"Wednesday, March 1, 1967 121 days till Falmouth
Dear Diary,
Had Chemistry Lab today ... Sue & I had cokes in Butlers (only $.10 there; $.15 everywhere else.) Walked home with Ellen Stinehart. Did some homework. Went to Mass & had supper at Hully's. So far I've received Communion every time I've gone to Mass this Lent - very good. Went to dancing school. Going to Canada the 9, 10, & 11 of June. Don't get out of school until the 16. Nifty, eh? ... Went to Navin's. Asked Jay if he wanted to go - said yeah - so he just might. Now, if only Pete would come - Joanie likes him too. (There's George, Mike, Steve, Mike, etc besides.) It's now 11:50. I have to go over Latin - so farewell. Good-nite"
"Thursday, March 2, 1967 120 days til Fal(mouth)
Dear Diary,
Had a sodality meeting this am. If we have a retreat, it will cost $15. Not much doing at school. Navin, Lois, Maureen Menton ... & Mary Shutt got mucked by May Bob for being late - they really weren't. She called their parents & forbid them to walk to school together. She's a bitch anyhow. Susan had nosebleeds all day so she went straight home. Patty, Lee, & I went to Mass. Joanie & Diane joined us. The 'younger' three laughed & fooled the whole time. There's a kid in Church every day - he's my 'boy-friend,' Had hot chocolate in Fantasia's. Bought a Piggy Bank. Mo called. Bye"
"Friday, March 3, 1967
Dear Diary,
The Freshman can't go to gym for the rest of the year. They had test papers handed back & began to fool. Grant sent them back to school. Clarisse told May Bob, & she mucked them. I ruined my back at gym. Susan & I were duped into staying after - had to clean the room. Had a World Affairs Club meeting during 7th period - Fr Cronin came. It was pretty good. Sue & I had cokes in Butler's. Went to the 5:30 Mass with Dad, Ma, & Joanie. Babysat for the Strongs at 7:30. Got home at 8:30. Moe called - Lee asked her out! She said no - she was babysitting. Imagine that. I'm jealous! I want to go to WHS. Pete, Johnny, & Jay arrived about 10:30. Still here - playing pool. Cheerio!"
"Saturday, March 4, 1967
Dear Diary,
Got to work at 9:20. Sandy was there. I wish sort of that Richard had come. Linda came 10 mins later. She doesn't know if she's getting the job yet. At 1:45 I spotted Susan & ___ (home from Met State for the weekend), & told them to come over. They waited for me, we came home, I changed, & then we went bowling ... ___ left at 4 & Sue & I walked around the Sq. Went in & out of the 5 & 10 at least 6 or 7 times. Fooled with John. Got home at 5:45. Went babysitting at 7:15. Talked to Moe for an hour and 15 mins. The Strongs didn't pay me. Went to the Dickies at 11 & relieved Patty. 'A Taste of Honey' was great. Bye- y."
"Sunday, March 5, 1967
Dear Diary,
Hello! Not a very exciting day, this one. Went to the 11:45 Mass with Dad, Jimmy, & Johnny. Saw 'David' afterwards. After dinner Mary, Joanie, & I went to Waltham. Met Margie Navin & her friend Louise. We walked along the streets & watched the parade ... we left at 4:30 so Joanie could go babysitting at 5 ... Bye, Luv"
"Monday, March 6, 1967
Dear Diary,
Did my chemistry (homework) during the lunch period. I thought I had forgotten a paper so I didn't do it, but found it when I opened the book at school. I almost saw Paul (Sue's boyfriend) today - he went by in the truck. She had to go right home, so I went to the dentist's with Navin. Afterwards we went to the 5 & 10. Saw Ronnie (having a sundae). We had cokes - I sat one seat away from him - exchanged a few words. Had to take care of the kids & get supper because Mum was at the polls. Only half a day of school tomorrow so I had most of my homework done. Watched the 'Monkees' - Mickey (he's the greatest!) starred. Iron Horse was good. Started essay about 9:30. Sue & Joanie both called. Nite-Nite"
"Tuesday, March 7, 1967
Dear Diary,
It was glorious! No school! Had a snowstorm - 8-14 inches. Only trouble was I had to shovel all day. About 12 Jody tripped (wearing Mum's boots), cut her head on a rocking chair, & had to go to the hosp. Got 3 stitches. Patty & I shoveled our driveway. Watched '77 Sunset Strip.' Shoveled some of Greens. Patty & I went to Mass. Stopped & had hot chocolate at Fantasia's. That kid came in & sat beside Patty (I was on an end). He's ugly! Talked with Jack & John Short. Went to Navins after shoveling the Greens. Passed Pete & Jay. I'm playing it cool with Pete now. Mary & I played chess. It was my 2nd complete game & I got her in a stalemate(?) - it was a tie. A show about Homos was on. Watched half of it. Nite"
"Homos' is a term I would never ever use today - too insensitive or crude or homophobic I guess - I'm cringing as I read it. I even wonder if I knew what it meant back in 1967! We didn't know much about sex then even though we let on we did.
"Wednesday, March 8, 1967
Dear Diary,
Had an English exam this am - terribly hard. I gave up on the essay. Got out of school at 12. Guess what? Mon. Houlihan had wall-to-wall carpeting installed in the corridors - Idiotic, no? Sue, Marie, & I went to the Sq. After shopping about, we had cokes in Butlers ... I went to the 5:30 Mass with Joanie, Diane, & Hannie. Patty's 'boyfriend' was there. Had supper at Hully's. Pete just might come to Canada. His mother would like him to go. I'll know tomorrow. Saw Lee & Jack ... Lost Patty's gloves - She hates me. Joanie & I had a big conversation on Dennis Staires. Nite"
"Thursday, March 9, 1967
Dear Diary,
I get up later 'n later these ams. Today I got up at 8. Walked to school. (Dad usually drives us because of Jimmy & his tonsils). Nothing exciting at school. Sandie Mosca & I went to Flo & asked if we had to have read Pompey for tomorrow - said no. I hope she means it - I haven't started it. Sue & I had cokes in Butlers. She said Birdie might ask John to go to the dance & if he goes with her, they're doubling with Sue & Paul. I wish I knew someone decent to ask - but I don't. So! Mum almost killed Patty & me for the mess our room was in. Was she pissed off! Wow! Dad got into the act too. I didn't go to Mass. Went babysitting at the McLoughlin's. Got home about 11:30. Got $3. I feel sorry for the kid - he's at school almost 9 hrs a day. Cheerio."
I wonder if this was the day that Mum went up to the attic and threw everything from our room down the attic stairs and then made us go clean up our bedroom and the stairs!
"Friday, March 10
Dear Diary,
Had gym fourth period. Played basketball - as usual. Sue & I dashed out of school at 3:10. Paul was supposed to pick her up, but he didn't come. After waiting 5 mins, we headed for the square. He finally came down near the bank - he's not as bad as she makes him out. Walked home with Martha - she never shut up! Patty & I went to Mass. Had hot chocolate in Fantasia's - saw Jack, Black Jack, John Short, & Lee. Jack was upset cause Karen gave him back his ring. Went ice skating with Joan, Diane, & Barbara Malone. 2 or 3 neat boys - one scuzzy, one followed Diane & me around. The guard was cute. Got home at 10:20. Norman picked us up. Watched 'Laredo.' Fooled around with Patty. I kinda hope Richard is at work 'morrow. Bye-y"
"Sat March 11
Went to work, got sick. Paul McC gave ride home.
(Written by MPVN - instruction given by Mary Ellen"
Sunday, March 12
Dear Diary,
Slept till 11:30. Had roast beef - New England Style for dinner. Terrific. Read the paper & watched tv. Moe called about 4. Had been talking about 5 mins when Liz & Marie arrived at her house. They came down & Liz took us for a ride around Watertown. Stopped for pizza about 4:50 - left at 5:10. When I got home, there was no one here. Changed my clothes and dashed to Mass. Arrived at the end of the Creed. Didn't give a damn. Diane & John came up. Di & I went to Frank's - Panessi was there. Watched 'The Haunting' - terrific - with Julie Harris & Russ Tamblyn. Patty scared me as I was coming downstairs. Horrifying. Nite"
Monday, March 13, 1967
Dear Diary,
Nothing new, as usual, at school except that we're not having a retreat next week - 'cause of Mary ___, etc & what happened last year. She really left her mark. Moe's not going to the dance - Mother won't let her. Susan's dropping Paul - after Friday, of course. He's not too bad. We had a coke & brownies in Butler's. Talked on a corner for a while. I went to Mass with Joanie & Diane. We went to drugstore. Joanie told Lee my nickname was 'Mimi.' I could have killed her. Watched 'Monkees' - Mickey is great, Iron Horse - Dave - Wow!, Rat Patrol - okay, Felony Squad - so-so. Washed my hair. Talked to Buffy. Bye."
"Tuesday, March 14, 1967
Dear Diary,
Had a film on the African Missions during religion. It was quite good - all Junior & Senior girls saw it. Received our class rings at French. Mine is size 7 - at first I couldn't get it on, then I couldn't get it off. It fits my left hand so I'm keeping it. Marie, Sue, & I traipsed through the Sq today. Had cokes in 5 & 10 - Sandra Mosca works there now. We even went to Jack's Smoke Shop - the den of sin! Saw Mrs McC on the way home. Patty & I stopped in again, after walking Joanie to McManus' where we had cones. Margy can stand up & talk a little. Hafta babysit Thurs till 7:30 at which time Patty will come till 10:30. I went babysitting to the Gebhardt's. Mary Power called & we talked 3/4 of an hour. Got home at 11:45 & they didn't pay me. Said they'd come tomorrow. Cheerio, Pip Pip."
"Individual Order (Please write firmly - Do Not Detach Yellow Sheet)
I hereby order a medium ring
Price $24 Class Year 1968
Individual Initials (Print) MEM Finger Size 7
Name Mary Ellen Manning
Street 59 Marshall St
Town Watertown State Mass Zip 02172
Name of School St Patrick High
Town Watertown State Mass
J Richard Neil Co, Inc
'Your Class Jeweler $5.00
282 Franklin St Rec'd
Cambridge, Mass 02139"
I presume we received our rings today in the Ring Ceremony - there's no date on the Souvenir card I have.
"Souvenir
Of Our Ring Ceremony
O God, by Whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this ring, and grant that we who wear this symbol of fidelity to our school, may always remember that its emblem is the reminder of our intense love of You, so that through the practice of virtue we may have the courage to beat the crosses of life, having ever on our lips the words, 'The will of God is always beautiful.' Having lived the lives of valiant Catholics, may we one day wear the crown of eternal life in the company of Our Lady, Queen of the angels and the saints, and of the entire heavenly court, through Christ Our Lord. Amen"
I still have that ring after almost 60 years! How can I be so old!
"Wednesday, March 15, 1967
Dear Diary,
Had Chem Lab today - it was terrible! No one knew what to do. Didn't get out of there until 3:30. Then Sue & I had to clean the room! It wasn't even my week! Flo asked me if I wanted a job in the Library of Perkins Institute - I said sure. I was suppose to go up today but there was a bad snowstorm so I didn't. There was no dancing. Mary & I hiked to Fantasia's to get 'some monthly needs.' Met Joanie & Diane. Talked with Lee (who calls me 'Mimi'), Black Jack, Bev, Frank, & Dennis. Mary & I stopped at McManus' for hot chocolate. After a guy took the order, a blond kid came over, winked at me, & asked if he could help me. I looked at the other one, & blondy said 'I guess you've already been taken care of. Too bad, isn't it?' I said yeah. He laughed. Stayed at Navins till 9. Good-nite"
I can't believe all the cokes, brownies, ice cream cones and hot chocolates that I indulged in! No wonder I was worried about my weight! Never mind my teeth!
"Thursday, March 16
Hi O Dear Diary,
No school because of a snowstorm. Slept till 10:30, Mo called - the stinker. Shoveled. About 1, Patty, Diane, Mary Fitz and I went to Perkins. The woman I had to see didn't come in. I filled out an application & have to return tomorrow at 2. Met Sue Cook & her little brother, Chris, in 5 & 10. Saw Birdie - had her ears pierced. Got new shoes for the dance - trouble is their white. Went babysitting at 6. Patty came about 6:30. Mary Power arrived about 7:50. We went to WHS' 'Once in a Lifetime.' It was pretty good. Two really neat kids in it. Chris Whalen - the star & Pat King - he's nifty - Moe, the ass, turned down a date with him. Saw Lee & Eddie Staires. Had a good time - sat with Martha Melican & Ellen Operacz. Got home at 11. It's now 11:35. Cheerio, Pip pip & that rot."
"Friday, March 17, 1967
Happy St Patrick's Day Diary,
What a day! Got up at 10:30. Went to the hall to decorate. Hardly anyone showed up. Spent the morning cutting out decorations (which I had brought there.) Went to Perkins. I guess I got the job. I'll work 5 days a week from 3:30 to 5. While buying nylons & thermal 'petti' pants in Gorins, I met Navin. Helped her pick out a dress. We went to 5 & 10 - saw Buffy, back to Hully's, down to the drugstore - talked to Lee & home. Started getting ready for the dance. About 8:20 I was finally ready. Paul Navin drove us down. I collected tickets for a while - 1/2 the kids were from WHS. John Scuse asked me to dance, & I did. Then he wouldn't let me alone - I kept hiding from him. The dance was okay. Got home about 11:30. (Mary & I walked). Nite"
"Saturday, March 18
Dear Diary,
Paul arrived at 9:45 - a 1/2 hr late. He gave us his phone no so we can call him when he is late. He interviewed the Beatles twice! He said they swear like hell & drink a lot. Mary & Moe dropped in & made a scene. Sue came by about 2. We came home, I changed, we went to the Sq, I bought a dress for Joanne, & then we went to her house. I met Bobby Harrington, a nice kid, & her brother & his girlfriend. Got home about 5:30. Talked with Moe - she wants me to fix her up with Lee - like hell I will! I went out with Sue & Paul. Were going to go skating, but the place was closed. Went to 'Howdy's Beef Burger' in Framingham. I'd like to go to the Junior Prom but I'm afraid to ask anyone. Ya know? I wish I knew someone on whom I could rely. Unfortunately - Bye"
"Sunday, March 19, 1967
Dear Diary,
Went to the 11:45 Mass with Mary & Joan. David wasn't there. Bought birthday cards for Ma & Jody. Had to go dancing at 3:30. I left for the Hulistons carrying two bundles of clothes at 3. Mum asked Dad to give me a ride and he said no - the *#@?!"" Changed clothes at the Hully's. Joan, Diane, Maureen McKenzie, Mike & I went to Kennedy Hosp. Danced for the parents & grandparents of the kids with cerebral palsy. The nurses (a lot of nuns) there are marvelous - it was really moving to see those kids - we sure are lucky. After returning to Hully's at 6, we went to the drugstore - met Patty. Got ice cream cones in McManus' - 20 degrees out. Pete was here when we arrived - so I didn't come up - play it cool. Oh yeah - saw Dennis Staires - didn't talk to him tho - no time. Bye"
"Annual Memorial Mass of
Division 14 AOH
March 19, 1967
The Breastplate of St Patrick
Christ defend me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
Until there comes to me the full reward of my labor.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ within me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ at my right hand,
Christ at my left hand,
Christ in my breadth,
Christ in my length,
Christ in my height,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me.
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me.
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me."
I suppose this memorial card must have been given out at the 10 o'clock Mass - that was the big, formal Mass with the choir on Sunday - not at the 11:45 Mass. My father must have gone to that since he was in the Hibernians.
"Monday, March 20, 1967
Dear Diary,
Only have school 3 days this week. I start work at Perkins next Monday at $1.30 an hour. Sue & I hung around the Sq until 4. If anyone asks, tell em I went skating with Pat Doherty (?) Saturday nite (he's Sue's friend). Went to Mass with Patty, Joan, & Diane. Patty & I had hot chocolate in drugstore - saw Sue but didn't talk. Saw Eileen in Fox's - 2 of her kids have strep throat. Watched The Monkees - it was great - Mickey was the best! Rat Patrol was okay, Felony Squad was good - Jim got shot. Sue called during Iron Horse - good. Talked 1/2 hr. I called WRKO to request 'Sometime in the Morning' by Mickey & ended up talking with the kid on the line - his first day on the job - sounded neat. Bye-y"
"Tuesday, March 21, 1967
Dear Diary,
Sue & I had cokes with Wilma Jones in Butler's. Met Judy Rossi & Birdie Fuschetti, & Wilma went off with them. We walked around the Sq a couple of times. Saw Bulldog. Had an orangeade in the 5 & 10. Ran into Mary Joyce - so Sue walked home with her. Later I went babysitting with Joanie. We dashed madly to Mass - 10 mins late. Had hot chocolate in the drugstore ... Went to Kings - didn't see any dresses but bought a white hat for $3 and a mantilla. Watched 'Girls from UNCLE.' Then did homework - had to read Pompey - finished about 11:30. G'nite!"
Funny to read that I bought a mantilla - those were the days that you had to be dressed nicely for church - no jeans or shorts or T-shirts - women's heads had to be covered. There were the long lacy mantillas and the small round lacey ones that sat just on the top of your head. How many times did we use a bobby pin to attach an opened Kleenex to our hair when we had no hat? And look at us now - anything goes - everyone is welcome at most churches - no one worries about covering their heads or what they wear. We don't even have to leave home - we can watch the Mass on TV or on computers or phones! In our pajamas!
"Wednesday, March 22, 1967
Dear Diary,
Only 100 days until Falmouth. Have to go to the convent tomorrow at 10 to clean the chapel - nifty, uh? Today was the last day of school for 5 days - it snowed. Walked to Sq with Susan, but we didn't get cokes. Went to Mass with Mary Pat (1st time in Lent that she could go to the 5:30 Mass). Had hot chocolate in drugstore. Talked with Lee for 15 mins. Told him Mo was afraid of him - he just shrugged. Talked awhile with Jack. Ellen Stinehart called - wanted to make sure I was going to Boston with her - I'm not chasing sailors with her. Susan called - we didn't say much - she's cleaning tomorrow too. Moe called - we're taking Marie out to dinner Sat - $5! Kinda expensive. Bye-y"
"Thursday, March 23, 1967
Dear Diary,
Got up at 9. Met Susan at 9:45 & we proceeded to 5 stores to find Polish for Rose Patrice. Had to wax & polish the pews in the chapel. Left at 12. Sue & I had cokes in Butler's. Hung around the Sq until 12:40. Ellen Stinehart came down at 12:45 & we went to Mt Auburn to get Joanie, then we 3 headed to Boston .. We spent 1 1/2 hrs in stores. At 4:30 we went to Mass at Park St Chapel. Had supper in the Saxon Cafeteria. Walked around - left about 6:30. Watched 'Merrill's Marauders' & read a book about Iron Horse. G'nite"
"Friday, March 24, 1967
Dear Diary,
Slept till 11:15. Did dishes. Cleaned my room - it doesn't look it now. Watched 77 Sunset Strip - veddy good. Went to Good Friday Services at 5 pm. Met Martha Melican there - she gave me a ride home. The thing lasted an hour and a half. (5-6:30). At 7:15 I went babysitting to the McClennens. Did some homework. Wrote some of my story. Watched 'Tarzan,' 'Man From UNCLE,' and 'Laredo' - great! Listened to an updated story of the Crucifixion in a reporter's point of view - it's an annual thing - very good. Margy's birthday is tomorrow - she's almost a year old. Got $3. I dread going to work tomorrow - Paul & Lynda might not be there & Richard might. Bye!"
"Saturday, March 25 Margy's birthday
Hello there, Di,
It was crummy at work. Fortunately Lynda was there .. Met Mary Pat in the card shop I bought a birthday card for Margy. Couldn't find any white shoe dye - I'll have to wear my new 'flats.' Went to the Square with Patty to buy candy for the 'Easter Bunny.' I bought nylons & a white pocketbook at Maes. It's patent leather - I was going to exchange it for plain white leather but the store was closed. Went to Holy Saturday Services with Joanie & Diane - it was okay. Don't like Fr Barletta - the crumb - stuck on himself. Walked home with Mum & Ann Dickie. Nite"
"Sunday, March 26, 1967
Dear Diary,
Happy Easter! I wore my old purplish suit. Went to 11:45 Mass with Dad, Mom, & Johnny - sat directly in front of David ___. Had ham instead of turkey for dinner - first time in ages. The Hully's came up after dinner. Joan, Mary, Patty, Diane, & I went to Boston. Except for one guy who tried to convert us - esp Mary -, it was tres dull. Got home & went to get a pizza, but every place was closed. Went to Hully's ... Norman drove us home. Joanie stayed over night. Mary couldn't. Joan & I walked down to McManus' (met Jay, Johnny, & Pete) but it was closed. Got home about 10:45. Oh, Chris is home. Good nite"
"Monday, March 27
Dear Diary,
Since there was no school (Easter Mon) I stayed in bed till 11:15. Joanie went candy striping at 11. Bought a DC 5 Album (Dave Clark 5) & a single. Went to Hully's, then Diane, Patty, & I went to dancing school. Hafta dance Sunday. Got back to Hully's at 2:45. Played album & changed my clothes. At 3:15 I dashed to the Perkins. Mrs Castle was showing me around when someone came up behind me. I turned around and guess who it was? - Dennis Staires. I almost flipped! Talked with him every now & then. His mother picked us up, & we picked up Eddie, & we 4 picked up 2 more. I was sitting twix Dennis & (sigh) Eddie. Joanie took it very calmly - the cad, (I think Dennis still likes her.) Watched tv & did homework. Rat Patrol was good. Monkees I like. DC5 I love. Nite"
"Tuesday, March 28 1967
Dear Diary,
Only 94 days left till we go to Falmouth. Couldn't sleep last nite - was awake till after 1:30. Nothing new at school. Sue got a fish hook caught in her leg last Sat. Bobby Harrington was asking for me, she said. All day long I was thinking about work, Eddie, & Dennis - so what happens? He doesn't show up, of course. Called and said he had an earache. Time passes so fast there. I walked home with Joe - he lives on Prescott St ... Went to Kings with Mary Power - gave her her chances. She bought a dress - we had an ice cream cone, & walked home. Got home about 8:20. Did homework, listened to the radio & records. Pray that Dennis is at Perkins tomorrow - it's tres, tres dull without him popping up here & there. Bless ya"
Wednesday, March 29, 1967
Dear Diary,
Only 93 days till Falmouth. Some kids got out early to go to a 'tea' at Rosary (3-5). I didn't because of work. Had a coke with Sue because I had told Mrs Castle that I'd be late. Thankfully Dennis was there today. Had a blast. We were up in the non-fiction stacks - alone - together. He put most of the books away because I can't reach the top shelves. He calls me 'ugly' & 'pint-size.' I have to think up a good name for '4 eyes.' He snatched my ring while I was washing my hands - I chased him outside. I don't think Mrs Castle approves of our tom-foolery. Mrs Staires drove me home - no Eddie. After supper Patty & I went to Navins', Mary & we went to Parker Drug & Frank's. Did homework - not through yet. Nite"
One of my jobs at Perkins was to put away the Braille books or package them up to be delivered to people's homes. They were large heavy books - I used to run my fingers over the raised Braille text and wonder if the kids' fingers ever bled from tracing the raised dots.
"Thursday, March 30,
Dear Diary,
Only 92 days till F(almouth) day. Rose Patrice told Lizzie that she expects Lizzie, Marie, & me to become nuns - Ho Ho Ha Ha He He! Dashed to work - only 3 mins late. Dennis was there. Ditto Joe. Dennis introduced me to a kid named Colin, an artist. Wanted me to pose. Dennis wanted to go to the upstairs stacks with me - but I didn't go. Had to put the XA fiction in order. He hid my schoolbag in the cellar - dark & spooky. I went down to get it & he pulled it up in the dumbwaiter. I shrugged & he let it down as I was coming up, but HE went down after it. He's a good kid despite what Joan & Mary say. Mrs Staires drove me home. Did homework & listened to the records & radio. I just might get paid tomorrow. Bye"
Perkins had a series of underground tunnels throughout the property - could they have been from WWII or the Cold War? I don't remember. Anyway I think the basement stacks hooked up to the tunnels. I hated going down there. Sometimes one of the blind students would purposely shut off the lights when I was down there and start making noises in the dark to scare me - which they did! After working there, I lost a lot of my compassion for the blind.
"Friday, March 31
Dear Diary, (4 /1/67)
Not much new at school. Liz, Marie, Birdie, & I plan to go out tomorrow nite. Dashed off to the Perkins as usual. I don't get paid until next week - and then it might be for just 1 week. Dennis wants to get on friendlier terms - like when we went to Nantasket - that'll be fun! (SARCASM). Can't trust him. I still like Eddie & Ronnie better. Dr Kildare is on at 5 these days. When Mrs Staires drives me home I can see 3/4 of it. Went babysitting about 8 at Eileen's. The kids, as usual, were terrible. Got home about 1. Stayed up till 3:30 watching 'Down to the Sea With Ships.' Nite"
Mike Connolly was a young Irishman from Ballyconneelly in Connemara. His father was from there, but his mother was an American who moved to Ireland when she got married. So Mike was an American citizen through his mother. He moved to Watertown and married our neighbor on Marion Road Trudy Murphy - her mother was the organist at St Pat's. Mike's younger brother Paul Connolly also moved out here, and he married Rosemary Murphy - Trudy's younger sister.
Mike had an horrific accident at B F Goodrich in East Watertown in November 1966 - he lost both hands. He was a great accordion player - after the accident he went on to play the harmonica/mouth organ and continued his band - The Celtic Aires. My father was profoundly affected by this tragedy and organized a benefit for Mike at the Hibernians.
"Watertown Division 14
Ancient Order of Hibernians
151 Watertown Street
Watertown, Mass.
My Dear Friend:
We extend to you, and to every member of Division 14,
a sincere invitation to attend a Social-Reception to .....
Mike Connolly
8 pm
Friday March 31
Hibernian Hall
To the members of Division 14 and his friends everywhere, who knew of the talents of this young man, his unfortunate accident early this winter was a stunning blow. The resultant surgery was a shock.
The Mike Connolly Night Social will not be an expression of our sympathy but will instead be an expression of our deep admiration of his courage.
Your attendance will be an expression of loyalty to a brother member and will bolster Mike's wonderful spirit in his noble effort to overcome his handicap.
All who attend this Social on Friday, March 31st will leave with a sincere feeling that they have witnessed a true 'Profile in Courage.'
Fraternally for the Committee
John Manning
Chairman
PS Chance books for those who desire them are still available ..... contact John Manning at WA4 -9143."
When I was older, I remember Mike with his brother Paul and his band the Celtic-Aires playing at the Hiboes, Colcannons - was that in Dedham? - at Henry Varian's pub in Brookline maybe? I had an album that they made but I think I threw it out when I sold my house because I couldn't play it with all the scratches on it. Below is a snapshot of the album from the website - https://www.discogs.com/release/8202752-Mike-Connollys-Celticaires-What-A-Country?srsltid=AfmBOopvp_sqopSUIO7sgO5GQlC-z1U11fkTrs-PDkcguizg1jCT5ltv
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