James L. (Jim) Beasley (1967)

My brother delivered 47th, 48th, and 48th Place, north from Urbandale,  Back then 48th and 48th Place were dead-end, before Fred Grove sold his field to developers.  My brother's branch was at 53rd and Urbandale, across 53rd from Riley elementary.  So he had to go there to get his papers.  

My branch was the old metal building behind the gas station at Beaver and Urbandale.  I went north on Beaver . . . Christophers, Hummel Bros, Doctors Office, Holy Trinity, to Boesen's, Ashby to 44th, and Ovid to 47th.  I ended about where my brother ended.

My route was a prosperous area back then, with business leaders, attorneys, government and elected officials.  My mind has not left me (yet), and I can still picture them and their names.  Gammack, Connolly(s), Adcock, Boesen, Dr. Chapman, E I Sargent, O"Malley . . . . . 

Dad helped my brother some mornings and Mom helped us both on Sundays, followed by breakfast at the pancake place at 56th and Hickman, then church.

Other than that, we were on our own. 

If we managed our paper count, and got everyone collected, I'd make about $8/week, supplementing my night crawler, cucumber, pop bottle, coat hanger enterprises.  Oh, that reminds me, there were frequent "branch meetings", where we went out to get "Starts", and sometimes we would fake them to get a transistor radio or something, so we would have to buy extra papers for awhile.

My branch manager was a two-year-older responsible kid, Craig Lewis.

Don't get me started about blizzards, and customers who complained if they didn't have their Sunday paper by 7:00 AM.  One complaint meant no blue ribbon for the month.

James L. (Jim) Beasley (1967)

J. Phillip Brewer:

I, too, transferred to Urbandale, where I was the "Rosey" tackling dummy on the Urbandale football practice field.  

But, I found a niche at Urbandale, opportunity I never would have had at Roosevelt.  My brother kept going to Roosevelt, where he graduated in '65, and our parents had to pay "tuition" for him to do that, even though they owned property in the Roosevelt district.  Where we grew up, at 48th and Urbandale, you could go to Roosevelt, North, or Tech.

If the person previously mentioned was "Coach" Gayle Burgett, he was head football coach at least from '64 to '66, when our disappointing 5-3 record did him in.  We, the players, all liked him, and I have to respect him for giving me a B in Phys Ed.  He died of Covid early on, March, 2020.

Dennis Frerichs came next.

Jerry Stuckle (1970)

I fondly remember Coach Frerichs.  I had him for six years.  I graduated in 1970 so I had him for 3 years in Junior High at 70th & Doublas (how i remember that old building!) and them 3 years in high school. I wasn't an athlete but I enjoyed his gym classes. 

I still remember he would chose a student to lead calisthentics.  The leader would indicate the next exercice and how many reps, i.e. "20 pushups".  If Coach Frerichs didn't like the number of reps (i.e. 10 pushups), he'd say "How many?" - I can still hear him saying it, even after over 50 years :)  If you gave a count that was ok with him he would nod.

A great guy and a great coach.

Anthony N. Woloch (1972)

Well said Jerry about Coach Dennis Frerichs! 

Besides leading fun PE classes (e.g., dodgeball & flag football), he was also my excellent summer driver's ed teacher. 

Our class learned to drive in beautiful brand new 1970 V-8 Chevrolet Caprices in various colors from class to class.

I was 15 years old and had already been practicing driving and parking full-size Ford Country Squire Station Wagons and Ford Galaxies since obtaining the earliest available Iowa driver learners permit at age 14, thanks to my dear Dad. I was parking cars in the garage even earlier than that and also began driving lawn mower tractors at age 7.

On our first day in the driver's ed car, the first few students were instructed to drive on Urbandale city streets where the speed limit was 25 or 35 mph.

When my first turn came to drive the driver's ed car, Coach Frerichs calmly said take it out on Interstate 35 or 80 where the speed limit was 75 or 80 mph at that time..  I happily obliged. 

I knew I could do it but I was impressed and thankful that Coach Frerichs trusted me to do it safely.with him and other students in the car. 

Later that summer, I got my Iowa drivers license on my 16th birthday before my Junior Year began.  I still walked to school all the way to graduation in May of 1972, fifty years ago.

Thank you Coach Dennis Frerichs and many other UHS teachers for fond memories of Urbandale High School!

Sally Reed (Donison) (1972)

Yes Tony, I also had Coach for summer Driver's Ed. He was such a calm teacher even at 630am!!!

Marcy R. McClintock (Tanner) (1972)

Love the memories of Drivers Ed - I was so nervous and coach was so nice.  Took me from a 13 point turn down to 3 and I still parallel park like a champ.  My favorite 6:30 am memory was stopping so he could get coffee and a Twinkie!  Wonderful teachers at Urbandale 

James L. (Jim) Beasley (1967)

A few years earlier, my Drivers' Ed teacher was Coach Brown, who was the Head baseball coach my Soph and Jun years, before Frerichs.  Girls basketball coash, too.

When the Highway Patrol came out to do the driving tests, the word got around that the guy doing the test was very picky about signaling when you pull out to start.  So, I did. . . . blink, blink, blink . . . and a hand signal with the rolled down window.

At the end he gave me a 99, and said I did not signal to pull out.

I was livid.

My senior year I arranged a vehicle safety check with the Police Chief Wayne Woods, and they came out and looked at cars and motorcyles for whoever wanted that.

I also told Chief Woods that the all-night after-Prom party would be at my house, and he had an officer there to check on people leaving, although most people didn't leave until the sun came up, or later.

My parents were out of town, and they were the only ones in town who did not know about the Prom party.  It started Friday after school and ended Sunday morning. 

nuff said

Phyllis Brunia (Stackhouse) (1971)

I too am a Coach Frerich's drivers ed graduate!  And 6:30 in the morning as well!  Since I had never had him in a class, I was really nervous that he would be my instructor.  After all I had only seen him coaching on the football field.  He was so kind and not at all as intimidating as I thought he would be.  I also appreciate that he took driver's education seriously.  I was told that it was because his parents were killed in an automobile accident and he helped raise his sister.  

Anthony N. Woloch (1972)

Sally, Marcy, and Phyllis, it is so good to hear from you and read your personal stories about Coach Frerichs' summer driver's ed class and his likeable demeaner.  I hope you are all doing well.

Were we all taking driver's ed in the same car with Coach Frerichs in the summer of 1970?  

I had forgotten but you have all reminded me that our summer driver's ed classes started at 6:30am.  No problem, i think we were all earger to learn to drive and earn our Iowa driver's license.

Sophomore boys basketball practices with Coach Gayle Palmer - during the winter of 1969-1970 - were also held very early in the morning before homeroom and regular high school classes.

By the way, Coach Jack Wiersma apparently succeeded Coach Dennis Frerrichs at Urbandale Junior High School located at 70th & Douglas. 

I definitely remember having Coach Wiersma for 9th grade PE classes, 9th grade boys basketball, and 9th grade boys track during the 1968 - 1969 school year.

During 9th grade boys basketball practices, our intense conditioning workouts included running a lot of windsprints on the basketball court and a lot of up & down stairs - from the top floor of the brick building to the basement floor boiler room where we did pushups.  All that running inspired me to join the 9th grade boys track team. 

I am not sure who was our 8th grade boys basketball coach at the old Urbandale Junior High School during the 1967 - 1968 school year.  Was it Coach Wiersma, Mr. Cox (Science teacher), or someone else?  Does anyone from the UHS Class of 1972 remember for sure? 

Nancy Proctor (1972)

Wow, lots of discussion of drivers ed with Coach F. My memories are an afternoon session with Mike Warner, singng along to Three Dog Night. Sorry, I don't remember the 3rd student in our session.  Jeremiah was a bullfrog...

Mr Cox was the Girls basketball coach for at least 7th and 8th grades.  Maybe 9th?  My great Aunt, born 1900, played girls basketball, so we chatted about it sometimes. I too, still remember those Jr High stair runs. OMG!

So disappointing when I moved junior year to Milwaukee, and discovered Wisconsin didn't have girls high school sports. Unless you count intramural field hockey, in skirts. I was offered to practice with the boys golf team, but didn't. I learned a lot more playing regularly with my dad, a virtual scratch golfer. Alas, Susie Sykes, he didn't sing with me like you did, though.

Michael Connelly (1968)

I had Coach Frerichs for drivers ed in the summer of my sophomore year.  One day, I fell asleep and he threw a stapler at me that hit my desk and definitely woke me up!  He was aiming for the desk, not me.  I looked up and he was chuckling!

Phyllis Brunia (Stackhouse) (1971)

So nice to catch up with each of you, Tony, Marcy, Nancy and Sally!  Great memories!

Susan Ruth Guthrie (Bonnicksen) (1972)

Good to see Tony, Marcy, Sally, and Phyllis on this site--- any of you coming back for the class of 1972's 50th Class reunion??? 

Sally Reed (Donison) (1972)

Hi Susie, sadly no I cannot attend. I do remember my car-mates at 630am...Jodi McElherne and Dowlings Dennis Mcmanus...sometimes we had to pick him up to drive...hahaha...I learned to not have such a lead foot, don't overreact, and how firmm but calm voice is best when teaching...like I did for y 2 kids...I hope the reunion is much fun as I am sad to miss...s

Barbara Hill (1972)

Hello Class of 1972,

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend our reunion. Lots of things going on. On a good note, I am planning on moving back to Iowa next summer. Need to get my oldest grandson through his senior year.

I have a request, though. I wanted to ask those that go to the reunion if they could take pictures and forward them to me. I'd love to see you. My email is hugabearcreations@msn.com...

Have a great time and I'm bummed I can't make it. I know it would be a blast.

Barb Hill

Vicki Briggs (Evans) (1969)

i had coach Frerichs in basketball and softball. not sure if he was involved with track. i would say he is one of the best coaches Urbandale will ever have! I thought he was awesome! i believe his sister was involved with coaching also, possibly.(Nancy?) my achievements included throwing a softball three fourths of a football field and i scored 25 points in basketball against Carlisle. i also performed the high jump in track.  i miss those days! Mike Connelly, hope you are doing well !  you probably saw we lost Patti to cancer in February.

Phyllis Brunia (Stackhouse) (1971)

I'm afraid I too will miss the 72 class reunion (I'm actually a 71 grad, you know)    I am back in Iowa after 7 years in Texas.  Amazing that leaving Iowa makes you realize how much our state has to offer.  Winters were nice in Texas, but too hot AND too much traffic are some drawbacks.  !  I'm glad to be back.  

Pamela Morgan (Christiansen) (1971)

Phyllis, I am the "other" Class of 72 that graduated in 71!  Not sure if you remember me.  I have been in Texas for way too long - 1975 -1989 and then back again in 1993.  Always thought I would move back to Iowa, but love my community here.  I am planning on driving to attend the August festivities.  So sorry I will miss you.

Alan Macrae (1972)

So great to see so many names from the class of 72; Tony, Susan, Nancy, Sally, Barb and Mark.  I don't think I have seen you Barb since we graduated.   Brings back alot of great memories.  In answer to Tony's question about the 8th grade basketball coach, I "think" it was Coach Nicola.  I remember in practice a day before the game and Coach didn't want anything to happen to Tom Niles (I think I have the name right).  He was very tall for his age and coach didn't want him injured.  So he had Tom throw the ball inbounds to one of us.  When we looked back over, Tom was on the floor holding his head.  He had jump up to throw the ball in bounds and hit his head on the low hanging radiator on the wall in the old junior high gym. Everyone thought it was funny but Tom.  As I recall, he was ok and played the next day. I never had Denny for drivers ed..  It was Mr Griener.  Anyone have him?  Also a low key guy.

I won't be able to make the reunion as I will be out of town during that time.  I just assumed the reunion would be on the 4th, so I had kept that date open and made plans for Aug..  Would have been great to see everyone again.  I will have to catch you next time. 

Al MacRae

James L. (Jim) Beasley (1967)

I'm glad I could get you kids together.

Coach Nicola was and assitant FB coach another Coach Burgett.  64-66-ish

Anthony N. Woloch (1972)

Great to hear from you Al, '72 classmates, and others, including the apparently modest but legendary Mike Connely who I read about in my older sister's UHS Yearbooks. 

While attending Michigan and Iowa schools, I saw just a few teachers use coat hangers, wooden yardsticks or metersticks, chalkboard erasers, and chalk as student attention getters but never hurling staplers.  Good for you that Coach Frerichs had an accurate throwing arm as well as a good sense of humor.

Yes, Tom Niles was one of our tallest classmates and basketball players during our 8th Grade (1967 - 1968) at the old Urbandale Junior High School formerly located at the corner of 70th and Douglas. 

You have a great memory Al - I do not remember poor Tom's particular accident but I do remember many steam pipes located all over the old brick school building and gym. Memorable classes included 8th grade math with Mr. Hall (a WWII D-Day-1 Normandy Invasion U.S. Army Paratrooper - 82nd? or 101st? Division) and Mr. Welch - 9th grade Alegbra.

Then there was also the newer but separate modular classrooms (e.g., Mr. Kennedy - History; Mr. Brown - Earth Sciene; Herr Meins - German, Mr. Cox - Science) and the newer Industrial Arts addition (Mr. Black).

After my dear parents passed on to heaven, my oldest niece inherited the large solid Philippine mahogany wood bookcase that I had made for my parents back in 9th grade.  It took me so long to finish it that I didn't get a chance to make large salt & pepper shakers (or club batons) with the wood lathe or molded colored acrylic balls like some of my other classmates did. 

The caferteria was located in a separate old single-story frame building.  It appeared to be the oldest school building of all on that property at 70th & Douglas.  Years later while reading about the history of Urbandale, I learned that our old brick Junior High School (with 1925? cornerstone) was originally the Urbandale High School.    It made me think about how many students passed through the same Urbandale schools before and after us.  I am glad this alumni website, information, and chat exists!

While in her late 40's, my dear Mom decided to take driver's ed with Mr. Lynn Greiner.  Soon after, she got her Iowa driver's license.  Our family was very proud of her determination and accomplishment.  It gave her much more mobility and the opportunity to work outside our home. 

Mom said Mr. Greiner was an excellent driver's ed teacher (i.e., calm demeaner, patient, and effective teaching skills).  Thank you Mr. Greiner, Mom never had a car accident or speeding ticket while driving during her long life.

Susan, I am not sure yet whether or not I will be able to attend our UHS "Class of 1972" 50th Reunion in early August, though I so very much want to attend.  Since February, I have been caring for an ailing loved one.  What is the deadline to register?  I so much enjoyed attending our 25th Class Reunion back in 1997!

Thank you so much Susan and all others who have organized this 50th Class Reunion as well as many past ones, every five years or so.

Go Blue Jays!

John R. Woodworth (1972)

Sally Reed (Donison) (1972)

Hi again...now I feel the needto comment again...yes Al, I do remember the  Junior High...the mobil classrooms both Mr Kennedy, Mr Denman sciencd who I also had for home room, and the arts/cafeteria building right next door. Nothing better than having a class in either the basement or portable classrooms and next one on 3rd floor...hahaha. Did dislike the 20 minute modular system, after haveing your 20 minute classes, you could go to any of the subject classrooms, but the ones like algebra and science filled up quickly, so only thew gym was left for those of us late-comers. My math still sucks to this day as had an entire year of very little instruction but thank gawd for Mr Palmer and his Geometry class the following 10th grade year.

So Barb, hope you will share some of the photos maye FB or one of the sociala committee will. Like Al said, thank you for all of the organizing as sounds like a great time. We are needing to move farther N of San Pedro as too far of a drive for John and gas still pretty $$$ in SoCal.

Anthony N. Woloch (1972)

Sally, you reminded me of our Urbandale Junior High School arts class and that it was also held in the old cafeteria building.  One of our art assignments was to create a music record (or album) cover.  I created one for the "Good Vibrations" song performed by the Beach Boys. 

Many decades later, I found that art project stored in my dear parents home  as well as the computer printouts & IBM punch cards from Mr. Welch's 9th grade computer club that was active during 1968 - 1969. 

Once in a while, members of our computer club were driven - after business hours - to an insurance company located somewhere in downtown Des Moines that had those huge and expensive IBM computers that predated the much smaller computer chip technology.  The insurance company graciously allowed us young Urbandale students to run our Fortran computer programs on their computers via our stacks of IBM computer punch cards that were operated overnight or on the weekends.   

One of our Urbandale High School advanced math teachers, Mr. Jack Marriott, continued leading the computer club at Urbandale High School during our time there from 1969 - 1972. 

I remember Mr. Marriott as having really huge bicep muscles and a cup of coffee nearly always in hand.  I think he also may have been a military Veteran - possibly U.S. Navy?  Mr. Marriott talked about building a cabin in the Colorado mountains.  Both Mr. Marriott and Mr. Gayle Palmer (Boys Cross Country & Track Coach) were excellent high school math teachers that led fun classes.  

Does anyone remember our 8th grade math teacher, Mr. Hall, as being a WWII Combat Veteran of the 82nd or 101st Airborne Division that had parachuted behind enemy lines into Normandy on D-Day - 1?  I remember Mr. Hall once very seriously talking about it in class with Jack Buckley and the rest of us students.

Dean J. Watson (1972)

ITS BEEN GREAT TO HEAR FROM ALL OF U

BEEN A LONG TIME

LOTS OF MEMORIES

SOME GOOD SOME NOT SO GOOD

TAKE CARE ALL

PEACE DEAN