H.R. Gardner:
CLASS OF 1950
Shortridge High SchoolClass of 1950
Indianapolis, IN
H.R.'s Story
After graduating from Shortridge High School in 1950, I attended a college in S.C. for a year prior to being inducted into the US Army. After basic training and CBR specialist schools. Was shipped to Korea and served 14 months in TI&E with a friend who had also gone through the same basic training unit with me at Ft. McClellan, AL. After returning to the States, began career as ballroom dance instructor and also went back to college. Attended Indiana University for one year and transferred to John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis where I spent the next four years. Got married to first wife in 1959 and we had three beautiful daughters.
Have had the rare privilege of meeting all 23 members of my all-time favorite jazz vocal musicians - The Four Freshmen. I was fortunate enough to study piano at the Jordan Conservatory of Music in Indianapolis at the same time they were there. They went to Butler University and - as their name suggests - left after their Freshmen year. I heartily recommend everyone to check out their website and listen to a few of their songs. The current group (#22) is the best of all time next to the originals. I've been to dozens ...Expand for more
of their concerts and reunions and their 60th reunion was in in Indianapolis in August of 2008. We attended in 2009 in Atlanta and will be at the next one in Anapolis, MD later this year. Two of the original members - Ross Barbour and Bob Flanigan received honorary degrees from Butler University in 08.
I Moved to Atlanta, GA in 1966 and took a position as art director for Champion Slot Racing Company. Traveled extensively racing slot cars for the same company as one of their pro drivers. Also opened my own dance studio and ran the Atlanta Star Ball dance competition for 19 years. Finally retired in 2000 and moved to Palm Coast, FL. Remarried second bride and moved to central FL in 2002. Currently still teaching dancing a few hours a week and maintain a 9 handicap on a relatively short golf course where we currently live south of Leesburg. Absolutely love where we live because the weather is great year-round. Still hate cold, snow and traffic jams so try my best not to go north in the wintertime.
In the meantime I'll be playing golf, teaching dancing a few hours each week. I invite you to come on down and enjoy the beautiful weather here with us.
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