Letter #
Jan 11, 2003
I had forgotten all about those movies being shown in the church/school basement. They were a poor substitute for the real thing. Hard chairs and I'm sure there was some money making going on by buying stale candy overpriced to support some mission somewhere. Fortunately it didn't last long and I think I was old enough to return to smut after a half hearted attempt to comply.
I too wish to thank Mary Ellen for sharing the Toast of the Town. Maybe she and others in that class can help identify the kids in the kindergarten photo I submitted. Jimmy is holding the triangle in the front row. I think Dottie Cassazza may be at the far right first chair and Roger Riggs at the far left sitting on the last chair. Is Johnny Detour standing in the last row first on the right? Is that Micheal Foley, first row second girl right from Jim? Love to know more of who is in that picture.
mary, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Jan 11, 2003
Bob & all,
Thought you would like to know, the policeman in the photo at 4th and Grove is Jack Owens. My mom and dad both remembered his name - particularly after seeing a PC copy of the photo. Jack would come over to our house every Sunday morning for coffee and probably a bite (my mom was a great cook). Dad, who worked for Firestone in their then Newark Sales Office, would give Jack and lots of dad's acquaintances (and my brother and I) free haircuts - one of the nice things he did coming from a poor, immigrant background. My parents sort of remembered that Mr. Owens lived in Orange - they had been to his house for a meal or two. I already sent his name on to the East Orange Police Department - Bob, they have a copy of your photo on their website. It just took someone who lived there to happen on your website, Ted.
Bob, you asked what happened since 339 N. Grove Street. As indicated previously, our family moved to Akron, Ohio, in the summer of 1950 - Akron was Head Office for Firestone. Understand I had a "Joisey" accent when I first got to Akron - can still carry on a short conversation without any "r's" in it. Went to St.Vincent School in Akron - they currently have a basketball phenom named Labron James playing there and are the #1 high school boys basketball team in the country. Graduated in chemical engineering from Ohio State. Worked for Shell Oil Company for 35 years. Retired for two years - and then back to work while the stock market is down. Married - three kids, one married, two still in college.
Bob - would like to ask a small favor. Would it be possible to get a photo copy of your "policeman at 4th & Grove" photo. It shows my first home - and would like to put it with my keepsakes for my kids. Would be glad to reimburse you for any expenses. But I also do not want to be a bother to you. Your sharing of the photo on the internet has already been a welcome remembrance and gift.
Best to all. Maybe someday will make a pilgrimage back to E. Orange.
Paul Schmitz, Class of 1956
e-mail: <phschmitz@sbcglobal.net>
Jan 22, 2003
I guess I was reminiscing... happening upon your site after a search... I am rambling, anyways after reading many of these messages it was obvious to me why you don't find many alumni writing who attended in the latter part of the 60's and early 70's. My family arrived in East Orange as part of the Cuban resettlement program and we attended Our Lady of All Souls Church. I am so thankful to the many "Americans" at that time who welcomed us with open arms and helped us settle in our new home. Most of the early years I lived in EO were full of wonder. It was 1966, EO was such a beautiful town. I remember the train station, the 5 and dime. I lived on 30 N. 20th Street... walking distance from church. I attended Columbian School. My dad eventually bought the Shell Ampere Service Station on Hoffman Blvd. from his older brother Bartholomew Ruiz that owned it before him. Then white flight began and unfortunately the decay of EO began. It was an unfortunate phenomenon of the times. By the time our family moved to upstate NY in the Fall of 1974, my memories of EO were of an unsafe city. I have some family left who live in Orange and it is so sad to see the town now. Very disappointing.
It would be great to see some restoration and improvement there.
It would be great to hear from some of my classmates!
Tony Ruiz, Class of 1973
e-mail: toru1966@att.net
Jan 28, 2003
I read Tony Ruiz's message and I always wondered what happened to the Ruiz's Brothers Shell Station. I along with a lot of neighborhood kids worked and hung out at the station. Gas was only about $.30 a gal., could cruise all night on $3.00 worth.
I learned a lot about cars and how to deal with customers from the Ruiz's brothers. They were nice guys to work for and treated all of there employees like family.
There was a Sunoco Station on the other corner of Hoffman and Rutledge.
Yes, Tony you are right the decay of East Orange was a shame.
I went into the army in Feb 1968 and returned two years later, what a change during that time.
In Sept 1971 I joined the East Orange Police Department, retired Oct 2001. After growing up in EO, the change was very drastic.
John D. LeGates, Class of 1962
e-mail: delfiascocorp@hotmail.com
Feb 5, 2003
Ted Mooney, I finally made it here. I always heard you would grow up to be a genius (from your mother, of course, and mine). This is unbelievable. Feels like I stepped into the Twilight Zone. I'm going back to read some more and will post ASAP.
Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Feb 5, 2003
And our fathers always said there is a fine line between genius and dementia. If you find any pictures from the reunion (as you mentioned in message 1968), we'd love to put them on line.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Feb 8, 2003
Re: The Shell Station on Hoffman Blvd. I worked in the Planet Pharmacy (Grove & Hoffman) along with R. Martin. Long before us there were so many other OLAS kids that worked there. John Quinn, Bob Schilling my brother Michael and can't remember others. Across the street was a Sunoco Station owned by Cappy, again had OLAS kids working there while in HS. (The Zawacki's) come to mind.
So a small world story for everyone. My daughter had a friend at school and I talked to her father many times as they were together at school, sports, functions, etc. 5 years ago they were away at a music competition and while waiting for the "late" buses to return I and him were talking and one thing led to another and he was the son of Cappy, he used to come into the Drug store on Sat when he was working at his Dad's Gas Station. We talked about all those memories. To all concerned 2 years ago at a play at school I saw Cappy, he is doing well.
Also there was a grocery store on Hoffman Blvd, that we laughed about. Everyone in the area knew it as the "3 Thieves"
Jim Giblin, Class of 1962
e-mail: jagiblin@earthlink.Net
Feb 23, 2003
Hi Everyone - I am astounded by the memories and feel particularly blessed to know that some of my buddies are posting. It is so great to know that we share a common bond with so many others who have such fond memories.I'm beginning to feel better about having those Senior Moments.
Melba and Teddy you have such total recall I can only add a few tid bits of info. The lady in Izzy's store supposedly was his sister, Sylvia. I used to call her Mrs. Izzy and she corrected me a few times and informed me of such. In those days we wouldn't dare call an adult by their first name so Mrs. Izzy seemed more appropriate than Mrs. Sylvia... Teddy - Kudos to Mr. Ruby for not selling you that comic book; that should only happen today. Does anyone remember Mr. & Mrs. Ruby's son, Murray. You should Teddy because you and I used to sing that timeless ditty about him, " Furry Murray's got a Yul Brynner haircut, big head like a 2 by 4! Who recorded that song anyway. We were such hipsters, weren't we! I also might add that we used to refer to the stationer's store as "Armpits" so we can safely assume that their real name was Armitt; they were very nice people and always very courteous. Melba- I also remember going to the lots to smoke when we were around Eleven or twelve, it never "stunted my growth" as promised. The classy Ice Cream Parlor on the East side of Grove was Christenson's (spelling?) and later was something like De Jays? where we bought lemon ice in what we called "squeezy cups." Did we mention that there was also an ice cream parlor on the north side of Springdale across from the Ideal Market called Steve's. Their last name was Danielis and Steve's daughter was named Aphrodite. Super nice people. I think it may have been called Gerose's or Derose's before then. This is tooo much fun!
Melba and Grace it's great to hear from you and everyone else. Joanne D'Addario I believe you were friends with my sister, Anne Smeraldo-Nocera, I'll let her know you are posting. By-the-way ! that was the Perry and Keller School of Dance across from the A & P on Ampere Pkwy. They were former Rockettes who migrated to the 'Burbs. Melba did you & Janice go there? Sheeesh, I've said enough for tonight. TTYL - Peg Smeraldo-Bucci Class of 1960
Peg Smeraldo-Bucci, Class of 1960
e-mail: bmargherite@aol.com
Feb 25, 2003
Finally finished reading the postings. Thanks Ted, et. al., for this wonderful site.
Things I haven't thought about came rushing back. The neighborhood, the old church, the new school; Mrs. McGrath, Sr. Maria (combing Linda Visco's hair)/Ms. McTague, Mrs. Zayac, Sr. Anna Rose, Sr. Margaret Helen, Miss Sibilia, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Sr. Joan ?, Sr. Jacqueline, who did I forget? Sr. Maureen John, Sr. Xavier, Fathers McCarthy, Glenn, Horgan, Byrne, Bob, Flannagan; Mr. Fitzsimmons, Mr. Miller; leaving the school in only one of two ways: Grove St. or Firebox (for those who didn't know where 4th Avenue was); the yellow and black triangular signs indicating fall out shelters; air raid drills where we had to "take shelter" under our desks when the siren went off - what were those desks made of that they could protect us from the bomb?"- The "baby station" at Columbian where we got our shots; Dr. Foley's office on the corner of 4th and Grove, where you knew if they were taking you there that death was imminent; the cops on the corners - Mary, who you didn't mess with. Ever. But I found out that she was really kind-hearted when I fell walking to school one day alone when I was 6 and she took me by the hand and walked me personally into school - Florence, Sam, Gus and Jimmy Carpini; the milk man, George Longo, who saved Kevin-from-Columbian's life when he was hit by a car on Grove St.; Izzies who sold nickel Musketeer bars, (pre-unleaded days) where my older brothers used to get thrown out for, among other things, trying to pull the adhesive tape off the corner of the broken glass candy counter; Charlie's market with the grates on the sidewalk, where we could not afford to shop; the Ideal Market where we could afford to go... I remember carrying 2 bags filled with lettuce because it was 10 for $1.00 and the cashier asking me if we were raising rabbits; the laundromat with the bubble gum machine in it; Ruby's that sold bags of green Army men and naked lady books that we were not allowed to go to; Newmann's; Sarlitt's jewelry store that had motorized Christmas display or was that Newmans?;
Al's/Steve's Luncheonette; Style Cleaners; Sylvia's beauty parlor, Joe's pizza; the TV store and Armitt J. Schmitt's; the Chinese laundry on Grove that the boys ritually ran by yelling, "Bonzai" only to be chased, as they exaggerated, by the sword-wielding owner; the adventure to Hoffman Blvd. where you would ride your passed-down-half-spoked-bike, "through the tunnel" yelling to hear your echo, then on to Cappy's to get FREE air (imagine that); the little park that was built where the army bunkers used to be; the bike shop; going as fast as we could past the cemetery on the way home from seeing Night of the Living Dead, at the Ampere theater, while not going to the Library, and being dared to slip through the iron bars and cut through; Lock Joint; Allaire Overhead Doors, the A&P where you wanted to drink coffee at age 5 and eat sugar plums; Ward's/Tip-Top and scooter pies; the 5 & 10; the dress shop next door, what was the name?; the market on 4th Ave. where Al worked p/t, but can't remember the name; Marie's (?) beauty parlor, where you wished you were going to Dr. Foley's instead, and always prompted a hide-behind-Mooney's garage with mayonnaise sandwiches; walking to Dr. Dolan's the sweetest dentist on Fourth Ave. (who was minus a few digits before I knew he was so nice), during a thunderstorm and not being afraid to stand on someone's porch on Springdale Ave. until it stopped raining; the number streets, the president streets, Holy Name Parades at Blessed Sacrament; mosquito spraying trucks in the summer; the umbrella man;
Carvel on Springdale and Ashland Park ? for fireworks; Soverel Park with the airplane in it; the 90 Grove going to Irvington and passing the brewery and wondering how anyone could drink that stuff; the weekly ride on the 2 Ampere going "downtown" - the 82 Watsessing going to Bloomfield Center; White Castle on Park Ave; Ting-a-ling's ice on Bloomfield Ave., ice skating on the frozen basketball court at Columbia n and the Branch Brook Park rink; paying $.10 to roller skate in the new gym with Sr. Jacqueline - also where one of the DeNotaris' (?) broke the basketball backboard; watching French Lessons on Channel 13 in the cafeteria with 100 other kids and Sr. Anna telling us to be quiet because the lady on the screen could hear us and was going to cancel the lessons - what was she thinking, that only made us louder; the Up With People group that came into the school and my worst case of stage fright; tissue-chapel veils; Forever-Masses in Latin; memorizing 100 questions for Confirmation
I'm Marian # 8 of the 9 Smeraldo's graduating OLAS in 1968, going on to E. O. Catholic, marrying Dominic, 28 years ago, who graduated from the original Essex Catholic in Newark in 1972. We have four children, 3 in college and one beyond and are still in Essex County.
Growing up in E. O., we lived next-door to the Mooneys on Rutledge. Our doors were always open - and unlocked - and to the person on the message board who asked - yes, we felt welcome and as comfortable in their home as in our own. Mary and I are still best friends since birth. I remember, as does Melba, always fun times at the Mooney's parties, card games, fun houses in the basement where Teddy and the elders would scare us little ones running out into the streets; trips to Olympic Park, Bear Mountain, Up Fred's and down the shore, with no less than 6 kids at a time in a CAR - pre-seatbelt era. I remember Mrs. Mooney taking 8 of us on a "day trip" to New York one hot summer afternoon. We didn't make it to our destination, but had a lot of fun walking out of the Lincoln Tunnel when the car broke down inside. I can still see that nice officer's face when Mrs. M. asked if he could give us a lift back to E. O. and I think she told him he could just junk the car because it wasn't worth fixing. That's something you don't see much of today... one woman taking 8 kids out and a speechless Policeman!
Hope to see more of the missing on here. I will tell Lori Walsh, whose parents still live in E. O. on Rutledge and Roosevelt, as of our last meeting.
LTA
Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Feb 25, 2003
You remembered a lot that I had forgotten, Marian. Thanks. Confirmation practice--doesn't it seem like half our childhood was spent in confirmation practice? Probably just because all the other kids were playing.
Remember the Olympic park discount tickets from the Ideal? They let you ride the roller coaster for a dime and some of the other rides for a nickel. How about the fire truck rides? You collected the receipt tape from the Ideal and turned them in for tickets for a ride on a ladder truck.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Feb 26, 2003
Yes, Ted, half our lives were spent in Confirmation practice, the other half in choir practice, but that's a whole other book. I don't recall about those Ideal discount receipts, remember we didn't go anywhere unless your Mom took us, and in later years, when young Alice took Mary and I along as babysitters. I'm sure Mary has a lot of memories, being six months younger than I (that used to be a sore spot with her as we were growing up, but the tables have turned now). I haven't seen her postings yet. How about Kathy, she is such a wonderful writer. Does she know Melba and Janice are on here, I remember her other friends Linda, Lois, Sally and someone named Bubbles. Some creative person could probably write a book or make a movie out of these postings. I will send you the pics from the mega reunion when I find them and I think Kathleen Hart even included addresses of those who attended from our class. I vaguely remember a list of all attendees from the reunion being included. My mission is to prove Mr. Ruiz wrong!
Marian S., Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Mar 29, 2003
Hi all, Marian you are killing me! How did you remember all those places? "The broken glass on the candy counter" at Izzy's? I NEVER pulled on that tape! The Izzy's called me "Miss Wubba-u" (W). I was thier best customer. Archie comics and 16 magazine every week. You forgot the roaches walking on the candy that Izzy would brush away to get your candybar. I too remember the Ampere theatre. We (me and my sister Lori, class of '68) went there with the Deckers to see the Beatles in "A Hard Day's Night".
Ted, I am a lot younger than you, (Sorry) but I do remember your family. Mary was my sis's friend and your family could always be called at anytime if a pipe broke. My parents recently moved from Rutledge ave. Finally! Sorry to see the old house go. Remember Florence, the crossing guard in front of Newman's? Tightly curled blonde hair under her little cap? She was so mean! She scared me. I always walked to Charlies Markets corner to cross.
At OLAS, my favorite teacher was Mrs. Davenport. She was truly the best I ever had. All the nuns scared me. Thank God I only had one in all my years there. Sr. Anne, who I owe my vast knowledge of diagramming a sentence to. When I was in my 20's I work at the "Appian Way " restaurant in Orange. One night I walk up to a table and who is sitting there? Sr. Xavier, Sr. Anne, Sr Regina(she was from EOCH) and some older nun. I nearly fell over. They asked me what I was doing with my life . I said "your looking at it". Went over really big! I served them many rounds of dacquiri's that night. It was so cool watching them get drunk. Bill Hart, Hot Dog Days were a real highlight in my school days. Those were the best under-cooked dogs I ever had! And walking home at lunchtime! Tony Ruiz, I hate to tell you the memory I have of you. It involves class trips, a moving bus and a bag. Sorry. Well guys, this is great! Keep em coming! Patty
Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Apr 1, 2003
Patty Walsh, you little devil... getting those nuns snookered! It must have been a blast. I forgot about Mrs. Davenport, she was great. And you were right, the Mooneys could always be called on to fix a pipe and anything else when you needed a helping hand or ride or whatever. We were very fortunate to have them as neighbors. I cried like a baby the day we moved Dad out of that big beautiful house, so many memories.
Speaking of which, I remember one of our young lay teachers, I believe Miss Sibilia, having us pray for the success of Mr. Decker's recently purchased "lounge." I couldn't understand why we were praying for what I thought was a chair, but of course, didn't question it. Apparently, someone did question it and Ms. Sibilia's head was put on the chopping block. The next day, we had to retract our prayer of the previous day. Such a scandal!
Thanks for letting us know about Sr. John on the obituary page. She was so very sweet.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Apr 7, 2003
Hello Smeraldo's!
If we could only get Kathy Mooney to join in the memories, what stories we could tell. We've stayed in touch, off and on, over the years via snail mail. She says she hates the computer because she is on it so much for work.
Peggy, you and Marian have filled in a lot of details I have forgotten. Like the name of the stationary store owners. I am still a nut about stationery, pens and paper in particular and blame it on all the trips to the store I made when they kept me back in 4th grade and Sr. thought I could miss class time in order to go pick up orders. What a waste that year was.
Good memories about Perry and Keller school of dance. Janice and I did go there, didn't you and Kathy go too. I remember Alice Mooney being a good tap dancer. Do you remember when Kathy joined an acting class? Sr. John Maureen, she was quite a nun. She and my cousin Jeannette Curran where at St. Elizabeth's together and I thought she would cut me a break but she didn't. For some reason she hated my being buddies with the guys. Particularly Tommy Hayes. 8th grade graduation she gave me a bottle of Murine eye drops with a note that said "to get the Hayes out of your eyes". Everyone thought that to be hysterical except for Tommy and me. What grade was that where we had hot dog day to raise money for the less fortunate?
7th was Sr. Rita wasn't it, maybe it was 6th. Anyway, I got in trouble on hot dog day. I bought a second soda and decided afterward I couldn't drink it. I offered it to someone who was going up the aisle to buy one and whatever nun it was went through the roof accusing me of robbing from the poor. It's a wonder we weren't left permanently damaged by some of the looney stuff they did. That same nun gave Janice a stomach ulcer when Janice had her the next year! . Another nun trauma -I made the unfortunate mistake of using a ruler to draw a straight line for some stupid envelope we where suppose to be making from a piece of paper. She picked up my newly sharpened red pencil and dug it into my hand. Still have the scar. In those days you didn't go home and complain you were being abused because it was all your fault anyway and my parents always said they'd give it to me worse than any nun would. When Janice got sick, they finally figured out the problem did not lay with us, but with the nun. I was hoping that situation wouldn't get worked out so I could go to Public School. I guess the Nuns were afraid of losing all the free milk and stuff my father use to leave or have us kids deliver to the convent, because the nun in question backed off and actually started treating Janice nicely. Maybe it was sister Inez? Enough with the nun bashing, back to more pleasant memories. Do you all remember the snow storm around 1957 when we didn't see the ground for months?!
Snow piled high, hardly any traffic and walking in the middle of the streets to get to one another's house. Snow ball fights at the Mooney's, Bobby in the garage and the guys throwing snow balls at the windows to get him to come out. Running in and out the house, dumping clothes out the dryer to dry our all important mittens, Kathy flooding the backyard to make an ice skating rink. Ted, your Mom and Dad had such tolerance. Lastly, there are just some foods that you can't get these days, like Carvel thick shakes, White Castle hamburgers don't taste the same, Italian style hot dogs in Pizza bread topped with french fries, peppers and onions. Anyone remember the rides to Palisades Park and the great vinegar french fries. How about turning 18 and driving up to Greenwood Lake where it was legal to drink and they had great bands. How about the great parties we threw.
Thanks for sharing your memories everyone, it is fun to think back.
Melba
Mary "Melba" Robinson-Rossetti, Class of 1961
e-mail: mrossetti@comcast.net
Apr 7, 2003
I saw my sister Kathy two weeks ago but her computer was in pieces, Melba; I should have brought a laptop with me so she could join in.
Sister Rita was definitely 7th grade, never to be forgotten. I liked most of the nuns, and appreciate all for devoting their lives to educating children. I forgive the mean ones for having come from a different era, and realize kids don't always like what is good for them.
But Rita and a couple of others were really something; it's funny now but it was pretty scary then :-)
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Apr 12, 2003
Hi all, Oh Marian you are right. Mr Decker's lounge. How did I forget that? I remember watching the Moonwalk (1969) in the Decker's basement. Me and Jimmy Decker (class of 70?) hiding behind some fallen sheetrock and Mr D yelling at us to cut it out, history was being made. Like we knew? Ms.( the first Ms.I ever knew) Sibilia was my 3rd grade teacher. I thought she was the most beautful woman I ever saw. Wouldn't it be cool if some of our old teachers found this site? I would love to tell Mrs. Davenport's kids (Joanie and John, she talked about them all the time) how much she meant to me. Maybe next reunion? Patty
Patty Walsh -Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Apr 13, 2003
Well I guess I was brainwashed or something because I think Sister Rita was just a teacher who wanted to make sure we learned.I guess her ways were unconventional but they worked. We ALL learned something in her class and obviously she made an impression on all of us.God bless her she was good at what she did and we who had her were fortunate. Sister Mary Inez was an up and coming "Ritabird". How many of you remember that song?
I remember that snow, it was a doozy, don't remember how long we were out of school but it was really a bad one. Glad I was a kid and had no worries at the time because I can see now that was very serious. My grandkids think hurricanes are neat now ,living in Fl. I do worry about them. Oh to be young again.
I just want to say Thank You to Ted. You have done a great job at getting us together and I really do appreciate it. Your efforts have added something to my life and I hope others feel the same as I do. It's just really nice to know after all these years we all still do have a lot in common even if our lives have taken us soooo... far apart. Again, Thanks Ted
Kathy
(Washington)Tompkins, Class of
1959
e-mail: ktomp@comcast.net
Apr 13, 2003
Thank you, Kathy; I enjoy this the same as you, and it takes me but a few minutes a week.
We were all very fortunate to have an OLAS education, which wouldn't have been possible without the self-sacrifice of the nuns and their love of children. But that doesn't exclude the possibility that some of the kids felt somewhat traumatized by their occasional looniness :-)
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Apr 14, 2003
Melba, loved your "hazy" story! I think Tommy Hayes was Kevin's older brother. I heard that Kevin passed away last year. I remember him being so funny and one of our "cellar-dwellers" along with Ronnie Delanno, Mike Bernal-Silva, Joe Crotty (also passed away recently), Dwight and Allen Terbush, Vinnie Moscaritola, Keith Prescott, along with my brothers Joe and sometimes Ed.
I remember a big snowstorm, but it was in the mid 60's and we have movie footage of all those guys trying to shovel it.
Patty, Ms. Sibilia was our first "Miss" having had nuns and "Mrs." McGrath (one of my favorites) prior to her. She was a breath of fresh air. She was only trying to help the success of Mr. Decker's business, but I guess it was too controversial at the time.
Kathy Washington...are you related to Tommy Washington, who was friends with my older brothers Al, Danny and/or Pete? I don't think you were brainwashed about Sr. Rita, I think you were fortunate to be born the "preferred" gender. I'm sure if Ed and Joe get on here they will elaborate. We were fortunate to get some of the younger nuns and teachers, Sr. Jacqueline and Sr. Kenneth were a lot of fun and got the job done. I agree with you, Ted has done a marvelous job. I'm sure there are more people reading than posting as some I have spoken with say they have bad memories and don't want to post, maybe they will eventually.
Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Apr 15, 2003
None of us have perfect memories these days, eventually someone comes along and helps fill in the gaps and and the fog lifts. Tommy was Kevin's older brother. I think Brian is still in EO as a fireman. What happened to Kevin? Tommy died shortly after returning from Viet Nam. That experience changed the boy I grew up with. Very sad, and I prefer to keep my memories of him as they were when we walked to school together up fourth avenue before I moved to Springdale Ave.
Thanks Kathy for remembering the good in Sr. Rita. I think her soul was good and she really wanted to be a teacher. I believe that she just short in the patience dept. and really did not understand that us kids where not trying to make her life miserable but merely trying to find "our independence".
Do any of you watch American Dream. That program helps to bring back thoughts and feelings long forgotten.
melba, Class of 1961
e-mail: mrossetti@comcast.net
Apr 16, 2003
I believe that Mrs. McGrath started teaching at OLAS as Miss Cahill in 1962 or 1963. I was in her 4th grade class and we went to her wedding at St. Rose of Lima in Newark. Wow! I can honestly say that I have not thought of that in 40 years and why I can remember any of it now is beyond me. Thanks for the nudge, Marian!
Bill Brophy, Class of 1967
e-mail: bbrophy99@aol.com
Hi Everyone, 1st of 3 simultaneously posted messages-- Apr 22, 2003
Haven't written in a while, but had to take a break and join in. I saw a reference to Mrs. Davenport. As far as I know she is still alive. I have exchanged Christmas cards with her for many years now. However, this year I did not receive a card and am concerned. She lives in Vineland, NJ.
Hi Bill Brophy! Mrs. McGrath was my Kindergarten teacher. She was there in 1961 when I started and as far as I know never taught any other class. There was also a Mrs. Zayac who taught second grade. But, that name Miss Cahill sounds so familiar! The names all blend together so many years later!
Sr. Anne Williams was referenced. She was the 7th grade teacher in 1969 and 1970 (maybe other years). She passed away recently.
Also, a reference to Sr. John Williams. I missed the obituary in the paper, but as mentioned she just passed away. She was principal when I was in K - 3rd grade.
I still hear at Christmas time from Sr. Mary Xavier and Sr. Maureen Christopher. Both still active.
Finally, Jimmy Decker was not class of 1970, but I think 1971. Not certain though.
I agree that there were some tough moments, but we did get a good education. I think I can still diagram a sentence!
Have enjoyed the recent memories from you all. So many things I have forgotten and so many I never knew!
Glad you enjoyed the hot dog days as much as I did, Patty.
Does anyone remember the policeman named Marty (O'Hara?)who was stationed in Ampere Plaza? What became of him? Also, there was a policemen on the corner of 4th and Grove named Jim (Carbone?). Does anyone remember Jim? Saw a reference to Florence the crossing guard. Does anyone remember Jackie (corner of Grove and Park) or Lilian (corner of Park and Oraton)?
Regards, Bill Hart 1970
Bill Hart, Class of 1970
e-mail: whart@bankofny.com
Marian I am Tom's youngest sister.I chat with Al and Carol on IM once in awhile. I think Pete was in my sister Alice's class, seems to me for awhile there was a Smeraldo in all the classes.I remember going to your house a lot but I don't remember if it was with Tom or I seem to remember a Peggy? Was there a Peggy around my age? I think the big snowstorm was in 58 or 59. I know I was living on Fourth Ave.2nd of 3 simultaneously posted messages-- Apr 22, 2003
Kathy
(Washington)Tompkins, Class of
1959
e-mail: ktomp@comcast.net
Bill, I think we're talking about 2 different McGrath's. Mine was the elderly kindergarten teacher, with gray hair and glasses, and the sweetest woman you ever met. I do vaguely remember one of the teacher's weddings that was the talk of the town and I think we had a Miss Cahill at E.O. Catholic also.3rd of 3 simultaneously posted messages-- Apr 22, 2003
Do you have your 8th grade graduation picture? I'm sure we passed a million times while changing classrooms in the "new school" but the faces are a blur because we were told to look down and we could expect a detention slip if we spoke to anyone.
I agree with Melba, preferring to remember the "way they were" and don't know why I am remembering this stuff all of a sudden. Hope it's not a sign of alz!
I wish Mary Mooney would get on here, she surely will fill in pieces. It's ok Mary, Sr. Margaret is gone, you don't have to be afraid. If we all say, "red rover, red rover, we call Mary over," maybe she won't be able to resist.
Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Mrs. Davenport was definitely my favorite teacher as well. I have often thought of her through the years. Sister Anne was strict, but she was fair. I went to OLAS from 3rd grade until almost the end of the 7th grade. We transferred to Northern Kentucky at that time. Today at work I was talking about a game we used to play called "Pizza, Pizza, Daddio". Does anyone else remember that? I think I remember it because it traumatized me! No one can believe how shy I used to be now, but I was. I'll never forget that in the 3rd grade, Sister Teresa forced me to get into that Pizza circle and I almost died from embarrassment! 1st of 4 simultaneously posted messages-- Apr 25, 2003
Bill and Marian.... you are both correct! I suffered a major brain blip with the Mrs. McGrath thing. I am now thinking that I had a 4th grade teacher by the name of either Miss Cahill which became Mrs. Grimm or vice versa. Mrs. Mc Grath was my elderly Kindergarten teacher also! If any of these people are reading this ... please accept my apologies. I also remember my second grade teacher Miss McTeague(?), she had 2 St. Bernard dogs and I remember all the 8th graders used to fall over themselves trying to help her with her classroom chores! (She was really good looking.) It's really funny how we remember the oddest things.
Marian ... I moved after 4th Grade and never saw the "new" school. I went to Irvington and 2 years later to Caldwell. I am sure we passed many times in the hall. You were probably classmates with Barbara Lynch who lived across the street from me. Hard to believe that we are talking about things that happened almost 40 years ago! I have trouble remembering what I did last week!
Bill Brophy, Class of 1967
e-mail: bbrophy99@aol.com
Apr 23, 2003
I lived above Caruso's Market at the time. I remember Carmen Caruso chasing me around his store with a pig's head from out of the butcher case. Wow, thinking about all this now...maybe it explains a lot...but, I digress.
Hot Dog Day was great, but it seems like every time I got a hot dog, it had that skin (casing) on it. I would love to hear from any of my old classmates from the class of 1972. I have already heard from Kathy Scioscia. Tony Ruiz, do you remember me? I was best friends with Louise Freeman who lived across the street from you and we used to play house, remember?
Marty the cop? Great guy. "Top o' the morning to ya!" every morning. I'll never forget him either. Anyway, someone write to me, I'd really enjoy that!
Susan Findlay, Class of 1972
e-mail: eukrmom@yahoo.com
WOW! This is getting really good. We'll have to differentiate the Bills like on our Valentine cards. Bill H. and Bill B.
Bill, so nice to hear that you kept in contact with Mrs. D and some of the nuns. I remember hearing at the school closing reunion at the Friar Tuck that some had changed their names, but I'm sure we're talking about the same ones.
I remember Marty and the names Jackie and Lillian. Jimmy Carpini was on Grove and Fourth. Ok, I didn't remember his last name, had to ask my husband as he was the brother of one of his friends. (They were all from Orange.) Jimmy was one of my favorites. He always had a funny story or joke to tell and he had his own names for us. I think we knew all the crossing police only by their first names because they wanted us to think of them as friends, and that's what they were. They left a good impression on us as many of us remember them as part of our young lives.
Kathy Washington. I vaguely remember a beautiful girl with blond hair in a crinolined (sp?) skirt coming to my house with Tommy. Yes, there probably was a Smeraldo in every grade as the first 4 of us were stairsteps and then there was a year or two or three between the last 5. Yes, Peggy is my sister and she would be about your age (I think, or I'm in big trouble if she reads this and I get it wrong). Most people remember her by her beautiful red hair. Glad you are able to connect with Al & Carol on IM. I catch them on there too. They even sent us e-pictures of their family on Easter, they're so good at this.
Glad to hear from all of you. Thanks again, Ted.
Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Apr 25, 2003
Good to see Bill has joined in. He has a great memory for names and events.
Kathy, Peggy Smeraldo graduated OLAS either in 60 or 61. It is sometimes hard to remember since I started out in the class that graduated in 60 and then got held back in 4th grade.
I remember Mrs. McGrath as being elderly also. She was the K-garten teacher for most of the years I was there. I think she started with my sister Janice's class.
I haven't seen anyone mention Sr. Patricia. I can't recall any single event that made me think of her just now, but just an overall sense that she was a special teacher a kind person.
The next few days will be exciting for me as my daughter Dawn gets married in Belmar on Saturday.
Mary/Melba, Class of 1961
e-mail: mrossetti@comcast.net
Apr 25, 2003
Sister Patrici was my favorite, Melba.
At the risk of offending Kathy Washington and others who are not the ingrates that I am, here's my good nun/bad nun list as I recall not just the good days but the minor terrors of my education as well :-)
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Apr 26, 2003
Thanks, Ted, for breaking the ice. Sorry Marian beat ya to it! OK
OK . that's my list. I guess I really liked my time there. Just didn't know it at the time.
Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Apr 26, 2003
Ok,Sister Patricia,3rd grade was special, she helped to make me feel like I was IMPORTANT, so to me she was extra special.Mrs. Mcgrath was an old woman (probably 40) in Kindergarten. Sister mary Inez was a meany but I think she cared. Sister Theresa was mean but I think she meant well just did'nt know how to show it.
What about Mrs. Reardon,is she a memory or a dream? Was she the one we had for gym?as a nightmare.
Marian gee thanks that was probably me with Tom because I was always at his side, a funny looking kid he probably convinced you otherwise,he still has that quality.
Remember the mud and mess when the Parkway was being built? Of course none of us went near it as it was dangerous and against the rules to go anywhere near the construction area. NOT ME I would'nt think of going near it. Your turn.
Kathy Tompkins, Class of 1959
e-mail: ktomp@comcast.net
Apr 28, 2003
Thank you, Susan! I didn't want to be the kill-joy about hot dog day, but I remember those dogs biting back. The grape drink wasn't bad though, and it sure was a great break from sardine sandwiches and pbj's with lettuce (Julia Child's remedy for keeping the bread from getting soaked with the jelly - she was Martha Stewart's mentor). Glad when they came out with fluffernutters.
Ok, thanks Melba. Now I'm in big trouble not knowing Peggy's graduation year. Congratulations to all of you. I'm sure the wedding was beautiful. Hope you took e-pics and will post on here. Hurray back.
Ted and Patty, loved your lists. I started to do one but couldn't remember in the correct order. I'm sure WHEN Mary Mooney and Lori Walsh-Kufta get on here, they will be able to set it straight.
Kathy W. Who could forget Miss Reardon and the Virginia Reel? Kind of reminded me of Ms. Hathaway on the Beverly Hillbillies. A lively woman. Hated wearing our gymsuits under the uniforms; loved walking on my knees. Probably explains a lot.
Remember Tommy as being very tall, thin, blondish hair and reminded me of the actor from the Rifleman, whose name escapes me at the moment.
Can't remember Sr. Patricia who everyone seems to have loved. We had a Sr. Patricia at EOCH, who was very nice, but I don't think they were the same. Remember the parkway mess and the closing of our exit by Oraton Pkwy. and Park or Springdale. Also remember the adults trying to protest the Rt. 280 construction as they said it was going to be the ruination of the town. Hmmmmmm.
Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Does anyone remember Mr. Zarra? I believe he was my 5th grade teacher. I really liked him, too. Apr 28, 2003
Does anyone remember any of my siblings? They are, Ruth Ann Findlay, JoAnn Schwartz, David Schwartz, Billy (Moggie) Schwartz, Herbie Findlay, Dottie Findlay, Linda MacVicker and John MacVicker.
Does anyone remember how they used to sell candy during breaks? I remember a candy bar named "Yes" and those flying saucer shaped things that had candy beads inside them. The shell tasted like communion wafers.
I remember Sr. Maureen (I think) wrote a song about Peanut Butter. It went "Peanut Butter, oh Peanut Butter, if you want to make sure I'm fed, just give me a jar of peanut butter and a half a loaf of bread". "Last night I had an awful dream, it seemed so awful to me. Well, the man who made peanut butter, lost his recipe!" Does anyone remember the rest?
Susan Findlay, Class of 1972
e-mail: eukrmom@yahoo.com
Apr 30, 2003
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Susan said Mr. Zarra! I can't believe I left him out of my list. I think we had him for Math, or English, or Geography or History or Science. Who knows, none of the girls knew what he was teaching - he was so handsome. And very nice. Jimmy or Johnny Zarra was a friend of my brudder Eddie and the only male teacher I remember other than Mr. Mancinelli, the music teacher. (All are invited to correct me if I'm wrong.) Does anyone have the book they made when the new church was built?
I remember the Scwartz's and Moggie was a cool kid. I thought there was a Kenny Findlay. He used to have a band that played at the Presby church on Maple. Maybe I'm getting mixed up.
Keep it going.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Apr 30, 2003
The name of the Rifleman was Chuck Connors, Marian. I remember that I was in the "walk home for lunch group" as opposed to the "bring your lunch to school" group. I felt jealous of all the kids that had the brown bags and lunch boxes. Hindsight and all of the memories tells me that I was fortunate.
Bill Brophy, Class of 1967
e-mail: BBrophy99@aol.com
May 2, 2003
Forgive me for intruding but I have no connection to any of this other than that Bobby Meserlin is my cousin.
I was born in East Orange, NJ September 18, 1952.
Lived in Bloomfield (on Wagner Street and later on Boughton Avenue) before moving to the Youngstown, Ohio area (Austintown to be specific) at the ripe age of 12/13. Dad worked for General Motors in Bloomfield, but took a position at the new Lordstown, Ohio plant back then. The Bloomfield plant was being closed at the time.
Went to Demarest Elementary School and North Junior High in Bloomfield before moving.
Have very fond memories of those years as well as fond memories of family get-togethers with the extended members of the Meserlins and the Brownlies.
Bobby was older than me. He had a sister named 'Bunny'. I liked my older cousins a lot and looked up to them. Haven't seen them in years. There are other older cousins amongst my extended family like Donald Schwartz, a teacher in Livingston (currently, I'm not sure).
Mine and Bobby's grandfather was the late Albert Meserlin, Sr., who lived in West Orange. He worked for Thomas Edison. We would gather at his home around Christmas. My grandfather would 'pretend' to be Santa Claus and would pass at gifts to all of us.
The doctor, Ken Crater, on Bloomfield Avenue, was my uncle and married to my father's sister. He has since passd away.
I have been searching at various sites and came across your messages when searching under the name 'Meserlin'. I hope I have not been intrusive and too forthcoming.
The last name of Meserlin is not too common and when yahoo searching on it, I was pleased to find that I am related to all of them, but a little disappointed that I cannot find much information before the beginning of the 20th Century.
So, there's my motivation and thank you for your time.
Barry Veverka-Brownlie, Class of n/a
e-mail: BBrownlie@aol.com
May 2, 2003
Marian
I have a copy of the new church book....
There is a picture of 7 nuns who were at the school in 1963
Sr Mary Xavier,Principal
Sr Anna Rose
Sr Margaret Helen
Sr Marian Gabriel
Sr Teresa Michael
Sr Mary Jacqueline
Sr Jeanne Clare
None of them were there in 1950 when I graduated...
Incidentially...guess who was in my class ?
Bob Manning, Class of 1950
e-mail: manningbob@att.net
May 2, 2003
Thanks, Bill B. I, too, was in the "walk home lunch group," we couldn't afford lunchboxes. After having cleared the cafeteria a few times with sandwiches of liverwurst, bologna and picalilly (I still can't even say the word without puckering) and those famous Smeraldo- sardine sandwiches, I didn't mind being at hot dog day because everyone was eating the same thing.
Ok, Ted. I know you must have rolled your eyes to the heavens when you got my e-mail about not being able to read the names of the classmates in the class pictures when I put my mouse over them. Did you mutter, "Oh brother?" Duh. I'll take my lumps. That's where the offspring come in. In case there's any other computer dummies out there...you position the mouse over the person's picture and DON'T CLICK. Their name does not show up on the person's face (silly me), it shows up on the gray bar at the bottom of the screen on the left! Ted, you truly are amazing. I'm not even going to ask how you managed to set that up. Speaking of duh...do you remember, "duh, huh?" with a flip of the hair. Mary hated that. Remember the "qwa?" (sp?) Can you get one on here?
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com