The North Texan; University of North Texas; University Relations, Communications and Marketing; P.O. Box 311070; Denton, Texas;
76203-1070.

Letters may also be faxed to (940) 369-8763, sent via e-mail to north_texan@unt.edu or submitted on this page. Letters may be edited for length and publication style.

Spencer fans

I was thrilled to read the article about my former chemistry lab assistant under Dr. Carrico, Frank Spencer ('44), back when he was on his way up (spring 2005). Little did we know he had such a future ahead of him.

Eloise Odam Ferguson ('45)
Whiteville, Tenn.

Your article about the career of Frank Spencer was a joy to read. I immediately reached for my 1943 Yucca (only a few feet away) and spent an hour reading wonderful messages from fellow students. I seem to recall spending some effort trying to get Frank Spencer's attention. I must have been unsuccessful; I don't find any messages from him.

Molly Virginia Skinner King
Santa Paula, Calif.

Small world

My son, Bron ('86 M.S.), graduated from North Texas and received the spring issue of The North Texan. He read through the magazine and noticed the centerfold picture of Korea. It was with an article about Frank Spencer, M.D. Right in the center of the picture, my son picked me out carrying a wounded Marine to cover.

I was the battleline surgeon for the 1st Battalion 7th Marines at the time and was trying to rapid evac wounded Marines. The unit contained two M.D.s and 15 corpsmen for the regiment. Here I am smoking and bowlegged, carrying a casualty to a safe spot while awaiting evac. Small world and a pleasant surprise. Thank you.

George A. Brennan, M.D.
St. Louis, Mo.

Ring maker

Regarding the class ring with the missing owner, in the early 1960s several companies around the campus sold class rings. I do not remember reading in the article about the jewelry company name or logo inscribed on the inside of the ring.

Pender's Music Store, then north of Marquis Hall, sold the John Roberts class ring. In the spring 2005 issue on page 5, the picture of the design of the globe above the graduation year and the design of the seal above the degree look very much like the John Roberts ring I wear that was from Pender's. The John Roberts ring had a single symbol “JR” engraved on the inside.

This very intriguing article has given all of the armchair detectives something to work on.

Don Ross Sr. ('76)
Denton

Editor's note: Another check with Bob Kenslow, who found the North Texas ring in Colorado in the '70s, revealed that Haltom's is the company name inside.

Reminiscing

I'm responding to Jack E. Rumbley's letter in the spring 2005 issue (encouraging students from his “era” to send in updates on their lives since graduation).

Jack ('51, '52 M.M.Ed.) must not be very old. I entered North Texas in 1933 and got a degree in business administration with a teaching certificate in 1940. After farming one year and teaching in the public schools of Texas for five years, I worked for B.F. Goodrich for 37 years.

I'm now retired and have lived in Indiana since 1979. I'm only 88 years old and enjoy my family of three children, 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. I hope to see some great-great-grandchildren. I don't really notice the old folks as much as the young folks.

Sidney Kermit Brantly ('40)
Indianapolis, Ind.

I saw Jack Rumbley's letter, and I would also like to see letters from our era, especially from the College of Music.

I retired from Western Carolina University in 1988 after 20 years of teaching flute there. In 2001 my wife and I moved to Lexington, Ky., where my wife grew up.

I am teaching a few flute students and playing some flute. I enjoy local symphony and chamber music concerts, some travel around the area, genealogy and reading.

Alexander Lesueur ('49, '51 M.M.)
Lexington, Ky

Jack Rumbley may be pleased to know that, indeed, even his old freshman theory teacher (at the high rank of TA) is still kicking up the dust, writing books and articles and lecturing about the most esoteric (and dull) matters known to homo sapiens: music theory.

I can assure him that no horns nor motors grace the non-wheelchair of this ex-Aces of Collegeland trumpet player and arranger, as well as member of the first North Texas lab band (1946).

It was great to read that Jack is continuing what he has always done so superbly. He must be the percussion icon of the West by now.

William Thomson ('48, '49 M.M.)
Pasadena, Calif.