But of course who could tell flying back to the States that the imminent lease of the Midwood theater to the ophthalmologist Marvin Kochman was a de facto recognition of the Major’s Midwood High School balcony during those smooching dates during adolescence.
II
It was one phase of this adolescence to anticipate necking with these coeds, but it was another to anticipate visualizing Jack Benny in “George Washington Slept Here” or Alan Laded and Veronica Lake “This Gun for Hire”.
Either way the smooching was top drawer “repeat” with “Coach” Manheimer’s Hygiene class at the Bedford Avenue High School.
Here in the balcony, the Air Force Officer to be had a foretaste of his yearnings at UCLA and the active duties in San Bernardino’s Norton Air Force Base, March Air Force Base, Dusty Acres gunnery range, George AF Base . F 16’, B 52’s.
III
Across Avenue J, Al Padow the Physics Teacher at Midwood, leased a drug store pharmacy with his brother, Al resigning his role at the High School, hiring Larry as his aide de camp delivery boy.
Meanwhile the in future San Bernardino Norton Air Force Base Intelligence Officer was rollicking in the balcony across the street, captivated by Jack Benny “George Washington Slept Here”.
Where else on the planet could a in future Air Force Officer and gentleman, play out his stretch of adolescence during that 192-45 World War 2 self destructive mayhem overseas.
IV
Growing up was a “Alice in Wonderland” The spectrum of the Gremlins intramural basketball, the High School greeting in the lobby…”All ye who enter here. Pledge allegiance to their fellow man, their country, and God.’ Breathtaking to all quality human beings. Those mentors and father figure surrogates…Julie Raskin, Henry Fuchs, Mr. Ross, Tubby Ross, Mr. Schwartz the Counselor, Mr. Manheimrer, Murray Eisenstadt, civics andtennis coach.
V
How the cosmos has changed! But Larry Baumwell, Al Padowthe Physics and Chemistry teacher smacked of Syracuse University and the high quality humans we grew up with, take in fulfilling their promise and dreams.
Needless to say at the risk of repetition, that pursuit of happiness was part and parcel of sharing the joy in those adolescent pilgrimage, unconsciously striving to be a quality human being ,identifying with “quality”
VI
To those yesterdays of our recognition. “George Washington slept Here” to grow and evolve among quality human beings.
January 122, 2016 The City that never sleeps.
