Sesser Homecoming Part 1 by Michael Thomas

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue â&#x20AC;˘ June, 2009

Contributors Publisher/Editor Jim Muir

Graphic Designer

Michael Thomas

Advertising Designer Stevie Vercellino

Acknowledgments Publisher’s Greeting – Page 7 Mayor’s Row – Page 8

Photographer

Christopher Kays

Sesser Homecoming Association – Page

Contributing Writers Randall Crocker Gerry MacKenzie Ned Mitchell Jim Muir

FEATURES

Up, Down and at the Top – 10 – Scores of enter-

A special thank you to:

the Benton Evening News and publisher Danny Malkovich for the use of several photographs. Also a special thanks to BEN photographers Diana Winson, Phil Pearson and Del Rea.

tainers have graced the stage at the Sesser Homecoming – some were on their way up, some on their way down and some were at the pinnacle of their career – regardless … all were entertaining

A Little Slice of Americana – 46 – ‘You’re still what livin’ means to me’

Pride & Community – 24

– When members of the Sesser Homecoming Association were asked why the annual event is important and what has kept them involved, in some instances for more than five decades, two words stood out – pride and community

The Great Sesser Homecoming Ticket Heist – 26 – A life of crime averted A Crowning Achievement –28 – Regardless of the era or the century involved being crowned Sesser Homecoming queen is a treasured moment

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

June 17, 1978 … July 8, 2000 – 33 – Those two

dates are important to David and Audra (Wangler) Bates. On the first date they walked down the aisle as part of the Sesser Homecoming court. On the second date they walked down the aisle as husband and wife.

Honoring the Past … Anticipating the Future – 34 – A new Coal Miner’s Memorial will greet visitors to

the Sesser City Park and will serve as a reminder about the Southern Illinois coal industry’s historic past while looking ahead at its promising future

‘You’ve Come a Long Way Baby’ – 38

– From a modest beginning in 1950 the Sesser Homecoming has evolved through the years and is now one of the longest running and most successful summer festivals in Southern Illinois.

Come One … Come All – 42 – For more than five

decades Jackson Shows and Rides have thrilled youngsters at the carnival and midway at Sesser Homecoming

194 Years Old and 112 Homecomings – 44 –

That’s the combined age and homecomings for 101-yearold Clarence “Dinger” Jones and 93-year-old Walter Vander, two of Sesser’s oldest residents who both quickly admit that they still enjoy the annual event

Moments in Time … Were You There? – 46 – A look through the years and through the lens at the Sesser Homecoming

Queston: How much food does it take to feed the Sesser Homecoming? – 51 – Answer: A Bunch

Bank Lounge – pg. 54 Behrman’s Meat – pg. 54 Black Diamond H-D – Back Brayfield-Gilbert – pg. 54 Chris Gore –pg. 48 City of Sesser – pg. 2 Country Financial Services – pg. 54 Crocker Insurance – pg. 49 Custard Stand – 53 Dorris Trucking – 53 High Road Publications – pg. 55 Franklin County Office holders – pg. 52 Print Shop – pg. 54 Mane Design – 27 Regions Bank – 48 Sesser Animal Hospital – 54 Sesser Auto Body – 54 Sesser Car Care – 54 Sesser Concrete – 52 Sesser Dental Clinic – 54 Sesser Foodland – 54 Sesser Homecoming Association – pg. 3 State Bank of Whittington – 50 State Rep. John Bradley – 27 State Sen. Gary Forby – 48 Subway – 52

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue â&#x20AC;˘ June, 2009

Publisher’s Greeting There’s an old adage that states ‘talk’s cheap’ – or in other words it’s much harder to actually do something than to simply talk about doing something. That phrase might best be used to explain the ‘who, what, when, where and why’ involved in the collector’s issue magazine you hold in your hand. Let me explain. Without fail for the past several years I’ve ran into Keith Ward, who has served as emcee at the Sesser Homecoming for 100 years (actually 49 years) and also without fail we’ve discussed the history of the long-running and popular event. Those conversations always go the same way – we talk about how the event started, past queens, entertainment and once again, without fail, we always agree that the distinctive history should be recorded … some day. “Yeah, let’s do that,” one of us would invariably say. And then we’d part company and have the same conversation 12 months later. Last year (2008), while Moe Bandy was cranking out one good song after another, sweet corn and barbecue was in high demand and a dozen carnival rides ran non-stop Ward and I had the exact same conversation. Following the brief conversation we made a vow that there would be no more talk and instead this would be the year that talk would turn to action. After all, like I mentioned earlier – talk’s cheap. Perhaps it was a longing on my part for a June day but I recalled our Homecoming conversation on a bitterly cold day in January (2009) and promptly picked up the phone and called Ward. We decided to get the ball rolling and we did, figuring out the key people we needed to contact and what we felt was important for this publication. A meeting was scheduled and several key and longtime players in shaping the Homecoming attended. While the idea of a publication detailing the history of this event had been only an idea up to this point, it was at this meeting that I realized that this magazine would become a reality but also something very special. It was during that meeting that I first started gathering a collection of pictures, pamphlets, newspaper articles, stickers and brochures from past homecomings. The items given to me that day, some were more than 50 years old, came in an assortment of packaging. Some were in large manila envelopes, some in scrap books, some in photo albums and some were just crammed into plain folders. But be assured they were all treasured items, every one of them. When that day’s meeting broke up I gently bundled up the large collection of items and headed to my truck and I couldn’t help but think that I was carrying an ‘arm-full of memories and happy times.’ And that’s what I hope this publication is for you – an arm-full of memories about happy times, memories of warm June nights, holding hands with someone you love, meeting old friends, parades, good ol’ country music, Ferris Wheel rides, unforgettable queen coronations and of course, sweet corn, barbecue and plenty of smiles. Enjoy! All the best,

Jim Muir

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

n behalf of the citizens of Sesser, city employees, and elected officials we welcome you to our annual Sesser Homecoming Rend Lake Days. This is an event that continues to grow each year and it is one of the longest running continuous events in Southern Illinois. We are proud to host this event and do everything we possibly can to assist the Homecoming Association in their tireless efforts to bring quality entertainment for the entire family to Sesser. Homecoming is a time to bring all factions of Sesser residents together as we see friends, family, and neighbors roll up their collective sleeves and work together every year at this time. We work hard and play hard together and that is a personal reward for each of us that are involved. Whether you are a volunteer with the fire department, worker in the concession stand, part of the city work force, elected official, or just citizen, this event allows us to put our best foot forward and showcase what we have to offer in Sesser. Every year we enjoy the opportunity Homecoming affords each of us to become reacquainted with former residents and to meet new friends. Since last year I know of three families who attended our Homecoming from larger cities that have now purchased weekend homes in Sesser. They were so impressed with the safe environment and the friendly nature of those involved that they decided to join us during the summer months on the weekends. Sesser has much to offer not only its’ citizens but those that visit us. We are in the midst of starting a new Tax Increment Finance District (TIF) that is geared toward housing development that will allow new home construction which in turn will bring new families to our community. Homecoming has been a family event for each of our families for decades. I can well remember as a child the excitement that Homecoming week brought. As children we would gather in the City Park or on Main Street days before Homecoming started to watch the workers assemble the rides and set up the various food stands. As I became older the excitement is still there as I moved past the children’s activities to where I now look forward to meeting a former class mate or two and making new friends. Each year former classes of either Goode-Barren Township High School or Sesser-Valier High School schedule reunions around the Homecoming. This allows those who live away from here to come to a reunion and also attend the Homecoming. We always see an influx of people pouring into town during Homecoming week and that brings revenue to our city. Even though the hours are long and the work is hard, those putting on this event year after year are never complainers about the chores at hand. This year’s Homecoming has a special significance in that we are dedicating a new memorial to the coal miners, past and present, from our area that made this town the great place it is today. This project

Sesser Mayor Ned Mitchell

will be built at a cost of around $90,000 all of which has mainly been raised through the selling of commemorative bricks or through direct donations. Sesser is also building a new sports complex on the east side of town in conjunction with the St. Louis Cardinals Red Bird Rookie organization. This project will be built at a cost of $600,000 and will be used for generations to come as we continue to provide summer activities for all of our young people. Sesser has 300 children that participate in the Little League program each year. We have a proud heritage in Sesser and each of us living here play a part in making Sesser the unique place that it is. We encourage you to consider making Sesser your home if you do not live here already. I think you will find the townsfolk friendly and helpful. City employees are ever ready to lend a helping hand. Our churches are very active in the community and organize several events each year. If you need anything while at our Homecoming celebration please ask and if we can help you in any way we will do so. If you have any comments or suggestions to help us improve either the town or the Homecoming feel free to express those too. Most of all enjoy yourself as you join us in making Homecoming 2009 better than ever before! We are so happy to have you here in attendance and invite you to see for yourself what makes Sesser the really great community it is!

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

isitors arrive each year on the opening night of the Sesser Homecoming to find delicious food prepared along with a variety of rides in operation in the Midway and free entertainment.

However, be assured that there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work each and every year that goes into producing the Sesser Homecoming. Entertainment and carnival rides must be booked months in advance, candidates for queen, prince and princess are selected, there’s a parade to plan and of course those tasty barbecue sandwiches and roasted sweet corn require a lot of advance preparation. And that doesn’t even count the number of hours, all volunteer, that goes into making the annual celebration such a great success. And for me it’s also a time to reflect back on the many people who have helped to make the Sesser Homecoming grow to become such a great event. Frank Shelton, Everett Thompson and Dr. Talivaldis Kisle were some of the early ‘movers and shakers’ Randall Crocker SHA member in the planning of the Homecoming when it began in 1950. In the early 1960s Frank came up with the idea of raising money (both high school and junior high) and their by selling chances on a trip to Hawaii while Everett thought friends and families donate time to work in it would be a good idea to bring entertainment to Sesser from the stand. The football players usually donate Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Kisle helped promote the coronation their time to the roasted sweet corn stand. Beby providing a traveling trophy to the winning queen candicause of all their hard work and support the date. With the success of these plans Sesser Homecoming began Sesser Homecoming Association to grow. The money raised was put to good use for donates part of the profits to the community. Through Frank the Booster Club, who in turn Shelton’s influence some of the donate to the various sports money was used to provide many of programs. the first street light and street signs for the city. As the Homecoming I have always lived in and continued to grow Frank was also a around Sesser. I remember major influence in adding lights to t s r coming to the City Park duri the park. With these improvements he f 950 t m ing the Homecoming when to the park, the Homecoming grew in fro n1 ram oming i inches g o r both attraction and attendance. . all I was interested in was c 2 p The er Home /2 x 3 1/ ur pages having fun at the carnival. ess red 2 1 only fo S Now, I’m a member of the Another name that brings a lot of easu ntained m Homecoming Association o memories (past and present) is Jim and c and attend the meetings Dorris, who has been associated with that are held months in the Homecoming for more than 40 advance to help plan the event. Perhaps the years and served as president for many greatest part of the Homecoming is that I get of those years. Jim has been the driving force behind the popua chance to visit with people that I haven’t lar food stand. What you many not know is that the delicious seen in awhile. barbeque that is served has to cook for several hours. And form the start-up on Wednesday until the shutdown of the cooker on It’s amazing the changes, accomplishments Saturday night you’ll find Jim close by. Jim was instrumental in and success that continues to be enjoyed each construction of the two new pavilions in the City Park. year at the Homecoming since those days long ago when Everett Thompson, Frank Shelton Sesser Homecoming is also a time for me to look around at all and Dr. Kisle helped to get the event off the the many different people that volunteer their time. The Sesserground. Valier Booster Club uses the food stand as a big fundraiser for many athletic programs it supports at the school. Team members

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

By Jim Muir The names of the performers that have hit the stage at the Sesser Homecoming during the past 50 years read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of country music. From the rhinestones of Porter Wagoner to the Outlaw Waylon Jennings to the beauty of Dotty West and Connie Smith Saturday night is always ‘the’ night at the annual June event. Scanning the long and impressive list of entertainers it’s evident that some of the performers that have performed in Sesser were scratching to get to the top some had already made it and a few were on the downside of legendary careers. Regardless, the headlining performance on the final night of the Homecoming has always been exciting, entertaining and wellreceived by the thousands that came to catch the free performance. In 1940 Thomas Wolfe penned the best-selling classic, “You Can’t Go Home Again,” a novel that explains that you can never return to the glory days of your youth once you’ve left them behind.

As far as the Sesser Homecoming is concerned, legendary performer and Valier native Billy Grammer proved that theory wrong five-fold. Grammer holds the distinction of headlining the top spot on the final night of the Homecoming more times than any other entertainer, performing in 1962, 1965, 1969, 1971 and 1974. A 50-plus year member of the Grand Ole Opry, Grammer said he has fond memories of playing in front of friends and family. “Every time I performed at the Sesser Homecoming I always enjoyed it, it was a thrill,” said Grammer. “I knew two-thirds of the people there and I always had a lot of stories to tell. It was always like going to a big family reunion.” Grammer gave high marks to the later Everett Thompson, a longtime Sesser businessman and one of the people who spearheaded efforts to start the Homecoming back in 1950. “Everett was just a wonderful person, a fine and upstanding man,” said Grammer. “And the fact that I was already involved in the Grand

Ole Opry, he came to me and asked if I could help get the talent from year to year. And I did that for several years. He always stressed that they wanted family entertainment.” Grammer said he always used the same routine when trying to secure talent – a routine he says was a monetary savings to the Homecoming. “When I’d ask somebody if they were available the third weekend in June then I’d ask them their price … and after I got that I’d ask them to give me their ‘Billy Grammer price,’” he said. “I think I saved the Homecoming some money through the years and I always felt good about that. The Sesser Homecoming is a great event and something we’re all proud to be a part of.” Grammer distinctly remembers his first time at the Sesser Homecoming in 1962. “That was one of the years that they had the Homecoming on Main Street and I remember that they had a semi-truck trailer for a stage. It was parked north and south right by where the old bank was located,” said Grammer. “Another thing I remember is that I was leaving for

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

Germany the next day and we drove all night after I performed in Sesser on Saturday night to catch a plane out of New York.” Keith Ward holds the distinction of introducing every performer that has graced the Sesser Homecoming stage since 1960. Ward said the idea of presenting free entertainment was a trial to begin with and drew the ire of a few of the more frugal Homecoming Association members. “We paid $250 for the Wilburn Brothers in 1962 and we had one member who told us ‘you’re all nuts … you’ll go broke and you’ll never make any money,’” said Ward. “But it worked that first year and it continued to work and now we’ll spend $15,000 for entertainment and we’re still making money and then giving that back to the community.” Ward said he was proud of the list of performers, some that have reached superstar status in country music. Topping Ward’s list of favorites is Waylon Jennings, Dottie West, Porter Wagoner, T. Graham Brown and Bill Anderson. Ward recalled that Waylon Jennings performed in 1972, only a matter of months before he recorded “Good Hearted Woman” that started the “Nashville Outlaw” craze. “Waylon came into town in an old bus and he had Willie Nelson and Jessie Colter with him … and they all went on and had pretty good careers,” Ward said with his tongue planted firmly in his cheek. Performing with Jennings in 1972 was Dottie West and that one per-

formance marks the only time since the mid-1950s that the Homecoming has not been on the third weekend in June.

ied r t e v “That parwe’ nd s r a a ye ticular d e e h t k i l for ugh people r o r a f h by “T hat hat d n w w a s d i t to fin ay with i ry music t st then gion coun e .” this r t popular s cee e em m i t is mo g ing – d, lon

ar com year ith W er Home e K s – e Ses we at th moved the Homecoming up two weeks to sang coincide with a song and then the closing for his second song he sang of the Rend the first song again. We’ve had a Lake Dam,” couple that go slightly inebriated said Ward. and didn’t give their best perfor“I remember mance. But, overall we’ve really that we paid been fortunate through the years to $3,200 to get land the entertainment we’ve been both of them able to get. ” on the same night and that was an unbelievable amount of money back The Homecoming began as a then.” two-day event and then a third day (Thursday) was added in the midWard said scheduling two nights of 1960s and a fourth day (Wednescountry music entertainment year day) was added in the late 1970s. after year has not always gone off without a hitch. “Through the years we’ve tried to find what people liked and then “We had one performer (who will stay with it and by far for this reremain unnamed) who got to town gion country music is what is most way to early for the show that night popular,” said Ward. “As long as and spent the afternoon at a local people love it like they do we’re watering hole,” said Ward. “He not going to change a thing.” opened up the show that night and

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

f people are truly destined to work at certain professions then it’s a fair statement to say that Billy Grammer was born to be an entertainer. Grammer, a Franklin County native who now lives near Valier with his wife of 64 years, Ruth, carved out a place in country music with his singing and guitar-picking skills. The oldest of 13 children, Gram-

mer was born in 1925 and picked up a fiddle for the first time at age five. In those days nobody could have dreamed that music would shape his life and open a door that would lead him to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry where he was inducted as a member in 1959. And while Grammer began his long musical career with a fiddle in his hands it was a love he developed for playing guitar and later mak-

ing custom guitars that brought him both fame and fortune. “My dad kept handing me a fiddle but I guess I had ‘guitar-itis’ because all I wanted to do was play the guitar,” Grammer said. “I started playing chords when I was

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

after World War II, Grammer heard of a job possibility with nationally known disc jockey Connie B. Gay, who had a live radio show at WARL Radio in Arlington, Va. An example of how difficult the times were can be found in the method and the means that Grammer used to travel to Virginia for the audition.

five and by the time I was seven or eight I was playing most of the songs my dad was playing on his fiddle. I’m certainly not a musical genius by any means, but I do have the natural rhythm and ear of a musician.” Grammer is a 1943 graduate of Valier High School and also served in the U.S. Army. The hardship of the times also played a role in Grammer’s future. Needing a job

“I didn’t have the money to get there, so I went to Palmer Rea, he ran the relief office, and told him what I wanted to do and that I needed help,” Grammer recalled. “He asked me what I needed and I told him that I needed at least $50 to get me there and back. I’d known him all my life and he gave me the money.” With guitar in hand, Grammer then hitchhiked to Arlington, Va. where he was hired for the job over the other 150 guitarists who also auditioned.

“After I had worked about three months – I was making pretty good money – I sent a check for $50 to Palmer Rea to repay him,” Grammer said. “And maybe he had a feeling I was going to do well, because he never cashed that check, and instead had it framed and hung it on the wall.” A few years later Grammer, with help from the legendary disc jockey Gay, landed a job on the “Jimmy Dean Show” which was based in Washington, D.C. Shortly after Grammer went to work for Dean, the show moved to network television where it appeared on CBS for five years. In 1958 Grammer formed his own band and signed a recording deal with Monument Records. The following year Grammer reached the pinnacle of his career when his hit single “Gotta Travel On” became a million-seller and a Top 5 hit on both country and pop charts. Grammer also recorded other wellknown hits such as “Bonaparte’s Retreat,” “Wabash Cannonball,” and “I’m Letting Go.” Grammer’s success in country music led to millions of miles in travel and appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand,” “Bill Anderson’s Backstage Opry,” “Hee Haw” and others. He also worked as a front man musician for the likes of Patsy Cline and Grandpa Jones and as a session leader for such stars as Charlie Pride, Louis Armstrong, George Jones and Ernest Tubb. – Jim Muir –

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

‘Just Bring a

staple of the Sesser Homecoming for five decades has been free entertainment. Stars on the way u Sesser City Park. Many times during the year and particularly in the days leading up to the annual a somewhat unbelieving tone in their voice. And the answer to that question throughout the years has r

Five Decades of Free Entertainment 1960 – Chester Razor and the Gay Blades 1961 – The Wilburns 1962 – Billy Grammer 1963 – The Willis Brothers, Guy, Skeeter and Vic 1964 – Red Sovine and The Tennessee Valley Boys 1965 – Billy Grammer 1966 – Charley Louvin 1967 – Johnny Paycheck and Connie Hall 1968 – Tom T. Hall, George Kent, Marge Bowes 1969 – Billy Grammer, June Moore 1970 – Osborne Brothers (Rained out and moved to old high school) 1971 – Billy Grammer 1972 – Waylon Jennings and Dottie West 1973 – Don Gibson 1974 – Billy Grammer 1975 – Charlie Louvin 1976 – Little Jimmy Dickens

1977 – Lonzo and Oscar 1978 – Faron Young 1979 – Jimmy C. Newman & Cajun Country 1980 – Del Reeves 1981 – Grandpa Jones 1982 – Little Jimmy Dickens 1983 – Drifting Cowboy Band, Original Hank Williams Band 1984 – Vic Willis Trio and Clyde Moody 1985 – Grandpa Jones 1986 – Friday – Stonewall Jackson & Minute Men Saturday – Jack Greene 1987 – Friday – John Hartford Saturday – The Whites 1988 – Friday – Billy Walker Saturday – Jim Ed Brown 1989 – Friday – Charley Walker Saturday – Porter Wagoner (rained out) 1990 – Friday – Stonewall Jackson Saturday – Osborne Brothers

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

a Lawn Chair’

up, a few on the way down and some at the pinnacle of their careers have stood in the spotlight at the l June event members of the Sesser Homecoming Association are asked a very familiar question with remained the same: ‘The entertainment is free … just bring a lawn chair.’ 1991 – Friday – Jimmie C. Newman Saturday – Johnny Rodriquez 1992 – Friday – Johnny Russell Saturday – Gene Watson 1993 – Friday – George Hamilton IV Saturday – Jerry Reed (rained out) 1994 – Friday – Marty Haggard Saturday – T.G. Shepard 1995 – Friday – Kitty Wells Saturday – Glenn Miller Orchestra 1996 – Friday – Connie Smith Saturday – Earl Thomas Conley 1997 – Friday – Jeannie Sealy Saturday – Bill Anderson (rained out) 1998 – Friday – Gene Watson Saturday – Bill Anderson 1999 – Friday – Jo-El Sonnier & Cajun Fever Saturday – Jean Shepard 2000 – Friday – Jett Williams (rained out)

2000 –Saturday – Johnny Russell 2001 – Friday – Jett Williams Saturday – Mel McDaniel 2002 – Friday – David Frizzell Saturday – Billy “Crash” Craddock 2003 – Friday – Ronnie Prophet Saturday – Gene Watson 2004 – Friday – David Frizzell Saturday – Billy “Crash” Craddock 2005 – Friday – Michael Twitty Saturday – Gene Watson 2006 – Friday – Tommy Cash Saturday – Billy “Crash” Craddock 2007 – Friday – Ronnie McDowell Saturday – T. Graham Brown 2008 – Friday – Janie Fricke Saturday – Moe Bandy 2009 – Friday – Joe Stampley Saturday – Ronnie McDowell

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue • June, 2009

81 19 85 19

Grandpa Jones

Porter Waggoner 89 19

T.G. Shepard 94

Kitty Wells 95

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue â&#x20AC;˘ June, 2009

Connie Smith 01

Jett Williams 01

Mel McDaniel

02 20 4 0 20

David Frizzell

Sesser Homecoming Commemorative Issue â&#x20AC;˘ June, 2009