After high school Ed went to Purdue University and received his BS Degree in 1955. He received his MS Degree in Physical Education in 1960 from Purdue.

He met and married Patricia Casey, a native of Louisville, Kentucky. Patricia is an RN from St. Joseph's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ed and Patricia have five children, all girls-- Sophie, Cindy, Carrie, Jenny, and Becky. The Abramoski's now have eight grand children.

Ed explained that Duke Detzel was his favorite teacher at East. Their personal friendship lasted through the years. His best friend in high school was Sina Morris.

When asked what happy memories he had from high school, Ed said, "I was always the designated driver when the boys made the trip to Ripley, NY for a cool one. We always looked out for each other back in those days."

"It has been a personal thrill for me to have worked as Head Trainer for the Buffalo Bills for 35 years, and finally going to the last four Super Bowls!"

Ed explained that he plans to retire in two or three years and play with his grand children. He said, "My greatest hobby is flying racing pigeons. I plan to devote a lot of time to that also."

"I am sorry that I have not been able to attend any of the reunions through the years. We are always away at summer camp with The Bills at that time. I will be at the next one for sure."

"Who knows, if Don Bartos plans a Friday Night at May's Tavern the night before the 45th Reunion, I can still be the designated driver."

By

Carol Dietz Mando

There are many things from high school that I do not remember, but there are some things I cannot forget. Try as I may to forget this particular blot in my life, it continually raises it's ugly head to cause me great anguish and consternation. Perhaps sharing it will help rid me of it once and for all.

I'm sure most of you remember Born's Dairy Bar in the East Erie Plaza. Well, one year they had an easel set up with a picture of the East High football team displayed. I thought it would be great for everyone to have a copy of this picture since school spirit at that time was running very high. I called the Times to see how much it would cost to have a picture made and they told me -- fifty cents. So I started taking orders, payable in advance. I had about eight or ten orders and intended to solicit more until I reached at least twenty five. Unfortunately, I suffered from a terrible character flaw that plagues me still today--it's called procrastination. As time went by, all thought of the pictures disappeared along with the money— a real scam. Except in this case there really was no criminal intent, and it was not a career that I pursued as I sought to find my station in life.

After receiving the copies of the WARRIOR '51 Newsletter, the memory that I thought I had successfully buried, surfaced once again in my mind. I called my brother Bill, who is working for the Times, and asked him if there could possibly be any chance that a picture of the East High Football Team, from l950-51, would be laying around somewhere in the sports department. He laughed at me and I could not understand why because every newspaper office I ever saw in the movies always had old pictures from the past hanging on the walls. But now-a-days, they put everything on microfilm. So much for that. then I thought about checking with East High to see if they had a copy in their archives that could be reproduced. I am willing to do that for anyone who can prove they paid me fifty cents for the original picture.

I do want you to know that in order to soothe my guilty conscience, I have given that amount, many times over, to different charities of my choice. I want to thank you for this opportunity to go public and get this huge monster off my mind and hopefully I will no longer be plagued with the thought that I bilked my fellow classmates out of all that money and I can enter the winter of my life in peace. I am also trusting that every one will forgive me so that I can continue to be a member in good standing of the Class of '51.

Your repentant and eternally grateful classmate,

Carol Dietz Mando

Betty could produce her own TV sitcom, much better than "My Three Sons." She might name her show "My Six Daughters."

One of her fondest memories was the Ol' Chief Wakadoo skit at the football rally. She said, "I remember especially cheerleading, games, and the Eastcapades... Miss Esther Bryan had an impact on my life. I used to hate history, but Miss Bryan really kept me enthralled. She had away of making history interesting."

Betty is now widowed and lives in Hamilton, Ohio, near Cincinnati.

Sandy Federoff

Sandy is the Customer Support Coordinator at American Sterilizer in Erie. Sandy has three daughters and one son. Her middle daughter Michelle has made her a proud grandmother of three beautiful grand daughters. Her oldest daughter is in the US Navy and stationed in Florida. Her youngest daugher is married to a naval commander stationed in Cuba.

Sandy said, "Let's reminisce.. "

"Dolores Krauchen and Gladys Lesko were my buddies back then. In the mornings I walked to school with Hedy and Mary Karpinski with stops to pick up Maryann Nash, Janet Kingsley and Mary Ann Malinowski.

I enjoyed all of my years at East. It was exciting to use my brain, especially when I had a good teacher... I remember the dances at St. Mary's on tenth street. George Sachrison could really dance well. I also have fond memories of the Y-Astec (10th Street YMCA.)

I recall Neysa Muffie and George Deibelbies as being a nice couple... Sina Morris was such a dear... Bailey Herrington was the most personable individual... Choir with Mr. Leehmus was fun.. Bill Kelly, who was Everett Hess originally, and in those days I could not comprehend name chance. He was so shy and sweet... Skinny Ed Kormos... Dorothy Zawictowski, who was as neat as a pin in appearance and manner.. Mr. Harbold and P.O.D.. History and Miss Bryan.. and here we are talking history. Too bad I don't have my year book with me. Thanks for taking a walk with me."

Mary Christos

Karas

Mary and her husband live in Closter, New Jersey. Mary said, "After high school I went to Edinboro State Teacher's College and got my B.S. in Art Education. I taught art for several years in Oleo, NY. and also in New Jersey. Steve and I have been married for 32 years, and we have one daughter and one son. Our grandson is going to be one year old and he is adorable."

"I am very active in our community. I am President of the Hellenic Women's Club of Bergen County. I also do public relations for the Mr. and Mrs. Club of our cathedral and I organize trips. Every year our club travels to various countries. I have traveled to Buenos Aires, Rio De Janeiro, Mexico, Hawaii, and many European countries. This year we traveled to the capital cities of Scandinavia, Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm, Sweden. Last year I organized a group of 48 people, and we traveled to Vienna and Budapest.

My favorite country is Greece with its beautiful islands. I try to go there almost every summer and stay at our condo outside of Athens near the sea."

"My husband Steve is a Real Estate developer. He has designed and built many buildings in our area.

When asked about her high school years, Mary explained, "My most memorable experience was being a cheerleader and all the fun we had at the football games. Also, the dance at St. Mary's and the Y Astec. They will always remain fond memories to me.

The newsletter is a wonderful way of finding out what our classmates are doing."

Ruth Merski

Zaksheske

Ruth married Vernon Zakseske in 1952. They have five children and ten grand children. Ruth worked for Erie Insurance for 17 years. Ruth said, "I enjoy reading, crossword puzzles and cooking. After retirement we plan to travel. I so enjoy gardening, long walks, and spending time with my grand children."

"Vernon is now retired and stays amazingly busy. We went to Hawaii for our 40th wedding anniversary. It was wonderful to meet people from all parts of life. We hope to go there again."

"About high school? Gee, that was so long ago. I remember baking cookies and making fudge in home economics and having the football players hanging around for samples. "

Elenor married Raymond Malburg in 1955. The Malburgs have three children, Robert, Lisa, and Susan. Elenor is currently working at Notre Dame College and has no plans to retire. Her husband Raymond, was a high school chemistry and physics teacher, and then became a research and development chemist. He had to take early retirement due to disability caused by multiple sclerosis.

Elenor said, "Before the children were born, Raymond and I traveled extensively through the continental United States and some of Canada -- mostly camping. It was really fun. Years later, when our son graduated from college, he talked us into a trip to Hawaii. It was my very first plane trip, and first vacation in 22 years. I felt Kanappali Beach in Maui was like being in Paradise.

"Last summer my husband, daughter and I went to Europe for three weeks. We visited relatives and saw much of Germany. We also visited some friends in Switzerland. The train ride through the Swiss Alps was breathtaking, as were the castles on the Rhine.

The remarkable thing about our travels of the past few years is that we traveled with a wheelchair. We thought our travel days were over when the MS struck and life in a wheelchair began for Ray. We learned life doe not end because of a disability, and we made adjustments. My advice to any of you is never give up, just make adjustments, go and enjoy."

Harrington

Mary Ann and Chuck Harrington have been married 41 years. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Mary Ann explained, "Chuck retired from Forestry two years ago, so now we have plenty of time for golfing, working out at the "Y", and traveling."

"We just returned from Ireland and England. Everything is green. The narrow roads, no stop light, all the pubs-- it is truly very beautiful."

"High school was fun for me. One of the most memorable experiences in high school was meeting my husband, cheer leading, Eastcapades. I remember Sadie Hawkins day with the football players on stage and we sang You Wonderful You. That really stands out in my mind. I also remember Miss Parker in Home Economics class. Those were really fun times.

Carol married Joseph Mando in 1953. They had six children and eleven grand children. Carol is now widowed and has been a secretary for Word of Life Renewal Center for the past seven years.

Carol recalled, "My best friend in high school was Roasalie Blasco. Gil Munz was my favorite teacher. In high school I really enjoyed participating in sports."

"My proudest accomplishments, after raising six children, was learning to do desk top publishing without ever having used a computer."

...from Bernice Johnson Mantsch

Dear Dan,

I love our newsletter. I saw Miss Rybinski the other day at the grocery store. She looks great! I think I learned more English grammar in her Spanish Class than in English class.

I discovered a member of the Class of '52 when she bought some nut breads from me at Easter time. Her name is Arlene Pringle Allen. I have been selling breads to her for few years now and never knew she went to East. Needless to say, we had quite a time remembering old times. I am looking forward to the next newsletter.

...from Norma Bobrow Schweiss

Dear Dan,

I thoroughly enjoy each newsletter. I am so pleased that you came up with the idea of a class newsletter.

I moved away from Erie when I was 20-- and from time to time I have wondered about what happened to certain friends and classmates. Reading about them really helped stir memories.

Recently I was going through some old pictures from my high school years and found some that I am sure Janet Sonney and Mary Ann Osiecki and Enid Blewett would like to have.

I keep in contact with Enid, but I don't have Janet's or Mary Ann's address. I would like Ruth Cagara's address too.Thank you again for all the time and energy you spend on the newsletter.

Sincerely,

Norman Bobrow Schweiss

Louisville, KY

...from Janet Kingsley Matts

Hi Dan,

I really enjoy the newsletters-- Pleas note the change my address:

7720 West Julie Drive

Glendale, AZ 85308

we moved here this past December. I am also sending you Janet Kingsley Matts address. Perhaps you could send her the latest issue or when I see her I can give her mine.

Janet Kingsley Matts

4509 Camino De Oro

Tucson, AZ 85718

Thanks,

Maryann Malinowski Smith

Glendale, AZ

...from Audry Wyant Harriger

Dan,

Thanks for the latest issue of the Warrior '51. It was a very interesting issue. More classmates with more interesting information about their families. Such fine reading!!!

I was very saddened to hear about Mrs. Shevick's passing. She was my homeroom teacher the whole time I was in high school. I was also in her French class. She was a very colorful lady and a fun person to know. I can remember one year for Halloween, our homerooms class had a costume party and Mrs. Shevick organized a scavenger hunt. Such fun!

I spent the month of May in Erie. I stayed with Marilyn Horak Greenman. My 85 year old aunt from New Mexico went with me. We really enjoyed ourselves. We saw people that we haven't seen in some 40 years.

The sunsets on the lake are like no other sunsets in the whole world. Again -- thanks for the newsletter. I enjoy it more each time.

Audry Wyant Harriger

__________________________

By

Mary Ann Januleski Harrington

About children..

I believe that one of the things we learned in high school was to respect authority. Somehow the children today seem to do what they want. We also appreciated things that were given to us and tried to put it to use.

Children today seem different. They seem to express an attitude of "I want it all now." My daughter is a teacher and finds that attitude is true in school today.

About loyalty...

My best friend in high school was Pat Orzechowski Konopka.

__________________________

By

Ruth Merski Zaksheske

Being a student in the 50's was special. We had fun walking to and from school. As a matter of fact, we walked everwhere--to football games, basket ball games, swim meets-- all sport events. We never had to be afraid of walking the streets of Erie.

We didn't need drugs to have a good time. We had sporting events to attend, St. Mary's dances, school dances, local theaters, ice cream parlors. It was fun just to drive up and down State Street. Life was a slower pace and as I look back, they were very enjoyable times with great friends.

_______________________________

Dorthy Zawistowski Oldach said she and Hank went to Los Vegas this past May. Their daughter Lisa and son-in-law Scott from Pittsburgh went with them. They all had a great time.

Steve and Marie Kawaolski drove West to California earlier this year. Steve said, "There is some real beautiful countryside in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Las Vegas is our favorite!"

We would love to have any classmates traveling to Florida to stop and visit us at:

Bill and Harriet Schuler

5620 Zake Lizzie Drive, Lot 95

St. Cloud, FL 34771-9408

(407) 957-7703

Lois Bartos says that Don brags that he is known as the Westside Polish Prince.

They attended the Grant Hotel Weekend Polka Dance at Catskill, NY. Don and Lois went with a busload of Polka People. That was the weekend that the Blizzard of '93 hit and over 700 people were stranded at the Hotel. Don explained, "We were our own entertainment. Everyone told a Joke. One band stayed over for music. I wish I had a tape recorder. It was hilarious. Danced Polka's till 8:00 a.m. and then had a Bloody Mary for breakfast."

(Editor: A question for Lois. When Don (the Westside Polka Prince) goes on these long polka dance trips, does he wear combat boots or peach colored ballet slippers?)

Carol Dietz Mando flew to Spokane, Washington then on to Sacrament, California. She was on a west coast tour to visit her two daughters and five grand children. She exclaimed, "The first view of Mt. Shasta was magnificant. It seemed to appear as if out of nowhere. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. It almost took my breath away-- so majestic. It was an unforgettable experience. Almost spiritual.

Dick Pohl and Donna returned from a three month trip out West. They spent some time with their first grandson and children in Yosba Linda California. Their timing was perfect. They arrived in Farmington, NM just in time for the birth of the second grandson. Dick says that he retired the first of the year and now he and Donna are looking for a second home for the winter months. He said, "Nothing final as yet, but leaning toward a home at Pebblecreek in "Goodyear, AZ."

How would you like to walk out into your backyard and find a 76 inch, 11 button diamondback rattlesnake? Art Bierzonski did in his Florida home. He done the critter in with a 20 gague shotgun. The photo shows Art’s son, A.J. helping dat hold the snake, while A.J.’s friend Kelly Maxcy showing off her monster tee shirt.

You would not believe who called me on the phone the other day. Old Money Bags did not even call collect.

We chatted about our football days at East. He was wondering about Danny Wisnewski '53 who took over Don's position at full back on the varsity team after Don graduated.

Since we were on the topic of football, I r reminded him that my knee was still hurting me from the injury he gave me my freshmen year during football scrimmage. I gave him ample time for a long overdue apology, but old Bartos kept chatting away about other things like being a great hunter and fisherman and that he was now being called the Polka Prince. I explained that whenever I do a polka my knee begins to ache.

Don apparently heard through the grapevine that the Class of '54 had a great reunion this year. I explained that I was invited to their reunion and the East High football team of 1954 were the City Champions. The football team sponsored a Friday night gathering at May's Tavern near East. Over 40 classmates attended and it seemed to get everyone in the mood for the reunion the following night. Paul Demmy, George Foor, Bob Vomero, Lou Porreco, and Geroge Smith ('53) gave rare and unheard stories about how they became the City Football Champions their senior year.

Since we are only a year away from the 45th Reunion, Don liked the idea of the football team sponsoring a Night at May's the night before the 45th reunion. I am sure it would allow Don to tell some real whoppers, better than the ones from Burger King.

Finally he got around to why he called. Initially I thought that he had got wind of the article by Carol Dietz, and he would tell her that he had ordered a dozen football team photos from her at East. But it wasn't.

Would you believe that Don called because he did not get his recent copy of WARRIOR '51? Come on Bartos, give me a break. Don't tell me there is a soft spot in your heart to read some nostalgia.

__________________________

The song by Frank Sinatra has always had a special significance to me. For a moment you may want to sit back and just reminice ABOUT...

1950

School started September 5th. On the 9th we had our first football game against Millcreek. We won 27 to 0.

Yeah!

September 26th was Hi-Y initiation and we had a noon day dance. I wore a burlap bag and torn tennis shoes. On the 30th we played Prep. We lost by two points. (16 to 14) Yuk!

November 17th was Sadie Hawkins Day. The skit put on by cheerleaders singing I Want To Be Loved By You to Sina, Corky, and Bernie can never be forgotten.

On the 18th we played our last football game and beat Tech 9 to 6. The Turkey Trot was on the 21st. On the 27th the snow storm closed the school.

November 3rd was the M Club initiaion, followed by the Twirlers skating party. The 30th was our first senior class meeting. Bailey Herrington was President and Bill Kelly was Vice-President.

Decembmer 1st was the Snowflake Swirl and the 15th was the Choral Concert in the auditorium. We came back to school on January 3rd.

1951

We played our first basketball game against Academy on the 9th, beating them 33 to 26.

On February 23rd Mr. MacDonald left. I smiled for a week. Mr. Barber was the new Assistant Principal.

March 30th was the Spring Tri. It was called Rustle of Spring, I believe. Dick Pohl took Enid Blewett, and Artie Bierzonski took Maryann Osiecki.

April 4-6th was Eastcapades. Al Brooks was the emcee. There was an abundance of talent in the senior class.

May 17th we had the Senior Class Banquet and the 21st was Class Day. Everyone had a great time, but a tinge of sadness filled the air. Graduation was soon to follow, and that meant saying goodbye to old friends, some that we knew since childhood.

May 23rd we had the athletic banquet and finally on May 25th was the senior's last day.

June 5th was the Senior Prom and we really enjoyed ourselves. We danced with our dates to the popular songs-- Stardust, Deep Purple, and Because of You.

Commencement was on June 12th. The commencement speakers expressed our feelings well. They said the future was ours. Speakers included Bailey Herrington, June Pappas, Bill Kelley, Jack Maurer, George Dreibelbies, and Neysa Muffie.

Yes, when I was Seventeen it was a very good year. It was a very good year, because a great future was ours. But so was the present--then. Because I was seventeen, and so were you.