Marjorie Hemmer

Marjorie Hemmer, Summer 1961

My mom, Marjorie (Margie) Hemmer, was a Summer 1961 graduate of Hollywood High School. Margie was born and raised in Los Angeles, and always cherished her memories of the city, her high school years and dear friends.

Margie went on to work at the Gas Company after graduating, but then moved in her 20’s to Illinois with her mom, after her father died, as that was where her parents were originally from. She went on to make a life for herself there, and had me, her only child.

My mom and I were really close, as she was my only family. I ended up going away to college in Florida, and after retiring, she joined me.

She was there for 10 years, before passing away Easter Sunday of 2015.

She and I took a trip together in 2010 to LA, which was her first trip back. I am so thankful for it now, seeing her childhood apartment on South Flores, and experiencing the city through her eyes.

I have just recently moved to the LA area, and I see her everywhere. Her many stories about her favorite places, like the Farmers Market, to cruising down Sunset, or dining at Clifton’s when she’d go shopping downtown – they all make me miss her even more now that I’m here.

I would love nothing more than to get together with some of her friends and those that knew her here, to celebrate her life, and share any memories.

If anyone is in the area, and would like to join me later this year, I would love nothing more. I just want to do something special for her.

I can be reached at lauraenneian@yahoo.com or 954/309-8800. Thank you so very much.

Sincerely,

Laura

For Mr. Major’s Memorial on Alumni Day

Harry Major HHS 1961 40th

Harry Major, our teacher who died on February 12th, 2014


Mr. Major at 50th Reunion, by Steve Hershorn, #2
Mr. Major at 50th Reunion, by Steve Hershorn, #2
Mr. Major at 50th Reunion, by Steve Hershorn, #1
Mr. Major at 50th Reunion, by Steve Hershorn, #1

On Hollywood High School’s Alumni Day, May 16th, 2014, a Memorial was held for our fallen teacher, Harry Major.

Click here for some information.

Here are some photos from our 50th Reunion of him, taken by Steve Hershorn.

Click on a picture to see it full-size.

  ~ Susan

Coco (Garrett) and Alan Heller’s Book, Life on Route 66

Life on Route 66 Cover, Center

Claudia Heller (Coco Garrett, Class of 1961) and Alan Heller (Class of 1962) announce the launching of their book entitled "Life on Route 66", personal accounts along the Mother Road to California, published by HistoryPress.

In 2010, the Hellers, at age 66, quit their professional jobs, bought an 18-foot trailer, and took off for Chicago. The book chronicles their travels and encapsulates a 15-month weekly series, written by Claudia for the San Gabriel Valley News Group.

It features stories from readers keen on sharing their memories of traveling America’s Highway during its heyday. Claudia, a journalist, wrote the text, while Alan graced the book with his professional photography.

The book sells for $19.99 and may be purchased through Amazon, bookstores, from the publisher at HistoryPress.net, and is available on Kindle.

To obtain a signed copy, mail a check for $23.00 payable to Claudia Heller, P.O. Box 1251, Duarte, CA 91009.

Life on Route 66 Cover

For details, see their blog.

Steve Hershorn, The Hands of Hollywood

Steve Hershorn worked in Hollywood in many roles, and one role, that of using his hands, earned him The Hands of Hollywood title.

Steve Hershorn, Actor Steve Hershorn, Working in Hollywood
Steve Hershorn, Actor Steve Hershorn, Working in Hollywood

See his story in a video, The Hands of Hollywood, The true story of the meteoric rise and fall of Steve Hershon, Hollywood’s go to hand insert model, by Ryan Palmieri, released in April of 2012.

The video has won the Best Short Film at the Los Angeles International Underground Film Festival, and Mr. Palmieri will be receiving his award at a screening on Saturday, June 23rd, 2012.
NewFilmmakersLA has an interview with the filmmaker, Ryan Palmieri.

Click on photo to see it full-sized

Steve's Hands
Steve’s Hands

Richard Amrhein’s House of Hope

Richard Amrhein's House, ca 1970
Richard Amrhein’s House, ca 1970

The house was built in 1884. I purchased it in 1969 from the daughter of the original owner for $40,000. I owned it until 1974.

It is now owned by The Bridge Restoration Ministry, which ministers to men who have a substance abuse problem and/or living skills problems.

For more information on the Bridge Restoration Ministry, including some more photos, please check out the following Monterey Herald Article

The Bridge Restoration Ministry

Click on photo to see it full-sized

House of Hope by Thomas Kinkade
House of Hope, by Thomas Kinkade

House of Hope, Pacific Grove, CA
House of Hope, Pacific Grove, CA

Spring Grad News Intro

Here you will find news about Spring 1961 Graduates, who called themselves Surfers:

Surfing is a surface water sport in which the participant, referred to as a "surfer", rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave, which is carrying the surfer towards the shore.

Waves suitable for surfing are found primarily in the ocean, but are also sometimes found in lakes and rivers, and also in manmade wave pools.

Josh Loya Going Big by Frank Quirate
Click on photo to see it full-sized

Many variations of the sport may exist in certain areas and the definitions of what constitutes a suitable wave, and craft has expanded over the years. Bodysurfing involves riding the wave without a board, and is considered by some to be the purest form of surfing.

Other variations that have existed for centuries include paipo boarding, stand up paddle surfing, and the use of boats or canoes to ride waves. More modern craft that are used include bodyboards, inflatable mats (surfmatting), and foils.

Enjoy the news articles about some of our Surfers.

Full Wikipedia Description

Winter Grad News Intro

Here you will find news about Winter 1961 Graduates, who named themselves Elysians:


Elysium or the Elysian Fields is a conception of the afterlife that evolved over time and was maintained by certain Greek religious and philosophical sects, and cults.

Initially separate from the realm of Hades, admission was initially reserved for mortals related to the gods and other heroes.

Later, it expanded to include those chosen by the gods, the righteous, and the heroic, where they would remain after death, to live a blessed and happy life, and indulging in whatever employment they had enjoyed in life.

Elysian Fields by Carlos Schwabe, 1903 (Click on photo to see it full-sized)

Enjoy the news articles about some of our Elysians.

Full Wikipedia Description

Elysian Park, Los Angeles