Along with the start of my kindergarten year came the Fall of 1977. Within this time frame fell my sixth birthday, Trick or Treat, and Thanksgiving – all of which would be enjoyed for the very last time during our occupancy of the house on Echo Hill. Arriving first was the big birthday party. My actual birthday fell on Sunday, October 2 – so my party was doubtlessly that day or the day before. This was most likely the first time that I had friends (rather than just family) to my party. Clearly, I hadn’t made many new friends in Kindergarten class yet as the only ‘outsiders’ were neighbor kids.
We held the party out in my garage. Along for the event were my aunt Darlene, cousins Cathy, Lori, Debbie, Susie, Lora, and Robby. Of the neighbor ilk were Bob & Joe Schaeffer (of whom I have no memory except that they were at this party), Geoff Lewis, and Eric Slagle. I have absolutely no clue who Eric Slagle was.
With my birthday cake and loot (hovering over a can of gasoline). I wish I knew what these gifts were. Actually I have some idea as to what the pink one was.
Surrounded by the birthday party-goers. Back row: Darlene, Cathy, me, Geoff Lewis. Middle row: Lora, Lori, and the two Schaeffer boys (which was which?). Front row: Debbie, Susie, Eric Slagle (?), Robby
Blowing out the candle. Rob make a typical Rob expression.
Trick or Treat came up next. This was my last year scouting candy in this neighborhood and the first one that Denise participated in. She went dressed as a little devil (unfortunately her solo picture is currently missing) and I was a Mexican Bandito.
The Mexican Bandito
With the evening’s haul. Denise has the remnants of the devil costume on her face. I enjoy a popcorn ball.
Thanksgiving fell on November 24 in 1977. We spent the holiday (0r at least part of it) at Arline and Carl’s house with Dad’s family. I’m not sure if we tried to get to the Murphy Thanksgiving or not. They may have wanted to have this holiday here since we were now holding Christmas Eve at our house. Thanksgiving photos from this time period are rare, but I saved the day. I brought along my Kodak instamatic camera and snapped a few pics.
Bill, Joe, and Hazel. Hey, I didn’t say I took good pictures.
I specifically remember taking this picture as Rob mischieviously peeks into one of the food bowls, as Denise looks on.
Giving thanks with Dad, Dottie, Pat, John, Carl, Bill, Arline, Oscar, and Hazel
These other photos are mostly random, taken around this Fall time period, showing some indoor activity from Denise and me, and a few nice shots of our living quarters before it would be decorated for our last Christmas here. Memories of life in this house always warm my heart. The only sad occurance that I recall was the sickness and death of my cat Charcoal.
Our living room, all cleaned up
Another way of looking at the living room
Denise hangs out by the fireplace
My incredibly valuable coin collection
Denise riding…hey wait a minute…that’s my rocking horse!
Indoor painting fun with my Fozzie and Kermit masterpiece…long before they joined the Chronicle Staff
Denise’s mug in December 1977
My new face, after my first tooth loss on December 9
Next up: Christmas 1977…
I believe the family that moved in across the road were named Slagle.
Dad
December 15th, 2009
I had a horse just like that. Occasionally, a spring would break and send the unfortunate rider flying off the horse in a funny direction. The springs were known to pinch the skin at times too. I can’t imagine a company making a toy like this now…they’d be sued into oblivion!
Dave Chasteen
December 16th, 2009
I don’t remember the Slagles either. I vaguely remember the Schaeffer boys. Didn’t they stop by the house for the afternoon snacks and possibly their older sister babysat for you?
Mom
December 16th, 2009