If you are wondering where I obtained all these pictures and memorabilia from the 1950s, my mother is responsible for the early years. She took and saved the pictures - she kept the cards, etc - then she gave them to me - I started putting them into a scrapbook. After she gave me my first camera, I started taking many of the pictures. I also started holding on to my report cards, programs, other memorabilia, and I continued keeping scrapbooks. I have scrapbooks through at least 1972 and photo albums for almost every trip to Ireland. I also have a box for each year through the 2000s plus I have rubbermaid boxes for each of my kids where I kept all of their school work, movie stubs, favorite T-shirts even John Brendan's Bert and Ernie. I recently found a box with letters from a couple of penpals from the 1960s. Yes, I am a pack rat. I hated deconstructing this scrapbook, but it started falling apart when I was removing anything that was taped into it. At least everything is going into my blog so it isn't lost.
I am in the process of selling my house, and it broke my heart to give away all of my 'Irish' books - some written by Irish authors, more books about Ireland, Irish coffee table books and Irish recipe books - some with pictures of Gortdromagh. I did keep my collection of books about the Irish War of Independence, books written by Niall Williams and Christine Breen (she has the same name as my sister) who moved to Ireland about the same time I was living there. I kept a few books by Somerville and Ross, Robert Gibbings who wrote about the Blackshop, and a few others. I have a collection of Irish records and cassette tapes - I'm trying to decide what to do with those. As I am posting through the years, I am only keeping anything that pertains to me - I gave my father's letters to my brother Johnny - but I am putting the pictures into albums and the memorabilia into binders for the rest of my family to fight over!
Let's take a look at 1959 - like any family, as more children come along, there are less photos - due to lack of time I'm sure. I think that may be why my mother gave me a camera.
MEM, Patty looks like she threw her head back laughing, Joanie
MEM, Patty, and Joanie
My brother Jimmy was born in January. I'm sure my father and Johnny were delighted with another boy! And he surprised everyone with his red hair like Jerry our milkman! I started out blonde, Johnny had black hair, Patty was light brown, and now we had a redhead!
Looks like I am holding Jimmy with Johnny beside me and Patty sitting at the end of the sofa. Look at that radiator beside the sofa.
MEM holding Jimmy, Johnny is smiling at Jimmy who seems to be looking up at him, and Patty.
The following is a religion test that I took in school. Between the nuns repeating and having us memorize our catechism, they drilled the tenets of the Catholic Church into us.
"Name Mary Manning Date 2/5/59
Religion III 100%
Completion
1. Man is a creature made of body and soul.
2. Our soul is like to God.
3. Adam and Eve disobeyed God.
4. Adam and Eve lost Sanctifying grace.
5. The Blessed Virgin Mary was free from the guilt of Original sin.
6. The devil tempted Adam and Eve.
7. December 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
8. The forbidden fruit was in the Garden of Paradise.
9. Sanctifying grace makes us holy and pleasing to God.
10. The sacrament of Baptism takes away original sin from the soul.
True - False
1. God made man's body out of the dirt of the earth. true
2. Adam and Eve lived in heaven. false
3. At first Adam and Eve had grace in their soul. true
4. Adam and Eve lost heaven for themselves alone. false
5. If Adam and Eve had obeyed, they would have been happy. true
6. The good angel tempted Adam and Eve to sin. false
7. Because of Adam and Eve we are born without sin. false
8. No one was ever free from original sin. false
9. Adam and Eve disobeyed God. true
10. The greatest evil in the world is sin. true
Multiple Choice
1. The sin we inherit from Adam and Eve is (a) actual (B)
(b) original (c) mortal (d) venial
2. A grievous offense against God which we ourselves commit (C)
is a (a) temptation (b) original sin (c) mortal sin
(d) venial sin
3. A free gift from God is (a) sin (b) original (c) grace (C)
(d) evil
4. We displease God when we (a) are good (b) sin (B)
(c) have grace (d) love him
5. The sin we ourselves commit is (a) original (C)
(b) Adam's sin (c) actual (d) first sin
6. We should sin (a) always (b) sometimes (C)
(c) never (d) a few times
7. What takes away the life of the soul? (a) venial sin (C)
(b) original sin (c) mortal sin (d) sin of disobedience
8. How many things are necessary to make a sin mortal? (C)
(a) one (b) two (c) three (d) four
9. The sin which we inherit from our first parents is (a) actual (D)
(b) mortal (c) venial (d) original
10. We must confess (a) all mortal sins (b) all venial sins (A)
(c) no sins (d) every temptation"
Patty's 5th birthday in February - all of us have our flannel shirts on except for the birthday girl. We always had homemade cakes - well, homemade out of a box - we used to lick the cake and frosting left in the bowls - you don't do that now! I think we normally had butter cream frosting but that looks like chocolate.
Patty blowing out the candles which would be saved and used for the next birthday cake.
I have a soft cloth diaper around my neck - I must have had a cold or the mumps? We experienced all the childhood illnesses - chicken pox, measles, mumps, German measles - there weren't vaccines for those diseases in the 1950's. I had scarlet fever as well. I don't remember which diseases required the family to be quarantined - scarlet fever was one, but my mother or father had to put a sign on the back door - we always used the back door - saying the house was in quarantine and no one could come in. My father was the only one who could go out - to work or to do grocery shopping. We would have to go down to the Town Hall after Dr Gorman (who came to the house) said that we could go back to school - I seem to think that the school or town nurse was located there and we had to check in with her before we could return to school.
Back in the 1950s the smallpox vaccine was the first vaccine a baby received - it had to leave a scar or you would have to get it again. Polio was an important vaccine especially in the early 1950s during the polio epidemic. I received the Salk polio vaccine injection as a baby but then the Sabin oral polio vaccine was developed. We received that in school. We all lined up and the school nurse would give each of us the vaccine.
When we had colds or coughs, my mother would heat up an old cloth diaper on the radiator and after rubbing Vick's Vapor Rub on our chests would put the warm diaper on under our shirts. I hated the smell of the Vick's but the warm diaper always felt good.
Dr Gorman was our family doctor - he made house calls as I mentioned above. I think his office was downstairs from the McNamaras on the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets although he later moved to Mt Auburn Street. My mother and Hannie used to babysit for his kids. We used to hate to see him coming to the house when one of us would be sick. I remember pressing my forehead against a cold window in the living room so my forehead would be cool when my mother felt it - I didn't want her to call Dr Gorman because I had a fever. Penicillin was fairly new in those days - I think it was developed during WWII. Unfortunately it was by injection only. I remember crying when my mother was pulling down my pants as Dr Gorman was getting that big long needle ready to stick into my butt!
Here is another copy of 'Our Little Messenger' School Edition April 3, 1959. Volume XXIV, No 27
This edition includes a play about Tarsicius written by Sister M. Francis Assisi, CSA, PhD.
It lists the characters as Tarsicius, Primus, Horace, Secondus, Cornelius, Julius, Sebastian, a soldier, Priest, A group of Christians, A group of Roman Boys, The Narrator.
"Narrator: The night before Jesus died He gave us the Mass and the Holy Eucharist. The Holy Eucharist contains Our Lord Himself under the appearances of bread and wine. It is God's own way of making us one with Him. At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and blessed it and said 'Take and eat. This is My Body.' From that night on, those who truly love Jesus have received Him in Holy Communion.
This play will tell you the story of a boy who lived a very long time ago. He did a brave and wonderful thing for the love of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.
Scene One
(A group of Roman boys are playing in a field. Cornelius, Primus, Horace, Secundus, and Tarcinius are with them.)
Cornelius (running over to Tacicinius): 'Tarcinius, you are our very best player. I want you to play on my team tomorrow. Come early. We will practice all morning.'
Tarcinius: 'Thank you, Cornelius, I will come if I can.'
Cornelius: 'What do you mean? You must come! I have said it. When I say something, it must be done.'
Tarcinius (laughing): 'Do not get excited, my friend. I know your father is Captain of the Guards. I have said that I will come if I can. But I cannot promise.'
Cornelius: 'You must be here.'
Horace: 'He will come. Let's play now.'
Scene Two
Narrator: 'It is very early in the morning. Father has just finished Mass in the catacombs. The Christians are singing the last hymn.' (Chant melody may be sung her.)
(Please turn to the next page.)
(Continued from page 1)
Priest (turns from the altar and holds up his hand): 'My children! Our brothers in prison will be martyred soon, perhaps even today. They long to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. I must ask one of you to take Holy Communion to them. We priests cannot go because the guards know us. They will not let us pass. '
Julius: 'Let me go, Father. I am brave and strong.'
Priest: Thank you, my dear Julius. I can't let you go. You are married and have many children. I do not wish to send you into danger.' (Julius turns away, sad. Tarcinius stands up.)
Tarsicius: 'Please, Father, let me go.'
Priest: 'You are only a child. This is work for a man.'
Tarsicius: 'Please, Father, let me go. The soldiers will never even notice me. The poor people in prison are waiting and praying for Holy Communion. Do let me carry Jesus to them.'
Priest: 'My child, I believe it is God's will.' (He gives Tarsicius a small package.) 'Hold this close to your heart. Hurry to the prison. Do not stop to talk or play. You are carrying Our Lord Himself.' (Father blesses Tarsicius)
Scene Three
(A Roman street. Tarsicius, his arms folded over his breast, walks with his head bent. Four boys come down the street.)
Horace (shouting): 'There you are! We have been looking everywhere for you'
Cornelius: 'How dare you keep us waiting?'
Secundus: 'Come, let's get started.'
Primus: 'Say What's the matter with him? He acts as if he doesn't hear us.'
Cornelius (grabs Tarsicius roughly): 'What is the matter with you? What do you have?'
Tarsicius: 'Please let me go. I am on an errand.'
Cornelius: 'I say you're going to play with us. Do you hear?'
(Tarsicius tries to get away. The boys fight him. He keeps his hands on his heart. At last they knock him down.)
Primus: 'I bet he's a Christian!'
Cornelius: 'The dog! Let's find out what he has.' (The boys try to pull Tarsicius' hands away but cannot do so.)
(Pease turn to page 4.)
"The Gospel for Sunday, April 5
Jesus Comes to the Apostles
Narrator: In the late afternoon Easter Sunday, the Apostles were together. But they hid in an upper room. They were afraid they, too, might be put to death.
Jesus (suddenly appears): Peace be to you!
Narrator: Then Jesus breathed upon the Apostles.
Jesus: As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.
Narrator: At this time Jesus gave the Apostles and all priests to come the power to forgive sin. It was at this time that Jesus gave us the sacrament of Penance.
Now one of the Apostles was not there. He was Thomas. Later the Apostles told Thomas they had seen Jesus.
Thomas: Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.
Narrator: After eight days the Apostles were again gathered together. This time Thomas was with them. Again Jesus came to them.
Jesus: Peace be to you. (He walks over to Thomas and shows his wounds.)
Thomas (falls on his knees): My Lord and my God.
Jesus: Because you have seen Me, Thomas, you have believed. Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed.
A Letter
From Sister M. Francis Assisi
Dear Boys and Girls:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ is risen from the dead. Jesus has proved that He is God. He has opened the gates of heaven for us. We should think often about heaven. How wonderful it will be to live with God!
There are many things we like. Sunshine, cool winds, pretty flowers, puppies, kittens, candy, ice cream cones - these things make us happy.
There are many people we love. We love our parents, our brothers and sisters, our uncles and aunts, and our cousins. When we can be with them, we feel happy.
But heaven is far better than all these things put together, Jesus has told us that we can never begin to picture how wonderful heaven is.
I can hardly wait to go! Can you?
Your friend,
Sister M Francis Assisi, C.S.A."
Were You Polite Today?
Did you come to school on time? If you did, you did not keep Sister waiting. You did not keep other children waiting. When you are on time, you are ready when class begins. It is polite to be on time.
When Mother calls you, do you say, 'I'm coming, Mother'? Or do you say 'Wait a minute'? It is not polite to keep Mother waiting.
Jesus likes us to think of others. We think of others when we are on time. Then we are polite."
"Gramp of Goggin Castle
by Sister M. Francis Assisi, C.S.A., Ph.D.
Gramp and the boys were in Arbor Woods looking for flowers. It was April time! Birds were calling to each other. Here and there were patches of bright-yellow, faint-pink, and gleaming-white flowers. Apple trees were gay with blossoms.
'Boys' called Gramp, 'wouldn't this be a fine place for a wayside shrine?'
'What is a wayside shrine, Gramp?' asked Bob.
'A shrine is a box or place to keep sacred or holy things,' explained Gramp. 'The place in which you keep a relic or a statue or a picture of a saint is a shrine. A wayside shrine is an outdoor shrine near a path or highway. As people pass, they stop to pray.'
'Let's make a wayside shrine here near the path,' cried Dave. 'We can plant flowers around it.'
'Shall we build it of stone?' Steve wanted to know. 'There are some very pretty rocks here.'
(To be continued)
Tarsicius
(Continued from page 2)
Horace: Run, boys, here comes Sebastian, the soldier.
Sebastian (kneels down): Why this is little Tarsicius! He is dead. (Soldier unfolds the boy's arms and finds the Holy Eucharist. He bows low and speaks.) My Lord and my God!
(Curtain)
Narrator: Tarsicius died. But his story is not a sad one. He is a great martyr in heaven. He wants to help all of us do God's will. Let us ask him to help us love and honor Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Let us ask him to pray for all boys and girls in the world who do not know and love our Lord.
(The End)"
This next episode of Our Little Messenger is from April 10, 1959, Volume XXIV, No 28.
"These ships are (from the top) the Queen Mary, with three smoke stacks; the Mauretania; the Liberte; a freighter; the America; and the Independence.
New York Harbor
New York harbor is a very busy place. Ships from many countries visit the harbor.
Some of the ships in the harbor are freighters. They carry every kind of goods. Some are specially built to carry oil or coal. Freighters are not as fast as passenger ships. They usually stop at many harbors to load and unload their cargoes.
Other ships in the harbor are passenger ships. These large ships carry people back and forth across the ocean. The ships are like small cities. Passengers can buy clothes or gifts in small stores on the ship. They can play tennis, cards, shuffleboard, or see a movie. Of course, there are rooms for sleeping and several dining rooms.
Also, in the harbor you will see small tug boats. They help the larger ships to dock. Big ships do not use their engines in the harbor. It is hard to stop and start the engines quickly. So tugs pull and push the ships to the right docks.
New York harbor has many other kinds of ships too. You might see some of the Navy's warships and aircraft carriers. You will see the ferry boats that carry people back and forth across the harbor. And you might see the sight-seeing boats that take passengers all around Manhattan Island, the island on which New York is built. "
"The King of the Crops
Let's take a trip to the South where the weather is warm. We see many, many cotton fields. Many hundreds of workers are in the fields. Warm weather and much rain in the South help cotton grow well. It grows so well that some planters raise nothing but cotton. Cotton has become 'king' of all the crops in the South.
1. In this picture the cotton plants have opened. The snow-white balls that you see are cotton. Some of the cotton is almost falling off.
2. 'Picking time is here,' Mr Lee tells the children. This means much work for everyone in the family.
3. Cotton pickers work all day in the hot sun. They take the cotton from the stems. It is put into sacks. Then the cotton is stacked on piles to be weighed.
4. Here is a cotton-picking machine. It picks many pounds of cotton. In ten hours, a machine can pick more cotton than one hundred workers can pick by hand.
Much cotton however is still picked by hand.
5. After the cotton has been picked, it is packed well together. Large machines tie the packs with metal bands. The cotton will be sent to all parts of the world.
What do you see in your classroom that is made from cotton?"
"The Gospel for Sunday April 12.
I Am the Good Shepherd
'I am the Good Shepherd,' Jesus said one day as He talked with some men. 'I know Mine and Mine know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. I lay down My life for My sheep.'
Jesus then said He had other sheep not of this fold. He meant that some people do not belong to the Church. 'Them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice. There shall be one fold and one Shepherd,' said Jesus.
Now Jesus meant that there will be one Church for all - the Holy Catholic Church. And there will be only one Shepherd, Our Blessed Lord Himself.
Were You Polite Today?
Are you mannerly when Sister goes out if the classroom? If you are, then you please God who is watching over you. This makes him happy. He knows that you are trustworthy. Sister is pleased, too. She knows that you can be trusted to be good when she is out of the classroom. If you do your work, you are obedient. Obedient children are pleasing to God. They are courteous to others.
Were you courteous today, when Sister left the classroom?"
A Letter From Sister M Francis Assisi
Dear Boys and Girls:
Have you heard the story of Saint Bernadette? She has a feast day on April 16. I think she would like us to do something special for the Blessed Mother on that day. Do you know why?
Our Blessed Mother appeared to St Bernadette at Lourdes a hundred years ago. You have heard about Lourdes, I am sure. Bernadette saw our Blessed Mother often. Mary told Bernadette that she wants us to pray the Rosary and do penance.
Saint Bernadette had a hard time with her studies. If you have a hard time with yours, ask her to help you. If you have an easy time with your lessons, perhaps you could help someone who has a hard time. That would make Saint Bernadette happy! And, most of all, it would please Our Blessed Lord.
Be God's good children.
Love and prayers,
Sister M Francis Assisi, C.S.A."
Watch Words
Watch your feet. Never walk in the footsteps of evildoers. Alway follow a good leader. Walk right. "
"Gramp of Coggin Castle
by Sister M. Francis Assisi, C.S.A.
'We could build a grotto like the one at Lourdes!' cried Dave.
'Only smaller, of course,' laughed Bob.
Gramp and the boys were planning a wayside shrine for Arbor Woods.
'I have a beautiful marble statue of Our Lady' said Gramp. 'A stone grotto would make a fine shrine for it.'
'My father will help us, I'm sure' promised Bob. 'He knows all about building because he is a contractor.'
'Before we can do anything,' Gramp said, 'we must find out to whom Arbor Woods belongs. We can not set up a shrine without permission. I will go to the City Hall this afternoon. Someone will tell us to whom this property belongs.'
Just then a worried-looking man started down the path. 'Why, what is Mr Sims doing here?' said Gramp. (To be continued)"
There is a short article on Optical Illusions and then a cartoon on the bottom of the page.
The first thing I thought as I read the above article on cotton was what about slaves? No mention of the history of slaves forced to harvest cotton for their masters. And there was no ecumenicalism when Sister was interpreting the Gospel - one Church for all - the Holy Catholic Church. I stopped believing that years ago - I think there is one God - if there is a God - we all pray to God or a higher being in different ways. The way I lead my life is more important than any label.
Johnny, Patty and her Raggedy Ann, Dad holding Jimmy, and me with a doll.
Mae Keohane was Jimmy's Godmother - I never understood why - I knew she was my mother's 1st cousin and had stayed with the Keohanes for a while after her mother died. It wasn't until I read my mother's diary that I realized that Mae stayed with the Keohanes again as a young adult and was a big part of the Keohane family.
My mother is holding Jimmy in this picture. Jimmy was a bruiser of a baby - a big doll for me to play with - better than any doll I had.
Family picture - I thought this might be Easter Sunday but when I looked it up, Easter was a month earlier - March 29, 1959.
The Hulistons - Diane, Norman holding Maureen, Nancy, Joanie, and Hannie in their Easter finery.
Johnny, is that Joanie or Patty - hard to tell because of the poor quality of picture, MEM - Jimmy in front.
Diane, MEM holding Jimmy, Joanie holding Maureen, Patty - Nancy on lower step.
MEM holding Jimmy
Johnny's 1st Communion - MEM in back facing camera. Everyone is so dressed up - probably in their Easter clothes!
1st Communion celebration - MEM, Jay, Joanie, Alice Nelligan, Johnny, Chris, Patty, Diane - maybe Nancy in back. Alice was part of our family and was always included in family activities.
Joanie, Jay, Patty, MEM, Johnny, Alice, Diane, and Nancy.
Behind Nancy is the short hallway to the backdoor. One day Johnny was running out that door. I put up my hand so the door would not slam shut - Jimmy was probably sleeping - and it went through a pane of glass. I had a deep gash in my wrist and it was bleeding. My mother wrapped it in a cloth diaper and ran up the street to Bunny Callahan who was home having lunch - my mother had seen his DPW truck parked on Green Street. There were hard feelings between the Callahans and my parents who had asked them to move out from downstairs on Green Street so my father, mother and I could move in there. I don't know if they were on speaking terms but nonetheless my mother asked Bunny to drive us up to Dr Baron whose office was on Main Street up near the Waltham line. Bunny drove us and I ended up with stitches in my right wrist.
We used to come home for lunch in Grammar School - St Pat's was just 2 blocks away. We often had canned Campbell Tomato Soup with Oysterettes - I have hated it to this day! I also often had grape jelly and butter - butter, not peanut butter - sandwiches - I don't like grape jelly even now. My mother would cut up left over chicken and make chicken sandwiches - I liked those. I remember thinking Sandie Mosca was exotic bringing meatloaf sandwiches - we never had meatloaf - we always had a chicken or roast beef for Sunday dinner with potatoes and canned vegetables. I hated vegetables until I was an adult and tried fresh vegetables - now I love them! Meat and potatoes - a typical Irish diet. I never had lasagna until I was a senior in high school and went to The Chateau in Waltham where I didn't know what to order because we never had Italian food except for canned spaghetti! Although when I started working I would take Patty and Mary Patricia to the W House of Pizza and buy a small pizza for us to share. I never had Chinese food until I was in college.
We didn't cook out very often but Johnny's First Communion was an occasion! Dad is doing the cooking in the backyard. MEM, Mum holding Jimmy.
Johnny, Mum holding Jimmy, Dad. That looks like a ham on top of a garbage can? What is that?
The big bruiser - I think that's what my father called Jimmy because he was a big baby.
Joanie and I switched from tap and ballet to Irish dancing. As I look back, I realize how important extended family, the Catholic Church, and an Irish identity were to my family. The pictures show us surrounded by family, we attended parochial school and participated in Church activities, my father was very involved with the Hibernians, an Irish organization. Relatives were emigrants from Ireland - my mother and father were first generation Irish Americans. So it seems only natural that we would take Irish dancing lessons. I suppose my folks heard about the Fitzmaurice Sisters Academy of Irish Step Dancing from someone at the Hibernians. And away we went!
"Memories of Erin
Presented by
The Pupils of The
Fitzmaurice Sisters
Academy of Irish Step Dancing
Lexington High School Auditorium
May 22, 1959 8:15 P.M."
"Memories of Erin
Part I
(1) Hornpipe Elaine Cooney, Gerald Maher, Kathleen Hickman, Maurice Galvin, Sheila Gahan, George Nolan, Joy Faherty, Tommy Boyle, Mary P Kelleher
(2) Babies Elizabeth Watson, Patricia Navien, Nancy Donnelly, Kathleen Driscoll, Jean Sousa, Joan Huliston
(3) At The Crossroads Kathryn Russell, Judy Foley, Nancy Russell, Mary Foley, Lyn Russell, Michael Foley, Helen Russell, Gerald Maher
(4) I Hear You Calling Me Margaret Splaine
(5) Little Steppers Elizabeth Cook, Marie Loughlin, Patricia Cook, Eileen Loughlin, John I. Moran, John Bradley, Donna Motherway, Theresa McNamara, Claire Fitzmaurice, Maryellen Sullivan, Christine Burke
(6) King of the Fairies Maureen Foley, Winner Senior Open Championship Boston 1958, Winner Senior Open Championship New York 1958, Wearing Championship Belt New York, Journal American Award
(7) Reel Margaret McCarthy, Maureen Driscoll, Kathy Duffy, Mary Connolly
(8) Humors of Bandow Maureen Foley
(9) Colleens Cheryl Hamilton, Maureen McCarthy, Kathy Burke, Christine Burke, Judy Foley
(10) Irish Melodies Christine Splaine, Margaret Splaine"
This was a real family affair if you look at all the pupils who have the same last name - Russell, Foley, Loughlin, Burke. I didn't remember that Mary Patricia came with us to dancing lessons - I presume Patricia Navien is Mary Patricia. Maurice Galvin was from Brighton - I met him years later when he worked at The Turnstyle on North Beacon Street in Brighton. I think it was his brother Bill Galvin who later went on to become Massachusetts Secretary of State - if not his brother, his cousin.
(11) Jig Ellen Cosgrove, Patricia McCarthy, Eileen McCarthy, Paula Watson, Joan McCusker
(12) Three Hand Reel Sue Sadler, Carol Gregory, Mary Moriarty
(13) Hornpipe Theresa McNamara, Lyn Russell, Donna Motherway, Eileen McCarthy
(14) Jockey To The Fair Elaine Cooney, Joy Faherty
(15) Sprig Of Shillelagh Patricia Troy, Geraldine Burns, Maryellen Troy, Carol Connolly, Ann Marie Boyle, Kathleen Wean, Elizabeth Doherty, Noreen Pierce
... Intermission ...
Part II
(1) Cross Of Cong Eileen Cosgrove, Joy Faherty, Paula Watson, Elaine Cooney, George Nolan, Gerald Maher, Brian Duffy, Eileen McCarthy
(2) Reel *Mary Manning,* Eileen Flynn, Mary Watson
(3) Blackbird Maureen Foley
(4) Gail Davidson, Joan Connolly, Mary Ellen Sullivan, Barbara Donnelly, Ann Marie Houlihan, Sally Sadler, Kathy Gregory
(5) Oh Mavourneen Christine Splaine
(6) Hornpipe Laurena Butler, Lyn Russell, Nancy Russell, Kathy Russell, Patty Hennessy, Sheila Reardon, Helen Russell"
I highlighted a couple of names: Sue and Sally Sadler - Sally was in school with me - her sister Sue was older. Carol and Kathy Gregory as well as Mary Moriarty may have been from Watertown - my sister Patty was in school with a Mary Gregory.
"(7) Rinne Na Fah?? Theresa McNamara, Maurice Galvin, Donna Motherway, Tommy Boyle, Patricia McCarthy, George Nolan, Eileen McCarthy, Gerald Maher
(8) Reel Ann Marie Boyle, Joan McCusker, Elizabeth Doherty, Patricia McCarthy, Geraldine Pierce, Ellen Cosgrove, Noreen Pierce, Paula Watson
(9) River Shannon Moon Margaret Splaine, Christine Splaine
(10) Double Jig Debbie Bach, Mary Driscoll, Patty Donovan, Brian Duffy, Paula McCusker, Joan Duffy, Kathleen Hickman, Sheila Gahan
(11) Galway Reel Joan McCusker, Ann Marie Boyle, Tommy Boyle
(12) St. Patrick's Day Elaine Cooney, Joy Faherty, Mary Patricia Kelleher
(13) Reel Sheila Reardon, Cheryl Hamilton, John Duffy, Michael Foley
(14) The Three Tunes Mary Ellen Troy, Nancy Russell, Patricia Troy, Kathy Burke, Elizabeth Doherty, Kathy Russell, Geraldine Burns, Lyn Russell
(15) Finale
Acknowledgements
Music by the Tara Chedilde Band
Costumes by the Mothers"
The Stepdancers - Joanie and MEM
I don't remember where the dancing lessons were located - I want to say Cambridge - I remember taking the bus from the Watertown Delta to Central Square maybe.
I just (7/26/24) found a Cambridge City Directory for 1953-1954 which has Josephine Fitzmaurice listed as the Proprietor of the Irish Academy of Dancing - her residence was listed as B - I'm not sure what B stands for. The listing is at the top of the second column on the first page (418.)
In the same Cambridge City directory on page 1216 the Irish Academy of Music is listed at 20 Central Square (2) - I'm not sure what the (2) is and not sure if this is related to the dancing school.
This was my birthday in June. First row: Michelle Nava, MEM holding Jimmy, Ann Marie Nava, Barbara Nava, and Kathy Navien.
2nd row: Diane, Joanie, Patty, Chris holding Tommy Navien.
3rd row: Johnny, Jay Navien, Mary Patricia, and Brian Rattigan.
Brian Rattigan lived up Green Street - his sister Sally used to babysit for us. His father Edward was a bus driver. Besides Sally, Brian had 2 other sisters - Janet and Martha - I vaguely remember Martha - she may have babysat for us as well - I don't remember Janet.
"A Little Birthday
Give You Trouble?
Here's One Sure
Way To Whip
It --"
"Skip It!
Anyhow, Happy Birthday!
Brian
(Rattigan)"
MEM, Brian Rattigan, Johnny, and Chris Navien at the baby MDC (Metropolitan District Commission) pool. Brian drowned several years later but I don't remember where.
The Rattigans lived in the right hand side of the blue house on the right. Bunny Callahan lived in the smaller half of the same house.
The Navas lived 2 houses up from Brian Rattigan on the corner of Green Street and Chestnut Street - their house was knocked down and replaced by the green building in the picture below.
I don't know when the Navas moved to Green Street - in the 1950 US Census Anthony and Anna Nava were living at 87 Summer Street with their year old daughter Barbara. Anthony's 51 year old mother was listed as head of the family - she was widowed. Anthony's sister Mary lived there also and was a hairdresser. Anthony was a mechanic in a mechanical truck factory. Anthony's mother Grace was born in Italy but was an American citizen. Anthony and Mary were born in Maine. I wonder what brought the family to Watertown?
The Navas came down to our house to play sometimes. I remember playing school in the cellar - I think there were some old school desks down there. Barbara was the oldest and was the teacher. There was a big old furnace down there. Hannie and my mother had told us to stay away from the furnace in case it would blow up. One day Barbara started hitting it with a ruler - well, we ran out through the bulkhead so fast! Of course, nothing happened.
Speaking of the MDC pool, we spent a lot of time there - it was down off Pleasant Street not far from Watertown Square. I think it cost $.25 - we got a round metal disc on an elastic band - each disc had a different number. We would put it on our ankle or wrist. The disc would come with a basket to put our towel and clothes in - we would then hand it in to a woman in charge of baskets on the shelves. We would then have to take a cold shower before we could go into the pool. We also had to wear a bathing cap and make sure all of our hair was covered. We started off in the 3 foot end of the pool and might eventually make it down to the deep end - was it 6 feet or 10 feet? I just remember it seemed awfully deep to me.
When we got out of the pool, we had to take another cold shower. We would collect the basket with our clothes. The changing rooms had curtains that did not cover the whole opening - that's if they had curtains! There was an old shack near the walkway up to Pleasant Street where they sold frozen Milky Ways - I think they were $.25 also. That was a real treat - it would last all the way home. We never had candy or potato chips at home.
I took swimming lessons at the MDC pool - I know Joanie also went - the others may have taken lessons there later. I remember seeing GeeGee Rafferty and her sister Kitty there - GeeGee and I went to kindergarten together.
Johnny holding the Big Bruiser!
The above came from a Hibernian bulletin.
"John Manning Party To Be
Held Friday Evening 7 PM to
June 5 - Columbus Hall
The last Social of the 58-59 season will be held on Friday Eve,
June 5th at Columbus Hall, Newton and has been designated John Manning Party Nite. This it seems is the only way that we can get our Social Director, Chairman of the '60' Club, Editor of the Hibernian Bulletin, Past President of the Division and current Corresponding Secretary, away from the door for the evening so that he and his ever loving wife can enjoy one Social, free of interruptions and obligations.
He has really earned a respite. His activities in the Division have been marked by many wonderful achievements and a devoted service to the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He has conducted himself in such a manner as to bring credit to the Division by his loyalty, integrity and unselfish devotion to the Hibernian Cause locally. The fruits of his toil have added immeasurably to the prestige of Division #14.
We invite all of John's friends to join with us to make the night of June 5th a memorable one.
During the course of the evening there will be several contests to decide who will reign as the King and Queen of the following specialties:
The Waltz The Polka The Cha Cha
The Jitterbug The Highland Fling
music by Johnny Mackey's Orchestra
$50 Door Prize Free Coffee and Sandwiches Music and Entertainment
Don't Forget
The Date is June 5th"
My father served as President of the Hibernians twice. I remember when he was in charge of renting the Hibernian Hall - people would be calling while he was working - he worked two or three jobs sometimes. If my mother wasn't home, we were supposed to take a message and my father or mother would call back later. There were no caller IDs in those days - so if the phone rang, we answered. Eventually, I could answer the phone and look up dates to see if they were available - I would pencil in the name, phone number and hours they wanted - then I would leave a message for my father or mother who would call them back to confirm the date.
"In Appreciation
John Manning
President
1956 & 1962
Div. 14
AOH"
Hibernian picnic - ? , Patty, ? , and MEM
"AOH
3rd Annual Outing
Waverley Oaks
June 7, 1959
(ages) 9-10
Mary Ellen Manning"
Red ribbon:
"AOH
Annual
Outing
1959
Second
Place"
White ribbon:
"AOH
Annual
Outing
1959
Third
Place"
"St Patrick School
Watertown, Massachusetts
Grade 3 Room 3B
Report of Mary Ellen Manning
Reverend Michael J Houlihan
School Year 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
1958-1959 QTR QTR QTR QTR
Sessions Absent 2 0 7 2
Times Tardy - - - -
Religion B+ A A- A
Language Arts A A- A- A
Oral Reading B+ B+ A- A-
Silent Reading B+ A- A A
English B+ A- A A
Spelling A- A A A
Penmanship B B- A- A
Arithmetic A A A A-
Science Health Safety B+ B+ B B
Music B B+ B B
Art B+ B+ B B
A-Excellent, B-Good, C-Fair, D-Poor, F-Failure
Promoted to Grade 5
Mrs J Blanche"
"Personality Record
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
I. Conduct B+ A A A
A. Accepts Correction B+ A A A
B. Is Courteous B- A A A
C. Takes Care of Property B- A A A
D. Does Careful Work A- A A A
E. Works Well With Others B- B- A A
F. Finishes Work On Time A- A A A
II. Effort:
A. Puts Forth Best Effort A- A A A
A-Excellent, B-Good, C-Fair, D-Poor
Parents are requested to read carefully, sign, and return this report card.
First Quarter John J Manning
Second Quarter John J Manning
Third Quarter John J Manning
Fourth Quarter John J Manning"
I think Mrs Branch left toward the end of the year to have a baby.
Jimmy, Patty, Johnny, MEM
I'm not sure what all the writing and numbers say but:
"Manning
4 Green St.
Watertown
Sept 2
Send sister's pictures
in same package"
Hannie must have had pictures taken the same day - I think these pictures were taken at home with a white cloth background. We may have been sitting on the back of the sofa.
Johnny, Patty, MEM holding Jimmy who doesn't look too happy.
We used to go to Cahill's beauty salon for our haircuts - it was located down on Winter Street close to Church Street.
I wonder if these pictures were taken the same day as the portraits?
I think this was Falmouth Heights Beach - My father, Jean Lopes, Norman, Ma, my mother, and Hannie.
Kathy Lopes in front - not sure about the rest of the kids.
"Souvenir
of
The Laying of the Corner Stone
and Blessing of the New Convent
of St. Patrick Parish
Watertown, Massachusetts
By
His Eminence
Richard Cardinal Cushing
Archbishop of Boston
Feast of St. Rose of Lima
August 30, 1959
Rt. Rev. Michael J Houlihan, Pastor
Rev. John J. Kelly, Asst.
Rev. Paul J. McGovern, Asst.
Rev. Alfred Butler, Asst.
Rev. Alfred V. Puccini, Asst.
Sr. Muriel, OP. Superior
October - Johnny, Mum holding Jimmy
Kathy Navien, Mary Patricia Navien, John Fahey, Diane, Joanie, Johnny holding up something, Jay Navien, Jimmy Piscatelli - MEM and Patty kneeling in front.
I put this in here based on the baby that Johnny seems to be holding at the end of the table near Jim Keohane. I'm wondering if that is Kathy Navien on the far left near Diane. Then there is Jay, Jimmy, Johnny, Jim, Mary Patricia, MEM, Joanie, and perhaps Patty? It looks like someone's birthday upstairs on Green Street.
Thanksgiving on Green Street - Dad, Patty, MEM in my summer dress, Johnny and Jimmy.
My mother is in the picture below - she took the top picture - my father took the bottom picture.
I found a couple of loose pages that my mother had written in December 1959.
"Dec 21, 1959
Jimmie stood up for the first time today - Mimi, Johnny, Patty & Mummy were eating breakfast when we heard a cry from the bedroom. I (Mummy) ran in & discovered Jimmie standing up looking over the crib. Daddy got a beautiful Christmas tree tonight & Jimmie was afraid of the Christmas tree & cried when Mimi took him near it.
Dec 22-
Snow today - we decorated the Christmas tree & went coasting over in the park. Jimmie likes the Christmas tree and wants to eat the ornaments."
"Dec 24, 1959
Santa is coming tonight & we took pictures in front of the Xmas tree. Jimmie blinked & blinked from the lights - every time he saw Daddy with the camera he blinked more. Ma was here & we were worn out from laughing at him. We left a note for Santa - please bring a baby sister."
Who wanted a baby sister?!!!
I don't think these pictures are from 1959 - they seem earlier, but here we are decorating the "beautiful" Christmas tree. Patty, MEM, Dad and Johnny - all in our flannel shirts and corduroy pants.
Patty looks like she is holding a real Christmas stocking - usually we hung up some of my father's sox! Is that what Johnny is holding - a white sock?
Christmas morning - everyone looks happy!
My doll looks as big as Jimmy
Jimmy seems to be balancing himself pretty well - looks like he is half on Johnny and half on me. I always loved that doll that Patty is holding. Christmas cards are hung on the tree.
Family photo - Hannie or someone must have been down visiting and took the picture.
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