Newsletter for the Alumni and Friends of
Hicksville High School Hicksville, New York

The Editors:
Buffalo Bob Casale '61	Linda (Piccerelli) Hayden '60
Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll '56	Bob (Gleason) Wesley '61

Contributing Editors: Bob Gillette & Walter Schmidt

Webmaster: Roger Whitaker

To contact the editors, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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HICKSVILLE VIETNAM WAR ERA MEMORIAL - PROJECT UPDATE

Our donation total remains at $35,013, unchanged since our last report in the 8/1/18 issue of HixNews. Since then, 1 new name was added to the Confirmed List of Names, bringing the total to 1,930!

If you have yet to donate, or have missing data you can help us with, it's not too late! Please see our September Update in the Honoring Our Veterans tab of this issue for details. This Update also contains a highlighted paragraph summarizing the current status of Memorial Construction.

As always, should you have any new information to report for either the Confirmed or Unconfirmed Lists of Names, particularly to fill in missing data on the Confirmed List, or, should you wish to comment on the Project's status, please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On behalf of the Project Team,
Joe Carfora, HHS 1962

We start our 18th year with the October issue. HixNews has come a long way since 2000 and the success is because of participation. It seems we begged so long for information from "you all"! The begging continues and the editors want to thank everyone who has contributed information that piques the memories of many! If you post something on Facebook, please send a copy to the editors.There have been disappointments where the editors have tried to implement an idea for a special section only to see it fail. Obviously, some of you have ideas for such a section. Please submit your ideas to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Each month, we profile a former student that has submitted a biographical sketch of their life. This month we have highlighted Paul Bady from the class of 1962. Many of you have not used the opportunity of sharing precious moments with other classmates. It's not too late to submit a sketch to be included in the Alumni Bio Section (click the link on the left to go to the bios section) of the newsletter. We are including a writeable document that you can fill in on you computer and, after completing the document, forward to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

F L A S H B A C K
A Tribute to Holly Horton

The untimely death of Holly Horton in 2000 saddened our hearts. She was a very spirited person who enjoyed life and enriched those she touched with unselfish commitment. Holly was instrumental in bringing Hicksville High School (HHS) together again just prior to a mega reunion, organized by Anton Mure and Rich Delia, that was attended by a wide variety of alumni on September 22^nd, 2000.

Holly authored a mailing list that she put onto a website. Her sometimes daily updates of names and addresses were eagerly anticipated by the growing list of alumni. Her emails were augmented by a collage of tidbits and trivia, a result of feedback from others. She put up special photographs that we all enjoyed and that effort united a wide bracket of HHS students. She did this because she wanted to give back special moments to others by providing a source that could be accessed by all of us.The only thing missing from that reunion was Holly herself who looked forward, with obvious anticipation, at the prospect of seeing some old friends and sharing remembrances of times past. It was several days prior to the reunion when an uncontrollable asthma attack ended her life; a tragedy in itself for a person who battled this malady all her life just to survive.

Holly was attending Hicksville High School when her family moved to Massapequa prior to graduation with the class of 1961. She graduated from Massapequa High School in 1961. Her obituary is at the bottom of this document.

A fitting way to pay respect to Holly was to continue what she started. That challenge was accepted by Pat Koziuk Driscoll (Class of 1956) and Linda Piccerelli Hayden (Class of 1960). They did this out of respect for Holly but also because they see the enjoyment others realize from their effort. It's a way to introduce coming events; such as reunions for various classes. It's an avenue for contacting friends and sharing information that we all treasure. We have the capacity to put up pictures, at various web sites, for all of us to enjoy. In other words, the newsletter is a perfect vehicle for keeping people apprised of "what's happening!"

I want to personally say 'THANKS" to Pat and Linda for all that you do for me and for the alumni of Hicksville High School .

Buffalo Bob Casale 1961

Holly A. Horton, a resident of Massapequa for the past 42 years, died September 18, 2000 at her home at the age of 56. Born in Hampton Road, Virginia on October 21, 1943, she had been a high school teacher in Lindenhurst for nearly 30 years, prior to her retirement in 1997. At the time of her death, she was working on the plans for her own high school reunion. Ms. Horton was a motor cycle buff, having owned and ridden a Harley back in the 1960s, before it was common for women to do so. She also was an expert on the computer, putting many of her videos to music with special effects. Her two brothers survive, Charles W., II of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and Kim Horton of Babylon; her nephews, Rhett J. and Charles W. Horton, IV and nieces, Stacey E., Corey A. and Michaela C. Horton.

Multi Floor September 22, 2000 Mega Reunion with two bands performing

Anton Mure class of 1968 & MidLife Crisis

Dr. K's Motown Review with Paul Korman class of 1969 and his girls

The Newsletter

Photo Gallery

Amazing Air Force One Facts That Only A Few Presidents Have Been Willing To Confess

Air Force One is a massive flying container of secrets. There's still so much we don't know, but lucky for us, a few presidents have leaked facts about Air Force One that are pretty unbelievable. Air Force One is so much more than a private jet for the POTUS. It's a top secret vault in the sky, and that vault has just been cracked. Here are some things that nobody knew about Air Force One, until now.

Air Force One Is Actually Air Force Three

There are two Air Force Ones, but only one is the real deal. They fly together so no one knows which one the president is actually on. "The Gulfstream", known as the C-20C, is a jet that supposedly trails the other two planes, but the government and the Air Force deny it exists. Interesting!

How Fast And How High?

Air Force One can fly over 700 miles per hour. That's really fast! It can also fly higher than most commercial planes, at a height of 45,000 feet. That's 10,000 feet higher than the normal cruising altitude of any other passenger airliner. Despite its crazy speed, Air Force One flies very smoothly.

Air Force One "Never" Has To Touch Ground

This is probably one of the coolest facts about Air Force One. Air Force One can refuel in the sky. It never has to touch ground. If it wanted to, it could fly forever. It can keep the president in the sky as long as it has to. Another cool fact: Air Force One has a 3,000 gallon fuel tank.

Air Force One Has Two Restaurants On Board

There are essentially two restaurants aboard Air Force One - well, they're two massive kitchens that always have food available. The president and his guests can have anything they desire Air Force one is staffed with top rated chefs, and each kitchen holds up to 100 people. That's pretty big!

Why All The Phones Though?

Air Force One has over 85 phones. But why? Well, it's the most secure place the president can talk, even over the White House. The Airborne Executive Phone has a light on the back that lights up red when secure. There are dozens of less secure lines aboard for the press and staff that travel with the president.

There Are Super Spy Cameras In The Wheel Wells

In 1959, President Eisenhower instructed Allen Dulles, the Director of Central Intelligence at the time, to install cameras in the wheel wells of Air Force One. These cameras were so powerful that even in 1959 they could read license plates from the sky. No matter the reason for the installation, you can't deny how unbelievable that is!

Air Force One Is Large Enough To Be A House

Air Force One is large enough to exquisite like it belongs in some be a house. It has three stories of 4,000 square feet. The president has his own large office, lavatory, and conference room. There are private quarters for special guests, and all the furniture is exotic mansion.

How Many People Does Air Force One Hold?

Air Force One can hold hundreds of people, but only safely seat 70. There are living quarters to accommodate more bodies, such as all of the senior advisors, Secret Service officers, reporters and special guests. Yes, there are usually people without seats. The central seating area of the plane is reserved for the president and his family.

How Much Does Air Force One Cost To Fly?

The Air Force One costs $206,000 an hour to operate. That's staggering compared to the $20,000 an hour it costs for a commercial airline. President Trump's traveling costs were $10 million his first month in office. Presidential travel involves hundreds of people and dozens of aircraft. The costs add up.

Air Force One Is Where Homeland Security Was Birthed

President George W. Bush signed the Department of Homeland Security into existence from onboard a flight on the Air Force One. It was thousands of feet above Germany that this decision was made immediately following the attacks of September 11th. This decision has changed the inner-workings of our country forever.

Air Force One Is Nuclear Resistant

Air Force One is pretty much a nuclear-resistant Oval Office. The plane can withstand a nuclear blast even if on the ground. It has been put through testing to the equivalent of a nuclear attack. That's comforting for sure. Let's hope it's never tried in real time.

TVs Abound

Believe it or not, Air Force One has twenty TVs on board. Each tv is strategically placed throughout the aircraft so that at any given time passengers will be able to view one. Although it has never been officially said why so many, there are two reasons that this may be. One would be that with Air Force One being such a massive structure, it would only hold that it would require more TVs than most aircraft. Second, with press and staff constantly flying with the POTUS, one would assume they would need to keep up to date on broadcasts and reports. It would only make their jobs that much less stressful. Plus we are sure that the multitude of TVs is sure to provide a variety of viewing choices during long and tedious flights.

In With The New

With the increasing problems with finding adequate parts to serve and maintain Air Force One properly, it was decided a new set of planes were needed. With that in mind, during Barack Obama's term of office, an order was placed for two replacements for the Air Force One fleet. The new versions were to built based on the new Boeing 747-8 series. A newer, better version than the previous styles. It has been estimated that both planes are looking to run at least $3 billion dollars, and are not expected to even come into service until well into 2024.

Hard On The Pocket Book

Because of its sheer size, Air Force One is pretty costly to run. It has been reported that for the 2016 fiscal year alone, the cost to operate Air Force One in the air was a staggering $180,000 an hour. Because of this massive cost, lawmakers have been calling the presidents to task on what is seen as the unnecessary, even referred to as frivolous and partisan, outings of the aircraft. However, it should be noted that these squabbles over what is deemed unnecessary uses of the aircraft are in no way new. And to be honest, will continue to happen with each new president.

The Beast

The presidential limo nicknamed the "Beast", goes everywhere the president goes - without exception. The reason for this is that the Secret Service will be better able to maintain the safety of the POTUS during vehicular transport. When the POTUS arrives, the limo is there waiting for him when he lands at his destination, to carry him to wherever he needs. However, the limo, a Cadillac, does not actually travel with the president. In actuality, it is sent ahead of the president, transported aboard a military cargo plane. Since it is ahead of the president the limo can be waiting and ready on the tarmac when the president arrives.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Memory Lane

We All Live In a Time Warp

We can't go back, so we should make the most of every day because our sense of time is faulty. Photographer Tom Hussey created a series of pictures that will speak to you, no matter your age, race, beliefs or occupation. The photos illustrate just how much we change in our lives and how it seems to happen all at once, no matter how many years actually go by. These will grip your soul. Reflection gives insight into the former lives of these senior citizens. Here's looking at you.

Tom spoke to a veteran right before his 80th birthday. His quotes inspired him to create the series.

"I can't believe I'm going to be 80," he told Hussey. "I feel like I just came back from the war. I look in the mirror and I see this old guy.

"It's a universal condition. At some point in your life, you look in the mirror and say, 'Wait a minute, how did I get this old?'" said Tom.

"The idea for doing these images was a person looking in the mirror and seeing what they remember.

"When you look in the mirror every day, you recognize yourself, but when you go back and look at a photo of yourself years ago, you say, 'Wow, I really have changed.'

"You get to some milestone, age 20, 40, or 80, and you can't believe that much time has gone by."

Take time to appreciate every day, because these years will be gone before you know it.

Don't regret growing older. It's a privilege denied to many."

Casale's Corner

Western Stagecoach Companies

Western stagecoach companies were big business in the latter half of the 19th century. In addition to passengers and freight, stages hauled gold and silver bullion as well as mining company payrolls. Stage robbery was a constant danger and bandits employed many strategies to ambush a stagecoach.

Donner Lake is in the background in the above photoThieves rarely met with much resistance from stage drivers, since they had passenger safety foremost in mind. The gang was usually after the Wells Fargo money box with its valuable contents. Passengers were seldom hurt, but they were certainly relieved of their cash, watches and jewelry.

Before the completion of the transcontinental railroad over Donner Pass in 1868, the only transportation through the Sierra was by stage.

One of the tunnels carved out of rock to complete the route of the Central Pacific RailroadRugged teamsters held rein over six wild-eyed horses as they tore along the precipitous mountain trails. The stagecoaches were driven by skilled and fearless men who pushed themselves and their spirited horses to the limit. 

One of the most famous drivers was Charles Darkey Parkhurst, who had come west from New England in 1852 seeking his fortune in the Gold Rush. He spent 15 years running stages, sometimes partnering with Hank Monk, the celebrated driver from Carson City .

Over the years, Parkhurst's reputation as an expert whip grew. From 20 feet away he could slice open the end of an envelope or cut a cigar out of a man's mouth. Parkhurst smoked cigars, chewed wads of tobacco, drank with the best of them, and exuded supreme confidence behind the reins. His judgment was sound and pleasant manners won him many friends.

One afternoon as Charley drove down from Carson Pass the lead horses veered off the road and a wrenching jolt threw him from the rig. He hung on to the reins as the horses dragged him along on his stomach. Amazingly, Parkhurst managed to steer the frightened horses back onto the road and save all his grateful passengers.

During the 1850s, bands of surly highwaymen stalked the roads.  These outlaws would level their shotguns at stage drivers and shout, "Throw down the gold box!"

Charley Parkhurst had no patience for the crooks despite their demands and threatening gestures. The most notorious road agent was nicknamed "Sugarfoot."  When he and his gang accosted Charley's stage, it was the last robbery the thief ever attempted. Charley cracked his whip defiantly, and when his horses bolted, he turned around and fired his revolver at the crooks. Sugarfoot was later found dead with a fatal bullet wound in his stomach.

In appreciation of his bravery, Wells Fargo presented Parkhurst with a large watch and chain made of solid gold. In 1865, Parkhurst grew tired of the demanding job of driving and he opened his own stage station. He later sold the business and retired to a ranch near Soquel , Calif. The years slipped by and Charley died on Dec. 29, 1879, at the age of 67.

A few days later, the Sacramento Daily Bee published his obituary.  It read; 

"On Sunday last, there died a person known as Charley Parkhurst, aged 67, who was  well-known to old residents as a stage driver. He was, in early days, accounted one of the most expert manipulators of the reins who ever sat on the box of a coach. It was discovered when friendly hands were preparing him for his final rest, that Charley Parkhurst was unmistakably a well-developed woman!" Once it was discovered that Charley was a woman, there were plenty of people to say they had always thought he wasn't like other men.  Even though he wore leather gloves summer and winter, many noticed that his hands were small and smooth. He slept in the stables with his beloved horses and was never known to have had a girlfriend.

Charley never volunteered clues to her past. Loose fitting clothing hid her femininity and after a horse kicked her, an eye patch over one eye helped conceal her face. She weighed 175 pounds, could handle herself in a fistfight and drank whiskey like one of the boys. It turns out that Charley's real name was Charlotte Parkhurst.  Abandoned as a child, she was raised in a New Hampshire orphanage unloved and surrounded by poverty. Charlotte ran away when she was 15 years old and soon discovered that life in the working world was easier for men. So she decided to masquerade as one for the rest of her life.

The rest is history. Well, almost. There is one last thing. On November 3, 1868, Charlotte Parkhurst cast her vote in the national election, dressed as a man. She became the first woman to vote in the United States, 52 years before Congress passed the 19th amendment giving American women the right to vote!