Evenings in the park, Chaffee historical homes and residents and remembering those recently lost

By Darla Buckhannon

Happy birthday to Casey McAlister, Ethan Thomason, Charisse Garner, Hunter Ourth, Ashley Pepple, Steven Wessel, Leslie Bridwell, Paula Chapman, Denise Haislip, Roy Surface, Joe Ricks, Chris Hanback, Kenny Ruiz, Joann Schott, Rocky Shields, Delores Nation, Maggie Penrose, Roy Husband, Steve Hahn, Matt Boese, Butch Davis, Wanda Pobst, Ellen Kitchen, Charles Maddock, Judy Meyr, Jodie Hodge, Paul Charleston, Ryan Pobst, Brittany Wood, Liston Mitchell, Brian Boese, Stacy Abernathy, Margaret Braswell, Wes Proffer, Billie Davis, Shirley Diggs, Linda Johnson, Billi Charleston, Dale Wiseman and Tim Steimle.

Happy anniversary to Martin and Sue Scheffer, Gary and Brenda Bell, Mark and Ruth Glastetter, Clarke and Abby Cassout and Joe and Karen Rice.

We will enjoy the full moon of August this week, which is referred to as Dog Day's Moon, Fruit Moon, Women's Moon and Moon When All Things Ripen.

From time to time we will wonder while strolling about various Chaffee High School alums with whom the CHS Alumni Association has lost touch. The Alumni Banquet is set for Oct. 8 and addresses are needed for many.

Chaffee city updates and reminders

City hall reminds residents once again to update their telephone numbers with them in case of an emergency.

The Chaffee Historical Society's first "Evening in the Park" was very successful. A second one is planned for this Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Amber Vandeven, who is known for her winning performances at local talent shows, is the featured performer. Amber's CDs will be for sale, as well as concessions. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for an evening at Circle Park.

The Historical Society meets the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. at the museum.

Chaffee historical homes and residents

Memories of homes on Gray brought back some memories of other homes in Chaffee. Many of us remember hearing Larry Himmelspoch play the piano as we passed his home on Elliott. We all know practice makes perfect. Most pianists don't like an audience when they practice and no one, especially, likes to hear someone practice; but it never sounded like Larry was practicing because his playing was always so perfect. The house at 215 is still well cared for, and Larry gave us a little background on it. His paternal grandfather, Frank Himmelspoch, who worked for the Frisco Railroad, built the house. It was first occupied in the spring of 1911. His paternal grandmother's name was Amanda (Buckner) of Cape Girardeau. They had three children, Ardell (Larry's dad), Carnetta and Evelyn.

Larry adds that when he was growing up, the Butlers lived next door in the two-story house. They moved here from Dixon, Missouri. Mr. Butler worked for the Frisco Railroad and he and his wife, Helen, had three children, Mary Ann, Beverly and Norman. It is interesting to learn the history of various homes in Chaffee, and we invite readers to share yours with us.

Billy Swann memories

Jae Hopkins enjoyed the article about Billy Swann and fondly recalls his hit "I Can Help." He saw him when his band performed in Washington, D.C., in the 1970s; Jae's good friend Dave Kielhofner played saxophone for Billy's band.

Remembering those lost

We were sorry to read about the passing of Vera Speake, and some of you may have missed her connection to Chaffee. The 94-year-old was the sister to the much admired teacher Charles Goddard, who taught at Chaffee High for more than 30 years. A dedicated teacher herself, Ms. Speake taught and lived in many parts of the country, but always considered herself a "Chaffee girl." She was born and raised in the Goddard residence on Yoakum that recently was Residence of the Month. Her memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Chaffee.

Our condolences go to the family and many friends of Gladys Eifert. I always enjoyed visiting her from time to time at her home on Gray. Seeing her hummingbird feeders out was a cue to get mine out. She said the hummers always showed up around her April 14 birthday -- what a nice gift for a special lady. She was an amazing woman with many interests and energy, and we often saw her cleaning out her flower beds the old-fashioned way -- by hand. We have missed seeing her on Gray.

Final thoughts

Remember to tell those special people in your life that you love them -- those three words mean so very much.

Please email your news to darbuck2@airmail.net or leave a message at (573) 887-6430 or (214) 207-7839.

And then ...

Then there was the momma bear and her two cubs taking a dip in Lake Tahoe.