Do you know what a frappe is? Accordin’ to Webster it’s a “A liqueur served over shaved ice,” or “A thick milk shake.” In 1969, Engineer James “Doc” Dougherty arrived at FS 64″C” from FS 38. Shortly thereafter he formed or was instrumental in formin’ the “Frappe Club.” When I got to 64-C, in early 1974, I heard such names as Kenny Brass, Denny Willahan, Leroy Fry, Gordon Hopkins, Bill Collins, Jerry Allingham, Gary Perdue, Mike Reagan, Johnny Sampson, Don Forrest, Jack Gamrat, Keith Wilson, Ralph Whitney, Leroy Fry and Bill Collins. I met some of these individuals while on the job, such as Don Grant who was one of my Drill Tower instructors, but others I did not.
This group, includin’ wives, always enjoyed a good time. Whether it was at the “River” or in someone’s backyard, there was lots of camaraderie and fun times. I’m not sure how many went, but the Frappe Club even went to Missoula, Montana to enjoy the great outdoors and share the good times with their families.
Dare I say this, but there was even bucketin’ that took place at 64’s. I know, I was shocked out of my socks, but whether it was celebratin’ someone’s birthday, a promotion or just decidin’ the time was right, gettin’ bucketed was all part of the day’s routine.
Doc always enjoyed talkin’ about how certain individuals were made into “Pull Toys.” I think I may have seen this happen a time or two at 64’s, but hopefully the statute of limitations has passed! However, I understand the procedure included tyin’ someone to a creeper and pullin’ them around for awhile. Then someone would grab a hose line and cool them off before someone else with a dry chemical extinguisher turned them into what looked like a lump of flour. Then they were left out to dry. Great fun!
It was definitely a different time and a different mindset. These individuals worked hard, played hard and understood the importance of camaraderie. Unfortunately, as time passed and the Frappe Club dissolved, with individuals promotin’ or transferrin’, so did the horseplay and the individuals that understood what it was all about.
Doc also made up a scrap book of pictures and events of the group’s outings. Naturally, over the years, the scrap book began to show it’s age and deterioration. With some gentle persuasion it was suggested that he make a video of the book, to preserve it for posterity. I’m glad he did.
So, with the help of his wife Charlotte, Doc videoed each page and gave brief explanations of the various get-togethers and events of the Frappe Club.
Kenny Brass was kind enough to send me a copy of that CD. Listenin’ to Doc and Charlotte speak of those times was a bit eerie, but it was extremely entertainin’ to watch what took place in a time long gone and forgotten.
I couldn’t get any traditional pictures, so I took them off the CD. Sorry for the less than vivid images, but I hope some of these bring back good memories from the day.
COWBOY HUMOR
A Pastor goes to the dentist for a set of false teeth. The first Sunday after he gets his new teeth, he talks for only eight minutes. The second Sunday, he talked for only ten minutes. The third Sunday he talks for 2 hours and 48 minutes. The congregation had to mob him to get him down from the pulpit and asked him what happened.
The pastor explained the first Sunday his gums hurt so bad he couldn’t talk for more than 8 minutes. The second Sunday his gums hurt too much to talk for more than 10 minutes. But, the third Sunday, he put his wife’s teeth in by mistake and he couldn’t shut up.
KEEP SMILIN’!
AC
choppedup@att.net