Anybody who was a student at McCook Junior High during the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s knew Bob Backer. He spent 37 years in our school system, primarily as the junior high principal, retiring from that position in 1987. Bob was acknowledged as a strict disciplinarian by his students, but to his staff and faculty he was known for his ready smile, his quiet laugh, and his love of children. His death on Thanksgiving Day 2006 ended the life of a man who was passionate about offering the best education to his students, whether it was in their studies or activities, to prepare them for life.

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There are exciting changes at the Fox Theatre! For those with fond memories of the Fox Theatre, there is good news on the horizon. Thanks to a community effort, the theatre is being restored as a performing arts center.

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You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on it.

You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had metal wheels.

You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!)

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Alumni Reminiscences.

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The McCook Daily Gazette is publishing a picture book in conjunction with McCook’s Quasquicentennial Celebration. The book will be titled “McCook Memories: Proud People, Proud Heritage.” If you are interested in purchasing a book, please call 308-345-4500.
Thank you to the Gazette and staff for the help, news and pictures we are able to obtain for the newsletter! Interested in a subscription – call them at 345-4500 or check out their website: http://www.mccookgazette.com

Take Me Back To The Sixties
Take Me Back To The Fifties

Those who grew up in small towns will laugh when they read this. Those who didnt will be in disbelief.

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“What evil lurks in the hearts of men? . . . ..” said the deliciously scary voice on the radio. After a long pause, designed, I’m sure, to make us all wonder about any evil that may actually lurk there, the voice continued. “The SHADOW knows,” it said, and then it laughed a laugh that clabbered milk . . . .”ha, ha, ha, haaaaaaa.”
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For many years following World War II, Frannie Weiland ‘45 was probably McCook’s most visible citizen, as he worked in downtown McCook. He was a familiar sight as he pulled his little red wagon, filled with window washing equipment, along Norris Avenue.
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Don Schaaf (’55), after graduating from McCook High School, moved to Chicago where he attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and later worked in advertising agencies there. He was an Executive Art Director, producing and directing various national TV commercials.
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A few years ago I made a memory trip to McCook. Mid afternoon as I was driving past the McCook Auditorium I did a double take. Quickly, as if a magnet grabbed me I hung a U-turn and parked my Acura in front of the building. As I bounded out of the car I said to no one in particular, Hey, this is a remarkable building!!
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It is interesting how events and trends in history tend to repeat themselves from time to time. After the present Red Willow County Courthouse was built in 1926, McCook’s city offices shared facilities with the county, in the county courthouse. But as more and more services were added to both the city’s and county’s responsibilities, more space was needed by both organizations.

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