Email Thread (2005)
Email thread from 2005
Email Thread (2005)
Email thread from 2005
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These are excerpts from "memories" letters received in mid February, 2005. They are roughly in received order. From Wendy Krisher:
It's fun to catch up, but I like to look back, too. I like to remember some of our great (and not so great) teachers.
Miss Wise (Junior High English). One look from those icy blue eyes, and you felt like crawling under your desk. She had
total control of the class. And, Mr. Meyer (Junior High Science)--a most fascinating teacher. He'd be so engrossed in
writing on the blackboard, he'd never notice the chalk dust all over his navy blue suit. But, we did. He was one of the
great ones. Then, there was poor Miss Pfieffer (Junior High Geography). She must've been about the same age then that we
are now. We tortured her so much we chipped in at the end of the year and bought her an alarm clock (of all things) as a
retirement gift. I think some of us might believe to this day we had something to do with that retirement.
From Joan Kearns:
I can't help responding to this one! How many of you remember the "side-hill moodies"? That goes back to Mr. Ingrahm and
his "discussions" about birds that always walked the same way around the hill leading them to have a shorter leg on one
side than on the other. For some reason that scenario has stayed with me for far too many years. From Marijane Watson:
Now it can be told--Does anyone remember Mr. Billy, High School Biology teacher? I met him the summer before 10th grade
at a wedding (he thought I was a lot older--like a college student) and he made a big pass at me. Then, in September
there I was in his 10th grade Biology class--boy was I embarrassed (and he always found ways to knock my grade down
which really made me angry!
From Wayne Klaus: I remember him well, so he was hitting on high school girls, speaks well of sexual harrasment in those days. From Bernie Sayers:
For quite a number of emails I was wondering if I actually went to the same Haverford High as everyone else here. No one
mentioned a single teacher I had until Marijane just mentioned Mr. Stinson. Mr. Stinson's EIR class and Dave Crispin's
English and Speech Club were the only things I liked about high school. Both of those guys challenged us to think...Does
anyone remember getting papers back with Stinson's big "WHY?" stamped on them? What a fantastic class EIR was. I loved
every minute.
From Joan Kearns: I was trying to remember Mr. Billy's name - knew if was an odd one as he was an odd one! He was furious with me the day we dissected frogs because I went right on past the guts to the brain and wasn't supposed to do that. Oh well. I guess I was rebellious then, too. From Carolyn Taylor:
A couple of years ago the traveling Vietnam Wall was in Franklin NC - about an hour from our home in Marble NC. Don and
I went to see it - one of the most moving experiences we've ever had. We found Ed Romig's name from HHS '59. I don't
know if there were others besides Ed but he was the only one I knew.
From Susan Rickard: We have had a glorious winter day in Northeast Pa today. Went sledding and ice skating with 3 of my grandchildren. Brought back memories of when I went sledding on Merion Golf Course, The only trouble is that I cannot remember who I went sledding with!!!! I know it was with class mates. Maybe Mary Lou, Chip Campbell,Mike Garwood Help Me ...My mind is going. The thousand steps and then over a small bridge,,It was extremely dangerous...My mother would have killed me if she had known..Please respond as these are the things that keep me awake at night. From Joan Kearns: I remember those sledding escapades and the thousand steps and climbing back up after that fabulous ride down! Thanks for bringing back those memories, Sue. From Wayne Klaus: Sorry I got first name incorrect it was ED Romig ...in any event he passed all to young in all to a violent manner . How sad and pointless "our " war was . I was proud to serve during the "Cold War " in the Strategic Air Command and 1 yr in Southeast Asia ironically 1966 when Ed 's plane blew up after takeoff from Cam Rahn Bay ...all on board perished . It was surmised the VC had planted a phosphous grenade in a urinal . They were up to this nasty type of businees in 65/67 . During the day they worked on our installations and at night well .......... From Carol Morris:
Wendy, please don't feel guilty about getting me in trouble in biology class because I don't even remember that
happening. All I know is that I never liked biology or math, and I loved to talk and listen to everyone other than our
teachers. How I ended up working in an accounting office for the federal government as a supervisor; which, by the way,
I still am doing, astounds me.
From Tom Mairs:
Bernie,
From Bernie Sayers:
Hey Tom!!
From Bernie Sayers:
Bernie Sayers here: Nobody is W3ZLU. Although I used to be. I got my ticket when I was 12 and had that call up until I
went into the Army. Back then one couldn't use a call in any call area like now. I've been WB2ZTE for 40 years...wait
you'll know that before you read this! Duh...
From Bernie Sayers:
I remember sledding that hill, too. I was forbidden to go there. My granddad and father were the Gofl pros at Merion for
35 years. If I got caught sledding the 1000 steps I'd have been in BIG touble. I tell people about that whenever I go
sledding. My memory is that it was scary as hell...almost straight down, incredible bumps from the steps and then you
had to go across a small bridge or into the water. Am I correct?
From Bernie Sayers:
Who went to dance on Bandstand? We took the trolley from Brookline to 69th Street and then a subway to the WFIL-TV...Channel
6...studios.
From Lois MacQuarrie:
I remember that my brother in law(Irv MacQuarrie) threw a frog out the the window and it landed on Mr. Postpichal's car.
From Joan Kearns:
Oh yes - several times. There was also a dance in 69th Street that was a lot of fun. Somehow I remember the regular kids
on Bandstand looked better on tv than in person. Another good memory. From Marijane Watson:
Bernie, I can't remember if I went on your Bandstand excursion--but I did go at least once to dance on Bandstand. I
think I had to plead with my Dad for weeks before he would allow it.
From Jeanne Dimidio:
I can't remember if it was with you, Bernie but I too went to Bandstand. I remember the girls and guys were really
snotty and didn't like us very much. I also have a picture of you and me at a 9th grade prom. At least I had one if I
could find it. I still love to dance and have competed in International Latin. What a blast. From Murray Feldstein:
Dave Crispin was the one teacher who mad me reappraise the way I looked at the world. I rank him up there with one the
most influential people in my life.
From Bernie Sayers:
Hi Jeanne!! I remember the prom with you. I know I have our prom picture stashed in the attic...somewhere. And, yes, I
remember that the 'regulars' on bandstand were very aloof...well, after all, they were TV stars of a Reality show. There
was a bit of a social gap between HHS kids and the regulars. Most of the girls were from some Catholic school, St Maria
Garretti pops into my mine. Although, you know, 'preppy' kids like us from the Main Line probably had a bit of an
attitude too,
From Bernie Sayers:
Dave Crispin was definately one of the most influential people in my life. Does anyone here remember his Speech Club and
the time we attended the Temple University High School speech conference and competed against kids from all over the
Delaware Valley? Murray, I recall you went to that. We were broken into male/female 'contestants' for different aspects
of speech...poetry reading, extemporaneous speech, debate, public speaking. Mr. Crispin forced us to participate in
discipline different from the one we like best. I was on the debating team and he told me I had to do public speaking
for the Conference. Our debating topic that year: "The United States should adopt the essential features of the British
educational system."
From Carol Kunik:
Getting late into the loop. Sue - I think I was on that sledding expedition. I remember a full moon and bouncing down
steps and landing in a creek of some sort. Pretty cold and miserable, I would say. Scary too. I remember dancing at the
Well in 69th street and the sock hops after the basketball games. Much fun. Congrats on your Latin Competition Jeanne. I
have taken ballroom dancing and love latin. If I could just find a latin dance partner, life would be complete.
From Wendy Krisher: Yes, Marijane, I remember both Mr. Stinson and Mr. Billy. Never had them for class, though, but remember Mr. Stinson was tough with the boys and Mr. Billy was a big hit with the girls. I didn't realize it was reciprocal, however. Yes, I can relate to your embarrassment in 10th grade. But, oh, what I'd give to have some of those teachers teaching my grandchildren today. From George Workman: I went with a small group of HHS59 via trolley and train to wait in line outside WFIL to get into bandstand. What I remember was while waiting in line, one of our great female dancers - can't remember which - got into an argument / shoving match with one of the Bandstand female regulars. Yes she won the shoving match but we were not allowed in. Was that you - Jeanne Timmons? From Susan Rickard: Bernie, I was there..In fact I lied and told them it was my birthday so my parents would see me on TV. I danced a slow dance with Duke Frey...remember it Duke? When I got home the only thing my mother said to me was "What a ham". So much for my quick thinking!!! I remember we were followed to the subway by the regulars..thought there was going to be a fight. Is my memory serving me correctly? From Wendy Krisher:
Oh, Carol, it was so great to read your e-mail. I knew Joanie Modica, too, and am so sorry she passed away.
From Jeanne Dimidio: Oh, George, I would NEVER shove anyone. Are you crazy? Inocent me? Please!!!! Actually, I do remember getting in and dancing but don't know with whom. From Ernie Meade: Hey kids, easy on the Bandstanders. Before I was lucky and switched to Haverford, I went to Bandstand regularly, first it was Bob Horn and then Dick Clark, even attended the Bandstand picnic at woodside park. Also went to Chester for the Grady and Hurst show. George somewhere I have pictures of your old Chevy Convert with Chrysler tail lights. How could anyone leave out Shiplett and the PoD class or Mr. Donahue with his Chemistry class, or Mr Herter or Mrs Vannicolo for math. They inspired me along with Mr. Junger and Mr Keyser or Mr Barney. They inspired me so much, I have taught Physical Education and Math for the past 35 years. How about Chick Olson, I bumped into him about 40 years ago while I was in the Navy, we were on the same base, He was a Chief Petty Officer then. and I haven't heard from him since. Talked to Jimmy Wassel, he lives in Exton, Pa, but we never got together. After Bonner Haverford was great, who remembers cutting afternoon classes to go swimming at Paoli Quarry, or cutting class and heading to the shore with Debbie Beatty and Reanie Tinkler and Curt Rossler. Sorry for being so long winded but for me Haverford was a great experience. And yes I remember dances at Holy Cross and the well, and even the Brookline Fire House, or duck en out of school to have lunch at Dick Toppie's by the post office. How about ice skating trips to Earl's Lake or Dove Pond. Lots of memories in these old memory banks. Anyone know where Mitch Migats is located, or Dick Zulzer. I read most of the E-mails, I think they are great. From Bernie Sayers:
Susan...
From Mary Lou Shannon:
Sue, I was not with you sledding down the steps at Merion, or I would have remembered that for sure. I do remember
weaving thru the trees on my Flexible Flyer down that steep hill behind Glen Gary Lane in Westgate Hills, the one
that went down to Darby Creek. I do remember flying in my car, or your Dart, over that small bridge driving to
Earle's Lake. Amazing that we all made it!
From Murray Feldstein: Bernie: You and I were on the same team. I don't remember whether we were pro or con, or whether we won or lost. Nonetheless I'll never forget the debate, my fright going in, my pride going out. And if I'm not mistaken, we both were quoting from "On the Road." You had the guts to actually go, though. Have you any idea if Dave Crispin is still alive, or where he ended up? From George Workman:
I remember with great warmth the football team and the big guys. I can remember that famous game in our senior year,
when it looked like we had a From Bernie Sayers: Murray: I don't remember if we won either but I do know how much fun it was working with you! We always challenged each other; I liked that. The last I heard of him was at least 25 years ago. He was a professor at Temple shortly after HHS and then went to U of Indiana or Indiana State. I lost contact after that. I've spent many hours...literally...googling for him but haven't tracked him down. He grew up in south jersey which is where I am. Lots of Crispin's nearby but none that I've spoken to over the years know of him. In another email I mentioned that I found Joe Schmuckler, who, strangely, wasn't actually lost. He's 78 and still teaching a Temple. If anyone wants Joe's email I'll pass it along. We could all mail-bomb him. He'll think he got hit with a virus. Great to see you here, Murray. From Joel Perlish:
Yes, and also we have as part of our website an all-school email listing, where anyone (even folks not members) can be
listed... also, i see joe schmuckler relatively often, and he is still going great guns, still has that great huge
smile, and still has that wonderful outlook on life.... joel From Steve McLaine:
It was interesting to hear George speak about the Ridley Township game. I don't know if he remembers, but Shiplett
benched Jimmy Hodge and David Howe for the entire first half for no reason whatsoever. At the time we were too naive and
trusting to realize what was really going on, but years later as we matured it became apparent to us what really
happened, which i won't go into at this time. Jim and i who are life long friends have often discussed this situation,
and it has certainly left a bitter taste after all of these years re: Jim Shiplett.
From Wendy Krisher: Does anyone remember when Chatham Park was a golf course? My father used to take my sister and I sledding there back in the 40's. From Wendy Krisher:
The Hot Shoppe in 69th Street From Ken Petrella:
I was reminded of "Senorita Perkins" the other day when Carol McFadden was lamenting that, for all of her other life
joys, she still feels unfulfilled for lack of a good Latin man - she says she just wants to dance with him (but has she
recently shown her true colors by taking a poke at Don Jacobson's virility?). The good Senorita settled for dancing with
Mike DiPuppo (at that time, aside from "Fidel" Capolino, maybe as close to a Latin "boy" as we had in our class) ... I'm
pretty sure he ended up with a better grade in Spanish II as a result! My most admired High School teacher was Elizabeth
Bold - she took individual care to convey the importance of developing good, clear writing skills, knowing of course
that effort to write effectively would also positively influence one's "thinking" process.
From Janet Hensle:
Marylou, It is good to hear from you. I too remember the Glen Trail, down towards Darby Creek. As a matter of fact, Ken
Morrison and I just walked that trail a couple of weeks ago and looked out to see the 'Big Rock' still there, despite
encroaching construction of new homes where the quarry and race tract were. Eddie Macamoile ( sp? ) is still living
there in his old house.
From Bernie Sayers:
Your Jimmie Stafford story reminded me of him. In our junior or senior year--can't remember which--I talked my
grandfather into hiring Jim to work in the Sayers family golf club making business where I worked every day after school
and on Saturday. Jim quickly endeared himself to my grandad who told me more than once, "That Stafford boy is an artist;
he's exceptionally good with his hands." Grandad had a way of appreciating one's talent by how they held a hammer and
chisel or other tool while working on making hand-made clubs. Years later, maybe '72 or so, Phil Campbell and I
travelled to NYC to visit Jim in his loft. The loft was a huge, cavernous place with easels and sculpture all over the
place and a very high--maybe 16-20 feet--ceiling. I walked around the loft for quite some time admiring all of Jim's
creations. What a talent he had!! In one area of the loft he had suspended a long rope from the ceiling and connected
other ropes from the walls to a 'device' which rotated and gyrated and produced a very pleasant sound when a breeze blew
in the window. My grandad sure pegged Jim correctly for being a person with talent.
From Don Jacobson: someone mentioned ty gorski on lbi ty and I are very close friends paul was my oldest daughters godfather. ty has a son that is pauls reincarnation youd think we were in 1959 again and paul was alive. ty sees quite a few haverford alums at his rest. and is a great host as well as cook. I talked to jimmy hodge about getting paul in the hhs sports hall of fame. From Carol Morris: Steve, I, too, remember Seniorita Perkins because I got mono in our senior year and kept falling asleep in her class in the afternoons before they finally figured out what was wrong with me. From George Workman:
Hey that was in 7th Grade!! Remember the "Innocence of Youth". That will be my defense in court.
From Wayne Klaus (anonomously): Innocence of youth .......you're still a P-I-G and my money says you ,if given half a chance, would trap Miss Jeannie in the cloakroom in a heartbeat. |