I was a depression baby, but I was never depressed! Sure, we didn't have much money, but in Denton during the Depression, there was the greatest entertainment of all -- the Saturday Night Stage Show, created and produced by 'Fessor Floyd Graham at North Texas State Teachers College. Professor Graham taught music at the college, and he also directed a popular music band, Aces of Collegeland, which was featured every Saturday night in the Main Auditorium.

The stage show continued on for decades. I arrived at North Texas State College in the fall of 1949, majoring in speech and theatre. I was preparing myself for a career on Broadway or in the movies. But, my heart was yearning to be on the Saturday Night Stage Show. I had a great singing act. At least I thought so. And so did 'Fessor Graham. He put me on. What a thrill!

One Saturday night backstage, I met the drummer in the band, Jack Rumbley ('51, '52 M.M.Ed.). Jack loved and appreciated 'Fessor. After the Saturday show, the band would rush off to play a party somewhere on campus. 'Fessor helped Jack haul his drums to the job. Very few students had cars in those days. 'Fessor took the time and effort to help his favorite drummer.

Jack and I married in Denton in the Little Chapel in the Woods, and guess who was seated in the front row of the church? Our beloved 'Fessor Graham!

Rose-Mary Rumbley ('52, '53 M.Ed., '71 Ph.D.)
Dallas