Lincoln High School - San Diego, California - Classes of 1955 to 1959
April 2026
TO MY FELLOW GRADS: Well spring has sprung and we’re past April Fools—although most of the fools I’m aware of are in Washington, DC. (You can choose your own fools, of course!) And I’m again a little disappointed with the Padres start. They weren’t hitting in the first several games and had just 4 hits and none by the so-called Big Four in a recent series.. Then there’s the rookie manager who’s getting on-the-job training because he has never managed before! So now let me remind you that some of us will be getting together Wednesday, April 8, at the Starbucks on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. and Dianne Ave. from 10 a.m. to noon. Somebody you know just might be there! The truth is those of us who show up have enjoyed staying in touch with folks we’ve known all these years and find that there are really no friends like old friends.
BUZZING FROM YOUR CLASSMATES: I received some great feedback from you for this edition, so let’s start with our new “chair,” Joyce (Dinky Peterson) Hill (’57). She recalled the fun of the Marvella’s annual slumber party at her house where before they started any teen silliness, they had to do something charitable. Each gal had to address 100 envelopes with requests for money for the March of Dimes. (Joyce’s brother had lost the use of his leges in ’52 from polio and her mom had become a March of Dimes leader.) “After that was done, music, laughter and not much slumber ensued. The kids included Dorothy Burkett, Renette Nutter, Jill (Jillard) Sing, Norleen Geschwindt, Rita Acosta, Rosalie Duschel, Darlene Gallagher, Lauralee Smith, and Rosie Tarvin (all ’57)—among others,” she said. She added that’s when the real craziness began. “We would all pile into our station wagon and head for Quality Donuts at 30th and Market Sts., in our “baby doll” pajamas. At midnight, donuts went on sale for half price. I guess that’s what we called ‘wild’ in the 50’s.”…..Heard from Tom Limieux who would have graduated in ’58, but moved to Westminster, Colo. where he finished high school. “Some of my friends at Lincoln were Marilyn Church, Marsha Thomas, Willie Canty, Norman Clark and Donna Hart (most ’58). Anyone who might know if the last two are still breathing, I’d like to know. I’m 86, in fairly good health and remember friends from LHS. However, I often can’t remember what I went into the next room for!” Tom said he left California for Idaho because of high gasoline prices and other political issues……Last, but not least, Jimmy Marino (’58). Jimmy responded to my suggestion last month that you folks write about the celebrities you have met in your life. Well for Jim, who was drummer for the “Gaynighters” band, his musical career allowed him to work with a large variety of musicians such as Johnny Cash, Gary Puckett, Frankie Avalon, Anita Bryant, Duane Eddy, James Brown, Jan and Dean, etc. “In ’59 I was with the “Strangers,” and we had a hit record called “Caterpillar Crawl.” Also, we performed with the Dick Clark West Coast Extravaganza Hollywood Bowl Concert, August of ’59. He then switched to producing and directing for movies and TV and then took on his “dream job” as Frankie Laine’s personal producer and manager. Then in 2000, Jimmy started producing a documentary of Frankie’s illustrious career. “It was a labor of love for me as I met a lot more celebrities who were friends of Frankie’s—but no more name dropping.” He ended his note by saying he’d love to talk about his TV and film career in a future missive. (Quite a career, Jimmy. Are you retired yet?)…..This Just In: Just got a note from Bob Moss (’57). He said that he and Edna will be in SD from April 9 to the 12th. He hopes to see some of old LHS pals and is setting up a time and place for a get-together, but plans are not yet cemented. Call Bob at 870-247-2791 for the time and place.
Editor: Pat Stalnaker (’57) pat.stalnaker@gmail.com Please send stuff to me for publication. Always include your graduation year and if you’re a lady, your maiden name. THANKS!!