“Scotty”
Some things are more impressive in person than in mind.
Words and pictures of this English Gothic designed campus
are impressive, but none begin to share the dignity captured in design and preserved by time.
There too are the feelings gained only from walking among these building, resembling old European castles. Feeling of being watched, not by clandestine eyes, but by proud eyes conveying the spirit and honor that captures the “Legacy of Promises Kept.”
In the early 1920’s, my grandmother died, leaving behind her only son. It was not long after her death, that my grandfather remarried, this time leaving little room for a young pubertal boy, Kenne Lawrence. So began Kenne’s years (1926-31) at St. John’s Military Academy. (Now St John’s Northwestern Military Academy.)
I know little of my grandfather, George Lawrence (G.L.) most of which I learned
from others. A Scottish immigrant as a young boy, he later worked his way up from the bottom, becoming president of Truscon Laboratories, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan.
As a forceful, determined high-achiever, by grandfather was not a nurturing man, but could provide the very best for Kenne. Founder in 1884, St. John’s had already become a highly respected college prep school in Delafield, Wisconsin.
Plans for the young Kenne to attend St. John’s Military Academy may have begun long before his mother’s death. However, Dad either shared little of the reasons he went to the Wisconsin prep school, or my memory doesn’t recall.
Either way, I have long realized that I know little of my father, especially before my birth in 1941. 
I remember his love of sports and entertainment. He was a musician and professional wrestler (“Car Barn” Turner). He would talk about being in school with the Hollywood film star, Jack Carson; jazz musician, Lex Golden and classmates who played in the NFL.
So, it’s not a surprise to learn more after having an opportunity to review yearbooks in the St. John’s alumni office. A man quick to give others nicknames, I never knew his was “Scotty.” How appropriate, a golfer and son of a Scottish immigrant.
The 1931 yearbook listed his many honors and awards, such as captain of the golf team; most Soldier Cadet; Order of Merit,; Washington Parade. But, the biggest surprise of all, Class Poet! My father never talked about writing or anything literary. Why!
The yearbook reads: “Oh My! The love man from Detroit. Besides being the class poet, he is a man of the world. Ask Dorothy.”
Any conclusions on my part would be complete speculation. Dad was married four times, the first in his early twenties. This marriage, resulting in a daughter, was broken-up by her parents. Was this Dorothy? Mother would know.
Mother was his second marriage, resulting in his only other children, Thomas Robert and myself. It’s not surprising that my father would be thought of as the “love man from Detroit,” since I have always felt the phase “wine, women and song” best described Dad.
Maybe someday we will know more about Scotty; the man; the lover; the musician; the man of the world; the poet. But then, this may be the way he wanted it and therefore, should remain so. Having walked the grounds of St. John’s, feeling his spirit as he so poetically prophesized, “Our spirit shown is here to stay,” his poem may say all that needs to be known and therefore remain forever in the dimly lit halls of St. John’s.
THE CLASS POEM
Fellow classmates the day is near,
When we shall part and go our ways,
And leave this school our pride and joy
Throughout our student boyhood days.
The vine-clad walls in which we’ve lived,
With our instructors four short years,
Will stand out in our memories,
As days of toil which we revere.
We’ve worked and prayed and played our best,
We ran our race to do or die,
Trying to equal if not surpass
The noble work of those gone by.
Our work is almost at an end,
And as we look back on the past
True St. John’s soldiers have we been,
Fighting and serving to the last.
Our classroom doors are closed now,
This time classmates we’re on our own,
Ready to face the world at wide,
In which we’re all about to roam.
With bodies sound and hearts so true,
And with a knowledge of the best,
We’re well equipped in all the things
Essential for our final test.
Our spirit shown is here to stay,
And our many years of friendship, seem
Now that we are soon to part,
Like the happening in a dream.
Let’s give a cheer for old St. John’s
The school that made us what we are,
Farewell, dear teachers, one and all,
We’re leaving now, some near, some far.
— from “The Trumpeter”, 1931
kenne
This is an email comment from brother Tom:
Such a majestic…..wonderful coverage of your visit to St. John’s Aacademy and the information on our father!!!
More later. (However…..I was just thinking “simplistically” of Kenne Lawrence’s plight ……Upper-Middle-Class-Kid devastated by mother ‘s death….And a non-nurturing father…… Possessing a keen intelligence……More or less….just slipped to the lower depths…….
Again…..I was really touched by the coverage you sent on this very enigmatic Kenne Lawrence…….)
I love you , Kenne George……
Cat Has Had Time of His Life
Tom,
There is magic in the mystery! May the magic live on. . .
kenne g.
Another email comment, this one from Mary Ann:
WOW!!!!
Thanks for sharing….this was so amazing to read….I only remember your dad in the VA Hospital…..he was indeed special….be PROUD!
mat
Mary Ann,
Thank you very much for sharing.
kenne
Uncle Kenne,
Thanks so much for daring to visit and investigate the heritage and mystery that has enveloped my Grandfather. It’s comforting to know that he was a spirted soul with many talents and passions. None the least – WOMEN!! Who can blame him. Wink.
Love Lisa (Niece)
I was thrilled to finally find out information regarding my father – Kenne Lawrence Turner. I knew that he attended St. John’s Academy with my uncle – Henry Russer. My mother was Dorothy. I was born 1933 and was born in Chicago. I have always wanted to know about my father. My mother had told me that my father had re-married and had 2 sons. That would be you and Robert. I would love for you to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jean Carolyn Turner-Polston
Jean,
What a pleasant surprise! I knew I had a sister, approximately eight years older than me, but very little other information. So please you found my blog. I will contact you.
kenne
how cool is that your sis found you Ken!
Kenne,
I remember when you first found out you had a sister…amazing! Hope you connect often… 🙂
mat
Ken,
What a breathtaking discovery and connection you’ve made! I am so pleased for you. I can’t imagine what it would it feel like for these family mysteries to finally come to light!
Vanessa
It is indeed a blessing!
kenne