Westerly High School - Westlyan Yearbook (Westerly, RI)

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Tin: Senior Year Book — 1949 ing performance and bows out of the spotlight. The next few selections are from people we don’t lecognize. Then Gene Wright plays a piano solo and Roland Austin warbles the latest ballad. Gene is also doing a little art on the side. The last featured attraction is that daredevil of the autos, Gussie “Speed” Woodmansee, who drives his car through fires, flaming hoops, and up a 50-foot ramp and lands right side up. We talk with him after the show and he appears to be very calm. “No trouble at all; in fact, it’s fun,” he says, as our teeth chatter. We leave the Big Top, because it's getting late and we want to see everything. We are just purchasing some cotton candy from Kay Turano, who looks good enough to eat herself, when someone rumbles by in an old Ford. We hear the screech of brakes, and look up to see Russ Kenyon, with the same Ford he had in high school days. Riding (a point to be disputed) with him is Ray Rathbone, who is on leave from the Army Paratroops. Ray tells us that he has achieved the rank of major and likes it very much. We chat with them awhile and then ramble over to a little booth that Tony Sisco is managing. It’s a basketball concession where one tries to put a six-ounce ball into a bent tin hoop. Tony says it’s good money and keeps him in practice. He tells us he’s coaching during school year at W. H. S. and has produced world champions for seven years straight. We are startled by the familiar voice of Anna Ritaceo, who is just as surprised to see us. She takes three shots and sinks them all . . . still as good as ever. She tells us that she is teaching at a kindergarten now and even has some of her classmates’ children in her group. In one of the side shows, “Women’s Wrestling Matches,” two of our former classmates are the opponents—Jean Restelli and Claire Riddell. They tie up the match and both do very well. In another tent, our attention is attracted by Marjorie Wright’s voice beckoning people to come to see the South Sea Island Girls. We pay a dime to Jane Terranova and walk in. The tom-toms beat, the castanets sound, and out the beauties come in breathless costumes. Among them we recognize Barbe Hinchliffe and Loretta Dawson. Such a moving performance is presented to us that we decide we've seen all we want at the carnival for tonight. Taking one of Fiore’s taxis, driven by Fred Cawley, we return to Westerly. We are met by the cry of a newsboy whom we recognize as John Lallo. The headlines read, “Edward Hein-old. Physicist, discovers the only cure for the theropodismy of the scalozy.” We certainly are glad to know that he’s making out all right with the world. Glancing through the paper, we discover that Larry Carroll is the editor and Trilby Bennett, assistant editor. The paper is called “Larroll’s Gazette.” It is a very good publica-t ion and keeps the public up on all the news, world and social . . . but we don’t know whether to classify it as a daily, a weekly, a bi-weekly, a monthly, a bi-monthly or what, publication dates being so uncertain. Richard Brown is the sports editor and Tena Weeden writes the gossip column. In Dick’s column, we read about Bob Pearson being released by the Red Sox, while from Tena’s, we learn that Fred Guldstrand is making his home in Sweden. Guess he always wanted to live there. Among others who have journeyed to foreign countries is John Gencarella, who is living at the North Pole trying to make a living trading camels with the Eskimos, and Barbara Hamilton who is a missionary to South Africa. Wonder how she’s making out with those bongos. ... In the book review section of the paper is an excellent criticism written by Fran Carlesi of Andrew Sacco’s book, “My High School Daze.” We are glad to see that Joe Barbone’s new book, “How to Be a Successful Mortician,” is leading the best-seller list. According to the society section, the Tip Top Club, composed of girls over six feet tall, have just elected Priscilla Greene as president, and Dagmar Baldwin, vice president. Also in the society news is the article three columns long about Ann Murphy’s marriage to a rich oil man from Texas, the same oil man who employs Robert Johnson as chief well-digger. We turn to the radio section and notice that Dolores Gardella and Elsie Fors have a program on home-cooking. Mayor John Ruisi is scheduled to make a speech at 9:30. His secretary, Kay MacVicar, helped him greatly to win the election. Walking on, we are attracted by a large Neon sign which reads “Salisbury, Auto Repairs.” We stop to chat with Joe who says he’s been in business since high school days. Gert Jones is his secretary and a very efficient one at that, with her pleasant personality. We pass by Champlin’s Telephone Company. “Champlin,” that name sounds familiar: guess we’ll investigate. Sure enough, it’s our old classmate, Jackie, who is the owner. Looking down the aisle of operators, we recognize Gerry Neeley, Fanny Romanella, and Doris Robson. Chatting with Jackie, we learn that Dr. Dorothy Gledhill has completed her research on the psychology of infants and has her own hospital for babies. Ruth Everett and Barbara Knowles are nurses there, and are happy to be doing something for the good of mankind. Wishing Jackie the best of luck with her phones, we leave, realizing that there is too little time left in our visit. Well, we still want to see more of Westerly but our tour is interrupted by two girls who are chatting so enthusiastically that they don’t see us and bump smack into us. They start to apologize, when we recognize Nona Finnie and Dot Rottluff. We stop to talk with them and when we compliment their amazing hair-dos they tell us they’ve just had their hair styled in “Dot and Catherine’s,” an

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Tm. Senior Year Book — 1949 there Ellen Leete, the general manager, and owner of a chain of department stores throughout the country. There is a fashion show going on when we enter, and we recognize Nancy Lenihan and Gretchen Grills modeling costumes designed by that famed designer of Fifth Avenue creations, Blanche Urso. Finding our supply of ready cash insufficient, we cross the street to the Barber Trust Company (successor to the Washington Trust Company), and borrow a few dollars from Benjamin Barber, president. Allans Roode is a teller, and we notice Julia Rozanski at the Christmas Club window. We find Arthur Ahern running the elevator in the bank, but decide it’s too hot to take a trip up. As prices are too high to eat out too often, we go up to the First National to get some meat for supper. (We’ll make our own and like it.) We find that Jimmy Augeri is the manager of the meat and produce counter. His able meat-cutter, Clifford Tyler, offers us a wide selection of choicest meats. Bidding them farewell we notice while walking up the street that the Westerly Band is rehearsing under the baton of Ed Ruisi. Continuing up the street, we bump into Tom Toscano who is working with the FBI on an important case in Westerly. Seems like Bob Dion, now coaching State, was offered a bribe to throw a game against R. I. State’s bitter rival, Brown. Tom informs us that along with Jackeye Mitchell, who is director of the music conservatory at State, Esther Dawley and Beverly Cruickshank are teaching there, too. We see Sam Fiore and his fleet of taxis, and ride home in one. After supper we decide to take in a show and find Lucy Cross selling tickets at the Bijou Theatre owmed by Frank Gencarella. We notice Joan Pickering’s name in lights starring in “The Silent Guest,” and decide that the movie will be very interesting. Also co-starring with Joan is John Tierney, who has come a long way since his high school days. We find that Gay Blake also has a bit part. It makes us proud to learn that Kenneth Brightman was the director. In the newsreel we learn that Westerly’s own astronomer, Dave Gray, has discovered a new planet. Hungry after the show, we go to that ultra-modern night-club jointly owned by Lucy Paterno and Marion Comolli. Featured there are Jeremy Balentine and his orchestra with vocalist Marilyn Martin. On the bandstand we see some familiar faces such as Charlie James, Eleanor Marino, Connie Barber, Shirley Murray, and Billy Barber. Some of the pert waitresses are Eleanor Bruno, Florence Abruzzese, and Lois Eccleston. Looking around, we notice Lil Grillo and her football team eating and talking incessantly. Our eyes are attracted by the color of Red Lees’ hair, and we see that he is head bartender, assisted by Ralph Bavasso and Ted Underwood. Our waitress, Lois, tells us that Audrey Hodson is the chief—cook-and-bottle-washer and that she is assisted by Betty Neeley. Getting our hats checked is not a problem because Anne Casey is right there to help us out in every way possible. We bump into Tony Liguori, who tells us that he is the establishment’s official bouncer. He also informs us that Adair and Andree Fenelon are employed by the Toni Home Permanent Company for the “Which Twin Has the Toni” ads, and that Gilda Liguore and Martha Schwarz have their own art school. Bidding him farewell, we return to the hotel where we are staying. Having overslept the hotel’s breakfast hour, we found out that we must eat elsewhere. We go to Sally Manfredi’s “Breakfast Nook” for a delicious breakfast of waffles and all the syrup we want. We see in one corner Joe Pappadia and Albert Ceplenski busily devouring bacon and eggs. Joe is sports editor of the Hobo News, and A1 has become a famous stock-car driver known as “Flash.” We spend the rest of the morning on a sightseeing bus driven by Ann Greene. Among the views, we see the huge mansion of Hazel Crompton who made millions by saving during high school days. We leave the bus at Atlantic Beach, where, behind the counter of their hotdog stand, we see Joyce Parker and Olive Harding. Business is apparently good, for a large crowd is standing around. Or maybe it’s Joyce's witty remarks that draw the crowd. Proprietor of the combination skating rink and riding academy is Jean Stites. Outside at the wharf, sits a large aircraft carrier. Going out on the beach, we are amused by the difference between the “new look of our high school days and “the stare” of 1969. Anne Sweeney and Patty Turano are sporting it very becomingly. Attracted by a crowd of screaming girls, we decide to investigate and find that John Terranova, lifeguard, is the center of attraction. He is telling about some of his spectacular rescues. About twenty minutes ago he rescued Grace Parnigoni who was looking the other way when a wave came. The wave was caused by a speedboat driven by Sal Parise, who, in turn, waves and continues on. Finding time slipping rapidly by, we hear the booming voice of Lois Grinnell calling everyone to “Hurry, hurry, hurry, etc.” Entering the Big Top, we are just in time to catch the first act. Paying “Ish” Anderson the fee to get in, we hear the snappy music of a band and see Anna Bcokataub strutting out ready to do her twirling act. Anna puts on a fine performance, as usual, and the next act is introduced by Larry Wheeler, emcee, who announces the “Man vs. Beast” act: Chester Cekala, the lion tamer. Chet tires his lion out with his intricate plan of attack and is vigorously applauded. Next on the program is an acrobatic exhibition by Ann Lazzaro, an old friend and classmate. Annie gives a breath-tak-

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Thk Senior Year Book — 1949 establishment managed by no other than Dot Reilly and Catherine Ferreira. Inga Anderson is the manicurist, while Millie Babcock does the advertising art. Oh, my goodness! It's getting late. Time for the Masquerade Ball. Taking a taxi to the Casino at Atlantic Beach, we enter the ballroom. Sweet music greets us, which, we later learn, was produced by Lou Mor-rone and his Sweet Six. Lou certainly has a wonderful orchestra. Eleanor Roberts checks our hats as we enter, and a pretty miss whom we don’t recognize escorts us to our table. Just as Maestro Morrone is to announce the Carnival Queen, there is that old familiar bark and “Driver” walks into the spotlight. By the loud applause, we realize that there must be a number of people from the Class of '49 in the audience. Driver looks the same as ever, hasn’t lost a pound. Lou doesn’t let a little incident like that bother him, but he goes right on to introduce Marilyn Panciera as the Queen. “Bunny” was Queen of the Prom when we were juniors and she’s just as cute as ever. With the crowning of the Queen, and the wonderful news we have learned, we certainly feel that our return to Westerly was a most wonderful experience for us. It has brought back many memories and we hope will help others to see just how much fun we had in high school and what loyal friendships we made. We shall return in another twenty years. Yes, this Class of ’49 is really a wonderful one. TRILBY BENNETT LARRY CARROLL TOMMY TOSCANO Class Will We, the Doctors-at-Law, representing the Class of 1949, being in full possession of our mental powers, accept the duty of making public this last will and testament. We do hereby declare all past wills null and void so as to make known these individual blessings and eccentricities: 1. We, the Senior girls of the Class of ’49. bequeath the Sophomore boys to the Sophomore girls. 2. We, the Senior boys of the Class of '49, do hereby leave our friendship and loyalty to each other to the Junior boys. 3. I, Driver Smith, leave my ticket for all three lunch shifts to anyone or any other mascot that wants to be as fat as I am. 4. We, Bob Dion, Moonie Connors, and Tony Sisco, leave our enlightening conversations with Mr. Foster to any capable group of Juniors, who is endowed with oratorical capabilities similar to those bestowed on us three. 5. I, Dagmar Baldwin, hereby will my tall, willowy grace to Mary Ceplenski. 6. I, Ellen Leete, sadly will my starry eyes to anyone who has a man like mine. 7. We, Beverly Cruickshank, Frances Carlesi, and Kay Turano, leave our luck in love to anyone who is brave enough to take a chance. 8. I, Patty Turano, do bequeath my interest in “Moses Brown’s School for Boys” to Vivian Clarke, who finds it as interesting as I. 9. I, Nancy Lenihan, leave my ability to flirt at any time, any place or under any circumstances to any Junior who thinks she can do the job as well (or better) than I have during my three years at Westerly High. 10. I, Trilby Bennett, leave my liveliness to Ellen Lamb. 11. We, Bob Pearson, Louis Morrone, and Roland Austin, do hereby leave our ability to get Mrs. Morrison peeved to any three Shmoos in the Class of ’50. 12. I, Tom Toscano, leave my ability to keep happy and singing all the time to Sal Reale. 13. I, Bumpy Bruno, hereby leave my arm-strong heater to keep the office bench warm to anyone who can do it as well as I. 14. I, Gretchen Grills, leave my intelligence (through hard work) to Priscilla Sampson. 15. I, Ann Lazzaro, hereby leave my fondness for jitterbugging to Marie Castagna. 16. I, Dot Reilly, do leave my absenteeism to that cute Sophomore, Jack Levy. He runs a pretty close second to me. 17. I, Richard Brown, leave all my money, valuables, and lunch to Barbara Lallo. 18. I, Marilyn Martin, do hereby will my love for singing to any underclassman who enjoys it as much as I do. 19. I, Priscilla Greene, leave my unwanted height to Lois Dinwoodie, who can use it. 20. I, Clare Riddell, leave all my time in the Home Economics room to anyone who enjoys Miss Hope’s classes as I did. 21. I, Jane Terranova, leave my everlasting giggling to anyone who loves to laugh and enjoy life. 22. I, Tony Liguori, leave my athletic ability, handed down by Walt Nigrelli, to Bill Scott. 23. I, Gilda Liguore, hereby leave my neat trimness to that cute Sophomore, Beverly Christy. 24. I, Blanche Urso, regretfully leave my art - - 416) -