IN THE SUMMER OF '69, There was The Place (at Mt.

Morris Lake) by Debbie (Hickinbotham) Collins

Marc & Shelly

Mt. Morris Beach, Summer of '69

The following story is true. It took place in the summer of 1969 in a little resort town called Mt. Morris, Wisconsin, where my parents rented a cottage for a week at the invitation of my sister Shelly's boyfriend's parents. I was sixteen years old, and I wrote down everything that happened as soon as I got home. July 20, 1969, while we were at Mt. Morris Lake, man walked on the moon for the first time; but you'll notice that I didn't even mention it although we took time out from our teenage emotions to watch it on an old black and white TV with foil on the rabbit ears in Rick's parents' cottage. An historic moment

like that took a backseat to the scary yet exciting new feelings we were learning to drive like a new car. Chapter 1 I tugged at my neck scarf and then decided to take it off. The sun seemed to be roasting me alive. I could feel the hot gravel right through my shoes and was glad I had them on. Why do I have to meet everyone now? My voice sounded as obstinate as I could make it. Shelly turned her blond head toward me long enough to give me a flippant, Try not to act too drippy, okay? My one-year-younger sister Shelly and her tall, sandybrown-haired high school boyfriend Rick were walking, arms around each other, toward a rather shabby-looking group of buildings. One boasted a colorful sign, BJ's BEACH HOUSE, but we were steering clear of that one. Instead, we were heading for a large open shack that surprisingly contained two pool tables, a new jukebox, three pinball machines, and a soda machine. Lined up on one side of a pool table sat four bored-looking teenagers who looked about the same age as Shelly, Rick, and me, somewhere around fifteen; but to me, they were more than just four kids, they were the jury that would within a few minutes decide whether to accept me or not. I've always frozen up when I have to meet somebody. I'm so afraid they'll reject me. Ever since first grade, I've envied my sister, Shelly, who has the ability to make people like her

without even saying a word. I used to think it was her wonderful blond, blond hair and big, corn-flower-blue eyes. When I was twelve, I bought some blond dye in an attempt to liven up my drab brown hair. The result was horrifying! My dark eye brows made me look absolutely grotesque! But we just got here! Can't this wait until later? My feeble argument got no reply, and I despaired of all rescue. I haven't even combed my hair, and you know that I had to sit by the window in the car. That's your fault. You have to sit by the window or else you'll get car sick. Don't worry if your hair is messy. It doesn't look any worse than usual.! Shelly laughed up into Rick's face and he gave her a shy smile. He still acted shy, even though they had been going together for almost a year. We walked into The Place, as I later learned it was called. No one said anything. I felt myself being coolly appraised. I felt like I was in a big vacuum all by myself and the blood rushed to my head. The jukebox was blaring Pinball Wizard by The Who one minute and silent the next. (Note: If You Tube links to songs don't work, simply type song title and artist(s) in search engine on page that opens to find one that does.) Hi, Shelly. Hi, Rick. Hi, Shelly's sister. This clipped greeting came from a stocky, blond-haired boy who was solemn to the point of being comical. I couldn't tell what he was thinking because his eyes were completely hidden

behind enormous black sunglasses that nearly wrapped themselves around his head. All eyes were on me as I tried to mumble something that came out like, Heh. My throat seemed to close up and I wondered what they would do if I died right there. From the looks on their faces, they'd probably play another record on the jukebox and ignore my dead body. I felt like somebody's grandmother. Shelly sat down on a bench along the wall. I was glad for an excuse to sit down and maybe fade out of sight. Did you take your boat out today, Bill? I thought I saw you scooting around out there this morning. The blondhaired boy was asking this of a boy who really looked like he was much younger than fifteen. He smiled toothily and said, Yeah, I took her out for a little spin. Water's a little rough, though. Someone said, Too bad Jeff and his sister Pam aren't here until next week. They're always fun to have around. Want a can of pop, Shelly? Rick leaned over and almost whispered, How about you, Debbie? Shelly took a can of root beer and I said I didn't want anything because I was afraid I'd choke or something. All I really wanted was to go back to the cottage where Mom and Dad were unpacking all of our things.

The conversation went on, mostly about nothing, all around me. Finally someone said to me, You don't talk much, do you? It was the boy on the end who had appeared to be whispering sweet nothings to the girl next to him. He smiled widely, but I thought, not for me, but because he liked to hear the sound of his own voice. I noticed that he apparently struggled with his complexion just as I did; but despite that, he had a pleasant-enough face under a fringe of Beatlemania bangs. The girl he'd been snuggling with had a heart-shaped face surrounded by a cloud of wavy dishwater-blond hair. Her long pale legs dangled from the edge of the pool table from shorts shorter than any I'd ever dare wear with my plump figure. I did pride myself on the fact that I tan easily, where Shelly, and this girl, obviously didn't tan at all. I answered with something like, Oh, you'd be surprised! but never really got to finish the sentence because someone changed the subject to the row of empty 7-Up cans along one rafter and how they hoped to extend the row until it filled the whole wall. The conversation died at last, and Shelly and Rick got up and started out the door. No one said good-bye; we just went. *** How come you had to act that way? Shelly asked as we unpacked what seemed like hundreds of shorts and blouses and hung up dresses.

Act like how? I asked, shakily watching a spider climb across the ceiling. Like a drip. You just sat there and looked dumb. Maybe I just didn't like your friends. They weren't very nice to me, and they don't talk about anything very intelligent. Right then, I decided not to like any of them. Jimmy talked to you. Shelly smoothed out one of the many beautiful dresses that she had made herself. You mean that one on the end who kept whispering to his girlfriend? I mentally cringed when I thought of him and his smile. His girlfriend? For your information, that was his sister, Barbara. It just goes to show how observant you are. Come and set the table for supper. Mom's voice cut into our conversation and I was glad to cut it short. It seemed that Shelly and I couldn't talk to each other about anything without having an argument. By the time the dishes were done, it was pitch dark outside. Without saying a word, Shelly just left. I knew she had gone to The Place, and I told myself that I didn't care. I'm going across the road to play with Rick's little sister! The high-pitched voice belonged to Julie, our nine-year-old

sister. The door slammed and then in what seemed like three seconds she was back again. Rick's mom and dad want you guys to come over and have a drink. Then she looked at me and said, Not you, though; you're too young! She giggled and ran back outside, her long honey-brown straight hair flying behind her. I sauntered into our bedroom and picked out one of the books I had brought along in case it rained. It was a book about China. I hated that kind of book, but I made myself read it anyway. It was better than hearing the sounds of music and laughter from The Place. Chapter 2 The next day was dawning just as I woke up. Shelly was sleeping with a little smirk on her face. Even I had to admit that she did look cute sometimes; but it was too bad that she knew it. Well, I promised myself that I would try harder to be more agreeable today. I got dressed and went outside to look at the lake. It was breathtaking. The sun shone down on the water so brightly that you could see right down to the bottom. I suddenly realized that I hadn't even gone swimming yet. It must mean that I was growing up. When I was a kid, I would've

dived in the water first thing. Well, there would be plenty of time for swimming because we were staying all week. Dad came to the door and said, Why don't we all take a swim before breakfast? The water is already warm. Shelly appeared in her swimming suit, apparently with the same idea in mind. I hurried to get my suit on and we all went down to the beach. I had to almost feel my way there because I had left my glasses in the cottage. I could still see well enough to notice Rick ambling over from his family's cottage across the road. The morning went well, without any fighting I mean; and it was pretty uneventful until right before lunch. Shelly and I were hanging up our wet suits outside on a hastily put-up clothes line, when a boat roared past with a bronzedskinned boy at the motor. Hi, Marc! Shelly waved and shouted. The boy turned around and smiled. Hi, Shelly! Hi, Rick! Rick unexpectedly grabbed Shelly by the arm and said roughly, You would have to do that, wouldn't you? He looked toward the lake. Leave him for somebody else. Marc's got plenty of girls. You're my girl. The roughness in his voice didn't disguise the pleading look in his eyes. Shelly just smiled and looked toward the disappearing boat. The boat suddenly turned around and zoomed toward us.

Hey, Shelly, wanna go swimming? You, too, Rick. The boy's full lips parted to show dazzling-white teeth. He was easily one of the most handsome boys I'd ever seen. He had a powerful build and a face with strongly-chiseled features. She doesn't want to. She just went swimming with me. Rick put his arm possessively around Shelly's waist. Maybe later then, right? started the motor. Marc winked broadly and

Come on, Shelly, we're waiting for you two at The Place. I just played 'My Cherie Amour by Stevie Wonder on the box. The voice came from the top of the hill by the road. It belonged to Jimmy. I slipped into the house. What else could I do. They didn't ask me to come along. Why aren't you going with them? Mom was setting the table and turned to glance at me. Why can't you seem to make friends here? You can't stay inside for the rest of your life! Just never mind about me. I get along all right. Well, you're going to have to go down to The Place, whether you like it or not because lunch is almost ready; and you'll have to go tell Shelly to come home.

I combed my hair and went to the door. I could hear voices up on the hill. One belonged to Shelly. Too bad Rick has to come along! Shelly laughed and looked up into Marc's face. She and Mark were walking side by side, with Rick trailing behind. If you don't want me along, I guess I could just leave. Rick looked at Shelly with a tight frown. No, I was just kidding. Don't be such a baby. Can't you even take a joke? Shelly smiled back at Rick, but made no move to drop behind. Apparently, she was enjoying her role in the little drama. Where did you park your boat, Marc? I can hardly wait to ride in it. It's the neatest boat ever! So, she was going for a boat ride. With Marc. Where did he suddenly come into the picture? Something about all this disturbed me. Didn't Shelly know that Rick adored her? How could she put him through this? Maybe it was just a passing flirtation. Well, it wasn't my problem. Shelly, Mom says to come and eat lunch now. My voice sounded loud. Shelly turned and called, Tell Mom I'm not hungry. Mark's arm just barely brushed her shoulder as they disappeared out of sight behind the trees. ***

Later on the beach, I saw Marc pulling the boat on shore; and Shelly and Rick climbed out. At least Rick had gone along too; but he sure didn't look very happy. Oh, that sister of mine! Suddenly someone yelled, Hey, Rick! Your boat's floating away! I looked down the beach and saw Rick's little beige boat being carried out into the lake by the wind. I waited for Rick to rescue it, but then I got a big surprise. Rick stood, legs apart, and looked Marc right in the eye. Even from where I stood, I could feel that look, accusing Marc of something he couldn't possibly have done. Then Rick turned and climbed the hill without a word, leaving his boat to drift. Marc, without a glance for the retreating Rick, kicked off his shoes and waded in after the boat. Rick, come back! At least help Marc bring it in! Shelly called after Rick. A few minutes later, Rick appeared in Marc's boat and together the two boys brought the drifting boat to shore. For a minute, to the casual onlooker, they looked like two inseparable friends; but I knew it was too late for that. Shelly had come between them.

As they walked up the hill, I could hear Shelly and Marc laughing and talking with Rick close by, guarding his rights to Shelly by just staying close to her. His eyes were narrowed and his fists were tightly closed at his sides. What time are you leaving tonight, Rick? Shelly paused in her conversation with Marc long enough to ask. I'm leaving at nine; but remember, just because I'll be gone for two days doesn't mean you're not my girlfriend while I'm away. He included Marc in his glance. Ignoring him, Marc turned to Shelly and winked. I'll be around right after work tomorrow. If I hear that you even so much as looked at Shelly while I'm gone, so help me, you'll be damn sorry! Rick's face was flushed with anger, but there was also a look of helplessness in his eyes. He turned and went into his cottage. A couple of minutes later, Shelly appeared at the door of the our cottage where I was drying dishes and said, to my surprise, Hey, Debbie, why don't you come down to 'The Place'? You've hardly been there. There's nobody there to bother you right now because Dave's the only one there. Dave was the one with the sunglasses. I considered it, and there was certainly nothing better to do, so I thought I'd might as well go. At the top of the hill,

Rick walked out of his cottage. Not seeing Marc around just Shelly and me he joined us. He walked with us, not saying anything at first, but then blurted out, I knew this would happen. You won't go around with Marc while I'm gone, will you, Shelly? He smiled timidly at the object of his love, waiting for one word of promise like a starving dog waiting patiently for his master to return. It made me sad to see his usually smiling face with what we affectionately dubbed his bunny teeth, small and pointed little things, peeking out. It's my life; I'll use my own judgment. Shelly looked straight ahead, smiling slightly as if at a private joke. She hurried a little when we came nearer to The Place and saw that Marc was sitting on the pool table talking to Dave. Shelly picked up her pace and walked quickly ahead of us. The raucous strains of Spinning Wheel, by Blood, Sweat, & Tears filled the summer air. Rick turned to me and said with a quiver in his voice, Debbie, why does she do it? Marc doesn't really like her; he's just flattered that she might prefer him to me. He's always hated me; now he's just trying to prove that he's better than I could ever be. But, why does he have to take Shelly away to prove it? Don't worry. I'll make sure he doesn't make too much headway. I'll follow Shelly around like a hound. Maybe Marc will get tired of her foolish ways and find somebody else by the time you come back.

As we walked into The Place, everything was suddenly very quiet. Everyone was waiting for someone else to say something. Somebody dropped a nickel into the jukebox and as the song started to play, Marc asked Dave, Got a cigarette? Yeah, here. Dave tossed over a pack of Old Golds and turned to Rick. Hey, Rick. Whatcha gonna do about that big hole in the bottom of your boat? Did your dad see it yet? What hole? Rick leaned forward with a tense questioning look. What hole? If you don't believe me, go see for yourself. Look's like somebody threw a rock right through it. Dave added. Without waiting to hear the rest, Rick jumped up and started running down toward the beach. The rest of us hurried after him. On the way, I noticed Shelly give Marc a questioning glance. He just shook his head. By the time we reached the beach, we could see that a small crowd had gathered for no small reason, either. Rick was standing in Marc's boat angrily tossing all the equipment into the water. When we got to him, he was just unfastening the ten-horse-powered motor. At the same time, Rick's mother, a pert, brown-haired woman, came rushing down the hill.

Ricky! she scolded loudly. You find every one of those things and put them back. Then you can come right home. Your father will have something to say about this. Rick, mumbling something under his breath, climbed out of the boat; and red-faced, started to gather the things that were floating on the surface. We stood there for a minute, embarrassed for him, and then silently started picking things out of the weeds. Soon, there was a wet pile of equipment on the floor of the boat. Marc, surveying it, said, Everything's here but one shoe and that was my new pair. Everyone there waded back in to find the missing shoe. The sand had been all stirred up and the weeds caught at our feet. Someone offered us a fish net and some adults were trying to gather some of the weeds. Most of us were wet to our waists by now; but no one could seem to find that shoe. Just as we were about to give up, nine-year-old Julie came sauntering down to the beach to play. She waded in, completely ignoring the search party, and began to splash in the water. Suddenly she gave a little giggle and held up a shoe. I found somebody's shoe! Right here by the shore! Everyone turned to see the little girl's puzzled look. Then we all started laughing and even Rick had to smile. There we were, soaking wet, in our clothes, in four feet of water; and a tiny girl had accomplished what none of us could do!

*** I was almost asleep when Shelly tiptoed into our bedroom that night. She peered down at me, and I almost jumped when I saw her white face in the eerie moonlight. As she climbed into bed, I noticed a tear roll down her cheek. I was surprised; I had never seen her cry, unless it was to get her way. Did Rick leave? I whispered without looking at her. Yes, her voice quivered slightly. You going to miss him? I pretended nonchalance by lifting my pillow to check for spiders, a peculiar habit of mine which I do even in my sleep. Maybe. It depends. Shelly turned her face to the wall. Depends on what? Shelly cleared her throat and said hastily, On whether Marc likes Robin or not. Robin? Who's she? I had never heard of her before, but then Shelly knew a lot of people I had never heard of. Just a girl who chased Marc around tonight. Shelly shifted to a more comfortable position and drew the covers closer.

What about Marc? I asked. Did he like that? I don't know, she snapped. I'm tired. Go to sleep. Chapter 3 Anybody got another nickel? Dave looked around at us as the juke box settled down to silence. I'm not putting another nickel in that jukebox to hear those same records again. Barb sighed and looked at the strap of her sandal that was barely hanging by a thread. I've got to have some money to buy a new pair of sandals. Shelly snapped her fingers. Hey, I've got an idea. Why don't we get the record player from our cottage and all of our records and plug it in in here. Then, it won't cost us a cent, and we can listen to something different. She beamed at her sudden brainstorm. Everyone must have thought that it was a pretty good idea, too, because they just got up and started for our cottage. Shelly asked Jimmy, who was as usual way ahead of the rest of us, which records he wanted most. He turned around up ahead and yelled, 'I'm Free,' and 'I Love You'! Suddenly realizing how revealing of his true feelings for Shelly his statement was, he turned bright red, clamped his hand over his mouth, and ran the rest of the way. Soon

afterward, Jimmy was lugging the record player up the hill, with record-bearing friends leading the way. Boy, is it ever a relief to hear something besides that junk in the jukebox! Jimmy did a little two-step as he sorted out another pile of records. Hey, here's 'Itchycoo Park'! I love that one! Yecch! How can you stand it? Debbie likes it, too. Shelly screwed up her face in distaste, but I noticed that Jimmy looked at me a little differently after that. It was the first opinion they ever knew I had, I guess. Maybe I was starting to seem more like a real person? Hey, you guys! Turn down that record player for a sec! Barb walked into The Place with two other girls. I want you to meet my friend, Liz, and her sister, Cathy. Liz struck me right away as being the prim and proper type, and her sister was very cute with a demure look about her. I couldn't tell whether she was shy or stuck up. With her looks, though, I wouldn't blame her for being stuck up. She and her sister went right to the pinball machine; and, after playing a couple of games, they left. Everybody around me was talking again everybody except one tall, kind of timid-looking girl sitting on the back pool table. She has the same problem that I do, I thought, warming to her. I motioned to her to come over, and she smiled and slid off the table to her feet.

Hi. I didn't say anything else; you couldn't hear yourself think in that place with the music blaring again. (This time it was People Got to be Free by the Rascals.) She smiled widely and said, Hi, back. Shelly turned around and seemed to recognize her. Oh, hi, Robin! Suddenly, both were launched into a detailed discussion of the night before; so I went back to feeling sorry for myself. Which one of you kids is going to pay for the electricity to play that phonograph? We turned to the door to see the sly smile of BJ, the young man who ran The Beach House. I suggest you go back to playing the jukebox or else go somewhere else with your record player. He gave Jimmy an accusing look and then turned to Shelly. Seen Marc lately? Good kid, that Marc. Helps me out a lot around 'The Beach House'. Having thrown Shelly that little gem, he gave her a toothy grin and departed from our midst. What an old crab! Jimmy unplugged the record player as we grudgingly collected the records together. Barb ran a finger around the inside of her collar and sighed, I could sure use a swim! That's the best idea I've heard all day! Jimmy patted his sister's arm, showing his affection for her. I was always surprised at that because I was brought up thinking that all brothers and sisters were natural enemies.

You coming swimming, too? I turned hopefully toward Robin who had gravitated to my side. I haven't got a suit here. It's at my cottage across the lake. If only I had a quick way to get there! We've got a rowboat! Shelly brightened. We'll take you across. I'll row. Are you coming, too, Debbie? Jimmy was heading toward the door, phonograph in tow. Sure, I agreed happily. Out on the lake, Shelly and Robin's conversation quickly centered on Marc. It was pretty clear to me that both girls would like to land the big prize. Trying for a light tone, but unmistakably eying up Robin as the adversary she was to her, Shelly suggested, Let's have a secret contest tonight to see who can get Marc's undivided attention. You're on! Robin gamely agreed, and they solemnly shook hands. I think I'll just go home then and pick out an outfit for tonight. When we got back to our shore, Shelly rushed inside to do the same; and I bravely walked to The Place with Jimmy. Barb and Liz were there cooking up a scheme to fool a guy named Roger into thinking that Liz was already taken by borrowing Shelly's ring from Rick so that Liz could wear it

that night. I shrugged and said, You might as well; it will only make tonight even more interesting. What do you mean? Barb asked. I told them then about the contest. I had to get it off of my conscience. Wayne looked bewildered. Barb and Liz squealed with delight. Jimmy sighed, That Rick is my best friend. Maybe I should call him up and tell him what's going on. If Shelly found out, she'd kill you...and me! I pleaded, but deep down I knew that it was probably the right thing to do. Maybe if Shelly really knew how much Rick loved her, she wouldn't go through with it. But then maybe it was better to have Rick in ignorance of it and spare him the agony. After all, he couldn't very well defend his rights when he was miles away in Appleton. Just then, Shelly came back and Liz and Barb pounced on her to ask her for the ring, which entailed an explanation all over again about Roger and his dastardly deeds. I was feeling kind of sorry for this Roger guy who was being verbally pulled to pieces. I wondered what his side of the story was. Shelly gladly tossed them her ring and then turned to Jimmy and coolly said, Oh, Jimmy, will you walk down to the grocery store with me and dial Rick's number? I was supposed to call him ten minutes ago. If I don't, the big baby will have a fit.

Jimmy agreed; and as they walked down the road, I could see that Jimmy was trying to decide what to do about Rick. He seemed to be the only one who wanted justice to be done besides me, that is. But even I was sort of prejudiced as I had to admit that I'd have a hard time being on Shelly's side of it. Jimmy came back alone and told us that Rick had accused Shelly of liking Marc after Shelly had accused Rick of liking more girls last summer than she had ever heard about. Rick had pleaded and even wept when Shelly boldly admitted that, yes, she did like Marc and that she would do whatever she pleased about him. When Jimmy had gotten on the phone to try and calm him down, Rick had even accused his best friend of chasing Shelly rather than looking after his best interests. Right now, Shelly and Rick were having a terrible quarrel, with Shelly screaming and Rick crying. It was so terrible that Jimmy hadn't been able to stand it any longer. Look! Barb shouted, There he is now! She pointed at the highway, where I saw a figure riding slowly along on his bike scanning the lakeside. Instead of what I expected Liz to do, which was immediately get out of sight, she jumped up and down, followed by the others, and shouted, Hey, there's Roger Dodger, the old goat! Soon some of the others were shouting nasty things at the poor boy, who yelled, Hi, Liz! quite politely, considering what the others were saying! From what I could see in the

gathering dusk, he was average height with dark hair. He looked quite normal to me. When he was out of sight, Barb and Liz walked toward the store to meet Shelly, I think, so I stayed where I was, with Jimmy, Wayne, and Jimmy's little sister, Karen. Dave came to join us. Suddenly, Marc rode up on his bike. He looked blandly at Jimmy and asked, Where's Shelly? Then, Jimmy said something that I never would've expected after what he had said about Rick being his best friend. He smiled at Marc and said excitedly, She's going to get all dressed up in her best clothes and go to 'The Place' tonight. She and Robin are going to have a contest to see which of them can get you to like her best. Right, Debbie? Jimmy! I heard myself shouting. How could you? I thought you were Rick's friend! I am, he smiled, but I'm Shelly's friend, too. I couldn't believe it. How could he suddenly change in the middle of the road and go the other way? Was I the only one willing to stick to my beliefs? Marc was chuckling. Tell Robin to forget it. I was going to go for Shelly tonight, anyway. She's the winner right now as far as I'm concerned! Then he rode away, laughing.

When Shelly finally returned, dry-eyed, Jimmy said, Come on, Shelly, let's go across the lake and get Robin. She must be done eating by now. I went to our cottage to mull things over. I found that everyone had grabbed a sandwich and supper was very casual. I was considering whether to wear good clothes to 'The Place' that night or not, when Shelly walked in with a triumphant look on her face. Guess what! Robin can't come tonight. Her parents are making her stay home. I guess it's sort of a good thing, though; I wouldn't want her to have a breakdown when she sees Marc go for me instead of her. Confident, aren't you? I looked at her grimly. Why shouldn't I be? Jimmy just told me what Marc said. Robin didn't have a chance. She smoothed her hair. What should I wear tonight? Why should that matter? I mimicked her. Marc will simply love anything you put on! Oh, shut up. It's more than you can say, isn't it? She unfolded her blue-checked vest and shorts. I decided that I might as well wear something pretty, too; so I put on my navy-blue bell-bottoms with my navy vest and that lacy blouse that Shelly had forgotten to lend Robin.

Jimmy and Barb came by later and together we walked to The Place. It was pitch dark outside, and The Place had turned into something quite different. The dim lights cast small round circles of light onto the pool tables, and the carnival-like atmosphere was more apparent with the colored lights of the pinball machines flashing off and on in the dark corners. The jukebox offered the only bright light, and it seemed to blare much louder, much gaudier music. I'd Wait a Million Years by the Grassroots filled the darkness with sound. The Place started to fill up with people. Dave came in, followed by Wayne in his orange paisley-print bell bottoms. Two unfamiliar boys came to play pool, but they didn't stay long. Liz and Cathy came to say good-bye. They were leaving in a few minutes for their home in Fond du Lac. What happened between you and Roger anything? I asked Liz. Nothing. Luckily, I haven't seen him close enough to talk to. She laughed, although I caught a slight hint of disappointment in her voice. Look; someone's coming down the dirt road. whispered to us. Jimmy

It's Roger! breathed Liz. I hope he isn't coming in here. She jumped off of the pool table and walked toward Roger. Then they both disappeared back into the trees.

She returned alone several minutes later. Everyone gathered around her, eager to hear her story. Everyone, that is, except Shelly, who went to look out of the doorway to see if Marc was coming. ...and so I said, 'Roger, I'm going with someone in Fond du Lac. See, here's his ring to prove it.' He just said, 'All right, Liz, if he's what you want. I hope you'll be happy.' Then he said good-bye and went away. I couldn't help commenting, Gee, he sounds kind of nice. Everyone looked at me in wonder. Barb laughed and said, You don't know him like we do. He's really horrid. Anyone who would like a creep like that has to be out of their tree! Liz' family drove up to The Place in their station wagon and honked. Liz shouted good-bye and she and Cathy ran to get in. They drove away, out of sight, and were gone. Everyone was silent for awhile; just the jukebox rattled on, playing Everyday With You, Girl by the Classics V in blissful ignorance of human emotions. Marc finally came in and suddenly The Place became full of life. Someone put new nickels into the jukebox and everyone either sat on the pool tables and kept rhythm with their feet or they got up and danced. Jimmy and Barb danced together to You've Made Me So Very Happy by Blood, Sweat & Tears. They were both great dancers and very unselfconscious. To watch how they treated each other with such respect, you'd never guess that they were brother and sister.

Shelly and Marc just sat and grinned at each other. Occasionally, one of them would make a remark that sent the other into hysterical laughter, so I figured they were making fun of Rick. At 9:30 p.m., Marc's father drove up and ordered him into the car like a disobedient small child, saying that Marc had to get up early the next morning and go to work. Marc lived in Wild Rose a small town near Mt. Morris, where he worked in the pickle factory. No sooner had Marc left, when Shelly sat in one corner and looked at the wall. When I asked her if she wanted to go home, she looked up with a face red from crying. Jimmy came over and sat by her. Everyone else was oblivious of the situation. Jimmy tried to make her laugh, while I looked on with disdain. I knew the tears couldn't be for real. She didn't have that much heart before and no one can acquire it in one night. She most likely was sad about having to decide what to do about Rick and Marc all by her little self. Blah! Jimmy was kind of making me feel sick, too. Here he was, Rick's very best friend, telling Shelly not to worry...he knew Marc really liked her. Chapter 4 When I woke up on Tuesday morning, Shelly was gone. I got up and washed my hair, ate breakfast, and did the

dishes. I looked toward the beach and saw Shelly sitting with Marc. She couldn't have gotten any closer. A half hour later, she appeared at the back door and told me to tell Mom she was going for a walk with Marc and wouldn't be back until lunchtime. I felt a little lost. I was still too timid to go down to The Place by myself; so, I decided to go swimming with Julie. That took up a good part of the morning. It seemed that all I did was watch her, and her friend Karen's, antics in the water. It was a constant chorus of Watch me, watch me! Shelly came back; and after lunch, we went down to The Place. Jimmy was there playing Build Me Up Buttercup by the Foundations on the box. Barb was talking to Wayne. (I had a hunch Barb liked him quite a bit.) Dave was sitting on a pool table, his face expressionless, as always. Because everyone was so bored, even Julie and Karen were allowed into The Place. Jimmy suddenly said to me, Tomorrow is D-Day, isn't it? Rick will be coming back, and I'm willing to bet there will be some action around here then! Shelly overheard him and exclaimed disgustedly, I'd give anything to get rid of that dumb Rick! Too bad I can't 'divorce' him! Hey, that's not such a bad idea! Jimmy looked enthusiastic once again. How he could be so changeable, I'll never understand. We could hold a divorce trial right here in The Place! His skinny, hyperactive body was, as usual, in constant motion as he spoke.

Dave would make a good judge. Barb put her arm around the silent boy. He isn't on anyone's side yet. But Rick isn't here! I heard myself protesting. He wouldn't want the divorce! Well, we could have someone defend Rick in his place, Barb suggested. How about Wayne? Wayne didn't look much like a D.A., with his deliberately greasy black hair with one unexplainable white streak in it and the beginnings of a mustache, but he was willing to do it when no one else was. It seemed like everyone (including Wayne) was on Marc's side -- except for me, of course. Everyone took their places. Dave made a perfect judge, sitting on a high stool, his expression inscrutable behind his dark glasses. I sat with Barb, Julie, and Karen; together we made up the jury. Order in the court! Dave banged his gavel (his shoe) on the pool table. Order in the court! Prosecutor, you may begin. Here sits a poor defenseless little girl. Jimmy, Shelly's lawyer cried, gesturing toward her. I'll say she's defenseless with you as her lawyer! Wayne laughed.

Shut up! ...I mean, come to order! Dave pounded his shoe on the table once again. Jimmy, oblivious of everything else, continued, She's helpless and all her husband wants is...is...is... Wayne jumped up. I object! Shut up, he's just getting to the good part! Dave leaned forward. Sex, sex, sex! Jimmy emphasized each word with relish. And, if he doesn't get what he wants...and he doesn't, does he? He looked inquiringly at Shelly, who shook her head. And if he doesn't get what he wants, he beats her! Now I KNOW I'm going to be sick! I said, and I meant it! Beat her? Rick wouldn't hurt a fly! I went up to the stand and testified as to Rick's character. He cuts our lawn, washes our dishes, and he even pins up Shelly's hems! Right after I said that, I knew it wouldn't do much for Rick's character. Julie piped up, You can't divorce him, Shelly; he's going to build me a doll house! Can't you at least wait until it's done? You're real nice, Julie! I can tell you're going to be another Shelly. All you care about is your own fun, I muttered under my breath.

Jimmy then called Shelly to the stand. Why do you want to divorce this man? Because I can't stand him. Shelly answered simply. I rest my case. Jimmy sat down. The judge will now deliberate and make his final decision, Wayne shouted. Barb suddenly got up and went over to Dave. Judgie, you're so-o-o sweet! She ran her fingers through his hair what little there was of it as he sported a crew cut. Judgie, I love you so much; I just know you're going to let her divorce Ricky! Do it for me? She slid her hand up the back of his tee shirt and kissed him on the back of the neck. If you do, I'll reward you later, Judgie! Apparently, Barb's ministrations had some influence on Judgie, because he then announced, I hereby grant a divorce to Shelly from Rick. A cry was heard from the spectator section. It was Julie. Oh, no! What's going to happen to the sewing chest Rick made for her? Dave slammed his gavel down and declared, Custody of the sewing chest goes to Shelly.

*** The sun was setting behind the trees when Barb and I walked down the road toward the store. Jimmy came running toward us and said breathlessly, Give me some change, Barb, quick! Why? Well, I've got to make a phone call to explain...a call to Rick...to tell him...so he doesn't blame me...you know...about all that stuff I told Shelly about the girls last summer. Give me some money, Barb, please? What? I understand perfectly, I said, interrupting Jimmy as he began to say it all again. See, here comes Shelly and Marc walking away from the store. She must've gone there to get Rick's call. Knowing her, she probably told Jimmy that she told Rick that Jimmy told her about all the girls he played around with last summer. Now, Jimmy's worried to death that Rick is going to beat him up when he gets back on Wednesday. I looked at him contemptuously. I was beginning to lose faith in that character. Marc and Shelly walked past holding hands and didn't say anything to us. When they were out of earshot, Jimmy told us what happened at the phone booth. Shelly just opened up the door and the phone rang. She picked up the receiver

and said, 'Rick, you ass!' That was taking a chance; what if it would've been someone else? Then she closed the door and we couldn't hear anymore. All she did was keep smiling real funny at Marc who was right outside the booth. Anyway, I really have to go call Rick right away. He's my best friend, you know! Jimmy shuffled from one foot to another and continued to look entreatingly at his sister. Hah! Best friend, my foot! I said with disgust. How can you say that when you're encouraging Shelly to cheat on him? He gave me a dazed, confused look, took the money Barb was holding out to him, and ran down the road. Chapter 5 The church was filled with people. The organ softly played, My Cherie Amour. Everyone turned to watch the bride enter the building. She was dressed in a faded maroon tee shirt and blue plaid shorts. She clutched a breathtaking bouquet of oak leaves, as she held onto the arm of her father, Buck, a boy who happened to be on the scene at the time. Needless to say, he had been thrilled by the honor.

The groom was wearing the striped tee shirt that he wore every day and his cutoff jeans. Together, they stood before the priest. Jimmy played the part of the priest beautifully. Do you, Shelly, take this boy, Marc, for your, um, lawful, wedded husband, in sickness and in health, until death, and all the rest of that jazz? I do. How about you, Marc? I mean, do you, Marc, etcetera, etcetera? Jimmy pulled on his shirt where it stuck to his skin from the soda pop he had recently spilled on himself. Yes, it was a solemn occasion. I now pronounce you boy and wife, Jimmy said with obvious relief. You may now kiss the bride. Remember, the rest comes later. What would you know about that, Jimmy? Wayne sneered. Come to think of it, what do any of us know about that? He smiled shyly at Barb. Buck put a quarter in the jukebox and the reception was officially on. Meanwhile, Marc and Shelly left for their honeymoon. Later, Marc left on his bike, his hair matted down to his head. He had told his father he was going for a swim, so before he left, he had dunked his head in the lake.

Shelly came back into The Place, where we sat discussing the next day. Jimmy had named it D-Day because we all knew there would be a showdown. Rick was coming back. *** The first person I saw the next morning was Jimmy. Together, we walked slowly toward The Place. Well, Rick should be back sometime this morning. Are you ready for whatever happens? I asked him. Gee, I don't think I can make it. apologetically at me. Jimmy grinned

Can't make it? Look, you don't have to worry; neither Rick or Marc is the least bit interested in beating you up. Besides, the three of them don't even know the rest of us exist right now anyway. No, I'm not worried about that. Well, not too much, anyway. What I mean is: today is my birthday, kind of, and my dad is taking me to the Ponderosa. Happy birthday! What's 'the Ponderosa'? I said, feeling a little deserted. It's an amusement park, sort of. sheepishly. He laughed a little

Oh. Well, have fun. Don't hurry back. I turned and quickly started walking away so he wouldn't see how disappointed I was that he wouldn't be there with me to support Rick. Rick deserved that, at least. Debbie, listen. Jimmy grabbed at my sleeve. I swung around. Jimmy, I simply can't stand the way you're acting. I can't figure out what it is you want. Whose side are you on? Do you really want me to tell you? I'm on Shelly's side. And, I just can't stand to see her hurt. I want her to be happy. He waited for my reaction. Oh, brother! In case you haven't realized it, she is happy. I've never seen her so happy. She's always enjoyed making other people miserable! And as for you, I don't know if you know this or not, but I think maybe you like her a little bit yourself. You know you can't have her, so you're making everyone else get mad at each other. Jimmy, how could you? He blushed bright red and then said, Maybe you're right. Maybe I should stay here with you and Rick. But then Karen, his little sister, came running up and said, Jimmy, hurry up. Dad's in the car waiting for you. He shrugged his shoulders helplessly at me and ran toward his cottage.

*** About half an hour later, I looked toward The Place and saw Shelly and Marc sitting on a pool table. He had his arm around her and a cigarette dangling from his lips. Hey, Debbie! Come here, Shelly yelled. I walked over to The Place and Marc sneered, Ricky should be here any minute now. I sneered back, If there's a fight, be prepared to lose. Are you kidding? That weakling? Shelly laughed. If Rick wins, it will be because you help him! She tickled Marc in the side. You two make me SICK. I turned and walked back down the road, overcome with revulsion. A car roared past, and I jumped aside quickly. It was Rick and his family coming back to Mt. Morris Lake. I looked back toward The Place, but Shelly sat alone on the pool table now. Before I knew what was happening, Rick was storming out of the car, his fingers twitching nervously. He headed straight for Shelly, who was now coming down the road to meet him.

What happened this week while I was gone? voice sounded strangely high and thin.

Rick's

Shelly smiled and said simply, I've been seeing Marc, of course. That no-good beach bum? Rick gritted his teeth in anger. Oh, is that so? Marc leaped out from behind the juke box. Rick shouted, Come over here and say that! Who's going to make me? They dived for each other and both landed in the gravel in front of The Place. Stones flew and the only sound that could be heard was the impact of flesh on flesh. When they finally stopped to take a breath, Rick was bleeding in several places; but he was unaware of anything but his seething hatred for Marc. Marc had escaped injury, except for a large tear in the knee of his pants. Rick gasped, Why don't we let Shelly decide between us? I thought, Oh, no. How can he say that when he knows she'll choose Marc? ...Or will she? ***

Am I too late? Jimmy met me in The Place. He looked at me closely. You've been crying! That's the first time I've ever seen you cry! You'd cry, too, if you had seen Rick's face when Shelly walked off with Marc. It was pitiful the way he tagged after them pleading, 'Shelly, listen to me, please, just listen.' But all she said was, 'Get lost, creep.' And then, on top of it all, he lost his watch, and he couldn't see to find it because tears were blurring his eyes. He finally gave up and went home, so I searched until I found it. When I gave it to him, he was in such a daze he didn't notice at all. Now do you know why I can't stand Shelly? Anybody who could do that to someone who loves them more than anyone else in the world has to be inhuman! I felt another tear roll down my cheek. Where's Rick now? He looked around. I don't know...probably pleading with Shelly somewhere to give up Marc. He needn't worry, though, really. She'll give Marc up as soon as we get back to Appleton. Shelly's got to have someone nearby to pay attention to her. Marc won't be nearly as attractive thirty miles away. I've been living with her all her life and by now I know her better than she knows herself; but because they're all right in the middle of everything, they're too blind to see the truth.

Yeah, we're about the only ones in this situation who can sit back and see everything for what it really is. We should get together and write a book about this whole week! Jimmy said excitedly. That's a great idea, Jimmy, I said, thinking, Oh, brother! He's really got something knocked loose. As if anything like that would ever happen. Probably, I'd never see any of them again as long as I lived. Come on, you need a change of scenery. Let's take a boat ride and talk about our book. I had to admit to myself that that sounded pretty nice. *** Jimmy was going to have a kind of a party in The Place, and I was changing my clothes to attend. Shelly and Marc were throwing sand at each other on the beach. It was getting dark, and Dad kept looking out the door at them. Finally, he yelled, Shelly, come here. It's about time you stayed in for awhile. Come on, Dad. It's still early, Shelly protested. But Marc mumbled something to Shelly, and she came in right away.

About fifteen minutes later, we heard sounds of a scuffle outside our bedroom window. There was Rick pounding Marc as if he would kill him. Then, in another second, Marc was on Rick wrestling fiercely. Rick was just gaining ground when a piercing shriek was heard in the moonlight. Ricky! You stop that this instant! It was Rick's mom, literally peeling them off of each other. I know what you two are fighting about and it isn't worth a hill of beans! Personally, I had to agree! Shelly's face turned crimson, and I heard her mutter something unprintable under her breath. I couldn't stifle a little laugh when Rick's mom made the two boys shake hands as if they were two little ruffians fighting over a game of marbles. Rick mumbled something and went to his cottage. Marc put his arm around Shelly, who had gone outside. Do you know what that creep was doing? He was sitting outside your window looking in. He didn't hear me coming until I was on top of him. He glanced at the disappearing figure of Rick's mother. Man, if Rick's old lady hadn't showed up, Rick wouldn't be living now. Well, listen, I gotta go. The ol' man's waiting for me. He kissed her quickly and got on his bike. Chapter 6

Here's the pizza! Jimmy and Barb came flying into The Place carrying a giant pizza that smelled scrumptious. Come to think of it, I'd barely eaten a thing since Monday. I was just living on the excitement around me, I guess. In The Place, you never knew what would happen next. We weren't allowed to eat the pizza on the pool tables, so we were given our choice of any of the picnic tables outside. Believe me, it wasn't much of a choice. The best of the lot was peeling like a bad case of sunburn, and the benches were so rotten, we were afraid to sit down. We carried the picnic table into The Place. What's this thing made of...cement? Dave complained as he just barely missed dropping it on his foot. Hey, guys, did Debbie tell you that we're going to write a book about this whole week and everything that happened? Jimmy pulled out a notebook. Here, I brought some paper so we can start on it right now. Soon everyone was so involved in getting everything straight about Shelly and Marc and Liz and that Roger, or whoever he was, that no one heard someone walk into The Place. I got up and went to put a nickel in the jukebox to play This Magic Moment, by Jay & the Americans when I saw him. He was standing in darkness at the doorway: medium height, dark brown hair, pleasant expression. I said, Hi, want some pizza? Well, it smells awfully good. Jimmy jumped up and came over. He stepped in further.

Hi, I haven't seen you around here before. What's your name? Jimmy lacked any kind of shyness. That's just the way he is. My name is Roger. My father runs the Mt. Morris Motel, he said, shyly. Wayne jerked his head up. THE Roger? We've heard a lot about you! Barb said in surprise. Roger looked puzzled. You have? Uh, you might say we're friends of Liz. Dave said with emphasis. So was I, Roger said wryly. I wish I still was. Yeah? Hey, listen, you should read this book we're writing. It's so cool; you won't believe it. Oh, that's right, you're in it. Uh, oh! Jimmy rattled on and on, while Roger walked over to the table and picked up the notebook. For obvious reasons, I snatched it away. Roger stood, startled at all the confusion. What had he got himself into? What is this all about? Tell me, please! Barb and I looked at each other and walked over to Roger.

Well, I guess you deserve to know what Liz has been telling us. Barb sighed. So, together, we told him the whole story, and he looked so surprised and incredulous that I knew right then that he was innocent of all Liz's charges. Liz was the one who was guilty of having too big an imagination. The rest of the evening was spent listening to music and getting to know the real Roger...and it seemed like Barb was getting to know him better than anyone else... *** When Jimmy walked me home, I found Shelly and Rick sitting on the side porch eating popcorn, and it seemed like old times again, even though I knew they were arguing a bit about Marc. As I walked past, I heard Shelly say, Rick's going home in a little while, so I'll be coming in soon. Chapter 7 Thursday was quiet compared to Wednesday. Shelly must have gone somewhere with Marc, which meant that Rick couldn't be too far behind them. Barb was nowhere to be found. Maybe she was with Wayne, or maybe Roger. I could see the faint beginnings of a triangle in that situation.

Now, just when Wayne was beginning to show interest in Barb, Roger was capturing her attention. Dave must have been sleeping it off at home. Only Jimmy and I sat in The Place that morning. In the Year 2525 by Zager & Evans was playing on the jukebox. I think that's when we really got to know each other. In that one morning, we covered every subject imaginable. We started in on the strange and blood-chilling experiences we had had in our lives, and I knew it was time to stop when Jimmy almost fell off of the pool table because a branch moved outside the window. In the afternoon, we went swimming with Dave...or should I say, Charlie Tuna? For a short time, we all gathered in The Place. On the spur of the moment, we had a trial convicting Rick of being a peeping Tom. It seems he had sat outside our bedroom window the entire night keeping an eye on Shelly, which wasn't too pleasant a thought for me, to say the least, as I shared that same room! When I woke up in the morning, he was there brushing the dew off of his hair. That evening, Shelly was grounded at the cottage (our parents were finally embarrassed at the way she had been treating the son of the family that had invited us there), so there were only four of us in The Place Barb and Roger, Jimmy and me. We danced to the slow songs, and Barb and Jimmy did a dance routine, while Roger and I just sat there feeling dumb. I could see that Roger was trying to work up the courage to put his arm around Barb; was that

what he was about to do as Barb slid unknowingly off of the pool table to play another record? I really didnt matter because fate had something entirely different in store for Barb, as we later found out when we were all swept back into the sea of real life.

*** If you expected something like a Lifetime movie script with maybe a murder or suicide or at least Shelly choosing one or the other of the boys involved youre going to be disappointed. This is a true story remember? Shelly and I went back to Appleton where she dated Rick for a while and then they just naturally broke up and found other people. The rest of the Mt. Morris Gang also returned to our daily lives and continued on through the painful process of growing up (and do we ever really grow up?). Sometimes, I let my mind wander back to Mt. Morris; and I can almost feel the soft, lake-scented breeze riffling my hair as I walk toward The Place that I always secretly believed was alive and very aware of everything that went on inside of it. I know that no matter how far away I travel, part of me will always live on there in The Place, mingled somewhere between the 7-Up cans, the jukebox, the pinball machines, and the pool tables with Jimmys pop stains that we all came to memorize that summer of '69.

Ill never be alone within its raftered walls because the hearts of the rest of the Gang are there, too. The End (Scroll down for update) 1983 (Fourteen years later) After being an executive secretary in a mental hospital for 8 years, I'm now married and have two small boys. Jimmy is single, and he recently announced his status as a member of the gay community. Shelly is currently married to her third husband and has a boy and a girl. (She was never married to either Rick or Marc.) Barb and Wayne married a few years later, and shortly after their wedding (the next day, in fact) Wayne was injured in a backyard football game and became a quadriplegic. He and Barb are still happily married and living near Mt. Morris. Roger has become a successful lawyer in Stevens Point, WI.

Marc was later charged and acquitted of rape in an incident involving people not in this story. At this writing, he is still footloose and fancy-free. Dave is still single and living in Milwaukee. He works at a sporting goods store, and whether he still wears wraparound sunglasses, I don't know. Liz is married and living in Milwaukee. She and her husband have no children as yet. Julie and Karen both married at age 16, with three and two children respectively. BJ was later arrested and convicted of assorted charges, including prostitution and desertion from the Armed Forces. Rick is a bartender in Fond du Lac, WI, and is the father of three children. *** 2010 (Forty-one years later) Unfortunately, I've lost touch with all of the Mt. Morris gang except for the members of my own family! If anyone involved would like to add to this update, please get in

touch with me at: deborah.kuzenski@gmail.com. I'll edit this short story accordingly. Thank you! I'm in my second marriage now (3 years ago) and am still the proud mother of two sons, Franklin (serving in Iraq) and Douglas (working in Fresno, CA). I've had a book published Covenant With My Chosen, by Deborah L. Kuzenski (name from my first marriage), and I have several blogs on the Internet devoted to the Bible and to conspiracy theory. Shelly is living in Michigan and married to her fourth husband. She recently became a grandmother for the second time as both of her kids have kids now. Julie (changed her name to Julee) is married to her, I think, fifth husband, and lives here in the Fox Cities. She's a grandma several times over and enjoys them and her job as a housekeeper at a senior care center. Last I heard, Jimmy was still gay but married to a loving woman named Denise, although they never had any kids. He's now an accountant in the Milwaukee area. Jimmy and Barb's younger sister, Karen, is still happily married to the guy she married at 16, and they're proud of how their three children turned out. Liz (real name, Barb, changed to avoid confusion) and her younger sister, Cathy, live in Wisconsin, and are often at Liz's cottage on Mt. Morris Lake.

Marc is still living in the Mt. Morris area, and is married to his second wife. Roger is still a lawyer but in Madison, Wisconsin. He married another lawyer and they have a son. Rick has been married three times and is with his third wife. The first was a high school sweetheart, the second died of lupus. He has three children, two boys and a girl. He owns the cottage we rented that summer. (I wonder if the ghost of the teenage Shelly still lingers there for him.) Dave (a.k.a. Charlie Tuna; Polack) lives in Horicon, WI, and is married with no kids. He had recently worked for Harley-Davidson but has changed jobs. Barb was hit by an off-duty EMT in 2002 and still suffers from the injuries sustained in the accident. She and Wayne live in Wautoma, a city not too far from the Mt. Morris they both love. My husband John and I drove to Mt. Morris today and took photos of the lake area. We saw Wayne, hair completely bright white with a hippie-style headband, tooling down the sidewalk in his wheelchair in Wautoma and pulled up beside him. He and Barb are still happy together after 38 years of marriage; a true love story! The Place, and BJ's Beach House -- however, is completely gone. In its place stands a new two-car garage.

I guess only those who were there remember that it used to be so much more than a shed. May it live forever in our hearts! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Photo Gallery
Me at 20 year reunion held in Mt. Morris Park (Guess I forgot my own advice about the blond hair!)

Below: Jimmy, wife Denise and Shelly at 20 year reunion

Marc on right; mystery man on left at 20 year reunion

The In Crowd lines up at 20 year reunion

Wayne w/Erin, Shelly's daughter at 20 year reunion

Wayne w/Keegan, Shelly's son at 20 year reunion

SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS FROM A LATER REUNION

Here's Rick (this is the only photo of Rick I have!) at the 2nd reunion 5 years (?) later. He's with his sister Amy's daughter.

2010: In place of The Place

How the cottage we rented in 1969 looks now in 2010

Rick's Cottage 2010

The curve into Mt. Morris right by the Mt. Morris Motel still there in 2010

Roger's father's motel looks much like it did back in '69 although someone else runs it now

A glimpse of Mt. Morris Lake

by the cottage next door

Here's Wayne in July of 2010! What a miracle that we happened to notice him as we drove through Wautoma!

Here's little Julie (now Julee) with husband Steve in present day

This photo of our mom and dad is from around 1969

This is a photo of me (on the left) and Shelly at my older sister Monica's wedding. It has nothing to do with the story but we're about the right age

. August 25, 2012 Reunion celebrating 43 years of the Mt. Morris Gang (and Barb & Wayne's 40th anniversary) Note: The story took place the week man first walked on the moon and this celebration took place the day the first man to walk on the moon died at age 83. (Neil Armstrong). Here's a photo of the original Mt. Morris Gang taken at the celebration held in Mt. Morris County Park. Sadly, Shelly couldn't make it.

The original guests at Barb & Wayne's wedding: Thats Ricks little sister Sandy in the peach shirt. Standing next to Rick (blue) And me in the black shirt w/white stripes on the collar, Right in back of Dave Pollack (kneeling):

Barb & Wayne, still smiling after 40 years of wedded bliss!

Jimmy and Pam (who wasn't there that fateful week but is an important member of the Mt. Morris Gang anyway!

Barb (AKA Liz) in the background & Pam's brother, Jeff, another important Mt. Morris Gang member with his lovely wife.

Surprise; surprise! Even Marc showed up this time and was flabbergasted to learn that the story was written down somewhere!

Wayne's little brother Keith is all growed up with kids of his own (Here he is with two of them:

Rick, who organized the celebration and did most of the work, had everybody write their name on a special commemorative hot air balloon!

As if that wasn't pyrotechnics enough, a fabulous fireworks display lit up the night...

a fitting tribute to the many stars that make up

THE MT. MORRIS GANG FOREVER MAY THEY BRIGHTLY SHINE!

Debbie (Hickinbotham) Collins 2012