Letter #
Letter #
May 2, 2003
I hadn't check the OLAS page for awhile. What a surprise. This is a walk into history. I have to load my printer and print this out. Then organize it somehow. To answer a few questions. Officer James Carpini worked the crossing at 4th and Grove for many years. He then worked the Court Squad until he retired. Officer Martin Huben Sr., worked the 4th Ave. beat, after Officer Gus Elorette retired. Off. Huben lived on 4th Ave., between 21st St. and 20th St.. His son Marty Jr., came on the job in the late 70's got hurt and was forced to retire. Have to make reading this page a weekly event. Met Bill Hart at a book signing several years back. He has quite a collection of EO articles.
Trivia question: Anyone remember the Lake Beverage Co. in EO.?
John D. LeGates, Class of 1962
e-mail: delfiascocorp@hotmail.com
May 7, 2003
Thank you, Bob Manning. You are a lucky man...referring to your first and third sentences and if my guess of "Anne" is correct. You just made me realize that 2 or 3 of my siblings graduated OLAS before I was born. Ahh, I feel young again! I will check with Anne for her business website address, it includes recent pics of her and her husband.
Thanks John LeGates for the update on our old friends. I remember getting deliveries to our house (just like the milk delivery), of Brookdale soda in glass bottles, pre-twist-off caps, but I don't know if that was the company name. Give us another hint, please. Don't make me cheat and ask the elders. I also, remember seltzer bombs and bottles and making our own drinks.
Thanks again.
Marian S.
Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
May 7, 2003
Hello everyone,
Had to interject again.
Susan: The writer of "Peanut Butter" was Sr. Mary deMontfort (aka Eileen Casey Moore). She was the 6th grade teacher in 1966-67, 1967-68 and I think 1968-1969,when she transferred to Immaculate Conception in Montclair. (I think). Sr. Mary left the order many years ago. She is married and lives in northwest NJ. I remember only one other verse of the song: "Peanut butter sticks to the top of your mouth and there's nothing you can do. Peanut butter for breakfast, will last the whole day through." Sr. deMontfort was the closest thing OLAS ever had to a singing nun. She was noted for her math skills, folk Masses, the fun you had in class, and the impossible punish lessons she dished out as a result of that fun! (Like printing out a few pages of the dictionary).
On teachers, I thought I'd list the ones who taught the class of 1970:
K: Mrs. McGrath
1: Sr. Marie deSalles
2: Mrs. Zayac
3: Sr. Anna Rose
4: Sr. Miriam Gabriel
5: Sr. Margaret Helen
6: Sr. Mary deMontfort
7: Sr. Anne Williams
8: Sr Catherine Dwyer.
As you can see, we were "nun heavy". Our principals were Sr. John Maureen followed by Sr. Mary Xavier. The pastors were Fr. McCarthy followed by Fr. Flanagan.
I remember Mr. Zarra. (Though I thought it was Zarro). He taught us history one year. As I recall, he lived over near Stockton School. He was pretty cool. He told us back then that by the time we were adults a college degree wouldn't be enough, we would need a masters. I've no idea what became of him.
Yes, I remember Billy (Moggie) Schwartz (sp). He was cool, and always very nice to me.
One last note. I was saddened to see that my alma mater, Essex Catholic High School will close this June. I'm glad that EOCH had their reunion there this year so that they could have one last look.
Bill Hart, Class of 1970
e-mail: whart@bankofny.com
May 9, 2003
i-yi-yi. How could I have forgotten Sr. deMontfort? She was one of the "side-liners" (not our all day teacher). Bill H. was exactly right, she was our "Singing Nun."
Talked to my brother, Ed, who was friends with Jimmy Zarra, Johnnie's younger brother. We can't remember if it was Zarra or Zarro, but Ed thinks Zarra, as the funeral parlor is Zarro's. He thinks. Anyway, the last contact with Jimmy found him owning a unisex hair salon right here on S. Livingston Ave., Livingston. He couldn't remember the name but said it was above a group of stores. He believes Johnny was living in Madison at the time. And married. (sniffle). I remember going to their house in E.O. to get a haircut, when Jimmy was practicing in his basement, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mr. Z. No such luck.
Speaking of haircuts, does John LeGates know Louie Izzy from the EOPD?
We are all saddened about the closing of Essex Catholic/Bishop Francis. Wish I knew EOCH had a reunion there this past year. I didn't catch the story, what will it become now?
Stay well everyone.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
May 11, 2003
Marian, Yes I know Louie Izzi. He retired as an LT from the EOPD last year. Spoke to him the other day. We plan to get together for lunch.
The Brookdale Soda Company was not the Lake Bev. Co., .
Here is another triva question about home deliveries:
Remember Henry Becker & Son Dairy from Roseland, they were the last to use horse drawn milk delivery wagons in EO.
(Showing my age now). Where was his stable located in EO?
(Hint, Got this info from my mother years ago, she grew up in the Doddtown section)
Enough for now will return next week.
John D. LeGates, Class of 1962
e-mail: delfiascocorp@hotmail.com
May 20, 2003
Bill Hart .... there was also a Mr. Zarro who was a Gym teacher at Essex Catholic. I had him through 1971 when I graduated. Talk about the facts all running together!
Bill Brophy, Class of 1967
e-mail: BBrophy99@aol.com
May 21, 2003
This is wonderful! Thank you Kathy Washington Tompkins for letting me know about this site! The walk down memory lane makes me feel like a kid, again. The familiar names are, for me, only half right! John LeGates, do you have a brother Larry who graduated in 1958? And I definately saw the name Prescott, but the one I remember having a major crush on was Arthur! Didn't really know Eddie Rabbit, but graduated with his younger brother, John. I say younger, because, over the years, as I read about Eddie (God rest his soul) he had become younger than I! Didn't Eddie run away from home at 16 or 17?
Hello Smeraldos! If my name doesn't ring a bell, try this: I'm Carol Fritz Smeraldo's first cousin and at the ripe old age of fifteen, I had the honor of being in her bridal party! You were barely beyond rugrats if I remember correctly!
Can't thank all of you enough for the taste of bologna sandwichs at Colombian Park and the amazing bread and chocolate smells of the Forth Ave. walk home to 18th St.
John LeGates, you're right, we did have a great place to grow-up!
Please, if anyone out there has contact with class of '58 members, get them involved. Trust me, they'll thank you for it.
Oh, have I got a Sr. Rita story for you guys! I still have nightmares! First, you have to remember the "Cloak Closet" doors. They had a setup that allowed you to push in to open them. One afternoon, late as usual, because the entire class was being "kept after", Sr. Rita decided to lay a little corporal punishment on Johnny Dunnigan! I had the misfortune of sitting in front of him. She started her ruler routine and got so into it that she fell over backwards ... the closet popped open, in she fell ... and the closet popped closed! The HORROR! We were terrified! Not one of us had the nerve to get up from our backs straight, eyes forward, hands folded on desk positions! Truth is, I, to this day, don't know how she got out. But I do know we all paid for it with many detentions! God forgive me, but if Sr. Rita had been born 40 yrs. later, she'd be on Jerry Springer in her "Dominatrix" outfit with her pet male on a leash!
My own personal favorite nun was sixth grade's Sr. Therese, pronounced Teraze. I know this because I actually took her name at my Confirmation!
For those of you younger or older than I, I am also related to Diane Holland Magill (my sister) class of '61, and the Scioscia's.
Hope to see some feedback! Going out-of-town Fri., May 23and will be looking forward to visiting the site when I return on June 4!
Virginia Holland, Class of 1958
e-mail: Auntiegin2@aol.com
May 26, 2003
To my fellow classmate and card buddy John LeGates. I remember Lake soda very well, and as someone else mentioned Brookdale soda.
The only time we had Lake soda was at the annual carnival at columbian park. I do not beleive it was an E.O. company but was from Newark on Lake Street. Brookdale soda I remember very well they were in the "Brookdale" section of Bloomfield, off of Passaic Ave.
What's really interesting is that both Lake and Brookdale had the odd flavors of the day (Lemon, Fruit Punch, lime etc) when all we had in the stores was Coke (6oz) Pepsi, nehi (Go Radar 'MASH') and the new guy on the block a 16oz bottle of Royal Crown.
John, did I win!
Jim Giblin, Class of 1962
e-mail: jagiblin@earthlink.net
May 29, 2003
John LeGates, I remember before my family moved to East Orange in or around 1950 we lived on Jefferson street in Orange. Becker's stable was directly across from my house. I don't have any memory of it since I was just a baby. My Father told us a story about a driver out in a snow storm, the driver could not find his way back to the stable, he knew he was in trouble, so he unhitched the horse so it could make it back and not freeze. I don't know if the driver made it or not, but he saved his horse.
Linda Flavell class of 1962
Linda Flavell Thomas, Class of 1962
e-mail: Linmar514@optonline.net
May 29, 2003
To my classmate and fellow Nam Vet, Jim Giblin. You batted a thousand on that one. I have several Lake Soda bottles and also a soda crate, all are stamped with East Orange as an address. To Virgina Holland, my brother William , better known as Frank LeGates was in the class of 58. The answer to the trivia question on Henry Becker and Sons Dairy: thier stable was located at North Park St. & Dodd St.. My mother (God Rest Her) told me that she and her friends would play around the stable and help out to earn money. I am looking for a Henry Becker & Son milk bottle to add to a bottle collection, if anyone can help out. Enough for now will check in next week. John LeGates Class of 1962
John D. LeGates, Class of 1962
e-mail: delfiascocorp@hotmail.com
Jun 3, 2003
In reading through all the responses here I found many questions. I will give my recollections and hope to answer some and jog some memories.
Al Smeraldo, Class of 1952
e-mail: algreat@sunlink.net
Jun 4, 2003
Gee Al ,I can't wait to hear some of your memories. You and Tom have been around awhile and you still have your wits about you I guess ,at least that is what he tells me. Good to see you in here. Hi to Carole.
Kathy (Washington) Tompkins, Class of 1959
e-mail: ktomp@comcast.net
Jun 4, 2003
The rest of my message didn't go through my server knocked me off. I remember a cop named Marty on the corner of Springdale and Grove. He used to swing the little kids across the intersection if they asked. This was in the late 40s early 50s. Can you see this happening today? The playground supervisors were Mike West, Graham Skea, and two pretty girls named Alma & Susan. Mike later owned the State Farm agency on 4th ave. Later moved to Livingston. Graham (we might have called him "skippy") later became head of the recreation dept. I think he was responsible for getting the jet planes for the parks. Alma was always very nice to us kids. she was the dark haired one. Susan was a blond and taught us tennis. Anybody remember making lanyards from plastic lacing?
Al smeraldo, Class of 1952
e-mail: algreat@sunlink.net
Jun 4, 2003
More: The custodian at OLAS when I was there was mr. Shields. The Thanksgiving parade when I was small went down Roseville ave. Anybody remember playing buck buck in the schoolyard? The name of the stationary store on Springdale just west of Maple was Charles J. Armitt. There was a barber shop there also. On the corner was an appliance store. Ruby's was not originally on the corner they moved there when the Shop Rite expanded. That corner store changed several times. I did some stock work for a lady named Selma Knect who had a childrens clothing store there. The next store down was Springdale Wines & Liquors, then Rubys, then Master's grocery. The Ideal market was next, then Feindt's Hardware, Jimmy's Produce and then Izzy's.
Al Smeraldo, Class of 1952
e-mail: algreat@sunlink.net
Jun 9, 2003
I only have one thing to say. Albert, you either wrote all this stuff down when you were roaming the streets of EO knowing one day others would be struggling to put their fragmented memories together OR you have a super long term memory for details. Hope life has been good to you and so glad to see you posting here. I've been in the process of moving and hopefully will soon have the time to write more. Melba
mary melba robinson-rossetti, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Jun 9, 2003
I've been checking this site occasionally for several months and it has sure brought back some fond memories. Al, your recollections of Columbian Playground and Springdale Ave. got me thinking (my "forgetter" is much better than my "rememberer" these days -- CRS, I guess!). My father owned the hardware store on Springdale until 1948 and I spent a lot of time in Ruby's and Izzy's (I do remember that taped candy display case like it was yesterday.) In addition to Mr. Shields, Mr. Fitzsimmons was a custodian around the same time. I remember Harry being the cop on Springdale and Grove (he signed my autograph book which I still have). I also do remember playing "buck buck" in the schoolyard (I'm sure that wouldn't be permitted now-a-days for fear of personal injury insurance claims). I seem to remember spending half of my time at Columbian Playground playing basketball or sitting at the green picnic tables playing pinnocle. That's all for now; I'll be back!
Ted Feindt, Class of 1953
e-mail: thfeindt@aol.com
Jun 13, 2003
What I remember most intensely about Columbian Playground is the Fourth Ave. entrance across the street from OLAS -- and its locked gates in the early spring.
As a small child at OLAS, I looked longingly across the street because we were restricted all winter to pretending to play baseball by pitching rolled up white socks back and forth to friends and siblings. As the weather warmed I really felt like I was locked "behind bars" until they finally opened the gates for the season and set us free to play baseball! I was a really bad baseball player, but that made no difference in the tortured waiting; I'll bet a lot of other boys felt the same, even those who could play the game :-)
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Jun 16, 2003
Wow! It's great to see all the new postings on here since my break of double graduations, etc.
Ginny Holland, thanks for almost getting me fired. I sneaked(?) on when I was at work (a library-like atmosphere) and read your e-mail about Sr. Rita. I ried desperately to control my hysteria, quietly shaking but when the tears came rolling down my cheeks, I got caught and proceeded to run out of the room.
I do remember some of Al & Carol's wedding, too, even though I was about 6. Your sweet Aunt (?) Charlotte (my kids called her Gram too) used to help Carol babysit when they were little. We almost got to see Chris & Gerry Scioscia last week at my brother Pete's doctorate party. Unfortunately, Chris wasn't feeling well and couldn't attend. Ahh, the Prescots. All the older girls had a crush on Artie, but he was long steady with ... (I forget her name, I think she was tall, pretty blond girl). His younger brother, Keith, equally as handsome, was one of our cellar-dweller couch-critters.
Congrats to Jim Giblin for the trivia answers. I loved Brookdale pineapple, lemon-lime, and even Tom Collins mixer, that we weren't ever supposed to drink. There was another "mixer" soda in there, but can't remember what it was.
Loved Linda Flavell Thomas' horse story. Add another one for Jefferson St...by the time you read this, you will probably have heard that President Bush was visiting Orange today to the Andrea Food company, which I believe is still on Jefferson St.
Al/Ted Feindt, was buck buck later known as duck duck? If not, please spill to those of us who don't know. Remember seeing those plastic lanyards made by the older kids. We weren't allowed to go to Columbian, I think it had something to do with "Whacky Jack" the supervisor.
Webmaster Ted, I forgot about that entrance to Columbian. We were told never to go in that way, that it was very dangerous in there. Then one day when we couldn't have gym at OLAS, they let us go to the field at Columbian, through those very dangerous gates and found out what a nice field they were hiding, not to mention the best gym classes we ever had. I'm sure Mary remembers much more than I, if we could only get her on here.
Good luck with your move, Melba. Hurry back.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Jun 20, 2003
Oops, Marian! Sorry about that! Glad you're back. Maybe you can help find some of those missing people from '58. Where have the goodlooking Prescott's gone? Any of them around? I've been blessed to find Michael Giblin, and we are looking for some others. Told my cousin, Joan Fritz, about the cite, and she has helped me account for Pat Godwin. She also told me, sadly, of the passing of Elaine Radeke. She was a great '58 and also attended EOCH with us. God rest her soul.
Congrats to Pete on his Doctorate!
Be back soon!
Ginny Holland, Class of 1958
e-mail: Auntiegin2@aol.com
Jul 2, 2003
Great site, don't know how I found it, but what a trip down memory lane. Marian you're the best, can't remember as well as you, to many slaps to the head, by our great teaching staff. I can't believe I still go to church, recall Fr. Byrnes dragging me out of the confessional. 9:00am mass, if you missed you had to bring a note to Sr John in front of the 8th grade class.
Sad to hear that Kevin may have passed away, knew about Crotty, worked with Joe, in the Prosecutor's Office. How's you're brother Joe.
Everyone is right it was great. Springdale Ave, Al's 5 cent soda, Charlie's Meat Market, playing hot soup at Columbia by the wooden boat in the sand, hopping roofs, being a jr squad.
Vincent Moscaritola, Class of 1965
e-mail: Doctor482@aol.com
Jul 6, 2003
Hi Ted Feindt I knew that it was your father who owned the hardware store. I just didn't mention it. Didn't you live on Ampere pkwy? I think I went to your house once. Melba I didn't write this stuff down I remember it. How many of you know that Izzy's had a soda fountain in the back? It was covered with so much stuff that you couldn't see it. How do I know this? I actually worked there for 2 days. I changed their window for them. They couldn't climb up into it any more. It hadn't been changed in years. I took all the faded boxes of Strombecker models out of it and made a new display for them.
Al Smeraldo, Class of 1952
e-mail: algreat@sunlink.net
Jul 8, 2003
OMG, Ted, this is a happening...the secrets of Izzy's revealed and a cellar-dweller emerges when I wasn't looking!
Great job, Al. The day after you quit Izzy's they put those faded boxes back in the window and left them there for another 15 years.
Vinnie M. I thought you were still in the basement of 214 Rutledge. Thanks. I'm LOL about the slaps and your Fr. B. story. One question - Was it BEFORE or AFTER you confessed that he dragged you out? He was truly a man of hair-trigger temper. I only got the yaaaad stick once from Sr. Anna Rose when I turned around to pass an eraser to Mary M. I remember thinking that I would die instantly and go straight to hell if I took that stick and hit her back. I'm sure your brother, Master Anthony, got his ears boxed from her once or twice.
Yes, very sad about Hayes and Crotty. Let them be the last. My brother, Joe, has been living in N. Myrtle Beach, SC, he has two sons, 18 & 22. He and Patti divorced a few years ago. I have a picture of the two Joes and will send to Ted to post. Maybe you remember some of our other cellar dwellers, I think I forgot some. If you get a chance, please check my posting of April 14 and let us know who's missing. I remember someone with short, dark curly hair. And don't forget to go to the message boards and "Start a new thread" for your class year. There are none so far and you will be the first one in. Say hi to Anthony and tell him not to be shy about posting.
Thanks Ginny. I will try to find some of the '58ers through my older siblings. I went back to the message board remembering someone having said they kept in contact with the Prescots. I found Frankie Fehn's posting under the class of '66 I think. He kept in contact with them. I tried to e-mail him but unfortunately he has since changed his e-mail address. The last we heard about Keith was my brother Ed ran into him some years ago at a car dealership on Bloomfield Ave. (not literally). Sounds like from Frank's posting they may be in Sussex County. I saw Joanie about a year ago at a family function, she looked terrific. Very sorry about Elaine Radeke, much too young.
Take care everyone and stay cool.
Thanks Ted, see you soon.
M.A.
Marian (Smeraldo) Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Jul 12, 2003
Before I respond to memories. Have you tried getting in touch with Frank Fehn through classmates? If you don't have a membership through which you can email him via the site, let me know and I'll make contact for you. I think he is living in the Hackettstown area.
Well, I've moved into our new home and of course we are still unpacking boxes and all that stuff. Before I get busy, I thought I'd better take some time to write. Jimmy's birthday just passed, June 23rd, and all my thoughts were of him that day. He was so happy when I showed him Teddy's site when I was visiting him in Savannah last May. Jim had such a good memory for people's names and events. He could have added so much more than I have been able to. So, today some of my remembrances will include those that include Jim. Just as Mrs. Mooney thought Ted was a genius, my Mom thought there was no child born that could compare to her Jim. Unlike me, he never got into trouble...except for once when Sr. Rita found a water pistol in his jacket pocket. She did single out the boys, going through their coat pockets in the closet. She confiscated Jim's pistol and he got really hot with her. She reported his "impudence" to our parents and my Dad laid into him that night. At the start of every school year, starting with k-garten my mother would remind us of the rule, don't let me hear you have misbehaved in school or you'll get it twice as bad when you get home. There was no way Jim could get them to understand Sr. Rita had no right going through his coat and taking away the water pistol. He wasn't going to use it in school, just on the way home.
Remembering Jim and Columbian. The dances they had in the summertime. Jim taught me how to dance the jitterbug. Frankie Lymon and "do you want to dance" was one of the popular songs he would throw me around to. He used me to practice swinging a girl to either hip, between the legs and then spinning. Six years ago on one of my visits to Savannah while out in the Six Pence Pub (featured in the movie Let's Give them Something to Talk About) we tried reviving our jitterbug. For some reason I just didn't move quite as fluidly as I did in the 60's!
I had many favorite hang outs, the best being the Park and so I never let the gate being closed stop me. Winter time, I would go through the Springdale gate, carrying my ice skates, hide them in the fireplace in the upper right corner off the ballfield, and then out the Fourth Ave. gate. That way, after school I had my skates and could start ice skating before any of the other kids got there. I just tucked the skirt of my uniform in the "leggings" of the snowsuit. I don't remember that the gate at that end was kept closed....did I squeeze through the side closest to the houses? or did I dare to climb during daylight. At night several of us would hide out waiting for them to close the gates so we could have the park to ourselves. Looking back I can't for the life of me understand what that attraction was all about, but at the time it must have been "neat".
Al, Izzy's store was the only one that you would ever see cock roaches climbing the walls. That place was such a pig's sty. The newspapers and junk that they had stored in there, it is a wonder the fire marshal didn't close them down as a fire hazard. The luncheonette I remember on the same side as Newman's drugs was Al's and he eventually started having a problem with cock roaches. He was closed down until he got that nasty little problem corrected. In emptying boxes I found two envelopes that pictures came in. One was from Newman Drug store and the other was from Oscar's Lunch 199 Sixteeth Ave. East Orange.
Ted, do you remember when you had to wear an arm band to signify that you had whopping cough, or some other such disease?
Vincent, one memory of Fr. Byrne and his hair trigger anger. I thought we were having a mature philosophical discussion on divorce when us public high schoolers went to CCD on Wednesday nights. I commented that I thought there were circumstances where divorce was preferable than two people staying together making themselves and their children miserable. He literally jumped in my face, eyes bulging and face red asking me how I could even fathom such a notion. Not being one to easily back down, I said easy; there are some bad family situations were the wife and kids would be better off away from the jerk. Class was dismissed early that night. MM
Mary (Melba) Robinson, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Jul 16, 2003
Sr. Rita and Fr. Byrne: I didn't like 'em then and, although I appreciate their dedication to what they believed in, I don't like 'em now. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is about the closest I can come to gratitude :-)
Melba, scan those picture envelopes if you can and we'll add them to a memorabilia page. Newman's drug store was a 'good neighbor' like you just don't see anymore. Long after OLAS days (after high school and college even), I'm 21 years old and working. And every week I'm bringing my pay check to Newman's, buying nothing, and Dr. Aaron (?, I think that was his name) is cashing them for me. About the 6th time, as he's giving me the cash, he says he's happy to help this way once in a while, but he's not the bank. It was such a different time that I was completely naive about the imposition that I had been making, and I had the nerve to be mad at him about his comment! Yes, we had it good in those days.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Jul 22, 2003
Melba, are you still in Jersey? I think we should all come help you unpack those boxes! Very sorry to hear about Jim's passing. You should be proud of yourself for directing him to the site and that he was able to post. You have great postings. Loved reading about the dances and Columbian. Always enjoy Fr. B. stories, can just picture that vein bulging out of his forehead. And that water pistol problem, what was the big deal? Today, they bring real guns to school and loaded. Could you imagine her today snooping through the pockets and finding one? She wouldn't have stood a chance.
I remember Al's Luncheonette "other problem." He bought/gave liquor to my brother Joe and some of the other boys (much underage). He delivered him on our doorstep, stone-cold-plastered. I remember my mother screaming at him that Joe had a heart condition. Think he was closed a while after that.
Remember in the mid 60's there was some kind of dreaded disease going around. I had German measles and was sick for what seemed an eternity. In those days, you stayed in bed, in your room with the door shut, by yourself until the next one got it and then they could come in and suffer with you.
Ted, was Dr. Aaron and Mr. Green the same person at Newman's? One time I went in there and walked up to the counter asking him if he had the two hot products of the day.... Protein 21 (shampoo that helps you beat the frizzies) and Pretty Feet (a miracle lotion that removed dead skin). He bent down behind the counter for a minute and came around from the side. He had the shampoo in one hand and his shoe and sock in the other. He asked me, "What do you think?" as he pointed to his bare foot.
Yup, those were the days.
Marian S.
2003P.S. At the risk of looking like a "hussey/floosey," I will not be contacting Frank Fehn to find the whereabouts of the Prescots. I will, however, contact my brother Pete, who my brother Ed told me bought his last car from Artie Prescot not long ago. Will fill you in.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Jul 22, 2003
Al, yes, I did live on Ampere Parkway on the corner of Rutledge Ave. I do remember you (although you were a year ahead of me). There was a vacant lot on the corner next to my house and we kids used to play there quite often, so, its probable that you were at my house. The mentions of Sr. Rita brought back a memory I'd like to share. Sr. Rita (7th grade, I believe) caught myself and a couple of other guys throwing spitballs in class (I'm sure it was the eye in back of her head). As punishment, we had to report to the convent on Saturday morning and sat on the porch steps until we had made 3000 spitballs each (using our own spit!). I think it was years before my fingerprints reappeared. (I gave up spitballs after that!) I really enjoy this dialog.
Ted Feindt, Class of 1953
e-mail: thfeindt@aol.com
Jul 28, 2003
I really don't want to be a site-hog, but here's my stories of the week:
Talked to my brother, Dr. Pete. He did not buy his car from Art Prescot. While he was picking up his wife's car, Art came over and introduced himself. Art is the Manager of Pre-owned cars at Mercedes of Morristown, NJ and CA. I called to get an e-mail address for him, but they said they do not have one.
On Thursday, I had an emergency appt. with a new dentist. While I was straight-jacketed in the chair, with a mouth filled with metal, rubber and the kitchen sink, his assistant, who I had not seen, came in and started talking behind me about her plans for the weekend. They included going out with some old and new friends, one of which she referred kindly to as "Miss East Orange." Not being able to say a word, and not wanting to miss an opportunity to connect, I pretended I was gagging. It worked, I was freed and able to turn around and ask who she and Miss E.O. were. She is Gail (Forenza(sp?) Caprio. She went to E.O. Catholic and grew up in Orange. (Not related to Robert or Cynthia Caprio from E.O.) Miss E.O. is Karen La - something (I can't remember the last name but will ask again when/if I go back next week.) I also gave her the website address to give to Karen. She said she knows everything and everyone from E.O. Hopefully, she will sign on soon.
On Saturday morning, I went to my old hair salon in Willowbrook, getting ready to go Ted Mooney's who, along with his lovely wife, were so graciously hosting a 25th Anniversary party for his sister, Mary and her wonderful husband, Jim. Having been the Matron of Honor at their wedding and wanting to "re-create" the haircolor of that day, I went for the works. Sitting endlessly at the sinks with my eyes closed while the "chemicals" were washed out of my hair, two of the stylists started to chat about their plans for the weekend. To quote Yogi, "it was Dejavu all over." She mentioned something about friends from E.O. My eyes popped open, as well as the 2 people sitting next to me when I sat up and flung my wet head around splashing all of them. I asked her who she knew from E.O. She said her husband was from E.O. I asked her name and she said "Schwartz." I said Mogey. She screamed "Yes. How did you know that?" And on and on. I gave her the website address. Mike Piggott is the godfather to their baby. And she mentioned other names which I wasn't familiar with, but will get them. So, I think it was Susan and Patty who asked what happened to Mogey. He's not far away, living with his beautiful wife, Maria and daughter, I think she said in Belleville.
Oh, in case you're all wondering, the party was great. You should all come to Teddy & Mary's next party. They have a great house on the lagoon with a boat and 2 very nice boys. And you all know the address, so drop in anytime. Congratulations to Mary & Jim. And also congratulations to their oldest son, Jeff. He scored 1595 on his college boards! And is a phenomenal basketball player.
I sent a note with the website address to Linda Codomo Komoniewski who moved to Florida from Union after leaving E.O. After I sent the note, I found out my youngest son's girlfriend's family lived across the street from Linda when she lived in Union. I pulled out pictures I had taken from her wedding and they recognized the house. Small world.
Yesterday, I was going to church. An elderly woman started blowing her horn and flagging me down in the parking lot. I didn't know who she was. She asked me if I would mind taking her envelope and putting it in the collection basket for her. She said she just didn't feel up to staying for services. I told her I understood and would gladly do it for her. She looked as if she was going to cry. I asked if she was alright and she said yes with tears in her eyes. The Mass was for my mother and father's 28th and 25th anniversary, respectively. I tried not to look at her envelope, but curiosity took over. So I reasoned with myself that it was okay to look so I could send her a card to wish her well. Before I dropped it in the basket, I looked. Her first name was Margaret, the same as my mother, and I just know she has some connection to E.O. But you know what they say about curiosity, so... that's the end of this story.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Jul 28, 2003
This is my first time on this web site. I have been having such a great time reading through all these messages. I graduated in 1969. My brothers Phil and Tom and my sister Sally all graduated from OLAS also. I have some great memories and some not-so-great memories of OLAS. I vividly remember all of my teachers.
Mrs. McGrath - Kindergarten;
Sr. Marie deSales - 1st grade;
Mrs. Zayac - 2nd grade;
Sr. Anna Rose -3rd grade;
Mrs. McGuggart (Sr. Jacqueline's younger sister) - 4th grade;
Sr. Margaret Helen -5th grade;
Sr. Mary deMontfort -6th Grade;
Sr. Jacqueline - 7th Grade and
Sr. Eileen Casey - 8th grade (up to mid year when she left to marry and was replaced by Mrs. Gleason who was retired and very old at the time).
I have never forgotten singing in choir and I still remember all the hymns. I remember Bill Hart (are you the read-haired Bill Hart who lived off of Park Ave?) I remember your sisters also. I lived on North Arlington Avenue and we walked home the same way each day. Only one person from 1969 wrote in the guest book. I hope some others come forward soon. It would be great to hear from them. Betsy Malia Mroz, Class of 1969
Elizabeth (Betsy) Malia, Class of 1969
e-mail: bladyone@aol.com
Jul 28, 2003
Hi all, Marian, wonderful as usual. The mass card must have freaked you out.
Last Jan. Me and my hubs were heading to E.O to help ,finally, my parents move from Rutledge ave. I instructed hubs (he's from Green Brook and thinks I came from the "big bad city")to take the E.O exit. The one where you pass the Blood Bank. S. Grove. As we make our way past burned out apts, my hubs is going" Get me out of this Neighborhood, but I had him where I wanted! As we approached Park Ave, I pointed out where Karen and Patty Hart lived (twins in my class) where Alberto and Maria Echevarria lived (Alberto was in my class, Mary a year younger) and where Alberto Machado lived(the Spanish David Cassidy) who I dated in Junior year at EOCH.YOWZAA!
The church is now a Baptist church.(What would Fr. Byrne think!) I tryed to get him to turn on 4th ave so I could see the front of the school but he wasn't going for it. I was pointing out that this is where we had recess, (how much blood fron skinned knees and elbows do you think is on THAT pavement?) Anyway, made it to Rutledge, saw your house Marian, across from the Clark's right? and the Mooneys. Everything looks pretty good.
Mr Green and Aaron are one in the same. I always thought he looked like a slightly bald Richard Burton.
Al's 5 cent cokes and burgers were a stop for me on Fridays. All the cool kids from Scott hung there, (Mogie, hello) I was enthralled!
I love this site! Got to get Lori and Mary M. on it soon. :)
Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Jul 29, 2003
Oh my gosh ... this just keeps getting better! Marian, you and John LeGates should get together and write a book ... your story telling skills are amazing. My title suggestion would be "The Rotting Oranges". Mike Giblin suggests "Where Have All the Lost Souls Gone?"
Have been working on tracking down the class of '58. Hard work, but lots of fun. Marian, I'm pretty sure I passed the "hussey/floosey" age about twenty years ago, so use my name to get Artie Prescot to the site.
Sally, thanks for the choir reminder. I never did figure out why, just because we were 7th and 8th graders, it was assumed that we could sing! I must credit the dreaded Sr. Rita for her ability to make us sound like angels, even if she did do it by bashing our knuckles with her hymnal when we hit a sour note! Remember how she kept her fingers in the middle of the book? That was so it would hurt more when she "bopped" you! Oh, if anyone remembers the name of the sweet, little organist, please post it. My brain is aching from trying to recall it! Sometimes I wish we could go to a Mass with Latin and hear the sounds of Gregorian Chant. It was all so uplifting, so very beautiful.
Had another flashback: Miss Riordan! Back in the '70's when "Country" became the rage, I wanted to kick myself for not having been co-ordinated enough to learn all those dances she tried to teach us! John LeGates, please have Frank come to the site. Sally, please do the same with your brother Philip. Oh, wow, that's enough for now. My best to all.
Virginia Holland Clementi
Class of '58
Auntiegin2@aol.com
Virginia Holland Clementi, Class of 1958
e-mail: Auntiegin2@aol.com
Jul 29, 2003
Dear Marian and all,
I've moved to Savannah Georgia and most of the boxes have been unpacked. Those boxes that are still unpacked are waiting for new furniture. So it hasn't just been the unpacking that has kept me off, it has been all the shopping that I HAD to do. My son Brant and his family were just here for a visit. As they made their way from 95 through Savannah to Skidaway Island my 9 yr. old grandson remarked that he now knew why his Mimi had moved to Savannah...looked at all these stores for Mimi to shop in. When he was really little he use to ask if we could take Mimi's shopping car whenever we were driving somewhere. That should give you an idea of what I've been up to. The houses in Savannah have higher ceilings and the rooms are larger than in N.J. so much of my furniture "just doesn't seem to fit". ha ha. Besides that Marian I am still working and really enjoying my beautiful new surroundings. As I said to my son, Savannah would be perfect if only my children would move here. Aside from adjusting to that fact I do love it here. Jim's daughter Holly and her family plus Jim's wife Mary Jane live within walking/biking distance from our house. If any of you plan to come to Savannah or nearby, drop me an email.
One thing I still need to buy is a new scanner. Once I do that in the next couple of weeks, I will scan the film envelopes from Newman's Drug Store and Oscar's Luncheonette. Ted, has Lee Johnson gotten in touch with you, I sent him your email address? We took Brant and his family to "Sonic's" for lunch one day. It is a car hop type of fast food joint. When they brought that tray out with a ketchup bottle, it brought back memories of all of us driving out to White Castle and (I won't give names) squirting ketchup at each other as we drove back into EO! Brant was in Palm Beach visiting his grandfather Johnson before they came to spend the week with us. ! He is in his 80's and doing well a side from the usual problems 80+ gives you. I love hearing your stories Marian about running into people who know so and so from East Orange. It seemed that living outside of the Essex County area, would I rarely find someone from EO days. Once when the kids were little I took them for swim lessons at the Y and met Adelede Gomez. She was living a few miles from us in Milford. That reconnect lasted because our daughters went through high school together. Addie stayed in touch with Judy Garlick, Camille Facciponte, Diane Mikell (sp). Addie then found a Bill VanTassel in the phone book, called and learned that he had been living in the next town to us in Hunterdon County. It wasn't until Ted put up this site, and I was viewing a class list, that I realized I had worked with an older woman for years in Milford & she originally hailed from EO. Her name is Carol....Pfefferle.
It is a small world but unless you are as curious as Marian, you may never know that you have an EO connection. Back to OLAS, our class had the distinction of "giving" Sr. Rita shingles. Of course at the time we didn't know what was really going on. All we knew is the madder she got on this one particular day the more this red line grew from her hairline over her eye and down her cheek. I forget how long she was out of school. We just thought it was the mark of anger and years later learned it was shingles. You know in those days they didn't have to have a reason to prohibit something like water pistols. Now it would be reasonable, in those days those things were really used to squirt waterin fun. Some nuns seemed perpetually unhappy with their lives and I think it was that unhappiness that made them excessively frustrated with us and the acting out we did. We couldn't possibly have been as bad as they made us out to be.
Kids don't know what it is like to spend weeks in a darkened room alone until another sibling came down with measles. It could be days of lonliness for us waiting for a partner in crime to join us in the bedroom. I remember my mother saying "they can't be that sick because they are raising a ruckus in that bedroom." I met as well let them out. The fear in those days was that if we didn't lie quiet in a darkened room we would get sicker, loose our hearing or eyesight. We didn't have shots against, measles, german measles, mumps or chicken pox. See what this new generation is missing! Plus polio, forgot about all the swimming holes we couldn't go in for fear that we would get Polio.
Congratulations Mary. Did Kathy come up for the anniversary. Hope she is well. Melba
Mary Melba Robinson, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Jul 29, 2003
Dr. Aaron Green, that sounds right after all. Thanks.
The organist (and pianist in the basement for choir practice) was Miss Dolan--Catherine, I believe.
Alright girls, knock it off with this Artie Prescott stuff already. 45 years is long enough for us plain looking guys to suffer the indignity of your indifference to us and your "Kookie, Kookie, lend me your comb" fawning over a few guys like him :-)
Melba, I was in old-town Savannah in the early spring and I'm jealous. I'm sure you love it in the Savannah area.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Jul 30, 2003
It's so good to see all these postings. Welcome Betsy. I forgot about Mrs. Gleason and McGuggart! Don't forget to sign in to your class guest book.
Yup, Patty, it ALL freaked me out! I think I'm obsessed/possessed. So you gave your hubby the luxury tour of E.O. And you're still together? He's a trooper! You must have had a ball seeing all the old places. A Baptist church? I remember all the fundraising efforts when that "new" church was being built. At least it's still a house of worship and not a movie theater or check cashing place. You saw our houses? Another family with 9 kids moved in after us and they had the house aluminum sided, looked pretty good. I'm not sure who the Clark's were. I keep remembering a girl named Noel that lived on the corner of Maple & Rutledge, but don't remember their last name. Fiona O'Donnell sent me a very nice e-mail thankful for having found you. In it she was reminiscing about the beautiful tree-lined Roosevelt Ave. and the "short-cut" path across your front yard that everyone walked through, and the old gas street lights that you could climb up. It's the little things th! at everyone remembers that sparks warm thoughts of the old neighborhood. Thanks for clearing up the Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Green question. A little advice: don't hold your breath waiting for Lori & M.M. to sign on.
Ginny: tell the guys I love those titles. Hmmmm, was it me, or do you detect a hint of jealousy in Webmaster Ted's posting about Mr. P.? (shhhh, better not say his name). I think we're in trouble. I don't know about you, but I just love Ted for referring to us as "girls." And he looks terrific at 40! Ok, Kookie? (shoeweeee, maybe that will smooth things :)
I heard there's a church on Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange where they have Mass in Latin and they hand out chapel veils when you enter. (to the women). There was some controversy about them not being recognized by the Archdiocese when they first opened but I didn't follow the stories.
Okay, who knows was it Miss Riordan, Reardon, Ryertin or Ryerton?
Melba, I'm imagining your house in Savannah is like the beautiful mansions in Llewellyn Park, in W. Orange. Huge weeping willow trees lined the private roads, where one of Thomas Edison's homes is located. It must be beautiful and you must love it there. I love your shingles story and remember the polio pits of the Boylan Street and Olympic Park pools. Lee Johnson? How did you find him? Had so much fun with his sister Cindy when we were young. Didn't you date his brother, Dick? Remember Roger getting into trouble and Debbie going with, oops, I forgot, and I think there were little ones. They were a nice family.
I going to the insurance company tomorrow, can't imagine who I'm going to meet. TTYS
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Jul 30, 2003
I had no idea who this 'Miss Ri-OR-dan' was that you have been talking about and assumed she was someone from other than my time. Then I saw 'Ryerton' and asked myself where I had heard that name before. Hmm...hmm... Mrs. RY-er-don! Of course! (I'm not saying that's the correct spelling, mind you).
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Aug 3, 2003
Yes, hubs seems to have forgiven me for his E.O tour. Gotta live dangerously sometimes. Marian, the Clarks lived across from you. Tony, Albert, Candy, and Concetta?
Noel Johnson! Wasn't she beautiful? Every guy in the "hood" was hot for her. My brother Jack included. I think the family that moved in to your house was the Ascoleses. Adele was a friend of mine and Susan,s. Remember Susan Varetoni across from me? Swedish? She and I are still in touch. She lives upstate NY now.
I am still friends with Linda Di Tommaso. She lived in the yellow house next to Noel. I think the Kenny's lived there before her.
I loved those gas lit lamps on Roosevelt. I remember the guy who came around to light them. Not much lighting, but they were so pretty and scary too, on Halloween. I am sure everyone has a great E.O Halloween story to share. I remember my sister Carol and Sharon Decker taking us Little kids around. Those big mansions on Arlington Ave, where they gave you Candy Apples!My brother Jack jumping out from behind the big trees on Roosevelt to scare us. A real card,Jack was. I believe he once jumped out to scare Mary M when she was walking home from our house one night. He was hiding behind the Reed's bushes. Mary bashed him with the albums she was carrying. HA!
Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Aug 5, 2003
Greetings all. A thousand apologies and a thousand thank you's to Web Master Ted! You have saved what little is left of my brain with your quick response on our organist, Miss Dolan. If I remember correctly, she had the most beautiful hat collection ... Ah, hats ... something else from the past.
Melba, I, too, am jealous of your new hometown. Did the tour a couple of years ago and fell in love with the place. Told my sister, Diane Holland Magill, class of '61, that you were at the site. She sends you a big HELLO! Also wants to say hello to Dymphna Hunt and Sally Malia. Diane is not on-line and doesn't want to be ... I'm working on her. She has lived in Pt. Pleasant, NJ, since her marriage 38 years ago. Yes, she got a real keeper!
Reached Terry Geis, '58. He's out in CA. Took two weeks for him to respond to my email ... he was in Jersey visitng his children and grandchildren.
Okay, Ted, since you brought up "Kookie", do you remember the Branford Theater in Newark? Well, I remember when Edd Byrnes, Kookie himself, made an appearance there to promote a movie he starred in with Clint Walker. The name of the movie, however, escapes me ... big surprise, there, right? Keep up the good work everyone!
Ginny Holland Clementi
Class of '58
Auntiegin2@aol.com
Virginia Holland Clementi, Class of 1958
e-mail: Auntiegin2@aol.com
Aug 7, 2003
Sorry for the delay in getting your letter on-line, Ginny. I thought it was uploaded to the server but it wasn't.
I spend a lot of time in Point Pleasant when I'm not slumming in Seaside (like I was tonight); maybe we can put an Internet kiosk on the boardwalk until your sister trips on it and discovers the All Souls site.
I remember 77 Sunset Strip (snap, snap) and Ed Byrnes, but I never saw him at the Branford or elsewhere. The theatre name sounds very familiar but I can't quite remember where it was or what would make me go there rather than the Beacon.
I do remember the marquee for the Little Theater next to the public service bus terminal but I never went there. Spent a lot of time at S. Klein, Kresge, Bambergers, the Newark Museum, Newark Library. After all, there was certainly nothing wrong with 10 and 12-year-olds jumping on the 82 Watsessing and going downtown. Of course, it WAS wrong to give the bus driver a 6 cent school bus coupon on Saturday instead of paying the full 12-cent fare, but I think I stored up enough 30-day indulgences to cover the fare cheating.
Patty, you're a lot younger than me--as you were already quick to point out :-)
I was already out of E.O. for a few years as you were graduating from OLAS and I don't remember any Clarks across the street from my house and Marian's. But I'm pretty sure that Joe and Adele (the mother, I guess) Ascolese lived next store to the Smeraldos.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Aug 9, 2003
Ok, here goes. Hi Joan Fritz, saw your posting to your class year, glad to see you on here.
That was some story from Ted Feindt about Sr. Rita's punish lesson, another of those character-building episodes.
Ah,ha,ha, silly Webmaster Ted. Of course, Ms. Ryer_ _ _ was from other than your time. She was much older than you, you young thing, (schmoz,schmoz) but I'm sure we're all talking about the same gym teacher who was there for many years. After Ms. Dolan, Mr. Mancinelli was the organist for a few years, but I don't know who took over after him.
Ok, Patty. I now remember the Clark's. Ted, they were the "new people" who moved in directly across the street from us, after the Calabrese's moved out, next to the Girvan's. (Just after I read Patty's posting and realized whose house she was talking about, I was walking down the hall at work and saw the name of a new company that is moving into the building - it's a law firm with the name of Calabrese on the door. His first name is Andrew or Anthony or whatever. I will not go in there asking if he's from E.O., no way, no how, I am so out of here. Bye. It's been real. Hasta la vista. Sianora. Ciao. Cead mille failte) If there are any lawyers listening (hint, hint MM) could he get me for invasion of privacy if I can't control myself and run in there asking where he's from?
The Ascolese's lived next to us (after the Hess family I think) on the right - Mooney's on the left. The mother and father were Mary & Joe, they had 4, Adele, Frank, Joe, Marie. Adele was a "Miss Columbian" beauty contest winner and went to dancing school on Grove St. They were privileged to have a pool. One afternoon, just after we returned to school from lunch, their house caught on fire. Lucky for them and Mrs. Gray who lived upstairs, no one was hurt. The house was vacant for years, then the Brewer's moved in - a very young family with a baby named Rhett and I think they had a girl after that.
Varetoni, was she the little cutie and had a brother? They were really nice kids. Linda DiTomasso, was she the one with the jet black hair? I can't believe you remember that story about Mary and Jack! I know Mary will remember it (if she ever gets on here, I'm sure she will elaborate). And thanks, I was trying to remember the name of the Reed's.
Ginny, was the Branford theater also where the Zacharly show was filmed later on? Like Ted M. said, it was nothing for 12 year olds to hop on the bus and go "downtown" and spend the day. Kresge, Bamberger's, Hahnes, Two Guys, McCrory's, Woolworths, House-o-weenies, and S. Klein on the square, were favorites for Lori, Mary, Linda & I. If you missed the 2 Ampere, you could run down Grove St. and catch the 82 Watsessing, if you missed the downtown one, you could go the other way to Bloomfield Center or the bowling alley in Bloomfield. I still laugh about what happened to Lori in Klein's one time. Hey, Lori, can I tell the nice people on this site that story?
Well, I had it wrong. Went back to the dentist and found out that Karen Gervay (sp?) was originally from Orange along with Gail Forenza (sp?) They went to EOCH. Gail's husband is Ted or Tom Caprio, he is from E.O. and went to Essex Catholic. Took a wrong turn in Morristown and ended up across from Mercedes Benz where you-know-who works. My husband was driving and I just couldn't get him to pull in and ask for directions, while I used the restroom. Humpf.
Hope all is well with everyone. If any of you see the sun, please send some our way. This is the worst summer I can remember.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
1st of 3 simultaneous postings--Aug 10, 2003
Ginny brought up the Branford on, of all places, Branford Place in Newark. Also had the Paramount on Market Street, Loews on Broad Street. The Beacon on Main Street in E.O and of course the Ampere on 18th street. Does anyone remember Pop's on 19th Street. Potatoe sandwiches on Fridays,,,,no meat allowed.
Mike Giblin, Class of 1958
e-mail: mgiblin470@aol.com
2nd of 3 simultaneous postings-- Aug 10, 2003
Seaside Hgts.! My favorite place when I a teenager stuck in the woods of Bricktown! Anyone ever go to the dances at the Casino? Sometimes they had celebrity groups on Friday night. I remember seeing "The Earls" and the "Dixiecups" there, so that means we're talking, what, '62 or '63? Yikes!
Ted, next time you're there, stop at a boardwalk store called Liquid Earth East and ask for Stacy Daleo. She's my one and only child, and I'm proud to say that she has been running her own business, on and off, in Seaside for years. I say, on and off, because she did 5 years in Manasaquan before they decided to tear down the building and put up CONDOS! The local residents petitioned against it, but when did "the powers that be" ever listen to residents?
Alright Marian, we're still waiting to hear about your visit to the insurance office. Oh, I'm really looking forward to seeing Al & Carol at my parents 60th wedding anniversary party on Sept. 14. 60 years, wow, that must make me 30-years-old!
Melba, how are you handling that Savannah traffic? Last time I was there, it rivaled the Atlanta area!
Anyone still in the area, how is downtown Newark, now? Is it sill the big shopping place I remember? I've heard from family in Bloomfield that there is a lot of "renewal" going on. Oh, I've also heard that St. Joseph's Church is an awesome restaurant called "The Priory". I did 1-4 at St. Joe's before moving to E.O. and OLAS for grade 5. Ted, might you be related to the St. Joe's Mooney's? I remember a Bernard in my class and a John, a year or two ahead.
Gotta go, the race is coming on! My best to all. Ginny Holland Clementi Class of 1958 Auntiegin2@aol.com
Virginia Holland Clementi, Class of 1958
e-mail: Auntiegin2@aol.com
20033rd of 3 simultaneous postings-- Aug 12,
Hi all,
OK, the "new People" works for me, Marian. I couldn't think of a way to put that.
I forgot the Ascoleses had a pool. I think that is how we met them. Watching and hoping for an invite!
Yes Susan Varetoni was a beauty and still is. He brother was Jimmy, who was no slouch in the looks department either!
Annie Di Tommaso was the one with the Long Cher Hair. Linda's older sister. She hung around with Denise Napoliello. They were the "hoody" girls. Smoked, lots of make-up. I am sure the guys remember Denise. Unfortunately she is no longer with us. Car accident. She was married to JoJo Mullany. They lived on Rutledge up alittle from me on the other side. Denise lived on Roosevelt across from the Rullo's. I recently ran into Regina Rullo at the local Pathmark. I recognized her immediately. She saw me staring at her and gave me a funny look. I said "Hi Regina, been to E.O lately'? She knew who I was. We exchanged numbers, but I think I lost it.
Jimmy Reed was in Jack's class. Kinda cute, blonde.Lived on the corner of Rutledge and Maple across from Noel.
I am so proud to admit I met Zacherly once and have pics of him!
Please do tell the Lori/Klein's story.! That is a good laugh. To this day, I watch out for escalators!
McCrory's. Remember that sickening chicken smell? YUCK!
Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Aug 12, 2003
Thanks for some of the corrections, Marian. My body was in E.O. until '69 but my mind checked out a couple of years earlier.
I don't remember "Pop's", Mike. Friday dinner at Mooney's was shrimp chow mein from some chinese restaurant on Main St. without exception for 15 years until someone finally invented pizzarias.
No woods anymore in Bricktown, Ginny. The town rewrote the motto "where the pines meet the sea" to "where the asphalt meets the sea" :-) I started in Seaside in the mid '60s when my fraternity had summer houses in the area; chug a six pack, hang around the Himalaya (the best sound system in those days) to "Where Did Our Love Go" and "Do you vant to go fastah?" It was good times. I'll have to stop by Liquid Earth East.
Patty, we both remember a great E.O., but I'm afraid we didn't see much of each others' :-)
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Aug 13, 2003
I'm back, forgot something yesterday. Mike, I think I'm thinking of the same place as you although I didn't remember the name. Pop. He had a store front place. When I lived on Ampere Plaza across from the train statin we would walk down the alley between the bank and the theater to get there. He made the absolute best italian hot dogs with peppes, onion and potatoes in a Pizza Bread. I never could get enough of those things. The only thing that came close was a place in Union. I've searched, even going so far as to tell pizza places how to make them! Pepper and egg sandwiches too. Maybe the grease was different back then or it was the younger taste buds but some foods just don't taste the same as I remember them. Like White Castle hamburgers.
Why I really signed back on today is to tell you that eBay has EO stuff if anyone is interested. They often have post cards that some of you may be interested in. Like today there is one of Kresge's on Central Avenue.
Melba, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Aug 13, 2003
Great Mike G! Don't forget the Hollywood, Ormont, Palace, Embassy in EO/Orange and the Center and the Royal in Bloomfield.
Ginny, I'm still twitching from my ins. co. visit. They sent us a bill for 5 digits ($20,000 and change, for car insurance which they said had to be paid by 8/11/03). I went there to remove their digits. Was that jaws dropping I just heard, especially from the out-of-staters. They had the 4 kids under 25 rated on all the cars, and my husband and I rated on none. I'm sure none of those agents were from E.O., they would have never made that mistake if they were, and besides, they didn't even look old enough to drive. Congratulations to your parents on their 60th, you don't hear too many of those. What are their first names? I'm thinking of Lillian too young to be your mom, but of course, you're only 30 so... Is your dad Charlotte's brother?
Newark - my brother Ed still lives there, the last of the Mohicans - don't think you would want to shop there. There are renovations still going on. The NJPAC is there and has Broadway quality shows - The Newark Bears stadium is there and draws a good crowd - The Museum and courts and St. Benedicts are somewhat renovated - there was talk of building a huge sportsplex there but just recently heard that it might be scrapped. What St. Joe's did you go to (which city)? I posed that same question about Bernie Mooney to Mary-the-missing-Mooney quite a few years ago when I moved to W. Orange. He has a couple of brothers, one, Gene passed away a few years ago. Bernie is quite a character, star of many Lip Sync contests, one of which he pulled me into cold one fine night when his partner showed up plastered just as the curtain was to go up; he reffed and worked many basketball games, coached softball for Our Lady of Lourdes, W.O.; was head of the Holy Name Society with Al, who ! could probably tell you more stori es, and on and on. If you think he's your Bernie, I will contact him. Will pass the word about Liquid Earth E.
Yes, Patty. I still have those chain link marks on my forehead from wishin' & hopin' to go in the Ascolese's pool. "Hoody" girls! I haven't heard that in years. Very sorry to hear that about Denise. Such a coincidence to meet Regina, but I can't place her. Jimmy Reed, yes, that's the name I have been trying to remember. A nice, quiet boy, new kid on the block. Whaaaaaaaaaat? You have pictures of Zacherly? ahhhhh, plop *@&! Do you or anyone remember where the show was filmed? You just had to bring up THAT CHICKEN SMELL, didn't ya? My stomach still turns when I think of it. I will give that Lori 3, or I will tell the Klein's story.
Ted, I still love the Himalaya and the zipper and mixer that was mentioned in the posting to the other message about Olympic Park, by Mr. Kolunda (sp?) I'm sorry, I can't figure out how to go back there without losing this. I tried clicking on the link to Olympic Park a while ago but nothing came up. Did it expire? TAFN
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Aug 13, 2003
True Ted, Our E.O's were a different time, but we still had a such good time growing up there. Amazes my hubs that I had such a great childhood, being from the "slums" as it were. He is just a middlesex county snob, as I like to point out often!
I remember Sorority weekends at Seaside. The graduating class from Scott did that. I was very young, but had an older boyfriend who always took me. The Himalaya was my fav spot to hang too. The songs were more Led Zep and and Pink Floyd. The Himalaya and "Black Dog" were made for eachother!
I always thought that living in Seaside would be the greatest. I now live in Toms River, and barely go there. I must make an excursion soon. You live down here too, Ted?
Walsh friday's in Lent meals were Macaroni and Cheese. Endlessly! Thank God I met my boyfriend Butch who delivered for Campus Pizza (up the street from Carvel's near Upsala).
Oh yeah, I remember a Miss Bonnell (sp) as our choir organist. She too, wore fancy hats. And she always shook her head like Stevie Wonder!
Ginny, might you be a NASCAR fan?
Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Aug 14, 2003
Melba, last time I was in West Orange Jimmy Buffs was still there--the greasiest, most authentic Italian hot dogs in the world. I heard you have to wear cleats to Marian's church or risk sliding right down the hill to the door of Jimmy Buffs.
The Olympic Park site closed, I guess; it was neat while it lasted and if anybody finds a new link, that would be fun. I received the Upsala clipping, Marian. Will scan it soon.
Yes, Patty, I live in T.R. too. When you go to Seaside, that tall white-haired guy you see eating fish platters and drinking draft beer at Jack & Bills, or shouldering you out of line at the Berkeley Sweet Shop, that would be me.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Aug 14, 2003
Oh, my gosh, so much to comment on. Marian, you could have gotten into the dealership to see Mr. P by telling your husband that you wanted to see how he looked sitting in an SL. We "girls" know that men don't ask for directions, even when they need them! My mom and dad are Joe(Aunt Charlotte's brother) and Mary. With those names,they had to stay together for sixty years. My St. Joe's was on West Market St. in Newark. The Bernie Mooney I mentioned lived on Central Ave., above the 431 Club ... a Holland family hang-out! I remember a brother John and a beautiful sister, Kathleen, who was killed in an auto accident. There were other kids, but I don't remember their names. Also, don't know the Zacherly Show, could be after we moved to the shore.
Ted, loved "from the ashphalt to the sea", it's perfect! Brick has changed a lot since '61, and in my view, not for the better. Anyone read the book about the Marshall murder in Toms River (Title escapes me) ... the author Joe McGuiness called Brick a town of stripmalls and Toms River's parking lot! On TR, worked in the medical unit of the Ocean County Jail till just before I moved to FL in 1991. And, yes Ted, I'll be looking for you in Jack & Bill's come Sept.!
Mike, you've got my mouth watering for a potato sandwhich! Maybe I'll try it at home. Oh, for a real Italian hotdog, too. On the Royal, anyone attend the "Battle of the Bands", there in '61? Headliners were "The Passions", Just To Be With You was their hit song at the time. Still a hit with me! Hey, speaking of movie theatres, anyone do the Tivoli on Orange St. in Newark? How about St. Rose of Lima's CYO? Back to FOOD ... I remember malts called "Awful Awfuls", but I'm not sure about where we got them. Was it Babs & Bunnies, and if it was, where was it? Yes, Patty, I've been A NASCAR fan since 1965! Followed Richard Petty back then ... went to races at Wall Stadium. Listened to WWVA, Wheeling, West Virginia, when I could get it on my car radio. Must have been the influence of the pine trees ... sure wasn't the girl from Newark! Rooted for Davey Allison, till his death in '93. Now, I'm Rusty Wallace's biggest fan! Husband roots for Dale Jarrett ... makes Sundays very interesting around here! Oh, my God, am I done? Sure hope so!
Best regards to all,
Gin
Ginny Holland Clementi, Class of 1958
e-mail: Auntiegin2@aol.com
Aug 14, 2003
Ginny, the Awful, Awful was at Bonds in Allwood drink 2 of them and the 3rd was free. They also had the Pigs Dinner, Banana Split with tons of Ice Cream, cherries, whipped cream, nuts and whatever else was around.
MIke Giblin, Class of 1958
e-mail: Mgiblin470@aol.com
Aug 15, 2003
Hi, Ginny, I figured you for a fan when you wrote on Sunday and said you had to go , the race was starting! My hubs turned me onto it in 1990. Been a big fan ever since. Been to the Dover and Pocono races a couple times.
Hate to tell you this , but we put a curse on Rusty every Sunday, by shaking a jar of peanuts at him. We once saw an interview with him and he said he was superstitous about peanuts near his car. We were big Dale Earnhardt fans. His death nearly destroyed us. Of course we are now Junior's fans, all Dei and Richard Childress cars. I have a soft spot for Kyle Petty Too. I think it's the pony-tail, cos it sure ain't his driving!
Ted I will be on look-out for you at Jack and Bill's! So if you see some crazy red-head ogling you, it's me!
Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Aug 16, 2003
We hung around with a Bernie Mooney for awhile. I think he was friends with Terry Finn's boyfriend Junior who was from Newark and that's how we linked up. Kathy Mooney then started "seeing" one of Bernie's friends Jimmy Joyce(?) Bernie was not related ot "our Mooney's". He was a tall dark irishman with gorgeous blue eyes,,,but they were a wild drinking bunch. Great fun, but a little fast even for my taste. So that would make the Bernie Mooney I'm thinking of about 57 now. Are we talking one and the same Marian?
I'm coming up to NJ Sept. 20th for my grandson Matthew's Johnson's 10th birthday. Maybe one of my kids, Dawn or Brant will take me to Jimmy Buff's. I'd love to have a beer with you Ted at Jack and Bill's. Dawn is in Atlantic Highlands, if she feels like driving me to Tom's River. I'll get in touch before hand.
Keep the memories flowing
Melba
Mary Melba Robinson, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net