“Hey, Bud,” said Trudy Miller, who was standing behind him with her best friend, Bobbie Jean Beeler. “You look lost.”
“Can’t make up my mind,” said Buddy smiling. “Don’t really see anything that interests me. Maybe I’ll just be a bum.”
“How about a movie star or a famous singer?”
“Can’t sing a lick,” said Buddy. “Pretty sure I can’t act either.”
Again Willard Bromley called out a student’s name. “Trudy Miller, you’re next. Come see the Guidance Counselor.”
“Good luck,” said Bobbie Jean to her friend. “Well, that just leaves the 2 of us.”
“That it does,” said Buddy, who had concluded that Bobbie Jean was much a more attractive companion than Donnie.
“How come you never called me?” she asked. “Gave you my number.”
“Hate to call from home. My mom is always listening. Kind of embarrassing.”
“Follow me,” she said and like a loyal puppy, Buddy tagged along.”
Suddenly he realized that they were standing in the line to talk to a nurses’ rep from Shenandoah Memorial Hospital.
“I probably should go,” he said feeling uncomfortable as the only boy in line.
“Have you seen, The Greatest Show on Earth, yet?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Showing at the Hometown Theater this weekend.”
“That’s what I hear,” said Buddy growing more restless as the line dwindled in front of him.
“You don’t really want to go out with me, do you?”
“Huh? Well, yeah, sure.”
“Then let’s try that again. Have you seen, The Greatest Show on Earth, yet?”
Buddy laughed. “No, I haven’t. How about…you and I see it…together.”
“Love, too. Now, get out of this line before you become Virginia’s first male nurse.”
Buddy breathed a sigh of relief and rapidly turned his attention elsewhere. He decided to check out the Virginia Forestry Commission’s exhibit. He acquired a love for the outdoors as a Boy Scout. Maybe he could become a Forest Ranger.
“Hey, Polk. How’s that nursing career coming along?” growled Butch Abercrombie to the delight of his cronies.
“That’s funny, Butch,” said Buddy trying to avoid a scene.
“When do you get your white hat…and white dress?” said Butch and then his friends howled with laughter.
Buddy was nearly knocked down by Butch’s overpowering cologne. He couldn’t imagine why anyone would or could douse themselves with so much English Leather.
Butch Abercrombie was the school bully having held that distinction ever since elementary school. He was also the self-declared “boss” of the Virginia Restaurant corner. His parents were impervious to his unruly behavior and insisted that he stay in school until he graduated. At age 21 and still in the 11th grade his prospects for completing his high school education weren’t looking so good. Fortunately for Buddy, Butch had other priorities. “We’ll continue this later, Polk. Me and the boys have a little project we’re working on.”
Finally, it was time for Buddy to meet with the Guidance Counselor. “Charles Polk. Charles Polk. Come talk to me,” yelled Mr. Bromley.
Even though the students unmercifully teased Wilbert Bromley, they liked him. It was obvious that he genuinely cared about them and wanted all of them to succeed in life. He was particularly fond of Buddy, who, he believed, showed great promise. “Your grades aren’t the best, but I still believe you can do something special with your life.”
“Just don’t know what that is,” said Buddy.
“Nobody says you have to know that now. Why don’t you talk with the state Highway Department? They’re looking for some reliable graduates to work with them during the summer and there is a possibility that they could offer you something more permanent. Check it out. Have you thought of the ministry? You have the makings of a great pastor: leader in your church youth group, Eagle Scout, an excellent reputation.”
“Mom’s been pushing me in that direction,” said Buddy while drumming his fingers on the table. “Just going to have to give that a lot of thought. Not so sure that college and seminary are for me.”
When Buddy returned to the exhibit area, he saw his friend, Donnie, standing alone in front of the stage, and looking somber. What’s up with him, he wondered and then maneuvered his way through the sea of students to get his answer.
“Are you OK?”
“No,” said Donnie while staring at the floor.
“What’s the problem?”
“Not gonna graduate.”
“What? You can do extra work.”
“Won’t help. No Marine Corps for me.”
Just then they were interrupted by screams and shouting coming from near the rear exit.
“Get out,” someone yelled.
“Get that thing out of here,” yelled another.
As the panic escalated the object of the concern appeared at center court.
“Skunk” someone shouted. “Run.”
Donnie and Buddy quickly jumped up on the stage and took advantage of an exit behind the platform. As students, faculty, and visitors congregated in the parking lot, Buddy spotted Butch Abercrombie and his devoted followers bent over in laughter.
“English Leather,” said Buddy and then he laughed.
“What are you talking about?” asked Donnie, who had become so distracted by the skunk incident that he had temporarily forgotten his disappointment.
Buddy then explained his encounter with Butch Abercrombie and how he reeked of cologne. And from across the schoolyard, Butch could be heard yelling, “April Fool. Got you. Got all of you.”
Graduation Day – May 28, 1953
1:00 p.m.
The Polk family had never been down this road before. In fact, no one in the immediate family made it passed the 5th grade. For Charlie Polk, Sr., who couldn’t read or write, this was an exceptionally special day and he was on his best behavior. He and Mable even managed to enjoy one another’s company as they traveled to Leggett Department Store in Winchester where they shopped for clothing appropriate for the occasion. He only hummed twice. Once when he saw what he would have to pay for a suit and a second time when Mable suggested that they stop at a restaurant. He gave in, but both decided that her cooking was better and a whole lot cheaper.
Meanwhile, the 52 members of the Strasburg High School Class of 1953 gathered in the school auditorium for a dress rehearsal for the big event. There was much excitement as they received their caps and gowns, but it was also a sad time for Buddy, who would be graduating without his best friend. Donnie Turner was so discouraged by his misfortune that he took a sick day from school. There was, at least, a little good news. All he had to do was pass Math and Science in summer school and by the end of August, he would be awarded a diploma. The Marine recruiter assured him that he would be permitted to enlist in the fall.
The students were ordered to gather in the back of the auditorium. In charge was the Senior Class sponsor and French teacher, Patricia Stover, affectionately referred to as the Homeroom Goddess. Just out of college, Patty was a stunning redhead who was the object of many schoolboy crushes. Buddy was so taken with her that he signed up for her French class which he hated and barely passed. When his mother expressed surprise at his interest in French, he responded, “The subject matter is awful, but the view is incredible.” She surmised that there must be some beautiful flowers or trees outside the classroom window.
While caps and gowns were distributed, Buddy struck up a conversation with Bobbie Jean, the closest thing he ever had to a real girlfriend. “Not the same without Donnie.”
“You’ve got me,” quipped Bobbie Jean while reaching out to straighten Buddy’s cap.
“That I do. You are considerably prettier than him.”
“Still can’t believe you start your new job on Monday. What did your mother say?
“Haven’t told them yet.”
“Bu
ddy, it’s already Thursday. Why haven’t you told them?”
“Mama’s gonna freak out.”
“That’s no excuse.”
On June 1st, Buddy was scheduled to catch a bus for Richmond for indoctrination and training with the Virginia State Highway Department. Although it was little more than a bean counting job, he was excited to have an opportunity to spend the summer traveling around the state. Bobbie Jean did not share Buddy’s enthusiasm over his summer employment plan. She secretly thought that Buddy might just be her Mr. Right. She had a miserable home life due to a single mom who was domineering and overprotective and saw Buddy as her ticket out of “mother’s dungeon.”
“Hey, Bud,” called Johnny Ledbetter from across the room.
Buddy waved for his old friend from the Scouts to join them. “Get on over here, Johnny. Bobbie will straighten your cap for you.”
“Behave,” said Bobbie Jean gently punching Buddy’s shoulder.
“You ain’t gonna believe what dad and mom gave me for a graduation gift?” said Johnny.
Buddy and Bobbie Jean waited for the big news.
“A brand new car. Well, it’s not new. But soon as these big doings are over tonight…she’s mine.” How ‘bout you come ridin’ with me after it’s over? A bunch of us are going. It’ll be swell.”
“Gosh, I don’t know,” said Buddy.
“I thought you were taking me to the senior bonfire,” objected Bobbie Jean.
“You can come, too,” said Johnny. “The more, the merrier.”
“No way my parents would go for that.”
“Maybe another time,” said Buddy thinking that his parents would have the same reaction.
From the auditorium stage, Patty Stover called out to get the student’s attention. “Line up in alphabetical order and no talking.”
An unidentified voice from behind Buddy responded to Patty’s directive. “How can somebody so pretty be so bossy?”
“I heard that,” yelled Miss Stover resulting in laughter from the assembly.
A few practice runs, accompanied by a shaky rendition of Pomp and Circumstance by the high school band, and the rehearsal was over. “Your families need to be here no later than 7:00 if they want a good seat. I need all of you lined up and ready to go by 7:30,” commanded the teacher, “And be sure to have your lockers cleaned out before you leave this afternoon.
6:00 p.m.
Helen and Woody were late for everything. They were even late for their own wedding. The Winchester preacher that was hired to marry them was already headed out the door when they arrived. Yes, they were married away from Strasburg, just the two of them, and Mable and Charlie found out, after the fact.
Knowing their reputation for tardiness, Mable set the meeting time for attending Buddy’s graduation, 30 minutes early. “5:30 and don’t be late,” she told Helen.
Helen had given strict instructions that Buddy was not to leave until she had a chance to take pictures. He nervously paced, back and forth, from the kitchen to the living room, resulting in series of irritated hums from Charlie. “I’ve got to go,” insisted Buddy.
Finally, Woody’s black Ford pulled into the driveway. Within seconds, Helen was handing out orders as to who was to stand where, with whom, and “smile whether you feel like it or not.” Then she ordered Woody, the perfectionist, to take her picture with Buddy. It took Woody so long to snap the photo that she screamed, “Dammit, Woody. Hurry up.”
“What did you say?” responded her disbelieving mother.
“I said, ‘Dang it.’”
Woody laughed so hard he dropped the camera.
“Now look at what you’ve done,” she snapped, which led to another heated argument between the couple.
Buddy insisted that there was no need for bickering and that this was supposed to be a special time. Apologies followed, order was restored, and the family piled into Woody’s car, all six of them. Other than a few complaints from Helen about Woody’s driving, the short trip to the high school went without further incident.
8:00 p.m.
Valedictorian, Trudy Miller, promised that her speech would last no longer than 20 minutes. At 30 minutes, she was still talking, which led to several students trying to get her attention while pointing to their watches. Even after she said, “And in conclusion,” she rambled on for 10 more minutes. Buddy couldn’t understand why she was so fired up about “The Woman Who Will Someday Be President.” He bet his daddy about fell out of his seat when he heard her opening statement. “If I can be President of the Senior Class, why can’t a woman be President of the United States?” Even more curious was what happened when she finally wrapped it up. The girls in the auditorium went nuts. Lord, help us, thought Buddy. It wasn’t that good.
When Buddy received his diploma, there wasn’t a dry eye among those in his family, except for Dickie, who had fallen asleep from boredom somewhere around the time when Principal White said, “Good evening and welcome.”
The ceremony ended with a prayer from the pastor of the Strasburg Christian Church and the long awaited pronouncement from the Shenandoah County Superintendent of Schools, Colonel Beauregard Wentworth III. “Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you the Strasburg High School graduates of 1953.” Of course, his words were met with thunderous applause, joyous cheers, and more tears.
10:00 p.m.
Buddy and Bobbie Jean met at the football field with about 30 of their classmates for an all-night bonfire celebration for the graduates. It was intended as a safe alternative to some of the riskier graduate activities. However, Mable took exception to an event in which boys and girls spent the night together on blankets calling it “downright shameful.” When Buddy assured her that it was a chaperoned outing, she added, “I don’t care if it is chaperoned by the Pope, himself. It just ain’t right.”
They laughed, joked, and told old stories about their school years. Most of them had known each other since first grade and consequently a close-knit group. Ricky Kline brought his guitar and led the group in some popular folk songs and even a few hymns. But, unfortunately for Bobbie Jean, she learned something about Buddy that tarnished his shining star. He couldn’t sing. Not even a little bit. So awful, in fact, that she had to hold her ears. When she could take it no more, she suggested that it was time to tell more stories.
Just after midnight, a car pulled into the parking lot and someone came running toward them. “Where’s Jane?” someone yelled frantically. “Jane Himmelright, where are you?”
“Over here, Uncle John?” replied Jane rising to her feet. “What’s the matter?”
They were too far away from Buddy to hear what was said but when Jane screamed, they all knew that something tragic had happened. “Oh, my God. Oh, no. Not Larry. Tell me it’s not so.”
After Jane had departed with her uncle, those who were seated nearby explained the reason for her emotional outburst. There had been an accident on Highway 11 just outside Strasburg, coming down what was known as Hupp’s Hill. Jane’s brother, Larry, and 4 other teens were killed when the car in which they were riding went over an embankment and struck a tree.
Buddy asked if they heard who else was killed in the accident. “Don’t know all of the names. We just heard that Johnny Ledbetter was driving and that none of them made it.”
All of them were shocked and worried about who else would be found among the dead. Buddy held Bobbie Jean as she cried. “That could have been you tonight,” she said. “He wanted you to go. He asked both of us.”
“It wasn’t our time,” said Buddy and then he stood up and helped Bobbie Jean to her feet. Like he had done as a youth leader in his church so many times before, Buddy called for his friends to join him in prayer.
“Lord, this is a hard one. We don’t know why this had to happen. We pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones. And I pray for my friends here…that they…that we… may find peace in the midst of this storm. We need you now more than ever. Please help everyone hurt by this trage
dy. Amen.”
News travels fast in a small town and sometimes it’s not always accurate. A reliable list of those killed wasn’t available until the story appeared in Saturday’s edition of the Northern Virginia Daily. In all, five youngsters were killed. Besides Johnny Ledbetter and Larry Himmelright, Joseph Wills, Carter Downey, and Jeremy Watkins, were listed among the dead.
There are times in our lives designated for celebration: Christmas, Easter, birthdays, weddings, graduation, and the like. But when tragedy strikes those milestone events become painful reminders that we would just as soon forget. So it was for the Class of ’53. May 28th. A sad day that should have been a great day.
Goodbye Bobbie Jean – Friday, May 29, 1953
Buddy’s life had kicked into high gear. Graduation on Thursday, his eighteenth birthday on Saturday, and the beginning of his first job on Monday. And there still remained one small detail that he had avoided. He still had not told his parents that he was leaving home for the summer.
The primary reason for delaying the announcement was concern over how his mother would take the news. The longest he had ever been away from home was one weekend in April when he attended a science competition at the College of William and Mary. Even that only required a one-night absence, but Mable was so overcome with worry that she was bedridden for three days. Then there was the matter of his father’s excessive drinking. He hated to place that burden on his mother whose health had been fragile since the heart attack in 1950.
At 9:30, Friday morning, Buddy joined his mother in the kitchen. Charlie, who worked the graveyard shift at the Viscose plant, would be home any minute. This would be the time that he would finally break the news.
“You’re up early,” said Mable while pouring corncake batter in a cast iron skillet. “Helen will be here for your birthday tomorrow evening. Don’t go running off.”
“What time?”
“She said ‘about five.’”
“So we can expect her about six.”
“Be nice. I think I hear your daddy.”
The American Viscose Corporation provided bus service for employees who lived in nearby towns. From the drop-off point in downtown Strasburg, it was only a 10-minute walk to the Polk residence.
Farewell PFC Polk: The End of a Nightmare (In the Valley of Hope Book 2) Page 3