Letter #
Aug 18, 2003
Campus Pizzeria, Patty? A whole new can of worms! And memories of that side of town. The house with the giant sunflowers growing in front was across the street. Lori and I used to order from there on when on endless babysitting jobs - they had the cutest drivers. We would stop in on our way from from the pounding the pavement to/from EOCH.
Just to make sure someone isn't impersonating Ted when you go to Jack & Bills, you can check the homepage where I thought I saw a pic of the real Ted when I first signed on.
Ginny, if I said that to my hubby, he would have thought I meant a SL-ing. I'm confused...I thought Joe & Mary were the Scioscias and Lillian and Joe were the Ryans (all the sweetest people). Which just reminded me, I forgot that David Scioscia was in my class in the early years. Will be getting the word to Bernie Saturday night (he still ushers at the 5:30 Mass at OL Lourdes, W.O. (my old church, not the one my funny pal Ted mentioned). Jimmy Buff's was still in W. O. but they just made it big and moved to E. Hanover, in the Rt. 10 shopping center of Best Buys, Michaels, Harmon, Children's Wear, on the River Rd. side. They can follow me, but they can't make me eat it. One of my first boyfriends many moons ago worked at the one in W.O. and told some virtual reality stories the likes of which I will NEVER forget.
I'll be back. (But rest assured, I won't be running for any CA office.)
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Aug 19, 2003
Patty, I shrieked the snores out of my husband when I read about the peanut shaking.
Wow, Melba! Terry & Kevin Finn, I forgot about them. And Kathy's beau, Jimmy! No, Bernie is definitely not one of our Mooneys. But you're right about the eyes and maybe the hair was darker then, but I don't know about tall. He's definitely shorter than Al, I think he's maybe 5'8". He may be about 57 or 59. I'll take the 5th on the rest and on the grounds that I think it's really him and he will come on here and start ball-bustin the heck out of me and everyone else he knows. He's a rubber-chicken-in-the-pocket-at-all-times guy. You just never know what he's going to do next.
OMG, a 10 year old grandson! Hope you get to all your stops on your trip back to NJ. And thanks for the info about the postcards on eBay , I looked at all of them. I wonder who the seller is.
Advice for Webmaster Ted: If you meet the crazy red-head at Jack & Bill's, step away from bar nuts. IBR
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
20031st of 3 simultaneous postings-- Aug 24,
Hi,
Wasn't sure what IBR meant, but I am sure it's good.
Ginny, sorry about the Rusty thing, but you got to admit it's working!
OK, me and Linda Di Tommaso were talking about coffee. Who remembers the A&P on Ampere Blvd? They would grind it up for you? The whole store smelled like coffee. We never went there much, and I hate the smell of coffee, so I figured someone else would have happier memories.
Ted, Marian is totally wrong about me and bar nuts. BUT, IF, some come flying you way, I hope I miss your beer.
Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
20032nd of 3 simultaneous postings-- Aug 24,
Rut,Roh! Better "can" the peanuts Patty. Seems like poor Jr. got to suffer from "shell"-shock on the 17th! And, how about those Wallace brothers ... were they smokin', or what? Good race, but Lord I hate fire! Truth is, I'd rather see great drivers avoid wrecks than have them. Love Dover, going there, as part of my NJ trip on Sept 21. Favorite tracks are Talladega and Rockingham. Doing my tenth Daytona 500 this Feb. Yes, we were in the infield when Dale Sr. almost won, did win and then left us. Saddest day in NASCAR. It is not, and never will be the same without him. God rest his soul.
Marian, stop! you're killing me! I can just picture your hubby waking-up going what, what? Oh, Mary & Joe must have been the "IN" names in the twenties ... our family is littered with them!
Mike, is Bond's still there? I'm willing to try for that third one free now that I no longer worry about my "girlish figure"!
I have a feeling the Bernie Mooney I went to school with is the shorter one of the two described. If you find the one from St. Joe's, Newark, please give him my best. We Holland cousins and the Mooney's had a lot of fun together as children in the backyard on Central Ave.
Ted, about those 6 cent bus passes: My dad drove a bus in Newark till his retirement in 1988 and he said to tell you that, if a driver took one on a weekend, he had to make up the difference, out-of-pocket! Believe me, they did not have deep pockets!
Regards to all.
Gin
Ginny Holland Clementi, Class of 1958
e-mail: Auntiegin2@aol.com
20033rd of 3 simultaneous postings-- Aug 24,
Marian, from your reply, I think we may be speaking of the same Bernie Mooney. Let's hope he doesn't find us or what a can of worms he could open. I went to eBay before replying to see if there was anything knew. Sometimes those pictures spark memories. There is a photo of Central Ave and Harrison St. with lots of cars. One little car in the photo reminded me of the time the Mooney's had that little car. Could the car in this photo be a Mooney car? If so it would have had to be taken before the flip the car onto its side episode. Ted could fill in the details better than I since I have the story second hand. I think Bob Gauli was the driver, "the gang" was out joy riding took a curve a little fast, road the side of the car a ways until it stopped, they got out turned it back onto its wheels, parked it in the driveway and we all held our breaths for days each time Mr. or Mrs. Mooney left the house to get into that car. It was quite some time before the damage was found since it was on the side facing Smeraldo' and not the driver side aka Mooney house side.
Melba
Mary Melba Robinson-Rossetti, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
20031st of 2 simultaneous postings-- Aug 26,
Patty, IBR=It's Been Real (an old exit line from the 60's, right up there with Groovy and Mod). Yup, from one of my earlier memories, loved to go to the A&P, once through the "tunnel" (under the RR tracks on Rutledge and Hoffman Blvd.) felt like I was in another world. Ampere Pkwy. was that very wide street with the island in the middle all the way into Bloomfield but I'm not sure if it ended and merged with Hoffman Blvd. and that's where the A&P was. Loved the smell of those fresh coffee beans and their Ann Page brand of pineapple jelly and sugar plums. Couldn't handle the apple butter though. I think Al and some of the other boys used to work there. Got sick on their iced spice cake with raisins once and have never eaten raisins or spice cake since. Or was that from Tip-Top/Ward's?
Mike, was/is Bond's in the Allwood section of Clifton? Ginny, I'd hold off going there until you find out where it is. Sad to see our City had such bad press last week. But there was one good story in Sunday's Star Ledger re: those loyal to their roots - East Orange Sporting Goods has kept the name even though they moved to W. Orange many years ago (owned by Mike Shannon, a great guy, who I met at the same time I met Bernie Mooney, both who were actively involved in the OL Lourdes Sports group).
Melba and Ginny, it's your Bernie. I got the message through my friend, Kevin McCaffrey who ushers with Bernie, (originally from the Vailsburg area and knows a lot of E.O. people, he dated Sarah Picillo when he was young, Class of 67) and he said Bernie did live on Central Ave. in Newark. So now we'll keep him guessing a little.
I vaguely remember that story about the Mooneys car. We had fully overgrown hedges next to the Mooney driveway so we wouldn't have seen the damage and they had to squeeze through to get into their cars, so they wouldn't have seen it until someone forgot and parked it on our side of the street. Hope to have Tedmaster fill in the details, I'm sure it's another Mooney classic. Ted, each of the Smeraldo's has their own favorite story as told by/lived by your mom. Wish we could get some of her memories of the old days and neighborhood on here. Patty, maybe your mom and dad too. I volunteer to transcribe any stories.
Hope you all have a great & safe LDWE. IBR
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
20032nd of 2 simultaneous postings-- Aug 26,
Hi all,
Yes, Ginny, those Wallace bros were smoking! Kenny really started to scare me! He 's the one Wallace I like. That was real "smokin" of Rusty to turn Right into Jr. at pit lane entrance. Hope he makes up his mind where he's going in the future. I am so impressed you went to all those Daytonas! Must be great! I used to go to "Bikeweek" down there and it was a real blast! I hope you get to see a great race at Dover. :) Are you sure you like Talledega? :)(hehe)
Joke------ "What does a redneck say just befor he dies? "Y'all watch this"
I hope I didn't offend anyone ,but I thought it was funny. Michael Waltrip said it and he's a redneck, so I thought it was OK .
Love to hear the whole half smashed car story, Ted. What were you guys thinking? I love it!
Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Aug 29, 2003
Hi Patty. I can add to Melba's account that a good number of containers from Frederick's Tavern were always involved in those cultural road trips to Eagle Rock, despite the tender age of the participants. Once containers got involved, it always became interesting to try to go around corners fast enough to keep a car balanced on two wheels on a 45. It was a different time. But in fact, on the evening in question I was at the previously-mentioned Himalaya, and with that critical ballast missing, the Mooney's little English Ford came to rest on its right side. Easy enough for the 5 occupants to right it, and get it back into the driveway, where the overgrown bushes assured that the parents would not see the damage until passage of time provided plausible deniability.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Aug 29, 2003
Frederick's Tavern! Anyone over 10 could get served there! Even though it was a notorious cop hang-out. Maybe just girls could? It's still there. It is now owned, or was at least 10 years ago by the Pitts Family. They own or owned (haven't been in their bars for about 5 years) The White Oak Tavern on Bloomfield Ave. Dated one of the sons. Real nice Irish people. Speaking of containers and driving, I got a good one. Anyone remember the Shakes? Their father was captain of the E.O police. John, David, a sister whose name I forget and Tommy the Juvenile delinquent. They lived on the street on the other side of the parkway from Scott? Can't remember the name. Walnut? Oraton? Right at the end of Rutledge. We used to party there every weekend when their parents went to their hunting cabin in Penn. Springdale liquors would deliver the beer and we would all hide while Dave, (only one of age) answered the door. Of course the cops never bothered us, even when we had a "war" with the "new people" after they beat up Susan's brother. The war went all over E.O. Quite a spectacle! Anyway, John would get a case of Rolling Rock beer (those little bottles) and take all the girls for a scare ride in his GTO down Snake Road in Eagle Rock Reservation! I can't believe we lived thru that. Real bright bunch we were.
Just talked to my Mom and told her they should get a computer. I think I will re-think that idea. She would have a coniption if she reads all the stuff I did when she thought I was just up Rutledge at the O'Briens.
All have a nice weekend!
Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Sep 8, 2003
When I refer to someone as being tall, you have to remember that anyone over 5'5" seems tall to me. Glad to know Bernie is alive and well. See if you can get him on here. Perhaps he knows where Jimmy Smith is. After Viet Nam Jimmy became a Newark firefighter. Jimmy was (presumably still is) one of the nicest, sweetest guys. He had such a good heart. Hope he is still out there and living a good life.
Elaine Quinn's mom worked at the A&P on 4th avenue in the Ampere section. The 5&10 was next door. This A&P had sawdust on the wooden floors and yes the place always smelled of coffee. I think Elaine worked there for awhile. She also worked at the 5&10 during high school.
Ampere Plaza is the wide street with the island in the middle. Hoffman Blvd. dissected Rutledge then Leslie St. in one direction and then Ampere Plaza in the other direction. Hoffman became Arlington Ave. and then Watsessing. Ampere and Grove Streets ran into Bloomfield Ave.
Patty, there are stories yet to be told....are you sure this is the right place for parents who thought us fine upstanding catholic boys and girls did as we were told?
Kids today could never have the kind of parties we use to, the police where a lot more forgiving. Just wanting us to keep the noise down.
Till the next time
Melba, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Sep 11, 2003
Wasn't that street Ampere Parkway?
Also , it was Fredericks Inn, not tavern. Minor details.
My parents getting a computer and actually using it , is like Dracula investing in a tanning salon. Never happen. They are very old school. I can't talk. I am still listening to albums!
Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Sep 14, 2003
Ginny, I've been back to Seaside a couple of times but didn't stumble past Liquid Earth East on my boardwalk walks, although I probably wasn't hunting hard for it since I could only remember "earth" from the name of the store. Tell your father sorry about the bus passes, and I'll buy him a beer if I'm in Jack &Bills when he visits his granddaughter.
Mike: I remember Bond's and their Awful-Awfuls. My parents took me there when I was young. By the time I was old enough to drive I didn't remember where it was though and kept looking in Montclair and Bloomfield.
Patty, I'll duck and cover. And I well remember snake hill, thanks for the memory. How about "the white lady" of Branch Brook Park--anybody else remember that?
Melba, I would be delighted to meet you if you get up north--I bet you remember the white lady.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
20031st of 4 simultaneous postings-- Sep 14,
Wow. I don't even know how I stumbled on to this web site, but it sure has been an interesting read ...
I didn't go to OLAS; the kid that lived upstairs from me (Billy Davidson) did. I went to Columbian (which has now been renamed to God knows what) from 1965-1973. We escaped East Orange in 1973 and moved to Bloomfield. I'm now settled in West Orange.
I remember Marty the cop at 4th ave and 18th st. I lived on N. 19th Street, near Warrington Place. My mom worked part time at Shapow's Deli on the corner of N. 19th and 4th. Incidentally, the guy that owned that place, Julius Shapow, passed away a number of years ago; his son, Ivan, is a Springfield Police captain.
Although I'm RELATIVELY young (42), I have vivid memories of East Orange, going back to kindergarten. I haven't been back to the neighborhood in decades; I understand its pretty bad. What a shame :(
Glen Johnson, Columbian School '73
e-mail: glen@uspapermoney.com
20032nd of 4 simultaneous postings-- Sep 15, 2003
Ted
The Bonds Awlful Awlful store was on Valley Road in Upper Montclair..It was a great place to hang out in High School.. It has been closed for many years...the guy sold the rights Ironically a few years ago my wife and I were in Newport RI and were in an Ice Cream store where we saw the Awlful Awlful large glasses...Yes the clerk said they were the same ones from Montclair..They bought the rights..
How about Harolds on Eagle Rock Ave in West Orange for the college hang out...It was the winter D'Jais ....Belmar in the summer and Harold's in the winter...Many romances started there and ended there too
Bob Manning
Class of 1950
Bob Manning, Class of 1950
e-mail: manningbob@att.net
3rd of 4 simultaneous postings-- Sep 15,
Marian is correct. I did work at the A&Ps both of them. There was no sawdust on the floor of the Fourth Ave. store. We did periodically oil the floor and then put sand down to absorb the excess oil. It was swept up before the customers came in though. Gladys Quinn and her son Jack did work there. There was a cute girl that used to come in there. I got a date with her and Jack dated her girl friend. I'm still hanging out with that girl 46 years, 4 kids & 8 grandkids later.
There seems to be some confusion between Ampere Parkway and Ampere Plaza. The parkway intersected Hoffman Blvd. in front of the larger A&P The Plaza was on the other side of the RR where the station was. It was "T" shaped and ran up to 4th ave. on one side of the bank. There were at least two Bonds one was in Clifton another was on the Pompton Turnpike in Cedar Grove.
Al Smeraldo, Class of 1952
e-mail: algreat@ptd.net
Sep 16, 2003
You're right Patty, it is Ampere Parkway.
Does anyone remember Applegates Ice Cream. For the life of me I can't remember exactly where they are/were located. It was a drive though. I think up Bloomfield Ave towards Montclair then maybe a right on a main street and several more miles. HELP
Snake Hill, remember that ride very well but didn't remember the street name of the twisting 90 degree decent.
Male drivers loved to show their daring driving after leaving the look out on top of Eagle Rock.
The White Lady of Branch Brook Park. Tragic Story of this female killed in the park and who haunted it. Looking back I think this was another male thing. Every guy I knew with a car loved to take girls there, tell them "the story" and then have us girls watching for the while lady. Wasn't it a tree painted white Ted?
Melba
Melba, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Sep 16, 2003
Many years ago there was a young bride-to-be, arrayed in her wedding gown, getting married on a spring day in Branch Brook Park. A section of the road was closed for the ceremony, but a teenage joy riding couple ignored all the posted warnings, and sped past the signs. Coming around a blind curve, the car plowed into the ceremony, killing the groom-to-be. The joy riding couple took off and was never found. The bride to this day seeks vengeance, and some nights, wearing her wedding gown, she visits the park in the dark with an ax, waiting by that blind curve, to attack teenage joyriders when they have to slow down at the hairpin.
If it was a good dark night, and the driver could time it so the story ended exactly at that hairpin, it was quite amusing when the passenger saw the white lady painted on the tree in front of them :-)
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
17, 20031st of four simultaneous postings-- Sep
Melba: Applegate's is on Grove Street in Upper Montclair. It is still the best ice cream around. Just recently, they opened another store on Ridgedale Avenue, in East Hanover.
Mary Ellen Giblin Bogart, Class of 1956
e-mail: mmareln@aol.com
17, 20032nd of four simultaneous postings-- Sep
I , too remember the White Lady Tree. Guess it was one of those enduring tales. If you like that kind of stuff, my friend's friend puts out a magazine called "Weird NJ". It only comes out twice a year, I think May and Oct. It is chock full of urban legends and strange stuff from all around NJ. And believe me, there are plenty. You can pick up past issues of it at the larger bookstores in the mall. I go to Daltons, but I am sure all the big ones carry it. Really, check it out.
Got another one for you. Anyone remember "Monks Castle" ?
Ginny, I hope you have no problems getting to the race in Dover. So, far all I heard was all Fri. qualifying is canceled, but the Sat. and Sun. races are on. Have fun, I won't shake the peanuts this week, so maybe you will see a Rusty win!
Patty Walsh -Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
19, 20033rd of four simultaneous postings-- Sep
This is such a great site. My brother, Bill (1965) and I both went to OLAS from Kindergarten through eighth grade. There are so many familiar names on here and so many memories. East Orange was a great town to grow up in but we moved out in 1972.
Melba, Applegates was still on Grove Street in Montclair up until about a year ago. Now they have a stand at Yogi Berra Stadium at Montclair University (home of the NJ Jackals) and a small store in Nutley on Centre Street right near Franklin Avenue.
Does anyone remember Fr. Bob Babulski? He came to OLAS in the late 1960's. He was transferred to a parish outside of San Fransisco in the 70's and then came back east and worked as a chaplain at Overlook Hospital in Summit staying at St. Theresa's rectory.
I would love to hear from some of my former classmates.
Madelynne Vackner Sansevere, Class of 1969
e-mail: shpawike@comcast.net
21, 20034th of four simultaneous postings-- Sep
Yes Patty, I remember the Shakes. For the life of me can't reason why Tommy the youngest Shake would commit so much vandalism if only to get attention from his father, the E.O Police captain.
All of the underage parties began one block up the street from your house on Rutledge at the O'Brien's. Cathy O'Brien class of 1972 and her brothers were Mustang and GTO lovers then. The parties at the O'Brien's were very intense for about two plus years while their mom was staying with her fiancé in Morris County on the weekends.
Later Mrs. O'Brien began to discover what was really going on from the weekend disturbances in which some physical fights among the guys were becoming evident by holes in the sheetrock of the O'Brien' home. The parties were stopped and then moved to the Shakes. Dave Shake, being the eldest and fairly stronger than most guys managed to keep the parties fairly tame & quiet. Eventually the Shakes parties were no match in flavor and grandeur to the O'Brien's wonder parties so all partygoers had to find other venues for excitement.
Dave Mullenmlie, Jimmy Decker, Kevin Bennett, Joe Byrne, Joe Ramos and John Wayne, can't remember his first name. Later years we all became of legal age and the parties continued to Maplewood NJ were they lived for over 5 years. In recent conversations, I understand that many in the old partying group are now certified to provide drug & alcohol counseling, what a complete circle for some I thought we never make it pass 20 something. Congratulations to all of you!
I was in NJ last week and as always feel a lot of history emotion from the wonderful times there. I have moved to Sunny Arizona, I love here but I miss the seafood from Ferry Street on Newark( seafood in the AZ is terrible but Beef is great). I am happy to have been playing some 70s music and found my 1972 diploma with photo and by chance found your web site. LOVE you all and hope to hear from all soon. PS. When is the next reunion?
Alvaro Vallecilla, Class of 1972
e-mail: alvarov8@cox.net
Sep 22, 2003
Hello,
I'm sorry for intruding on your web site but I was thinking back of when I lived on the Bloomfield/East Orange border. Specifically, we lived on North 16th street and Ellington Street between First Avenue and Rutledge Avenue.
Anyway, as I started to remember the area, I can remember the Ampere train station and when I did a search to see if I can find some photos of the station, I came across your message board.
As I started to dream again of that once beautiful area, I can remember the bowling league I was in that was connected to All Souls. We bowled each Sunday at the Brunswick? bowling center located near the Westinghouse factory. I believe this is Arlington Avenue.
The All Souls league was headed by a very nice woman named Ms. Mann. Has anyone ever heard of her? Is she still (Hopefully) around?
Does anyone know where I can obtain photos of the Ampere train station? Was it the Erie Lackawanna?
Again, my apologies for intruding but after reading some of your posts, I feel that we all share memories of East Orange.
I also remember the places in which you speak of: Wards, Charms, A&P. There were other stores like Billigans Pharmacy, a dance studio and an TV store.
Once I was running down that ramp at the Ampere station and my mother took me to Billigans on our way home. They were nice there as they cleaned and dressed up my wounds.
I really miss this area.
Regards,
Ken
Ken Meluso, Class of 1979
e-mail: njvike@excite.com
Sep 25, 2003
Hi all,
Hope the Hurricane(?) didn't mess with anyone too bad. It was practically nothing down here at the shore.
Alvaro! My old bud! How are you? I remember your wife too. Can't think of her name, but she had long beautiful blonde straight hair. I was soo happy to see your post, though I don't understand the part about some of the old gang could become counselors ?
The parties in Maplewood were at the step Father of Scott Earisman's house. Marian, remember Peggy and Scott Earisman? They lived a couple houses up from me on Rutledge. Their father was a professor at Upsala. Kinda hippyish?
Anyway, the parties were the wildest to ever hit Maplewood! His parents were so cool. If you'd like to relive old times, Alvaro, e-mail me, so we don't bore,or shock everyone with our teen-age wasteland years.
How about a ride up to "Monk's Castle" anyone?
Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Sep 25, 2003
Patty, don't remember Monk's Castle. Would love to hear about it though. There was a place I went to a few times that was "different". It had a dungeon theme. Very gothic.
Can't for the life of me remember the name or the location.
Think it might have been in the Newark, Belleville, area
Mary (Melba) , Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Sep 29, 2003
Has anyone seen September? So happy to see all the postings on here.
Frederick's Inn, remember it well, walking past on the way to the bowling alley, think Joe's bachelor party was there.
Patty, I can't remember the Shakes but what a story! The street at the end of Rutledge was Oraton Parkway, the Granahan's lived on Rutledge between Arlington and Oraton and for some strange reason the O'Hara's just popped into my mind. I remember a Cathy O'Hara who was friends with my sister, Cathy.
Didn't find out about Snake Road until I had my own kids and was looking for a short cut out of Eagle Rock Reservation to go back home in W.O. Four voices from the back seat started screaming in unison not to turn right, that was Snake Rd. (their equivalent to our white lady). Yup, you guys were crazy, there's no way I'd want to be racing down that road, which ends at Mountain Avenue on the Montclair border. The lookout has now become a beautiful memorial site to 9/11 and the Highlawn Pavilion is to the left.
Monk's Castle - didn't find out about that until after my kids either. Is it at the end of Bloomfield Ave. in Montclair, where the road splits going to Claremont and is a short cut to Pompton Ave./Rt. 23? Don't know the background to it, just that my four and two cousins started screaming when I took that tiny stretch of road. My kids will love Weird NJ.
Melba, was Jimmy Smith Kathy Mooney's boyfriend? If so, you are right he was a very sweet boy. Paid a lot of attention to us little ones.
Nice to read Glen Johnson's post and interesting thought that Columbian might be re-named.
What a coincidence for Bob Manning to find out about Bond's. Was it near Tierney's? Funny where things end up.
Al, I remember sawdust at the A&P. It's what you left them in when you moved on. I never knew you and the Mrs. met there. BRB
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Sep 29, 2003
(continued)
Thanks, Madelyne, didn't know there was an Applegates in Nutley. Remember Fr. Bob (thanks for providing his last name, we only called him Fr. Bob.) He was great, brought a unique and wonderful way of teaching. We felt like he really cared about us and wanted OUR opinions on things. He went beyond the classroom. Glad to hear he is at Overlook, not far from here.
Alvarro, I thought of someone named Jerry OB when I read your post, but not sure he is one of the O'Brien's you mentioned. Glad to hear they turned their lives around for the better, some were not so fortunate. Ferry St. in Newark (down neck) still can't be beat for its eateries. Does anyone know why that area was named "down neck?" I'm asking, don't know the secret. Maybe you can make a copy of your photo and send to Ted. Enjoy seeing old pictures.
Ken Meluso, I love intruders! You can look back through here and check with Bill Hart who has a wonderful book out called "Postcards" There are many pictures of E.O. I don't have it in front of me and know the supply was going fast. Also, Melba sent us to eBay and there were pics of E.O. being sold, but don't know for sure of the train station. We all enjoyed that bowling alley, even though I'm not sure of the real name, and remember the great Westinghouse layoff in 1959 when my dad and many others were "fired," my first introduction to that awful word. Then the area looked like ghost town after that for a long time. Pearlie Mann was her name, I believe. She had a large family also and my mother and she became friends. Her daughter, Pamela, was a very nice sweet, girl. Don't know what became of them, maybe they will find us on here. I saw a name of Pavone in one of the postings and somehow I connect it with the Mann's. I think there was a man named Mario Pavone,! who I'm not sure of.
Patty, I remember a Chrissy Scott, but no Peggy. I remember an Upsala professor that rented rooms from the Codomo's, who had a super intelligent daughter, but thought her name was Susie or Peggy.
Melba, maybe it was Zacharlys in Newark that you were thinking of. The dance club that let young teens in and he looked somewhat Frankensteinish.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Sep 29, 2003
Ooops! Sorry about that, Ted. Can you take one more for today? I read Bob George's posting to the Class of '56, I didn't recognize the classroom, but I'm sure I wore some of those h-m-d dresses. Amazing that he found himself in that picture.
Hey Patty, none of that cheating on us with Alvaro. We want to hear those stories too.
On an unrelated note, I think Classmates.com is dipping into our site. They're sending me incorrect postings like I went to Essex Catholic High School and my husband on the E.O. Catholic list. I guess they don't about them being boys only, girls only schools.
TAFN, I promise.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Oct 1, 2003
The only Castle I remember was built high up in a mountain in Paterson, NJ. It was an estate of a very wealthy industrialist circa 1860s. I remember taking pictures for my photo 101 class at William Paterson University. Gothic it was and quite majestic although vandalism was becoming a problem. Gee, I am 2500 miles from NJ so every thing comes to mind, sorry. Classic case of outside (far)looking in.
I will be mailing to Ted our gracious host a picture of the graduation class of 1972 so any one will be able to see what the class of 1972 looked like. Be advised that a 1972 280SE Mercedes Benz 4.5 is a classic today!
Alvaro Vallecilla, Class of 1972
e-mail: alvarov8@cox.net
Oct 1, 2003
Hello Ken,
Glad you "intruded" and shared your memories of the Ampere train station. It was the Erie Lackawanna. I went back to E. O. a couple of years ago for the Scott High School closing reunion. While there I visited Ampere and hoped to get a picture of the train station. Bill Hart's book has some wonderful photos' of train stations in EO, but none that capture the one at Ampere in the days I remember it. His book has one of the station in very early times. Unfortunately, the station is no longer there. I have a few family photos and one has a partial shot of the station, but again...not enough of what I wish I had. Thoughts of that station bring back fond memories. Amazing that drug stores back then cleaned up kids skinned knees. I had a similar experience, only it was Newman's drug store that my mom took me to. They were on 4th avenue heading towards Grove Street and OLAS.
Mary
Mary M. Robinson-Rossetti, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Oct 3, 2003
Some people's memories are getting bad they must be getting old. Newmans drugs was on the corner of Springdale and Maple. Marian, Oraton Pkwy. didn't intersect with Rutledge. Rutledge ended at Clinton St. (the GS Parkway service rd.) Going east on Rutledge the next street was Walnut then Arlington, Roseveldt, Maple,Grove, 23rd, 22nd, Hoffman Blvd., and Ampere pkwy.
Al Smeraldo, Class of 1952
e-mail: algreat@ptd.net
Oct 3, 2003
Hi all,
Marian, Cathy O'hara was the one on crutches , right. That was the Snake Road I was referring to and Monk's Castle also. I believe it was really The "Essex Mountain Sanitorium". I am not sure why we called it that, but WEIRD NJ did a story on it but I missed that issue. Must try to find one.We would all go the "Star Tavern" in Orange( still there, still the best thin pizza ever) and get all loosened up and drive up to "Monks". We would scare ourselves silly when the gates would open and someone would come out and chase us away. The bartender at "Star" liked me and would give me rum and cokes in a coke glass. It became known as a "Patty Walsh Special" for guys who bought in under-age girls. Such an honor!
The Scotts were Chucky, Chrissy Mary and Susie. I think they all went to OLAS. They had a pool too, but no one was allowed in it. I meant Scott and Peggy Earismann.
If Alvaro would like to tell one of the million crazy things that happened at those parties, I will surely jump in.
Mary and Alvaro, I think you both are thinking of the same thing. Garrett's Mountain in , I think West Patterson had a big old mansion on it called the Lambert House. It was very spooky.
Alvaro, I read your post under your school year. I knew you had a crush on me. I liked you too, but you kinda scared me. You seemed so much older than the other boys. Must have been your foreign schooling. I remember one time my class was lined up (like concentration camp victims) behind the rectory. I think we were going to church. You came strolling by, I think you were the altar boy for that mass , and came up to me while I was in line. Probably said something about walking home or the "OBrien's parties. I almost died! Every body in my class teased me for weeks about my 8th Grade Boyfriend". It wasn't until we started going to the same parties that I realized what a nice guy you were . Marian. Zacherly was supposed to be a vampire. I got to send you some pics from when I met him. Send me your address and maybe you could post them, since I am very inept at computer skills and have no scanner.
Michael Pavone was a year ahead of me. His mom and Mrs. Mann were always hanging around OLAS. I guess they were the helping out moms.
This just popped into my head. Anyone remember the fairs at Columbian? ( Which I believe has been renamed the "Cicely Tyson school, and Ashland (?) became the "whitney houston school). I loved the glittery birds on a stick you waved around in the air. Mine never lasted long, cos when I got home, one of our many cats would promptly kill it!
Patty Walsh- Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Oct 3, 2003
Their were so many fond memories of OLAS and my years growing up in E.O. Those warm summer nights hanging out at Columbia Park. I can see those faces as if it were yesterday....My best friend Jimmy Mantore,Cousin Tommy Spadone, Joe Spada, Wayne Montagna, the DeSimone Bros, Tim Byrne,Roy Healy just to name a few....Ahh those were the days...Spin the bottle in Mantore's garage..Parties at Maria Aquillar's house.....My first kiss>>>>>>>> Kels Ice Cream truck, the lot on Ampere Pkwy and Rutledge...The lectures from Jimmy's dad Det Jame Mantore on mischief night. I would tell my sons the stories about the times when my brother & I grew up & how things have changed, how we would ride our bike to Soveral field on Memorial day with it covered in balloons. Marian, you brought up so many memories,,,Izzys, Als Luncheonette,,,,I remember Visco's sporting goods...didn't Paula Visco's dad own that. Yes, those were the days.....Gone but definitely not forgotten....Ted Thanks for site and a chance to walk down memory lane.
Anthony Moscaritola, Class of 1968
e-mail: RazcalNJ@yahoo.com
Oct 6, 2003
Mary,
Thank you so much for the reply.
Since my parents still live on Ellington/North 16th street, I visit at least once a week.
Since I only visit them and not the surrounding areas, I decided that it was time to take a look and while I wasn't surprised overall, I did notice some major changes that made me wish I had taken pictures many years ago.
I started with the Watsessing Avenue train station. As soon as I made the turn to get to the station I noticed that all the ruins of Westinghouse are completely gone. All that remains are foundations behind a wired fence. There still remains a small sign with the Westinghouse logo that I was tempted to take, but didn't. I would like to buy it for old times sake.
I also noticed that the old Path Mark is no longer there. It now servers as a dollar store.
Next, I proceeded up Arlington avenue to the top of the hill and noticed that there are stairs that lead down to where their were once rail tracks. They have all been removed but the question that still puzzles me is that this line was for freight and not for passenger, I believe. I also believe that this train would more than likely make stops at Westinghouse. Now, the question comes to mind is that when this services was in operation, how did the Montclair-Boonton line go through if this rail runs right across this line? I didn't see any bridge that would allow both services to run at the same time. I did see an older map that showed train lines and that this line did go to South Orange. It's the same line that crosses Bloomfield Avenue by Steely's Motorcycle shop but after that, I don't know where it goes from there.
I can still remember the Erie Lackawana freight trains where GM had their plant and also the Charms factory.
Next, I proceeded down Arlington avenue and noticed the Sunoco gas station that was mentioned in some posts here. Well, it's still open by fenced in. I noticed that the gas station across the street from it has been out of business for quite sometime, it appears.
I did look for the Ampere Station and noticed the station was gone and the entrance from under the bridge and been filled in by cement. How unfortunate.
I can recall when this station was busy and there was a driving school to the right of the station.
Next, I went to where the location of where Worthington Pump and Wards/Tops/Taystee cake bakery is. It's now cleaned up and serves as a daycare center.
Worthington, several bars, limo place are all gone.
What happened and when did this ghost town (these parts) come to be?
Ken Meluso, Class of 1979
e-mail: njvike@excite.com
Oct 7, 2003
Marian,
Thanks for replying. I will look for those books and check with eBay .
I hope Ms.Mann finds this site :-)
Regards,
Ken
Ken Meluso, Class of 1979
e-mail: njvike@excite.com
Oct 9, 2003
Bravo, Al Smeraldo.
But she is your sister.
Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Oct 13, 2003
Marian, your secret love, Zacherly will be at the Meadowland's Sheraton on Oct. 31- nov.2 , waiting for you.
Oh, yeah, it is also the "Chiller Theatre Expo" That's where I met him in the spring of 2001. :)
Check out www.chillertheatre.com. Many oldies you will remember! :)
Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Oct 15, 2003
All the street names mentioned here by most of you all sound all familiar but I could not connect the dots from were I live now in Arizona. Alas, I mapquested the OlAS area for a quick reference and Voila, some memory infusion came to spare. Gee! Its only been 30+ years I exercised that muscle in my brain!
It appears that OLAS is located on the corner of Grove and 4th Ave. Newman Drugs was located (not sure if it is still there) on the corners of Springdale and Maple Aves, exactly one block East and one block North from OLAS. I use to life on that corner in an apartment building on N. Maple Ave and Springdale. I lived prior on Rutledge Ave half a block north of N. Arlington Ave.
The O'Brien's lived in a modest size house painted white, almost at corner of N. Arlington and Rutledge Ave. Kathy O'Brien an OLAS classmate of 1972, see her and the 1972 Class picture at www.finishing.com/allsouls/72/ broke the E.O mold and hosted many weekend parties with an avant-garde attitude in 1972-1973.
While other OLAS eight graders were watching television or perhaps being good doing their shores & homework, the guests at the O'Brien's were eagerly arriving promptly for the night's festivities. The kitchen table and fridge was becoming quite full of the beers & cheap wines. Our elder peers Mostly HS. sophomores, juniors, and seniors were amused with anticipation of how us younger grammar kids from OLAS would react to drinking Boone's Farm Strawberry wine, Thunderbird and old plain beers. You guest it, no need to embarrass any one here. The interesting part for me was the spectacular changes of personality being played against a totally different sober persona prior to the party.
Patricia Walsh Robinson, use to live in an ample Victorian home with rap-around porch on Rutledge Ave. I was always intrigued about Patty and her many beautiful cats. Patty, I am sorry I scared you at OLAS. I don't think it was intentional but, maybe I just wanted to be your friend. I have always remain a mellow, calmed and collected person with perhaps a few passions worth living for.
Does any one remember, Jimmy Decker, Joe Burns, Mark Hatfield, James Lyons, we called him 'Turkey', what an awful nickname. It seems that a lot of people in this site have younger siblings. I am also amassed that many of you are providing background information of OLAS classmates that I never new, even though I attended class every day with them.
My deepest gratitude to Ted Mooney for awakening the memory within in me and for his gracious hosting of this site, including uploading the photo of the class of 1972.
Hoping you all have an excellent October.
Alvaro Vallecilla, Class of 1972
e-mail: alvarov8@cox.net
Oct 20, 2003
Alvaro, how nice! I think you just were more refined than the boys in my class. I was used to hormone-raged boys who pulled up your skirt, and tackled you in the dirt. I saw your pic from '72. Are the names right? Some of the names are from people in my class.
TURKEY? Oh, yeah, jamie . I was e-mailing with Rosa not too long ago, and she said he is fine. Decker is a Captain, (I think) in the Bloomfield Police Dept. Joe Byrne (I think you meant Jimmy Byrne in your pic) is married as far as I know and lives in North Jersey. I don't know where Mark Hatfield is. Such a shame we lost each other. I talk to Terry Hart every so often and she still sees a lot of the old gang.
So nice you remembered all my kittys. Quite a collection!
meow :)
Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Oct 21, 2003
Alvaro - loved the picture, thanks for sending it. Can you send the names, some are obvious sibling-look-alikes.
Melba - I think there was a drug store on 4th but was Newman's there first and then moved to Springdale or what was the name of it, does anyone remember?
Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa, big bro Al. I knew if I posted it incorrectly you would jump right on. Works all the time. (Patty you need to know that Oraton Pkwy was still a dirt road with horse and carriages when Al grew up.) I thought Parkway Drive was a continuation of Oraton Pkwy after they closed the entrance/exit on Springdale/Rutledge.
Yes Patty, I believe that was Cathy O'Hara, don't know what became of them, but there is an O'Hara Association, a huge family that marches in the W.O. St. Patrick's Day Parade every year. Wow, a PWS! I remember going to Star Tavern at 18 when the drinking age was 21 and getting served. I used my sister, Peggy's license as "proof." (She is 8 years older, a half foot taller, and has red hair) My husband used my brother Joe's license, who was only 3 years older, 5 inches taller with red hair). Remember the Scott's pool and the rule, but remember going in someone's pool on Roosevelt with either Debbie Oliver or one of the Duffy or O'Dowd or O'Dell girls and trying to talk underwater. There were so many kids in the sides almost caved in and we all had to get out. Still can't place the Earismanns. Very surprised to find out Monk's Castle was a real story. I just thought it was the crazy cousin from Belleville trying to scare her son into behaving on the then long ride to Willowbrook. Sorry about mistaking Zach for a stein and not a vamp. Al's right, the memory is slipping. Sure remember those fairs at Columbian and not being able to go. (sniffle, sniffle) Hmmm, someone famous went to Franklin School (?) on Dodd St. Didn't know those schools were renamed after celebrities. My aunt taught Dee Dee Warwick, (Dionne's sister) at Lincoln School on Central Ave. Unfortunately, she didn't teach her to sing.
Right Alvaro, the Walsh's had a great house as did many on Rutledge and the President streets, only we didn't realize then what we had. Of course, I remember the Deckers, another large family and the Lyons family. My dad used to drive me, Lori Walsh and Rosemary Lyons to E.O. Catholic when we missed the bus, on his way to work in Roseland before Rt. 280 was constructed. Was Joe Burns Tim's brother? I thought I saw what has to be his older brother in the picture that was posted of the class of '67 in first grade - front row 5th from the left?
Speaking of which, Bill Vackner, was my brother, Joe in your class? He can't remember what year he graduated. (thanks for the picture, loved it).
Paul Klein, just in time, with that picture. What a coincidence! Very sorry to hear about your dad. Would love to find out the names, faces look familiar. I'm going to take a guess first row, 5th from the right, is it Kathy Decker? Second row from the front, 4th boy in - is it Tim Purdue? You mentioned living on N. 23rd - I think the Voto's and the Yanuzzi's lived on 23rd. Linda Visco lived on Springdale across from 23rd. I also babysat for a young couple who lived on the second floor of about the 6th house in from Springdale, they had two little girls, one's name was Laura, can't remember their last name, but their backyard was adjacent to the Columbian basketball/ice skating rink. So nice to hear about your mom and SJM, the concensus here is that she was well loved by all. You have a very interesting life, good luck with your pursuit of a kayak. (The halls of OLAS always smelled like Pine Sol cleaner and shellacked (sp?) wood, with a hint of incense. How about some butterscotch Krimpets?
Anthony, those parties brought back memories. Visco's Sporting Goods? Don't know if it was Paula's father, but I remember sitting next to that poor girl, who was so traumatized by Sr. Margaret Helen she was biting on her spiral bound notebook and it got stuck in her front teeth. I looked over at her and saw the book hanging out of her mouth and tears running down her cheeks, she was afraid to make a peep, so I yelled out loud that Paula had a problem. Pandomonium broke out.
Ken, loved reading your post. Don't know much about where those trains went, perhaps my big bro Al can help on that one. What a rude awakening to find out those parts are ghost towns. Could have been after the Newark riots, like everything else went downhill. On the weekend, I went to Branch Brook Company (formerly Branch Brook Cycle) and remembering your post, so wanted to turn left onto Watsessing Ave on my way back going up Bloomfield Ave. and take a look for myself. Unfortunately, my husband was driving and accelerated quickly after my request. And the gall of him to not want to go THROUGH Branch Brook Park. He said with our luck, we would surely run into the White Lady. Literally.
Alvaro, still having a hard time with the O'Brien's, but when you described where you lived on Rutledge I remembered something. There was a large house on the corner of N. Arlington, the backyard enclosed by a white picket fence was on Rutledge. I remember looking through the fence with some of the other kids and someone yelling at us to get away. Seemed the house had been vacant and boarded up for a while. I think it might have been a daycare previously. There was some kind of story about a murder and the body being found under the sink. Fact or fiction, anyone remember anything about it?
Okay, kids. That's all for now. It's been real, keep on posting. (Ted, I hope I didn't hog up all the computer space.)
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
2003... Yep, that was all the computer space we had Marian. We had to sell your postings to a comedy club to get the money for more memory cards so Betsy could post.
Oct 23, 2003
Just logged in to see what's new. I was glad to hear from Madelynne Vackner. I graduated with you, Madelynne. I remember going to your house after school with Arthurette Visco. We used to make ice-cream floats in the blender. You had alot of hamsters. I thought they were great, but my Mom wouldn't let me have one. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Madelynne wrote about Fr. Bob. Fr. Bob passed away a few years ago. I remember sending the obituary to my sister, Sally. We were both very fond of him. If that weren't enough, just last Sunday, I read in the obituaries that Joseph LaRussa passed away. Joseph graduated with us in 1969. He was very funny. I remember sitting next to him in class and getting into trouble for laughing. He was surely our "class clown." That was, I think, the third person in our class to pass away. Joseph Morano died a few years ago and Gerard "Rod" Coppola died in the World Trade Center on 9/11. Hope to hear from more 1969 classmates.
Elizabeth "Betsy" Malia Mroz, Class of 1969
e-mail: bladyone@aol.com
Oct 23, 2003
Marian, down neck referred to the iron bound section of Newark was coined after English soldiers were camping around the banks of the Passaic river what is now Newark. The Passaic River does flow from North to South and then turns east and then south again, hence creating a bird neck type shape. The Iron bound was coined around the turn of the industrial revolution in the 1850's, as the City of Newark became the largest industrial iron fabrication center in the country. Literally all the rails for the Railroads in the East and mid West were fabricated in Newark, NJ. The first submarine was built in Paterson but the parts were made -- you guest it Newark.
Well, after reading some of Al Smeraldo comments regarding how the old and frequently discussed streets connect back in the older days, I could only think of how I would of loved to live in E.O back the 1950s. A great majority of homes were design in a wonderful & lively Victorian style and colors with large wrap around porches and ample backyards. I use to travel every weekend 300 miles from NJ to the Berkshires, which is in the western part of the state of Mass to see a girl I dated. Heck, when you are in love, 300 miles is just around the corner!. After crossing the NY state line in to Mass, I always noticed how beautiful and well decorated were these gorgeous Mass Victorian homes with the most amassing color combination of shutters and facades. It always reminded me of what E.O was then.. But Al, I was born in 1956 and you were graduating HS then. So maybe you can give us the Historical tour someday, I will be your first paying customer.
Marian per your request here are the names of the class of 1972 as you see them on the OLAS website reading then in the Christian tradition not Jewish (left to right). Alvaro Vallecilla (me) Judy Saxe, Patricia Ostrowski, Claire Pearsall, Ann Camisa, Judy Caslow, Jean Duffy, Fred Steed, Craig White, Valerie Riley, Barbara Perez, M. Sindab, C. Donaldson. Ralph Visco, Robert Whiting, S. Windfield, Cathy O' Brien, David Pigott, John Hargadon, Joseph Hoff, M. Johnston, F. Lopez, S. Dabney, James Marinello, Jimmy or Joe Byrne, Robert Mack, Lion Moss, Michael. Pavone.
Ann Camisa just emailed me today. She is married to Bobby Colucci who was in the class of 1973 with Patty Walsh. AL is right my memory is fried because I can't remember a few classmates's first names, your help is appreciated.
Patty, thank you for your warm, grateful and well meaning comments. I would never think of actually pulling up a girl's (lady) skirt then and even now. because the despicable action in my opinion violates a girls/woman's sexuality, well being, plus its really an immature and totally unromantic act. Many of the boys at OLAS were very immature, maybe that is why their parents new better than to put those brats in a public school.
The photo of 1972 class is genuine and all the above names are real. I remember every face except for a few first names. Patty, if some of the names sound familiar then perhaps they maybe their siblings with the same last names that were in your class. Tell Rosa to contact me; I spoke to her about 12 years ago we were very good friends. Is this Rosa the Led Zeppelin fan? I have a lot of pictures of Rosa by the falls at the Farm in Pa. Mr. Decker is a Captain Wow! He has recuperated the old days! I don't remember Terry Hart refresh me a bit. So how many kittys in your present collection?
Avoir!
Alvaro "AL" Vallecilla, Class of 1972
e-mail: alvarov8@cox.net
Oct 24, 2003
Strange,Betsy, I just found out Rod died too. In 2 years I always wondered who was the brave soul trying to keep that damn antenna up. BLESS HIM.
Yes, Marian, that house on the corner was haunted for sure. I heard that they locked someone under the sink too.Don't think it was ever resolved.
Eventually someone bought it and made a nice home of it. Painted it yellow. :0
Patty Walsh Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Oct 25, 2003
Responding to Ken's questions on the rr lines. Before the Erie-Lackawanna merger they competed in the area. The Lackawanna ran elevated from the Ampere station along Hoffman Blvd. crossing Rutledge Ave. and Grove st. after that it dropped below ground in a cut. Near the Westinghouse and General Electric plants the Erie crossed over it on an overpass. The Lackawanna was a commuter line. I never saw a freight on it although there were sidings into several industrial plants. The Erie carried both freight and passengers. Marian, even though I used to change your diapers I can assure you Oraton Pkwy. was paved long before I was born. Someone with such a bad memory should not criticize us older folk. Otherwise I might drop you in the soup again.
Al Smeraldo, Class of 1952
e-mail: algreat@ptd.net
Oct 27, 2003
Betsy,
I can't believe you remember the ice cream floats and the hamsters. Shhh...don't tell my kids how many I had...we only have one at a time here.
Do you remember going over to NYC to see the ticker tape parade for the astronauts (Neil Armstrong - the moon landing)? I believe it was you and I and also Arthurette and Patti Di Blasi. I can't believe our parents let us go by ourselves. I didn't let my kids walk to the corner by themselves at that age...times have certainly changed.
I was sorry to hear about Fr. Bob, Joe Morano and Joe LaRussa. I remember both Joe's and the name Rod Coppola is familiar but I can't place him. I have to dig out the old photos.
On another note, the fairs at Columbian Park were wonderful. We looked forward to them every year. Does anyone remember the Easter Egg Hunts at the park?
Madelynne Vackner Sansevere, Class of 1969
e-mail: shpawike@comcast.net
Oct 28, 2003
Ladies and gentlemen, bow your heads and thank God for his blessings. You have just been witness to a true miracle right here on the OLAS site...Al Smeraldo, one of my older brothers, finally admitted after years of denying it, and in writing, in front of all you good witnesses, that he did, in fact, DROP ME IN THE SOUP! And he wonders why my memory "slipped." Seems to be a lot of "slipping" around here. Oiy-yi-yi, Al, letting out the family secrets! Sta ta zito with the diapers already, or maybe the age will "slip." Oops, did I say that? Ok, Mr. True Confession, now that you started it, how about filling in the rest of the soggy details. And I mean to the soup story, ONLY!
Ok, I'll be right back, forgot what else I was going to say.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Oct 28, 2003
Oh, a wise guy, eh, Ted. If I knew Betsy was going to have such depressing news, I surely would have hogged it all. Just kidding, Betsy, thanks for the updates. Truly tragic to hear about Fr. Bob, Joe LaRussa (his older brother was also very funny), Joe Morano and Gerard Coppola. I think Gerard started out in our class and was kept back, probably because he was a little hyper, but also very funny. Stunned to find out it was he with the antenna.
Alvaro, thank you soooo much for providing the "down neck" information. And many thanks for listing the names of your classmates, even though they are posted right there under their pictures. You are a gentleman. Good thing not all Al's are alike (I'm waiting for the other to blast my failing eyesight now). I got mixed up with all the wonderful pictures that were posted. That question was meant for Bill Vackner for the Class of 65 in first grade and for the class of 67, which didn't have the names listed. Tell the Camisa/Colucci's not to be shy about posting on here and Mr. Colucci's brother was a year ahead of me, I'm sure he's got some great stories to tell, too. And what a coincidence that you asked Al for the "historical" tour. You must be psychic. He is a long time member of the something, something Antique Car club and he and his lovely wife do tour with that club. He's also restored many antique cars.
Patty, great to hear that about Mr. Decker, who would have thunk it back then how everyone would turn out? So, there was a real murder in that house. Didn't I see some of our Police Pals on here? Maybe they can elaborate.
I still can't figure out how to go back to the pics without losing the text here, so to whoever it was that sent the Class of '54 pic, thank you. I recognize 3 faces, I think. Top row 8th from the left, could that be Danny Smeraldo? 2nd row, 6th from the Right, can't remember his name. And the top row again, 7th from the left. Please provide when you get a chance. Thanks.
I shall return!
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Nov 3, 2003
Hello "Soul's" mates! Amazing how much has been added to the site since my last visit. More amazing, though, is that you "younger" kids seem to have found more mischief to get into than we slightly older kids did!
Love the stories about "The White Lady" in Branch Brook Park! Just want to add, that if the headlights hit that painted tree just right ... SHE did appear to move! Don't know much about the other haunted spots up there (I left E.O. at 16) but I have a feeling that Webmaster Ted could tell us some "Jersey Devil", in the Pine Barrens, stories.
Patty, a big thanks on the stopping of the "Peanut Shaking"! I thoroughly enjoyed the race at Dover, and a few after that! Oh, by the way, did you start shaking again recently?
Al Smeraldo, it was wonderful to see you and Carol at my folk's anniversary party. I just wish we'd had more time to talk! Thanks to you, I keep dreaming that I actually own a classic T-Bird! Charlie and I are both jealous ... and that's the truth!
Ted, sorry it's taken so long, but my daughter's store is one boardwalk block south of Jack & Bill's on your left. I know the summer is over, but when did that keep anyone from going to Jack & Bill's? Weather dependent, she'll be open on weekends. Sorry I missed you at the bar, but I only made it to Seaside, twice. Both times on weekdays.
Al, everyone seems to remember things on the other side of town! Can you help me out with the name of the Drug Store on the corner of 18th St. & 4th Ave. Was it Halligan's? I will always remember getting six full size candy bars for a quarter on Monday nights. There was one for me, one for my sister, one for my mom and three for Dad! Or so he would always say ... but it never happened that way!
Oh, I made one trip to Newark. A quick visit to an aunt. I really didn't have the heart to tour the old neighborhood.
Keep up the good work, troops! Bye for now.
Ginny Holland Clementi, Class of 1958
e-mail: Auntiegin2@aol.com
1st of 4 simultaneous postings-- Nov 4,
Madelynne, I do remember going to NYC with you, Arthurette and Patti to see the astronauts. I often tell my daughter that story. She is 14 and I would NEVER let her go there alone with her friends. Well, the world was a little different back then. A few people mentioned Visco's Sporting Goods. I know that Paula and Arthurette's dad did not own that store, but Linda Visco's dad owned the store. Linda, I think, graduated in 1968 with Paula. They were not related, but they had the same last name.
Marian, Paula Visco was not the only one traumatized by Sr. Margaret Helen. I was so frightened of her that I would shake when she came near me. Fifth grade was the worst year of my grammar school days. Does anyone remember Sr. Marie deSales? I had Sr. Marie in first grade. I remember she used to beat this one little boy every day. His name was Steven Teresi. I don't remember what he every did, but she used to beat the daylights out of him every day and I never forgot him because of it. He left our school in the early grades. Well, take care everyone.
Betsy Malia Mroz, Class of 1969
e-mail: bladyone@aol.com
20032nd of 4 simultaneous postings-- Nov 5,
Ginny,
I believe the drugstore at 18th Street & 4th Ave. was Ampere Drugs. Billogan's (sp?) was under the railroad bridge by Ampere Parkway. Planet Drugs was on the corner of Grove Street & Hoffman Blvd. Also, wasn't there another drugstore at the corner of Park Ave. and Grove St? I think Marilyn (56) and David Morgan (younger brother)lived above that one.
Mary Ellen Giblin Bogart, Class of 1956
e-mail: mmareln@aol.com
20033rd of 4 simultaneous postings-- Nov 6,
Ginny, The drug store at the corner of 18th and 4th Avenue....how about AMPERE Drug. Sort of fits the area. Was it only me or did everyone have State Farm Insurance from Mike West whose office was opposite the drug store on 4th Avenue. Fresh hard rolls after church on Sunday mornings from Stetz bakery at 4th and 19th Street.
Mike Giblin, Class of 1958
e-mail: MGiblin470@aol.com
20034th of 4 simultaneous postings-- Nov 7,
PING ->Al Smeraldo
Al, thanks for the reply. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I also found some information that you might be interested in regarding the Erie in East Orange.
www.intac.com/~jsumberg/heller.htm Scroll down to you see Erie Branch. It explains the line as it passed through EO. There's some nice pictures to boot.
Ken
Ken Meluso, Class of 1979
e-mail: njvike@excite.com
Nov 7, 2003
the drugstore on Park Ave. was Mannings or Manny's
Kathy
(Washington)Tompkins, Class of
1959
e-mail: ktomp@comcast.net
Nov 9, 2003
Marian the "soup" story has been greatly exaggerated over the years. Tell us what you remember about it. Ken , thanks for the website on the Erie. Mary Ellen you are correct on the drug stores. The one on Park & Grove was owned by a man named Manny. I used to hang out there during high school.
Al Smeraldo, Class of 1952
e-mail: algreat@ptd.net
Nov 10, 2003
Al, didn't Tom work at Mannys? I know Bruce was always there too so maybe it was him. You guys were so much older than me it's hard to remember cause I was so little yet was with Tom and crew alot. Kathy
Kathy Tompkins, Class of 1959
e-mail: ktomp@comcast.net
Nov 13, 2003
Betsy,
I do remember Sr. Marie. I also remember her ostracizing me because I couldn't read the word 'animal'. To this day, whenever I see that word, I remember her. Strange how some things just stick with you.
Do you remember Sr. Mary DeMontfort? One snowy day, a bunch of kids went up to the church parking lot and had a snowball fight. It was the boys against the girls and Sr. Mary was on the boys side. One of the snowballs from the girls side hit Sister right smack in the face. All the girls had to go to the convent after school for a week and clean it. I can't remember who was there so I don't know if you were part of that group. Do you recall that incident?
Does anyone remember the soft pretzels that were sold in school? They were delivered in a brown shopping bag.
Madelynne Vackner Sansevere, Class of 1969
e-mail: shpawike@comcast.net
Nov 15, 2003
Hi Everyone!
I'm sorry I don't recognize many of you, but I must say hi to all the Smeraldos!
Oh Alvaro, you were the popular guy, huh? I know you don't remember me, but oh do I remember you! You were my first huge crush and you will always have a piece of my heart! I've thought about you often over the years.
Unfortunately, I did not graduate with my class. We moved to Union, NJ the summer between 7th and 8th grades. I missed out on those parties and graduation. I have the class pictures from 3rd and 7th grades. I will scan and send them to Ted.
Kathy Scioscia-Twardy, Class of 1972
e-mail: kstwardy@yourofficerescue.com
Nov 18, 2003
Hi Kathy Twardy long time no see. What are you up to these days? Kathy Tompkins, I don't think Tom worked at Manny's, Bruce might have. We all just hung out there.
Al Smeraldo, Class of 1952
e-mail: algreat@ptd.net
Nov 17, 2003
Hi, First off, Al or Marian better spill (pun intended) on the soup story.
Al, I have just one kitty now. My other was killed recently. I do save feral (wild) cats. I trap them then take care of them so they can be humanized, so to speak, and fixed and adopted. I love doing it, but miss them terribly when they must leave.
Ginny, sorry, but hubs kept that peanut shakin' up. What did you think of the outcome of the year?
Alvaro again, I haven't heard from Rosa in a quite a while. We were going strong, but someone intervened.
Kathy Scioscia, I remember you. I think we were on some 7th- 8th grade committee thing for a play together. If not, I still think I know who you are.
I just went to see the "Sound Of Music" at the Papermill with my Mom and sisters. I was in the East Orange Catholic version when I was in 2nd grade. Sister Xavier called me "Doe A Deer" my entire life at OLAS. I don't think she knew my real name. She made me sing for many classes. Was one of them any of yours? I was that embarrassed little girl ready to cry.
I was staying at my sister Carol's house, year of , I don't know, say, 64? Or 63,? She comes out with a sweatshirt , all folded up, and says, "Do you want this?". I said, "What's on the front"? She opened it up, and , LO and Behold , Marian, It said "EOCH". I said, holy Sh-t! Where did you get that? At A reunion I guess I wasn't invited to. Very comfy. I have it on now.
So, Ted, next season at Seaside, the crazy red-head at Jack and Bill's will have a "EOCH" sweatshirt on. :)
Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Nov. 21, 2003
I'm not acknowledging anyone so attired unless they're buying.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Nov 21, 2003
Okay, first rounds on me, Mr. Armani.
Patty Walsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Nov 21, 2003
Madelynne, I do remember Sr. Mary deMontfort and I also remember cleaning the convent. I was ironing in a room and Sr. Mary Xavier came in out of habit. She had on a moo moo (like the ones our mom's wore around the house) and we could see her hair! I didn't know if I was supposed to look directly at her or not. I never realized that the nuns walked around the convent without habits on. She kept talking to me and I don't think I heard a word she said.
I don't remember the soft pretzels, but I do remember the teachers selling cookies at recess.
Betsy Malia Mroz, Class of 1969
e-mail: bladyone@aol.com
Nov 24, 2003
Patty, sorry to hear someone intervene with your friendship with Rosa hope you reconnect again. Rosa and I were such good friends and had such great times back in the mid-to late 70s. What I like about Rosa was her energy, simplicity, sincerity and passion for music and friends. I have many pictures of Rosa from "the Farms days" if you remember.
I thought it might impossible to civilize a cat since they have and independent personality. Although my girlfriend Raye seems to have a talent to instruct our cat Cleopatra AKA "Cleo" and she responds quite well to her but not to me. Must be a woman's touch that has that edge of cat communication and inspiration, us men just don't have it.
Maybe we men should stick to domesticating dogs since most ladies think we men have more things in common with them. Not to say men act like dogs but some males sometimes do. However, small dogs are more likely to listen to the feminine persuasion. It would not seem right to have a big guy type walking the street with a tiny little dog would it? Gee I don't know where this conversation is going so I say, avoir.
The Sound of Music is my favorite play and movie, hope you hand a good show Patty! I am going to see the Christmas Show with the roqquettes from Radio City Music Hall now playing in Phoenix AZ. Also have tickets for Hall an Oates, Tom Jones, Anita Baker in a rotating circular stage called the celebrity theater all seats are great.
Hopping all of you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Alvaro reporting from the Valley of the Sun, sometimes in the summer it feels like the valley in the sun.
Alvaro Vallecilla, Class of 1972
e-mail: alavarov8@cox.net
Nov 27, 2003
Al, Chatted with Tom yesterday and asked about manny's. He did work there.Maybe that's why you all hung out there. Kathy
Kathy Washington Tompkins, Class of 1959
e-mail: ktomp@comcast.net
Dec 2, 2003
Alvaro, so glad to hear you will be seeing Hall and Oates!Great show ! I know you will love them.
Of course I remember the "FARM". If only I could forget!
PattyWalsh-Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Dec 11, 2003
Hello members of the OLAS message board. My name is Robert George and I lived with my family at 165 N. 18th St. East Orange NJ (OR 5-4707) (www.fastcashinrealestateforeclosures.com/165.htm) from 1946 to June 1954. Although not a student at OLAS, I had friends who were. Dennis and Sharon Nolan lived up the street from me, toward 4th Ave. Dennis was in the OLAS class of 1954. We would often walk to school together, up 4th Ave to All Souls, then I would either go into Columbian park, or up to Grove Street and over to Columbian School, which I attended from kindergarten through sixth grade, before making the move to Minneapolis Minnesota. I discovered this group after I found a photo of my kindergarten class on this message board. (www.finishing.com/allsouls/56/).
I wish Columbian had a web site as convivial as this, but they appear to have nothing at all.
To add some value to this posting (LOL), I'll share some memories of the area from that time. Living on 18th made the Ampere area central to my world. As we head north, up 18th to 4th Ave, we come to Ampere Drugs on the SW corner. A candy / news store owned by Sam Bartish (?) was on the NW corner. Sam and his family lived upstairs, over the shop. Most of my allowance was spent on comics and gimcracks from Sam's. There was a dentist on the first floor of the apartment house on the SE corner and 'Giller's Deli' next to that, run by a delightful, old in my eyes, couple. Further to the east was an Italian shoemaker, with opera pouring forth from an old cathedral style radio on his bench and the strong smell of leather permeating the air.. I seem to remember a hardware store next door called "Sailor's". Across 4th Ave was the A&P, where I seem to remember sawdust on the floor, but that could have been the Acme instead. Woolworth's 5&10 was nearby on the north side of 4th, and to the west, a barbershop, which I think was run by Italians. I seem to remember imported olive oil for sale in the barbershop! Of course a huge bank dominated Ampere plaza. The Ampere branch of the East Orange Library system, behind the bank, was excellent at the time and had won national acclaim. Across from the library on 18th were the Ampere Theater and the Triumph savings and loan. I was never brave enough to go down Crescent Place, which was a narrow street between the theater and bank that lead to a rough industrial area..
The crown jewel of the Ampere plaza area was the Lackawanna Railroad station. (pre Erie). Here we caught the commuter trains to Newark, and sometimes to Hoboken and the ferries to New York. All in all it was a great place in a wonderful time. Too bad it couldn't last.
Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to all.
Bob George
Plano, Texas
Robert George, Class of 1956
e-mail: rgeorge942@aol.com
Dec 16, 2003
Bob, Are you related to Kirk George?
Patty Walsh - Robinson, Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Dec 19, 2003
Hi Patty:
I'm not aware of any Kirks on my branch of the family tree.
Does anyone remember a "Roger's Radio Repair" shop on the south side of forth avenue, in the block west of 18th St? They would have been there in the late 1940's and early 50's if my memory isn't playing tricks on me.
Robert George, Class of 1956
e-mail: rgeorge942@aol.com
Dec. 22, 2003
I remember bringing tape recorders and record players to a repair shop in that general area, but I can't remember anything further on that subject.
Ted Mooney, Class of 1959
e-mail: mooney@finishing.com
Dec 21, 2003
George, it was good to read your memories as you added some forgotten names and places. My memory is as yours is in regarding to saw dust and it being on the floors of the A&P.
I had forgotten about the shoemaker until you mentioned him. It is amazing how as soon as I read those words the sights and especially the smells of his shop came rushing back. I remember a bent over gentleman who never said but a few words. All business was he. I always had the impression that he didn't much like putting on those metal cleats that kept your shoes from wearing down on one edge before the rest of the heel had gotten some use. After I was grown and married with children I looked high and low for a shoemaker and couldn't find one for 30 miles. Growing up we didn't throw out shoes but put new heels and soles on until the upper wore out. So as a young married with no money I tried to save the one pair of non sneaker shoes I had. When I found my shoemaker, he didn't even repair them there, but sent them out. Probably to the old italine man back in EO! I hope you enjoyed seeing the picture I found of the Ampere Plaza train station. That too held many special memories for me and was very disappointed to see it gone on a trip back to EO a few years ago.
To all of you, I hope you have a blessed Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.
Mary Melba
Mary Robinson-Rossetti, Class of 1961
e-mail: jerzey@bellsouth.net
Dec 21, 2003
Sorry, in advance, for the length of this Webmaster Ted. But, it's been awhile, and I've got lots to comment on!
Patty, in spite of the "peanuts" and Rusty's failure to make the top 10, I enjoyed the racing season. Matt Kenseth most certainly deserved the championship ... but I wonder how he would have earned without Rousch equipment. Can't wait for February!
A big "HELLO" to my cousin Kathy Scioscia Twardy! Fancy meeting you, here! Give my regards to the family!
Kathy Washington, you sure jolted my memory when you brought up Bruce. I remember watching "Happy Days' with my daughter and thinking they had based the character "Fonzie" on him. I could be wrong, but I remember him as very, very "COOL".
Now, Bob George, about 165 No. 18th St. Have you opened a door! My Aunt and Uncle, Joseph and Lillian Ryan must have purchased the house from your family. It became a "Holland" family compound with my Fritz cousins on the first floor, the Ryan's in the middle and our gang on the third! After a few years, the Ryan's moved to Livingston and my Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe Scioscia bought the house! How about all this, Kathy?
Now, I know Al Smeraldo remembers that address because that's where his wife Carol Fritz lived when they started dating. Thanks Bob for the opportunity to tease Al about the strange times of night the doorbells used to ring on "date-nights"! Could someone have been "necking" in the hallway?
Bob, do you remember the name of the "cranky old people" who lived two doors down? They sure made it rough to be kids! Also, I remember a Carla, Cookie and Tommy who lived in a big, set-back house. Wonder what happened to them. Sharon Nolan signed in the Class of '58. Check it out, Bob.
Thanks Mike and Mary Ellen for the drugstore info. Of course it was Ampere Drugs! Duh, what could I have been thinking?
Shorter than I expected this to be ... so let me take a moment to wish all of you ... and all of your's a Joyous Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Sincerely,
Ginny Holland Clementi
Ginny Holland Clementi, Class of 1958
e-mail: Auntiegin2@aol.com
Dec 23, 2003
WOW. So much to catch up on. But not now, I'm in the Linda Blair mode. I'm so happy I don't have to worry about offending anyone on here by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy & chatty New Year. Thanks again to Ted for this wonderful site. See you next year!
M.A.
Marian Smeraldo Allegrino, Class of 1968
e-mail: allegrino2002@yahoo.com
Dec 23, 2003
Merry, Merry Christmas to all.
OK, who has some Midnight Mass stories?
I remember the first time my parents let me go. What a sight! All the ladies dressed in dead foxes and the men in their suits with boutinierres. The next day I had to go to the kid's mass. After I sang my solo, I got up to leave. Some nun grabbed me half way down those marble steps and said, "Where do you think your going"? I said that I had already gone to midnight mass, so my duty was done. WELL, she said, "Miss Walsh, it would not kill you to stay and ask for God's forgiveness for being soooo insolent!. Told me, eh?
Patty Walsh - Robinson , Class of 1973
e-mail: federicolady@hotmail.com
Dec 29, 2003
Happy New Year 2004 OLAS friends!
Just when I was recuperating from all that fine food from Thanksgiving, here came all those wonderful Christmas parties, food, desserts and exotic drinks & wine!
More food and more fine wines, how on earth is one to stay in shape as the years keep creeping up on you Hey!
In my opinion the good part about Christmas is it will not last forever, so enjoy, stay positive, flexible and test your good humor. Its does not hurt to have a moderate control of the intake level (food & drinks) and other emotional aspects dealing with difficult people. Gee, not every seems to be merry right? Its normal.
On the other hand, ìeat and drink all you want and enjoy it heavenly to the max and pray for a speedy recoveryî, its what the Nuns taught me at OLAS, Amen.
**-- HAPPY NEW YEAR 2004 --**
Alvaro Vallecilla, Class of 1972
e-mail: alvarov8@cox.net
THIS TOPIC IS CONTINUED AS FONDEST MEMORIES, PART E