We had the distinct pleasure on Friday, August 28 to do an interview with Dr. Charles Henderson and his wife, Ann. This week our article is compiled by regular writers as well as guest contributors, Betty Hall, Raybelle Surratt and John Clements.

To capture the rich and extraordinary interchange of this inspirational hour is challenging for us to do because we felt the recollections were indicative of the character and values that were set in place for the school community by not only the inspirational leadership of Dr. Henderson but also the contributions of  others such as Betty, Raybelle, John and many others.

Who is Dr. Charles Henderson?

Chuck, as he is affectionately dubbed, was the ZHS Principal from 1955-57 and again from 1959-65. Appointed by Pasco Superintendent Mark St. Clair, he chuckled that he was recruited to the area because of his talented wife, Anne, a business teacher ‘who they wanted at PHS to start their DCT Vocational program’ (Ann was later principal of Buchholz High School in Gainesville for 11 years). After two years in Dade City as an Assistant Principal however, Mr. Henderson was recruited to be ZHS Principal. Serving eight years, Henderson was again recruited during 1964 to become principal of the University of Florida’s Laboratory School, P.K. Yonge. A ‘Gator’ through-and-through, he became a UF Professor and worked not only as the head of graduate studies in instruction/ curriculum but headed up the educational department at UF that launched the educational departments at FIU, UCF and UNF; he retired from UF in 1997. Charles was also the inaugural President of the Zephyrhills Rotary Club and extremely active in the community.

Three members of his faculty and staff of course were Betty Hall, librarian, John Clements, coach, and Raybelle Surratt, secretary.

What we discovered?

The decades of the 1950’s and 60’s were formative years for Zephyrhills and the schools.

Academics: Betty Hall said, “Mr. Henderson, you were the best!” As a new ‘librarian’ Mr. Henderson wanted her to have the very best preparation and allowed her to work with an experienced veteran in a neighboring town. She recalled that he worked diligently to find scholarships for students and spent a great deal of time advising students.  Betty had prepared for the interview by speaking with several former students from Henderson’s tenure and recalled that he made a real difference in their lives. Sandy Pricher shared that he had perfect posture and was a great role model!

Dedicated to students, Henderson said that one of his true regrets was leaving the class of 1965 to take on the UF position. He revered this particular class and shared with pride his pleasure when they visited him in Gainesville at the 65 state championship game. He said, “Linda Hayden, Bobby Winters, Diane Clements, Larry Chauncey and others came knocking on my door at P.K. Yonge Laboratory School and wanted to visit. I took them on a tour of the school and we talked about their senior year! That was a very special class to me.”

The entire group reminisced about outstanding musicians Johnny Gore, George Neukom, Linden Laviano and Bill Hamilton. They recalled that the foursome used to perform for the school assemblies. Sometimes they would have to tell George, “Don’t be too jazzy!” Both Henderson and Clements visited Johnny Gore in Branson, Mo., where he served as a professional musician and talked with great pride about his musical accomplishments.  Henderson acknowledged the teachings of John T.V. Clark in the music field at ZHS for inspiring many.

Sports were remarkable. ZHS achieved state basketball championship status in 1961-62 & 1963-64 and from 1960-1966, reached the Class B (equivalent to today’s 2A) state tournament every season except one. Henderson was principal during most of those years and undoubtedly his leadership created a climate that produced leaders! It is no wonder then that some of the interview turned to sports.

Henderson recalled the enthusiasm in the community. He remembered a game in which Jed Wilkerson’s mom shouted from the stands to her son, “Jed—Do something wonderful! Be beautiful!” In response to the outdoor basketball slab that the championship team played upon, he said, ‘well, we had a wind advantage.’

He and Gore reminisced about their first meeting with Raymond Stewart in 1960.  Ray was the head football coach of Palmetto High School and had a winning streak of 25 straight games. Worried over the anxiety of fans, ZHS orchestrated a caravan of alumni to the game to safely escort the team. Low and behold—the Bulldogs whipped Palmetto 6-0. They recalled that quarterback Norman Weaver and Sam Groves were in the game but they devised a new play, which they coined the ‘Chauncey Special Play’ to win the game.  Henderson and Clements both admitted that it took Stewart many years to totally come to terms with the incredible victory which was repeated the next year (same score).  Perhaps that is why Ray eventually moved to ZHS.

Office Anecdotes: Henderson said that both he and his wife were indebted to the school secretary, Raybelle Surratt. “She introduced us to the town,” they said.

Surratt affectionately responded with some great anecdotes.  “Do you remember the young man with the asthma attack in the office? We were so worried about him.” (They both went on to reminisce about this fellow—a prominent Zephyrhills businessman today who they wanted to share updates and pride about).

Then the 1960 Hurricane Donna was recounted by all. Raybelle related that ZHS was opened as a hurricane shelter and the lunchroom ladies were called in to prepare meals. Three clinics were set up in part because of the shelter residents at the school—three were “very pregnant ladies.” With the barometric pressure of the impending hurricane, labor was eminent.

Everyone decided it was in the best interest for Henderson to locate a doctor. Henderson recalled that he got in his 1950 Ford and ventured out in the midst of Hurricane Donna to fetch Dr. B.G. Wilkinson. (We wonder if anyone out there recalls this experience and who those three Hurricane Donna babies might be.)

Note: Donna was a destructive hurricane that hit on September 11, 1960 with record rainfall of ten inches, sustained winds at 128 mph, and landfall pressure of 27.46 inches.

Advice for the New Principal: To conclude our interview we wanted to ask this veteran educator to impart some advice to the new ZHS Principal, Steve Van Gordon, who we described to him as an industrious and focused young man.  Henderson said, “Be patient…being principal of ZHS is a hectic job.  Always be interested in your students and faculty. Communicate with them and hear their ideas. Be involved with the community and listen to input and ideas.”

He shared that youth was a real asset. He was 28 when becoming principal of ZHS and remembers it fondly. Henderson and his wife, Anne, send their fondest greetings to Zephyrhills.

As the phone call was concluding, we listened to the five friends signing off. They all agreed, “We have been blessed.” It seems to Clereen and me that we in the Zephyrhills community (who have benefitted from these mentors and leaders who have shaped our school and community) are the ones who have truly been blessed. We are thankful to each of them.

We are so eager to hear your recollections of Dr. Henderson.  Be sure to share them with us!

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 3, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

It is our sincere hope that the 2009-2010 school year is a new and wonderful beginning for the students of Zephyrhills! Clereen and I both value public education and we enjoy working on the ‘centennial project’ to preserve some precious memories.  We thought it would be appropriate to survey the alumni about their ‘first day experiences.’ We received 13 wonderful and diverse responses. We chuckled a bit as we received these and expect that you will enjoy them as well.

September 1944: I remember the first day of school well.  My mom drove up to the curb, coaxed me out of the car towards the children on the play ground, and I was terrified!!!  As an only child who had been quite isolated from children. I remember crying and being really scared. Joan Leffler came over and offered me some of her chocolate ice cream cone.  I’ll never forget that kind gesture of friendship. ~Shirley Potter Happel

Immediately following Labor Day in 1944: Helen Hamilton was the teacher (she turned 32 that year).  She wrote her age on the blackboard to see if any of her students could read two digit numbers.  I remember the thrill and wonderful aroma of my new box of Crayolas (box of 8). Classmates were Glenn Miller, Nathan Geiger, Vonceil Clardy, Curtis Craig, Nell Locke and Mary Sawtelle.  The old red brick school building that was torn down in 2005 housed grades 1 through 12. I remember vividly walking home from school by myself, at age 6. In fact on that first day after school I announced to my parents that ‘I liked school but that I had decided it wasn’t for me—I wouldn’t go back.’ A few days later, my mother, Esther (Plank) Austin, a graduate of ZHS in 1926, was called on to teach the other first grade class and my grandmother, Emma Plank was the fifth grade teacher. The classroom seemed warm and inviting, now I would think of it as sweltering.  It had big open windows, high ceiling, and a picture of George Washington and an old master’s art print.  Helen Hamilton decorated her room with seasonal crepe paper blackboard borders printed by the Dennison Paper Company.  To me, they were just wonderful.  Now, vintage Dennison paper holiday decorations are highly collectible.  ~Edith Austin McGavern

The big red brick school stood on a slight upgrade north of the oak centered streets of down town.   Miss Johnson was my first grade teacher.  My Mother, Emma Kemp Fernandez took me to my classroom which was just to the left of the main doors where the principal’s office was located.  It was my birthday because Mother told me it was a ‘special present’ to be going to school.  I can still smell the wood floors, especially when they were sweeping.  I grew up on Chancey Road and did not know the town kids.  I thought them to be more special and wealthy to get to live in town. Mrs. Pollock was my nearest neighbor and I walked to her house after I got off the bus when Mama was working in Dade City at the orange plant. Bobby Geiger was on my bus route and he was one of my first friends. ~ Linda Sue Snider Kemp, class of 1963

I remember I broke from the line on my way to the lunchroom and ran home. The teacher shouted, ‘Catch him, Isabel!’ Isabel’s dad was the local preacher. I made it home, had lunch at home and my mother took me back to school ~Larry Turner, class of 1965

We moved to Zephyrhills in 1950 from Miami, and I entered the fourth grade. Rosemary Trottman was one of our teachers back then and I will always remember how she stressed the importance of penmanship. One of my very first friends was Tawana Campbell. Her Mother Mabel Campbell was an elementary teacher. ~Darlene Wilson Bamberger

My first day of school was almost 2 months after school had actually started. I moved to Zephyrhills the second week of October, 1954. The teacher was Mrs. Esther Austin. Although I don’t remember the details about going to school that morning, Mary (Fish) Young and I share a common memory of walking home together from school that first afternoon. It was a bright, sunny and crisp day. My grandmother, Rose Chenkin and my younger brother, Richard, were there to meet us! I remember stepping on the acorns on the sidewalk. I loved to hear their crunching sound under my feet!   From that day on, Mary and I walked to and from school every day– a tradition that continued through our senior year of high school. Linda Sante later joined us and it forged a friendship that lasts yet today. ~Helen Chenkin Hill, class of 1966

The first day was a bit scary yet exciting. Of course most of the other kids were older by one year because I started at age 5 ½. ~Lawrence ‘Charlie’ Morris, class of 1968

My first grade teacher was Mrs. Coe. Mrs. Smith was our bus driver.  Back in the day – the bus driver  didn’t put up with any foolishness—‘stay in your seat, face forward, no loud talking, no running’ and if the bus got rowdy, Mrs. Smith would stop the bus until order was restored and if you were the rowdy one, your parents got ‘the’ call.

I remember the school playground and its legendary ‘root beer’ tree.  We loved to smell and chew the tree bark. My favorite school lunch was hot biscuits and honey and my favorite dessert was apple crisp. To this day, when I smell apple crisp—I’m transported back to school. ~Carolyn Dean, class of 1969

There were very large oak trees on the east and west side of West Elementary and we would have recess under those gorgeous trees.  We would play tetherball, chase poor Willie Spence, and play four square.  Mr. Coumbs let us decorate his bulletin boards and run errands for him.  Mr. Clark would break yardsticks on Brett’s desk when he would misbehave!  Mrs. Gall taught me “real writing” and I can remember making lots of capital O’s to get the strokes correct.  Mrs. Anderson, our librarian, would read aloud to us and I was enthralled.  When I was in sixth grade, my mother started teaching there which was very cool! School was a wonderful place for friends and learning. That love of learning was instilled through all those years and I’m still friends with many of those long ago classmates. Thanks for letting me walk down memory lane. ~Suzie Hill Pippin, class of 1973

Memories of my first day of school are vague. I don’t remember being scared as I grew up with all the students and most of us went to the same church so it was more exciting to get together after summer break. I attended East Zephyrhills Elementary 1st through 6th grade. I had Mrs. Coe as my first grade teacher and my twin brother, Clyde, had Mrs. Anderson as my Mom preferred us to be in separate classrooms. Never really knew why. We would take naps on towels and listen to music or a story the teacher or assistant would read.  I remember trying to count all the dots in the ceiling tile but would fall asleep before getting through one square. The playground had several oak & camphor trees with swings and a tall slide that we always enjoyed during recess. It was great to attend the same school grounds from 1st through 12th grade. ~Clereen Morrill Brunty, class of 1973

My first day of school was in October of 1969.  I spent the day going around to the various classes getting teacher signatures.  I remember walking into the band hall under the domain of John T. V. Clark.  I was a Michigan boy with a crew cut, dressed in large bell bottom, pin-striped trousers and a silk shirt.  The whole band hall of students gasped as they had never seen someone dressed like that before since that was the rave in Michigan at the time.  Also I had huge locks of thick curly hair and from the looks of the female population, I knew that they approved.  From that day on I was never without female companionship and in the next six years became the luckiest guy in school. I owe everything to the staff at Zephyrhills High School, especially Mr. James Davis who gave me my recommendation for attendance at USF.  (Note that this is James E. Davis, not James T. Davis, recently profiled in the News. James E. Davis was principal of ZHS from 73-75 and ZJHS/Stewart from 75-85 as well as Director of Employee Relations for the School District for over 15 years.) ~Mark G. Glidden, class of 1975

I well remember my first day of school at ZHS…I was always the “new girl” at school because my father was in the Army and of course we moved a lot.  It was October 1, 1977 – the school year was well under way – and I was a 16-year-old junior.  Fortunately for me, the in the guidance office showed me around.  Even more fortunate for me, they were all cheerleaders and introduced me right away to the football players!  I fell fast and hard for a senior tackle named John Peavey, Jr.  We started ‘going steady’ and married after high school (We just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary a couple weeks ago and I still have the same crush on him!) ~Marti Puckett Peavey, class of 1979

The first day of 1st grade, I wore a white shirt, red shorts and tennis shoes. In fourth grade, the dress code allowed girls to wear slacks to school for the first time. As my class of 1979 moved on to junior high, we were on the 45/15 year-round school as well as double sessions from the over-crowding At that time, students started at different times. I was on B track. The first day at the brand new ZHS in 1975, seniors played a prank on freshman and informed us that the school had an elevator– not funny but typical! The new high school was a beautiful building to some. We did miss windows. It had that new building smell. My class was the 1st to graduate after going all four years there. We are the only class to graduate in the stadium. ~Cyndee Thomas, class of 1979

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 August 27, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

As Zephyrhills begins a new school term on Monday, August 24, we pause to reflect upon our own experiences in school. Advertisements for back-to-school clothes and materials bombard us. We recall those butterflies that we felt in our tummies on our own first day of school or later as we transitioned from elementary to middle/junior high or high school.

Excitement, anxiety, and a sense of new beginning return with each new school term.  Even veteran teachers readily admit that they often find it difficult to sleep the night before a new school term. Students are also anxious about their schedules and eager to renew old acquaintances. In short, there is unbridled enthusiasm!

For our Countdown glimpses this week, we want to share some historical accounts of school session openings! Feel the enthusiasm!

The Very First School Opening–

In September 1910, the newly consolidated Zephyrhills School was opened by the Zephyrhills Colony Company with enormous community pride.  At the conclusion of the 1909-10 term, the three existing one-room schools (Independence, Childers, and Union) were closed. ZCC had worked passionately for consolidation, obtained a deed to the site at the corner of 7th Avenue and 6th Street, hauled lumber from Greer’s Mill and set to work, achieving a completion of the first school building in late summer. The opening day had arrived!

Leo Ecker entered the brand new school building as a student and wrote: The officials and a great many parents were there. The county superintendent, M.L. Gilbert, made a talk in which he said that the student body and the faculty represented 42 states and territories.  I remember the old pump at school which supplied water for the children and for the school-wagon animals that were tied up in the shade during the day. One child pumped a tin cup full, drank and passed the cup to the next in line. The horses were watered one after another from the bucket.  In an argument one boy threatened to throw a cupfull of water in  his heated opponent’s face. ‘Do it and I’ll throw a bucketfull in yours,’ was the acceptance of the dare. The teacher saw the second act but not the first, and ordered the boys into the belfry!

…When the school day ended, the children of the town returned to their homes; but the children of the rural sections had a short playtime while the horses were being harnessed. The school wagons were fitted with benches on each side, and if the number warranted, a seat down the middle. There was a canvas roof with curtains that could be rolled down in case of rain.The rides along meandering roads were a time for getting acquainted, for trading leftover cake, cookies, sandwiches, or baked sweet potatoes from tin buckets or woven lunch baskets.

Zephyrhills School II

The opening of the second official Zephyrhills School was in 1926 and the News reported: August thirtieth marks the end of vacation period for boys and girls of the Zephyrhills Schools. School will open in the new building on the corner of 10th Avenue and 10th Street. All grades are included. Work on the building is expected to be finished this week and the installation of desks and grading of the grounds is being rushed.  The high school will have a full nine month term, and endeavors will be made to make Class A. The Principal, Professor M.P. Geiger will supervise eleven teachers. Free textbooks will be furnished by the state up to the 7th grade, but County Superintendent O’Berry states that probably there will be just about half enough, and requests all students to bring last year’s books as they can be used.  Mr. O’Berry predicts one of the greatest school years in the history of the city and is very enthusiastic over the outlook.

In next week’s article we hope to have memories of what it was like on their first day of school from those who grew up in Zephyrhills. Please email Clereen at (email removed) with your stories.

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 August 22, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

As you recall special times in your own childhood, you undoubtedly remember key places and events. We have been fascinated by the fact that two “institutions” are frequently mentioned as folks share stories of Zephyrhills and Zephyrhills High School history with us— namely the signature fishponds and Willie’s Taxi Service. You may ask why we have combined these two characteristic establishments. Read on.

Willette Phillips had a taxi service in the late 1940s and ’50s. Her stand was at the drinking fountain on the corner of 5th Avenue and 7th Street that advertised “Zephyrhills, City of Pure Water.” It was good drinking water without all the chemicals that are used today according to the book Zephyrhills From A to Z.

Jon Ferguson of the ZHS class of 1951 provided us with some insight: Willette Phillips established the first taxi cab service in Zephyrhills. Competition soon joined her because of her business prowess. For example, Maurice Humphreys set up a similar business across the street from her. Willie’s booth was on the corner of 5th Avenue and 7th Street. A popular gold fish pond was nearby as well as the only public drinking fountain. Willie had a black and white television set in her nook. This was definitely the place to stop by and get the latest local news! Willie was always hospitable and everyone loved her.

Scenic points-of-interest around Zephyrhills for most of the 20th century included some charming sites: several fish ponds inhabited by goldfish (koi–members of the carp family), a wishing well, a limestone bridge at Zephyr Park and the occasional building (such as the Women’s Club on 5th Avenue) were crafted from a natural resource, local limestone rock.

We learned from our review of school history that before 1970 Zephyrhills High School also had a koi pond similar to the one by Willie’s, that was tended by the school principal and proudly protected by ZHS students. The school pond was constructed by George McGinnis and his son, James Douglas McGinnis and built around 1946. George’s daughter, Donna McGinnis Neal and son, Herbert McGinnis, described their recollection of the signature ZHS pond: It was approximately eight feet horizontally, and made of stone with a dome that covered approximately one-third of the pond to provide shade. They marvel to this day at how their dad was able to build the free-standing dome.  McGinnis built many other ponds for Zephyr Park, one of which had a bridge walk-way.

Several other ZHS alumni shared their reflections of these two uniquely Zephyrhills adornments:

Carrie (Parttridge) Clarke

My family lived what seemed a long way out of town on West 54, although recently revisiting our old home place, realize it is only 4 or 5 miles. We had to ride the bus and I always envied the kids that just walked to school and could hang out around and cut up after school, instead of hurrying to catch the bus. One of these friends invited me to spend the night with her because there was a party at another friend’s house that night. I thought it was well arranged and I was excited. The party didn’t turn out as I had expected. Then we walked o her home and met with her mom, screaming that we were late, and what was she doing bringing someone home with her. i was in a panic as we went to her room and to bed. As soon as the house got quiet I slipped out and walked downtown to Willie’s corner. The streets were deserted and i wondered how long it would take me to walk home if she wasn’t there. She was, and she just told me to get in and let’s go. She assured me I shouldn’t be upset or afraid and that my mom and dad would be really glad I came home. I’m not sure Willie ever got paid for that ride but she was truly an angel for that  young damsel in distress.

Norma Jean (Baker) Cecil

My family moved to Zephyrhills in 1946 – we did not have a car so we walked EVERYWHERE and it didn’t seem hard when you are only 6 years old (it sure would now). I remember a fish pond located downtown next to “Willie’s Taxi” (her office was a tiny stand). The fish pond was made with big rocks and it was full of huge goldfish. We would feed them bread or crackers and the pond was surrounded with huge elephant ear plants to keep the hot sun off the fish. There was also a water fountain (made with the same type of rocks) and that water was always so good and cold, especially after walking the mile from our house to town.

Phyllis (Geiger) Locke-Debien

Willie was a tall woman in stature and also had a good business mind with her successful taxi business on 5th Avenue for many years.  She sponsored many softball teams and was an avid sports fan!

Patricia (Kline) Graham

Willie’s Taxi was on the corner by the water fountain which proudly proclaimed, Zephyrhills—the City of Pure Water!

Ann Brooke (Smith) Neukom

I remember that unique gold fish pond in front of Willie’s!

Clereen (Morrill) Brunty

In the mid 1960’s, I would go to Willie’s Taxi and toss a penny in the wishing well.  The only public restrooms were located nearby and segregated.

Alan Thomas

When I relocated to Zephyrhills in the mid 1950’s there were two water fountains at Willies, one marked “Whites only”, and the other “Colored only.”  My how things have changed for the good!

Sarah Baggett

Willie’s was a nice place to find a cab ride home!

Lynn (Nichols) Timmons

I remember vividly the day we were walking past Willie’s and we stopped to get a drink of water. I was in 4th grade at the time and I was puzzled at a sign above the fountain that said, “Whites Only.”  I had no idea what it meant and when I asked my dad (a ZHS teacher) to explain what the sign meant, I was really shocked. I remember he added that we did not believe that segregation was right. How wonderful times have changed!

Diane (Clements) Vilas

As a little kid, I could walk around town in complete safety.  I’d walk from the municipal pool into town and if I had a few coins, I’d head to Neukom’s, Elsie’s 5 and 10, or Lamb’s Toy Store and I would pass by Willie’s.  You could watch the goldfish in the rock pond or stop for a cold sip from the only water fountain in town.  Willie was a kind and generous lady.  She lived in a house that faced the football field in front of the school.  There were lots of orange trees, and those of us who for one reason or another stayed after school and watched football practice were welcome to pick some green oranges to refresh ourselves in the afternoon heat.  To this day, football season brings memories of tart green oranges and sweaty boys.

Suzie (Hill) Pippin

Adjoining Wille’s Taxi service was a fish pond and we would feed the fish and throw in coins.  I wish that pond was still there…I loved it as a kid.

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 August 13, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of interviewing legendary ZHS Coach John Clements and his lovely wife, Beanie.  Our goal was to do a story about the municipal swimming pool that the couple managed for so many summers. They literally taught hundreds of Florida children to swim.  Well, we also asked Mr. and Mrs. Clements about their years of service in other capacities and wanted to share with you this week some great stories that truly capture ZHS and Zephyrhills in the developing mid- decades of the twentieth century.

School Bus Transportation:

Today the Pasco County School system has 430 buses in its fleet that make multiple runs transporting children safely to and from school.  Coach Clements shared that when he first came to Zephyrhills as a coach in 1948, he was often asked to substitute as a school bus driver. Coach said “I had a chauffer’s license and there were then only three bus drivers in total: Mr. Byrd, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Tyre. When one of them were sick or absent, the principal, Leon Luckenbach, would call me at 5:00 a.m., and say ‘John, I need you to pick up the kids.’ He would give me the directions on where to go and I would drive the route. Mr. Byrd used to drive the school bus for the sports teams too. He was the only bus driver who drove faster going up hill than down hill! For example, he would go up Greer Hill at say, 50 mph and down the hill at 30 mph.

ZHS Principal, Leon R. Luckenbach, may have had a bit of an ego!

Leon Luckenbach was ZHS principal from 1947 to 1951.  When you chat with old timers around town, he is a principal that is remembered for not only leading the school through some tumultuous times but creating a few controversies of his own. Coach admits Luckenbach was just a bit on the stubborn side. “He was the only ZHS principal to be put in jai! Yes, it was quite a story,” said Coach Clements. “At the time the town had one traffic light and very few policemen on staff. On his way to work, Luckenbach was issued a traffic ticket for running the ‘new’ stoplight. Luckenbach was emphatic that he did nothing wrong and refused to pay the $5 dollar ticket. When several days passed and he remained steadfast that he was not paying, a trial was scheduled in the city hall building,” said Coach Clements.

The city hall used to house the city clerk’s office and a jail house with two cells in downtown Zephyrhills; this is the current location of the McClain/Alfonso Law Office. With nearly the entire town in attendance at the trail, the judge ordered Luckenbach to pay the $5 He refused!  “What else were they to do but put him in jail,” Coach Clements said. “I remember Toby Smith’s dad and other parents wanted to break in and get OUR principal out of the brig! They were about to have a riot.” Johnny said. “I don’t know who paid the fine but he was released! It was the talk of the day!” Coach Clements said.

Johnny shared that Luckenbach and he built two office areas and renovated a chicken shack that was donated to the school and used for the athletic dressing room for years.

The Crystal Springs Roller Skating Rink debuted in September 1939 and was built and opened by Walter T. Curtis, who was born in Texas.  His daughter, Bernice Eleanor Curtis Rooks, the ZHS Valedictorian of the class of 1940, was almost five years old when she moved to Zephyrhills with her parents and brother.  Mr. Curtis also operated a sawmill and was a skilled carpenter but he had a hankering to build a dance hall in the picturesque location of Crystal Springs near the legendary springs.  He eventually decided upon a skating rink. Curtis personally milled all of the rough cut pine which provides the signature look of the vintage Depression-era building that gives one a feel of walking back into a bygone era.  Mr. Curtis wanted the skating surface to be just right for his skaters so he imported Tennessee Maple for the tongue and groove flooring that he painstakingly installed. The benches, vintage cash register and walls remain the same today as they did in 1939.  With 18 windows and several large fans, who needs air conditioning?

Situated on an adjoining area to the Crystal Springs Water Preserve, Curtis leased the Springs area for 10 years and operated a swimming pool next to the rink for some time. His daughter, Bernice, met her future husband, Truman at the swimming pool, and another chapter of the rink’s history began when Truman Rooks took the reins in 1972. Skating was a tradition for the Curtis-Rooks family.  Grandpa Curtis configured baby shoe skates for his three granddaughters, Marilyn, Barbara and Joellyn who say they were skating at age three. Truman said he skated himself until age 65.

Opening just before World War II, the skating rink is a Tampa Bay area attraction that chronicles many wonderful tales. Imagine the friendships that were created, the romances that blossomed and sometimes flourished, and the refuge from problems of the day that were provided by an afternoon at the skating rink.  Army buses of soldiers from MacDill came twice per week during the 1940’s to enjoy the facility. Skating was a national craze; Lou Brooks in the book, Skate Crazy defines the period of 1937-59 as the golden age of roller skating, although roller skating dates back to the 1800’s. Throughout the years, the Crystal Springs Rink has hosted parties of all types. Once open seven evenings per week, the rink is now open on Friday’s and Saturdays and for private parties. For 35 cents in 1939, you could skate for two hours and today for $4, you can experience the era and get some wonderful exercise.

Roller skates have evolved over time! The original skates were clamp-on style and later shoe skates which then morphed into boot skates.  Of course today, some skaters prefer the in-line skates, daughter, Joellyn mentioned. Joellyn has been co-managing the family facility since 1984. With three daughters, all remember working at the rink.  Barbara shared that slumber parties were quite unique events to host when your family operated the community skating rink.

Truman and Bernice Curtis Rooks are terrific role models for the community. Truman has been a firm disciplinarian of the skating facility, setting the rules and managing the crew of kids.  His daughters are proud of the many that stop by to say hi to Truman because of their fond memories of times there and his guidance.  One particular poignant example was that of an anonymous letter he received with $50, from someone who wanted to make restitution for a childhood prank of stealing some flag decorations; Truman smiles and reflects that this must have been weighing upon his conscience and he just wanted to make it right.

Bernice, active in the Zephyrhills community, wanted to fulfill a lifelong ambition to be a teacher. She said her earliest memories were of ‘playing school’ and when she graduated from high school; her mother wrote a personal letter to Eleanor Roosevelt for financial help.  (She said they did get a reply from the first lady but no funding).  Her father sent her to business school and she worked for awhile until her three daughters were in elementary school, and then took a job as one of only three school bus drivers in the Zephyrhills area; I.A. Krusen was the local school leader and hired her for the job. With her daily contact with the students and often serving as a substitute teacher when the school needed her, she decided to enroll in the brand new University of South Florida (opened in 1958); for $50, a semester, you could take all the courses that you would like. Bernice’s student identification number was 18, meaning she was the 18th person to enroll at USF. Imagine how many students have enrolled since then! Daughters, Barbara and Joellyn, share that they accompanied their mother to classes a few evenings per week and at the time, with only three buildings on the USF Tampa campus, they were fixtures themselves.  Bernice finished her degree in 1963 and taught school until her retirement in 1990 at East Zephyrhills, West Zephyrhills and Woodland Elementary Schools. While daughter, Joellyn, carried on the Skating tradition and eldest daughter, Marilyn, works at Verizon, middle daughter Barbara continued the teaching profession and served as a teacher in Zephyrhills for 36 years.  The Rooks are proud to have four grandchildren and four great grandchildren!

Truly wonderful citizens of our community, imagine the many people who have been impacted by these three generations of Curtis-Rooks families.  Here are some comments from our ZHS alumni:

I have many memories from the rink both for myself and my daughters. I wasn’t a very good skater but managed to stay off the floor.  Days then were easy and not so much pressure as today! Phyllis (Geiger) Locke-Debien

Skating Parties! George Neukom

There was a group of ‘mama’s’, Carleta Sibley, Lee Howard, Eileen Smith, Hazel Potter, Corinne Peeples, and probably others, that took their “daughters”, Bunnie Sue and Carol Sibley, Arneta Howard, Peggy, Gail and Mildred Smith, Shirley Potter, Barbara Peeples to the Crystal Springs Roller Rink years back when you still rented the old- fashioned clip on skates which attached to your own shoes.  We went every Friday night of the year, except during football season as we were all involved either in the band or cheerleading or majorettes, or all three, and usually at least 2 of the “mama’s” took us and stayed with us each time.  They would take turns going if it was necessary, but they enjoyed visiting for the two hours we would enjoy skating, and nobody ever complained, just enjoyed it.  The rink was usually quite full. Mrs. Curtis, who owned and operated it, was such a nice lady and we respected her even when she made us sit out for a few minutes to rest!!!  As we got a little older, probably teenagers, our folks bought us each shoe skates and that was quite a thrill to have our very own to carry into the rink and not have to rent a pair.  Truman Rooks, Mrs. Curtis’s son-in-law, still operates the roller rink and there are still children and teenagers getting to enjoy it! Gail (Smith) Geiger

I learned how to skate at the roller rink when I was three.  My family and friends went there every time it was open.  Mr. and Mrs. Rooks were very nice to us kids but didn’t allow any fooling around that might cause someone to get hurt.  It was either very hot or cold, depending on the weather because there was no heat or AC.  And when Mr. Rooks painted the floors it made the surface very slippery.  You could hold on to the rope in the middle of the rink if you needed to. Our daughter, Jennifer, learned to skate with us, her family, and with one of the Rooks’ girls helping her when she was very small! Carol (McLeod) & Howard Reeves

I loved the wood floor and Mr. and Mrs. Rooks.  They always made us feel welcome and it was the place my parents grew up skating and then we got to do the same.  I knew where every bump was located on the floor and when first learning to skate, I used that rope in the middle and the walls to bump into.  Oh those large open windows felt good on a hot night. I can remember being awed by how well Joellyn skated! Suzie (Hill) Pippin

I only went a couple of times as I was not a good skater and I got tired of falling and getting all bruised up.  I do remember holding onto the window sills while I went around the rink. There were lots of windows that pushed out and were held up by a stick.  No AC but we didn’t seem to mind.  We were usually hanging out with friends.  It’s amazing that the rink is still open after all these years! Clereen (Morrill) Brunty

I can remember hanging out the windows, because it got so hot.  But the best part was when they were shutting down, and you got to help go around and shut all the windows.  The little Rook girls were so cute and little and on their skates, skating better than everyone else! Melody (Wheeler) Williford

Great music! Sharon (Geiger) Reeves

Didn’t we all find our first love here?  After two hours of skating I would take my skates off and the earth seamed like it stopped spinning while my head couldn’t stop.  I still get that dizzy feeling every time I hear, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree” and the sadness you felt knowing that the night was over! Laura (Heller) Woodham

Having Friday night skate party’s at the roller rink was such a past time. It also helped when you knew the guy behind the counter. It was easier to get your favorite song played and for him to let you skate the other direction! Wendy (Hierlihy) Lair

I would skate there to just have fun! Sarah Baggett

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 July 30, 2009. All rights reserved. Photos © Madonna Jervis Wise