1987 Jill's Body Shop 2nd Anniversary Special

I can't decide if it's the headbands, the leg warmers, the unitards, or those shoulder pads that put this one over the top.

A slice of '75

A slice of life from a wrinkled, nearly 40 year old local paper (The NEWS), with its Food City banner, Murphy's Hair World with its Union Shop and "Long and Mod Haircuts", the filler about literacy in South Africa (thanks to the 70s generalized belief that the entire continent of Africa was a monolith of roaming tribes), and the tube-socked trampoline set. 

They fly through the air with the greatest of ease . . .  Stan and Debra Olivier of Sagemont Park show how easy playing on a trampoline can be. The Trampoline bought by Sue and Ed Olivier two Christmases ago is the hit of the neighborhood. Waiting to take their turn are: Bryan Siegall, Jerry Olivier, Aaron Smith, Robin Jonas, Steve Smith, Rodney Jonas, Davy Olivier, Aaron Olivier, Nick Smith, and Nathan Arrazate.

1/8/87 Youth shoots, kills father

Community shocked, saddened

Youth Shoots, Kills Father

By Floretta Bush

The violent death Saturday of South Belt resident Benny Roberts was met by shock and sadness by those who knew him, feeling that perhaps magnified many times over by those you knew his 15-year-old son, who police say is responsible for his father's death. 

It was around 6:30 p.m. when a quarrel between the 42-year-old Roberts, a Department of Public Safety sergeant, and his wife Arla ended, with Benny's death, say officers. The quarrel at the Kirkwood South residence apparently involved discipline of the couple's two children, both teenagers, said HPD Sgt. A.J. Toepoel. 

According to Toepoel, the son, Lamont, intervened, resulting in a "physical confrontation." The son then went upstairs, obtained a shotgun and returned to this kitchen where he shot his father in the upper portion of the body, he said. One policeman said the father was shot in the face with a small shotgun. 

When paramedics arrived at 6:45 p.m., Roberts was dead.

It apparently started out an everyday kind of things for homes with teenagers," said police Sgt. Steve Arrington. Toepoel added that "fron that point, it just went bad."

Neighbors, however, have stated that wife Arla told officers Benny had physically abused the family for several years. 

Lamont, a sophomore at Dobie High School, was on the junior varsity basketball team and enrolled in at least one honors class. 

His teachers expressed disbelief over the incident. 

"He was conscientious, quiet and very respectful," said honors algebra teacher Kathleen Murrell. He was very honest and upright. It is so distressing to think of this happening."

Dobie basketball coach Scott Talton said the teen worked very hard and was never a discipline problem. "Lamont was a starting point guard and had potential as a varsity player, Talton said.

When the youth turned himself into police, within an hour after the shooting, he seemed upset and was taken into custody peacefully, said Toepoel. Immediately after the shooting he had run upstairs, jumped out of a window and fled, the officer said. 

The teen apparently called police from a friend's residence on Beamer where he surrendered. 

A juvenile detention hearing Wednesday resulted in Roberts being detained. He will remain at the juvenile detention center 10 days and will receive another hearing, said juvenile prosecuting attorney Elizabeth Godwin. He will receive a hearing every 10 days until his case is disposed of, she said.

Godwin said the district attorney's office has filed to have Roberts certified as an adult. That hearing is set for Feb. 18. 

I couldn't think of him being in a detention center," said Murrell. "What kind of education would he receive?"

As for Benny Roberts, he apparently was both a professional and a well-liked individual. 

He had recently been working with the South Belt Security Alliance as a patrol officer. 

"He liked his neighborhood and liked to work here in it," said Neil West, director of the Alliance. "He did a good job."

Roberts had served as a supervisor  of a DPS drivers license office in Baytown since December of 1985, covering a four-city area.

Funeral services for Roberts were scheduled or Thursday, Jan. 8 at Kashmere Funeral Home in Houston.

Hearing brought tears
Roberts not to be tried as an adult
By Floretta Bush

A myriad of witnesses last week came to the defense of a South Belt teen, who as a result, will not be tried as an adult for the January shooting death of his father.

Sixteen-year-old Lamont Roberts hugged his mother Arla Roberts after state District Judge Robert L. Lowry announced his ruling Friday.

"I've never tried as an emotionally compelling case as this one," said Roberts' attorney, Michael Charlton. "A few tears came to a few people's eyes."

Community response to the Roberts case came from more than a few, he added. Classmates, teachers, friends, and neighbors rallied to Roberts' rescue, Charlton said, volunteering to testify on his behalf.

"I've never seen this kind of community support before," he said.

Roberts shot his father Benny Roberts a state trooper in the head with a shotgun on the night of Jan. 3, the result of years of abuse, the defense claimed. Testimony revealed that Benny had been drinking on the night of the shooting and was physically and verbally abusive to Lamont and Arla.

While much of the testimony centered on Lamont's character, much also encompassed Benny's history of being abusive to his family.

"The purpose of this testimony was not to show what kind of individual Benny was, but to prove that Lamont was reacting to a violent set of circumstances," said Charlton.

Among those testifying on behalf of Lamont were neighbors, family members, members of Lamont's church and the principal of Dobie High School where Lamont is a sophomore.  "I testified that if I had a school full of Lamonts, it would make education easy," Dobie principal Jerry Speer said following the three-day hearing.

Lamont is an honors students who has excelled in sports while at Dobie, particularly the junior varsity basketball team. Lamont is an honors student who has excelled in sports while at Dobie, particularly the junior varsity basketball team.

A look at Lamont's school records during the proceedings showed no discipline problem. The only marks against Roberts are two instances of tardiness in the last two years.

Speer said the students and faculty were exuberant over the judge's decision.

Charles Kymes, minister of the Southeast Church of Christ attended by Lamont during the past few months also testified on behalf of Lamont. Kymes and his family have know Lamont two years, since Lamont began playing basketball with his son Stacy at Dobie.

"I honestly and sincerely feel he is a good person and was a victim of circumstance," Kymes said. He said that Lamont had not mentioned any problems with his father, but added that the boy was "not the kind to show his emotions."

"I think the proper things was done -- in the best interest of Lamont and in the best interest of our society. He can contribute to our state, our country."

Among those who didn't testify was Lamont's mother. "We didn't think it was necessary, and it has been a terrible ordeal for her too," Charlton said. Arla Roberts said this week the outcome of the trial has elicited a feeling of relief in herself and her son.

"We appreciate everybody's support," she said. Charlton said it has not yet been determined whether the case will go to trial, said the state probation department.

"We will make an assessment of Lamont, taking into consideration his background and what the court should do if he is found guilty. Their position will dictate what decide," he said.

State prosecution attorney Haseman said on Friday that he intended to ask that Roberts be tried for murder as a juvenile, and will ask for the commitment to the Texas Youth Council.

Arla Roberts said she feels positive that there is the possibility Lamont will be given probation.

Meanwhile, Lamont, who has been attending school since being released into custody in January, resumed classes Monday, and as usual is "getting along with everybody," said basketball coach Talton.

His mother said she is very proud of the way Lamont has conducted himself through he ordeal and also of the favorable way he is thought of by the community.

"I am very proud of him," she said, "He has always been very special to me."

July 4, 1975 Homemade Ice Cream & Neighborhood Parade

Pretty Terri Read became the most popular girl on the block on the Fourth, as she was busy making ice cream. She gladly shared the "turning" chores with the large group of boys that gathered. Watching, and waiting, were: John Bolen, Chris Broussard, Jimbo Sammy, Donnie Shimfessel, Brad Read, and George Thaxton.

Children from Sagewind staged their Fourth of July parade Friday afternoon, with decorated bikes and pets.  . . . Taking part in the parade were: Brian Williams, Kim and Tommy Hulsay, Jo Anna, Donna, and Rozy Hayden, Briand and Stephanie Bassett, Blen and Ronald Willis, Bobby Burton and Karen Williams.

June 1975 Sagemont Baptist Anniversary

Rev. John Morgan, Pastor of Sagemont Baptist Church, his wife Beth and their boys Shawn and Dean were guests of honor at the triple celebration held at Stuchberry elementary, Sunday after services. The celebration was for the Morgan's 11th wedding anniversary on June 1, and the 9th anniversary of Rev. Morgan's arrival at the Sagemont Church. The Sunday buffet was also geared toward raising money for the building program presently in progress. 

1975 Scarsdale Woman is Lone Female Firefighter in Southeast VFD

Dinner's going to be a little late tonight. Mom's going to fight a fire. Ten year old Stacy Parker helps her mother Judy "suit-up." Judy is a firefighter with the Southeast Volunteer Fire Department, and will be completing her training this month.

July 7, 1983 3 Boys Injured on HL&P Tower

A 14-year-old Scarsdale youth miraculously survived electrical burns received while he and two companions were climbing a 138,000 voltage tower Tuesday afternoon. 

Emiliano (David) Fletcher, 14, received second and third-degree burns over approximately 65 percent of his body and was life-flighted to Hermann hospital after firefighters used rappelling gear to rescue the youth from the 98 foot Houston Lighting and Power tower. The tower is located between the subdivisions of Sagemont and Wood Meadow. Firefighters also rescued Glen Letwich, 13, of Wood Meadow who was transported to Clear Lake Hosiptal and released after being treated for shock and minor burns.

Glen's 16 year old brother Ray, was was also on the tower at the time of the incident, received first and second degree burns primarily on his left arm and hand.

Authorities presume Ray was climbing down the tower at the time Fletcher got too close to the conductor, causing the electricity to arc through his body.

The arcing resulted in a bright flash and an explosion which brought nearby residents to the scene.

Ray was able to reach the ground on his own and was picked up by the Houston ambulance and transported to the hospital.

It took approximately an hour for the two remaining boys to be rescued. "It's a miracle those boys are alive," said Herman Pop Jr., a supervisor for HL&P. "110 volts can kill you. Not many get away from one (an electrical charge) like this." According to Popp, it is not necessary to touch the wires to make the electricity arc. It will arc is someone gets too close.

While at the scene of the accident, Fletcher's mother said the boy had been missing from home for the previous 32 hours. Neighbors reported seeing the trio climbing the tower the previous day. The boys were rescued by area residents Boe Beaty and Bob Korshak and League City resident Bill Pollard. All three were serving the Southeast Volunteer Fire Department at the the time of the incident. They were aided by Marvin Zemlicka of HL&P.

The following weeks' updates:

Emiliano Fletcher, 14, one of the boys injured in last week's HL&P tower climb, is listed in serious condition in the pediatric intensive care unit at Hermann Hospital. He has had two operations in the past week to remove burned skin and to perform skin grafts. According to his mother, Delores Fletcher, he might not need further surgery, providing the skin grafts take.

Forty units of blood are still needed, and persons are encouraged to donate at the Hermann Hospital blood bank.

Fletcher says, "Emiliano is able to talk, and appreciate the calls and cards from all his friends, teachers, and neighbors.

The other two toys who were involved in the accident are in better condition. Glen Leftwich, 13, was taken to Clear Lake Hospital, where he was treated and released the same day. His brother, Ray Leftwich, 16, is listed in stable condition in the burn intensive care unit at Hermann Hospital.

Emiliano Fletcher, 14, one of the three boys injured in an attempt to climb an HL&P voltage tower July 5, is still listed in critical condition in the pediatric intensive care unit at Hermann Hospital.

Fletcher had already undergone surgery three times and is schedules for another tomorrow for removal of dead tissue and skin grafting.

According to Hermann burn specialist Dr. Donald Parks, it is a miracle the boy even survived. It will not be know until after tomorrow's surgery how long Fletcher will remain in intensive care.

An account has been set up at First City Bank - Almeda Genoa to help defray the $1700 a day cost for Fletcher's intensive care. Donations can be made at the bank to account #5238639.

Almeda Mall June 30, 1988

See the original Almeda Mall post here.

70s Childhood, in pictures

all photos unmarked, courtesy of The South Belt-Ellington Leader

The Dead End House at Torrington and Rowlett

'Dead-end' house hit again

The John Van Alstine residence at 10130 Torrington, at the end of Rowlett, sits at a rather dangerous intersection. At approximately 5 a.m. Sept. 6 a white pickup truck with wood sides rammed into the Van Alstine's front yard, damaging one car, which pushed into a truck, which pushed into the house. The owners are offering a reward for knowledge of the whereabouts of the driver of the pickup. The pickup, which left the scene, has a damage left front.

5/21/87 Larry Gatlin Visits Local Schools

On this day in 1987...

Country music superstar Larry Gatlin signs a school album at Stuchberry Elementary for fifth grade teacher Barbara Charba as a curious student looks on. Gatlin, an admitted alcoholic and past drug user spoke to students at Stuchberry and Beverly Hills Intermediate about the effect drugs have had on his life. His wife Janis taught second grade at Stuchberry while he was playing football for the University of Houston.

I tried to find a 1987 era Gatlin video on YouTube to embed, but the one I finally pinned down has embedding disabled. So, if you're interested, click here to see Larry and brothers in leather pants with a rockin' 80s mullet, singing "Houston" to complete the scene. (Skip to 3:16, or enjoy Willie first, you're choice.)

Larry, more recently, that I can embed, singing the same at the Opry:

The Eagle @ Hughes and Beamer, circa 1982

Marie leaving the office after hitting the Eagle for groceries, circa 1982, 

before they moved The Leader to their current location. 

75 Summer Rains continued

Don't worry Demon, it's got to quit raining soetime," says Jackie Richardson to her horse Demon as they take shelter from the downpour last Wednesday. They were able to take shelter under the Edgebrook portion of the Gulf Freeway as one of the heavy rains hit the area. Jackie and Demon are residents of the Edgebrook area.

1975 Summer Flooding begins

May, 1975 Snakes Trump Keys

The unfortunate owner of this brand new Cadillac just couldn't make it in time. As Barbara Mensah saw the water riding around her car in the carport in the Carriage Park Apartments, 8206 Gulf Freeway, she dan out to move the car to higher ground. In her haste to open the door, she dropped her car keys. Fearing possible snakes in the water, she ran back inside her apartmet to call a wrecker to get the car out. But -- it was too late.

May 1975: Summer Just Around the Corner

A few May 1975 photos from the News:

Best Building, pre-unveiling 1975

Here's one I really wish I'd been able to find the 5x7 glossy of. 

A rare look at the Best building before the facade was completed in 1975.

This building, being built by Conceptional Contractors has been the center of much speculation. Many wonder why the bricks won't stay where they belong. Personnal of Best Products say there is no problem, the building looks "just like it's suppose too [sic]!"

Best by SITE architecture post can be found here.

Simpler Times

That same year Hugh Tosteson of San Juan won the 1975 National Bee with the word "incisor"

Having studied the for the Bee in the past decade (and performing abysmally), these seemed a lot like that Nadia gymnastics performance of 1976. Any current gymnast would smirk at the "difficulty" of her routine today. 

The past 10 years worth of winning words

2003 pococurante

2004autochthonous

2005 appoggiatura

2006 Ursprache

2007 serrefine

2008 guerdon

2009 Laodicean

2010 stromuhr

2011cymotrichous

2012 guetapens

2013 knaidel

And in the category of things they don't even HAVE anymore...

But that's not true! I looked it up and there is actually a World Slide Rule Championship!

The things you learn just doing this blog.

Aerial of Sagemont, Date Unknown

These are always hard to share well, since the original size of the photo is very large and spills over in sloppy ways if I try to post it that large.

But even the X-LARGE option doesn't do this one justice. 

The large roof you see bottom center is Frazier Elementary, with Hughes running through the center of the photo vertically and Beamer cutting the horizonal center. I'd wager a large number of readers might be able to say, "I can see my house from up here!"

You can see the old Eagle shopping center at the very center of the photo. 

If you follow the track of Hughes, you will see Sagemont Baptist on the left and Stuchberry and Thompson across on the right before Hughes makes it's curce in front of the Safeway shopping center and turns into Sabo at the South Belt intersection. The large green area at 11:00 would become the Beltway. 

4/24/75 Dobie Gang Makes an Appearance, Guns and All

Depression-type gang composed of J. Frank Dobie staff, Lynn Wiggins (Industrial Arts); John Resciano (Auto Mechanics); James Barber (Assistant Principal); and Glen Barnhill (Math Instructor( made quite a "hit" at Dobie's Bicentennial Day Celebration.

'71 Revisited

Original post of the 1971 Dobie Yearbook is here.

A few additional scans on second look.

The front and end paper graphics a year after the astrological groovy-ness is. . .  seagulls.

the almost complete absence of trees still astounds me

Unknown stables, and Pepsi machine

this is a duplicate with slightly different results per scan settings. I just love the girl, far right.

This is a less used corner of the arboretum at Almeda. Below is the typical pineapple fountain shot. 

blank fields across Beamer

old refrigeration shelves at BH Supermarket, and the Enco servicing a VW bus