Harold Welborn with his wife Janet.
With Harold and Janet are their son, Mike and their daughter, Linda.
The following "Write Up" is by Harold.
After graduating in 1953 I dabbled around a while with several different jobs in the Rockport area, then Glen Stewart and I decided to take a trip to Oregon that fall. He made it back in time for Christmas that year, but I am still here!
In June of 1954 I went into the Air Force. I was an Airborne Radio Mechanic working on fighter jets in Louisiana, France and Germany until I received my discharged in December 1957.
I then returned to Oregon and had a big year in 1958. I got married to Janet Hanson in Bend, Oregon; started college; and we had our daughter. While in college I had the GI Bill and usually two or three jobs while going to school full time. I completed college in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. I graduated on Sunday June 10, 1962 and started work full time for the US Forest Service on June 11, 1962 at Mount Hood National Forest. I worked for the Forest Service on 4 different Forests in Oregon and Washington until January 1986 when I retired as Assistant Forest Supervisor for Administration on the Willamette National Forest headquartered in Eugene, OR. The Willamette was the most productive Forest in the US. We had an expenditure budget of $50,000,000 per year and income of $135,000,000 so we turned a nice little profit for the USA I enjoyed every day of that career.
Shortly before I retired I was elected to the board of directors of a credit union in Eugene, OR. I am still on that board, I also work part time for my brother-in-law in his plumbing business helping to manage the business.
We have two children, a daughter and a son (who is now a Major in the Air Force). Our daughter has a daughter and a son. Our daughter and her family live in Salem, Oregon, which is where my parents lived when they died. Her daughter who is now 21 had a daughter April 2006; so we are great grandparents now. Our son has two sons. The Air Force just transferred him from the Pentagon to Los Angeles this month.
With Harold and Janet are their son, Mike and their daughter, Linda.
The following "Write Up" is by Harold.
After graduating in 1953 I dabbled around a while with several different jobs in the Rockport area, then Glen Stewart and I decided to take a trip to Oregon that fall. He made it back in time for Christmas that year, but I am still here!
In June of 1954 I went into the Air Force. I was an Airborne Radio Mechanic working on fighter jets in Louisiana, France and Germany until I received my discharged in December 1957.
I then returned to Oregon and had a big year in 1958. I got married to Janet Hanson in Bend, Oregon; started college; and we had our daughter. While in college I had the GI Bill and usually two or three jobs while going to school full time. I completed college in 1962 with a degree in Business Administration from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. I graduated on Sunday June 10, 1962 and started work full time for the US Forest Service on June 11, 1962 at Mount Hood National Forest. I worked for the Forest Service on 4 different Forests in Oregon and Washington until January 1986 when I retired as Assistant Forest Supervisor for Administration on the Willamette National Forest headquartered in Eugene, OR. The Willamette was the most productive Forest in the US. We had an expenditure budget of $50,000,000 per year and income of $135,000,000 so we turned a nice little profit for the USA I enjoyed every day of that career.
Shortly before I retired I was elected to the board of directors of a credit union in Eugene, OR. I am still on that board, I also work part time for my brother-in-law in his plumbing business helping to manage the business.
We have two children, a daughter and a son (who is now a Major in the Air Force). Our daughter has a daughter and a son. Our daughter and her family live in Salem, Oregon, which is where my parents lived when they died. Her daughter who is now 21 had a daughter April 2006; so we are great grandparents now. Our son has two sons. The Air Force just transferred him from the Pentagon to Los Angeles this month.
Lake Saling is pictured above with Jimmy Durbin. Lake is on the left.
Lake was a 1953 Graduate of Rockport High School. Guess that Lake knew that he would be in some form of business, even prior to graduation. He had not been out of school long when he opened a restaurant in Rockport. A restaurant in Rockport takes time to get established and the overall income is not great enough to keep a young person in business for long. Lake married and then moved to Morgantown to enter the banking business. This endeavor was more to Lake's career opportunity and he continued with being a banker. From here he opened a place of business in Morgantown. I am not sure the exact business, but this old brain of mine remembers some form of boat building. May be off base here and will correct if information becomes available.
After a few years of living and working in Morgantown, Lake decided to give politics a try. He gave it a good try and became mayor and served in that capacity until he decided to return to a more tranquil life. He retired and lived in Morgantown until his death. I am not aware of the number of children and grandchildren and will make information available if it becomes available to me.
Lake was a 1953 Graduate of Rockport High School. Guess that Lake knew that he would be in some form of business, even prior to graduation. He had not been out of school long when he opened a restaurant in Rockport. A restaurant in Rockport takes time to get established and the overall income is not great enough to keep a young person in business for long. Lake married and then moved to Morgantown to enter the banking business. This endeavor was more to Lake's career opportunity and he continued with being a banker. From here he opened a place of business in Morgantown. I am not sure the exact business, but this old brain of mine remembers some form of boat building. May be off base here and will correct if information becomes available.
After a few years of living and working in Morgantown, Lake decided to give politics a try. He gave it a good try and became mayor and served in that capacity until he decided to return to a more tranquil life. He retired and lived in Morgantown until his death. I am not aware of the number of children and grandchildren and will make information available if it becomes available to me.
Clemmer Rae Curtis and her husband, Bobby.
Clemmer "Tootsie" Curtis went to work for Lawton Insurance Company in Central City after graduating from Rockport High School in 1953. After a year or so of work, she met a local young man that would soon be her husband. Bobby Morris and Tootsie married and settled down in Central City. A daughter was born later and ended Tootsie's working career with Lawton Insurance Company. Some time later, Bobby applied for work at the Louisville Gas and Electric Power Generating Plant in Louisville and was offered a good job with a training program that he accepted. He then worked for Louisville Gas and Electric until retirement.
After a few moves in and around Louisville, Bobby and Tootsie found that ideal place to raise a family and made their final move to Brandenburg, Kentucky. Brandenburg was close enough for Bobby's to be able to drive to work in Louisville, and far enough from Louisville to raise a family and they added a son. Now retired and enjoying life is a small town environment, Bobby and Tootsie are able to drive to Louisville for needs that can only be found in a large city. The grandchildren now number five that includes a set of twins.
Clemmer "Tootsie" Curtis went to work for Lawton Insurance Company in Central City after graduating from Rockport High School in 1953. After a year or so of work, she met a local young man that would soon be her husband. Bobby Morris and Tootsie married and settled down in Central City. A daughter was born later and ended Tootsie's working career with Lawton Insurance Company. Some time later, Bobby applied for work at the Louisville Gas and Electric Power Generating Plant in Louisville and was offered a good job with a training program that he accepted. He then worked for Louisville Gas and Electric until retirement.
After a few moves in and around Louisville, Bobby and Tootsie found that ideal place to raise a family and made their final move to Brandenburg, Kentucky. Brandenburg was close enough for Bobby's to be able to drive to work in Louisville, and far enough from Louisville to raise a family and they added a son. Now retired and enjoying life is a small town environment, Bobby and Tootsie are able to drive to Louisville for needs that can only be found in a large city. The grandchildren now number five that includes a set of twins.
Shirley Blair.
Shirley married Bobby Singleton soon after graduating from High School. They moved to Louisville when Bobby was able to find work at the big General Electric Appliance Park. They raised a family of two boys and one girl in Louisville. Three grandchildren were produced from their three children.
Shirley died in 2002 from cancer and other related problems.
Shirley married Bobby Singleton soon after graduating from High School. They moved to Louisville when Bobby was able to find work at the big General Electric Appliance Park. They raised a family of two boys and one girl in Louisville. Three grandchildren were produced from their three children.
Shirley died in 2002 from cancer and other related problems.
Analee Fulkerson.
Analee Fulkerson married Willard Thomas on October 20, 1960 and they proceeded to make their home on Hwy. 1245, in Rockport, KY. They have two daughters, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Willard was in the coal mining industry for thirty one years before retirement. Analee was happy to be a mother and housewife. She is always ready to meet you at the door with a smile and with an invite to come in for a visit.
Their retirement joy is with their two generations of grandchildren. Willard loves to garden and to keep the flowers in bloom with his flower gardens. Garden produce is always shared with the neighbors. He says that he also enjoys mowing the lawn. Like countless others, the both of them can be spotted shopping at Wal-Mart.
It does sound as if two people have found their dream home after retirement.
Analee Fulkerson married Willard Thomas on October 20, 1960 and they proceeded to make their home on Hwy. 1245, in Rockport, KY. They have two daughters, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Willard was in the coal mining industry for thirty one years before retirement. Analee was happy to be a mother and housewife. She is always ready to meet you at the door with a smile and with an invite to come in for a visit.
Their retirement joy is with their two generations of grandchildren. Willard loves to garden and to keep the flowers in bloom with his flower gardens. Garden produce is always shared with the neighbors. He says that he also enjoys mowing the lawn. Like countless others, the both of them can be spotted shopping at Wal-Mart.
It does sound as if two people have found their dream home after retirement.
Charles (COB) O'Brien with his wife Shirley.
Charles O'Brien and his wife Shirley now live in the Nelson community after his service in the Navy and a thirty year career with Ford Motor Company in Chicago. COB graduated from Rockport High School in 1953 and signed up for a four year tour with the Navy. After serving his country, he went to Chicago in 1958 for work with the Ford Motor Company. After a thirty year career with Ford "COB" came back to the Ohio County area and eventually settled in Muhlenberg County. In 1981, he married Shirley McCoy and they settled in the Nelson Community for retirement.
There are no children from this marriage, but between them, there are two daughters and three grandchildren. Charles had one daughter from a previous marriage and currently there are two grandchildren. His daughter and her children usually visit the O'Brien's annually. Shirley has one daughter from a previous marriage. Currently there is one grandson and he and his mother live in Paducah. Their visits to the O'Brien's are more frequent.
Charles O'Brien and his wife Shirley now live in the Nelson community after his service in the Navy and a thirty year career with Ford Motor Company in Chicago. COB graduated from Rockport High School in 1953 and signed up for a four year tour with the Navy. After serving his country, he went to Chicago in 1958 for work with the Ford Motor Company. After a thirty year career with Ford "COB" came back to the Ohio County area and eventually settled in Muhlenberg County. In 1981, he married Shirley McCoy and they settled in the Nelson Community for retirement.
There are no children from this marriage, but between them, there are two daughters and three grandchildren. Charles had one daughter from a previous marriage and currently there are two grandchildren. His daughter and her children usually visit the O'Brien's annually. Shirley has one daughter from a previous marriage. Currently there is one grandson and he and his mother live in Paducah. Their visits to the O'Brien's are more frequent.
Jimmy Sheffield.
Need some help on Jimmy Sheffield. Will update if I can get some info. Thanks.
Need some help on Jimmy Sheffield. Will update if I can get some info. Thanks.
James Edward Durbin pictured above with two of his sisters at the 2004 Durbin Reunion..
Jimmy Durbin never entertained any idea of working anywhere other than the Illinois Central Railroad. After graduation, like his brother before him, Jimmy became a Depot Agent Trainee. He was able to work, at the Rockport Depot, under the supervision of his father and other Depot Agents in the immediate area. The military draft was in effect at this time, but he would not be called while he was in training. After he completed the training program, instead of being drafted, he enlisted in the Air Force. The Cold War was going on at this time, and the big bombers were our primary means of deterrent. The B-49 USAF bomber was being phased out by the larger B-52 bomber. Jimmy, after Technical School at Scott AFB, became a member of a B-49 Bomber crew. His few years of service to his country were enjoyable, but Railroading was his primary love.
Jimmy, when discharged from the Air Force, secured his old job with the Illinois Central Railroad. He was able to work in the Rockport area for a few years and became knowledgeable of trains, rails and railroad bridges. One of his areas of responsibility was the Rockport Railroad Bridge. During periods of high water level of the Green River, the bridge had to be operated so that it would not impede barge traffic on the river. If the bridge had to be raised at two o'clock in the morning, during a winter storm, Jimmy was called to do such chore. Trains used the Rockport Bridge and barges used the Green River. Jimmy was there to make sure that there was minimal conflict between the two.
The love of his company, knowledge of his job, plus responsibility and determination gave Jimmy the opportunity to transfer to Chicago to work in the home office of the Illinois Central Railroad Company. Although he had to commute to downtown Chicago, Jimmy continued his learning of the railroad system and his job responsibilities. He worked his way up the corporate ladder and became Head Dispatcher before retirement.
In 1960 Jimmy married Cindy Dolfinger from Beaver Dam. They lived in the Rockport area while Jimmy was working at the Rockport Depot and filling in at other depots in the area. Two daughters were added to the family before the move to Illinois. Jimmy and Cindy found a nice home in a subdivision near Chicago and settled in to raise their family. Three grandchildren have since been added.
Jimmy was an active member of "The Order of The Masons" at Rockport and he continued his membership participation in the Chicago area. Level advancements continued with the Mason's and Jimmy worked his way up to the highest level in the order of the Mason's in the State of Illinois. This positions allows the holder to serve a one year term as the "Head Mason" and Jimmy was selected to that position. After a year, he was required to give his position to another, but still continues as an active member of the "Order Of The Masons".
Jimmy Durbin never entertained any idea of working anywhere other than the Illinois Central Railroad. After graduation, like his brother before him, Jimmy became a Depot Agent Trainee. He was able to work, at the Rockport Depot, under the supervision of his father and other Depot Agents in the immediate area. The military draft was in effect at this time, but he would not be called while he was in training. After he completed the training program, instead of being drafted, he enlisted in the Air Force. The Cold War was going on at this time, and the big bombers were our primary means of deterrent. The B-49 USAF bomber was being phased out by the larger B-52 bomber. Jimmy, after Technical School at Scott AFB, became a member of a B-49 Bomber crew. His few years of service to his country were enjoyable, but Railroading was his primary love.
Jimmy, when discharged from the Air Force, secured his old job with the Illinois Central Railroad. He was able to work in the Rockport area for a few years and became knowledgeable of trains, rails and railroad bridges. One of his areas of responsibility was the Rockport Railroad Bridge. During periods of high water level of the Green River, the bridge had to be operated so that it would not impede barge traffic on the river. If the bridge had to be raised at two o'clock in the morning, during a winter storm, Jimmy was called to do such chore. Trains used the Rockport Bridge and barges used the Green River. Jimmy was there to make sure that there was minimal conflict between the two.
The love of his company, knowledge of his job, plus responsibility and determination gave Jimmy the opportunity to transfer to Chicago to work in the home office of the Illinois Central Railroad Company. Although he had to commute to downtown Chicago, Jimmy continued his learning of the railroad system and his job responsibilities. He worked his way up the corporate ladder and became Head Dispatcher before retirement.
In 1960 Jimmy married Cindy Dolfinger from Beaver Dam. They lived in the Rockport area while Jimmy was working at the Rockport Depot and filling in at other depots in the area. Two daughters were added to the family before the move to Illinois. Jimmy and Cindy found a nice home in a subdivision near Chicago and settled in to raise their family. Three grandchildren have since been added.
Jimmy was an active member of "The Order of The Masons" at Rockport and he continued his membership participation in the Chicago area. Level advancements continued with the Mason's and Jimmy worked his way up to the highest level in the order of the Mason's in the State of Illinois. This positions allows the holder to serve a one year term as the "Head Mason" and Jimmy was selected to that position. After a year, he was required to give his position to another, but still continues as an active member of the "Order Of The Masons".
Picture of Billy Sharp was supplied by Sue O'Brien and Jane Sharp. Thanks you two.
William Wright "Billy" Sharp was a native of Muhlenberg County, and like a lot of others before and after him, he elected to attend High School at Rockport. Several students from Martwick and Nelson Creek graduated from Rockport and Billy was just one of many. He graduated in 1953 and continued his education in Bowling Green at a trade school where he studied electricity. From there, he completed an apprenticeship program with Local Union #1701 in Owensboro, Kentucky.
In 1956 Billy married Oleda Jane Mayhugh and the marriage produced a son and a daughter. His two children and their marriages have given Billy two grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. Billy was a native of Central City when he died in March of 2003. He was an active member of the Nelson Creek Missionary Baptist Church.
Billy Sharp was an Army Veteran and prior to and after his service to his country he tried the personal business scene for a few years before he was offered work of a maintenance nature with Ayrgem Mine in Muhlenberg. He retired from Arch Minerals Coal Company, Ayrgem Mine as a maintenance supervisor in 1990.
William Wright "Billy" Sharp was a native of Muhlenberg County, and like a lot of others before and after him, he elected to attend High School at Rockport. Several students from Martwick and Nelson Creek graduated from Rockport and Billy was just one of many. He graduated in 1953 and continued his education in Bowling Green at a trade school where he studied electricity. From there, he completed an apprenticeship program with Local Union #1701 in Owensboro, Kentucky.
In 1956 Billy married Oleda Jane Mayhugh and the marriage produced a son and a daughter. His two children and their marriages have given Billy two grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. Billy was a native of Central City when he died in March of 2003. He was an active member of the Nelson Creek Missionary Baptist Church.
Billy Sharp was an Army Veteran and prior to and after his service to his country he tried the personal business scene for a few years before he was offered work of a maintenance nature with Ayrgem Mine in Muhlenberg. He retired from Arch Minerals Coal Company, Ayrgem Mine as a maintenance supervisor in 1990.
Bobby Lester Singleton
Bobby Singleton was a 1953 Graduate of Rockport High School and was a five-year varsity basketball player. Soon after graduating, he married his high school sweetheart. His love of basketball never diminished and he played for years on his company's basketball teams. He was also a basketball referee at the college level for thirty-two years.
Bobby was drafted into the Army soon after graduating from high school. After serving his country, for two years, he returned home and was able to find work at General Electric's Appliance Park in Louisville, Kentucky. His working career for G. E. lasted forty years and he settled in Louisville for his retirement years. Retirement was enjoyable, but Bobby enjoyed being busy and he worked for a Vending Company for several years after his retirement from General Electric.
Bobby married Shirley Blair, his high school sweetheart, and took her to Louisville where they made their home. Three children came from this marriage, a girl and two boys. From those three children, three grandchildren were produced for Bobby and Shirley to enjoy and to spoil. After a few years of retirement and several other endeavors, Bobby decided that he wanted to help others. At this writing, he has just returned from Africa where he worked with a missionary group. Much self-satisfaction came from this trip and he has intentions of returning.
Guess his message to his friends and family says it all and I quote: "I now live by myself. Will be going back to Africa in the spring to win people over to the Lord. I will always be a Rockport Tiger."
Bobby Singleton was a 1953 Graduate of Rockport High School and was a five-year varsity basketball player. Soon after graduating, he married his high school sweetheart. His love of basketball never diminished and he played for years on his company's basketball teams. He was also a basketball referee at the college level for thirty-two years.
Bobby was drafted into the Army soon after graduating from high school. After serving his country, for two years, he returned home and was able to find work at General Electric's Appliance Park in Louisville, Kentucky. His working career for G. E. lasted forty years and he settled in Louisville for his retirement years. Retirement was enjoyable, but Bobby enjoyed being busy and he worked for a Vending Company for several years after his retirement from General Electric.
Bobby married Shirley Blair, his high school sweetheart, and took her to Louisville where they made their home. Three children came from this marriage, a girl and two boys. From those three children, three grandchildren were produced for Bobby and Shirley to enjoy and to spoil. After a few years of retirement and several other endeavors, Bobby decided that he wanted to help others. At this writing, he has just returned from Africa where he worked with a missionary group. Much self-satisfaction came from this trip and he has intentions of returning.
Guess his message to his friends and family says it all and I quote: "I now live by myself. Will be going back to Africa in the spring to win people over to the Lord. I will always be a Rockport Tiger."
The Rockport Tiger.
This small town school in Rockport, with a Tiger as a mascot, always seem to have its' share of athletes. Football and soccer were not popular in this time frame and were not played in the county schools. Some of the other sports that were played included baseball, tennis, volleyball, and a few other sports. Basketball was the serious sport and Rockport, along with the other seven schools in the county went all out for the game of basketball. Rockport Basketball never advanced to the State Tournament, but the school always seemed to have teams that could compete with the other local schools. The 1952-53 Rockport Basketball team was certainly among the elite of the teams from Rockport. This 1952-53 team came close to advancing to the State Tournament and a few breaks during the Regional Tournament and it could have gone down in the Kentucky Basketball History books as a participant in the 1953 State Basketball Tournament. Way to go, team members.
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This small town school in Rockport, with a Tiger as a mascot, always seem to have its' share of athletes. Football and soccer were not popular in this time frame and were not played in the county schools. Some of the other sports that were played included baseball, tennis, volleyball, and a few other sports. Basketball was the serious sport and Rockport, along with the other seven schools in the county went all out for the game of basketball. Rockport Basketball never advanced to the State Tournament, but the school always seemed to have teams that could compete with the other local schools. The 1952-53 Rockport Basketball team was certainly among the elite of the teams from Rockport. This 1952-53 team came close to advancing to the State Tournament and a few breaks during the Regional Tournament and it could have gone down in the Kentucky Basketball History books as a participant in the 1953 State Basketball Tournament. Way to go, team members.
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When this 1953 Rockport High School team was playing basketball, a higher level
of basketball was being played in Lexington, Kentucky. The University Of Kentucky
Basketball team was the team to beat then as well as the team to beat on into the
twenty-first century. In 1953, Adolph Rupp was the UK coach and his ability to coach
and to produce basketball teams was already a legend and it continues to be a legend
to this day. I don't remember any basketball player from Rockport being able to play
on any of University Of Kentucky Basketball Teams, but most of the Rockport Team players
had their heroes and in most cases, it was a player for the UK Basketball Team. To
this day, UK seems to be the team that most of us root for and hold dear to our hearts.
One reason that most of us have UK as our favorite team was due to an event that occurred
in 1953. Have any ideas? Cawood Ledford, a young sports announcer from Harlan, Kentucky
was hired as the announcer for UK Basketball. He went on to become the voice of the
Wildcats and for most part, the voice of College Basketball. His "Jersey" has been
retired and hangs in the rafters in Rupp Arena. Long live the memory of Cawood.
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