Sweet Indulgences in Duquesne

Posted on February 3, 2011 by Jim

When I began this blog, I vowed that I would not turn it into just another nostalgia blog that talks about the “good ol’ days.” I wanted to be sure that whatever I wrote about, reflected something about my life in Duquesne and had specific ties to the city. I hope I haven’t disappointed so far, but in the future, if I veer off course, be sure to let me know!

With all of that said, I was reminded by Eileen Phillips about buying candy at Algeri’s on Pennsylvania Ave. My dad would occasionally need to get milk, bread of some other small order and would drive up to Algeri’s since it was relatively close to our home. Those trips would always include allowing me to make a selection from their wonderful penny candy counter. Where as most kids had a tough time in deciding which candies they wanted, I had honed my “favorites” list to a select few. I knew exactly where they were placed in the case, so filling up that little brown sack they used for candy was never a problem.

As far as I know, thoughts of hyper-activity from too much candy never seemed to cross my folks mind. “Goodies” were a staple in any self-respecting hunky’s diet! This should come as no surprise to anyone. After all, we’re the ones who create the world’s largest cookie display at weddings and then try to consume them all in one night!

I though about other places around Duquesne where I’d buy penny candy. When you think about it, there were quite a few as I recall. Just one block up from our Thomas Street home was Puski’s, at the corner of Texas Ave. and Mellon Street. We didn’t like to go to Puski’s unless absolutely necessary. The truth be told, he often charged 2¢ for some of the typically priced at a penny. To this day, I don’t know if the higher prices were to keeps too many kids away, or just because he wanted to make more money.

I think the place where I first remember being taken for candy was across from my Grandfather’s house on Hamilton Avenue. It was a small store with very little in it. The candy counter was a big glass case to the right and it was lined with jars of treats. He lived at 307 Hamilton, and the store was in that same block. In later years, my Aunt Mary said that it was a big “numbers joint.” To this day, I am still not quite clear about what that meant, but it did sound very Al Capone”ish!” What I DO recall is that the person behind the counter was very friendly and knew my mom and I and us by name. Of all of the items there, I used to love the pretzel rods that were in a jar on the top if the counter the most. He would always give me one as a bonus whenever my mom took me in.

I guess you could say that I had a strange set of taste buds. One of my favorite candies was a small grayish little candy called a “Ben Hur.” They were anise flavored and I was one of the few in our family that liked anise flavoring and these candies. This, of course, assured that my brother and cousins wouldn’t be asking for a piece of my candy. Turn about was fair play however. Whenever they went to the candy store, they would buy Mary Janes, a candy I despised, and never had to worry about me asking for a piece. To this day, I cannot stand the taste or smell of peanut butter. I know, its un-American.

When I think about it, there were a lot of stores that were indulging people’s sweet tooth as I was growing up. The Hilltop Dairy at the top of Kennedy Ave., the little shop on the corner of 4th and Kennedy across from the High School, the candy counter at G.C.Murphy’s on 1st Street, to name just a few. The set-ups in each of these stores was similar and the assortment of candy was practically identical. There were pretzel rods, Mary Janes, Smarties, candy necklaces, candy cigarettes, Bazooka bubble gum, dot candy, shoestring licorice, and  gumdrops to name just a few. There are a number of sites on the internet where you can buy some of the candy we used to enjoy back then. I have tried a few of these and although the taste was similar, something was just not the same. I think the little brown bag was missing as well as the excitement of standing in front of that case, with your nose pressed against the glass, just trying to decide how to spend that nickel that was burning a hole in your pocket. No matter what you decided on, it certainly ended up being a treat!

Posted in Food and Restaurants, Stores and Businesses | 18 Comments

Duquesne’s Greasy Spoon

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Jim

My father operated a service station on South First Street directly opposite of the Holy Name Rectory. It was named Volk’s Service. I was told that it was a car dealership aone time, as evidenced by a “showroom” that was to the right front of the building. However, when my dad operated, it was a repair shop for automobiles and occasionally, for painting cars as well.

My dad had purchase the shop from its previous owner in its entirety, lot, stock and barrel. Along with the multitude of tools and equipment, dad was also the proud owner of all of the dirt and grease that had accumulated throughout the garage’s many rooms. I hate to admit it, but it really was the stereotypical greasy, dirty, oily garage. Initially, Dad tried to clean up the place a bit and had succeeded, but that success was more in his own eyes than in the eyes of a casual observer.

Despite the rather unkempt conditions of the garage, his business flourished. The location certainly was a very positive factor. Men were able to drop off their car as they reported for the Daylight Shift at the mill which was only two blocks away and, were able to pick up the vehicle after their shift had ended at 3 p.m. Beyond the convenience of location, was my dad’s amazing talent for repairing cars of that era. His reputation was that of an ace mechanic who had the ability to diagnose the mechanical problems by just listening to the car while the engine was running. In virtually every instance, he would nail the problem immediately. In addition to his automotive expertise, my dad also had a reputation of being very honest in his diagnosis and suggested repairs. Unlike many less scrupulous mechanics at that time, Dad never overcharged, over bid or fabricated problems. Even the pastors of the area churches came to Dad for their repairs.

Among the items that Dad received with the purchase of the building and its equipment was a Bersted Company Electric Griddle. He told me that when he first discovered it in a drawer, he almost threw it away. However, he decided to keep it, clean it up, and see if it worked. As expert as he was at repairing cars, his tinkering skills were equally adept. The man could repair anything he set his mind to. During WWII, Dad served in the Army as the head mechanic at Chanute Air Force Base near Chicago. His responsibility was the repair of damaged aircraft as well as the instruction of other soldiers on repair techniques. After his enlistment ended, he was recruited by the Ford Motor Corp. to serve as one of their national instructors on auto repair, but turned down the opportunity in lieu of family commitments. Husbands/Father’s values were much different in those days. It was ALWAYS, family first.

The electric griddle was expertly repaired by my dad. He told me he had replaced the frayed cord and broken plug. The switch controlling the temperature was replaced with a simple off and on switch since a replacement part wasn’t available, at least not at Schink’s. He said that one of the heating elements was broken, so he fabricated one out of a coil from a discarded automobile part. OK, perhaps I exaggerated a bit when I said it was expertly repaired. Probably a better description of the repair job would be jerry-rigged.

In spite of the lack of replacement parts and the modifications made, this griddle lasted for years and years and ended up creating an impromptu diner whenever necessary. Since my brother Steve and I attended Holy Name Grade School, we would occasionally make our way up to the garage to have our lunch. My dad would manage to make these unbelievably delicious hot dogs on toasted buns on this tiny grill. (We would usually wend our way to the garage for lunch whenever we heard that powdered eggs were on the cafeteria menu that day. Mrs. Cusick and Mrs. McConnell were good, but NO ONE was that good to make them palatable!)

That little grill became the equivalent of the bar at Cheers. Guys would hang out at the garage just to kibitz (or “BS” as my dad would say) with my dad and the other guys who were hanging out. At some point, the men would mention they were hungry and would be leaving to go home to grab a bite to eat. Truth be known, the thought of going home was the farthest thing from their minds. What they were actually requesting, as if in some secret clandestine code, was for my dad to prepare something on “the grill!”

Dad maintained an old fridge in the empty showroom. In it he would keep some pop for my brother and I, most likely Mission Orange or Grape, as well as hot dogs, ground meat and steaks. My dad loved to cook for the guys. He would prepare these incredible lunches on this tiny makeshift grill almost every day. He bought his meat at the GBU since they always gave him a “deal.” Don’t ask me how he made those arrangements, but somehow he did. He would prepare these grilled steak sandwiches topped with grilled onions and peppers and serve them to whatever guy or guys happen to be visiting at lunchtime. Among his more frequent visitors were Fr. Shaughnessy from Holy Name and Dr. Fletcher, our family doctor from South 2nd Street, Ernie Woodward from Woody’s Drug Store, Jerry Reed and Pop Arms. Mayor Kopriver was also an occasional “diner.” Hey, who doesn’t like a free lunch!?!

Dad kept that griddle in tip-top condition until the garage was forced to close as a result of the “redevelopment” in Duquesne. I’m not sure what ever happened to “the wonder griddle.” I suppose it was discarded just like his business was. I think that a piece of my dad died when he closed. The guys who frequented his place, looked beyond those things one would find in a garage, the oil, the grease. They didn’t see my dad as some “grease monkey.” They saw him as a friend, a pal, a generous man who would have given them the shirt off of his back if they asked. There was nothing pretentious about the food he prepared for his friends. It was friendship food, food for the soul.

Stories such as this, is why I am writing this blog. Your father may have been among the company of men who frequented Volk’s Sales and Service. My children and their children will be able to know more about their grandfather or great grandfather as a result of these stories. After all, we are “their past.” The way of life that we led, and the strong moral compasses that were given to us by our hunky parents must be recognized and appreciated. I know I certainly do. Thanks Mom and Dad and thank you Duquesne.

Posted in Church and School - Holy Name, Food and Restaurants, Parents, Stores and Businesses | 21 Comments

Feeding Duquesne

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Jim

If you would go back to Duquesne today, you would find what I call a rather “limited” number of grocery stores. Specifically ONE, and that would be Save-A-Lot Food Store in the Duquesne Plaza on what used to be North 1st Street prior to it becoming a parking lot.

In fairness, there are two other large grocery stores that also serve the Duquesne area, although they are located within West Mifflin boundries. There is a Giant Eagle in the shopping center near Kennywood and in Duquesne Village, there is a Foodland. I’m sure that these three stores are serving the needs of the community, and that’s just the nature of the beast these days.

What has prompted my sudden interest in grocery stores, was an article that  I remembered had been among our family pictures. It was rather yellowed and torn, but it was still readable. It was ripped from the pages of The McKeesport Daily News, however the date was missing. I remember the reason it had been save is that my mother’s face was supposedly among the crowd of spectators photographed. The crowd was watching a fire being fought at a grocery store at the top of Kennedy Ave near Peter Street. I vaguely remember the store. I remember walls that had high shelves and that the clerks had the long poles with a grabbing mechanism on the end that they would use to select product from the high shelves. Admittedly archaic by today’s standards, but back then, it was really cool to watch! The site of that store and fire became the eventual home of Kennedy Meat Market.

As usual, my mind started on a journey trying to recall other Mom and Pop grocery stores that supplied the food that fed Duquesne. It occurred to me that I had a rather limited frame of reference and could only recall a few. The stores were never very large. They only served a small portion of the area, most were within walking distance of a person’s home, and yet they were all able to survive and stay in business despite the number of stores in Duquesne. They were never really in competition with one another since each existed and served a specific geographic radius of families.

I had to call upon a few friends and readers to help me compile a list of stores in Duquesne. Lou Andriko, Dave Bonga and Tom Stoner were all very helpful in my informational quest and I really appreciate it! Unfortunately, I was not able to find any photographs of the stores during the time I was growing up, but I was able to capture a few shots of what they look like now, courtesy of Google Earth.

Prior to the introduction of a “Super” market into the area with the opening of Kroger’s at the former location of Kopriver’s Nursery, my mom basically shopped at the food stores that were within walking distance. Two-car families basically didn’t exist, and moms wouldn’t spend bus money on grocery shopping when there was one within walking distance. As a result, I grew up running to the grocery stores that were either at the top of Kennedy Avenue or to a small store at the corner of Mellon Street and Texas Ave.  At the top of Kennedy, there was “Andy’s”, which was officially called Kennedy Meat Market and on the opposite side of Andy’s was Isadore’s Grocery Store. I really never knew the official name of the little store at Texas and Mellon, but it was referred to as “Puskie’s,” which was Croatian for “rifle.” Can’t figure that one out.

We shopped at Isadore’s quite a lot. I was quite young, so there isn’t a lot I remember. About the only thing I recall is that the door was recessed and there were tiny black and white tiles in the entry way leading up to that single door. Beyond that, I don’t recall. I believe that Isadore’s closed shortly after Kroger’s opened. Kennedy Meat Market on the other hand, remained open for many years following the arrival of the “supermarket.”

I used to do a lot of shopping for my mom and dad at Andy’s. I remember the meat counter at the back right in the store. They would cut and wrap to order from what I recall. I don’t think there were ever any self-serve meat counters. I can remember that there were two butchers there. One was Andy Valco(?) and I cannot recall the other’s name. I just remember they were very friendly and would call me by name. I always had a list from my mom or dad; so they would just read it, cut it, pack it up and hand it over to me. Once I had gathered everything I was supposed to get, I would head to the register. There were no conveyer belts, but I think I recall these wooden frames on the counter that the cashier would pull forward with the groceries in order to reach them all. Lo-tech but efficient!

I never had to carry money to buy the groceries. Andy’s had a system of cards at the register that would put the purchases on a tab that would be paid each month by Mom or Dad. They would ring the items up and then insert the card when the sale was totaled. I would have to sign my name on the card, and that was always exciting to me. The part that always confused me when checking out was the need to separate taxable items from non-taxable items. The cashier would always help me with this chore. Plastic or paper bags wasn’t a consideration back then. Brown paper bags were the only route to go, and they never went to waste once they were brought home. Book covers, trash can liners, masks, lunch bags are just a few of the uses my Mom found for the bags.

In downtown Duquesne, I remember Alexander’s Market at the corner of Grant and North 1st Street. The details are rather vague in my mind, but I think that as you entered, the produce was up front, followed by the bake goods. Beyond that, I don’t remember any other details. On Auriles Street, just off of Kennedy was Mann’s Brother Grocery. Mann’s Brother’s was about the largest non-spermarket in town. We didn’t shop there often since it was rather far from Thomas Street.

Tom Stoner and Dave Bonga remembered a number of grocery stores, such as Tutera’s across St. Joe on Auriles, Thomas (Louis Thomas) Market across from GBU on Grant Ave.,  Soltice’s Market on Grant Ave. across from Schinks Hardware,  Bodnar’s  at Fifth and Crawford, and finally, Sidney’s at the corner of 5th and Kennedy, but it might not qualify as grocery store and more of a candy store. In addition, Dave wrote that there also was another Tutera’s on Hamilton Ave between 1st and 2nd, however it was more like a modern day lottery store as he remembered it. Dave also recalled a small market, Basik’s, at the corner of 3rd and Hamilton.  As a Duquesne Place resident, Dave spent many, many nickels on candy and baseball cards in Mary’s and Palchak’s Drug Store!!

Lou Andriko’s memory was in top form when he wrote about his Duquesne recollections. Coming down Pennsylvania Ave from Penn-Taft Pharmacy and just past Taft on the right, was Algeri’s. The store is still open, but is now called R&M Market. Further east on Pennsylvania just before getting to Mellon Street was Thomas Market. The building is still there but has been divided into two separate businesses. Lou wrote that he used to hand deliver weekly Thomas Market sale fliers for a penny a piece! He always wanted more to deliver, but he’d only be given a hundred. Lou took them door to door along Wool St. and Burns Ave, then up Maryland as far as they lasted. At the corner of Mehaffey and Crawford was the Anastas’ store, known for their very good butcher department and run by Boyko and Bricky Anastas. Boyko was the butcher, while Bricky ran the front end. Bricky was also the water meter reader for city of Duquesne. Lou remembers when his parents leaving all the doors open and Bricky would knock on the basement screen door and holler, ‘Waaaaaterman!”

One block further east was Helmeczi’s, a little mom & pop store with a fountain! It was next to Steve Farkas’s tavern on the corner of Crawford at Collier Alley. A bit further east on Crawford at the corner of Wool and Crawford, is a yellow brick two story building. A Jewish family used to live in the second floor apartment, and the father ran a kosher butcher shop on 1st floor.

Progress and competition have obviously forced virtually all of the small food stores out of business. I am certain that the convenience, pricing and speed of transaction at the Giant Eagles and Foodlands of the world far exceed that of the old Mom and Pop stores in Duquesne. Yet no matter how fast, big and quick those businesses are, just like the old TV show Cheer’s, it was nice to go to a place where everyone knew your name. Ma and Pa, you are missed!

Posted in Duquesne Buildings, Food and Restaurants, Stores and Businesses | 40 Comments

Holy Name Grade School Update!

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Jim

For those of us who were members of the Holy Name Grade School 8th Grade Graduating Class of 1965, I offer the following update about our Sisters of Saint Joseph educators.

First Grade                                                                                                                                    Sister Incarnata – left the SSJ Congregation

Second Grade                                                                                                                              Sister Martin de Porres – left the SSJ Congegation

Third Grade                                                                                                                                      Sister Emily O’Brien died May 30, 1998

Sixth Grade                                                                                                                                         Sister Clementine Hannigan died November 7, 1971

Seventh Grade                                                                                                                                  Sister Mary Immaculate Cook is now known as Sister Mary Eileen Cook. Sister Mary Eileen is now retired and lives in Supportive Living at the Baden Motherhouse.

Eighth Grade                                                                                                                               Sister Mary Daniel Hogan died January 27, 2005

The information was provided to me by Sister Karen Stoila, CSJ, Director of Development for the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden, Pennsylvania. Sister Karen has a special place in her heart for Holy Name since she actually lived at the Holy Name convent from 1970-1972 while she was finishing her degree at Carlow College.

According to Sister Karen;                                                                                                                Sister Mary Eileen (formerly Sister Mary Immaculate) is now retired and lives in Supportive Living at the Baden Motherhouse. You can write to her at the address below or call her at 724.869.2151 and ask or dial Ext. 6620.  She does not have an email listed in their directory however.  If you would like to send her a note or a card, the address is c/o The Sisters of St. Joseph, 1020 State St., Baden, PA 15005. Thankfully, she is doing very well and would love to hear from her former students!  Sister Karen invited us to check out their website at www.stjoseph-baden.org as well their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CSJBaden.

By the way, I found a picture that might bring back some fond memories of Sister Mary Daniel. It was taken in 1963 at the 8th Grade Class graduation. She holds a special place in my heart. When I was in the 7th Grade, Matty Esak and I either must of volunteered or really misbehaved, and as a result, ended up in the dark, dank basement under the church attempting to set up a school library. The shelves, which were just cinder blocks and boards, were already in place. Our job was just to begin placing books so they could later be organized by category. It wasn’t a difficult job, just a bit creepy.  While we were sorting, Matty and I decided it was our job to conduct an in-depth review of the back issues of National Geographic that someone had donated. The unfortunate part of this story is that just as we were gapping at the female native attire in a very special issue, Sister Mary Daniel decided to conduct an on-site inspection of our progress. Lucky us! After a verbal spanking, we were “reassigned” to blackboard eraser cleaning. The good news however, is that Sister Mary Daniel understood the curiosity of young boys and never found it necessary to inform our parents. God love her!

In conclusion, to all of you who wondered about the good Sister’s habit and how they were somehow able to hold what would equate to the encyclopedia in their pockets, you may want to watch the following YouTube video. Sister Elizabeth Brown, who sewed hundreds of habits for the congregation, is telling us everything we wanted to know about the habit but never asked! Enjoy.

Posted in Church and School - Holy Name | 6 Comments

More About The Thanksgiving Snow Storm In Duquesne – 1950

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Jim

I came across some additional pictures of the BIG Thanksgiving Snow Storm of November, 1950. I have no idea of who the people are in the photos, but I am fairly sure of the vantage point from where they were taken. Again, I am fairly sure my dad was the photographer. I think they are rather cool looking. He’s like the hunky Ansel Adams!!

This first photograph was taken while he was standing in the middle of Kennedy Avenue just above 3rd Street looking toward the mills. The snow obviously put an immediate hault to any vehicular taffic!

This second photograph was again taken from Kennedy Ave looking toward the mills. This time, it appears to have been taken just above 1st Street. I recognized the homes on the right. I owuld love ot know who the poor soul is that is walking in the middle of the road, but I am afraid that her name is lost forever in history.

If anyone has any other vintage pictures of Duquesne or places there in that they would like to share, please email them to jim@shamrockrealtygroup.com. I am certain that we all would love to see them!

Posted in Duquesne History, Historic Events, Holidays - Non-Christmas and New Years, Wintertime | 9 Comments

The Hunky’s Shopping Mecca

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Jim

Retail Roots

I have spent over 35 years managing retail stores. I have had the privilege of working for some very prestigious companies to include the likes of Federated Department Stores’ Rich’s in Atlanta, Ga. I have often wondered where my fascination with retailing began. I believe that it had to have begun when I was just a child being dragged through the streets of Duquesne and McKeesport, and on very special occasions, downtown Pittsburgh.

My mother, Millie, and her sister, my Aunt Mary, were relentless when it came to shopping. The Puskaric girls never met a store they didn’t like. I vividly remember crossing the streets with my mother or my aunt holding tightly onto my hand. Of course, they felt that somehow I would be safer if they held my hand so tight and so high, that my feet would barely touch the ground as we crossed. Truthfully, I don’t know if it was actually a concern for my safety or their quest to get to the next store as fast as they could.

My mother and aunt were pattern shoppers, and as such, would follow the same course each time we went shopping. During our expeditions to McKeesport, the adventure always began as we departed the 55J bus directly in front of The Famous. The Famous, which later became Misco’s was a multilevel traditional department store. The only thing I remember about Misco’s,  is that it was where I went to buy  huge bottles of bubble bath for my mom’s Christmas Present. Beyond that, there is very little I recall about the store or about its successor. I did find a great article at TubeCityOnline.com written by Jason Togyer that details the history and demise of The Famous building in 1974. Check out his article titled ‘Oh My God, The Famous Is On Fire’. You are certain to enjoy!

During shopping excursions with my mother and aunt, we would always begin our trek at Kadar’s and shop for clothing for my brother and I, as well as my dad. In true hunky fashion, as the younger of two sons, I was always the recipient of hand-me-downs. I never mind this, primarily because I always had direct input on future hand-me-downs by always agreeing to shop with my mother. My brother on the other had, was forced to wear whatever was purchased for him. Although it took a few years, eventually I ended up getting the things I wanted.

The amount of ground that we covered on our trips to McKeesport was pretty amazing. The litany of stores that we would visit was quite lengthy, but we always managed to hit all of them. There was Cox’s, Katzman’s, Immels, and Jaison’s for my mother and aunt to shop. It seems that I spent a lot of time waiting outside of dressing rooms when I was growing up. I don’t remember ever making much of a fuss however, since Mom always kept a carrot dangling in front of me to be sure I would behave. The first thing I would look forward to was lunch. If I recall correctly, Riggs Drug Store on the corner of 5th Ave and Market had a luncheon counter that we would always frequent. The booths and counters were the typical 50’s style with brightly colored formica and aluminum and the waitresses were always friendly. The food was great and worth the wait. If something for our house was on Mom’s shopping list, then The Golden Rule, Helmsteader’s, Ruben’s, and Hirshburg’s would be on the agenda.

 Hands down, the best part of these trips were the two 5 & 10 Cent stores. G.C.Murphy’s and H.L.Greens. I was in heaven at these stores. There was, of course, the toy sections that I immediately gravitated toward, but the cookie counter was also a “magnet” for me as well. I remember staring at all the glass cases and the piles of bulk cookies that were there for me to pester my mother to buy for me. I remember hanging out at the comic book racks as well. Stories about the adventures of Superman, Batman, Captain America, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel would always lure me to the rack. Then there were the Western themed titles such as Cheyenne, The Virginian, Wagon Train, Gene Autry, and Have Gun Will Travel that would catch my eye. Richie Rich as well as Archie, Jughead, Veronica, Betty kept me occupied for the longest time. Mom would always let me get one comic book for being patient while they continued shopping. A bag of fresh sugar wafers and a new comic book… life was good!!!

I recall that during the Easter Season, I would stare in fascination at the Easter Peeps in the Pet Department. I of course refer to the live baby chicks as opposed to the marshmallow threats that are on the market these days. There was always a full end counter that was surrounded by glass that housed the critters. Above the obvious over populated crowd of chicks, hovered two large lamps that acted as warming spots for the babies. I think this was the only time the stores would carry the little guys that would be dyed different colors for the season. There were pink, green, purple and blue babies along with the natural yellow ones. The sound of the chirping could be heard immediately as we walk down the steps to the lower level and acted as a magnet for every child that came down. Of course, as we approached the Pet Department, Aunt Mary would inevitably comment about the “stench,” as she called it. I was never allowed to own one of the chicks, but today can only think about how sad it was to treat those babies in this manner, no matter how unintentional.

By the end of our shopping day, Mom and Aunt Mary were ready to make their last stop. The first floor of The Famous was always the final shopping spot. I don’t think it was always the final stop because they were saving the best for last. I believe it was a combination of weaning themselves from the shopping frenzy they had just experienced as well as being in a vantage point to see when the 55J had pulled up to whisk us back home. Here’s to the GLORY DAYS of McKeesport. You are missed!

Posted in Food and Restaurants, Life in General, McKeesport, Stores and Businesses | 29 Comments

The Way We Were or Where Are They Now?????

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Jim

OK, let’s get one thing straight. I am not a gushy sentimentalist. However, when I decided to begin this blog, little did I know how much I would enjoy thinking about various experiences as I grew up. I can’t help but remember the lyrics to The Way We Were. They seem so appropriate for my blog, especially in light of this post’s subject.

Memories, light the corners of my mind
Misty watercolor memories of the way we were.
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we give to one another
For the way we were.
Can it be that it was all so simple then
Or has time rewritten every line?
If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me would we? Could we?
Memories, may be beautiful and yet
What’s too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it’s the laughter we will remember
Whenever we remember
The way we were.

 What has driven my sudden burst of sentimentality are some pictures I recently unearthed that were taken in 1961. The event was the May Crowing in Grade 4 at Holy Name Grade School. I had just gotten a camera the past Christmas and was given permission by Mom to take to school to be a photo journalist for the day and document the epic event. Mrs. Smith, our teacher, consented and I rather sheepishly snapped away. I remember my mom telling me to not go crazy shooting the pictures since flashbulbs and film developing cost money and we didn’t have money to waste. I complied and was very frugal with my endeavors.

As a Duquesne hunky who was Catholic, the May Alter and Crowing was a BIG event for us. Praying to the Blessed Virgin was a way of life for the hunkys, especially the women. I would venture a guess and say that the vast majority of hunkys in Duquesne were Catholics. The number of Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic parishes in such a small town would probably validate my assertion.  I remember always seeing the little old ladies, aka bubbas, in church on any day of the week, with their babushkas in place, and their rosary beads clutched in their hands. Their lips would silently mouth the Hail Mary as the prayed the rosary, even while the Mass was being celebrated. Their devotion to the Virgin Mary made the May Crowing event the big deal that it was.

 So take a moment and look back in time with me. Perhaps some of these faces or names are familiar. Perhaps you can help me fill in some of the ?’s!

1. Wanda Jeffries (now Wanda Jeffries Giles)   2. Jane Smouse   3. Karen Dagle                     4. ElaineTorres   5. Bernadette Lucas   6. Mrs. Mary Smith (4th Grade Teacher)                    7. Carol Gibbons   8. Mary Beth Higgs   9. Barbara Wirth (The May Queen)                        10. Amy Mariani   11. Noreen Shanley   12. Debbie Abbatangelo   13. Judy Needham        14. Mary Petrozza     ?  Unknown     ?  Unknown

1. Carol Gibbons   2. Debbie Abbatangelo   3. Jane Smouse   4. Amy Mariani                          5. Candace?     ?   7. Judy Needham   8. Barbara Wirth   9. Mary Petrozza?                               10. Bernadette Lucas        ?        12. Mrs. Mary Smith    13. Johnny Lalor!! (LOL)

 1. David Newmeyer  2. Raymond Lucas  3. Michael Balaban                                                     4. Mrs. Mary Smith   ?   Candace  5. Mary Petrozza ?    6. Amy Mariani                                 7. Judy Needham   8. Barbara Wirth    9. Mrs. Geraldine Julianna

Here are some of the same pictures without the number in case you’d like to copy and save them for yourself. Also, here are a few more that I found from the same event. The last, rather poorly lit photo contains a group of children that I am not familiar with. They must have been from the various grades in a group shot. If you know who they, please let me know!

Check back in a few days. I have received some information from Sister Karen at the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Mother House in Baden about the Sisters that taught at Holy Name. Until then… be safe!

Posted in Church and School - Holy Name | 12 Comments

A Snowy Day in 1950

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Jim

I was rummaging through some old photos that I had fogotten about and unearthed two photos dated on the back. However, the date on one was different than the other. I was reminded of the big storm in 1950 and think these may have been taken at that time. The largest recorded snowfall in the Pittsburgh area was 27.4 inches from November 24-26, 1950. I am not sure who took the photos, but I assume it was my father. If I recall, both were taken in different directions, but from the same vantage point, Hamilton Avenue. They struck me as poignant and at the same time, peaceful. Allow me to surmise about each photo.

This photo shows First Street looking toward Grant Ave from Hamilton Ave. I couldn’t believe that I had a photo that showed the Christmas lights that I described in a previous post. I can still see them lining Grant Ave in my mind. The car nearest the camera seems to be in the process of being dug out. The store is Rosenzweig and Gross, one of two furniture stores that I remember. The other furniture store that I remember was at the corner of Grant Ave. and Prune Alley (the name of the alley behind Holy Name between First and Second Sts.) I don’t recall the name of the store, but if anyone does, please fill me in. I don’t recall any other businesses in the photo, but I remember that Bud and Jerry’s Donuts was located on the left hand side of the street and many have been about a block up from Rosenzweig’s. If you look almost dead center in the photo, you’ll see the building that appears in the header of this blog. You can detect the curved facade if you look hard. Onto photo two:

Placing the vantage point in this photo is a bit tricky. I think it is taken from the intersection of First Street and Hamilton Ave looking up Hamilton, but I could be wrong. It is definately looking up Hamilton, but it may have been from the intersection at 3rd Street. I recall a variety store that was located across the street from my grandfather’s home at 307 Hamilton Ave. The store in the picture looks just like the store I remember AND there was a bar, which is no suprise, on the corner just up from the store. I found it remarkable that there were still horses around in 1945. I wish I had living relative who could tell me more about this picture, but alas, they are all gone.

If anyone reading this blog knows any  additional details about either photo, please, comment and fill us in. In the meantime, be well, be safe and check back soon.

Posted in Duquesne History, Historic Events, Holidays - Non-Christmas and New Years, Wintertime | 7 Comments

The Duquesne Hunky Wedding Celebrations

Posted on January 23, 2011 by Jim

I googled hunky weddings to see what information I would find. Unfortunately, not much came up that related to a hunky wedding as you and I think of it. Instead, what surfaced were all types of information about men who were “hunky.” Although I find it gratifying that the term “hunky” has evolved to describe an extremely good-looking man, my curiosity was not satisfied. Not to be outdone, I dug a bit more and found a very interesting blog titled Everyday Blessings. The blog’s author, unfortunately, hasn’t written since October 2009 but she did have an entry that talked about her idea of hunky weddings:

 “For those of you who don’t know what a good hunky wedding is let me give some examples… one of the ladies who was preparing the food for this wedding said her son calls it a Chicki-Piggy-Rigi wedding… LOL! (Chicken, Pigs in the blanket, & Rigatoni are practically always on the menu and occasionally there is also Ham on the menu.) When my future husband and I were planning our wedding he wanted input on two things… the type of beer we were serving and the food, every other decision was mine to make. We had Coors Light and MGD and ham, pigs and rigs and I wanted chicken, too.

There is usually some tapping (or banging) on the tables that lets the newlyweds know that you would like to see them kiss. My husband hated this and still finds it quite annoying when we attend weddings. I think it is rather fun and harmless.

 Other necessary components of a good hunky wedding include the chicken dance, polka music, and cookies. Probably the biggest indicator that you are at a hunky wedding is a specific polka, the Bridal Polka, where the guests line up drop some $$ in a satin bag or apron worn by the Maid of Honor give the Bride a spin or two and then down a shot and get a piece of napkin wrapped wedding cake to enjoy for breakfast the next morning. There are tales that if you are a single woman you should sleep with the cake under your pillow and you will dream of your future husband…. interesting theory that I never personally tested out. After all the guests dance with the Bride they form a circle around her and try to keep the Groom from getting to her. Usually fun, a bit crowded and as long as it doesn’t go on for too long not so bad.”

 I remember attending Duquesne Hunky weddings that had pretty much the same scenarios. Different family traditions brought different variations of the long standing traditions. However, the parts that were consistent at every hunky wedding were buffets, cookie tables, bridal dances, polkas and basically LOTS of laughing, dancing, eating, drinking, music and noise!

Inhibitions were lost at hunky weddings. The purpose in attending was not to sit pristinely at a table and sip a glass of wine and elegantly cut into your prime rib or nosh on sushi while listening to chamber music. The purpose was to celebrate, and celebrate HARD! No one cared what you ate or how much you ate, no one cared that you may have celebrated a bit too much, no one cared that you didn’t possess the best rhythm while dancing and certainly, no one ever judged you when you cried as you danced with your daughter during the father-daughter dance.

In my family, dancing was the part of the reception that we always looked forward to. As a child, I remember seeing my parents, aunt and uncles, and all the guests swirling around the floor whenever a Polka was played, which was about every other song. They would hoot and holler while they danced. Jackets werequickly shed and tossed by the men, and the ladies were constantly mopping their brow. The music that played was not only polkas but Big Band music as well. I remember being amazed at seeing my mom and dad dance. They were really, really good. I came to find out in later years, that my dad had actually taught dance when he was younger. As the evening wore on, dances such as the Csárdás (a.k.a. chardash), the tarantella, the Mexican Hat Dance, the Viennese Waltz, and Zorba the Greek, etc. took place. We were a virtual United Nations of dance!!

The love of dancing hasn’t changed much even today. The music and the dances may have, but the spirit of uninhibited joy hasn’t subsided at hunky weddings. My daughter Megan was recently married. Although the wedding took place on the other side of the state, the spirit of the Duquesne Hunky Wedding was still present. I was so excited to be able to celebrate with the very large contingent of my western Pennsylvania family that made the trek across the state. We danced the electric slide, the cupid shuffle and all types of dances that got everyone to the dance floor. It was a rip-roaring hell raising affair, and I’ll remember it forever.

The food feast that took place at the hunky wedding was as traditional as the food that was part of the Slovak Vilija or Hebrew Sadder meal. “Chicki-Piggy-Rigi” pretty much describes the main components of chicken, stuffed cabbage and rigatoni, but there was so much more. You couldn’t forget the trays of sliced ham, sliced roast beef, cheeses, sandwich buns, garnish tray, dinner rolls and all types of condiments. Is it any wonder that these foods have become comfort food for we hunkies?

As much as I enjoyed the main courses, NOTHING could compete with the cookie table however. I recall mounds and mounds of homemade cookies that were yours for the taking! I remember my mother had to constantly rein me in when it came to the cookie table, a job that my wife has now taken on. There was no such thing as a store bought cookies, then or even now. The goodies were prepared with loving hands by mothers, aunts, cousins, neighbors and just about anyone that wanted to be part of the celebration. I pride myself as being a veritable expert when it comes to cookies. They didn’t call me “cookie face” for nothing when I was growing up. My particular favorites were and still are cold dough apricot or poppyseed horns, lady fingers, raspberry sandwich cookies, pizzelles and those little thumbprint cookies made with jimmies and gobs of colored icing. The number of cookies were always disproportionate to the number of guests. I would estimate that each wedding reception attendee would have to consume at least three or four dozen cookies along with their meal. Over zealousness came with baking for a hunky wedding.

So many couples today are opting for upscale venues for their wedding; hotels, reception halls and a never ending assortment of places to celebrate are available. However, in Duquesne, things were quite simpler. Our venues consisted of the Slovak Club on Grant Ave, the Croatian Club (aka Cro Club) at the corner of Wilmont and Homestead Duquesne Rd., the VFW at the top 3rd Street and Duquesne Blvd., the K of C Hall on Pennsylvania Ave. in West Mifflin, and in later years, G & K Hall on Texas Ave. just across the Duquesne/West Mifflin line. So many wonderful events took place in those hallowed halls. If the walls could only talk……….

There was so much that went into the making, and now, the remembering a hunky wedding that I am unable to cover in just one post to my blog. So please check back and enjoy the stroll through the memories of life in Duquesne. And in the meantime, mať nádhernýčassipamätať, which means, have a wonderful time remembering.

Posted in Hunky Celebrations, Life in General, My Hunky Family | 5 Comments

Holy Name’s Sister Acts

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Jim

When I started this blog, I thought that I would eventually run out of ideas about what to write. I was convinced that I had a finite supply of stories and once I exhausted them, I’d have to shift to a new subject. Little did I know how many memories would come rushing back to me once I began blogging. Add to that the countless comments from everyone who is sharing these memories with me and WOW, I am here for quite a while!! Thank you so much for your enthusiastic response and all of the wonderful memories that you’re sharing with all of us! As they say in Duquesne and in the Burg, “Yunz are fantastic!”

As I recall that wonderful idiom, I can still see the grimace on the faces of the good Sisters of St. Joseph whenever we dared to utter a “yunz.” I was fortunate to have attended both a Catholic elementary school and high school. I have such fond memories of Holy Name Grade School on First Street. It was 1957 when I first entered the seagreen halls of Holy Name. The preponderance of green throughout the school was an obvious clue at to why Holy Name Parish was considered the Irish Parish. In spite of the fact that I was a hunky through and through, we were members of the Holy Name Parish. I believe the main reason my brother and I attended Holy Name Grade School was that my father’s business was right across the street from Holy Name’s Rectory. Fr. Shaughnessy and my dad were pals and my parents were reassured that their boys would be taken care of.

The cost of attending Holy Name was not a bank breaker. Families were responsible to pay an annual “Book Bill” of $5.00 for a year of education. $5.00!!!!!  I found a website that calculates the value of a dollar today versus past years. Based on an annual inflation rate of 3.96%, a buck back then is worth $7.82 today. Based on that number, it would cost a family $39.10 a year to send a child to Holy Name and $9.78 cents a week to feed him a school lunch. If anyone finds a parish that will allow me to enroll my future grandkids at $39.10 a year, let me know!!

I still remember all of the teachers that helped to set my moral compass as I attended for those eight years. If I recall correctly, there were:

Sister Martin dePorres and Sister Agnes Eugene 1961

  • First Grade – Sister Incarnata
  • Second Grade – Sister Martin de Porres
  • Third Grade – Sister Emily
  • Fourth Grade – Mrs. Mary Smith
  • Fifth Grade – Mrs. Geraldine Juliana
  • Sixth Grade – Sister Clementine
  • Seventh Grade – Sister Mary Immaculate
  • Eight Grade – Sister Mary Daniel
  • Principal for Grades 1-4 – Sister Agnes Eugene
  • Principle for Grades 5-8 – Sister Mary Daniel
  • Music Teach – Sister Delores
  • Cafeteria Cooks – Mrs. Cusick and Mrs. McConnell

 

I don’t intend to write a grade by grade recap of my grade school years. I couldn’t if I tried, but what I hope to share are those memories that come to mind and bring a smile to my face when  thinking about them. I’ll be skipping all around the eight years that I attended Holy Name. As is always the case, recalling one memory will usually open the door for additional images, so hang tight and prepare for a bumpy ride.

 

Aside from the “hallowed green halls of Holy Name, I remember that there were four grades on each of the two floors that were used. Each classroom occupied one corner of the two occupied floors. During the years that I attended, 1957 through 1965, the first floor had grades 1, 2, 3, and 6. Grades 4, 5, 7 and 8 were on the second floor. A large bathroom was located between each room on either side of the first floor. On the second floor the NIC* office was between the 5th and 8th grades. (*NIC is the NUN IN CHARGE a.k.a. the Principal!) I don’t recall what was between the 4th and 7th grade classrooms on the 2nd floor, but it might have been a girl’s bathroom.

There was a stairwell at the front and the back of the building. The stairwell located at the front of the building off of First Street had two sets of stairs, one on either side. The steps were metal and were painted a glossy green. The stairs led to the same type of stairwell area on the second floor. The stairwell at the rear of the building differed from the front. The staircase going from the first floor to the second floor was a double wide staircase, but only to a landing that was halfway between the two floors. The stairs then reversed and were then two sets of stairs on either side of the stairwell. If you were to continue up to the third floor, which by the way was SO AGAINST THE RULES, repeated the same pattern as the stairs between the first and second floor. The school contained grades 1 through 8, but at one time in years prior to my attendance, Holy Name also contained grades 9 thru 12. Each classroom had the standard half glass doors leading into them. There were double hung windows that surrounded the two outside walls and would let in an amazing amount of light. The between lower sash was easy for the teachers to reach, but the upper panes took a bit more dexterity. Each room had a long wooden pole with a hook-type attachment on one end. The end of the hook would be inserted into a hole at the very top of the upper pane and then be used to open or close the upper portion of the window. The two interior walls of each classroom were lined with slate blackboards. I recall how at Christmas vacation and at the end of each school year, the slate was “oiled” by the nuns in order to have them fresh and looking like new when students returned.

 Behind the blackboards at the front of the class were long and narrow “cloak rooms.” Not COAT rooms, but CLOAK rooms. Never understood that as a child either. There was usually a utility sink at one end and a wooden shelf that ran the length of each side of the room. Underneath the shelf were double hooks that held our coats and hats. We never had backpacks or even heard of them, but some of the kids used to carry “bookbags.” The shelves usually held our lunch boxes or brown bags. I wasn’t a lunch carrier normally, but would get my lunch from the cafeteria at 25¢ each day (more on that later).

Our desks were lined up in a row facing the from of the room. They were attached to wooden runners, so once you were in your seat, you didn’t move. You were pretty much stuck with your neighbors at that point. Seats were rarely reassigned, but on occasion, a serious breech of conduct MIGHT place a student at a desk a bit closer to the front. Those kinks were pretty much ironed out before the start of the year. I am sure the nuns would share student horror stories back at the convent, perhaps while sipping some alter wine?? It was always a crap shoot as to where you’d sit, but somehow, the more “active” or “favored” students would end up at more visible desks.

 I remember very few things about first grade, after all, that was WAY back in 1957:

  • What I do remember is how comforting Sister Incarnata was. I never attended kindergarten, and to tell you the truth, I’m not sure if it existed back then. The job of weaning a roomful of 5 and 6 year olds away from their doting moms must have been a daunting task.
  • I also remember a little glossy black cardboard box that contained individual letters on what was a manila folder type cardboard. Usually, each student had a box to work from. This was not something we did on an everyday basis. I recall having to spell out words with the letters and then the good sister would walk around the classroom and review our work. I will admit, I really needed spellcheck in those days!!
  • The other little item I recall is that it was in first grade that I had my first crush, Mary Petrozza! Of course, I wasn’t alone in my admiration. There were several other little guys who’s hearts were aflutter around Mary. I remember that Mary had this rocking habit when she sat at her desk. It was very similar to what one does when holding an infant and gently swaying in order to comfort the wee one. Mary, if you are reading this, find comfort in the fact that I got over it and have moved on.

 I can’t wait to tell you more about Holy Name. It really holds fond memories for me. I would love to hear some of your experiences, so don’t forget to comment. Most importantly, don’t forget to check back for more stories. If you would like, you can click the subscribe button in the right hand column of this page towards the top. Doing so will alert you to new postings so you won’t miss any. Just a thought, not a necessity. In the meantime, Mary, I hope you are happy and doing well…..rock on baby!!

Posted in Church and School - Holy Name | 21 Comments