Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 17 December 1998 — Page 14

BIOGRAPHIES

Dr. Robert O. Foster

Hurley Charles Goodall

Career Highlights: First African American male teacher in Muncie, first African American principal at Longfellow Elementary School, executive director, Action Inc., director. Office of Special programs Ball State University. He retired in 1993. He has served on numerous boards and committees in the past but now his only work is for the

Lord.

Education: Muncie Central High School, 1950; bachelor’s degree, speech correction and hearing therapy, teaching, Ball State University, 1955; master’s degree, elementary education, administration, Ball State University, 1960; doctorate ( Ed. D.), school administration, minor teaching higher education curriculum, Ball State University, 1978. Personal Comments: “All of my schooling took place in Muncie,’ -

said Foster.

“I attended Longfellow Elementary,

McKinley Junior High School, Central High School and Ball State University. “I’ve been privileged to see this community’s growth life-long,” he

said.

“I have very special remembrances of church picnics, church conventions, 4th of July celebrations and fun in the park.” The park is McCulloch which has been a focal point of activity in the Whitely community. “I remember the Muncie Reds Baseball team and how all of the black teams would come to Muncie to play. “ I always wanted to participate in the Soap Box Derby back then and now The Muncie Times has its own Soap Box Derby Car.” There were good times with neighbors as well Foster recalled. “Christmas was always such a special time for families and neighbors to visit,” he said. “I didn’t really see myself as being economically deprived, but, my parents probably thought differently,” said Foster. “I can remember the neighborhood

entrepreneurs growing up,” he said. Whitely was a nice place to live. There was not a lot of crime. “I see that now. It was a pleasant time, walking to school with friends, participating in a lot of good things. “I grew up in Union Missionary Baptist Church. Sometimes I sang in the junior choir. My dad was a deacon and my mom was on the mother’s

board.

“I can’t put my hand on when I knew I wanted to be an educator, but I do know that the more I searched for truth, the more I wanted to continue in that search. In school I was a good runner, jumper and set records in track. I had good leadership skills and became president of the Student Council. I earned letters in track and football. The Lord was also giving me favor with my teachers

and I blossomed. “In my freshman

year of high school, I entered a state oratori-

cal contest. That’s when I met Julia Edwards and others affiliated with the Masons. This organization had a strong

interest in education.

“I didn’t win the first time out but Mrs. Edwards and others such as Mrs. Gordon who lived in Washington, D.C. (sister to the owner of Parrott’s Grocery Store) helped me to develop a better presentation. Mrs. Gordon brought me books about successful African Americans. This opened my vision and I came into another area of growth.” The next year Foster won the contest and a scholarship which paid for his

first year in college.

“I would have to say the Lord has blessed me with inquisitiveness. My motivation has been to enjoy what I’m doing and do the best with what I’m doing. It’s been an exciting and interesting venture. I remember a coach, Odie Barnett, saying to me: give your best and the best will be given back to you. “I’ve tried to live by that philosophy and be positive.” “Also, it’s important to associate with people who are positive.

Career Highlights: First African American elected to Muncie School Board (1970-78); a Democartic precinct committeeman (1966-86); elected to the Indiana House of Representatives (197892), Secretary Indiana Democratic Party, delegate to Democratic National conventions 1976,

1980, and 1992.

Co-Author of two books : A History of Negroes in Muncie 1974 and Inside the House 1996. Goodall who retired in 1992, has made an indelible mark in the Muncie community.

Goodall is still active in community affairs. He has served on numerous boards and committees and is a visiting scholar at Ball State University’s Middletown Center. There is a housing complex built in his name and he and his wife Fredine have established a scholarship for eligible students to attend Ivy Tech

College.

During his varied work experience, Goodall held many leadership positions and served on several legislative and state government and commission assignments. Through the years, he has received over 45 special awards and recogni-

tions.

Education: Muncie Central High School, 1945, Attended Indiana Business College. Advanced Time and Motion Studies Purdue and Indiana University. Served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pacific Theater 1945-47. Personal Information: “My father died when I was 3years of age,” said Goodall. “It was during the Depression and kids during that time pretty much made up our own recreational opportunities. We’d play softball with bases made of card-

board.

“On Saturday’s we’d watch the men pitch horseshoes in the alley behind their homes and listen to the stories they’d spin. “My youngest brother had polio

and I believe that is what created a soft spot in my heart for the handicapped supporting legislation

for that constituency.

“I remember my brother spending

a lot of time at Riley Hospital. There were a lot of tearful separations and a dozen operations before he could walk at age 10. “I also remember the dehumanization of segregation. There were differences that were made in travel and eating accommodations when we trav-

eled to play football in high school, or going to the movies here and so forth.”“I promised myself that my children would not have to suffer the same humiliation I did or I’d know

why.”

Goodall is a member and trustee emeritus of Shaffer Chapel A.M.E. Church. He recently conducted research on the migration of slaves to east central Indiana. His current community involvement includes serving on the following boards: First Merchants Bank, Muncie- Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Arts commission, Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, Muncie NAACP, Delaware County historical Society, Minnetrista Cultural Center, Community Foundation of Muncie-Delaware County, Muncie Area Career Center and E.B. Ball Center. Family Information: Hurley Goodall was bom to Hurley C.and Dorene Goodall, deceased, on May 23, 1927. His siblings are Robert and Fred Goodall, both deceased. The family lived at 1416 E. Butler St., Muncie. He has been married for 50 years to Fredine (Wynn) Goodall. They have two sons. Hurley Jr. of Akron, Ohio, and Fred of Tampa, Ha. six granddaughters, one grandson and one great-grand daughter.

Dr. Robert O.Foster

Hurley Charles Goodall