Born and raised in the Duquesne, PA area, I was the 2nd child of a Croation mother and a Slovak father. Pure hunky, through and true! My life was one of stuffed cabbages, kielbasa, pickled pig’s feet and perogi’s. This blog is dedicated to life in the 50′s. 60′s and 70′s in a wonderful town called Duquesne.
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- 1 – CLICK HERE TO LET ME KNOW WHO YOU ARE, WHO YOU WERE, AND WHERE YOU ARE LIVING!!
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- 3 – Mifflin Township Historical Society
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- Brian Butko Books – ALL ABOUT OUR HOMETOWN AREA AND MEMORIES
- Duquesne Native Lisa Alzo – Author and Genealogist
- Duquesne's Croatian Immigrants
- Sisters of Saint Joseph – Baden, Pa
Jim,
Sent an email to duquesnehunkey@gmail.com and it did not go through. I just wanted to mention the Smith Familly that lived on Savey St. What a remarkable family they were. Mr and Mrs Smith had (20) children. About 4 or 5 years ago when I visited, I talked to some of the family and discovered that they were American Indian and were involved in American Indian Cultural events. Their lives would be a best seller.
Also wondered if anyone has information re: Mary Frances Reed or her brother Robert who attended Annapolis, Joanie Yurich – interested in becoming a speech therapist, Lana Kubasic – platium blond and b e a u t i f u l a very talented pianiast – believe she went to Carnagie Tech, Jackie Wargo, or Billie Halko?
Regards, George Bornyek
Although I did not grow up in Duquesne, I spent my early years in Lincoln Place 4 miles away. I did work at the US Plant in Duquesne in the Open Hearth Shop in 1965. I was laid off when it closed in August 1965. I enjoy reading the your blogs and see the appreciation you all had for growing up in the Steel Valley. Likewise I have always felt very thankful that I grew up in that area. In was a wonderful place in the forties, fifties and sixties. I am a retired railroader and now live in South Central Pa. It is a real pleasure to read sites like this.
John Stock
I only knew Duquesne from visiting, but as were all Mill Towns they were “Pure Gold”!!! Brother Ray lived in D Place, “60 to –85 but looking for Stuno Relatives who may have been from there? Blv Paul Stuno grad. ’58 DHS. Found some year books in a barber shop Allegheny County ATO, but they are now in our archives, Mifflin Township Historical Society. This site rocks!!!
I’m related to Richard Isadore
Just heard about this site from my friend Deanne Harris Seese. Really enjoyed the articles and comments. How true it is. Growing up and raising my family in Duquesne was a real Joy. Such fond memories.
I see my sister has found this sight. Hi Dot . I also found something, my year book from 1960! Going thru this book is much fun. Seeing classmates and teachers is great. I was one of the celler dwellers, or vocational students. Was an eletric shop student. We all had a good time. Wish my children could know how life was way back then. Enjoy Duquesne Hunky. Thank you!
Dorothy(Sobeck)Sopko
what a great web site I graduated in 53, married in 56, lived on kennedy ave., also ist street above Butches Wonder Bar , moved to north Huntingdan in 1960 and still here , going on 58 yrs married., live here 52yrs, , cathy sterm, i knew your mom and dad and grandma, we had backyards that connected, also your brother tom is very well know in this area. glad to see you are on this sight
Happy Thanksgiving, Tammy!! Yes, we made plenty of walks up and down that hill!! Hope you are doing well. So happy to hear from you!! Amy
Do you remember the orange glowing sky from the steel mills at night? I tried to describe it to my children once, but it seemed incomprehensible to them.
I live in Duquesne with my husband of 35 years. Lots of buildings going down here. If you took a drive along Priscilla Avenue, you would barely recognize the barren land. We do have the Rails to Trails bike path going through our town now. i finally got to see what it looks like close to the river in good old Duquesne. This website is a great idea!
hi tammy- this is eleanor rusnak steimer-remember how we all would walk all over the place because no one had a car back then- we didn’t have to worry either about walking home at night-those were the days!
Hey, Eleanor! I do remember those cold nights when “The Hawk” was out. The wind used to rip across the Thompson Run Bridge on the way back to Duquesne Place. Makes me shiver just thinking about it.
I remember Les the waterman in Duquesne. Didn’t he call out “Waterman” when he was outside the home?
Jim, I too lived on Thomas Street, number 1, I think your brother is the same age as me, I am 63, and we used to play red rover on the street, along with Judy Gregory, Paul Swirbel, my older sister Pat, and Paula, I forget her last name, she lived on the street behind me. I went to Holy Trinity school, then to Edison and North.
Arlene!! It is so great to hear from you! I remember you and your sister very well. My brother Steve is living in Florida now, Paula (Goldman) is in Virginia and I am in Maryland. Thomas Street will always hold a incredibly special place in my heart. You old home has stood the test of time, however, my childhood home is in a very sad state of disrepair. If you’d like to reminisce about the joys of life on Thomas Street, please let me know. You can email me at duquesnehunky@gmail.com.
This is such a great site! I graduated DHS in 1972…Lived on Grant Ave. over Balchunis’ (sp?) little store across the street from Suzich’s bar until 1964. Then moved up Earl St. Does anyone remember my dad Les Staymates who went into everyone’s house to read their water meters?
He was the nicest man …you couldn’t leave your door open for him today in Duquesne
Sandi…nice to hear from you! If you’re interested in family genealogy, I recommend you contact group I travelled with. English is not widely spoken in Slovakia, so you need a guide to educate you on the area. It’s imperative to know the village your family came from to go forward, but the outcome is so worth it. We met 2 elderly women related to us (a total surprise) and one remembered my grandmother and Catherine St. in Duquesne. The Slovaks are very warm, welcoming people. The trip is so worth it…the country is beautiful.
Marlene, I’d love to start planning such a trip. . . one huge problem, though. I have no idea of what village(s) my grandparents came from. I know the ship that brought my maternal grandmother to America when she was 16, but I still haven’t even found her on the Ellis Island website. You are so lucky to have taken such a trip.
Sandi,
Even if you haven’t got a village name, the trip is so worth it just to see the country and people. The trip includes a group leader who educates the traveller about the area (Eastern Slovakia/Sourthern Poland/Ukraine) and speaks of the Rusyn people. My husband had been hesitant to go because of the language barrier, but once we got there his concerns vanished. You can go into any small village and picture your grandmother living there, honestly! Let me know of your experience if you go. Did I mention you can access the c-rs.org website for info? They also sponsor a trip to learn Slovak that takes place in Presov. Meals, lodging and sightseeing are part of the trip cost. We thought about doing it ourselves.
Sandi – PLEASE just start digging. We had already planned our 35th anniversary trip to Croatia to visit the village where both my grandparents were raised; we were just going to go with a tour but I now am in contact with my 2nd cousin in Zagreb who will take us right to Bubnjarci, a tiny village on the Kupa River which borders Slovenia. His parents (my mother’s cousin) own the home my grandmother was born in! They keep it as a weekend getaway. Who would have suspected? The Internet is GREAT! I am Half Croatian/Half Hungarian = ALL Duquesne Hunky…
OK Lou, the evil face of envy has just materialized on this end of the computer! How lucky for you to trace the actual footsteps of your ancestors! We expect an abundance of photos and stories upon your return!
You’ll have to be patient, Jim. our trip is planned for summer 2014. We went to Toronto this past June for 33rd, where I met ANOTHER of my mothers cousins, her two daughers and two other 3rd cousins who have been Canucks for 10-20 years, emigrating there just before and just after ‘the [Balkan] war’ as they call it…. will keep you informed as plans proceed. Right now, I’m attempting to learn Croatian well enough to speak with my ‘older’ kinfolk who know little or no English;almost everyone there under 30 is conversant in English. thanks to the Internet.
What a trip down memory lane. Duquesne…too good to be forgotten. I am the eldest of five daughters Yarosik. We lived in Burns Heights, then above Huckster’s Bar and finally on Catherine Street nr Sts. Peter and Paul. Class of ’64, graduated Edinboro State College and married George Prosnik, class valedictorian. Remember the bank on Rt. 837 w/its revolving door and leather banquettes I’d kneel on to look @street cars (loved them!) and passing trains. Went to St. Hedwig’s catechism for a number of years then went to Sts. Peter and Paul (my father was Greek Catholic). Mom is Slovak/Polish. Travelled to Slovakia in 2009 to ancestral village and larger cities in Eastern Slovakia to learn about our heritage. Went w/group hosted by C-RS in Homestead. My dad’s parents came from Torysky, Slovakia and it was eerie to find the names Yarosik, Cherpak, Casey, etc. still living over there. Seems whole villages settled near each other when they came to America. And they founded Sts. Peter and Paul through hard work and love. George and I cherish our start in Duquesne and the values we shared with so many of you (hi, jane (Fulmer), Sandi (tovilin), Chuck (Teichart), etc. Remember the Duquesne Dolphins? dancing @the American Legion or the 10 cent dances in the gym during study hall on Friday afternoons in jr. high? Girl’s Leaders’ Club (I was in the first year of that organization). George and I live here in Springfield VA and have 2 grown sons, one in Denver (married) and one in Huntsville AL (married, 2 girls).
Hi Marlene! Just saw your comment. Your trip to Slovakia sounds great. I’d love to do that one day. My husband and I live in Wabash, Indiana (near Ft Wayne), and our son, Scott, is married and lives in Westfield, IN (near Indianapolis). This site sure takes us down memory lane. Take care!
Sandi
Hi, I grew up in Port Vue, but my Mom and all my aunts and uncles grew up in Duquesne. My Grandma lived on Hazel Alley (IS there such a place or have i picked it out of thin air?). Her last name was Ellis. All my aunt and uncles were musically inclined and played in a band…Bill, Nick, Ernie, George, girls were Helen, Irene and Betty. Aunt Betty sang with the band…country…poor old Kalijah? with the wooden head? My Grandpa Nick ELlis was old school and only really valued the boys although it was the girls who took care of him when he was aged and infirm. I was born in 45 so they were all older than that .Aunt Betty looked like one of the ANdrew Sisters….:) most of her life! I rememeber the high porches …my grandmas had three…one on each level…loved those…and the duplex across the paved yard also had three high porches. Grandpa owned the duplexes and rented them out which also fascinated me…renting….In Port Vue our streets were not paved so was fascinated by the brick streets and the hills going straight up with the dips in between where streets crossed.I am grateful for the just published recipes…..my sister may have them but mom never measured much ,….so mine were a bit Iffy.
Don’t remember the hairdresser but the laundramat was butch byers and before that it was a hudson car dealership
Pinball Sahwn: Thanks for looking out for my mom. We are planning to visit her Sunday 2/12. My wife and I live in the South Hills but try to visit with mom as often as we can.
I enjoyed reading all the comments. i recognized a few names and many streets, stores and simpler times. Went to St. Joe’s (class of 54). DHS class of ’58. Married my high school sweetheart Norma Cucchi (also class of ’58). It’s now 49 years and counting.
Does anyone have stories of “Chicago Mike”?
Why can’t I place him? His name is in my memory bank but I have no image or knowledge of him, although I should!
Mary Helfrick who lived on Aurilles St. Invited Chicago Mike into the house, sat him down at the linen covered table & served him a dinner with a silver place setting. She said the poor man never had a decent meal. Parents used to threaten the kids by saying “If you don’t behave I’ll give you to Chicago Mike”,or” come in before dark or Chicago Mike will get you.” He had reddish hair & was a bum who came through town in the summer. My mother gave him a fried egg sandwhich to eat when he knocked on the door asking for food, & I had to take a wet cloth when he left to erase the X he scraped on the steps down on the street to signal that house would feed you to other BUMS going out West Grant Ave.
Barry, you are a wealth of knowledge.
You brought this guy and his image back into perspective for me.
I believe there was a gathering spot for this clan of drifters down at the slag field (ball park). I think in a ditch behind home plate.
Thank You for that story,My Mother Peggy Radvansky grew up on Savey Street and she had mentioned Chicago Mike and I was always intrigued.
Mrs. Bayhan always talked about him. She taught in the Jr. High. We always heard about all the “hobos” that would get off the trains and stay in the “caves” on “grass hill”
Anyone out there remember “Grass Hill” behind Burns Heights?
Yep, I set fire to it a couple of times (lol).
I just happened across this blog in the past couple of days. Neat.
I believe my grandparents owned and ran the Kovac Restaurant & Cafe on 2nd Street, but I’m not certain (knowing that Kovac is a common name). They were Andrew and Mary. I’m trying to find out when it was in business and when, exactly, it closed. I was told the early 60s.
I noticed a posting about my Aunt Anne who was never married and owned an apartment building. She passed away over 10 years ago, I believe.
I haven’t been to Duquesne since I was very young, and I have many 60s and 70s photos on old slides somewhere. My only remembrances are brief memories, because I was quite young in the early 1970s, before my grandparents died. I do remember walking from their house on Crawford to a corner market, but I wouldn’t remember what it was called. I wonder if their home still stands.
My father is a graduate of DHS, but I don’t know the exact year. Perhaps ’55? He has attended some recent reunions.
EK
Go to vPike.com and you can take a virtual tour of Duquesne. Use the “street map” and “zoom” to find your desired location then click on “satellite”.
Donna Olinski Kolibas Manns Sept. 18th 1:54pm I lived on 2nd st. I was friendly with their son Donald.
We had a Bob Kovac in DHS class 53. he sang “old man river”in Chapel in school, & again at our 35th or 40th reunion. A great classmate & i will let him tell you of the mischief.
This is a very informative and interesting blog. I have been told that my great uncle,
John Bires, was mayor of Duquesne during the depression. Can you post anything about
his term as mayor in the blog? It is an interesting piece of history.
Thanks, Cindy from Duncansville
Is there anyone out there from Duquesne High School that graduated in 1951. My mom Lois Bixler lived in Duquesne and often told me of the dances at Kennywood and the drug store where they used to drink Cokes after school. I lost my mom in 2008 and miss many of those old stories. Sure seemed like a wonderful place to grow up. Some of the “Hunky” names are still clear in my mind. This is a wonderful site and i have just enjoyed reading some of the notes.
I knew your Mom & was in your Aunt DOLLIE’S class of 1953. Ran into Dollie when we were both in the USMC in 1954. I think it was our 30 or 35th class reunion she showed up & was the Chaplain of her American Legion. A bunch of us were at the Bixler house the night we graduated in 53—they had Beer!
are you related to Donald Bixler? I went to grade school at St Joseph’s in Duquesne with him. We graduated from 8th grade in 1970. Donald is on Facebook so you can search for him.
Yes he is my cousin. I haven’t seen him in a few years. Probably since my mother died in 2008. Me and Don were very close growing up.
Jim…I love the Duquesne Hunky. Jim Hartman is my brother and we both initially were residents of Oak Street off Center Street–that lovely roller coaster hill which was so much fun in both Summer and especially Winter. Jim graduated from Holy Name School but I only went there till first grade. In 1962 we moved to West Mifflin and attended St. Agnes Church off Homstead-Duquesne Road. That did not end our link to Duquesne, however. My uncle Albert Pundzak had a store on South Second Street between Viola an Priscilla Aves called Duquesne Cut Rate. He and his brother Michael Pundzak, Jr. opened the store in the middle 40s I believe. Michael was a Pharmacist and did that at the store till he moved to Ohio in the 50s I believe. Being the baby of the family I don’t have all the details exact, Jim Hartman knows more since he was the oldest of the Hartman clan. I don’t know who else who enjoys the Duq. Hunky remembers Duquesne Cut-Rate, but I would be interested who else does. Uncle Al ran the store till the 70s when he retired sand moved to North Versailles. My grandmother and grandfather and he lived above the store and fondly do I remember many fantastic Christmas Eve celebrations with presents and food feasts. My mother worked on Sunday so we never lost that connection to Duquesne. I remember Mike’s Meat Market, the Hungarian Club and the Black Pentecostal Church with its rauchous worship services we heard often. I still remember the sawdust on the floor of the meat market. I was saddened to do a Google search and street view only to see one house left on the north side of that part of South Second Street. I now understand that the building which had so many fond memories is now been torn down. If there are any other of you who remember my Uncle’s store, I would love to hear from you on this blog or via email.
I remember a raft trip with the Howard brothers, drinking Ripple wine, listening to Doctor Demento
I knew Doug Ramsey and his family. My father owned Isadore’s market at the top of Kennedy Ave. I graduated from Duquesne High School in 1970. My mom still lives and does facials and electrolysis in Duquesne.
I live two houses up from your mom. I own the duplex on the corner and live on one side and run my business out of the other side. I don’t know her very well, but I keep an eye on her place because I know she’s older. My back yard looks right at the back of her house. I know Duquesne has a bad rep these days, but truly it’s still pretty quiet here. I’m basically surrounded by abandoned houses, but I have to admit they are the best neighbors I can hope for. Hopefully I can ease some tensions in knowing not all people here are bad and someone is looking out for the older folks in the neighborhood.
Pinball Shawn-Your posting gave me some hope! Just bought a rowhouse on Earl St, and was having second thoughts because of so many scary reports, etc. I’m half Czech, an older person, but w/guts, lots of drive and determination.Thank you so much-Linda
are you related to Richard Isadore? Class of 56
Robert Szuch
November 5,2011
Just learned of this site.I graduated DHS ’60. Married 42 years and living in the Cranberry Twp., Pa area. Ran into Frank Genes in Duquesne at a funeral, but don’t get back there often.
Hey Bob, are you the one from Doney st? If so, we used to hang out and life weights in your basement. How is Carol, Rosemary and Nancy? Been a long time. tom lane
Hi Tom, Yes I lived on Doney St. I remember you & your family on Dell St. Carol lives in Ct., Nancy & her family in Bethel Park & Rosemary in Steubenville, Ohio. What about Doug Ramsey and Rich Kubany? What year did you graduate? Bob Szuch
Hi Bob, Not sure what happened to Doug Ramsey since I left the area right after high school. I graduated in 62. My sister is still in the area in Jefferson area. I think Rich Kubany died awhile back. Ray Krise who lived up at the top of Doney is in Calif and he is how I got to this link. I am retired and living in Indiana. Hope you are well. tom
Hey Tom, I used to fly to Indiana a lot – Indianapolis and South Bend – what part of Ind. do you live in? My wife, Pat Zuber, graduated in ’62 from North High but she went to Duq. in tenth grade. Bob
I live in Columbus In, 50 miles south of INdy. In indy all the time though. Came to work at Cummins Engine in 77 and stayed. I remember Pat Zuber just vaguely. Do you remember that guy, Bubbles?? He used to hang out with you back then. Did you have children? I did not. Was married briefly back in the 70′s. tom
Hi Bob, I remember meeting you in Ct. at your sister Carol’s place. I think it was a christening. Also saw you at the Stash’s in Cheshire. Do you ever hear from them? Like Tom Lane, I graduated in 62. I remember your wife, Pat Zuber. We had the same homeroom with Ms. Doebel in tenth grade. Jack Berta
HI<just found out about this site from an old friend Sam Salvucci. Sam's dad, same name taught at DHS for many years. I lived in Duquesne as a child on Grant avenue,moved to Goldsrohm Lane in 1954. Attended Saint Josephs from 54 to 62. Used to hang out at the Hilltop Dairy, played the pinball machine in the back that payed off. We moved few blocks into West Mifflin (Texas Ave) in 62. I still continued to hang in my beloved Duquesne until leaving for the service in 1967. After returning home and getting married bought our first home back in Duquesne up on the hill in Zewe Alley. Lived there until 1980 then abandoned the old town for the suburbs (Jefferson Hills). I recognized several names here,if anyone cares to get in touch with me my phone is 412-233-3712. My e-mail is cliffordjwarner@yahoo.com
Hi Cliff, You might remember me Billy Larkin, We lived on Kennedy Ave. directly across from Hilltop Dairy. My brother Steve still lives in West Mifflin. I live in New Mexico now, I’ve been here since 91. I remember your whole family, and your cousins at one time we all lived in the same neighborhood. Hope you’re doing great. This site is awesome it really brings you back. Some things I miss a whole lot, some I don’t, but it was a great place to grow up.
Hi Billy,sure I remember you,Steve and your whole family. Glad to find you are doing well. I’m doing fine,been retired since 04. Our children supplied us with two grandchildren each,watch my daughter’s kids quite often, not so much my son’s. We still have the cabin near Ligonier,get up there as often as possible during the summer months. If you ever get back up here to Pittsburgh area please look me up. In the mean time I guess we can keep in touch through this great blog. Cliff
D u remember “fleck” moore?
Jim
I can’t recall him specifically. But if he was the svc mgr he was probably my boss that summer. Pretty sure it was the summer of 1975. I do sort of remember a couple of the other young guys – characters for sure – that worked in the shop. I also kinda remember the store manager – was that your dad,or a different person? I remember one time a customer was getting a set of 4 new custom wheels – big bucks – and I scratched one of them during installation – basically ruining it. …that didn’t go over real well.
…I liked your story on Eastland Mall. Grew up in McKeesort; have many memories of Eastland. I worked at the JCP auto center one summer when I was in college…. probably ’75 or ’76.
Bill, I wonder if you remember my dad from the Auto Center… his name was Steve Volk?
What a wonderful site. Was told about the site by former Duquesne resident who belongs to the same sweepstakes club as I do.
Yes Linda is my sister, she was just in town for her 50th. class reunion
Hey Lou, I remember you we sang in the choir together at St. Joes and I used to hang out with Randy in the loft above his garage
That’s right, Dan; I remember the loft too. God Bless her, I always thought that Miss Spang, the organist, played very well, but far too loud for a bunch our pre-pubescent boy choir. And we had to wear the BLACK Cassocks w/white surplices on Christmas and Easter, because the accolytes got to wear the cool RED ones!
my husband & I both grew up in Duquesne graduated from Duquesne in 1955 & 1956 was a great town then but it is sad to see what has happened to it.
My mom Jeanne Schmidt ( later Salaj and Gehm) graduated from Duquesne in 1955 as well. My mom passed away in 2004.
Jim, your blog is great. Duquesne was the first town I was ever stopped by the police. And not for a ticket but a thank you. WOW. My brother Guy and I were driving in the dead of winter going up the hill toward Kennywood. It was extremely slippery out and a cop was behind us It took a long time to go up the hill because of all the ice and snow, slipping on the way up and going through a red light. After we got up the hill and onto level ground, the policeman pulled us over. We thought sure we were going to get a ticket for going through the light but instead he thanked us for not stopping. If we had stopped, I guess we would have all been stuck there for the night.
George DeVirgilio
George, so many of us “cut our teeth” on Duquesne’s hills. I recall that the trip down 2nd or 3rd St. after a snow was as scarey as trying to make the trip up the hill!
Jim
I remember winter the winter months in Duquesne (circa 1950′s), we would improvise by taking metal curtain rods and ski down Camp Ave. between 2nd & 1 st St. Unfortunately a kid whose name I do not recall was killed when he ran into a fire hydrant with his sled.
I visited Duquesne this summer and was considerably saddened by the derelection and decay. I was especially moved to tears by Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Duquesne High School still standing but ghosts of their former selves.
geheimbear@comcast.net
This site is like finding something you lost 40 some years ago.
First day on the site. So cool. My cousin Roland Hedberg sent it to my. He is in Florida. He got the site from Jerry Weber. We were neightbors with the Webers. Saw Linda Negley on the site. She was our neighbor also. I am Deanne Harris from Sherman Ave. Went to St. Joe’s 8 years. Graduated DHS 1963 Our family home was torn down. We were at the corner of Catherine and Sherman. Still makes me sad that it is not there anymore. Nice, nice memories.
Hi Deanne,
I remember you. I think your home was a sm. apt. bldg. if I’m not mistaken. We drove up Sherman Ave. about 3 or 4 yrs. ago & I was quite surprised to see that a lot of the homes were gone! Big lovely brick bldgs. What in the world happened to them??? My Grandma Imblum’s home is still there. I think I knew your cousin Roland. That name rings a bell with me. Where did he live? Where in FL is he? Where is Jerry Weber? & last but not least where are you now?
Hi Linda, we lived right across the street on Sherman from your Grandma Imblum. Such nice people. Our’s was the huge apt. bldg. My cousins, the Hedbergs lived on one side and us on the other. Roger was the oldest, then Roland, then Eric or (Ricky). Judy was my sister. Don’t know where Jerry Weber is, but he and Roland still see each other. I am in White Oak. Didn’t go too far from Duquesne
Hi there; if your brother is Randy, and I think he is, tell him Lou Andriko says Hello! We were classmates at St. Joe’s; haven’t seen or talked to anybody from that class in years!
You’re so right about all the old places being gone…..
Hi Lou, I do remember you and yes Randy is my brother, I’ll tell him you said hello, maybe he get on this site and respond himself.
my grandmother lived across the street from you and randy and i used to play in the loft above the garage
Are you Linda Negley’s brother, I just replyed to her, I so remember your grandparents. Of course I remember the loft above the garage, that was Randy’s clubhouse!
My Grandma, Ruth Keenan, and my great aunt, Margaret Reid lived on Sherman Ave with my 2nd cousin, Walter Reid. They lived in a big duplex and I just loved their house. I spent plenty of weekends with my grandma when I was young. I grew up on First Street and walking up the hill to go see her seemed like such a long walk back then! But I can remember when it would snow how quiet things would be on that walk…just magical!! So sad to see her house gone now.
Hi, Amy! Happy Thanksgiving! I think you and I took a few winter walks together back in middle school. I hope all is well with you.
You were my first girlfriend. Really. I was the skinny, naive kid from 3rd Street who (can’t believe it even now) actually dated a high school cheerleader. I remember the white (at least I think it was white) Ford convertible you drove. You would occasionally pick me up in front of my parent’s house. Come to think of it, I may have been your first babysitting job. Hope all is well with you.
Bob
To Michelle Sullivan and Diane Buczynski Kasten, I believe we were classmates at Holy Name; I attended fm 1956 to 1961. Moved to VA that summer as my dad was in the Army. Michelle, if memory serves, I remember attending a birthday party you had. Dianne, I have a pic of us on the steps of Holy Name. Thanks to all for the memories.
Doris,
I’m new to the Duquesne Hunky, but no stranger to Duquesne.
Don’t we have cousins in common? Namely Kathy and Patty Shimko? I just talked to Aunt Margaret about a week ago. I was visiting my Mom in West Mifflin. You were on Uncle Mike’s side, right?
Be well,
Alan Belancik (Marie and Al’s son)
Alan, I don’t see my sister’s reply. Yep, you are right. Saw your Mom and Denise at Aunt Margaret’s funeral (my favorite Aunt). A month earlier we were up there for Patty’s son, Thomas’s wedding.
Bob Voron
Hi Alan,
So sorry I missed your post; my brother Bob just ran across it and emailed me. As Bob said we do have cousins in common and Aunt Margaret was my godmother. And you’re correct, Aunt Margaret was married to my mother’s brother Mike Shimko. Alan, I’ve been doing family history for a few years now and have info on the Belanciks. If you’re interested, I could email to you, let me know. (my email is djminva@aol.com). You could fill in some of the blanks I have on your immediate family.
Til later, Doris (Voron) McCreary.
I lived on 4th St. across from DHS. I had an uncle who went there in the 30s & would sneak in the windows on 4th St. to avoid getting caught being “tardy” & apparently some of the teachers actually would help him! Of course, he was pretty smart…went to Carnegie Tech (CMU) as did the other uncle. I never could get away with that, though.
Duquesne was good for that. I had a friend whose mom made the best cheregies. Beignets are good, I’ve had what were supposed to be the best in New Orleans, but they can’t touch cheregies!
I went away to college, got married to a guy from the farm areas outside Kittanning (we’ve been married nearly 38 yr). Came back while he was on unaccompanied duty in Okinawa & went to CCAC (I had my teaching degree but back then, guys who taught could avoid the draft for Nam, so most schools hired them first, so I went for my nursing degree). Moved away 1977 to present; did stay w/ Mom for a while when our son was a baby during the first Gulf war when they were threatening to draft me because I had oncology nursing experience & to send my husband over to Iraq because he was active duty & they could. When that blew over we moved back together. Not a willing separation but figured if I didn’t live on the base, maybe out of sight out of mind!
We visited Duquesne often. Some things I miss & some, I’m glad to leave behind! Guess that’s true of anywhere (except I have to admit I really would have been content to live in Scotland a bit longer..maybe forever-much of it because it’s not ever really hot over there & I’m not good with hot weather).
I have to say-when it came to adapting to other countries, having grown up in Duquesne was a big help. Think about it: A 2 square mile town with ethnic neighborhoods! And every town up & down the Mon & Yough about the same. You learned to deal with different cultures, how to listen to people about their country of origin, how to find commonalities in cultures & accept differences. I know everyone wasn’t like that & it’s sad when they had so many opportunities to learn! I also learned one thing that’s really bad if you are prone to weight problems: I’ve never met a cuisine I didn’t like-or unfortunately, one that didn’t like to add fat cells to me!
Thanks for the blog! I know I could walk through Duquesne & not know people whom I knew well now-between military moves & my professions (teaching & nursing see a lot of turnover of those for whom you care), I think I just ran out of memory! So, if I’ve ever passed anyone by in years past, I apologize & it’s not personal. Ditz, maybe. Personal, no.
Hello to all! My oldest son told me about this site and it’s just great. I was Holy Name class of ’65 and DHS class of ’69. I also worked in Kennywood summer of 1969 before starting college. Lived in Duquesne Place from 1954 until 1974 when I moved to Ohio to teach and coach. Came back to the area in 1984 and have lived in South Park ever since.
I am a sales rep and Baden is part of my territory. I’ve walked the cemetary and have found only two sisters I recall. Sister Mary Danielle and Sister Mary Clementine. I have so many memories of Duquesne and could write pages.
Bob! I certainly remember you…..! This is your former classmate Jim Volk. You and I went through all of Holy Name together. I am writing this blog in the hopes of people connecting just for the heck of it. It is great to hear from you. So many of our Holy Name classmates have connected as a result. I would love to share some of your stories with everyone if you would like to share. Just email them to DuquesneHunky@hotmail.com! – Jim
Hello Jim!! After reading everything I was pretty sure it was you. What a great thing you’ve done for all of us. No matter where I’ve traveled in life my heart goes back to Duquesne and it’s surrounds.
Wow, just the memories about HNS would fill be enough but there is everything else, especially the people. God how I remember you and the rest of HNS ’65. I promise I’ll update from time to time. You just keep doing this wonderful thing.
PS. I remember Mary Petrozza “rocking away” in class.
Sister Mary Danielle was my principal and Sister Clementine was I believe my 3rd or fourth grade teacher. Class of 68. I still till this day think about those two very special Nuns.
Lived in Duquesne-West Mifflin till 1948. My family moved to So. Calif. Both parents graduated from DHS (Vince Manns and Ruth Stauffer Manns). I remember going to Kennywood for school picnics, what fun. I remember several of the stores and drug stores. and St. Joe’s church, the library etc. I have visited a couple times as much of the family still live in the area. I live in Manteca, Ca. in the northern San Joaquin Valley. An old schoolmate from Emerson and Edison Jr High told me about your site. Thanks for the sites. I haven’t heard the term hunky since I lived in Pa. but then I tried some Pittsburghese on friends and they don’t know what I’m talking about either!
I stumbled acrossed this website by accident and I am happy I did. I grew up on North 3rd street in Duquesne went to the catholic schools there and graduated from DHS 1977. It is wonderful to hear storys from my home town I have very fond memories of Duquesne and all the fun times I had growing up there. I also remember a lot of the landmarks or businessess that are mentioned and even remember going to a lot of them. I will continue to view this site frequently for any updates that may come by Thank you for a wonderful site
Great site!
Great site.
I graduated from Duquesne in 61. Lived in Duq. on Catherine St. @ the corner of Sherman Ave. untill the age of 8 when my folks moved us to the suburbs of West Mifflin onto Glenny Lane. Lived in West Mifflin till I became Mrs. Jimmy Gibb & we lived in Pleasant Hills for about a yr. then bought our home in West Mifflin on Nordeen Drive @ intersection with Edgewater Dr. Stayed there till Jimmy got new job in West Virginia in 73. Lived in WV till his retirement in 06 & we moved to FL & are planning on being here till the good Lord calls us home
Forgot to say I went to St. Josephs through 8th grade, then 1 yr. @ Edison Jr. High then onto Duq. High
What a nice site and great memories!!! I went to Holy Name and graduated from DHS in 1966. I married Frank Kopriver III (Buddy) and we moved to Virginia Beach in 1977. We were divorced, had two kids, and I stayed in Va. Beach until a few years ago when for a multitude of reasons I ended up moving back to Duquesne. I now live in Duquesne Place and work in Pittsburgh. Too bad things can’t stay the same because Duquesne is nothing like it used to be, but it is good to remember what it was. Kennedy Meat Market was changed into Ethnic Perogies for many years and I was very sad when it went out of business a few years ago. Every time I visited I took some home with me. My mother and I were talking just yesterday about all the grocery stories, churches, drug stores and beer gardens that were in Duquesne….almost every corner.
Hey Alexis. Boy I haven’t htought about living in Duquesne for a long time. I lived in Duquesne Place and yes it is not the same. We had some great times growing up there. I also graduated in 1966. We had a great class!!!
How nice to see you here…I hope you and your Mother are well.
Jim, This blog was passed to me by one of my classmates and it was great reading. I really enjoyed all the memories it brought back. Like you I am definitely a Hunky – all 4 grandparents were Slovak. Growing up in Duquesne was great and I only lived in 3 places – Auriles St, then to 5th St just by Crawford School and finally to Priscilla Ave right between the Slovak and Russian clubs. Always remember spending summers at Kennywood Park especially back when they had the big swimming pool. The occassional trip for picnics at South Park. It was also very easy to get to Forbes Field to see the Pirates play getting there by streetcar or bus. I recognize a lot of your posters on the site. Hi to all and hopefully in Duquesne next year for the class of 1962′s 50th reunion. I’m now in Georgia close to Atlanta.
My mother-in-law recently moved into a retirement home and when cleaning out her garage, I found a small jar of Wood’s Drawing and Healing Salve. It came from Woody’s Drug Store, Inc. ” The Best in Duquesne, Pa” It looks like tree sap, amber in color and kind of sticky. Does any one know what this is made of and what the shelf life is? My mother-in-law, Ruth M Mentzer Clark was born in Duquesne in 1922 and lived there until moving to VA in 1946 but continued to visit family until moving to CA in 1966. I found a couple of pictures of Woody’s Drug Store which I will show here at here upcoming birthday.
Ken,
I think we had a jar of the drawing and healing salve that lasted my entire childhood! I think its like the amber used at Jurassic Park!! LOL
If you would like to share your woodies pictures with all of the readers, please feel free to email them to me at jim@shamrockrealtygroup.com and I’ll post them!
Be sure to wish your mom a very happy 89th!
Jim
I have a tin of drawing & healing salve also & it must be a good 20 yrs. old & still works. If you get an infected cut just put some on it & cover with bandaid & leave for a few days & it will draw out infection & heal up. Also if you get splinter in finger & part of it breaks off when you try to remove it, just put on some drawing salve & cover with band aid & leave alone for a few days & it will draw that bit right out. Great stuff!
I remember having some of that around as a child and thought it was like a miracle!! Wish I could find some now just to have around!!
my grand father, was “farmer john” from west mifflin.I wasn’t from duquesne, but i lived there everyday.my grandpap would deliver home grown vegtable , and eggs to manns market
Both my mother and father’s families were from Duquesne. The Cutshall’s, who lived on N. Third and N. Fourth, to name a couple of their addresses, and the Murphy’s of S. Second. My mom, Carol Cutshall Murphy, graduated from DHS in 1955…..I still have her BEAUTIFUL class ring. My dad, Dave Murphy, attended Holy Name up until middle school age, then graduated from DHS in 1960. I was close to both sides of the family, but spent a LOT of time with my grandparents, aunts, and uncles on the Cutshall side. I have the BEST memories of walking up to Gallagher’s with my aunt to get a REAL cherry Coke, and Trick or Treating ALL OVER the town. Two pillowcases FULL of candy and meeting all sorts of people while trekking all over on Halloween ….good times. My mom always spoke so highly of how nice it was to grow up in Duquesne during the 40′s and 50′s. I have wonderful memories of my visits there.
Woody’s drawing and healing salve. We all had a tube of it in our medicine cabinet. Remember standing in front of the Plaza Theater waiting for the bus after school? I think it was next to Woody’s. We would go into Woody’s, buy a candy bar, say “hello” to the two Jullies who worked there and wait for the bus. I could have walked to a nice little public school in our neighborhood, but my parents choose to send us to Holy Name. I just think they didn’t want to be bothered with catechism on Saturdays.
WHAT FUN TO FIND-TYVM JIM. btw, drawing salve (ichthammol) is availlable behind the pharmacy counter along w coke syrup. You have my permission to give my e mail address. I’ve been widowed for 5 years, down in Fl. for another month or so but I live in Acme in Bear Rocks but I’m often @ Nancy & Jim Gregris’ or my sister Shirley Dilla nee’ Lemak. Love to hear fr you….Jane
Jane, by any chance, are you related to Ralph Lemak? I went to Holy Name with him. – Jim Volk
Jane,
I am a former student of Nancy Gregris. I recently joined a Facebook group about growing up in Duquesne. One of the members said that she had passed away. I am hoping that is not the case and that she is doing well.
Nancy Gregris is alive and well as of May of this year. I haven’t seen her lately but she graduated from DHS in 1959 and is married to a classmate of mine Jim Gregris who graduated in 1960. They currently live in North Huntingdon, PA.
Cathy Cardilla Gallucci
Class of 1960
Jim:
There is also a FaceBook group for Duquesne Senior High School. Graduates from DHS are welcome to join and leave comments/information in the discussions.
Thanks.
Tina Estochin Hull
Jim, I just did Google Earth and revisited Duquesne. It would be nice to let people know of that capability. It is a recent pictoral, but lots of the stuff we are talking about is still there. What a great idea you have with this. tom
Hello Tom, Some of my favourite memories of Duquesne are picnics with your family and making snow forts and the snow ball battles that followed.
Cheer, Elaine (Teichart) Sander
Hi Elaine, nice to hear from you. I assume you are still in Australia? And I remember going on all those day trips with your family too! And Chuck is still in Michigan? Ray Krise is the one who connected me to this. He is in California now. The best from Indiana. tom
Duquesne resident from 1952 to 1974. Still living in Australia. Chuck is still in Michigan and Eloise now lives in Arizona.
I grew up not far from you Jim, on Goldstrohm Lane and Kahler St across from the trailor court. I believe you may have lived next door to my best friend back then, Rosemary K. Our family attended Holy Trinity parish, my husband Jim attended Holy Name and really enjoyed “the tour” of the old school. It’s amazing how many memories are the same of our lives back then. I wouldn’t have traded what we had for anything in the world!
I grew up on Doney St. Sisters Gretchen, Susan and Kathie. Went to St. Joe’s. and graduated DHS 1964. Love to recall all the great times in Duquesne. The High School dances on saturday night and the basketball games in the old gym. Remember Mr Ruetzel ? It was a happy time. jane
Janie, I remember you like it was yesterday! Are you on FB, if so I would love to get in touch
Thelma, Was that 100 years ago??? Yes, I’m on fb. Love to chat. Jane
Okay, my mind is going. Since I am a retired pharmacist, how about the Drug Stores in Duquesne. Start at the top of Grant, Butlers across from St Joes, then at 5th St Gallaghers, then down to the Alley above 1st, Eagle Drug, then at the intersection of 1st St, another Butlers.(diagonal from the City Bank) On 1st St there was Woodys, and I believe there was another drug store below 1st St on Grant on the right going down, but can’t remember the name. I think that’s it, anyone slse remember anymore.
Joe…..The Drug Store below First on Grant was Coleman’s. Also, there was Pundzak’s Drug Store on Second near Priscilla & Palchak’s out in Duquesne Place
And forever I will have fond memories of my daughter and me going into Pittsburgh on the 62C bus to shop at the Children’s Christmas store at Kaufmann’s so she could buy her very own presents for her Grandma and Grandpap. On the walk back up the hill – big treat to stop at Gallaghers for hot chocolate! Those were the days!!
Thank you for endorsing family legend and myth regarding Butlers Drug Store. My maiden name was Diann Marie Topley and the Butlers were kin to me. I graduated from Duquesne University with a BS in Pharmacy in 1976 and a PharmD in 2001. My career as a pharmacist dragged me all across the United States; yet in retirement I find myself yearning for life growing up in Duquesne. I believe there was a hairdresser and a laundromat by Butlers Drug Store. Would love to hear from you.
What a great website ! Greetings from a DHS grad of 1960. We recently had our 50th and it is amazing how good everyone looks. What a place to grow up.
Thank you for doing this
ps Now live in Costa Rica
Great blog. I grew up in Duquesne but live in New York now. I remember the Slovak club well.
Don’t know if you’ve seen my book, Three Slovak Women? In it I wrote about the “hunky” weddings and other traditions. Would be interested in communicating with you outside this blog. Feel free to drop me an e-mail via my web site.
Thanks!
Don’t know what era you guys are talking about, but Billy Gorscak, Al Mastroianni, Ralph DeRose and I were fixtures at weddings at Slovak, Lithuanian, Hungarian and American Legion Clubs. Not too many at GBU. Lived at 108 S Fifth Street. Mother LaVerne Trainor and Grandfather Lawrence Trainor, Fire chief and Am Legion Commander
Hi Lisa,
My name is Eileen Thomas Smith and when I was going to Crawford School my neighbor from Kahler Street, Anna Margaret Alzo, escorted me for the entire first grade.Could she be a relative of yours? Feel free to let me know. I would welcome your reply.
Dear Jim,
Yes! My husband is Paul Kasten, the organist at Holy Name. We are sooo excited about finding this blog. Thank you so much.
Dianne Kasten
Dianne, Thanks for your feedback about my blog. I really enjoy writing about Duquesne. I remember Paul and his talent very well. Please give him my best and keep on reading. Jim Volk 443-523-0014
Jim, did you live on Thomas St.??? Was your dad, Steve Volk?
I lived across the street at 3 Thomas or 203 when changed. I couldn’t believe all this when I ran across it tonight. A friend sent it to me tonight and I’ve enjoyed it soooooooo much. I went to St. Joseph but graduated from DHS in ’56, a bit older than you but remember the Volk family very well. I’m sure you knew my brother Ray Snyder. He passed away at age 63 a few years ago.
Carole, do you believe that former neighbors, such as you and I, are reconnecting like this. Yes, my dad was Steve Volk and I am Jim. My older brother Steve is living in Florida near Merritt Island, and I am on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I certainly remember you and your family. My Aunt Mary lived right behind you on MArtin Street and we would always cut through your back yard and down the hill to her house to visit. I remember Ray, aka Raymie, very well and your dad too. Ray Sr. would always invite us over to scare the crap out of us whenever he brought home a snapping turtle from his fisihing trips. He succeeded in doing so every time! I have a special post that I am hoping to do in the future and dedicate to a little black dog named Tuffie. I’m certain you remember him well. Take care, God bless and stay turned ol’ neighbor! – JV
Hey thanks for the trip down memory lane I live in Arkansas now but I grew up on Peter St …the top half …the lower portion always seemed like a different street to me. After all it was way on the other side of Kennedy Avenue.
Did you know the Schulte’s, the Rossner’s, the Meyers??? all from the top part of Peter St. They were all relatives and then there were more.
Oh yes all …the Schulte’s were our next door neighbors …when I was maybe 3 or so I have pictures of myself with their black poodle TNT I think my mom said he was Carol’s dog …was he your dog? …we still make Mrs Schulte’s black cake …It’s always been one of my family’s favorite recipes …I didn’t know that you were all related
Carole, I remember your brother, Ray. So sorry to hear of his death. He and my brother, Pat Byrne and Jimmy Flannigan were good friends at Edison. We went to Holy Name and then on to Edison. It was great to meat so many new friends when we went to Edison.
Carole, you said you graduated in 56, you must know my hubby, Jim Gibb. He was your classmate. I just found this site tonight. My cousin, Claire Imblum sent it to me & I’ll send it to Jimmy when I get off of it.
This is a great site. I hope I can find some of my classmates on it.
Michelle, I, too, live in Fayetteville, NC. I’d like to get together some “hunkys” for the international folk festival in September. Are you interested?
Hi, I grew up on Dell st. about 2 blocks from Thomas ave. I went to Dr. Brown once for a pulled back muscle. And, I used to sneak over to Kroger’s also and partake of the early morning pastry! We were two blocks away, but worlds apart. I am not sure I remember who you are. I graduated from DHS in 62. Loved Jims, Irenes, and the Hucksters. I live in Indiana now and get back to Duquesne about once a year. Great reminises… tom
Would you be Judy Lane’s sister?? I grew up on Thomas St. and graduated from DHS in ’56. I believe she worked at Duquesne City Bank around the time I did and married a pharmacist. We used to walk to school together at times. I ran across this site tonight and have been in the wonderful time tunnel ever since. I ‘ve lived in Ms. for the past 30+ years since my Duquesne husband was an Air Force vet and this was our last assignment…never left.
Yes, Judy is my sister and she married Ron Macosko, the pharmacist who bought Woodys drug on 1st st and then, moved it to West Mifflin years later. They have 6 great kids and still live in the area. Your name sounds familiar, but I was 5 years younger than Judy. I will pass on your name to her. thanks. tom
Tom,
I remember Woody’s well. The one item my parents swore by was his “Drawing and Healing Salve.” Splinters came out painlessly. I wonder if it is still made or available anywhere?
How refreshing to read a number of your articles. Thank you for bringing back such fond and great memories. We have much to be proud of being raised in such a community and many friends that have made great accomplishments in their lives because of their childhood vales and teachings.
Really appreciated the trip back in time. Everyone I grew up with was a “Hunky”, although my husband lovingly refers to me as a “Gerk”, German-Czek…went to the German church, St. Joe’s.
Lots of Christmas’ have come and gone since I was a kid but the warm and familiar memories of those Hunky traditions will always be with me.
Thanks for stirrin’ them up!
Paula, Hi from another hunky.
Hey there. ’71 graduate?
Hi Steve:
Hope this is the Barcy family I married into—Maryanne Schultz says “hello” to you also!! Great site–brings back sooo many memories> Tell Roes we said hello also unless it’s been too long!! Talk to ya!!
Just received this from one of my good Duquesne “hunky” friends….I’m Irish but an Honorary H – went to Holy Name and DHS ’65. Enjoyed reading this from Fayetteville NC – really well done!
Michelle, thanks for the feedback. I have contacted the “Mother House” of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden, PA to find out about some of the sisters that were at Holy Name. The “Mother House”, kinda eerie! I wonder if its like a “Mother Ship?” I always thought…….. oh well, I digress!! LOL
Dear Michelle,
A friend sent me this website today and I’ll be reading it for the rest of the week. How great! I enjoyed spending almost 8 years with you at Holy Name. I remember you reading the Three Musketeers (for the third or fourth time) during Math class. I loved going to Kennywood with you and watching you brother sing and watching election results in my living room the night Kennedy was elected.
Dianne Buczynski Kasten
Dianne, by any chance was your the Paul Kasten who was the organist at Holy Name????
Hi Dianne….just saw this months later but I think I left you a post on here to you a while ago, will look you up on FB! Hope all is well!
Hey Michelle!
Graduated with you in ’65. I’ve also enjoyed reading all the comments and taking a trip down memory lane. Been living in Indiana since 1986, but we will always be die hard Steeler fans.
GO STEELERS!!!
Michelle, I remember you. You were a few years ahead of me at Holy Name. My brother Patrick was in you sister Kathy’s class. My parents, Erna and Jim were friends with your parents, Marty and Kitty. I don’t know why I remember this from so long ago, but I do. I think you had an older sister, Gerry, too.
Hi Colleen – I am reading this many months later and I have some memories of your and your family….hope all is well! Yes, those are my sisters, both are living in Vegas now and I am working in NC but trying to return to Pittsburgh area soon (hopefully). Stay in touch!
I am so excited to read your blog. I, too, was raised in Duquesne. I graduated from DHS in 1970. Thanks for the memories. Tina
You are right–there was a laundromat near Butlers. Thomas’ grocery store was on the next corner, then Dolly Allen Beauty Shop. I graduated DHS in 1965 and worked as a “clean up girl” at Dolly’s all four years of high school. Lots of great memories of Dolly, her husband “Bus”, all the other beauticians that worked there during that time, and our Christmas parties at Paule’s Lookout. Thanks for jogging my memories.
Sandi Tovlin Kaselonis