My teacher of teacher's was Beatrice Readus. Ms. Readus headed the VICA program, that directed students into vocational areas. Ms. Readus took an interest in my technical training, being involved in Theater Workshop and AV departments, she felt I would be good in a technical vocation. She directed me to a Dentist (Dr. Eugene Mason), he gave me training in Dental Technology. I soon repaired clients dentures, did gold work and handled a full dental lab; in less than 6 months. I did so well, Dr. Mason wanted to help me in approaching Dental School. Well, I did not do well in school.

I did go into another career, Broadcast Technology. I have been a TV Engineer for 37 years, thanks to the care and support of a Harlan H.S. teacher that saw my love of technology and gave me great support. Thank you Ms. Readus.

Morris Jones (Class of 69)

The Stairsteps were discovered and produced by Curtis Mayfield,
this young quintet enjoyed a consistent run of R & B chart success, with
releases on the Windy C, Curtom and Buddah labels.

Their father, Clarence Burke Sr. was a detective in the Chicago police department
and their mother was Betty Burke.

The group got its name, the Five Stairsteps, when Momma
Stairsteps as Betty Burke was known, noticed that her kids looked like stair
steps when stood next to each other according to their ages.

Most of the band members, Clarence Jr., Alohe, James,
Dennis, and Kenneth attended Harlan
High School.

The unit's material - 'You Waited Too Long' (1966), 'World
Of Fantasy' (1966), 'Come Back' (1966) and 'Danger, She's A Stranger' (1967) -
ranged from gentle dance songs to orchestrated ballads, and their fledgling
talent was recognized in 1967 with a NATRA award as that year's outstanding R
& B group

These stories can be found by clicking here. Look under Harlan Memories.

Hellow Felllow Harlanites,
I know each of you remember your 1st date, during your Harlan years. I remember the cooltimes of being in the AV department (under Mr. L.O. Jones), running movies for special assemblies. Do you all remember the "One-Way-Hallways, I thought it was so funny watching students walking backwards up a down stairwell. Our school had the Most Beautiful of Women in Chicago (Cheerleaders, Moden Dance et.al.). How about all the Cool Teachers we had.....Mr. T., Mrs. Stuckey, Mr. Umbles; just too many to name. As a student of the Class of 69, I remember the rivalry we had with Hirsh High (fights after football, basketball games), Hasty Tasty, Jones' Hamburgers (Still Open) and the lunchroom boycott.
Most of all, I miss all the friends I made, that have moved on with their lives...never forget Harlan High shaped you to whom you are Today! Roberta Usher, never forget you were my 1st real steady, Love ya!
Peace to the Class of 69,
Morris Jones
(morris.jones@attbi.com)

Remember the talent shows, becoming a senior and getting to go on "THE PATIO", the walk-outs and the square dancing you were made to do during gym to Aretha's "Spainish Harlem"? Remember the one way halls, basketball games, track meets and BIGGGGG afros? Remember the "Course Book" instead of a report card that had all four years of grades? There was so much going on at Harlan to become involved with. I believe the activities that Harlan had available helped shape us as citzens we are today. Between 1969-1972 Harlan had all types of clubs, sports teams, pep rallies, homecoming dances, debates and one of the largest classes to graduate from Harlan (962) came out in 1972. The teachers were creative, engaged our minds and hearts by continually pushing us to give our best (and they were not much older than we were). It was a rare time when civil rights was at the epicenter of our world and radical changes were taking place around us. We received education on many levels.

How many of you Harlanites from the 60's remember the lunch times at
HASTY TASTY? The cheeseburger specials for only $.52. It was a while back, would'nt you say so? How many of you ladies remember Mrs. Stepto's dance/gym class? I do. We have talked a great deal about the male athletic instructors back then, but not at all about the ladies of the athletic department. Stepto, Ali, and others. Remember not enjoying the swim classes because you did'nt want to get your hair wet? Ladies, remember wearing pinstripe shirts, the blue & white, and red & white engineer scarves tied at the chin, tight skirts, sweat sox and white gym shoes? Remember the french role hair do's and the short cuts with the long bang? Remember slop day and dress up day? Remember how on a more everyday basis, we use to really dress? Fur blend sweaters with wool blend skirts of the same color sheer black stockings, not panty hose, and shoes to match, IT WAS GOING ON! Remember the guys who wore italian knit sweaters and pleated pants, velour hats and apple caps, dress shoes and full length winter trench coats. They were fondly named gousters. Remember the guys who wore navy blue & white pinstripe shirts, sometimes with a tie, navy blue pants and loafers; Ivy Leaguers. Remember the guys who wore suits everyday? Ladies, remember the blazer jackets with leather on the elbows? Remember Herb kent's Golden Dauphin Dances for teens? A lot of us hung on that set after school on Friday nights. I am sure that you 60's classmates remember a lot of this apparel from that time. Harlan's Great Academia , the way we all aspired to dress, and the closeness as classmates we shared at that time has gone a long way in shaping who we are and how we are today. The 70's students had that same closeness and school spirit as well. They also experienced that Great Academia since so many of the teachers were still around when they got to Harlan. Passing down the Harlan High spirit just seems so natural!
Terri/Class of 64

MY HARLAN EXPERIENCE WAS THE BEST TIMES OF MY LIFE .IT SEEMS JUST LIKE YESTERDAY .I NEVER MISSED A DAY IN FOUR YEARS .PARTYING WITH THE CHEER SQUAD ,TRIPPIN WITH DEBRA REED AND HER CREW ,GINGER AND DONNA WERE MY FAVORITE CHEER LEADERS ,JOHN THE SECURITY GUARD ,SHIRLEY SHIRLEY SAVING ME FROM GETTING BEAT UP BY A CRAZED POLICE OFFICER ,COACHES UMBLES ,SHANKLIN , AND MY FAVORITE LEROY BLACK AND HIS WILD AFTER SCHOOL POOL PARTIES .I STILL WONDER ABOUT ALL THE GIRLS I HAD A CRUSH ON DONNA PARR , DEBRA TURNQUEST , RITA WILLS ,BARBARA JARRETT [BABS] AND THE MANY OTHERS THAT ARE ONLY PICTURES IN MY MIND .I MISSED THE 25TH YEAR REUNION BUT I STILL WONDER ABOUT THE CLASS OF 1975

Harlan was so crowded in the early 60's, we had one way halls and one-way stairs. Freshmen started 4th period; 10 AM was a great start time. Girls could not wear pants. The only writing we could have on our clothes was "Harlan H.S.

Alice Phillips