Higgins Junior High School - Tatler Yearbook (Thompsonville, CT)

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A. D. HIGGINS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 7 CLASS PROPHECY On June 1, 1943, the palatial steamer “Imagination” owned by Kenneth Schoppe, George Gcinner and Russell Fontaine Steamship Co. under Capt. Joseph Wietecha docked at Ed- ward Ingraham ' s pier. It had just returned from a year’s trip through the land of “Believe it or Not.” If you read over the passenger list it would sound rather like this: Made- line Wenc, Bertha Ziernian, Ruth Hayward, Margaret Fitzgerald. The four Doeswell Sisters, radio stars, Anthony Shelanskas, golf champion, Joseph Walenta, lightweight cham- pion, Leo Baj, his manager, Charles Gatto, William Cowles and Alfred Typronsay, owners of the No Static Radio Co., Nancy Peck noted horse trainer, and her jockies Doris Para- dise and Fannie Maxellon, Francis Dubiel, Chester Haber, William D’Aleo, the well known traveling salesmen, Frank Cybulski, just an- other big business man, Fiore Cres- cetelle, a radio announcer, and Stella Lizak, Florence Kuhm, Helen Hara- lambakis owners of the Non-Fatten- ing Food Shops. The busiest members of the party were, Edwin Salva, fea- ture story writer, Stella Petraska, society editor, Jerry Mottola sports editor, Tony Liucci and Edward Karcz, camera men, sent out by the world wide “Wallop Sees All Knows All” edited by Michael Marinaccio and Leon Bajek. Their mission was to bring back a detailed report of their every move as a feature story for their paper. Their report follows: The ship was scheduled to leave the port at 11 o’clock. We arrived at the dock about 10.30. The steward Anthony D ' Lorenzo greeted us and told us that Ralph Miller and Max Olko would take care of our baggage. He escorted us to our staterooms where we found Lily Crimona and Frances Vella busily getting things in order. They told us that Henry Rob- linski, Carl Rackis, John Romano, James Miller, Frank Grimaldi and closed. Let us remember only the friendships and the lessons of the past and let our motto be “Ever On- ward.” Leo Porcello, were all members of the crew. Edwin decided that he must send a telegram to some one back home. He rang for the porter and Robert Farrington appeared, took the message to Raymond Therrien, tele- graph operator, who sent it to Thomp- sonville, where it was received by Ethel Humphries and telephoned through Janina Olehny to the law office of Campbell and Richards. Gene- vieve Decaro, the secretary, took the message and gave it to Allen. As the ship steamed down the Connecticut, the call for dinner was given by Joseph Curry. We knew that our meals would be good for in passing the cooking quarters we rec- ognized Philip La Russa, Stanley Krzys, Frank Barszcz and Leonard Montana. We understand that they learned all they know in the Boys’ Cooking Club. At dinner we certainly were seated at a distinguished table for around us sat Frank Kalwa, the scientist, Rosalie Pease, the author of the fam- ous story “Who Cares,” James Lepore, popular song writer, whose song “Watch out or you’ll be Reported” was being hummed by everyone, Vivian Antinore, a typist, Amelia Shanko, a bookkeeper and Rose Pito- niak, a stenographer, Mamie Palilla, Dorothy Adams, Matilda Cardone, and Bernice Lacey, teachers. Needless to say the meal was a success. That evening while promenading the deck we saw Alvira Sarno and Freida Duda selling candy and ciga- rettes. They told us that the next afternoon there was to be a swim- ming contest in the ship’s pool which we shouldn’t miss. We didn’t. The first event was a quarter-mile relay race for girls, won by Agnes Poho- rylo’s famous swimming team com- posed of Frances Wojcik, Stella Lyko, Rose Franciamore, Stella Pierog, and Sophie Baltronis. The 400 yard swim- ming title went to Samuel McGill with William Zeronsa second honors. Next cam.e the fancy divers, and they did all kinds of dives, some we didn’t know existed. These experts were Charles Di Sciacca, Elizabeth Leete, Blanche Higgins, Charles Sacheli, Elsie Pobat and Charles Ragno.

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6 THE TATLER CLASS HISTORY September sixth, one thousand nine hundred thirty-two, the two hundred and one members of our class took their places in the eighth grade rooms of the A. D. Higgins Junior High School and looked toward the future, uncertain as to what it held in store, but determined to reach that goal now, at last, in sight — graduation. The year has passed, the goal is reached, and those uncertainties now form the History of the Class of 1933. As school opened we renewed old acquaintances among the faculty and welcomed Miss Best who replaced Miss Taggart in 8A. During the year we found Miss Dorothy Fuge, Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs. Chouinard and Mr. Fowler substituting for various teachers when the need arose. The organization of our Student Council took place during the third ■week of September and its officers were elected. They were ; Allan Com- rie. President; Bernie Buscemi, Vice- President; Ethel Humphries, Secre- tary. The Basement, Traffic, Safety and Playground Committees were ap- pointed and be an work imm.ediately. The school library was opened in September with Miss Best in charge. Later Miss Clancy, with the help of Miss White and Miss Best, bought new books with the gift of the Class of 1932. Jane Pierz and Jennie San- taniella assisted Miss Best and later Miss White in taking charge. The li- brary was, as usual, open once every two weeks for the pupils’ use. The County Fair was held Septem- ber 29, 1932 and our school won the highest number of honors and was awarded a banner. As usual we held our magazine drive. Kenneth Schoppe, Elsie Pobat and Edwin Salva were in charge Thomas Smyth and Stanley Parvelac were considered the best salesmen, both getting ten credits. In the field of athletics our boys did excellent work. The basketball team with William D’Aleo as manager and Peter Lamagna as captain were champions of their league. In base- ball also we had a winning team. Our clubs continued to give us real help and entertainment and as usual we especially enjoyed the parties given at the las t meetings. In February our new Student Coun- cil was organized. The officers elected were: Allan Comrie, President; Ray- mond Schneider, Vice-President; Ethel Humphries, Secretary. Various entertainments were pro- vided during the year. During Febru- ary our class presented Everett Wal- lace, magician, ventriloquist, and mu- sician who amused us with his songs and tricks. Later the Glee Club’s minstrel and the Eighth Grade Girls’ Fashion Show gave our boys and girls an opportunity to demonstrate their own ability as entertainers and the girls their skill in dress-making. Three teas were served. A Hallow- e’en tea was given by 8A, a Christmas tea by 8B1, and a Washington’s tea by 8C. The saddest incident of our school year was the death on January 30, 1933 of our beloved Principal, Miss Clancy. As a mark of respect classes were omitted February 1, and at the regular Arbor Day services a tree was dedicated as a memorial to her years of unselfish service in the schools of Enfield. Acting in her place has been Mrs. Barnett our Vice- Principal. The first meeting of the Graduating Class was held February 16. At this meeting we elected Allan Comrie, President; Jane Pierz, Vice-Presi- dent; Marion Davis, Secretary; Thomas Smyth, Treasurer. The sec- ond meeting was called to determine the amount of the class dues and the members of the several committees. At the third meeting we decided to leave, in memory of Miss Clancy, a bronze plaque. Later we chose the class statistics; then our motto, “Ever Onward” and the class flower, the Mountain Laurel. The class of 1933 decided to follow the custom of holding its picnic at Hartford. In the forenoon we had an interesting trip through the State Capitol and the State Library. In the afternoon we visited Capitol Park and enjoyed the amusements there. At this time may we express our sincere appreciation to the faculty for their efforts in our behalf. Another chapter in our lives is

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THE TATLER ‘ 8 That evening we were entertained by a varied radio program. The b ooming voice of Richard Snyder , radio announcer, resounded through the room. “This is station D-E-A-D. It is exactly IAQV 2 , Connecticut Time, given through the courtesy of the John and Anna Mokrzycki jewelry store.” “Good evening my friends. First you shall hear Armand Saimo ' s Tuney Orchestra with instrumental solos by Helen Cyhulski, Stella Pole- ski, James Ainsworth, Benny Mil- koivski and Josephine Zawada.” Next on the program will be Hilda DeMayo, The Higgins Nightingale, followed by Stephen Wolak who will speak on “Nothing.” Yes, it is time for more music and here we have Tony Renna’s “Connecticut Flill Bil- lies” with Edward Kozaczka, fiddler. Leroy Fibkins, second fiddler, Michael Falkoivski, accordionist; Stanley Kot, Fred Such, John Zarrzycki and Save- rio Scavatto harmonicists ; and Stan- ley Parvelac, soloist. That concludes this broadcast.” “Stand By for the Story Hour!” Then followed. The Bed Time Story Hour by Bedtime Story artist Thomas Vella. They say that he keeps all the neighbor’s children up nights waiting to hear his yawn. Then followed a most thrilling Detective Story “Who Killed Cock Robin” by Rose St. George. The great crime v as solved by Doctor Andrew Watson and Sher- lock Holmes Angelica. The Police De- partment was represented by Francis Mnich. The necessary woman’s screams were furnished by Helen Ry- bick. Just before the station signed off Rose Maniscalchi gave the late new’s flashes. Big Fire Sale at Rita O ' Brien ' s Drug Store. Allan Cornrie wins fame as a criminal lawyer. Big Air Meet at Frigon ' s Field, featuring the best aviators and aviatrixes of the world. Among these are Theodore Dernago, Wanda Zawada, Robert Chatterton, Madison Toiyer, Sophie Nabonzy and Rosalie Deni. The first stop made by our ship was at Windsor Locks, “The Play- ground of the World.” We learned that we were just in time for the 11th Olympiad at Crooked Field. Some of the countries entered were Warehouse Pointeram, Hazardvillian, Broad Brookamia, Wapingham, Poushovera and State Linera. Admission was $50.50 for men and $50.55 for women. The extra five cents was refunded if the women did not ask any foolish questions. No refunds were made. We reached Crooked Field and purchased our tickets from Josephine Gurreri at the main gate, then gave them to Celia Olko and Dorita Hig- gins, the ticket collectors. We were ushered to our seats in section X Y Z by four usherettes, Minnie Zawala, Florence Szela, Jennie Barszcz and Mary Fay. The parade of athletes started as we reached our assigned seats. The parade was lead by Walter Los, drum major, at the head of the Blaster Band. Next came the champion athletes, Charles Maggio, shot putter; high-jumper, Peter Lamagna; George Nye, sprinter; and Frank MastalisZy pole valter; and many others not important enough to mention. A short intermission followed dur- ing which milk shakes, containing milk from the famous Smyth-Fuge Dairy were served. One of the high spots of our trip was our attendance at the opening game of the World Series between The Can’t Hit Giants and the Never Win Red Socks. As the players lined up we recognized Charles Allen, Stan- ley Bania, Royal Broege, Jerry Manis- calchi and Stanley Kwiecienski. At the most critical point of the game Royal Broege was hit by the ball. Julia Zawada, telephone operator, sent for the ambulance which was driven by Walter Landry and brought his assistant nurses Katherine Zyck and Louise Maggio. He was taken away to the Javorski Hospital. There, Doctor Dexter Green bandaged him and took him to his room. The nurses who took special care of him were Josephine Gatto and Christine Verdi. But, he was visited by other nurses of the hospital including Virginia Pascucci, Wanda Szczepanek, Mildred Provencher, Alice Malides, Stella De Forge, Margaret Thompson and Wanda Rzesos. While recuperating. Royal had many visitors. There was Fdson Pierce, the lawyer; John Gwozdz, the baker; Teddy Bednarski, the farmer; Mitchell Raffia, the fire warden; Ed- ward Polek, the butcher; Vernon Frangiamore, the undertaker; and