created by Pat Taylor, class of '63
1957 to 1960
Second Tour
During this time, I was in the 7th, 8th & 9th grades. We spend the first half living in an apartment in downtown Tripoli across from the White Sister's Church. The second half we lived on Wheelus AF Base. I never could figure out why Ali wore a suit under his barracan?
My English & Drama school teacher, Mrs. Daqqaq for 7th & 8th grade. She had married an Lebanese Arab so she was there permanently. Note the Christmas tree on the left side. She was one tough but nice lady. (message from George Tiedemann - "Do you remember the car accident she had in the red Thunderbird and the red Austin Healey she bought to replace it. I even remember where she use to park it. I loved that car! She was a great teacher. Mrs. Daqqaq was also a soccer coach in Jr. High if I remember correctly. We all appreciated her so much and wish I could tell her. " ) I am sorry to say, but I have been informed that Mrs. Florence Daqqaq passed away in 1989. Her maiden name was Carter and came from Long Beach, Calif. I understand there is a page in the Directory about her from WheelusHighSchool.com.
1958 -7th grade with Mrs. Daqqaq as our Homeroom Sponsor. Can you find me?
Below is my sister Gail (right) at the Junior Prom in 1958, she was in the 10th grade. Claudia Sobczak and Buddy were Gail's friends. Peggy Maratellos is sitting in the far back with dark brown hair. She was a friend of mine and we had some good times together.
Here is Peggy Maratellos again. She's at home baking a cake. She lived downtown Tripoli but too far for me to walk. I was allowed to ride the local bus to go for a visit. We also lived downtown Tripoli but I lived close to 24 December Street (The name was changed later) and the White Sister's Church.
Here we enjoyed a windy day on the beach on Wheelus AFB.
I am with Peggy Maratellos (left), Fran Rubertus (middle) and Denaire Modine. (right) My back is to you. I had a hard time figuring out Fran - since her hair was up; but thanks to Claudia McArthur and George Tiedemann the mystery was solved. OR NOT? Another classmate said it was Johnnie Maratellos sitting behind me. Someday we will find out. (click on the photo to enlarge)
Sometime in 1959 we moved to the base into the trailer section. That was all that was offered, so it was that or nothing. Our trailer was located across the street from the 'Outdoor Theatre'. We always took a pillow & a jacket to the show. There was another small indoor theatre in the trailer park. It was inside one of those small tin huts. Reminds me of Mash .. mostly Airmen went there.
Julie Sollers took this picture of me. I had written on the back of the photo that I was so fat. Ha Ha If anything, I needed a good haircut and style.. <smile> And where are my ugly glasses? The other 3 pictures is our Base Housing. Lately, my found friends are telling me stories about our weekends when I lived there. We had alot of fun and "thank goodness" we didn't get caught.
I met Julie about that time. She lived around the corner from me and we rode the school bus together. Julie's family moved to Colorado. We exchanged some letters but time makes changes in our lives and we lost touch. Where are you now Julie?
'HERE COMES THE TEENAGERS'
1959-1960
I believe this was Sadie Hawkins's Day and I was in the 9th grade at that time. 1) The guy with the white wig was Tom Cole and Don Palumbo with the knee patch. On the right, is Jerry. 2) Tom Cole in the front left. Julie Sollers is back right and Anita Russo is in the middle. I need help for the rest... 3) The guy is Richard Puttkamer and Sharon Kay Edwards
My last summer at Wheelus AFB, I spent at the public swimming pool which was down the street from the school. I cried my eyes out when it was time to return to the USA. I was a true 'drama queen', with my parents dragging me to get on the airplane. My heart was broken and I didn't want to leave. Life is tough at 15 .
Free Space is available for posting of Tripoli, Libya photos.
Email me for information @ Patchance's World
National Geographic Magazine & News Articles
Yearbook 1959- Faculty, Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, Freshmen, 7th & 8th, Activities
Yearbook 1960- Faculty, Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, Freshmen, 7th & 8th, Activities
Yearbook 1961- Faculty, Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, Freshmen, Activities
Yearbook 1962- Faculty, Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, Freshmen, Activities
Other Webpages & Links
Margie Sanborn Smith '58,
"Margie's photo album" on the lower left side of the page.
Mini Reunion in Florida - 2004
Classmates I have Found or They Found Me.
(click on their name for email address)
Linda Berry - no email
Johnnie Maratellos - no email
Yvonne
"Bonnie" Haag
14010 Sunny Glen
San Antonio, Texas 78217
No Email
On Classmates.com you can add your name@ the cost $3.00 per mo. to leave any kind of message or try to access anyone's email address. . On Wheelus High School .com they have a message board for free. So do check it out..
Live Chat with your Tripoli Friends, just click CHAT NOW below.
This room is now LIVE and ACTIVE. Your classmates are talking!
Just click CHAT NOW and follow the instructions
Message Board
Leave your message to find a friend or add a subject.
Just click the Forum.
Life was hard after Tripoli and returning to the USA - entering the 10th grade was murder. I left all my friends behind me and making new friends was hard. I joined the Drill Team and got involved in the Drama Club at Vacaville High School.
Life begins again....
Home Mom's World Page One of Tripoli, Libya
