MONSTER HOPS CIRCA 1960s

   The Mad Scientist, aka Jim Robinson was only one of the special hosts of Halloween Production Dances during the 1960s.  A group of teenagers who found something to do instead of just hanging around getting bored.  School stages were done up as a graveyards and along with a Top 40 format Themes From Horror Movies were added to the mix.

  Throughout the night Feature Dances like Spot Dances were held with prizes no one their right mind would want to win.  Jars of pig entrails and other hideous things were suggested, but never were awarded.  Loud thunder claps and lighting effects nearly deafened everyone every so often; especially during a slow love song and Ladies Choice.

   Bobby (Boris) Picket, a male vocalist at the time imitated Boris Karloff the long time movie monster in a hit called the Monster Mash which became the theme for the Monster Hop productions.  Monster's Holiday was anther, but less popular hit of that era.

Click On "Jim + Mileage" to see what he's up to today, in Surrey, BC no less.

   Yours truly was The Voodoo Witch Doctor, another character developed from a 1960's Rock 'N Roll song.  Here throwing off a simulated mound of earth the Doctor joins his co-host who had earlier emerged from the up-right coffin to the Doctor's left along side the gate pillar.

   One production was held in a Smith's Falls, Ont. arena where a simulated Hurst delivered the Mad Scientist in a coffin to the front of the stage and was carried up on the stage and opened.

   Luke Swartz was reported to have been a valued mechanic for a number of years at a large General Motors Dealership in Kemptville, Ont.  Luke also had the privilege of having a beautiful mother who would always had a group of us over for Sunday Dutch Apple Pie...which was to die for.

   Franky was played by Luke Swartz, a rather tall good looking classmate; but not tall enough.  A pair of size 12 ski boots and football shoulder pads under a red and black lumberjack's shirt did the trick.  A large simulated blood smeared machete and trousers completed the costume at a time when full face masks were very new.

   Two 500 watt spot light were flashed in sequence with thunder clap sound effects behind Franky as he stood in the doorway to the side of the stage.  He took one step into the gym while raising the machete above his head before everything went completely dark including the exit lights.  At this point Franky turned around, closed the door, and returned to the dressing room to change costume.

   Meanwhile various screams could be heard around the gym over the Theme From Frankenstein as imaginations and boyfriends took over.  After three hours of these types of events even the guys admitted some years later that they were at least jumpy.

   None of our productions could have been a success with the electrical and technical genius of Bob Harmaty, the student council Vice President who designed and operated our sound and lighting.  Bob, a very successful mechanic was reported as residing in Cornwall and is a well respected member of that community.

   I started my teenage hot rodding days, believe it or not with this 1962 Eccoline Van back when only carpenters and plumbers drove them.  When the Broadcast Equipment was removed it served as a SCUBA tank emergency transport vehicle for extra compressed air was only available at a fire station 12 miles to the west. 

   At other times in had a fold-away bed in the back and transported "The Boys" over to Ogdensburg, NY night clubs where it was a lot easier for 16 year olds to look 18 than it was to be 16 and try to look like 21 year olds, when ordering drinks in Ontario, Canada.  

   Unfortunately there are no other known photos of Yvonne Schoemaker as our Lady Vampire as their images are not know to reflect in any mirror.  She is the fanged one over the left shoulder of the Mad Scientist.  The above clip from a class photo might not be all that flattering, but she had an open invitation to bite this writer's neck any time she wanted to.  What kinder words could be said about a fantastic lady who ran off and married the wrong guy? 

   Unconfirmed reports indicate Yvonne is involved in the manufacture and distribution of Teddy Bears in the Richmond, Ont. area of Canada only a few kilometers south of Kanata where lives yet my first lost love.  (See Sindy)