This one is for Mike (Honors English Teacher/Coach) Hoquiam High! Mr B. Thanks for all of your encouragement in high school. This one is for you!!!

Crashing waves now shake the Country French Chandeliers. Mirielle loved the blue and white light that gleamed across the room. She watched boats come into the English Channel and had great plans to marry a sailor boy. Making love to the thought had been a shameless hobby of young Mirielle.

Calais danced to the rhythm of Mirelle. Her youthful beauty took the time to escort a bundle of countryside men. Some came for the elaborate conversations and private dinner parties. Others came for the exhilarating experience of brushing young Mirelle’s raven locks. Either way Mirelle lived for each passing moment and took nothing too seriously. If only she would have been a bit grounded. Maybe the silver and gold frames would be filled with pictures of a family. Perhaps a husband would have left the smell of cigars and brandy.

A great masterpiece! “A room at the beach filled with things I loved”, by Mirelle. If only this diary held some truth to her thoughts of love. She did indeed love this room. She loved her wine and song. She adored the young sailor boys that were swept out to sea by large vessels. Yet no sign of true love.

Perhaps the story is best without an ending. Thinking of the beach with Mirelle is enticing. Life imitates art too often. Mirelle never had a single ounce of love. Smells do not lie nor hide the sinking truth of young Mirelle. Neither does this diary. She died alone in this room. She swore she would never leave Calais. Her promise kept true.

Sincerely,
Christina Goodman
~Christina Goodman-Class of 1993~

Who could ever forget my personal favorite. Disipline goes a long way. John Wahl
~Stephen Rydman-Class of 1987~

I can remember all my teachers and lets face it..it hasn't been that long since I was in school! But I was a teacher's assistant for Alta Sexton for 2 years and we began a friendship that has endured almost 20 years. Despite what many students thought, she cared so much about her classes and the outcome of each student. I remember her teaching style and each person in her class had a responsibility to their education. I salute all the teachers who have hung in there through all the changes in education. One thing is for sure...anyone who had Alta for a teacher probably will never forget her.
~Shann (Grigsby) Hauck-Class of 1985~

This is a hard one but after a few minutes of thought I have come up with 3 teachers who really made a difference in my life. ( These are not necessarily in order of importance!) First is Mr. Purdy. His biology class was the best! He had such a dry sense of humor but could really make us interested in learning. He also ws a UFO nut even though it wasn't at all popular at the time! Second is Mr. Allisina. He was a tough teacher and grader but I learned how to study from him. No one in my family had ever received more than a 'D' grade from him and I was determined to do better than that! And I did...an 'A'! Third, and last but not least, is Mr. Asan. Not only was he a hunk to all of us hormone-laden high school girls, but he was ( and IS) a good teacher. He helped us to see where we were being foolish in our behavior without putting us down. I didn't care for World Problems but I did learn from him, about life and about the problems of the '60's.
~Colleen Louderback Sproul-Class of 1969~

I am pleased to see that someone else remembers Miss Meyer. I remember her with affection. She would read to us every day for about ten minutes, and then we would spend the rest of the period diagramming sentences. Thousands and thousands of sentences in the seventh, eighth and ninth grades. This was truly the brute force philosophy of teaching. Make the little beggars diagram sentences until they drop! Louise Meyer is still living in my head, making me diagram sentences whenever I write or speak.
~Bob Smading-Class of 1945~

Mr. Johnson, The Driver's Ed. teacher was my favorite teacher. He taught my sophomore English class, and I learned more in that class than in any other in my entire time at HHS. He was great at reaching hard to reach kids and I really knew that he cared about his students.
~Angela Meade Nilsson-Class of 1990~

Anyone who went to the old Jr High should remember Mr Byler, when he sneezed you could hear it anywhere in the building, and if you were in his class, your teeth would rattle, but he was a great teacher and coach.
~Bud Lundeen-Class of 1955~

My most memorable teacher? Fred Allasina without a doubt! His US History class lectures, classroom Q&A dialog, and especially his essay exams were the best college style preparation we could have had, although this was under-appreciated while we were students in high school. And in a more humorous vein, Ken Linder (Chemistry and Physics) told the best puns (real groaners) and wore the splashiest ties. And does anyone remember Miss Meyer (Jr High English) who drilled us at diagramming sentences? (Do they teach that anymore?) She retired after my freshman year (1960) after she had taught many of our parents before us.
~Byron Spoon-Class of 1963~

I also had two Memorable Teachers in High School, J. D. Descher who made me realize that math was very important and also introduced me to my first computer programming. Doug Dore was at HHS for a short while, but during that time He made a tremendous impact on my confidence in myself and my artistic abilities. There were many more who made a big impact but those two have really stood out throughout my adult life as large influences on me.
~Scott Patton-Class of 1981~

Does anyone else remember Tommy Marlow? He was not a teacher but knew all the kids that lived on the East Side of Hoquiam. For many years Tommy was the care taker of the Olympic Stadium. A very quiet - kind man, he rode a bike to and from work and called out "Hello" to each of us and called us by name. I believe he had been a pro ball player in his younger years. He kept us all in line when we played at the stadium and in such a nice way that you were never offended. He also kept the place looking good.
~Janet Sleasman Johnson-Class of 1959~

Does anyone know what happened to Mrs. Ostrowski, 6th Grade, Central Elementary School?
~Richard Jones-Class of 1964~

My most memorable person wasn't a teacher at all but carried all the respect of anyone who ever knew him. He was as much part of H.H.S. history as anyone could possibly be. For my two cents, Sammy Blackmore was alway at any Grizzley game and if you were lucky enough, you could touch his rabbit foot. "Sammy", wherever you are, "GO GRIZZLIES".
~Ken Erickson-Class of 1963~

My most favorite teacher ever was from Emerson Grade School! Mrs. PAULSEN!! Nicked named the Grizzly Bear because of the heavy fur coat she wore out to the playground. I moved away to Arizona in 1983 and came back in 1990 and ran into Mrs. Paulsen at the store, she looked at my 10 year old daughter, then up at me and said she knew it was me by looking at my daughter! I saw her another time and called her Mrs. Paulsen again and she said I could call her Mary! "I DON'T THINK SO!!!"That would be like calling my mom Sue!! I politely told Mrs. Paulsen that she was, is and always will be Mrs. Paulsen to me!
~Cindy Strom Porto-Class of 1981~

My favorite class had to be 5th period CWP with Mr. Stewart and his ever present bags of Dorito chips, it was a blast and we learned a lot. Being T.A for Mr Sturm was fun too.
~Doreen "Dori" Kimble Kearney-Class of 1981~

My most memorable teacher? Well, I had many but the one who comes to mind most readily was a student teacher I had in Junior High. He was a science teacher by the name of Don Borjeson. Remember him. He taught at Hoquiam Junior High sometime in the late fifties/early sixties. He only taught for a couple of years and then joined the Air Force, after which I have no idea where he went after that. He made science interesting and I sure wish I knew where he is now.
~Richard Jones-Class of 1964~

I had two favorite/memorable teachers in high School, Fred Alasina and Dorothy Ladley. Fred taught the mandatory US History and Dorothy taught Spanish. Alasina taught in a college professor style with lectures everyday and his infamous "explain" tests, as in Explain The Stamp Act of 1797. No way you could fake it through those exams. And Ladley had a rule, no English once you stepped through the classroom door. Plus she had lived in Mexico and Spain and really gave the lessons a down-to-earth feel. They were the best. And you learned.
~Stan Foreman-Class of 1959~

My favorite hangout was the Oriole. I'm surprised how many other liked that place. Great burgers. I remember the 7th Street Theatre. I was kicked out once for making too much noise along with a bunch of other friends of mine.
~Richard Jones-Class of 1964~

Reeses was the best place to hang out. They had the best burgers in town.
~Teri Daniels-Class of 1975~

Ah yes! The Oriole Cafe for green rivers and french fries! The ShortStop, Arctic Circle, and the A & W...you had to cruise them all to see who was out and who was with who!! And I'm surprised nobody mentioned the infamous makeout spot up on the hill over looking Hoquiam...What was it called? The Vasa Hall and the Silver Seagull...nobody had it as good us...huh? What a lifetime of good memories growing up in the late 50's and 60's in a small hometown!!!
~ Barbara Boyer-Class of 1965~

We loved the 7th Street Theatre. We haunted the top tiers. Also loved to eat at Popeye's. Does anyone remember the place on Simpson Ave where in my day everyone went - Was it called Ray's?
~Fran Rambo Pierce-Class of 1947~

A & W in Aberdeen. There aren't any A & W's in Augusta, GA. :-(
~Teresia Bondurant White-Class of 1966~

At my (family's) boat down on Johnny Maki's dock behind Baskin & Robbins. Shann and I would drive over there in her big Lincoln with the suicide doors, and we'd grab some ice cream at B&R. Then we'd go to the boat to sit and eat it, pondering life. Later on I found out my brother (Devon) had some definite parties there too. Makes sense - and boy, we thought *ice cream* was exciting!
~Heidi Gustafson-Class of 1985~

My favorite hang-outs were the Hoquiam Library, the Tip Top drive-in, the Hoquiam Y, and the Study Hall at the School. The reason? Boys, of course. No Rita, I wasn't the one who put your car on the Library lawn. I find it funny to see my son's name in this web site too. Hi Derek!!!
~Dorothy Noonan Cook~

I've just been informed that the little theatre I mentioned in my prior paragraph was called the New Hoquiam, not the 8th street theatre, which makes sense now that I think about it, I've been away a long time but still have very fond memories of growing up in the great town of Hoquiam.
~Bud Lundeen-Class of 1955~

I remember the 8th Street theatre, one block down from the 7th Street, it was small but had great scary movies. I remember seeing the original movie "The Thing" there and having to walk home down Emerson Ave in the dark, every shadow had the thing coming out of it. It was the longest walk I ever made. Hi to all my ex class mates.
~Bud Lundeen-Class of 1955~

I agree with Ken Erickson...........Reese's School Store made the best burgers-------don't forget the green rivers and root beers Ken!
~Janet Sleasman Johnson-Class of 1959~

I used to hang out at the Hoquiam Pool with all the other swimmers like Michelle LaFord (Lenius), Derek Cook, Greg Ballew, David Craig, Curtis Swaney etc. OR I was at band practice hanging out with all the brass players. At least it kept me out of trouble. I do remember that God Father's was the place to be in the 80's.
~Julie Kari Sanborn-Class of 85~

Yeppers! In the 80s it was Godfather's Pizza, however, I do remember spending a few quarters in the Space Invaders and Pac Man machines at Pizza Pete's. Does anyone remember the Grizzly Den when it was the 5 J's?? They still make great hamburgers.
~Cathy Luther Carver-Class of 1982~

Stan was right. He won lots of cigarettes by cheating and he was in the Class of "59".
~Bruce Travers-Class of 1959~

We use to hang out at Gambur's. Had great hamburgers and french fries.
~Ardath Ross Brown-Class of 1955~

The best pizza of all came from the Casa Mia and the crazy Italian owner, Phil Bellafatto. It was the real deal, hand-made and tossed in the air while you watched and Phil told dirty jokes. Casa Mia is now owned by Roger Jump, HHS Class of '59. I don't know if they still throw those pizzas in the air or tell dirty jokes, but I hear the pizza is still very good.
~Stan Foreman-Class of 1959~

I remember going to Pizza Pete after all the football and basketball games. It was the best place to see friends and find out about parties. Plus the salads and pizzas weren't too bad.
~Leann Simpson-Class of 1977~

In the 80's you had to love Godfathers!
~Rich Kapatsos-Class of 1986~

We always knew the seventys would return....But the Old hang out is gone..Remember "Pizza Pete's"!!!! Oh Ya...and the Hum Dinger...It's still our favorite Burger Place !!
~Shan Teague and Tresa Teague Weidman-Classes of 1977 & 1978~

The panhandle, where all the kegs were.
~Rich Kimble-Class of 1984~

What about "Popeyes" on Simpson Ave., owned and operated by Eddie Coyle's Mom and Dad, great burgers, but lacked the atmosphere of the Royal Cafe.
~Dick Simmons-Class of 1958~

The Oriole was great...then came The River Front Inn...might have been called something else in 1969 but the last I knew it was the River Front...then there was the Vasa and the Harborena, the Dunes...such memories..
~Colleen Louderback Sproul-Class of 1969~

Anyone remember the New Hoquiam theatre on 7th St? Next door was Nel Barcus's cafe, great hamburgers, potato salad and Green River sodas.
~Ken Lundeen-Class of 1960~

The Oriole was our noon hang-out in about 54-55. Elvis & Pat Boone were the in thing about then. You either thought or wore BLUE SUEDE shoes or White bucks ..... RIGHT???? Mayra Moore's Mom, the beautiful lady she was back then, {and hopefully still is today} would give us the best burgers in GRAYS HARBOR. Yes they cost about $.65 (?) about then, but what a meal. Mayra's Dad was also very nice. Like so many of our fathers back then they knew what it was to be young men. Very patient fathers we had, and not as naive as we thought. Right?

The late 50's and early 60's were a beautiful time on Grays Harbor. We really had it all. I know other classes will disagree. This is O.K. At least we are all GRIZZLYS. Right?
~Dave Dennis-Class of 1960~

I used to enjoy going to the Oriole Cafe and having cherry marshmallow cokes with the girls after school. And Cruisin the Tip-Top drive-in after the games. The Silver Seagull AKA "The Blue Goose" was the dance place of choice to check out the guys from other towns.
~Sharon Brown Travis-Class of 1963~

Ahh the "Tip Top" drive-in and the Bacon Burger......was the first choice. Then Pats In & Out Burger at the Westport "Y" was second and the third most delicious place to hang out was "Tonys Pizza" on Wishkah at the bridge in Aberdeen. I can still see Tony tossing the pizza in the air and laughing at me because I would always order the same thing........."One Large Pepperoni and two glasses of coke"...that was for me.......the date had to order her own.....Yes girls I paid......Of course these hang outs were always preceded by The Vasa Hall, The Armory or the infamous Silver Seagull where "The BEACHCOMBERS Ruled"......and still do cuz I have the tape and CD to prove it!!!!!
~Dave Travis-Class of 1963~

I loved to cruise the TipTop where you could get the best burgers, fries and chocolate cokes and see absolutely everyone on a Friday night. Also, the Y was a great place and of course the library where I spent a lot of time...not studying, but lots of socializing. Never did find out who put my car on the library lawn.
~Rita Stawski Pasckvale-Class of 1963~

7th Street Theater for movies in the '50s. I still remember seeing there, the suspenseful WW2 sub movie "The Enemy Below" (1957?) starring Robert Mitchum, Curt Jergens. I think it won a special effects Academy Award.
~Byron Spoon-Class of 1963~

My favorite hangout was the Royal Cafe for great fries and shakes late at night. Chris "the Greek" Zambas (I think) was the owner and although he was busy in the bar, he always greeted the kids and made us feel like he was glad we were there. Also, message to Jackie Girard that Ken Lundeen is right, the Riviera was on Simpson; it was the Royal that was at the corner of 8th & J, other end of the block from the Oriole.
~Bob McKean-Class of 1960~

A & W Drive-In....Can remember all the good times after the games.... Win or lose, it was fun cruising to see who was there.
~Carol Erickson Dey-Class of 1961~

Two favorites for the guys of the Class of '59 to hang out were, Wilson's Confectionery Store on Lincoln Street where Old Man Wilson used to let us play the pinballs during our lunch hour and after school. These pinballs paid off in cash and minors were not allowed legally to play. When the cops would come around every now and then we'd have to cool it...we'd head for Bruce Travers' house on "L" street and play poker for cash and cigarettes. Took me 11 years to quit smoking, a habit I started after winning hundreds of cigs in the poker games.
~Stan Foreman-Class of 1959~

SanDee Castor's house. We'd cut class and make mac-n-cheese and hang out to watch soap operas. Mr. Sturm didn't care as long as we brought him a donut.
~Dori Kimble Kearney-Class of 1981~

Reese's School Store. Best Burgers in town. Remember shooting straw wrappers at the cat's tail for a free soda.
~Ken Erickson-Class of 1963~

The Riviera Cafe was located on Simpson and 8th right on the main drag. My mom worked there for a while.
~Ken Lundeen-Class of 1960~

Harborena. I spent nearly all of my free time there. Hey Dave, wasn't the Riviara on the corner of 8th and J?
~Jackie Girard Ryan-Class of 1960~

Riviara Cafe. Tasted my first hash brown potatoes there in about 1955. Anyone remember where it was located?
~Dave Dennis-Class of 1960~