MEMORY TIME LINE

This page contains a day by day listing of events that occurred while we were at Minnechaug. The source of info for this page is past yearbooks, personal notes, and other assorted Minnechaug papers and books. I welcome additions from anyone who has something to contribute! This page was started on 31 August and will be an evolving page (I need to dig up and transcribe other old notes).

Year: 1974

• 4 September 1974, Wednesday: Shool begins for freshmen and new students.
• 8 September 1974, Sunday: President Ford pardons Nixon. Evel Kneivel tries to jump Snake River Canyon and fails.
• 14 September 1974, Saturday: Big E opens in W. Springfield. The song "I Shot the Sheriff" by Eric Clapton hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 21 September 1974, Saturday: The song "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" by Barry White hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 22 September 1974, Sunday: Last day of Big E.
• 23 September 1974, Monday: First frost of the season.
• 28 September 1974, Saturday: Talent show tonight at 7:30 in Minnechaug auditiorium. The song "Rock Me Gently" by Andy Kim hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 5 October 1974, Saturday: The song "I Honestly Love You" by Olivia Newton John hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 13 October 1974, Sunday: Ed Sullivan dies.
• 16 October 1974, Wednesday: Oakland A's win world series, 4-2.
• 18 October 1974, Friday: One Act plays tonight.
• 19 October 1974, Saturday: The song "Nothing from Nothing" by Billy Preston hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 24 October 1974, Thursday: Freshmen class elections today.
• 26 October 1974, Saturday: Halloween Sadie Hawkins Dance tinight, 8 - 11 on the old gym. The song "Then Came You" by Dionne Warwick and the Spinners hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 30 October 1974, Wednesday: Mohammad Ali regains title.
• 2 November 1974, Saturday: The song "You Haven't Done Nothin" by Stevie Wonder hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 9 November 1974, Saturday: The song "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 15 November 1974, Friday: Report cards go out.
• 16 November 1974, Saturday: The song "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" by John Lennon hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 23 November 1974, Saturday: The song "I Can Help" by Billy Swan hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 7 December 1974, Saturday: The song "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 21 December 1974, Saturday: The song "Cat's In the Cradle" by Harry Chapin hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 23 December 1974 - 5 January 1975 (Monday - Sunday): Christmas Vacation!
• 28 December 1974, Saturday: The song "Angie Baby" by Helen Reddy hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

Year: 1975

• 4 January 1975, Saturday: "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by Elton John hits #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
• 6 January 1975, Monday: School starts up again after vacation break.
• 15 January 1975, Wednesday: President Ford delivers State of the Union address.
• 20 January 1975, Monday: Start of mid-year exams.
• 31 January 1975, Friday: Report cards sent out.
• 5 February 1975, Wednesday: Half day of school today.
• 17 February 1975 - 21 February 1975 (Monday - Friday): Winter vacation this week.
• 24 February 1975, Monday: Yearbook goes to printing company.

Year: 1976

• 18 - 20 May 1976, Tuesday - Thursday: Arena Scheduling takes place for the first time.
• 17 June 1976, Thursday: A pipe bomb explodes in D hall (near the intersection of H hall), causing an evacuation to take place during the midst of final exams. A major "fit". Damage minimal to the area, but potentially lethal to people had they been hit. Channel 22 covers the event on the local news.
• 18 June 1976, Friday: Last day of school!
• 8 September 1976, Wednesday: School starts up again, our Junior year.
• 24 September 1976, Friday: Patty Hearst is sentenced to 7 years in prison.
• 10 November 1976, Wednesday: First snow of the season, about 3 inches on Wilbraham Mountain.
• 1 December 1976, Wednesday: A bombscare today, everyone has to evacuate.
• 6 December 1976, Monday: Three fire alarms are pulled today, one right near the end of the day. Three evacuations required. Minnechaug staff getting very pissed.
• 9 December 1976, Thursday: Yet another bomb scare today, and another evacuation.
• 24 December 1976, Friday: Day off, the start of Christmas vacation.
• Not much recorded for this year, help out if you can!

Year: 1977

• 3 January 1977, Monday: First day back at school after Christmas vacation. Tim Rymasz spills a carton of chocolate milk all over Joe Roberts.
• 7 January 1977, Friday: No school today... 6 to 12 inches of snow predicted. We actually got 12 inches of snow!
• 10 January 1977, Monday: No school again today... got 6 more inches of snow!
• 12 January 1977, Wednesday: Pete Chapin accidentally breaks a window at school while trying to open it with a powerful blow to the center of the glass.
• 14 January 1977, Friday: 6 to 10 inches of snow predicted; we get 3 inches. School not canceled.
• 17 January 1977, Monday: Gary Gillmore ( a murderer) executed today. Very cold day... about 10 degrees for the high.
• 18 January 1977, Tuesday: Another very cold morning... -15 degrees on Wilbraham Mountain.
• 24 January 1977, Monday: Winter storm warning in effect... 3 to 6 inches of snow predicted. School not canceled.
• 25 January 1977, Tuesday: No school today... got 4 inches of snow. "Finals" supposed to start today.
• 26 January 1977, Wednesday: "Finals" today at school.
• 27 January 1977, Thursday: More "finals" today at school.
• 28 January 1977, Friday: Yet more "finals" today at school. Blizzard warnings in affect... got about 6 inches of snow.
• 31 January 1977, Monday: First day of the new term. Radio Station WAQY changes format from automated to a format with live DJ's. They now call themselves "The New 102" (and continue to do so for about one year).
• 2 February 1977, Wednesday: A bombscare today... everyone has to evacuate the building in the freezing weather!
• 3 February 1977, Thursday: Snowed 1 inch today.
• 7 February 1977, Monday: Another bomb scare today.
• 10 February 1977, Thursday: Going up to 40 degrees today... a virtual heatwave!
• 16 February 1977, Wednesday: Winter Concert at Minnechaug tonight.
• 18 February 1977, Friday: Gordy Clark gets his driver's license.
• 21-25 February, Mon - Fri: Winter vacation!
• 4 March 1977, Friday: Rained like Hell today.
• 10 March 1977, Thursday: Very mild today... 70 degrees F!
• 14 March 1977, Monday: The Eagles are in concert (Hartford or Springfield... don't remember which). Squatted 375 lbs in weightlifting today.
• 15 March 1977, Tuesday: "Recommendations" day... don't exactly remember what this was all about.
• 18 March 1977, Friday: Snow warnings today: 6 to 8 inches predicted... snowed most of the day. Someone tosses a snowball into the north end of the big cafeteria... it hits Pete Langone. He goes out the door looking like he was about to kick someone's butt!
• 22 March 1977, Tuesday: Very windy, rainy day... like a hurricane. PTO meeting tonight.
• 23 March 1977, Wednesday: No school today due to snowfall overnight.
• 25 March 1977, Friday: Had to fill out a sexual survey form in English class today.
• 26 March 1977, Saturday: SAT tests today. Band Fruit Sale delivery day. Also a school dance tonight.
• 30 March 1977, Wednesday: Mr. Van West "blows up" during a study hall in room C-2 because of recent vandalism (several of the chairs in C-2 were messed up). 85 degrees out today! Astronomy club meeting at school (7:30pm).
• April 1977: WTIC-FM, "96-TICS" (Hartford) comes "on the air" for the first time.
• 5 April 1977, Tuesday: Mrs. Ligarski (geometry teacher) out today... had a study hall.
• 8 April 1977, Friday: No school today, Good Friday, plus we got 1.5 inches of snow.
• 13 April 1977, Wednesday: Extremely stupid episode of "Charlie's Angels" is on tonight with a character named "Beemish".
• 14 April 1977, Thursday: Practiced changing car tires today in driver's ed.
• 18-22 April 1977, Mon - Fri: Spring vacation this week.
• 24 April 1977, Sunday: Daylight Savings time starts.
• 2 May 1977, Monday: Measles crisis at school... notices sent out.
• 7 May 1977, Saturday: SAT test today.
• 9 May 1977, Monday: Very cold day, rained like Hell then turned to snow... got about 3 inches on he Mountain! (Latest snowfall I've ever witnessed in Wilbraham, 1966 - present).
• 11 May 1977, Wednesday: "Career Day" at school today... 1/2 day.
• 12 May 1977, Thursday: Got "Arena Scheduling" stuff today.
• 17 May 1977, Tuesday: "Arena Scheduling" today. Homeroom J-8 goes in at 9:00am (J-8 got "the shaft" on two previous years). Temps in the 90's today.
• 20 May 1977, Friday: Yearbooks handed out today.
• 25 May 1977, Wednesday: Spring Concert at school tonight.
• 1 June 1977, Wednesday: Cool thunderstorm during the night. Mr. Van West's art class has a study in room K-12.
• 10 June 1977, Friday: Seniors graduate tonight.
• 17 June 1977, Friday: Measles clinic at school today.
• 21 June 1977, Tuesday: Final exams today... 1/2 day.
• 22 June 1977, Wednesday: Final exams today... 1/2 day.
• 23 June 1977, Thursday: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
• 26 June 1977, Sunday: Tim Rymasz and a van load of kids get booted out of the Parkway Theater.
• 8 July 1977, Friday: Mike Schmidt blows out his speakers at Paul Zamier's party.
• 13 July 1977, Wednesday: Violent thunderstorms hit the east coast; major power outage; most of New England and New York "in the dark". An indirect lightning strike damages equipment in Joe Roberts' room.
• 17 July 1977, Sunday: More severe thunderstorms hit; Wilbraham blacked out.
• 19 July 1977, Tuesday: In the midst of a heatwave... 103 degrees F today.
• 22 July 1977, Friday: Nine people are murdered by one psycho in Prospect, Connecticut. One of Connecticut's worst crimes ever.
• 5 August 1977, Friday: Pete Chapin gets his driver's license. Joe Roberts get senior class picture taken. Severe thunderstorm warning tonight.
• 16 August 1977, Tuesday: Elvis Presley dies.
• 6 September 1977, Tuesday: The TV mini series Washington: Behind Closed Doors starts tonight.
• 8 September 1977, Thursday: School starts... the first day of our last year of high school.
• 12 September 1977, Monday: Student Council meeting during A block.
• 14 September 1977, Wednesday: The Big "E" opens today.
• 15 September 1977, Thursday: A jukebox is delivered to the small cafeteria.
• 17 September 1977, Saturday: Marty Szydlowski, Joe Roberts and Pete Chapin team up to put on the "Senior Kickoff Dance" in the large cafeteria. We disregard the 11:00pm "stop music" time, and a cop comes in and starts having a mild "fit". Fifteen Pizza Pub pizzas are on hand for food. Many of them delivered by other class members in station wagons.
• 20 September 1977, Tuesday: Student Council meeting during B block.
• 24 September 1977, Saturday: The show "Love Boat" comes on the air for the first time! Senior Car Wash from 8:30 - 12:30 today.
• 26 September 1977, Monday: Mr. Maciazek gets glass in his eye.
• 27 September 1977, Tuesday: Yearbook supplements are handed out today. Three's Company is on TV tonight, along with Family and Soap.
• 27 - 29 September 1977, Tuesday - Thursday: Yearbook pictures for underclassmen taken during this time.
• 28 September 1977, Wednesday: Student Council meeting during C block.
• 30 September 1977, Friday: Junior Classical League Dance tonight.
• 4 - 7 October 1977, Tuesday - Friday: Eye and ear testing for all students.
• 5 October 1977, Wednesday: A car accident occurs after school with a Minnechaug kid and a school bus at the Main Street entrance to Minnechaug. The apparently impatient kid tries to go around the bus as it is turning out into Main Street. The car gets caught between the bus and a fire hydrant; the car gets turned around and snaps off the hydrant. Water gushes from the hydrant. The school bus driver goes "ballistic" on the kid. No injuries, just a big "fit". Never found out who the kid was (does anyone know?) Also: warning notices go out today.
• 6 October 1977, Thursday: Student Council Meeting during D block.
• 12 October 1977, Wednesday: A class "assembly" held today. There is $5139.59 in the Class of 78 account. Class schedule abnormal today.
• 14 October 1977, Friday: Student Council Meeting during E block.
• 15 and 16 October 1977, Saturday and Sunday: Senior Work Weekend.
• 17 October 1977, Monday: Student Council Meeting during F block.
• 18 October 1977, Tuesday: Freshmen elections during E block.
• 20 October 1977, Thursday: Open House at Minnechaug.
• 22 and 23 October 1977, Saturday and Sunday: Senior Work Weekend.
• 25 October 1977, Tuesday: Seniors get measured for cap and gown today. Student Council Meeting during G block.
• 28 October 1977, Friday: "Project Blueberry" people come to the Roberts house to tape a show. Teacher's convention, no school today.
• 30 October 1977, Sunday: Change back to EST this morning.
• 2 November 1977, Wednesday: Student Council Meeting during A block.
• 3 November 1977, Thursday: Open House at school tonight.
• 5 November 1977, Saturday: SAT tests given at Minnechaug this morning.
• 10 November 1977, Thursday: Marks close today. Student Council Meeting during B block.
• 11 November 1977, Friday: No school today (Veteran's Day).
• 14 November 1977, Monday: Cold morning... 20 degrees F this morning. Senior Class ballot forms handed out today. Student Council Meeting during C block.
• 15 November 1977, Tuesday: Yearbooks go on sale today.
• 18 November 1977, Friday: One-act plays tonight.
• 21 November 1977, Monday: Report Cards issued today.
• 22 November 1977, Tuesday: Student Council Meeting during D block.
• 23 November 1977, Wednesday: 1/2 day of school (due to Thanksgiving). Snowed a little today.
• 28 November 1977, Monday: Report cards come out today. SAT scores delivered today.
• 30 November 1977, Wednesday: A fire alarm is pulled (a prank) today in J-hall. Everyone has to evacuate. Student Council Meeting during E block.
• 1 December 1977, Thursday: Another fire alarm is pulled today, near the small cafeteria. "Privileges" are revoked (no snack break, etc.).
• 2 December 1977, Friday: A pep rally is held in the gym today. Mr. Worthley (math teacher) comes to the Roberts house to "hoof" the horses.
• 5 December 1977, Monday: "Privileges" are re-instated (they were revoked due to repeated fire alarm pranks the week before). 3 inches of snow fall today.
• 8 December 1977, Thursday: Student Council Meeting during F block.
• 9 December 1977, Friday: Talent show tonight. 3 more inches of snow fall today.
• 12 December 1977, Monday: Joe Roberts and Greg Zirakian botch a physics lab, ruining a "pulley" apparatus in Mr. Eakin's class. Light snow falls all day, got 2 inches. Mr. Tipaldi announces that his stereo system is up for sale for $125. Only 4 people in volleyball today.
• 15 December 1977, Thursday: Lori Buoniconti finds out that there is a jukebox in the small cafeteria. Someone plays "She's not There" by Santana on the jukebox.
• 16 December 1977, Friday: Student Council Meeting during G block.
• 19 December 1977, Monday: The desk in the school library is all changed around as of today.
• 20 December 1977, Tuesday: Choral Concert tonight. Student Council Meeting during A block.
• 21 December 1977, Wednesday: Choral Concert tonight. Warnings go out today. Winter storm warning today was a flop. Winter solstice tonight.

Year: 1978

• 3 January 1978, Tuesday: Classes resume today, Student Council Meeting during B block.
• 6 - 7 January 1978, Friday - Saturday: Concert Band Pops Concert tonight.
• 11 January 1978, Wednesday: Student Council Meeting, C block.
• 13 January 1978, Friday: Snow warning today... 6" expected. Got about 8" by Saturday AM.
• 16 Janaury 1978, Monday: Martin Luther King day, no school.
• 18 January 1978, Wednesday: No school today; 4" snow plus ice storm. Hartford Civic Center roof caves in due to wet snow.
• 19 January 1978, Tuesday: Student Council Meeting during D block.
• 20 January 1978, Friday: No school today, got about 10" of snow. Very cold and windy after storm. DJ Ed Fairbanks leaves WHYN.
• 24 January 1978, Tuesday: "Finals" today. A fight erupts in Caf #3.
• 25 January 1978, Wednesday: Finals delayed 2 hours today due to ice. No school in Ludlow.
• 26 January 1978, Thursday: More finals today.
• 27 Janaury 1978, Friday: Marks close today. Student Council Meeting during E block.
• 28 Janauary 1978, Saturday: A (fully loaded) logging truck looses its brakes while coming down Monson Road. Truck flies across Main Street and blasted through a utility pole, jumped a brook, and "launched" its load of logs, several of which hit and penetrated a nearby house. Almost unbelievably no one was seriously hurt in this crash! The driver received minor injuries, despite the potential for extreme disaster. The driver estimated a speed of 80 mph when coming to the Main Street intersection (by chance, no cars were present). The driver also admits he thought he would not make the turn at the bottom of the steep part of Monson Road. I personally checked out the accident site (as did hundreds of other people)... the truck was totally demolished. The road was completely blocked off (due to the hanging power lines). What would have been a typical Saturday turned out to be quite a day...
• 30 January 1978, Monday: Student Council Meeting during F block.
• 1 February 1978, Wednesday: Bus #2 breaks down on Wilbraham Mountain. Joe Roberts has to call bus company for a replacement.
• 6 February 1978, Monday: Winter Storm warnings out today... 10" to 16" snow predicted, with 35 mph winds. The start of the "Blizzard of '78". Snow predictions increased to 16" to 30". School for Tuesday canceled Monday Night. Report Cards go out today.
• 7 February 1978, Tuesday: Blizzard of '78 continues. About 10" snow on Wilbraham Mountain by morning. No school, very high winds.
• 8 February 1978, Wednesday: No school again today due to Blizzard of '78. Total snow on Wilbraham Mountain about 18" (not as bad as predicted).
• 13 February 1978, Monday: Travel ban in Boston lifted at 10pm (ban was due to Blizzard of '78, which was far worse in eastern Mass.).
• 15 February 1978, Wednesday: Student Council Meeting during F block.
• 20 Feb - 24 Feb 1978, Monday - Friday: Winter Vacation this week.
• 2 March 1978, Thursday: Student Council Meeting during B block.
• 3 March 1978, Friday: 6" snow today. School not canceled.
• 8 March 1978, Wednesday: Warning notices go out today.
• 13 March 1978, Tuesday: Student Council Meeting during D block.
• 17 March 1978, Friday: "Gym" show tonight at Minnechaug.
• 21 March 1978, Tuesday: Student Council Meeting today during F block.
• 24 March 1978, Friday: No school today (Good Friday).
• 29 March 1978, Wednesday: Student Council Meeting during F block.
• 31 March 1978, Friday: College Fair at school today. Senior "skip" day. Senior "50 Day Dance" tonight, 8pm - 11pm.
• 6 April 1978, Thursday: Student Council Meeting today during G block.
• 7 April 1978, Friday: "New lunch" system in effect as of today. Not sure what this was about, but it had something to do with troublemakers. Marks close today.
• 10 April 1978, Monday: Fourth term starts. Fire drill in school today.
• 14 April 1978, Friday: Student Council Meeting, A block. Report cards go out today.
• 24 April 1978, Monday: Student Council Meeting during B block.
• 27 April 1978, Thursday: Joe Roberts buys Marty Szydlowski's FM stereo tuner for $100. (It still works today in 1997!). Also a whale watch meeting at school tonight (for parents) in preparation for Mr. Tipaldi's whale watch trip.
• 30 April 1978, Sunday: Switch to Eastern Daylight Time this morning. Cold overnight... 25 degrees F.
• 2 - 4 May 1978, Tuesday - Thursday: Arena Scheduling takes place for underclassmen. Student Council Meeting Tuesday duing C block.
• 3 May 1978, Wednesday: Spring Concert (band and chorus), 7:30pm.
• 6 May 1978, Saturday: Mr. Tipaldi's whale watch trip starts today. John Bedard can't find his sunglasses in front of Minnechaug while waiting for the bus. A car passes by and a loud "crunch" is heard. John's glasses are now located!
• 10 May 1978, Wednesday: Student Council Meeting during D block. Senior warnings mailed out today.
• 18 May 1978, Thursday: Student Council Meeting during E block.
• 19 May 1978, Friday: Choral Exchange Concert tonight. All senior library books have to be turned in by today.
• 23 May 1978, Tuesday: Yearbooks handed out today. "Courtyard Concert" held today.
• 26 May 1978, Friday: Last day of regularly scheduled classes for seniors. All textbooks have to be in today except for those needed for studying for exams.
• 29 May 1978, Monday: Memorial Day, no school.
• 30 - 31 May 1978, Tuesday and Wednesday: A, B and C block finals on Tuesday; D and E block finals on Wednesday (for seniors only).
• 1 June 1978, Thursday: More finals for seniors; F and G block finals. Half day for seniors. Marks close for seniors.
• 2 June 1978, Friday: "Prom" night tonight. Prom held at Sheraton West, West Springfield. Socail hour 6pm - 7pm, dinner at 7pm, dancing 8pm - 11:30pm. Seniors don't have school today. Senior grades posted. Extremely good radio "skip" conditions tonight.
• 5 June 1978, Monday: Mr. Kibbe's house explodes today due to gas leak.
• 6 June 1978, Tuesday: "Awards" night at Minnechaug tonight. Student Council meeting during A block. Seniors attend regular classes, final exams returned. Any outstanding accounts are posted in Mr. Schencks's office.
• 7 June 1978, Wednesday: No school for seniors. Senior Banquet tonight at Hampden Country Club, starting at 6pm. The band uses a Peavey amplifier.
• 8 June 1978, Thursday: Senior Breakfast this morning at 8:00am in the cafeteria. Graduation rehersal at 9:30am in auditorium. Very humid day.
• 9 June 1978, Friday: Graduation rehearsal at 9:15am at the football field. Graduation for seniors tonight at 7pm. Joe Roberts, Mark Davis, Pete Chapin, Carol Schenk, Evelyn McGee (and a few others I can't remember) get stranded at Sears earlier in the day after her International Scout breakes down. We get kicked out of Sears for playing cards while waiting for the vehicle to be repaired! Mark Davis hosts a graduation party at his house.
• 23 June 1978, Friday: Last day of school for underclassmen.
• 29 June 1978, Thursday: Bob Crane ("Hogan's Heroes") murdered today.

More to come when I have time to write things up...

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