Kingswood Oxford High School - Retrospect Yearbook (West Hartford, CT)

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Robert Charles Thompson “Pinky” Robert Thompson entered Kingswood in 1950 as a Third Form member. In this eventful first year he acquired two new additions to his name: the nickname Pinky” dreamed up by Steve Horton, and an impressive “W” added to his initials, through a typographical error in the school office. In this form, he nailed down a position on the Honor Roll while doing yeoman duty on Lancaster football, basketball and baseball teams. Fourth Form again saw him on the Honor Roll for the year plus Jayvee football and basketball squads where he won his numerals. The prized Williams Scholarship for excellence in studies was awarded to Pinky this year. In a lighter vein, this was also the year in which he developed his famous Johnnie Ray singing style, and in some quarters “Mr. Emotion was considered a poor second to our Pink. Naturally, after that, Mr. Waterman's choir enrolled him and so did the Dance Committee and Dramatic Club. In our startlingly successful You Cunt Tu!{c It With You, his portrayal of Mr. Depinna was one of the highlights of the show. Also in the Fifth Form, he won his Varsity letter in football and lacrosse, playing tackle and goalie. He wintered with Mr. Knapp’s wrestlers. Sixth Form saw Pink a bright spot in Bob Barrows’ defensive line during the fall, busy as a beaver in the winter with the Classbook business, and larruping around with lacrosse in the spring. A stalwart pillar in the choir, he was also elected to two responsible positions, senior class committee member and vice-president of the ('lass of ’54. His bright smile and ready sense of humor will always Ik remembered and wherever he goes from here, we wish him the best of luck and know he will do well. 26

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Lowell Terrill Spillane “Terry” Among the terrorists of the regime that appeared in the fall of 1951 was one L. T. Spillane, better known around the campus as “Terry”. The picture of innocent bewilderment, he quickly ran up a series of exploits around and about these ivied walls that will be long remembered when Kingswood men gather round in reminiscent frame of mind. Even in his early days his interest in cars was more than to get to the nearest powder snow with Mr. Goodwin’s ski team. His supple- ness of the slopes as well as his skill in a schuss was rewarded when he was elected captain of the ski team his senior year. Yes, Terry certainly is limber on the lumber. His deftness in skiing no doubt helped turn him into one of the best defensive ends Kingswood has had, and there arc many ball carriers who have gone down in the relentless arms of our man Terry who can bear witness to that claim. Terry is the proud owner of a 1941 Spillanomobile (Plymouth to the Motor Vehicle Department). One of its more fabulous exploits was the trip it took Terry and Ralph on in the general direction of Maine, with a slight pause at Hampton Beach, N. H., for more than a look at the scenery. The Foreign Policy Association, Dramatic Club, the News, the Class Book and the Wyt ern all absorbed what time he had left from his studies and athletics. Those he worked with will always remember how willing he was to lend a hand, and how he brightened the dull days with many a good joke. 25

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Robert Henry Vandestadt “Van” One bright September morning in the Fall of 1951 a tall, slim fellow ambled down Outlook Avc. in the direction of his newly adopted school. He was clad in a shiny pair of shoes, a new pair of pants, a white shirt, open at the neck, and a snazzy new Hall High sweater. He was com- fortable! Van obviously didn’t realize it at the time, but he was in for a surprise. When he walked through the gate, he was given a warm welcome by Mr. Hewett who was greeting all the new boys on this first day. Five minutes later, Van was still with Mr. Hewett. You see, Mr. Hewett thought Van would look a great deal better if he were wearing a tie and coat. The following morning it was apparent that he had taken the hint, for he came with his own tic and coat. During his three years at Kingswood, Van has taken an active part in the various exercise programs. He worked hardest at the Winter program, especially during his Junior year. At that time he conveniently dropped an automobile generator on his left foot the very day the program started. Every Spring, as a loyal member of Mr. Eblcn’s great team of aggressive, blood- thirsty, mud-men, a group who fancy themselves as lacrosse players, Van could be seen daily batting Schroder over the head (the poor little guy) with his lacrosse stick. Due to his animal instincts, Van spent his summers climbing trees for a local tree service company. We all must have our fun! While at Kingswood, Van played many sports. He was a very good athlete. That is to say until Schroder finally hit him back. During the three seasons he played, Van won Junior Varsity numerals and two letters in Soccer. He also won three letters in lacrosse. He was an active member of the Dramatic Club. The school loses a great guy as Van starts off for college. We all wish him well and know that he will be a great success. 27