The First Day of the Rest

Tuesday, May 28 is The Day when, 50 years ago, we received our high school diplomas, certifying that we could at least read and write. Actually, in the years forward, it became apparent that we knew a good deal more than just that. Too many of today’s college graduates are not as prepared for functioning as adults as we were. Most importantly, so far as I know, we all turned out to be good citizens. I might add that the Jesuits brought to us much of the best of Christian tradition.

In the local theaters that week were the "world premiere" of Peter Fonda and Sandra Dee in Tammy and the Doctor. Another first run downtown featured, Paul Newman and Patricia Neal in Hud, "A Story of Modern Texas," which was a screen adaptation of Larry McMurtry’s novel Horseman, Pass By. McMurtry achieved even greater fame with the Last Picture Show and Lonesome Dove. Recent news has it that the author had a sale of the contents of his bookstore in Archer City, the setting for the fictional Anarene. A re-run of Giant, first released in 1956, played at the Delman on Kings Road at Lemmon. For real class, there were 12 drive-in theaters operating, many of which featured The Naked Witch that week. For exceptional class (and nowadays exceptional political incorrectness), the Coronet on Fitzhugh ("adults only") featured Free, White and 21.

John Cuellar’s family’s El Chico restaurants featured an enchilada dinner for ½ price at 65¢ at the Lochwood location. Rival El Fenix did the same. Who was first? For other fare, you could have a combination seafood plate at the Zuider Zee Oyster Bar on Denton Drive for 95¢.

On another note: A previous post mentioned the demolition of the old school building, and asked if anyone knew the present whereabouts of any of the bricks. I’m continuing to look. More as it develops.