Dateline Dayton — In November of 1977, the Hennessey family moved across town from Dayton to the suburb of Kettering. After a long search, looking at many homes we either didn’t like or couldn’t afford, we finally found our home in southeast Kettering. A great location, it is close enough to everything. In the 33 years we have lived here, there has been a lot growth, both commercial and residential. Previously when we went for a walk, we were in the country after a couple blocks. One time when we were out walking by the golf course, a deer glided out of the corn field right in front of us.

Even today there’s still’s a lot of activity in the area; however, I don’t consider it all good. A new subdivision is being built one long block from our home. Now there’s a housing development to the left of the par-three golf course. The development I’m not happy about is the shopping center scheduled to be built across the street from the golf course. This center will take land on which there is a small forest and the largest stone house in Centerville, which annexed the property along with acres of farm land. The development has been in the works for years but has experienced one delay after another, including feuding by the family that owns the stone house and by rival agencies fighting over taxes and other issues.

Since our move took place in November, it meant uprooting the kids from school. Everyone handled it well, except for Darlene. She kind of stepped backwards. In Dayton, she was attending high school. In Kettering, she was in junior high. That only lasted for the balance of the school year when she transferred to Fairmont East High School. At that time, there were two high schools serving Kettering, and now there’s only one.

Pretty Traditional Childhoods

Our other children, except for Jon, who wasn’t of school age, attended Ascension School. For the most part they did well in school, with a bump here and there. The kids were active in school and church. They could not have asked for a better bus stop, in front of our home.

When Jon was old enough, he attended nursery school at a church a few blocks from our home. In grade school he had a rough start. After a lot of worry and concern, he graduated. In grade school he was involved with scouts, sports and church.

With the exception of Darlene, all of our children attended Carroll High School. As with grade school, there were bumps. But they did well. Chris and Lisa were in the band, which was active in competitions. Chris also became very involved with Key Club, a youth organization sponsored by Kiwanis. Both Chris and I served as Lieutenant Governors for Division 4-E, for part of the same year. Bill and Jon were active in sports.

No Unemployment Here

As I mentioned in a previous essay, we did not do allowances. All of our kids got jobs as soon as they could, cleaning pools, paper routes, cutting grass, working for a neighbor, babysitting or working at my place of employment.

Their lives after high school:

Darlene attended Sinclair Community College awhile, then went to work at the company where both Pauline and I worked. A few years later, she married, has three children, lives in Michigan and works for the school system. Her oldest is Heather, who has been mentioned in some of my essays.

Chris chose the University of Dayton. He held many jobs in his student days. As soon as he was eligible, he entered the co-op program at U.D. and went to work for Federated Department Stores. After graduation he continued with Federated for a few years, then made a series of moves landing in Florida. Chris is not married and presently is employed by hospice.

Lisa attended Sinclair Community College and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She managed a day care, got married, has four children and lives outside of Middletown. In addition to getting kids from one event to another, she also works part time at a hobby store.

Bill chose the University of Cincinnati. When he graduated, he continued working at various restaurants, just as he did throughout college. Now he is married with one child, lives in Cincinnati and works in the financial arena.

Jon also attended Sinclair College, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to getting married, he had purchased his first home and was working for the same company as I, in the warehouse. He now works in manufacturing, lives in Beavercreek (Dayton), has two girls and is divorced.

Next installment, Our Lives.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net