WOW! Where did time go? Public school was over and I could not believe I would now be in college. Visiting my grandparents was not as often as it used to be, seeing relatives on holidays was now slowing down, working at the store was changing, as I was given some time off to study on days before making the move to Wards and it felt good that I could finally catch up with my study habits. At the same time I felt so guilty that I was not doing my part to help out at the store and felt bad Mom kept up the work day into night. It wasn’t until I retired that I realized she had purpose in what she was doing; as she wanted the best for her children and enjoyed us so much, being with people, and feeling productive in life.
Before attending college, everyone is required to take a test to see what course levels they would begin with. Part of the test design was to help the guidance counselors determine what field of study you may have an interest in.
This would be the first time I ever worked with a counselor. Even though they were in our high school; I never had the chance to see one, other than to select my course of study for college.
When the results came back, I needed some remedial classes, but this was to be expected. What caught me by surprise was that they encouraged me to go into “Pharmacy”. I did not have a good background and never thought any more of it, but as life will surprise you; I was so thrilled when our daughter, Gina, entered the field. (But now I am getting ahead of the story)
After the testing, I began college and loved the fact that you could select the courses you wanted and a schedule. This gave so much freedom than how high school. It was enjoyable and I could make a schedule that would give me opportunities to study between classes; staying the day without having to make several trips home. It did not work out all the time, as sometimes I would have to return at night to take a class, but learned to adjust to it. The school schedule worked out well, as work adjusted my schedule as needed.
I realized West Tampa was just a small community and there were people who had lived different lives from me. For the first time, I learned that I was not the only tall person, but among many. In my community, I was considered tall but at college I found many others that were also tall.
For the first time since elementary school, I felt more at ease and made many friends there. I no longer was intimidated and as shy as I was while attending Jr. High and High School. I felt we were all there to learn and had a common bond. People were very friendly and many lived in Tampa, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, and St. Petersburg. This moment in my life, is when I experienced other people’s interest other than the neighborhood; I was brought up in.
I realized what a small community West Tampa was; although, Tampa was considered good size at the time. I now enjoyed learning and being with others while going to school. During middle school, I had been placed in the wrong classes and this made me feel inferior during those years. I never thought of myself as being able to accomplish anything, until leaving high school.
There were many study times for me and some classes were difficult, but I learned to put in long hours to make up for what I was deficient in. I never made all A’s, but had a much higher average than public school.
I enjoyed the teachers, and I thought they provided a good education, but most of all I loved my biology classes. They were my favorite and (in the classes), they would post the grades on an overhead. I was so proud as to be on the top most of the time! In my notes, I remembered that I had many theories about the body and would write what I believed. I wanted to study them later on in life to see if they were proven. I had many theories and felt that one day if I pursued a research career, I would be able to bring them from theory to reality. As simple as it sounds now, it included such things as: food in your diet, you are what you eat, and much more, also I included several hospital inventions used to administer medicine along with types of hospital beds and equipment. (Wish I had my notes now!)
Another of my all-time favorite classes was Philosophy! I would ask questions about Greek Gods and the teacher would respond, “Would you answer that for us, Mr. Stafford.” He knew I was enjoying his class and he enjoyed having me as a student. (His name was Mr. Garrett)
Lunch at college could be purchased there, but rarely did I eat at college. A new restaurant chain was being developed at the time. It was called Mac Donald’s and you could have a drink, a couple of hamburgers, and fries for less than $.65 cents. It was down the street (from the school) and we enjoyed the break to go eat, talk about the day’s activities, and our “social life;” then returning for another class or two. While eating, we would talk about classes and plan what we would do during our free time. Many times if we were taking the same class, we would discuss our notes or plan when to meet and have some library or study time. The library was a great place to study. Often I would study on the front porch of Kathleen and think how wonderful it was to have a free schedule to make your own study times. It was exciting (for the first two years), even though I had to take some basics, but I enjoyed many electives. All classes were exciting, new, and wonderful! For the first time in my life, these classes meant something to me and I wanted to succeed! It was so different from attending high school and working. I did just enough to get by in high school, as wanted to spend time playing; due to a heavy work schedule. School then just did not seem important to me or what I was learning did not seem relevant.
Clearwater Beach was near to college and I thought I would have a chance to go swimming while attending school. I may have gone once or twice, but between school and work there was not much time for it. I enjoyed the area, as it was clean and I hoped one day to move to the Clearwater area.
Going to school meant crossing the Causeway and it was always a beautiful ride. Traffic was rare! You could see the water, trees, and clear blue skies along with fish jumping out of the water and pelicans and sea gulls flying overhead. Because of schedules, I usually would be driving along with fellow classmates. Many times we would car pool when it was suitable, or enjoy a “drag race” on the way to school or coming home. It made the trip more exciting and it seemed faster!
One of the races I opened the car up fast, faster than normal and blew off the muffler and had to re-attach it. Other times, thanks to Skippy Burdick, we had “dumps” setup on the exhaust so you could channel the exhaust before the mufflers. I would do that on days I anticipated a race, but hoped I was not stopped due to loud noise while driving. What crazy, stupid things we do when we are a kid!
There was a few times we would stop and enjoy sitting on the Causeway and talk about school, world events, or how life was at the time.
During high school, I never dated much and the few times I did, it was only a few dates. During Jr. College it seemed like dating was easier, as I enjoyed meeting so many different people. It was fun to experience how others lived and enjoyed the outings and experiences. Most of the dates were not serious or long lasting, as I did not want to get serious with anyone. I was persistent in wanting an education and completing college and did not want anything to stop me! One of my best friends, David Fernandez, became serious during this time and got married. I don’t know if he ever finished college, but that made me more determined to finish school. I realized my parents were paying for my education and did not want to take longer than needed to finish. The “draft” was very influential during that time and for several years college students were exempt. My last year (while at Clearwater) they brought up my number and I was sent to Jacksonville. Lucky for me, I was marked exempt due to a heart condition.
I did meet a girl that I dated over the summer and we became good friends, but I realized I was not ready for anything serious. Her parents owned a small house on Indian Shores and they would invite me some weekends to enjoy the beach. It was always fun going to the beach and it made me realize how much I just enjoyed the area. It was her grandmother who bought my first 22 caliber pistol that I still have today. My cousins and I would go to Uncle Tommy’s Dairy to shoot.
I had seen this gun in a shop somewhere in Tampa. Since I was not of legal age to purchase the pistol, I asked my friend about it and she volunteered her grandmother to purchase it for me.
This picture shows my 22 caliber nine shot pistol. The holster I purchased later on in life. Picture was taken on (1-28-13)
In this picture shows me wearing a wig on and “goofing off” with a friend on a Sunday afternoon. The picture was taken in the mid 60’s while attending Jr. College.
Later in life, I purchased this 25 caliber Beretta from Uncle Pepe. He did not want it anymore and offered to sell it to me. This is beyond the scope of this book, but shows one of few guns I own.
Jr. College continued and I was not sure what I really wanted to become, other than I loved the sciences and felt like something in the medical field would be great. But, I realized that I did not have a strong enough background from high school. The chemistry and math made me think I would never be able to complete the courses, so I never really tried.
In high school the time seemed to fly, but time was even quicker in the Jr. College years. Between the studies, classes, the week-end trips to Miami, and working; time just seemed a blur.
Jr. College seemed to end as soon as it got started! Before I knew it, I was done with my two years and my 60 hours. It was sad (as for the first time) I had enjoyed classes, met good friends, and loved the area. But, it was time again to move on and start another phase of my life! I did not realize it, but during this time there was little time spent with my brothers and family. It was mandatory to be at home, work when I could, see friends in the neighborhood, and help out when possible. Everyone was on a schedule and had their friends. Mom and Dad continued to be the “workforce” bringing in paychecks, making sure the house was kept up, we were fed, clothed, and schooling was in order. Family times were very infrequent with Christmas time being at Aunt Mary and Uncle Tommy’s home. No longer did I have time to spend night with Nonna and Nonno, (something I would never forget). Still when I could, I would cut their grass, visit, and sometimes eat there when possible. Aunt Francis and Uncle Pepe had moved out, Aunt Jennie was still, there but things had changed! Uncle Pepe never gave up on me and would often visit me. For so many years, Nonna’s home was the center of my universe! It was a place to go play, eat, listen to stories, even help out with yard work, or just hang out, and listen to stories. It was a place where time stood still and happiness was all around you!
Clearwater Campus and Parking Lot (2012)
The campus of Clearwater Jr. College was a place I studied, learned, and enjoyed for two years. Many new friends were made there.For the first time, I enjoyed learning and studying. The new social life was a great experience along with new ideas and ways. For the first time, I felt the freedom to learn, to do, and to be in charge of what I was to become. The change from public school to college was one that was welcomed. Biology was one my favoite courses and loved every minute of class and reading about it. A close second was Humanities and the teacher was fanciating.
It was a world which brought out places, stories, and experiences that were so different, but so close to what the real world was about. Although, it was a challenge to study and do well; overall everything seemed to fall into place. It was only a twenty minute ride from home, the area was beautiful, and the drive was scenic along the Causeway.
A Vacation in California
The year was around 1967-68 and my parents decided to vacation in California. Dad’s sister, Aunt Vera, lived there and we had not seen her or our cousins since the days of visiting the farm in Louisiana. Airplane travel was quite an experience and not as it is today, I was happy to go, as my dating was too serious and needed a break.
We flew there for a two week vacation along with Aunt Francis, Uncle Pepe and my cousin, Roseanne. Even though we were not going to be with them upon arrival, the travel there was together.
When you traveled on a plane (back then), people would “see you off” and greet you when you returned. It was exciting to fly and you were treated like” royalty.” (It must have felt like travelers who crossed the ocean and everyone came out to see them off or return). Johnny Carson and his sidekick, “Ed McMahon”, commented on air about the smoothness of airplane fights and they gave an example of how the liquid in their glasses barely moved!
I know all of us were very excited to go on this trip! It would be different from what we had ever done before. All of us were together and it felt great! I think without realizing it, I had missed the times traveling together and needed the time as a whole family again.
I can remember sitting by the window and as we flew across the states looking at all the terrain and listening to the captain state that when we fly over the “Rockies,” it could be a little rough. As we traveled across the country, I realized how different the land was and how many “patterns” you would see across the states. Rivers (that you read about) and states (that bordered each other) came to life, as we soared through the air around 500 to 600 mph. During the entire flight I never felt anything but excitement. I do not remember any rough parts of the trip. It was so exciting seeing the “Rockies” for the first time and seeing the snow on them. Nothing up in the sky felt “real,” but, it was not intimidating to fly; just surreal. We were served drinks (coffee or cokes) when we wanted them, snacks, and complete meals.
Along the way we stayed in our seats, but (thinking back) it would have been wonderful to have had more time to talk with our aunt and uncle. When we arrived in L.A., we went our own way! I believe Aunt Francis was visiting one of her cousins there.
We were picked up at the airport and taken to our motel. We got to enjoy visiting our cousins and playing pool in their house along with the BBQ lunches they made for us. The very first thing I noticed was that their house was worth about thirty thousand dollars. In Tampa, it would be the same house would be ten thousand dollars, Therefore; I knew it was expensive to live in the LA area.
While we were there, we visited Universal Studios and saw how films were made. It was exciting to see some of the sets that we saw on television or in movies. Some of the actors were there while we were visiting, such as the Adams Family. We saw some the sets for the Leave it to Beaver and Dennis the Menace shows.
We visited downtown LA. (Beverly Hills), when we saw my favorite entertainer Dean Martin. He was getting home (with his station wagon) and I saw him for a brief moment when exiting his car to go into his home. Lucy’s children (from the show I Love Lucy) were on the street and we saw Desi Jr. talking outside with friends.
We saw shops on Rodeo Drive and entered some of them. At the time, I did not realize how expensive the shops were and who shopped there. We saw the “stars” on the sidewalk and (for the first time), we attended Disney Land. I felt so bad for Mom because as soon as we arrived in the parking lot, she closed the door on her hand and endured swollen finger nail the entire day! Being the Mom that she was, she did not stop us from seeing Disney; although, I know she was in extreme pain the entire time! It was fun to go on the rides and I believe the Pirates of the Caribbean was my favorite. There was a Small Small World and many others that were duplicated in Orlando, Florida years later. During that time, tickets were labeled A-E which entitled you to ride different rides that corresponding with the tickets, so you had to use your choices wisely. “E” being the best rides!
Visiting LA
We got to ride by Capitol Records and somewhere along the way, I believe either Ray or Bobby and I recorded our first vinyl! We held on to that for years, but I no longer know what happened to it.
While we were there we visited the national forest and saw the Sequoia Forest. The trees were larger than what I had ever seen before in my lifetime and will not forget the huge trees like “General Sherman”. The General Sherman Tree was the world’s largest tree. It was said that you could drive a car though the cut out section. It is estimated to be around 2000 years old.
The General Sherman
I found this picture on the internet showing the tree very much like we had seen.
On another visit to the mountains, my uncle wanted to show us the higher elevations. He had told me that morning to wear long pants, as we were going into the mountains and the temperature would be much cooler. I had trouble comprehending this, as it was only a short drive and I could not believe how different the temperatures would become at a higher elevation. It was a good trip, and he was right.
“Although this may not be the lodge we went to, it characterizes what we saw that day on our trip up the mountains. The forests, elevation, and climate were so different from what we had ever experienced! It was difficult to believe that you could drive about an hour out of the city and experience such a different “new world” full of vegetation, trees, and a different climate”.
One of the differences I found while there was the traffic. Even though it was much busier than Florida, they had a few rules I found fascinating. One was if you were going to cross the street, traffic from both sides must stop! The second was if you were traveling by car and you held back two or three cars; you were obligated to pull over and let them get by.
The street I tried this on was Sunset Boulevard.
Sunset Blvd is a long, winding thoroughfare which begins in downtown Los Angeles, near Olvera Street (the birthplace of the city), and runs westward over 20 miles to the blue Pacific. Along the way, Sunset Boulevard passes through Hollywood (just two blocks south of Hollywood Boulevard), then becomes the Sunset Strip as it passes through West Hollywood, weaves its way through Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, and finally winds its way through the rustic foothills of the Santa Monica mountains, to finally end at the Pacific Ocean near Malibu. Over the course of those 20 miles, the boulevard’s personality undergoes several radical transformations…
The name Sunset Boulevard has become a part of Hollywood legend, the inspiration for countless songs, movies, & TV shows.
- “Sunset Boulevard” was, of course, the name of the famous 1950 motion picture starring William Holden & Gloria Swanson. That movie, in turn, inspired the 1993 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name (which starred actress Glenn Close in the lead role of Norma Desmond.)
- The Eagles’ biggest-selling album, “Hotel California,” featured a photo of a Sunset Boulevard hotel on its cover, the “Pink Palace” itself – the Beverly Hills Hotel.
While staying in the area, there was a boy that came up to me and began talking about the area. This was the first time I had even heard of someone talking about plastic money. I had no clue as to what he was talking about until later on in years, when I discovered what he really was talking about was plastic charge cards.
This trip was the last time I saw my cousins and have not seen them since. The oldest girl, I understand passed away back in early 2000 or before.
University Of Tampa; 1967
After two wonderful years of attending my first college, it was time to complete my final two years. I applied to the University of Tampa and was accepted. Most of the courses I completed were accepted, but a few were not. I realized that was part of the system and they had to be repeated. There were only a couple, and I felt it was a shame to have to take the same ones over again. One I had to repeat was Humanities or Philosophy, but I did not argue as I thought it would be fun to go through it again. (I was disappointed as the teacher from Clearwater did a much better job presenting the course)!
I had two years to finish and I still did not know what final study to pursue. I took as many science classes that I could for pure enjoyment of learning more biology and similar courses. I think I would have continued, but realized I would have to take other courses (such as chemistry) and felt I just did not have the background compared to other students. I could honor my father by going into the teaching profession and since I took an entire semester of sciences; I could still finish in the two year period. So after attending one semester of college, I decided to go into the teaching profession.
I began taking courses that were needed to get this degree. I realize that I did not enjoy most of them, but felt that I needed to finish a degree in two years as tuition was expensive and my parents were paying for school. I did not want to waste what they had worked so hard for! It was not that I despised the classes, but they just did not seem to offer what I wanted at the time. I knew that when I graduated, I would be able to go to work, and have a ten month job. I had worked yearly and remember how hard Mom had worked (all year long) and thought how wonderful it would be to work only ten months out of the year. I learned that with my background, I would never be able to sit around for two months out of the year and I realized the money earned in teaching would not be as lucrative as other professions!
Those two years, I thought were like attending high school. It just did not seem to be a place that I enjoyed, the courses were not challenging, and I did not have the experiences that I found while attending Jr. College. People there seemed to be more in “clicks” and I had a difficult time making friends. Most of my friends were from past years and I continued to stay with them.
It was nice that the college was so close by and I did not have to travel like I did when attending Clearwater, but I did miss the drive and scenery. The University of Tampa is located on the Hillsborough River and has a beautiful setting. I remember when Dad attended the university and how proud he was completing his GED, then attending the university and graduating with his BS Degree. I remember as a young boy, going there to visit and was amazed how nice the place was. I even remember his graduation and how happy he was to be done with his schooling!
He seemed to enjoy his teaching career and made many friends while working at Desoto Elementary School. Some of them were Mr. Mario Diaz, Mrs. Redgrave, Mrs. Mule, and others. He (like any other professionals) established lifelong friendships with his coworkers.
The University of Tampa (back in the sixties) was still a young college, and had not changed much since when he attended. There was a Black lady that ran the elevator and would take students to the floor they needed. To this day (2008), she still works there and does cleaning from what I understand.
Dating continued to be off and on, and one of the girls I had dated from Jr. College went there. We dated off and on, and I continued to date others from time to time, but never got involved seriously with any of them.
In my senior year (during a method class) one of my friends was sitting next to me when a new girl arrived. I told him I would soon be dating her, as I liked the way she looked and thought we would be good for each other.
This girl happened to be Carol Billings, and about two years later we met again, began dating, and later got married. By this time, we had already graduated from the University of Tampa in (December 1969) and began working in the teaching field. My first teaching job was at Forest Hills Elementary and I did not know how to handle the all the free time with only one job. Therefore, I worked the first year of teaching along with full time work with Wards. But I realized it was too much for me and finally gave it up the second job.
I did not realize how difficult the teaching profession was and how much time I had to spend in preparation for classes.
Working two jobs was something I would encounter most of my life, as I enjoyed the challenges.