ARCHIVAL VAULT: Until 4/5/08

John Stevenson Says:
March 18, 2008 at 11:08 am

Dear Ken,
I was delighted and surprised to get your thoughtful note! And then delighted again when I viewed the web site! What a great idea!
It’s fun trying to remember names as I look at the class picture. I can’t remember all of them – I’m not as sharp as I used to be and I never was! But I remember you, and as I read the comments which students have posted, I find myself able to remember more and more.
I got married in October of your sixth grade year (I’m sure you don’t remember that) and Roberta is still the love of my life! We have five kids and nine grandkids. We spent 30 years in Asia (mostly Japan) as missionaries, but now live near Erie, PA where I pastor a small country church. You might say that I have traveled many roads and countless miles since the years I taught at Davis School, but in a sense, I’ve never gone very far away. I look back at those years with the warmest and best of memories!
I remember thinking to myself when I was your teacher, “Does it get any better than this?” The answer, of course, is that it does. God has promised us far greater things in an eternity with Him! On the other hand, the answer has proven to be no – it doesn’t get any better. I never enjoyed teaching more than I enjoyed it at Davis School!
Thanks again for your efforts in setting up this site.
John Stevenson
johnandbert2003@yahoo.com

  • Ken Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 12:56 pm John Stevenson, Welcome, it’s great to see you have visited the site. And thank you for your kind words. Davis School holds such wonderful memories for so many of us. It has been very enjoyable to look back, reminisce, and reconnect; and some wonderful memories are being shared here.

    In your years since teaching at Davis, you and your wife have lived a truly engaged life, and that example, like many of the lessons you taught so many of us at Davis, is an inspiration still.

    On a lighter note, your maroon Cougar has been mentioned a number of times on this site. There has been much debate over exactly how many people could fit in that car! And… George and I still owe you a lunch, for that unannounced visit to your house in Haddon Heights. Next time you are in South Jersey, you can take us up on that. Of course George will have to ride his bike down from Vermont, but he’s probably still in good shape.

    Thanks again, for visiting the site, and also for being the great teacher that you were… and still are.

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 2:28 pm I, too, was over at those Flyers parades. Was there anywhere else to be? When they won the cup the first time, a group of us went over in Miss Butler’s car (remember her? phys ed teacher at Wilson and a true Flyers fan). It was Linda Goonan, Barb Dubinink, myself, and a few others whom I can’t remember. The best part of that trip was looking at the Courier Post the next afternoon(when it was an afternoon paper) and seeing our picture smack dab on the front page, cheering with the crowd. Our teachers and Mr. Gottshall (?) saw it too. They weren’t amused at all. We didn’t get detention though I bet Miss Butler got an earful.
    Kate Smith leading God Bless America at JFK stadium is a memory I will never forget. Anyone else get in trouble that day??

  • Barbara Johnson (Rapanotti) Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 6:27 pm Hey Terry – I;m doing ok. How about you? I;m living in collingswood now my son is 24 years old (Stephen). He graduated from Drexel last June and is now living and working in Michigan. Next week they ( him and his girlfriend) are moving to Alabama for 9 months for his job. He is a chemical engineer for BASF chemical company. Not bad for a single parent lol. How about you? Married, kids???

  • Barbara Johnson (Rapanotti) Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 6:28 pm Bob – good to hear some familiar names. How have you been?

  • Barbara Johnson (Rapanotti) Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 6:31 pm Ken and George – Nick had so many friends, I dont remember all of them lol. I wasn’t as popular back then. Quiet and shy – kinda stayed to myself.

  • Barbara Johnson (Rapanotti) Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 6:32 pm steve – yes, another familiar name lol. How have you been?

  • Steve Allen Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 8:46 pm Hi Barb,
    Great to hear from you…e-mail me directly at sallen@midnightsurfer.com

  • Ken Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 10:03 pm Hey Everyone… the site is really hopping. Wanted to Welcome, not only John Stevenson, our first Davis teacher to check in (see his post above on this page), but also Joe DiRenzo, who also checked in today and left his e-mail contact on the E-mail Page.

    We are up to 9,685 hits on this site (and none of those are my own) in a little over a month. And already there have been nearly 500 comments posted! This is truly great, and I thank everyone who has participated.

  • Ken Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 10:08 pm Terry, you asked if anyone else got in trouble for skipping out to go to the Flyers parade… my Mom gave me Speedline fare, and if George will refresh my memory here, I think either his Dad or my Dad, dropped us at the Speedline, or picked us up there afterwards. You should have rode with us, you might not have made the front page, but you wouldn’t have gotten caught either -)

    Barb, time for all of Nicks friends to fess up, all of us actually hung around your house, not so much for Nick, but in hopes you would be around. Don’t tell Nick okay?LOL

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 11:29 pm Hey Barb,
    Great to hear from you. I live in Moorestown and have three kids. My daughter will be graduating in May from Widener University. My middle boy is a part time student at BCC and a full time EMT in Maple Shade and Moorestown and also for JFK in Cherry Hill. My youngest is a junior at Moorestown High School. He will be graduating (hopefully) next year. I’ve been in touch with Nick for awhile. Keep in touch. This site is so much fun!!

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 11:29 pm Hey Nick,
    I’m going to write to Debbie Robey and let her know about this site. Hopefully she’ll pass it on to her sister. Arthritis?? You’re too young for arthritis!!

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 11:32 pm Ken,
    If I knew you were heading to the parade, I would have hitched a ride with you. Fools that we were, we thought we were the only ones going over, and going over with a teacher was ok. Ha! Even though my parents knew I was going, when that picture broke, the school wasn’t very understanding. That was such a great time!

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 11:39 pm Yoooo Ter!
    Thanks for the compliment! I’ll have you know that flattery will get you absolutely…………..EVERYWHERE!!! -)

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 11:43 pm Hey Ken, I forget who dropped us off, or picked us up. But we had help! It was a great day, sunny and spending it with a really good friend, and the Flyers.

  • Dot Ward Says:
    March 18, 2008 at 11:50 pm Ken…I graduated from Davis (9th grade) in 1962 and from Wilson in 1965.
    Charlie Ivory and I (and Cheryl Brown…your sister?) went through Davis from K-7th then to Cramer for 8th and then they moved the Jr.High to Davis after a ceiling fell in a classroom at Cramer…and we had 9th grade at Davis.
  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 2:33 am Hey Mr. Stevenson, Thank you for stopping by, I know for myself and others who knew you, and especially Ken and Paul and I, we did, and still love you! You were such a wonderful influence for us, that for about forty years later we will not forget. THANK YOU!!!!!. Please post more comments, we waited so long to Thank You. And we love to hear what you have to say. Take care, and write when you can.

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 2:40 am To all others who knew Mr. Stevenson. And feel like Ken, Paul and I do, please don’t wait to express it. Now’s the time!

  • Charlie”Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 8:15 am OK Guys…Question about a Teacher.

    It was so long ago,my memories merge,and can’t recall if this man taught at Davis or Cramer.

    Every time they held an assembly in the auditorium this african american gentleman would belt out a rousing rendition of out National Anthem.

    He possessed a booming operatic type voice.

    Given the fact we were into R&R at that time,and the fact we were not very mature ,many of us had to keep from laughing out loud.

    Felt sorry for the guy,it was just not our type of voice…lol

    I think his name started with an “H”.

    But like I said it was like 50 years ago .

  • Josie Wright Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 8:43 am Hi George Gumbrell,
    Yes we were neighbors on Beideman Avenue, you also have a sister named Linda. I remember you before you were even born, I must be at least 10 yrs older than you. How is your family doing, my mom and dad are gone, my sister Linda is doing fine.
  • Ken Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 8:45 am Skeeter, I think the man you are referring to was my 5th Grade teacher Mr. Horsley. If it was the same man, and it may have been, though he would have been younger when you were at Davis, maybe in his twenties, he became a teacher at Davis in the late 60’s. Mr Horsley did sing opera professionally, in fact during the school year that I had him, he took a leave of absence to travel to Europe to sing with an opera company for several weeks. He was a great teacher, very refined and cultured.

  • Ken Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 8:49 am Dot, yes Cheryl Brown is my oldest sister. She is doing well… four grown kids, seven grandkids. She lives in South Jersey, and lived in Texas also for a few years. As I recall your class (’65) did have 9th Grade at Davis, probably the last 9th Grade to go there. I’ll mention you, next time I speak with her.

  • Ken Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 8:52 am Terry, did Miss Butler live on 34th Street, and have a younger brother? I think he too went to Davis, and played in the band, then went to a different high school.

  • Josie Wright (Saluto) Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 9:14 am Orlo’s grocery store was at 32nd and Rowe Steet and I remember they lived in the white house right next door to where they had their store. I can still picture Mr and Mrs Orlo. I remember she had a slight beard. As a kid you notice these things.
  • Josie Wright (Saluto) Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 9:33 am Hi Bob,
    About a year ago we had an “Old Friends Reunion” that was the “Best Ever”. I lived on Beideman Avenue and had a lot of friends that lived in the Westfield Acres. We got a group of about 43 old friends and their spouses together for an awesome time. We all have great memories of back then and it is sooooo good to keep in touch. I’m going to send this website to all my old friends to join in.
  • Ken Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 10:00 am Welcome Freddy Vesper… I see you have posted on another page. I believe you know my sister Karen Brown who also graduated in ‘67. Many of us here knew your brother Dennis from Davis Band, and were sorry to learn of his passing. And many of us were in class with your sister Annette. Pass the website onto Annette so she too can visit here. Tell her even her 6th Grade teacher Mr. Stevenson has stopped by. I sat next to Annette in band for… oh I think five years at Davis.

  • Fred LeDrew Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 11:56 am Hi Everyone,
    Josie Wright advised me of this web site and it sure does bring back great memories of growing up in East Camden. My wife Elaine (Neely) and I now live in CA and we attended the “old friends” reunion in Atlantic City…………..it was really a special night. I attended St Joe’s and Elaine went to Davis, we both attended W Wilson. Elaine lived on Rowe St and I on Merriel Ave.
    Best wishes to all,Fred and Elaine LeDrew
  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 12:57 pm Hey Josie, Its great to hear from someone from our block. Thank you for asking, my family is doing great , we live in Vermont now, and really enjoy it here. My sister Linda lives in Maple Shade, and has for about 30 + yrs. with her family. My Mom and Dad both passed away in 95. Sorry to hear about yours. I use to like to visit your mom when she worked at the mall, and I can still picture your dad sitting on the steps in the evening listening to the Phillies games. They always had a great garden in their yard! Tell your sister Linda I said Hi, and have her visit the site.

  • Laurie Freeman (Brown) Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 1:03 pm Great to see Mr. Stevenson has found this sight. I was probably in one of the last classes that he taught, 5th grade 1973. Great memories.

  • Barbara Johnson (Rapanotti) Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 5:52 pm If anyone wants to e-mail me they can do it at bjohnson315@netzero.net

  • Barbara Johnson (Rapanotti) Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 5:53 pm Terry: How is Maryann doing? Tell her i said hi.

  • Barbara Johnson (Rapanotti) Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 6:39 pm Ken:

    I;m sure he’ll know soon lol. What years did you guys hang around with Nick? I’m only 18 months older than him and i dont really remember much. I think my memory is shot by now from all the drugs lol.

  • Barbara Johnson (Rapanotti) Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 6:39 pm Steve:

    Ok, my e-mail is bjohnson315@netzero.net if you want to e-mail me.

  • Barbara Johnson (Rapanotti) Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 6:42 pm Terry:

    Sounds like you have a very full schedule lol. I’m by myself now so its pretty quiet. I have a small apartment thats just right for me. I used to think when my son was in high school – ” i cant wait for some peace and quiet”. Now its too quiet lol. Enjoy it now!!

  • Charlie”Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 8:40 pm Ken said:

    Skeeter, I think the man you are referring to was my 5th Grade teacher Mr. Horsley.
    *******************************

    Actually,since I had alittle time to think about it,I think the man with the big voice who sang the National Anthem was Mr. Hackett…could be from Cramer

  • Dot Ward Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 9:32 pm To Fred & Elaine LeDrew: Elaine…are you Patsy Neely’s sister, Sissy?
  • Ken Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 10:05 pm Barb Rapanotti, I mostly hung around with Nick the summer after 7th Gr. and the summer after 8th. We were mostly out riding on our bikes, but I do remember swimming in your pool and hanging out in your driveway… though Paul and I usually got chased away by your step dad… the deliquents that we were. LOL

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 11:17 pm To Elaine Ledrew:
    I lived at 3318 Rowe Street. My next door neighbors were the Antonelli’s. Are you that Neely?? I remember Mrs. Neely lived upstairs in an apartment above the Antonelli’s house. Pat’s mom, I believe. When did you live on Rowe Street? We were there from 1965 till 1978 however I do not remember you. We lived on the other side of the lot, the big, green semi detached house.

    To Barb Rapanotti:
    Maryann is doing well. She will be posting shortly. I’ll tell her you said hi. I’m not as busy as you think anymore. My daughter is 21 and will be graduating from Widener University in May with a degree in finance. She will be working for Lockeed Martin starting in June. My middle son is 19. He is a full time EMT in Maple Shade. Also works part time for Lenola and Moorestown EMT and also for Stat Transportation at JFK Hospital in Cherry Hill. He is still attending BCC for a Firescience degree and plans to take the civil service test to become a firefighter. He wants to work in Camden, but needs to be a resident there for three years. Hey, does anyone know some good, cheap real estate in Camden?? My youngest son is 17 and a junior at Moorestown High School. He is really the only one I have left in the nest. So, yes I was very busy, but now it’s getting very quiet.

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 11:21 pm Hey Ken,
    Looking at your list of teachers from Davis, we had just about the same exact ones. Mr Horsley was my 5th grade teacher and one of my favorites. I remember this Xmas concert we put on for the school. He was so professional in teaching us how to sing properly. We sang Twas The Night Before Christmas. I remember it was such a big production for him. He was a great guy. Hope he posts.

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 11:24 pm Ken,
    Miss Butler lived on Pelham Place and she had a brother, Paul, who did play in the band. She was a physical education teacher at Wilson while I attended. She and I became great friends out of school also. Spent a lot of time hanging out with her and Barb Dubinink throughout my four years at Wilson.

  • Ken Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 11:32 pm Terry, that is the guy I remember… Paul Butler. Also knew Barb Dubinik from the Wilsonian staff.

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 19, 2008 at 11:32 pm Mr. Stevenson,
    I don’t know if you remember me, but I had you in sixth grade at Davis School. My sister, Maryann and I were both in your class, she the year after me. I just wanted to let you know that the most fondest memories I have of Davis was having you as a teacher. You were an incredible mentor and you spent so much time with us,even after school. I remember you always taking a bunch of us home to your place in Haddon Heights in your maroon Cougar and having hot chocolate while singing songs and hanging out. I remember that your very new bride welcomed us all in with open arms and I remember when your first babies were born. Twins right? It was so great to hear from you and see your picture again on your website. You were, without a doubt, my best memory of Davis School. Thank you for being an awesome teacher and friend.

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 6:42 am Hi Ter.
    I read your post to Barb. So your daughter is starting at Lockheed Martin in June? My brother Mike works there. His title, to put it shortly, is “Computer Everything”! If she has any problems, have her look him up!

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 6:44 am Hey Ken & Paul……
    Do you guys remember “tearing up gardens” at night?

  • Ken Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 9:23 am Nick, yeah I remember our commando raids through the backyards of Paul’s neighborhood. Often on a mission to capture that elusive duck in Alan Chien’s backyard. We almost got him a few times, we were close. Also remember you going over one fence and your hand landed in a big pile of doo, and it wasn’t duck doo, not that it would have been any less traumatic if it was. I still feel bad for you after that night. And I use that as an example to my own kids why they should not jump over fences in the dark! -)

  • Ken Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 9:39 am Welcome Ella-Marie Gismondi (Gilman) and Gene McCloskey. I’m glad you both found the site. Visit often and keep sharing your memories!

    Ella-Marie, besides my sister Laurie and myself, you are the first kid from the 32nd Street “Hill” to check in here!

    Gene, check out the link to the Phil Cohen Camden site on the blogroll to the right. He has a whole section of pictures from Westfield Acres.

  • Fred LeDrew Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 12:52 pm Hi Dot,
    I shared your note with Elaine and indeed, she is the sister of Patsy.Were you a friend of Patsy?
  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 1:51 pm Ken:
    I forgot about that! What a stinky memory. Speaking of fences…..I used to play wiffle ball with Glen. Someone knocked the ball over a fence and dummy me said I would get it. I jumped over a fence and did not see the NYLON CLOTHES LINE in the yard…..but my neck felt it!!!! OUCH!!!!!

  • elaine ledrew (neely) Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 2:03 pm to terry defrancisco i am the neely that lived next door to you, the antonelli’s (my sister,patsy and her husband bought the house from my mother) i live at the rowe st. address through my childhood. i had moved out of state in 1964 but remember you and your sister from my visits with my sister and mother. elaine ledrew (neely)

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 6:34 pm Hey, anyone else remember the lower gym at Wilson. We had alot of fun there, wrestling, golf, some type of hockey, baseball, hiding out.

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 6:44 pm Hey Ken, Nick , Paul and Glen. After reading those post above, I am glad I never hanged with you guys. Or did I?

  • Ken Says:
    March 20, 2008 at 7:13 pm The Lower Gym at Wilson, us wrestlers lived there from November till the end of February, with the heat cranked up high, in our rubber sweat suits. Yes we knew the place well. And who let the golf team in??? It must have been after the wrestling season when we had all cleared out.

    Here’s one for you… who besides the wrestling team knew there was a tunnel leading from Wilson’s boiler room (we use to sit in there to sweat) to the soda and snack supply closet at the end of the ramp leading to the locker rooms? It was a winding tunnel, pitch dark, that you had to virtually crawl through. The snacks and sodas were meant to be sold at the basketball games and dances. Leave it to starving wrestlers to find food at the end of a dark tunnel. LOL

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 21, 2008 at 12:08 am To Elaine Ledrew,
    I do remember now that Patsy had a sister Elaine. I know I saw you when you visited. Patsy and her family were the best neighbors anyone could have ever had. The memories I have of all of us are the ones I will treasure forever. I was broken hearted when Patsy passed. I still see young Lenny every now and then. I used to live at Patsy’s house when I was growing up. She was a special, sweet, kind person whom I adored. I know you had other family on Remington Street. Jane and Jim Neely and their children, Jimmy, Debbie, and Joey. We used to live two doors from them on Remington before we moved to Rowe Street. Rowe Street was an amazing neighborhood. Everyone left their doors open and we all walked into each other’s houses. Everyone looked out for each other and all the neighborhood kids hung out together. I tell my children constantly about that neighborhood. I will never forget it.

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 21, 2008 at 12:10 am Ken,
    Barb Dubinink was my best friend all through high school and we are still in touch today. I wasn’t aware that you worked for the school newspaper.

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 21, 2008 at 12:13 am Hey Nick,
    Yes, my daughter will be working for Lockeed in the Cherry Hill office. Where is your brother at? She will be interning with a “buddy” and doing a bit of traveling to different sites. They’re also going to send her back to grad school for her masters. I didn’t realize Mike worked for them. Ken’s wife works for them also. Says they’re a great company. I’ll have her look Mike up. Thanks.

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 21, 2008 at 12:43 am Ken & Ter:

    I sent you both e-mails as to where my brother works.

  • Dot Ward Says:
    March 21, 2008 at 12:43 am To Fred & Elaine LeDrew:
    I grew up on Pelham Place so I knew the Neely family and Amanda Ware and her family. My mother-in-law (Rose Melleby) was friends with Patsy, even after they both moved out of Camden. Your niece, Patty, comes to all our family parties . East Camden seemed like a small town within a big city. The families in our neighborhood were all so nice.
  • elaine ledrew (neely) Says:
    March 21, 2008 at 1:06 pm To Dot Ward thanks for giving my memory a jolt. i remembered the ward name but could not place the name and street. i remember Rose very well. she is a neat lady with a great sense of humor. we had many laughs around my sisters table. i also remember you as a pretty teenager with brown curly hair. Did you have older brothers?

  • Ken Says:
    March 21, 2008 at 2:22 pm Terry I was on the Wilsonian staff in 11th and 12th, Barb Dubinink was on the staff when I was on it in 11th. Senior year Mrs. Gilde (a really great teacher by the way) named me the editor. Many good memories from the paper. Tell Barb about the site, would be nice to see her here. I should post pic of the Wilsonian staff.

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    March 21, 2008 at 2:38 pm To Dot Ward,
    Your mother in law is Rose Melleby? Which Melleby are you married to? I knew your name sounded familiar, as did Elaine’s. I believe I was a bit younger, but I still remember the names. I grew up with Linda, Patty, Diane, and Harzie Melleby and lived on Rowe Street.

  • jim lang Says:
    March 23, 2008 at 6:16 pm thank you, ken i just came upon your site i am sure to spend many happy hours perusing your site. i am a grad of hh.davis. and wilson 66, 69. i’ll be back.

  • Ken Says:
    March 23, 2008 at 9:45 pm Welcome Jim Lang, Elain Ledrew (Neely) and Vicky Kissinger Garrison. We’re glad you all found the site, and hope you will visit frequently and share some memories. We are always adding new stuff.

    Vicky I left a message under the “Olga’s/Hollingshed’s” page, my Dad too worked for Hollingshed’s, as did George Gumbrell’s – he also posts here. We have enough kids of former employees here to start a chapter of “Sons and Daughters of Hollingshed’s Employees” -)

  • Ken Says:
    March 24, 2008 at 1:14 pm Welcome Shira Tarantino, I hope that you will reconnect with some students or teachers from Davis who knew your mother when she taught there.

    Shira has posted her info on the “Leave E-Mail Page” – her mother Cheryl Goodman taught at Davis from the mid 80’s until 2005. If anyone has info on those years or if anyone knew Shira’s mother, please leave her a message.

    Mr. Leslie Simon, who taught at both Wilson and Davis, and was a Wilson graduate also, was the VP at Davis during some of those years.

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 24, 2008 at 1:55 pm OK All East Camdenites, Does anyone know who the Clothes Prop man was, I mean his name, and where was he from?

  • Ken Says:
    March 24, 2008 at 3:19 pm He was turly a mystery George, he came by day, disappeared by night. Maybe he was a collective delusion, and never actually existed. I mean did anyone actually ever buy a clothes prop from the man? I think my mom bought her props from Cartuns Hardware.

    Was he real, or just a figment of our imaginations? Hmmm got you thinking now huh? -)

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 24, 2008 at 5:47 pm Could be Ken, No, I remember at least once my mom sending me out back to by the elusive clothes prop. To this day, in the spring and summer, with the soft coo of a dove, behind it I hear a faint, CLOTHES PROPS.

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 24, 2008 at 6:07 pm You know Ken, I am afraid that if I ever go off the deep end, I’ll end up walking around downtown Burlington VT., screaming CLOTHES PROPS, CLOTHES PROPS FOR SALE!!!

  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 12:13 pm Ken,
    Thank you for the welcome and the condolence for my brother Dennis.
    I went to school with your sister Karen from the 2nd grade until we graduated WWHS in 1967. I remember attending one of Karen’s birthday parties when I was 10/11 yaers old at your house on 32nd St. Your street was a popular place when it snowed. We would sled, or those of us who had no sled would slide down 32nd St. on a trash can lid, toward Westfield Ave. The sacrificial member of our group would be at the bottom of the hill watching the traffic and when there was a break in the traffic he would wave and we would sled down the hill. I am amazed nobody was ever struck by a vehicle.

  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 12:19 pm Skeeter,
    The singing teacher you mentioned last week was at Cramer and transferred to Davis when Davis became a Junior High. His name was Mr. Holton Hackett. I had him for history at Davis and when I graduated Davis to go to WWHS he also transferred to WWHS and I had him again in my sophomore year for History. He had a strong baritone voice and was also a wonderful teacher. I believe he passed away a few years ago.

  • Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 3:24 pm Freddy,

    Good to hear from you my friend,great site ,eh?

    Lots of memories here,and even though I am much older than most people here,I can still relate to the other posters. For instance ,,,teachers.

    Seems like Cramer,jumped back & forth as an eleentary school and a Jr. HS,as needed by the city of Camden.

    Some teachers,like Mr. Johnson,my home room teacher in 7th grade at Davis taught 9th grade math at Cramer to some of the younger posters.

    Plus our E. Camden,was like a city within a city,and seems to have made a very happy lasting impression on those who grew up there.

    Stop back often,and be sure to share some of your memories from those days on Merriel Ave..

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 3:49 pm Hey Ken, George….
    I never knew Davis had a soccer team? Was that the time when I was gone?

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 4:31 pm Hey Nick, it was around 5th and 6 grade yrs.

  • Ken Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 5:06 pm Nick, I was in 6th Grade when I rode my bike out to Moorestown to watch the soccer team play Friend’s School. Till Mr. Stevenson came along I don’t think us Camden kids had ever played soccer.

    George, did you guys play in 7th and 8th too?

  • Ken Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 5:15 pm Freddy, I may or may not have been at my sister Karen’s birthday party that year. I think she is ten years older than me, but when you ask her, the gap in years lessens each year. I seem to get older and closer in age to her with each passing year. Strange thing about older sisters. LOL

    I guess when the Class of ‘67 kids were young, there was not much traffic on Westfield, by time us mid-70’s kids came along we were sledding towards High Street as the traffic was too much on Westfield to get a break. It was a great hill for sledding, either direction. Seems like we had more snow back then… guess global warming is a reality.

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 6:11 pm Hey Ken, They did play those years. I stopped after 7th, I was more involved with hockey. Didn’t Mr. Stevenson at some point teach at the McGraw school? I remember you and I crossing their field and seeing him with the McGraw kids playing soccer. And of course you, him and I stopped to talk.

  • Ken Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 7:42 pm Now that you mention it George, we did see Mr. Stevenson outside McGraw one day. I think we were walking to Roy Rogers on Route 130. Remember we use to get those roast beef sandwiches then drown them in horseradish sauce. That place and Gino’s were two more of our favorite haunts. And George, you better return those ash-trays you stole! Though I think you only did so to keep the smokers from sitting near our table.

  • Ken Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 7:45 pm Come to think of it, we may have been walking over to Cooper River to hit golf balls! So return those golf balls you stole. LOL

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 7:51 pm It was one of those Ken, and I still love horseradish. Hey I still don’t want them to sit anywhere near me!

  • Ken Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 7:58 pm I just remembered George, we were walking to Maple Lanes to bowl! Hey they just called, they want their shoes back! Hah!

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 8:04 pm Don’t let them know where I am, I’m not done with them yet, and besides that, it has only been about 36 years or so!

  • jim lang Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 8:30 pm hey fred vesper, i lived across the st. from you.
  • Ken Says:
    March 25, 2008 at 10:16 pm Jim Lang, are you related to Larry Lang who grew up in Camden? Also graduated Wilson in the 60’s I believe?

  • jim lang Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 7:20 am hi, ken , no relation, he had a brother named dennis who was in my class at st. joe’s grammer school, east camden. but no relation. enjoying site will pass the word.
  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 8:50 am Jim Lang,
    How are you doing ? How is your brothers Jack, David, and Paul? I know your Mom passed away a few years back but how is Dad? I remember when I would come home on leave from the Air Force and late at night after a date with my girlfriend ( my wife now) you and your Dad would be waiting and invite over to have a few beers and talk. What have you been doing?

  • Ken Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 6:54 pm I know a number of you grew up around Rosedale Avenue… Skeeter, Jim, Freddy, Gene… does anyone from that area remember an elderly Finnish lady who lived on Rosedale, I think between 33rd and 36th Street?

    Reason I ask, I have a memory from early childhood of visiting a house along the railroad, with my Grandmother, who was born in Finland. The woman she visited had also been born in Finland, and the two of them would talk in Finn. They were friends from earlier on in North Camden, and had kept in touch when my Grandmother lived in the Acres, and her friend lived on Rosedale. I was maybe three or four when I went to that house, so it would have been in the early 60’s.

  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 7:07 pm I don’t remember any Finnish lady on Rosedale Ave. or any Finnish lady in the neighborhood.

  • jim lang Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 7:23 pm sorry, ken i dont recall a finnish lady.
  • jim lang Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 7:26 pm hey, fred, remember tht substance on your lawn. i think it was called, seedimum?
  • Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 8:19 pm Sorry…I don’t recall her.

    Maybe Fred Kalt,he is about 5 years older than I am,and lived there long after we moved away.

  • Bonnie (Hawk) Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 9:12 pm To George Gumbrell and Ken Brown. I had my brothers (Mike Boddy and Nick Hawk) here in Florida for Easter. I got Nick to the computer and showed him this site. He was amazed when I showed him his H.H. Davis class picture. Of course he said the girl in the top row was his girlfriend. (didn’t get the name) I told him you guys had mentioned playing in a band with him and gave him the site. Hope he will check in.
  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 9:56 pm Jim Lang,
    Yes it was called sedimun, it was a small ever green plant with rubbery leaves and was used as a ground cover. It was quite popular on some of the lawns in the neighborhood.

  • terry downs Says:
    March 26, 2008 at 11:01 pm Hi Dot Ward, we graduated together, and you lived next door to my father Harry Downs

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 27, 2008 at 12:42 am Hey George
    I missed the soccer team. But get this. While I was at Girard College for those 4 years, I played soccer!!! I was a fullback. I like defending, probably because I hated to run!! LOL

  • jim lang Says:
    March 27, 2008 at 6:41 am hey, fred vesper. do you remember a little store on the corner of roesdale and westfield called brill’s?
  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 27, 2008 at 8:42 am Hey Nick, I am glad you played at Girard. It would have been great during those Davis years to have you on the team, I am sorry you were not, but it still feels like you were though. Hey, I was a fullback too. Your right, its good to have the play come to you!

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 27, 2008 at 8:47 am Hey, Thanks Bonnie, I hope Nick checks back in to post something. It would be great to talk to him! And thank you for showing him the site.

  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 27, 2008 at 9:50 am Jim Lang,
    Yes I remember Brill’s, it was a corner grocery store. It later became Joe’s Lucheonette and was owned by Joe Santangelo who lived on 32nd St across from where Merriel Ave stopped. Mrs. Santangelo was a crossing guard at Davis School in the early 60’s. Her corner was 34th & Westfield in front of the German Bakery. Later the store was purchased by Iggy Cimino, who also owned Mario’s Steak House ( circa 1964/65 ) , and it became Stockton Liquors. It was sold again to Shotsy Sporacio around 1968/69 and his son John managed it until about 1979 or so. After Shotsy sold it remained a liquor store for a while.
    Do you remember our never ending sand lot baseball games in the spring and summer, the football games in the fall /winter/ and the basketball games in the winter fall, all at Dudley Grange Park. We would play nearly everyday.

  • jim lang Says:
    March 28, 2008 at 6:37 am fred.v. do you remember across the st. from the back of your house there was a part of the grange we would play foot ball. i remember you told a few of us you dug a hole to trip andy gross. you are correct we all spent a lot of time at the grange.
  • Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 28, 2008 at 5:57 pm I spent half my time when I lived on Rosedale ave, on that strip of ground just across the tracks from my house.

    Played football with Ricihe Reeves,Carl Cuneo,The Beckers,Bill McKnight,and many others.

    When I went there you had to find one of the openings in the hedges that ran the entire length of that side of the park,and squeeze through.

  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 29, 2008 at 8:36 am Skeeter,
    They are the same guys who taught me how to play football. I was 6 or 7 years at the time and they were in their early teens.

  • Ken Says:
    March 29, 2008 at 9:46 am On a sad note, Skeeter has informed me that today’s Courier Post contains an obituary for Mrs. Rose Melleby, wife of former Police Chief Harold Melleby, and mother of the Melleby children who attended Davis and Wilson in the 60’s and 70’s. Mrs. Melleby is also the mother-in-law of Dot Ward who posts on this site. You can find Mrs. Melleby’s obituary through the Courier link on the Blogroll menu to the right. On behalf of this site, I offer my condolences to the Melleby family.

  • jim lang Says:
    March 29, 2008 at 2:08 pm skeeter, could you tell me more about the hedge’s boredering dudley grange i only vaguely remember them, thank you.
  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 29, 2008 at 2:51 pm Hey Fred Vesper, Did Dennis still play the drums after his school years?

  • Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 29, 2008 at 8:54 pm jim lang,

    Yes I lived on the opposite side of Dudley Grange Park from Woodrow Wilson,on Rosedale Ave.

    The back of our house faced the back of Freddy Vesper’s house,although he moved into that house after we left the neighborhood.

    There is an alley in between.

    If you walked out the front door of my house up the embankment and crossed the R/R tracks you ran into a hedgerow.

    The hedgerow ran all the way from Westfield along Rosedale to 32nd street.

    In order to get to the area where you & I and Freddy played football you had to find an opening in that hedgerow.

    There were a few created by kids squeezing & pushing their way through.

  • jim lang Says:
    March 30, 2008 at 8:49 am fred.v. do you remember our next door neighbor mae. do you know how long she lived there? we moved to 3179 in 1960. a sad note on mae she fell off her back porch and broke her hip, she died about a week later, she was 92. this happend about 4 years ago, she was a tough lady.
  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 30, 2008 at 9:59 am George,
    Dennis played a few more years after high school and later sold his drums.

  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 30, 2008 at 10:01 am Jim Lang,
    I remember May, I think she moved there right after we did. I moved there in 1956.

  • jim lang Says:
    March 30, 2008 at 10:54 am skeeter, did you happend to know the lavertys, frank was the fathers name, joan, was a daughter, bill the son was my age, they lived on 32 st. nrth. second house in from the railroad tracks the alley connecting roesdale ave. and westfield ave. was in back of thier house.
  • Ken Says:
    March 30, 2008 at 12:02 pm Hey Annette Vesper, Welcome! I see you’ve found our site via Freddy. I remember the five years of Davis Band sitting next to you in the clarinet section and having lessons with Mr. Shaw and Patty Histing and a few others from our year. And Lorrie was on cheerleading with you at Wilson, and still has her jacket also, in the attic in a box with my wrestling jackets. She posts here too, when she has time. Interesting that you teach Kindergarten, another Wilson cheerleader – Debbie Saccomanno (Class of ‘73) is a K teacher in Galloway Twp. where we live, and was the K teacher for two of my daughters.

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 30, 2008 at 9:21 pm Hey Annette Vesper! Nick Rapanotti here. I know we did not hang out much in school, but WELCOME to this site. I always remember you as bubbly and outgoing!!! I hope all is well with you. Howe does it feel teaching little ones? That takes a special person. My wife teaches here in North Carolina with Autistic children of High school age. I would not have the patience. I guess it is true that women have more patience and understanding then men. (SORRY GUYS!!!! THIS IS ONLY “MY” OPINION) -)
  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 30, 2008 at 9:25 pm Hey Ken,
    Are you giving any thought about trying to get a little bash together form all the persons that are on this site? I think it would be great. i know I would travel from North Carolina. I would have it down here, but I think it’s a little easier for me to come up there!!! LOL! (What can I say, I am always still a clown) -)

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 30, 2008 at 11:26 pm Hey Nick, I am planning a trip to Jersey, I was hoping for May, It now looks like sometime in late June. That would be great and so much fun. But I think Nick, you, Ken, Paul, and I have to meet at Mario’s, and then bike to Cherry Hill , and then to a gathering. Wouldn’t that be grand!!!

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 1:16 am And then Laurie can follow us with her friends. What do say Laurie?

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 1:27 am Hey Fred, Thank you for your answer. I am sorry to hear that. Dennis had such great talent. I played drums after him at Davis. And it was a thrill to have him around when I was playing, and have him nod his approval to Mr. Shaw. Thank You Dennis, you were Great! RIP my friend.

  • Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 10:03 am jim lang Says:March 30, 2008 at 10:54 am
    skeeter, did you happend to know the lavertys, frank was the fathers name, joan, was a daughter, bill the son was my age, they lived on 32 st. nrth. second house in from the railroad tracks the alley connecting roesdale ave. and westfield ave. was in back of thier house.

    Jim,

    Thart last name does sound familiar,but can’t put a face to it…was it Lafferty?

    Only ones I remember on those two blocks of 32nd are Bill McKnight,Jackie Ruberg (Mom taught Math) & Danny Krouse…Danny was older served our country in the Korean Conflict.

    On the other side of the street there was Charlie Holiday ,his two sisters,Jean & Terri ,I think,and Bobby Riggert.

    But I moved out of the neighborhood in 1956 or 57.

  • Ken Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 10:25 am Couple of questions for those that lived in that 100 block of 32nd/Merrill Ave neighborhood…

    What was the name of the dry cleaner on the corner of 32nd and Westfield… was it Westfield Cleaners? I remember taking my Dad’s pants and suit jackets there for dry cleaning.

    And does anyone remember a woman named Catherine Heimlick (spelling?) who lived in the 100 block of 32nd? She was an Avon Lady, and I believe her husband’s name was Charles, and he was the manager of the big Woolworth’s on Broadway in Camden. My Mom use to buy Avon from her, and my sister Laurie (usually at my urging) would torment that poor lady worse than the neighborhood cats. But she kept coming back as I think my Mom bought every new Avon decanter that came out (I still have many of them in boxes in the attic).

    I never knew Mrs. Ruberg lived on 32nd, I had her for math in 8th Grade. Nice teacher, I think she retired in ‘72 the year I left Davis.

  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 12:29 pm Ken,
    It is raining and my golf match is cancelled so I will spend some time on this site. The cleaners original name was “Sye’s One Hour Cleaners”.
    I do not remember anybody by the name Heimlick or anybody associated with Avon or Woolworth’s. Generally while growing up, if the homeowners had no children, or childless but not friendly toward children, we did not know them. Fortunately this group of people were few.
    Mrs. Ruberg, who I had for Algebra I in 7th grade during 61/62 school year moved from 32nd St. around 1959 or 1960.

  • Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 12:52 pm I went to school with a Richie Heimlich. I know he had a sister Helen ,maybe?

    I think it was Davis,but I do no remember him on 32nd st. during my time in the neighborhood.

    I found this artice posted by him on Phil Cohens site.

    It appears that the first part of the article was not posted,so perhaps he did live there for awhile after I left.

    …… we were still at 2631 Carman until 1967 (not 1964) so it was a total of 28 years. Some other memory jogs were the original name of the bank right in back of us was the Camden Trust Company. The original name of the bar before Mike Love’s (Satellite Lounge) was “The Rathskeller”.

    Other very clear and accurate (as I know it’s important) Federal Street memories:

    The Victory [Victoria] Theater Movie House – at the corner of 26th and Federal Streets. It was an ornately decorated old movie theater with a five cent fee, later increased in two stages to 12 cents then 25 cents. On Saturdays, the Victoria always played a double feature run. I’ll never forget my brother John and me watching Superman and the Mole Men at one showing. This was before the Arlo Movie up the street on the Westfield side was built. During the building of the Arlo, John and I played on the steel girders and other construction elements. After it got run down, the Victory remained boarded up and vacant for many years and was finally torn down to make way for a new diner.

    The Holly Diner – When the diner first opened it was called the Holly Diner and we hung out there nightly (Jimmy Devenny, Jerry Molineaux, Mike Comardo, Wayne Ingram, Frank Hubler, Don Grille, Russ Chandler, Richard Chandler, Pee Wee Bartolino, Bobby Jones, Richie Middleton, Joe McGinnis, etc., etc.). This was directly across the street from Woolworths 5 &10 Cent Store. Woolworths had a lunch counter and soda fountain in full operation in addition to their retail business. To make sure you have the exact location, the Victoria was where the diner still stands today in East Camden at the corner of 26th and Federal. I wish I knew the exact street address but I don’t. The movie doors faced Federal so it must have had a Federal Street address.

    Merritt’s – Rexall Drug Store – On the opposite corner of 26th and Federal going north, across from the Victoria also facing Federal was the MAB Paint Store, then the Rexall Drug Store which also had a small lunch counter and soda fountain and a great comic book section where we would sit and read as many as we could before we wore out our welcome. The Rexall was operated by Mrs. Mints (or Mintz it was pronounced). We befriended her and others in the store and they allowed us to read the comic books. If and when we had the money we would visit the soda fountain.

    Horn & Hardart’s – Next to Rexall Drugs was the Horn & Hardart’s Store. The Horn & Hardart’s northern most building wall ran along the drive-in passenger car way for the bank (Camden Trust Company). We would walk out our back door, walk across the bank’s parking lot, the rear side of the bank, up the drive in paved way and right into Horn & Hardart’s.

    I’m going to long so here is an exact recap of the entire block on (all doors facing) Federal between 26th and 27th during our childhood. These were pretty well set between 1949/50 – 1956/57.

    MAB Paint Store

    Merritt’s Rexall Drug Store

    Horn & Hardart’s

    Camden Trust Company Company Drive In

    Camden Trust Company Main Building

    Camden Trust Company Alley Way to rear parking lot

    The Rathkeller, later Mike Love’s Bar

    M&M Tailors (owned by Marty) – later mover across the street to the Westfield side next to Elwell’s Jeweler store and Sugar Bowl.

    2 Stores that kept changing occupants so no long memories for these 2 locations.

    The Ros-Mor Apartments

    Alley way to Ros-Mor’s Garage Parking – our house touched the back of the garages.

    Bigler’s Flower Shop – We all grew up with Joan Bigler (Joanie).

    Doctor Newmeyer’s Office – an OBGYN. My two sons were delivered by him.

    The Sun Shoe Repair Store – great red leather booths where you could take off your shoes and wait while they were repaired. The cobblers did their work behind large glass windows so outsiders could watch their skill.

    The Acme Market – I “took orders” from here, pushing carts home for the elderly and others for a quarter.

    Lynch’s Dry Cleaning Store

    The Gulf Gas Station run by a tall good natured guy named George. I used to get him lunch from the Sugar Bowl for 15/25 cents. This was the end of the block, right across the street from the Fire House and the bays of the Gulf Station facing 27th and the island.

    Richard Heimlich
    June 2006

  • Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 12:57 pm Ok…I was wrong about the sisters name.
    Another entry from Phils site

    2631 Carman Street
    1924 Frank Baker

    2631 Carman Street
    The
    John & Ruth Heimlich Family
    Richard Heimlich
    John Heimlich
    Diane Heimlich
    Barbara Heimlich

    1939-1967

  • Ken Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 1:19 pm Must be a related Heimlick family Skeeter. I know Catherine Heimlick, the Avon Lady, lived on the left side of 32nd if you were walking towards the railroad from Westfield. She lived there in the late 60’s and early 70’s for sure. My sister Laurie may know the exact address. She was a very petite woman. And I think when she lived there in the late 60’s, it was with just her husband. Though they may have had a son, in your age group, and he may be the Heimlick you remember from 32nd.

  • Ken Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 1:34 pm I remember the Sun Shoe Repair on Federal, with the red booths (mentioned in Skeeter’s post above). I recall sitting in those booths while my Mom waited for shoes to be repaired when I was three or four. What is totally weird is that the shoe shop, and those booths, have been a recurring image in dreams I’ve had over the years (I’m a lucid dreamer). One of those odd images from childhood that just sticks with you and pops up now and then in some other context. And no, I have not yet figured out why the red booths keep appearing. Thought there is probably some deep meaning in that they do -)

  • Charlie “Skeeter” Moy Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 8:45 pm Freddy Vesper,

    Phil Cohen has added a Merriel Ave. page to his site.

    Very little on it right now,but if you have any pictures or comments Phil will definitely post them for you.

    I have things posted in the E. Camden section.

    Is this where you lived…I recognize the owners as Myer,as in

    Donald “Gates” Myers my frien…see it was sooo long ago I thought it was Myers with an “s” on the end.

    3161 Merriel Avenue

    1924 No Listing
    1929 Frank Sias
    teacher
    1947 Harry F. Meyer

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    March 31, 2008 at 9:32 pm George,
    That would be a great idea. But who is going to bring the OXYGEN TANK?? LOL! I will be up in early May for a HUGH FAMILY reunion. I usually come up the last weekend in June or the 1st weekend in July, but may not this year as I have a company function to attend in Florida the 3rd week in June. I may not be able to get off for the June/July trip.

  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    April 1, 2008 at 8:20 am Skeeter,
    I lived at 3178, the odd numbers were the homes that backed to the Westfield Ave houses. The Meyer at 3161 was a different family. Mr Meyer died prior to my arrival on Merriel Ave but I knew Mrs Meyer quite well. I would do errands for her and she had a small side business doing invisible mending of garments.

  • Ken Says:
    April 1, 2008 at 10:01 pm Welcome Joe Cavallo… Glen mentioned he sent you a link. I think you were at Davis two years behind my sister Laurie, she graduated Davis in 76. Where did you go to high school?

    Enjoyed your memories of the Walt Whitman Theater… and to think Led Zeppelin played a part in it’s demise… now that is some interesting trivia.

  • Laurie Freeman (Brown) Says:
    April 2, 2008 at 1:19 am George, A reunion bike trip sounds great, though I’d probably be out of breath pretty quick. A charted bus trip through the old neighborhood sounds more my speed. lol

  • jim lang Says:
    April 2, 2008 at 6:36 am fred v. i also remember mrs. meyer. i used to take down her awnings, at the end of summer. she sometime had my brother and i sit with her if someone was picking up mending after dark, also my brother took her thrash out in the evening,
  • George Gumbrell Says:
    April 2, 2008 at 8:37 am OK Laurie. A charted bus trip with refreshments, cheesesteaks, hoagies, pretzels, drink a toast, and yum yum. And with Ken as our tour guide!

  • Ken Says:
    April 2, 2008 at 10:25 am Only if I can drive the bus! I think I’m still licensed to transport the elderly…hahahah. Of course before I will let anyone on the bus you must show your AARP card (which by the way, my younger wife – by 17 days – just got in the mail the other day).

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    April 2, 2008 at 11:27 am I GOT MY AARP!!!!!!!!! -)

  • Nick Rapanotti Says:
    April 2, 2008 at 11:28 am Joe Cavallo….Welcome my older younger CB friend! Do you still CQ?

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    April 2, 2008 at 5:19 pm Hey Laurie, Nick and Paul. What do you think of Ken driving the Bus? I think his reflexes would be alittle slower now. And I don’t know about coming down that 32nd st. hill!!!

  • Ella-Marie Says:
    April 2, 2008 at 11:12 pm My fathers car was in park and turned off but his wheels weren’t turned into the corner and the car rolled into the Corbets car. The hill is real tricky. Maybe you should try driving up it instead of down!!!

  • William (Bud) Neely Says:
    April 3, 2008 at 2:19 pm Read quite a bit of your web site, very good keep up the good work. I lived at 3312 Rowe St. across the lot from Terry’s house. Elaine Le Drew is my younger sister. I remember when Terry and her family moved in. At that time I was marreid and lived down the street.

    Bud Neely

  • Freddy Vesper Says:
    April 3, 2008 at 6:46 pm To the people who lived on Rowe St,
    I went to school with Thomas and Robert Morris and also Dante Celia, all lived on Rowe St. Does anyone know their where abouts?

  • Ken Says:
    April 3, 2008 at 6:59 pm Okay, I miss a day here, and my driving ability on the 32nd Street hill gets scrutinized! Geez!!!! Tell you what, when the tour bus gets to the top of the hill, I’ll turn the driving over to whoever is not wearing bi-focals and I’ll bumper surf down the hill on my skates -)

    And WELCOME Bud Neely. Are you any relation to Debbie Neely who graduated Wilson in 76?

  • Gene McCloskey Says:
    April 4, 2008 at 6:00 pm Hey Jim Lang,Class of ‘69????If so I was your classmate at Wilson and grew up in the acres.I remember the Vesper’s also,two of them older than me and one yonger.I see the younger one has passed,sorry to hear that.

  • Ella-Marie Says:
    April 4, 2008 at 6:14 pm Ken, I use to BUMPER RIDE with my sled. I remember 1 time someone did it and ended up with a broken nose at the corner of High and 32nd. OUCH!!!

  • Ken Says:
    April 4, 2008 at 8:23 pm Ella-Marie, I also remember someone getting a broken nose from hitting the car bumper with their face, I remember the incident, but not who it happened to. Probably someone who did not live on the street. I remember kids from other streets use to come there to sled. What is weird is that I don’t really remember much “sled-able” snow after about the age of ten. Maybe by then they were plowing or salting the hill. But I do have memories of sledding on the hill when I was younger. I also remember going a few times out to that big hill in Pennsauken by the pool on River Road and sledding.

  • Ken Says:
    April 4, 2008 at 8:27 pm And on the topic of broken noses, my brother Mike’s nose was broken after getting hit with a baseball bat in the lot on 32nd Street before the Westfield Tower was built, he was probably about ten at the time. A bunch of the kids were playing ball and he was the catcher and got hit. I don’t recall who was swinging the bat though.

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    April 5, 2008 at 11:36 pm To Bud Neely,
    It took me awhile, but I have finally placed you! You are Lenny Antonelli’s uncle and lived upstairs with “Nana Neely”. Welcome to the site. What have you been up to??

  • terry defrancisco Says:
    April 5, 2008 at 11:37 pm Hey Ken and Nick,
    If you all have that reunion in May or June, let me know. I would love to participate. And Ken, I already have my AARP card!

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    April 6, 2008 at 12:59 am Hey, It looks like for me, late June or July. I love to see every one. But Terry if I am counted out. You guys have a great time!

  • George Gumbrell Says:
    April 6, 2008 at 1:21 am Hey Terry, Ken and Nick, after talking to Courtney, it looks like for me, maybe July. I was hoping sooner. But would you guys let me know how the reunion was!!! I hope you guys have a great time!

  • Ella-Marie Says:
    April 6, 2008 at 7:22 am Ken, Do you remember my sister Michele? She lost her eye behind the Buckleys house when she was 10. Kids were throwing stones and she got hit in the eye and I literly had to hold her eye ball that was hanging out of her eye and walk her home. They put the eye back in but she lost her site in that eye. As far as the hill near the pool. I remember Ice skating around there but not sleding. My oldest brother Chuck didn’t go to davis he went to ST. Joephes.