A Buck and a Quarter and a WHOLE Lot of Fun!

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Jim

There came a point in every Duquesne young person’s life when it was time to find an opportunity to earn money during the summer. Although 16 was the normal hiring age, we had the advantage of being able to get work permits that let us get a job at 15 years of age. (There were a lot of places that would hire even younger workers and pay them “underthe table” as well.) With places like Kennywood within walking distance, it normally wasn’t difficult to find employment during the summer. In addition to Kennywood, there were countless other opportunities for employment in the area.

My parents, as well as the majority of Duquesne parents, encouraged their kids to find work each summer. Their purpose was multifaceted since employment meant:

• A source for spending money for summer activities for their teenager

• They didn’t have to give their teenager spending money

• It built a sense of responsibility within their teenager

• AND it got us out of their hair for at least 8 hours a day!!

During the time I was a working teenager, the minimum wage was $1.25 per hour. To receive a pay envelope at the end of the work week was pure heaven. I can still remember the thrill of feeling the weight and thickness of the cash heavy, white pay envelope as it was handed to me. Remember how exciting it was to open up that pay envelope and count the cash? That “Buck and a Quarter” per hour meant the world to us.

It was around 1965 when I began working full time during summer vacations. Since it was just my dad, brother and I, we never took any vacations away from home during the summers. For my brother Steve and myself, it was pure and simply a time to earn some money and have some fun. There was always urging from Dad to save some of our earnings, but I would have none of that. I simply wanted to spend the money on “all things Jim,’’ and I did!

Admission to Kennywood was non-existent, so I was free to spend my cash on tickets, games and such. I did have to pay for admission to the swimming pool, but that was under $2.00, and well worth it. We would also frequent the Blue Dell Pool on Route 30 in North Versailles. The price was less, there were fewer people and we always had a great time. I’d always save bit of my money for the movies, but again, that was never a huge expense.

My two favorite places to shop were at Kadar’s in Duquesne Village Shopping Center and at Standard Sportswear in Eastland. They always had some really “cool” clothes that were totally in style. I remember the first outfit I ever bought consisted of a pair of “baggies,” which were wide leg pants with huge cuffs in the strangest colors and patterns you could think of. Mine were navy and dark pink plaid. I bought a navy long sleeve knit shirt to match them and felt “TOTALLY RAD” as we used to say. Today, I would call it tackey.

Perhaps the largest part of my pay would go to my beloved NRM (National Record Mart,) both in McKeesport and in Eastland. I purchased my very first 45 rpm record in 1962 at NRM and it was titled Telstar, by the Tornados. The NRM in McKeesport was located by the railroad tracks. I remember that there was a candy store near it, and I think it was a called Fanny Farmer. I also remember a store called “Book Sale” that had thousands of really cheap books. The walls were filled with paperback with the covers torn off. Eventually, National Record Mart moved to a location that was right on 5th Avenue, closer to Cox’s if I recall.

Each week, I would pick-up the KQV Top 20 list from NRM and decide what records I was going to buy. I rarely bought albums but rather kept buying 45’s. In fact, I still have my entire collection of over 500 45’s. They’re not in the best condition, however whenever if I am feeling really nostalgic, I’ll pop one on my turntable for old time’s sake. In addition to buying Top 20 45’s, I used to love shifting through the “Irregular Bin” of 45’s at Woolworth’s or Murphy’s. They were the ones that would either be stamped with an “NR” on the label, but more often would have a small hole burned through the label. I was able to acquire some real gems by taking time and checking out those 45 RPM treasures.

Certainly, my summer jobs and what they paid provided a steady source of enjoyment for me as well as every teenager in Duquesne who landed one. In addition to the financial rewards, the hopes of my parents were realized as well. I believe that those jobs helped to form the foundation of my personal work ethic. My dad made sure I understood that accepting a summer job meant that I was responsible for working my scheduled hours, for showing up on time and for working as hard as I could to earn my pay.

I carried those values into my adult life, and still feel that demonstrating a strong work principle is of paramount importance for any profession. As I progressed in my career, the values that I acquired from my early work experience, as well as from the examples set by thousands of hard working Hunkys in Duquesne, allowed me to succeed beyond my own expectations. Thank you Dad and thank you Duquesne.

I have to confess that one of the reasons I wrote this post about “employment,” was to use it as a vehicle to tell you about another BLOG that I am now writing. Actually, about a year ago, I decided that I needed to release my frustrations and began to write a blog about the aggravations, exasperations and disillusionment that I’ve suffered while trying to find “gainful employment.”

Once, when I was a proud member of the group known as “Baby Boomers,” the world was my oyster. A baby boomer is defined as a person who was born during the demographic Post-World War II baby boom between the years 1946 and 1964, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Unfortunately, according to the realities of the world as it is in 2012, “Baby Boomers” looking for employment are now classified as “Aged Jobseekers.” WOW! When did that happen???

I have republished the first two posts from my 2nd blog and would like to invite you to check them out. The blog is appropriately titled – “I HAD A BIRTHDAY, NOT A LOBOTOMY!” I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, suggestions and experiences. If nothing else, this will be a great place for all of us to commiserate with each other. So take a moment and click the links below to visit my new blog.

 # 1  I Had a Birthday – Not a Lobotomy! – An Introduction

AND………………………………….

#2 –  Judging the Cover

See you there!

 

 

 

 

Posted in Jobs, Stores and Businesses | 9 Comments

In Heaven There Is No Beer – BUT in Kennywood?!?!

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Jim

I know I said that I wasn’t going to write any more posts, but I’m finding that it’s easier said than done to withdraw from thinking about Duquesne. For that reason, here I go again.

Judy and I have had a grand time this weekend. My daughter Megan has been visiting us along with Jackson, our grandson. We decided to take a walk on the Boardwalk in Ocean City today. After Memorial Day, the Boardwalk is usually packed on the weekends, and tonight was no exception. Fortunately, it wasn’t stifling hot and humid as it normally could be. Instead, the evening was fully of cool breezes and low humidity. As we walked, Jackson was enthralled with all of the people, the smells, the sounds and the bright, colorful lights that illuminated the shops and rides along the Boardwalk.

There were moments all along our journey when I was transported back to a time when similar sounds and smells surrounded me in the same way. If I closed my eyes, I felt as if were walking along the lagoon in Kennywood Park on an early summer evening. The sounds of riders screaming while riding the steel coaster at the Inlet in Ocean City could be heard in the background, teenager girls chattering and giggling, the aroma of freshly popped popcorn from Fisher’s and that unmistakable smell of French fries being prepared at Thrasher’s. The only sound missing was the clacking of the cars climbing the hills of one of Kennywood’s wooden coasters.

I’ve come to realize that I write a great deal about Kennywood Park, but it was such a constant part of my life, it hard to ignore so many recollections. I often have random memories that really don’t fit together as a cohesive story. For instance:

• Remember when the Laff-in-the-Dark was the first ride that you encountered when entering out of the parking lot tunnel? It was located where the Turnpike was recently. It always scared the bejesus out of me, especially with Laffing Sally out front in the ticket booth.

• Watching people enjoying themselves rowing around the lagoon in metal rowboats wielding oars always looked fun. It was only when I attempted to row that boat when I was on a date did I realize that it wasn’t an easy job at all! I ended up only making it once around the stage portion of the lagoon.

• The Penny Arcade always had a special sound. All of the bells, dings and whistles were mechanical as I was going up. There wasn’t a single electronic tone to be heard. In addition, the different attraction only cost a penny or two.

• I remember watching the French fry conveyer belt that was in the refreshment stand across from the Jack Rabbit

• I miss the silver rocket ships that were part of the lagoon scene, and the tunnel you had to go through to get to them.

• Remember the chalk figurines that you could win at the milk bottle and other games?

• I miss the Kennywood Restaurant that had tables with tablecloths, waitresses, green Fiestaware, and great freshly prepared food!

• I used to love the white sailor hats with your name embroidered.

I’m sure that you have dozens and dozens of other memories. Let me know if you do.

In the meantime, Kennywood has been in the news for a different reason lately:

It appears that for the first time since it opened, Kennywood Park may begin selling beer to park visitors. In April of this year, the West Mifflin Borough council unanimously agreed and voted in favor of the idea. In order to make the proposal to come to fruition, the council voted in favor of a resolution to obtain the liquor license by transferring it from a McKeesport restaurant that had closed to the owner of Kennywood.

If Kennywood is able to gain definitive approval from the state Liquor Control Board for the license, the plans are to sell beer in a specified, fenced-off section within the park, to commence sometime after the school picnic season.

The specified area would be located on the north side of the lagoon, about 250 feet from the entrance to Kiddieland. It would be required that the beer is bought and consumed inside the designated area. The area would have only one entrance and exit. It would be monitored by park personnel who are taught how to check identification and recognize signs of intoxication. Park spokesman Jeff Filicko stated, “If guests do not know how to stop drinking, we can recognize the signs and make the decision for them.”

The proposal for beer sales was influenced by requests from the public as well as by favorable feedback to special Oktoberfest events where alcohol was served.

So, what do you think about the idea of beer sales at Kennywood? Take a second and vote yes or no in the Duquesne Hunky Beer Poll.

Thought you’d enjoy a few articles from the Times

Posted in Food and Restaurants, Kennywood, Surveys and Opinions | 13 Comments

The End of the Line

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Jim

Well, it appears that I have run the gamut of my memories of growing up in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. The past two years have been so enjoyable, and reminiscing with you has been nothing short of remarkable. From moments in time at Kennywood Park, Holy Name School, and shopping “downtown,” to recalling family celebrations, favorite Hunky foods and places to eat around our hometown, we seemed to have covered it all.

Thank you all for sharing all of your recollections. I sincerely hope that you have been able to reconnect to friends long forgotten and will continue to share experiences. There have been over 125,000 hits on this blog and over 1800 comments from all of you. I have sincerely enjoyed writing for you and recalling those special times of our lives.

The blog (www.duquesnehunky.com) will continue to remain active, so please feel free to continue to use it as a conduit to your Duquesne friends. If anyone has photos or an article to contribute, please feel free to email me at duquesnehunky@gmail.com.

Take care my friends, and God bless.

Jim Volk – The Duquesne Hunky

Posted in Miscellaneous | 31 Comments

Happy Birthday Mr. President

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Jim

Let’s face it, when a person reaches a certain age, one’s paradigm shifts from what “is” to what “was.” There is such comfort to be able to reminisce about those times when life was simpler, friends were numerous, and we were still surrounded by our parents, siblings, extended families and caring neighbors. I will never tire of remembering those times.

 Remembering certain occasions during my youth most often brings joy; however, there are memories of some events that trigger great sadness. Oddly, those tragic incidents are the ones that we often remember with striking clarity.

 It was 50 years ago, on May 19, 1962, that Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” during a birthday celebration in his honor at Madison Square Gardens in New York City, ten days before the actual day of his 45th birthday. Monroe sang the traditional “Happy Birthday to You” lyrics in a sultry voice, with “Mr. President” inserted as Kennedy’s name.

Monroe continued the song with a snippet from the classic song, “Thanks for the Memory”, for which she had written new lyrics specifically aimed at Kennedy. Afterwards, President Kennedy came on stage and joked about the song, saying, “I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way,” alluding to Monroe’s delivery, her racy dress, and her general image as a sex symbol.

The song and Monroe’s performance have been remembered for numerous reasons, but mostly due to the fact that it was one of her last major public appearances (Monroe died August 5, 1962).

 

 

Tuesday, May 29th would have been President John F. Kennedy’s 95th birthday.  It has been over 48 years since his assassination on November 22, 1963, yet that day will forever be indelibly etched in every U.S. citizen’s mind. In my lifetime, there has been only one other event that equals the impact of that day in November, that day being September 11, 2001.

It is with vivid clarity that I recall the events in MY day in 1963 when we first learned of the shooting in Dallas, Texas. I was in the 7th grade at Holy Name. Sister Mary Immaculate was our teacher. Shortly after 1:30 Eastern Time, Sister Mary Daniel entered the room along with her class of 8th graders, followed shortly by Sister Clementine and her 6th grade class. Sister Mary Danial told us we were going to watch the news reports about what had happened in Dallas, Texas just minutes earlier. She then broke the news to the students about the shooting of President Kennedy. I was only 11 at the time, but I still recall being numbed by the news. Even now, it all seems rather surreal. It was as if the world started to move in slow motion, and the events that occurred in the days that followed all seemed just as surreal.

 It was a Friday, and school was dismissed early that day. Parents waited for their children outside the school. Moms were crying. People flocked to the church that day. The entire city of Duquesne moved in disbelief for the days that followed, and the streets were practically deserted.

At our house, and virtually every home in the nation, people were glued to their television sets for hours on end. Events unfolded before our eyes, and we were witness to history as it occurred. Iconic images of the events will be a part of history forever.

 I’d be very interested to hear how you remember that tragic day in November 1963. Where were you? Who were you with? What were you doing, and how did that day and the days that followed unfold in your life? Please share, and in the meantime, Happy Birthday Mr. President!

Posted in Historic Events | 6 Comments

A Memorial Day Post

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Jim

Its around 2:30 in the afternoon on a rather hot day at the beach. I am winding down at the office, getting ready for a weekend Memorial Day trip to visit my daughters in the Philadelphia area. I decided to check my email and found several emails from friends I have made as a result of writing The Duquesne Hunky. This week has been so crazy for me, I’ve neglected to write a post since earlier this week. As a result, I am going to ask your indulgence and forgiveness for taking an easy way out.

I am posting photos that I took in 1963 during my brother Steve’s Holy Name Elementary School Graduation.  I remember taking these pictures. I was in 6th grade and I was super impressed with myself. After all, I got to “hang” with the big kids!  I thought you might enjoy this little respite and journey back to 1963. Hopefully, I haven’t posted these pictures before, but incase I did, chalk it up to old age!

Before you check out the photographs, I’d like you to read the story below. The signifigance is obvious since we are about to celebrate Memorial Day. However, to me there is even deeper meaning since it was sent to me to read by my 25 year old daughter, Abby. To know that my daughter is respectful and understanding of those who sacrificed so much for her freedom makes me a very proud Dad!

The author of the following story is unknown:

As I came out of the supermarket that sunny day, pushing my cart of groceries towards my car, I saw an old man with the hood of his car up and a lady sitting inside the car with the door open.   The old man was looking at the engine. I put my groceries away in my car, and continued to watch the old gentleman from about twenty five feet away.  

I saw a young man in his early twenties with a grocery bag in his arm walking towards the old man. The old gentleman saw him coming too, and took a few steps towards him.   I saw the old gentleman point to his open hood and say something. The young man put his grocery bag into what looked like a brand new Cadillac Escalade. He then turned back to the old man. I heard him yell at the old gentleman saying:   ‘You shouldn’t even be allowed to drive a car at your age.’ And then with a wave of his hand, he got in his car and peeled rubber out of the parking lot.  

I saw the old gentleman pull out his handkerchief, and mop his brow as he went back to his car and again looked at the engine.   He then went to his wife and spoke with her; he appeared to tell her it would be okay. I had seen enough, and I approached the old man. He saw me coming and stood straight, and as I got near him I said, ‘Looks like you’re having a  problem.’   He smiled sheepishly, and quietly nodded his head. I looked under the hood myself, and knew that whatever the problem was, it was beyond me. Looking around, I saw a gas station up the road, and I told the old man that I would be right back.

I drove to the station and went I inside. I saw three attendants working on cars. I approached one of them, and related the problem the old man had with his car. I offered to pay them if they could follow me back down and help him.   The old man had pushed the heavy car under the shade of a tree and appeared to be comforting his wife. When he saw us he straightened up and thanked me for my help.

As the mechanics diagnosed the problem (overheated engine), I spoke with the old gentleman.   When I shook hands with  him earlier, he had noticed my Marine Corps ring and had commented about it, telling me that he had been a Marine too. I nodded and asked the usual question, ‘What outfit did you serve with?’   He said that he served with the first Marine Division at Guadal Canal Pelieliu, and Okinawa.   He had hit three of the worst ones, and retired from the Corps after the war was over.

As we talked we heard the engine start and saw the mechanics lower the hood. They came over to us as the old man reached for his wallet, but was stopped by me. I told him I would just put the bill on my AAA card.   He still reached for the wallet and handed me a card that I assumed had his name and address on it, and I stuck it in my pocket. We all shook hands all around again, and I said my goodbyes to his wife.  

I then told the two mechanics that I would follow them back up to the station. Once at the station, I told them that they had interrupted their own jobs to come along with me and help the old man. I said I wanted to pay for the help, but they refused to charge me.   One of them pulled out a card from his pocket, looking exactly like the card the old man had given tome. Both of the men told me then that they were Marine Corps Reserves. Once again we shook hands all around and as I was leaving, one of them told me I should look at the card the old man had given to me. I said I would and drove off.  

For some reason I had gone about two blocks, when I pulled over and took the card out of my pocket and looked at it for a long, long time.  The name of the old gentleman was on the card in golden leaf and under his name was written: ‘Congressional Medal of Honor Society.’ I sat there motionless, looking at the card and reading it over and over. I looked up from the card and smiled to no one but myself and marveled that on this day, four Marines had all come together because one of us needed help. He was an old man all right, but it felt good to have stood next to greatness and courage, and an honor to have been in his presence.  

Remember, as we approach another Memorial Day, OLD men like him gave you, and all of us, FREEDOM for America . Thanks to those who served and still serve, and to all of those who supported them, and who continue to support them.    Remember, Freedom isn’t Free. Thousands have paid the price, so that you can enjoy what you have today.

LET’S DO THIS: JUST 19 WORDS: GOD OUR FATHER, WALK THROUGH MY HOUSE AND TAKE AWAY ALL MY WORRIES; AND PLEASE WATCH OVER AND HEAL MY FAMILY; AND PLEASE PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS, AND WATCH OVER OUR TROOPS, WHO ARE DEFENDING THOSE FREEDOMS. AMEN  

HOLY NAME 8TH GRADE GRADUATION 1963

 

 

 

Posted in Church and School - Holy Name | 3 Comments

Duquesne’s Got Talent

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Jim

I am fortunate to be the father of two wonderful daughters. They have both grown up to be spectacular women and I couldn’t be prouder. I enjoyed every aspect of their childhood and look back on their childhood adventures with great fondness. Both Megan and Abby were outstanding students, involved in our church, avid sports team members, and passionate dance students. Both girls took years of dance lessons ranging from ballet to flamenco dancing. They attended dance lessons in local dance studios in the areas we lived in, and every Spring, took part in the dance school recitals.

I believe that in America, it has become a rite of passage for young ladies and sometimes, young men, to be enrolled in dance classes. The Duquesne of my youth was no different. I remember attending dance recitals when my cousin Karla took lessons at “Pat’s Dance Studio” in Duquesne Place. They were held at the library, and there was always an air of excitment and a “Broadway” type feeling in the theatre on the night of the event. 

I dug through some issues of the Duquesne Times and discovered that two sisters owned a dance studio in Duquesne called The McWilliams Sister’s School of Dance. Claudia Repko Misage, once posted a comment about these  sisters, so I know they are familiar to some of you. Cassie and Ann McWilliams started their School of Dance in 1936, and their very first “Danceland Review” took place at the Duquesne Library in June, 1937.

For your enjoyment, I am posting two different articles from The Duquesne Times regarding the McWilliams sisters. The first was published in 1937, and announces the very first of their annual Danceland Reviews that featured their students. The second article outlines the progam and participants from their 1952 production of the Danceland Review, held 60 years ago. I am sure you will recognize many of the student’s names and for most of you who were participants, I’m sure a smile will lighten you face.  My apologies to any of the guys out there who had hoped their dance review days were long forgotten. However, with the popularity of programs such as Dancing With The Stars, there’s an entirely new found admiration for the dancer in all of us.

THE DUQUESNE TIMES – MAY 21, 1937

THE DUQUESNE TIMES – THURSDAY, MAY 29, 1952

I never saw any of the productions of Danceland Review when I was growing up. The dance recitals I remember were presented at the Carnegie Library by the students of “Pat’s School of Dance,” which was located on Kennywood Blvd in Duquesne Place. I remember both my cousin Paula and Karla Goldman attended the school, and I often went with my Aunt Mary as she observed the classes in session.

The school’s owner was a Duquesne High School 1961 graduate, Pat Kelleher. Pat later married and became Pat Dynoske. She operated the school for 43 and stepped down in 2003. The article below was published in 2003 and paid tribute to one of Duquesne’s own.

Posted in Duquesne Carnegie Library, Duquesne Talent, Stores and Businesses | 15 Comments

Mother’s Day In Duquesne

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Jim

I have returned! I have to apologize for the lapse of time since my last post. I really have no excuses, just a bit of laziness to blame. I actually made a very quick trip up to the Duquesne area over Mother’s Day weekend so I have been on the road a lot. The purpose of my Duquesne trip was for my cousin Tom Volk’s 60th Birthday Luau. It was held at The Mifflin Club in West Mifflin and everyone had a great time. Just to be able to get together with my family on such a beautiful day and in such a super setting was worth the trip.

I have to admit that I am still recovering from the 16 hour drive to and from in less than 48 hours. I promise that I will recap a little bit more of the trip, but I wanted to just write a little about the special day that occurred this weekend, MOTHER’S DAY.

From what I recall, Mother’s Day in Duquesne was often celebrated in a special way, depending on the age and faith of the family. As a member of the Holy Name Parish, First Holy Communions were often celebrated on Mother’s Day Sunday. I can’t say for certain if it was the same in other parishes. If I am correct and Mother’s Day was set aside for First Holy Communions, I feel bad for the moms that were involved. Can you imagine preparing for not only the whole religious ceremony, but the huge hunky celebration that ensured following the event! Every aunt, uncle and cousin was invited to the house for to commemorate the occasion, to honor the First Communicant and to (of course), eat, drink and be merry!

Below is a picture of the Holy Name 1957 First Communicants. I don’t recognize the two Celebrants in the photo, and only four of the children. I am posting two copies of the same picture, one of which has numbers for each child. If you happen to recognize yourself or a another child, be sure to leave a comment identifying the boy or girl. Happy remembering AND a belated Happy Mother’s Day!

#1 – Richie Welsh, #2 – Bob Cheke, #3 – Peter Kanski, #4 – Pat Canevin, #5 – Tommy Puskaric, #6 – Vendalin Zurvalik,  #7 – Mike O’Malley, #8 – Eugene Hartman, #9 – Gary Newmeyer, #10 – Tom Duffy, #11 – James Smouse, #12 – Ray Flannagan, #13A – Christopher Betsch, #13B – Thomas Carr, #14 – Rich Miller. #15 – Carl Cimbala, #16 – Mark Petrozza, #17 – Steve Volk, #18 – Darryl Frizzi, #19 – Steve Gorshak, #20 – Ray Elko, #22 – Gary Nagy, #23 – Dennis Stanko, #25 – Joe Connelly, #26 – Rich Mullins, #27 – Kurt Slavin, #28 – Ed Belbak, #29 – Janet Spade, #30 Judy Merisko, #31 – Irene Needham, #32 Bonnie Dagle, #33 – Susan Terza, #34 – Pamela Olson, #36 – Diane Bergel, #37 – Diane Smith, #38 – Diane Casey, #39 – Marcia Bazylak, #40 Linda Fendrick, #41 Christine Petrozza, #42 Colleen O’Neill, #43 – Diane Smith #44 – Paula Goldman, #45 – Clare Hemminger, #46 – Carol Prince, #48 – Joanne Spanitz, # 50 – Donna Salopek, #54 – Patty Wagner

As you help me identify the children, I’ll continue to update the list!

In closing, I thought it appropriate to understand what Mother’s Day was supposed to be all about. Hallmark strikes again! I checked out Wikipedia and for the following brief history of Mother’s Day:

The United States celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. Julia Ward Howe first issued her Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870 as a call for women to join in support of disarmament, and asked for June 2, 1872, to be established as a “Mother’s Day for Peace”. Howe’s day was not for honoring mothers but for organizing pacifist mothers against war. In the 1880s and 1890s there were several further attempts to establish an American Mother’s Day, but these did not succeed beyond the local level. The current holiday was created by Anna Jarvis in Grafton, West Virginia, in 1908 as a day to honor one’s mother. Jarvis wanted to accomplish her mother’s dream of making a celebration for all mothers, although the idea did not take off until she enlisted the services of wealthy Philadelphia merchant John Wanamaker. She kept promoting the holiday until President Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday in 1914. The holiday eventually became so highly commercialized that many, including its founder, Anna Jarvis, considered it a “Hallmark holiday,” i.e. one with an overwhelming commercial purpose. Jarvis eventually ended up opposing the holiday she had helped to create. She died in 1948, regretting what had become of her holiday. In the United States, Mother’s Day remains one of the biggest days for sales of flowers, greeting cards, and the like; it is also the biggest holiday for long-distance telephone calls. Moreover, churchgoing is also popular, yielding the highest church attendance after Christmas Eve and Easter. Many worshipers celebrate the day with carnations, colored if the mother is living and white if she is dead.

Posted in Church and School - Holy Name, Parents | 12 Comments

Big Events In Our Small Town

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Jim

BIG EVENTS IN DUQUESNE

60 years ago, on May 1, 1952, the circus came to town. I found the the picture above in The Duquesne News. Can you imagine the thrill in seeing a sight like this on the streets of Duquesne!?! Aside from the obvious pachyderms, I enjoyed seeing the bricked streets and the streetcar tracks. From what I can tell, this parade appeared to be marching across the intersection of North 1st and Grant Avenue, directly in front of the Duquesne City Bank. Although the photo is grainy, notice how well everyone appears to be dressed!

In that same edition of the Times, the following program appeared and outlined the cast of characters and participants in the Senior Class Play, PINK MAGIC.” It took place 60 years ago today, May 2, 1952! It would be great if you can sound in on the production and whether you remember it or even participated in it!

Posted in Kennywood, Miscellaneous | 14 Comments

Gifts from my Childhood

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Jim

The last thing that I wanted to do when writing this blog was to become philosophical. Unfortunately, some events just bring out an innate need to overanalyze some of my behaviors, thoughts and points-of-view. Let me give you an example:

……………. I love music. I usually need to have music playing in order to work or think efficiently and effectively. In spite of my age (ugh), I am very open to most music genres. I certainly have my favorites, however as my daughters were growing-up, I became more tolerant and even appreciative of musical artists of their era as well as most of today’s artists.

I thought a lot about this today. I was talking with a co-worker and discussing how much my mom, dad, aunts and uncles influenced my musical tastes. I was provided with so many opportunities to experience all types of music.

My parents and most of my adult relatives were Big Band Era fans. During family events such as weddings or holiday gatherings, they would often pop on some Billy Vaughn or Mantovani and take to “cutting the rug” as they did when they were younger.

Through their musical preferences, I was able to develop a real appreciation for music. My Aunt Mary had a HUGE impact on my musical tastes. She loved hearing a good voice. Eddie Fisher, Connie Francis, Nat King Cole, Patsy Cline, and Kay Starr were just a few of her favorites. We would turn into WTAE Channel 4 every Saturday night and watch The Lawrence Welk Show. Aunt Mary, along with my cousins Paula and Karla would provide cynical commentary throughout the show, laughing at the bubbles and the overall corniness of the program, but enjoyed it nonetheless. Aunt Mary’s favorite point to make was the fact that Lawrence Welk, in spite of being born in North Dakota, would always speak with a German accent.

I checked Wikipedia and found the following information about Mr. Welk:

“A common misconception is that Welk did not learn English until he was 21. In fact, he began learning English as soon as he started school. The part of North Dakota where he lived had been settled largely by Germans from Russia; even his teachers spoke English as a second language. Welk thus acquired his trademark accent, a combination of the Russian and German accents. He took elocution lessons in the 1950s and could speak almost accent-free, but he realized his public expected to hear him say: “A-one, an-a-two” and “Wunnerful, Wunnerful!” When he was asked about his ancestry, he would always reply “Alsace-Lorraine, Germany,” from where his forebears had emigrated to Russia (and which, at the time of Welk’s birth in 1903, had become part of the German Empire).” 

…………….Living in Duquesne gave me an opportunity to be exposed to the wonderful ethnic music of my hunky heritage. In those days, a wedding reception was never complete until dozens of polkas had been played. Inevitably, all of the ladies and even some gentlemen would take to the dance floor to dance the Hungarian Chardash ( Csárdás.) I was pulled out of my chair several times by my relatives to join in the Chardash. Of course I had NO idea what I was doing, however I  realized after just a few minutes that no one else did either!

On a few occasions, living so close to Pittsburgh afforded us the opportunity to see the Duquesne University Tamburitzans perform. Those performances exposed us to even more of our culture, and a deepening appreciation for its music.  International Village in McKeesport provided another opportunity to  connect to our ethnic musical roots as well. Every Sunday when we would visit my grandparents on Duquesne Ave., my grandpa or my Uncle Henry (a.k.a. uncle Chin) would have the radio tuned into a special program of Slovakian music and polkas. It was always part of my life.

 

I can’t thank my parents, relatives, Holy Name School and Church, the City of Duquesne and all of my ancestors enough for the wonderful gift of music appreciation that they gave to me.

…………………….. Music is but one of the many lifelong gifts that I received duirng my childhood in Duquesne. I have written before about so many aspects of life in Duquesne that made me the person I am today and that molded my character. I consider each character building event to be a gift. I often think about a quote from H. Jackson Brown’s book “Life’s Little Instruction Book” when I try to describe the type of person each of our parents raised us to be – “Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you.”

 In 1996, author William J Bennet published The Moral Compass, an inspiring and instructive work that offers many more examples of good and bad, right and wrong, in great works from literature and in exemplary stories from history. The piece is organized by the stages along life’s journey, with stories and poems that serve as reference points on a moral compass, guiding the reader through the ethical and spiritual challenges along the pathway of life: leaving home, entering into marriage, easing the burdens of others, nurturing one’s children, and fulfilling the obligations of citizenship and leadership.

 Drawn from familiar Western history and mythology as well as a wide selection of tales and folklore from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the stories in The Moral Compass are literary and evocative, designed to inspire as well as instruct.

 A useful way to think about your “moral compass” is to think of it like an ordinary compass with true North representing Integrity, South – Forgiveness, East -Compassion, and West – Responsibility. These four universal principles are honored in some form by people of all races and religions, regardless of gender.

 There is no question in my mind that my parents, relatives and virtually every person I came into contact with while growing-up in Duquesne lived their lives according to this compass.  These four principles were an innate part of every person’s being. Occasionally, everyone would falter to some degree, but the principles served as the backbone of the community.

I have to admit,  I can’t help but laugh when I think about the “Southern Point” of the moral compass when it came to my father. Forgiveness came very easily to him. Nothing was a big deal. He was thick skinned, unlike me, and intended insults just bounced right off of him. He’d just laugh and crack a joke and defuse a situation without a problem. However, being a “bull-headed hunky,” he would occcasionally hold a grudge. For example, he and my Uncle Lou Goldman were always great friends. They drank together, they played cards together, and at one time they and their families even lived together. They were both staunch members of the GBU in Duquesne, located at the corner of Grant Avenue and Norman St. They could normally be found sitting side-by-side at the club’s bar similar to Norm and Cliff from the TV program “Cheers” that was until they had a “falling out” one day. Their grudge, which manifested itself by their refusal to talk to one another, was a result of my dad opting out of a planned golf date. I have no idea what the circumstances were, but I can’t help but believe that Dad just decided he didn’t want to golf that particular day. Apparently this wasn’t the first time my dad suddenly decided not to keep a golf date with Uncle Lou, again, not hard to believe. I guess Uncle Lou had had enough and said something to my father, who said something back, which caused Uncle Lou to ‘vent” even more, and so on and so on. Anyway, these two bull heads ended up not speaking to each other for the remainder of my dad’s life! As strange as it seems, this “feud” ended up teaching me a lesson about the need for forgiveness and realizing how relationships are far more important than “being right.” It still makes me sad to know that my father and my Uncle Lou never reconciled before my dad passed away in 1999. I know Uncle Lou tried made peace with my dad when he came to pay his respects to my dad when he was laid out at Gregris Funeral Home on Kennedy Ave. While he said his final goodbyes to Dad, he slipped a golf ball into the casket as if to say “Goodbye old friend.”

…………………………….. Perhaps the most cherished gift that my parents, family and neighbors gave to me was their love of life and their savoir faire. Very little would upset my them. It seems that there was a “kinder and gentler” existence in Duquesne. The hostility that seems to permeate our world today was virtually non-existent as I was growing up. People were patient, people were far less judgmental, and road rage was unheard of. People laughed and smiled a lot more. Neighbors talked with one another and even visited each other! Every opportunity to celebrate a holiday was cherished and would usually result in either a family or neighborhood gathering. Family reunions were held every few years, not every few decades as they are now. Bigger wasn’t always better. Homes were modest and families were large. My parents didn’t complain about what they didn’t have, but rather embraced and improved and enriched the blessings they were given. Life was taken seriously, but never overwhelmed Mom or Dad. Somehow, with God’s blessings, challenges were overcome and life was lived to its fullest.

 Thank you Mom and Dad, and thank you Duquesne for all of the gifts you gave to us. It’s just too bad that it takes so long to realize how wonderful those gifts were!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in McKeesport, Miscellaneous, Parents | 3 Comments

The Faces of Angels

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Jim

The number of people that responded to my previous post today is astonishing. I never realized how much fun it is to try to remember our childhood friend’s name and face! Frank Mullen wrote and suggested that a picture that he had sent previously and that I had posted in a previous story. GREAT IDEA Frank! Perhaps we can all go on a scanvenger hunt in our memories for names. So here goes.

The picture below must have been taken between 1957 and 1959. Thant’s just a guess however. Even though I was not part of this picture, it is rich with memories for me. The  details are like chards of memories coming together to create a very clear memory for me.

I was not a member of this group, however it must have been the folowing year that I was able to become an altar boy. I remember the graphic wall covering that lined the walls of the Sanctuary, but cannot recall the colors. The 6 tall candles that stood on the altar were the High Mass candles and were lit at the 11 o’clock Sunday Mass. I always hated lighting them since I was short and had a lot of difficulty in reaching them. Inevitably, the wick had been tamped down into the wax somehow, and it was very hard to light. Of course, it didn’t help that I always felt that the eyes of everyone in the pews were upon me. I prefered lighting the small candles that are visable to the right of Frank Mullen in the back row. They were quick and easy and rarely gave me any problem.

Above the crucifix there were  painted golden stars on a sky blue background. It was a beautiful focal point for the altar, and I remember staring at it during mass. I think it was quite a feat to have this entire group of 35 boys to be able to recite their entire portion of the Mass in Latin. I came across my old missal last week as I was looking for old photographs and was rather amazed at the amount of Latin that we were required to memorize. “Et cum spiritu tuo” was just the beginning!

I remember that the altar was usually adorned with flowers. Often they were carry over decorations from a wedding that had been held on Saturday. Virtually every crook and cranny contained an arrangement, and there was usually the lingering scent of gladiolas, chrysanthemums and roses in the sanctuary. The memories are still very vivid for me.

Now, here is the challange for all of you. You need to purge your memory banks and help identify the faces in the photograph below. If you know any of them, just use the comment section and tell us who each of the numbered faces belongs to! Happy memory hunting, and “Dominus vobiscum!”

Posted in Church and School - Holy Name | 17 Comments