re: Mighty

Thank you for this very much. Lots of memories.

Rick Davidson grew up in Auburn and became close friends with Pat Jr. at AHS when the Dyes moved to Auburn. I recognized his face before his name dawned on me. It's been close to 40 years. He's hardly changed, and glad to see he is still around doing good stuff.

Former long-time Mayor of Auburn Jan Dempsey (also my Sunday school teacher at AUMC, mom of friend and fellow little leaguer / classmate Lee Dempsey, AHS '88) and Fran Tarkenton dated for a few years either in high school in Georgia or at college. I couldn't find any info to support this online, but that was the word. The Dempseys, like us, also restored original log houses in the late 70's / early 80's. Theirs was / is on a Pecan orchard in Lafayette. Dr. Dempsey was a long -time surgeon at Lee Co. Hospital / EAMC until something happened. Accusations of malpractice or something IIRC, sadly. The Dempseys' home was / is (?) the second house, two story brick house on Chewacla Drive when you turn off of Samford. Frank Brown, long-time Director of Auburn Parks and Rec lived in the first house just on the other side of Samford. That section was a dirt road for a long time. Not sure now. Frank and Jan did a whole lot for Auburn just like Coach Dye, at the same time. Their efforts to help Auburn grow and remain the loveliest village on the plains have been recognized through the years with their names on buildings and stuff.

I think Fran Tarkenton was the first NFL player I had ever heard of and watched him and the Vikings and other great MNF games eating popcorn with Dad every week until halftime (bedtime). Anyone else collect the small plastic NFL team helmets that were sold in gumball type vending machines? I still have my Vikings, Steelers and Cowboys helmets on my dresser lol.

Finally, Coach Dye always had the best Auburn gear, especially caps and jackets, like these. This is iconic Pat Dye in classic Auburn gear. I'm guessing this pic is from '81 or '82 - the west upper deck was finished in 1980. Our home was on Green Street, a few miles east of JHS and two streets east of Dean Rd. near the old AHS and the tennis courts on Samford. You could clearly hear the crowd roar on football Saturdays and see the planes pulling advertising streamers all day long. The streets were always empty most all of the day and that was the only time my parents would let me ride Flash, my Sears 3.5 HP Briggs and Stratton minibike on public streets around the neighborhood. The vibration of a B&S 3.5 HP engine with the throttle wide open is something like the a good washing machine on spin cycle for the ladies, or so I have heard.

A picture says 1000 words. Bestest, most classic, Auburnest jacket evar!



Thanks again for posting.