Wordless Wednesday

Burbank High School, Burbank, Califonia graduation Summer of 1936 on the Burbank High Football Field.

Burbank, Burroughs Alumni Football Game, May 8th

Alumni game set

Burbank, Burroughs inviting former football players to take part in an event that will also feature a youth combine.

By Jeff Tully, Burbank Leader
Published: Wednesday, April 21, 2010

BURBANK — Burroughs High football Coach Keith Knoop and his counterpart at Burbank, Hector Valencia, have a vested interest in helping the local gridiron programs thrive.Along with heading two of the area’s teams, the men also played football and graduated from Burbank High — Knoop in 1981 and Valencia in 1993.Although the two are cross-town rivals, they are also friends. That’s why Knoop and Valencia have been working together to keep the local football traditions alive, as well as working with area youth.Both of those endeavors will converge in an event May 8.

The coaches are organizing an alumni flag-football game and youth football combine to take place at Burbank High. The clinic will begin at 5 p.m. and the game will take place later in the evening.“We do really want to keep up the traditions at both schools, and the best way to do that is to try and get the alumni together,” Valencia said. “This event is a perfect way to get together former players from the schools and hopefully get them involved in what we’re doing.”

For $40 — with proceeds going to benefit the Indians and Bulldogs football programs — players can take part in the game. In addition, they will get a jersey with their name and number on it and will be provided with food at the event.The dateline to register is Friday, because it takes an estimated two weeks to get the jerseys completed.

The coaches first envisioned a seven-on-seven alumni game pitting the two schools against one another. However, if there is a large number of alumni would like to participate, they might expand the competition to a few games.Even if former players aren’t up to taking part in the game, former Burroughs and Burbank athletes are encouraged to come out and mingle.

Both of the teams’ websites will have a list of players who plan to take part in the event. Read Full Story
Go to the website here

Agnes Hendry Morrison 1918-2010

Agnes Hendry Morrison

Agnes Hendry Morrison, a columnist for the Burbank Leader during the 1980s, died at an assisted-care facility in Stockton on March 20 after a lengthy illness. She was 91.She was born in 1918 in Toronto, Ohio. In 1933, she moved with her family to Burbank, where she attended John Muir Junior High School and graduated from Burbank High School. She attended Glendale Community College and UCLA.During World War II she was employed by Lockheed as a mathematician. She was also a librarian for the Burbank city libraries.As a columnist for the Leader she wrote about community events, local personalities and nature. She also illustrated them with her own pictures.

Morrison and her husband, Fred, retired to Galt, Calif., to be closer to their daughter and three grandchildren. Fred preceded her in death in 1995.Throughout Morrison’s life, her hobbies were photography, traveling and genealogy, and her research allowed her family to be reunited with relatives living in the United Kingdom.She is survived by her sister Helen Martin of Burbank; her daughter Linda Balfour (Morris); three grandchildren, Charlene (Jack), Gregory and Stephen (Karina); and numerous nieces and cousins.

Rick Mehling, BHS 62, passes away

I received this email from Pam Kirkwood BHS 1964:

Last Friday, April 16, 2010, Rick Mehling passed away at his home due to complications of cancer. In the following weeks, after cremation, his ashes will then be distributed by family members. Betty has requested this event to be a family affair only.

On Sunday, 23 May 2010, there will be a memorial service for Rick at the Burbank Fire Department Training Center, to start at 10:30 am. This service will be non-religious, a casual celebration of Ricks life.

A buffet lunch will be severed after the service.

RSVP's are requested by 10 May 2010, and should be sent to:
Robert Lanning, lanningfam@sbcglobal.net or
BC Tom Lenahan, tlenahan@burbnk.ca.us.

After short eulogies by Betty, family members, Chief Krakowski, Davis and Walbert, the floor will be open for remembrances.

Pictures of Rick are requested for a video montage and should be sent Bob Lanning,

In lieu of flowers, the family agrees that Rick's preference would be contributions to
Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors, 1146 N. Central Ave. #398, Glendale CA 91202-2506,
an organization that Rick proudly held a position on the Executive Board and happily volunteered for them until his diagnosis made him unable.

pk

Larry L. Maxam Memorial Park Dedication Ceremony more photos

Marines raise the American Flag over the Memorial.

Marines unfold the American Flag and raise it to the sky in salute as taps was played. Then the flag was folded back up and presented to the Maxam family.

Congressman Adam Schiff

California State Senator Carol Liu

Two marines who served with Larry Maxam

Film Star and T.V. Host R. Lee Ermey


A marine salutes

Mickey Depalo speaks after marines lay a photo of Larry Maxam and his medal of honor citation in front of the podium

Pam and Jon Kirkwood, Burbank High, Class of 1964 attended the ceremonies.

Larry L. Maxam Memorial Park Dedication Ceremony, April 17, 2010

On Saturday April 17, 2010 at 11: 00 a.m. Pacific Park was officially renamed the Larry L. Maxam Memorial Park in honor of the City of Burbank only Medal of Honor recipient. Cpl Maxam was killed in action on 2 February 1968 at Cam Lo District Headquarters, Quang Tri Province. Vietnam. This is the new sign and memorial quad welcoming people to the park.

In the center is Larry Maxam's brother Robin with the suit and tie, standing along with the men who served with his brother in Vietnam and who were there the day Larry was killed.




Chairman of the Burbank Veterans Commemorative Committee, Micky Depalo, Burbank High Class of 1964 welcomes everyone to the ceremony.





A black and white photo of Cpl Maxam with a folded American Flag.





Guest Speaker, Marine Veteran, Film Star and T.V. Host - R. Lee Ermey

A Marine speaker acknowledges the Maxam family.



Burbank Mayor Gary Bric, Burbank High Class of 1970 presents a certificate to John Muir Middle School Essay Contest Winner, Samantha Morales. Larry Maxam attended John Muir Junior High as it was called back then when Larry was attending the school.

A Marine bugler plays Taps!




A close up of part of the entrance sign telling a little about Larry Maxam attending the local schools in Burbank.

Here yours truly Linda Mustion, Burbank High Class of 1967 had her photo taken in front of the sign.



Linda Maxam, sister of Cpl Maxam clutches one of two American Flags presented to her and her brother Robin.

Robin Maxam, Linda Maxam and an unidentified Marine have their photo taken.


Cathy Nicholls Coyle, Burbank High Class of 1967 stands next to Larry Maxam's photo as she knew Larry Maxam at John Muir Junior High.


A Marine holds a banner with Larry Maxam's image on it. The Marines in Larry's unit had several of these made along with T-Shirt's and cards and they are posted all over the Marine Corp Base to inspire the new and upcoming Marines.

Members of the Maxam Family and members of the Burbank Veterans Commemorative Committee and members of Cpl Larry Maxam's unit gathered at the Elks for one last group photo.

Larry Leanard Maxam - Medal of Honor

Cpl Larry Leanard Maxam, USMC, Vietnam
Larry Maxam's Burbank High School Photo

Corporal Larry Leonard Maxam, USMC, home of record is Glendale, California, but Larry who was born in Glendale, lived and grew up in Burbank, California. He was an avid Boy Scout enthusiast. He was initiated into scouting’s highest organization, the Order of the Arrow, while he was an Air Explorer.

He attended Emerson Grade School, John Muir Junior High and Burbank High School. His sophomore and junior picture are in the 1964 and 1965 Burbank High Ceralbus yearbook. His mother Alice described her son as a husky, beautiful boy. "He loved to go hiking in the hills with his friends. One time he hiked as far as Monrovia. He was quite an outdoors boy."

Larry is the one standing in the center facing the camera.

Larry Maxam left Burbank High shortly after his junior picture was taken in the end of 1964 and joined the Marine Corp. He trained at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, Jacksonville, Florida, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Officers Candidates School, Quantico, Virginia, and Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. He was promoted to private first class, April 1, 1966, and to lance corporal, January 1, 1967, Lance Corporal Maxam next served as a rifleman in the Caribbean, until May 1967.

In July 1967, he arrived in the Republic of Vietnam, and served as a rifleman, radioman, and squad leader with Company D, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, and 3rd Marine Division. He was promoted to corporal, October 1, 1967. While participating in Operation Kentucky on February 2, 1968, he was killed in action at Cam Lo District Headquarters, Quang Tri Province.

Part of his Medal of Honor citation: "The Cam Lo District Headquarters came under heavy attack, with heavy rocket, artillery, mortar, and recoilless rifle fire from a numerically superior enemy force, destroying a portion of the defensive perimeter. Cpl Maxam proceeded to the weaken section of the perimeter. Completely exposed to the concentrated enemy fire, he sustained multiple fragmentation wounds from exploding grenades as he ran to an abandoned machine gun and commenced to deliver effective fire on the advancing enemy. As the enemy directed maximum fire power against the determined Marine, Corporal Maxam’s position received a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade, knocking him backwards and inflicting severe fragmentation wounds to his face and right eye.

Vice President Spiro Agnew presents the Maxam family with a posthumous Medal of Honor for Marine Cpl. Larry L. Maxam on April 20, 1970. From left are Cpl. Maxam's mother Alice Maxam, brother Robin Maxam and in-law Sophie Ryan. (Courtesy of the Maxam family)

Although momentarily stunned and in intense pain, Corporal Maxam courageously resumed his firing position and subsequently was struck again by small arms fire. With resolute determination, he gallantly continued to deliver intense machine gun fire, causing the enemy to retreat through the defensive wire to positions of cover. In a desperate attempt to silence his weapon, the North Vietnamese threw hand grenades and directed recoilless rifle fire against him inflicting two additional wounds.

Too weak to reload his machine gun, Corporal Maxam fell to a prone position and valiantly continued to deliver effective fire with his rifle. After one and a half hours, during which he was hit repeatedly by fragments from exploding grenades and concentrated small arms fire, he succumbed to his wounds, having successfully defended nearly one half of the perimeter single-handedly."

Shortly after Larry’s death, his mother Alice took her two remaining children and left the country and moved to Australia, where they reside today. Alice Maxam died in 2008. Corporal Larry Leonard Maxam is buried in the National Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Larry Maxam Park-Last Update

These photos were taken last weekend as the city finished their final preparation for tomorrow's Saturday Dedication Ceremony in the renaming of Pacific Park to the Larry L. Maxam Park. The pavement and walkway is down, the grass is in, the flowers, plants, shrubs and trees are planted. The flag pole was done and the monument in the center covered in plastic waiting for tomorrow's ceremony at 11:00. Larry's Medal of Honor Monument is ready.

Nancy Jennings Webb, BHS 64 Passed Away

From Pam Kirkwood, BHS 64


April 15, 2010



Nancy Jennings Webb BHS '64 passed away yesterday, in Frisco, Texas, after a long battle of many years with breast cancer. Below is the letter we received from her husband and also fellow class member, Rev. John Webb...Pam

Dear Loved Ones,Nancy went home to be with Jesus at 2:40pm this afternoon. I had the great privilege of holding her close as she made the transition from the pain of this life to God's marvelous place prepared for those that love the Lord. She is now with the Lord, without pain and suffering. I cherish the 43 1/2 years I had the privilege of sharing with the most wonderful woman in all the world.

She cherished all of you, and prayed without ceasing for the needs of each of you when she became aware of those needs. I pray that her legacy of loving her Savior and others will live on in each of you.On behalf of my family, we thank you for your thoughts and prayers over the months and years. Those prayers meant so much to Nancy, my family, and me.

We will have a memorial service some time next week, and we will keep you posted as to the day and time. Please spread the word to any you might think of that loved my precious wife. I love you all very much.

Much Love,The Webb Family
John, Carrie and Tim, Jonathan, David and Kellis, and our 9 grandchildren

Burdette Houser BHS 1966 Passed Away

I received this email from Pam Kirkwood BHS 64 via Jennider Dale Schatz BHS 66

Hi All,
Just got this from Jennifer Dale Schatz '66...

Burdette was one of the "Good Guys"...God Bless Him...

Herb, will you please add his name to the Senior Bulldog News Memorial List? (Also, please remove him from the mailing list)

Richard Crescitelli, will you please add Burdette Houser BHS '66 to our BHS Memorial List? Thanks so much...

Pam

Afternoon Ladies,

Sorry to have to report this but, Dennis Roy just called to say that Burdette passed away last night. As of now there are no plans for a service or memorial.

After seeing him for the past few weeks it really was a blessing. He still give me that smile and asked about our girls. He was quite a guy. I had the pleasure of knowing him since elementary school and Howard worked with him on the BHS “Chain Gang” while our girls were in school.

God bless you our friend.

Jennifer (Dale) Schatz

Note: I had the pleasure of meeting Burdette Houser two months ago at the Senior Bulldog Luncheon. He and I and Alan Stone BHS 1967 sat together at the same table. He was somewhat frail and in a wheelchair, but he was in great spirits and really enjoying himself. He told me he has his good days and bad days, and this was one of his good days. I am glad he was able to attend and had a good time. I was very sorry to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends...........Linda Mustion

Ceremony honors slain marine Larry Maxam

Pacific Park will be renamed to commend Medal of Honor recipient, who was killed in the Vietnam War.

By Christopher Cadelago, Burbank Leader
Published: April 14, 2010

WEST BURBANK — Forty-two years after Marine Cpl. Larry L. Maxam made the ultimate sacrifice, Burbank officials are preparing to dedicate a public park in recognition of the city’s only Medal of Honor recipient.Dignitaries at 11 a.m. Saturday will rename Pacific Park at 3715 Pacific Ave. in honor of Maxam, who was posthumously awarded the medal by President Nixon for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty” in the Vietnam War.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award. And while Maxam died in a war many tried to forget, one veteran, Mickey DePalo, has made it his mission over the last 1 1/2 years to give the hero — and other troops — their due. “There’s one school of thought that says this should have been done a long time ago. My opinion is it’s never too late,” said DePalo, chairman of the city’s Veterans Commemorative Committee, which recommended the dedication to city and parks officials. “We’re able to live today because of people like him.”

Born in Glendale, Maxam attended Burbank schools before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1965 . He arrived in Vietnam two years later and served as a rifleman, radioman and squad leader with Company D, 1st Battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. On Feb. 2, 1968, four months after Maxam

was promoted to corporal, Cam Lo District Headquarters came under heavy artillery and gun fire. Wounded by fragments of exploding grenades, he ran to an abandoned machine gun and fired on advancing forces.“As the enemy directed maximum firepower against the determined Marine, Cpl. Maxam’s position received a direct hit from a rocket-propelled grenade, knocking him backwards and inflicting severe fragmentation wounds to his face and right eye,” according to the citation that accompanied the medal.

Maxam returned to his feet and kept firing. He was hit again with small-arms fire but kept firing, causing the enemy to retreat.Then, in an attempt to silence his weapon, North Vietnamese inflicted two more wounds with hand grenades and rifle fire.“Too weak to reload his machine gun, Cpl. Maxam fell to a prone position and valiantly continued to deliver effective fire with his rifle. After 1 1/2 hours, during which he was hit repeatedly by fragments from exploding grenades and concentrated small-arms fire, he succumbed to his wounds, having successfully defended nearly half of the perimeter single-handedly,” according to the citation.“

He just did what was right, but for him to size up the situation and do what he had to do to protect his fellow Marines was extraordinary,” said his first cousin, Gary Saldutti.“I don’t know that a lot of people would do what he did.” READ FULL STORY

Burbank On Parade 2010

Annual tradition since 1945 colors gray skies with ‘Big Top’ theme.

By Christopher Cadelago, Burbank Leader
Published: Monday, April 12, 2010

The big top rolled through town Saturday, saturating Burbank on Parade’s 29th annual street march in a wave of colors that breathed life into an overcast morning. Burbank on Parade Celebrates the Big Top, this year’s iteration of an event that began in 1945, began with a 27-foot-wide circus tent and gave way to Grand Marshal Ronald McDonald. The hamburger mascot waved from inside a 1926 Ford as hundreds of spectators lined Olive Avenue from Keystone to Lomita streets to take in the community celebration of floats, equestrian groups and public officials.

“What a spectacular opening,” said parade President Linda Barnes, noting that the big top was carried by entries chosen at the last minute. “What an honor for them.”Mayor Gary Bric and wife Shelly Bric drew friendly whistles from their perch atop a Wells Fargo stagecoach, and the crowd cheered when the airplane portion of the award-winning “Barnyard Aces” float by the Burbank Tournament of Roses Assn. brought the parade to an end.“It was a lot of fun,” Gary Bric said after climbing down from the stagecoach. “It looked like we had a large turnout this year, and I really want to thank the Burbank on Parade committee for year after year making this a worthwhile community event.”

A mob of clowns scattered among the usual marching bands and carloads of nonprofit organizations, while the Road Kings provided the classic automobiles that carried area dignitaries, including Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) and state Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge). Former City Manager Mary Alvord and former school board member Richard Raad provided the commentary.

Several residents who lined the parade route pitched lawn chairs and fanned out picnic blankets along the sidewalk. Mary and David Hansen brought along their 5-year-old son, Max, and his 3-year-old sister, Devon. The family occupied a covered bus stop along the route, “just in case it rained,” Mary Hansen said. By the time the band from Burroughs High School belted by, the clouds had parted, and Max was ready to join the parade as a participant.“Maybe next year,” said David Hansen, looking on as groups of Scouts and athletic organizations rode by.

READ FULL STORY HERE

Taylor, Bulldogs edge out Indians

Baseball: Senior pitcher strikes out season-best 12 to lift Burbank to 1-0 victory against archrival.


By Charles Rich, Burbank Leader
Published: Friday, April 9, 2010


JOHN BURROUGHS HIGH — Burbank High baseball Coach Bob Hart saw a gleam in McCauley Taylor’s eye as he strolled back to the dugout after the second inning. Hart had an inkling that it might lead to something good for Taylor and the Bulldogs in their first of two head-to-head meetings against crosstown rival Burroughs. Taylor buckled down by turning in his best performance of the season as he struck out a season-high 12 on Friday night to help visiting Burbank pick up a 1-0 Pacific League victory against Burroughs.


It’s tough enough to strike out 12, especially against an archrival, but McCauley (3-2) proved to be up for the task, as Burbank improved to 9-8 and 3-2 in league. Burroughs fell to 6-9 and 3-2 and is now tied for third with Burbank in league.


“I wanted to go out there and get a lot of first-pitch strikes,” said Taylor, a senior right-hander who limited the Indians to a pair of hits in going the distance. “I could tell after the first inning that the strike zone was going to be big and that takes off the pressure. “After the first inning, I knew I could stay focused and throw some strikes.”


Burroughs got a solid effort from starting pitcher Nate Albers, who struck out 10 in six innings. Albers yielded four hits.“Nate pitched well,” Burroughs Coach JR Schwer said. “Both pitchers pitched well.” SEE FULL STORY

Burbank High Students need our help!

Hi Everyone,

Please read this email from the "bottom up". It is from Christine Krohn, former AP of Burbank High and current Principal of Burbank Community Day School.

I am forwarding this to all of you, because you are some of the best "detectives" I know...

Christine and her students need to borrow a picture of a BHS Baseball Team from the 1950's for a school project. Christine will personally guarantee the safety of the photo. Apparently, they need an actual photo and not one from a Ceralbus.

Hopefully, one of you can help (perhaps, you have older siblings who went to BHS and played baseball in the '50's...) If you can assist in this matter, please let me know right away.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Pam Zipfel Kirkwood '64

*****
Hi Christine,

I will forward your request to several contacts I have and see what we can come up with. It could take a bit of time...How soon is this picture needed?

I am assuming that you want an actual photo, not a picture that is in a 1950's Ceralbus, because Burbank High has all the yearbooks from every year.

I will be in touch...

Sincerely,

Pam Zipfel Kirkwood BHS '64
Senior Bulldog Secretary
--- On Tue, 4/6/10, Chris Krohn wrote:
From: Chris Krohn ChrisKrohn@burbankusd.org

Subject: To:

Pamkirkwood@yahoo.comDate: Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 8:52 PM

Hi PamMy name is Christine Krohn, the Principal at Burbank Community Day School and would like to ask the Senior Bulldogs a favor. We are looking for a team picture of a baseball team from Burbank High School in the 1950's. My students are doing a short film and need the picture for a few days. I was an assistant principal at Burbank High School for 21 years and work with several of your Senior Bulldogs, but have no way of getting a hold of any of them. I would guarantee the safety of the picture. If you can help, please contact me at (818) 558-4693.Thank you for your consideration in this matter.Sincerely Yours,Christine KrohnPrincipal Burbank Community Day School.

Cpl Larry Maxam Park Update 4/5/2010

Below is some photos of the construction going on at Pacific Park in Burbank. They will be renaming the park the Larry L. Maxam Park after the city's only Medal of Honor. These photos are about a week old as they were taken a week ago Saturday. The Dedication Ceremony is April 17th at 11 a.m. at Pacific Park.

HAPPY EASTER!

Carey Briggs BHS 78, Celebrates 50th Birthday!

Carey Briggs, a third generation "Burbanker," celebrated his 50th birthday recently amongst family and friends at Alfredo Granada Mexican Restaurant.

Carey graduated from Burbank High School in 1978, following his father Dick Briggs who graduated in 1954 and his grandmother Sylvia Smith who graduated from BHS in 1928.

Briggs is a very dedicated Burbank resident who enjoys volunteering in the local community.Through out the years he has been a Cub Scout Master, Telephone Company Pioneer and a coach for various Burbank Park and Recreation teams. He currently volunteers as the Transportation Director for the annual "Burbank on Parade" and is currently the President of the Burbank Historical Society. Carey lives in Burbank with his wife Dianna and two sons, Richard and Jacob.

Varsity Bulldogs cream Alumni 17 - 1

The Girl's Alumni Softball Team lost 17 - 1 to the Burbank High Varsity Bulldogs last Saturday night. Even though there were dropped fly balls and over thrown balls and dropped grounders by the alumni they all had a great time! The varsity was lead by pitcher Ashley Russo. The alumni scored their only run in the first inning and just could not get anything going the rest of the game.

The 1975 CIF Champions were honored and many were in attendence and some played in the game. A BBQ was served and BHS T-Shirts and hats were sold. There were raffle prizes etc. A good turn out and everyone had fun and enjoyed themselves.