-- 1998 -- 1999 -- 2000 --


USS Lawrence County (LST 887)

 YEAR 2000 REUNION

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Standby for Further Details
 
 

Davis Ellender

 

-- 1998 -- 1999 -- 2000 --

USS Lawrence County (LST 887)

1999 REUNION

SPRINGFIELD, MO



The 7th annual reunion of the LST 887, (USS Lawrence County) convened Oct. 8, 9, and 10 at the Ramada Inn in Springfield MO. Beautiful weather and colorful autumn color prevailed throughout the weekend, a stark contrast to a hurricane and a nor-easter that accompanied a couple of past reunions.

Thirty-two crewman who served during the time the ship was re-commissioned, 1950-1960, guests, and widows enjoyed renewing friendships of past years and making new ones. A total of 60 people attended. Thirteen crewmen and their guests attended for the first time. Men who served during the late '50s shared different experiences with their Korean War era counterparts.

Photo albums and other memorabilia were shared and enjoyed by all. Tales of various adventures at sea as well as on shore were recalled. The Memorial Plaque, engraved with the names and rates of deceased shipmates was prominently displayed.

A high point of the reunion was meeting and listening to the experiences of C.R.Emory, a WWII Coast Guard veteran. Emery was a member of the crew which sailed the 887 from its launching at Dravo Shipyard in Pittsburgh PA down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico.

During their visit to Springfield many of those attending toured Fantastic Caverns, Bass Pro Shop and Museum, and many of the antique stores in the area. The close proximity to Branson allowed many of the shows to be included in the weekend. The first rate entertainment of the Branson theaters was a highlight for most.

In 1993 in Clayton MO fifteen people attended the first LST 887 reunion. This year fourteen of that original group were in Springfield. We lost CSC1 Robt. (Bob) Burns Dec. 31, 1997 but we feel sure his spirit was there with us and his widow Edna(Katie).

Our thanks to Bill and Chris Turpin for making the local arrangements and to the Ramada Inn for their excellent service, generous and prompt attention to our needs in the hospitality room.

The search continues for other shipmates as yet not located. One never knows what unusual circumstance will lead to finding some of these people. At the reunion a conversation between two men who had not served at the same time led to locating SN Louis Dunham 1952-54. It turned out that Dunham was a cousin of the wife of first time attendee Geo.(Stick) McDaniel. Small world! Several months ago when SN Thomas Bruce 1958-60 was located it was discovered that his uncle John Bruce who is deceased served on the 887 as FN, 1952-54. Another mystery solved!

New Orleans was chosen as the site for the 2000 reunion. Information will be sent out in the Spring.

Submitted by:
Jack Lemasters EM 2 (1951-1954)
801 Teresa Dr.
Lake Park, GA 31636
Ph. 912-559-5139
 

-- 1998 -- 1999 -- 2000 --

THE 1998 REUNION

 
 
The 6th annual reunion of the USS LST 887 in Biloxi, MS  October 17-19 was attended by more than 60 people.  Officers, crew and guests met at the 
President Casino/Broadwater Resort. The reunion was of those who served 
during the years the ship was recommissioned (1950-1960) for the Korean War.  Those attending came from all across the USA, representing 20 states. Excitement was high as old friends began arriving and greeting each other in the lobby on Friday. The conversation and sharing of memories and memorabilia continued when the hospitality room was opened on Saturday afternoon.  On Saturday evening the Broadwater Resort welcomed the group with a reception at the Casino.  

 Sunday was a full day of activities.  Rear Admiral (Ret.) Jim Lisanby and 
his wife, Gladys entertained the reunion group with a brunch at their 100 
year old home overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Pascagoula, MS.  Their 
gracious hospitality along with their beautifully restored home made this 
the high point of the reunion.  This was followed by a guided tour of the 
Ingel's Shipyard where US Navy ships are built.  From there the group  
wentto the naval station where they boarded a US Navy  frigate. The "old" sailors enjoyed seeing the newer technology aboard the modern ship. 
The home of Admiral and Mrs. Lisanby had withstood the 140 mile an  
hour winds of Hurricane Georges two weeks before the reunion but little evidence of the ordeal remained.  Admiral Lisanby served his second assignment of sea duty on the 887 after graduating from Annapolis. 

On Monday a breakfast and meeting were held at the President Casino. The site of the 1999 reunion was discussed.  Two possible locations were 
considered and a decision will be made and announced the first of the year. 
Other activities enjoyed by some of those attending were the Encampment  
at Beauvoir, the home of Jefferson Davis; the Seabee's Museum at the National Construction Battalion Center, a day trip and tour of New Orleans and the action at the area casinos.  Some enjoyed the casinos a great deal more than others! 

 Till next year. 
      Jack E. Lemasters EM2 ['51-'54] 
      801 Teresa Dr. 
      Lake Park, GA. 31636

 
 
 
 
On Sunday 18 October, Admiral and Mrs Lisanby invited the reunion group to their home fronting Pascagoula Bay.  Gladys and Jim hosted a delightful lunch, graciously served in their home.  Visiting their home was also a feast for the eyes.  Each room is furnished and decorated in a warm and inviting manner which beautifly reflects southern grace, their family's fine tastes and the personal treasures of several generations.  This photo was taken in front of their home prior to a tour of the Ingal's Shipyard and the USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) at the Pascagoula Naval Station.  Gladys is holding the banner with Bud Miller and Jim is standing behind her.