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by the Editor,

The Class of 1952 cordially welcomes the Class of 1951 to join in the celebration of a joint Warriors Newsletter. This is a one time only "Special Edition".

In October a letter was sent out to all of the members of the Class of 1951 inviting them to participate in this Special Edition. There was an enthusiastic response. I received dozens of responses, even old photographs.

Bill Schuler ('51) and

After 33 years, Bill Schuler took an early retirement from GE in 1988. He and his wife Tillie had four children and nine grandchildren. Two years later Tillie passed away. A year later he sold his car to his daughter, and they needed to have the title transferred by a notary public. He was surprised when we met Harriet Miaczynski Czarnecki ('51) when he went to get the title transfer notarized. Harriet's husband Ronald Czarnecki had died the year before. Bill said, "Two days later I worked up the courage, and I asked her for a date. The rest is history. A year later we married."

Both of their immediate families wanted a big wedding. Bill explained, "So we involved all of them in the wedding at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Harborcreek. Over 300 relatives and friends attended our reception at Siebenburger's Club." Their combined family, counting married children and spouses, and grandchildren, is 31.

by Joan Franz Rosequist '52

I would like to share a memorable and also a little bit of a strange story with our classmates. It took place probably

about the 11th grade. Pat Dench and I had the same sewing class. One day, she was in an especially happy and giggly mood. She was reading a letter from her steady boyfriend who was in the Air Force and stationed in Greenland. I remember thinking how grown-up and cool she was going steady, especially with someone in the service. Miss Gibbons caught us giggling and took the LOVE LETTER from her boyfriend Ken.

It was twenty years later. One lazy afternoon, my husband and I were looking over old pictures and momentos, both his and mine. I picked up a heavy paper-weight with a picture of a dark haired pretty girl in it. It was, yep, you guessed it. It was Patty Dench! I asked my husband, "How do you know my old school friend, Pat?"

Ken said, "Oh, I used to write to her when I was in the Air Force in Greenland." I was flabbergasted to say the least.

Through the years Ken and I have talked about our mutual friend and wondered how she was. Ken always thought what a wonderful person she was, and very pretty too. And so have

My twin sister Hedy.

(Mary Karpinski )

Enid Blewett, Norma Bobrow, Ruth Cagara, Art Bierzonski, Don Bartos, Dick Pohl, et. al. (Mary Ann Osiecki)

Lois Olson, Florence Adamczyk

(Eleanor Beckwith)

Joan Szymanowski

(Harriet Miaczynski)

Hank Oldack and Joe Kelly

(Richard Pohl)

Norma Hornung

(Charlotte Jant)

Ruth Cagara

(Rosalie Blasco)

Ding Bartos (Stephen Kowalczyk)

Patty Hoffman and Leona Bieresinski

(Pat Dronfield)

Jack Domowicz (Marion Burrell)

Janet Flak (Betty Dorich)

Maryann Malinowski

(Joan Bujnowski)

Art Bierzonski (Don Bartos)

Ellie Beckwith, Flo Adamczyk

(Lois Olson)

June Papas, Marilyn Horak, and Bette Kunes (Bernice Johnson)

Theresa Trusckowski and Rita Chalupcznski (Jean Stolarski )

Class Day, Hill Mill, Harry's for lunch, Astec dances on Saturday night.

(Eleanor Beckwith)

Cheerleading. (Rosalie Blasco)

High school dances and football games. (Betty Dorich)

The Tri Dances (Bernice Johnson)

Being elected Junior Class President.

(Stephen Kowalczyk)

Associateing with both upper and lower classmates. (Pat Dronfield)

NoondayDances (Charlotte Jant) Homeroom and Lunch Time Dances

(Lois Olson)

Being young and foolish.

(Joan Bujnowski)

Being alive and full of energy

(Mary Ann Osiecki)

Everyone was so horny and couldn't do anything about it. (Dingy Bartos)

Switching seats with my twin sister.

(Mary Karpinski)

Sports (Richard Pohl)

In the Eastcapades I was the rear end of the horse, and when I kicked, my shoe came off and flew into the audience. (Pat Dronfield)

In Chemistry Class I burned a whole in a thin blouse and had to go home to change it because there were so many boys in my class.

(Eleanor Beckwith)

I was drag racing another student on Parade Street, and I turned the corner when I saw the police. My friends got

caught. (Marion Burrell)

Getting caught going out the wrong door of the cafeteria and having detention for three days.

(Bernice Johnson)

The greatest storyteller and polka dancer at East. (Don Bartos)

Being a quiet nice girl.(Jean Stolarski)

A nice person to have as a friend.

(Charlotte Jant)

The very sensitive, kind, considerate and lovable person that I have always been (SHAFTY). (Richard Pohl)

A good person. (Joan Bujnowski)

A person who cares. (Rosalie Blasco) A friend, a kind person, a "bit" of a clown. (Pat Dronfield)

I do volunteer work; continue genealogy research.

(Lois Olson)

Travel, read, and enjoy my grandchildren. (Charlotte Jant)

I plan to attend Duke University School of Writing--write some children's books. (Rosalie Blasco)

Doing volunteer work for Presque Isle International Institute (Betty Dorich)

There are a number of classmates who

Rita lives at State College and enjoys going to the Penn State University athletic events. She said, "My years as an East High Cheerleader prepared me for the encouragement she I give my 11 grandchildren at sporting games. That includes baseball, soccer, hockey, basketball and handball." Rita said she has an infatuation for going to auctions. Rita is a widow and works as a secretary for Toensmeier Adjustment Service.

She explained, "Living in Florida allows us the opportunity to have friends visit us during the winter months. We love it when they visit."

George Hahn is currently working for the California Lottery as a police officer. Marilynn and George Hahn have eight children. George enjoys golf, woodworking, but particularly enjoys writing poetry. George wrote a poem for the California police officers killed in the line of duty. His poem was cast in bronze and placed on the Police Memorial at the State Capitol in Sacramento. While working for the Los Angeles Police Department, he received numerous awards for his services as a police officer. George has agreed to write an article for the Alumni Newsletter.

George believes that Jerry Finster died several years ago. However, George believes he can get Don Chessario's address for us.

(Ed.: George also video taped the 40th Reunion. He has supplied his video and it was integrated with our video. In the final moments of the video The 40th Reunion are photos of all 24 of the classmates that are no longer with us. It is set to a musical background and is quite emotional and moving.)

County Jail. The Deluca's are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon.

Mavra Simon Iano and her husband Richard have two children and two grand children. Mavra was a Consulting Cartographer and researcher for a watershed project. She graduated from Syracuse University. Her husband is a professor of special education at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Mavra said, "Presently I am at home with the our Airedale named "Yankee" who is 71 pounds now. I enjoy gardening, music of course, various kinds of needlework, and our Airedale dogs. The arthritis, however, has put an end to the back packing and wilderness camping."

She explained, "We are focusing on 1994 for retirement when my husband will retire. The tentative plan is to leave this area for something less congested--a smaller or rural area maybe."

She said, "The newsletter was a wonderful surprise, and I've read it many times and look so forward to future ones. I am sorry we missed the gathering at the 40th. I am interested in information about getting the Video Tape of the 40th Reunion." She has promised to consider writing a feature article.

Richard Whitey Pletz has been a welder at General Electric for the past 23 years. He and his wife Carmella have three children. The Pletz's have no specific plans for retirement. They live in Erie.

The Mc Naughtons, Bob and Joyce, are enjoying early retirement. Bob says, "It is great. I get a chance to travel, hunt, and fish. In the winters I make model airplanes."

Bob worked for Penelec for 35 years in Jamestown, New York. His final position at the company was being the Dispatcher Systems Supervisor. Joyce works as a secretary at Erie County Court House. Bob is a 32 Degree Mason and a member of the Grotto Club, a Motor Cycle Patrol, and the Siebenbuerger Club. Bob has a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Shirley Daub Dash is a floral Clerk at Quality Markets. She and Ken have recently returned from a vacation visiting close friends who live in Middlebury, Indiana. They have four children and three grand children. The Dash's have been married since 1954. Ken is a draftsman and is considering early retirement. Shirley said, "I belong to the Hands All Around Erie Quilt Guild. I also belong to the North Coast Striders. I sometimes see Olga Tupitza at our quilt guild. Olga loved the group photo of our classmates at the 40th Reunion." She explained that Bob Oatman plays handball with her boss. She was quick to tell her boss Bob's nickname--"Boom Boom" Oatman.

Doris Daniels Rudd says, "Jim and I moved to Federick, Maryland in 1989 when he retired from Penelec. He has joined an environmental firm in Gaithersburg, Maryland. We still own our home in Indiana, PA and plan on moving back there to retire. We have three sons, David who is career Navy. Jeff just married last year and still lives in Indiana, PA and has his own construction company. Gary is in the US Army in Germany and is in the Army Band and travels all around Europe." Doris works as a receptionist for Halliburton NUS Corporation. She explained, "Although I have lost touch with former classmates over the years, I did enjoy the newsletter and hope there will be more."

husband Howard live in Erie where Bernice has been the bookkeeper at Shade's Auto for the past five years. She and Howard have eight grandchildren. Bernice recalls that some of the most fun she had at East was at the Tri Dances. She said, "I think it would be great if the Class of '51 had a newsletter. Howard gets one from his class from Academy. Yep! I married a school rival--but my three kids all went to East. Butch (Howard) and I went to Hawaii in 1989. Would you believe I had never been on a plane before? The whole trip was so exciting. Lately we have been busy at church where we both sing in the choir and serve on the church council."

Rosalie said, "We are proud of both of our sons who graduated from University of North Carolina, the oldest at the top of his class at Gannon and UNC Medical School. They married wonderful gals who I consider the daughters I never had. Presently we are involved with a Christian Education Renewal Program with Father Hilbert which continues to be a bright star in my life.

(Ed: Charlotte, Dot Rachocki has placed your name on the 1952 Class Directory. Congratulations on your demotion. Isn't it nice to be back where you belong?)

I remember 1951. In Problems of Democracy Happy Harbold drawled on about the recent atomic tests in Nevada that had rattled the Southwest, my eyes began to droop. I had just seen Gene Kelly in the new movie "Singing In the Rain", and I was imagining how nice it would be if I could dance the way he did with his umbrella. I was sitting behind Gene Rochaki and George Dreibelbies, hidden from Mr. Harbold's view. I began to doze off again. Carol Dietz had promised to nudge me if I began to snore. "Happy" explained that the Rosenberg's had been found guilty of espionage, but he was certain they would not be executed.

The class was discussing how Albert Schweitzer had just won the Nobel Peace Prize. Sylvia Emling seemed to be very informed about it. Gladys Leshko always seemed to know about current events too. My mind was somewhere else. The Tri Dance (Junior Prom) was coming up and Joani Franz had asked me to go to the formal. Joani was undoubtedly one of the best looking girls in our Junior Class. I was unsure why she asked me. I thought about asking her to the movies. I would probably see her at the Astec dance at the "Y" on Saturday night. My head nodded and I began to fall asleep.

I heard a book come crashing down on Happy's desk. My eyes opened in a flash and saw him staring at me. He said something about General MacArthur saying it may be necessary for the US Troops in Korea to go into China. Looking directly at me he asked, "Conley, what do you think Truman would do if MacArthur goes into China?"

He opened the Dispatch Herald, or maybe it was the Erie Times, and asked if I had read about the death of King George VI yesterday. I had thought King George had died several centuries before. I explained that I had been busy. He gave me the newspaper and told me to read an article and be prepared to give a short report. June Papas began to giggle.

I read the paper. I saw where "Lil Mo" Maureen Connolly upset Shirley Fry in the US Tennis Championship. Not bad for a sixteen year old kid. I was sixteen and I tried to imagine what it would be like to be a champion at anything.

Just as the second lunch bell rang, Mary Karpinski, or was it Hedy Karpinski (I could never tell them apart), brought in a notice to Mr. Harbold. When the bell rang I noticed he was still reading the note, so I vanished out the door.

At the bottom of the steps I could smell the burnt pancakes coming from Miss Gibbon's Home Economics class.

In less than three minutes I downed the usual cold, wrinkled hot dog and stale bun, cold green beans, and an Eskimo Pie. I looked for the "free" on the wooden handle stick. No luck today.

I breezed out the front doors by Mr. Leberman's office. I flew down the front steps, leaping three steps at a time. I looked down Atkins Street near the football field on Pennsylvania Avenue. The guys were all there waiting. Just staring at it. It was brand new, and I had never seen one before. We looked at it in amazement.

The 1951 Crosley was probably the first sub compact that came into the United States. I suspected it was an English car. It resembled the small Nash Rambler in design but was infinitely smaller. It was so small that it could only fit one passenger--the driver. I would guess that it weighed less than 800 pounds.

Ron Uglow asked if anyone knew who owned it. Dick Pohl said that he was certain it belonged to the funny new student teacher teaching Junior Chorus. His name was Mr. S. (name changed to protect the guilty).

Testosterone levels must be very high in adolescent boys, because soon several of us started rocking the car. I think it was Ding Bartos who shouted, "Well lets do what we came out here to do." We all got a hold of it and started to lift. Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, the Crosley was in the air. Without communicating with anyone, we brought the car up and put it on the sidewalk for a better look.

This of course brought laughter from students walking by. Suddenly we spotted the young chorus teacher running frantically down the sidewalk toward us. In hysteria, he shouted and screamed, "All right. All of you are in real serious trouble." He insisted that all of the boys pick up his car and put it back into the street.

Sensing the lack of authority in his high, shrill voice, not one person moved. The choral teacher became emotional and started to make angry gestures which only re-inforced us to remain sullen and uncooperative. A large crowd of students started to gather. Soon the police were there. The police, possibly fearing that someone might injure themself lifting the car, told Mr. S to drive the car down the sidewalk toward the high school and exit to the street from the alley beside the school.

In total frustration he got into the car and began driving it down the sidewalk toward the high school. He had to avoid laughing students who were delighted and amused as they were walking near the school. As the police escorted Mr. S. to safety, onlookers cheered with delight.

For the next week, the car would mysteriously re-appear on the sidewalk. Announcements during the second hour class explained that anyone moving Mr. S's car to the sidewalk would be automatically suspended.

We cooperated, but the contest was on! We no longer put the car on the sidewalk, but would turn the car around facing the opposite direction. We smiled as we walked by looking at the traffic tickets on the windshield.

We discovered that it only took eight of us to lift the car. Teams were formed for a contest. Eventually a team formed by Moose Passerotti was able to achieve the lifting feat with only six very husky classmates.

Now that we were organized by teams, we decided to carry the car to Wayne Park to hide it, but the next day the car did not return. Mr. S., totally frustrated by the daily battle of the humiliating drive down the sidewalk with students laughing at him, decided to trade in the beautiful red Crosley for a heavy 49 Ford.

Through the years I have often wondered what happened to the Classy 1951 Red Crosley. I still catch myself unconsciously looking for it when I drive by an automobile wrecking yard.

I have often thought how fortunate we were to have been teenagers at such a golden period in life. We had fun, but more important, we had each other, and that is one of life's wonderful gifts.

By Chuck Harrington '51

There has been some discussion of the possibility of combining '51 and '52 for the 45th Reunion. Our 40th Reunion had a low turnout, and possibly we might approach the Class of 1952 about a joint reunion. I think we should study the possibilities.

(Ed: If you have a viewpoint, let's hear from you.)

___________________________

The passing of Ray Szumigala on October 10, 1993 is a reminder to us all that death is often painful for the survivors. Ray is survived by his wife and five children, and two grandchildren. Ray had worked at Lord's Manufacturing since graduating from East High 41 years ago. His long time co-worker, classmate and friend Bob Miller said, "We were close. A very kind, gentle and thoughtful person. What a shame. We will all miss him." Memorial contributions can be made to the Diabetes Association of Erie County, 1571 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16508.

When the last issue of the newsletter was sent out, our collective debt was $265.00. In the return mail we received a check for $275.00. Thank you Daun, we are now out of the red.

Where Are They?

Find our what other classmates are doing these days:

Editor in collaboration with others.

by Dick Lewis

Part III. "After the Game... The

Victorious Walk Down State Street"

Rita Glance Palmer

Jean McClane Tracey

Tom Fischer

Mavra Simon Iano

Bob Oatman

Carl Fetzner

Patricia Macosko Oatman

Jim Kicholson

Mary Szymecki Hammil

Bob Miller

Eleanor Pryzinski Butsch

Olga Tupitza Pakela

John Matlak

Eleanor Breyley Jass

Rose Ann Wiercisnski Zmyslinski Dick Petit

Ted Zimmerman

Nancy Kennedy Shufesky

Betty Pyle Beck

Jim Johnson

DonnaDembaughTicknor

Jeanette Flowers Bisbee

Patty Fowler Schneider

Betty Corbin Whitford

Jerry Hopkins

Patty Dench Mauer

In Memory of his loving wife Tessie Mando, for her cousin Rita Penna, and for Tom's special friend Ray Szumigala

In Memory of Sammy Raica