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Faye Graves
Faye Graves, a native Wichitan, attended school at Friends and Wichita State, concluding at Midwestern Theological Seminary. He has been active in media for many years with Channel 12, KIRL, KFDI, KOOO AM & FM (Omaha), KFRM & KICT 95, as an owner, manager, producer, director and announcer. He has served as President of the Haysville Board of Education. He has also served on several national boards of the Southern Baptist Convention. Faye currently serves as Executive Pastor and Director of Administration and Education at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 S. Topeka, Wichita. You may contact Faye by e-mail fmgraves@amenibc.org, or by phone at (316) 262-1452.
Nostalgia
2007-04-01 16:32:00
North versus East
ANSWER: Ah, there are some nice memories! With the swelling of the population in Wichita over the past five decades, a lot of changes have occurred. Things like new roads, more cars, more restaurants, more shopping centers and particularly more schools. When I attended high school in the late 40’s there were only three high schools in Wichita: St. Mary’s (known as Cathedral), North and East. Due to size and different sporting conferences, North and East became major rivals. It seldom was a good deal to attend one and associate with those from the other. You usually had to have a pretty good explanation. The rivalry was never more pronounced than it was for the annual North/East football game. East had an Indian statue (the one on Douglas with the Frontiersman and the Indian). From time to time, some of the more aggressive North high students would paint that statue red. North was located on the river and has a very artistically designed bridge. There is much Indian memorabilia sculptured into it. Some of the more aggressive East high students would paint the bridge blue. Both properties were sandblasted about every year. I can even recall a time that some of the East high students came over to North and cut the beard off of the buffalo that hangs in the center hall. The vice principal was seen gluing it back on. The rivalry was so intense and competitive in the city that in the days ahead of the famous football game, special pep assemblies in both schools were held and there were many signs. Some of them were not too kind. They were posted not only across both schools, but also across the city. The event was so big that the city commission granted a parade permit. School was always dismissed to attend the North/East parade. Parade watchers from all across the city came and packed the side of Douglas, as the students-prepared floats commanded center attention. Most all punished the other school. There were bands, cheerleaders, coaches and of course the football players. The game always took place at what then Lawrence Stadium. If you wanted a seat, you had to get there early as it was always sold out. Back then KAKE Radio broadcasted the games. Bill Young was the sportscaster. Remember, there was no television in Wichita at the time. Talk about excitement…if you couldn’t attend in person, Bill would get you to feel as though you were. After the game the celebration continued, dragging Douglas, yelling from car to car, all keeping the police officers busy. Many rode Harley-Davidsons. The drive-ins were packed and just about everyone had lots of fun. I would like to thank my wife Ella who asked me to write about this special time for Wichita. From one who was privileged to experience it, all I can say is…Wow…what a great time!
 
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