CUBA IN 1956

Nancy Kline, Stewardess, Sharie Kay and Mrs. Poulan

After graduating from Fair Park High School in 1956 The Poulan's took me and their daughter Sharie Kay to Cuba as a graduation present.  Mr. Poulan was the inventor of the Poulan Chain Saw and could afford to do whatever.  Sharie Kay and I had become best friends while in junior high and enjoyed a close friendship for many more years. 

We drove to Tampa, and Mr. Poulan said he was tired of driving and suggested we catch a flight on to Miami. 

Tickets were purchased and we were on MY FIRST FLIGHT EVER to Miami.  Sharie Kay and I got out our best dresses and got all dolled up for the flight. 

Plans changed again when we arrived in Miami.  Rather than stay in Miami the Poulans decided to take us on to Cuba.  Again tickets were purchased but this time for a bus.  We rode a big bus down through the Florida Keys and boarded a ship to take us on to Cuba. 

 
 
 
 
 

 

We had so much fun on the ship.  We found two Cuban boys to flirt with, danced to a Cuban band and played in the wind.



As you can see, Mr. Poulan would not let us out of his sight for the rest of the trip.  He kept his eye on us especially on the beach. 

We had so much fun.  The luxury hotel we stayed in was right down town in Havana with parrots and beautiful plants everywhere.   The food was delicious and the boys were cute. 

It was shortly after this trip that bad things started happening in Cuba and finally there would be no more trips to Cuba for many, many years.

     

I have never returned to Cuba but like to remember the way it was in 1956 !!!