Who are these people and how did they get so old.I just set up this blog site and I thought that people from St. Matthias/Tansfiguration School could post things about what they experienced growing up in a great neighborhood among great people who had great parents. That's a lot of greats for one sentenced and I didn't even put a great ahead of my name. Any way I hope that every one who reads this blog will post some thing and others can comment on those postings.
One of the things that I remember most is the times we spent hanging out at Ashes. I actually met my future wife there thanks to Aggie Grande. For those who didn't know about Ashes it was a Doctors office building at the corner of Lawrence and Oakley. Kids from Bell, Oakley, and Lawrence would hang out there every summer night until we would hear our parents call for us to come in. In my case I didn't have to wait for a call because my Dad always seem to be out there hanging with us like he was one of the guys. I actually remember one time when I had been arrested for driving without a lincense. (I was found not guily because we had a good precient captain Mr. Luecker). Any way they took me to Town hall and the people who I was with went back to Ashes to get some money to get me out and they come running out of the car yelling that they need some money to get me out and who is sitting there but my Dad. He told them he would take care of it. That was sure a long night at the McDermott's. Some of my best friends in life to this day are the people who hung out at Ashes and that includes my wife, Rusty.
I know there are a million stories out there to tell about growing up in the neighborhood and going to school at St. Matthias or Transfiguration. Maybe you have story about one of the nuns we had. I remember one time we were playing tackle football and a certain girl wanted to play and ended up breaking her arm and the nuns at school were furious with all the boys. I will not name names but I believe that person became a Principal later in her life.
Tell a sorry about yourself or about a friend or enemy. I'm sure we all can handle it!!!! Who are those old people at the top of this page.
WOW, Jim, the memories this brings back! I remember the time a group of us were playing Catch One - Catch All and I found myself in the back of a squad car for hiding on Ashes roof. Kathy Connelly is the one who rescued me by telling the police officer that he had the wrong person. Of course, we were both lying (I wonder if I ever confessed that in the confessional.) I spent days after that avoiding police cars when I saw them.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite "nun" stories (and, there were a lot) actually involved my brother, Mike. Sister Lucy who was in charge of the altar boys at the time, called up Mike on a Saturday/Sunday morning to come in and serve mass. All the way down the hallway to the phone he was muttering, "I'm not going to do it. She can't make me do it. I'm not going to do it." Of course, once he picked up the phone it was, "Yes, Sister Lucy. I'll be right there, Sister Lucy."
Kathy (Thompson) Ogden
Yes Jim. We did live at Ashes. Fast pitch kick ball and soft ball It was our PARK. That was after he paved it for a parking lot. I am sure you remember the garden and gold fish pond he had prior to the parking lot. when the plowed snow in the lot it was dumped /pushed into the side yard next to the building. We used to go and play king of the hill. to this day I am amazed nobody hot hurt. The back side of the hill had his Wrought Iron fence sticking up like spears. I do not remember anyone getting hurt on the fence. Someone must have been watching over us. I also remember someone falling out of the tree in our back yard. He did not bounce at all. Wonder who that was.
ReplyDeleteJim and Kathy I remember Ashes well. We use to see who could walk the fence the furthest, before losing their balance. I remember the night Bill Boots was arrested from the roof of Ashes. I think Gekhas Bros had been robbed and the suspects had ran away in the direction of Oakley. I was sitting on the front porch when the squad car drove by, with Bill in the back seat. He gave a big wave and smile as he went past. That was typical Bill - always had a smile. Kathy, when you were talking of Sr. Lucy, it made me think of doing buttermilk paintings in her class. She would always take a sip of the milk and say how good it was for you. I was totally disgusted with the taste. But, the most vivid memory I have is being sent by her into the 8th grade class with a message for Jim Heinderich?(forgive the spelling) - anyhow, I panicked and couldn't remember his "christian name" and called him Chunky. Needless to say, Sr. Michael near devoured me and wouldn't let me leave until I used his proper name. Finally, one of the kids was able to mouth the name James and I was saved. I also remember she had us in fear of a nuclear attack at a moment. She advised us to go home and instruct our parents to set up a shelter in our basements with can goods and the like. I was quite upset with my Mom when she didn't co-operate with these instructions. I also remember her (Sr. Lucy) slapping me across the face insisting that I was wearing lipstick. To this day, I hardly would wear lipstick - I'm sure my lips were probably chapped or something. I wasn't allowed to wear lipstick until my 13th birthday. I remember putting it on just before I went out to play in the alley behind our house. When you were talking about your brother doing alter boy it reminded of me of my own brother's first alter boy assignment. He was doing the very first mass of the day; something like 5:30 a.m. We all had to get up to attend. You would have thought he was actually going to say the mass. It's hard for me to condense my blog, as all this stuff comes flooding back. Enough for now - Looking forward to hearing others memories.
ReplyDeleteAileen,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted you to know that we still call James, Chunky to this day. In fact I just got a email this morning from Chunky. I am glad you took the time to write your note. The longer the better because it makes other people remember things. So just think of this as your journal or better yet. Let's get all the girls to pull out there diaries from when they where growing up and share with all the boys they grew up with.
Jim
I thought "Chunky" was his baptized name. :)
ReplyDeleteGee. Sister "Monkey Face" Michael. Never had hear but I heard stories from Claude. We used to play softball in the lots down Claremont. On Friday night we always had a lookout to see if Sr Lucy was coming to get someone to fill in if she was short an alter boy for benediction. If we spotter her we took off over the fence. She gave me my first U (unsatifactory) on a report card. She said if I did not have my Geography home work I was failing. Of course I forgot it at home. She pulled out the report cards and started writing. I thought she was bluffing but weeks later when we got the report cards I had a "U" and it was in a different ink. I am surprised I did not revert to a life of crime after that.
That's a good idea about referring to diaries. I'm so glad I kept the key... Never thought I'd be sharing like this.
ReplyDeleteMom woke me early this morning. Put on my uniform and gathered up my three ring binder and books for school. The M on my beanie was hanging by a thread but is still there. Have to get that fixed. No breakfast because I'm going to Communion. Mom packed some toast and a hard boiled egg so I won't starve to death.
School doors were locked when we got there and so we waited in the vestibule with the McDermotts for the nuns to arrive. We're never late for school. Carried sister's briefcase up to the room. She didn't say much since she isn't too nice.
Went to Mass. Traded three holy cards and was happy with what I got. One of the older kids got in trouble for having cleats on their shoes and making noise in church. Genuflected to Sister Canuta's clicker and left church quietly. Tried to talk to someone but they just covered their lips.
Hung our stuff in the wardrobe and one of the boys was pushing someone. He had to stay there the rest of the morning. Sister picked her favorite to be the monitor in the bathroom. Some of us tried to take three squares of toilet paper instead of two just to tease her. She is in the Dominic Savio Club and thinks she is so special.
Got all the answers right to my Catechism questions and was happy about that. Got to go to the board to do some arithmetic and that was fun. Sister Marcella came in for music and we learned a new song for Mass.
I'm in charge of the bat for the playground this week and so I ran home for lunch and ate as fast as I could. It's fun playing in the street.
Had geography in the afternoon and now I have to make a product map by next week. I hate doing those. I also hate drawing maps. I'm so glad we don't have too much art because I'm not good at it.
Msgr. Adams was in the hall when we were leaving school and the whole place smelled like a big cigar. I'm afraid of him.
Went straight home and changed to go to the park. Miss Sheffler is so nice and there's always something to do. I love her car.
Went to Henry VIII for fries and cokes before going home. Saw the boys coming out of Gem Records. I think they were going to play on the elevator by Secords.
Had dinner and then went out to play baseball in the empty lot. Ump came by and umpired the game. He's always nice to the girls. The boys were nice and let us play with them. Played Hide and Seek for a while and then just sat on the porch.
Can't wait to go to the Uptown Sunday. Hope I have enough money after taking the bottles back. I heard some kids were holding hands last week and I wasn't there to see it. The ones who got kicked out may not even go.
There you have it - a day in the life. Thank God for diaries.
Kathy, I can't believe you still have your diary; or perhaps you were speaking figuratively. I sure hope this blog works this time as it is my third try. Funny, you should mention Gems, as it was one of the first locales I was going to mention. I remember going there loads of times and listening to our favorites in the booths, but I don't think I ever actually bought a record. Here are a list of a few of the other locations we frequented -- Andies Candies, Walgreens. Woolworths (queuing every Sat for sliced ham) The Dollar Store I purchased many a birthday present as well as some objects to enhance the decor of my room. I even remember one time leaving the swimming pool in our back yard to go and buy a baton. The shoe repair on Giddings where he could make your shoes look brand new again. Do you remember the barber shop nextdoor. That guy was strange. He said his granddaughter was Kim Novak or something like that. Then there was the two bakeries Hoffmans and Schlesengers or some such name. That was another line up for fresh baked bread and sweet rolls. We had Sams and Frans for our penny delicacies on our way back to school after lunch. There was always Gertz for your religious necessities - missiles, holy cards, scapulhres (spelling?) remember wrapping your holy cards in saran wrap to preserve them. We girls had numodes for our stocking requirements. Remember how nicely they were packaged in the little cardboard boxes wrapped in tissue paper. What about the three local parks; Winnemac (my daily haunt), Wells and River. How about when you used to line up to have your open sores examined before you would be allowed into the pool. You also had to prove you could swim 2 lengths of the pool before you were allowed off the high dive. Must not forget Sunday night sock hops at Gordon Tech or St. Matthias Hi-club. I actually won a twist dance contest with Joe Fano at Hi-club (there couldn't have been too many contestants that night). The ultimate dancer was Larry Bunge. He had all the moves. Kathy, I don't know why you were worried if you would have enough money to go to the Uptown, as we rarely paid to get in. We were usually one of Lt. Connelly's children for that day.
ReplyDeleteAileen, do you actually think I would have taken the time to write all that in a diary? I was lucky I got my homework done after a full day of running around the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has a diary out there, I'd pay to read it. It would probably fetch big money on the Antique Roadshow or could provide material for a new sitcom.
Kathy, You are just so creative to pretend you were writing from your diary. You mentioned going to Henry VIII after school. I remember going to their grand opening. I believe it was a hot dog and fries for 10 cents. Well, the place was absolutely packed. And, I remember Frances Grencek was nearly trampled in the stampede. She was shoved to the ground, and hurt her side on the kerb. Thankfully, there was no permanent damage. Because of the massive crowds, we were really late back from lunch. As we neared the school, we could see Sr. Agnetta pacing up and down the sidewalk watching for us. We thought we were dead meat, but, actually she wasn't too bad. She just said, "make sure that never happens again." I have seen her darker side, though. When our 8th grade class was doing some sort of exam; we didn't have to wear our uniforms that day. So, I had a brain wave that I would ask Bobbi Watson to do my hair that morning before school. Well, when I arrived at school, Sr. Agnetta wouldn't allow me in the building. Her exact words - "Miss Brice do you think this is a test for a 21 year old, go home and don't come back until you have that hair combed out." I ran home as fast as I could, and you can imagine my Mom wasn't too pleased with me either. I must have passed the test, though. I did graduate with my class.
ReplyDeleteWell were do I begin with the two of you. I am lucky if I can remeber what I did a few minutes ago let a lone 50 years ago. I am amazed at your memory. Kathy I am so glad you saved your diaries. How about sharing some of the juicy parts?Aileen, Larry is still dancing up a storm and I think for the right price we could get you some lessons if you need them. Do you remember the guy who use to dive off the high dive ast River Park. I think he was a midget or little person as they like to called. He was always a clown when they had a show there. By the way you forgot McDermott's when talking about penny candies. I remember all the places you mentionbut not until you mentioned them. Kathy I remember getting hit in the head by someone with a ping pong paddle at the park. I guess I was being top nice again.
ReplyDeleteJim, sorry about overlooking McDermott's. I was't allowed to cross Lawrence at lunch time, and that is why my 2cents went to either Sam's or Fran's. Kathy, you touched on the fact that you used to have to fast from midnight the night before in order to go to communion. Hence, we had our daily breakfast at our desks. Everyday, I would have cold toast, cold bacon, a hard boiled egg washed down with chocolate milk - hmmmmmmmmmm. I always think of Mary Ann Gemskie. She had various tupperware containers for cereal, milk,juice and what not. By the time she was set up, the bell would ring for lessons to begin. She would always take a sip of juice, and make this funny face; like she had just sucked on a lemon. Another boy, drank a pint of half and half everyday. I asked him once why he drank it? He replied that he had an ulcer. I believe we were 7 or 8 at the time. Jim, I can't say I remember the little person you speak of. I'm a bit like yourself, I wouldn't have as good a memory as Kathy.
ReplyDeleteAileen the little person could have been in my dreams. Get me calling some one little I think I was about 5'4 until my senior year. Talking about breadfast I would have a chocalate donut and a coke for breadfast every day at Sam's. My Mom was already over at the store and my Grandmother was easy to get over on.
ReplyDeleteI believe Kathy did keep a diary how else could she remenber everything and I do mean everything.
ReplyDeleteJim, I don't know what just happened, I lost my blog. First, Jim, before I forget, I recognized Paul Lemonjeur (spelling is doubtful) in the photo at the top of your first blog. I did not recognize Claude Repking, though. Also, can you tell me who is Electric Kaiser? I cannot believe you went to Sams for your breakfast. You had me feeling so bad for forgetting to mention your shop in an earlier blog. I did frequent your place outside school hours, but like I said at lunchtime I had to cross with the patrol boy at Oakley. This next bit will probably only be of interest to the graduates of 62. Do you recall when Theresa Reese brought in the orange crate to stand on to read our compositions in front of the class. As if that wasn't bad enough, this thing was so fragile. It really was a curse. Everytime you had to stand on it you were in fear of coming through it. Eventually, it did break on Margaret Kranz, I believe. I always wondered why Jim Murphy (God rest his soul) stood on it. He was 7ft. tall give or take an inch. One day while he was on the box, Sister Agnetta came over the PA system. It was directly at the back of his head. I thought he was going to jump out of his skin. Jim, I think this next bit might have been after your time. Do you remember when we had PE for a while? Mr. Connelly was in charge. For some reason there was a couple of classes doing it together. This particular day, we were doing that cycle exercise when Jerry Heber suddenly stopped. Mr. Connelly shouted "Heber what are you doing?" He replied "I'm coasting." Even Mr. Connelly smiled at his response.I also remember being in the hall to learn square dancing at some stage. I can't recall who was running that. I never was in the hall too often. I loved it the couple of times we had to stay for lunch. My mom must have had some really important appointment. I always envied the kids that stayed in for lunch.
ReplyDeleteAileen, I'm sorry I made you feel bad, but I have that great ability to do that without even trying. Electric Kaiser is Eric Repking and he has fooled everybody, probably for his whole life. Mr. Connelly teaching gym was after my time thank god. He might have run me into the ground given the chance. I think Larry Bunge taught square dancing after he graduated. As far as you losing you blog after you write some thing and this goes for everyone. You can comment on someone else's blog but you can not write a new one without a google account. It cost nothing to get one and then you will be able to add pictures and write about different things. so just go to google and fill in the info for the account. Ace it's good to see you are contributing. Now how about you pulling out your diary and sharing.
ReplyDeleteJim, Did you have Mrs. Lowan, or was she after your time. I refer to her as perfect posture Mrs. Lowan. I had her for 7th grade. I believe she was our "Miss Jean Brodie" teacher. Actually, that posture theme ran through the entire school; especially once Sister Agnetta became principal. Do you remember how straight she used to stand. Up to that point, Sr. Canuta's clicker ran the show. Remember if she got angry she would click that thing like mad. I think I had a posture problem. I vaguely remember mom and Mrs. Brumleve discussing it. They decided I should put my arms behind my back, clasping a yard stick. I did it about two times. Anyhow, back to I'm from Missouri, you have to show me, Mrs. Lowan. We would have a daily quiz, and one of the questions would always be, did I have perfect posture since I entered the building? We were always being told to stand straight or sit up straight. I remember her telling us, your skirt should be tight enough to prove you're a woman, but loose enough to show you are a lady. She showed us how to check for bad breath, by cupping your hands in front of your mouth over your nose and breathe out. Evidently, eating an apple was good for getting rid of bad breath. If you were over (30) - not really sure if that is the exact age, you should never wear pink lipstick. There is one tip of hers that I still would follow -- if in doubt, go with your first instinct. I would even tell my own kids to do that when they were doing exams. She would often manage to squeeze in the fact that she had once been "Miss St. Louis". But, by far the tip that hit me like a thunderbolt was: you should never dry your dishes, always let them drain. A drying cloth was a bed of bacteria. Those words echoed in my head all that day. You see, the only chore the Brice girls did was the supper dishes. One would wash and two would dry and put away. Of course, if it was your birthday you got the evening off. When I got home, I could barely get Mrs. Lowan's words out quick enough. Unfortunately, mom said she would take the risk. She just wanted the dishes dried and out of sight for the night. Once I made a fatal mistake and yawned during one of her lessons. Well, she went ballistic, saying "Miss Brice if this class is so boring, LEAVE." She put me out standing in the hallway for an absolute eternity.
ReplyDeleteAileen, I am not sure but I think I just had Nuns. I don't remember having any lay teachers when I went through the school. As far as dishes in the McDermott house I had a good way of getting out of doing them. I was never home in time for dinner. Usually I was walking in as Eileen was finishing them. My job was the garbage and if you asked my sisters they would tell you I didn't do that very often.
ReplyDeleteJim, I was just thinking you were actually involved in a roundabout way in two of the most embarrassing episodes of my grammar school years. The first was when I was in 5th grade. Matthias was competing in an ice skating meet. For some reason, God only knows, I volunteered to compete. I was told it was necessary to make up the numbers. As it turned out, it was the coldest day of the year; possibly the coldest since records began. Finally, it was my groups turn to skate. I started quite well, then I went down, got up and down again. Eventually, after a few more false starts, my dad carried me off the ice (total humiliation). Next day when I was walking to school, you were on patrol duty. You said, "I thought you at least broke your leg." Believe me I wished I had too. I think we lost the contest due to my ineptitude. The other incident happened after you had left Matthias three years previously. I had been at the ice rink at Winnemac -- still trying to skate. You were there, as well as Bill Bootz. I was talking to Bill for awhile, thinking nothing of it. Next day at school, a note was passed (I have a feeling it was Sue Marsh that was passing it). Unfortnately, the note was intercepted by Sr. Caroline. I was summoned up to her desk. I could tell by her expression she was not best pleased. She began, "This is a serious matter and I know all parties involved." She continued "Is this true?" as she reached me the note. It read Jim McDermott saw Aileen kissing Billy Bootz. I insured her that it was completely untrue - that I had only been talking to him at the park. Thankfully, she believed me and my reputation remained in tact. Kind of ironic how both instances had the element of ice involved.
ReplyDeleteFunny is that I kind of remember that skating meet. I don't remember if we were skating for Mr. Connolly or Mr. Grande at the time. I hated to race but everyone did it so I did to. My grand kids are always impressed when they see me skate and how fast I go. It use to be a lot of fun over at Winnermac. I forgot really how much time I spent there. I tend to think thatt we never went but a couple of blocks from the house, but we did. You know Bill Bootz is on my reunion list. Would you like to drop him a note. I can send you his email address.
ReplyDeleteJim, I think we must be the only two with time on our hands. One chilly morning our 6th grade class was singing in the choir. As you know back in the days of yore, we girls had to have our heads covered in church. I remember I was wearing a broad-brimmed gray felt hat. My mom had put the hat pin in to keep it in place. As I was walking along Bell, it became a little windy, so I adjusted the hat pin to make it hold firmer. After I was in church for awhile, it started to hurt, so I eased it a bit. Suddenly, blood came squirting out all over my new coat At first, I thought it was from the girl behind me, and I was rather annoyed. Eventually, I realized it was coming from my head. Sister Marie Josephine took a look, and said to go home. My mom cleaned me up and sent me back to the next mass. When I arrived back at church, Pat Connelly was charging 10 cents to see the pool of blood in the choir loft. Later that same year, we had our annual eye exam. I swear the only letter I could see was the first (E). When Sr. Lucy was told I had failed the test, she insisted I had done it on purpose. Why would anyone want to wear glasses if they didn't have to. You were given a card to see an optician for a more in depth examination. My mom was astonished at how blind I really was. I might add I'm still as blind as a bat. I sometimes wonder if the hat pin episode had any connection to my vision loss. I just realized I've mentioned Sister Lucy several times in my blogs. We actually did get along most of the time. She thought I had a vocation, and told my parents to encourage me.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone is enjoying our conversation and are afraid to interup us. You did have a vocation and that was to get out of the country.
ReplyDeleteWhen I look back, there are a couple of things I'm really not too proud of. By far the worst would have to be the time I told on George Keehn for melting crayons on the radiator. The most shameful part was, I actually thought I had done the right thing. When I got home from school that day, mom asked, "How was school today?" I told her in an almost proud way, how I had told on George. I could see her look of disappointment. Then she said, "You should never ever tell on anyone." "That it was not my place to do that." She added, "the culprit would get found out in the end." I have always followed her advice ever since. George, if you happen to be reading this, I'm very sorry. I don't know if Sr. Salvator was there in your time, Jim? I had her in 8th grade. We would spend half the time with her, and the other half with Sr. Caroline. If you did know Sr. Salvator you would realize she should have retired years before. Our class took advantage of her senility. We would conspire to all drop our books at 10, or maybe all cough at 11 (stuff like that). Some of the boys would start whistling and tell her it was the birds outside. Of course, at the time we thought it was hilarious. One day I was chewing a cough drop, and she thought it was gum. She told me to go ask Sr. Caroline if you were allowed to chew gum. So, off I marched across the hall. I asked Sr. Caroline, "Are you allowed to chew gum in class?" She replied, "no never, you know that." I go back across the hall, where Sr. Salvator asks me "what did she say?" My reply, "no never, you know that." The class all burst out laughing. I sincerely didn't mean to sound snippy. I just automatically replied back what I had been told. I'm just thinking about a case from my sister Maureen's class. Someone had been throwing spit balls. Sister (can't recall the name) asked who was guilty; nobody would own up, and nobody would snitch. So, she made the entire class make 5,000 spit balls as punishment. I do remember it was during Easter break. We all pitched in to help. We collected the spit balls in a fruitcake tin. Next day, when Maureen brought in the tin, the nun just threw it in the bin. I can't believe we actually thought she would count the spit balls. We should have had the initiative of Joe Bunge. He was once given a punishment to write a 500 word essay on ping pong. He wrote a couple of lines about the game, and then the rest went; and the ball goes ping-pong, ping-pong, ping-pong until he had accumulated the necessary 500 words. Now, I think that was ingenius.
ReplyDeleteWe are all slow on the uptake, but we figured out who Electric is.
ReplyDeleteElectric Kaiser, I hope you aren't changing your profile name because Jim let me know who you were. I went to school with your brother Roy. I think you must have been a year or two behind us. You're so right about how we used to conjugate sentences. It really was an essential part of your education; and like you say so useful in everyday life. However, I have told my kids to throw in adjectives whenever they were writing essays. For some reason I find teachers really go for them.
ReplyDeleteJust some random memories. I'm sure you recall how we would sing in the choir for couples wedding days. Again, I must have been making up the numbers, as I don't have a drop of musical ability in my body. On the other hand, Theresa Reese was "Miss Musicality". She could hear a piece of music just once, and replicate it on the piano note perfect. We also had a talented artist in our class of '62, Susan Bowling could create a masterpiece in a matter of minutes. Art just flowed out of her. Needless to say, her paintings were the center piece of the display boards. Plus, she always was picked to paint her picture in the shop windows at Halloween. I wonder if they still have that tradition? I've gone off track, as usual. Do you recall how the altar boys would be given $5 or $10 by the newlyweds, and then Sr. Lucy would confiscate it and give them 10 cents each -- extortion or what. What about how the boys used to elongate the "s" in the litany service. The response was "pray for ussssssssssss". Talk about being thick, I can't believe I thought at the "Kyrie Elison" (spelling) they were singing "Leave Him in a rainy storm". Why, I thought that particular part of the Latin mass would have been in English, is anybody's guess. Luckily, I discovered my ignorance before I asked at school. In one of the earlier blogs, my sister Kathy wrote about getting a good trade with her holy cards. I actually had a tragedy one day with the loss, or should I say theft of my vintage holy card. It was given to my mom, and was dated and signed by the nun who had given it to her. It was from June 1936. On this particular day, while I was at communion someone stole the card from my missal. I was just devastated at the time. I have always had my suspicions, but never any concrete proof. Remember how we would have regular practice drills in case of a nuclear attack. I think they were being a bit optimistic with regards to the amount of protection being provided.
ReplyDelete