What Miami High Means to Me

The years were the late 40's.

I was 16 years old on a warm Sunday when a friend of mine and I decided to jump into my father's car, drive to the Beach and pick up some girls. It was customary then to hit 14th Street beach for “pick ups.”

We moved on two gorgeous 15 year olds (Later I found out one of them lied about her age – she was only 14).

Things seem to be going our way when we found out they both live in Miami and also go to Miami High. However, they rejected a ride back to Miami claiming they don't go in cars with strange boys.

A few weeks later I met her again at a Miami High dance. After the dance I offered to walk her home to her house in the Shenandoah neighborhood. Now she could not refuse with the same argument.

Since we spent time on the Beach together, she couldn’t classify me as a stranger. On the way we stopped at Royal Castle for hamburgers and birch beer.

She rejected a good night kiss at her doorstep saying it's her policy not to kiss a boy until the third date.

Remember, this all took place back in the late 40's. Things have certainly changed.

So we began dating and seeing each other just about every day between classes. Her math teacher, Lena Banks, a spinster, was also my homeroom teacher.

One day Miss Banks caught us holding hands. Remember, this is the late 40's. We were sent to Mr. Thomas, the Principal, who frankly didn't know how to handle the situation. He referred the case to the Boys’ Dean, Mr. Koppel.

Punishment was handed out. We both were required to stay in after classes for 6 weeks. Actually, it wasn't punishment after all.

We dated all through High School waiting until after graduation so we could get married. I graduated in 1950 and Eileen graduated in 1951. We married in 1952.

Don't bother getting out your calculator. It's 65 years.

So now you can understand what Miami High means to me.