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 High School Alumni Page |
Alumni Message Board Archives - 2006 |
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RHS class of '72 - 4th Annual Post Holiday Party at Steak & Ale Message posted on Tue, 5 Dec 2006 IT'S BECOME A TRADITION! 4th ANNUAL STEAK & ALE POST-HOLIDAY PARTY! SAT. JAN. 20, 2007, 6 PM - ? STEAK & ALE 2801 Southtown Dr. (Xerxes and 494 S. frontage rd.) Bloomington (952) 884-0124 If you'd like to join us in advance for a scrumptious 5 PM dinner, Norm Plasch, organizer of the RHS 50th Anniversary celebration, will be coordinating dinner reservations so we can all sit together. Please contact him BEFORE Wednesday JANUARY 17th by emailing him at: Late '60s-mid '70s live music by TRACK ONE at 9 PM! (A seasoned band of excellent musicians who have played for a boatload of dances and corporate parties)! $7 cover per person. Sponsored by, but not limited to, the RHS Class of '72. Come join us for a great night of fantastic music, dancing, laughter and PRIZES!!!! See old friends again and make new ones too! We'll raffle great prizes like gift certificates for Champps, Houlihan's, Keith's Short Stop Superette, Broadway Pizza, Fireside Pizza, Rainbow Foods, CDs of RHS era tunes, and much, MUCH, MUCH more!!!!!! TELL YOUR FRIENDS FROM ALL RHS CLASSES AND LET'S HAVE A BLAST!!! class of 78' Anyone single and lonley? Message posted on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 Just thought I would ask. Miss you all. And I miss Southtown, Southdale, Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, Calhoun, Mother Lake, the Southtown bowl, Kresgees, woolworth, the red owl...Wow the list goes on..... Jenny French Nelson If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Jenny French Nelson. Tim Vrchota Class of 1980 Message posted on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 I just wanted to touch base & see if any friends of Tim Vrchota would like to say Hi & drop him a note. Tim has pancreatic cancer & would welcome your greetings, thoughts & prayers. Old High school friends can drop me an e-mail at tvrchota@amfam.com and I would be happy to pass them along, or get you in touch with Tim. Thanks Tom Vrchota If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Tom Vrchota. Classreport.org Message posted on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 RHS class of 1967. We have an individual site at Classreport.org which I would like all of you to go to and fill out your individual information. Our 40 Year class reunion will be in 2007 and it will make it much easier for us to find you if we have current info. This website is part of the Deckernet site, by Martha Decker. Candy (Smith) Hinz If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Candy (Smith) Hinz. reunion for class of '77 Message posted on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 Hi! Is anyone planning our 30th yet? I have been running into people from our class and getting lots of questions about it. I would love to hear from old friends and get some updates. janis riegert If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to janis riegert. Looking for Paul Erickson- Class of 76 Message posted on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 I am looking to contact Paul Erickson from the class of 76. Does anyone know how I can get in contact with him or could pass along my info so he can contact me? My email is terrihabbouche@sbcglobal.net Terri Habbouche/Myrvold If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Terri Habbouche/ Myrvold. Erin Rappe, Class of 1996, has passed away Message posted on Sun, 8 Oct 2006 Hello. My name is Beth Eidsvold Basilio and I was a member of the Class of 1996, along with Erin Rappe. I am writing to let our classmates (and any other of Erin's RHS friends) know that she passed away last night, 10/07/2006. She had a seizure and was unable to be revived. There will be a viewing on Wednesday October 11th from 5-7pm at the Morris Nielsen Funeral Home in Richfield. Her funeral, I believe, will be held the following day at 11am at Woodlake Lutheran Church. Her mother, Diane, still resides in Richfield, I believe, if anyone would like to call and extend their condolences to her family. Beth If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Beth Eidsvold Basilio. Seeking Classmate 1976 Message posted on Thu, 5 Oct 2006 I am looking for Paul Erickson, He graduated in the class of 1976. I have lost contact with him after the 20 year reunion. If anyone knows Paul's whereabouts, I'd appreciate your giving him my e-mail address. Thanks Terri Myrvold-Habbouche Class of 76 terrihabbouche@sbcglobal.net Terri Myrvold/Habbouche If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Terri Myrvold/Habbouche. student search Message posted on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 Hello, I am a graduate from 1968. I am wondering if there are any graduates out there from Assumption Grade School from the class of 1964? Thanks Kerry Jaeger Millman If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Kerry Jaeger Millman. Death of a Teacher Message posted on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 Colleen Theresa (Kreger) Fischer Fischer, Colleen Theresa (Kreger) Age 40, of Blaine, died on Monday surrounded by her family and friends. Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 11 AM Friday, September 15, 2006 at the Church of St. Paul (1740 Bunker Lake Blvd NE) in Ham Lake. Visitation will be Thursday evening 4-8 PM with a 7 PM prayer service at the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel (218 W. Hill St.) in Norwood Young America. Visitation will continue at the church Friday 9 AM until time of service. Colleen was born on January 11, 1966 in Arlington. Colleen graduated from the Arlington-Green Isle High School in 1984. She received her bachelor's degree from Mankato State University in 1988. Colleen was the middle school band director at Richfield Public Schools from 1989 to 1999. In 1999, she taught one year as the middle school band director at the Centennial Middle School. Colleen returned to the Richfield Public Schools as the high school band director from 2000 to 2005. For more than 14 years Colleen was an integral part of the music education of literally thousands of Richfield students and their families. The instrumental music program blossomed under her passionate, inspirational and enthusiastic leadership. All of her students developed a greater appreciation for music and many found a lifelong friend whom they could call "Fish." Each year Colleen's programs produced many marvelously talented musicians who were selected to be part of All-State, All-Conference and area college honor bands and many achieved high honors at state music contests. Colleen was the driving force behind the establishment of scholarships in memory of three of her students who had passed on. In addition, she directed the commissioning of a wonderful composition, 'Trinity', to further honor those musicians. As an avid supporter of the Lake Washington summer band camp, she saw to it that many of her students could attend. A renowned world traveler and shopper, Colleen led band trips to England, Italy, Ireland, Disney World and the Black Hills. The students and adult chaperones will never forget those trips. The Richfield High School summer competition marching band program also thrived under Colleen's untiring leadership resulting in many first place finishes and ending with an invitation to march in the Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade. One of the greatest tributes to Colleen's dedication would probably be the number of students she inspired to become music educators and performers. We are all grateful for and honored to have had "Fish" as part of our lives. Colleen was presently the middle school band director for the Fridley Public Schools. On August 14, 1993 she married David A. Fischer at the Church of St. Thomas in Jessenland. She gave the world two beautiful daughters, Andrea and Mackenzie. Besides her husband and daughters, Colleen is survived by her parents, Gerald and Jeanne Kreger of Henderson; sisters, Catherine Schmidt (Curt) of Maple Plain and Margaret Brown (Andrew) of Indianapolis, IN; brother, Patrick Kreger of Chicago, IL; mother-in-law, Deloris Fischer of Blaine; sister-in-law, Kristine Ball (Ted) of Luck, WI; brother-in-law, Donald Fischer; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many friends and students. Colleen was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend. Colleen was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Frederick and Irene Braunwarth; paternal grandparents, Wilford and Aurelia Kreger; father- in-law, Thomas Fischer. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for Andrea and Mackenzie's college fund. Make checks payable to Putman College Advantage and mail to 12427 High View Court, Indianapolis, IN 46236. Paul-McBride 952-467-3281 For online guestbook visit: www.mcbridefuneralchapels.com Published in the Star Tribune on 9/13/2006. Amy If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Amy. Richfield band director in a coma, brain dead Message posted on Sun, 10 Sep 2006 NOTE: This message was forwarded to the Alumni site by Cristy (Barnes) Ward, RHS '94: I have learned today that Colleen and Dave Fischer have had a second baby - McKenzie (midAugust) and the baby is doing great - however, Colleen is not. She is in ICU at Unity Hospital and has a form of post-partum pre-eclampsia. This is a fairly rare situation that has resulted in a very serious condition. Colleen had been seeing a doctor following her new baby and had been hospitalized a few times, but this time it is not going very well. I spoke with Dave's sister on the phone and she told me Colleen was not awake, but yet in a coma. She responds basically only to Dave and to pain. Basically she is having strokes or seizures on both sides of the brain. There is no way to predict what the outcome will be at this time. She is very seriously ill. Eclampsia is a pregnancy condition that is both caused by and worsens hypertension (high blood pressure) edema (retaining fluids) and many other medical complications and can ultimately result in the situation Colleen is in now. It occurs in about 25% of women at the beginning of their pregnancy and about 5% in the post-partum stages. Calls to Unity may not be helpful, you can only get through to the ICU desk and then would have to talk to someone in the family - I'm not sure if more phone callls is what they need. I was asked to alert as many Richfield people as I could - the faculty of Richfield Schools was notified on Friday - late afternoon. If you know of someone who should have this information, the family has said we should pass it on. I will send you updates as I have them - hopefully, with all our prayers they will be positive updates. This is not what I wanted for our next reunion, let's think positive. Amy Erickson, former Band Director at Richfield High School Thomas Meyers Message posted on Sat, 5 Aug 2006 Looking for any info about Tom Meyers including sibling info. Dianna If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Dianna. RHS 35th Class Reunion Message posted on Tue, 1 Aug 2006 Went to my 35th reunion celebration at Knights of Columbus in Bloomington last Saturday night. The organizers of that event did a spectacular job with the entire event. The Castaways played on stage while we remembered past high school experiences, partied and danced some of the oldies (including the twist) my sincere thanks for the hard work, time and coordinating the organizers of this event did to make this such a memorable occassion. I have some photos of the event. It was one of the best times I have had in my life. Saw pictures of grandkids of my classmates. The last thirty-five years went on fast-forward. Thanks again, Class of '71 Reunion Organizers. I am proud of you all! Wendy Larson Farr If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Wendy Larson Farr. Bryl King Reunion 2006 Message posted on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 The Bryl King ('74 talent show band) reunion party is set for September 30th. Click HERE for more info. Terry Ahlstrom passing of two former classmates Message posted on Wed, 19 Jul 2006 It is with great sorrow i pass this message to former classmates.Chuck Charlie Burns and Dana Rusty Broin died last fallsix weeks apart. These were my two best friends, life goes on but will never be the same without Chuck and Rusty. For some of you you might know of thier passing, They were both class of 65. Chuck and Russ were best of friends also brother in laws, Now together in Heaven. God Bless you all, Steve Wehman, If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to steve wehman. Anyone planning a Reunion for the class of 1957? Message posted on Sun, 16 Jul 2006 It has been almost 50 years (yikes) since graduation. Is anyone planning a 50th Reunion? It would be fun to see Jerry Beckman (Here and there with Mer and Jer), Carol Danielson, Bev Johnson...I bet we look the same *grin*. My daughter made me do this...she must be very special *smile*. Have a great summer, Meredythe and Gwen (the one who "made" her do this) Meredythe (Anderson) Houle If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Meredythe (Anderson) Houle. Class of '67 40 year reunion? Message posted on Mon, 26 Jun 2006 With 2007 just around the corner and RHS 1967 class approaching that 40 year mark, I am wondering if anyone knows of any plans for a 40th reunion? I still see a few 1967 classmates on a very regular basis: Steve Blomberg, Bruce Browning, Terry Carter, Steve Tanamachi, and although he now lives in Arizona (got tired of Minnesota winters), Jeff Forslin. If anyone knows of any plans, I'd like to hear from them. Vern Bloomquist If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Vern Bloomquist. Memories of Richfield and Minneapolis Message posted on Mon, 12 Jun 2006 1. Making giant snowballs with my friends at Elliot Elementary in Richfield. 2. Riding my dirt bike from Richfield down the GIANT HILL to the Old Shakopee bridge to catch carp. 3. Crossing the river with my dad to buy Black Cats and Thunder Bomb (with report) bottle rockets every fourth. 4. Unthawing my car engine with a Hibachi grill in the dead of winter. 5. Catching walleye in summer. 6. Catching walleye in winter. 7. Watching Dr. Sphincter on cable access. 9. Hangin' at the Hard Times. 10. Watching planes land at MSP airport on Post Road. 11. Eating the best Chinese food in the world at the Hub. 12. The obligatory Juicy Lucy. 13. Stand Up Franks, Moby Dick's Bar, and the CC Club. 14. Shakee's Pizza. 15. Playing with all of my Aurora Monster Models that I would buy at Woolworth's at Southdale with my mom. 16. That AWFUL zoo at the Kiddie Corral at Southdale. 17. Playing Star Castle at the arcade that replaced Kiddie Corral. 18. Looking for "girls" at the lakes all summer long. "Hi, my name's George." 19. Buying my first bong at Know Name. 20. My name sewn into my winter hat. So Long If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to So Long. 1966 40 th reunion Message posted on Wed, 7 Jun 2006 any plans for one in the near future? Fred Rogers If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Fred Rogers. Hello Class Of ' 78 Message posted on Thu, 25 May 2006 Hi, Everyone I hope everyone is doing ok as we're getting old and wiser. I'am at The Mpls. Vetrans Hospital as a asst. to the chefs. I retired from the navy in 83 overseas on a ship to Iran 78 after high school . Living in Hastings, Mn. single still looking for MS. Right Like to hear from of you 78 ers Dan If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Daniel Ritzman. RHS 50th Anniversary Revisited/Moving Forward Message posted on Mon, 22 May 2006 This is the final article in a series devoted to memorable places in Richfield, Minnesota. The A & W 'Commanche' Drive In Restaurant was constructed at 79th and Lyndale during the 1950's. The State Highway 5 at Lyndale Aveneue location proved to be a winner. Summertime travelers just couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy a frosty mug of root bear. The 'Commanche' name came from the Western theme which was popular on television during the 1950's. Besides root beer the restaurant was also noted for its delicious onion rings. Residents who lived in south Richfield and northern Bloomington could easily pick up the aroma of those delicious onion rings during the summer months. A car dealership currently occupies the land where the A & W Drive In Restaurant once stood. But don't be fooled. You, too, will surely smell the aroma of those A & W onion rings to this day when you drive by the Lyndale Avenue/Interstate 494 location. If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Norm Plasch. Sheridan Elementary Teacher Passes Away Message posted on Thu, 11 May 2006 AUSTIN -- A memorial service for Rose Bliton Tyrholm, 99, will be at 1 p.m. June 3 in the United Methodist Church in Glenville, Minn., with the Rev. Patricia Toschak officiating. Mrs. Tyrholm, a retired school teacher formerly of Austin, died April 20, 2006, at Emerald Crest in Victoria, Minn., where she had resided since December 2005. Rose Bliton was born Dec. 25, 1906, on her paternal grandparents farm in Worth County, Iowa. In 1924, she graduated from Albert Lea High School, in 1925 from Normal Training School and, in 1956, from Mankato State College. She taught in rural schools of Freeborn County. From 1949 to 1954, she taught fourth and fifth grade in the Mankato Public Schools and, from 1958 until retiring in 1972, she taught fifth grade at Sheridan Elementary School in Richfield, Minn. On April 11, 1926, she married Albert H. Schuhmacher from Myrtle, Minn. He died Aug. 13, 1947. Her second marriage, to LeRoy M. Tyrholm, ended in divorce. Surviors include a daughter, Shirley Schuhmacher Hoium of Red Wing; and a stepdaughter, Irene Schuhmacher Hollatz of Joplin, Mo. Other survivors include four grandchildren, including Suzanne Million of Eyota; eight great-grandchildren, including Melissa (Million) Borths of St. Paul; and three generations of stepgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Altine Clark. Visitation will be an hour before the service. Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service of Albert Lea is handling the arrangements. Memorials are preferred to a charity of the donor's choice and may be sent to Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service, 525 W. Clark If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Steve Grindeland. Looking for Jeanie Rock - class of 74 Message posted on Tue, 2 May 2006 I am looking to contact Jeanie Rock from class of 74. Any one no how to contact her? Or pass along my info and she can contact me. my email jecklein@mchsi.com Jim Ecklein If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Jim Ecklein. Calling all Band Alumni!!! Message posted on Mon, 24 Apr 2006 The alumni band is BACK for the 4th of July! Well, we're trying anyway, and we need your help! If you are interested in marching in this year's Richfield 4th of July parade, please email me ASAP. It is a SUPER fun time....mostly just walking down the street (in step, of course!), playing our horns, periodically stopping to chat with people you know (and then running to catch up with the band!!), and doing a little free-style dancing (yes, we've been known to limbo!!). The band is open to ALL classes, ALL instruments....and even non-RHS grads!! The more the merrier! We will also need water bottle carriers and banner carriers (kids are good for that :) ). I would like to have at least 20-25 on the street...and right now it's just my husband and myself! It's hard to carry a tune with just a trumpet and a piccolo! So come on out and join us!! If you are interested or have questions, please email me: mrsklink@gmail.com. And spread the word...tell your friends!!! Let's make this the biggest Alumni Band ever!!! Cristy Ward If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Cristy Ward. Lost Message posted on Fri, 7 Apr 2006 I am trying to track down Scott Abelson, class of 1977 (I think). Anyone knowing his whereabouts, please let me know. thanks adam kurzejeski If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to adam kurzejeski. Spartans Message posted on Thu, 30 Mar 2006 I just want to say good job to the richfiled boys basketball team they did great Tammy If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Tammy. Looking for: Linda M. Thomas Message posted on Wed, 22 Mar 2006 Hi ! I'm looking for Linda M. Thomas who graduated from RHS around 1966. I need to get a hold of her with some important information. Please email me at: delivers_r_us@yahoo.com and let me know. Thanks, Tim If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Tim Thomas. Anyone working on a 40th reunion for class of 1966? Message posted on Fri, 17 Mar 2006 I would love to hear about any information on the class of 1966--any plans for a reunion? I moved away my senior year but my heart is with this class and would love to be invited! Kathy Ulrich If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Kathy Ulrich. The big 50 for Sue Thomas Message posted on Mon, 6 Mar 2006 SUE THOMAS is turning the BIG 50.email me about details of the big bash for Sue...anyone knowing her is aware that she is planning the whole thing. contact me for details. Her birthday is March 11th Sorry for the short notice. Gini Thomas If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Gini Thomas. Benefit Message posted on Thu, 2 Mar 2006 Please join us for a benefit for Paul Krinke (class of 1970) Date set is April 1st 2006 from 3-9pm. It will be held at the Backyard Bar and Grill 1500 E. 78th st. Richfield (612)798-0002 Paul was recently diagnosed with cancer. He is a lifelong resident and employee in Richfield and Bloomington. Fundraising opportunities include: $25 donation for a ticket in advance or at the door which covers food beverage and entry to a live and silent auction. Some items included in the auction are: a time share for a week, 80 hours of carpentry(deck, porch, etc.), sports tickets and many more! We are looking for donations of any typeeither for the live or silent auction and monetary. All proceeds will go for medical services or any other special needs. For donations to the silent or live auction please contact Sherry Lewis at (952)881-8999. Please leave a message(name, numbers, what you would like to donate) and she will return you call asap. Arrangments will be made then for your generous donations. You can make a monetary donation out to the Paul Krinke Fund Attn: Sherry Lewis Minnwest Bank-1150 Yankee Doodle Rd. Eagan,MN 55123 (651)454-0004 We thank everyone for their support and look forward to seeing you there! Sponsered by Friends of the Family *cash or check only please *Sober cabs are available with a $10 or more donationfor each person If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Melissa Krinke. Seeking Pat Harris Message posted on Mon, 20 Feb 2006 I am looking for Pat Harris, who may have graduated with the class of 1960. If anyone knows Pat's whereabouts, I'd appreciate your giving her my e-mail address. Thanks! John Bartholomew If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to John Bartholomew. Calling all Assumption School Alumni from RHS Class of '76 Message posted on Thu, 9 Feb 2006 There seems to be growing interest in having an Assumption reunion in conjunction with our 30th, RHS reunion, in August of 2006. If you are interested in getting into the database for further information, please send your name, address, phone and email address to one of the following classmates Bernadine Skogstad Galate bskogie@aol.com Mark Kelliher kellihermk@usfamily.net Curt Merriman curt.merriman@comcast.net Check here or the '76 webpage for further updates!! Bernadine Skogstad Galate If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Bernadine Skogstad Galate. Obituary for Richard Wallace (formerly Boxsted) Message posted on Tue, 7 Feb 2006 For those of you from the Class of 1960 I thought that you might like to read the obituary of our classmate, Richard Wallace. I've copied it and inserted it below. I feel sad about his death but certainly enjoyed him during his colorful life. Richard C. Wallace WALLACE, Richard C., 62, of Hernando Beach, died Sunday (Jan 30, 2005) at home. His adventures began as a Navy man traveling the world on an aircraft carrier. Flirting with girls at seaside cafes or flirting with danger outside of Cuba during the "Bay of Pigs", Richard's life reads like a story book. Choosing the career of an artist, his works range from charcoal, oil, pastels, to sculptures of bronz, resin and hydrocal. Never a dilutant Richard became a master in all of these and taught mold making, sculpture, drawing and painting. His works are in the collections of John Travolta, Kristie Alley, Judy Norton Taylor, (The Waltons) among others. Being a direct descendant of William Wallace he traveled to Scotland and taught at the Edinburgh Art School and the Royal College of Art, London. In full Scottish kilt he made a striking picture. While working with Quest Film, Inc., he expanded his travels to the barrier reefs of Australia, and the oil pipelines of Canada among others. He is survived by his brother and mother Bonnie Boxsted of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A friends gathering to celebrate the life of Richard Wallace will be held at the house of his friends Karen and James Kettner on Saturday at 2 p.m. at 4182 Orchid Drive, Hernando Beach. Services Entrusted To: Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Service 352-596-4991 Published in the TBO.com on 2/4/2005. Patricia Fish Strot If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Patricia Fish Strot. RHS 50th Anniversary Revisted/Moving Forward Message posted on Sun, 5 Feb 2006 RHS Alumni Topic for March, 2006: A & W 'Commanche' Drive In Restaurant on 78th and Lyndale Avenue South Questions: 1. Why was A & W built on 78th and Lyndale, Bloomington, MN? 2. Where did the 'Commanche' name come from? 3. What was root beer served in at the A & W Drive In? 4. What was the most popular menu item at the A & W Drive In? 5. What currently occupies the land where the A & W Commanche Drive In stood? Submit your answers to these questions by March 1, 2006. Answers to these questions will appear on this Deckernet Web Site shortly after that time. -Norm Plasch, RHS Class of 1972 Norm Plasch If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Norm Plasch. RHS 50th Anniversary Revisted/Moving Forward Message posted on Sun, 5 Feb 2006 The RHS Alumni Topic for January, 2006 was Southdale. The short story aboout Southdale follows with all of the answers to the questions: Southdale Shopping Center: The Minnesota Miracle Construction of Southdale Shopping Center of Edina, Minnesota began in 1953. The Dayton Company was the initial owner and management company of the Southdale Center. Southdale officially opened for business in the fall of 1956. Life magazine ran a cover story about Southdale shortly after it opened. The two main anchor stores were Dayton's and Donaldson's. The two characteristics that lifted Southdale to success included plenty of free parking and a pleasant, indoor shopping experience for customers. In a short period of time the Downtown Minneapolis stores and neighboring traditional shopping centers found Southdale to a key competitor. The fact that Southdale was open on all weeknights (instead of being limited to the usual Monday and Thursday nights as was the case for downtown stores) and a climate controlled environment, caused the pulse of retail shopping to change forever The initial architect decided that an Italian Plaza theme would dominate the interior of Southdale. The center area was called the 'Garden Court' which included a fish pond, a three story bird cage and two bronze spires with an Italian theme. There was also a Garden Court Restaurant that had umbrella covered tables which was another attraction for shoppers. Woolworth's soon caught on to the idea that shoppers wanted to eat while they shopped so they opened up a pizza counter with access to the Garden Court. Long lines formed by customers who just had to have a slice of that delicious pizza and a coke. In the early days of Southdale there was a small Zoo that thrilled the little kids. The two bronze spires still exist inside the center whereas the other initial elements of Southdale are now gone. The Southdale success story has been copied throughout the world. A real winner through the years has been the Richfield Public School District. A decision by the Minnesota Legislature in the late 1950's to include Southdale within the boundaries of the Richfield School District has poured property tax proceeds from the shopping center into the Richfield Schools. One more fine example on how Richfield has always had one up on former key rival Edina. The Mall of America, the larges shopping center in the United States, opened just five miles away from Southdale in 1992. But Southdale has survived and even flourished since that time. Those of us who grew up with Southdale will always remember that place to be part of the 'magic' of our Richfield, Minnesota experience. Norm Plasch If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Norm Plasch. 65th birthday party Message posted on Thu, 19 Jan 2006 Hi, We are going to be celebrating our 65th birthday's on May 6th. The class of '59 is now receiving medicare. We are having a lunch at the Timbers Apartments party room. Contact Marge Thiele 612-869-1078 if you have any questions. The first mailing will be sent the week of Jan. 23rd. marge thiele If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to marge thiele. RHS 50th Anniversary Revisted/Moving Forward Message posted on Sun, 8 Jan 2006 Greetings RHS Alumni! It's now been about a year and a half since that memorable day when we had a chance to visit our school and celebrate the 50th Birthday of RHS. October 16, 2004 will be a day forever etched in our hearts and minds. Another class has graduated from RHS since that time and the Richfield School District successfully passed a referrendum in November, 2005. Gleaming senior housing complexes continue to rise in the Richfield community. Young families continue to move into the city largely due to the excellent schools there. I hope to see some of you on January 21, 2006 when the RHS Clas of '72 gathers at the Bloomington Steak and Ale for our annual reunion dinner event. Details are on our RHS Class of '72 Website. I am still receiving notes from people like you who paticipated in the RHS @ 50 event and I am also hearing from others who have heard about that day and want to replicate it. I am glad to share the news about the process that we followed but I caution those who inquire that the event that we put on in Richfield, Minnesota during the fall of 2004 can never be repeated. People ask me what we might do to continue the spirit of the RHS @ 50 event so I thought I'd send out this message to invite you to provide some thoughts about your time in Richfield. This will be in the form of a simple topic to ask you about and then wait to hear from you about your memories. You can share your memories with others on this Deckernet web site. Just submit a brief message on the Main RHS Alumni page. January, 2006 Topic: Southdale Questions: 1. What year did construction begin on Southdale? 2. When did Southdale Shopping Center open for business? 3. What were the two main anchor stores in Southdale when it opened? 4. What company owned and operated Southdale when it opened? 5. Which school district receives tax revenue from Southdale Center which is located in Edina, Minnesota)? 6. Share a brief memory about Southdale (25 words or less). My memory: Christmas at Southdale...Merry Christmas' on upper west wall...Huge, White Christmas Tree in Garden Court....Choirs singing christmas carols below Christmas Tree. Answers to these questions will be provided on the Deckernet Web Site (RHS Alumni Page) in early February, 2006. Perhaps Deckernet will print some of our memories, too! Take care and God Bless. Sincerely, Norm Plasch, RHS @ 50 Event Coordinator, Class of '72 Norm Plasch If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Norm Plasch. Hi Cyndie ! Message posted on Mon, 2 Jan 2006 Hi Cindy! how are you doing! you probley don't rember me? I rember you and your smile.I hope things are going ok!for you, things are going well for me.I also retired from the navy 78/ 83 in the Iran Crises.Email me ill like to here from you!! Take care of yourself, Dan ritzman @ritzmandanritzman@yahoo.com Daniel Ritzman If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Daniel Ritzman. Class Reunion List Message posted on Mon, 2 Jan 2006 Hi! Leslie, I am sorry I've kept contact with our class. Can you keep infom on our class. And put on the class list. Thankyou, Daniel Ritzman @ritzmandanritzman@yahoo.com take care Leslie Daniel Ritzman If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Daniel Ritzman. Class of '81 Reunion??? Message posted on Mon, 2 Jan 2006 Hey fellow Class of '81'ers: I am trying to be proactive this year and make summer plans EARLY and since I live on the West Coast (Portland) I need to arrange for my family for flights, etc. to come to Minnesota, especially if there will (hopefully) be a 25th REUNION for the class of '81. If I lived in Minnesota I would LOVE to be on the planning committee but obviously it's not possible logistically to help out from so far away. Please reply to me at pdxsunluver@yahoo.com if you know the EXACT DATE/Location/any other info. (or even the name/names of the planners, and I can contact them directly and have them keep me posted on the date). It is truly UNBELIEVABLE that 25 years have passed since our senior year at RHS -- it truly feels like yesterday to me. It's kind of funny, too, that here I live 2,000 or so miles from Richfield, and living one block away from me is a fellow RHS'er, who graduated 2 years after me. Small world! Thanks, Barb Tollefson-Senarath, Portland, Oregon If you wish to reply to this message, please send an email to Barb Tollefson (Senarath). |
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1974 RHS Grad and creator of The Woodshed and The MINNESOTA Page