Checking out at Giant Eagle, the young cashier suggested to the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags the next time that she shopped because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. 

The woman apologized and explained, “We didn’t have this “green thing” back in my earlier days.” 

The clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations.” 

She was right – our generation didn’t have the “green thing” in its day. 

We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go a few blocks. But then again, back then, neighborhood family owned grocery stores like Manns Bros., Isadores, Kennedy Meat Market (aka- Andys), Alexanders, etc., were just around the corner or up the street a bit. Supermarkets were not the first “go to” since the smaller “Mom and Pop” stores did not try to price gouge you but were honest and fair to all of their customers, neighbors and friends. But she was right …we didn’t have the “green thing” in our day. 

Those same grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags that we reused for numerous things, most memorable besides household garbage bags, was the use of brown paper bags as book covers for our schoolbooks. This was to ensure that public property, (the books provided for our use by the school) was not defaced by our scribbling’s. Then we were able to personalize our books on the brown paper bags. But too bad we didn’t do the “green thing” back then. 

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store or to the beer distributors. They would send them back to the plant to be washed, sterilized and refilled so that the same bottles could be used over and over. So, they truly were recycled … but we didn’t have the “green thing” back in our day. 

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers because we didn’t have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts – wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right … we didn’t have the “green thing” back in our day. 

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house – not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. 

In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to store in the basement or to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. 

Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working, so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she’s right … we didn’t have the “green thing” back then. 

We drank from a fountain or even the garden hose when we were thirsty instead of using a styrafoam cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn’t have the “green thing” back then. 

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus to McKeesport or Eastland. Kids rode their bikes or walked to school, their friends, the library or Little League practice instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza or hot dog joint. We ALL knew where Irene’s Pizza and Jim’s Hot Dogs were! 

But isn’t it sad that the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were, just because we didn’t have the “green thing” back then?

 

In April, we all learned of Fr. Dennis’ health prognosis. It was at that time that I posted the news of his health issues and asked that we all join in on a deluge of prayers for Fr. Dennis. That particular post had more views than any other previous posting and I am confident that as a result, an overwhelming amount of prayers were offered up on behalf of Fr. Dennis.

I recently heard from one of my Holy Name classmates, Debbie Abbatangelo Stewart,of  regarding a wonderful symbol of Hope for Fr. Dennis that is now available. Debbie is the secretary and bookkeeper for the parish and works closely with Fr. Dennis each day. Debbie wrote -

Hi Jim,

Please post something about the prayer bands. They can email office@christthelightoftheworld.org and I’ll mail as many as they want. If they want to make a donation they can make the check out to Christ the light of the World. They can also call the office at 412-469-0196. Donations are welcomed but not necessary. (Christ the Light of the World Parish -  32 S 1st St, Duquesne, PA 15110) We want to have as many people from all over praying for Fr. Dennis. He believes the prayers are working so far.

He saw the ALS specialist and as of now it is ” inconclusive” to say he has ALS. They will be watching his progress to see which direction it’s going in. Fr. Does not want to “embrace ” ALS at this time so he decided to give the donations to breast cancer. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Debbie

I for one, am anxious to receive a band as a reminder, not only of Fr. Dennis, but of the power of prayer within a community of friends, neighbors, and the prayerful and compassionate people who read this blog. I will be requesting one for my wife and each of my daughters as well. The donation I’ll be make will also touch so many lives as well.

When it was first announced that the bands were available, the following announcement appeared in the Sunday bulletin:

When Fr. Dennis first told us of his health problem, he said, “If I go out of this life, I want to be surrounded by the love and prayers of family, friends and parishioners.” Picking up on that wish, green wrist bands, signifying the color for Hope have been designed, and on them is embossed, “Our Love Surrounds Fr. Dennis.” Fr. Dennis has asked that when you wear the band and think of him, say a short prayer – a valuable and vital concrete way to assist him. All donations will be given to the Susan G.Komen Cure for Breast Cancer.

Finally, I thought you might be inspired by latest offering “From the Pastor’s Desk:

Inspirational Anecdotes & Wisdom

* I’ve learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. * I’ve learned that your life can be changed in an instant by people you don’t even know. * I’ve learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains. * I’ve learned that learning to forgive takes practice. * I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don’t know how to show it. * I’ve learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score. * I’ve learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down may be the ones to help you get back up. * I’ve learned that I am getting more and more like my grandparents, and I’m kind of happy about it. * I’ve learned that when I’m angry, I may have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel. * I’ve learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated. * I’ve learned never to tell a child their dreams are outlandish or unlikely. Few things are more humiliating, and they may believe it. * I’ve learned that no matter how good a friend someone is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. * I’ve learned that it isn’t enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. * I’ve learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. * I’ve learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions. * I’ve learned that you don’t have to change friends if you understand friends change. * I’ve learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get further ahead in life. * I’ve learned no matter how fast or far you go, you can’t out run God. * I’ve learned that love is not for me to keep, but to pass on to the next person I see.    -    Anonymous

As I was paging through the pages of an issue of The Duquesne Times yesterday, an article caught my attention.

It seems that the subject of illegal aliens is one of the hottest issues in the US today. Virtually every American citizen has an opinion about the issue of immigration. Although the focus of current immigration issues primarily deal with people of Hispanic descent, there was a time when our ancestors and families were facing similar issues.

I never heard about issues of this type that so close to home. It poses some interesting philosophical ponderings when you think about it. Hmmmmmmm

The Duquesne Times

May 1929

1.   Duquesne has to be the BEST place to learn how to drive a car with a standard transmission. I bought my first car from People’s Union Bank’s Repossession Department. It was a white VW with a standard transmission which I had NO idea of how to drive. I started off mastering the hill that runs from Thomas Street into St. Joe’s Cemetery. I would stop halfway up the hill and try to restart without drifting back or burning up the clutch. Once that maneuver was mastered, I graduated to negotiating the ascent up Kennedy Avenue from 1st Street and eventually took on the “monster of monsters” …. Center Street!!! 

2.   I remember that the best part of going into Duquesne City bank was being able to step on the huge scale that they had. I would always try to guess my weight and then try to persuade my mother to get on the scale and let me try to guess her weight. I never understood why she would always refuse …. that is, until I was an adult! 

3.   I remember a special adventure that my friends and I discovered that wasn’t far from my home on Thomas Street. At the top of Cato Street which runs from Ohio Avenue to Homestead-Duquesne Road was an empty lot that ran down the entire length of Cato St. to Homestead-Duquesne Road. The lot was heavily treed, and at the very top was a HUGE old tree that had branches that spread over the lot. Someone had tied a long piece of bull rope over one of the branches and created the most awesome rope swing that could imagine. My mother did NOT like me to ever go to the lot, but every once in a while she allowed me to partake. Due to the deep drop from the top of the property to the bottom, the swing provided an incredible thrill. We never had problems taking turns for the swing since it took us a moment or two to recover from risking our lives on the swing between each turn. 

4.   Only recently did I discover that two plants that were plentiful around my house and the area are poisonous! Rhubarb leaves are apparently toxic and lilies-of-the-valley are highly toxic! Fortunately, we never felt the urge to ingest either of these plants, so we were spared. I wonder if our parents knew. 

5.   Remember how difficult driving alone South Duquesne Blvd. could be at times. Due to the streetcar tracks, sometimes they would catch your tires just right and throw you to the left or right. This was especially problematic when you were trying to maneuver around one of the streetcars or oncoming cars. As difficult as this was in normal weather, dealing with it in rain or during a snowfall made it that much more difficult. 

6.   Irene’s Pizza on Grant Ave., I still have yet to find a pizza joint that can compare. We used to fight over the end pieces and especially the corners as one would fight over the same pieces in a brownie pan. The ends were always perfectly crisped and browned and were like “food for the gods!” 

7.   I happened to be shopping at Wal-Mart (ugh!) the other day and noticed their huge display of sun products. The array of products was overwhelming! However, my eyes shifted to the bottle of the suntan lotion of my youth – Coppertone. Just for kicks, I unscrewed the top and took a whiff and was immediately transported to another time. Remember sitting around Kennywood’s Sunlite Pool with the smell of Coppertone all around and the sounds of KQV radio blasting from every transistor radio around the pool? 

8.   I first began driving in 1967 when I was 16. The gas station of choice for my dad was the one located on the corner of Aurilles Street and Kennedy Ave. The price of gas per gallon was thirty-three cents. Self-serve pumps were not even on the horizon at that time. As I was watching a movie recently that was set in that time period, I realized how much I miss the sound of the bell that used to ring whenever you pulled up to the pump and ran over that black hose that ran across the ground. Just think, 33 cents included the gas, clean windshields and an oil check, AND, if you asked nicely, they would check the air in your tires too! 

9.   Now that Spring has arrived, I have begun my twice weekly grass cutting regimen. I hate cutting grass with my power mower. I only have a quarter acre to cut, but it is a pain. I miss having a ride-on mower as I did when we had a larger lot. However, whenever I begin whining about the chore, I remind myself of my Uncle Lou (Goldman) on Martin Street. The entire time that he lived in on Martin Street, which was over 40 years, he diligently mowed his grass with a manual lawnmower. He kept the lawn and the mower in pristine condition at all times. He was like the “weed Nazi” and would NEVER put up with a dandelion in his yard. After cutting his grass, he would meticulously rake up all the cuttings and then take care of trimming with clippers and hedge cutters, no power, all manual. I have GOT to stop whining! 

10.   I find it amazing that our senses can evoke so many memories. As a diehard hunky, I grew up, like most of us, on the smell of cooked cabbage. On Thomas Street, the street I grew up on, were several couples who were directly from “the old country,” as they put it. They, like my dad, had a separate stove set-up in their basement where they prepared the more “pungent” recipes. If I walked into any of their basements, I was immediately hit with the smell of cooked cabbage, whether it was being prepared or not! Now, whenever I encounter that smell, it’s as if I’m visiting Mr. and Mrs. Orivick again! Definitely a Fabreeze challenge!! 

11.   Both of my daughters took piano lessons. As a kid, I always wanted to learn to play the piano and was so impressed with anyone who had musical abilities. My wife and I decided to buy a piano when my oldest daughter began taking lessons. In order to get the piano that I wanted to have however, I had to make a commitment to take lessons as well. Imagine, 45 years old and just starting lessons. 

When I was about 6 or 7 years old, I discovered that the neighbors who lived behind us on Mellon Street had an old upright piano in their basement. I am sure that Mrs. Zewe tired of me knocking on her door and asking if I could play the piano. I think I crossed the line many times and finally became a pest. Nonetheless, I taught myself to play few songs that I repeated “ad nauseam.” Heart and Soul (both parts), Somewhere Over The Rainbow and Chopsticks were part of my repertoire. Vegas, here I come. 

12.   Julie, one of my co-workers was involved in an accident two days ago and was relating the incident to me yesterday. Although her car was totaled, fortunately, she came out of it unscathed. I recalled my very first fender bender when I began driving. Of course, in my mind at the time, it was the most disastrous incident that had ever occurred in the history of automotive history. However, in retrospect, it was just a little fender bender. 

I had just gotten off of work from Gimbels and had walked over to the JCPenney Auto Center to pick-up the car from my dad. Dad warned me to be careful and I just rolled my teenage eyes and told him not to worry. I honestly was being careful and was inching my way to the exit from Eastland Shopping Plaza when the car in front of me stopped suddenly. As luck would have it, I slid into the back of the car. The woman who was driving was not hurt, and the cars didn’t seem to have much damage. We exchanged names, license numbers and phone numbers and proceeded on our way. Since my life never seemed to lake drama in those days, it came as no shock to me that the woman who I plowed into ended up being the wife of the mayor of White Oak!! Only me……! 

13.   As I was growing up, I had every conceivable type of pet. Some were purchased, some were given to me and some were wild creatures that I decided to keep and call my pet. One of my first pets was a tiny baby turtle (known as a Red Slider) that I had talked my mom into buying for me from G.C.Murphy’s on 1st Street in Duquesne. I remember 5&10 Cent Stores always having a table full of the little critters and I was always fascinated watching them. Unfortunately, I don’t think the little guy lasted too long. I think I may have over fed him and one day he just killed over. 

Several years later, my dad found a turtle meandering along the side of the road while he was on a fishing trip. He was about the size of a cantaloupe and if it was possible, was fairly friendly. He made our backyard his home and stayed around for months. I kept a small bowl of water out for him (or her, but who knew?), and he seemed perfectly happy munching away on the weeds and grass around the yard. However, one sad day, he ran moseyed away. Although years passed, he decided to return one Spring day about three years later. Same turtle, same markings and the same spot of paint that had fallen on his shell three years earlier! The little guy hung around for a few more years, but disappeared again one day and never returned. 

Perhaps one of the most traumatic and grossest events of my childhood involved a turtle. Mr. Ray Snyder was an avid fisherman. One day, he invited the kids in the neighborhood into his backyard to see a snapping turtle that he had snagged on his most recent fishing trip. I remember walking into his backyard and seeing this HUGE angry creature crawling around the yard. Mr. Snyder had a large stick that he used to try to keep him from crawling toward us. At each poke, the turtle would snap at the stick either in defense or in anger. In retrospect, I kinda felt bad for the turtle, although he was not that “attractive.” What followed our introduction to this creature was nothing short of ghastly. We all received an invitation to watch as Mr. Snyder “butchered” the turtle. Needless to say, we all declined and ran from the yard as fast as we could. 

My brother and I always would take a shortcut through the Snyder’s backyard when we went to my Aunt Mary’s house. What I discovered the day after my introduction to the snapping turtle was indelibly etched into my little hunky mind. There on Mr. Snyder’s shed was the shell of the snapping turtle nailed to the side. Just the shell, no turtle around. I’ll never forget it, but mmmmmm, what’s that delicious smell?!? 

14.   One of my favorite jobs as a child was going to Great Valley Beer Distributors near Eastland Mall. My job was to take care of assorting the Regent brand pop whenever we were having some kind of party. At Christmas, Dad would always get two cases since we always had so much company. My favorites were the cherry and grape, closely followed by orange and lime. I would never pick out any crème soda or cola, and would only get a few bottles of root beer. I always wondered if they ended up with case after case of crème soda leftovers. 

15.   Remember Summer Reading programs? When I attended Holy Name Grade School, prior to school being dismissed for the summer, we were given a list of books. Our assignment was to read at least five of these books during our summer vacation. The good sisters always made sure that their icy stares and ruler thumping wasn’t completely out of our minds during our summers. One of the first steps to tackling this reading list was to make a trip to the Carnegie Library and determine: 

a) How many pages were in the book?

b) Was the print large or small?

c) Were there pictures?

d) Had you ever heard of it?

e) Did the first sentence sound interesting?

f) Are any of my classmates reading the same book? (That was a good thing!) 

Once these important questions were answered, we would make our choices and commit to the program. Truth be told, I always waited until the last weeks of summer vacation to begin reading the books. Mom would badger me throughout the summer, but it fell on deaf ears. You see, since a few of my friends were reading the same book, we were always able to compare notes by the end of summer! I’m surprised we weren’t recruited by the CIA for our cleverness! 

16.   We very rarely took field trips when I was in grade school. However, I remember one trip that was pretty exciting. Our class visited and toured the H.J.Heinz Factory in Pittsburgh. Only two things stand out in my mind. First, the entire facility smelled like you were walking through a pickle jar. The smell of vinegar was so pungent that it almost burnt the inside of your nose. The second thing I remember was receiving a tiny pickle pin at the end of the tour. I must have hung onto that pin for years. I wonder what ever happened to it? 

17.   One of the best things that occurred at this time of the year was the resurrection of our outdoor furniture. Usually by the beginning of May, Dad would bring out some of the furniture, and we could begin enjoying the outdoors even more. My favorite was the large porch swing. For most of my youth, it was the only piece of furniture we had on our back porch. It hung parallel to our house, and we would sit for hours facing Mellon Street and watching the world go by. Eventually, Dad expanded the back porch and more pieces of furniture were added, but the swing remained my favorite. 

18.   I always wanted to build a tree house, but that never happened. The sycamore in our back yard wasn’t large enough to accommodate a tree house until I was well past the stage of wanting one. As a substitution for the tree house, my friends and I managed to create a “fort” in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. 

The fields at the base of the hill leading up to the cemetery from Thomas Street are large expanses of well-maintained grass. However, when I was growing-up, they were over grown with trees, shrubs and weeds. As such, we were able to find a “secret” path to a cluster of trees and bushes that proved to be the “perfect” fort/clubhouse for us. To make it even better, just a few yards away, we discovered a group of tumbled down tombstones that had deteriorated through decades and decades of exposure to the elements. 

We would spend hours on end in our fort letting our imaginations run wild. Donnie Brown managed to pull a section of bark off of one of the trees to expose the clean white trunk. It became our “blood brothers” symbol as each one of us took a pin and pricked our fingers and swiped the bare trunk with our blood. Painless but effective! We obviously had watched too many westerns on TV! 

19.   I often wish that my parents and grandparents taught me to use their parent’s native languages. Although I learned many words, aside from the lyrics to some folk songs, I never learned to “speak” either Croatian or Slovak. I did learn that my mother’s maiden name, Puskaric, meant “gunman” in Croatian. I checked Google Translator to find out if that was fact or fiction. I discovered “puška-čovjek” is the literal translation of “gun man.” Close enough to Puskaric in my book. Well played Mom! 

Another set of words that I decided to research was “Tetka and Voya.” These two words were used by my parents when referring to their Uncle Rudy and Aunt Mary who lived in Youngstown, Ohio. Mom always told me that the words meant aunt and uncle in Croatian. I did my research again and found that it was “almost the truth. “Tetka” IS the Croatian word for aunt, however “Voya” actually means “leader” in Croatian. I suppose this was an appropriate name for Uncle Rudy since he was the family’s patriarch. Dobar posao mama! Gee, I wonder if they make Rosetta Stone in Hunky? 

20.   I came across a photograph of the OLD Kennywood Bridge. Seriously, is it any wonder why people were often terrified walking over from Duquesne Place?

Listed below are several books and videos that you can find that you might enjoy. I tried to provide links to where you can get them, but there is limited availability in some cases. I own several (most) of these books and really love paging through them.

Images of America – Kennywood by Daniel Burns

Book Description

Release date: May 18, 2005

“Located just eleven miles southeast of Pittsburgh, Duquesne has a history that began when British general Edward Braddock and American colonel George Washington marched through the area and were defeated by the French in 1755. Once a part of Mifflin Township, Duquesne was later named in honor of the French governor general of Canada. Through the 1800s, the area was primarily fertile farmland. After the construction of the Carnegie Steel Mill in 1901, the town became an industrial giant in steel production. Incorporated as a town in 1891, Duquesne became rich in culture, with people from ethnic backgrounds as diverse as the skills they utilized to build the community. By the height of World War II, the Carnegie Steel Company, now the Duquesne Works of United States Steel, employed over ten thousand people. Through nearly two hundred photographs, Duquesne extols the history of this prosperous town.” – Amazon.com Review

Click the link below to find out how to get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Duquesne-Images-America-Daniel-Burns/dp/0738537721

Three Slovak Women by Lisa Alzo

Book Description

Publication Date: June 24, 2003

“Three Slovak Women is a nonfiction account of three generations of Slovak women in the steel-producing town of Duquesne, Pennsylvania and the love and sense of family binding them together. The book opens with Verona Straka, who immigrated to the United States from the tiny village of Milpos, Slovakia in 1922. The first section unfolds with Verona’s journey from her homeland, and then chronicles her arranged marriage to Jánoš Figlyar, a hardworking, but stern coal miner/steelworker, whose fondness for alcohol led him to the often violent outbursts of which she was the target. The story then follows Verona’s first-born, her daughter Anna, as she grows up as a first-generation American, fearful of her father and devoted to her mother, and how this influenced the choices she made for her own life. Finally, the book concludes with Verona’s granddaughter, Lisa, showing how the opportunities presented to her differed from those afforded her mother and grandmother, with reflection on family values and traditions of the Slovak culture—honoring those that have been passed down from the previous two generations, while lamenting what has been lost.” – Amazon.com review

Click the link below to find out how to get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Slovak-women-Lisa-Alzo/dp/0971063702/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367948352&sr=1-1&keywords=3+slovak+women

Goodbye Billy Radish by Gloria Skurzynski

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

This is the poignant story of the friendship between two boys, Hank Kerner and Bazyli Radichevych, called Billy Radish, set in the steel town of Canaan, Pennsylvania, in 1917. The boys are very different, for while Hank considers himself, Billy is a Ukrainian immigrant straddling two cultures. As World War I rages overseas, both boys are faced with some difficult questions.

A steep wooden stairway descends from one Pittsburgh street to another, and, at its foot, two boys meet for the first time, bridging a gap of language and culture to extend the hand of friendship. With all the innocent arrogance of the second-generation American, Hank Kerner dubs Ukrainian Bazyli Radichevich “Billy Radish,” and Billy Radish he remains, to all but his family, until the end. Older and bigger than Hank, the boy has already graduated to long pants, will soon show an interest in girls, and looks forward to his 14th birthday when he can leave school and take a man’s job (7 days a week, 12 hours a day) in the mill. Despite their differences, the boys show their friendship in myriad ways, both touching and true, in a coming-of-age story made poignant by the fact that Billy won’t live to come of age. Steel mill accidents and the war take their toll on the boys’ world, but it’s the Spanish influenza that strikes tragically and without warning. Given the book’s title, readers will have adequate preparation for its outcome and will grieve as deeply as Hank for the lost promise of Billy’s life. In this story permeated with the realities of life in World War I Pittsburgh, characters, time, and place spring vividly to life from the very first pages. And scene after scene–from the boys’ first meeting to Hank’s final feverish farewell–will remain etched in readers’ memory through the unfolding of this richly textured, lovingly crafted historical novel. To be treasured as an involving drama and a welcome reminder of who we are and where we’ve been. –Marcia Hupp, Mamaro neck Public Library, NY

Gloria Skurzynski – Author

Born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania on July 6, 1930, Gloria Skurzynski grew up around the steel industry during the Great Depression, dropping out of college early. Persuaded to write by poet Phyllis McGinley and receiving numerous rejects from various publications, Skurzynski would go on to produce more than 60 books for children. Her works address subjects like history, folktales, science and technology, and the natural world.

Gloria Joan Skurzynski, daughter of steelworker Aylmer Kearney Flister and telegraph operator Serena (Decker) Flister. Since her father held a secure job, the family managed to ease through the Great Depression. She frequently visited the library and the movies in building an appreciation for literature. In 1948, she attended Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University), a Catholic women’s school. Uncomfortable with the restrictive education environment, she quit after her sophomore year and served as a statistical clerk for U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh (1950-1952).

Click the link below to find out how to get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Good-bye-Billy-Radish-Aladdin-Fiction/dp/0689804431

DUQUESNE and the Rise of Steel Unionism by James Rose

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2001 | Series: Working Class in American History

“Not all workers’ needs were served by the union. Focusing on the steel works at Duquesne, Pennsylvania, a linchpin of the old Carnegie Steel Company empire and then of U.S. Steel, James D. Rose demonstrates the pivotal role played by a nonunion form of employee representation usually dismissed as a flimsy front for management interests. The early New Deal set in motion two versions of workplace representation that battled for supremacy: company-sponsored employee representation plans (ERPs) and independent trade unionism. At Duquesne, the cause of the unskilled, hourly workers, mostly eastern and southern Europeans as well as blacks, was taken up by the union – the Fort Dukane Lodge of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel, and Tin Workers. For skilled tonnage workers and skilled tradesmen, mainly U.S.-born and of northern and western European extraction, ERPs offered a better solution. Initially little more than a crude antiunion device, ERPs matured from tools of the company into semi-independent, worker-led organizations. Isolated from the union movement through the mid-1930s, ERP representatives and management nonetheless created a sophisticated bargaining structure that represented the shop-floor interests of the mill’s skilled workforce. Meanwhile, the Amalgamated gave way to the Steel Workers Organizing Committee, a professionalized and tightly organized affiliate of John L. Lewis’s CIO, that expended huge resources trying to gain companywide unionization. Even when the SWOC secured a collective bargaining agreement with U.S. Steel in 1937, however, the Union was still unable to sign up a majority of the workforce at Duquesne. A sophisticated study of the forces that shaped and responded to workers’ interests, “Duquesne and the Rise of Steel Unionism” confirms that what people did on the shop floor was as critical to the course of steel unionism as were corporate decision making and shifts in government policy.” – Amazon.com review.

Click the link below to find out how to get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Duquesne-Unionism-Working-American-History/dp/0252026608/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367948838&sr=1-6&keywords=duquesne%2C+pa

Kennywood – Images of America by David P. Hahner Jr. (Author), Carl O. Hughes (Foreword) 

Book Description

Release date: May 31, 2004

“For more than a century, Kennywood has been the Pittsburgh area’s playground. Founded in 1898 at the terminus of the Monongahela Street Railway trolley line, the park quickly grew into a favorite summertime destination. Kennywood is unique in that it is one of the country’s few successful trolley parks. In 1987, Kennywood was designated a National Historic Landmark and is known today as America’s Finest Traditional Amusement Park. Many unique rides and attractions have distinguished Kennywood over the years. Some old favorites, such as the Rockets, Laff in the Dark, Ghost Ship, and Skooters, are long gone. Others, such as the Old Mill, Noah’s Ark, Auto Race, Turtle, Whip, and Grand Carousel, still entertain guests today. Kennywood is perhaps best known for its impressive collection of roller coasters, from earlier coasters such as the Figure Eight, Speed-O-Plane, and Pippin to the Racer, Jack Rabbit, Thunderbolt, and Phantom’s Revenge coasters that still thrill riders today.” – Amazon.com review.

Click the link below to find out how to get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Kennywood-Images-America-David-Hahner/dp/073853563X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367948918&sr=1-1&keywords=kennywood

Kennywood…Roller Coaster Capital of the World by Charles J., Jr. Jacques

Publisher: Amusement Park Journal (January 1, 1982)

Wonderful vintage photos throughout. A thorough and well-researched history of the famous Kennywood Amusement Park in Pennsylvania, located twelve miles from Pittsburgh.The park opened in 1898 (as a trolley park) and, in 1987, was designated a National Historic Landmark. This is one of America’s oldest existing amusement parks, featuring a classic collection of rollercoasters (and a vintage carousel as well). Sadly, there is no more vaudeville, or people in hobble skirts and bowler hats wandering around, but Kennywood is still in existence…go visit! Author Jacques was the editor of AMUSEMENT PARK JOURNAL, so he is quite an expert on the subject.

Click the link below to find out how to get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Kennywood-Roller-Coaster-Capital-Charles-Jacques/dp/0961439254/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367948968&sr=1-2&keywords=kennywood

More Kennywood Memories by Charles J., Jr. Jacques (Author), Rick Shale (Editor), Carl O. Hughes (Preface)

Publisher: Amusement Park Journal; First Edition edition (July 1, 1998)

“Jacques can’t seem to get enough Kennywood. (A hot summer day there punctuated by hot dogs, cotton candy and traffic jams might do it.) This is his second volume on the West Mifflin amusement park. The first, “Kennywood: Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” is still in print after 15 years and seemed to mark the beginning of a new appreciation of the place.

The new book is even more in thrall with Kennywood and lovingly dotes on the modern era, with its new high-tech rides and its old-tech Lost Kennywood section.

Kennywood’s real accomplishment is its continued success under local ownership that has never allowed the park to stand pat. Jacques includes a Sandcastle chapter to emphasize the park’s willingness to try new things and improve a former industrial site.

Still, this book is for the amusement park aficionado, filled with the minutiae of management and construction. The many photos tend to overwhelm after a while, but if you love Kennywood, you won’t tire of returning to this book.” – By Bob Hoover, Post-Gazette Book Editor

Click the link below to find out how to get this book:

http://www.amazon.com/More-Kennywood-Memories-Charles-Jacques/dp/0961439246/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367949176&sr=1-3&keywords=kennywood

Kennywood Memories

One of my favorite ways of reconnecting to my love for Kennywood is by watching and old VHS tape that I have titled “Kennywood Memories.” It was produced by WQED and first aired in 1988. My daughters love this video too. Although it is a pain to have to reconnect a VHS player whenever we want to see it, it is always worth the effort. It was re-released in 2003 in a DVD format, but I have failed to spring for it as of yet. Somehow, going through the effort of hooking-up the VHS in itself is like a journey back in time and make the occasion feel that much more special.

I have searched Amazon, eBay and Google, and have found copies available. They are difficult to find sometimes, but I assure you, it is worth the effort.

Below are a few clips from the broadcast that are available to watch on Youtube. Enjoy this journey back in time……………….

Kennywood Memories movie was released Jan 19, 2004 by the WQED Multimedia studio.
In KENNYWOOD MEMORIES, WQED Pittsburgh television host Rick Sebak looks back at Kennywood, the amusement park that provided Pittsburgh area families with happy memories for generations. Kennywood Memories movie From rollercoasters to french fries and ice cream, this lovingly made documentary is the best way to relive your own personal memories of Kennywood!

DVD Features: Region 1 Keep Case Full Frame – 1.33 Audio:  Dolby Digital Stereo – English Additional Release Material:  Bonus Footage  Vintage Commercials

The WQED classic documentary about Pittsburgh’s premier amusement park! Now with extra material, including rare old Kennywood commercials and historic films as well as some swell seldom-seen special clips from WQED’s archives! It’s the original old show with some snazzy new segments on DVD! Whooooooosh! It’s roller coasters! French fries! And lots of good times! It’s a high-flying, double dipped, screeching, squealing, scream-your-eyes-out documentary about one of America’s greatest amusement parks, Kennywood!

The like below takes you to a special site on WQED that outlines several video clips that are available about Kennywood. Great fun. All I need are some fries from the Potato Patch and a giant sno-cone!

http://www.wqed.org/education/pghist/units/fun/fun5.php

I have been searching since I began this blog, and I have finally located a photograph (below) that I took when I was attending Community College of Allegheny County back in 1970.

I was taking photography classes and was given an assignment to capture “winter” in a single photograph. As I was standing in front of The Famous building, across from Kelly & Cohen, on 5th Avenue waiting for the bus home, the snow was falling pretty heavily. I saw a little old lady approaching with a very determined look on her face. I had been randomly shooting photographs of the snow event as I waited and decided to capture the moment as she passed in front of me.

She walked into and out of my life in an instant. I never knew who she was.

I attended photography classes in the building that was to the right of the Penn McKee Hotel on 5th Avenue. I believe it was/is the old YMCA. The college had a complete darkroom set-up available to their photography students, and so the day after my snow storm shoot, I proceeded to develop my film, hoping that I had captured an image that would appropriately represent the word “winter.”

As I reviewed all of the images on the roll of film that day, the photo of the little old lady jumped out. I immediately knew that she would be THE ONE to guarantee me an “A” for the assignment. I carefully cropped, composed and enhanced the black and white image, completed an 11×14 print, and submitted it to Mike Friedlander,  the professor, for grading. The good news? I aced the assignment!

I kept the picture tucked away for years at my childhood home on Thomas Street. It wasn’t until 1999, as I was packing-up Dad’s house after his death, that I was reconnected with the image of the little old lady.

As I stared at her face, I realized that since it had been 29 years since the picture was taken, she had probably passed away. Perhaps it was due to the fact that I had just lost my father, but I began to stare into her face and wonder who this little “bubba” was.

With her babushka tied tightly under her chin, I imagined that she was making her way down the streets of McKeesport to Balsamo’s Market. The snow was pelting down on her, but she was determined to make it to the market to purchase what she needed to prepare a huge pot of stuffed cabbage for her family that would be visiting her the next day. Or, perhaps she was on her way to St. Peter’s Catholic Church to attend morning mass?

By posting this photograph, I hope that someone recognizes this precious little lady. I am certain that she was a VERY important part of a family’s life. She certainly has meant a lot to me. I haven’t forgotten her for over 40 years, and I don’t even know her name.

There is an old Serbian rhyme that pays tribute to one grand lady in all of our lives, our Bubba!

Stara baba stara je,
Kad se ljubi mlada je!
Tebi baba volecu,
Od ljubavi umrecu!

TRANSLATION

 A bubba is old,
But when she kisses you, she’s young!
Bubba, I’ll love you,
I’ll die of love for you!

The first event that I’d start nagging my mom about was “How many more days till school’s out?” Granted, although the end of the school year was still 6 or more weeks away, it would have been difficult to maintain my excitement had it not been for the other MAJOR event that was just around the corner…..  KENNYWOOD OPENING!!!!

Kennywood first opened as a trolley park 115 years ago and was called “Kenny’s Grove.” What is now the oldest ride in Kennywood, the Old Mill, was opened in 1901 and has gone through numerous major theme and structural changes throughout its existence. The idea that the Old Mill has been there for 112 years is amazing! Equally amazing to me is that one of my favorite rides has been operating since 1920, 93 years ago! Believe it or not, the Jack Rabbit is  only 7 years shy of being 100 years old!

So, in an attempt to rekindle some of the old excitement that I felt and that you also probably recall, I would like to share a few things with you.

• First of all, as I was rummaging through the numerous images I have of Kennywood, I thought it would be fun to pull together a short video of these moments in time. If you click the arrow on the video below, you’ll be whisked away to that time in your youth when you were getting as excited as I would about the approaching Kennywood opening!

• Frank Mullen recently forwarded some pictures that he unearthed at his home. The year was 1957. This was just about the time that I was going full throttle nagging Mom to take me to Kennywood! The location of each of the photos is immediately recognizable to me. I’m sure many of us knew Kennywood like the back of our hands. THANK YOU FOR SHARING FRANK!

• There is a YouTube series that has grown and grown in popularity, The Pittsburgh Dad. It appears that many people enjoy this internet series. I however, am not a fan. I think the “Pittsburgh Dad” is a bit ”over the top,” making the character look more like and uneducated hillbilly than someone who actually lives in the area. I am reluctantly posting an episode about Kennywood simply to let you can catch a glimpse of what the park looks like today, and so that you can enjoy the sights and sounds once again. 

With that said, I started to dig into the 1954. 59 years ago, Duquesne was on the cusp of some dramatic changes, and hints of things to come were in the wind. However, life as WE knew it was perfectly normal. Little League was happening, Kennywood was open (made you check guys, didn’t I?), and some new fears had surfaced.

So, take a few minutes, place yourself in the 1954 frame of mind, and enjoy a quick trip to a moment in time………………

This tidbit of information took me by surprise. I never knew they were even considering a drive-in theatre in Duquesne!!

I hope you enjoyed reading through these bullets in time. Let me know if you would like to see more. I am to please!!! Many, many, many thanks to Jim Hartman from the Mifflin Township Historical Society for supplying me with copies of the Duquesne Times to use!

    It appears that Spring 2013 has officially arrived. I’ve been busy clipping, racking, mulching and planting around my house, hoping to make it as neat and attractive as possible. Although the methods have changed in the last 99 years, the intention of making one’s home attractive as possible hasn’t wavered.

For instance, today if we are faced with a lawn full of dandelions, we’re able to trot off to the nearest Lowe’s or Home Depot and pick-up a bag or container of specialized weed killer to eradicate the whole population with one application. I recall fastidious little hunkys kneeling in their yards on weekends and patiently and meticulously digging out each individual weed. Once removed, they would carefully fill the hole with rich black soil and then lovingly spread grass seed over the bare spot followed by another thin layer of top soil. They were very diligent in the weeks that followed to assure the newly seeded patches were watered and nurtured into healthy areas of lawn. I remember that my Uncle Lou, whose house was on Martin Street next to the substation that runs along Mifflin Street, was relentless when it came to battling weeds in his yard! His yard was always pristine. My dad, on the other hand, felt that if God allowed something to take root in his yard, it was meant to be. His best defense was to mow it down each week and pray for the best! Understand that his point-of-view was nurtured by long hours of discussion with his friends each day at the G.B.U. or the Croatian Club!

Landscaping as we know it today was different for our parents. The majority of beautification efforts were centered around the creation of working gardens. In most cases, vegetables and flowers were cultivated from seeds that were planted in a patch of land in backyards throughout Duquesne. Tidy little roses of plantings would eventually emerge each Spring to eventually produce an array of vegetables that were used to cook or preserve and flowers that were often clipped and brought indoors to brighten up the home.

The US Steel Company, Duquesne Plant,  used to hold a beautification contest for its employees each year in the early party of the 20th Century. I thought you might enjoy a retrospective look to the care, grace, dignity and pride the residents of Duquesne took in their city. The results of one such beautification contest were published in what was then, the local paper, The Times-Observer. The year was 1914, 99 years ago. Although the contest judging took place at the end of July, it was this time of year, 99 years ago, that the busy little hunky hands were readying the gardens and lawns throughout the city. The stark contrast in what some of the homes looked like then, what they evolved into during our youth, and then how the appear today is quite dramatic. Here’s to the prodder times!

The following are random pictures from the same timeframe of the various entries into the Beautify Duquesne Contest. Foliage, gardens and residences took on a much more natural look as opposed to the minimalistic and sculptured style that’s used today.

When I look at these photos, the one point that I find to be rather “haunting,” is the presence of a child or children somewhere in the photo. I wonder how many of these kids grew up to be our grandparents. It somewhat reminds of those eerie pictures that you occasionally see in a movie about haunted homes. I would be very interested if any of you know about these children and who they grew up to be!

The power of prayer in itself is remarkable. I think we all believe that as part of our very being. However, the power of Duquesne prayer has proven itself to be very powerful. It was just 7 days ago that we all learned about the news of Fr. Dennis’ diagnosis. After the call for a Duquesne Deluge of Prayer, this blog saw its highest EVER viewing of a post since I first began the blog two and a half years ago. The post calling for prayers was viewed over 2500 times in less than one week!

I was thrilled when I saw an announcement on Facebook that announced a “Flicker of Hope” regarding Fr. Dennis’ diagnosis. I am posting his “From the Pastor’s Desk” column from Sunday’s bulletin. We need to continue with our prayers to assure that the “flicker of hope” turns quickly into a deluge of hope for Fr. Dennis. We did it once, so let’s not stop the momentum!!

From the Pastor’s Desk – April 14, 2013

Last weekend, when the “bomb” on my most recent health diagnosis was dropped, an immediate volcanic eruption of love and prayers for me was released into the universe. I truly believe that this eruption has caused the “Flicker of Hope” that I received on Monday afternoon. On my visit to my primary care physician, he informed me that I have “lower body muscular neuron disease.” He informed me that the disease takes on many forms or personalities and sometimes masks itself as another disease. A definite diagnosis is confirmed only after a series of elimination tests. He told me at this point, based on the results and evidence “It is inconclusive that I have full-blown ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” This news is a “flicker of hope.” He was at a loss why the neurologist diagnosed me last Thursday with get your affairs in order, tell your family, you have 3 to 5 years. I believe that the eruption of prayers and love caused this flicker. The positive energy caused by the love and prayers is real and present. After one year of visiting various doctors and not receiving any positive results, I am going to hold on to this “good news” as a hopeful sign. I am going to live life to the best of my ability and to its fullest. When the time comes for my final diagnosis, then I will deal with it as best as I can.

Good things and blessings from this have already happened. People are talking to each other, people are praying more than they have in quite a while. Much more is there to be learned on this transitional journey.

Thank You: for the outpouring of love, prayers and concern….for the cards, emails, gifts, flowers, food, etc….for anyone who has offered help and assistance….I am humbled and grateful for your love and prayers.

The Next Steps: The next step in this ongoing process is that I have an appointment with the ALS Clinic and Dr. Lacomis in Pgh. on May 6 for testing, recommendations, etc. On June 10, I meet again with my PCP to go over the results and decide on the next steps and a course of action if necessary.

Prayer to St. Jude

O Holy St Jude!     

Apostle and Martyr,

Great in virtue and rich in miracles,

Faithful intercessor for all who invoke you,

Special patron in time of need;

To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart,

And humbly beg you,

To whom God has given such great power,

To come to the assistance of Fr. Dennis Colamarino;

Help him now in his urgent need and grant my earnest petition.

I will never forget the graces and favors that you obtain for him

And I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor you and invoke your aid.

(Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Marys, and 3 Glory Bes after this.)