Please send your new email addresses to website at
texasbonny@yahoo.com
It's fantastic to read the messages and see the pictures, hope it brings
back lots of good memories to you too! If you want to send a
picture of yourself, then or now, I'll include it next to your name below.
Also, if you have any pictures from your Bonny Oaks years that we can put on
here, please send to texasbonny@yahoo.com
.
This page keeps
changing, so please, anytime you want to make additions/deletions to your
messages, please send and I will be happy to
revise your section as many times as you'd like.
Think "Pictures..Pictures..Pictures"!
To send an email to someone below, you may
"click" on their name or the email link at the end of their message. An email window will appear that already
has their email address filled in and ready for you to type a message. Send the
message by clicking on "Send".
(A's)
Marion J. Adamson
("Pugsley"...according to Mr. Nichols)
Marion is Mr. and Mrs. Adamson's youngest son and his years there were 1955
through 1973, he's our adopted brother.
(Photos: (Top) Marion and son, Stuart Adamson, December 2000, and (Bottom) Marion and Bonny
Oaks boys - Marion in McCallie T-shirt).
Message: "Bonny Oaks was my home for all of my life up until the
time I
went to college. On occasion, I take my son by when we visit the folks in
Chattanooga. He is becoming familiar with the stories I tell him (over and
over...in his opinion) about all the "brothers and sisters" I had
growing up! If I could have one wish for my son...it would be for him to
have similar experiences and acquaintances that I was so lucky to have.
It's wonderful to see this site...it's already on my Bookmark list so I plan on
coming back quite often! Marion".
Click here to
e-mail Marion at adamsonmj@sprintmail.com
Mrs. Adamson's new email address is
george.adamson89@gmail.com
Patricia Ann Allen
Bonny Oaks - 1946-1952
Message:
Living today in Leb TN. "I will never forget Bonny Oaks, Mr. Adamson and
Mrs. Fred Seepe, who was my teacher. My sister, Bettye Sue Allen and
brother Frank (Bobby) Allen, was also there. I was only six years old when
I was put in Bonny Oaks. Mother's name, Ruby Pearl Allen, Father was Oren
D. Allen." kidsrus31240@aol.com
Judy Anderson
Bonny Oaks - 1965 to 1969
and Vine Street - ?
Message: 8/25/2009
A lot has changed in my life
since the last reunion! After 25 years of marriage I divorced and went back to
my maiden name of
Anderson. How can I get back on the web page and change my information? Also,
my e-mail address is changed to
judy.anderson@erlanger.org My life has
been so crazy that I have not been on the website in years...boy I have missed a
lot! Just sitting here reading the bulletins makes me miss everyone. Talk to
you later, I've got a lot of reading and looking to do. Judy Anderson
Message: "This is great, it's as if I
have found a part of my past that I thought was lost forever. My memories
of Bonny Oaks are both sad and joyful. Sad for the family that I had but
could not be with, but also joyful for the fact that I was given the opportunity
to become a better person. Many thanks go to Mr. Adamson for the day he
placed me with the sponsors that so caringly showed me that there was a better
life in the world than the one I had been brought into. I still live in
Chattanooga and my youngest daughter had her wedding at the Dent House because
she knew it meant a lot to me. I have a wonderful life with three great
children and five beautiful grandchildren. Would love to hear from some of
you alumni that were at Bonny Oaks during the time I was. Judy Anderson
memejudyanderson@gmail.com
Joseph Allen Atcheson (Big Al, Allen)
Bonny Oaks - 1979 to 1983.
Message: "I lived above the office with
Ricky & Ronnie Nash and Johnny Victers. Ms. Artman was our
houseparent. Five of the best years of my life were there (Don't tell my
wife)."
Click here
to e-mail Allen at JAtche7512@aol.com
(B's)
Danette Beach
Bonny Oaks - 1977 to 1979
Message: "I would love to hear
from anyone in this era. I would love to know what happened to
Johnny Vickers and Ronnie and Ricky Nash. If anyone knows, please
respond!"
Click here to email Danette at donutt22@comcast.net
Marvin Blackwell (Catfish)
Bonny Oaks - 1930's to 1942
Message: "I remember W.S. Keese was the
superintendent at my time. Also, Dr. Hagan was in charge of the dairy barn
where I milked cows for at least 6 years".
Click here to email Marvin at
SheilaBlackwell@msn.com
Ralph Blackwell
Bonny Oaks - 1930's to 1942
Message: Forthcoming
Click here to email Ralph at
SheilaBlackwell@msn.com
Ramona Blount
Bonny Oaks - 1978 to 1980
Message: Lives in Florida today.
Click here to email Ramona at rnicolet@fgcu.edu
Helen Bolt
Bonny Oaks 1952 - 1960
(Mary passed away on Jan 22, 2013)
Hello to all my Bonny Oaks alumni. I was in Bonny Oaks with my sisters,
Mary and Jeanette. I live in Dallas and Mary will be moving here from
Nashville in April. Jeanette lives in Des
Moines with one of her grandchildren. Both Mary and Jeanette are
great-grandmothers (time flies doesn't it?). Mary has one son, George, who
lives near Chicago.
Jeanette had two daughters, Laura and Kendra, but Laura passed away about 10
years ago. I have no children, but live in Dallas
with my five cats (one of those eccentric cat ladies you read about). I
moved here to Dallas in 1993 with my late husband. He passed away six
years ago. I would love to hear from any of you who were there with me.
Currently I do not have internet access at home, however, I plan to do that soon
and will update my email address at that time. The current email address
is at work. Hoping to hear from someone soon. Helen (Bolt) Veneziale
Helen's email address is helen.veneziale@sjmneuro.com
Albert Joe Bools
Bonny Oaks - 1949 until 1954.
Message: "Surprised to find this web
site. Happy I did. I was adopted out of Bonny Oaks School by Mrs.
Lawson's daughter. Mrs. Lawson was the housemother at Bonny Oaks.
Anyone remember her?"
Email Albert at albertj717@aol.com
Bonnie Jean Bools
Bonny Oaks 1952
Vine Street 1944-1952
Message: "Hi, I'm Bonnie
Jean Bools (Hagan). I'm now 66 years old. (I AM?). I live in Joplin,
MO. I've just been on the Bonny Oaks site, clicked on Vine Street site and
read the email from Mary Alyce Adams. I was at Vine Street from 1944 til
1952. I don't remember Mary Alyce, but she may remember some of the girls
I remember. I would LOVE to hear from some of them like Nancy Goins,
Melinda Williams, Patricia Shell and others. I was also at Bonny Oaks and
remember how nice Mr. Adamson was. Unfortunately, I got put in with an
older roommate who was planning to run away. She did so almost a year
later with 3 other girls, taking me with them insured my silence. My life
has been pretty good-not too much to complain about! I was just thinking
about my life, and that last statement is just too hilarious!! But, I have
fun! Send this on, if you please, thanks, Bonnie."
You can email Bonnie at bugbarns@cableone.net
Carl Bowman
Bonny Oaks - 1972 to 1979
Message: "I really had memorable
experiences at Bonny Oaks. One was when my brother, Elby, and I
tried to run away from the school. Mr. Clay caught us and, of
course, we had to take a trip to Mr. Clay's office for a real good talking
to, if you know what I mean? Never the less, we didn't try to pull
that little stunt again. We remained at Bonny Oaks until 1979.
One week later, I joined the military. Thanks to all the people of
the Bonny Oaks Staff for being there for us."
10/08/04 Update: "I'm looking for anyone
from the time I was at Bonny Oaks. I was at Bonny Oaks from 1975-1979. I really
had some good times at the school. I am still in the military awaiting
deployment to Iraq so please pray for me. Hello everyone."
Click here to email Carl at
carl.w.bowman@u.s.army.mil
Sheila Bowman/Morgan
Bonny Oaks - 1969 through 1978.
Message: "Yes, I would like to know if
you have any pictures of me. If so, I would like to see some of them if
possible. Thank you"
"y'all can email me any time you all want
to...have a merry christmas and a happy new year..sheila/////////////"
Email: sheilamorgan649@gmail.com
Robert Allen Bramlett
Bonny Oaks - 1955 through 1964.
Message: "Hi everybody! I would
like to hear from some of you. Am currently living in Tennessee
again."
Click here to
e-mail Bob at tennesseebob2002@yahoo.com
Lucy Brock
Bonny Oaks - late 1930's to early 1940's.
Pictured (1) Lucy Brock, Cadet Nurse 1933-1942; (2) Geraldine (Gerry on right) Prichard and Lucy (left)
taken in
Chattanooga, TN, 1938.
Message: "My sister, Cleo, and I went to
Bonny Oaks in 1933 and I
were there until graduation. Mr. and Mrs.
Keese almost adopted me and they changed my name from Annie Ruth to
Lucy. I stayed at their building. Gerry Prichard has been my
best and truest friend now for over
sixty (60) years. We talk
often. I don't have a computer but my email link goes to my
grand-daughter, Nicole, and
she will get any message to me. I
would love to hear from any former students.
Message submitted by Nicole Vincent, granddaughter:
"My grandmother, Lucy Brock Vincent, went to Bonny Oaks School in the late
30's, early 40's. She asked me to locate two of her
classmates. I looked on the register's list but it didn't look like
they were registered and I was wondering who do I need to contact to
locate them. Their names are Purnell and Billie Block,
brothers. Purnell graduated around 1940 and Billie graduated around
1944. If you could help me or tell me who to talk to I would really
appreciate it. The Bonny Oaks website looks very nice by the
way."
Click here to email Lucy at
GeorgiaGal1920@aol.com
Judy Mae Brooks
Bonny Oaks 1964 - 1968
Message: "I Love all You
Guys!....Thank-You For Helping Me On My Search!
I just found your site Thanks to Andy Shavers....Oh My God This is
Great....Thank-you so much...Judy Brooks Andrews". Judy lives in
Pennsylvania today.
Click here to email Judy at
judymae47@hotmail.com
Marvin I. Brooks
Bonny Oaks 1940's
Message: "forthcoming" Lives
in Chattanooga.
Click here to email Marvin at
ragingrebel10@aol.com
Karen J. Broome
Bonny Oaks - 1980 to 1981.
Message: "This is a great site.
Thanks!"
Click here to send an email to Karen at
kjalsa@comcast.net
Susie Broome
Bonny Oaks - 1980 to 1981.
Message: Forthcoming
Click here to send an email to
Susie at sabernathy403@aol.com
Timothy E. Brown
Bonny Oaks - 1975 through 1980.
Picture:Timothy, his wife Mikki, daughters Emily and Shelby.
Message: "I was Mr. Adamson's pet.
My friends in Hagan Hall never let me forget that as well as Burley and Mr.
Nichols."
(C's)
Charles L. Calloway, Sr.
Bonny Oaks - 1967 to 1977
Message: "I live here in Chattanooga,
TN. I go to church at Emanuel Pentecostal at 4204 Ohls Avenue which is on
the South side of town. Come and worship with us sometime."
Charles is married to a Bonny Oaks girl, Darlene H. Ross. see Darlene's message
under her maiden name "Ross".
Click here to email Charles at ChalesCalloway@aol.com
Cladis Diane Harmon & Georgia Calloway
Bonny Oaks 1967 - 1975
Message:
Click here to email Diane & Georgia at cladisharmon@aol.com
Charles W. Camp ("Charley")
Charley was at Bonny Oaks from 1944 through 1953 and returned as a staff member
the summer of 1957. Please also see his message and other picture on the
Staff/Sponsors/Friends page.
Message: Picture of Charles and Marie in
1961, recently married. "To Whom It May
Concern," "It is my prayer that all of you can now rejoice in
the knowledge that Bonny Oaks was truly a blessing in disguise. While it
was no doubt hurtful at the beginning, placement at this special place was the
very act that made it possible for many to reach adulthood; start a family;
launch a career; complete an education; amass comfortable resources; and maybe
even find purpose for being, through spiritual awareness and/or renewal.
As for me, I think about Bonny Oaks daily. Having been in the Atlanta
Childs' Home (Atlanta, Georgia) from infancy to Christmas vacation of my 3rd
year in school, institution life was all I ever knew. Few of you will know
this about me. What you will know is that my Mother was responsible for
the kitchen in the Little Boys' Building prior to the end of WWII. Also,
that my baby sister (MARY ANN) was there with us and soon became the most
spoiled baby in all of Chattanooga! When I graduated from Tyner High School in 1953, I left for "greener
pastures" as did all of you. Today, I am 65 years old and 3 times a
Grandfather! I enjoyed a 40 year Boys/Girls Clubs of America career and
was retired in 1997. Following retirement, I completed a Master's degree
in Counseling and Psychology. My BA degree is from Carson-Newman College,
1960. For the most part, life has been good. Better really than I
ever deserved.
1957 Bus trip (there she is, the Bonny
Oaks Bus, our "wheels"): Charles Camp, Activity Director, Mickey Walker (checkered shirt), Jesse or Jerry Presley pulling at his eyebrow,
Fred Bramlett (hand on Charles shoulder), Bobby Yarbrough (green, opened shirt),
Roy Tucker (striped shirt)
and looks like Harry Jackson about cut out of picture (let me know if you can
identify).
To see the beautiful campus we all called "Home" way back when, is
heart-breaking. While I understand the need for progress and change, not
all progress/change is good long-term. Needy children now are assigned a
Foster Home, and far too many of these are neglected, abused, misused and
otherwise severely damaged. In due time, the Political Power structure all
over America will regret the day when institutional care was deemed to be
"a really bad thing" for economically deprived children. I,
would to God, that every deserving boy and girl could know the likes of Dr. Wm.
S. Keese, Rev. Lewis P. Lindsey, Rev. Dr. M. M. Adamson, Mr. Marion O. Hagan,
Mrs. Crabtree, The Goodsons, Mrs. Turner, etc., etc. Yes, for all of us before the end of WWII, life was hard, period! But
after that, I have fond memories of greater variety in meals; new clothes (the
current fashions); our very own bed; a freedom to shower alone and as often as
we wanted to; and numerous personal items of our choosing--all purchased by
caring Sponsors. Also, we all eventually went to school off campus and the
daily work-load was made so much more bearable. To be sure, in retrospect,
we can honestly shout to all who may care to know, that Bonny Oaks was an
excellent "home" for many, many precious children--most of whom have
long since repaid their debt to society many times over. Well, I must
close this piece now. A soothing kind of therapy is always the result of
my thinking about Bonny Oaks. I trust others of you share my feelings and
will want to put it in writing for childhood friends to enjoy and respond
to. With every good wish, I am: Sincerely, Charley"
Charley's
Retirement Dinner Address, 11/6/97, after 40 years with the Boys & Girls
Club. Titled: "To Whom Much is Given",
much is required...thanking Mr. Adamson, Bonny Oaks, and.......
"I expect to pass through this world but
once; Any good thing therefore that I can do, Or any kindness that I can show to
any fellow creature, Let me do it now; Let me not defer or neglect it, For I
shall not pass this way again." (Stephen Grellet)
Click here to read Charley's recent
writing on Foster Care.
Click
here to e-mail Charley at charleycamp@yahoo.com
Mary Ann Camp
Bonny Oaks - 1944 through 1954.
Message: Picture of Charles (12) and Mary Ann
Camp (2-1/2) - 1946. "I really don't know if you
would remember us or not. My maiden name was Mary Ann Camp. My
brother is Charles Camp. Parents, Walter Camp and Kelly Camp. I was
first brought to Bonny Oaks in 1944 and we left in 1954. Mother &
Daddy were on the staff during that period of time. My brother came back
and served as recreational director there. I still reside in
Chattanooga. My father passed away in 1962. Mother is still living
and is 88 years young. We live in the East Ridge area.
Charles is living in Alabama. I am sending him this article
in the mail. I think this is a wonderful idea. Mary Ann (Camp) Meyer"
Click here
to e-mail Mary Ann at charleycamp@yahoo.com
Bobby
Cardin
Joseph H. Cardin (Joe)
Bonny Oaks - 1962 to 1966.
Message: "I joined the US Army in
November 1971, after turning 19 and had a draft lottery number of 125. Went to
Basic training at Fort Jackson, SC
(got HS diploma also) and Individual training (Electronics Repair) at Fort
Benning and Fort Gordon GA. In 1972 I left Ft. Jackson for Germany, my
first overseas assignment.
Assignments:
1. Charleston, SC, Fort Jackson, 3-1-1 Training Battalion. 1971-1972
2. Germany, Minez, Lee Barracks, HQ Company, 69th Armor Battalion 1972-1974
3. Italy, Vicenza, Camp Ederlie, Support Group Northern Italy. 1974-1978
4. Florida, Homestead, Homestead AFB, 31st Air Defense. 1978-1980
5. Greece, Athens, Helenacon AFB, 559th Artillery Group. 1980-1982
6. Italy, Vicenza, Camp Ederlie, 167th Signal Company. 1982-1983
7. Georgia, Fort Gordon, Medivac, Medical Holding Company. 1983
8. Italy, Vicenza, Camp Ederlie, 558th Artillery Group. 1983-1989
9. Arizona, Fort Huachuca, ETC, US Army Electronic Proving Grounds. 1989-1991
In
1975, I married a wonderful Italian Lady (Gabriella) and have two wonderful
children, Richard and Christina. Richard is now at the end of four years
(December) with the Marines. Richard wants to go to College and become a
Detective for the Police. Christina is just finishing her last year of High
School, and plans on going to College here or in Italy? I retired from the
US ARMY (SSG/E-6) in December 1991, Fort Huachuca, AZ. I now live in
Sierra Vista, AZ just outside of Fort Huachuca, Joe".
Click here to email Joe at cardinj@cox.net
Charles Calloway
Bonny Oaks - 1982 to 1989
Message: "I would like to say that Bonny
Oaks School made a difference in my life and the people that gave their time to
take care of me. I thank the Lord for what he has done to my life and how
he brought me from a long way. The one person that I thank the most is
Mrs. Radford. She was and still is my hero because of everything she
taught me and the love she had for me. I am now a Deacon at Chandler
Baptist Church, father of four kids, and I have a lovely wife, Kim Careathers,
the Lord has blessed me with. I am an employee at Carta Bus
Transportation. I just want to say Bonny Oaks made a difference in my
life."
Click here to email Charles at ChalesCalloway@aol.com
Donna Carpenter
Bonny Oaks - 1985 to 1987.
Message: "I was there I guess around 1985-1987. I also had two brothers that were there, Carl Bowman and Elby
Carpenter who were there in the late 70's. I really remember Pauline Presley and Jesse too. I had
some wonderful times and would like to know when they have a reunion. I
left Bonny Oaks about when the new buildings were built. Bonny Oaks did
teach me a lot and I grew up a lot while there. I now have four girls of
my own and will be getting married April 2002. I have traveled some hard
roads but now I have been on right track for almost seven years. I would
love to hear from Pauline Presley. Sorry to say that I don't have any
photo's but would love to see some. Thank you, Donna Carpenter Cisco".
Click here to e-mail
Donna at donnacisco@comcast.net
Clara Castleberry
Bonny Oaks - 1976 to 1981
Message: "I live in Cleveland,
Tennessee, with my husband, David." Clara (Castleberry) Robinson.
Click here to
email Clara at DAVD2000@bellsouth.net
Wendell Cate
Claude
Chambers
Bonny Oaks - 1974 to 1975
Message: "I discovered today,
by accident, what had become of Bonny Oaks School. I had to go and get a
license tag, which I have done for the last 3 years at the same place, but today
I entered from the front off Bonny Oaks Drive instead of from the side via
Jersey Pike and was shocked when I realized where I was. I was at the
Bonny Oaks School in 1974/75 if I remember correctly. I am sure that I
gave Mr. Adamson many headaches.
Mary Elizabeth Chambers ("Mer")
Bonny Oaks - 1959 through 1966.
Message: "I would like to know where the boys and girls are all
living now and how they are all doing. Mary (Chambers) Ellis"
Click here to email Mary at
livelyhouse@yahoo.com
(D's)
Mary Catherine Davis
Bonny Oaks - 1955 through 1958
Message: "While reading this page, I am
awe struck to hear the happy memories evoked by Bonny Oaks. I unfortunately do
not share the happy memories that so many of you do. My memory of the years at
Bonny Oaks only holds feelings of abandonment, incredibly lonely days stretching
into lonelier years. I am an adult with grandchildren and when my mind
carelessly slips away to those years, I feel that I am that little orphaned girl
again. Maybe you alumni can shed some light on how you managed to come away with
happy memories, I can sure use some enlightening. While looking over the
scrapbook pictures, I was reminded that even if there were a picture of me, I
wouldn't recognize it. I have no pictures of my childhood, at least not from
birth to age 9 or so. I want all to know that I did end up with an adopted
family and in of all places, Buffalo, NY. I had a wonderful life with my family
and it has only been recently that I have been reviewing my past for answers. I
really do not recall any happy times at Bonny Oaks. Maybe someone can remember
something about me. My two younger sisters were placed in a home for infants,
(at least that is what I believed happened). If anyone can remember Brenda or
Darlene Davis, I would appreciate that information also. It really does my heart
good to see and hear all the wonderful smiles coming from each of you. Keep up
the good work."
Click here to email Mary Catherine at
catherine.volk@em.doe.gov
David (DeeDee) Devlin
Bonny Oaks - 1968 through 1971
Message: "I would just like to say that Bonny Oaks was always a positive
experience for me and will always cherish those years. I think, in part,
that the Bonny Oaks experience gave me the inner strength to overcome any
obstacles in my life. We were very fortunate to have such a loving and
caring person as Malcolm Adamson. He has always been and always will be a
positive force in my life. If there are any "brothers and sisters
from Bonny Oaks" that would like to say hello, please feel free to email me.
I would love to hear from you."
Email David at hotelman1954@yahoo.com
Michael Devlin
Bonny Oaks - 1967 to 1969
Message: "Bonny Oaks was a great
place. I live in Ohio now and doing great. I would love to hear from
anyone who was there when my brother, David, and I were there. I was in
Chattanooga two years ago, it was sad the place was not there but I have lots of
great memories. Hope to hear from you soon. Michael."
Searching for Mrs. Gore.
Click here to email Michael at zandevlin@aol.com
Gordon Driggans
Bonny Oaks - 1944 through 1948
Message: "I enlisted in the Air Force in
1949. After returning to Chattanooga, I attended Edmondson Business
College, later becoming an accountant. I retired in 1993 from BFI Waste
Systems. I have a son, Rick, and a daughter who both attended Tyner High
School. I still live in Chattanooga."
Click here to e-mail
Gordon at gdriggans@aol.com
Harvey Driggans
Bonny Oaks - 1944 through 1949
Message: "Harvey is now retired and
doing pretty good. If anyone wishes to send him a message, he can be
contacted through my email address. I will see that he gets the message,
Gordon Driggans (brother)."
Click here to e-mail
Harvey at gdriggans@aol.com
Sandra Jean Duck
Bonny Oaks - Sometime between 1957 and 1961
Message: "forthcoming"
Click here to email Sandra Jean at
tigerlilysunshine@alltel.net
Nancy Sue Durham
Bonny Oaks 1980
Living today in Athens, Tennessee
"I still remember the time I spent at Bonny Oaks as one of the few positive
times I had in my childhood. I was 13 when I was there and I ran away. I wish I
had stayed there because the world I ran to would have consumed me without the
strength I gained spiritually at Bonny Oaks. Now I just wanted to say thank
you."
Email: sweetnan66@aol.com
(E's)
James
Walter Ellis
Bonny Oaks 1962-1966
Message: "Sure hope to hear from you soon. See you at the
reunion."
Click here to email James at je21349@yahoo.com
William Russell Elston Junior
"One of the Boys in the Home" 1962-1972
Message: "I would like to see more people from the Black side
on this website. Thank you."
Click here
to e-mail William at elderelston@aol.com
Jimmy L. Evett
Bonny Oaks
- 1957 through 1967.
Picture: Jim's son Chad with daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and son,
Jeff. Jim and wife, Connie, with grandson, Chase.
Message: "I have just looked at the beginning of your web page and
was
delighted and often dream of such a web site myself. I'm sure I will like
it and can send pictures later that might help you. My name is Jimmy Evett
and spent close to ten years (1957-1967) out there myself. I have no
regrets and God has been good to me. I have two sons that are grown and
one grandchild. My wife is Connie and she means all the world to me.
We have been married thirty-two years and we are surely blessed. From one that
had nothing, I have a beautiful house and a good job. Thanks for the web
site and will write you again after I look it over.
If anyone cares to write at my email, I will be more than
glad to write back. Jim" (Jim also writes that his sister Mary Ann Evett lives
in California and Diane Evett lives in Arizona, and he is letting his brother
James Evett and Danny Lusk know about the website - hope they'll sign up soon).
James Evett, 1996
Mary Ann (Evett) and Gary Blackburn
Click here
to e-mail Jimmy at moecurly67@epbfi.com
David Evitt
Bonny Oaks 1967 - 1969
Message: "I live in Ooltewah, Tennessee"
Click here to email David at
evittdavid@hotmail.com
Norma Evitt
Bonny Oaks 1962 - 1967
Message: "I presently live in Harrison,
Tennessee. I have two children and three grandchildren. I am looking
forward to seeing everyone at the reunion."
Click here to email Norma at
nvjohnson2002@yahoo.com
Steve Evitt
Bonny Oaks 1967 - 1969
Message: "I live in Ooltewah, Tennessee"
Click here to email Steve at evittdavid@hotmail.com
(F's)
Mary Alice Feller
Bonny Oaks - 1927 through 1932
Message: "I was at Bonny Oaks with my
brother, John, and my sister, Margaret. I live in Virginia now. Mary
Alice Feller Bailey".
Click here to email Mary Alice at
crockett@optidynamic.com
Carl L. Filyaw
Bonny Oaks -
Message: "None"
Please write to Carl at carlf@tds.net
Eddie Dean Filyaw
Bonny Oaks - 1964 through 1968
Message: "Those who remember me and my
brothers can contact me at this email address...I live in Greenville,Tenn."
Click here to email Eddie at ed7252@hotmail.com
George Frazer
Bonny Oaks - 1953 through 1958.
Message: "Some of the happiest years of my life and some of the
best friends I will ever know. I will not remember all the names, but I
will never forget the wonderful childhood spent with brothers and sisters, not
by birth, but rather by friendship. It will be nice to have a place of
contact. Please contact me if you wish, I would love to hear from
you. This is a great idea, wish I had thought of it. George".
Email George at geofrazer42@gmail.com
Raymond Frost
Bonny Oaks - 1953 to 1957
Message: Hello, My name is
Raymond Frost, brother of Charles and Jerry Frost. I don't think you remember
me. I used to go with Helen Bolt, but only for a little while. I carved mine and
her initials on the small tree in front of the big boys building. I used to hang
out with Floyd Jinkens, mostly at ball field until I got into trouble, and they
told me never to return again to the school. Anyway Charles and Jerry have
passed away in late 1990's. I would like to go back there to Bonny Oaks some day
because I buried something there. I live in Dallas, Texas
Merry Christmas and
have a Happy New Year!
blueonblue21@yahoo.com
Johnetta Fugh
Bonny Oaks - 1970 through 1976.
Message: "Looking back, Bonny Oaks was
the best thing that ever happened to me. When I was there, it was a White
and Black side but it changed, we learned to love each other. We learned
to cook, to be responsible. Please, Oakknight, send a message!!!!!!"
Johnetta, you left your email address out, please send it
in.
(G's)
Debbie
Gallahan
Bonny Oaks - 1965?? until 1973
Message: "Hi there, just found the
site!! wow -- just took me back in time, ha.
Click here to email Debbie at cando@cmaaccess.com
Eva
Gasaway
Bonny Oaks - 1932 to 1938
Message: "Hello to all my Bonny Oaks
friends. Would like to hear from Lillian Snyder, Irene McCart, Virginia
Parker and Sara Glover."
Click here to email Eva at
puffin1940@aol.com
(H's)
Edwin "Lloyd" Hale - 1937 to 1938
until 1943
Message: "I was at Bonny Oaks I believe
between 1937-38 until 1943 when I joined the Marines from Bonny Oaks. My
brothers were also there. Billy Hale and Melvyn Hale also my sister Evelyn
Hale. My sister has passed away and my brothers live in California.
I left Chattanooga in 1945 moved to Nashville then to Ohio then to Michigan
before settled in the Kansas City area in 1954. I have two children and three
grandchildren. I remember Arthur Prichard, I was in his class and he and I
joined the Marines together. I went by the name of Lloyd when at
Bonny Oaks now I go by Ed. I'm searching for Lloyd Grider also.
Click here to email Ed at edhale28@hotmail.com
Pete Hale
Bonny Oaks - 1961 through 1967. His 1965 Booklet is on the
"Photo Albums" page.
Vine Street - ?
Click
here to read about Pete's barn duty.
Message: "Thank you Christine for all
your great work on this web site!!! After six years at Bonny Oaks, I
graduated from Tyner High School in 1967. I packed all my worldly
possessions in a 3 ft. x 2 ft. cardboard box as Mr. Adamson drove me to the
University of Chattanooga dorm. I was a sergeant in the Army (sentry dog
unit in Korea), 1969 - 1971. First marriage with 3 wonderful
children. Currently remarried with 3 wonderful children (ages 9, 7, and 5
as of 2001). I lived in the Chicago area from 1969 to 1997. Finished
college, worked as an insurance agent...to financial planner...to real estate
sales and mortgages. I moved to Seattle, Washington about 3 years
ago...still doing real estate and mortgages. Of course, a lot has happened
in between. I have a lot of warm memories of Bonny Oaks and the friends
and staff, especially Malcolm. Can you believe it's 33 years later and God
is still working on me."
7/18/2007 Email update from Pete Hale (1960's)
Wanted to update info.....Divorced.....Spent a year in Florida with kids
(updated picture, Gabrielle, Max, Raquelle)
Moved back to same area in Federal Way, Washington....now a single
dad with custody....still doing real estate/mortgages....coached Rocky's
fastpitch little league team, just ended
Gaby and Rocky are both pitching on softball teams....yes that keeps
me on the move....
Thanks again for all your hard work and commitment to the Bonny Oaks
website.....May God bless all the alumni and their families.....
Pete
I spoke to Mr. Adamson a couple of weeks ago....It struck me that if he
passed away, we would all be sending in memories.....maybe we could send
them in now so he could enjoy them.....just a thought.
Pete's email address is rrhale@hotmail.com
Brenda and Pat Hall
Bonny Oaks - 1960 through 1962
Message: "I live in southern California,
Santa Ana. I would like to get in touch with your sister. I've known her
since Vine Street. This is my son's email address but you can get in touch
with me through him. His name is David. Please respond asap.
My sister Patricia Hall also attended Bonny Oaks." Brenda Hall
Hawkins
Click here to email Brenda and Pat at
caliricankid@aol.com
Jack Hampton
Bonny Oaks 9/1943-10/1943, Re-entered 10/1946 through 4/1953
Message: "forthcoming"
Click here to email Jack through Tracy Hampton
at TracyEHB@aol.com
Katherine (Katy) Hampton
Bonny Oaks 10/1946 through 1949
Message: "forthcoming"
Click here to email Katy through Tracy Hampton
at TracyEHB@aol.com
Walter Joe Hampton (Joe)
Bonny Oaks 9/43 - 10/43 Re-entered 10/1946 through 4/1953
Message submitted by Joe's daughter, Tracy Hampton-Baughey:
"I have just found the Bonny Oaks website!! My father, Joe Hampton,
and two of his siblings were at Bonny Oaks during the late 40's early 50's, I
believe. I am so excited the tears won't stop flowing! I just wanted
to thank you, this is a beautiful website! I am sending the website to my
Aunt Katy, she is going to be so excited! My dad doesn't have a computer
so I will have him over to browse through.
My dad took my sister and I to Bonny Oaks when we were very young.
Unfortunately, I don't remember too much. I will also contact my Uncle
Jack. Uncle Jack is living in Florida. I will let him know about the
website and his daughter, Karen, will help him on the computer. I know my
dad will be so excited. Every time he has talked about Bonny Oaks his face
lights up and always has had a great story to tell. God Bless You.
Tracy Hampton-Baughey".
Click here to email Joe at TracyEHB@aol.com
Hilda Harris
Bonny Oaks - 1955-1964
Message: "It's great to look through the website and see the only
childhood pictures taken of me. I live in Fairfax, Virginia and will be at
the reunion. Hope to see you all there."
Click here to email Hilda at misspiggy@mail.com
Jerry Harris
Bonny Oaks - 1955-1966
Message "My childhood recollections of Bonny Oaks are filled with many
happy memories. I have enjoyed reading and looking at these pages
Christine has put together and it has brought back many of those memories and
faces of people that were very dear to me. I have four children, Joseph, April, Scott
and Steven and 2
grandchildren. I am thankful to Mr. Adamson for his love, support and
example through my "growing up" years. Hope to hear from others
who were at Bonny Oaks while I was there. Jerry" (contact Christine
texasbonny@yahoo.com for Jerry's phone
number in Mobile Alabama)
Yvonne Harris
Bonny Oaks - 1952 through 1962.
Message: "I am Yvonne Harris'
daughter. I recently logged into the "Bonny
Oaks site" and was thrilled to see that someone cared enough about all the
little "Acorns" of the past to keep the Mighty Oak alive. My
mother is now a Mighty Oak herself, with four beautiful children and five
grandchildren. She was at Bonny Oaks from 1952 through 1962. She was
there along with many other siblings (Jerry, Diane, Hilda and JoAllen
Harris). She now lives in the suburbs of Virginia, just outside of
Washington, D.C. Yvonne has been in the metropolitan area for almost 36
years. My mother took me (in the 70's) to visit the place she grew up in
(Bonny Oaks) and even as a young girl, I was impressed by the love and closeness
that still existed from all the Alumni. I was amazed at how all of you
seem to be like brothers and sisters. It is my understanding that Bonny
Oaks no longer exists. But I know in ALL your hearts it is and always will
be a part of your life. If anyone would like to reach, email or talk with
Yvonne Harris, please contact her.
Click here to e-mail
Yvonne at bariw@mindspring.com
George E. Hatch
Bonny Oaks in the '30's
Message: "I want to thank you for your
time and effort you put in the Bonny Oaks web site it means so much to me. I
have sat at my computer most of the day reading the letters with tears in my
eyes. It does my heart good to read of so many "little Acorns" that
have gone on to a better life. Thanks to Dr and Mrs. Keese and many other
Staff members we can only guess what our fate would have been with out
them. I came to Bonny Oaks 12-21-1935 one month before my 12th birthday
after spending seven years at Pine Breeze in north Chattanooga. I was sent to a
foster home in Alabama along with another boy "Lester Robison" 10-1936
or 37. I came back to Bonny Oaks 1938 or 39. I doubt if anyone would
remember me. I was there such a short time but I remember several of the
ones that have responded to the web site. My Brother Marshall Hatch was also at
Bonny Oaks From 10-13-1930 to 8-17-1935. Marshall was put in the loving
home of Helen Pryor and her parents. He lived with them until he went in
the service. Miss Pryor was a teacher at Tyner High school and later at
Central High in Chattanooga. Christine, since retiring in 1985 I have
written my autobiography with as much about Bonny Oaks as I could remember after
60 years."
Click
here to read the Bonny
Oaks excerpt from his
autobiography. The full autobiography is a step back in time, honoring
hard work, morals, and dedication to family, God, country, and community of
which we sorely need today. I read the complete book and have since read
several parts of it to my two grandsons and, I might add, they hung on every
word. They especially enjoyed hearing how to "whittle for worms"
before going fishing. I used other examples in the book to bring home some
of the attributes to them that I mentioned above. It is great
reading! If you would like George to email the complete autobiography to
you, just send him an email. I hope it will motivate you to think about
writing your own autobiography. You will be happy for him too on his
success in life and strong character. Christine
"My life long dream has always been to catch a fish so big that I wouldn't
have to lie about it when I told my fish story. This is a picture of my
big Blue Marlin (570 lbs) that I caught in Kona, Hawaii last year.
Click here
to e-mail George at George_Hatch@sbcglobal.net
L.B.
(left) and George (right) return to Bonny Oaks 65 years later.
George and Marshall Hatch, Summer of 2000
Marshall Hatch
Bonny Oaks - 1930 to 1935
Message: Marshall
went to Bonny Oaks on October 13, 1930 and left in 1937. Graduated from
Central High and attended U. of Chattanooga-Left to join the Air Corps at the
beginning of WWII . Studied meteorology and spent major part of career in that
field. Was Air Force Liaison Officer at the Hurricane Center in Miami for
several years. Retired as Major in 1962 and spent the next 18 years in Miami
flying hurricanes and doing weather research with the National Weather Service.
Lived in Miami until Hurricane Andrew drove us out and we are now living quietly
on the 2nd hole of a golf course near San Antonio, Texas.
Click here
to e-mail Marshall at leeandmarsh@earthlink.net
Christine Haven
Bonny Oaks - Aug 1959 to Sept 1966
Vine Street Childrens Home - Feb 1957-Aug 1959
My family - Children: James Howard (36, black shirt), Jesse Howard (35,standing) and Carrie Leigh Jay
(24, standing). Grandchildren: James' children:
Brent, Trevor, Riley, and Jared. Carrie's children, Simon Jay H., Gideon
Haven H. and Adeline Morrigan H. Jesse's daughters, Jesika and Bree Anna.
Second Picture: Christine and Roland Rich going to Bonny Oaks' Sunday Chapel, 1959. Vine Street from
1957 through 1959.
Message: "I look back on my years at Bonny Oaks as very positive
ones. The
opportunities afforded us, for just a little effort on our part (remember the
Washington tests?), were there for the taking. Today, I hope you are all well and
happy, surrounded by your own family, and able to take pride
in the fact that you were a good parent for your own children. By acknowledging our parental responsibilities we
are a positive "force" in
our children's lives and Bonny Oaks helped to break our parents pattern that we could have all been heading toward.
In that, our own children should also be
thankful to Bonny Oaks. My favorite quote: "It is never too
late to become what you might have been." - George Eliot (Marian
Evans). Christine Haven"
Click here to
e-mail Christine at texasbonny@yahoo.com
Robert Charles Haven (Charlie,
Chuckie)
Bonny Oaks - 1959 to 1963
Vine Street Childrens Home - 1957-Aug 1959
Message: "I remember selling a gallon of
blackberries to the houseparents for 25 cents, then I discovered I could sell
them for a dollar a gallon door to door so I would buy the other boys
blackberries they picked for fifty cents and go and sell them for a dollar, HA
HA. We celebrated our 32nd anniversary day before yesterday, October 24th,
and they said we wouldn't last for six months. We have five kids and five
grandkids and we all live in North Carolina. I always liked Mr. Adamson a
lot and think I got by with a lot cause I was like one of his favorites. I used
to break my glasses at Bonny Oaks about every six months and now I've had the
same pair for five years. Oh yeah, I met a woman in a store here and she
said she was at Bonny Oaks in the 1950's, her name was Glenda Parks if anyone
remembers her. (Update 2/26/04 Glenda died in
car wreck, she is on the 'In Memory of' page)" Robert Haven
Click here to
e-mail Robert at havenrobertn@hotmail.com
Daisy Hawk
Bonny Oaks - 1962 to 1968.
Vine Street - 1955-1962
Message: "This is a long story and kind of funny how I got hold of
someone at Bonny Oaks, but I had registered with Classmates.com which I put in
Tyner High that I graduated that year so I could get a hold of Pete Hale.
Low and behold, he emailed me and told me you had a website. I have been
online for hours, laughing and crying as I look at these pictures. I had
no idea you had this website. Seems like for years I have been thinking of
all of you and wondering how everyone is doing. I never made it out to the
reunion as I see the pictures I really missed out. So many things have
happened in my life, good and bad. But through all of it, I have 3
beautiful daughters: Crystal (24 yrs old), Cambria (22 yrs) and Cassandra
(almost 19 yrs). Crystal has 2 sons, Seth (almost 8) and Tristan (4
1/2). Cambria is still single. Cassandra (Cassie) has a beautiful
daughter named Chazmin (10 months). Well, gonna close, please email me,
would love it. Daisy Hawk-Murray".
12/30/05 Email: "I have a new website which you probably have heard
of it, www.myspace.com/tennesseelady
Anyway, you can post interesting things there which I posted about being in
Bonny Oaks. Karen Graham left me a message there on my site and she told
me that her father was the assistant superintendent at Bonny Oaks in the late
50's and 70's. Karen lives in Virginia and is a United Methodist
pastor. Gee, was I surprised or what! Check out my site, perhaps you
can join too and be my friend there. Have a Happy New year! Love,
Daisy."
Email Daisy at reddelizious2001@yahoo.com
Delma (Dana) Hawk
Bonny Oaks - 1962 to 1968.
Vine Street - 1955-1962
Message: "Delma asked me to be in
contact with everyone since she doesn't have a computer. She is doing fine
serving the Lord whom she loves very much. God has made a wonderful change
in her life. She has two sons, Douglas and David, and one daughter,
Shauna. She lives in Bullhead City AZ. It would mean so much to her
if you could write. I sent her a Bonny Oaks t-shirt and she wears it with
pride around her town hoping someone from Bonny Oaks will be able to spot
her. She goes by her birth name Dana Hawk, yes, her birth certificate says
her name is Dana, can you imagine! We have been calling her Delma for 52
years, hehe. Anyway, if you can write her it will be the second most
wonderful thing that has happened in her life. Love to All and missing you
all, Daisy Hawk."
Email Delma at reddelizious2001@yahoo.com
Douglas Hawk
Bonny Oaks - 1957 to about 1964
Vine Street -
Message: "Thank you so much for this
website. It brought back many memories of which I am so thankful
for."
Email Doug at dhawk@us.ibm.com
Michael Hawk (Mike, Mikey)
Bonny Oaks - 1957 to about 1969
Vine Street -
Message: "Hi to everyone that was at
Bonny Oaks with me. It would be nice to hear from you."
Click here to email Mike at HAWK9047@AOL.COM
Ruby Belle Hensley - 1950's
Message: "Hi! Hope to see everyone
at our reunion. Contact me via email if any old friends would like to
write to me. Would like to hear from all of my old friends!!!! Love
to all, Ruby Blake
Click here to email Ruby at
tallmonalt@yahoo.com
James (Jimmy) Holloway
Bonny Oaks - 1961 through 1967.
Message: "Good to know that someone
still cares about our childhood and memories of our past. That whoever
reads this, I hope it finds you in good health and prosperity. Your
Friend, Jimmy Holloway P.S. Thank you Jesse and Pauline"
Click here to
e-mail Jimmy at jhollow888@earthlink.net
Johnnie Ruth Holloway
Bonny
Oaks - 1937 through 1942. Newspaper clipping of Dr. and Mrs. Keese, with students, at a Pilot Club dinner,
including Johnnie, front row left on arm of veranda.
Message: "I thank the good Lord for finding a safe home for me and my
sister, Thelma Holloway. I shall always cherish those years and still keep
in touch with several others who were welcomed into the family. I attended
Tyner High School for the last four years that I was there and married my typing
teacher, James F. Hashberger. We were married for 55-1/2 years in 1998
until I lost him to cancer in August 1998.
I was so happy to find your website this morning through our newspaper. Of
course, by now I am retired and would love to hear from others who may have been
students there at the time I was there. I was fortunate enough to have had
Dr. & Mrs. W.S. Keese as our administrators. By the way, Dr. Keese
held my wedding ceremony!
I give God the credit for my wonderful life with James. We had two
daughters, Nancy and Jan, that we treasured with all of our hearts. They
live close to me, now. I also have three wonderful granddaughters.
Thanks for getting this information out to us. I'm sure it will be a
blessing to all of us. Johnnie Hashberger"
Click here to e-mail
Johnnie at JHashberge@aol.com
Johnny Holloway
Bonny Oaks - 1961 through 1968.
Message: "The first ride in the big
white station wagon from Vine Street Children's Home to the Bonny Oaks School
stands in my mind like it was only yesterday. Ms. Brown was a lady sent
from the good Lord above. Loved the children as if they were her
own. She was the first "houseparent" that I had and there's
nothing but wonderful memories about her. Jesse and Pauline Presley were
an inspiration that only kids that lived at Bonny Oaks could ever express.
The athletic abilities of both of them inspire me to continue to work out in
order to keep myself in the shape that the two of them are in. Along with
the athletics was also the caring and friendship that both of them showed toward
all the children that they ever made contact with.
Mr. and Mrs. Adamson were more than just a Superintendent of the Bonny Oaks
School, they were the first ones that introduced me to our spiritual Father, the
Lord Jesus Christ. I remember one of Mr. Adamson's sermons (at the chapel)
about how Christ erases our sins, like a pencil eraser does when you make a
mistake, just for the asking of His salvation. And this is one sermon that
I will always be eternally grateful that I did listen. Furthermore, to
this day, I consider Mr. and Mrs. Adamson the best friend that a person could
have and will always be in his debt for sowing the seed about Jesus in my
heart. There are lots of things that I remember of Bonny Oaks, some are
wonderful memories that have always been in the back of my head. I regret
that I haven't kept in touch with my childhood friends, however, with the
website we can once again make and keep in touch."
Click here to
email
Johnny at jdholloway2001@aol.com
Margaret Humphreys
Bonny Oaks - 1947 to 1958
Message: "I would love to hear from
anyone that was there when me, my sisters and brothers were there. Also,
if anyone has any photos of any of the Humphrey children, I would love to see
them."
Click here to send an email to Margaret at
lisaAnne517@aol.com
Martha Humphreys
Bonny Oaks - 1947 to 1953
Message: "I would love to hear from
anyone that knew me while I was at Bonny Oaks. Would also love to see
pictures. You can email me at my sister's email address, thanks."
Click here to send an email to Martha at
lisaAnne517@aol.com
Sara Humphreys
Bonny Oaks - 1947 to 1952
Message: "I am interested in hearing
from anyone who was at Bonny Oaks during the years that I was. If you have
pictures, I would love to see them. You can email me at my sister email
address."
Click here to send an email to Sara at
lisaAnne517@aol.com
Charlotte Hurst
Bonny Oaks - 1978 or 1979
Message: "I just want to join this
website. Hello, my name is Charlotte and my maiden name is Hurst. I
was a very shy kid. I was in Bonny Oaks in about '78 or '79. I have
written a story about my time in Bonny Oaks on www.writing.com
, under www.writing.com/Charla/ It
is not a complete story yet, but it is an outline. I just wanted to hurry
up and get written. I will be making corrections over time. I get
online at the local town library so I only get online on average about once a
week to visit my favorite site at www.writing.com".
You can email Charlotte Hurst Rackler at charlotterackler@yahoo.com
(I's)
(J's)
Harry R. Jackson (Dr.)
Bonny Oaks
- 1953 through 1962.
Message: "I was so excited when I discovered this wonderful web
page! Like many of you, I am so grateful for having grown up at The Bonny
Oaks School. I have so many wonderful memories of my childhood at Bonny
Oaks...and some not so good but when they are mixed together the good ones far
outweigh the bad.
My sister, Pat, was at Bonny Oaks during the time I was there. She passed
away in October of 1998. I know that many of you remember her and thought
you might like to know of her death. I was married for twenty-six years
before it came to an end. I have two wonderful children from that
marriage. I remarried in May of 1998 to a wonderful Christian lady who has
two grown children.
When I left Bonny Oaks in 1962, I went to live in a Foster Home. I was
attending college and was drafted in 1966 and served two years in the Army, with
one tour in Vietnam. I worked in a children's home here in Chattanooga
(Bethel Bible Village) for 16-1/2 years and now am working for the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs as a Readjustment Counseling Therapist. I
finished college with a BA in psychology and a Masters Degree in
counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee and a
Certified Clinical Forensic Counselor.
I am very much involved in my church. It was at Bonny Oaks (Silverdale
Baptist) that I accepted Christ as my Savior. Again, I am so grateful for
my childhood at The Bonny Oaks School and for Mr. & Mrs. Adamson and for all
of you....my "brothers and sisters"."
Many of you may remember when Mr. Adamson would have one
of the big boys lead some of our chapel services. Harry Jackson
was one of those boys and just had a wonderful find today, here's his
email (and yes, I was there, I was 11 years old then). Hope you
enjoy reading this too:
"Christine, Attached is a 'speech' that I gave during the Bonny
Oaks Chapel Service on March 23, 1962. I was 17 1/2 years old at
the time. Perhaps you were there. Someone found my original
notes in some files at Bonny Oaks. :) Harry"
Click
here to read the transcribed "Christian Life in a Sinful
Society" by Harry Jackson
Click here to email Harry at
bonnyoaksschool@yahoo.com
Steve Johnson
Bonny Oaks - 1967 to 1969
Message: "I would like to know if anyone
can help me locate any old pictures of me while at Bonny Oaks. Also feel
free to contact me. It would be nice to hear from someone who remembers
me. I just found this website by accident and really enjoyed looking at
all the old pictures. Living today in Hixson, Tennessee. Hoping to
hear from old friends, and getting to talk about the old days."
Click here to email Steve at
SEJ0196@yahoo.com
(K's)
Dewane Kidwell (Brown Bean)
Bonny Oaks - from the early 1940's to early 1950's.
Vine Street -
Message:
"The 5 Kidwell boys were sent to Bonny Oaks in the late 1930's, and the
last one stayed until 1953. Bobby & Jerry were the first ones then Ron
& Don followed a couple years later and in 1943, I was sent there. As
you can see, we were at Bonny Oaks during the 2nd world war and the Korean
war. They were very difficult years. All the kids were assigned jobs
according to their ages (the older you get, the harder you work). In those
days there was very little outside help and never any luxuries from food to
clothing. We had to work very hard to make ends meet. Our schooling
for the first 8 years was 1/2 day sessions that would allow us to do our chores
before and after school. Under those conditions, we were never prepared
for high school. The matrons did their best to guide us in the right
directions which I believe they did an excellent job! Dewane (Brown
Bean)".
Click here to e-mail
Ralph Dewane at rrkidwell@aol.com
Donald Kidwell
Bonny Oaks from the late 1930's to early 1950's.
Message: Forthcoming.
You can send an email to Donald through his brother, Dewane. Be sure to
note which brother you are writing.
Click here to e-mail
Donald at rrkidwell@aol.com
Ronald Kidwell
Bonny Oaks from the late 1930's to early 1950's.
Message: Forthcoming.
You can send an email to Ronald through his brother, Dewane. Be sure to
note which brother you are writing.
Click here to e-mail
Ronald at rrkidwell@aol.com
(L's)
Bennett Wayne Lawson (Sonny)
Bonny Oaks - April 1946 - August 1950
Message: "I was at Bonny Oaks in the late 40's and early 50's.
I would appreciate any information you could give me."
Click here to email Ben (Sonny) at
beanlawson@yahoo.com
Lester Lawson
Bonny Oaks - 1946 through 1948
Message: "Anyone who remembers me can
contact me on my email."
Click here to email Lester at fishman992@yahoo.com
Ruby Jean Lawson
Bonny Oaks - Jan 1945 - July 1947
Message: "Thank you, for the
memories. I will never forget Bonny Oaks nor the staff or students I met
there. I have had a full and wonderful life. Was at a family reunion
on 9/7/02 and went by Bonny Oaks to take some photos. Did not know that
there had been a reunion for Bonny Oaks. Hope to come to the next
one. I live in Cottageville, South Carolina. Ruby Jean Lawson
Torkilson".
Click here to email Ruby Jean at
lazyt@vrdon.com
Teresa Lee Ledford
Bonny Oaks - 1968 through 1977.
Message: I now work with the Department of
Children's Services here in Chattanooga. I have seen other students that
attended Bonny Oaks School when I was there. I have seen them on the
street and at Juvenile Court. I have told them about the website.
Most are not as "lucky" as I have been. I now have their
children on my caseload. I would truly like to see students from 1968 to
1977 on the site that are as "lucky" as I am. Something positive
for a change from students of my time there. Teresa Ledford Brown"
Click here to
email
Teresa at Teresa.Brown@state.tn.us
Virginia Ann Ledford
Bonny Oaks 1968 to 1973
Message: "Living in Pisgah,
Alabama. I am married with two children and two grandchildren. I
work at Maples Industries and manufacture various sizes and types of rugs.
I wanted to attend the reunion but circumstances beyond my control prevented my
attending the reunion. I would like to contact some of my old friends from
back then sometime in the future. I think of those days all the time and I
would like to say hello to all my friends from back then and hope to speak with
you soon. Virginia Ann Ledford Brewton".
Click here to email Virginia at bbrewton@farmerstel.com
Betty J. Lively
Bonny Oaks - 1973 to 1974
Message: "I have no email but can be
reached through my sister, Vickie's, email address. We were at Bonny Oaks
at the same time. Betty J. (Lively) Smith".
Click here to email Betty at cestrunk@aol.com
Vickie L. Lively
Bonny Oaks - 1973 to 1974.
Message: "My stay at Bonny Oaks was
short but sweet. Lots of great memories. Would love to see any
pictures. Vickie L. (Lively) Strunk".
Click here to email Vickie at cestrunk@aol.com
David Lowe
Bonny Oaks - 1959 to 1964
Message: "Hi, this is David Lowe.
I have been living in California for the last 18 years, just moved back to
Tennessee a year ago. Thanks for a great website. I would love to
hear from some of my old friends from Bonny Oaks. Thanks, Dave"
Click here to
email David at dl1155@hotmail.com
Leonard Lee Lowe
Bonny Oaks - 1959 to 1964
Message: "I would like to talk to anyone
who remembers me or my brother, David Lowe. I had a lot of friends and
would like to hear from anyone. Please email me, thank you, Leonard
Lowe"
Click here to
email Leonard at lowehillbillys@aol.com
Danny Lusk
Bonny Oaks - 1957 to 1962
Message: "Glad to be here."
Click here to email Danny at dhlusk@tva.gov
Linda Lusk
Bonny Oaks - 1957-1962
Click here to email Linda at lml777@msn.com
(M's)
Eva Jo Mason
Bonny Oaks - 1936 through 1945.
Message: My father entered my sister and me
in Bonny Oaks School when we were young. Dr. & Mrs. Keese were the
administrators at the time. I am so thankful the Keeses came into my
life. They had such an influence on my spiritual life. I attended
Tyner High School four years and married my high school sweetheart, M. Harold
Smith. Dr. Keese married us in the Bonny Oaks Chapel. We were
blessed with three wonderful sons who have made us very proud. Harold and
I had a little over fifty years together before he went to be with the Lord in
1997. I feel that Dr. & Mrs. Keese's love and spiritual guidance
taught me the important things of life. They helped me to be a better
person, be happy and enjoy each day. Also, to be thankful for all
things. Those were happy days for me at Bonny Oaks. I will always be
thankful that my father was wise enough to see how we needed people like Dr. and
Mrs. Keese. I am a Realtor and still sell real estate, teach a Sunday
School class, and be a Red Cross volunteer. My three sons, Hal, Stephen
and Andrew, live out of
state so I can't spoil the grandchildren. I need to keep busy."
Eva Jo Mason Smith
Click here to e-mail
Eva Jo at esmith2645@aol.com
Geneva Ellen Mason
Bonny Oaks - 1939-1941
Searching for Earl Page or Louise Page or someone that remembers me.
Message: "Hello to all Bonny Oaks Alumni.....I hope everyone is well and
happy these days. It has been a long time, about 70 years, since I have
been to Bonny Oaks and I do have fond memories. I hope I will be able to
come to the reunion of 2011 and I pray that you can be there also. I hope
that someone will remember me. Sincerely, Geneva Ellen (Mason) Curtis"
Email: hootbaby@comcast.net
Living today in Athens, Tennessee
Frances Evelyn Maxwell
Bonny Oaks - 1953 through 1955.
Message: "I am Evelyn Maxwell and my
brother, Wayne Maxwell, were in Bonny Oaks in the early 50's and I just think it
would be wonderful to get in touch with some of the kids we knew back
then. I am 58 years old and Wayne is 59. I have 4 children and live
in Canada at the time being. My husband is a minister and we have been
here for seven years. Our children are all grown and we have 5
grandchildren. Would love to hear from somebody who may remember me and
Wayne. Wayne still lives in Chattanooga and he is doing well. We
email each other all the time and I would love to email anybody that wants to
correspond with me."
Click here to email Evelyn at bclift@amtelecom.net
Wayne Maxwell
Bonny Oaks - 1951 - (?)
Message: "I live in Red Bank and would be glad to hear from anyone who
might remember me. I had a sister named Evelyn. Dickey Stover was my
best friend. I am 59 years old, at this time, soon to be 60 on 3/20/2001.
My job was milking two cows by hand twice each day. They got milking
machines later on. I went to school there also, they had two large rooms
grades 1 through 6, split into two groups and I remember D.W. Standifer who was
my teacher and the principal also. You do very good work and I am sure you
will be made aware of that fact now that the word has got out with your
efforts. Thanks for doing that, you will bring a large family together
again, your friend, Wayne Maxwell."
Click here to email
Wayne at greenoro41@aol.com
Susie Pauline McDonald-Buckner
Bonny Oaks - 1953 to 1964.
Message: "I want to register on the website
in hopes that one day my adopted sister, Judy, will find me. I was sent to
Bonny Oaks and my younger brother and sister were adopted. I found my
brother years ago but neither one of us have been able to locate our sister who
was about 3 years old when she was adopted. Our mother's name was Mamie
Riggs. Hope to hear from some Bonny Oaks friends". Susie
Pauline McDonald Buckner
Email Susie at
susiebuckner135@yahoo.com
Richard Eugene McKeel (Gene)
Bonny Oaks - 1953 to 1955
Message: "Went to Bonny Oaks for three
years, really enjoyed my time there. I still live in Chattanooga, Lookout
Valley. Served in the United States Navy from 1962-1968. Served two
tours in the Vietnam War. Moved back here and married Lynda Carol Tucker
in 1969. We have a son who was born in 1976."
Click here to
email Gene at richardamckeel@bellsouth.net
Terry Miolen
Bonny Oaks - 1957 to 1963.
Message: "Hello everyone! I just
found out about this site from Jesse Presley. I live in Charleston, South
Carolina. I am a self-employed Roofing Contractor. I have 4
daughters and 2 stepsons, along with 14 grandchildren and one more on the way in
July. Will look forward to hearing from any of you."
Marcus Nathaniel Morgan
Bonny Oaks 1939-43 and 1946-1949.
Pictured is Marcus today; Marcus and Jenny, daughter; Carl, brother, and Marcus
with their mother.
Message:
"I left Bonny Oaks in 1948 and joined the Army in 1950 and stayed
until I retired from military service. I have tried to contact many of my
old friends without success. Please accept my sincerest thanks for this
contact. I wish to make contact with several of my old friends, so if you
are out there, please write. I am most happy to be "HOME
AGAIN". Marcus
8/14/2011 email, "I am now living in a small German town named Hauptstuhl, it is
about 10 miles from Ramstein AFB. I turned 78 on April 6, 2011. I
will be on vacation in Ft. Lauderdale Florida in November. Wishing all
well. Marcus"
Email address is
marcnathan9@googlemail.com
William (Billy) Franklin Morrison
Bonny Oaks 1930's
Message: From Billy's daughter, Lisa,
"My dad, William (Billy) Morrison was brought to the orphanage in 1930, he
was about 8. He had an older brother, Tommie, who was with him. I am
just looking to find any pictures of Billy and would be grateful for any
information about Billy's life at the orphanage. Thanks, Lisa."
Click here to email Billy through his
daughter at WayRich14@aol.com
Ruby Lee Myers
Bonny Oaks Jan 1942 - May 1942
Message: "I would like to talk to anyone
that remembers me. I can be contacted by my cousins email".
Click here to email Ruby at punky7002@aol.com
(N's)
Cassidy C. Neighbors
Bonny Oaks - 1949 through 1955.
Message: "I came to Bonny Oaks Nov. 1949
and was there until Dec. 1955. Since then I have married a girl from New
York state, Audrey Taylor. We have three children, two girls and a boy,
Karen, Melinda and Jim. I worked at Clements Antiques in Chattanooga for
50 years, retired January 31, 2008. We now have 5 granddaughters.
The Lord has truly blessed us. We are members of Calvary Baptist Church in
Red Bank, TN, where I serve on the Deacon board.
You can email Cassidy at
CassandAudreyNeighbors@epbfi.com
Eva Jane Neighbors
Bonny Oaks - 11/1/1950 through June 1954
Message: "I am Mary Ann, Cassidy and
Tommy Neighbors sister. I am married to Ralph Leanord Lewis. We have
4 beautiful children, 3 boys and 1 girl, all married. We have 7 grandsons
and 1 granddaughter and 1 grandson now deceased (7 years of age at death).
We live on Mobray Mountain in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. Would love to see
everyone who remembers me. I am the little girl in the middle holding the
4th of July sparklers in the newspaper photo. Eva Jane
Click here to email Eva - You did
not leave your email address, will use Mary Ann's for now. Please
send your email address.
Mary Ann Neighbors
Bonny Oaks - 11/1/49 through 06/-/54
Message: "My name is Mary Ann Neighbors
Poe. I am married to James Carl Poe. We have been married for 44
years. We have two beautiful daughters, five grandsons and a
granddaughter - and a great-grandson (3 yrs) and great-granddaughter (6), all of whom are
the light of my life. And a son-in-law that is a one of a kind. We
live in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee.
"I still would like to find Barbara Lea Durham. She was at Bonny Oaks
the same time I was. If anyone knows anything about her whereabouts,
please put it on this web page or contact me. I would like to get in touch
with as many people who were at Bonny Oaks at the same time I was there, especially Barbara
whose last known address was in Texas. Barbara is the little girl standing
in front of Estes Kefauver in the picture of the trip to Washington."
Click here to
e-mail Mary Ann at thesingingnone@aol.com
(O's)
(P's)
Edgar Thomas Parker (Ace or Ed)
Bonny Oaks - 1932/33 to 1940)
Message: "I am searching for, and would like
to talk to, any of my old classmates. I wonder how they are doing
and where are they today?".
Click here to email Ed at park991@aol.com
Leroy Franklin Partain
Leroy was at Bonny Oaks from 1958 through 1968.
Vine Street -
Click here to email Leroy at
Partain51@aol.com
Ed Pickett
Bonny Oaks 1940 to 1947
Message: Submitted by Donna Pickett,
daughter-in-law.
Hello, Thank you very much for all the work you do to maintain the
bonnyoaks.org website. I would like to submit the following paragraph to be
added to the Alumni page of the website. "I am writing on behalf of
my Father-in-Law, Ed Pickett. Ed and his three sisters entered Bonny Oaks in
1940. Their names and ages (at the time of admission) are as follows: Ed (age
4), Ruby (age 6), Belle (age 8) and Nora (age 10). All had the last name
Pickett. Ed left Bonny Oaks around 1947. Ed went on to marry, raise two sons,
and retire from the military. Ed is doing very well and is about to celebrate
his 81st birthday. Ed currently lives in Pennsylvania. He would like to
correspond with anyone who would remember him or his sisters. He is especially
looking for information about Annise Whittemore. If anyone would like to
correspond, please e-mail pickettline@juno.com and I will make sure that Ed
receives your correspondence. Sadly, Ed is the only remaining sibling in his
family. Ed loves reading, playing games on his computer and can spend hours
looking over the bonnyoaks.org website. We have even found several "possible"
pictures of him as a young child. He has many memories of his 10 years spent at
Bonny Oaks. Thank you, Donna Pickett (on behalf of Ed)". If you have any
questions, please feel free to e-mail me. Thank you for posting this.
Donna Pickett
Barbara Pierce
Bonny Oaks - 1950 to 1955
Message: "My sister, Shirley, and my
brothers, Frank & Robert, were sent to Bonny Oaks to live after my mother
died. We had been sent to live with my Indian grandmother who could not
read or write and my father was an invalid in a VA hospital and died shortly
after that. I have very fond memories of our days there and was very happy
there. I would love to hear from everyone. I will give this website
to my sister who lives in Rossville, Georgia. Thanks for the Web
site! Barbara (Pierce) Burhans".
Franklin W. Pierce, Jr. (Frank)
Bonny Oaks - 1950 through 1961
Message: "I'm now retired and live in Washington just across the
river from Portland, Oregon."
I would like to up date my email address. I still live in Washington but I
do spend some time in AZ helping out with the homeless problem there. I
now do Chaplain on the street service in Phoenix Az part of the time as
you no doubt know I am retired however I don't like just sitting around doing
nothing so I do Vol work. frankpierce_1999@yahoo.com
Robert Lewis Pierce (Bob)
Bonny Oaks - 1950 to 1955.
Message: "Hello,
thanks to my daughter, I have found this site. I now live in Texas.
I would love to hear from each of you, please email me. I'm doing well and
hope each one of you are doing the same. My prayers are with the Bonny
Oaks School. Thank you for this website! Looking for Bonny Oaks
students that were there up to 1955. Please contact me and we can share
stories. Looking for Betty Parker also. Thanks, Robert (Bob)".
Click here to email Robert at jlgibson@highstream.net
Shirley
Elizabeth Pierce
Bonny Oaks - 1950 to 1955
Message: "My sister, Barbara Pierce Burhans, told me about
this site. We went to Bonny Oaks along with our two brothers, Frank and
Robert Pierce and to begin with were in four different dorms. I left Bonny
Oaks when I was 16 and managed to support myself taking care of peoples
housework in exchange for room and board, until I graduated from Lakeview High
School in 1957. I worked for Civil Service in Washington, D.C. until I
married Frank Tapley in August of 1957. We proceeded to spend the next 20
years as a military family (raising 1 boy and 3 girls) with Frank serving in the
submarine service. Since his retirement, we have continued to move from
one place to another. We have finally settled down for our longest period
of time in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, where we have lived since 1989. I
hope to hear from members of my Bonny Oaks 'family'. Shirley Elizabeth Pierce
Tapley".
Shirley's daughter, Linda Averette, emailed the website to
say: "My mother (Shirley Pierce) and her sister (Barbara) were
at Bonny Oaks. Most of my life I would hear stories about the school and
have just now found the web site. Mom and Aunt Barbara are registered here
now. This is a beautiful site and I plan to come back to visit often to
see what is new. I hope the reunion in July is a huge success. I do
know that mom will be going.".
Click here to email Shirley at fbtchief@cs.com
Carole Prather
Bonny Oaks - 1942 to 1943
Message: "I and my two brothers were put at
Bonny Oaks, I think in 1941. My
oldest brother was 11, I was 9, and my youngest brother was 8. I left
Chattanooga in my 20's and I miss it, sometimes I get homesick...I put
"Bonny Oaks" in a search engine, and must admit it is very well
done. I logged onto it, printed out the picture of the boys building with
the little girls building in the background, I knew it the moment I saw
it. I have included a picture of me at Bonny Oaks but I doubt if any
of the girls will remember me as, sad to say, I have forgotten their names but
do remember some of the things that we did."
Click here to
e-mail Carole at mcaninch@web-ster.com
Haskell Prather (Sonny)
Bonny Oaks - 1942 to 1943
Message: If you would like to write to Sonny, his
brother Dean will give him the message.
Click here to
e-mail Sonny at pratthed@earthlink.net
Henry Dean Prather (Dean)
Bonny Oaks - 1942 to 1943
Message: "The pictures and names of some as
Dr. Keese, Mr. Hagan, and Mrs. Crabtree bring back old, but not
necessarily good
memories. We 3 children were ordered there after divorce in family, and
spent 2 years of hell, in that no one cared about us. The memories that
flood through are not necessarily good but it was not the fault of the school
that we were put there. It taught me to watch out for my sister, Carole,
and my brother, Haskell, called Sonny till this day. I remember being
struck once across the face with a razor strap, working at the dairy and
carrying 2 milk cans daily to big boys and big girls dormitory, working the sorghum
mill, the hog killing, working at the laundry on the mangle and the
extractor. Our mother finally
came back to town, and remarried, and we were sent with her. I later ran
away and joined the Marines when I was 15 years 5 mos. old, and have never
looked back."
Click here to
e-mail Henry at pratthed@earthlink.net
Jerry Presley
Bonny Oaks - 1952 through 1958.
Message: "Bonny Oaks School was my home for
several years. I have so many wonderful memories of the days where I was a
kid growing up at Bonny Oaks. Jesse and I were very blessed to have the
opportunity to experience the home environment of a children's home. We
had three meals, a roof over our heads, a chance to attend school, participate
in sports and to worship the Lord on Sundays. Through the leadership of
Mr. Adamson and his staff, we grew up to become responsible citizens. All
Alumni of Bonny Oaks can be proud. We kept the faith, fought a good fight,
and finished the course. And, along the way, we became one family.
Let's stay in touch through the website and hopefully someday we can be together
again. Jerry Presley"
Email Jerry at JPres13@aol.com
Jesse and Pauline Presley
Jesse was at Bonny Oaks from 1952 through 1958, then returning as a staff
member, 1962 - 1984. (He married Pauline, she was at the Baptist
Children's Home in Chattanooga).
Message 1: "We were very excited to see the website! We are doing well
and still residing in Chattanooga. We live within walking distance of the
school and still visit frequently. We look forward to hearing from you
soon. Great job and thanks a lot!"
Message 2: "Thy eternal summer shall not fade" - A line from an
old Shakespeare sonnet I think. I remember the fun we had in the summer
time. We worked and played ball and we socialized. We made some
lifelong friends. I call it an unforgettable experience in this journey we
call life. Do you think there will be a Bonny Oaks up there? Pauline
and I had some great times working and living at Bonny Oaks. We have a ton
of pictures we made during those years. Remember those great boxing and
softball teams we had? Thank you Chris for this website. May the
Grace of God be with us all. Peace. From your friends, Jesse and
Pauline Presley."
Email Jesse and Pauline at JPres13@aol.com
Doris Price
Bonny Oaks - 1960 through 1970
Message: "Glad to have found this website. I hope to find some
of the people that were there when I was and hung out with."
Email Doris at je21349@yahoo.com
B. Arthur Prichard (Art)
Years at Bonny Oaks: 1934 - 1946 (except Aug '42 - Dec '45 while serving
in U.S. Marines in the Pacific). Click
here to read Art's own words about his "least" favorite chore when he
was at Bonny Oaks!
Message 1: "Two sisters and I came to Bonny
Oaks at different times and left at different times. We are in our mid and
upper seventies now, and are scattered about the country, living in Indiana,
California and Ohio. My wife and I visited Bonny Oaks in the sixties and
met Mr. Malcolm Adamson. An unopened letter was waiting in my file for
about 24 years, it was from an old buddy. I think we still have a few
copies of the Acorns which I'll try to find and copy for the web page.
More later, Best wishes and thank you for the web site. Art Prichard"
Message 2: "Hi again. Since my first
e-mail to you yesterday, I've visited bonnyoaks.com and was delighted. I
have been working on a web page for a couple of years focusing on our family
history and genealogy, and have included references to Bonny Oaks which are as
yet incomplete. I do have a few older Acorns which you might wish to copy.
They are: 1. An undated, untitled issue with cover photo of a young boy at
prayer with candle and bible with caption: "More and more we depend upon
God"., 2. Vol. II dated June 1952 No. 1, 3. Vol. VIII dated 1958 No. 1
(which you have), 5. Vol. VIII(sic) dated 1960 No. 1, 6. Vol. XII dated 1963 No.
1. Please let me know if you would like me to send any of them for your
copying. Sincerely, Art" (these are now on the Acorns
page).
Billie Prichard - 1933 to 1941
Message: "Hello to my fellow classmates
at Bonny Oaks, especially my Tyner High School Graduation Class. I was at
Bonny Oaks from the early 1930's to 1941. I am the sister of Geraldine
White (Prichard) and Art Prichard, both Bonny Oaks Alumni. I married Roy
McDonald after leaving Bonny Oaks. Roy chose a career with the
railroad. After World War II we moved to Milltown Indiana and built a home
that I still live in today. I worked for a chemical company for
approximately forty years and retired as a Manager. Roy and I had one son,
Roy McDonald, who became an engineer after college. I was widowed sometime
back. Today, I am blessed with a fine son and daughter-in-law and have
three grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. If you desire to contact
me, send an email to my sister Geraldine and she will relay the message to
me. So Long. Billie McDonald (Prichard)".
Click here to email Billie at dickgeri@yahoo.com
Geraldine Prichard
(Gerry)
Bonny Oaks - 1932 to 1939. Picture of Gerry (right) and Lucy
Brock-Vincent (left) was taken in Chattanooga, TN, 1938.
Message: "Hello Bonny Oaks Alumni.
My name is Geraldine Prichard,
married name "White". I attended
Bonny Oaks from approximately 1932 to 1938, after my father died. My
brother, Arthur (Bose) Prichard and Sister also attended at a later time.
I met my husband, Richard, at a party with another Bonny Oaks alumni, while in
school at Bonny Oaks. After we were married, Richard went into the Army
and served for several years during WWII. After the war, we traveled
around the U.S. taking advantage of the construction boom following the
war. We settled in Fresno, California, in 1959, and have been there ever
since. We had three children, Dick, Gene and Bill. Richard retired
from the Plumbers and Steamfitters as a welder after more than forty
years. I would like to hear from any Bonny Oaks alumni who might remember
me and like to talk about old times. Sincerely, Geraldine Prichard White".
Click here to e-mail
Gerry at dickgeri@yahoo.com
Ted Pruitt
Bonny Oaks - 1932 through 1939
Message: "Also looking for anyone who might remember my sister,
Pearl"
Click here to email Ted at sarah8609@aol.com
Linda Elise Purdy
Bonny Oaks - 1966 through 1974
Message: "Would love to hear from some
of you. Donnie, my brother, and I live together in Georgia."
Linda Elise (Purdy) Livingston.
Click here to email
Linda at livlin41@yahoo.com Linda
has a new grandbaby born on July 4th, please see pictures on the Bulletin Board
page.
Donnie Purdy
Bonny Oaks - 1966 through 1974
Message: "Would love to hear from some
of you." Donnie Purdy.
Click here to email
Donnie at livlin41@yahoo.com
(Q's)
(R's)
Charles Reels
Bonny Oaks - 1949-1952
Message: Message to follow. You can
write Charles at snglmom1s566@gmail.com
Roland Rich
Bonny Oaks - 1958 through 1966
Message: "Forthcoming"
Click here to email Roland at o2brich@earthlink.net
Lester B. Robison
Bonny Oaks - 1934 through 1936
Message: "A lot of families had it rough
back in the 30's and we were no exception. Thank goodness for Bonny Oaks School
where my brother, Charlie, and I were sent so we could get an education and have
a roof over our heads. I came from a family of 7 children. I went to live at
Bonny Oaks in 1934 after the death of our Father in 1933. It seemed to be the
only way to survive at the time. I was at Bonny Oaks from 1934-1936. The
building you are calling the "Office" housed the little boys on the
second floor with Mrs.Manning as our housemother. Mrs Scott was the
housemother on the first floor with the older boys. Dr. W.S. Keese was our
Superintendent. I remember he had a horse named Big Moments, and he looked
like a prince sitting up on him. Mr Haygan took care of the barn.
One day a man named John Quincey Adams from Sand Mountain came to the school and
was in need of farm help so a boy named George Hatch and myself volunteered. We
went to live with him and his family for almost 5 years. In this time George and
I became very good friends. We parted ways when George left, then me. I went in
the CCC camp and then in the Army.
I
am now married to Odean Blevins for 53 years. We have 2 daughters, one
son-in-law...Sandy & Glenn Holland, Wanda Reese and 2 grandchildren ...
Misty Holland and Les Reese. I still like to talk about the times we had
at Bonny Oaks and visited out there often until they tore it down. Doing away
with it will never erase the good times and good friends made out there. George
and I still keep in touch and are very good friends.
I
still live in Chattanooga and George lives in Little Rock, AR, but he and his
wife, Connie, come here often for visits. Thank you, Bonny Oaks, for good
friends and fond memories. Lester"
Click here
to e-mail Lester at Cottonshed1@aol.com
Katie
Rogers
Bonny Oaks - 1964 to 1966
"Death of a Brother" Hello, This is Katie, former Katie
Rogers. I am writing to let you know of Kenny's death that occurred 4
years ago. He died in his sleep very peacefully they say. I found him and he was
smiling. Kenny had a lot of friends there and he would want them to know ,
I suppose? He passed away on Feb. 15, 2004. I have recently stumbled
upon this wonderful website and feel compelled to write to you. All of my
mother's children were at Bonny Oaks. I have a sister named Mary Elizabeth
Mills who graduated from there I am told, she is sibling #1. I have never
met her and am told that she graduated a nurse. Can you shed some light on
this. My sister Norma Games was there with brothers Bobby & Billy
Games. Twins like Kenny & I. A middle sister Johnny Carolyn who
died when she was 9. The albums have given me such JOY. Patsy,
Johnny and Susie were there before Kenny & I, I think. Johnny was
killed in Vietnam while I was in Nashville at TPS. Thank God for the Good
Judge (Judge A. Britt) who saw fit to see that I got a good education and
graduated in 1970. I have been married to Rick Woolfolk for 30 some odd
years. We have two children. A boy named Eason and a girl named
Kathleen. They are always asking about our childhood and now I can show
them some of mine. I have 5 beautiful granddaughters , who happen to think
I hung the moon. Go figure. Who
would have thought that my life would be so blessed . God gives us
children to Love and Grandchildren to love us back. Times in the beginning
were rather fearful for All of us and I give Thanks EVERYDAY for all
the blessing God has given my wonderful family. Good roots.
From small acorns grow mighty oaks. I will always remember that.
Take care and God Bless You.
Katie Rogers Woolfolk
woolfolke6@aol.com
Darlene Ross (Calloway)
Bonny Oaks - 1969 through 1972
Message: "I am married to Charles L. Calloway, Sr. He was at
Bonny Oaks from 1967-1977. We have been married for 25 years. We got
married Ma 2. Grown children are Latoya (24), Charles Jr. (21).
Seven grandchildren, Deonta (8), Teandre (7), Adriana (5), Chadaja (4), Charnic.
We thank God for all of them. Mrs. Darlene Calloway.
Click here to email Darlene at MSDHC@aol.com
Douglas Roy
Bonny Oaks - 1945 through 1950.
Click here to
e-mail Douglas at bostonbird@bellsouth.net
(S')
The Five Schoenfelds - Mary Ann, Carl, Paul, Fred
and Little Joe
Submitted by Mary Ann
Hi, My name is Mary Ann and I am sending this picture to see if anybody remembers
"The Schoenfelds", Carl, Paul, Fred, Mary Ann, and little Joe. I
was there for a short time but would like to tell everybody hello! I
was there the early part of 1971. Would like to talk to
some of the old Bonny Oaks people that can remember us. Thanks,
Mary
Click here to write to any of the Schoenfelds at carneygaylemary@yahoo.com
Jimmy Schumaker
Bonny Oaks - 1965 through 1969
Click here to email
Jimmy at JCShumaker@TVA.GOV
Andrew (Andy) J. Shavers, IV
Bonny Oaks - 1960? through 1968.
Vine Street -
Message: "After traveling and working
around the country for over twenty years, I am back in the hayfields of my
youth. I currently have interests in several Chattanooga, TN
businesses. I have contact with a few from the past and my daughter has
benefited from the scholarship program provided by the Bonny Oaks School
Foundation directed by Mr. Adamson. Memories are fuzzy when crowded by
today's rush, but I still would like to hear that many are doing well and using
their God-given talents to rise to the top. Much fond regards from 'Little
Punk'."
Click here
to email Andy at shavers.com@worldnet.att.net
Mary Alice Shelton
Bonny Oaks - 1953 through 1958
Message: "Hi Everyone: It is
fantastic to see this website and to see the pictures of the school. It
was so nice reading the names of so many I remember. Thanks for making
this possible. My husband and I are missionaries in Guyana, South
America. Mary Alice (Shelton) Cantrell"
Click here to email Mary at
jerrygibi@aol.com
Aline Smith
Aline and her sister, Lucille, were at Bonny Oaks from 1945 to 1954.
Message: "Lucille Smith died in August
2001. She and I were at Bonny Oaks from 1945 to 1954. She was 8
years old and I was 5 years old when we went there to live. Aline (Smith)
Cookston".
Aline, could you please send your email address to me, it
wasn't on your sign up form.
Brenda Kay Smith
Bonny Oaks - 1955 to 1958
Message: "I live in Welch, West
Virginia, approximately 30 miles from Bluefield, WV. I was the minister at
the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee for 23 years and have pastored for most
of those years. I am now pastoring the Northfork Church of God, Northfork,
WV. Does anyone remember the Smith girls? There were five (5) of
us. My sisters are Shirley, Linda, Wanda and Cornelia Smith. Hope to
hear from someone. Brenda Kay (Smith) Jenkins
Click here to email Brenda at
preach_1977@yahoo.com
Eva Cornelia Smith
Bonny Oaks - 1956 to 1958
Message: "I now live in Cleveland,
Tennessee. I just moved back here in October of 2001. I would love
to find any information about my childhood years and any pictures if they
exist. Also, information regarding my four sisters who were also in Bonny
Oaks, and a brother, Ronnie D. Smith, who was in Vine Street. Thank you
sincerely, Eva Cornelia (Smith) Walker.
Click here to email Eva at aslot@aol.com
Leroy Smith
Bonny Oaks 1946-1956
Message: "I am wanting to know if anyone
has any photographs of those years. My brothers, Chuck, Levi, Jerry, and
sisters, Tina and Gladys, and myself along with two other siblings were sent to
Bonny Oaks in 1946 after our mother died in childbirth. If anyone has any
information about those years, photographs, newspaper articles, etc., please
contact me.
Click here to email Leroy at
smitty1999@aol.com
Linda Sue Smith
Bonny Oaks - 1955 to 1958
Message: "What a wonderful
website!!! My memories of Bonny Oaks are about Mrs. Costello (Housemother)
and how sweet she was to me. When I did get into trouble, she would barely
spank me and then give me an apple. I remember the roof leaking and
getting everything wet. I am married to a Great Guy (Ron Fillers) and have
raised three children. I worked for the City of Chattanooga for 15
years. The reunion and finding this site has been the topic of
conversation for my fours sisters (also at Bonny Oaks) and I for the last
week. Thanks, Linda Sue (Smith) Fillers"
Click here to email Linda at proxiesue@aol.com
Robert E. (Bobby) Smith
Bonny Oaks - 1959 to 1965
Message: "Living in Chattanooga.
Searching for everybody I Knew. I'm truly blessed....
hello again' it's been about 4 years since we've
chatted. Christine, I just got my first computer 8 days ago. it will
take awhile to learn to type, but I'll get it. I was looking last
night at such a wonderful job all you guys have done. I will stay in
touch as much as possible. May God Bless and keep you and yours.
I spoke with Harry about a year ago, on his job . then I run
in to Billy Frye sometimes at the V.A. clinic. Well tell everyone
hello from me. Love to all ...Bobby Smith 59-65
Email address is penman49@comcast.net
Shirley Ann Smith
Bonny Oaks - 1955 to 1958
Message: "Hello everyone. I just wanted to say I
remember many of you who have registered and some of whom have not. I
remember many good times and thank GOD for Mr. Adamson and Bonny Oaks! I
am the oldest of the five Smith girls. I'm 58 years old. I'm a wife,
mother (4) and grandmother (6). I'm an assistant administrator/director of
nursing in Roanoke, Virginia and I'm looking forward to retirement in a few
years. I hope to see as many as possible at the reunion. I was just
made aware of this website and many questions are answered. I've wondered
about so many of you over the years. I only have one regret about Bonny
Oaks.....I didn't get to stay and grow up there! Those years I was there
are the best memories of my childhood. I would love to hear from
anyone. See y'all at the reunion!"
Click here to email Shirley at hilbily@peoplepc.com
Shirley Josephine Smith
Bonny Oaks - 1955 - 1957
Submitted by Donna Allen, daughter
I am the daughter of one of your Alumni and I have tried to register my mother,
Shirley Smith, as part of your alumni and have yet to see her info on the
"What's New" or "Bulletin" page. She was a child at
Bonny Oaks School from about 1955-57 and left in 1957 to be fostered by the
Evans family. Currently she is living in Covington Kentucky. Since
leaving Bonny Oaks, she's graduated high school; married my father in January
1962; had 3 sons and myself; and lost my father in July 1970 to juvenile
diabetes, TB and stomach cancer. We lived in Palmer, TN before my father
passed and once he passed, mom picked up and decided to move up north to
Cleveland, OH, where my father's sister lived. Mom soon met her 2nd
husband and remarried in November, 1972; had a son & daughter by this man;
divorced in 1975. Since then mom has pretty much raised 6 children alone
working 2 jobs to provide for all of us. She was an only child but she has
produced 7 children (6 living and 1 stillborn); has 14 grandchildren; and 2 and
three-quarters great-grandchildren (3rd due any day now). She has made up
for having no siblings, hasn't she? Ever since I was a little girl, mom
always talked about Bonny Oaks and when I found your website, I called her right
away and we have had fun going thru old pictures on the site. I have found
a lot of her for someone that was supposed to be so shy. If anyone
remembers her and would like to contact her, please feel free to email me for
her information. I can only remember one name of someone that went to
Bonny Oaks that mom has mentioned and it was Jesse Presley. Browsing
through your website, we see that he seems to be doing well and we are very
happy for him. So, in ending this looonnnggg email, I would like someone
to either email me and let me know how to go about getting her registered again
on your website.
Please click here to email Shirley Josephine Smith dallen4@fuse.net
Wanda Mae Smith
Bonny Oaks - 1955 to 1958
Message: "forthcoming"
Click here to email Wanda
Barbara Ann Snyder
Bonny Oaks - 1941 to 1951
Message: "I am now Barbara
Thompson. My friends call me Bobbie. My grandchildren call me
Mo. I have enjoyed perusing the website. It is very professional
looking. I live in Maryville, Tennessee today."
Click here to email Barbara at wthom40954@aol.com
Anothony R. Stevens (Bones)
Bonny Oaks - 1973 to 1978
Message:
"Are there any pictures of the orphanage that was at Bonny Oaks on website,
could not find any...none of me or my friends. Anothony Stevens email
address is danang22@bellsouth.net
Harold Stewart
Bonny Oaks - 1946 to 1957.
Message: Forthcoming
Click here to email Harold at dad423@bellsouth.net
J. David Stoker
Bonny Oaks - 1965 through 1969
Message: Forthcoming
Click here to email David at
wchampion@mindspring.com
Diane Stone
Bonny Oaks - 1962 through 1976
Message: "I would like to thank Mrs.
Margaret Radford for all she did for me and my sister, Georgia Calloway, and my
two brothers, Vernoral Stone (who has gone on to be with the Lord) and Charles
L. Calloway. We all had some time at Bonny Oaks. The years I was
there were good years and some were bad years, but most of all, we all came out
alright! I am working at Memorial Hospital (18 years). Georgia is
also working at Memorial Hospital. Charles is retired from Memorial
Hospital and we are all doing just fine! I will never be able to thank
Mrs. Radford for all she has done for us. She taught my sister and I how
to be young ladies and how to treat our husband even before we were
married. I just want to say "THANK YOU" from the bottom of my
heart, Mrs. Radford. Diane Stone Hermon, Georgia Calloway and Charles
Calloway"
Click here to send Diane, Georgia and
Charles an email at bigdaddycharles5@aol.com
Joyce Mae Stover
Bonny Oaks - 1941 through 1958?
Message: "I met Paul Rowell at First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, in
February, 1959, while teaching first grade in Palmetta, Georgia. We were
married August 8, 1959, and are still together after 41 years of marriage.
For the last 5-1/2 years, I have been working as night Resident Manager at a
hospital. Paul and I live near Helen, Georgia, in our dream home in the
North Georgia mountains. "It is just a little slice of Heaven". As
of January 1, 2001, Paul will retire as Senior Resident Manager. We have
three daughters and four grandchildren. I look forward to renewing old
friendships. Joyce (Stover) Rowell
Email Joyce at joycesrowell@gmail.com
or pnrowell@gmail.com
James Allen Strickland
Bonny Oaks - 1962 to 1965
Message: "Forthcoming"
Click here to email James at
strick50@bellsouth.net
Charles N. Suggs
Bonny Oaks - 1939 through 1942.
Charles
and Barbara have been married for 51 years.
Message:
"Well you asked for it and here is a member of the rogues' gallery.
This photograph was taken when I was employed as an Engineer with the Western
Union Telegraph Company, Plant and Engineering Department, Chattanooga
Works. I would like to hear from anyone who was there during the years 1939 to 1942. I remember Mrs.
Crabtree, Mr. Hagan, Mr. Standifer, Mr. and Mrs. Davis and, of course, the
wonderful Keese's. There are so many precious memories from that time in my
life."
Click here to read
Charles "After Bonny Oaks" Autobiography
Click here to email Charles at csuggs@tnns.net
Clarence L. Sumner (Boola)
Bonny Oaks
- 1955 through 1962.
Picture (1): Clarence today. Picture (2): Clarence, wearing glasses - Harry Jackson, Skiles, Tucker and
?)
Message: "Hi Everyone, at long last, thanks to this website,
a part of
my life can be connected. I graduated in 1962 and went into the Marines,
spent almost four years in Vietnam (3 tours). I married, had a son
(Skipper) and left the Marines, took a job with an equipment company for 25 years and
I am now a Manager of Plant Maintenance for another company. I remarried
in 1983 and have two step-children (4 grandchildren). Skip married and
lives in Fresno, California (2 grandchildren) (which is why I started on
computer..my grandaughter). I've often wondered where everyone went and
how they are doing? Boola"
Click here to e-mail
Clarence (Boola) at SeaEL0343@bellsouth.net
(T's)
George Tankersley
Bonny Oaks - 1956 through 1961.
Click here to e-mail
George at Gtanku@aol.com
Pat Tankersley
Bonny Oaks - 1957 through 1962? "not sure"
Click here to e-mail
Patsey at F7733@aol.com
Wanda Tankersley
Bonny Oaks - 1957 through 1962?
Message: "I just found the website of
Bonny Oaks and was very excited to learn of the thing you are trying to
do. My name is Wanda Chambers (Tankersley). I don't remember the
exact years I was at Bonny Oaks but you (Christine) were there at the same
time. I still have a lot of pictures. I
have some pictures I don't even know who the people are. Wanda (Tankersley)
Chambers"
Click here to
e-mail Wanda at WDCLPN@aol.com
Raymond Linton Thompson
Bonny Oaks - 1941 through 1945
Message: "Brother, Wesley G. Thompson,
and sister, Robbie Ann Thompson, were also at Bonny Oaks during the same
period. Wes and I both ran away but Bonny Oaks was really the best thing
that ever happened to us. Wes and I ran away several times while
there. Wes and I knew Earl and Joe Coots at Vine Street Orphanage and at
Bonny Oaks."
Click here to email Raymond at
dthomp201@mindspring.com
Betty Jo Burchard Townson
Bonny Oaks - 1949 through 1952
Message: Submitted by her son, J.K.N. Fausset - "Betty J. Burchard (Townson)
was in Bonny Oaks in the early 50's and I am interested in finding people who
knew her and could tell me a little about her. You see, she is my mother
and is having a rough time with Parkinson's right now and I want to help her
remember her past. If anyone can help me out with this, I would greatly
appreciate it, Thanks. My mother is searching for Bonny Bools, she used to
hang out with my mother at Bonny Oaks in the 50's.
You can Email Betty through her son at fausset_1@insightbb.com
James William Tucker
(Jimmy)
Bonny Oaks - 1952 to 1963
Message: "I have been married for 32
years and live in Lookout Valley (Tiftonia). We have two sons, ages 27 and
30; two
grandsons, and a granddaughter on the way. We also have 3 step grandsons
and are looking forward to having the granddaughter - she'll be spoiled! I have been with
the railroad
at Wauhatchie Yard for 33 years and hope to retire in another five years.
My wife and I love to camp and babysit. After Bonny Oaks, I went to
Whitwell and graduated from high school. After serving in Viet-Nam,
returned to Chattanooga and went to work for the railroad.
Roy (Mickey) lives in Powells Crossroads outside of Whitwell.
He has been there since high school. He has been married to his wife, Kay, since
before Jim and I met in 1969. I don't know the exact year but I talked
with him earlier today and asked if he had visited the web site. He had
and was waiting to get some pictures of his family together before he
registered. He has two daughters and one son. Also eight
grandchildren with another on the way!
We are looking forward to bringing our family to the reunion.
We were there in 1981 (the first picture on the web site of the first reunion is
Roy, his wife and son, and Jim and I with our two boys.)
Click here to email Jimmy at
Tucker0671@aol.com
Roy Tucker
Bonny Oaks 1952 - 1963
Message: "forthcoming"
Click here to email Roy at rmtucker1@aol.com
(U's)
(V's)
John W. Vandiver
Bonny Oaks - 1960 to 1962.
Message: If anybody remembers me and
would like to contact me, you have my e-mail address, and I would like to
hear from you. I live in Seattle and work for the U.S. Post Office.
Email John at jvandiver4@msn.com
Paula Donay Vandiver (Yates)
Bonny Oaks - 1960 to 1962.
Message: Paula notified the website of
Mikey Miolen's passing away on 5/11/01. His funeral was Monday,
5/14/01. Paula and her brother, Fred, attended the funeral and Paula
writes: "He was a long-time friend, as close a friend as one can get
without being related. I would like to honor Mike and let the people
who knew him from Bonny Oaks know of his passing. Mike was a good
person and a friend to all that knew him. Paula (Vandiver) Yates
Click here to e-mail
Paula or Freddy at PAULAPOOH152@aol.com
(W's)
James M. (Mickey) Walker
Bonny Oaks - 1953 to 1960
Message: "The period of time I
lived at Bonny Oaks School was a great character building time in my life
and it certainly carried over into my adult life with many benefits.
Those years helped me to be more understanding of others, compassionate,
and self-reliant. The staff, Mr. Adamson, and all of you, my
friends, will never know the many times I have reflected on that period of
time and recalled the many lessons we learned, the friendships we
developed, and the good times we had. Of course, there were sad
times, but due to the circumstances in my life that placed me and my
brother there, I realize it was the best thing for us at the time. I
will always be grateful for the help and the kindnesses shown by so many
caring people.
Write Mickey at jwalkeraz@q.com
Shirley Ann Walker
Bonny Oaks - 1957 to 1966.
My family: bottom: Granddaughter, Courtney (Gerald's), Shirley and Frank,
Matthew and Kari (Sonja's) and Patti (Gerald's wife), Daughter Sonja, Son
Gerald, top: Robert Clayback, Sonja's husband
Message: I was at Bonny Oaks from
1957-1966. The Walker sister's (Alice, Virginia and I) were placed
in Bonny Oaks by the court. Later, two siblings were placed from
Vine Street, Sammy and Bertha Walker. Alice died in 1986. I
graduated from Tyner High in 1966 - 2 days later married Frank Phillips in
the Bonny Oaks Chapel with Mr. Adamson giving me away. Mrs. Adamson
had my reception in their residence. Hope you remember Christine as
you served at my reception and I was your roommate for a while. I
have two children, Sonja (33) and Gerald (28). I also have three
grandchildren, Kari (13), Matthew (11), and Courtney (5). Missed the
reunion in 1981 due to my son being in an accident. Hoping another
one will be soon, would love to hear from some of the ones that were there
during my time. Also have a few pictures I could share if you want
them. I think of those days at Bonny Oaks a lot and the fun we had
growing up. Can't wait to hear from someone, Shirley (Walker)
Phillips
Clottilde Valerie Wallace
Bonny Oaks, 1947 - 1953
Message: "I would love to hear from all
of my friends ,and those who remember me. I still live in Chattanooga,TN. I have
four children and eight grandchildren. Please e-mail me sometime.
Clottilde Wallace Roden".
Click here to email Clottilde at chicky64c@cs.com
Paul Hugh Watts
Bonny Oaks, 1955 - 1956
Message:
"We
were there in the years of 55 and 56 I
am guessing,
we spent one Christmas.
They have a newspaper clipping of both
of us helping erect the monkey bars, the
picture is poor.
I think in the picture we are all on the
bars.
I remember going to the Circus.
I remember getting a dollar to buy a
Christmas gift for one of the boys.
I don’t remember his name but we both
liked the present we bought so much we
kept them for ourselves.
I also learned to whistle there.
Our mother came and took us without
permission and we moved to Dalton Ga.
Where my brother Fred drowned in the
lake behind Dalton Hospital.
Of course you have permission to post
our names." Today Paul lives
in Ringgold Georgia and wrote later that
he is still happily married to his wife,
Judy, 45 years now.
Paul's email address is
resco@catt.com
"
Anniece, Allene and Ivan Whittemore
Bonny Oaks - 1940's/1950's
Message: "Anniece is my mother, Allene
is my aunt and Ivan is my uncle. All three of them are still alive. All
of these were at Bonny oaks at the same time. I am Teresa Daugherty and my mom
wanted to summit about Charles Whittemore, their brother's, death. The whole web
site brought back many memories for her and she truly enjoyed seeing pictures of
herself on the site. Thank you so much, Teresa Daugherty, Cleveland,
Tennessee.
You may contact the Whittemore
family through Teresa's email, treedontfork@yahoo.com
Dianne Williams
Bonny Oaks - 1961-1968
Vine Street Children's Home, a baby until age 10yrs
Message: "I didn't hear about the 2002
reunion in time to come. I hope to make the next one. I have enjoyed seeing the
photos on the web of our past. I get emotional looking back at us. I remember so
many of you. Thanks to Christine Haven for creating a web site for us. How
wonderful it is for us to have a quick way to communicate. E-mail! Looking
forward to our next reunion. Take care. Dianne Williams, Tomboy, Stonewall Willy
, PC Those were some of the nicknames some of you gave me. Ha! Ha!"
Dianne Williams Donley
Click here to see Dianne's Photo Albums
Click here to email Dianne at
tomdonley123@aol.com
Mary E. Wilson (Ermadyne)
Bonny Oaks: "Long Ago :-) Until It Closed!"
Message: Forthcoming
Click here to email Mary at ermadinewilson@aol.com
Ricky Wofford
Bonny Oaks
Message:
"Take care and we will see you on the 27th of July." Ricky and
Shela newspaper clipping when they were married at the Chapel in 1981, Mr.
Adamson officiating.
Click here to email Ricky at
RickHomeRepairs@aol.com
(X's)
(Y's)
Ronald Yarbrough (Ronnie,
"Frog")
Bonny Oaks - 1951 to 1959.
Message: "My name is Ronald but the Bonny Oaks gang called me Ronnie
or "Frog" (Kenny Walker gave me this name while we were in the Scouts
together, and it kinda stuck), or Ron. My brothers are Bobby H. (Harden)
Yarbrough, Donald Hugh Hunter and I have one sister, Connie Yvonne Hunter
Pickett. We were all at Bonny Oaks at the same time, around 1951 -
1959. Connie and Don came later and stayed longer."
Click here to email Ronnie at
junkp@comcast.net
David Yell
Bonny Oaks - 1953 through 1963.
Message: "I just learned of the Bonny
Oaks website today in a surprise phone call from Christine Haven. Not a
day goes by that something doesn't remind me of my happy ten years at B.O.S.
I have remained in contact with Mr. and Mrs. Adamson over the many years.
I introduced my wife of 35 years to them in 1966 while honeymooning in
Tennessee. My wife, Laura, and I have three children, two natural and one
adopted. My son, David Jr., has two beautiful girls. My daughter,
Ginger, has a girl and just completed an adoption of a two year old boy.
Our youngest son, Daniel, and a favorite of the Adamson's, hasn't found the
right girl yet. Mom and I have prayed for a nice Christian girl to come
into his life but she hasn't arrived yet. I served my country in Vietnam
from June of 1966 until June of 1967. I spent the next 36 years of my life
with Ford Motor Company as a production supervisor. I retired in January
of 2001. I have a small distribution business now. I distribute
eating and cooking nuts to Wal-Mart stores and to our local food stores here in
little Lapeer, Michigan. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me
or my brother Charles."
Click here to read
Ginger, David's daughter, email about her dad and Bonny Oaks..
Click here to email David at dnlyell@yahoo.com
(Z's)
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