Hill Happenings

Last month Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse, the pride of Mission Hill, was honored in a ceremony at Logan Airport where two murals of Woody were unveiled. After graduating from English High School in 1944, Woody dauntlessly joined the military and soon was among the Tukedee Airmen who protected American bombers from enemy fighters. 

Woody’s murals, painted by Victor Quinonez, can be seen at the arrivals of terminal C. Woody, who is a proud member of the Mission Hill Post 327, was quoted in the Boston Herald saying; “It’s great now that when people drive into Logan Airport they’ll see what a kid from Roxbury accomplished.” 

God Bless Woody and another hero from English High (class of 1940), George Salah, who is also a World War 11 veteran and a member of the Mission Hill Post. 

George, celebrated his 99th birthday Oct.25. He drove Navy landing craft in the Europe and Pacific theaters. George won numerous battle stars including those at Omaha Beach, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. I love chatting with George, who is still sharp and blessed with good health. 

The annual Veterans State Parade will be held Sat., Nov.5 at noon starting at the Copley Square library and the Mission Hill Post will participate in the parade. Our Mission Hill veterans ceremony will be held on Veterans Day, Fri., Nov. 11 at 11:30 A.M. at Brigham Circle. Please join us for this noble event and naturally the hot coffee and donuts will be served courtesy of Maria Weinograd from Mike’s Donuts.

 English High held their 200th reunion last month at the Copley Marriott and several local graduates attended the event including “Woody” and Frank Williams. Williams, class of 67, played under legendary coach Bill Stewart and Frank played with terrific players such as Mike Thomas and my childhood Mission Hill friend, the late Phil Thompson.  

Bouncing over to basketball, in 1951 English beat South Boston High in the Boston City High School Basketball championship at Boston Garden. This game is noteworthy because it was played as part of a doubleheader prior to the first N.B.A. All Star game. At that time local high school basketball was popular, as opposed to the Celtics who played before sparse crowds, as did the other N.B.A. teams. However, this unique twin bill at the old Boston Garden was packed.

Army beat Louisiana-Monroe last week 48-24 on national T.V. (CBSSportsNetwork) at Michie Stadium. After the third quarter 22 players and coaches from the 1972 Army team were showcased and among them was our Mission Hill Post Commander Col. George Rollins, a 1973 West Point graduate. The “72” team won the initial Commander- in- Chief trophy. The trophy is awarded to the best team among the U.S.Military schools, Army, the U.S. Naval Academy and Air Force Academy.

    The Mission High School class of 72 held their 50th class reunion last month at the Sheraton in Norwood. The star studded group enjoyed a great time, relishing lifelong friendships. Collette Mcsherry, a gifted storyteller, said; “It was like being back at school and we never left.” Mike King gets an A+ for organizing the reunion and it was thoughtful of Brian Joyce displaying a table with candles and photos in a solemn remembrance of the deceased classmates..The proliferation of bicycle lanes in the city is ongoing with new bike lanes planned for South Huntington Ave. in 2023. So. Huntington Ave. connects Mission Hill and Jamaica Plain. The city plans to construct separated bike lanes and new curb ramps. This plan is imprudent, particularly in this heavy traffic area with cars and street cars competing for space..Why did the bicycle go to the psychiatrist? It had cycle logical problems.. Maurice can be reached at [email protected]

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