not listed here, please contact me at:
NAME CLASS OR POSITION HELD DATE OF DEATH
Jo Dianne (Robertson) Himes, Class of 1960 01/01/2010
George Pitts, Class of 1943 01/21/2010
Virginia “Ginny” (Galvin) Dison, Class of 1944 02/09/2010
Roy Lee Webb, Class of 1967 02/20/2010
Mary (Armarie) Rardon Boyce, Class of 1945 03/01/2010
Elinor I. (Hamm) Day, Class of 1940 05/14/2010
Barbara (Chambers) Farber, Class of 1954 04/06/2010
Helen Marie (Lawhorn) Clark, Class of 1943 06/10/2010
Sybil H. (Humphrey) Burnett, Class of 1939 07/25/2010
Bernice E. (Vinson) Alexander, Class of 1940 08/06/2010
Wanitta Mae Kirk (Houseparent) 09/07/2010
Dr. Robert Raisor (Teacher) 09/12/2010
Dr. Clifford Gerbig, Class of 1951 09/12/2010
Robert “Bob” Bragdon, Class of 1965 10/06/2010
Darrin Lee Goff, Class of 1985 11/21/2010
Mary L. (Norris) Tochterman, Class of 1945 11/24/2010
J. Charles Lawhorn, Class of 1950 12/04/2010
Evelyn (Balle) Sophronia Gaster, Class of 1942 12/21/2010
G one b u t n e v e r f o rg o t t en…
Issue #2 January 7, 2011
A Bi-monthly Supplemental Newsletter To The Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite
Betty (Kraft) Tabor, Class of 1958
Betty should be going through chemo now for cancer.
Please drop her a card as she could use a good boost from her fellow classmates. Write to Betty at: Betty Tabor, 1660 Daub Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46143. If you need an immediate update, you can write to her brother Bob at: [email protected] Becky (Barnett) Flowers, Class of 1979
Becky married her long time bow Saturday, December 4th. She has been through Chemo and is holding her own at this time. Please write Becky at: Becky Flowers
131 Franklin Street Knightstown, IN 46148 Bob Snedaker, Class of 1950
Bob’s sister Rosie contacted me recently and informed me that Bob is now in a nursing facility. He has COPD and has severe problems breathing. She said
he would love to hear from his friends by phone or mail. Bob’s contact information is as follows; Bob Snedaker
Riverside Village 1400 West Franklin St. Elkhart, IN 46516 You can call Bob at: (574)-215-3090. You can also
write to Rosie at: [email protected]
Barbara Richardson, Houseparent for over 28 years
Everyone loves Barbara! Please keep her in your prayers as she is recuperating after an illness. You can write, or call Barbara, as she would love to hear from
all of her former students. Write to: Barbara Richardson
Lincoln Center – East Building 1029 East 5th Street Room 106 Connersville, Indiana 47331
Phone: (765) 825-2697
Fred Wright: 11659 North Carthage Pike, Knightstown, Indiana 46148
Max & Wilma Stanley: 11712 North Carthage Pike, Knightstown, IN
46148. As many of you already know, Max & Wilma just celebrated 69
years of marriage. What a great example they have been for us all! As recent as a couple of weeks ago, Max was hospitalized. Tony Crump, Class of 1983
Tony was recently diagnosed with cancer. Please keep Tony and his family in your prayers. Karen (Jordan) Williams, Class of 1979
Karen has been through a lot this past year. Because of complications from diabetes, she had one leg amputated. Unfortunately, they had to amputate the other leg too. I hope may of you will write to Karen, she has been
moved to a rehab center. You can write to Karen at: Karen Williams, Danville Rehab Center, 255 Meadow Drive, Danville, IN 46122. John Dicus, Class of 1967
John recently had open-heart surgery at Northwestern in Chicago and is doing well. The doctors are hopeful that John will now be able to go through liver-kidney transplant surgery as soon as a donor is available. If
you would like to write to John, his address is: John Dicus 10328 Margene Drive
Brownsburg, IN 46112 Nancy (Wilbur) Burmeister, Class of 1970
Nancy recently received a miracle, a double lung transplant. She has since
had a couple of complications and 3 more surgeries. She is now at home and doing better. Please write to Nancy or call her. She loves hearing from our Homies. Write to:
Nancy Burmeister 5355 Sweetwater Drive Indianapolis, IN 46235 Phone: (317) 823-1396
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless…
-Mother Teresa
You can write to Susie Jackson-Yagher anytime at:
Keep these old friends on your prayer list… Here are more addresses to keep in touch:
Issue #2 January 7, 2011
A Bi-monthly Supplemental Newsletter To The Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite
CHECK HERE EVERY ISSUE
FOR NEW FLASHBACKS!
This article came out in the July, 1966
edition of the Home Journal. Of course,
Debi is a still a real sweetheart today!
!!!!!!!!!!
Remember the old dairy barn? This
drawing is by Joan Bell Hart from the Class of 1955.
Remember when?
Remember when J. J. E. Sang?
This group sang at the 2009 Graduation
Ceremonies for our last graduating class.
This photo was taken from the January
1995 Home Journal. What a group!
Remember Mr Walker. He is doing great,
living in Knightstown. This photo is from
the October 1983 issue.
Remember
Art & Jacquie
Randolph at
Homecoming
in 1976? They
could sure cut
a rug
together! Art
was from the
Class of 1939.
The Morton Memorial Honor
Roll published in the October 8,
1954 issue of the Home Journal.
Now we know who the smart
ones are!! I do apologize for the
quality of the photos—I hope to
improve on them next time!
These are so much fun to look
back on… Zoom To view!
Zoom To View!!
Issue #2 January 7, 2011
A Bi-monthly Supplemental Newsletter To The Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite
The Adoption by Dale Hughes
Please submit all information for the next Newsletter by 4:00 pm on Monday, March 7th, 2011 for a March 8th release date. THE HOME TIMES newsletter is an independent
newsletter for the Alumni of Morton Memorial High School and the former employees of The Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home located in Knightstown, Indiana.
Just like the Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite at MyFamily.com, The Home Times is intended to bring you NEWS about our Alumni and to bring our Alumni together.
THE HOME TIMES is available to the Alumni Association for announcements/event notifications in order to help promote our Alumni Association from Morton Memorial
High School. This Newsletter will never cost you a fee on line, however, if you would like a printed copy, please send $1.00 per issue to the address below for printing/mailing. I
do ask those online to forward it to all of our Home Family and friends to get the word out. If you are not on Facebook or the Myfamily.com site, please send your contact information to either my e-mail, or regular mailing address. I will personally e-mail it to you.
Any and all content is under the ownership of the Home Times and Susan K. Jackson-Yagher
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: Cell: (386) 295-1576, Hm: (386) 673-1576, Bus. (386) 673-1588
Note: You can call my cell phone for emergencies anytime, day or night if needed.
Send all inquiries/information to: Susan Yagher, 6 Lost Spring Way, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Let’s Link Our Family Circle Together! If you have a Home-related website you would like to link, please notify Susie. Your Home-related site will get more traffic by
linking to ALL Alumni Sites. Let’s link all of our sites together with one goal in mind---to bring our Alumni members together.
The Morton Memorial Alumni Homesite: http://www.mortonmemorialalumni.org/isapi.dll?c=h&htx=page
This site has been on the web since 2000---the very first of it’s kind through MyFamily.com! It is password-protected for a secure place for our Alumni to post personal photos
and information without it being on the open web. You will find the most current News of our Homies, along with 100’s of photos that have been posted of all classes for years.
If you attended Morton Memorial High School and/or you are a former employee, you can become a member. Write Susie for more information.
FACEBOOK SITE: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home
Susie Jackson-Yagher is the page Administrator of the Facebook site. You can find it
On Facebook by keying in: Morton Memorial Alumni – Knightstown, Indiana
The ISSCH Alumni Association Site: http://www.isschalumni.com/index.html
If you want to keep up on the Alumni Association Meetings, make a donation, buy items at the Homestore, check out this site.
You will be able to find news about Homecoming and what is going on with the Alumni Association. If you would like to
make a donation, send all donations to our Association Treasurer: George Cambron, 5447 Rinehart Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46241
Please make your check or money order payable to: The ISSCH Alumni Association
They came down to the Home to adopt a little Child to be their very own.
And walked the entire campus where So many little children roam.
A little girl would be nice, so sweet And lovely, she would really be a joy. But there were so many here to choose from, It was then they spotted a little boy.
Their attention focused on him as he chased a mongrel dog around and around.
He would throw a stick as far as he could for the puppy to retrieve when found. He screamed and laughed, deeply involved
As they continued to run and play. But he really knew why they were here, And thought, “Would this be the day?”
Only ten, he had been an orphan for as long As he could remember, or figure. He wanted to have a Mom and Dad to love;
Leave the Home for a life much bigger.
He was a sturdy little runt in his knee-length pants, black socks and dark,
unruly hair. And he seemed so very happy as he played--never seeming to have a single care.
It’s an odd phenomena, the changing of minds; and the end results of what they achieved. Of some fast passing fantasy,
which ends up in reality, something they never perceived.
They called him over. He came running and confronted them with a beaming smile. The mongrel dog was at his heels, jumping and tugging at his shoelaces all
the while. “What’s your name little boy?” They
asked him. In wild anticipation, “I’m Carl,” he said. The couple smiled down at the little orphan boy, ---but adopted that mangy dog instead.
About this poem… I try to call both Dale and Sooky when
I can. I admire the brotherhood between them. This poem is about an actual incident that happened to Sooky when he was just 10. As we talked this
past week, I asked Sooky about the incident. Even at 91 years old reading the poem to him over the phone still
brought tears. He will never forget the day the couple came to the Home in 1930, and choose the dog over him.