Share Your Memories - 2007 SPC REUNION
Blog
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Tue, 10 Oct 2006
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Share Your SPC Memories
Welcome to the SPC Memory blog. My family and I
would like to say hello to all our former SPC
classmates and Austinians. To say it’s been a
long time is an understatement. We’ve often
wondered what became of so many of you. It seems
like yesterday we were roaming the streets of
Austin and now looking in the mirror, I’m
startled by the “old guy” staring back. Before
the whirlwind of family, kids, jobs and
responsibilities, life seemed to be in slow
motion. Maybe that’s why our childhood memories
remain so vivid….we were barefoot and carefree.
Please consider contributing some of your
memories here. I’m sure you’ve all got some fond
(or not so fond) ones of being an altar boy,
cheerleader, sports, school, church or just
hanging around. And better yet, let us know
what’s happened in your life since SPC--there are
plenty of curious classmates that would love to
hear from you. Feel free to share with us and
post any messages or pictures (old or new). I’m
sure we’d all appreciate a good laugh or two.
We look forward to hearing from many of you.
Thanks on behalf of the entire Grapenthien Family.
Posted 15:28
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93 comments
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It's about time!
Sure is about time! This is really terrific, this
is like a trip down memory lane all from my easy
chair.I did recognize one of my old
teachers,i.e.Mrs.Cassin,she was really great.Does
anyone remember Sister Louise Marie??? She saw 2
of us talking in church came over and grabbed us
by the neck and proceeded to take us back to her
room which was in the new building and had us
bending over and touching our toes for almost an
hour,and if you wiggled too much she was there
with the paddle.I have tons of great memories
from SPC and will list more later.Also my 2
sisters Anna Marie and Connie proceeded me at
SPC.Nice job Gerry, my hats off to you!
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This is great!
This sure brings back old memories.When I got to
work this morning I had an e-mail from my
brother Marty with a link to this site. Spent
the first couple of hours this morning exploring
the site.I have been in Memphis for almost the
last 40 years and Marty almost as long, but we
both are planning to attend the reunion.
Gerry, you've done a great job on the site.
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Looking Forward to Fun Afternoon
Gerry I'm glad that you took the time to put
this together and Patty Ableman finding my
brother Blaise to get us in the loop. Celine
said she was planning on attending as well and
it gives us a chance to have a mini-family
reunion. With Blaise in St. Charles and Mom and
Dad in Batavia being the only ones left in the
Chicago area we don't get to see each much. See
you in April!
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Meeting the Fence
Back in 1963, when I was in fourth grade on our
lunchbreak, I saw firetrucks racing west on North
Avenue. Being my father's son, i.e. a firebug, I
walked over to see what the excitement was. Well,
I saw no fire, but I did see a clock telling me it
was time to get back into class. So, I high-tailed
it back to St. Pete's running eastbound on North
Ave. When I got to LeClaire a "big guy" (probably
an 8th grader) was running across North Ave.
towards school. Well, needless to say, a collision
ensued and I went flying, face first, into the
wrought iron fence between the Church and the
school. OUCH!! I had a major gash just below my
right eye at the cheekbone. And, today, 40+ years
later, I still have that scar. So, everytime I
look in the mirror, I am reminded of good ol' St.
Pete's and that #*&$@^!! wrought iron fence.
;-)
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Girl Scouts
Mike and Marty tell your sister Celine I
remember some fun times getting merit badges in
Girl Scouts with her. Debbie Bruce's Mom was our
Leader.
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Lousy #@$%^&*^ Altar Boy Partner
This is one of me dearly departed mother’s
favorite stories and the older she got the harder
she would laugh. We were in the 4th grade and
just starting out in our altar boy careers.
Sister Mary Alice was in charge of pairing up
young boys who she thought would complement each
other, so she matched me up with a kid named
Kinahan... Anthony Patrick Kinahan. The first
mass Anthony (who was Sr. Mary Alice’s favorite
because she had taught Tony's siblings and knew
he came from a good family) and I served together
was the Sunday 9:00 a.m. 'Childrens Mass'
routinely said by Msgr. Flaherty and attended by
ALL the nuns. The Church was so quiet you could
hear a pin drop and right after the 'ringing of
the bells', my innocent, cherubic altar boy
partner (Mr. Kinahan) LET OUT SUCH A LOUD,
AMAZINGLY LONG FART that the whole church could
not help but hear (including my mother). My brand
new friend, Anthony, then turned to me and
exclaims in a loud voice "How could I be so
disrespectful by flatulating in God's house!"
After picking my jaw up off the altar and turning
5 shades of RED, I knelt there in shock not
knowing what to do. It was evident this cherubic
looking red-haired kid was not the angelic
individual he pretended to be. After the mass,
Sister Mary Alice immediately came up to ME
demanding to know how I could do such a nasty,
disrespectful thing in Church. I tried in vain to
explain that it was Mr. Kinahan who was
responsible for the dishonorable deed, not me,
but she would accept no excuses and slapped me
hard for trying to sully poor Anthony's
impeccable reputation and for not taking
responsibility for my own, indecent behavior. I
can still feel that sting on my cheek today. And
wouldn’t you know, standing right behind Sister
Mary Alice was young Kinahan with a grin on his
face from ear to ear. That was the day I lost my
innocent youthful view of the world thanks to
Anthony and went from being a naive child to a
street smart kid. So, I'd like to thank Sister
Mary Alice for partnering me up with Anthony
Patrick Kinahan who still remains my good friend
and who I’ve been fortunate enough to share a lot
of laughs with since that memorable day.

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Follow Up-Altar Boy Tales
I was a brand new Altar boy serving my first
Sunday mass and who do you think I was paired up
with??? Yep that's right!!! I was serving with
two seasoned veterans, my older brother Gerry and
by now, the infamous Anthony Kinahan. Mom and
Dad were proud of the last of their five sons
serving his first Sunday mass (girls were
forbidden back then). Gerry and Tony were the
candle bearers, and I, being the shortest, was
the cross bearer. Gerry and Tony thought it would
be a great idea to tilt their candles ever so
slightly so that it was dripping relentlessly on
my head as we approached the altar. I was so
intimidated by these two wise guys that I just
looked straight ahead and couldn't even move a
muscle for fear of getting in trouble. Knowing
these two, I would not have been a bit surprised
if they lit the cassock on fire with ME in it if
I had said something. So being the good little
Altar boy that Mom and Dad wanted me to be, I
just accepted everything they dished out at me.
By the time I got to the front of the Altar I
looked like Freddy Krueger. I don't think the
priest could even recognize me by then. I really
looked rather funny at the time, but Gerry and I
still get a good laugh about that celebration in
Gods house. Guess I should thank those two
knuckleheads for helping me grow up a little bit
that morning. Thanks guys.

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Biography of St. Peter Canisius
St. Peter Canisius
Feastday: December 21
b: 1521 d: 1597
In 1565, the Vatican was looking for a secret
agent. It was shortly after the Council of Trent
and the pope wanted to get the decrees of the
Council to all the European bishops. What would be
a simple errand in our day, was a dangerous
assignment in the sixteenth century. The first
envoy who tried to carry the decrees through
territory of hostile Protestants and vicious
thieves was robbed of the precious documents. Rome
needed someone courageous but also someone above
suspicion. They chose Peter Canisius. At 43 he was
a well-known Jesuit who had founded colleges that
even Protestants respected. They gave him a cover
as official "visitor" of Jesuit foundations. But
Peter couldn't hide the decrees like our modern
fictional spies with their microfilmed messages in
collar buttons or cans of shaving cream. Peter
traveled from Rome and crisscrossed Germany
successfully loaded down with the Tridentine tomes
-- 250 pages each -- not to mention the three
sacks of books he took along for his own university!
Why did the Vatican choose Peter Canisius for this
delicate task?
Born in Holland in 1521, Peter had edited and
written several volumes on Church history and
theology, been a delegate to the Council of Trent,
and reformed the German universities from heresy.
Called to Vienna to reform their university, he
couldn't win the people with preaching or fancy
words spoken in his German accent. He won their
hearts by ministering to the sick and dying during
a plague. The people, the king, and the pope all
wanted to make Peter bishop of Vienna, but Peter
declined vigorously and administered the diocese
for a year.
For many years during the Reformation, Peter saw
the students in his universities swayed by the
flashy speeches and the well-written arguments of
the Protestants. Peter was not alone in wishing
for a Catholic catechism that would present true
Catholic beliefs undistorted by fanatics. Finally
King Ferdinand himself ordered Peter and his
companions to write a catechism. This hot potato
got tossed from person to person until Peter and
his friend Lejay were assigned to write it. Lejay
was obviously the logical choice, being a better
writer than Peter. So Peter relaxed and sat back
to offer any help he could. When Father Lejay
died, King Ferdinand would wait no longer. Peter
said of writing: "I have never learned to be
elegant as a writer, but I cannot remain dumb on
that account." The first issue of the Catechism
appeared in 1555 and was an immediate success.
Peter approached Christian doctrine in two parts:
wisdom -- including faith, hope, and charity --
and justice -- avoiding evil and doing good,
linked by a section on sacraments.
Because of the success and the need, Peter quickly
produced two more versions: a Shorter Catechism
for middle school students which concentrated on
helping this age group choose good over evil by
concentrating on a different virtue each day of
the week; and a Shortest Catechism for young
children which included prayers for morning and
evening, for mealtimes, and so forth to get them
used to praying.
As intent as Peter was on keeping people true to
the Catholic faith, he followed the Jesuit policy
that harsh words should not be used, that those
listening would see an example of charity in the
way Catholics acted and preached. However, his
companions were not always as willing. He showed
great patience and insight with one man, Father
Couvillon. Couvillon was so sharp and hostile that
he was alienating his companions and students.
Anyone who confronted him became the subject of
abuse. It became obvious that Couvillon suffered
from emotional illness. But Peter did not let that
knowledge blind him to the fact that Couvillon was
still a brilliant and talented man. Instead of
asking Couvillon to resign he begged him to stay
on as a teacher and then appointed him as his
secretary. Peter thought that Couvillon needed to
worry less about himself and pray more and work
harder. He didn't coddle him but gave Couvillon
blunt advice about his pride. Coming from Peter
this seemed to help Couvillon. Peter consulted
Couvillon often on business of the Province and
asked him to translate Jesuit letters from India.
Thanks to Peter , even though Couvillon continued
to suffer depression for years, he also
accomplished much good.
Peter died in December 21, 1597. He is known as
the Second Apostle of Germany and was named a
Doctor of the Church.
In His Footsteps
Peter believed in the importance in learning and
understanding the Catholic faith. If it is
available to you, resolve to read a portion of the
new Catechism of the Catholic Church. Don't try to
read too much but consider reading a page a day.
Before we can spread our faith we must have a
solid foundation in ourselves.
Prayer:
Saint Peter Canisius, you saw the good in even the
most troublesome of people. You found their
talents and used them. Help me to see beyond the
behavior of others that may bother me to the gifts
God has given them. Amen
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Paper Airplanes
I remember Fr. Ouletta quite well. He was
definitely the favorite amongst our group. And
of course I could never forget my favorite Math
teacher of all time- Sister Lea. I cake walked
through first year high school algebra at St.
Pats as a result of her rigorous class. She was
tough. Did you know that once she caught me
screwin around making paper airplanes, and
demanded 100 of them by the end of the day from
me - or else! Me and my buddy Jim Opoka were at
Burger King for lunch making paper airplanes. A
bunch of other guys from the class came in and
helped out. I remember turning in the planes at
the end of the day, and her giving me that cold
stare. I knew it wasn't over- I was dead meat.
She made me bag 'em, sign my name to the bag, and
threatened to possibly show my Mom my "handiwork"
at the upcoming parent teacher conference. Whoa,
no problems from me after that. Like most
parents back then, my Mom had no problem using
the iron palm (or wooden spoon) as needed. What
a change from today.
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I attended St. Peter's from 1965-1971 (until 5th
grade) and I have some great memories. The
pictures I saw brought back some great memories.
Is St. Peter's church still there? I heard that
St. Peter's school was taken over by the Chicago
public schools. Does anyone know if this is
true? I would be interested in attending the
reunion in April if I there would be people there
from when I attended St. Peter's. I am going to
dig up some pictures to send in!!!!!!!!!
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Thanks Tony and Bob for the Memories
Tony Kinahan, Bob Cyboran, Gerry Grapenthien and
I are all Acolytes at a Solemn High Mass. As we
proceed down the center aisle of SPC Church, Mr.
Kinahan keeps on trying to blow out my candle
while Bob Cyboran keeps on trying to trip me. I
keep on dodging their valiant attempt to
extinguish my burning candle and to stay on two
feet. Now it's a race down the aisle. Out of the
corner of my eye, I can see Fr. Osweiler trying
to keep up with us, smirking at Tony and Bob’s
ill fated attempts. Finally as Gerry and I
watched they maneuvered themselves in place and
blew out the CANDLE and sprayed THE WAX from the
candle on the side of the head of an
unsuspecting, little old lady who was innocently
sitting there. To his credit after Mass, Fr.
Osweiler never said a thing but just gave us ALL
a glare that HE KNEW what was going on. Funny how
you remember little parts of life that seem
terrible at the time but make you silently laugh
to yourself years later.
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Heavy Snow-1967
January, 1967: The snow fell slowly and steadily
and never stopped. It just kept coming and coming
and finally coated the City with a heavy blanket
of fun!! It stopped the City in its tracks. We
had never seen anything like this before and the
feeling of complete astonishment just took us
over. We were only about 14 years old but Tom
Poulos, Gerry Grapes, Billy Cantalupo, my brother
Jim and myself were having the time of our lives.
We skitched down North Avenue, helping people get
their cars out of deep snowdrifts. It was a
Friday night and we stayed out until 4:00a.m.
What a BALL!!! I don't think our parents knew
where any of us were or they knew we weren't in
any danger (or trouble). We were like Boy Scouts
and helped older people shovel snow, went to the
grocery store for them, all in all tried helping
folks who felt trapped in a bad situation. We
skitched on the sides of CTA buses, threw
snowballs at the babes and did some other not so
innocent things that only we will forever know.
We had a great time! What a way to end your
childhood. When you're young you think that
you're invincible. But all in all it was a
memorable snow, one that I don't think any of us
will forget anytime soon
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Brave Patty
Hi Patty, it looks like you and I are the only
ones that have the courage to comment on what
happened at SPC except for the Grapenthien and
Boscaccy families. You would think that they were
the only families that grew up in our old
neighborhood. I know that Gerry will call me
tomorrow and scold me for being so blunt. (Yes,
the guy is anal)
I do remember you fondly. The Grapenthien and
Boscaccy families were not the only families that
grew up in Austin. I hope that people like Tony
Kinahan (who was mentioned at least 50 times) and
others would comment on what LIFE was really like
for them back then. Gerry called me the other day
(to scold me, of course) and asked me if I was
under the weather or if I had the “Irish Flu” and
I told him that ‘YES’ I had a few beers in me and
that is when ‘I like to speak my mind!’ The time
is running out for all you AS@@@ TO RESPOND.
Don’t be shy!! Tell it like it is!! Last chance!!
I don’t want to have to hear from the
Grapenthien’s anymore than I have to. They all
know that I love them like my own brothers and
sisters. So thank you Patty for stepping up and
giving what was in your heart and in your mind.
It was a really funny story and I can just
picture, in my mind, Leo doing something like
that and you following after him. (he was
definitely a high spirited kid ) Without our
memories all would be lost. For any of you lost
souls my email address is
mjkillackey1@yahoo.com . Believe it or not, I
would like to hear from you. So, if you are going
to make a comment on this web site, maybe you
could make us all aware of any tales of what
life was like growing up in St. Pete’s or the
Austin neighborhood, even if you embellish a wee
bit. This is what we call color. I hope that the
Grapes don’t put out a hit on me. Can’t wait to
see everyone in April.

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First Grade Craziness
The year-1958. The grade-1st. The teacher-Sister
Theresa Ann. Sister Theresa Ann was ill and we
had a substitute nun – a mean one. This was the
day Leo Tormino decided to misbehave (wasn’t the
first time if I remember). Leo was called up to
the front of the class for punishment and before
the sister could grab him, he kicked her hard in
the shins and she went down on one knee. Leo then
bolted from our first grade classroom. As he
left, the nun pointed to me and said, “Go get
him”. Of course I was scared to death, of both
the nun and Leo! Leo had left the building. I saw
him in his little navy pants and flying tie run
out onto North Avenue. I followed. It was windy
and chilly and neither one of us had coats. I ran
after Leo begging him to return to the scene of
his crime and he told me thru his missing front
teeth, that no way was he going back. I think I
followed him to Laramie Avenue. I finally gave up
and shivering went back to school and confessed
my failure. Sister wasn’t pleased. I never told
my parents. Had I done that – they would have
said I should have followed him to Central
Avenue – or Austin Avenue -- done anything to get
Leo back for his just punishment! Well, maybe
not. I can’t think that in today’s time as a
parent I would have agreed with the nuns. But, it
was a different time and running down North
Avenue in the light of day was probably not such
a dangerous thing to do. My question is –
whatever happened to Leo?
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Jensen's Candy Store
Anyone remember Jensens, immediately west of the
empty lot west of Bill's Barber Shop (then
Dominic's barber shop) on the South Side of North
Avenue. In the early to mid 50's, they had a
penny candy store where you could buy everything
from Mary Janes, to the dots on the paper, the
wax lips, the bubble gum, etc.
Then Jensen's moved out, I think and it was
replaced by a bakery? We ended up going to the
variety store owned by Carmella Persico's family
a couple of doors east of Jensens.
Chester's was also a great place to grab a coke
at the fountain which he had there.
(Northeast corner of Laramie and North).

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OK, Another memory
Great to think of things back in grade school.
We had Sister Mary Alice in the 8th Grade, and we
realized she meant business. I think the
toughest nuns were put in the higher grades to
deal with the junior high level kids, who were
more difficult to handle. Anyway, a memory I
have, and one which I share with Bob Maloney, a
classmate, comes from Winter of 59-60 on North
Avenue when a number of us threw snowballs at a
passing CTA bus or trolley bus at lunch. About
mid afternoon, someone knocked at the door in the
classroom and a small girl, probably third or
fourth grade, entered and Sister Mary Alice
sternly looked at her, and said "Yes, What is
it?" The tiny girl said, "Sister,I'm here to
point out the boys I saw throwing snowballs at
the buses on North Avenue." So, Sister Mary
Alice said, "Well, go right ahead." So this tiny
girl starts walking up and down the rows. We had
two rows of boys and three rows of girls, nine
per row. Funny thing is, I can pretty much still
remember who was in my row. As she came down
our row, she pointed out Dick Mele, who
immediately protested, but Mary Alice
said, "Stand up." Then, she pointed out Bob
Maloney, who sat behind Mele, and identified ( I
think), Mike Hitchcock, Jim Corrigan and a few
others. As they stood nervously waiting while
she fingered everyone else she could identify, I
sat quietly at my desk, realizing that she passed
me by, probably failing to ID me from a hat which
I was likely wearing. Then, Sister Mary Alice
said, "Anyone else who participated in this
better stand up now." I didnt budge, but Bob
Maloney, out of the side of his mouth, started
saying, "Stand up, Boylan. Stand up." Every
time he repeated it, he got a bit louder, and
Sister Mary Alice glared around the room, her
eyes boring into our souls. So, the guilt
finally hit me, as well as the realization that
it would be worse if I didnt stand up and she
found out I held back, and I stood up with the
others. I think she imposed an arbitary fine on
each of us for the collection for the poor.
About a dollar, I think. I tried to get my Dad
to finance the fine, but he told me I was on my
own. Still remind Bob Maloney when I see him,
now a retired Chicago Cop, that he fingered me.
No doubt he was great at extracting confessions
from would be criminals. After it was over,
Sister Mary Alice told the girl she could leave,
and very pleased with herself, she left the room
knowing she had identified some serious
criminals. Wonder if she ended up working for
the Federal Prosecutor's office in Chicago.
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THE BEST OF MY LIFE
They say your teen years are the best of your life
but I would have to disagree. My best was St.
Peter Canisius and the "old neighborhood". Those
were the days . . . you walked home for lunch,
and walked back only after stopping at Jensen's or
Chesters for candy. I wouldn't change one day of
my life at St. Pete's! The kids, the nuns, the
priests- all of it! Anyone remember Fr. Joyce?
Never walk into mass late or he would acknowledge
you by name! Sure got me and my brother Lee to
church on time. What about the Tiffin show? We
always went to the show as a group - girls and
boys together. The Tiffin had the best soft serve
ice cream! I can't wait to see former classmates
and renew old friendships at the reunion.
Hopefully my pajama party girlfriends will show up
- Linda Lombardo, Joy Romando, and Carmella
Ranzullo. I never realized till now that those
names all ended in "o". It's back to that
Irish,Italian thing again. Class of 61 - get to
the reunion! Great website Gerry
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Sister Mary Roberts
One of my fondest memories was our eighth grade
nun, Sister Mary Roberts, lifting her skirt as
she dribbled a basketball around the court at
the "new school". She would always join us in a
friendly game !!
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Class of 1967
For the class of 1967...Joe Campagna and I (Sue
Grapenthien Fullman) are reunion coordinators for
our class. The web site and mailings have
generated a lot of interest in attending the
reunion. Please contact Joe at
campy53@ameritech.net or I at smfual@aol.com if
you would like more information or can assist in
contacting other people. Looking forward to a
great turnout.
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Just a Few Years Ago
Gerry it is great that you are putting this
together. Often I sit and wonder how all the past
went by so fast. Many of us probably hear a song
from way back when that reminds us of SPC, the
park, Dipsy Doodle, the dances, the parties, the
benches, on and on. As I read all the comments it
brings back old memories, I just wish all those
bad boys would have just behaved themselves. How
many times did you try to remember all your
teachers from first grade through eighth? I hope
she doesn’t read this but I wonder what Ms.
Barkowitz looks like today. I remember the
football and baseball teams. Boy looking back
those were the ‘good old days’. I still remember
playing Maryville in football and lining up
against a player that had a full beard; this guy
looked like he was 20. We lost the game, but I
learned a lot. I also still remember when Tom
Burke, our ace pitcher would get so mad on the
mound he would turn fire engine RED. I was the
poor catcher behind the plate, my hand still
hurts. I could go on for hours, but I will save
some memories for the reunion. Thanks again for
the memories.
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Chimes for Mass-Altar Boys
Bob Marra and I still remember the chimes on the
right side of the altar. We used to compete or
flip a coin to see who got to play the chimes.
The first chime was rung, I believe at the
Offertory and the sequence was 1-4-6. Then the
second was at the hands over the chalice. The
sequence was 1-6-4. Then 10-5-2-8-5 for the
consecration (bread) and 9-4-1-6-4 for the
consecration (wine). The last two chimes were at
the end of the Mass. I believe they were 6-4-1
and 6-1-4. I cant remember the sequence for
Benediction. My mind is warped enough when I
realize I remember those sequences even 40-50
years later.
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Who has the answer
I didn't go to St. Pete's, but my cousins( The
Connolly's) did. When I was a kid, my brother
and I would go to my cousins it was always a
blast. I remember going to LaFollette Park,
Victor's Pizza and Rocky's Drugstore just to
name a few places.I'm trying to remember the
grill that was across the street from St.
Pete's. Was it G & N or G & L?
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Buurrggeerr King
Sheila, I remember you. You were ‘Bear’
Connolly’s cousin and went to Notre Dame. The
greasy spoon was called G&N as in Gus and Nick.
Gus to this day still owns it. He was a great
guy and wasn’t much older than the kids who used
to come in there. Best cheeseburgers on the west
side. That’s where cheeseburger, cheeseburger
first originated. There used to be an old short
order cook behind the counter named Ray who; if
you were ‘hanging around’ to long would start to
yell at you and tell you to “go to Burger King.”
Burger King was a new fast food restaurant back
then? But it was the way Ray said “go to Burger
King” that would make you laugh hysterically and
just to aggravate him you still wouldn’t leave.
Until Gus came, then you’d leave. For sure. If
you don’t know who I am ask your cousin Kevin.
He'll tell 'ya.
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St. Pete's Trivia
Hey Johnny Paris,
Thanks for the info. I was going to mention Kevin
by his nickname Bear, but I didn't know if anyone
would have remembered it. I will ask him about.
you. Thanks again.
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The school, the park, and other things
Ahhhhh......memories of our days at St. Peter
Canisius and the Austin area. The May
procession was always fun, because we got to
walk around the block on a warm, sunny day
instead of being in a stuffy class room. And
does anyone remember the "Pop Corn Man" who used
to push his little red cart to LaFollet Park
selling pop corn and peanuts for 10 cents a
bag?.. I swear that guy was 100 years old. I
can hear him still today saying "lots of butter,
lots of butter". No one ever seems to remember
the "Waffle Man". He would cruise the streets
selling waffles with powered sugar from his big
white truck. And how about "Mack, the Cop" who
patrolled the park. Ha ha...I was a Junior
Deputy for him. Softball in the summer, ice
skating in winter on the ice covered football
field was always a kick. Did anyone attend Day
Camp during the summer months? "Aye Aye Aye
like us...nobody like us...we are the campers of
LaFollet Park !" The Hamburger joint across
the street from the church was G & N and had
GREAT burgers ! Did any of you out there live
on the 1400 block of Lawler Ave? I'd love to
hear from you. Fganser847@comcast.net
|
Old Friend's
I received an email from Silvio Dato - Class of
63 saying that our old classmate Leo Taormino -
Class of 66 - passed away on November 28, 2006
from heart problems. Anyone who knew Leo,
remembers him being a very high spirited young
man. He always had a little mischievous smile on
his face and there was never a dull moment when
he was around, which I’m sure many of the nuns
would attest too. You’ll be in our thoughts Leo.
Also, Marty Touhy - Class of 61 (59 years old)
who retired from the CPD after a lengthy career
and was retired and living in Texas with his wife
Cathy passed away from a massive heart attack on
January 5, 2007. Marty was a good friend to many
SPC graduates and police officers in the
Chicagoland area.
|
Class of '67 - Sr. Mary Peter & The Sound of Music
Anyone remember the outing to see the Sound of
Music with Sister Mary Peter's 7th grade class
in 1966? We sat in the balcony and threw
popcorn on the people below us, (well some of us
did). When we returned to class, Sister was so
upset with us. Our punishment was to write 1000
times "Whenever I go to a place of public
entertainment, I shall behave accordingly" - or
something to that effect. I still have writer's
cramp!
To the Grapenthiens: Thanks so much for getting
us back together.
Norma J. Thoms (Giovannucci)
|
TO SHEILA
HI, I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU IN A WHILE. WE ALSO ARE
COUSINS TO THE CONNOLLY’S. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER
MRS C. BEING A CROSSING GUARD AT GUS'S? SHE
SAVED ME FROM THE BOGGIE MAN AS I CALLED HIM.
DON'T REMEMBER WHAT GRADE BUT HE WOULD SCARE ME
TO DEATH. ALSO, WHERE ARE MIKE, KEVIN, AND
VINCE'S COMMENTS? MY SISTER KATHY IS TRYING TO
GET THEM NOW. I THINK THIS WILL BE NEAT. OH I
FORGOT, MAUREEN SEES EVERYONE THERE. HOW ABOUT
DAVE LEAHY? U GOING TO BE THERE?

|
TO Brian Mullaghy
Hi Brian. How are you doing and yes I remember you
and your sisters and your mom and dad. It's been
a long time. Aunt Jane was the crossing guard
at North Avenue and LaVergne. At least I think it
was LaVergne. She also crossed at Central and
Hirsch. I will pass on the information to the
Connollys. Take care.
|
Great Memory's
I don't know where to start, but first, Gerry
this is a great thing that you have done. There
are so many memories from St. Pete's, LaFollette
Park, and all of the neighborhoods we used to
cruise thru on bikes and on foot. St Pete's was
such a great place; I did it in 9 years. My first
one was spent mostly in the hospital and a good
part of the do over year as well. G&N; I think I
had an account at that place. I would go there
for lunch and never had to pay. My parents would
stop in and pay the tab once a week, but I had a
daily limit. Gus was a great guy, a little
strange, but he was always good to you if you
behaved in his restaurant. Someone mentioned he
was still running the joint. I've often thought
about stopping in to see if he was there. I will
definitely do that now. I am through the
neighborhood all the time. Nick Argentine; It was
good to see your note and I too remember the
Maryville Game my 8th grade year. If I remember
right, we only lost by one TD. It was the lowest
scoring game Maryville played in years. I think
we had a chance to tie the score late in the 4th
quarter. I got knocked out of the last few
minutes as we were down inside their 10 yd. line.
It was a tough but fun game. LaFollette Park was
practically my second home. I spent a lot of time
in the pool, gym, woodshop and on the fields. I
went to day camp each summer for about 5 years,
boy scouts at the park, scary movies on Halloween
night, and climbed a lot of trees over the years.
We used to flood the locker room by covering the
shower drain and use the floor as an indoor slip-
n -slide. I stopped when I broke my collar bone
on the door frame. Does anyone remember the store
at Laramie & North with the soda fountain?? I
believe it was called Chester’s. I remember
getting Green River drinks from that place. It
was on the NE corner. Saturday mornings I used to
spend with my sister Debbie, Mark Muscia, and
other friends from my neighborhood at the Rockne
Theater watching the 50 sci-fi movies - Monster
from the Black Lagoon and others. Other places to
remember; Grove's Bakery early in the morning -
The smells! Victor's Pizza after every football
game. St. Stan's Carnival in the summer. The "Hot
House" at Lafollette Park in the winter.
Skitching on backs of cars & trucks along Hirsch
St. by the park. We don't have to worry about our
kids & skitching - no bumpers on cars to grab
ahold of. Fr. Ouletta; He now lives in Racine, WI
but is thinking of moving back here because
Illinois would not tax his retirement income.
Dominic Mancini still talks to him regularly and
I spoke to him this past fall. He was always
bailing me out of trouble and kept me from
getting kicked off the football team. I had to
promise to become an altar boy. I tried, but just
couldn't get it. Although he would make me help
when he would say mass in a parish in Wisconsin
or up in Wauconda where his family's cottage was.
I am going to stop for now and I will try to jump
start the darker recesses of my brain for more
memories and bring them to the reunion.
|
SPC years
With a December birthday, I was too young for
kindergarten at Young in 1955. The teachers there
told my mother to bring me back the following
year, but she responded with, “Why should I? St.
Pete’s will take her into first grade next year.”
So, I started first grade in 1956 as a five-year
old, never having gone to kindergarten. I soon
found out I wasn’t alone.
Sister Joseph Ann was our first grade teacher,
then wonderful Sister Ann Josephine for second
grade and our classroom was upstairs. In third
grade, we started out with Mrs. Higgins. That was
1958, the year of the Our Lady of the Angels
school fire and I can remember the emotion and
fear that spread through SPC for months afterward.
I think it was because of that fire, that we had
to shift to half-day sessions for the second
semester while they worked to install more fire
alarms and extinguishers, especially in the
basement. I think there were glass block windows
in some of those basement windows. It also pushed
the need for the new school to the forefront of
parish priorities.
I remember fourth grade with Sr. Ann Dominick who
was a real quick draw with the clicker. How she
managed that whole class on her own was amazing. I
once got in trouble for talking with Sam
Ciccarelli and we both had to stay after school.
My very pregnant mother had to come and pick me
up, which upset the whole dynamic of my second
grade sister Sue not finding me to walk home with
her after school. That got me in even more
trouble. My buddy Helen Kinsella waited after
school for me and even defended me to my mom.
Fourth grade was also the year of Brownies at
LaFollette Park (going to the Mars Candy Company
during Lent – how cruel!) and seeing Fr.
Harrington when we went ice skating there during
the winter (he was sooo cute!) It would also be
my last year at St. Pete’s.
My parents had started out with a home on Cortland
and Long, then bought a lot on Leamington, where
we planned to build a new home. After selling the
Cortland Street home, we moved to the apartment on
North and Laramie, supposedly to wait out the new
construction. As it turned out, my parents got an
offer for the lot and decided to sell it. We
ended up moving close to my mother’s sister in
River Grove and I started fifth grade at St.
Cyprian’s. It didn’t dawn on me that I would be
leaving all my classmates until Sister announced
to the class that I was transferring. Luckily, I
started fifth grade with my cousin Carol and it
helped to ease the transition.
I was only at St. Pete’s for four years, but it
was half of my elementary education. SPC holds a
warm spot in my heart and I’ve met up with some
old classmates and other alumni over the years –
even Sam Ciccarelli!
A few years ago I wrote a memoir for my sons – who
are now 24 - about our family’s years in Austin.
They didn’t seem to interested in reading it, but
maybe some day they will, when they start looking
back at their own early days in school and they’re
eager to learn more about their roots.
A.M.D.G.
|
oops
typo: "too interested" - not to interested.
|
The Rock
Sister Anne Caroline; our first grade teacher
always taught us to turn the other cheek. This
was good advice, because one day at recess while
getting teased, I turned the other cheek, picked
up a rock and tossed it at the person teasing me.
Luckily for him, I missed, unluckily for me,
Sister caught me." Mr Spaaazzzilly'' I looked at
her with defiant eyes. She stared a hole through
me with the eyes the size and color of a rocket
booster. '' Mr Spaaazzzilly would you like go
with me to the cloakroom?" Yipes!! she said the
cloakroom! Just the name conjured up a vision of
some poor sap getting grabbed by the first
available appendage and being taken
for a wall splinting, lunch box falling, workout.
I mean Al Capone could go in the cloakroom and
come out a choir boy. Modern discipline, "forget
about it!" These Gals didn't believe in timeouts!
They believed in knockouts! I was not going into
the cloakroom because in the cloakroom there are
no witnesses. "No Sister," She pointed in the
general direction of my heave. "Pick up that rock
and don't put it down 'til I tell you." I could
have beaten Jesse Owens to that rock, let me tell
you! In the afternoon Sister got quite upset
someone asked her why Michael got to be an
archangel after he beat up Satan, I didn't have
the guts to ask her if I could put down that
rock. I have been carrying that rock around for
the last 47 years. You know how some married
couples drag cans at the back of the car? I
dragged cans AND the rock. Because of age,
erosion, and normal wear the rock is about the
size of a coffee plate. Still its a nuisance. I
can't wait 'til I see sister, I
think I have the courage to ask her if I can
finally put down THE ROCK! See you all on the
first.
|
The Best Memories
Mrs. Connolly was also a crossing guard at North
& Cicero. Constantly telling us to; hurry up,
quit fooling around, button you coat, where’s
your hat, (not very cool) where’s your gloves,
etc, etc, etc. Always said with that
charming ‘Irish brogue.’ We were all friends and
classmates with Maureen Connolly. Hope to see all
the Connolly's at the reunion – and you also,
Sheila. I thought Gus looked just like Tony
Curtis. Wow, that's really aging me and he
sounded like a SNL skit. High Club dances -
anyone remember them? A group called the "Motown
Sound" was a favorite. Can't wait to share the
great memories we all have. What a great time and
place to grow up. ‘Class of 67’ it’s been 40
years; we have a lot of reminiscing and catching
up to do. Remember if you do not attend it will
go on your "permanent record"! Thanks a million
Gerry!

|
LaFollette Park
Oh those were some fun times living across the
street from LaFollette Park on Laramie Avenue. I
grew up playing baseball, football, basketball,
softball in the summer, and floor hockey in the
winter. My dad had the barber shop on 5116 W.
North Avenue (across from SPC rectory) from 1959-
1977. The "bad boys" would harass people on the
park benches in the park at night. I remember
reading years later that some of these "bad
boys" had criminal records and/or were in prison
in the 70-80's. I was a patrol boy on Lemoyne
and North Avenue for 2 years and remember having
the nuns make us hot chocolate in the school
basement on those cold winter mornings. Those
cups were sooo hot, the hot chocolate almost
melted the skin off my tongue!! I was fortunate
enough to attend Leslie Lewis school for
kindergarten and the new SPC school in 1961. Sr.
Estelle was my 2nd grade teacher and remember
looking out at the CTA bus yards and throwing
rocks at Joe Buti during recess. G&N was the
favorite greasy food hangout and the Pabst
tavern a few doors down always had drunks. If I
don't make it to reunion on 04/01/2007, remember
those special good 'ol days from the
neighborhood. Special thanks to Mike Sullivan,
Mike Tyler, Tony Argentine, Andy Ostrowski, John
Kissane, Robert Webber, Andy Xenakis, Mike
Lytle, John Laffey, Ed Grapenthien, Frank
Lesniak, Debbie Termini, Linda Ciccarelli, and
Mary Catino.
|
Once the Memories Start Rolling!
Oh my gosh, reading everyones recollections of
the old neighborhood really starts the theme
rolling in one's head, doesn't it? (I am
surprised that "Dipsy Doodle" hasn't been
mentioned yet!Yes, sweet Irish Mrs.Connolly
always brings back thoughts of North and Cicero!
One of my daughters married her nephew (you know
of who I am speaking, Sheila, Mike and Maureen!)
I accidentally discovered one day that my older
brother had an account at G&N and I went hog
wild, I was able to treat my friends to
cheeseburgers for about a week or so before I
was found out! It was amazing how we could
entertain ourselves in the old days without
spending a dime. I do remember ice skating at
Lafollette Park, although it was a long walk for
me, it was always worth the trip to meet the
group. My sibllings and I took a ride not too
long ago and took pictures of our old home which
is right next to the new Wal-Mart parking lot
which caused so much controversy in the news
last year, at least I think it was last year,
could have been more. It is the old Continental
Can Company and I don't know where we would have
played if we didn't have those parking lots. I
have forwarded the website to a few old friends,
one of which is Sue Norton and she actually
keeps in touch with Sr. Gurty as she calls her,
aka Sr. Gertrude Edwina, and if she is up to it
she may try and make the trip. Didn't sound too
promising, she is in a nursing home. Can't wait
to see you all,thanks to Stuie's prompting, I
know we will have fun! P.S. Hi Tweetie!?
|
oops
I see someone did mention Dipsy Doodle, I
apologize!
|
Thanks for the Memories
Donna - I don't think you can mention Dipsy
Doodle too many times. Maybe some of us should
call it St. Dipsy Doodle, as that is where we
went instead of Mass on SOME Sunday's until I got
caught by my father - yikes!! Remember the fun we
had at Continental Can during the '67 blizzard?
Flying downd those HUGE hills on garbage can
lids...Frontier's grocery store...dodge ball
with LL the the kids on Keating Ave...not to
mention frolicking in the fire hydrants during
the summer.
I could go on & on as I know all of us can.
Can't wait to see you & Susie Norton & everyone
from St. Pete's & go on & on & on..
Can't thank the Grapenthien's enough!
Tweetie - Class of '67
|
Dipsy Doodle
Good ice cream, if I remember correctly.
And the nickname: "The Dip". (Or is it "Da Dip"):-)
Just a little over 3 weeks to go until the big
reunion party. Can't wait!
|
Class of '63 Graduation Rehearsal
Who could ever forget our graduation rehearsal.
This event must have been a precursor to the
movie "Sister Act." It was a very warm June
afternoon. Sister Rose Loretta had us all lined -
up outside of church. By the way, it was Miss
Burke's last year as music teacher, and our
ceremony was to be extra special. It reminded me
of a Latin opera. Sister stood at the doorway,
and as we entered the church, she repeated "left,
right, left, right," keeping her eyes on our
feet, to make sure no one was out of step. We
marched half-way down the aisle, when all of a
sudden Miss Burke's march ceased playing. We
found ourselves Be- Boppin' down the aisle to the
tune of South Street "Where do all the hippies
meet? South Street, South Street..." We couldn't
help it; we broke into a dance mode to keep up
with the beat. Needless to say, Sister became
hysterical, waving her arms, running down the
aisle, and reprimanding all of us for such
behavior in church. Our punishment was many hours
of marching. Speaking for all of the innocent
classmates, we have just one question, and
remember, the truth will set you free... Who
erased the tape?? Your fellow classmates would
like to know! You can confess at the reunion.
Nothing will happen, we promise! Diana
Giovannucci, looking forward to seeing my old
friends. P.S. If anyone would like to contact me,
please email my sister Norma,
njthoms@comcast.net. My computer crashed.
|
Does anyone remember the "little park" on
Wabansia? My brothers, Michael, Jim and Jack
and I used to play there all the time. Marlene
O'Shea Demke, Eileen Burke and I used to go to
Chesters Drug Store after Sunday Mass for a
Cherry Coke or Green River from the soda
fountain. I remember Sister Mary Alice being
hell on wheels until after Christmas.....she had
finally civilized us to her specifications and
could be nice to us. Do you remember Monsignor
Flaherty handing out our report cards? I think
for 8 years it was always Killackey and Kinahan.
One of my best memories was going to Rocky's
Drug Store in September to get my new Cigar Box
to hold all the school supplies. One of the
worst was knowing that the Confession line you
were in was Father Joyce's!!!!!! It will be fun
to see a lot of old friends.
|
Penny Candy
It is really great reading all of these comments
from people that I almost forgot about. Is my
memory playing tricks on me or wasn't there a
cleaners behind Dipsy Doodle that also sold
penny candy? I almost forgot all of the fun at
LaFollette both in the winter and summer. I see
that no one has mentioned Casserella Drugstore.
I seem to recall that they also had a soda
fountain there. Tweetie mentioned the Hi Club
dances, I remember the times that your mom was
the Chaperone. Many, many memories to catch up
on. I am looking forward to the trip up North to
see all of you. It's gonna be fun.
|
Gerry a great big THANKS!!!!
Since I found out about the reunion a week ago
I’ve had a ton of laughs and a flood of memories.
We all owe Gerry a big round of thanks! As for me
I’ve only seen a couple of people since SPC. So
reconnecting has been a ball. Things I’ve long
forgotten are resurfacing along with some
unrestrained laughs. Say what we will about how
tough those nuns were but they were a cake walk
compared to what real life is.
There are so many names I remember and so many
missing from the reunion roster. I hope those of
you who can’t make the reunion contact someone and
let us know how you’re doing.
A Question for those of us on the north end of the
parish. Does anyone remember the name of the
little grocery on the corner of St.Paul &
LeClaire? Where you could buy penny candy,
pistachio nuts & Yahoo’s (the ones you drank).
Thanks again Gerry for doing this for all of us.
|
"The Cleaners" or "Millie's"
There was a cleaning establishment just behind
the Dipsy Doodle. I never once saw anyone bring
in or take cleaning out of that place. My
friends and I frequented it often to purchase
penny candy and load up our uniform pockets so we
could get thru the school day. It was a quick in
and out place. We called it "The Cleaners"
or "Millie's". Millie had a blond beehive that
wouldn't quit. It went up and up. She was
really nice to the kids. It is amazing what
could be purchased for a dime! If you happened
to have a quarter - well, you'd just about need a
shopping bag!
|
St. Patrick's Day play
I remember there was a St. Patrick's Day
program, with singing and a play about 3rd or
4th grade. It was held on the stage in the
Social Hall (school basement). I recall that
Mgsr. Flaherty was the guest of honor. Patty
McNamara played the wicked witch who caused the
potato famine which plagued Ireland. I played
little Timothy, a child in a large family.
Perhaps they thought I was Irish because I had
reddish hair at the time. Patty had to go
around the table and take the potatoes from
everyone's plate. She couldn't reach mine
because of the large table, so I just handed my
plate to her. It got a big laugh from the
audience.
|
Party Memories
Class of '67...Does the song "Hold Me, Thrill Me,
Kiss Me" bring back any memories? Karen Stemp
where are you? Your emails keep bouncing back.
Hope to see you on the 1st.
|
Hope It's Not A Rumor
Woo Woo!! I heard the Connolly's are coming on
the 1st. Maureen, it has been too long! I hope
you bring your cousin Shiela with you. We have a
lot to catch up on.
Tweetie, again!
|
Class of 1959 Reunion
Is anyone planning a 50 year reunion for the SPC
class of 1959? There was some discussion a while
back of doing one or possibly doing a combined
1957, 1958, 1959 50 year reunion. Anyone have
any knowledge of this ?
|
Random Memories
Following are just a few random thoughts to
bring back old memories. Remember Father
Sheridan? Father Sheridan was the best priest
to go to confession. I believe if you had four
murders, five robberies and broke 8 of the 10
commandments you might get a penance of 3 Hail
Mary’s. I remember when we used to go to
confession on Saturday’s. There would be a long
line for Father Sheridan. At times the priest’s
names were not on the confessional. I can
remember once going to confession telling Father
Sheridan my sins and getting the usual light
penance. When I left the confessional the next
guy in line was Tom Brosnan. I whispered to
Tom, “It’s Father Joyce.” Tom turned white as he
walked into the confessional. Speaking of Father
Joyce, I think I still have the bruises from the
ruler he shoved into my ribs. Once after serving
Mass, there was a number of us alter boys in the
sacristy. One of the eighth graders whose name I
can’t remember drank a little wine and ate some
unblessed hosts. I will never forget watching
the door knob slowly rotate. Then entered Father
Joyce, what a beating that boy took.
Playing “Bloody Eagles” in the playground;
located between the School and the Church with
Bill Demke, Bob Murphy, Bill Boylan and Bob
Maloney was so enjoyable. Vince Caffarello would
ring the bell indicating the end of recess.
Sister Mary Alice put the fear of God into all
of us. I recall Sister Alice falling asleep at
her desk in sixth grade. Remember Father
Morrison’s Jaguar? I remember football Coach Ed
Dole telling us as we prepared to play
Maryville. “Don’t worry boys there is a cemetery
right across the street if we need to put you
there.” Maryville played their seventh graders
against us. I think we lost by over 50 points.
Don’t worry Bill Demke I won’t mention what you
did with the opening kickoff. Remember
the “spiller’s table?” I was a charter member.
Serving 6:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday with Bill
Boylan and John Sage may be the reason I am
awake at 4:20 a.m. for the past forty years. In
closing here are some establishments to remind
you of the old neighborhood. Cassarella Drugs,
Swans Drugs, Groves Bakery, Jewel, Victor’s
Pizza, John the Greek candy store, Chester’s,
Corrigan’s, Puigs, and a real oldie, DeMet
Pontiac.
Bob Marra class of 1960
|
Walking to school
I was a "public".
Half our block was "Lewis and the other was SPC.
We all lived on St Paul Ave. which was 4 blocks
north on LeClaire, between Laramie and Cicero.
Every morning started this way. We were the
furthest on the block so we would start and pick
up the Ciangi's and then Susie Kells(65) and the
the Richard sister Jackie(64) and my very best
friend Susie(67) and a few more "publics". We
would all walk up to North ave, cross at
Rocky's and leave them at school and then we
would continue up to Lewis, and then on the way
home do it all over again. It was 6 or 7 blocks
and I was in 1st and 2nd grade walking that far.
We would also walk over to LaFollette Park. The
Richard sisters(family) have been our lifetime
friends.
The last time I was in the church was for my
grandfathers funeral in 1977.
Those years were the happiest of my life.
Anna Jean Ruggiero Flanagan
Lewis School kind.-3rd grade 1958-1961
|
What a Blast!
What fun it's been looking at this website and
bringing back memories. Thank you Gerry and
everyone else involved in organazing this
event.Does the name "Marie's ring a bell to Vera
Schoonover? I remember that being the name of
the little grocery store at St. Paul and
LeClaire.
|
More memories
Does anyone remember the red hot dog truck that
used to show up every summer and park accross
from Austin Federal Savings? I believe his name
was Sandy and when you didn't have enough money
he would sell you a hot steamed poppy seed bun
for a nickel. They were the best. Also, do you
remember Zimmermans Hardware store? Dad always
said that if Zimmermans didn,t have it no one
did. What was the name of the dime store next
door to that? Then there was a grocery store
down the block also. Was it Rago,s? Thanks again
for all of the memories. You all are working
very hard at this. Can't wait to see you all
again.?
|
I'm so glad someone mentioned the "Cleaners"
or "Millies" on LeClaire. I can now rest easier
knowing that I wasn't the only one who
remembered that place. I used to love going in
there. That was the business behind Dipsy
Doodle. And yes,you were able to buy all sorts
of things in there including little toys. I
remember buying this Hawaiian doll there. All
these years I couldn't remember what type of
store it was... a cleaners, go figure? I also
remember the lady with the Beehive who was
really nice. This is so much fun, and the
website is awesome, thank you Gerry for taking
the time to put it all together. See you soon.
Mimi Conti Sagadin Class of '72
|
Crawling
Did anyone other than the Italian girls have to
crawl in the school basement with home made knee
pads? Everyone I've spoken to said it was to
improve our reading skills. And why was it that
only the Irish girls got chosen to be Mary in
the crowning of Mary in May? Questions to be
answered by April 1st. Gerry thanks again for
running this reunion. I've talked to many from
the class of "70" and I'm hoping for a great
turnout. Florence Accardi Mahanna
|
The "fun" priests, etc.
Thanks Bob Marra for reminding me of Father
Sheridan. Do you remember Father Morrison? We
called him the "light up" priest because his
face was always so red. All the girls were in
love with Father Harrington, he always had a
croud of gushing girls around him.... and my
family still keeps in touch with Father Peter
Kuo. Peter has lived and taught school in Hawaii
for the last 40 years. He is married,has two
daugters and grandchildren.
I still have nightmares about the story of St.
Isaac Jogues from the Little Messanger magazine
we got every month and stories of the Leper
Colonies and the dreaded Pagan Babies!!!!!
We girls had the initials SPC on our school
uniform....we called it Sister's Prison Camp.
When I look at all of the terrible things that
happen to children today and all of the outside
influences they have to deal with, I realize how
wonderful most of our lives were and how blessed
we were.
|
Hey Tweedie,
I got both my knees scoped and I'm in therapy 4
days a week so, I'm still up in the air about
attending. Someone wanted to know the little park
on Wabansia was called. I don't know if this
correct or not, but I remember that park being
called Galewood Park and Amundson which was
further west. I also remember those parks being
call Park 9 and Park 11 and some pretty good
softball teams came out of there. I want to say
Hi to Karen Stemp. I hope all is well.
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Memories go on & on
The park on Wabansia & Lamon (I think) was
called DeGeorge Park but we always called it
the "Little Park". It was all cement!That's
probably why our knees are so bad now!
In response to Florence's comment. I remember
the crawling therapy in school (spc was ahead of
its time) because my mother was one of the
monitors. I remember crawling as a group once,
but it was so hysterical that I think they
decided it wasn't a good idea for 7th/8th
graders. (Smart thinking)
Also this Irish girl didn't get picked for
anything except by the nuns when they told me to
stop laughing at the bad boys & encouraging
them, I never did because they were FUNNY!
I'm still laughing as I walk down this memory
lane.
In response to Sheila. I think coming to this
reunion is the best therapy you could have and I
am counting on seeing you there. You can say Hi
to Karen Stemp yourself. Francine Pepitone said
you should join us too and when Francine speaks
everyone listens!!!
Tweetie
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Class of '67
Looks like the Class of 1967 is leading the way.
Over 55% of our class will be in attendance!
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Hot Dogs
I recall a portable hot dog stand which would
park around North Avenue and Luna in the
summertime. Bob Marra, Bill Demke, Bob Maloney,
Tom Brosnan, Jim Corrigan, Bob Murphy and I would
occasionally go down there on a Friday nite.
There was always a line for the dogs and the
tamales and it was probably my first, and lasting
impression, on how to make a good Chicago hot
dog. Bill Granger (Tribune) before he died did a
great story on what a Chicago hot dog is (and is
not) and just reading the article conjures up the
memory of that portable stand. The summer
nights back then seemed to be so memorable and
enjoyable. We would walk down there or around
the neighborhood among ourselves or with the
girls, Kitty Killackey, Marlene O'Shea, Maryann
Haran, Eileen Burke, etc. and it seems now that
our neighborhood back then was drastically
different, and better in so many regards, than
the city streets which face the kids today.
Every once in awhile, you might catch a whiff of
a familiar scent in the air or an old song, and
then the memories come flooding back. I have
mentioned to a number of people over the years
how vibrant and enjoyable that neighborhood was
to grow up in. 
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Hot Dog Guy
Well, the sad thing about the Hot Dog Guy is that
he got fined for crossing North Ave. with his
wiener wagon.
:-)
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Caffe Latte at G&N
Al Heine (class of 1961) and I occasionally get
together over a cup of coffee. I still drink it
straight black, but Alan has those funky coffees,
the cafe au lait, the caffe latte, and
occasionally, a coffee with mint flavor or French
vanilla. I can see him now, holding the cup of
coffee with his little pinky out. I wonder if
Gus or Nick would have thrown him out of the
place had he ordered a latte back in 1961.
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The hotdog truck Plus!
We certainly remember the hot dog truck on North
avenue because that was our uncle Harry's. Yes,
and it was named Sandy's after his daughter(our
cousin. Now before I say anything else I want to
tell Gerry, Carol,and the entire Grapenthien
family what an awesome job they have done
putting this whole reunion together. We are all
looking so forward to it. This website has
brought back soooooooooooo many wonderful
memories. My sister, April(Hagopian)Koza and
myself were sitting in front of the computer
last night reading about all the memories and
looking at all the pictures and we had such a
good time! As for those other memories, the
whole crawling thing that my oldest and dearest
friend, Florence(Accardi)Mahanna who I've been
friends with since kindergarden,45 years ago was
referring to, was actually called creeping and
we did have to wear those homemade knee pads.
That was too funny. Another one of my fond
memories was when a whole group of us spc
cheerleaders were in my basement on latrobe
making kleenex flowers to decorate the floats
for the parade. I can go on and on but I'll save
them for the 1st. Hope to see you all in 9 days!
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Dutch's at Laramie and Division
I posted a note on the hot dog truck on North
Avenue-Thank you to Karen Peters for reminding me
of the name, Sandy's. Another great place for a
hot dog or hamburger in the area was Dutch's at
Laramie and Division. It was always great to go
down there on a Friday and eat a few dogs. Then
off to Father Kuo (penance was three and three)
for absolution on Saturday evening. Maybe six
and six, or an entire Rosary if you happened to
get Father Joyce. Marge's beef on Cicero Avenue
was also a good place, as was (and still is)
Russell's BB Que at North and Thatcher when we
were able to drive.
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Memories of St. Pete's Keep Flooding Back To Me
Remember we always had to practice hiding under
our desks for the possibility of nuclear bomb.
Then one day in sixth grade with Sister Julia
Regina there was a loud explosion. We thought
it was the end of the world. Plaster fell from
the walls and ceiling. We assumed the position.
We subsequently found out that there was an
explosion at the Helen Curtis factory down the
street.
Sometimes after lunch we would have the little
Italian man come over to the school with his
little red cart and he’d sell popcorn for a
dime. We’d always say “extra butter” and he
would always give it to us. I also remember a
man would come pushing a large heavy cart with
all kinds of pistachio nuts, cashews etc. And
the penny candy back in the 50’s. - wax juice
bottles, candy buttons on the paper, lik-a-maid,
2 cent boxes of sunflower seeds. Still looking
for those coconut pieces of candy that looked
like a slice of watermelon.
I remember in 8th grade being on the playground
at the new school and Sister Mary Roberts would
roll up her skirts and play basketball with the
guys. She would run circles around them. Guess
her “farm” background really came in handy.
She was a dead aim. You didn’t dare fall asleep
in her class or she would throw whatever she had
in her hand at you. The students paying
attention would slowly separate in the opposite
direction and she always hit her target. It
looked like the parting of the Red Sea.
I remember when President Kennedy was shot. We
were all on the playground waiting for afternoon
classes and the dark clouds came through and
obliterated the sky. We then found out about his
assassination. It was like God was displeased
with the turn of events.
I remember Sister Mary Alice being in charge of
the altar boys and you never messed with her.
One day leaving school with everyone in line,
someone shot a rubber band. It was like a 747
jet making a perfect landing on top of her
habit. All the kids started snickering and even
one of the second grade nuns, but she had to let
Sister Mary Alice know. Good thing Sister didn’t
know who the culprit was.
My teachers were Sister Joseph Ann, Sister Ann
Josephine, Mrs. Higgins, Sister Ann Dominic, Mrs.
Phillips, Sister Julie Regina, Sister Louise
Marie, and Sister Mary Alice. Sister Louise
Marie would always brag about her Cincinnati Reds
and how Ohio was greater than Illinois. They had
more presidents etc. She always got our dander
up. But who would ever argue with HER
In fourth grade I remember Sister Ann Dominic
putting those spring loaded clips on boy’s lips
when they wouldn’t stop talking and using a
yardstick for those who slouched.
I remember trading lunches on Friday with Joyce
Bergantino because her mom would always fix her
pimento cheese sandwiches and mine would make
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We had punch
tickets for our 2 cent milk.
On Halloween, the nuns would always want us to
come to the convent to check out our costumes.
When we were younger, St. Nicholaus came to our
classrooms and gave us a gift around Christmas.
I also remember having to do a program on the
different orders of sisters. I had to give a
speech on the Sisters of Perpetual Help and had a
teammate dressed as one.
Not too many people knew this but Sister Julie
Regina suffered greatly in the hands of the Red
Chinese when she was a missionary over in China.
She had been severely whipped by them and had the
scars to prove it.
Do you remember getting tons of homework from
Mrs. Phillips in 5th grade and that most of us
were glad she ended going back to school the next
year.
I remember in eighth grade Sister Mary Alice
making one of the kids kneel in front of her and
then slapped him for being disrespectful and
mouthing off.
I remember having a sock hop in the basement of
the school and most of the boys would just sit
around, but Danny Palumbo would dance with
anyone. His life was far too short, but his
memory will live on forever.
I remember growing up with Mary Bridget Walsh
from first grade through high school, standing up
for my wedding and her valiant struggle with
cancer. She never had a mean bone in her body,
kind and generous, a great love of animals, and
always a helping hand when needed.
I remember when Sam Ciccarelli got hit by
lightening. How I miss going to Valentino
Drugs. Sitting at the counter and having
chocolate sodas, Green Rivers and sundaes. I
remember on Sunday nights going to Gonnella
Bakery on Cicero Avenue and getting loaves of
bread straight from the oven. Ancona Bakery was
a favorite place to shop, but Sundays were for
family. You might find a bakery open but nothing
else.
Short Biography
As we grow up life can change drastically. Who
would have thought that I would leave my home
town of Chicago, marry a Kansas man who was
making the Navy his career. Mike & I have been
married 36 years. I worked for the FBI at the
Chicago and San Diego Offices; worked for the
EPA’s Escambia Bay Recovery System in Gulf
Breeze, Florida; and taught sixth graders for two
years in the Bahamas. I lived in Dunoon,
Scotland and saw where the Loch Ness monster
lived. We got transferred to Norfolk, Virginia
and then to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We then
got stationed at AUTEC, on Andros Island,
Bahamas. My husband finally retired in
Manhattan, Kansas, home to the Kansas State
University Wildcats. I have been employed with
the Riley County Government since 1984. I have
one son, Michael, one daughter-in-law, Michelle,
and one beautiful granddaughter, Macey who will
be 4 this year. As most of you know,
grandchildren are the reason we exist. My
granddaughter thought that the Macy’s Day Parade
was done especially in honor of her. There are
many memories of our times at St. Pete’s and we
each contributed to the development of each
other. 
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Passbook Accounts
I fell across your blog site about St. Peter
Canisius School, and I recalled a number of
youngsters who had passbook accounts at our
savings and loan on North Avenue. Every Friday,
during the year 1959 and 1960, one of the kids
from St. Pete's would come in and deposit a bunch
of nickels and dimes. "Where're you gettin' the
money, kid," I used to say. He said he was the
Civics Club treasurer for one of the classes and
each week, the kids would pay their dues for the
Civics Club. I realized I shouldnt have done it,
but I offered the boy a cigarette, and before
long, he was hooked. He used to occasionally
withdraw the earnings on the account to buy a
carton of Luckies or Camels. Then, in an
enterprising way, he would sell the cigarettes in
the alleys around St. Pete's for a dime each.
The account just grew and grew. Then one day, he
transferred the cash into a securities account,
with a portfolio manager, and before long, the
boy stopped wearing short pants, and took on the
look of an experienced Wall Street banker. He
was always trying to sell me Motorola Stock, but
I declined. I think that kid probably parlayed
the funds into a meaningful, worthwhile
investment and no doubt retired early. Bob.. Bob
something or other.. nice kid, but he'd puff away
on those cigarettes never giving a thought to his
health, only to the profits he might realize from
unloading a pack of Luckies in the back alleys.
That kid probably deserves an award for being
enterprising.?
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May Crowning
I must agree with Florence!! Being an Italian
girl, I knew that there was a very slim chance
of ever Crowning Mary in May. So every May, my
sister Patricia (class of 1965) and I made
an "altar" at home, consisting of statues, holy
cards(especially the one Sr.Estelle gave me) and
lilies of the field flowers picked out of
our "gangway." We got out our Communion veils
and took turns "crowning" the Blessed Virgin
Mary. And yes we sang the songs...."Tis the
month of our "mooother," and "Queen of the
Angels, Queen of the May."
I was also a creeper/crawler and I thought I was
a good reader!!! I got Gs and VGs on my report
card!!
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Life at St. Pete's
Who would know that those 8 years would lay the
foundation for the rest of your life. At the
time,it seemed "normal". And yet,we somehow knew
that we were getting a better education than
the "publics",who came to religious ed. class on
saturday and messed everthing up. I even
considered becoming a priest at one point. It
will be good to see some old friends again. Has
anyone seen or heard from William Lee,class
of '69?
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Small World Story
Several years ago, Bob Marra and I (Class of 60)
went down to Florida to visit my folks in Bonita
Springs. There is a beach restaurant down there,
kind of a hamburger and beer place
called "Doc's". The place has a lot of Bears,
Cubs, Hawks, and Sox memorabilia on the second
floor and a definite Chicago connection. I was
out in the beach front parking lot having a beer
and struck up a conversation with a younger guy
about the ownership of a motorcycle parked
nearby. He said it was the owner's and I
mentioned that I heard the owner was from
Chicago. He indicated he was also from Chicago
and once we got through the high schools we went
to (He went to Oak Park-River Forest), I
mentioned I lived in the area (North Avenue and
Laramie). He laughed and said he lived at North
Avenue and Leamington and that his name was Billy
White. Tom White, his brother, was in the class
of 60 but moved out of the neighborhood in about
the fifth grade. They lived behind Jensen's
Candy Store (apartment complex which ran behind
the stores immediately east of Leamington on
North Avenue). I mentioned that his brother Tom
and I played marbles on the floor of their
kitchen (on the linoleum) and that I remembered
their Dad was a CTA bus driver. Tom, as I
gather, is now a stock or securities rep in the
Carpentersville area.
1500 miles from home-talking to a complete
stranger on the beach in Florida, and it turns
out his brother and I were in a few grades
together at St. Pete's. Anyone remember the
Whites? Or Mary Lou Tripp? John Almond?
Barbara Chudy? Some early names.
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Credit where credit is due...
Let me just say that, being a member of the SPC
Reunion Committee for the past six months, I have
never seen a harder working, more dedicated trio
of people than Gerry Grapenthien, Mary Grapenthien
Gibson, and Sue Grapenthien Fullman. It was thru
their efforts, their vision, and their
determination that the upcoming SPC Reunion Party
is going to be such a resounding success. A tip of
the cap to the Grapenthien Clan is in order here.
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Thank you, Gerry, Mary & Sue
Joe, "I Second That Emotion!" This has turned
out to be more than just one day for so many of
us. This website alone has reconnected us to so
many. Sharing stories - most of which are
wonderful memories. With so many people
recanting the same stories, maybe now our
childern will believe that our childhood stories
are real-not exaggerated memories from years
ago. How blessed we were then. How blessed we
are now!What a gift we have received!
Thank you Grapenthien Family
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The Class of 75
Some of my memories are being on student council
and announcing Birthdays during the morning
annoucements and passing out these big suckers.
Another fond memory is the Honor of being May
Queen.
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Too much fun at SPCl!!!
Altar Boy Fun
I was an altar boy for 3 years, when it ended
very abruptly one day. We (me and another
unmentioned altar boy) were in the sacristy very
early one day by ourselves, can't remember what
the function was that day, but we decided to have
a taste of the wine. As we were sipping the wine,
Sister Mary Alice came flying through the
sacristy, chasing us. We flew out the window, she
saw us, thereby ending my career as an altar boy.
Words fit for a King.
I was in Sister Lea's class one day trying to
clown around as usual, she caught me, reprimanded
me, and I said back to her @#$%^&*@#$%!!! Her
eyes started to bulge. She took me outside the
classroom, got a bar of lava soap, and proceeded
to make me eat the soap in the cloakroom. WOW was
it nasty!!! It makes your whole mouth raw and
BURNS!!! Sister Lea next made her only mistake.
She trusted me to myself in the cloakroom to
finish eating the bar of lava soap, only checking
on me every few minutes. Every time she checked
on me I made sure I had some of the soap in my
mouth. When she would leave I would spit the soap
into someone's coat pocket in the cloakroom.
Sorry Classmates!!! I guess it could have been
worse. From that day on I tried to be like Eddy
Haskell to the Cleavers, when I encountered
Sister Lea!!
Look forward to seeing everyone!!!!!
Steven King/1968
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Lagori's, LaFollette Park
Wasn't the restaurant across the street from
church called Lagori's before it was called G &
N? I remember the polio scare, and the water
being removed from the kiddie pool at the
southeast end of LaFollette Park because of it.
And how about Grove's Bakery? I went past there
recently, and their sign is still on the
building.
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Dinks and Clickers
How about the red beanies or dinks that we used
to wear? If you were cool you folded them in
half, and pinned them onto your bubble hairdo
with bobby pins. I think we got them at
Confirmation. How about the wooden clickers
that the nuns would use to keep us in line? We
used to walk the halls in straight lines in
silence to the tune of the nuns' clicker. And
the fantastic Dutch chocolate milk for 2 cents a
day. I remember the blue milk tickets; you paid
$.10 for a week's worth of milk. And how about
the collection box for the missions in each
classroom, and the tuition envelopes.
Unbelievable that our parents paid $2.00 a month
for a Catholic education!
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Sousa Music Departing School
Does anyone remember the John Philip Sousa music
which was played through the speaker system at
school. Early days- probably 1953-54 and then I
dont recall it. But when we were departing
school at the end of the day, the nuns or Sister
Superior played The Washington Post March or
Sempter Fidelis or some Sousa tune. And while
we are on music, a number of us must remember
Miss Burke (Genevieve Burke) our music teacher
who came in to the class and had us singing those
old songs. Tom Brosnan and Bill Demke were
always up front singing their lungs out and I can
still remember her warning us that if she saw any
of the boys holding back, she would have us up
front leading the entire class. Songs like,
Nellie Bly, Old Kentucky Home, Where are you
Going, Billy Boy, etc. She died only a few
years ago. But a definite SPC figure. Nice
Lady, and remarkable that sometimes a song will
come up and I will remember SPC days.
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Bad Hair Day
One day in 8th grade class, with Sister Mary
Alice, resulted in my having a bad hair day. I
had worn my hair in a flip with the hair really
high on top and lots of hair spray. Sister Mary
Alice told me to go to the washroom and comb my
hair out. I guess she didn't think I would do
such a good job so she followed me to the
washroom to supervise. She told me if I didn't
comb it out right that she would put my head
under the faucet. This siter must have taken
lessons from prison guards!
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Many Memories
I do remember Lagori's and especially Grove's
Bakery. My sister Carol and I would stop at
Grove's on the way home from church to get the
Custard bismarks with chocolate frosing. Does
anyone remember Del Principe Music Store on North
Ave between Linder and Luna? That's where we
bought our records (45's). 
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The Rumble
Go to the '66 graduation class' 5th grade picture
and imagine the little darlings pictured staying
after school for a week or two(?) with the
principal, Sr Estelle, for having a free-for-all
in classroom closest to the old school office.
Started out as a fist fight between the sexes, Sr
Mary Esther cheering on the female participant
and ended up as a classroom brawl including all
the desks in disarray, maybe a few broken. Does
anyone remember?
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Del Principe Music Store, etc.
I do remember Del Principe Music Store. My
first 45 was Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley
and the Comets. I wish I still had it. Didn't
Del Principe sell musical instruments also? I
remember that Elvis Presley went to the Army and
got a military haircut when I was in Sister
Anthony St. John's combined third/fourth grade
class. Does anyone remember when we went to
split session because there were not enough
classrooms to accomodate all the children? I
don't think it lasted very long, but I guess
that's why the new school was built.
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Dipsy Doodle
I had the wonderful experience of working at
Dipsy Doodle for a few short weeks. Does anyone
remember the owner who hated kids. I think his
name was Bob and several of the SPC guys used to
make animal noises in there just to drive him
crazy (I don't think it would have taken too much
to drive him over the edge). I never could
figure out why he would open an Ice Cream parlor
across the street from a school when he didn't
particularly seem to like kids.
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5th Grade Brawl
Gee whiz, you talk about memories Liz. I remember
that brawl; I think the girls actually got the
best of the boys. There were some pretty tough,
athletic girls in that class. Debbie Bruce, Cathy
Dow and yourself to name a few. But we had George
Fritsch, Hunker Killackey, Kinahan and Billy
Cantalupo. I think that fight all started
because during “show and tell” one day, Patricia
Addelizzi, whom had just come back from Cape
Canaveral while on winter vacation with her
family, passed around a dark brown plastic space
capsule that she had bought as a souvenir. It
finally got around to a very inquisitive little
boy named George Fritsch. George looked at it
admiringly and Patricia was beaming with pride as
George proceeded to growl and bit the head off of
the top of Patricia’s pride and joy and started
chewing it because “he said” he thought it was a
chocolate candy space capsule. A very shocked
Patricia Addellizzi started screaming and crying
as the rest of the class couldn’t believe that
George would do that to her beloved plastic space
capsule. Sister Mary Esther almost fainted and
the class went crazy. This nice, cherubic, little
group of 5th graders started jumping up and down
and pushing each other; though I think it started
out more as fun than anything else but escalated
into a free for all. We had the room right next
to the office and within two minutes Sister
Superior came running in and put us on lockdown
for quite some time after that. I will never,
ever forget the look on Patty’s face. From a
confident, proud smile to absolute hysteria
within seconds. And the look on George’s face
that said it all “Hey what’d I do?”
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Good Memory
Gerry, you're stories are very entertaining and
although I was not in this classroom (The Brawl)
I could just picture George eating that space
capsule. Maybe we all age differently, but a lot
of you guys sure have excellent memories. I am
amazed how well some of you remember all the fun
times at SPC.
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Class of 1964
I was at St. Pete’s from 1956 to 1964. Great
school in which to grow up. I remember all of my
teachers: Sr. Michael of the Trinity, Sr. Ann
Josephine (aka Sr. Maureen Brogan- everybody’s
favorite), Mrs. Higgins (for part of that year
there were 63 third-graders in that class and the
start times were all jazzed up – I don’t remember
why, I was only 8! Sr. Ann Dominic was also well-
liked. I remember we would stand out in the
mornings waiting for the nuns to come out of the
convent and hoping, especially on very cold days,
to be chosen to go inside early. On an unusually
frigid (10 degrees) day (11/17/59) everybody was
waving their hands in “pick me” fashion. I called
out, “Sister, my mother just had my baby brother
this morning!” That did it! Miss Phillips and
Mrs. Sherman were next. Then 7th grade brought
something new, “departmental” classes, with the
Triple Threat: Sr. Germaine, the endearing Sr.
Louise Marie, and little Sr. Ann Daniel (short
enough to see us eye to eye and young enough to
be our older sister! Loved her!) Eighth grade was
in the “new” building with Sr. Mary Robert. And
even if you were not in her class, Sr. Mary Alice
was an inimitable force! I remember around ’56
or '57 the talk of the playground one morning was
all about “The Wizard of Oz” that was shown the
night before FOR THE FIRST TIME ON TELE-VISION.
About the same time, there was a discussion
during religion class about “The Ten
Commandments” (according to Cecil B. DeMille,
that is). It must have been challenging
explaining that to 6 and 7 year olds. All kinds
of social events, including Bingo, were held in
the basement. There was the Dipsy Doodle,
LaFollette Park, Grove’s Bakery on North Avenue,
Mrs. Johnson the crossing guard on North Av. and
Laramie. Remember the first day the Jewel Foods
opened across the street from the school? Anyone
who forgot their lunch was hurried across the
street to the convent where the nuns fed you,
always ending with “Jingles” cookies. There were
field trips to the Museum of Science and
Industry, Art Museum, Field Museum, top of the
Prudential Building (!), and going to see movies
like “The Time Machine” and “St. Francis of
Assisi” at the Tiffin Theatre. I remember lining
up to get construction paper for a St.
Patrick/St. Joseph Day art project. Green line
for Irish kids, Red line for Polish & Italian
kids, and all other nationalities just got in the
shorter line! I walked to school with Valerie
Gdowski (Remmert) and still exchange Christmas
cards with her and Maureen Edwards
(Bialachowski). While we lived in Elk Grove
Village for 14 years (1983-97) Valerie was 4
miles away in Schaumburg. We didn’t get together
until after I moved to Las Vegas (Oct. 1997). She
and Bob have been here twice. I remember Fr. Kuo,
Fr. Harrington, Fr. Seidel, and with all due
respect – Mogie! Speaking of priests, Fr. Vincent
Costello baptized my nephew in 1980. In 1987, it
was nice to see Dr. Jim O’Brien even though it
was in my husband’s hospital room at Alexian
Bros. Hospital. DOES ANYONE ELSE REMEMBER WHEN
LAURIE CONSTANTINO’S HAIR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN
CHURCH AS WE PASSED BY THE VOTIVE CANDLES? And
the last but not least memory I have of St.
Pete’s is the reason that I , a full-blooded
Italian girl, can remember most lyrics to most
popular Irish songs is … MRS. BURKE! This memory
searching was a lot of fun (and quite challenging
for someone in a periodic state of “mental-
pause”!). I hope the reunion is a great success.
Maybe I can make the next one.
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Joyce, I do remember...
Laurie Constantino had the most beautiful long
reddish brown hair and I think we were going into
church for Stations of the Cross when her hair
snagged on one of the candles. One of the nuns
put it out...maybe with holy water???
I lived on the same block as Joyce and remember
the walk down Long Avenue to North, then east to
St. Pete's. Michelle was in my sister Sue's class.
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The Green Fields
I’m trying to put myself into a place. Laramie
Avenue, just north of LaFollette Park, sometime
in the late 1960’s. The odor of the soybean plant
may be in the air. And, I haven’t witnessed the
burning smoke from riots along Madison Avenue or
Grant Park. 1966 perhaps?
The trees seem young and small and the streets
aren’t as crowded. I’d like to write about this
place. I think this place would create the sense
of place that the Irish find important in their
writing. The problem is that for one, this place
was taken from me before I could understand it
and that when I listen to my brothers and sister
talk about a place that physically resembles it,
it isn’t the same place: they grew up there and
graduated from SPC by 1963.
I’ve struggled for years trying to decipher this.
Was I demented? Did I imagine things as being
different or was it fact?
I don’t feel loss for Austin or SPC or the lawn
of Lewis School. I feel relief. The neighborhood
felt threatening after the riots. It became one
of the demons to deal with and as soon as I had
the ability I left it behind.
That occurred in high school. I didn’t even wait
for a drivers license. I’d used graduation money
from SPC to purchase a Schwinn five-speed and
every day I would ride it north into Belmont-
Cragin to meet Ron Krukowski or other high school
friends, and we would ride further away from SPC
and Austin and the memories of the riots to
Jefferson Park, then along the Chicago River bike
path to the green fields of Oakton Street, Lake
Avenue and even on one day Lake-Cook Road.
“What are you doing here?” a ranger asked
me, “you’re miles from home.” It was some minor
trouble caused by playing mumbly peg on a bench
in the Cook County Forest Preserves by Harms Road
and Old Orchard.
Home was a tight neighborhood of apartment houses
where the neighbor’s kitchen lay ten feet from my
bed. It smelled of factories and immigrants. Out
here there was horse manure and musty leaves and
an amazed adult: this inner city kid was playing
with a knife on his park benches! The open fields
of Harms Wood felt so inviting. I left behind the
odor of Central Soya, the candy factories and the
bus barns for the green fields of suburbia.
You know that many of you followed your parents
to do the same thing. Hoffman Estates, Polo and
Aurora are more inviting than the threat of
walking down Cicero Avenue and Division in 2007.
Who can blame the young teen for fleeing in 1972?
Or their parent for fleeing in 1977?
Yet, it has caused a disconnect. The threat I
felt from watching the smoke rise from the
security of my back porch, that threat wasn’t
shared by older brothers and my sister. They talk
about one neighborhood. I remember a different
neighborhood. It seems so charming, the Dippsie-
Doodle, the candy story across from the rectory
and the screech of tires as my brother drag raced
down North Avenue.
It has always been hard to talk about my key
memory: watching the smoke fill the air from
the “security” of my back porch. The Dippsie-
Doodle closed, as did the little candy store. I’d
go to Chester’s for my sugar fix (Green River on
tap) or the liquor store across the street. I
didn’t want to cross North Avenue in 1968 during
one riot. So instead of going into Chester’s I
went into the liquor store to purchase some candy.
There I witnessed the biggest liquor purchase I
saw until I got to college: $150. It was
obviously headed south to Madison Avenue.
It was intimidating.
It was scary.
And, it was a relief to find those green fields.
It was a lovely day yesterday. The entire Grapes
clan did a great job. Thank you.
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Thank You
Gerry:
Thank you for all your efforts in putting
together such an enjoyable day for everyone. I'm
sure all you attended had a GREAT time, I know I
sure did. Thanks again
Bob Marra
class of 1960
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Thanks
Gerry,
Thanks to all of the people who made this
happen. It was a great time. Let's do it again
some time.
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Many thanks!
Gerry, thanks so much for all that went into
yesterday's function! A great time was had by
all. Would this possibly have been the First
Annual St. Peter Canisius Alumnae Reunion Party in
a long line to come? Thanks again for the day!
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Sisters of Notre Dame
Gerry and Gang:
Great job. Wonderful time yesterday with old
friends and a lot of funny old memories. Great
to see two classmates who came in from out of
state to make the affair- Tony Perrone and Carol
Ann Sheedy, as well as a number of the girls in
the class and some guys I hadnt seen since
graduation. Hadnt seen Kitty Killackey in over
35 years-wonderful to see her. New Bob Marra
story from Jim Corrigan-too bad, Bob! I will
remember it.
But a real coup was the presence of a number
of the Sisters of Notre Dame who selflessly
guided us through those early years. Nice to see
so many of the SPC graduates assisting the frail,
elderly sisters who years ago, assisted us in
crossing streets, watching out for us and
generally looking out for our betterment and
welfare as young kids. I hope the raffle went
well. Gerry, get ahold of a box of clickers and
maybe we can put together a raffle each year to
raise some funds for these wonderful women. I
thanked Sister Michael who remarkably, remembered
me from 2nd grade. No doubt my red hair made me
stand out.
Again, great job, Gerry. Thanks for a day so
many of us will fondly remember.
Bill Boylan, Class of 1960
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Package of Lucky Strikes
Understand Bob Murphy, Class of 1960, received
the pack of Lucky Strikes which Bud Evans left to
him. Enjoy the smokes, Bob.
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Great time! Thanks, Gerry!!!
What an event. I probably wouldn't have
recognized many if I saw them on the street, but
when I read a name tag, then looked in the eyes
of the person, I really saw the kid that I knew
at SPC. I'm so glad I went. Let's do it again!
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WHAT A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GERRY AND COMPANY,
I CAN'T THANK ALL OF YOU ENOUGH FOR A WONDERFUL
EVENING. BRINGING BACK ALL THOSE CHILDHOOD
MEMORIES AND SEEING SO MANY PEOPLE WAS
WONDERFUL. GERRY, I AGREE WITH YOU THAT WE
NEED TO CONTINUE THIS EVENT, WHETHER IT BE A
PICNIC OR A SOCIAL GATHERING LIKE LAST NIGHT.
MAY I SUGGEST THAT YOU GET A PROGRAM MANAGER
FROM EACH CLASS TO HELP YOU FOR THEIR OWN CLASS?
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND
DEVOTION.
FLORENCE ACCARDI MAHANNA CLASS OF "70"
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Thanks for the memories
Thank you to the WHOLE BUNCH of GRAPES!!!! What
you did was fantastic and had to be a monumental
undertaking. So many questions were answered
yesterday like, I wonder what ever happened
to...? It was so good to see all of my old pals
like Bob Marra, Tom Brosnan, Marianne Haran,
Bill Boylan, Ginny Kinsella, the Corrigans, Bob
Maloney, Judy Morvay. So, so many people. There
were so many I wanted to see and missed, like
Kathy Psolka, "Kathy Kuch", etc. It was also a
treat to see the younger brothers and sisters of
our classmates. When did Jimmy Haran get that
tall? Even with all the the grey hair and a
definate need for glases, we were all a
beautiful group! I heard the announcement about
saving our name tags for the reunion at Gery's
house next year. I'm in!
Thank you again, you are the best!!!!
Kitty Killackey, Class of 61
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