Charles W Bryan, Sr!
What makes him famous?
He married a lovely young lady from Lebanon, TN, who is famous, too!
He was a hot-shot pilot in the US Air Force.
He has five children, all of whom think he's the best.
He was the best math teacher Boise High School has ever had.
He loves God.
He really should be famous.
So, to honor Dad, Luci and I ran off yesterday on an adventure. We headed to Lebanon to take some special photos just for Dad. (I forgot to tell John or anyone else that we were going!)
Luci has on a special jacket, too. I can't believe Papa was ever this small! Look! It almost fits ME!
Castle Heights was established in 1902 and was an exclusive military academy. Boys from all over the world came to Lebanon to be a cadet at Castle Heights. It was a special place. In 1973 the first girls were admitted, and in 1986 the school closed. (I'm not saying it was because of the girls. ;) Rising tuition, prevalence of private schools in the area, and reluctance of children to go away to boarding schools were probably what did it in. But it might have been the girls. Yes, I know I'm not politically correct. I don't care.)
We had a good time taking photos, and then, to Luci's dismay, I wanted to go inside the "castle." Surely you've had enough, hadn't you? No, Luci, we're going in. And my name's not Shirley.
So embarrassed to be put on the stairs and made to pose. That posture would never do at Castle Heights, young lady! (See? It might have been because of girls.)
There were two display cases of CHMA memorabilia in the lobby, which is now City of Lebanon property.
Then I had the great idea to speak to the receptionist. Mom, really?? Dad would want me to, Luci.
So I introduced Luci and myself, telling the oh-so-impressed polite young lady that we were the daughter and granddaughter of a CHMA graduate of 1948, and that tomorrow (today!) is his birthday. And yes, Dad, I mentioned your name. TWICE. Luci was very embarrassed.
She pointed out that there was a little museum in the basement, and perhaps the library is open today, just across the parking lot. Luci and I headed to the basement.
The museum is a nice little thing. Little. And mostly it was a history of Lebanon. It tells the history of Lebanon very well. I'm sure every school-aged child in Lebanon has been through it. Here are the displays pertaining to Castle Heights and the town around the time Dad was in school there.
Dad, this picture was from 1948. Was the flooding before you graduated? Do you remember this?
The library was locked today. We were hoping to get in to see the ceiling--I hear it's gorgeous.
Afterward, we headed around town to see things that I remember from visits there with my family.
The Sonic Drive In where Janet and I would escape for "Happy Hour," where we could get a huuuge coke for a dollar. We could only handle so much excitement at Papa's house.
Mom! Quit taking selfies!
The town square.
Shoney's. It's an all-new building now. Janet and I remember riding with Granddaddy and Mary while Mom and Dad followed behind. Janet and I were sure we were going to die because, well, Granddaddy was not a very safe driver. Let's just say that the town square did not slow him down.
The big lunch! McDonalds. We had to get food to go so we could get home in time for art class. I was hoping to have time for a diner or something, of course making Luci wear Dad's Castle Heights jacket. Maybe next trip.
Papa's house, where Janet and I would sit on the porch swing and yell at boys passing by. No, we weren't wild children. What did we yell? Take a picture, it lasts longer! to boys staring as they walked down the road.
Sister's house (I think I got the right one!) where Mom and Dad were married. Sister (Dad's sister, that wasn't her given name, silly) had a passle of kids. One visit, at supper, Mom bowed her head for the prayer. She said, "Amen," and looked up, but no one had prayed yet. It was just raucous with all them kids.
I can't get the thingy on blogger to put the text to the left. Sorry about that.
Luci and I saw this in Lawrenceburg on our way to Lebanon. A pic just for Aunt Janet. :)
And, this is the expected weather today, which is why we didn't go on your actual birthday, Dad.
Is this from Star Wars? No--just down the road from the capital city of Ka bul. Don't those towers look like AT-ATs? You Star Wars fans will know what I'm talking about.
