Homecoming is a festive time in a high school’s schedule of events. Traditionally it has been an occasion for alumni to return to the school and gather for reunions to renew acquaintances.  Over time, it has evolved into a signature event for the high school to boost school loyalty laced with a bit of jingoism for the spirit of the school, and most certainly the camaraderie support of the football team. I imagine every reader has at least one flashback on a memorable event such as the Homecoming game, a lively pep-rally, or memorable homecoming dance.

This year at ZHS the current homecoming week features a series of confidence-boosting, rally-enhancing merriment that will lift the football team and foster cohesiveness.  The scheduled events include designated dress-up days for the week, homecoming parade, the illustrious football game and a homecoming dance. A bit of easing of the school district official code of conduct’s dress code for the week permits students to assemble a creative outfit each day to reveal their true school spirit.  With homecoming week coinciding with Halloween, ZHS Student Council has capitalized on the time of the year to designate the official parade theme as ‘Favorite Horror Movie and/or Villian,’ so we should see some unique floats in the community parade on Friday.

If you happen to pass by the ZHS campus this week, you will see students dressed according to the designated Homecoming days which include:

Monday – Sports Day – Adorn your favorite professional or college team’s attire

Tuesday – Spotlight Day – Dress in red, green or yellow to designate your dating status?

Wednesday – Horror Movie or Favorite Villain Day?

Thursday – Twin Day – Select a friend and dress in matching twin outfits.

Friday – Spirit Day – Adorn yourself in orange and black and prepare the football team for victory!

Also note that the Homecoming Parade occurs in downtown Zephyrhills on Friday afternoon followed by the Homecoming game at the ZHS football field in the evening against Gulf High School.

Saturday – the Homecoming dance occurs in the Activity Center

So what of the history of homecoming at ZHS? We did a bit of digging to reveal to you a few snippets of information. We know of course that the first football team at ZHS was born in 1941-42 and composed of Dick Grange, Dick Tucker, Vernon Shaeffer, B.J. East, Nattie Storms, Bill Duey, Carl Lippincott, Willie Smith, Sanford Delk, Otis Jones, Norman Turner, Merrill Cherry, Carl England, Thurman Clardy, Richard Kelly, Billy Parsons and  Coach Thomas Burch Cornelius, and Assistant Coach,  W.W. Jackson. (Photo included) For several years due to World War II, ZHS was without a football team so we can only surmise that homecoming didn’t begin until a few years later.

In our research we found mention of homecoming around 1949. Our ZHS 100 committee has entertained the idea of compiling a comprehensive list of the homecoming games/scores as well as the homecoming queens and kings throughout history.  With this idea in mind, we invite you to send us information about the homecoming activities you recall. We promise to compile these for the upcoming centennial celebrations. Here are a few glimpses at homecomings that appeared to be prominent in the microfilm of the Zephyrhills News. For our history buffs out there, we hope these accounts will bring smiles to your face.

1950: Mary Ann Vestal ruled as queen over the ZHS Homecoming Game last Wednesday night and Paula Staples as princess. Others appearing in the half-time festivities were:  Lynda Wheeler, Vonda Clardy, Bunny Sue Sibley, and Julia Belle Pracher. Roger Whitworth was king and Jake Sapp, prince.  Jean Johnson, the 1949 Homecoming Queen crowned our new queen.

1953: 1953 Homecoming King and Queen are Raymond Geiger and Joan Myers. Neva Sellars, President of the class, served as emcee for the program.

1956: Colorful ZHS Homecoming festivities began Friday evening at toss-up time, when Bulldogs co-captains, Glenn Miller and Joe Thorn and sponsors, Ann Smith and Margaret Keen were spotted meeting the Crystal River captains and their sponsors on Krusen Field.  Drena Hampton was crowned by Carol Hughes, 1955 queen, with a tiara, given last year by former Mayor and Mrs. I.A. Krusen for the purpose.

1959: ZHS annual homecoming festivities will be climaxed this Friday evening with the crowning of royalty during halftime at Krusen Field.  A parade of floats will originate at the campus. Led by a police escort,  cheerleaders, majorettes, band, and class and organization floats will parade north on 10th street to 5th Avenue and then west to 1st street. The paraders will stop at 5th Avenue and 8th Street for a pep rally.  Another rally will be held after the parade.  The king and prince have been selected by members of the ZHS football team, under auspices of Student Council President, Bobby Baggett. Loretta Bamberger, homecoming queen for 1958, will crown 1959 royalty.

1961: Highlighting the ZHS’s 1961 homecoming festivities during halftime of the football game between the Bulldogs and the East Bay Indians at Charles B. Krusen Memorial Field Friday evening was the crowing of Linda Cavin as queen and Frank Kersey as king.  Sharing coronation honors with them were Bonnie Rannald as princess and Johnny Clements as prince. Dorothy Daniels, last year’s homecoming queen, crowned Queen Linda and King Frank in ceremonies, emceed by David Smith, last year’s student council president. Miss Cavin was escorted by Buzzie Reutimann.

1963: At the half-time Friday night, Judy Smith was crowned Homecoming Queen by 1962 Queen Susan Nichols. Diane Clements was crowned Princess by last year’s Princess, Anna Jo Davis.  Linda Sante and Mary Stanley were named sophomore and freshman maids. Also out for the coronation was “Big Mike” McGinnis who was crowned Homecoming King for 1963 and Ronnie Carroll, prince. And to top it all off, the Student Council sponsored the Homecoming Dance Saturday night. David Myers was in charge of the decorations and entertainment for the night. The room was strung with orange and black streamers meeting in the center. Up on the stage was a huge orange “Z”, donated by the seniors from their float.  It was flanked by foil letters saying “ZHS Homecoming.”  The FFA String Band performed for us and the rest of the program was emceed by Karol Kelly of Radio Station WZRH.

1968: Homecoming was one of the best and most successful for ZHS. There was something for everyone to participate in whether it was sticking a pin into  “Voodoo Ram” or cheering the team on at pep rally. The week ended perfectly with the team winning. During halftime of the game the Bulldog Marching Band formed a heart and as royalty candidates were escorted down the center. Everyone held their breath as Mr. Bill Brown (emcee) opened the envelope containing the final results. Sue Douglas was crowned 1968 Homecoming Queen by last year’s queen, Donna Bales.  Johnny Braxton was selected by the entire football team to reign with her as Homecoming King.  Two very deserving juniors, Sabra Cooper and Keathel Chauncey, received the honored titles of Homecoming Princess and Prince. Completing the Royalty Court were Lois Wells and Martha Padgett. Juniors captured first place honors with their float, “Darn the Rams.”  Second place honors went to the freshmen with their float, “Whip the Rams.”  Third place was awarded to the Senior Class with their float, “Dam the Rams.” The sophomores placed last with their float, “Knock Out the Rams,” but they received the honor of burning the “Voodoo Ram” at the bonfire and were recognized for decorating the halls with the best posters. Alumni were recognized at half time by being asked to stand. Mrs. Angie Skinner and Frank Sellars received a gift for being the earliest graduates of ZHS present at the game.

1970: ZHS had its first Homecoming egg toss. ‘Movies’ was the theme for 1970 Homecoming floats. Bruce Vogel, junior class president, said that the bonfire, pep rally and car smash scheduled for next Thursday is going to be the best ever. Other activities include tricycle races during lunch hours.

1971: Joni Palmer was crowned queen at halftime of the football game between ZHS and South Sumter High. Crowning the new queen was Ginger Douglas. Glenda Sisk, last year’s princess, crowned this year’s junior class winner, Janet Edmonston. Elected in voting within the football squad were James ‘Ricky’ Giles as King and Van McKenzie as Prince.

1973: Featured in the coronation of Homecoming Royalty at halftime of Friday night’s football game were six ZHS students:  Sue Sinacola, Queen Carl Hill (no. 10), King; Princess Patty Rutherford, and  Prince, Larry Hilton (no. 60). Flanking the group was Marta Meengs, freshman maid and Carla Burkham, sophomore maid.

1974: Karen Hughes was chosen by her fellow classmates to reign as the 1974 ZHS Homecoming Queen. The halftime coronation ceremonies were a highlight of the football game with Dunnellon Friday night. Others on the field at the climax of the ritual were Carla Burkam, sophomore maid; Dirk Padgett, Homecoming King; Christi Spoto, Princess; John Fries, Prince and Nancy Dockery, Freshman Maid.

1976: The homecoming royalty at Krusen Field  were King Ricky Padgett, named by the football team; Queen Andra Douglas, chosen by the student body and Trish Inman as Princess and Phil Fries as Prince. Chairman of the float committee is Beaty Cunningham and he said the parade float theme will be “Song Titles.” Floats will be judged on originality, construction, and appearance and the trophy will be awarded at halftime Friday night.

1978: Big events include a bonfire today after band practice and coronation rehearsal, and the annual Homecoming parade through downtown Zephyrhills. Teresa Ashbaugh is parade chairman.Candidates for Homecoming Queen are: Angie Baker, Brenda Howell, Cindy Dann, and Darlene Roman.

1995: Homecoming court is: Deana Deno, queen; Ricky Moore, king; Emilee Lewis, princess; Kevin Barry, prince; Rana Prior, sophomore maid; Brad Wernsing, sophomore squire; Elisia Rickard, freshman maid; and Will Stimpson, freshman squire.  A series of special contests and dress-up activities are sponsored and underway to boost enthusiasm.

Our list is by no means comprehensive, so send us your recollections, news clippings and memorabilia for our centennial bash! Savor the memories also!

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on October 22, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

The week of October 5th was National 4-H week. With our recent article on the contributions of scouting to the development of our community’s rich history, we wanted to focus attention this week on another important nonprofit youth organization, 4-H. Florida 4-H celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2009 and boasts 234,000 members and 10,000 volunteers statewide.  Florida 4-H began with corn clubs for boys in 1909 which was followed by tomato clubs for girls in 1912. The history of Zephyrhills is full of reference to 4-H and Extension organizations. In the early years of 4-H, projects were mainly focused on canning, corn growing and livestock projects. In the 1930’s, expansion of 4-H projects for girls included offerings such as clothing, home management, food and nutrition, and other home economics projects. Expansion for boys encompassed soil conservation, tractor driving, engineering, electricity and agricultural production projects. We know from our research that Zephyrhills had a 4-H club as early as 1913. Our article this week provides just a few snapshots of 4-H over time in our community.  The historical vignettes come from both pages of microfilm and recollections of local ZHS alumni. We realize the list is by no means, comprehensive, but we hope it will give you an indication of the educational impact that this organization has had over time. See if you recognize any of these names?  Please share with us more 4-H memories.

1913: Mrs. Rosemary Wallace Trottman, the author of The History of Zephyrhills, 1821-1921, was an active member of the Zephyrhills 4-H Tomato Club back in 1913. Rosemary was invited to be the keynote speaker at a 1976 4-H banquet and proudly detailed her tomato projects in the early years of the town when nearly every city home had a hearty garden and livestock. 4-H was not only social but important for learning some basic skills. She added that the passing of the Smith Lever Act was critical because it created the cooperative extension service.

1926 4-H Club Girls Camp

In 1926 the News announced that the annual camp of Home Demonstration 4-H Club girls would be held at the Port Richey home of the Demonstration Agent, Mrs. Harriett Ticknor. A photo of the girls in vintage bathing attire drinking bottles of milk, was posted proudly in the newspaper of the day with a caption entitled, Milk For Health.

1939 Produced Some National Winners

An announcement in the October 1939 Zephyrhills News celebrated students, Max Bryant & Dave Boatwright for winning University of Florida 4-H Scholarships as  a result of their Florida Dairy Team Demonstration competition. The boys competed at the Golden Gate Exposition in San Francisco and the community delight was depicted in the article as it stated, We have just received a wire from Mr. McClellan stating that the Florida Dairy Demonstration Team won the scholarship in the National Dairy Demonstration Contest in San Francisco.

1954: Phyllis Geiger Debien of the class of 1954 related that the mention of 4-H brings back great memories. Marianne Simmons was our leader so you know we always had plenty of projects to do (sewing, cooking, crafts, etc.)  I still have some of the ribbons that I won at the county fair, but the most memorable event was summer camp, years 1946-48.  We went to Camp MacQuarrie on a lake up near Ocala and slept in log cabins with bunk beds. It was the first time away from home except staying with cousins.  Crafts, singing, talent night, swimming lessons in the lake and some boating—I will never forget the feeling of that cold wet bathing suit in the morning!

1957: The News reported on a September 1957 meeting at the Florida Power Home Service Center of the 4-H Club. New officers for the year were Laura Higginson, President;  Ann Brooke Smith, vice president; Leslie Smith, secretary-treasurer, Barbara Higginson, Council Delegate, Betty Jo Hall, song leader and Ellen Barefoot, reporter.  Six Crystal Springs 4-H Club boys were also recognized at the annual county awards banquet that year: David Coell, dairy judging team; Joe Higginson, garden, dairy judging team and junior lamb; Paul Pattie, safety, dairy judging team, electricity and swine; Richard Morton, dairy judging team; Hal Morton, electricity and safety; and Jim Marsh, safety.

1964: Leslie (Smith) Ehrich, Class of 1964, told us that 4-H was a significant part of her youth in Zephyrhills. She related that her sister and two brothers were also in 4-H: Ann (Smith) Neukom, Class of 1958 and Ben Smith, Class of 1959. We were all 4-Hers along with our older brother Chan, who had already graduated in Virginia before we moved to Zephyrhills. During my school years, from age 9 until I graduated, 4-H was a large part of my life. Our mother, Mary Jeter, had been a 4-H’er in her youth and she raised us in the program.  As farm children, it was just a part of our lives.  We participated in most all of the projects offered.  Back in those days, girls were expected to have girl projects and boys had more of the agricultural side. When we arrived in Pasco County, there were no girls in the dairy program. Only after Mama assured the County Agent that she would be with us all the time, were we approved to show our cattle.  Mama was very knowledgeable on the subject and taught us well.  We all seemed to have a livestock aptitude and we enjoyed a lot of success with our Zephyrhills Guernsey dairy cattle. For me in particular, what I didn’t learn from Mama at home, I learned in 4-H.   With my best friend, Jere (Alston) Harkness, Class of 1964, by my side, we learned to sew this and cook that.  We made annual trips to Tallahassee (FSU) for additional classes on subjects that we could take back and share with younger members. One of my proudest 4-H accomplishments was a young lady from Zephyrhills who was just getting into 4-H as I was getting out. She had been given a Guernsey heifer calf and I spent many afternoons working with her and the calf.  Bonnie (Brocies) Jolly, Class of 1972, was one of the best 4-Her’s Pasco County has ever had.  She participated in many different projects, with emphasis on her dairy cow and beef steers each year.  And now, after all these years, she is an Extension Agent in Kentucky, and of course, works primarily with 4-H groups.  We are still close friends.  4-H gave me my proudest moments of my youth years.

1965: In 1965 Zephyrhills 4-H was featured in National Geographic magazine. Ron Penn, class of 1965 related that his grandmother, Mary Lloyd, was one of the 4-H leaders and he actively participated in swine and poultry projects.  Coincidentally, he and another ZHS alumni, Joe Maniscalco made national news in October 1964 when a middle-eastern dignitary was touring Pasco County. To experience the local culture, the visiting official was taken to none other than a county fair, Pasco.  Feeling it was newsworthy, National Geographic published a prominent photo of Ron and Joe with Ron’s prized rooster.  Ron says he still has the 4-H pin from his project.

1972: The Pasco County 4-H Dairy Judging team in February 1972, placed first at the Florida State Fair and included Denise Williams who placed as high individual among the 60 4-H youths competing; Pam Griffin who ranked as fourth high individual; Octavio Blanco who ranked as fifth high individual and Martha Mester of Zephyrhills.

1976: In 1976 a News article discusses the annual awards ceremony with mention of several Zephyrhills students. The program opened with the pledge to the flag led by Jodi Cochrane and the 4-H pledge led by Missy Hush, 4-H creed by Mike Nutt and devotions by Martha Ross. Linda Dukes, president of the 4-H County Council presided with assistance by David Herring. Topics included: Public Speaking by Steve Lane; demonstration on electrification by Greg Seigrist; County Council Report by Diane St. Romaine and Scott Black, and Share the Fun by Kathy Hormuth, Martha Ross, Jan Jernstrom, and Don Jernstrom. Reports were given on pertinent topics: Citizenship Short Course by H.V. Nawlin; 4-H Congress by Tina Dukes; Teen Leadership Forum by Linda Dukes and Leadership Camp by Ronda Ferguson. County Commissioner Bill Hamilton presented county record book. Special awards were given to Valerie Trippet of Zephyrhills, achievement; David Herring and Kathy Nawlin, Outstanding 4-H’er of 1975-76; Ronda Ferguson and Scott Black, Essay Contest Winners.  Record book winners for the 1976  included: Valerie Trippett, Erik Dukes, Clark Mickler, Jesse Bryniarski, Don Jernstrom, Debbie St. Romaine, H.V. Nawlin, John Huggins, Rita Boyd, Elaine Cochrane, Martha Ross, Bob Hunt, Tina Dukes, Valerie McBride, Jody Cochrane, Bryan Lofley, Jane Futch, Nancy Nawlin, Greg Seigrist, Jan Jernstrom, Scott Black, Marilyn Sumner, Jimmie Huggins, Kathy Nawlin, Ronda Ferguson, David Herring, Joan Sumner, Kathy Norton and Greg Partridge.

1978: Earning the right to compete in the Florida’s 4-H Congress State Finals events July 24-28, 1978 at the University of Florida at Gainesville were four Zephyrhills students: June Neumann, horticulture; Jodi Nutt and Laura Mester for a team demonstration in agriculture; Don Jernstrom in veterinarian science and Ronda Ferguson in public speaking.

1980: Susan Steuart McGee, class of 1980 said, I remember really enjoying 4-H meetings and one thing that I vividly recall was doing a demonstration on compiling a sewing basket with fellow 4-H’er, Ronda Ferguson. We won first place!

1993: Robin Counsell started Zephyrhills 4-H Club and met regularly at Woodland Elementary. A wonderful community activist, Robin planned monthly activities along with her cousin, Tommy Martin.  Livestock projects and workshops were regular events.  Robin was always adamant that the club participate annually in the Coastal Clean-Up project. Andrea Counsell, Jean Morel, Andrew Counsell, Mamie Wise, Jeremy Morel and others showed pigs and steers each year. When this club was phased out, Mamie went on to join Leaders of Tomorrow 4-H Club lead by Francine Hancock. Pasco County lead the state when Wise became State 4-H President and Tye Reedy became Vice President in 2001. Mamie and Kristin Benedini competed at state public speaking competitions as well.

2009: Christie Combs Mitchell, class of 1992 and current 4-H leader, related, As my son, Jeffrey, began to grow up, agriculture became a passion for him. This undoubtedly stemmed from his great family role models—dad, Scott Mitchell, Grandpa Charles Combs, Uncle Chuck Combs, Uncle John Combs and his cousin, John Boy Combs).  As a family, we decided to start a local 4-H club here in Zephyrhills where we were born and raised—thus the Zephyrhills

4-H club was established in 2004.  Today the Zephyrhills 4-H Club is one of the most active clubs in Pasco! We have a great group of members, leaders and parents who all share in the love of our community, 4-H and agriculture. The 2009/2010 Zephyrhills 4-H Club Officers are students: Jeffrey Mitchell, President; Evan Freeman, Vice President; Summer Belasic, Secretary; Serena Tackett, Treasurer; Serena Tackett, Reporter and Bradley Boydston, Cloverbud.

As an author, please indulge me as I share that my daughter, Rachel Wise is also currently an active 4-H member of Boots & Bits 4-H Club along with ZHS Junior, Julie Baniszewski.  They focus on equestrian projects and do loads of community service in the area as well.

We have only captured a small contingent of 4-H history in the Zephyrhills community.  Please share with us your recollections of 4-H and its contributions to the community.

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on October 15, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

Zephyrhills is unique in so many ways. As we approach the centennial, it is a time to reflect on all the distinctive components of our community. From the town’s earliest inception, founders had a concern for youth.  As early at 1919, just a few years after the town of Zephyrhills was launched in 1910, Mary Shepard donated 2 1/2 acres to the city for a children’s playground. Mary specified that no games of chance or alcoholic drinks be allowed, nor play on Sunday. The park stands yet today, some 90 years after this selfless donation. You may recognize it as you travel through Zephyrhills on Gall Boulevard (301) heading south.  A gaze to the west and you see a lush inviting interlude of trees and picnic areas. Shepard Park has been home to the scouting program in the area for most of its years of existence. Perhaps Ms. Shepard was aware of the burgeoning scouting programs when she donated the land. It is interesting that Boy Scouts of America was incorporated in 1910, the same year as the inauguration of our town. Its mission is to provide a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. Girl Scouts, as all girl scouts know, began in 1912 in Georgia when Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low assembled 18 girls for a local Girl Scout meeting. She believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually and wanted to offer community service opportunities.

Often somewhat of a right of passage, scouting has offered mentorship and enrichment to our community but more importantly guidance to young people. Not surprisingly, we found many accounts in news history about scouting over time. Our alumni also shared some great stories.

Celia Linkey Anderson of Zephyrhills directed the move of the city library’s books in 1962 from the little wooden building which had been the town’s library since its founding to the new library adjacent to City Hall. “We used Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts plus other children and moved all the books in two afternoons. It was a 4-block round trip and those children were marvelous,” she recalled. We wonder how many other service projects have been completed by scout groups?

Many exemplary citizens have been forged from scouting roots as well.  1978 seemed to produce a bumper crop! The News reported that the ZHS class of 1978 had six Eagle Scouts (relating that the average was one Eagle for every 300 scouts, making ZHS way above the national average). Eagle Scouts were Homer E. Brooks, III, Bruce W. Clark, Jeffrey A. DeWitt, Willie T. Quick, Jr., Michael Schaffner, and James K. Waddey.

There were Oaths/Promises, Mottos and Laws. Do you remember the scouting oath or promise?

The Cub Scout Promise

I, (name), promise to do my best

To do my duty to God and my country,

To help other people, and

To obey the Law of the Pack.

Boy Scout Oath

On my honor, I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

The Brownie & Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

Alumni memories:

The scout huts consisted of a single WWII barracks from the airport.  The building was cut in half and moved to the scout park – half for the girl scouts and half for the boy scouts.  The boy scouts already had a building so the parents/scouts built a new section of building to join them.  This was sometime around 1955-57.  Mr. Lee Reed took over from Mr. Floyd Kingston. We were called the Eagle Troop since so many of us made the highest rank of Eagle. The ones I remember becoming Eagles are Sam Surratt, Larry Turner, Marvin Reed, Reggie Brown, Mark Higginson and possible Russel Kirk and Harry Thain beside myself. There were another five or six that I don’t remember. Mr. Reed took a small group to the National Boy Scout Camp in Philmore, somewhere out west…Dean Martinson ‘65

I remember Brownie meetings in the girl’s hut. My brother would attend Boy Scouts at the same time in the adjoining building…Suzie (Hill) Pippin ‘73

I was in the Suncoast Brownie Scout Trop #410, Girl Scout Troop #148 and Cadet Scout, which was the most fun in my childhood days.  I remember camping at the old scout hut on a fall night. We constructed a make-shift tent out of chairs & blankets and watched TV movies all night long….usually Shock Theatre! The hut had an upright piano that we all played chopsticks on and a pedal sewing machine that was fun to pedal at fast pace! We had some great Den Mothers – Mrs. Bobbie Lou (Sibley) Hormuth, Mrs. Delores Moore, Mrs. Vera Morton, Mrs. Musgrove, Mrs. June Travis and of course, my mom, Mrs. Vera (Cook) Morrill to name a few.  Doing the community deeds to earn badges was so rewarding.  I still have my sash with pins & badges after almost 45 years. I will always remember the scout motto Be Prepared and live it daily…Clereen (Morrill) Brunty ‘73

I remember going to the scout hut with my mother. I was proud that she was the Brownie leader…Jackie (Hood) Grant ‘77

The building was old and musty but a great place to meet…Sharon (Geiger) Reeves ‘80

I was there faithfully every week because my mother as well as Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Dobson helped get the girls scout group going!…Maria Spoto ‘80

Oh boy…I remember having a lot of fish fry’s (Nile perch) and hushpuppies to raise money for scouting.  I recall collecting aluminum cans by the loads to recycle.  We had a huge bin made with lumber and chicken wire to hold those cans which we deposited each week.  With all the liquid we removed from the cans, we went home smelling like we mopped the floor of a brewery with our uniforms…Anonymous

I so remember weekly meetings at the Girl Scout hut…Dawn Baker ‘85

I went to those huts each and every week for my scout meeting…Sarah Baggett ‘92

Another story is that of the Hilferding family. Arriving in Zephyrhills in the early 1980s, Robert Hilferding became Scoutmaster of Troop 72 where his eldest son Eric Hilferding became an Eagle Scout in 1987. At the same time, Terry Hilferding was a Girl Scout leader for her daughter Carin Hilferding’s Troop in the West Wind Neighborhood.

When Eric went off to college, his younger brother Gregg Hilferding became a Boy Scout with Troop 427 which later merged with Troop 425. Gregg’s mother, Terry Hilferding, was the Scoutmaster of that Troop when he became an Eagle Scout in 1997. Mrs. Hilferding was one of the area’s first female Scoutmasters was awarded the Scouter of the Year Award in 1995. During that time, Carin (Hilferding) Fletcher served as a Den Leader for Cub Scout Park 425.

Both Gregg and Eric traveled extensively with Scouts, visiting such places as Washington, D.C., the Netherlands, Australia, and Iceland. The spirit of Service to Scouting continues as Gregg Hilferding is now the Scoutmaster of Troop 72, which still meets at Shepard Park on Monday nights as it did in the 1980s when his father was the Scoutmaster.

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on October 8, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

With an official 100 year birthday right around the corner, there is so much to celebrate in Zephyrhills! One of our goals in Countdown is to capture a few glimpses of unique components of our town’s culture! With no disregard for the rich economic and political annals of olden times, we find that accounts of everyday happenings sometimes capture the spirit of the times. Many of the ZHS alumni who shared stories from their high school experiences, conveyed anecdotes from particularly the 1950’s through 1970’s. They mentioned the Freezette or the Biff Burger. Have you noticed that memories may be connected with the taste palate?  Does the thought of a broiled burger smothered with special sauce, a curled biff dog, and an orange fountain transport you back to a more carefree era? Well, read on!

In Zephyrhills, the Freez-Ette was located at 5841 Gall Boulevard where Mari’s Donut shop is now located.  The owners of the Freezette were Mabel & Louis Loysch. Their children are graduates of Zephyrhills High School. Their son, Louie Loysch, is a member of the Class of 1954 and currently works for the City of Zephyrhills. Their daughter, Linda (Loysch) Trottier of Plant City, is a graduate from the Class of 1963. Does anyone have any pictures of the Freezette they would like to share?

The Biff Burger was located at 5963 Gall Blvd. where ABC Pizza is now located. These restaurants were the forerunners of the fast food restaurants that occupy Zephyrhills today. After a football game, a trip to Biff Burger was in store.

Biff stood for “Best in Fast Food” and was a well-known national drive-in franchise initiated in Clearwater in 1956. They specialized in a unique char-broiled taste derived from a “roto-broiled” process. The original restaurants were portable metal facilities that featured ‘walk-up’ or ‘drive-in’ service while table seating was provided outdoors. One St. Petersburg location is the last one in operation. The sauce:

For your convenience, this recipe has been scaled down from that which was made in large quantities in 5 gallon buckets at the drive-ins.

1 large can Ketchup   (#10 Can, 115 oz)

2/3 to 1 cup Mustard

1 cup Sweet Pickle Relish

1/6 cup or 1 1/3 ounces Salt

Pinch Ground Ginger

2 tsp. Liquid Smoke

Biff Burger and Freez-Ette Memories from ZHS Alumni

The Biff burgers were different.  They were grilled and had a special sauce. Freezette was the only drive-in that existed in Zephyrhills; we went their after movies and baseball games…Phyllis (Geiger) Locke-Debien ‘54

Fantastic shakes and delicious burgers at Biff. All the older teens, the cool ones, were at Freez-Ette.I loved to go there after band events and games. They had the best food and I’ve never tasted a burger as good since then…Suzie (Hill) Pippin ‘73

Biff Burger: I loved those burgers with the special sauce.  Also I believe they originated tater tots. The chocolate milkshakes were the best. I also remember going to the Freezette after Band Practice on Thursday nights with a boy.  It was cool eating outside in your car with your window holding the tray of delicious burgers, fries and shakes…Clereen (Morrill) Brunty ‘73

The only place to get a burger, and they had the individual juke boxes at every table.  Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison is the one song that comes to mind!…Melody (Wheeler) Williford ‘78

The Tater Tots were great!…Sharon (Geiger) Reeves ‘80

This was the only place to go after a game in town. If you wanted to go to one of the other fast food restaurants, say Mc____, the nearest was Plant City …Laura (Heller) Woodham ‘83

My sister, Carolyn Baker, worked there for several years.  I remember walking to Biff Burger after elementary school …Dawn Baker ‘85

The Freez-Ette was a great place to sit and watch others drive ‘round & round’ while enjoying a coke…Ann Brooke (Smith) Neukom ‘58

The Freez-Ette was the place we would cruise through to see if anyone wanted to drag race on Fort King or Highway #39 toward Plant City.  I guess I shouldn’t say this, but it was the place everyone went who wanted to drag race…Benny Smith ‘59

Freez-Ette was a very cool place to hang out. It is a shame that teens today don’t have something like it…Lynn (Nichols) Timmons ‘60

Everyone went to the Freezette.  It was so neat to pull up in your car and have the car hop bring your food to you on a tray.  But what I remember the most about the Freezette is going there on break from our Senior car wash.  The car wash was being held at the Methodist Church parking lot and it was our turn to go get something to eat.  So, of course, we went to the Freezette.  I drove my Mom’s car and Howard went with me.  I don’t remember a thing that we ate or what we talked about.  But during our conversation Howard told me that some day he was going to marry me.  I was a bit shocked to hear that statement considering that we weren’t even dating.  Can’t remember just when we did start dating but we were married on December 9, 1972, six months after graduation! He obviously knew what he was talking about…Carol (McLeod) & Howard Reeves ‘72

Freez-Ette had the  best cole slaw; well worth the drive…Diane (Clements) Vilas ‘65

Neon lights… Rose (Potwin) McCarter ‘78

Paper drinking straws…Sharon (Geiger) Reeves ‘80

Are you kidding?  Who could forget the BBQ squish burgers and tater tots?  I had to track down one of the remaining BB in St. Petersburg and take my daughter and a friend out for lunch to enjoy the experience…Anonymous

We thoroughly enjoy writing the Countdown column. As each week’s deadline approaches, we confer about a topic.  Believe it or not, we have so much to say! Well, knowing both of us, we’re sure you already know that! Truly, we are grateful for the many suggestions for interviews and topics…please keep them coming.   Our goal is to provide an array of historical information. With that said, we have been toying with a column about local street names for awhile. Through the alumni website, Clereen has surveyed and generated an initial list.

This week we offer an introduction to street names and their origins in Zephyrhills. In the earliest days of town-development, streets tended to be named for landmarks: churches, hills, lakes and other topographical features. As the identity developed and in response to military feats/heroism, names of brave men/women and leaders were popular names.  Later city officials began numbering the streets and a subsequent trend was the use of nature in street naming; hence streets with the names of trees and flowers.  ‘Street’ was displaced with ‘avenue because of new connecting roads from population expansion. Boulevard, park and terrace were reflective of architecture trends as well. After World War I, with automobiles on the scene, ‘drive’ was used in place of street as well. With the implementation of a system for emergency services (911), Pasco County eliminated duplicate road names/addresses in the county.

You ask ‘what is your point?’ Well, as you journey about our fine town and community, you may wonder about the various street names. For our student readers (since we are addressing school history), you may wonder who the person behind the name might be? Rosemary Trottman and other historians including the compilers of the recent A to Z book have given us some insights. A visit to the Depot Museum will answer some of your questions as well.

Consider  a few  Zephyrhills street names?

ALLEN ROAD

ALSTON AVENUE

BAILEY HILL ROAD

BOHANNON ROAD

BOYETTE ROAD

CASS ROAD

CHANCEY ROAD

CHARLES AVENUE

CHENKIN ROAD

COATS ROAD

DAUGHTERY ROAD

DEAN DAIRY ROAD

EILAND BOULEVARD

FORBES ROAD

GALL BOULEVARD (HWY. 301)

GEIGER ROAD

HILL DRIVE

JENDRAL AVENUE

JUDEE DRIVE

KIRKLAND DRIVE

KRUSEN FIELD ROAD

LANE ROAD

LANI DRIVE

LANIER ROAD

MASSEY ROAD

MORRIS BRIDGE ROAD

MURPHY ROAD

OTIS ALLEN ROAD

PATE ROAD

PAUL BUCHMAN HWY. (HWY. 39)

RYALS ROAD

SEABERG ROAD

SHAW DRIVE

SIMONS ROAD

STEBBINS AVENUE

TUCKER ROAD

URBAN ROAD

WILSON DRIVE

WIRE ROAD

We offer just a few samples for you of the origin of a sampling of our Zephyrhills street names. We are open for additions, corrections or further insights into our conclusions. We found that the names sometimes come from obvious connections and can also be the product of legend or perhaps in other cases, are not known.

Wire Road Legend has it that Wire Road got its name in early Abbott because of the telegraph lines (which were quite tall) that extended a great length of the path.

Gall Boulevard was undoubtedly named for Walter Gall.  Walter Gall bought 30,000 acres for $3.00 per acre and lumbered and then resold it (area including what is now Saddlebrook.) Gall was also instrumental in the building of Highway 301 in 1936 as a major thoroughfare right through town from his position on the State Road Department. In addition he was personnel director for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression and recruited thousands of men back to work.

Dean Dairy Road was named for ‘Dean’s Lakeside Dairy.’ Carolyn Dean of the family told us that the dairy encompassed part of what is now Betmar, Oaks Royal and Sunnyside Mobile Home Parks. ‘Lake’ was in the original road name because there were three lakes which filtered into Zephyr Lake (which have since been covered over). Carolyn shared that a wooden bridge on Dean Dairy Lake Road offered the greatest fishing around. She still reminisces about getting a dipper of the fresh milk from the dairy milk tank—“the best, coldest, sweetest milk ever!”

Lane Road was named for Clarence Lane.  Last week in our interview with Bunt Massey, he shared that he may have been known to partake from one of the infamous stills in that general area.

Coats Road was named for Ernie and Della Coats

Seaberg Road was given its moniker from Roy Seaberg, a prominent grove owner.

Could Chancey Road have its origins from the Chauncey family? Does anyone know? Chancey family members were early settlers to the area and often transported visitors by oxen cart to view the 5-acre tracts of land plotted out by the Colony Company. In 1910, the five acre plots sold for $50 which included a lot in town and stock in the company. The Chancey brothers, John, Abe, Jeff and Luke, were known for their well-trained oxen teams that performed many other tasks in the early town including supplying telephone poles for the growing Tampa Electric Company and delivering cordwood to the racks of the railroad depot for the locomotives.

Geiger Road undoubtedly comes from the Geiger family. Rosemary Trottman states in her book that John Geiger was the founder of the Geiger family in Zephyrhills. The inaugural city postmaster was James Geiger, known around town as ‘Uncle Jim’ who was also an owner of a general store and city councilman. Mr. and Mrs. Abram Elias Geiger homesteaded 160 acres west of Zephyrhills. Geiger Cemetery was on part of what was this original Geiger property.

Chenkins Road got its name from Herman and Rose Chenkins who established Chenkins Packing  for dried fruits (later known as Natural Foods Company, Inc.) in 1924 and operated it until 1966 in Zephyrhills.

Eiland Boulevard is named for William Eiland who was the police chief in Zephyrhills from 1961-1996.

Stebbins Avenue is named for a Zephyrhills Colony Land company realtor, A.E Stebbins whose son, Jesse Stebbins was also known as the first pastor of the colony’s first church, Bible Gospel Chapel, built in 1910 and the oldest church building constructed of hand-crafted block.

Whew, the list goes on and on! We invite you to tell us the stories about the creation of the various names.  We promise to give you periodic updates on the alumni website and the Countdown column about our findings. We envision that from the various origins and stories (perhaps even folklore), we will learn more about our own history which can be commemorated on the 100th anniversary…coming soon!

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on September 24, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

In celebration of the ‘football issue’ of the News, we bring you a glimpse of historical ZHS football with a delightful twist that captures a local celebrity and our very own ‘mermaid.’ We think you will enjoy the great stories!

To set the stage, let’s talk about the origins of Zephyrhills football!

ZHS fielded its first football team in 1941 and Thomas Burch Cornelius, ZHS Principal, was coach with W.W. Jackson as assistant. That first football team was composed of 15 players and they concluded a 10-game season with a perfect record—that is no wins!  The team was suspended for a few years during World War II.

The focus of our story is on one of the players on an early post-war team, Frank ‘Bunt’ Massey and his wife, Mary Lou ‘Cookie’ Richards Massey.  Bunt has the distinction of being the first ZHS player to score a touchdown against rival, Dade City, in the school’s history.   His wife, Mary Lou Richards Massey, was a Mermaid starring at Weeki Wachee—the only young local lady to have this honor!

‘Bunt’ received his name because of his baseball prowess—he could bunt a baseball and soon after arriving at ZHS, he was given the name by his fellow players.  Bunt was born in 1932 in a home near the Zephyr airport. His mother died when he was 9 and as he recounted the stories of growing up in the community; it was evident that school played an important role in his development. Bunt disclosed that he regularly chewed tobacco in class (usually overlooked by his teachers), sometimes played hooky by crawling under the school building and very proudly represented the school in baseball, basketball and football.  He remembered fondly his days in Future Farmers of America as well. Describing early football, he said the team practiced on a field near the school and played games during the daytime—there were no lights to illuminate an evening field.  His wife, Mary Lou related that she remembered standing at the school’s archways and gazing out to watch the players.  Bunt mentioned playing for Coach Clements. Scoring the first touchdown against Pasco put him in the record books for ZHS and he proudly recalled the event. In his junior year—1949, Bunt led the Bulldogs to four victories. He also remembered an assorted number of injuries including breaking his finger in a game against Turkey Creek High School.

We asked Bunt to tell us about the differences in football then and now. He shared that the helmets were interchangeable. They had just enough helmets for the players on the field so when the teams came in and out, the players exchanged their helmets. He also said that a smaller number of players in his day caused the athletes to play every down. He reminisced about good friends, Hap Cherry, Lonnie and Eddie White and others. For recreation outside of school, Bunt said a swim in Zephyr Lake was just the thing.  He served in the U.S. Army and worked for Kerr’s Ice Plant, Hercules Powder Plant, and Zephyr Egg.

While reviewing a wonderful assortment of family photographs, a 1953 prom photo was uncovered. Mary Lou was dressed in a beautiful red gown and paired with a handsome fellow (not Bunt). Bunt piped in jokingly, ‘we ought to burn that photo!’ Mary Lou teased that Roger Whitworth was a beau prior to Bunt! Not to be outdone, Bunt shared some tales of his various girlfriends at ZHS as well.

And this brings us to the other half of this fascinating duo, Mary Lou Richards.

Mary Lou Richards, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Richards, moved to Zephyrhills at age 11. She was active at ZHS and attended UF.  As a young woman, she responded to an advertisement in the newspaper and the rest is history. She became a legendary Weeki Wachee Mermaid—the only gal in the Zephyrhills area to hold this title. The program pamphlet from 1954-55 had a profile of the mermaids at the attraction and stated: “Weeki Wachee Proudly Presents an Underwater Fantasy”.  The flier further explained that the show took place at 70 feet below the surface and put the mermaids in a dangerous pressurized water situation.

A local News article from the period further chronicled that Richards had learned the difficult underwater ballet routine below 70 feet of water in a month’s time. Before becoming a mermaid, Mary Lou served as a lifeguard at the Zephyr pool and credits Marianne Simons for teaching her how to swim—a lifelong sport. She continues as a strong promoter of a school swimming team and has recently advocated for the continuation of a swimming program at ZHS. Mary Lou Richards Massey, known locally as ‘Cookie’ worked in the area schools and retired from Pasco County Schools as a school lunchroom manager.

We thoroughly enjoyed talking with Bunt and Mary Lou who are both an example of wonderful folks who have contributed to our community.  As the ZHS football season gets into full swing, we know that the fellowship and camaraderie that will be evident at the games in 2009-2010 will reflect the long tradition that dates back to the first teams and personalities of early sports history.

Thanks Bunt and Mary Lou and the many others who have contributed to the colorful tapestry that makes up our community.

Countdown to Centennial By Madonna Jervis Wise and Clereen Morrill Brunty of the 100th Anniversary Committee, ZHS. Article originally appeared in the Zephyrhills News on September 17, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

Memories of Principal Charles Henderson

A popular book by Catherine Ryan Hyde popularized the phrase, ‘Pay It Forward.’ It set into motion a social movement that is very simply based upon the concept that good works and deeds ought to be passed from one to another. In follow-up to our interview with former ZHS Principal Dr. Charles Henderson (serving in the 1950’s-60’s), we were struck by the fact that Dr. Henderson and his staff had a pay it forward impact upon our local community that is very much evident yet today.

Pay it Forward!

I worked in the office the first hour each day.  I thought Mr. Henderson was the most handsome and wonderful man in the world and his wife—certainly the most elegant woman.   I had no idea then what a key role he would play in my life. Outside of my own family, Dr. Henderson was, without a question, the most influential man in my life.  I am so pleased that he is around to read what I have to say, for I never was able to thank him adequately. I came from a very poor (financially speaking) family.  My father had told me that he thought he could send me to secretarial school, and that was where I expected to go.  Inwardly, I was not too enthusiastic about it because I wanted to be a teacher. One day, toward the end of my senior year, Mr. Henderson inquired if I wanted to go to college.  I had never thought this would be possible.  I enthusiastically told him that it would be my ‘dream—come true.’  He invited me to their home the next Saturday afternoon to meet Mr. E. L. Henderson, his father, who was in charge of hiring students to work part-time in the State Department of Education in Tallahassee.  We talked at length and I was offered a job in his office for 60 cents per hour.  The door opened for me. After graduation that June, my father cashed a war bond he had bought worth $50 and purchased a bus ticket to Tallahassee.  He gave me the change and said, “Go get an education.”  I was on my way! Dr. Henderson, thank you so much. You cannot imagine how much you mean to me.  And, you may not remember this, but I still know how to spell reckless.~ Ellen Heath LeDuc ‘56

I thought Mr. Henderson was the most handsome and wonderful man in the world

I remember Mr. Henderson as a big man who stood very tall and had very stern eyes.  I know that I didn’t want to be called to the office.  He might be interested that I too became a principal for 17 years after 14 years of teaching. I hope that he and his family are doing well. ~Benny Smith ‘59

Mr. Henderson brought ‘class’ to ZHS and it was sad when he left us. I remember him well. My father, Robert Nichols began teaching under Mr. Henderson at ZHS and they were great friends. He was a no-nonsense guy and very fair, as was my father. They earned our respect. ~Lynn Nichols Timmons ’60 (a retired teacher)

He was a no-nonsense guy and very fair

Charles Henderson was very influential to me and, besides some of my coaches, one of my idols.  I was student body president in 1963-1964 and each time we shared time together that school year I was in awe and somewhat intimidated by Mr. Henderson.  He certainly demanded my respect.  I recall being called to his office one day.  When I arrived he was on the phone and motioned for me to enter.  Holding his hand on the phone’s mouthpiece, he told me that Florida State University was on the line and wanted to know if I was interested in playing football for the Seminoles.  On the spot, I told him I would prefer to take my chances playing college basketball and would wait to see what happens.  He concluded the phone call with them and the rest is history. ~Mike McGinnis ‘64

Remembering the Man and the Times

Walking down the hall, he had a commanding appearance–a big fellow! We were all very respectful of him! ~Carolyn Dean ‘69

He was principal all of my high school years and did a very commendable job.  He was a stern principal and well respected. I was reminded of one event that showed his lighter side.  Around 1960-1961, I was passing through the cafeteria line one day when the dessert was strawberry shortcake!  At the end of the food line was a large bowl of whipped cream for the shortcake.  My aunt, Jean Sellars, was the lunchroom manager then and Mrs. Fernandez, who I had known for a long time, was overseeing the whipped cream distribution.  I acted like I was going to make a swipe at the whipped cream with my finger and, having received an approving nod from Mrs. Fernandez, I swiped up a big gob of whipped cream, only to look up and see Principal Henderson step around and observe my action.  After what seemed like a long pause and very stern stare from Mr. Henderson, he broke into a big grin and I sheepishly and quickly hustled into the lunchroom, very thankful for Principal Henderson’s good nature! ~Bill McGavern ‘62

He was a stern principal and well respected

November 22, 1963–as a ZHS senior, I left the building west of the lunchroom on my way to my Office Assistant class in the office. Someone said that President Kennedy had been shot.  “It couldn’t be true.”  Entering the office, Mr. Henderson was wearing a face I had never seen. He met me at the door and gave me the news that the rumor was indeed true. I was charged with going to every class to confirm the information and give the option of going to the auditorium where two TVs detailed the most horrible memories of our young lives. ~Lenora Pollock Stokes ‘64

I remember Mr. Henderson as a stern but fair principal. He was a tall man in stature and luckily, I didn’t receive any paddlings from him (not necessarily the case, in general). I liked him and all of the teachers at “Ole ZHS” a lot and they made me the person I am today. ~Larry Hill ‘57

Mr. Henderson was not only ZHS principal but a terrific Spanish teacher who stressed vocabulary and congegating verbs, etc. I believe he was from Cottondale, Fla. and used to remark that one could see three states from that location.  Naturally his pronunciation of Spanish left a little to be desired but he really taught the course and because of that I still can speak many palabras and phrases in Spanish so that I could get along if need be. ~Gordon Pitcher ‘54

I received a valuable lesson about proof-reading. As a DCT student in the main office, Raybelle Surratt was the school secretary and my supervisor. Mr. Henderson was in a local civic organization and I was charged with typing and printing their newsletter. With the legendary Mrs. Alpha Gill as my business teacher, I felt confident in my skills. When Mr. Henderson returned from the Rotary meeting however, he pointed out a typo. You see the word I had misspelled, now made it a bit provocative and suggestive. As I look back on it as an adult, he must have gotten quite a chuckle from it.  I was embarrassed. I thought he was a great principal. ~Linda Freeburg Laviano ‘60

I thought he was a great principal

Schedule change—after a successful year with Lewis Wynne as my math teacher, I was assigned to another math class. I approached Mr. Henderson on the third week of school and asked to go back to Mr. Wynne’s class.  Mr. Henderson was obviously shocked because I had visited Mr. Wynne’s office (he was also the Assistant Principal) on several occasions. Mr. Henderson agreed and wrote the schedule change note. When I presented the note to Mr. Wynne, he naturally assumed that I was ‘in trouble again.’  As he read the note from Mr. Henderson, he had a difficult time hiding the surprise and I knew he was pleased as well.  I only received one paddling from Mr. Henderson and I’m sure I had it coming.  He was the right man for the job back then.  We could do with some more Henderson’s and Wynne’s! ~Billy Lowe, ‘65

I remember Mr. Henderson.  The summer after he left ZHS to assume principalship of PK Yonge High School in Gainesville, I talked with him. He phoned the University of South Florida and got me an appointment to meet the Dean of the new Engineering school. During my senior year at “Z”, our basketball team went to the state finals in Gainesville and some of us (Marvin Reed, Allan Ward, Reggie Brown, & Dean Martinson,) drove up there for one of the games. We stopped to visit Mr. Henderson.  He remembered each of our names and talked with us.~Dean Martinson ‘65