Paul & Jean Popma

Paul & Jean Popma held their 55th Wedding Anniversary at the Shirts ’N’ Skirts 42nd Anniversary Dance on September 8, 2001 in Santa Ana. Paul & Jean sponsored this dance which is indicative of their support of the people and organizations they belong to. They have held many offices for the Shirts ’N’ Skirts, being Presidents in 1989. They are angels at class on Wednesday. They give meaning to the saying, “Square Dancing Extends life,” as they were presented with Golden Dancer Awards honoring them for being active dancers at age 80 and over last year. In 1996 they were named “Sweethearts” of the club for the A Square D Sweetheart Ball.

It is a long way from Mason City, Iowa to Orange County, California. But then World War II presented everyone with fateful decisions. Paul & Jean met at the Presbyterian Church, and yet the war effort caused Paul to join the Army Air Force. Jean joined the Marine Reserves, not the usual course of action for a beautiful young woman.

Paul was interviewed, tested, and evaluated before becoming a pilot. He chuckles as he remembers this “personologist” examining his head with a tape measure and other tools. The “doc” said, “This guy is a pilot!” Paul flew the B-25 Mitchell Bomber for 57 missions in the Pacific Theater in WW II.

The B-25 was the most successful medium bomber in the war. It had a nickname as the “Heavenly Bomber.” Only 34 are flyable today, but enjoy a storied history in aviation annals.

Before going off to war Paul graduated from the University of Iowa with a BS in Commerce. Jean graduated from Business College with honors and afterwards as a Marine eventually served as a secretary while stationed in Arlington, Virginia. She rose to Staff Sergeant in rank.

After the war ended Paul & Jean were married on September 8, 1946.  Within five years they had two daughters, Paula Jean and Patricia Jane.  Both are married. Paula Jean lives in La Crescenta and Patricia Jean lives in Sunny Vale, CA.

Paul worked for 17 years at International Harvester as a salesman. In 1957 they moved to California and Paul went to work as a Trust Officer for the Bank of America.

Paul & Jean Popma make quite a loving couple as they are active in their church, the Ebell Club of Santa Ana, Mary’s Shelter for troubled youngsters, and of course the Shirts ’N’ Skirts Square Dance Club. They really are part of the “Greatest Generation” and are role models for all of us!

Much of this article was given to the editor by Jean Wendelsdorf, President, of the Shirts ‘N’ Skirts.

Bob & Marilyn Benton

Who is this Bozo?

Forty-six years ago they were studying to become school teachers. So, it was a great idea to be counselors at the Purple Sage Day/Resident Summer Camp. He was in charge of the 6 yr. old boys and she led the 6 yr. old girls. Fate brought them together forever. There was an instant rapport, and after the first date, Bob knew he was going to ask Marilyn to marry him. This August Bob & Marilyn Benton will be celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.

Foregoing the purchase of his "dream car - a corvette," Bob purchased the Gloria Homes Nursery School in the Crenshaw area of LA. The sensible thing to do if he was going to marry Marilyn. She taught at Encino Elementary and he was the director of the Nursery School.

A couple of years later they sold the nursery school. He eventually got into the import business under the name of Star Merchandise Co. Inc.  They dealt with companies in Hong Kong & Japan. Their business grew. At first they imported small toys for carnivals. They expanded into premiums for cereal & fast food companies. They did mail orders with the Fleer Bubble Gum Co. In 1998 they retired from the family import business. So long business suit.

In 1965 Bob met Larry Harmon, who is the original "Bozo, the world's most famous clown." At that time Larry was getting tired of making public appearances at trade shows. Larry felt Bob would make a good twin for him. He trained him and outfitted him in wide red hair & size 18 flat front shoes. Bob & Marilyn traveled the country making personal appearances as "Bozo the Clown!" So long clown suit.

In 1971 Bob joined the San Fernando Police Dept. Of course he got a lot of ribbing from the other officers - they didn't want to ride in a police car with "that Bozo!" The teasing stopped when Bob was promoted to Sgt. & later Lt.! After 30 years, July 2001, Bob retired his policeman's uniform. So long uniform.

Now, his favorite suit is his black & white club outfit for the Buckles & Bows Square Dance Club of Thousand Oaks. They have been members nearly 20 years holding a variety of positions as well as presidents in 1998 & 1999. They are A Square D Delegates to the Ventura/Santa Barbara District. Bob and Marilyn are also very supportive of contra dancing and were the Asst. Directors on the contra education committee at the 50th NSDC.

Bob would be the first to say that Marilyn and he have been partners all along the way. They have 4 lovely kids and 2 wonderful grandchildren.  Maybe, being grandparent is the best suit of all.

Joe & Frances Demeules

On the big day he cranked up, with legs shaking from trying to hold the plane back with his brakes, he maneuvered out to the runway.  Before the engine temps went past the red line, he shoved the throttle up to what the fuel would allow, and with that boost lifted up into the air.  A sense of relief settled upon Joe as the wind whipped through the open cockpit.  The leather helmet and goggles keeping his head warm as he surveyed the earth far below.

After practicing a few combat maneuvers Joe knew it was time.  He rolled the plane over and flew upside down.  With sheer terror he prayed that the seat belt would hold him in.  After rolling the plane upright he knew he was ready for anything.  Joe was a P-38 combat fighter pilot!  The P-38 was know as the "The Forked-Tail Devil" by the German Luftwaffe.

Joe grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, during the Great Depression.  His dad died when was 15 in a car accident.  After learning about sheet metal work Joe moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to work at the Martin Aircraft Co.

Frances grew up in Omaha of Italian parentage.  Her mom longed for the old country, but after a visit to Italy the family hurried back to Omaha.  Even during the depression, America had a better way of life.

Joe & France Demeules met at a midnight dance on December 7, 1942.  And yes, the borrowed 27 Chevy ran out of gas, furthermore the door latch didn't work, and it was snowing, and...., but that didn't stop Frances as she bolted out of the car and walked back home.  Joe, the perfect gentleman, hadn't done a thing, but the coincidences were too much for Frances.  Well, they were soon dating regularly.  As World War II advanced Joe enlisted into the Army Air Corps.  He finished flight school and was sent to Italy, but with only 5-6 weeks till the end of the war, he did not fly any combat missions.

Frances, as part of the war effort began working at the ammunition factory and made accessories for trucks.  After the war Joe returned to Omaha and married Frances in 1946.  During the Korean Wars Joe was recalled for duty and trained as a P-51 fighter pilot, but one again was spared any combat missions.

California beckoned and Joe attended Northrop University and earned an aeronautical engineering degree.  He worked for Northrop Aircraft many years.  Frances trained as a cosmetologist, but for most of their married life she was a mom and helpmate to Joe.  They have three wonderful children Kristin, Brian, and Jina.  The are celebrating their 56th year of marriage in August, 2002.

Joe & Frances owe a lot to square dancing and count many enduring friendships made through dancing.  They have given back by serving others in many offices at the club, association, and national levels.  They are charter members of the Honeycombers of Torrance.  Within those 44 years they have been president 8 times as well as serving in other offices..  They were presidents of A Square D in 1981.  They were the Education Committee Chairs of the 1988 National Square Dance Convention.

Presently they serve as delegates to the South Bay/Westside District Meetings for the Mill-A-Rounds Round Dance Club.