Chalkboard Thoughts

 Marie Shaw and her husband were playing cards in their home at 29808 Osborne Road in North Liberty, Indiana on Monday September 12th, 1977. (An example of Sear's Merry Mushroom Kitchen ware.)   Marie and Willard were both in their early 30’s. They had been married since 1967. Their home was rather new and Marie had decorated it in the style of the times with mushrooms being a recurring theme. Her family jokingly called it the “Mushroom Manor”. Today people eagerly collect those 1970’s mushroom themed decor items. They had lived in South Bend but moved south to the rural community of North Liberty a few years before.    That evening, two men knocked on their door, entered and threatened the couple. They demanded money while holding a knife to the throat of Marie Jane Shaw. Willard Shaw offered them all the cash he had in the house. He had $750 dollars put away in the bedroom from a vacation check he had cashed. He gave them the 25 dollars from his wallet as well...

       Sherran Long was 15. Her sister, Margaret Long, was 16. Their friend, Carol Ann Taylor, was 15.    It was summer in Pennsylvania. It was July of 1973.    Sherran, Margaret and Carol went out for a walk on July 19th, 1973. They lived in the area of Shamokin, in Coal Township, Pennsylvania.    Going for a walk was a good inexpensive pastime in 1973. In small towns it was not easy for young teens to earn a living. Sherran, Margaret and Carol probably did a little babysitting now and then. But, earning a little extra money would have been rare in a small town then. But, a person could always go for a walk. And if you are walking with a friend you could talk and laugh.       The three girls would have had a lot to talk about. It was summer but a new school year would be starting in the Fall. They would see all their friends again. There would be dances and ball games and homework to do. T...

     Karen Ann Schmalz   Karen Schmalz was waiting in the car. Her Mom was inside the M.J. Carlisle Mall.    I remember waiting in the car many times while my Mom or Dad ran inside a store. Sometimes I did not feel like going inside. Sometimes I wanted to listen to the radio or just sit there. Sometimes my parents just didn’t want to drag all the kids in. It would be quicker and easier when they just went in alone. Waiting in the car was a very common experience for kids my age.    Karen was 14 and a freshman at Dover Area High School. It was Sunday, October 15th, 1978. It was just about the height of the disco era. Karen’s birthday was coming up on November 1st. Maybe her Mom was inside buying a gift or paying a bit on a layaway. It was Sunday evening. Maybe she was picking up something she needed for the work and school week ahead.    Karen had her brand new little transistor radio with her. She had just bought it ...