MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1929:

My very sharp 90 year old mother Marie McCauley Coster, class of 1929. shared these memories with me last week in Florida. ...." Nuns I remember Sr Alphonse 8th grade teacher and principal, Sisters Innolata, Bernardine, Mary Magalene, Ethel Rita, Anna Barbara, Francis DeSales. Classmates: Dorothy Braun, Eileen Heaney, Helen Bonacum, Martin Carroll, Rose Iaquinta, Violet Wasiak, Raymond Neubauer, Dorothy Weille, Margaret Barkhart, Helen Jahosky. Dorothy Braun received the General Excellency medal, I was class valedictorian and received a medal for Christian Doctrine given by the school and a medal given by the K of C Champlain Council for an essay. Later my brothers John, William and Francis, Joseph and a sister Edith McCauley Mezeski attended and graduated. Except John who died* Oct. 1927... The processions were always spectacular, especially the Mary Procession and Corpus Christi with its outdoor altars. My children attended St. mary's. Edith graduating in 1957 and William in 1958." * John was kicked in the shins and the dye from his sock entered the bloodstream and he died as a result of septicemia. This was before the discovery of antibiotics.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1940:

My Aunt Dolores Probala-Ferris dropped me a note regarding some teachers and students from the class of 1940:

Sr. Frances DeSales - taught my Aunt the violin and was head of the convent
Sr. Alphonse - principal
Sr. Maureen
Sr. Joan Cecilia
Sr. George Bernard
Sr. Thadeus
Sr. Albertres
Mrs. Gee - a lay teacher who used to have dinner at my grandmother's from time to time
Classmates she remembers:
George Loan
Peace
McLaughlin
Connie Deveraux deceased

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1941:

I found the original manuscript and a copy of the march I wrote when I was 13 yrs old for the St Marys Cadets Fife Drum and Bugle Corps [called tThe Spirit of St Mary's]... The copy that was given to the fifers to learn is something called an ozalid copy made from a linen master on a blueprint machine which was what we used before Xerox came out with their now famous copying system.

The book also contains hand transcribed and mimeo copies of pieces that the fife line played back in those days including Salutations, Dear Old 71st, Semper Fidelis, El Capitan, Glory to the Trumpets, Dress Parade and a host of others. If I come to the June 12 affair I will bring this book. I used to practice from it, and most of the other fifers had one like it too.

The Mrs Baird you were asking about is a... relative and was tragically killed on a Christmas Eve after being hit by a truck. 

When Father (later msgr) Fox came to St Mary's he sponsored all the youth activities that we all remember so well. The choir, Cadet Corps, the drama guild, among them. Fr. McInenly, the first moderator for the Cadets, was so short that he needed a stool to place the Monstrance on the altar for benediction, or for exposure of the Blessed Sacrament for 40 Hours. When WWII started he went into the service as a chaplain, and Fr Fleming took his place shortly thereafter. He started the drama guild and an arts and crafts club. The latter fizzled out, but the drama guild flourished as you well know. More later. All the best

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1943:

I was married in 1954 and took a picture with the following nuns - have it in my wedding album -Sisters Mary Janet, Rose Marie, Forence etc. [and] about 3 others also. I am married for 50 years to a wonderful husband had 3 sons and 3 daughters-18 grandchildren have lived in College Point, Northport.LI, Princeton.N.J., and for the last 30 years in St.Louis,MO. Still thonk about the great education I received with the Dominicans - I have taught in many catholic schools these past 50 years and I still sub in St. Louis --also teach religion to PSR students. I grew up near Calamus Ave & 74th St. and took a bus the IRT and the BMT to get to a Catholic High in N,Y. Remember Sr.Rose Dominic yelling at kids who were late we were all walkers in those days. Also no snow days ever, no nurse & we were never sick. Fr. Toole married me. I remeber going to the Cadillac with the Kinney Boys and the Kearneys - we all loved going to Irish Dances -- yes. I had a wonderful life growing up in St.Marys and shared my stories with hundreds of children these past 50 years. God Bless and keep up the good work. 

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1943:

Starting with 1935 – do you remember: the brick building outside the rear of the school, just before the play area? That was our outside loo, one side for boys and the other for girls.

 

the outside metal staircase to the second floor – a second entrance to the sixth grade classsroom?

 

the cement blocks in the LIRR embankment – on Sunday mornings ONLY, the LIRR made a special stop for all the people attending morning mass. It was not the easiest descent.

 

the Christmas Assembly, (1^st to 6^th grade attending in the morning, 7^th and 8^th plus family and friends in the afternoon. The pastor always ended his remarks with a vacation announcement (Christmas Holidays) and passed out Christmas candy (small boxes) to the students.

 

the Club House on the corner? Never saw the inside.

 

lunch in the South side of the school basement? Brown bag only. Before cafeteria.

 

report cards, and special testimonials – with blue ribbons for honor, and white ribbons for great honor.

 

the first school uniforms – by 6^th grade. They were tan blouses/shirts and dark blue skirts/trousers, and of course, a ribbon at the neck for girls, and a tie for boys.

 

helping issue ration books during World War II.

 

the Victory Garden which we established in the property opposite the rectory. (As we turned the soil, we discovered the previous occupant of the land was a smithy, and there were many accoutrements of the horse trade.

 

RULE:  NO GUM

 

Father Arthur Herold and Father Michael Fleming conducted Sunday evening CCD instructions in the church, followed by a dance in the school (live music provided by high school alumni).

 

Father Fleming also was instrumental in encouraging the dramatic bug in us. We had a series of one-act play competitions.

 

Once a week music classes conducted by Mrs. Maus.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1945

I graduated from St. Mary's in 1945. I have very fond memories of attending school there. I had Sister Lenore, Sister Rose Florence, Sister Dominick and many other wonderful teachers. I wonder what happened to my classmates. Some of them were - Joan Healy, Catherine Duignan, Richard Flynn, Donald Ahern, Marie Gonzalves, there were so many good friends. I hope they all write in. My sisters, Rosemary and Margaret were ahead of me in school and we all received a great education. My best to all who read this.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1948:

Nothing but great memories of all eight years at St Mary's. I still remember at least 3/4 of my classmates by name and face. Can you imagine one boy, me, who has no tales of mistreatment at the hands of those "feared" nuns and priests. An occasional reminder or scare, but that was it. (Of course, there are many current friends that also went to St Mary's who accuse me of having a poor or selective memory!)

Remember the cinder filled open space where the current church stands today. It served as a ball field for those of us who wolfed down our lunch and ran to play before school started again. Who would recall the ditch that paralleled the first / second base line that presented a challenge to fielding a ball. 

Then there was the game (?) of "Concentration Camp" ....what else would you expect after WWII .... in which the 8B guys would throw as many under class boys into a guarded area and keep them "captive" till the lunch period ended. Of course the faculty was not aware of this "maltreatment" by those, soon to be us "bully 8Bers".

Many memories of the 1940s have been fostered by some generous guys who, over recent years, have been arranging periodic luncheons for the St Mary's / Winfield crowd at a favorite Bayside Establishment.

Good luck to the Alumni Committee on this special endeavor and congrats on this website. 

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1949:

I remember the plays and how I wanted to get picked for a part.  Also, Sr. Kathleen Marie, Sr. Adalbert and dividing the class into 1A & 1b and I was so scared and didnt know I was a 1A and tried to keep up with the 1B's

Some of the nuns I remember, Sister M. Janet, Sister Rosemarie, Miss Gee, Sister Rose Florence, Sister Vincent Marie, Sister M. Bridget.  I think the principal was Sister Polycarp.
 
I remember that hill that was mentioned and the boys playing Johnny Ride a Pony. I felt very safe at St. Mary's and wanted so bad to be in the plays, but singing voice was not that good.

MORE THOUGHTS FROM THE CLASS OF '49

I recently read the memories of one member of our class and decided to share some of my recollections. 

In the late 1940s St, Mary's had a baseball team that competed in the Queens Alliance (more on that league later). If I remember my Queens geography, the field was on 51st Avenue, between 71st and 72nd Street and was appropriately called St. Mary's field. The team played on Sunday (doubleheaders) and also on Wednesday night, with the help of a portable lighting system that was rented for the evening. One of the players - Rudy Rufer- even had a brief stint in the major leagues. If you look in "Total Baseball" you will find that he had 2 hits in 26 bats for the 1949-50 New York Giants, who were managed by Leo Durocher. Other names I remember (though I can't guarantee the spelling ) were Tommy Wainright , George Lautenbach and Rudy Novissimo. The last named was a left-handed power- hitter, who to a 12 year old like myself, seemed to hit the ball further than Ted Williams. (Some of that reaction might have been due to the fact that 71st street crossed through a short right field.) When I was in my thirties I met a man, who claimed to be the only Jewish guy on the team, Marvin "Skeets" Feldman. I didn't recall him but the memories he shared with me tended to authenticate him. There was also a St. Mary's junior team, consisting mostly of high school guys.

For awhile the team wore the same uniforms as the St. Louis Browns, whose problems on the field and box office, forced them to move to Baltimore after the 1953 season, where they became today's Orioles. My father was briefly involved as a St. Mary's coach and told me that the Browns made some financial contribution to the team-either the uniforms themselves or a very modest cash donation. I've always wondered whether that was a fact or conjecture on his part; I can't imagine why a team in St. Louis which was in dire straits would help finance (however modestly) a church team in Woodside, N.Y. However, there must have been some reason the team's uniforms were modeled after the St. Louis Browns ; today's equivalent would be wearing those of the "Expos". If anyone really knows the basis of the connection, I'd love to hear from you.

The Queens Alliance was a very large group of club, town and (I think) semi- professional teams, who played every Sunday and , after a certain number of losses (4?) , were eliminated from a chance at the championship. (Oddly enough, I still remember that the Glendale Tigers or the Greenwald Jewelers seemed to win every year.) I don't know if the league still exists at all but I know the number of teams dropped drastically in the 50s. People just stopped going to "town" baseball ; they had more entertainment options because of the growth of home television and the resumption of car production , which had been halted by government edict during World War 2.

Most of my other first-reaction memories have already been posted by my classmate.. Other things that come to mind are a separate bathroom building, the fact that 14 of my 16 grade teachers were Dominican Nuns and the altar boy outings at Playland in Rye Beach. However, one just leaped into my mind that should give you a good laugh ; it was an incident that took place while taking our regents exams at St. Sebastian in Woodside, after we completed the eighth grade.

The nun proctoring the spelling exam, (I honestly don't remember who she was, except that she was from St. Mary's), told us that the elevated train overhead was very noisy and that it was essential that we listen very carefully to the words she told us to spell (in writing). With that preamble, she then said the first word was BUT-TER. She then repeated the two syllables, even more emphatically and distinctly, so that nobody, I mean nobody, could have missed the fact that there were two Ts.

I've enjoyed writing this and hope you found it interesting. If I'm wrong on an insignificant detail or two, forgive me. I didn't want that to stop me from sharing.

MEMORIES FROM THE 40's and 50's:

The Catholic grammar & high schools all had enrollment every 6 months as well as graduations. The Diocese did away with that  in 1957. Mary Louis "TMLA" we all had mandatory summer school in 1957 so we could graduate in 3 1/2 yrs and get schools all on a once a year enrollment / graduation. Also, the Catholic schools were very crowded and we had kids from other parishes in St. Mary's because there was no room for them & parents didn't want one kid in one school & the others in 2 different schools... To control 60+ kids there was a lot of discipline.

The Dominican Sisters who taught from 1947 to 1956:

K  - Sr Mary Bridget
1A - Sr Eva Marie
1B - Sr Jeremy
2A - Sr Pauline
3A -Sr Jane Frances
3B -Sr Pauline
4A -Sr Rose Florence
4B -Sr Mary John
5A -Sr Mary Janet
5B -Sr Trinita
6A -Sr Marie Denise
6B -Sr Vincent Marie
7A -Sr Jeremy
7B -Sr Vivian
8A -Sr Mary DePaul

8B -Sr Noemi

Principals:

Sr Hildegarde

Sr Mancini

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE 40's and 50's:

Our class graduated as a separate boys class (mid 1950's), taught by Sr. Kathleen Marie, now deceased.  The girls class of about the same size, was taught by Sr. Eugenie.  We attended classes in the clubhouse, and if memory serves me correctly, we were there for 7th and 8th grades.  We had been two classes of boys and girls until 7th grade when the decision was made to separate boys from girls.  Don't know the reason!!

I so well remember the 100th anniversary in 1954!!  We all paraded up 69th St.  I think that may have been the year a crown was presented to the statue of Mary Help of Christians that we were told was rescued from a fire that destroyed the original church sometime in the 1880's. The church as it is today was not there when I attended St. Mary's.  That ground was our play area.  The new church on the south corner of 70th street and 47th avenue was Montague's funeral home!! 

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE 40's and 50's:

Sr. Kathleen Marie as an 8th grade teacher.  She taught at St. Mary's from 1944 to 1955.  She also ran Mary's Sodality.  Our music teacher was Sr. Mary Alvera, but she traveled to us only one day a week. 

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1950:

Had Sr. Eugenie in 8A...tough as nails, but a great teacher...Sr. Kathleen Marie was the 8B and graduating class teacher... we used to go out to Amityville and take her to dinner about 10 or so years ago...she died in 1995 I believe...have obit somewhere...thanks for sending it to me...good to see her face again...just as I remembered it...

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1950:

Congratulations on your terrific site.  I am brand new to computer world and was thrilled to learn of your site.  It has brought back such good memories.  I too have memories of St. Marys. I remember that  the school  was built on a hill.  On the side of 47th ave, when you came out of the school {this was where the principal's office was} you had to go down the hill to get to the street.  There were some stairs there also but the kids used to just run down the hill.  I remember there was a family who lived there.  This was also the spot that when we had fire drills we went out to 47th ave.  I look forward to future trips to your web.  Thanks.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS 1951:

So many great memories. One of my favorite teachers - Sr. Liguori. She was transferred to a school in Brooklyn after she taught us but I remember her well. I also remember the boys playing a game I think was called "Johnny Rides the Pony" against the wall of a building between the school and the hill going down to the softball field. And the crossing guards at the corner -- just kids like ourselves helping to keep us safe. I also remember the musicals that we put on. I had a lead part in a couple of them and I seem to have always had a bit of ham in me since.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS 1951:

I REMEMBER: When the church was on 70 ST., When the spot where the "new " church is now was about 8 or 10 feet lower than it is now, where there was
an embankment where the kids had to go down to play at lunch ( on the spot of the new church ), that spot was where the 8A played the 8B in softball at lunchtime, where the entrance to the school , I think it was 47 AV, was 8 feet above grade and there were wooden stairs to get into the school from 47 AV, where the first Italian hero we saw was at DeLuca's on 47 Av and 69 St.  When I remember more you will hear from me.

Heroes were 15 cents. The best: fried potatoes on italian

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS 1951:

So many great memories. One of my favorite teachers - Sr. Liguori. She was transferred to a school in Brooklyn after she taught us but I remember her well. I also remember the boys playing a game I think was called "Johnny Rides the Pony" against the wall of a building between the school and the hill going down to the softball field. And the crossing guards at the corner -- just kids like ourselves helping to keep us safe. I also remember the musicals that we put on. I had a lead part in a couple of them and I seem to have always had a bit of ham in me since.

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS 1951:

Hi All...
St Mary's Help of Christians. Reading and writing and arithmetic, taught to the tune of a yardstick (hickory?).  What fond memories.  As time passes, we remember only the good times.  Sister Kathleen Marie, who I later learned was a Duffy.  My favorite!  Walking the L.I. Railroad for a shortcut.  The Maspeth line and the Woodside line.  The club house where the choir practiced while the rest of the school attended the 8.15 Mass. I was an alter boy and a choir boy.  I remember Miss Malvarose and Sister DePaul were in charge of the choir and Father Egan scared us as alter boy director.  Ad deaum, etc... .I was in the cadets but was thrown out for breaking the rules.  I still believe it was because they did not have an instrument for me.  I remember who was in charge.  What lovely uniforms and when they marched in St Pat's parade, how envious I was because they looked great.  The kids walking to St Mary's across St. Mary's ball field, where they had a very good baseball team and had night games and passed the hat.  St Mary's bazaar with carnival games and rides but most of all, the kids themselves.  The bigger kids, who were nice to us and the smaller kids we bullied and visa versa.  It was the best of times... it was the worst of times (where have I heard that before) but I was so happy there, I spent an extra 6 months.  Promoted on trial was always on my report card.  Thank You St. Mary's!!  May you live another 150 years!

 

EVEN MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS 1951:

Miss Malvarosa was not a regular classroom teacher. She ran the school choir and the adult choir. Apparently sometime after 1951 she married and was known as Mrs. Abbruzzo. All of the teachers in the early 50’s were nuns. Miss Malvarosa (Mrs. Abbruzzo) did not teach any classes as far as I can remember. 

Someone wrote about a goat in a lot on the way to the bus on 69th St. (not a school bus, they didn’t exist). There was a goat and I think some pigs along side the Long Island Railroad between 47nd Ave and Queens Blvd. They belonged to Mr. Haggerty ( my brother remembers the name as Hagerly) who was a junk man with a wagon and horses which he drove through the streets. There was another horse and wagon that drove though the streets with fresh vegetables. I think he had a small farm at 66th street and Laurel Hill Blvd. His name I think was Mr. Saverese and his cry was “Vegetable Man here”. Also at St. Mary’s on Sunday Morning the two young sons of the candy store owner on 69th street and 50th Ave (Georges) would bring the Sunday paper on a wagon into the space between the old church and the club house and sell them after Sunday mass. Diagonally across the street from Georges there was a barber, Landolfi's owned by two brothers. They bought a bar on the SW corner of 70th street and Queen’s blvd that had been called the “Old Mans”. If I remember more I’ll send it in. Even though I liked the school as much as other people, it only took me eight years to graduate.

MORE & MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS 1951:

My family lived on 66 St and 50 Ave. The vegetable man as far as I can remember Had a few lots on SW corner of 66 St and Laurel Hill Blvd. I remember him with a horse and wagon, my sister remembers a push cart and my brother a small truck. A few more memories about ST Marys. There WAS a lay teacher named Miss Gee. I think she was a sub. Also when our class, Jan. 1951 graduates, was in 6B our scheduled teacher Sr. Vincent. Marie was sick for most of the half year and we had a sub named Miss Dalton. It was not fair we all thought because Sr Vincent Marie had a justifiable reputation as one of the nicest teachers. There were a few more priests in St Marys in the 40's and 50's . One Fr. Herald was a good man at raising money so he was transferred to build a new parish at Christ The King. Another Fr. Fleming was in residence at St Marys but his primary job was running a CYO place at Crestwood in Whitestone where high school kids went to mingle. If I remember more you will hear from me. Keep up the great job. 

MEMORIES FROM 1952:

I think my 5th grade classroom was what is now the main office. The other 5th grade classroom was, perhaps, the one next door to that.  If memory serves me correctly, the original office was down by the stage.  There may have been an entrance there to the school..  I think we used the back door where the driveway is for
the new rectory.  My class spent 7th and 8th grade in the clubhouse.

MORE MEMORIES FROM 1952:

I graduated in 1952. My 8B teacher was Sister Kathleen Marie. I also remember Sr. Bridget, Sr. Mary John, Sr Trinitar, Sr. Joel, Sr. Vincent Marie, Sr. Vivian, Monsignor Fox, Fr. Eagan, Fr. Harold, Fr. O'Tool,Fr. Gallo. I was married in St. Mary's in 1961 by Father Gallo. He was a super person also baptized 3 of my four children. I remember many names from the area but three big families that I especially remember are the Sullivans (of which I am one) the Crowley's the Stokes. Wonder how they all are today. Although I was not always the best behaved of students I loved all the Dominicans, even went to All Saints High School where they taught me also. Does anyone remember the free lunch fed to the poorer families way back in the back of the cafeteria. I remember many of my class mates names Buckley,Mc Carthy, Baron, Mullin, Butler, Levengood, O'Leary, and I am sure I could come up with more. It is great to read all the memories on your site and may God Bless You all. 

EVEN MORE MEMORIES FROM 1952:

I remember smiling Sister Vincent Marie, class 6b (my favorite) and Sister De Paul who was in charge of the choir with Miss Malvaroso. Mr. Sperra sang solo “Oh Holy Night” in the balcony of the old church. I think of it every Christmas when I hear that carol. I will never forget when I got married in the new church in 1960. At wedding practice I asked Father Weisenfeld if they played music at the wedding. He looked at me funny and asked me if I wanted “Rock around the Clock?” I sheepishly said no maybe Ave Maria. He was a tall man with gray hair, very dignified looking. He always walked very fast.  I also remember passing by Hagley’s or Haggerty’s on the way to lunch, I am not sure of the name. They had a horse and some pigs there and the smell was really bad, especially on the way to lunch at Deluca’s grocery a block from St. Mary’s. Good luck with the Homecoming.

MEMORIES FROM THE 50's:

Don't remember Mrs. Abruzzo.  We didn't have any lay teachers that I can remember, and Srs. NEVER called in
sick.  If they didn't show up for work in the AM they must have died during the night.  I remember the day the Dominicans changed from the old hard veil to the new
one.  It was on December 8th, in the 50's.  We always had to be at 8:15 mass before class, and don't dare come in late.  Well, that morning we were all excited, and wondered what the nuns would look like.  They seemed to be late, (which of course they weren't), so we all started to whisper that they must be all looking in the mirrors.  Or, did the convent even have mirrors?  Finally, they arrived, en masse, and we quickly realized they would no longer have to turn around  to check on the troops.  They now had peripheral vision.  So much for my memory of the day.

MEMORIES FROM THE EARLY 50'S...

We used to walk to the bus stop at 69th Street almost every day, and in our child's memory, we talked about what we thought might have been a junk yard just before the LIRR overpass.  There was a real live GOAT there!!  Probably a lot of livestock in Woodside in those days... Thanks to someone for submitting Sr. Karen Marie's photo

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1955

Did anyone mention Fr. Herold yet?  He served also with Msgr. Fox.

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1955

Class of June '55.  I remember playing hockey with the boys after school where the new church is today.  And does anyone remember Confraternity which was our Friday night dance.    Fr. O'Toole use to walk on to the dance floor when a slow dance was playing and tap couples on the shoulder and say, "leave room for the Holy Ghost."  

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1955

I still don't know what "I do so Declare" means.  We had to write it at the bottom of the tests.  My guess is:  I didn't cheat. 

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1955

I can still vividly remember Sr. DePaul and Vincent Marie in charge of the choir boys and how we practiced every morning before school in the club-house across from the church.  Miss Malvarosa prepared us for the 11 o/clock Sunday mass.  I also remember the annual trips to Rye beach on the school buses.  Father Egan always had a great time at the park.  I recall also as 8th graders in Sr. Eugenie and Kathleen Marie's classes we were able to go home for lunch.  Also, I was a crossing guard at Queens Boulevard for my class of January, 1955.  Wasn't there a pit or large open lot in back of the school before they filled it in and blacktopped the area? I had some great teachers during those wonderful years that helped prepare me for my high school years.  I will never forget that period in my life.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1956

I remember getting an envelope each month from St. Mary's saying: "A day's pay or more for a new church in '54." I wonder what they're requesting for '04? All the best

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE 50's & 60's:

I have spoken with Sr. Jeremy... in those "good old days" the feeling was unanimous, she was a favorite!  I came to St. Mary's in 3rd grade, and Sr. Hildegard was our principal. Sr. Mancini followed shortly thereafter, and was still there when our class graduated. Monsignor Fox was pastor, Fr. Weisenfeld and Fr. O'toole were there also. Forgot the 4th priest's name. I stopped in to the school in Nov. 01, 2002  when I attended a funeral. I think what is now the main office might have been my 5th grade class!

EVEN MORE MEMORIES FROM THE 50's & 60's:

The fourth priest in the 50's and 60's was Father John Egan.  He is deceased.  After St. Mary's he was assigned to a few different parishes and then hospital chaplain.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1957:

I came to St. Mary's in September of 1955. Sr. Mancini was principal and msgr. Fox Pastor. Sr. Janet 6th Grade, Sr. Vincent Marie 7th Grade, Sr. Vivian & Sr. Jeremy 8th Grade.

I also remember Fr. Weisenfeld, Fr. Gallo, Mass in Latin, The old church, the building of the new church & the trips to Rye Beach!

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1957:

Sr. Clotilde taught the 7th grade in l956, remember her?

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1957:

Surprisingly I am still am very close to many of my grammar school friends. My mother who is 90 graduated from St. Mary's as did my sister... Every time I look at my bald head I think of Sister Mary something or other and wonder if she still has a handful of my curls. Did run across the former Sister Paulette who is now teaching High School Spanish. I would be interested in attending a reunion especially if the cocktail hour was in the girls cloak room. It's hard to believe I am now a pillar of the community and active in my church. St. Mary's was definitely the formative years. It's been a long time since I crawled under my desk for air raid practice or used an ink pen with a bladder. Count me in. 

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE 60's:

Do they still hold classes in the old school as well as the new school.  I remember when the new school was finished I was in the 7th Grade and the new school was for the 1st, 2nd, 7th and 8th Grade.  I have some good memories of that school.  I played basketball for them from the 6-8th grades.  We used to call it St. Mary's Parochial Prison Camp LOL!!!

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1960:

My heart will always be with BVM - I received all my sacraments there beginning with Baptism through Marriage.  My parents were very active - Holy Name/Rosary Society - we were cadets, the boys Altar Boys, John was in the Choir ( was noted for his solo's - he unfortunately had a Soporano Voice that the Nuns loved!!!!), I was a Brownie and Girl Scout, Mom was a Leader - the whole nine yards - I don't think there was a procession that we missed!  We actually have a lot of them on home movies - there are the good old Indian's that the Church would rent out for the parades!!!

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1961:

I was in Sr. Paulette's all boys 8th grade class. My mother (who is 76 is a graduate of St. Mary's as were her other 7 siblings of which 4 are still alive. One of her sisters (my Aunt Loretta) became a Dominican nun and was principal of St. Bart's in Elmhurst for a few years!) I remember the 100 year celebration at St. Mary's as I was a student at the time and the book commemorating the centennial as well. 

Some other families that sent many children to St. Mary's in the 30's 40's and 50's were the Kobels and the Donavans.

Here are some more names of teachers and class of 1961 students that I remember:
Sr. Paulette (eighth grade - legend has it I was teacher's pet)
Sr. Jane Donald (fabulous educator)
Sr. Martin Joseph (my first grade teacher)
Sister Rose Florence
Sister Dolores Mary
Sister Mary Alice
Sister Trinita
Sister Mancini
Sr. Talbot
Sr. Eva Marie
Father Eagan (played a mean trumpet)
Father O'Toole
Father Weisenfeld
Father Gallo
Monsignor Fox

Somewhere in my house I have our 8th grade newspaper as well as a class picture etc. I'm frantically looking for them and will forward as soon as I find them!

Other remembrances:
Johnny the janitor
Trips to Rye Beach with the altar boys, choir and cadets - 2 books of tickets each
That green stuff Johnny sprinkled on the wood floors before he swept
First Fridays
Growling tummies fasting from midnight for Communion
Plenary indulgences
Prayers for the poor souls in Purgatory
Mass in Latin - Memorizing the Confiteor and Suscipiat for altar boys
Processions
May Crowning
40 Hours Devotion
The building of our new church - and my father going out on Sundays to get pledges
Touch football at lunch with a foil ball
Flipping baseball cards at lunch
Writing chapters from the history book for punishment
Clapping erasers
Diagramming sentences
Catechism
Transubstantiation
$5 tips for doing weddings
Wondering if it was at all possible to get to heaven some day
Wondering how long it took for nuns to get all that "stuff" on every day
Wondering if nuns really had hair
Getting actual numbers for grades rather than letters
Our classmate, Nancy Dowling, going to Lourdes when she contracted fatal leukemia
Spaldeens
Egg creams and Devil Dogs
Mission Orange and Grape Soda
Candy Stores 
Montague's Funeral Home
Graduations in January and June

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1961:

I was in 8 - 3 which was the mixed graduating class of 1961 with Sister William Michael! That was some year. Sister would walk up and down the aisles with her yardstick nicknamed Elmer and poke you in the ribs as you did your spelling. The boys were also the pets of the class. Us poor girls!

Remember....lavatory notes. Not allowed to go the bathroom without a note. Running home for lunch at 12Noon and being back at 12:30 to play jump rope. 8:15 First Friday Mass. Saying a decade of the Rosary to begin the afternoon session. 

And lots and lots of homework! The dances in the Old Club House. The first time I had to bring something to the Convent and actually got to go into the kitchen of the Convent. Saturday Confession. The school plays. The Wednesday cake sales.

Who can ever forget Sister Janet! Just the mention of her name made you shake. Every June you would pray you wouldn't get Sister Janet. Sister James Catherine in 7th Grade was a sweetheart

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1963:

I attended St. Mary's from 1955-1963.  I was in the choir and on the track team.  Monsignor Fox always sang "Danny Boy" on St. Patrick's Day to all the students in the auditorium.  Mrs. Abruzzo would accompany on the grand piano.  I especially remember a Christmas Midnight Mass in the new church. During our choir performance the power went out and Mrs. Abruzzo was beside herself, the organ was dead!  Father O'Toole stepped in front of the altar and directed the choir accapella.  Power did not return for hours.  My mother was in the church she was thrilled with the effect of all the choir boys holding candles with their red and white vestments and stiff white collars & bowties.  Several years later this memory gave me solace in Vietnam during a midnight mass in a jungle.

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1963:

I attended St. Mary's from 1955-1963. I was in the choir and on the track team. Monsignor Fox always sang "Danny Boy" on St. Patrick's Day to all the students in the auditorium. Mrs. Abruzzo would accompany on the grand piano. I especially remember a Christmas Midnight Mass in the new church. During our choir performance from the altar the power went out and Mrs. Abruzzo was beside herself, the organ was dead! Father O'Toole stepped in front of the altar and directed the choir accapella. Power did not return for hours. My mother was in the church she was thrilled with the effect of all the choir boys holding candles with their red and white vestments and stiff white collars & bowties. Several years later this memory gave me solace in Vietnam during a midnight mass in a jungle.

MORE MEMORIES FROM 1964:

Sister Helen Joseph was my graduating teacher, not to mention my Favorite...  Also Fr Vincent Gallo and Ken Kiernan   

EVEN MORE MEMORIES FROM 1964:

...There was a boy that Sr. James Loretta always made eat chalk and paper... Sister James Loretta used to lock him up in the coat room too - THAT MUCH I DO REMEMBER !  

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1965:

We resided at xxxxxxx from 1962 to 1973 with our 7 children.  Laura, Theresa and John attended school at St. Marys. Laura was in the graduating class of 1965 and then went on to st. Josephs in Brooklyn. Rubys candy store ,Kings and Collins bar and White Castle hamburgers all on 69th street with the Queens Terrace on the corner before it burned down in a terrible fire. Some of our neighbors on 38th Ave.were Tysons, Sibecks, Struceks, Maisenhalders, Collentines, Kings, Mahons, Flahnerys and several others that my memory fails to remember. The Mahons started a neighborhood association and we bought a sidewalk vacuum cleaner that we used to go down Roosevelt Ave keeping things clean. I just remembered The Bartolattas who lived next door. Great neighborhood excellent cooperation and good times. God bless, Bernard

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1965:
I remember: 
1958-59:
Mrs. Baird - Second Grade - Returning from an illness, Mrs. Baird had a class of girls with the classroom in the basement of the new Church.

1959-60:
Sister Mary Alice - Third Grade - Our class sang songs from 'Oklahoma' in the annual Christmas Play. Sister became a good friend of our family and we kept in touch until her death.

I remember playing jump rope in the school yard which is now the rectory and garage. It was a real coup to get Sister to turn the jump rope for you, and even better if she jumped too! We knelt for the Angelus at noon, no matter where we were, even the school yard. I, too, remember 'Papa G' and can see him walking through the old rectory garden in a bright red shirt.

1962-63 Sister Helen Joseph - Sixth Grade
1963-64 Sister Thomas Ann - Seventh Grade
1964-65 Sister Marie Aileen - Eighth Grade
 
Actually, we had these teachers for seventh and eighth grades. They were 'promoted' with us. All three eighth grades had Sr. Helen Joseph for English, Sr. Thomas Ann for Social Studies, and Sr. Marie Aileen for Mathematics.  Sr. Thomas Ann was the bearer of the sad news when President Kennedy was shot. Sr. Helen Joseph was moderator, along with Father Kiernan, of the BVM Sodality.  Some of the Sodality girls were drafted to help introduce and encourage singing at Mass. We used to walk the center aisle every time a hymn was sung. We also 'babysat' for children while their parents were at mass.

These are all such great memories. I'm looking forward to reading more and more as folks send them in!

MORE MEMORIES FROM 1965:

The Class of 1965 also had a few important Firsts!

We were the first class to receive their First Holy Communion in the new Church.

For our Confirmation we were the First School in the Diocese to have the Ceremony and a High Mass in English...I'll never forget those Rehearsals. We didn't learn much math that month, but we sang like Champs! If you remember they had a Recording made of the Mass... I guess we were too early for American Idol!

One of our First grade teachers who I haven't see mentioned anywhere was Sr. Sean Maureen (only 1/2 day sessions then), Sr. Dolores Mary (played a mean game of punchball) and Sr. Mary Alice, grades 2 and 3 respectively, instilled a healthy respect for discipline. Sr. Marie Claudette taught 4th grade she did not need discipline... SR, Mary Alice was right next door & often left the door between the 2 rooms open. I remember in 5th Grade we had Miss Fenrich (She had a boyfriend who met her up the block after school on Fridays). Sr. Helen Joseph covered my sixth grade and got promoted to seventh with us. Then we had the "Trinity" of Sr. Helen Joseph , Sr. Marie Eileen (also good at punch) , and Sr. Thomas Anne. And of course through all 8 years, Mrs. Abbruzzo for Music. I remember she drove that way cool, white Jag!

For all the knuckle raps, pointer whacks, sideburn pulls and ear twists I wouldn't want to have been taught by anyone else. I can honestly say those women gave me an appreciation for learning and love for reading, which is all anyone can expect from a teacher. They did their best to set a secure foundation for each of us to build upon. For that I give great thanks!

Sr. Clare Thomas was our Principal, and who can ever forget that woman in her office who should be canonized," Mrs. Farrell". Mrs. Farrell was without a doubt a second Mom to everyone in the school, when you were sick she always tried to make you feel better until your Mom arrived.

In the first grade, Joanne Garahan and I led the Graduation Procession for the Class of 1958 because our brothers were Graduating that year. Does anyone remember whose younger Brother and Sister led ours? Was it Donna Basta's sister? Who's Brother was it? 

I remember Polio Shots, then Polio Boosters on sugar cubes... and TB Tine tests.

I remember a Crucifix and a J M J at the top of all my homework (in Fountain Pen)and on all tests, and all major tests "Certified" by an "I do so Declare".

Do you remember bringing transistor radios to school for the Space Shots...I can remember desks in circles as we listened to John Glenn's orbits.

Remember when they introduced the TV's and the beginning of PBS? The reception was so poor but the novelty of it kept us entranced.

Of course, we all remember the Air Raid drills when we sat under our desks and were told not to look at the windows, because the Flash from the A-bomb would hurt our eyes! Yeah, like that would have been our biggest problem! 

I remember 1/2 days on Wednesdays because the "Public School" kids were coming for Religious instruction. Who can forget the Cake Sales on Wednesday instead of lunch.

Do you remember Pizza on Fridays, you had to pay up front in the morning so they had the money to pay for the Pies upon delivery! 

I remember those Lent boxes that we were supposed to be putting money in all Lent long and frantically hunting for Pennies & Nickels the night before we had to hand them in.

I remember a Choir Boy trip to Freedom Land!

Who remembers a trip to Rye Beach and one of the Sisters losing her veil on the Dragon Coaster. Which one was it? 

Does everyone remember Linda (Middle name Mae??) Ranaghan's trip to Rome... Those Sisters were really impressed with her Vatican connection.

I remember Joe Sestay's pompadour driving Sr. Thomas Anne crazy. She also wasn't fond of the new Beatles look either, all hair on boys had to be off the forehead.

As the second youngest in our class, I want to thank John Russo for being the youngest. 

And if I remember correctly Jimmy McNamara was the shortest Boy and led our Graduation.

By the way, about that class of 1965 "Oklahoma" picture on the website...I'm the one on the left made up like a Drag Queen ... and my first crush..Donna Basta is on the right.. You knew that right Donna? 

Thanks for the Memories!!!!!!!!!

MORE MEMORIES FROM 1967:

I was in the play "Oklahoma" and my dad worked for W.T. Grants. He was able to get the costumes we wore for our special day. I remember what a special time that was for us.

MORE MEMORIES FROM 1967:

From the

Pastor: Rev. Stephen C. Schubert
Rev. Alfredo Herrera
Rev. Vincent Gallo (very popular with all the students)!!!!!!
Rev. Kenneth E. Kiernan
Principal: Sr. John Anthony O.P.
Class 0f 1967: Grade 8-3

Sister Josetta, if I remember correctly, was the eighth grade teacher.  Many of the class of '67 are now deceased... keep them in your prayers. With much gratitude for the memories.

Father Gallo was so very popular at St.Mary's the kids all loved him. They nicknamed him "Poppa G"! There was a seventh grade sister whose name at the time was Sr. Thomas Ann, and she became the CCD Director of St. Anthony's Oceanside Parish. Her new name is Sr. Dorothy Huffnagel (or was Dorothy her real name..?)  She was the steward in my life. It is because of these words that I found my faith again. She said "Is there something missing in your life? Could that something be God? You have no idea just how much those words moved me and just how much I needed God in my life. I am forever grateful to her.

1967 - IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR..

I remember being in Sr. Angelina's 5th grade class and watching TV during a science class.  The televisions used to be rolled into the room on a tall stand.  It was during this class on Nov. 22, 1963 that I heard the news about JFK being shot. That memory is still so vivid today (40 years later).  Sr. Angelina was my favorite and another favorite was Sister Dolores Christi (8th grade).

I also remember being slapped on the knuckles with a ruler for talking, having to put gum on my nose for chewing gum in class (disciplines that are unheard of today) and I remember Fr. Gallo handing out report cards and letting you know about it if you didn't do well. 

Also remember clapping blackboard erasers out the side door of the classroom to get the chalk out of them and washing down the blackboards.

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE LATE 60'S:

Sneaking out at lunch to DeLuca's for Meatball or Steak and Cheese Sandwiches. The blond bombshells - Sandra Baci & Gail Ostrowski.  Sister Maris Stella (a wonderful teacher & person, by the way) saying "excuse me" after bumping into a chair. Sister Josetta's sideburn twist and two handed slaps to the face

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1968

I remember that if you had a "F" on your report card in conduct or effort, you had to stay after school with Father Schubert. All the children were petrified of him. I remember getting a "F" once in conduct and I thought that it would be the end of my life. It never happened again. I have to say thanks for the fear. I would not be the person that I am today.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1968

I was actively involved in various activities that the parish sponsored including the folk mass group under the guidance of Father Vincent Daley.  We were also members of the St. Mary's Blue Angels (Marching Band)  and were an integral part of the Teen Club.  I look forward to hearing from you again.  Peace

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1968

Fondest memories of the nuns (we called them penguins) especially Sr. Christine Therese who made me take my final exams in seventh grade with a broken writing arm. I did not do well writing with my left hand and subsequently ended up in Delahanty summer school to make up for it.

More good times were had with the Folk Group, Robert, Valeri, Deborah and actually getting a rush seeing and hearing all those people at mass singing along. All this under the guidance of Fr. Vincent Daley who always stood up for us and our ideas no matter how radical or inane they seemed to others. He was also instrumental in starting the Teen Club. Working the various events for the Drama Guild and the Holy Name Society when they were hosting a fund raising function. We checked coats (never lost one) and Vincent putting on Fr. Schubert's hat and it falling over his ears and eyes till it hit his nose. How we laughed and hooted! Those Folk concerts in the gym were a blast to organize, set up, decorate and play in. Kudos to Mr. McArdle for his wonderful advice and assistance. The same to Rick our legal advisor with the Great Dane.

Then there was the St. Mary's Blue Angels a/k/a the cadets. Long trips in yellow school busses, kidneys about bursting, traveling to and from various parades, and CYO competitions, one we almost won playing the Riff song which was taught to us by Ms. Karin Munson our fearless and very determined horn coach and Mary Griffin our Drum coach. It brought the house to its feet when we played it. We didn't win but Mr. Strucek and Mr. Brown (the Director and assistant director and instrument repair genius) told us we were all winners having played our hearts out.

There are so many more memories I would like to share with old classmates and friends, but I have to Thank all my teachers for their patience and LOVE for giving me a great start to this thing called life. I often stop and reflect on those times when I am faced with a crisis or some dire event. We learned. We cut up. We played and sometimes we even had some fun. I graduated fully prepared for my time in High school and many years later, college. I look forward to hearing more memories from classmates and peers from those wonderful times

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1968

Yes, The Blue Angels was a fun time. We had a first class Color Guard led by majorette Ilene... Diane, Patricia, Joanne and Alicia rounded out the rest of it. They were sharp too! Armondo (Rick) Riccio was the Drill master and he worked us hard. He knew that a tight line would always impress a crowd having been in the Marine Corps at one time. The Arlene and Anthony were at the start of our version of the Teen Club. They were our CCD counselors and helped us immeasurably get the club going and provided chaperone services once the Club got into full swing. I'm sure the basketball team did not like us much for keeping the gym occupied on Tuesday nights. The club was a great place to "hang out" in the winter-time when we were offering hot chocolate and donuts for snacks. Many of the Cadets I knew were members and also played an organizational role in the operation of the club. Heidi, Alicia, Joanne, Diane, Patty & her younger sister Susan rounded out the rest of the Committee with Myself, Vincent and of course James aka The Mott. Yes the parish offered many activities for the teens and other general youth of that time in the way of the Band, Club and an assortment of Sports teams. One of my fondest memories of going down to the Club was sometimes afterward we all would go to the Boulevard Diner for fries and whatever. I can still hear the owner in his thick Greek voice telling us "Come on boys, no more french fries!" They had the best fries in the area. one order would generally feed at least three or four of us. The burgers were not bad either although I didn't much go for the brown lettuce. LOL.

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1968

 

Walking up 70th Street past the railroad side rails 
Lots of detention
Sr. Chloetilde
Lumber Yard on 51st Ave. & the "Fire" that ended its stay.
Crew-cuts at Landolfis
Lets not forget the Golden Cue.
Lining up on Queens Boulevard when the Pope drove by.
the Newspaper stand outside Jerry's Deli on 69th Street where folks would leave their dime in an old tin plate nailed to the top. 

When there was a fall festival, we ate Vats of sausage grinders prepared by Mr. and Mrs Strucek. I'd still like to get that recipe. 
Recess in the yard next to the New School and watching the surrounding Fence go up.
That long lonesome whistle of the LIRR. I could hear it all the way past Calamus Avenue.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1969

My entire family has very fond memories of St. Mary's and our family was very active in the Parish.

My grandparents, Katie and Tom Nolty served St. Mary Parish from the mid-30's through the early 1970s. My grandmother was a very devout person and daily Mass attendee. She was active in the Rosary Altar Society. I can remember as a young girl being allowed to go to the "Card Parties" with her. "Bunco" was the game of choice. Her friends (Sabina Montague, Jo Dentici) always sat together and I was allowed to sit with them. I can remember her giving me most of the prizes she won. I have one distinct memory of coming home one night with a small Persian rug. Boy, did I think I was the "cat's meow." Sadly, she died in a car accident while on vacation in Ireland in June of 1969, just six days before my graduation of St. Mary's. The Mass at her funeral on June 22 was the first Mass of the Resurrection held in St. Mary's. If you remember back then, the church was beginning to implement the decrees of Vatican II slowly.

My grandfather Tom, was former president of the Holy Name Society and Head Usher in St. Mary's for decades. He would march in all of the parades and May Crowning. Both grandparent's were originally from Ireland and Grandpa would entertain by dancing all the Irish dance steps at the St. Patrick's Day dances.

My Dad, Jack Nolty, attended St. Mary's School. He and my Mom, Margaret raised their family in St. Mary's. St. Mary's was like a second home to all of us. Dad was active in St. Mary's Youth Council and served as its President. He was also elected to the first Parish Council and served as its first President. My Mom, although not a graduate from St. Mary's, (she graduated from St. Stan's in Maspeth) was very involved in the Rosary Altar Society and in addition, was St. Mary's track coach, (1960s) assisted by Fran Salerno. We were always attending events at St. Mary's that included sporting events, track, basketball, softball, cheer leading (the entire family played one or more CYO sports) in addition to, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Penny Socials, Teen Club, etc. St, Mary's purchased a school bus in the 1960s and my Dad was often the driver, not only for all our activities but, the cadets and others. The whole family went along on these outings. Both are retired in Florida (Marco Island) and come north during the summers to Long Island

My Aunt, S. Honora Nolty OP, graduated in 1953 and entered the Dominican order in 1957. Back then sisters would only be allowed home to visit their family three times a year. Grandma would always have dinner at her house and Msgr. Fox and the Parish priests were always invited. Then after dinner the neighbors and friends from St, Mary's would always join us. There was always a crowd. My Aunt is now the director of Siena Center in Watermill, NY. My Uncle Peter Nolty graduated in 1958 and now lives in Buford, NC.

I remember fun times with classmates MaryBeth Simcox, Mary K Carragher, SusieHale, KathyTaylor, Nancy Hamel, Bobby Koeller, John Dickman, Larry Russo, John Akalski, Tony Incovia, Jimmy Brown, Freddy Burger, etc... and teachers from St. Mary's. I even took my first grade teacher, Sister Allison Marie's name as my confirmation name. In second grade, I had S. Marie Bernadette; third, Mrs. McBride; fourth, Ms Rini ( we always were resting with our heads down on the desk in this class);fifth, was special with S. Marie Irene. She was a great artist and had a beautiful singing voice. In sixth grade my teacher was Mrs. Lopez. My two younger brothers were taught by her, too. We heard a lot about her family, all the time! In seventh grade, I had S. Kevin, S.Thomas Ann and S. Frances Bernard, In eight grade, S. Maureen Kiealy (formerly) S. Helen Joseph, S, Claudette and S. Mary Regis (the latter now deceased) S. Claire Thomas was principle for the first four years and she was followed by S. John Anthony (also now deceased) and S. Mary Erica in the last year. 

The memories are great including playing at jump rope in the school yard during lunch or punch ball (the boys let me play with them - I was good, I guess) and of course, the May processions. Every event in school and church life was practiced for what seemed like 100 times - First confession, First Communion, Confirmation graduation, etc.. In the first grade, I played the part of the Christ Child during S. Margaret Xavier's Christmas play. S. Allison Marie set my hair at recess everyday for what must of have been a month before, to make sure I had the right type of curls during the performance. I was wrapped in cardboard swaddling clothes and my arms were supposed to be raised over my head. During practices they were strapped to the curtains, so I would remember to keep them up on" the big night." I can remember attending them

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF '69 AND '71:

1st Sister Allison Marie
2nd Sister Mary Gabriel
3rd Mrs. McBride
4th Sister Christine Therese
5th Sister Marie Irene
6th Sister Christine Therese
7th Sister Helen Joseph
8th Sister Mary Hope
Music Mrs. A'Bruzzo
Principal Sister Clare Thomas
Sister John Anthony

Fr. Vincent J. Gallo
Fr. Kenneth E. Keirnan
Fr. Wisenfeild (Deceased)
Fr. Beck (Former)
Pastor Monsignor Fox (Deceased)
Father Schuller

Class of 1967!

A special message in memory of Gary Joel Brown, Class of '71, who left this world on September 6, 2002 at 44 years young.

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE 60's & 70's:

I was born there and lived on 68th Street and 37th Ave.  until 1961.  We then went to Flushing.  I remember St. Sebastian's when it was still a movie theatre.  I did First Communion there, as St. Mary's was full.  The Brooklyn Queens Expressway was just in the planning, and the church on the corner of 69th and Roosevelt was the Queens Terrace.  Every corner had a bar, and we hung out in White Castle, or Klee's ice cream parlor on Roosevelt Ave. next to the Little Squire. Hope I'm not boring you! (ANS: NOT AT ALL!)

MEMORIES FROM THE 70's:

Just for the record, St. Mary's was a wonderful school & I have nothing but fond memories of all teachers & nuns & priests

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE EARLY 70's:

I worked behind the scenes “prompting” for The Sound of Music and The Man Who Came to Dinner during the ‘70’s…  I have such wonderful memories of those times… growing up at St. Mary’s … Did I ever say Thank You for “letting the kids be so involved?”  You were wonderful… very serious and dedicated… I remember learning you have to put your heart and soul into any project for a long time… to be able to truly feel the excitement of opening night…  I still love The Sound of Music and will always cherish those memories…  Again, thank you!!  You really made a difference!

EVEN MORE MEMORIES FROM THE 70's:

I remember some teacher's names, Sister Bernadette, Sister Regina, Sister Theresa McDermott, Ms.O'Keefe, Ms. Hall, Mrs. Lopez, Mrs. Abruzzo, Mrs. Cronin, Mrs. McArdle, Mrs. Bear (spelling) - who I remember died in a car crash. I was also a alter boy - I remember one time, Father Daley took us to Jahn's restaurant in Jackson Heights, who on the way back home, drove down a one way street the wrong way! - should I have told you that? (LOL). 

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1971:

I graduated in 1971. My younger brother and his wife found this website and I would like to contribute to it and meet others who graduated with me in the upcoming events.  I would also like to help out with finding missing people. 

I am saddened by the new that Sr Mary Bennet is no longer with us. She was wonderful and had certainly made her mark on me.   I was saddened by the news that one of my former classmates has died

The memories that flood back to me in just looking at this website is wonderful.  It has brought back so many memories....its amazing....

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1972:

I attended St. Mary's from 1962 - 1970. Does anyone remember the second grade class in the downstairs church. I have a vivid memory of being in the corner when the news came over the p.a. system that JFK had been shot in Texas. Remember Mrs. Oltmann the crossing guard at 70 St., and Mrs. DeLuca the crossing guard under the train el (she was the sister of the deli lady-and quite high strung).I lived on 49th Ave.around the corner from Sammy's Bar. I had Sr. Maureen Edward (8th gr.), she could have taught Tyson to box, also I had poor Mrs. Russo for 7th gr. she must have been all of 23 and we were rough on her. My folks were married in the old St. Mary's church by Fr. Wisenfeld August 1942. Does anyone remember old Dr. Weiss on 69 St.- I think I still remember his white Cadillac pulling up to our house to give me my vitamin shots (later found out I was diabetic,so the shots were of course useless). I also seem to remember being around 5 or 6 and watching a huge fire in the area next to the convent was this perhaps the clubhouse? Great memories and life lessons from all at St. Mary's

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1973:

My first grade class 1966? was in the church basement because the new school was being built. Sr. Saint Mary was my teacher. I also remember spending the very beginning of second grade there also with Sr. Marie Bernadette. Also, the principal before McDermott was Sr. John Anthony, a big tough nun! My fondest memory was the school trip to the Statue of Liberty in the third grade with my mom as a chaperone. The teacher was Sr. Cecile. Also, in the eighth grade, principal McDermott cut my hair because it touched my collar! She then put me in a first grade class for the remainder of the day.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1974:

THANK YOU for the wonderful memories and all of the hard work you are putting in on this project!... Was an altar boy, patrol boy (they still around?), remember Father Daley, Rooney, Schubert, Beck -- 8th grade teachers were Sister Mary Anne, Sister Jeremy, and Mrs. Radice.

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1974:

What happened to Mrs Farrell Long time secretary? Mrs Goger long time secretary? Monsignor Fox ??? Mrs Carr was secretary in later years. There were a lot of people that bring back good memories. Msg Fox was there when I was in 2nd grade. (I believe he died in 67). He was the pastor before Fr.Schubert, and the new school is dedicated to him. I hope you get more pictures and info! Mrs Carr started the library supply room in 1967, under the direction Sr. John Anthony. She remained librarian till she took Jean Goger's secretary job in the 80's. The site was fun. Best wishes...enjoyed the site and will return but its nice they were. 

EVEN MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1974:

Talk about a trip down memory lane!!

7th Grade:
Sister Miriam Bennett
Miss Hall
Miss O'Keefe

6th grade teachers:
Sister Regina Corde
Miss Pat Brozon
Mrs. Lopez

5th grade:
Sister Auxillary Maria
Mrs Deguidice (spelling?)

4th Grade:
Mrs. Dolan

3rd Grade:
Mrs. McArdle

2nd Grade:
Mrs Baird

1st Grade:
Sister Saint Mary

Let's see -- the field trip to Museum Village, the annual Altar Boy trip to Adventure Land (and all of us yelling out the bus windows to other drivers!), Father Schubert, the 6:00 am Masses during the summer for (how aweful for the Altar Boys!), One student coming into Miss O'Keefe's science class with surgical mask and gloves to dissect a worm!

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1974:

Also, Sister Mary Erica was principal prior to Sister Theresa. Many thanks for a truly wonderful site! Sincere wishes for a wonderful holiday.

EVEN MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1974:

Who could ever forget the UP WITH PEOPLE concert we gave? I remember it.

The 6th grade square dance and the speech contest that year (THAT I do remember because I was in it and my story was How to Train Your Dog. Lost to Elizabeth M something or another (also from our class). Listening to the recording of WAR OF THE WORLDS in Mrs. Dolan's class and having to draw pictures based on it, trading baseball cards all the time and always getting them confiscated, getting thrown out of class and ALWAYS getting caught by Sister Theresa McDermott.

The principal before her was great and her name escapes me at the moment. (Sr. Mary Erica)

Our graduation song was a re-working of YESTERDAY (yesterday, graduation seemed so far away...etc) and we also sang THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM.

Whatever happened to Miss Hall?

Oh, another priest during our tenure: Father Amos. I think I already mentioned Father Rooney

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1975:

Dear members of my beloved St Mary's I have so many wonderful memories of my beloved former parish but I just wanted everyone to remember two very long time parishioners who did a lot for the church for more than 70 years both very dear to my heart my aunt Grace Alexandro and her brother my dad Nick Patruno who both are in heaven now

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1975:

I remember being really small and Pogo was the dog who lived in the rectory but I don't remember which priests dog it was

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1975:

I remember John Shea being so smart he got to skip a grade. I remember Joe Crowley and have recently seen him on tv news channels--he's a state rep I think. I used to have a crush on Tommy Sheehan-loved his blonde hair. John Parr was very smart and lived very nearby.  One of my best friends was Irene Lally--we did the tarantella in full Italian costume in 6th or 7th grade. I remember in 1st grade Ms. Colon made me take a bite out of a bar of soap because I talked too much. I remember singing "She'll be Comin' Round the Mountain" in a school play. I remember the carnivals--my mom worked in the booths. I remember Brownie meetings in the basement after school. I remember when Witold Paslawski transferred into our school from Poland. Michael Petersell (?) was a class clown. I remember writing "JMJ" at the top of test papers (Jesus,Mary,Joseph). Miss O'Keefe was a "cool" teacher--her sister was my teacher at St Vincent Ferrer H.S. in Manhattan. My first boyfriend was Bobby Gorman--wonder how he's doing? In July 2001 my sister and I and our families visited St. Mary's to show them our old school--what a great visit. I live near Boston now and my sister lives in Orlando. I remember when Father Vincent Daly was newly ordained and was in our parish. He later officiated at my sister's wedding at St. Mary's and my wedding at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills. My parents are still in touch with him. Only the best memories of all my years at BVMHof C school.

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1976

I remember John Shea being so smart he got to skip a grade. I remember Joe Crowley and have recently seen him on tv news channels--he's a state rep I think. I used to have a crush on Tommy Sheehan-loved his blonde hair. John Parr was very smart and lived very nearby.
One of my best friends was Irene Lally--we did the tarantella in full Italian costume in 6th or 7th grade. I remember in 1st grade Ms. Colon made me take a bite out of a bar of soap because I talked too much. I remember singing "She'll be Comin' Round the Mountain" in a school play. I remember the carnivals--my mom worked in the booths. I remember Brownie meetings in the basement after school. I remember when Witold Paslawski transferred into our school from Poland. Michael Petersell (?) was a class clown. I remember writing "JMJ" at the top of test papers (Jesus,Mary,Joseph). Miss O'Keefe was a "cool" teacher--her sister was my teacher at St Vincent Ferrer H.S. in Manhattan. My first boyfriend was Bobby Gorman--wonder how he's doing? In July 2001 my sister and I and our families visited St. Mary's to show them our old school--what a great visit. I live near Boston now and my sister lives in Orlando. I remember when Father Vincent Daly was newly ordained and was in our parish. He later officiated at my sister's wedding at St. Mary's and my wedding at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills. My parents are still in touch with him. Only the best memories of all my years at BVMHof C school.

EVEN MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1978:

Some of my fondest memories are from going to school at St. Mary's. I was there from 1971-1978. If memory serves me well, my teachers were:

1st Grade: Mrs. DeGenaro (spelling?)
2nd Grade: Mrs. Kennedy
3rd Grade: Sr. Carolyn Ann
4th Grade: Mrs. Cronin
5th Grade: Mrs. DeGregorio (spelling?) & her Hallmark teardrop children border around the room
6th Grade: Mrs. Lopez
7th Grade: Ms. O'Keefe
8th Grade: Sr. Jeremy

I remember early release days on Wednesday so that the children from PS 229 could have religious instruction. Pretzels being sold door to door. Being narrator for one of our Christmas plays & Sr. McDermott telling me to slow down. Giving your teacher your deposit for your Long Island Savings Bank account.  Raffle books, Bingo & the Carnival in the yard & making friends that I still have to this day...

Thank you St. Mary's for the wonderful memories!

MEMORIES FROM THE class of 1978:

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.  I would love to see you guys!

MEMORIES FROM THE LATE 70's & EARLY 80's::

I remember Mrs. Abruzzo from 1st through to the 8th grade and her crazy COFFEE song... 

In 1st grade I distinctly remember saying the Hail Mary for Sr. Teresa Regan.  I can close my eyes and remember standing in the room reciting my memorized prayer... I also remember our 1st grade play was called "The Teddy Bear's Picnic"... I remember my name in the play was Brenda and my grandmother made me a beautiful white dress because it was such a special occasion! 

In 2nd grade Miss Armstrong used to have an organ (in her closet?) and she would take it out and play songs for us.  

3rd Grade was GREAT because we had back-doors in our classrooms and the teacher's would open the back doors and let the sun shine in to the classroom accompanied by a warm breeze in the very late spring!

In 4th grade Mrs. Colon showed us a submarine base in CT, took us to decorate graves from the 1800's, had a Passover satyr, held contests where she would bring us to McDonalds on Queens blvd. as our prize, she used to teach us speed reading with a contraption of a film-strip projector that would only show us one line at a time on a screen and we had to move ONLY our eyes to read fast!  Her favorite movie was 1776 the musical!  I remember Mrs. Colon always let us do show-and-tell!

In 5th grade I remember Miss Vota (now Mrs. Aloise) bringing us to the science lab, using this HUGE red, green & yellow plastic flower to illustrate the parts and teaching us about the honey bee.  Miss Brozyna (who got married in 5th grade) had us make life-sized mannequins with wigs and our own clothes!  

6th Grade who could forget Mrs. Lopez and her stories (and slide shows) about her sons and their trips to Madrid!

I remember in 7th grade Miss O'Keefe teaching us to make our own dissection trays (melting wax into a pie tin!!!), and dissecting EVERYTHING from worm to fish to frogs!  It was great!  I also remember Sr. Miriam Bennett showing MANY film strips (in Social Studies I think???)

8th Grade I remember Mrs. Colon came back to us... Mrs. Flanagan left us... and Sr. Cathy had the classroom right next to the boys room...

ANYONE REMEMBER SKATE-A-THONS??????  Roller-skating around the school block again and again and again... earning fund-raising money...  I remember  everyone rounding the schoolyard-corner and passing the front of the convent headed toward the back or the rectory... Even the boys participated in the skate-a-thon because they were all on roller hockey teams...

SR. VINCENT MARIE

THE SUPPLY ROOM

READING O HENRY

THE BIG RED CURTAINS

MISSION BOXES

CAKE SALES

THE CADET'S / FIFE, BUGLE & DRUM CORPS

PARADES UP 65TH PLACE TO THE STATUE ON LAUREL HILL BLVD?

THE CHEERLEADING SQUAD

BEST BASEBALL TEAMS ANYWHERE

THE LIBRARY

LITURGICAL DANCING

THE FOLK GROUP

THE GREEN RUG IN THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

THE HOLY INNOCENCE GUILD

THE DRAMA GUILD

THE TEEN CLUB

SOFT PRETZELS

HOT DOG DAY

U.S.A. ROLLER SKATING TRIP

 

I remember we had the world's greatest Folk group that sang at 7:30 Saturday night mass and the Best theatre group ANYWHERE!

1st Grade - Sr. Theresa Reagan, Mrs. DeGenaro & Mrs. Colon
2nd Grade - Sr. Gloria & Miss Armstrong
3rd Grade - Mrs. Sonco, Sr. Caroline & Mrs. McArdle
4th Grade - Mrs. Colon, Sr. Olivia & Sr. Maureen
5th Grade  - Miss Brozyna & Miss Vota (later Aloise) & a sub named Opitz when Brozyna got married!
6th Grade  - Mrs. Lopez & Sr. Regina Corde
7th Grade  - Sr. Miriam Bennet, Miss O'Keefe, Miss Hall
8th Grade  - Sr. Cathy, Mrs. Colon & Mrs. Flanagan

Principal: Sr. Theresa McDermott

Principal's Secretaries:  Mrs. Farrell & Mrs. Goger

We could never forget Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Tranka!!!

Priests: Fr. Schubert (Pastor), Fr. Callahan (Pastor), Fr. Mahoney, Fr. Rooney, Fr. John 

MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1980

Does anyone remember Mrs. Matturro? Our sweetest librarian. She had so much patience with us.

8th grade - Rob Filippi scrubbing the bathroom with a toothbrush. George O'Neill apologizing to the class about something I knew nothing about. 

Jimmy Robson and his full-time job in 8th grade. (incredible!)

Elizabeth Aloe, school President, she was a great public speaker.

Michael Villa always had the best snacks and Mrs. Villa on all of our field trips. Nice mom! 

Mrs. Colon's field trips - cleaning tombstones at the cemetery! One to remember.

Lynn Boniecki forcing me to enter talent shows and folk group with no musical talent. A true best friend. 

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1988:

First grade, Mrs. Degennaro was really nice.Having a play, and I got to wear a nice dress and pretend to eat a box of candy. 

Second grade, Ms. Johnson got married, she broke her leg and walked down the aisle on crutches. 

Third grade. Sr. Caroline and Mrs. McArdle. Sr. Caroline, was really nice, she came to my grandfather's wake, that meant alot to me. 

Fourth grade. Sr. Olivia with her hamsters. They had massive complex houses. Our classroom was all the way in the corner of the school, and it had old gas lights. 

Fifth grade, Ms. Brozyna, she was cool. she loved the Bee-Gee's and she sprayed the old dried out blackboards with baby oil. 

Sixth grade, Mrs. Lopez she always told stories. and we all got to do projects on our culture and eat all those great Italian and Greek foods. 

Seventh grade Ms. Craig, she lost it with us, I think we went over the line with her. and Ms. Hall "that and fifty cents will get you on the subway" 

Eighth grade Ms. colon. learing poems and singing all those songs from the Mikado . 
I also remember gym';riding on skateboards in the school basement. the wet pretzels. the snack monitors. The chair room. Ms. Abruzzo with her arthritic hands banging away on the piano. hot dog day. The skate a thons, walk a thons. going to Ellis Island on the bus. wow. 

MEMORIES FROM THE CLASS OF 1988:

We went to St. Mary's from Kindergarten thru 8th grade and had the following
teachers:
K: Mrs. Robles
1st: Sr. Frances
2nd: Sr. Jean
3rd: Mrs. Barry
4th: Sr. Olivia
5th: Mrs. Reale
6th: Mrs. Lopez
7th: Mrs. Badlamenti
8th: 

Mr. Gabrielle passed away 

I also had Mrs. McNamara

Good Memories:
* Buying $.05 pencils from Sr. Vincent in the supply room
* Sr. Olivia hatching baby chicks in her class room
* Mrs. Lopez and her sons
* Sr. Frances cutting the erasers off our pencils so we couldn't erase our mistakes
* Trips to the pumpkin patch and Old Bethpage
* Picking Flowers for May Crowning
* Walkathons around Woodside
* St. Mary's Swim Team being the Champs
* Drama Guild putting on the Wizard of Oz
* Talent Shows
* Being jealous of Altar boys who got to go to Great Adventure
* Loved having a class room on the balcony (In the old building)
* Hot Dog Tuesday's (Don't forget your ticket)!
* Hitting 7th Grade when we got to wear a vest and skirt!
* Lining up after school according to where your parents were picking you up (Car, Montague, or Boulevard)

Look who's contacted us so far...  is your family's name here yet? To get listed send an email to: alumni@stmarysdramaguild.org

Updated: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 07:52:13 PM