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Don Boyd | all galleries >> Memories of Old Hialeah, Old Miami and Old South Florida Photo Galleries - largest non-Facebook collection on the internet >> Miami Area SCHOOLS, Classes, Teams, Bands, and Clubs Historical Photos Gallery - All Years - click on image to view > 1930 - Robert E. Lee Junior High School in Miami
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1930 - Robert E. Lee Junior High School in Miami
1930 Florida State Archives

1930 - Robert E. Lee Junior High School in Miami

3100 NW 5th Avenue, Miami, Florida


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Ed Haley 15-Jan-2012 17:21
In my previous note I said the REL principal's name was Mattie Smith.. I realized later that her name was Mattie Mack Jones.
EdHaley 14-Jan-2012 18:04
My name is Edward Haley. I went to REL from 1940 til 1944. I wonder if there are any others who were there at this time. At the time Mattie Smith was principal and Ethel Evans was our home room teacher. I lived a couple of blocks north at 3332 5th Ave. After REL I attended Miami HS until 1947 when I dropped out and left Miami for good.
. My father was involved in the Writers Project of the WPA. The Masonic Temple just off Flagler St near the river was the theater they used. This was during the Depression.
I do recall the atrium inside the school where we had dances and I have a picture of our 1944 graduating class on my wall at home. But I have never had a chance to speak ti anyone who was there at the time. Looking at the earlier I recognized the name of Doc Shannon. He was the coach and a really helpful guy to me on several occasions.
Guest 12-Jan-2012 03:48
So many memories and great friends from Robert E Lee! From the aroma of the Merita Bread bakery and the roasting coffee, the wonderful teachers who helped me become the person I am today, to the beautiful courtyard where we all used to meet – these are all memories that I will cherish. I left REL after 3 years and went on to Miami Springs Sr. High – although a few of my friends also came to Springs, most of my REL friends went to Edison and Jackson. As I open the pages of my 1964-65 yearbook, so many faces are familiar. Unfortunately there were no names identifying the pictures. Here are some of the names of teachers and friends that I remember (I was lucky to have quite a few of my teachers and friends sign the yearbook!) Hopefully this will jog your memories too and bring a smile to your face… as it did to mine.
The principal was Mr. Caruthers – the first year I attended (’63-’64). Otto Stradley began as principal during the ’64-’65 year. Teachers & Administrators: Mr. Tom Smith- dean for boys, Doc Shannon, Mr. Bailey, Ms. Murray (Student Council & counselor), Ms VerShure - dean for girls , Ms. Zoraya Ines (office), Mr.Burgamy (Civics), Mr. Eichlin (Science), Mr. Ron Lofaro (Algebra), Ms. Milian (Geometry), Mr. Holt (Science), Coach Martin, Mrs. Carroll (PE), Ms Nelson, Mrs. V. Pike (History), Mrs. Quincy (Library), Ms. Gloria Morales (Library), Mrs. Calvera (Spanish), Mr. De Alejo, Ms. Roberson, Mr. Keene, Mr. Buff, Mrs. Alice Todd (Home Ec.), Mr. Provost, Mrs. Pruett, Mr. Harry Holton, Mrs. Gonzalez, Mrs. Helen Draughon, Mr. Wagner, Ms. Alexiou, Mrs. Tidwell, Mr. E…. Many more that I recognize but can’t remember their names.
Friends: Diana Travieso, Maria Garcia, Socorro Rivera, Cecilio Santiago, Ramiro Bernal, Jeanette Quintero, Alice Ingram, George Davis, Octavio Sanchez, Nora Curbelo, Maria Elena Castellanos, Teresita Crespo, Sonia Triana, Mona Thornton, Ahmed Pena, Hortensia Gomez, Carol Tillman, Betty Laughlin, Esther Eisenman, Judy Schrader, Bruce Homer, Leonor Villanovo, Larry Olson, Josefina Peron, Eugene Fontanez, Robinson Olaguibel, Walter Radowicz, Nelson Vidaurrazaga, Christine Brown, Fernando…, Adelita Feria, Marciano Cardona, Victor Abru, Carlos Rodriguez, Pablo Esquijarosa, Lorenzo Brice, Debbie Schmidt, Gary Toms, Anna Vidal, Denise Suarez, ‘Big’ Ralph, Stan Grantham, Tommy Chochoon, Lottie Brown, Patty Arnold, William Ward, Rafael Estopenan, Neil Waters, R. Alpizar, Gary Smith, Christine, Elsy, Jose Alen, Margarita Gutierrez, Martha Mann, Teresa Korkos, Lynn Taillon, Roger del Rio, Linda Urquhart , Yvonne Anderson, Maria Elena Hernandez, Alexandra Gordils, Miriam Gordils, Enrique Gonzalez, Juana Garcia, Oletha, Julian Orion, Robert Leavitt, Melvin Jones, Tom Wood, Gary Smith, Miriam Perez, John Mauri, Rafael de la Vega, Richard Stephens, Georgia C., Carlos Gonzalez, Manuel Torre, Elsa Ricardo, Raysa Rodriguez, Madeline Pereira, Enrique X, Alicia Saavedra, Amy Fernandez, Don Patterson, Jose Mory, James Flagg, Rita Howard, Larry Lugo, Jerry Mega, Vicente Zalsuer, Dennis Kostijo, Armando Acosta, Otho Gonzalez, Raul Robaina, Carlos Lopez, C. Wilfredo, Joseph Johnson, Jorgelina Morales… Alicia Munoz, Margarita Sanchez, Rosendo Suarez, Marlene Casanova, Roberta Delman, Carole Kent, Estela Lopez, Mancy Martinez, Denise Johns, Mary Anne Fischer, Carlos Jimenez, Nury Martin, Tommy, Nestor Suarez III, Cathy Foote, Zoila Sanchez, Cleo Prieto, Rene Fernandez, Sue Hanna, Evelyn Arebalo. Hope you’ve found happiness in your lives… Love - Margarita (Margie) Acosta
Luisa Sacerio 14-Sep-2011 23:45
Hi! my name is Luisa Sacerio, I attended Le in 67-68-69 great school. What a pitty. I, wonder why it was demolished. I remember Mrs. F. Carroll, Miss Parcell science teachers, Mr.Washington, always making sure we were on time in class. Mr. Perez, Mr. T. Smith math teachers, Mr. A. Sylvas band instructor. My classmates in bandwereOscar, Robert trombone players, Le, sax, joan trompet, and I drummer. Please
if anyone communicate with them, please inform me.
l.sacerio9@hotmail.com
thank you
Robbin Learned 15-Aug-2011 17:22
Joe Motes, Did You and Your Dad, go Bowling at Hialeah Lanes, in The early 60's ? If so, I lived in that neighborhood, and You and I became friends there at Hialeah Lanes. I remember us having Vanilla Cokes, from the Restaurant there. And many times: Your Dad: treated us , and other friends to Vanilla Cokes. I hesitated to write this here, but I figured You would see it here. I always thought that Robert E. Lee JR. High was A Neat Looking School, Very Impressive Looking, and I heard from many friends, who attended REL : that it was A Good School. Best Regards !!!!!! Robbin .
joe_motes 01-Aug-2011 21:06
I went to Robert E Lee Jr High 1964-66, my favorite teacher was my Science teacher, Mrs Francis Carroll. My Principle was Otto Stradley and I think my Assistant Principle was Mr Caruthers and my Bank teacher was Mr. Keenee, I think, as I placed the Sousaphone all three years. I only remember a few friends, Johnny Watson, Linda Taillon, and Marlene O'Connor, and that's all I can remember. I lived on the conner of NW 7th Ave and 30th Street. I still have one of my year books from 1964-65. I did go to Santa Clara Elementary and for my Sr High, to Miami Edison. I drove by there last year, it's so heart breakening to see it gone, it's nice to see this 1930 photo.
Carlos Betancourt 09-Jul-2011 23:57
Hi Mary Lou,
Miss Tidwell was my homeroom (7-3) teacher in the 7th grade for 1967 to 1968, she was the sweetest teacher I have ever had I'll never forget her. Your name also sounds familiar what Elementry school did you go to? I went to Melrose Elementry. Do you remember Daisy Fleitas, Julio Hernandez, Miriam Palacios?
I left REL in 1969 to Citrus Grove Jr. High. Robert E Lee was a blast I had so much fun there I looked forward to go to school everyday. Hope to hear from you again.
Mary Lou Hilerio 28-Jun-2011 21:03
Hi, my name is Mary Lou( Hilerio) Olmeda I also have great memories of the best school ever. I went to REL in 67-68 I was there in 7th and 8th grade I also remember Mr. Perez,Mr. Moore Ms Inez,Miss Tidwell. I had English with Miss Tidwell in 7th grade ,had science with Mr. MooreI believe in eighth grade,does anyone remember Mr. Porter ,he was seventh grade science and then he moved to Texas I believe,my sister also was here her name is Rosa Linda (Hilerio)Rodriguez. I moved from Miami in 1980 to Lakeland,Fl.. Carlos Betancourt,your name sounds familiar to me. Would love to hear from old friends
chijuban 15-Apr-2011 00:28
Dear all,
what wonderful memories! I am a PhD student at FIU in Miami and I hope you will be pleased to know that I am writing my doctoral dissertation about Wynwood and how it has changed over the years. My focus has been mostly the post-1950's changes: highways, immigration, the decline that some of you remember in the 80's, and recently its transformation into an Arts District and everything else. I lived in Wynwood myself for 2 years, 2006-2008, right in front of the new Jose de Diego school that replaced Robert E Lee, and right next to the Bakehouse Arts Complex, which used to be the bakery that so many of you can probably still smell when you close your eyes. Things have certainly changed.
I would love to get a chance to hear from people who could tell me about their experiences and views of the neighborhood and how it's changed. Those of you who posted email addresses, I will try to contact you soon. I look forward to learning about those years and those people's histories who aren't written about anywhere in newspapers or other archives. Mr. Boyd, Carlos, Robbin, anyone else: Please contact me if you're interested in sharing your experiences of Wynwood or if you can put me in touch with others who might.

Thanks for considering it.
sincerely,
Marcos Feldman. mfeld001@fiu.edu
Claribel Saavedra 16-Mar-2011 20:02
I went from 69-71, the best school ever so many memories.Teachers Mr Duke, Mr Triana principal Mr Moore (later to be my daughters principal at Gable) fond memories, love to meet up with more of my friends from back then. Also Officer Anderson..loved him...
Guest 23-Feb-2011 11:49
Lee we love your green and white with with colors flying high . Lee we sing our praise to you, a name that will never die . Loyality we we pledge to you, faith and honor too. Here is to our alma marta
Debbie Altman Meeks 17-Jan-2011 22:13
I went to Robert E lee in 1967-1968 than moved to Georgia, my memories are of a guy named Edwin G and the coffee smell from the plant.
Minin L Soto 21-Dec-2010 17:05
I attended REL back in 1987 and they still had the parties in the middle of the court yard it was awesome. Even though things were getting bad when I left the school I had lots of good memories. Back then paddling was allowed to those who skipped school and did other things. The 3rd floor became the detention and indoor suspention floor. I was a good girl so I never got to see what that floor looked like. LOL I luckly have pics of friends in the class rooms. I miss those friends greatly. To bad i don't even think we had year books.
Carlos Betancourt 22-Jul-2010 18:58
Wow no one has posted in a long time, anyway to all who attended REL there's a movie called ONLY THE STRONG (1993) a lot of scenes film at REL you can see the frt of the school, hallways, stairs, inside classrooms, the court yard, the back where the basketbakk courts were, and even inside the restrooms.
You can check out clips on UTUBE, I bought the movie at Amazon.com.
It's exciting to be able to see the school again.
Carlos Betancourt 1967-1970
karen 26-May-2010 03:08
wow, I attended 7th grade back in 1977 and would like to find classmates from that era. I used to know Denny Pimentel, Edwin Rivera, Marisol Rivera.
Regina Risher 11-May-2010 22:49
I have so many memories of this school. Attended from 1954 to December 1956 when we moved and I transferred to Westview Jr. High. I wrote a little column in the school paper under the name of Maggie Mendez about the goings on at REL. The aroma of bread baking and coffee roasting in the nearby businesses would make our mouths water.. Also remember the store across the street where I bought fritos, candy and sen-sen. There was jukebox in the lunch room and we could always find someone dancing to the music. Also the dances in the courtyard after school were so much fun .
Carlos 28-Feb-2010 15:44
Good luck searching. I also have another intresting site:
sneakykitchen.com
When you go there look for the Allapattah, Memories of Miami forums there you'll find lot's of post of people who lived and grew up in that area I started a post about Robert E. Lee some years back and have gotten responds.
This site is totally free all you do is sign up. I'm there under: cuebanmade54
Check it out you may find people that you have known.
Guest 28-Feb-2010 01:07
Carlos,

I'll check it out - glad to hear that some of us stayed around - we live in NMB but looking to move - maybe to Broward....
Carlos 25-Feb-2010 21:26
Mary,
If you go to Classmates, and type in Robert E. Lee Miami you'll find alot of names of former students. Funny you should mention the school newspaper I still have two copies from 1969 the name of the paper "The Traveller" was the name of the horse that Robert E. Lee rode during the Civil War. I have photos posted on classmates under my page "Carlos Betancourt". (you don't have to be a gold memeber to checkout names in classmates, I'm not I only use the free service.)
Carlos 25-Feb-2010 20:16
Hi Mary,
I remember Mrs. Milan, I remember some of my teachers Mr. Perez, Mrs. Tidwell, Mr. Gay, Miss. Goldstein, Miss. Alamery.
I live in Broward County now (West Miramar), but I still drive around my old neighborhood of Allapattah I have alot of memories still there.
Mary (Halloran) Smith 25-Feb-2010 03:52
Hi Carlos, I dont remember my home-rooms but I had Mrs. Milian for Algebra, and Mr. Williams for social studies, and I was on the school paper.

Do you still live down here?
Carlos 24-Feb-2010 00:57
Hi Mary
I went to Lee from 67 68 69 who can forget Mr. Smith I felt his paddle many times, the aroma from the bakery was mouth watering in the morning.
What was your homerooms? I was in 7-3, 8-3, 9-3.
I loved that school and still miss seeing it there.
Mary (Halloran) Smith 23-Feb-2010 03:33
My name is Mary and I went to Robert E Lee in 66-67-68 - The best of the best. I still live in Miami and go by there from time to time, in fact, my friend Carmen was just here from Calif and we were talking about the school. The smell of the baking bread and the coffee is still a great memory. I remember Mr. Smith too - my poor brother felt his paddle more than once. It's a shame they tore the bldg down. It would be great to hear from more great students from REL. After REL i went to Miami Edison, although at the time I wanted to go to Jackson. Carmen and most of my friends went on to Jackson. Hopefully more people will get in touch on here.

Mary Halloran Smith
bill clausen 15-Feb-2010 20:51
I attended Robert E. Lee 1958-59 after attending Buena Vista Elementary. Living on 31st Steet I remember the fragrance from the Marietta bakery . All appear to be gone as well as a large part of 31st street. The movie theater on 7th Ave which I spent most of my Saturday afternoons is now a shelter......Bummer!
Robbin P. Learned 15-Sep-2009 20:02
A Good Frind Of Mine, Noel Martinez, attended Robert E. Lee JR. High, after Santa Clara Elementary. He went to Robert E . Lee, in 1962, and Then His Family Moved To West Hialeah, near Miami Lakes, and He Transferred in To Palm Springs JR. High. I Remember another Robert E. Lee Student, Who Once Had Real Neat T- Shirts on, Like Big Daddy Ed Roth Sold, in Bright Colors, and With Neat Funny Cars, and Rat Fink Creations , Ect., and He Told Me: That He Made Them Himself, at Robert E. Lee JR. High, in A Silk Screening Class. Another Indication Of What A Great School, Robert E. Lee JR. High was. Robbin, an Admirer Of Robert E. Lee JR. High.
Robbin 09-Sep-2009 23:53
Hey Carlos, Good Post, as usual !!!!! I Wish I Could Find That Time Machine Too, I Would Take A Few Spins Back in Time, in it. Best Regards !!!!! Robbin.
Robbin 09-Sep-2009 23:50
George C., I'm Glad You Found This Site, and I Enjoyed Your Post. I Received The Board Of Education, on My Keister, Quite A Few times also, But at Miami Springs JR. High, and Palm Springs JR. High, in Hialeah. The Funny thing, is That The Same Dean Of Boys, MR . Arthur Hugh Smith, who Paddled Me, with The Board of Education, at Miami Springs JR. High, in 1963-64, Paddled Carlos B., at Robert E. Lee, Like 3 Years Later. MR. Smith had Transferred to Robert E. Lee. He Probably: Used The Same Board Of Education, Just in Different Schools. Sorry About Your Bike, and if I Find Your Bike, I Will Return it To You, and Beat The Crap, outa The Thief that Stole it, from You, at The Strand Theatre. I Remember The Strand Theatre. I Like Your Term : Board Of Education, That was Very Clever. Best Regards, George. Robbin P. Learned, of Hialeah.
Carlos B. 08-Sep-2009 23:36
Hi Guest,
I went to Lee in 67, 68, 69 it was a hell of a school I had a great time. I too remember the Merita bakery and the coffee plant. The paddle master was a Mr. Smith I visted him many times. OUCH!!
I did not go to Miami Jackson I ended up at Miami High. Sadly both Robert E. Lee and Miami Jackson High were torn down. If you find a time machine let me know, if I find your bike I'll let you know. LOL
Regards
Carlos Betancourt
Guest 08-Sep-2009 19:05
George C.
Hello all, including Robbin who directed me to this REL site. I went to Lee, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades from 1950 to 1953, then to Miami Jackson for 10-12. I think the bike rack where I parked my Schwinn Phantom was to the front right of the building as shown in the photo. I'm not sure of the spelling but I think the Boys' Dean was Mr. Blackmer way back then. I still have the imprint of his "Board of Education" on my butt. I remember the Merita Bread company near by but also recall the smell of coffee from the coffee roasting plant close to the school. By the way, if the person who stole my Schwinn from outside the Strand Theater one night when I was in the 10th grade reads this, I'd really like to have it back. (good luck George). I wouldn't want to repeat Junior High but it would be nice to be able to go back in time for a quick visit to Lee and to Jackson. I actually had hair then. Good health everyone.
Robbin P. Learned 07-Sep-2009 04:32
Josie Ritter, I Still Remember You, at Rustic Roller Rink, and I Got Your E- Mail, Back in February, But Have Never Been Able To E- Mail You Back , a Reply. I Want To Contact You, and Speak with You, So Please Contact Me Here, if You Get This Message., . You Can E- Mail Me, But I Can't E- Mail You Back. If You See This, and E- Mail Me, Please Give Me Another way to Reach You, Besides E - Mail. When I Think of Robert E. Lee JR. High, and Look at The Picture Of it Here, I Think Of You !!!!!! Best Regards , and Love !!!!!!! Robbin.
Hugo Amaya 04-Aug-2009 22:51
This is a very old picture but it did look like that when I went there in '83. I am from El Salvador and I remember we were a small minority. Most students were from the Caribbean and Northern Central America. But I have great memories from E Lee. I remember after school a lot of us just hung out breakdancing and carrying boomboxes. Mr. Tablada was my Spanish teacher(I don't even know why they had me take Spanish!). I had a class way up in the attic with a very nice lady -Ms. Rappaport; she was my English teacher and sometimes she put the tv on and played MTV videos -just great, watching The Eurythmics "Here comes the rain again." I also remember Mrs Ortiz; i would like to find her and say how sorry I am for the hard times I gave her; one day I made her very mad but she also had tears in her eyes. Anyway, Robert E Lee was very nice if you were a student there. I had a friend named Sady from Honduras and Benjamin from Puerto Rico. If they read this, "Hello!" to them...
Carlos Betancourt 18-Jul-2009 13:57
Ramon,
I got a copy of the 1969 yearbook the names of the students were not printed. If this is the year you have, on the 8-3 page 2th row from the btm 4th photo from the left that's me I was wearing a black turtleneck under my shirt. Maybe ypu remember my good friend Julio Hernandez. He's on the 8-4 page 2th row from btm 1st photo on the right side, we still hang around a lot, I,m going to do a photo shoot of the old neighboor hood it has changed alot. I lived on NW 22th CT. just north of 36th St. How long have you been away from Miami?
Jackson High School was also torn down they built a new one But the new school where REL was has also a new name. I remember Mr. Smith and his paddle, Keep in touch, it's hard to find people from those days.

Carlos
Carlos Betancourt 16-Jul-2009 20:53
Ok Ramon
I'm also in classmates but not activated for a gold membership, I have heard stories about Classmates and payments.
I'm adding my e-mail address to this post.

Carlos
Ramon Diaz 14-Jul-2009 06:33
Yes, I was in homeroom 8-6 and I want to say 9-9 with MRS Millian and I had english class with Mr Perez.. Carlos your name sounds very familiar, I am sure we know each other. I am in a business trip out of the country but when I get back I will look for my yearbook to see if we can fine more out.
Guest 22-Jun-2009 16:04
Ramon,
I also went to Lee in 1967-1970, I got some images of Robert E. Lee just before being torn down. I was in homerooms 7-3, 8-3, 9-3 do you remember your homeroom?

Carlos Betancourt
Ramon Diaz 19-Jun-2009 07:38
I was searching the web looking for my junior high to show my son and when I found this site all the memories of the times came back. I went to Robert E Lee 1968 to 1969, right after a teachers strike. I remember Mrs. Ines, Mr. Smith the assistant principal with his paddle. I no longer live in Miami but I miss it a lot.
Robbin P. Learned 13-Jun-2009 23:59
Josie Ritter, If you Read this Forum, or if Any Friends of Josie, Reads This: Josie, Please E- Mail Me Again, at : rpc7560@yahoo.com. I've Tried to E-Mail You Back a Reply, since your E- Mail to Me, on February 16, 2009 , To no Avail. I still Have Computer Problems. I can Receive E- Mail's , But Cannot Send Them. Would Love to Hear From You Again. Robbin, From Rustic Roller Rink.
Robbin 27-Apr-2009 02:27
Carlos Betancourt, Thanks !!!! And I'm Glad You Found out, about My New Site, and I Look Forward, to You Coming there, To Join Myself, and My other Friends
'who used to Live in Miami, and Hialeah, But now Live in other States, and 1 Lives, in Gainesville, Fla., and 1 other Friend, Still Lives in Hialeah, Like I Do !!!! I Think you will Enjoy Our Site, We Have Fun, and Discuss: You Name it, Everything !!!!!! Talk To You Soon, on Robbins' Memories !!!!! Best Regards !!!!! Robbin.
Carlos Betancourt 26-Apr-2009 18:21
Robbin,
Congratulations on your new site, I'll be posting soon.

Carlos
Robbin 25-Apr-2009 22:34
Don Boyd, Thanks a Lot, For Directions, To Robbins' Memories, on This Site, and All Of The Others !!!!! I Appreciate it !!!!! All The Best !!!!! Robbin.
Robbin 25-Apr-2009 22:31
Carlos Betancourt, Join us , on My New Site: Robbin's Memories !!!! Don Boyd Made The New Site, For Myself, and all Of My Friends, To Knock Ourselves out on, Having all Kind Of Topics, and Discussions !!!! You Are Certainly Welcome There, and Belong , with Our Bunch !!!!! Stop By !!!!! Best Regards !!!!! Robbin.
Don Boyd 23-Apr-2009 14:16
Bob, the link to Robbin's comments as he mentioned, is http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/memories_hialeah_robbinscomments - it's in the Hialeah gallery of photos at the bottom.

Don
Road Runner 23-Apr-2009 01:21
Bob Sara, Yes, I work: Monday- Friday 3-11 Shift, and Off Weekends !!!! I'm off Work, Right Now: Doctors Orders, Because of A Diabetic Ulcer, on My Left Foot. I've Had A Bad Time Lately, and for the Last 3 years, with This Foot Problem. The Doctor Said: I Need to Stay Off it, as Much as Possible, So I've Been out, for 3 Weeks now, Trying to Stay Off My Feet, all I can. It's Always Something. We will Definately, Have those Arnold's Royal Castle Burgers Together ASAP, and Go Down Swift & Company Memory Lane !!!!!! I'm Looking forward, to That !!!! In The Meantime, Take Care, Bob !!!!! Talk To You Soon!!!!! Ps-- By The way : Have you Been to: Robbin's Memories Site, Here, on Don Boyd's Sites ??? That is My Site, for Myself and Friends, which you are !!!!! Stop By there, and Join in on our Discussions. You are Most Welcome !!!!! Road Runner .
Bob Sara 23-Apr-2009 00:50
Road Runner, I'm off on alternating Thursdays and Sundays. Do you work a standard Monday to Friday schedule? Let me know, and we'll figure out a day to meet and talk over old times. My email is bobsvol51@yahoo.com
Robbin P. Learned 21-Apr-2009 16:20
Bob Sara, Great Idea !!!!! Sounds Good , to Me !!!!!! We'll Coordinate, a Day, and Time !!!!! That Kathy Frost, was A Fox !!!!! Her Dad, was a Hialeah Police Officer, in East Hialeah, when I was an Elementary School Kid, and I Remembered Him, when Kathy came To The Miami Sales Unit, From FT. Lauderdale. I Never Tried for Her, But The Desire, was Definately There !!!!!! Talk to You Later !!!!! Robbin-, Road Runner.
Robbin P. Learned 21-Apr-2009 16:12
Bob Sara, Didn't Your Mom And Dad, Own A Small Grocery Store, in The City Of Miami ???? I seem to Remember , that you told me that, once, and I Rememember your Mom's First name, Because , you told me, in a way, that I would Remember it, easily !!!! Best Regards !!!!! Robbin.
Bob Sara 21-Apr-2009 12:54
Hey Road Runner, last night after I wrote the post to you, I remembered that you were Road Runner. Some of the names you mentioned from the days at Swift I hadn't thought of in years. I dated Kathy Frost for a while, and I must admit I do think of her from time to time. I left Swift in the fall of '78 and went to work in the car business. I moved to San Francisco in '81, and lived in the Bay Area until I moved back to Miami in Dec of '06. Still in the car business. I never went to Lee, but my dad had a grocery store near there, Quality Food Market on the corner of NW 15 St and NW 7 Ave. Most of the kids in that neighborhood went to Lee and Jackson. In fact my wife is a Jackson grad, class of '68. Maybe we can get together for a few burgers and a birch beer at the Royal Castle on NW 125 St one day.
Robbin P. Learned 21-Apr-2009 11:42
Bob Sara, Yes, it's Me, Road Runner !!!!! I Remember You, also !!!! George Clark, Henry Turgeon, Henry Morales, Don Burgess, Mike Cohen, Angie, The Freezer Man, Neil Hamilton, Henry Parmer, Pablo Molinero, Leo , Kathy Frost, George Knight, Ect. The Good Old Days !!!!!! Remember: George Knight's Wedding, at Sunrise Prespreterian Church, and The Reception, in Miami Lakes, at A House ????? I Was A Truck Driver, 1st, at Swift Metro Foodservice Branch, in U. S. Cold Storeage at N. W. 37th Avenue, and N. W. 71St Street, near Armour, and then, after 2 years there, I Transferred, To The Swift Fresh Meats Sales Unit, where We Worked together at, on N. W. 36th Avenue, and 112th Street. I worked For Swift & Co., and Swift Independent, a Total of 14 + Years, and Quit, Before Mapelli Brothers Took Over. Small World, HuH !!!!!! This was a Pleasant Surprize !!!!! Did You Go To Robert E. Lee JR. High ????? Just Curious !!!! I Did not , But Had a Lot of friends , who Did, in The 60's !!!!! We sure worked Hard, at Swift, Didn't We ????? I Wore My Poor Back out, Carrying Those Quarters Of Beef !!!!! Especially, Delivering, To Publix, Grand Union Whse., El Libanes Supermarket, on Flagler Street, and Lots of other Good Customers, We Had !!!!! I Never would of Believed: That Swift and Armour, The 2 Chicago Giants, of The Meat Packing Industry, would Go out of Business !!!!! Same , with Wells Fargo Armored, who sold out to Loomis. I worked for them, for 14 years, and Quit. I now work In Security, for Securitas Security, The Swedish Company, That Took over: My Company: Pinkerton, and Burns INTL. . My Post, is at Eastern Financial Florida Credit Union Headquarters, in Miramar !!!! I Still Live Here, in Hialeah. Good To Hear , From you Bob !!!!! Robbin.
Bob Sara 20-Apr-2009 16:32
Robbin, I saw in an earlier post that you were a driver for Swift and Co. Was that the Fresh Meats division located behind MDJC, down the block from the Nabisco warehouse? I worked there as a salesman, and later a manager in the mid seventies. Your name rings a bell for me.
Robbin 04-Apr-2009 16:59
Carlos Betancourt, Hey Carlos, How's Everything ??? I , was glad to see another former REL Student, post a story !!!!! Did you ever go to Sewell Park, again Recntly ???? I know you said you planned to go. Hope all is well, with You, My Friend !!!!!! Robbin.
Carlos Betancourt 02-Apr-2009 23:07
Hey, another exLee student found this web site awesome! I sure wish more people would find it too. Lets here it for Robert E. Lee "GO GENERALS" it's been 39 years since I walked through those hallways and sat in one of those rooms with the big airy windows.
Yep I can still smell the aroma of the Merita bakery that was next door. also the aroma of coffee coming from across the street. In my mind I can see the dances held in the courtyard, the rush of going up and down those stairways during class change, Robert E. Lee you might be gone but my memories you and of my years there will be in my heart until I also gone. Sometimes I sit back and start to relive those days. Some songs just totally take me back. It's hard for me to drive by there and see that my old friend is gone such a shame. LEE, here's looking at you kid!
Carlos
Robbin P. Learned 01-Apr-2009 17:17
Sheryl Dingman, Hi, Though I never went to Robert E. Lee JR. High, I had friends, who did, and saw and admired, a Girl Student, from Robert E. Lee JR. High, at Rustic Roller Rink, in Hialeah, in 1962, when I was 11 years old, and A 5th Grader, at Hialeah Elementary, and That Girl, Josie Ritter, was I think : 13 years old, and I was told: A Student , at your school, Robert E. Lee JR. High, Are 2 Reasons, why I am Here, on this site, and The other 2 Reasons, are: I always thought, that Yor REL, Looked so Neat, Historic, and Very Impressive, and Because I am a Civil War History Buff, and General Robert E. Lee, is My Absolute Favorite Leader, in The Civil War. I Respect Him Highly, Because: He was a Very Fair Man, A Great General, Who Led Small Numbers Of Unorganized, Volunteers, with Less Arsenals, ect., than The Northern Unions' Organized Trained Soldiers , and in many Battles, His Confederates Won, and Held Their Ground, Real well Overall !!!!!! I still Ride By Where your School was, in Wynwood, Just To Remember : The School, and The General !!!! I guess you know, That They Tore The School Down, in I Believe: 1997, and in 1999, a New Modern White , with Blue Accents , 3 Story School, opened, with A New Name: Jose De Diego Middle School. A Big disservice, was done, to Alumni, of Robert E . Lee JR. High, I Feel, and also: Major Disrespect, To The Honor, Of The Great Late General Robert E. Lee, and To The Dade County School Board, I Say; SHAME ON YOU !!!!!!! They Could Of, and Should Of : Named The New School : Robert E. Lee Middle School !!!!! That's My Feelings , on The Matter !!!!! Please Excuse My Editorial !!!!! I enjoy Reading , and Writing Here, on Your Old Schoo'l site, and I Just wanted to : Say Hello !!!!!! I went to schools in Hialeah, My Hometown, where I still Live, By The Way. For Junior High, I went to 2 Schools: Miami Springs JR. High, and Palm Springs JR. High, and Then Hialeah High, Class Of 1969. Nice to Meet You !!!!! Best Regards !!!!! Robbin P. Learned.
Sheryl Dingman (maiden name) 30-Mar-2009 21:23
I am so glad to see this picture even though it was taken a couple of decades before I attended Lee (1958-1961). Lee was the best school I went to and I remember just about everything! I worked in the dean of boys' office in 8th grade - his name was Mr. Blackmer I believe. A bunch of us liked to play "slam" with a basketball before school in the 7th grade. I remember Mr. Brannon, Miss Lamb, Miss Robison, Miss McClure, Mr. Krasner, Mrs. Draughon, Mrs. Huggins, Mr. Moore. I ran for 7th grade city commissioner -- my campaign manager was Patty Fisher. Kendra Crawford ran for 9th I think and she dated Ken Majeski. I remember smelling bread baking in the morning and coffee being ground in the evening (or maybe the other way around). There was no airconditioning and we had those big windows open. Whenever we had an assembly we sang the national anthem but we also had to sing "Dixie." It was great. I loved the courtyard. I remember Patty Fisher, Consuelo Garces, Bernadette Martin, Margaret Patrick, Palma Bruno, Connie Biddix, Iris Owens. When I moved o out of the district my mother called Miss VerSchure, the dean of girls, and asked her if I could finish out 9th grade at Lee. Miss V. said it was okay as long as I didn't miss any days because I couldn't get there and I couldn't be late. It worked out and I graduated in 1961. My family moved a few times and I lost my 1961 yearbook, so if anyone has one you'd like to sell me please let me know. I guess it's our age or something but I'm remembering all this fondly and writing my autobiography. As I go over all the things I've been through I see people and circumstances from the perspective of a grown-up and am learning a lot! We had bomb scares in 1959 and we'd all have to go outside and stand on the sidewalk while the bomb people searched all over for the bombs that weren't there.
Robbin 20-Mar-2009 18:29
To Former Student Of Robert E. Lee JR. High, Josie Ritter, I say: Hi, and Please E- Mail me again, and I will Try to Get back to you some way. My E- Mails Don't Go, I only Receive, so if you E- Mail me, please Give me a P. O. Box address, or some other way to reach you. I Don't know if someone tryed to use my name, or if it's my computer. ????? I'm going to Change computers soon, and see. I Hope you get this message, I am anxious to Exchange Conversation with you finally, after over 47 years, of Time Lapse !!!!!! Love, Robbin.
Robbin 20-Mar-2009 03:05
Carlos Betancourt, Yes, I Have Been on The Old Loop Road, and I used to Go Shooting of of there, a long time ago, and off Of Krome Avenue, and at Trail Glades Range, and where the Arch was, on the Trail. Dangerous now, though, to go there Shooting, except, at Trail Glades Range. And Gators, Yes, there are Plenty there, alright !!!!!!! Out by your House, there are plenty as well !!!! I've seen them, in the Canal Waterway, by my work, in Huntington !!!!!! They are around !!!!! I Don't Like them, They're very Sneaky, and Vicious, and cold blooded killers. In the Canal, between Hialeah, and Miami Springs, a Gator Attacked and Killed my neighbor Friend's Little Cocker Spaniel Dog, there, when we were 6 years old, and since then, I Hate Alligators, and I Have Shot and Killed Many of Them, when they headed toward me, and I Had A Weapon. No Regrets, whatsoever !!!!!! It was self defense. I Don't Look for them, or mess with them, But if they endanger Me , or anyone around Me, I will Shoot and Kill Them. Sorry, for The Sermon, I Got carried away !!!!!!!! Take Care, Carlos, Talk To You another time . Robbin.
Robbin 20-Mar-2009 02:48
Carlos Betancourt, Nice to Hear from you , my friend, and I'm very glad, you are doing well, after your surgery !!!!! And Congratulations, on Your 25th Anniversary. That's a real accomplishment !!!!!! Salute !!!!!! I've Been, many times, over the years, to Whale Harbour, and Man, is that Buffet Good !!!!!! I Love it too, But I sometimes Get Sick, at Buffets , like Whale Harbour, Golden Corral, Hometown Buffet, and such Places, Because I Over Stuff, on everything. I Love Crab, too, Crab Legs, Crab Cakes, Crab Imperial, Deviled Crab, and Crabmeat Cocktail, MMMMM, Yum Yum !!!!!!!! I know it's sad, about Robert E. Lee JR. High, for me too, But Your Yearbook, Your tape, and your Memories, of your Time there, as a Student, are at Least something. But , I know, it would of been better, to have been able , to film more, of the school, and that's Rotten, But that will have to do !!!!!!! I know where Sewell Park was- - Is, but I never explored it, as you did, I only drove by there. I Wish I would have !!!! One thing, I'm sure of : when you went there, I know you saw Alligators, around there, in and around The Miami River. I'm very interested, in City Of Miami History, and things, around the City, Because I was Born, in The City Of Miami's Morningside neighborhood. I'm still watching, for your Beige Bug, and when I see it, I will yell to you: Hey Carlos !!!!! I'm driving, a 1999 Maroon Ford Expedition, with slotted wheels, and it's raised up a little bit, off the wheels. It's Got 4 wheel drive, if you need it, but I keep it switched off, To 2w. If you spot me, around your area, please Holler To Me !!!!!! I'm still working, near you, same place, same Shift,---- 3 to 11 P. M. . Take Care, Carlos. Later !!!!! Robbin.
Carlos Betancourt 19-Mar-2009 18:32
Robbin have you ever driven on the old loop road just off the Tamaimi Trail? talk about gators you see them all over the place, saw some deer there also.

Carlos
Robbin 19-Mar-2009 16:59
Carlos Betancourt, Glad to Hear from You, and that you're Doing well, after your surgery, That's Great !!!!!!! I, also eat Breakfast, and other Meals, at Home, most of the time, But on the Weekends, My wife, and I , like to get Take Out, or go to some Restaurant, to eat, as a Special Weekend Treat !!!!! Congratulations, on Your 25th Anniversary, now That's an Accomplishment !!!!!!! Salute !!!!!! Mine was 27 years, in November, can't Believe it yet !!!!! I make my own Homemade Omelets, Toast and Sausage Gravy, BLT Sandwiches, ect., and I also have Frozen Toaster Waffles, Aunt Jemima Frozen Microwave Pancakes, Publix, and Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon, Publix Bakery Muffins, Toasted English Muffins, Ect. I Like to Cook, and I Make a Lot of Things Myself !!!!! That is Rotten, That you couldn't get more Pictures, or Footage , of Robert E. Lee JR. High, But I'm glad you at Least got some. I passed by Sewell Park before, and I know where it is, But I never Went there, and explored it , like you did, what a shame !!!!! I will bet, you saw lots of Alligators, around there, from or in The Miami River. I'm very interested, like you are, in Miami History, and REL JR. High, The Old Citrus Grove JR. High, ect. Could Be, Because: I was Born in Morningside, in The City Of Miami. ????? Take Care, My Friend, and Keep in Touch, always, Glad to Hear , from you. Oh, Ps---- I Don't know why, But Classmates.Com, cut off my access, to My Profile, a couple months ago, for no reason, so I can't even Get On Classmates, anymore. I paid up, for 2 years, and only had service, like 9 months. I wrote to them 3 weeks ago, But haven't heard anything, and I tried to Phone them, in Seattle, and you get no one. Talk to you Later, Carlos !!!!!! Best Regards !!!! Robbin.
Carlos Betancourt 19-Mar-2009 15:11
Robbin, I'm doing really good after my surgery. Back to normal work etc. I go to the Carretta mostly for breakfest once in a while. I prefer to eat at home it just tastes better. I did go down to Islamorda this past Saturday went to Whale Harbour the all you can eat seafood place. My wife and I were celebrating our 25th anniversity. Man did we pig out eating crab legs. I found a old vhsc tape that I had filmed REL just before being razed, it's only about 5 minutes long but sad to look at I remember the day I took it. the security guard would not let me go inside to film. He told me he would get in trouble for letting anybody trespass inside. 2 weeks later I went back to try again but the school had been torn down. I always want to kick myself for not trying harder and not taking home a piece of my school like I did at the Orange Bowl.
Even through it's a short video I would like to find someone who could turn it into a dvd.. Have you ever been to E. C. Sewell park on NW 17th ave and the Miami River? I been trying to find out what the ruins inside were, as kids we would go there on bikes and ride around there are caves across the street next to a small creek as kids we found that place really cool.
Take Care
Carlos
Robbin 13-Mar-2009 16:35
Tom Davis, I never went to Robert E. Lee JR. High, as a student, I went to schools, in Hialeah, My Hometown, But I had a lot of friends, who went to Robert E. Lee, and I always was very interested, in That School. It was a Very Impressive Looking Bldg., and I understand, that it was a Real Good School. One of The Prettiest Girls, I ever Saw In My Life, wrent to Robert E. Lee, in the Early 60's, and That alone, made your School, Very Special, to Me. Her name, was Josie Ritter, and I saw her, skating, at The Old, now Gone : Rustic Roller Rink, in Southeast Hialeah, a little north of Miami Jai- Lai, in 1962, and to this Day, have never forgotten Her, or Robert E. Lee JR. High, in Wynwood, at 3100 N. W. 5th Avenue. Best Regards, To You Sir, and Take Care. Sincerely, Robbin P. Learned, Of Hialeah.
Robbin 13-Mar-2009 16:23
Carlos Betancourt, How You Doin??? Have not heard from you , for a while. I Hope you are recovering, nicely, from your operation. I keep watching, for your Beige VW Bug, when I'm around my Workplace, But have not seen it yet, But I'll keep my eyes open, watching, for it. I Go to La Carretta, by you, a Lot, Do you Like La Carretta ???? I Like their Food, it's Good. I Love Cuban Food. Las Vegas, is Good also !!!!! And La Lechonera, was even Better, at 22 and 22, in Miami, We Both agree, on That !!!!!! I still say: It was a Crime, To Tear Down Robert E. Lee, and Put a New School there, and not name it Robert E. Lee !!!!!! Political, and Racial, was all that was, Pure and Simple !!!!!!!! I Loved seeing Robert E. Lee JR. High there, and I , Too, Miss that sight !!!!!! If nothing else, History, was Lost !!!!! Take Care, My Friend. Robbin.
Robbin 07-Mar-2009 18:39
Josie Ritter, went to Robert E. Lee JR. High, in around : 1962 To 1965, I Think. I know she went To Robert E. Lee, just not exactly sure, about what years.
Robbin 07-Mar-2009 18:33
Josie Ritter, if you should read this, Let me tell you, that it was a Thrill, and a pleasant surprize, to hear from you, and I've tried, many, many times, in about the 2 weeks, since you E- Mailed me, But my E- Mail, on my computer, can receive, what others send to me, but I cannot send out E- Mails. So I feel frustrated, and Embarrassed, about not being able to Reply, to you. I Have Checked out your Music, andI Love it !!!!!! I want us to Be Pen Pals !!!!! Please E- Mail me Soon. Love, Robbin.
Tom Davis 19-Feb-2009 19:15
Hi Don: I just realized that the picture you have on the website of Robert E. Lee, Jr. High was taken in 1930. My Mother (Agusta Caroline Bunn) was most likely in the bunch of kids standng there for the photographer. Could you post a larger photo so I can pick her out? Would be great. Thanks for the great website! Best to yo; TOM DAVIS
Don Boyd 19-Feb-2009 15:41
Tom, what a bunch of great old memories! Thank you for taking the time to post them here. I hope you hear from someone you knew many years ago. And hang in there no matter what. Don
Tom Davis 19-Feb-2009 15:11
Hello to all...I attended Robert E. Lee Jr. High from 1952-1954. I lived at 1030 W 42nd. Street and my folks were Gordon and Agusta Davis. My Grandparents (Joseph and Wrennie Bunn) lived at 3228 NW 10th Court just a few blocks from REL. Prior to attending REL I went to Santa Clara Elementary on 10th avenue and 30th street. I rode my Schwinn Commander Bicycle to REL daily. In 1953 I was a photographer and reporter for the REL school newspaper "The Traveler". My Dad was the official school photographer for Dade County and took pictures of classes at elementary and Jr. High schools in the county. He owned Florida Photo Corporation located at NW 37th Avenue and Flagler Street. My girlfriends at REL were Janet Bartlett, Linda Howell (my first "French" kiss) and I was in puppy love with a cuban girl by the name of Carmen Cabeza. I later attended Miami Tech High with her brother Eddie Cabeza. I played softball at Moore Park with Joe Montegudo. I was a member of the Miami Downtown YMCA and learned to swim (became a Jr. Life Saver) and played ping-pong. My sister Alice Ann Davis attended REL and later Edison High. Alice is a Real Estate appraiser and is still married to Bill Moses. She still lives in Ft. Lauderdale. I attended Miami Jackson High in Allapatta for one semister before switching over to Miami Tech High which was downtown across from Sears. I was in the auto shop where my instructor was Pat Morales. My best friend at Tech was Larry Haddaway whom I still keep in touch with today. Larry lives in North Florida. I remember the great school dances at REL held on Friday nights in the center courtyard patio. I often went accross 5th avenur to Gauzen's Grocery Store and bought Cokes and Candy. Also, YoYo's wer the "In" thing and the Duncan YoYo company sent guys to teach us out to do tricks with YoYos. I often went to the movies at the Strand Theater on 7th. Avenue where a Saturday could mean an on stage YoYo Contest, 10 cartoons, a Cowboy Double Feature, a Three Stooges Comedy and the weekly Chapter Serial like Captian America or King of the Rocketmen. I skated at Dexter's Roller Rink down from the Strand theater and drank cherry cokes at the local drug store. A phone call was a nickle and a hamburger was 15 cents. Mareta Bread company had a bakery close to REL and you could smell the lemon cookies and bread baking all the time. Regal Beer Company was located just down 7th avenue near REL as well. My Grandfather (Joe Bunn) was an ex-pro baseball player (1920's Baltimore Orioles) and he often took me to the Sun Sox games at the Miami Stadium which was brand new at the time. In 1953-1954 I worked after school (for $9.00 per week) delivering perscriptions for a local drug store. My family liked to dine out at "Pig 'n Wistle" Resturant on 7th avenue and 35th street. During High school I worked for Sears installing seat covers and later at Fincher Oldsmobile installing Air Conditioners in new 1955-1957 cars. I would like to hear from anyone out there that has an interest in Miami during the 1940's and 1950's. Today (at age 70) I live in northern Virginia with my 2nd. Wife and am retired, in bad health and broke. Don't ever get old unless you have amassed a fortune and can live in South Florida in the warm sunshine! Please contact me via e-mail at tomdavs2004@yahoo.com Best regards to all; TOM DAVIS
Robbin P. Learned 15-Jan-2009 07:10
Josie Ritter, If you Ever Make it to This Site, and Read This; I Saw you, and Admired You, and Fell in Love with You, at Rustic Roller Rink, Back in about; 1962, when we Both went there, and I was an Elementary School Kid, at Hialeah Elementary School, and you were a Student, at Robert E. Lee JR. High. And I Have never Forgotten You, to this Day, and I still can Picture How Beautiful You were then !!!!!!!!!!!! I would Love to see you again, and if you ever Read this; Please E- Mail Me, at rpc7560@yahoo.com Love, Robbin P. Learned, of Hialeah .
Robbin P. Learned 13-Jan-2009 18:35
Carlos, Sorry to Hear about Your Need for Surgery, But Glad you're Doing O. K., or On The Road to Recovery, anyway !!! I Know , you have Gone Thru Hell, and Have Had Much Pain and Discomfort. You are in My Thoughts, and Prayers, For a Full, and Speedy Recovery !!!!!!! Yes, I Had a Nice Quiet Christmas, and New Years, Thank You !!!!! I Did Have to work; Christmas Eve, 3 To 11, and New Years Eve 3 To 11, But I Had no Plans, anyway, so When I Got off at 11 P. M., Both Nights, I Came Home, and Went to The Computer, a while, and then went to Bed, no Big Deal. Where I work, Security is there All the Time, 3 Shifts, so we Have to Be There Holidays Too !!!!!! I Hate that, But it's a Paycheck !!!!!! Need the Paycheck, Don't we all ????? I Don't think a lot of People From Robert E. Lee, Know about this site, and that's why no one writes anything new. What A Shame !!!!! I Wish you all the Best, Carlos, for 2009, and Get Well Soon !!!!!!! Take Care, My Friend, Good to Hear From You !!!!!!! I Keep Looking out fof That Beige VW Beetle Bug !!!!!! If I See it, I will Beep, and Yell To You !!!!!!!!! Later !!!!!! Robbin.
Carlos Betancourt 13-Jan-2009 14:27
Robbin, how are you hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I just had Prostste surgery last Thursday I was diagnosed with prostate cancer luckly it was found in time and had not spread. I will be on recovery for about 3 weeks.
About R.E.L yea its a same that there is no one out there to write some comments I would love to read some. I look on how my son's middle school is and now it is so differant, I enjoyed the most basic times of before. I love watching old movies where some one walks into a office and there are no computers. Like I had posted before my times at Lee will never be forgotten, there are some posts in sneaky kitchen about R.E.L. Well got to go can't sit in this chair to long my mid section starts to ache.
See ya
Carlos
Robbin P. Learned 28-Dec-2008 07:47
Carlos Betancourt, Are you Still Around ???????? Sure wish some Former Students, or Faculty, would Write Something about Their Time, at Robert E . Lee JR. High. There Must Be Someone out There, that Reads This !!!!! It's Downright Pathetic, How This Site Has Died !!!!!! I'm Surprized , or more Like; Shocked !!!!! That School , was Said to Be A Great school, So Doesn't anyone Have Anything More to Say about It ???????
Robbin P. Learned 06-Dec-2008 07:25
Carlos, It's Funny, I saw it Before, But I Can't Remember What the Old Ctrus Grove JR. High Looked Like. Was it Part 2 Story, All 2 Story, Or all one Story, Like Citrus Grove Elementary, next Door?????? I'm Curious , Now, as to what the Old School Looked Like. I Think the Old Citrus Grove JR. High Was there, When I Was with My Girlfriend, of that Time, who Lived on N. W. 2nd Street, and Near 18th Avenue, and when I'd Leave Her Apartment House, to Go Home, I would Pass The School, and Turn Right onto N. W. 22nd Avenue. That was in 1973. And Carlos, I would Have to agree with You; Miami High, is a Beautiful Old School, and I Pleased, that they haven't torn it Down, Like they Did Robert E. Lee. Back in 1968, My younger Brother Bought a used V. W. Beetle, and Fixed it up Beautiful. Metallic Blue Paint Job, Black Vinyl Interior, Fancy Chrome Wheels, a Chrome Zoom Tube, ect., and that car was Like a Show Car, and My Brother only Drove it a bout a week, and Someone Ran into Him, and Totaled The Bug, and worse yet, was that when The Police Tried to Get The Guy who Hit Him, and Serve A Warrant, for His Arrest, They never could Find Him, He Hid, and Dissappeared !!!!!!! They were, and are nice cars, Well Engineered. Me, I Love The Toureg SUV. I Dream Of Owning One !!!!!!I remember The Hialeah - Springs V. W. Dealer, on Hialeah Drive. I Went to Polar Palace, a Few Times. And I went to Hialeah Roller Rink, Lots, and Lots OF Times, Skating. Had Lots Of Fun there. If I Ever See Your Beetle Bug, I will Start Beeping My Horn at you !!!!!OH, And Carlos, Have You Checked Out All Of Don Boyd's other Sites ????? He Has Old Hialeah Memories, Which I Write on, and Old Miami andDade County Memories, and old Coral Gables Memories, Both of which I also Write on. If you've Never ReadThem, I think you would enjoy them. I Remember; Gold Triangle, and went there Before !!!!!!Best Regards !!!!! Robbin.
Carlos Betancourt 05-Dec-2008 23:15
Robbin, I went to Lee for 7th & 8th grade for 9th using a false address I started at the old Citrus Grove I had some freinds there who also had come from Lee I went to Citrus because of this girl that I liked. from there I went on to Miami High, my memories of Citrus Grove are not as good as REL but I remember being on the school newspaper doing the artwork. Miami high was a blast it was and still is a beautiful school.. I would go ice skating at the Polar Palace on NW 36th St and roller skating at the Hialeah rink on West 29th St. I remember back in 1966 my Dad buying a brand new VW bug at the old Hialeah Miami Springs Motors on Hialeah Drive. I always loved VW bugs in fact that was one of my hobbies some years ago buying old bugs cheap fixing them up and selling them, I still own one a 1970 beetle which I restored back in 1999 I would enter it in local VW shows. I'm planning to restore it again when work picks up again. folks keep asking me all the time if I'll sell it but it's like part of the family. If you ever see a beige bug around Miramar Parkway thats me sometimes I take my son to school in it, he gets a kick out of it.
Remember the 5 & 10 on West 49th that burnt down? Back in 1978 I worked at the Gold Triangle Store across from Westland Mall which is a El Dorado store now.
well Robbin gotta go.
Robbin P. Learned 04-Dec-2008 08:05
Carlos, I used to Go To Northside Shopping Center, all The Time, Bfore Westland Mall came along. My Family, Loved Northside Shopping Center, Especially ; Sears, Harvest House Cafeteria, Streeter's Bakery, Music Makers, & S. S. Kressge's 5& 10. Remember, Funland Park, and Frank And Bun ????? Later on, When I Drove, and Had A Car, I Went a Lot, To 163rd Street Shopping Center too !!!! and Peaches Records, Blue Note Records, And MR. Coney Island. I Know where Your Monarch Lakes is !!!! It's Real Nice There !!!!!! I Go to Your Monarch Lakes Publix, and Mc Donald's, All The Time, as They are near My Work !!!!! I Went To The Hollywood Sportatorium, The Hollywood Speedway, and Dragstrip, I used to Shoot Guns, out At Hollywood Blvd., at U. S. 27, Back in 1969, and I Went To Hialeah Speedway, since The 50's, when I was a Little Kid !!!!! We Have Lived, My Friend, What Can I Say !!!!!! Later !!! Robbin.
Robbin P. Learned 04-Dec-2008 07:44
Carlos, Good to Hear From you again. I thought you Moved To Alaska, or Something . I Agree, with You, When we were Growing up, Miami, was A Great Place to Be, and we Had Some Neat Places to Go, and Some Good Times, we Had. As I Said before, I was Born in Morningside, near The Bay, But I Grew up, in Hialeah. But when I was a Little Kid, My Mom, My Grandma, and My Dad, would all take Me Downtown, To The Movie Theatres, Richards, Burdines, Woolworth's, New York Deli, The Miami Public Library, Polly Davis Cafeteria, ect. From Hialeah, We Took The # 29 Bus, and it wound around, and Eventually, Took us To Downtown Miami. I Remember The Miami Theatre, The Paramount Theatre,& The Olympia Theatre. Things were Better Back Then !!!!! We Had Fun !!!!! I Love Nostalgia, History, and The Past !!!!! Hey, I Remember The Chevelle 396, 4 on the Floor, a Fast, and Beautiful Car. And Pirate's World, in Dania, on The water, Loved it, and went there, all the time, Back in around; 1967. Great Place !!!! Neat Rides, Good Bands, and Music, and Lots Of Pretty Chicks. And The Drive In Movies, were Neat, Fun, And Great Places To Watch A Movie, Make Out, Go All The Way, Ect. And Figaro's , and Pizza Palace, & A. & W., were Great Places Too. And Lum's, We're Talking Wonderful Here !!!!! I Went To Lum's, all The Time, For HotDogs Steamed In Beer, Ollie Burgers, Baskets Of Fried Clams, Ect. I Miss Lum's A Lot !!!!!!! And Carlos, Did You Go To The Old Citrus Grove JR. High, or The New Bldg. ????? I Can't Remember What The Old Citrus Grove JR. High Looked Like. I Always Liked; Robert E. Lee JR. High, Shenandoah JR. High, Horace Mann JR. High, And Ada Merritt JR. High. In The Front, Horace Mann, Looks A Lot Like Robert E. Lee did, except for a Little ^ in The Middle, on the Roof. Horace Mann, is Still there, In El Portal, By Miami Shores, at N. W. 2nd Avenue, and 89th Street, if you've never seen it. I Ride By There sometimes, and Remember; Robert E. Lee JR. High. Carlos, Did you ever Go To Rustic Roller Rink Skating, in South east Hialeah ???? I went there, all the Time, and Saw Josie Ritter, of Robert E. Lee JR. High Skating there, in about 1961, and She was So Beautiful, a Real Knockout Blonde, and I Have never forgotten her !!!!!! She Looked Like Paris Hilton, Or Pamela Anderson. I Still Go By Wynwood, Often, To Go By Where Robert E. Lee JR. High was, and I Look At Jose De Diego Middle School, and I Can Picture REL there, and To Me, The Neighborhood, Has Character, it's Kinda Neat. And There's Some Foxy Mama's around the Neighborhood too !!!!!! I Don't Miss That Ever, I Always Notice That, Hey, I Am A Normal Male, Why Not !!!!!! I Am Proud To Be A Native Miamian, and We Have our Great Memories Too !!!!!!! Ever Go To See The Miami Marlins, at Miami Stadium ????? I Always Went There !!!!! Ever Go To Hialeah Roller Rink ????? I Did, all the Time !!!!! Talk To You Again Soon, Carlos !!!!!!!! Later !!!!! Robbin.
Carlos Betancourt 03-Dec-2008 21:17
Robbin like you I grew up in Miami and I'm always thinking of the good old days. remember Pirates World I went there the frist week it opened and during it's last days, Hollywood Speedway I used to take my Chevelle SS396 and race my buddies, what about those great drive ins So much has changed, where I live now was just a cow pasture just 8 years ago. I have taken all of my kids around my old neighborhood they say wow dad you lived around here? But I belive life was more fun in those simpler days. I would go to to the movies in downtown Miami by bus then go across the Port of Miami bridge and go swiming there, little did I know I would some day work at the Port. Remember Northside Shopping Center? 163th ST. Mall and Dadeland Malls when they were open air. the great Lums hotdogs brewed in beer.
Well got to get ready to go to work
Carlos
Robbin P. Learned 17-Nov-2008 04:33
Carlos, I used to Deliver Meats, To all 5 La Lechonera Locations, when I was a Foodservice Driver. I also ate at La Lechonera, and Liked their Food. They Made A Mean Boliche, That's what I used to get at La Lechonera. I ate at the one you mentioned, many, many times, it was on 22nd Avenue, and 22nd Street, Right near the Railroad Tracks. And I Ate Lots, at the one, in Hialeah, at East 18th Street, and Palm Avenue. Another of my Favorites, was Ayesturan Restaurant, on 27th Avenue, and S. W. 7th Street. Great Cuban Sandwiches there. Do you remember, in Allapattah, on N. W. 17th Avenue, By The YMCA, at about 23rd Street, The Place With The Big Awning, called the Tree ??????? They Made The Best Pan Con Lechon, around. I went there, all the time. And Riviera Bakery, on 17, and 17, was a Regular Stop For Me, When I Was on The Wells Fargo Armored Trucks. And I also Loved Figaro's on 49th Street, went there A Lot, Great Old Movies, and Pizza. I Took Girls There on a Date. Oh, I Forgot to tell you, In JR. High School, at Palm Springs JR. High, My Best Friend, was Noel Martinez, and His Family, used to Live Near Santa Clara Elementary, and Before Palm Springs JR. High, He Went To Santa Clara Elementary, And Robert E. Lee JR. High. He and I Played Baseball, and we used to Go to Miami Stadium, a lot, To watch The Miami Marlins Games, and we Got in Free, By Jumping over The High Fence, over By Youth Hall, on the Northwest Corner. We Had some Great Times. The Good Old Days !!!!!!! I Pass Monarch Lakes, all The Time, on Miramar Parkway. I Work At Eastern Financial Florida Credit Union HeadQuarters, Off I- 75, and Miramar Parkway. My Younger Brother , was A Police Officer, on The Miramar P. D., And He Retired, on The Drop Program, 3 years ago. Carlos, Have you Checked out all of Don Boyd's Sites ???? He has a Lot of Neat Sites. I Write Comments, and Stories, on The Memories Of Old Hialeah Blog, all The Time, Check it out !!!!! Take Care, My Friend. Later !!!!! Robbin.
Carlos Betancourt 16-Nov-2008 21:34
Rancho Luna yea I remember it. La lechonera on NW 22th Ave & about 19 st was my favorite. also Figueros Pizza that was on 49th St. in Hialeah, after I got married to my x-wife we lived in Hialeah. Now I live near where you work in Monarch Lakes in Miramar.
Carlos
Robbin P. Learned 16-Nov-2008 20:58
Carlos, I remember, you said that after you went to Robert E. Lee, you went to Citrus Grove JR. High, Did you ever Eat at Rancho Luna, on 22nd Avenue, and about N. W. 2nd Street ?????? That used to Be My Favorite Restaurant, at one Time, Back in The Day !!!!!!! Robbin.
Robbin P. Learned 16-Nov-2008 20:52
Hey Carlos, No, I Don't work in Wynwood, Sometimes, I Take Weekend, or Mostly Sunday Drives, around Allapattah, Wynwood, Citrus Grove, Shenandoah, Brickell, Coral Gables, ect. I enjoy that !!!!! I Live in Northwest Hialeah, near Miami Lakes, and I work in West Miramar, off I- 75, and Miramar Parkway. Back in the 80's, I worked for Brinks, and our Branch, was Right near Robert E. Lee, over off 7th Avenue, at 32nd Street, and I went By Robert E. Lee, all the Time. Back in the 70's, and Early 80's, I Drove a Foodservice Truck, for Swift & Co., Swift's Premium, and I used to Be in The City Of miami, all the Time, By The Produce Center, Miami Stadium, Allapattah, Overtown, Little Havana, Flagler Street, N. W. 7th Street, all over, making Deliveries, to Publix, Bodegas, Meat Markets, Restaurants, ect. And Back in 1973, I Had a Girlfriend, who lived on N. W. 2nd Street, around N. W. 18th Avenue, and for a few Months, I moved in with Her, and then we moved Off 12th avenue, just East of the Orange Bowl, so I Know all of the City Of Miami Areas well, and Really Like them. And, after all, That makes sense, Because, I was Born in The City Of Miami, in Morningside, around 64th Street, and Biscayne Blvd. Good to Hear from you My Friend. Later. Robbin.
Guest 16-Nov-2008 00:52
It,s Me, Carlos
Guest 16-Nov-2008 00:51
Robbin do you work around the Wynwood area?
Robbin P. Learned 14-Nov-2008 06:34
Hey Carlos, Good to Hear From You. I wondered, what Happened to you. As for; Classmates.Com, I Have My Own Issues, with them, They are Crap !!!! I've Been to Sneaky Kitchens Before, and I saw your Write ins, But it's Been Quite a Long While, since I've Gone to the Site, so I will Go there, again, to check it out. It's too Bad, that you didn't get to Read My Profile Stories, on Classmates, as I Think you would of enjoyed them. I Meant well, sending you there, for that reason. I Remember, the Old Miami Jackson, and I've seen, The New Miami Jackson. I Still Ride By Where Robert E. Lee was, and By Miami Jackson, and around Wynwood, and Allapattah, once in a while, I enjoy that !!!!! I Remember Curtis Park, The Stadium, and Pool. Did You Ever See; Horace Mann JR. High, in El Portal, By Miami Shores ????? It is Very Old, and Looks a Lot Like Robert E. Lee. I Really thought no one was ever going to write anything again on this Blog. It Looked that Way. It's Good, that you Gave it a new addition. Best Regards !!!! Robbin.
Carlos Betancourt 13-Nov-2008 18:21
Hey,
I,m still around never tried to acess your profile stories, I do not like classmates.com went there once and and started to get e-mails from them all the time.
I visted a freind of mine that attended REL with me he still lives in the same house. (44) yearsIt's like going into a time machine I remember riding my bicycle to his house and sometimes his mom would prepare lunch for us.
We would ride our bikes all over the place to the YMCA pool (before it was torn down to build low income buildings) to Curtis Park on 20th st.
I went around my old neighborhood a took photos of differant places that brought me memories I made a dvd a gave copies to some of my old friends.
I took a photo of Miami Jackson Sr. High before it was torn down. Try going to sneakykitchen.com stroll down to the Allapatah fourms you'll find stories from people who when to REL I started a fourm on Lee.
Carlos
Robbin P. Learned 06-Sep-2008 04:38
What Happened to all The Robert E. Lee People ????? Nobody writes about the school anymore !!!! How Sad !!!! I Like to Read About The School, It's History, Former Students, Teachers, Happenings, that took place there, ect., and I'm Quite sure others Do, as well. And Carlos Betancourt, What Happened, to You, You Disappeared, for Quite a while. I Know there's a lot of people around, that went to Robert E. Lee, and I for one, would like to Hear your stories about Robert E. Lee JR. High on 5th Avenue, in Wynwood.
Robbin P. Learned 01-Aug-2008 11:09
I Never Attended Robert E. Lee JR. High School, I Grew up in Hialeah, and attended all of My Schools, in Hialeah, with the exception of Miami Springs JR. High School, But I Knew some people, who went to Robert E. Lee, Back then, and I used to Ride By the School, sometimes, over the years, and To Me , The School Looked So Impressive, and Like it Belonged there, as you passed it on 5th Avenue. And as a way of Remembering the Sight of the School, and the people I knew, who went to school there, and to Remember Josie Ritter, a Beautiful Blonde who went there, back in1962-1963, who I Had a Huge Crush on, Back then, I Ride By The Site where REL was, and The Memories I Have, Come Back, to me, But on 5th Avenue, especially, The new school there, Does not Look nearly as Impressive as Robert E. Lee Did. The front of the new school,-Jose De Diego, on 5th Avenue, is Short, and only, The Auditorium, and Front Entrance, School Sign, ect. I think they should have Put the Long 3 Story Bldg., that's on 32nd Street, on 5th Avenue, and Made the Entrance, in the middle, like REL, and then the new school would of looked Better, on Robert E. Lee's Site. That's My Opinion !!!! Robbin P. Learned
Robbin P. Learned 13-Jul-2008 04:27
Gail, The New School on The Site Of Robert E. Lee, is Jose De Diego Middle School, and it opened new, I Think in 1999. I never went to Robert E. Lee, But I Had Many friends, who Did, and I always thought Robert E. Lee, Looked like a neat School. I am sorry they tore REL Down, and it was a piece Of History lost. A Crying Shame !!!!!!! General Lee, would be very Disappointed., and so am I.Best Regards !!!! Robbin P. Learned
Gail 12-Jul-2008 18:55
Went to Robert E. Lee in '57 and '58..but it sure doesn't look like this now, and the name has changed.
Robbin P. Learned 10-Jul-2008 06:48
Carlos Betancourt, What Happened to you, You Disappeared, since your Last Writing, About Robert E. Lee JR. High. I Miss You My Friend. You never made it to Read My Profile Stories !!!!!!
Robbin P. Learned 15-Jun-2008 01:14
Carlos Betancourt , It's funny, I was just thinking, today, that I should tell you , how to access My profile stories, and Classmates . Com. , so here Goes; You can Try out Classmates . Com, for a while, for free, you just join, and later, maybe 2 or 3 months , you can upgrade to gold, for 3 months, or 2 years, like I Did. It cost me $60.00 for 2 years, not Bad, I don't think. Anyway, what you do, is this; Type In Classmates. Com, and they'll ask you for information, ect., and you provide that, then when you're on Classmates. Com, you should join for your school--, Robert E. Lee JR. High School, and then you'll notice on your Main Page, Home, on the left side, you have Communities. Click on Communities, and add my school, -- Palm Springs JR. High School, which is in Hialeah, to your communities. Then when you want to go to my profile, you will click on Palm Springs JR. High, on your communities, and it will take you to Palm Springs JR. High's Site , and then, you go thru the alphabet to the L's and you'll find my name, and you will click on it, and it will take you to my site, and then you may have to click on profile, to get to my stories. If You have any problems getting there, Let me Know, Here, or E- Mail Me, at rpc7560@yahoo.com. Good Luck, and if you make it to my Profile, Please leave me a Message, there on my profile. Talk to you Later !! Robbin
Carlos Betancourt 14-Jun-2008 22:37
Robbin,
How do I find your profile, where shuold I go?

Carlos
Don Boyd 13-Jun-2008 21:04
I erased a few of them and left one or two. Don't worry about taking up space - you are not preventing anyone from posting their memories. Best regards,

Don
Robbin P. Learned 13-Jun-2008 17:59
Don Boyd, If you can do that, can you please erase my stories, on this site, I feel like I might be taking up too much space, and preventing others from writing, and besides, my stories have been here for a while. Thank You Sir !!!! Ps-- I am enjoying all of your other sites, and the constant new material . Thanks For Everything !!!! Sincerely , Robbin P. Learned
Robbin P. Learned 13-Jun-2008 06:24
Carlos Betancourt, I enjoyed your account of Robert E. Lee JR. High. and Thank You, you answered my question, regarding the nickname. I wondered if , Because Miami Jackson was the Generals, and was so close to REL, if REL could of been The Generals, But now, thanks to you, I know. You probably read my stories, here, about your school,- REL. And even though, I never Attended REL, I always wished I did. It looked Neat, and I'm sure it was !!!Robbin P. Learned rpc7560@yahoo.com And Carlos, I write stories, on my profile, stop by, and read them, and I Hope you enjoy them. They are on my Palm Springs JR. High Profile .. Take Care, Carlos !!!To get to my profile, you can find my name on REL also, I'm listed on your school, as a Community, I added,Cause I liked your School.
Carlos Betancourt 12-Jun-2008 21:44
I went to Robert E. Lee from 1967 - 1969, I rememeber having classes on the 3th floor facing the Merita bakery and the smell coming in the windows would make your mouth water, yes the school had a nickname THE GENERALS the colors were green and gold. There was a huge auditorium on the south side, a center courtyard, and beyond the cafeteria another open courtyard.
The school offices were on the rightside as you walked through the front of the school along 5th Ave. I had classes during my time there on all 3 floors but the 3th was my favorite because of the breezes coming in the open windows. there were portables along the west end of the field and the boys & girls locker rooms.
My best friend and I have my fond memories of Lee and growing up in the Attapattah area. Back when they started to tear down the school I took some video of it, I even took some inside the 1st floor hallways somehow I have misplaced the video and can not find it. I also have a yearbook from 1967 or 68.
I wonder why REL just like the Miami Stadium and now The Orangr Bowl were torn down and why the new name on the ugly school that they built there. maybe because of racial issues, (Lee being a general for the south during the war.)
Still it was a great school to have been a student at and I miss it being there.
Guest 10-Jun-2008 01:49
I went to REL from 1957 to 1960. It was a neat school. I always hung out at Andy's Drugstore on 7th Ave before and after school. If there is anyone out there that when during those years I would love to e-mail with you. My e-mail is trudellen@yahoo.com
Robbin P. Learned 28-Apr-2008 18:02
I am very interested in the old, now torn down, and gone,- Robert E. Lee JR. High, in THe Allapattah- Wynwood area. I'm hoping a lot of former students, teachers, principals, and anyone else who attended the school., ect., will write something about the school, and their memories, ect. , of it. I would like to know as much as possible about what the school was like. Basicly, all I know about it was how the outside of the 3 story Bldg. looked, little else, and my curiousity about the school has become an obsession. Though I never attended Robert E. Lee, I always thought it was a neat school, The Historic , and impressive 3 Story Bldg., and especially, when you saw it from I- 95. And I had friends, who went there, but I never asked them about the school, and now, I have no idea, where they are. Let's get some Alumni of Robert E. Lee JR. High to share their memories of the school. I enjoy this, and Most of all, THANK YOU, MR. Don Boyd, for your Great Sites, You are Gold, Sir!!!! Robbin P. Learned
Guest 19-Apr-2008 10:34
Besides the photo on this Don Boyd site, I would love to have some other pictures of Robert E. Lee Jr. High Miami, so if anyone has any , please E- Mail me at : rpc7560@yahoo.com, and I will pay you for them. Also, I never found out for sure, what Robert E. Lee's Nickname was, and I must know,so if anyone knows, please share it with me. I always guessed it would have been The Generals, but never knew for sure. And if Josie Ritter, who went to Robert E. Lee, around 1962, and skated at Rustic Roller Rink is still around, I would love to hear from you . If so, please contact me at rpc7560@yahoo.com .I remember you from Rustic Roller Rink, I skated there also, when you did, but I was maybe 2 years younger than you, but admired how beautiful you were, and to this day have never forgotten you! I think I remember seeing you at Rustic on saturdays, and I asked someone who you were, and they told me; oh, that's Josie Ritter, and she goes to Robert E. Lee JR. High . Bye!
Guest 30-Mar-2008 12:24
i attended lee in the early 60, i learned to enjoy reading after taking a reading course there. i also had mrs roper for history. this lady taught me how important history and currnet events are. i also remember the friday night dances in the center court and the playing of retreat at the end of each school day. they may have torn it down but they can't erase the memories. Buford Bailey, Wytheville VA
Guest 30-Mar-2008 12:16
i attended the school in the early 60's. i did not know it was torn down. how sad.
Guest 11-Feb-2008 03:51
great school, i taught math and science there 1969-70.
richard (mr.B)