The Odessa File: History of Schuyler County

To view photos from the Kelly Collection, click here.

---------

-------

We also have a Business Card Page. Click here.

-----------

To visit the Schuyler County Historical Society website, click here.

----------

Through the hallways ...

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS facts. The 29th in a continuing monthly series.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* Board of Education APPRECIATION WEEK (Oct. 19-23)...

At the October 5th Board of Education Meeting Superintendent Tom Phillips presented each Board Member with a travel mug in appreciation for their generous sharing of time & service to our District.

This is a great time to "remember" and "honor" all those members who came before us and contributed so much to our communities: a special THANKS & APPRECIATION to. ALL those former Board of Education members who have served our District!

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Some outstanding achievements from years past:

1970-1971:

* ROBERT H. FRABONI, age 12, was the only Schuyler County resident to enter the Corning "Soap-Box Derby" -- he raced under the 'colors' of Glen Chevrolet;
* KIM EVANS, Gr. 11, was presented a trophy for achieving highest score on last June's Biology Regents (98%);
* DEBORAH DRAKE and MIKE BALLARD, Seniors, received Letters of Commendation for high performance on the 1970 National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test;
* LAWRENCE GLOVER (Tuba), KAREN CALLANAN (Clarinet), GLORY SNYDER (Oboe), and Chorus Members CHUCK CALHOUN, JENNIFER SMITH, NELLIER
VALENT, RUTH MC KEE, JOEY ORBIN, NANCY JOHNSON & STEVE CROUT were selected to participate in the Regional "All State" Band & Chorus;
* JOHN SYMDER, Gr. 9, was featured playing the bongos during the annual Christmas Concert;
* ELISA LIAMMARI, Gr. 5, won a national essay contest for an essay written 1 1/2 years earlier while attending Public School #16 in Yonkers;
* Students inducted into the National Honor Society: Paul Franzese - Charles Bates - George Miner - Beverly Johnson - Wayne Dobson - Dennis Robinson - Lawrence Glover - Peter Buckley - Carolyn Stafford - Charles Calhoun - Tom Greninger - Margie Camden - Tim O'Malley - Pam Blank - Ruth Palmer - Nancy LaForty - Joy Prosperi - Nancy Woodworth
- Karen Carpenter

* Student Council Officers: DAVE GIAMBO (President), NANCY WOODWORTH (Vice President), CATHY STEVENS (Secretary), and PAUL FRANZESE (Treasurer) worked on the following projects:
--- Student Tutoring Plan
--- School Store
--- Letter Campaign to free Vietnam prisoners
--- an annual $25.00 award to a deserving Senior
--- programs on Ecology

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

1969-1970:

* CHARLENE SIMIELE won title as "MISS WATKINS GLEN 1969" - she was crowned by MARY COLEMAN (MISS WATKINS GLEN 1968)... JENNIFER DEAN was named 1st Runner-Up; PEGGY DOOLITTLE was named 2nd Runner-Up; MARILYN WILSON was named as Miss Congeniality...

* Kindergarten students with featured roles in the Burdett Elementary School Christmas program were:
Twins: MIKE & AUDREY BRAND, LIN & LORI LENT and DONNA & DEBBIE HAUHUTH; plus: SCOTT RANDALL, ED PIKE & DENNIS VOORHEES.

* Middle School Christmas Conceret Chorus soloists were: CHERI DOOLITTLE, CURTIS VAN SKIVER, PATTI SULLIVAN, TANINA LIAMMARI and CATHY COLEMAN

* DOMINICK (NICKY) FAZZARY - age 3 - won a $25.00 Bond as the "CUTEST CUPID" in a local contest;

* Middle School Student Council Officers: CRAIG SLATER (President), JOHN FITZSIMMONS (Vice President), LUE ANNE GOODINE (Secretary) and GLENDA BOYCE (Treasurer); advisor was Middle School Guidance Counselor TOM THURLOW; items for the Council's attention:
- serve as a liaison between administration & students - raise funds via bake sales
- sponsor a school store - promote Gr. 5/6 after school athletic program

* Middle School SPELLING CONTEST Winners: NIKKI VASGSNES (1st) DEBORAH SALMIRS (2nd), MEL CAMPBELL (3rd), DONNA EDSALL (4th) and ANNA MC KEE (5th)

* High School STUDENT STANDARD staff included:
BOB GRIFFITH - CARMEN GARRETT - LORA MACRI - LOUIS KRESS - JENNY SMITH - KAREN CALLANAN - SUE BAUMAN - NANCY WOODWORTH - TIM MCKEE - SAM ARGETSINGER - LAURIE KENT - MARY CHAFFEE - RUTH MC KEE

* Senior Class Play: "TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON" leads: DAVID HAVENS & DAVID CHICONE and CARMEN GARRETT & JENNY DEAN along with SAM ARGETSINGER, DAVID DUNBAR, DAVID SYMES, BARRY O'MALLEY, ALLISON MAAS, LARRY SPECCHIO, MARILYN WILSON, MARY ROSE SPENA, PEGGY DOOLITTLE, ROANNE BALDASSARRE, CAROL COLUNIO, LIZ SMITH, DIANE DUNLAP & SUE BAUMAN.
The Play was directed by MARILYN FILIPPETTI, Technical Director was DON MAAS, and Artistic Consultant was MRS. BERT SALMIRS. ANNE WOODWORTH & DAN TEED were in charge of Programs...

* APRIL 19, 1970: dedication of the new Watkins Glen High School facility
- building was open to visitors from 1:30/4:30 p.m.
- students/teachers/administration/Board Members were available to talk with visitors about the building and the school programs
- swimming pool was open for those who wished to swim
- cafeteria was open and served a variety of refreshments
- audio/visual equipment & materials were on display
- Band & Chorus presented short concerts in the auditorium

* Saturday, June 20, 1970 --- 107 graduate in very 1st ceremony at the new Watkins Glen High School
- Reverend Gary Bergh, Pastor of the Glen Methodist Church, gave the invocation
- DIANNA DUNLOP gave the Valedictorian address
- LORI MACRI gave the Salutatory Address
- HAROLD MATHEWS, Class Advisor, awarded the prizes
- DR. LLOYD N. PEAK (Administrator) & MALCOLM CURRIE (Board President) awarded the diplomas
- SARAH DRAKE was accompanist for the Chorus
- Reverend Alton Stivers of St. James Episcopal Church gave the benediction

... At this 1st commencement in the new $4 million structure a total of 11 awards were presented (8 to girls; 3 to boys) Award winners were: ROANN BALDASSARRE (BPW Award), MARGUERITE KENNEDY (Lucy Viglione French Award) , MARGARET (PEGGY) DOOLITTLE (Winifred Chase Love Music Award) and the Freer-Mucklow Award), DIANNA DUNLAP (Bausch & Lomb Science Medal), MARILYN WILSON (BPW Commercial Award), SUSAN DIBBLE (Harriette Allen English Award), RUTH KESSLER (Homemaking Award), CLIFFORD GARDNER (Northrup Education Foundation Award), DAVID CHICONE (Alumni Association Award), and KENNETH CORWIN (Cook-Warner Award).

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

1968-1969:

* GEORGE F. SCAPTURA was appointed to be Business Manager for the District; for the previous 15 years George served the Village of Watkins Glen as clerk-treasurer and finance officer; a graduate from the Watkins Glen Class of 1940, George earned a B.S. from Rider College in 1949 (in Journalism and Commerce); he completed 24 hours in History at Syracuse University in 1950 and was a newspaper editor before joining the Village of Watkins Glen; Mr. Scaptura began his duties on November 1, 1968

-- prior to Mr. Scaptura's employment, the business affairs of the Watkins Glen district were managed by the District Clerk, the District Treasurer and the District Superintendent...

* New faculty members for the 1968-69 school year were:
-- THOMAS THURLOW: Middle School Guidance Counselor
-- JANET HANAUER: Grade 6 teacher
-- PETER PEVO: Grade 3 teacher
-- JOANNE BOND: Grade 1 teacher
-- ELLEN COLEMAN: Elementary School Art teacher
-- KENT FITCH: Grade 6 teacher
-- JEAN DAVIS: Grade 3 teacher

* IN August of 1968 upon the recommendation of Chief School Administrator DR. LLOYD N. PEAK, the traditional June commencement program held the last Monday afternoon in June, was moved to a Saturday at 7:30 p.m. so more parents could attend without having to miss work.

* Grand Prix Festival Tennis Tournament: KATHY DONNELL defeated GLORIA BRUBAKER 6-2, 2-6, 6-0 in one semi-final while JEAN LAWTON defeated CAROL TETZ 6-3 and 8-6; KATHY DONNELL won overall championship, defeating JEAN LAWTON 4-6, 6-2 and 6-1.

* MRS. FRANCES BOOTH retired after 23 years in the district as a Cook,

* ALLISON & SCOTT ISLEY were 1st place winners in the "Mixed Group Costume Contest" at the Middle School.

* Student Council officers in the High School were: BOB GRIFFITH (President), BARBARA WHITING (Vice President), NANCY WOODWORTH (Secretary) and KATHY STEVENS (Treasurer)

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

SEPTEMBER 1963 Student ENROLLMENT figures:

Watkins Glen Elementary School = 941 students
Burdett Elementary School = 161 students
High School = 801 students
_______________
1,903 total students...

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In Memorium: Contributors to our District who passed away during the month of November...

* November 4: CECILIA DE NARDO (11/4/1996) Cafeteria employee...
HAROLD MATHEWS (11/4/03 Mathematics Teacher

* November 5: JOHN STEVENSON (11/5/96) Long-term substitute Middle School Guidance Counselor & Principal

* November 8: CHARLES "TOW" ANDREW (11/8/03) Member. WG Athletic "Hall of Fame"

* November 13: DAN MURPHY (11/13/94) Member, Board of Education

* November 22: GLENN RAPALEE (11/22/01) Member, WG Athletic "Hall of Fame"

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

WATKINS GLEN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:

The Alumni Association was formed three years ago for three purposes:
1. to ensure that the annual Alumni Banquet tradition continued well into the future;
2. to establish three annual scholarships (one for $750, and two at $500 each); and...
3. to recognize one or more deserving Distinguished Alumni

With the huge increases we all are seeing in the cost of a college education, the Association realizes that these three scholarships are just too small. Therefore the Association has begun a major fund-raising campaign to significantly increase the scholarship fund (with one annual award of $2,500 and two annual awards of $1,500.) Contact people have agreed to represent thirty previous graduating classes (thus far) and are contacting classmates by letter asking for their support for this most worthy cause. When you are contacted, please be as generous as possible. A November 1st deadline has been set for responses. If, for some reason, you are not contacted and wish to be part of this wonderful effort, please contact:

Jo Pat (Paradiso) Wright
wrightjo@yahoo.com
206 Reading Road
Watkins Glen, New York 14891

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WE REMEMBER.....

WILLIAM WICKHAM -- died on August 30, 2009; Bill served on the Board of Education
from 1969-70 to 1980-81 and contributed a great deal of his time and talents to his community. He was an avid fan of history and assisted me in the "100 Years Book -- District History from the early years -- 1863 - up to 1981-82" and wrote the section on "Facilities History." I was also very fortunate to be with him on a panel of educators/historians for the Historical Society's presentation of "A History of Schuyler County Schools" on November 17, 2005. (Bill and his brother David were students in the Hector Schoolhouse #126 in the early days prior to centralization.) Bill's father -- DON J. WICKHAM -- served as Board of Education President from 1950-1953.

Added note of interest: -- back in the 1880's WG had 7-member Boards of Education
-- 6 member Boards were common during the 1920s and early 1930s;
-- 9 member Boards were the norm from 1934-35 until 1949-50

*Prior to the 1950-51 school year County Superintendent of Schools IRVING D. GOODRICH, SR. forged a "gentlemen's agreement" of sorts whereby each area of the
newly-Centralized District would have representation -- the total being 7 members.

-- 7 member Boards from 1950-51 to the present time.

NANCY CALLAHAN -- died on September 15, 2009; born in Bradford, Pa., NANCY
JEAN MILLER CALLAHAN received her BA from Buffalo State University and began her teaching career in Scottsville, NY in the Wheatland-Chili Central District teaching Grade 3 (1956-1958); from 1958-60 she taught Gr. 4 for the Corning Painted-Post District at Beaver Valley Elementary School; Nancy's educational career in Watkins Glen included Kindergarten Teacher 1963-1966, Gr. 4 Teacher 1966-67, Physical Education Teacher 1968-69 and back as Gr. 4 Teacher from 1972-1994 --- more than 30 years devoted to children and the profession she loved; it was a pleasure being her colleague, especially during our time together as Gr. 4 teachers;

EUNICE HENCK PROSPERI -- died on September 17, 2009; she was a long-time teacher
in the Burdett Elementary School and the Watkins Glen Elementary School; an author ("Martha Remembered") and a most active volunteer in Schuyler County for many, many years, Eunice was born March 19, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Eastern Nazarene College in Wollaston, Massachusetts and Maryland State Teacher's College in Towson, Maryland. Many, many people fondly remember her as their teacher!

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Some "HISTORY" in "POETRY"... final chapter of JEAN LAWTON's presentation...

...and now for the rest of the story told (in poetic form) given on June 7, 1995 at the BOOSTER CLUB All Sports Banquet... via the "Magic Humor" of JEAN LAWTON

"Some athletes are "hatched" - in the primary grades;
Others are born in families - that come ready made.
There were families of swimmers that were well-renowned;
From FRANZESE, DUGO & HATSELL to daughters of MAAS and BROWN.

The decade of the 70's - told a different story
As girls' athletic achievements were awarded in glory!
There was a Divisional Championship in Girls' Basketball
In '73 - VALERIE HERRICK - captained them all.

Her sister TRACIE H. MC ILROY helped keep sports alive
As an active President of the Boosters Club in '95.

The mid 70's - track meets were fabulous and fancy
They were coached by a winner - a LOUGHLIN named NANCY.

The trick of her "stars" - who took off round the track
was to just keep running & never look back.
The fact that they won - no one can refute -
So let's play tribute to STOCUM & SUITS.

Now there is a story I'd like to relate
Of a champion "high jumper" - in New York State
"Special Olympics" gave its competitors a chance to win
with blue ribbons & medals & a heart-warming grin!
The winning high-jump state champ - was ESTHER PELLOR CHURCH;
Who left her would-be opponents standing in the lurch.

A gold medal swimmer - by day & by dark -
Was a blue ribbon winner - BELINDA CLARK!

In the 80's the girls started swimming really good;
Under the skillful, watchful coaching of CYNDY WOOD

The progress that year could not be denied
In fact you could say -- they were fit to be tied!

The last students I taught are Seniors this year,
And now - your graduation - is growing near!
For I retired just 8 years ago -
And I've watched girls' sports continue to grow.

When I was asked - "What would I talk about?"
I looked at my watch - and said, without a doubt -
About 8 minutes should be quite enough --
So now you'll hear some good athletic stuff.

Now as the end of this rhyme approaches,
You are about to hear from our coaches.

If when you're older - less bolder & somewhat senile
Just keep on walking - but remember to smile!

And wherever you are - in this life here after;
The two best medicines - are sports and laughter!

Just keep-on-keeping-on for ever and ever;
Good luck to you all - in your future endeavor!

JEAN BURNSIDE LAWTON
June, 1995
(Teacher & Coach 1950-1987)

Keep-on-keeping on yourself JEAN!

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Reflections back with Thanks & Appreciation --- recognizing those who contributed their
time, passion and talents to the betterment of our organization and passed from this life during October:

OCTOBER:

6th: DOMINICK (ART) FAZZARY - School bus driver for 45 years; co-owner "Art & Nancy's"; (10/06/99)
8th: JULIA RAFFERTY - long time Teacher Aide (10/08/07)
11th: JEAN HANVILLE - former Gr. 4 teacher (10/11/00)
13th: FRANCES MARTZ - elementary teacher (10/13/94)
18th: COACH JOE LEMAK - long time Health Teacher, Athletic Director & Coach (10/18/01)
GLENN DAVIS - custodian & cleaner (10/18/04)
23rd: DOROTHY FOOTE - elementary teacher (10/23/01)
25th: DR. THOMAS JACK LOVE - long time Member & President of the Board of Education (10/25/04)
26th: DORIS ELY OWEN - elementary teacher (10/26/97)
CAMILLE MEEK - CSE Chair/Special Education Director (10/26/06)
30th: JOHN W. LUTOMSKE "BIG JOHN" - school bus driver more than 43 years (10/30/05)

Student passages.....

... also student ELIZABETH AMISANO - Class of 2003 - (10/12/05)

Students MIKE GREEN and GEOFF MILLER - Class of 1990 - passed away on August
3, 1989 as the result of an automobile accident. #22 and #80 had two pages of the 1990
yearbook dedicated to them! Good friends together - good friends to all!

I'd like to also include here - DANNY SHUMWAY - Class of 2005 - he passed away on
July 15, 2005.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Congratulations KAY GOOSEN: 40 years of service...

Saw a very nice article in the Middle School Daily Bulletin for September 8, 2009:

"To our very dear Kay Goosen, as she begins her 40th year working for the Watkins Glen
Central School District. Kay, it has been our pleasure to know and work with you! We thank you for all you offer our staff, but especially for all that you do for our students. You are one in a million & we love you!"

................................................................................

...from the STUDENT STANDARD January 1964...

* TOM (SAMPSON) BURGESS - Gr. 12 "STUDENT OF THE MONTH" --- team manager for three sports (Football, Wrestling & Baseball) and greatly appreciated by all those on those teams!
* GLORIA PINTO's New Year's Resolution: "I will try to be more quiet and reserved in 1964."
* JIM WHITING's Resolution: "I resolve to be on time for everything."
* ED AUGUSTINE's Resolution: "I will start working early on my valedictory address in pig-Latin."

Under Librarian LOUISE STILLMAN the Junior Library Council began collecting and
preserving newspaper clippings and other documents in special scrapbooks --- from the 1957-1963 era comes the following.....

* Honor Students ( May 4, 1960): LETTIE BABCOCK - Valedictorian - MARCIA
MILLER - Salutatorian - KEN MATHEWS, CAROLYN DAUS, BARBARA TEEMLEY, SHARRON SOULE, SEVERNE JOHNSON, SUSAN HOY, PHYLLIS MOLTENI, PAMELA SMITH, SANDRA FRYCEK, DONNA SHOEMAKER, RICHARD ELY, GEORGIA LAPRE & STEPHEN LA MOREAUX.

* from the April 1960 "Student Standard": DIANA RAY GRANSTON, age 17, became
1st Schuyler County youth ever to receive the American Legion Distinguished Youth Award -- the Award was given in honor of DIANA's courage and bravery in leading five young children to safety from a fire at the home of Mr. & Mrs. James Likoudis of Reading Center (February 28, 1960);
* chaperones for the annual Senior Trip to Washington, D.C. (April 1960) were: Senior Advisor & Mrs. Jerry Gregory, Vice Principal & Mrs. Francis Blake, Mr. & Mrs. Dominick Giambo, Miss Lucy Viglione, and Mrs. Elmo LaMoreaux.
* Varsity Cheerleaders in 1959-60 were: PAT BERLIN, CONNIE MILLER, MARGARET FRANZESE, DIANE IRISH, & EDIE BRUBAKER; Junior Varsity Cheerleaders were: PEG LOVE, BARB WILLIAMS, JOAN SMITH & JOAN MILLER.

* the 1958 Senior Play, "Onions in the Stew," featured: REBECCA COOK, TYLER
SCHOUTEN, MARY JO O'GRADY, JUDY HAUGHEY, DAVID FRABONI, JERRY
SMYDER, NORM WISNER, ISABEL WOLCOTT, LINDA FITCH, JEANNETTE STRONG, ALICE GAREY, CAROLE NITTOLY, BARB BUCK, MARGARET
TICHENOR, TOM HEALY, DON BRUBAKER, ROSALIE SWISHER, ED VORHEIS,
STEVE HOARE, BARB RICHARDSON, BILL ROBERTS, MARY LOU CALDWELL,
BRUCE WARD, ART BARNUM & BEN VEDDER.

* Junior High SPELLING BEE: tied for 1st place were: DAN DOLK & JOHN Q.
SMITH, JR.; 2nd place went to: BLANCHE BORZELL & GARY SLATER;
* Feb. 1958 HONOR ROLL: ELIZABETH MC ANARNEY (95.25% avg) ELLEN
BABCOCK (95.2%) LETTIE BABCOCK (94.5%) JAMES SCHIMIZZI (94.4%) &
LOUISE ARGETSINGER (93.4%)

* September 1959: Watkins Glen FOOTBALL -- a new coach (MILFORD "BUD"
WARNER - a Science Teacher), a new league (three seasons ago WG left the Southern Counties League to join the Wayne-Finger Lakes Counties League - for this year WG will play all schools with similar enrollments) -- led by Quarterback BILL DAVIS the Senecans completed their 1st winning season (4-3) in many years; other standout players were BOB ORMSBEE, TED SPECCHIO, STEVE LAMOREAUX, LYN FREESE, RON PIERCE, BILL CHEROCK, BOB REALE, WALT EMMONS, BILL PARADISO, RICHARD DECKER and many others...

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The SEARCH is on... who is the oldest retiree in the Watkins Glen Central School
District???

A few weeks ago MARTHA EVANS -- former Elementary School Art Teacher and
Instructional Support Teacher -- asked me if I knew who our oldest living retiree was. She
mentioned that her mom, MARGARET O'GRADY PHELPS ( former Dental Hygienist, HS Home Economics Teacher and Middle School Health Teacher), born 11/18/1917, would be celebrating her 92nd birthday this November. I had to confess that I did not know who our oldest retiree might be, but I would do some checking to see if we could determine the answer to her question. So far I have found -- with the assistance of SHARON CLARK -- two retirees born prior to 1917 (CAROLYN FENTON, teacher, born in 1911, and MILDRED HOAGLAND, cleaner, born in 1916) whom I believe are living. If anyone knows of any other living retiree born prior to these two ladies I would appreciate knowing (e-mail me at: bodonnell@stny.rr.com). Let's see if we can find our oldest living retiree!!!

See you next month!

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

In REMEMBRANCE:

LOLA KNAPP & HAZEL VERDEGAAL RAPLEE: Two long-time (25 years of service +) teachers passed away during the month of August. LOLA KNAPP, Elementary School Teacher on August 12, 2009 and Hazel Verdegaal Raplee, Middle School Teacher on August 26, 2009. Mrs. Knapp taught here in 1948-49 and 1958-1974 while Mrs. Raplee retired as a Reading Teacher in 1995. Additionally Mrs. Raplee served on the Board of Education 1997-98, 1998-99, and 1999-2000. Our condolences to the families of Mrs. Knapp and Mrs. Raplee.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Reflections back with thanks and appreciation:

The history and tradition of any organization is composed of the wonderful people who contributed their time and talents to the betterment of that organization. Remembering just some of those --- such a part of the history & tradition of the Watkins Glen Central School District -- who have passed away:

JULY:

11th -- CHARLIE BUTLER. Sr., Hall Monitor (7/11/2008)
13th -- ERNIE TOLMAN, Vocal Music (7/13/08)
17th -- RUTH COON, ES Teacher (7/17/96)
29th -- MARY WHITING, HS History 1940's/50's (7/29/07)

AUGUST:

1st -- WILLIAM SHIRES, Member, Hall of Fame (8/1/96)
14th -- CAESAR DE SOTO, Custodian 1957-72 (8/14/91)
16th -- IRENE GILLETTE, Clerical (8/16/94)
28th -- MIKE WATSON, HS Health/Coach (8/28/00)
30th -- JACK TERRY, Supervising Principal 1964-1967 (8/30/06)

SEPTEMBER:

3rd -- ANNA SCHIMIZZI, Teacher Aide (9/3/96)
8th - BILL BARNES, Teacher/Counselor/Coach 1953-1980 (9/8/99)
10th -- BOB HULL, Board of Education Member (9/10/01)
11th -- RICHARD MC INTYRE, HS English (9/11/04)
13th -- DR. JOHN DONNELLY, School Dentist (9/13/01)
17th -- SISTER JOSEPHINE SCHIMIZZI, HS Math (9/17/06)
18th -- LOUISE STILLMAN, HS Librarian 1940-43 and 1947-72 (9/18/00)

*** Additionally July/August/Sept. always bring thoughts of students:

AMBER BROCKWAY (8/05/2000)
RICHARD ELLISON (9/16/1997)
SAM DORDONI (9/25/1996)

... anyone having information on additional faculty/staff/students who passed away in July-August-September, please e-mail me: bodonnell@stny.rr.com

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

DR. ARTHUR H. JACKSON...

I read -- with great interest -- "50 Years Ago" (August. 1959 ) in the Watkins Review & Express for August 19, 2009. In that column was information pertaining to the life and death of DR. ARTHUR H. JACKSON, a practicing doctor in Schuyler County from 1904 for the next 50 years. Born in Yates County, Dr. Jackson graduated from Brockport State Teacher's College -- at the young age of 18 -- then enrolled in and graduated from Syracuse University with his medical degree in 1904. DR. JACKSON was a Member of the Board of Education, replacing LEON GROSJEAN for the 1930-31 year and continuing until 1949-1950 through the days of the 9-member Board -- with the exception of 1936-37. He served as Board of Education President from 1937-38 through 1949-1950, the longest tenure in that position in our district's history. The Board of Education returned to a seven-Member Board with the 1950-1951 year with DON WICKHAM as President.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WATKINS GLEN MUSICAL PROGRAMS: 1992/93 through 1996-97:

1992-93:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: JUDY SADLER
Accompanist: BETH PALMER & SALLY MICHEL
Program Cover: JOE BUCK & BREE ARGETSINGER
Some Soloists: MARY BRUBAKER, SARAH WRIGHT, AMANDA HENRY, HEIDI DRAKE, CHRIS KING, CHARLENE BELL & VINCE CHICONE
Special Thanks: MICHELLE WATSON, BOB KING, LOU CICCONE, BRIDGETTE SEARLES, STEVE LO PRESTI, STEVE CROUT, RUTH SHEWAN, BOB THOMAS, PAM CICCONE, JOHN BROWN, CHUCK FITCH, CASSIE WHITE & STEVE SHEWAN.
* Debut: "MADRIGAL SINGERS"

1993-94:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: JUDY SADLER
Accompanist: SALLY MICHEL
Program Cover: BREE ARGETSINGER & TARA SMALLEY and DAVID WIERNICKI
Some Soloists: JANET MORGAN, REBECCA WATSON, MIKE PRESTON, ERICA DOOLITTLE & AARON SMITH
Special Thanks: MARY NICHOLS, SALLY CROOKS, MARK STEPHANY, KARRIE TETOR, FRED THORP and RACHEL VABER, among others.

1994-95:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: JENNIFER BIRNBAUM
Accompanist: SALLY MICHEL
Program Cover: MORGAN CROOKS & BREE ARGETSINGER
Some Soloists: REBECCA WATSON, MEGAN BAHNS, TRACY WILLIAMS, SARA DOLLIVER, ERICA EDMISTER, NICKIA MURRAY, GEORGE HEMPHILL, AARON SMITH & SARAH WRIGHT
Special Thanks: MS. AMY GIAMETTEI, Guest Conductor

1995-96:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: DIANA GROLL
Accompanist: SALLY MICHEL
Program Cover: CARRIE HAESLOOP and REBECCA WATSON
Some Soloists: BEN THORP, KRISTEN BROWN, MIKE WHITING, DEWAYNE BUTLER, MATT DICKERSON, & many others
Special thanks: ANGELA MILLER, RENEE HATCH, TRISHA GARDNER& MRS. CAROL RANDOLPH.

1996-97:

Band Director: DIANA GROLL
Choral Director: DEBRA PATTERSON
Accompanist: SALLY MICHEL
Program Director: JO ROY, JOSHUA FISKE & CARRIE HAESLOOP
Some Soloists: BETHANY BROWN, AMBER DRAKE, MEGHAN HANLEY, JED
DICKERSON, STEVE TERRY, WILL HAISCHER, JACKIE HONSBERGER & more...
Special Thanks: JOSHUA STAMP, MAGEN KINGSLEY as the narrator, and many others...

Additional MUSIC PROGRAM highlights through the years:

1998-99: Special thanks to RAY KASCHALK, BRIDGETTE SEARLES-SOLOMON, JOHN BROWN, BEN THORP, BOB KING& JESSE HAYES.

May 15, 1992: Trip to Toronto, Canada to see "Phantom of the Opera"
March 18, 1993: Chorus attended clinics at Roberts Wesleyan College
April 10, 1999: Trip to New York City to see "Ragtime"
April 12, 2000: Trip to Toronto to see "The Lion King."

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

HOMECOMING 1995-2000:

1995:

Queen: KELLY DENSE
King: TRAVIS LINCOLN
Court: BECKY ELLIOTT, HEATHER KENDA, MICHELLE NYRE, NIKI RUSSELL
Game: 20-6 Loss to Sherburne-Earlville

1996:

Queen: LAURA WEBSTER
King: MITCHELL PEVO
Court: CARRIE HAESLOOP, MISTY JONES, MELANI SPENCER, THERESA
MALINA
Game: 44-12 Loss to Tioga

1997:

Queen: ALISSA NORMAN
King: IRA CADY
Court: TRACI LINCOLN, ANITA SCUTERI, SAMANTHA LEWIS, BETSY
WESTERVELT
Game: 26-12 Loss to Newark Valley

1998:

Queen: CHRISTIN CHERKIS
King: MIKE BEBER
Court: : PATTI FRANZESE, TRACEY GREEN, MELISSA LAMBERTON, JESSICA
O'BRIEN
Game: 35-15 Loss to Sidney

1999:

Queen: C.C. Holt
King: TYSON VAN SKIVER
Court: NICOLE CHAFFEE, CASSIE KEEFER, LINDSAY NICHOLS, MARYANN
REISS
Game: 24-0 Loss to T-Burg

2000:

Queen: ASHLEY WOOD
King: JOSH BUTLER
Court: SKYE LEWIS, JACKIE ORR, SAMANTHA PRINCE, TRACY SAVARD
Game: 7-0 Loss to Waverly

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

JEAN LAWTON's speech at the All-Sports Banquet on June 7, 1995 continued from last month -- more 50s and the 1960s...

Now on to the 60's -- and out on the court
Was a lone girl player who was very well taught!
But she had to play on the boys' tennis team
For girls' varsity tennis - was just a dream;

KATHY DONNELL would win and leave the boys with a frown
But she never received a girls' tennis crown!

Now high school students know they know more than you,
While Middle Schoolers just think that they do!
In the middle school emerged an athlete - who did very well
A swimming winner - an outstanding Coach - our own ROB MICHEL

"LIBBY" was an 8th grader - who swam with all her might -
Today she's the elementary school's "Guiding LIGHT"

While recalling future athletes, JOHN FAZZARY was another
But to me - he'll always be - PATTI'S little brother;

It took plenty of patience & fortitude -
To cope with the elementary multitude;

As day after day came the tramp, tramp, tramp -
Of noisy little feet - across the ramp, ramp, ramp

The questions they ask - are infinitestimal
Extending beyond - the point of the decimal

I taught "chaotic conditioning" with a BILL and a PETE
While climbing cargo netters would never admit defeat

We majored in "organized bedlam" - with tripled up classes
You were lucky if you could tell - the lads from the lasses;
We taught father and mother, son and daughter -
And each had been taught what oughta-be-taughter!

The 4th Grade track meet - found kids running by the hour
While "O'DONNELL's All Stars" challenged "PEVO-Power"

There were "animal olympics" with "mini monkeys" all over the place;
We had ROSNER and FRUSTIG and learned about moving in space;
There were rugged rhythms galore and lots of lead-up games;
For competitive "stars" like MARNIE, MICHELLE and 'ole wots 'er name;
Consider the countless eyes that were dried;
And more were the countless shoes that were tied.

The accolades you receive? They must come from within
And they are usually in the form of a toothless grin.

We had pay days and May days, and crowned a May Queen:
PEGGY LOVE was one of the prettiest you've ever seen!

One 5th grader was an athletic JIM SCOTT,
On his head, a King's crown is wut-JIM-got;
He was "King-of-the-May" but for only a day;

..... watch for JEAN LAWTON's reflections on the 1980s and 1990s in my column for October!

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

FLASHBACK -- "Sports Illustrated's "FACES IN THE CROWD"

- in the January 14, 2002 issue of this magazine, Watkins Glen's own JULIE MILLER was featured for her soccer skills. The article read as follows:
"Julie, a senior goalie at Watkins Glen High, set the national girls' high school mark for career saves when she made 12 in a 2-1 win over Newfield High to run her total to 987. She finished her career with 1,250 and was named the Interscholastic Athletic Conference's Most Valuable Defensive Player."

... and you know she was just as nice as she was talented!

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The PRESENT: the 2009/2010 District Calendar is available now and features art work from several students. Featured art work is from the following:
CHANDA BROWN, MARIAH BRISBOIS, CHAD HUNTER, CATEY PATTERSON, CAITLIN CONNELLY, DEVON CUMMINGS, ALEXANDRIA GARDNER, HANNAH PULIS, BRE ROBERTSON, SEAN ALLEN, MATTHEW GILL, MEGAN DAIGLE and EMELIA BOND.

Bboth BRE & CATEY have a second drawing featured as well.....

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

See you in October!

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Boosters' Club All Sports Banquet - June 7, 1995

* Coach of the Year: KATE LAMOREAUX
* Guest Speaker: JEAN LAWTON (teacher & coach (1950-1987)

JEAN LAWTON's speech that evening was very poetic and broken down into various decades. She spoke of our "history and tradition". From the 1950's came the following:

"One thing that is constant - is change;
It's even at home on the range.
This poem will be a "Nostalgia of Sports"
A life in the "past lane" - with sports of all sorts!

How many can you recall way back in the '50's?
When no knives came to school -- life was neat 'n nifty.
Back when little country schools were still standing up;
Several decades ago when Hector was still a pup!

My fellow Phys-eder was a man named Blake
With whom no extra liberties his students would take!
When he called for silence, it could not be broken.
All Watkins could hear him -- and maybe Hoboken!

The varsity Coach was our Joseph Lemak.
He was chock full of jokes -- with a gift of yakitty-yak!

There was no Varsity 4 girls, but they had play-days,
Their games were competitive - but merely a phase.

There was one really outstanding bowler
And I bet a lot of you still know her.
She's a DeDominicis -- 1st name? AnnaJean;
In the 1950's she was our Bowling Queen.

We had badminton & tumbling -- on the 'tramp we could bounce
Yes, it was relevant -- cause there was more bounce to the ounce.

The badminton "champ" was a girl from Burdett,
Sally Howell had a serve I'll never forget!

But the trampoline star of both young and old,
our champion "flipper" was Margaret Cole.

..... watch for September's column featuring the decade of the 1960s as remembered
by JEAN LAWTON.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Remember... November 16, 1995

On that Thursday evening -- with his wife & parents present, along with former County Superintendent and 1st SCT-BOCES Superintendent IRVING D. GOODRICH and Board of Education President LINN HENRY & his wife -- my wife and I enjoyed the induction of WILLIAM MEEHAN, Class of 1976 into the BOCES TEC Center "Hall of Fame." Sitting next to Mr. Goodrich, I recall him saying --- as BILL was inducted - what "an outstanding hard working student" Bill was.

***During the 1996-1997 school year WILLIAM RHODES -- Class of 1983 -- was inducted into the BOCES TEC-Center "Hall of Fame" in an equally moving ceremony.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Watkins Glen Musical Programs... some of the highlights from 1988-1991 included the following:

* Musical director all three years: Diana Groll

* Choral director all three years: Ernie Tolman

* Accompanist 1988-89: Beth Palmer

* Accompanists 1989-90 and 1990-91: Beth Palmer and Scott Jaynes

* on March 5, 1989 -- we celebrated our 30th annual Lenten Concert (March 5, 1989)

* on December 3, 1990 the following community members joined our Band for a performance: Steve LoPresti, Robert King, Fred Thorp and Holly Richards

* on March 6, 1991 -- for the very 1st time -- a full set of eight (8) accoustical shell panels were in place thanks to the "Friends for Music"

* the May 7, 1991 concert was dedicated to ALL of our servicemen and women!

* the December 5, 1991 concert was dedicated to all of our former students who served DURING the Gulf War:
- PAUL SIMPSON - KURTIS LODGE - JACK COMPTON - MIKE OSATCHUCK - SEAN MORGAN - LARRY COMPTON - WILLIAM GRANT - TIM GASCON - NICK BOND - PAUL DAVIS - CHRIS BARNES - DAVID SCHARLAU - SCOTT FREESE - TIM KIRKENDALL - JT ELLISON - JAMES KUTTNER - GREG BURNETT - MARCIA VAN WAGNER - PETER VAN WAGNER - WILLIAM RHOADS - GARY VOORHEIS - RAY MORRISSETTE - STEVE TERRILL - JAMES DIXON - RANDY ECTOR - HENRY BELLAVIGNA - APRIL PETERSON & AL LENT

* On March 5, 1992 special mention and thanks extended to: LOU CICCONE, STEVE CROUT, SALLE CROOKS, CASSIE WHITE, HOLLY RICHARDS, RUTH SHEWAN and CAROL WRIGHT

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

THEN ... and ... NOW:

* The Operations and Transportation Facility, constructed in 2000-2001 (first occupied in May of 2001), houses the District's Central Supply and Transportation operation (including school bus storage) ---- prior to 2000 many people will remember this location as the site of the Baseball Field where Junior Varsity & Varsity Baseball games were played for thirty years;

* The Fieldhouse (Elementary and High School Gymnasiums, Wellness Center, Locker Rooms and Indoor Track) are in the area once occupied by an open space between the Elementary & High Schools --- there was a swing set in place and a large field for play along with a roadway for service vehicles at the southern most end of the High School;

* The Elementary School eastern (newer) cafeteria now occupies the area formerly occupied by the Elementary School gymnasium (the need to feed the Elementary School children more efficiently and in a more timely manner by adding a new cafeteria was one factor in the need to build the new Fieldhouse); the loss of a gymnasium to build a new cafeteria meant the need to find a location for a new gymnasium;

* The District/Superintendent Office area is now where the High School Main Office & Principal's office once operated from for about thirty years;

* High School Art Classroom and Technology Classrooms are now located where the two High School cafeterias once were; the Broadcast Studio and Computer Classroom are where the High School Home Economics program operated from for thirty years;

These are just some of the changes brought about by the renovation/construction project of the 2000-2004 years. We'll visit others in months to come.

*************************************************************

...written by MARIAN MOREHOUSE BOYCE in "Ring, Bells, Ring"

.....most early schoolhouses were built within a two-mile radius of all the surrounding homes (as central as possible for families); .....sometimes a home owner would 'donate' a room for school purposes on a temporary basis; .....work bees were held (with many people voluntarily contributing their time, labor and even supplies) to build a schoolhouse; .....in most 'districts' two terms of school were held - a shorter summer term and a longer winter term; ..... in the beginning older men were chosen as the teachers - then it was decided that women could be teachers (but those women had to be single, have only one beau and attend church regularly);..... the 'job' of teacher also meant the job of janitor, maintenance worker, record-keeper, cook and nurse;.....teachers boarded at different homes throughout the school year (called 'boarding around'); ..... teachers were hired on an annual basis - there was no tenure in those days; ..... Bible readings and singing were major parts of the school day.....

*************************************************************
1950's YEARBOOK DEDICATIONS.....

1950: JOE LEMAK
1951: MILFORD (Bud) WARNER
1952: RONALD WARD
1953: FRANCIS W. BLAKE
1954: JOHN ELLIOTT
1955: RICHARD FETTERMAN
1956: JOHN F. ROWLES
1957: MYRTLE MILLER
1958: DON HARKNESS
1959: IRENE GILLETTE

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Some FACILITIES information:

* Elementary School: building was constructed in 1951-1953 and opened for students in September of 1953; in 1989-90 a major $10 million renovation/construction project took place resulting in a new addition with new classrooms and numerous infrastructure improvements; the Elementary School received major renovation/construction also as part of the $36,150,000 project in the early 2000's;

* Middle School: new cornerstone was set on Thursday morning, November 7, 1929 at 10:00 a.m. with this new High School opening in the fall of 1930 and the 1st graduating class from the new school as the Class of 1931; as with the other two school facilities, the Middle School has benefitted a great deal from the various renovation/construction projects through the years;

* High School: building construction began in 1967, with the school opening in September of 1969, making the Class of 1970 (the 40 Year class for next year's alumni banquet) the first Class to graduate from the new building;

*************************************************************

A look back --- the 1981-1982 school year:

Board of Education: HENRY CLAYTON, President; LAUREN LODGE, Vice President; MARIAN BOYCE, CHARLES COLE, DANIEL MURPHY, GERALDINE RICHTMYER, and SALLY SIMPSON.

Support Staff:
School Physician....................Dr. JOSEPH Y. ROBERTS
School Dentist........................ Dr. JOHN DONNELLY
Occupational Therapist...........MARY JO CAMPBELL
Speech Therapists..................TINA KEEFE and MARY ELLEN MULLIGAN
Psychologist............................JOEL ROTHENBERG

Central Office:
Superintendent........................DR. LLOYD N. PEAK
Secretary................................MABEL RONDINARO
Business Manager..................GEORGE SCAPTURA
Treasurer................................NORMA BALDASSARRE
Account Clerk.........................KATHERINE DISCENZA

Principals:
High School..............................FREDERIC LORENZ
Middle School...........................BRIAN J. O'DONNELL
Elementary School...................MICHAEL YUHASZ

Maintenance:
Superintendent Bldgs/Grounds....GEORGE CONKLIN

Cafeteria:
Manager.........................................GERALDINE GARDNER

Transportation:
Terminal Manager...........................MILFORD A. WARNER

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

"LIVE LIKE LIZ" 5K Walk/Run: Approximately 450 people representing all age groups participated in the recent event to remember ELIZABETH M. AMISANO, Class of 2003, and the awareness of the disease that took her from us -- Ovarian Cancer.

When WG graduate JON FAZZARY crossed the Finish Line in 1st place -- followed by TRAVIS WAITE in 2nd place, the 4th annual Run/Walk was official.

LIZ AMISANO was in the final graduating class prior to my retirement as High School Principal. She was highly thought of by classmates and teachers alike. In school Liz was active in Chorus, the Championship, Undefeated and #1 NYS Ranked Varsity Girls' Swimming Team and the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team. She was a good student and a good citizen of our school community and she was active on the Yearbook Staff for a couple of years too. Her death -- in 2005 at the much-too-young age of 20 -- brought home to all of us how fragile life really is. "Live like Liz" is for her and in support of research that may help others avoid the very tragic effects of ovarian cancer.

**************************************************************

Burdett Elementary Principals/Head Teachers:

In May I highlighted some of the Elementary School Principals. One reader commented to me that I should also mention those wonderful school leaders from the Burdett School, so here is some brief biographical information on many of them:

-- LAURA BOND: born 11/22/1893 in Rensselaer, NY; loved reading, writing & poetry; graduate of Potsdam State with additional coursework at Cornell University, St. Lawrence University and Elmira College; came to our school system from teaching at the Union Springs High School; began at Burdett School in 1927 and was Head Teacher from sometime thereafter until 1953;

-- JACK DREW: born 5/19/1923 in Wellsboro, Pa.; graduate from Mansfield State; loved photography and books (collecting & reading) and woodworking; Scoutmaster for Troop 58 in Beaver Dams; previously taught Gr. 4-5 in Alaska for the Bureau of Indian Affairs; also taught at Corning Northside; head teacher at Burdett School 1954-1957;

-- DAVID RUGGLES: born 7/11/1930 in Holly, NY; graduate from SUNY Brockport; former Gr. 5 teacher in Newark, NY; loved archery, hunting, football, basketball and swimming; head teacher at Burdett 1957-60;

-- CHARLENA CURRY: born on December 27th (I'll keep the year to myself) in Tyrone, NY; graduated from the University of Michigan and SUNY Cortland; former Sunday School teacher and member of Home Bureau; loves outdoor sports, sewing, refinishing furniture and dancing; Burdett Head Teacher from 1960-1968 and then became our 1st Middle School Principal 1969-1977;

-- ANNIE HOXIE: born 6/5/1915 in Montour Falls, NY; graduate of Cortland Normal School with further study at Cortland State, Buffalo State and Elmira College; Burdett School Head Teacher from 1968-1975 until the Burdett School was closed and students and many staff came to the Watkins Glen Elementary School; completed her 20-year career at the conclusion of the 1976-1977 school year, retiring from teaching at the WG Elementary School.

*-- Note: RICHARD PHILLIPS was Burdett School Head Teacher 1953-1954 --- if anyone has any information about him, I'd appreciate you sharing it with me...

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Some very-early "Rules & Regulations" --- adopted by the Board of Education " for the Government of Watkins Academy and Union School" February 1865:

-- all profane, immoral, indecent or discourteous language is forbidden, in any school room or anywhere on the school premises and also going to and from school; together with scuffling, quarreling or any rude or violent conduct toward each other or toward a teacher;

-- a prompt and cheerful compliance with Rules is part of the terms of admission of pupils and of their continuance in the Institution;

-- among other "Rules":
1) Required attendance was "five minutes before 9:00 a.m. until half-past 1:00 p.m. (Remember there was no bus transportation or cafeteria in those days!);
2) Written excuses signed by parents were required following absences from school and any tardiness to school;
3) Regular exams were given at the end of each term with promotion based upon "if their examinations in studies pursued are sustained"

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

"JANE BURRIS" Remembered... Middle School Garden Dedication -- Thursday, June 4, 2009

Jane Burris (1938-1994) once was Middle School Health Office Clerk (1971-1972) and then had a long career as Gr. 5/6 CORE Teacher, retiring at the conclusion of the 1993-1994 school year due to illness. During those years Jane touched the lives of hundreds of young students and worked well with her colleagues in providing vast educational opportunities to our young students. Tragically -- and far too young -- she was taken from us on December 3, 1994.

Recently the Middle School National Junior Honor Society established a "Jane Burris Memorial Garden" near the back entrance to the school. Students ABBY COCCA, SARAH WICKHAM , MATT GILL, SARAH HAZLITT, GAVIN GATES, NATASHA PATEL & BRANDON SWARTZ, working with MRS. CATHY MANGUS and others, held a beautiful dedication on June 4, 2009. Speakers included MRS. MANGUS, ABBY COCCA, and MRS. NANETTE HANLEY as several former colleagues of JANE were present -- among them were KAREN ROWE, MARILYN DENSON, STEVE LO PRESTI, HARRIETT McCORMACK, LOIS CUTTON and JACK TELECH. Three of Jane's four children were present also -- KAREN, LARA and JAY -- and it was wonderful to see each of them (JOEL couldn't be there, but he was remembered also). Jane's sister -- BETTY LOU PEARSALL -- was present too!

Jane's is the 3rd "Garden" established to honor a former faculty member, joining those of PHYLLIS BOND and PETER PEVO at the Elementary School.

************************************************************

In Memory..... JENNY LA FACE

While an entire generation + of young people remember with such fondness their memories of "Art & Nancy's" store near our Middle School -- and still are making those memories with Nancy today -- many will also remember that before it was "Art & Nancy's" it was "LaFace's" (owned and run by JOE & JENNY LA FACE) .
Several years ago, Joe passed away. On June 8, 2009 Jenny passed away For so many, Jenny & Joe were like your surrogate parents -- not just serving you those great menu items, but also really caring for you and truly interested in your safety and your success!

Our sympathy to the LaFace family in this time of sorrow!

************************************************************

***There remain a few copies of the book: Watkins Glen Central School District -- A History 1853-2008 (155 years of people, achievements & events). If anyone is interested in purchasing a copy, please e-mail me at:
bodonnell@stny.rr.com

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* "Watkins Glen Central School District - A History 1853-2008" is available to those who pre-purchased their book(s); you may pick up your book(s) at our Central Office (301 12th St. -- Northwest end of the High School -- 1st entrance off 12th St.) during regular school hours; please see MARIE KEEFER or SHARON CLARK for your book(s); there are yet a few "extra" copies available -- if interested please e-mail me at: bodonnell@stny.rr.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOMINIC GIAMBO

* Happy 90th to former Industrial Arts teacher NICK GIAMBO (February 8th!). Nick was Industrial Arts Teacher from 1946-1982; former H.S. English teacher FRANK STEBER (1955-1984) remembers Nick as one of his "most unforgettable characters," calling him "the total professional -- he gave more help to his colleagues in many ways than anyone knows, especially to young teachers in regard to such matters as insurance, tenure, faculty relationships, discipline, responsibility and professional conduct"; HAZEL VERDEGAAL RAPLEE remembers Nick by offering, "We owe him a debt of gratitude."; JOHN UPDYKE remembers Nick by noting "his efforts as a WGFA member to better our working conditions." RICHARD MC INTYRE called Nick"My mentor." Former Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds GEORGE CONKLIN remembers when Nick filled in during the 1950's in Maintenance following the tenure of JOHN GEORGE (1929-1950's) and stayed on for several summers assisting George. I remember Nick as a father -- I taught his youngest daughter Debbie in Grade 4. Very best regards Nick with thanks & appreciation for your years of service and for all you have done for students and also for your colleagues. Recently JERRY & NANCY LOUGHLIN hosted a surprise borthday party at their home for Nick, giving him the opportunity to meet & greet numerous former colleagues and friends.

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS REMEMBERED

The 1st Principal at the Elementary School (1953-1954) was MISS PAULINE NEVILLE, born in Madison County on 5/26/1907. She was a graduate of Oswego State and Cornell University and came to Watkins Glen from Peterboro, N.Y.

The 2nd Principal was MISS HARRIET HUDSON, born in Fulton, N.Y. 1/23/1921. She too graduated from Oswego Normal School & State Teachers' College with additional course work at Columbia University & the University of California at Berkeley. She was Principal from 1954-1956.

The 3rd Principal was MR. ROGER BUELL, born in Ithaca, N.Y. 1/15/1928. He received a degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College and got his Administrative Degree from SUNY Cortland. He served as Principal from 1956-1958.

The 4th Principal was MRS. MAE KLUBE, born in New York City 4/23/1909. She graduated from Dundee High School and Penn Yan Teacher Training Class and received her college degree from Buffalo State Teachers' College. Prior to coming to Watkins Glen (1944-45) as a Gr. 5 teacher, she taught in Rock Stream, Crystal Valley, Crystal Springs, Bennettsburg & Townsend. She also substitute taught at the Watkins Glen High School. She was Elementary School Principal from 1958-1971.

5th Principal: MR. MICHAEL YUHASZ (1971-1996)
6th Principal: DR. BILLIE BAUMAN (1996-2002)
7th Principal: MR. RODNEY WEEDEN (Since 8/04)
There have also been four Interim Elementary School Principals (TOM BUTTERFIELD - 4/96 to 6/96; MIKE YUHASZ (10/02 - 6/03), BRIAN O'DONNELL (7/03-8/03; and PATRICK MONAHAN - 8/03-8/04.

*****************************************************

THANK YOU, GEORGE CONKLIN

GEORGE CONKLIN was Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds from 1959-1985. In reference to the Burdett School (closed in 1975 as last step in our full Centralization) he remembers it was always in good condition:
-- boiler was converted from coal to oil and then replaced with a new oil-fired one;
-- school had a two-water system; fresh water from a drilled well and a cistern in the creek south of the school ("At one time I had to hire a diver to replace the foot valve in the cistern.")
-- when the new Burdett water district was instituted, the school became connected to it and the old system was abandoned;
-- the school auditorium also served as the gymnasium and the cafeteria; tables and seats folded back into the wall
-- ALVIN WILKINSON was building custodian while RAY MATHEWS & GENE ROBERTSON worked in Maintenance and DAVE VAN DYKE & KAY GOOSSEN worked in Custodial.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

FLASH BACK: 2001-2002 DISTRICT CALENDAR

-- cover featured Gr. 5-12 Chorus and Band on stage, along with Prom King & Queen JOSH BUTLER & ASHLEY WOOD;
-- calendar was dedicated to three special people:
1. JUDY PEARCE -- long-time school bus driver who walks annually in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk to raise
funds for continuing research;
2. KYLIE BURCHELL -- high school student named as Public Library Student Ambassador for National Library Week;
3. SALLY MICHEL -- long-time accompanist for Middle & High School chorus rehearsals and concerts.

******************************************************

JANE BURRIS - Remembered

JANE BURRIS died on December 3, 1994 after many years of service as a Middle School CORE teacher. She had begun her career years before, serving as Middle School Health Office Clerk (1971-1972). I was pleased to note in the Middle School daily bulletin recently that the NJHS is planting a "Memorial Garden" in her memory. The planting will take place on May 20th!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

TURN BACK THE CLOCK - Athletic Accomplishments of note

* On May 26, 2000 SHELLY CONTI pitched a no-hitter, striking out 11 as WG defeated Edison 1-0 in the Section IV Class C softball playoffs;

* ERIC HANSEN, Class of 2003, hit a "Hole-In-One" on the T-Burg Golf Course hole #3 , 125 yards, using a sand wedge;

* On February 10, 2001 NEIL CALLANAN won the IAC Diving Championship;

* In Soccer action, STEVE LEE had a "Hat Trick" on 10/12/00 and SEAN LOVE had one on 9/21/01;

* KELVIN SCHOONMAKER & JORES PETERS won 1st place titles at IAC Championships in Waverly on 2/2/02;

* during the 1993-94 school year CRAIG MAY finished 29th of 175 runners (3rd in his age group) and WILLIE WATSON finished 56th overall (1st in his age group) in the Johnson City Heritage Days Run;

* that same year (93/94), in a Special Weightlifting Competition, the following results were achieved

GIRLS...:
-- JULIE DORDONI 1st place
-- PAULA DE LA ESPRIELLA 2nd place
-- AMY REASOR & JUDY DUNN 3rd place

BOYS...
-- RICH PERRONE 1st place
-- KEVIN RUMSEY 2nd place
-- JOHN BARR 3rd place

* 1998/1999 Boosters' Club ATHLETES OF THE MONTH:
September: MARY ANN REISS (Swimming)
October: MIKE BEBER (Soccer)
November MARIAN SCHAMEL, ALLISON HANLEY (Swimming), KIM WARREN, CATHY BROWN
December: MOLLY SCHAMEL (Basketball)
January: SHELLY CONTI (Basketball)
February: CASSIE KEEFER (Basketball), JESSE JOHNSON (Bowling)
March: JASON RAPPLEYE (Bowling)
April: JAY SULLIVAN (Golf)
May: ANDY CLARK (Track)

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

DID YOU KNOW?
-- High School English Teacher KELLY MUIR, a Watkins Glen graduate in the Class of 1987, was HOMECOMING QUEEN for the 1986-87 school year;
-- District Physician DR. JAMIE COLEMAN, graduate from the Class of 1988, was Student Council President for the 1987-88 school year;
-- Schuyler County District Attorney JOE FAZZARY, a member of the Class of 1985, was Senior Class President for the 1984-85 school year;
-- High School Health Teacher MARGARET FAZZARY, Class of 1990, was Senior Class President for the year 1989-90;
-- District Director for Special Services NAN WOODWORTH-SHAW, Class of 1972, was Student Council President in 1971-72;
-- Middle School Teacher BECKY SUE BIANCO, Class of 1975, was Homecoming Queen in 1974-75;
-- High School Guidance Secretary TRACIE MC ILROY, Class of 1975, was Senior Class President for 1974-75;
-- High School Teacher MARIE FITZSIMMONS, Class of 1976, was Student Council President in 1975-76;
-- Elementary School Gym Teacher TREVOR HOLLAND, Class of 1990, was a "Hall of Fame" athlete and Treasurer of his Senior Class.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* In the 1999-2000 school year, MARTY EVANS was the District's Goals 2000 Coach and ALICE LEARN was our Instructional Support Teacher. Now MARTY is a teacher for Elmira College and Alice is Assistant Superintendent for the Horseheads Central School District;

* On April 27, 2000 (9 years ago!) the First Lady of the U.S. -- HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (NYS Senate Candidate at that time) and now our Secretary of State, visited our High School for a "Town Meeting/Educational Forum." Her visit was arranged by the Schuyler County Democratic Committee (Bob
Everett, Chairman, and John Vona, Vice Chairman). Student Council President ANDY CLARK made the formal introduction of Mrs. Clinton to the packed auditorium (over 2,000 present);

* The 1999-2000 year saw the loss of several people "key" to our history & tradition:
-- Ruth Blake (widow of Coach Blake) - Marian Utter - Mary Bartone - Bill Barnes - Art Fazzary - Mary Hoare - Grace Chiacchierini - Iva Jennings - Laura Merrill - Jennie Clinch - Florence Carpenter.....

* for the 1999-2000 school year:
-- STEVE SHYMKIW was honored as "Coach of the Year"
-- KATE BARTHOLOMEW was named "Fan of the Year"
-- DON DRYDEN, KAZ ESTELOW, DAVE WARREN, RAY KASCHALK & STEVE SHYMKIW took a pie in the face as part of a Pep Rally

* Chaperones for the All-Night Senior Party organized by SHARON CLARK & MARIE KEEFER were:
Nick Dugo - Sharon & Larry Clark - Marie & Greg Keefer - Harold Chaffee - Kate Bartholomew - Nancy Bahns - Neil DeRaiche - Killeen Kane - Jamie Harter - Diane Wood - Jeff Myer - Diane Melveney - Tracie Mc Ilroy & Jan Learn

* On May 13, 1999 -- Band Director DIANA GROLL, Choral Director DEBRA PATTERSON and the HS Band & Chorus introduced for the very 1st time "STAND WE IN SPIRIT" -- a brand new song for the new millennium (not a new ALMA MATER!). The song's composer was WILL WICKHAM, Class of 1974; words for the song were based upon the poetry of students IRIS CHAMBERLAIN, RANA MORGAN, STEVE POST, JACKIE SIMIELE, NIKKI SIMIELE, BRIAN SMITH, DAVID TERRY, LOGAN VOORHEIS and MAURA WILLOCK;

* Boys' Soccer Team (COACH RAY KASCHALK) named as a Scholar-Athlete Team (1st male WG Team to achieve this honor!)

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* As evidenced by recent concerts with the month of March being "MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS" Month, let's look back on a number of talented and giving Musical "Leaders" who have advanced the study of Music so well with our students: RAY BAILEY, KURT POWELL, ERNIE & JEAN TOLMAN, ED & CAROL LINDSAY, BERT SALMIRS, BOB WALKER, JUDY SADLER, MILDRED DENSON, RUTH SHEWAN, YVONNE ALLING, DIANA GROLL, CHRISTOPHER SCHIAVONE, SARAHJANE HARRIGAN, MATTHEW CRAIG, JENNIFER BIRNBAUM, DEB PATTERSON LAUPER, KIM FARROW, BETH HAYES, TOM MITCHELL, PATRICIA GOTSCHAL, SUNSINE MILLER & others... thanks also to our outstanding accompanists: SALLY MICHEL, BETH PALMER, and SCOTT JAYNES, to name but a few.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Did you know?

* in the 1990-91 school year we honored veterans LARRY COMPTON (Class of 1987) and GREG BURNETT (Class of 1986) for their service in "Operation Desert Storm"; we also honored JEFF ELLISON (Class of 1978), PAUL SIMPSON (Class of 1987) & RAY MORRISSETTE (Class of 1990) for their service

* in July of 1991 BOB DRABKOWSKI (HS Science), PEG LORENZ (ES Teacher) and JOAN CLARK (Custodian) retired

* long-time school bus drivers JUDY PEARCE, JERRY ANN O'DONNELL, RICK DUNN and CHUCK RICHTMYER received the "Walter Jennings Transportation Award" in the 1991-92 school year for consistent/safe driving;

* summer of 1993 news included:
-- NANCY LOUGHLIN elected as 1st woman President for Watkins-Montour Rotary Club
-- BRIDGETTE SEARLES attended graduate school in Paris, France
-- NANCY LOUGHLIN & NANCY CLEVELAND organized & implemented very 1st "New Student Orientation" to the High School

* during the 1993-94 school year the Board of Education Curriculum Committee (MRS. SCHAMEL, MR. DILL & MR. CADY) requested the high school look to establish a formal Academic Eligibility Policy beginning with the 1994-95 school year;

* during the 1993-94 school year HS Teacher DANNI BROWN swam 80 laps and raised more than $600 in the "Cancer Swim-A-Thon";

* the 1994-95 school year began with thanks & appreciation to retirees: NANCY CALLAHAN, BETTY LOU PEARSALL, ARLENE KRAVITZ, ABBOTT MORGAN, BARB BALDWIN and MABEL RONDINARO

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* with the fine success of the recently completed School Play, let's look back on some of the earlier Senior Plays:

1960's:

"Fog Island" (Barb Chase, Mary Joanne Church, Alice Bond, Ron Dunbar, Nancy King, Severne Johnson, Ken Mathews, John Merrill, Carol Moore, Alan Personius, Gail Parks, Linda Schouten, Lois White, Richard Wilber & many others);

"The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" (Steve Hinman, Sandy Kennedy, Dan Wilson, Ruth Morey and many others);

"The Thread That Runs So True" (Harry Morgan in the lead);

"H.M.S. Pinafore" (featuring Virginia Ameigh, Ann Ames, Eileen Arthurs, Duane Baker, Mary Carpenter, Barb Bond, Lynn Dann, Karen Doolittle, Linda Lodge, Linda Jones, Linda Hull, Ken Turnbull, Jill Stenberg, Frank Latchut, Deb McKee, Wes Newbury and others)...

"Oklahoma" (Jack Arcangeli, Pat Bale, Ann Barber, Linda Beckhorn, Sandy Berry, Butch Bianco, Gloria Pinto, Larry Franzese, Linda Donnell, Angie Borzell, AJ Schimizzi, Rob Pierce, George Sproul, Marve Switzer, Juanita VanOstrand, Sandy Doane, Betty Dempsey, Mickey Chicone, Jim Chicone and others).

Through the hallways ...

And the History Book is ready!

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Some things you probably did not know about the WG Central School District:

1) The last Will & Testament of CYNTHIA ANN FREER, dated September 29, 1853, established our school district as she donated the land on which to build "the Watkins Institute or Seminary or Academy as the case may be"; this document also provided for five trustees for the new educational facility (three of her executors, Mr. Marcus Marcellus Cass and a fifth one of their choosing). Mrs. Freer -- married to George G. Freer -- was the widow of DR. SAMUEL WATKINS after whom the village of Watkins was named.

2) Six of the seven current Members of the Board of Education are graduates from the
Watkins Glen High School:
-- President Thomas Richardson, Class of 1970
-- Joe Fazzary, Class of 1957
-- Gloria Brubaker, Class of 1965
-- Robert Dill, Class of 1966
-- Mike Myers, Class of 1981
-- Kevin Field, Class of 1983

3) Five official histories of our District have been researched & published:
-- Jane M. Haring -- Class of 1898 wrote the 1st historical sketch of our early years
-- the 1941 "Oracle" published an updated version
-- Louise Stillman coordinated the 3rd history in the 1960's
-- Brian J. O'Donnell researched & published the "100 Years Book" to commemorate our 100th graduating class in 1982
-- Brian J. O'Donnell is publishing "The History of our District - 1853 - 2008" this April

4) In the 1860's our District adopted the formal name of "The Watkins Academy" (per Chapter 69, Laws of 1863) with the Charter from the State of New York creating the Watkins Union School District.

5) In the 1870's the “curriculum” was changed from two years spent in each grade level to one year per grade level in order to enable more students to attend High School.

6) In the 1880's MARY FREER became our 1st graduate (1883) and LULA MARTIN earned the 1st Regents diploma (1884). HERBERT MORGAN & EDWARD THOMPSON (Class of 1887) were the 1st male students of the district.

7) In the 1890's tragedy struck via two major facility fires: June 19, 1897 and February 4, 1898.

8) In the early 1900's class size for graduating students averaged 11 students and extracurricular clubs & athletic teams were formed for the 1st time.

9) In the decade of the 1910's every member of the Class of 1914 shook hands with PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON while on their Senior Trip; the Class of 1917 cancelled their Senior Trip due to World War I, and the Class of 1918 travelled to Niagara Falls for their Class Trip.

10) In the 1920's fire again destroyed the school facility (January 14, 1929) with Seniors completing their studies in the Cole-Royce Hall and the Masonic Temple.

11) In the 1930's the Class of 1931 was the 1st Class to graduate from the newly constructed school (today's current Middle School) as several new academic departments were added to the high school curriculum.

12) In the 1940's among several events, enrollments increased and major changes took place in the athletic department (six-man football!).

13) In the 1950's CENTRALIZATION took place (thanks to Irving Goodrich, Sr., Don Wickham and others).

14) In the 1960's major changes included the closing of the last one-room schoolhouse; we joined the SCT-BOCES system, and the new high school facility was built.

15) In the 1970's Mike Yuhasz began a 25-year tenure as our Elementary School Principal following the 41-year career of MRS. MAE KLUBE. Major renovations also took place in the Middle School, and the District experienced the largest growth in enrollment in its history.

************

Some excerpts from the soon-to-be-published updated District history:

* from COACH JOHN FAZZARY - Varsity Boys' Basketball -
" The 2003-2004 season would be a difficult one -- perhaps the most difficult of my coaching career. We did not have a true point guard and struggled to handle the ball under pressure. This was also the season after three of our students were killed in a car accident (Kyle, Brennan and Seth)...the team was very competitive losing several games by small margins. We were a young team and we knew we would be better next year. The
team was led by Senior Jared Peters and underclassmen Pat Suits, Devon Dickerson, Nick Augustine, Connor Flahive and Brad Hrynko." "The 2005-2006 team would rate closely to the 2001-2002 team as the greatest in
school history."

* from COACH KATE LA MOREAUX -- Varsity Girls' Swimming Coach:
"From 1996-2002, there was at least one, and often several, swimmers and divers who qualified for the State Meet, including: Kim Warren, Ashley Fazzary, Marian Schamel, Cathy Brown, Allison Hanley, Jenn Bills, Maryann Reiss, Michelle Warren and Courtney Warren. Some of these swimmers also qualified for Section IV relay teams, finishing as high as 4th in all New York State, regardless of school size."

* from COACH JIM SCOTT -- Seneca Youth Basketball Program:
"The Watkins Glen Youth Basketball Program was started in December 1984 and continues to this day (25 years later!). The program affords the opportunity for male and female youth in grades three through six to learn the game of basketball. Fundamentals of the game are stressed and competition between teams is an end result."

* from MARIAN MOREHOUSE BOYCE -- Class of 1943 -- "Ring, Bells Ring" article...
"After the early settlers to Schuyler County had found or built a home, a main concern became where and how would their children be educated. When several families had settled in a certain area, they would hold a meeting in a home to consider where to build a school house. Records show that most school houses were built withn a radius of two miles (of the population served). This was considered a fair distance for children to walk to and from school."

* from teacher MARIE FITZSIMMONS -- who coordinated a Model UN Trip to South Africa:
"Early in the summer of 2007 we received an invitation from South African Schools to attend the Model UN at Cape Town! The South African students and staff were impressed by our delegation (at Cornell University's Model UN conference that spring) and were offering the chance of a lifetime for four of our students...How could we get funding? How could we get parents to let the kids travel so far? School approval? Time to
prepare? Well -------

* from teacher MAGGIE EDGLEY -- Video Production class:
"The beginnings of what is now Video Production began in 1997 with English teacher Dannie Brown teaching Journalism. .....In 1998 a Video Production class was formed to broadcast the school announcements on television through the local access channel 5.....In 2001, there was formed a Broadcast Club with WENY-TV anchorman Jay LaScolea teaching the fundamentals of broadcasting....Broadcasting classes began in 2002....."

* from ANDY PATROS - Technology Coordinator
"Content from the internet, word, power point, videos, digital photos -- are all current pieces of each staff member's daily content toolbox. By implementing an interactive whiteboard, a computer, scanner, document camera, digital camera, DVD player, etc., all can be integrated with the white board's functionality to offer a better technology experience for students and staff."

The History Book is ready

WATKINS GLEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT -- A HISTORY, 1853-2008 (155 years of people, achievements and events) --- the BOOK is done and now available for sale to the public.

-- if you've enjoyed reading the information found in this column over the past 22 months, that is only the “tip of the iceberg” as to what you will find in this updated historical account of our District;
-- more than two years in the making, this 8 1/2" X 11" soft-cover book encompasses 233 pages of facts and pictures in “telling the story”of the Watkins Glen Central School District from 1853-2008 (due to an April release date, a good deal of information pertaining to 2009 is also found in this volume).
-- this venture -- entirely a non-profit endeavor -- is as comprehensive as possible bringing the history of the past to meet that being made today, with a major emphasis on the years 1983-2008 featuring students and staff along with academic and athletic achievements and with other interesting bits of information as well. A complete listing of class membership (1883-2008) is also included.

To purchase your own copy of the updated/comprehensive "A History -- 1853-2008" please mail a check for $16.00 per copy to the Watkins Glen High School Student Council at the following address:

Watkins Glen High School
Attention: Student Council/History Book
301 12th Street
Watkins Glen, NY 14891

-- only books ordered in advance between March 2 and March 23 will be printed, with no books being printed after that. There will be no extras available for sale two or three months from now; again, as a strictly non-profit venture, this will be the ONLY printing for the book, so anyone interested need order now.

-- if you know of anyone out of the area who may be interested in ordering a book, please let them know of the details; anyone wishing to have their book mailed to them must also include $2.95 for postage and handling (please be sure your address is on your check); all others can come in and pick up their book when delivered to the school in late April.

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Following are many miscellaneous historical "nuggets" from the Watkins Glen Central School District history...

* IRVING D. GOODRICH, Sr.: born on a farm in Tioga Center; was a Math Teacher and Junior High School Principal at Williamsville, NY prior to coming to Watkins Glen; along with Board Member Don J. Wickham was highly instrumental in CENTRALIZATION of our District in the 1950s (which began the closing and disappearance of dozens of one-room and two-room schoolhouses);

* PROFESSOR S.S. (Samuel Sellen) JOHNSON: born in Altay (Schuyler County) and educated at Starkey Seminary in Eddytown, NY; one small example of the esteem in which he was held by all was having the 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903 & 1907 Oracles (Yearbooks) dedicated to him; served our District from 1874-1909; he died in 1926

* PROFESSOR JOHN A. BEERS: graduated from Candor Academy in 1895 and was Valedictorian at Susquehana Collegiate Institute in 1897; graduated from Syracuse University (Magna Cum Laude) in 1901; served in Watkins Glen from 1901-1941 (teacher, Coach and District Principal); chaperoned every Senior Trip from 1912-1935; died on April 11, 1951 at the age of 75;

* MR. WARREN HERTENSTEIN: born in San Jose, California in 1897; graduated from Citrius Junior College and Northwestern University; joined the U.S. Marines and spent 10 months in France during World War I; served in Watkins Glen from 1941-1953; Senior Trips during World War II went to New York City & not Washington, D.C.

* MR. JOHN R. COOK: born in Corning, NY and graduated from Alfred University (BS) and Cornell University (MS); Math & Science teracher, former Guidance Counselor & Vice Principal at Hammondsport and Dundee; served Watkins Glen 1953-1964; ranked by Irving Goodrich, Sr. and Don Wickham as "premier administrator" of their era; died April 4, 1997

* MR. JACK RANDOLPH TERRY: born in Sayre, PA and graduated from Mansfield State Teacher's College and Cornell University; stellar athlete in football & wrestling; named to Mansfield University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998; served Watkins Glen 1964-1967; very instrumental in construction of the new high school facility; died August 30, 2006

* DR. LLOYD N. PEAK: born in Pennsylvania; graduated from Bloomsburg State Teachers College, University of Scranton and University of Rochester; elementary teacher & principal; Assistant Superintendent and Curriculum Coordinator; served Watkins Glen 1967-1987 and truly developed education as we know it today; instituted 1st technology in our District; died May 5, 1991

* MR. WILFORD F. ROSS: graduated from Adrian College (Michigan) and Columbia University with additional course work at St. Bonaventure, NYU, Buffalo State, Sienna College & others; former biology teacher, high school principal and assistant superintendent; served Watkins Glen 1987-1990; noted for long-range planning, renovation projects & brought Mike DeNardo to our employ;

* MR. DONALD A. DRYDEN: born in Michigan and graduated from Augustana College, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University; Director of Community Education, Curriculum Director, Elementary Principal & Superintendent in Michigan; served Watkins Glen 1990-2000; added immensely to Professional Development & Technology Education; instituted $36,150,000 renovation project;

* DR. MARY ELLEN CORREA: grew up in Keesville, NY; graduated from College of St. Rose, Pan American University and University of Houston; Reading & Elementary Teacher, Principal & Superintendent prior to coming to Watkins Glen; served WG 2000-2006; worked tirelessly to complete $36,150,000 renovation; implemented many NYS programs (AIS, APPR, PDP, C-DEP, SAVE Legislation & more); noted for "21st Century Program" and securing first SRO Officer in our schools; assisted with SCT and SA-BOCES merger;

* MR. THOMAS J. PHILLIPS: born in Elmira, NY; graduated from SUNY Cortland (BA & Administration Degree) and Elmira College (Masters'); physical education teacher & Vice Principal in Elmira; Middle School Principal (South Seneca); Superintendent at Watkins Glen since 2006; noted for active involvement with increasing student academic achievement and full Inclusion programs, EXCEL AID/Renovation ($4 million+ for Health/Safety updates, Energy Management, Accessibility improvements, Technology Support and space renovations throughout the District); noted for long-range planning/5-year plans; worked to implement Shared Records Storage facility (old bus garage) and so much more; promotes & believes in a culture of a caring & positive environment to "surround & support" our students in giving them the finest educational opportunities possible; extremely conscious of a cost-effective education for all.

Interim Superintendents: KENNETH HARRIS January 1987-July 1987 and JOHN SKAWSKI July 1990-November 1990.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Watkins Glen "ROARING TWENTIES"....... Senior Class notes

* 1920: Senior Trip was financed through bake sales, the Senior Ball and the Senior Play; best remembered for the "train wreck" returning home from Washington, D.C. (no one was injured and the railroad car they were riding in was not derailed as so many others were)
* 1921:on the Senior Trip, Class President WALTER BURRELL missed the train in Philadelphia, after he got off the train to search for an umbrella (he later caught up to the group!)
* 1922: commencement ceremony was held in the Presbyterian Church; Senior play was "The Real Thing After All"
* 1923: annual Senior Ball was held in the Masonic Temple; annual Play was: "Golden Days"
* 1924: commencement ceremony was held in the Methodist Church
* 1925: class were guests of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club at the Jefferson Hotel; Senior Play was "Come Out of the Kitchen"
* 1926: Senior Play was "Mother Mine"; Alumni dinner (1st held in 10 years) was held at the Stephen House;
* 1927: "Class of 1st's" -- 1st Freshman Class in our history to be divided into 2 homerooms & 1st class to top $1,500 collected for Class Trip
* 1928: hosted Election Day dinner at Red Men's Club; Senior Play was "Seventeen"
* 1929: due to the school fire, classes were held in the Cole-Royce Hall & the Masonic Temple; Cook Academy facilities were shared for athletic activities.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN saluted the Class of 1982 on being the 100th graduating class in our long & illustrious history, with a personal note:

"As graduates you have proven your skills and capabilities and now you will have many choices before you. ... I hope you will always remember to give your energies and your hearts to your communities, your fellow man and your country."

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

COACH JIM SCOTT -- recently honored for his many years of volunteer service to the youth of our District (and many-times honoree as our Booster Club "COACH OF THE YEAR") deserves thanks & appreciation from everyone! COACH SCOTT would be the first to tell you that the Seneca Youth Basketball Program on Saturday mornings could not have achieved the success it has without the able assistance and help of so many others. Just to mention a few of the wonderful "Coaches" who have assisted him through the years: SAM BRUBAKER, NEIL DE RAICHE, TED PEARCE, A.J. ELLISON, NICK BARTONE, DAVID SEITHER, JEFF FAZZARY, HOLLY MOSHER, TRACEY WILLIAMS, TRAVIS LINCOLN, RICHARD AUGUSTINE, MIKE ARNOLD, JON EVANS, MATT CLARK, JASON SABATINI, BRIAN COOLICAN, NATE WEBER, JEREMY DAVIS, PHIL WALTERS, MOLLY SCHAMEL, ALICIA LEARN and dozens of others! How about these athletes (only a sprinkling of so many) who honed their skills under COACH SCOTT'S guidance:

* DREW "Never a Sub" BUBB * ADAM "The Fuse" MATHEWS * STEPHEN "The Spider" LEE * MARK "The Birdman" MATTHEWS * JOSH "By Gosh" MENLO

* COLIN "What's Happening" CHAPMAN * MELANIE "Sends Alarms" BARNES * BRANDON "The Phantom" MATTHEWS * DAVID "The Doctor" TERRY

* JULIE "The Thriller" MILLER * T. "Pop A" J. LOVE * ALICIA "Always Stern" LEARN * MATT "The Cat" KEEFER * KELLY "Only Yield" FIELD

* ANDY "The Conductor" CLARK * ERIC "Dancin" HANSEN * BEN "Likes to be Fed" WINSTEAD * TYSON "The Driver" VAN SKIVER * RYAN "Use the Iron" COON * JILL "Wants to Score a Million" PEVO...

The "LEARN MOTORS" Team of 1994-1995 Coached by MATT CLARK, JIM SCOTT & SAM BRUBAKER is one of the featured pictures in the updated District history book which will be available in March. Team Members were:

CHRIS DRAKE * KEITH BUBB * BEN WINSTEAD * CRAIG HEATH * COLLEEN SCOTT * MIKE NYRE * RYAN BARR * MONIQUE ZAVALA * ALICIA LEARN * RYAN VAN HORN * ERIN HAZLITT

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

AWARDS DAY ASSEMBLY -- Watkins Glen Middle School -- June 25, 1982

* MICHELLE FRAGOLA: Schuyler County Spelling Champion
* CHARLIE MELVENEY & JAMIE COLEMAN: 1st place in Schuyler County Youth Fair Walk-A-Thon
* CHRIS MELVENEY & JASON FAY: 1st place in Schuyler County Youth Fair (runners category)
* SAM BRUBAKER, CHRIS PROPER, FRED THORP, CHRIS CHEDZOY & MIKE PEARSALL: Gr. 6 NYS Math League Regional Winners
* BEN KRAMER: Mansfield State College Read/Writing Contest -- 1st Place
* MIKE LYND (1st),MIKE SCHAFFNER (2nd) & TAMMY GROVER (3rd): Schuyler County Bird Club Essay winners (thank you Mr. JOHN UPDYKE, teacher)
* JESSICA GREENSTEIN, JASON FAY, JULIE FRANZESE, DINA BRUBAKER & BRIAN GLOVER: Gr. 8 NYS Math League Regional Winners
* SAM BRUBAKER & TAMMY TOMASSI: High Scorers in Intramural Basketball Championship Game
* KIM DONAHUE (!st), DINA CIPRICH (2nd) & SUBRINA RUSSELL (3rd): Cancer Swim-A-Thon winners
* JIM STATES, EDWIN THEETGE & DUANE SIMPSON: Blue Ribbon Winners -- Scholastic Art Awards
* BEN KRAMER (MVP), BUD NEMETH (Most Improved), MARK VAN LONE (Best Sportsmanship): Junior High Swimming Awards
*GEOFF PIERCE & JULIE METAL: Honorable Mention Reading/Writing Contest
*HEATHER GAPP (President), NEIL FAZZARY (VP), SARAH BARTOW (Secretary) LISA BARTONE (Treasurer): Student Council Officers
* MICHELLE KNOPSKI: High School Student Council Treasurer

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Additional MIddle School achievements from the 1981-1982 school year:

* MRS. NANCY HOOVER established a student Newspaper Club
* MR. RICHARD SCHIED established a Young Writers Club
* MISS SHARON ISLEY established a student Video Club
* "MEMORY BOOK" was published for the very 1st time
* Teachers DANNIE BROWN, EMMA SMITH & SALLY KENYON transferred to the High School
* New teachers were: JOE TOBIA, JANET SIMIELE and BECKY SUE CROUT
* Long-time teacher NEIL PATTERSON retired in November
* Six students attended a Video Conference at the Concord Hotel
* Teacher JANE BURRIS sponsored a "Hall of Presidents"
* JASON FAY & JEFF LEONARD competed in the County's 1st Crop Walk
* SUE STOCUM & DINA CIPRICH were members of the Girls' Varsity Swim Team (Dina qualified for Sectionals)
* MATT STANSFIELD competed on the JV Football Team
* Teachers GEORGE MC GONIGAL & JOE TOBIA supervised the Intramural Program
* Teachers GEORGE MC GONIGAL & BECKY SUE CROUT supervised the Saturday Morning recreational program
* SUE DOANE, MIKE PETERS, TONY DE NARDO, DEBBIE VOORHEIS, MARJORIE DINKINS, CAROL HARTMAN & MISSY VAN ETTEN had original stories published
in the Schuyler County Historical Society's April 1982 Journal...(thank you, Mrs. KATE LA MOREAUX, teacher)

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

On a few occasions I have mentioned a book on the history of the Watkins Glen Central School District I have been working on the past two years (actually about thirty years in collecting material & information of note). That project is coming to a close now with final copy being edited and composed on a disk for publication. Copies of this book (approximately 250 pages in length) will be available for sale within the next few weeks, with delivery of the book anticipated in March at the latest (hopefully sooner than that!). The cost for this historical update will be the cost of individual printing to cover expenses --- this is not a "for profit" venture at all. Please watch this site and other local media sources as well for further details and actual cost, with information on how to secure your copy.

In this historical update you will find a wealth of information and interesting topics to include the following:
-- District Administration: Professor Samuel Sellen Johnson through Thomas J. Phillips;
-- County Superintendent of Schools and 1st SCT-BOCES Superintendent Irving D. Goodrich, Sr.;
-- Board of Education 1885-1886 through 2008-2009;
-- Personnel through the ages with specific "Memories" from many you know;
-- Athletic History in general with specific sections devoted to the Athletic "Hall of Fame," "The Varsity Boys' Basketball Program" written by Coach John Fazzary, the 1951 Boys' Varsity Basketball Sectional Champion Team, "The Top-Drawer 24 Teams," the "Swimmin Women" written by Coach Kate LaMoreaux, the "Saturday Morning Basketball Program" written by Coach Jim Scott, and many additional athletic highlights through the years;
-- Construction & Renovation projects along with a brief "history" of our custodial and maintenance departments;
-- a major update of "Class Histories" 1980 - 2008 (with some 2009 information);
-- the history of our District Calendars (with various dedications and student art projects);
-- our P.T.A. 1982-2009; a historic timeline 1852-2009; a section "In Memory of" many faculty/staff/students;.
-- Rural Schools with an in-depth article written by Marian Morehouse Boyce;
-- information on the Elementary, Middle & High Schools; articles on Computer Education (by Andy Patros), and Food Services (by Judy Mercer);
-- information on our Transportation Department; article on Special Education (written by Nan Woodworth-Shaw)
-- a "Quick Reference" to a variety of things to include:
1) Schuyler Scholars
2) Senior Class Officers 1980 - 2009
3) Boys' State & Girls' State 1987/88 - 2007/08
4) Valedictorian/Salutatorian/Senior Orator 1980's - the Present
5) Yearbook Dedications, Homecoming Queens, Student Council Presidents &
Senior Class Presidents 1971/72 to 2007/08
- ... and a whole listing of "FIRSTS" for your interest & enjoyment..... + much more!

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* CONGRATULATIONS to newest Athletic HALL OF FAME Members: ASHLEY FAZZARY, Class of 2001, and KEVIN MURPHY, Class of 2003.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Relationship with Law Enforcement: Our District has always fostered and maintained a strong and positive relationship with law enforcement officials in our County to include the NY State Police, the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department and the Village Police Department. NYS Trooper DAVID WAITE has been our School Resource Officer for the past three years now; prior to that NYS Trooper SCOTT ELLISON served as our
School Resource Officer. Both of these Troopers share/shared time with the Odessa-Montour School District as well.

Prior to School Resource Officers actually in residence in our schools -- SRO's began service with the 2003-04 school year -- we depended upon the fine men and women working with the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department and the Village Police Department and still call upon them in time of need. Former SHERIFF MICHAEL MALONEY was a great supporter of our schools and was always available to answer our needs for advice, committee work and special projects (i.e. specifically "Drug Free School Zones"); Undersheriff PHIL BARNES & Senior Investigator MICHAEL WOOD responded as well to our needs, often with Investigator CRAIG GALLOW, and now-Undersheriff BRECK SPAULDING and other department staff as needed (i.e. MIKE worked specifically at times with our S.A.D.D. Club activities and assemblies). From the Village Police Department we could always count on DICK PIERCE, STEVE DECKER, MIKE POWERS, BILL CROFT, BILL RICE, DAVID NOVINSKY and others --- you gentlemen were our SRO's long before that term became popular. THANK YOU!

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Years of Service: As we end 2008, a brief look back to 1998 shows the following High School faculty/staff receiving service pins during November of 1998 for American Education Week (notice how many have retired or moved on since 1998): Years total were at conclusion of 1998-99 school year...

30 year pins: Dan Teed (31 years), Brian O'Donnell (30), Barb Hughey (30), Nick Dugo (30), Richard McIntyre (30)

25 year pins: Bob King (28 years), Dannie Brown (27), Mike Watson (27), Ray Thomas (26), Nancy Loughlin (26)

20 year pins: Tom Omiatek (23 years), Dave Warren (23), Elaine Wojtus (22), Kate LaMoreaux (22), Cyndy Wood (21), Craig Cheplick (20)

15 year pins: Diana Groll (18 years), Diane Melveney (17), Chris Omiatek (17), Eileen Malaney (16)

10 year pins: Lynn Norman (14 years), Karen Armstrong (14), Deb Patterson (13), Diane Wood (12), Jamie Harter (11), Cole Lee (10)

5 year pins: Kaz Estelow (9 years), Bridgette Searles (9), Nancy Bahns (9), Rick Pettet (9), Kelly Muir (7),
Barb Coon (7), Kathy Meierjurgen (6)

Staff: Liz Paradiso (26 years), Reetha Shumway (21), Nancy Cleveland (18), Tracie McIlroy (11), Ray Kaschalk (5), Tom Planty (5)

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Memories from Marianne Morin (from April 7, 2008)
" I remember when Anna Mae Orgill -- who was a Reading Teacher at the Middle School for many years and in the Elementary School for a year -- told me at Easter time that she had never been absent one day in all her teaching career." Marianne goes on to speak fondly of Phyllis Bond and Michele Benware (former Reading Teachers at the Elementary School). She also speaks of Arlene Kravitz, who preceeded her in her position.

///////////////////////////////////////

BUDGET PROCESS: Already as Superintendent THOMAS PHILLIPS, School Business Official GAYLE SEDLACK, Board of Educatiuon Members, Building Principals and other Administrators and faculty/staff are looking toward the development of the 2009-2010 budget, it's a nice opportunity to look back at former Business Officials to thank them for their service & dedication to our District:

Business Management: George Scaptura 1968-1985, Jeremiah Tuning 1985-1987, Craig Carr 1987-1996, Adrienne Zaharis 1996-4/30/02, Dominic Aloisio 7/1/02-1/04, Gayle Sedlack 1/04-Present

District Treasurers:: Irene Gillette 1949-1968, Mary DeDominick 1968-1969, Norma Baldassarre 1969-1985, Linda Schneider 1985-1987, Betty Edsall 1987-1996, Adrienne Zaharis 1996-2002, Gayle Sedlack
2002-Present

///////////////////////////////////////////

Some snippets of past history.....

Year Event/Achievement
1979/80 -- TAMMY DAVIS was awarded Alumni Association History Award & the PBA Award;
1981/82 -- MATT SERLO (Student Council President); DINA CIPRICH (Junior Class President);
1983/84 -- District Budget was set at $6,269,764; DAWN MIRACLE (1965-1973) & MICHAEL OSBORNE (1965-1981) featured in Yearbook;
1985/86 -- Longest serving faculty in high school were: ERNIE TOLMAN, JERRY LOUGHLIN, CHRISTINE HUSTON, DON MASS & BOB MORIN.
1987/88 -- NICK DUGO named as Seniors "Favorite Teacher"; annual District Budget: $8,700,318
1989/90 -- National Honor Society inductees: MELANIE DYER, PETER LA MOREAUX, MATT MARCINIAK, JAMES ERGOTT, JEFF KING & BRIAN THOMAS
1991/92 -- JEFF FAZZARY, MARY FRANZESE, BRIAN COLEMAN & RONI PIERCE served on the Athletic Council
1993/94 -- NICK DUGO (Sumo Wrestling), KAZ ESTELOW (Tech Prep), CHRIS HUSTON (Garden Fountain) & MIKE WATSON (Mat Chat)
1995/96 -- Retiring at end of year: RITA BANFI, CHUCK MEDALIE, HELEN HUMAN, GERALD LOUGHLIN, EMMA SMITH, RUTH GIVIN, MICHAEL YUHASZ, GENE REASOR & HARRIET REASOR; DR. LLOYD N. PEAK & LOUISE STILLMAN & DON WICKHAM are inducted into the Schuyler County Hall of Fame
1997/98 -- MARIE FITZSIMMONS & KELLY SORENSEN both move from 1/2 time to full time teaching positions;
1999/2000 -- Year of Y2K, TILT Team, CORD Team, and CISCO Networking Program; BOB FOOTE is 'jack-of-all-trades" for Broadcast Studio
2001/02 -- All student smoking banned on the "ISLAND"; CRAIG CHEPLICK named Channel 18-TV Educator of the Week;
2003/04 -- CHAD DERSHAM (Student Council President); DESIREE ELLISON (Senior Class President)
2005/06 -- Interact Club Co-Presidents: JEFF KELLOGG & MEGAN GROLL; PROM: King - ANDREW NIELSEN and Queen - OCTAVIA CADY
2007/08 -- SOPHIE FITZSIMMONS-PETERS, ASHLEY SAVARD, MOLLY MURPHY & BRUCE WELLS along with Faculty members MARIE FITZSIMMONS & KATE LA MOREAUX attend Model UN Conference in South Africa.....

Through the hallways ...

By Brian J. O'Donnell

"New" Elementary School...

In March, 1950, district voters passed a resolution organizing the Consolidated District No. 1 of the Towns of Dix, Hector, Reading, Orange and Tyrone and establishing a Central School for instruction in elementary and secondary subjects. In May, the Board of Education of the Watkins Glen Central School District was organized. The need for an Elementary School and a bus garage was an immediate concern and in November, approval was made to purchase the "Robert Cox" property. In August the voters approved erection of a new school, including a garage and an addition to the Burdett school. (From former Board of Education member WILLIAM WICKHAM, written for the "100 Year's Book" in 1981-82.)

In the years following World War II it wasn't easy to secure iron & steel for construction projects, and former County Superintendent IRVING D. GOODRICH, Sr. always credited former School Board Member DON J. WICKHAM -- former NYS Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets -- for his efforts in securing the proper building materials for our Elementary School.

******************************************************

For my update to the District history -- due for publication early next year -- our Technology Coordinator ANDY PATROS reports that our District has the following technological resources:
-- 139 Mac Computers: 23 in the High School, 84 in the Middle School (with 64 laptops), and 32 in the Elementary School (with 24 laptops);
-- 241 PC's in the High School (37 laptops)
-- 189 PC's in the Middle School (90 laptops)
-- 200 PC's in the Elementary School (53 laptops)
* District has a total of 777 computers on the network!

As the District continues to strengthen teaching & learning, Mr. Patros points out that the next phase of the technological development is the implementation of "interactive whiteboards" (Promethean Boards) -- 3 (one in each building in 2007 and 27-30 installed throughout the District in the summer of 2008.)

Where did this begin? Former Social Studies Teacher (and Senior Class Advisor and Student Council Advisor) NICK DUGO reports the following: " Did you know that the Student Council purchased the first computer in the high school for the Math Club (under RUTH WARNER)? I think it was a TRS. It was in the late 1970s. The kids tried very hard to develop a program to keep track of race weekend program sales. It worked pretty well but couldn't keep track of all the details. I also remember the first time one of our students showed up with a hand-held Texas instrument calculator. Everyone was impressed, not knowing that it was the portent of things to come."
....................................................................................................................

Memories for the Month of December: a special thanks & appreciation to the following individuals who contributed so much to our District and died during the month of December:
--- JANE BURRIS --- 12/3/94 Teacher
--- MYRTLE MILLER --- 12/06/00 School Nurse Teacher
--- LAURA PALMER --- 12/11/90 Cook (1953-70 & 1971-73)
--- FLORA HILLERMAN --- 12/16/2006 --- Cafeteria Worker

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

PETER GALATIS: taught Physical Education (1955-1968 Gr. K-6 and 1969-1987 Gr. 5-8) and it's my pleasure to call him a colleague and a friend! For many years he was Assistant Varsity Football Coach, then Varsity Basketball Coach (1956-1970), Watkins Glen's 1st Varsity Golf Coach (1962-1970) and coordinator for the Intramural Program for many years. Pete was elected to the WG "Hall of Fame" in 1991. Since 1987 a special Athletic Award has been named for him:

The "Peter Galatis" Award Winners at the WG MIddle School:

1987: Peter LaMoreaux
1988: Steve Decker
1989: Eric Scholtisek
1990: A.J. Ellison
1991: David Seither & Scott Wright
1992: Steve Bierline
1993: Mike Arnold
1994: Nate Weber
1995: Jesse Voorheis
1996: Nick Drake 2008:
1997: Ray Voorheis
1998: Phil Watson & Steve Oliver
1999: Colin Chapman
2000: Jared Peters
2001: Deven Dickerson
2002: Conor Flahive
2003: Steve Combs
2004: Alan McIlroy
2005: Kris Larson
2006: Stuart Cook
2007: Travis Waite
2008: Clayton Beaumont & Alec Moore

*******************************************************

Thank you BARB HUGHEY and CYNDY WOOD: I always marveled at the opportunities and "challenges" offered to high school students by Physical Education teachers Barb and Cyndy (dance-ballroom, country-line dancing, etc., cross country skiing, canoeing & scuba diving and so much more) -- an ever changing program offering our students programs of interest & challenge which comprised one of the best physical education programs in New York State. JAMIE HARTER got us involved in "Project Adventure" -- a program of challenges and confidence builders -- that TRACEY PRATT, SAM BRUBAKER and ROB MICHEL brought to even higher levels.

In 1990 Barb Hughey coordinated and implemented a very special participatory program --- for faculty/staff and students --- called "Spring Into Spring," a series of athletic events (both team and individual competitions). Who can forget the following:
-- CHUCK MEDALIE & PAT TAMMARO beating all participants in golf;
-- REETHA SHUMWAY & CAROL KUNZMANN as our "Queens of Shuffleboard"
-- KATE LA MOREAUX as our "Queen"
-- MIKE WATSON -- no one did "Simon Says" better
-- DANNIE BROWN as "Clown Brown"
-- NICK DUGO as the "Judge" complete with striped shirt & TOP HAT
-- and so many more.....

End result of "Sports Day" was fun for all! For those who appreciate actual statistics, the scores over the years were:
1990: Faculty/staff 46 points Students 46 points
1992: Faculty/staff 70 points Students 73 points
1994: Faculty/staff 67 points Students 47 points
1996: Faculty/staff 59 points Students 52 points
1998: Faculty/staff: 57 points Students 64 points
2000: Faculty/staff: 51 points Students 60 points

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

VIDEO PRODUCTION: Many of us remember daily announcements at school over the intercom system; since 1998 those announcements at the Watkins Glen High School have been broadcast over television channel 5 from the broadcast studio within the school. A little "tour" of that history:
-- Video Production (a credit-bearing class) began in 1997 with English Teacher DANNIE BROWN teaching Journalism in a video production format;
-- in 1998 a Video Production class was formed to broadcast school announcements on in-school television. This Video Production class was in charge of broadcasting morning & afternoon announcements -- by 2000 the class was in charge of taping school events and showing them on tape-delay on Channel 5. (At this time our Broadcast Studio was located in an area near our Media Tech classroom, where the new cafeteria is today);
-- in 2001 a formal Broadcast Club was formed, under the direction of 1/2 time English Teacher (and then- current Channel 36 Television anchorman) JAY LA SCOLEA teaching the fundamentals of broadcasting. (New location for the studio was in the area formerly occupied by our Home Economics Department classes);
-- in 2002 the Broadcast Club was led by DANNIE BROWN with a Broadcasting Class taught by Library Media Specialist MAGGIE EDGLEY;
-- in 2003 MRS. EDGLEY changed the class title to "Video Production" with the main focus of creating fictional & expressionistic video work. Video Production students continue to produce morning &
afternoon announcements;
-- Channel 5 and Broadcast Journalism would not have been possible without the very capable contributions of our unofficial "troubleshooter" BOB FOOTE!

The Watkins Glen High School Band (year unknown).

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 18 -- Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more school-related photos from days long gone by.

They include a picture of a Future Nurse's Club (at right) on an unspecified date. We ran this photo initially with only two people identified: the third person from the left (Sandra Arcangeli) and the School Nurse Teacher, Mrs. Myrtle Miller. Then Ron Pierce, teaching assistant at the WG Middle School, provided identities and a date: Left to right are Marion Ameigh, Candy Johnson, Sandy Arcangeli, Mrs. Myrtle Miller and (possibly) Sandy Harper. The picture was taken circa 1958/59, as these girls were in the Class of 1960.

This photo is marked on its back as the Watkins Glen Junior High School Class of 1935.

This is the Watkins Glen 4th Grade of 1942.

This is a scene at the Glen Avenue School in 1923. Teachers were Miss Doris Allison (grades 4 through 6), Miss Anna Cullen (grades 2 and 3), and Miss Jessie Hillman (grade 1). (Photo donated by Mrs. LeGrand Barnum of Burdett)

1939 Watkins Glen High School Poster Club. Front row, from left: Pruda Knowles, Miss Ellen S. Parker (teacher), Allene Owens, Jean Adams, Doris Weber and (first name unknown) Roberts. Back row, from left: Eugene Knowles, George Egan, John B. Wait, W. John Smith and Elwyn Miller.

The Watkins Glen High School Class of 1940.

Through the WGHS halls: A look back

By Brian J. O'Donnell

More historical information from the Watkins Glen Central School District...

* June 26, 1934 COMMENCEMENT...
--Valedictorian: Norman Freudenheim
-- Salutatorian: Coralee Hicks
-- Essay: "Virtues of Languages in High School" by Bertha F. Wood
-- Duet: "Qui Vive, Ganz" -- Margaret Harris & Marilyn Hager
-- Presentation of High School Diplomas: W.W. Clute
-- Presentation of Regents Diplomas: Principal John A. Beers
-- Award of Board Scholarship Cup: Dr. A.H. Jackson

* "The ORACLE" 1933:
-- Dedication: Principal John A. Beers
-- Faculty Advisor: Gordon F. DePew
-- Departing Teachers:

1) Miss Harriet O. Ganung: Training Class Teacher; with the abolishment of Teacher Training Classes in New York State, Miss Ganung is retiring after 36 years of service

2) Mrs. Winifred Love: Music Teacher; born and raised in Watkins Glen, with a teaching career that saw her serve in Odessa, Montour Falls, Burdett and Watkins Glen (her Glee Club in 1932-33 won 1st place in the sectional contest at Groton)

3) Miss Katherine O'Connor: Math Teacher; born and raised in Elmira (St. Mary's School and Southside HS); girls basketball coach at Watkins Glen for two years and a very popular teacher and good friend to all

* 1932-1933 was also the year of:
--Varsity Boys' Basketball Class B Sectional Championship (overall record of 19-3). Team
Members were:
*Coach Blake * Macreery * Fraboni * Spader * Weed * Granston * Macri * Sullivan
* Andrew * Stamp * Granston * Kenyon * Johnson

-- Varsity Football: 8 games played; 4 wins, 2 ties and 2 losses

-- Student Council: for 1st half of the year:
President: Betty Morris
Vice President: Lewellyn Kenyon
Secretary: Fred Hunt
Treasurer: Abraham Freudenheim
Sgt. at Arms: Philip Walsh

(Student Council established a hallway patrol to help maintain order, and decided upon issuing a Yearbook instead of the usual "Pepper Pot")

-- Student Council: for 2nd half of the year:
President: Joseph Fraboni
Vice President: Betty Hunt Cleveland
Secretary: Fred Hunt
Treasurer: Fred Sebring
Sgt. at Arms: Philip Walsh

(Student Council hall monitors reported students for misconduct in the hallways and these students were brought before the Student Council for "fair trial.")

-- GLEN HIGH ECHO: a bi-weekly newspaper published by the Post Graduate Class to supplement the Yearbook. Each issue contained four-pages and sold for $.02

--- Some Members of the Senior Class and their nicknames:
-- Charles Andrew "TOW"
-- Howard Davis "HOWDY"
-- Alice Love Ellison "AL"
-- Henry Fraboni "BIFF"
-- Aliene Grace "PINK"
-- Herbert Grant "POSEY"
-- Jack Hamilton "CHIC"
-- Frances Howard "SQUIRT"
-- Walter Johnson "WINCHELL"
-- Lloyd Sherrer "DUB"
-- Charles Stamp "STAMPY"
-- Sylvia Walsh "SIB"
-- Helen Wasson "PEE WEE"

All of the above information was gained from materials brought in by a gentleman who left them at the Middle School (old high school) for our archives. Thank you very much!!! He also gave us a mint-condition picture of the graduating Class of 1934. Hopefully that gentleman will see this information and contact this site with his name so we can extend proper recognition to him!
.......................................................................................

* Information found on our very 1st District Calendar (1982-1983):
Board of Education: Lauren Lodge, President; Charles Cole, Vice President
Members: Marian Boyce, Carl Isley, Jr., Daniel Murphy, Geraldine Richtmyer and Sally Simson.

Superintendent: Dr. Lloyd N. Peak
Principal - H.S.: Frederic Lorenz
Principal - M.S.: Brian O'Donnell
Principal - E.S.: Michael Yuhasz
Business Manager: George Scaptura
District Treasurer: Norma Baldassarre
District Clerk: Katherine Discenza
School Nurse Teacher: Betty Lou Pearsall

School Physician: Dr. Joseph Y. Roberts
Health Office Aides:
High School: Liz Paradiso
Middle School: Rhoda Givin
Elementary School: Linda Fazzary

P.T.A. Officers:
President: JANET FITCH
Vice President: WILLIAM HEATH
Recording Secretary: COLLEEN BELIGOTTI
Corresponding Secretary: JANE BURRIS
Treasurer: SUE DUGO

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Remember these former staff members?

Name -- Years of Service -- Area

Peg Stowell 1964-1973 Grade 4
Elisa Tobia 1981-1988 Home & Career
Tom Thurlow 1968-1970 M.S. Guidance
Julie Mullen 1973-1984 Grade 3
Barry Kravitz 1973-1981 Grade 3
Lee Houseknecht 1970-1973 High School
Boyd Herforth 1977-1984 High School
Ralph Scazafabo 1972-1980 MS/HS Math
Sharon Herzig 1979-1984 M.S.
Nancy Hoover 1976-1985 M.S.
Lori Maas 1965-1975 E.S.
Ruth Shewan 1984-1993 M.S.
Debra Collier 1975-1977 H.S. Library
Ann Meacham 1969-1971 E.S.
Michelle Venditto 1987-2001 E.S.

************************************************************

The Bell Choir, First Presbyterian Church, Watkins Glen, on an unspecified date. From left: Amy Andrews, Kristi Peak, Robin Tolman, Karin Richards, Dennis McCray, David McCray and Jeffrey Peak. Director Ernest Tolman is at rear. Member Ryan Tolman was absent.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 30 -- Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more local photos from days long gone by.

They include a picture of an intramural girls basketball team from the 1960s (at right). No names were provided with the photo, but after it was published here, Carol (Giambo) Taber of Horseheads wrote in to say: "The girls in the picture that you have shown are: front row, Carol Giambo, Ruth Morey, Bonnie Wagner, and Ellen (I think) Thorpe; and back row, Kathy O'Grady, Pat Reinhart, S. (don't know) Soule, and M. (don't know) Havens. We had a lot of fun playing. Just as a point of information, my daughter-in-law called me from the state of Washington to tell me to look at the picture because they thought I was in it. They were right!"

The Watkins Glen kindergarten class of Grace Abbott, in a photo snapped on June 3, 1958. Left to right: front row, Michael Haight, Mary Spaziani, Gary Ayers, Kathleen Madigan, David Macri, Margaret Doolittle, Ernest Filippetti, Robert Macri, Rose Alice Lachut, Cheryl Elliott, Glenn Smith, Patricia Healy; back row, Richard Ennis, Gary Conklin, Brian Douglas, Elizabeth Franzese, Rosalee Houghtelling, Donna Simpson, Linda Hopper, Cynthia O'Bryan, Patricia Smith, Sheila Teed, Thomas Kloppel, Charles Sweeney, Margaret Borg, David Weed, Richard Ziarno, William Phelps, Jack Varner, David Havens, Orson Rumsey. Absent from picture: Carol Colunio and Costa Mitchell. Moved away: Jean Simpson, Veronica Lisk, Jack Liquori.

This is a basketball team from 1945. It is unclear who the players are on a left-to-right basis, but names on the back of the photo, scattered about, include: T.J. O'Rourke, Donny Green, Frank Button, Jim Fazzary, Charles Greene, Paul Churcher, Teddy Marciniak and Tommy Rondinaro.

This is a 6th grade class from 1915-16 at Northern Union School, where John A. Beers was principal. Left ro right: front row, James Pastore, Starr Martin, John J. Thompson; Henry McKenna, Donald Gurnett, John Reams, William Rooney, Walter Powers, Thomas Moran, Emma Walling, Louise Clark, Mary Peters and Debert Cunningham; middle row, Albert Green, Louis Baker, Joseph Orsino, Mary Cullen, Emma Woodward, Naomi Fordham, Anna Demery and Mary Morris; back row, Albert Betts, Oliver Campbell, Roswell Green, George Olson, Belle Haynes, Marian Hyatt, Aileen Demery, Eleanor Millen, Lucille Peck and Anna Kuhn.

Through the WGHS halls: A look back

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* "History" within the history:
On June 24, 1998 two men were honored with honorary membership in the Watkins Glen High School Class of 1953:
1) JAMES ANGELO
2) JAMES KUHN
Certificates, awarded to both men, read in part:
"Whereas he attended a school on the hill called "PADUA" but his heart remained in the valley with his friends at Watkins High ... and ... whereas his contributions of time, energy and friendship toward the Members of our Class of 1953 deserve special recognition...

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Congratulations to FRED & PEG LORENZ who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last November (Fred was Middle School Principal 1977-1981 and High School Principal 1981-1988 and Peg was long-serving Elementary School Teacher); FRED reports that he celebrated his 75th birthday this past July and he and Peg are "still chugging along."

* Special THANKS to those who responded to my call to send in information on various student achievements from the 1970s --- I heard from NANCY HOOVER, PEG RICHARDSON, TRACIE MC ILROY, JILL DRAKE and MARIE FITZSIMMONS --- thanks and appreciation to you for your contributions!

* "GOODRICH PARK" re-dedicated on Saturday, October 4th: only one area or facility in our District is named for anyone and it is so very appropriate that "Irving and Marie Goodrich" are remembered in this way as both were such an important part of our history (Irving as the educator and Marie as the lady who stood with & fully supported the educator); we were very fortunate to have had these fine people in our lives. A look back at their contributions shows the following:

Irving Goodrich: 1905-1996

* 1936-40 Supervisor, Westside (Towns on Dix, Orange, Reading & Tyrone)

* 1940-1968 County Educ. Superintendent and the Superintendent of Schuyler County BOCES

* 1968-1975 1st SCT BOCES Superintendent

Mr. Goodrich also spearheaded Centralization in the Watkins Glen School District in the early 1950s and headed efforts for consolidation of Odessa and Montour Falls in the late 1950s. He was highly sought after for educational advice well into his 90s.

Marie Goodrich: 1908-1989

* President, Watkins Public Library Boar of Trustees.

*Charter Member of the Friends of the Watkins Public Library.

* Member & Secretary, Eastern Star

* "History" within the history:
The original "GOODRICH PLAYGROUND" located on Decatur Street next to the International Motor Racing Research Center served the needs of our youngest students from September 18, 1997 until this past June. Speakers and participants in that original dedication were:
-- Don Dryden: Welcoming Remarks
Superintendent of Schools
-- William Stamp: from STC BOCES
Past Director, Exceptional Children's Center
-- Ken Wilson: on behalf of Rotary
President of Rotary
-- Irving Goodrich, Jr., and Dr. Dan Dolk: family remarks
-- Billie Bauman: acceptance of the playground
Principal, Elementary School
-- Linn Henry: Dedication remarks
President, WG Board of Education
-- Jean Argetsinger: Ribbon Cutting
President, Public Library Board of Trustees
* Public Librarian Harriet Eisman was also on the program.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Schuyler County "Hall of Fame" has honored several individuals with strong ties to the Watkins Glen Central School District:
-- 1995: Warren W. Clute, former School Board Member
Don J. Wickham, former School Board Member
Dr. Lloyd N. Peak, former Superintendent
Louise Stillman, former Librarian
-- 1996: Irving D. Goodrich, Sr., former Superintendent
-- 1997: John A. Beers, former District Principal
-- 2000: Dr. Thomas J. Love, former Board Mem.
-- 2007: Jean Argetsinger, former Board Member

Throughout this 2008-09 school year (while renovations are taking place in the County Building) watch for these "Hall of Fame" plaques to be on display in our High School as we continue to recall the outstanding contributions each of these individuals made to our District.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

*"Watkins Glen (Central School District) 1853-2008" --- a comprehensive look through the vast historical data of our District is complete and will be offered for purchase by the public beginning in November. Students from Mrs. Eileen Malaney's Business Education classes are reprocessing the written copy now, and adding a number of pictures to the format to have it ready for printing in November. Watch for additional information here, on Channel 5 (Public Access Channel ), and other media outlets as to how you may purchase your copy. Cost for each book will be just to cover printing expenses --- any profits realized will be donated to the High School Student Council. Among items you will read in this book are the following:
* "Through the Eyes of the Coach" -- the Basketball teams of Coach John Fazzary;
* "Ring Bells Ring" -- a look at one-room schoolhouses written by Marian Morehouse Boyce
* "Swimmin Women" -- by Coach Kate LaMoreaux
* "25 Years of Seneca Youth Basketball" -- by Coach Jim Scott
* stories by Marie Fitzsimmons, Maggie Edgley, Mike DeNardo, Nan Woodworth-Shaw, Judy Mercer, Andy Patros, our three Principals and more...
* plus so much more to include:
- Food Service - Academic Achievements
- Transportation - Facilities - Special Educ.
- Cafeteria - Personnel through the Years
- 1951 Varsity Boys' Basketball Champions
- Board of Education and much, much more..

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Watkins Glen "Athletic" HALL OF FAME: some of the honored Coaches...
-- KATE LA MOREAUX: coached Girls' Varsity Swimming Team; ranked #1 in NYS Class C/D 1995/96 through 2002/03; undefeated in dual meets 1995-2003 (more than 100 dual meets); consistently named "Scholar Athlete Team"
-- BARB HUGHEY: coached very successful Girls' SWIM teams 1972-1977 with several Sectional Champions; also coached very successful Girls' Tennis Teams 1978-1987 with winning seasons 7 out of 10 years;
-- MIKE WATSON: Wrestling Coach from 1985-2000 compiling record of 145-45-2 with undefeated seasons in 1990 and 1991; coached seven "Century Club" career leaders and two NYS Champions (one at WG and one previously at Notre Dame); turned the annual WG Invitational Wrestling Tournament into one of the premier athletic events in all of New York State;
-- JERRY LOUGHLIN: coached for more than 26 seasons (Varsity Tennis, Basketball - Girls' and Boys', JV Boys Basketball and Varsity Golf); coached dozens of outstanding athletes and citizens of our community; gave much in time and personal resources to the athletes.
-- RON PIERCE: long-time Girls JV Basketball Coach and Girls JV Softball Coach --- numerous winning seasons

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* One Coach not in the Athletic Hall of Fame yet but deserving of mention here is COACH MICHELLE VENDITTO -- Varsity Basketball and Softball Coach from 1989-2003 -- winning more than 100 victories in each area and helping bring several IAC Championships to our school.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* PTA Outstanding Educators: from the 2000's
1999-2000: Jennifer Nichols
2000-2001: Richard McIntyre
2001-2002: Kathleen Gillette
2002-2003: Mike Yuhasz (Elementary)
Brian LeBaron (Middle)
Kate Bartholomew (High)
2003-2004: Barb Franzese (Elementary)
Scott Morse (Middle)
Craig Cheplick (High)
2004-2005: Marianne Morin/Kathy Gillette (ES)
Holly Arnold (Middle)
Dennis Brady, Danielle Hurd, Nancy
Ruda & Debbie Savard (HS)
2005-2006: Trevor Holland (Elementary)
Jim Murphy (Middle)
Nancy Bahns (HS)
2006-2007: Trish Ervay (Elementary)
Angela Weeden (Middle)
Tom Planty (HS)
2007-2008: Mary Ann Smith (Elementary)
Ben Connelly (Middle)
Kai D'Alleva (HS)

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

As we are entering the 2008-2009 school year, let's take a brief look back at the 1908-1909 school year:

* School Board: George C. Wait, President; Charles A. Cole, A.C. Ladow, Jessie Norton,
F.L. Moran, G.W. Burrell, M.M. Cass, Jr.

* District Principal (Superintendent)
S.S. Johnson (completing the last year of a 35-year career in Watkins Glen)

* Some faculty:

Elizabeth Maloney (in the 19th year of a 50-year career, 1890-1940)

Anna Cullen (in the 6th year of a 33- year career, 1903-1936)

Josephene Curry (1st year of a 47-year career, 1908-1955)

Jane Mosher (in the 6th year of a 32-year career, 1903-1935)

Katherine Whippy (in the 22nd year of a 48-year career, 1887-1935)

* the Class of 1909 would graduate a total of 14 students (9 women; 5 men)

* the Class of 1909 would be the final class to have John A. Beers as Assistant Principal

* an "informal" Alumni Association was in its 4th year of operation in 1908-1909

* the Athletic Association was formed officially in 1909

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Meet some more Watkins Glen Athletic Hall of Fame Members:

* Steve Decker: won several Varsity letters in Soccer; set then school record with 31 saves against Notre Dame; Baseball and Basketball All Star as well

* Roni Pierce: five-year member Varsity Softball Team, Gr. 8-12; pitched 1 no hitter, 8 one-hitters, 13 two-hitters, 5 three-hitters & 4 four-hitters; led Grade 12 team in doubles, triples, home runs, and RBIs; also award-winning Cheerleader & Team Captain;

* Colin Hatsell: five-year member Varsity Swim Team, Gr. 8-12; 1st swimmer in Schuyler County history to swim the 100 Free in under 50 seconds -- held school record 1988-2001; Varsity Golf Team and Varsity Cross Country Team Captain;

* Traci Lincoln: Varsity Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Softball & Track; during 11 of her sports seasons, her teams earned IAC Championships as she was often named an All Star;

* Peter LaMoreaux: Football, Basketball, Track & Volleyball star; Team Captain for each sport; MVP in Football, Basketball & Track; also participated in several Marathons;

* Michelle Seither: six-year member Varsity Swim Team (Gr. 7-12); 5 time All IAC & Team Captain; scored 1st 3-point basket in WG Girls' Varsity Basketball history; earned 10 Varsity letters;

* James Combs: outstanding star in Football, Basketball & Track; Defensive Player of the Year (1984 in Football) and All Twin Tiers "33"; undefeated in Gr. 11 & 12 in Shot Put & Discus. (Personal bests: Shot = 49 feet 3 inches; Discus = 139 feet; and High Jump = 5 feet 10 inches);

* Keri McIlroy: Swimming, Volleyball, Basketball & Softball star; 33-13 career pitching record in Softball (15-1 in IAC and 20-3 in 1995-96 season alone); individual winner in 3-point competition in 1st-ever "Shootout" at Exceptional Seniors Game in 1996;

* Dominick Franzese: earned 11 Varsity letters in Baseball (.300+ career batting average), Basketball (career high of 32 points scored against Horseheads), and Football (starting Quarterback/Punter/Place Kicker);

* Laurie Caldwell: Varsity Cheerleader; 1st Place at USCA Camp and National Grand Champion in 1982.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

"History within the history..."

* Dr. Lloyd N. Peak had the idea for and authorized the 1st District Calendar for the 1982-83 school year;

* the cover for the 1983-84 District Calendar was designed by Gr. 8 student Jamie Coleman (now our School Doctor);

* the 1984-85 District Calendar was designed by Gr. 9 student Dawn Compton (today the wife of Dr. Jamie Coleman);

* the 1985-86 District Calendar was dedicated to our Transportation Department for their many, many years of safe/reliable service to our students;

* the 1989-90 District Calendar was dedicated to everyone involved in the "Community Playground Project "of June 7-11, 1989 -- with the idea, momentum, organization and planning attributed to Peggy Scott

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

School maintenance and custodial department:
-- Our facilities always look great thanks to the wonderful staff we have today led by Mike DeNardo. Our staff of today follows in the outstanding footsteps of some truly effective and efficient employees like:
* George Conklin * Betty Auble * Curly Auble
* Sue Caslin * Irene Burgess * Bob Church
* Joan Clark * Caesar DeSoto * Iva Jennings
* George Howard * Mildred Hoagland * John Dilts
* Mary VanAmburg * Mary Ellen Hines * Charlie Keach
* George Miller * Emilia Morelli * Harry Robertson
* Mert Silliman * Harry Rice * Allan Waite
* Ada Simmons and so many, many others...

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Years of Service: Longest current service...

Faculty:

Jack Telech -- since January 1973
Nancy Loughlin -- since September 1973
Claudia LaFace -- since March 1976

Staff:

John Fazzary -- School Bus Driver since 1954
Tom Harbot -- cleaner/custodian since 11/12/1974
Kay Goossen -- cleaner since 3/9/1977
Liz Paradiso -- health office since September 1974

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* New Book of District History compiled..... sometime near October/November, a new volume of Watkins Glen School District History 1853-2008, "155 Years of People, Achievements and Events," will be available at a nominal price to cover printing. Watch for details on the Channel 5 Bulletin Board and other media outlets such as The Odessa File, and local newspapers. A sampling of what you will find in this updated volume from the Table of Contents:
Section 1
-- Irving D. Goodrich, County Superintendent of Schools and 1st SCT-BOCES Superintendent
-- District Principals/Superintendents: S.S. Johnson through Tom Phillips
-- Building Administrators
-- Board of Education 1886-2008
Section 2
-- 1980's, 1990's, 2000's in some detail (outlining faculty/staff and student achievements &
events)
Section 3
-- Elementary, Middle and High School facility and personnel specific information
-- Value of Commitment (Nick Dugo, Barb Hughey, Nancy Loughlin and many others)
-- Variety of High School Program information (i.e. Humanities, Model UN, Interact Club, Video
Production/Broadcast Club
-- "Mark Twain Scholars" 1988-89 through 2006-07
-- Several "Firsts" in our District history
-- Computer Education information
-- Food Service
-- Special Education Services
-- Athletics:
1) Individual & team achievements. 2) Athletic Department 2003-2008 (thanks to Craig Cheplick).
3) "Swimmin Women" (thanks to Kate LaMoreaux). 4) "Through the Eyes of the Coach (thanks to
John Fazzary). 5) "Top Drawer 24" (thank you, Charlie Haeffner). 6) WG "Athletic Hall of Fame (thanks to Bill Davis). 7) "Melissa Wilson" Scholarship & Basketball Awards. 8) Seneca Youth Basketball (thanks to Coach Jim Scott). 9) 1951 Varsity Boys' Basketball Champions. 10) More.....
-- Construction & Renovation - "Ring Bells Ring" (thanks to Marian Morehouse Boyce)
-- Maintenance/Custodial/Cleaners - Historical Timeline 1852-2008
-- Transportation - P.T.A. Officers 1982/83--2007-08
-- District Calendars - Faculty/Staff --- through the years up to the present
-- Curriculum Coordination - "Key" Support Personnel
-- "Memories" from former faculty/staff - The "Best & the Brightest" -- alumni employees
-- Quick Reference Guide to: 1980/1990/2000 Valedictorians/Salutatorians, Senior Orators.
Senior Class Officers 1980-2009
Boys' State/Girls' State: 1987-88--2007-08
Yearbook Dedications/Homecoming Queens/Student Council Presidents/etc.
P.T.A. Educators of the Year 1987-88--2007-08
In Memoriam
Roll Call of Classes 1883-- 2008

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* I'm looking for the following information: (Anyone knowing the correct names may respond to )
1.1976-77 Homecoming Queen??? 2. 1975-76 Yearbook Dedication??? 3. 1975-76 Student
Council President???
4. 1975-76 Senior Class President??? 5. 1974-75 Student Council and Senior Class Presidents???
6. 1971-72 Homecoming Queen???

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Some W.G. "Hall of Fame" members and statistics:

BLAINE MOREHOUSE: IAC All Star (Football) and IAC Defensive Player of the Year 1985/86;
also NYS All Star 1985/86; Member of SUNY Cortland Football Team; Division III All American in 1988
JIM SCOTT: lettered in Football, Basketball and Baseball; graduated from Corning Community
College holding 11 of 17 possible school records in Basketball; at SUNY Brockport named to SUNY All Conference Team 1967-68 and 1968-69;
TOM HARRISON: during the 1954-55 season had a 25 points per game average in league games,
a 30 points per game average in non-league games and a career high of 41 points against Odessa-Montour; holds the distinction of taking and making the very 1st "ceremonial" basket in the new Field House at our official dedication for the new facility;
MIKE COOLICAN: scored three touchdowns in 3rd annual "Bucket Game" vs. Odessa-Montour,
averaged 19.5 points on Varsity Basketball Team and earned three varsity letters in Baseball;
MIKE LEARN: four-year member of Varsity Football Team (Quarterback & Defensive End), League All Star in both 1968 & 1969; three-year member of Varsity Basketball Team and four-year member of Varsity Baseball Team (MVP in 1969);
JASON BOND: premier male diver in WGHS history; record holder in 11 Diving Championships;
placed 3rd at NYS Championships in 1988;
BECKY DRAKE: 1st WG female diver to qualify for NYS Swimming & Diving Championships
(finished 13th place statewide); Division III All American at SUNY Cortland;
HEATHER THORP: earned 12 Varsity letters in Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball; concluded
Basketball career at Alfred University as all-time school leader in free throw percentage (.819), one- season free-throw percentage (.855), all-time three-point percentage (.326) and scored 25 points against Keuka College in her final game;
KRISTEN BROWN: earned 11 Varsity letters in Track, Tennis, Basketball and Swimming; IAC All
Star in Swimming in 1988-89-90-91-92; held school record in five individual events; Team Captain for LaFayette College Swim Team;
SHEILA SUITS: Track, Swimming, Volleyball and Basketball Star; placed 1st in EVERY IAC Track
Meet in both the Shot and the Discus; held school Shot Put record at 37 feet 10 1/2 inches;
MARY MARTHA BRUBAKER: outstanding career on Varsity Swim Team, Varsity Basketball
Team and Varsity Softball Team; graduated as All-Time WG scorer in girls' basketball with 971 total points; IAC All Star in both Basketball & Softball;
HOLLY MOSHER: three-sport star (Volleyball, Basketball & Softball); career Basketball points 629
with an 11.9 point per game average; career high of 28 points scored against TAE (Edison); member of Basketball & Softball Teams at Ithaca College.

... read about more Hall of Fame members in next month's column!
......................................................................

Some "History" within the history...

* June 21, 2003: Valedictory Address given by Megan Nichols:
"As you sit here today and throughout your life, think about the teachers, friends or relatives who
have had a positive impact upon your life. They have always been there, through the good times and the bad, always helping and caring for you. Whether you return to this community or move to another, it is important that you reciprocate this kindness to the future generations of children."

* October 22, 1995: Senior Recognition Game (Varsity Football); among the nicknames were the
following: Travis Lincoln ("Amps"), Bill Spencer ("Dollar Bill"), Scott Yaw ("Gino"), Jason Stenquist ("Stener"), and A.J. Matwiejow ("Waka Waka").

* September 18, 1998: dedication of the "Peter Pevo Friendship Garden"
Welcoming Remarks...................Billie Bauman, Elementary School Principal
Garden History...........................Judy Richards, Beautification Committee Chair
Remarks:................................... Linn Henry, Board of Education President
................................................. Brian O'Donnell, High School Principal
................................................. Michael Yuhasz, former Elementary School Principal
Ribbon Cutting:......................... Mrs. Peter Pevo and Mr. Jack Pevo

* Senecan Yearbook Highlights:

1992 Remembered: "Watson's Wonder Women," especially MICHELE W. COMPTON, who was "a tough act to follow; we will be fortunate to find another of her caliber."
1993 Remembered: classmate JASON CERVONI (1975-1985) and highlighted 1st male
cheerleader in decades. DAN WAGNER "brought great spirit to everyone."
1994 Remembered: "Class Flirts," SHANNON BANKS and CHRIS LE ROUX
1996 Remembered: freshmen comments to the question "What do you like best about High
School?"
MELISSA CARR -- "It's OK, I Guess."
PATTI FRANZESE -- "I like it because you have a lot of freedom but you get way too much homework."
KELLY NEY -- "I like it because we have more freedom and the guys are hotter."
SHELLY KRESS -- "It's better than I expected."
1989 Remembered: MATT MARCINIAK -- 1st wrestler in 35-year history of WG Wrestling to win a
Section IV Championship; AARON STANSFIELD -- 1st WG wrestler to win 100 career matches.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

As another school year comes to a close and we say farewell and THANK YOU!!! to such wonderful employees as DAYLE SLUSSER MARIANNE MORIN, BARBARA FAZZARY, and BOB HILL, all via retirement (85 combined years of service among them!!!), let's look at some of "The History Within the History":

-- Remember when BOB HULL was District Tax Collector (1981-82)?
-- SHIRLEY THOMPSON was Tax Collector from 1988-1998; BARB SPECCHIO did the job from 1974-1981.
-- Remember when COACH MIKE WATSON and the Glen Matmen (wrestlers) handed Waverly its 1st ever IAC defeat in 1990-1991?
-- Remember District "Messengers" ARLYN BRACE (1954-1973), ANTHONY HICKS (1981-1984) and GLENN DAVIS (1984)?
-- How about some of our District Treasurers: IRENE GILLETTE (1949-1968), NORMA BALDASSARRE (1964-1985) and MARY DE DOMINICK (1968-1969)?
-- How about these ladies on our Clerical Staff:
* JANE KNAPP (1967-69 Teacher Aide, then 1969-1985 as Middle School Secretary)
* BARB BALDWIN (1967-1969 Teacher Aide, then 1969-1994 as High School Secretary)
* MARY COOK (1969-1980 High School Clerk)
* GLADYS DAVIS (1957-1975 Elementary School Secretary)
* MABEL RONDINARO (1968-1994 as Secretary to the Superintendent)
* MARY ANN VAN AMBURG (1970-2002) long-time Elementary School Secretary
* RHODA GIVIN (1967-1988 in Middle School Health Office)
* RUTH GIVIN (1970-1996) Middle School Library Aide
* DOROTHY COGSDILL -- HS Main Office -- part time 1960-1967, then full time 1967-1983
* HELEN SMITH PURVIS (1969-1989) Middle School Guidance Office
* KATE DISCENZA -- Business Office (1971-1998)
* BETTI FERRI -- HS Main Office (1982-1997)

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WG Elementary School highlights...
-- opened in the Fall of 1953 (as a Gr. K-6 facility); Gr. 5/6 moved to the "old" high school (now our Middle School) when the "new" high school opened in 1969; remember MEL ADESSO and CECILIA DE NARDO working in the cafeteria? How about BOB CHURCH & GEORGE HOWARD as cleaners and long-time building custodian CHARLIE KEACH (what a great work ethic he had!)

-- anyone remember the day MAJOR JAMES COLEMAN parked his big green cadillac in front of the bus garage?
-- how about PETER PEVO's apple cider press and all the fun with the VanderGraf generator and helium balloons?
-- remember DOROTHY EMERY (Librarian), MICHELE BENWARE (Reading), FLORENCE CARPENTER, LOLA KNAPP, JEANNETTE HULL, JEAN LAWTON (what a great sense of humor!), Bobbi Olcott, Linda Gould and RITA BANFI???
-- anyone remember when there were seven 4th grades? How about those 4th grade teachers -- MARYLOU THOMPSON, DORIS FAZZARY, NANCY CALLAHAN, PETER PEVO, MAJOR COLEMAN, JEAN HANVILLE and LOIS HAMILTON?
-- remember MILDRED DENSON, ED & CAROL LINDSAY and BARRY & ARLENE KRAVITZ?

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Miscellaneous Highlights through the years...

1. 1990-91: new teachers included KAZ ESTELOW and BRIDGETTE SEARLES.

2. 1991-92: retirements prior to this school year opening were ROBERT DRABKOWSKI and PEG LORENZ (teachers) and JOAN CLARK (custodial); RICK PETTET was hired as a new teacher and TRACIE MC ILROY transferred from the Middle to the High School; the "DR. LLOYD N. PEAK Professional Library" opened and "Chocolate Thursday" tradition began in the high school (Thanks Tracie!)

3. 1992-93: JUDY VAN SKIVER was hired as a Grade 1 teacher and MARIE KEEFER joined the high school staff as teacher aide to a handicapped student; two popular faculty quotes were:
-- CRAIG CHEPLICK: "Work hard, play hard."
-- BARB HUGHEY: "Fit people are ordinary people with conscious determination."

4. 1993-94: the summer prior to the new school year beginning, NANCY LOUGHLIN was elected as the 1st Woman President for the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club; during the year DAVE COOK's team made the FINALS of the Chem Bowl competition and the "DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE" was approved.

5. 1994-95: head groundskeeper JOHN DILTS retired in January after 27 years of service (he was a perfectionist!); DAVE COOK, JOHN VONA, JULIA RAFFERTY, HAZEL VERDEGAAL and BOBBI OLCOTT retired in June.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

1997-1998 --- an in depth look at the year.....

-- retirees from the previous June included JUDY CARUSO, MIDGE FRANZESE, MEG BARTOW, DORIS DE NARDO, CHRIS HUSTON , and MICHAEL YUHASZ;
-- MARIE FITZSIMMONS and KELLY MUIR moved into full-time positions after previously being 1/2 time teachers;
-- FIONA GIBSON, JEANNIE ANDREWS, TRISH ERVAY and PEG RICHARDSON began working at the elementary school and ZACH BROWN moved into a full-time position at the middle school;
-- the HUMANITIES (combo of Global Studies & English) PROGRAM began in the high school under direction of MARIE FITZSIMMONS and KATE LA MOREAUX;
-- CYNDY WOOD received the American Red Cross Health & Safety Line of Service Award and NANCY LOUGHLIN was awarded a "Paul Harris Fellow" by Rotary;
-- the Kindergarten Playground was dedicated in honor of "Irving & Marie Goodrich";
-- Middle School Teacher STEVE LO PRESTI was named by the PTA as "Teacher of the Year";
-- foreign exchange students were: MARIANELLA VEGA (Costa Rica) and ANNE GAELLE TAUGAIN (France);
-- ALISSA NORMAN was Homecoming Queen (with IRA CADY as the King), MICHELLE MC NANEY was named as HOBY Award winner, and COVENEY FITZSIMMONS won the "Principal's Leadership Award";
-- HOLLY JOHNSON and CHRIS SCHONEMAN were Queen & King of the Semi-Formal, and COVENEY FITZSIMMONS & COLE BUBB were Queen & King of the PROM;
-- Rotary Students of the Month were HOLLY JOHNSON, MELISSA KISSELL, JASON BARRY, JULIE DILL, JESSICA SEDLACK, JESSICA O'BRIEN, JON EVANS and AUDREY BYERS;
-- Varsity Football Team finished 4th in their conference and the Boys' & Girls' Soccer Teams won Divisional Championships; Varsity Girls' Swim Team completed their 3rd consecutive undefeated season while the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team won the Divisional Championship (with JV girls' basketball completing the very 1st undefeated season in their history at 16-0);
-- JV Baseball team finished season tied for 1st place, girls' JV Softball Team finished 2nd place in the league, and Golf Team concluded a stellar 12-2 season;
-- STEVE TERRY established school record with 34 career assists in soccer; TRACI LINCOLN was selected IAC Large School Southwest Division MVP in girls basketball, and MOLLY SCHAMEL threw the discus 89 feet,10 1/2 inches
-- MARY ROSE CHICONE & NICHOLE CHAFFEE sang "The National Anthem" at many athletic events...

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

June 2008 --- Through the Hallways of Watkins Glen Schools...

* this is the time of year for the annual showcase of students' Art work in our schools with a very special thanks & appreciation to our talented and very dedicated Art Teachers:
-- ELAINE WOJTUS in our High School
-- KAREN HANSEN & FRED TROY - Middle School
-- SUSAN COMSTOCK - Elementary School

* recently the Watkins Glen Office of Arnot Medical Services sponsored a student Art Show with outstanding work by K-12 students on display; included in that display were works by:
-- LUKE MORRIS Kindergarten
-- KAI PITTMAN Grade 1
-- ALYSSA ARCANGELI Grade 3
-- RYAN RHODES Grade 4
-- HUNTER KARIUS Grade 6
-- MARA BRISBOIS Grade 7
-- KATRINA SWARTHOUT Grade 7
-- SAMANTHA PHILLIPS Grade 7
-- RYAN YASKULSKI Grade 11
-- CHLOE TAYLOR Grade 11
-- BRIANA ROBERTSON Grade 12
-- ARIEL FORCE Grade 12

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* more Inspirational & unforgettable colleagues:

* MIKE WATSON: 15 exciting and productive years as Health Teacher & Coach; a great "Cheerleader" for our students and faculty/staff; "Simon Says" well done!

* CRAIG CHEPLICK: brought the study of Latin back to the curriculum; added Psychology as well to meet students' needs; outstanding Coach and then Faculty Manager for Athletics the past five years, he brought back the "Hall of Fame," helped institute the "Top Drawer 24" and kept the overall athletic program vibrant and growing!

* DANNIE BROWN & DIANE MELVENEY: great teachers who got involved in so many positive ways; led Academic Challenge Teams for years -- worked hard to prepare and meet needs of the Advanced Placement students; always gave more than 100%!

* ABBOTT MORGAN & MARILYN FILIPPETTI: how many hours did they spend bringing so much joy and entertainment through so many fine arts productions involving so many?

* ERNIE TOLMAN: he helped entertain thousands over the years through Choral presentations; his wife JEAN did the same through Middle School programs

* CAROL KUNZMANN: each and every day she went above & beyond her job as Reading/Resource Room Teacher and SADD Advisor; she loved people and wanted to help everyone become successful & productive; she, along with her very caring & able Teaching Assistant REETHA SHUMWAY, always devoted 100%++ and helped make people feel good about themselves!

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Through the years we have also been fortunate to have many community people assist with our programs in so many productive ways:

-- LINCOLN WAGER for all your help & talents at various sporting events; RICK HUGHEY for all the time spent "breaking" cross country ski trails in the WG State Park (with your wife Barb!); SUE DUGO for all those Senior Trips you helped chaperone; BOB MORIN for your years of filming/videotaping so many events; MARLENE LUM (High School)/MARYLOU VAN BUREN (Middle School/JACKIE DILL (Elementary School) for your years of service as such reliable and talented substitute teachers; ED AUGUSTINE for your years assisting with our athletic programs with such humor and positiveness; BOB FITZSIMMONS for always being there for us, especially in times of tragedy and need; DAVE RYAN/DOUG COTTON and other Rotarians for beginning our very positive & contributing Interact Club; BOB LEE for all your help with annual "Boys' State" honorees and your years of Coaching; and FRED THORP for all the time & energy you devoted to our basketball program.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Some additional Class of 1951 history (thanks to A.J. "Tony" Specchio):
-- ORACLE STAFF: Marion Viglione (Editor-in-Chief), with Barbara Clark/Ted Specchio/Brian Field/Sally Howell as Associate Editors and:
*Nancy Miller (Junior Editor)
*Mary McAnarney (Sophomore Editor)
*Carol Miller (Freshman Editor)
*Beatrice Symes (Music Editor)
*Clifford Morehouse (Sports Editor)
*Charles Cole (Business Manager)
*Charles Potter & Betsy Bolton (Circulation)
*Charles Greene (Photography)
* Milford A. Warner -- Faculty Advisor

Class of 1951 - Class Officers:
President: JOSEPH DEL ROSSO
Vice Pres.: JAMES FREEMAN
Secretary: ANN VITALI
Treasurer: BRIAN FIELD
Business MGR. TED SPECCHIO

Class of 1951 -- "History"
-- September of 1938 found this Class attending Kindergarten; took MRS. BURNETT on a picnic to Lakeside Park in Junior High; Grade 8 saw "Junior Jester" newspaper (thanks to Nancy/Jane & Betsy!); "Popcorn Hop" was the Freshman dance and "Nautical Hop" and Mardi Gras highlighted Sophomore Year; as Juniors, the "Twirp Twirl" was the big event along with the "Moonlight Sonata" theme for the Junior Prom; Senior Year saw involvement in the sales of "Grand Prix" booklets, Election Day Dinner, "Mumbo Jumbo" as the Senior Play, the Senior Trip in April to Washington, D.C., and finally graduation!

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Did you know???

* Former High School Principal Milford A. "Bud" Warner began his career in Watkins Glen teaching Science & Mechanical Drawing and spent his 1st year after retiring as High School Principal as the District's Transportation Supervisor

*Myrtle Miller was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1906 and grew up in Elmira; she came to Watkins Glen as School Nurse Teacher in 1935 after graduating from St. Joseph's School of Nursing (Elmira, NY) and Buffalo State Teachers College

* Jack Telech (January 1973), Nancy Loughlin (July 1973), Claudia LaFace (1976) and Kate LaMoreaux (1979) are currently among the District's longest-serving active teachers

* Sharon Clark, Secretary to the Superintendent, previously was Secretary for CSE/Special Projects Coordinator (Rick Lintal), Secretary to Middle School Principal and Secretary to High School Principal

* Harold Dennison drove school bus for more than 50 years; John Fazzary has driven for more than that and is still active as a driver

* Guidance Counselor Nancy Loughlin taught French for many years and also taught English; she is fully certified in all three areas

Some employee relationships:

1-- Doris Fazzary (former ES teacher) and Margaret Swinnerton (HS Health teacher) are mother & daughter;

2-- Cyndy Wood (Pool Director) and Kelsey Wood (HS Social Studies Teacher) are mother & daughter

3-- Lola Bartholomew (former HS Teacher) and Kate Bartholomew (HS Science Teacher) are mother & daughter

4-- Gloria Brubaker (Board Member) and Sam Brubaker (HS Phys. Ed. Teacher) are mother & son

5-- Kevin Field (Board Member) and Maggie Edgley (HS Library Media Specialist) are brother & sister

6-- Tom Richardson (Board Member) and Peggy Richardson (HS Teaching Assistant) are husband & wife

7-- Joe Fazzary (Board Member) and Barb Fazzary (ES Teaching Assistant) are husband & wife and parents of Bambi Kelly (UPK Teacher)

8-- Ann Woodworth Meehan (former HS Business Teacher) and Nan Woodworth-Shaw (Director of Special Services) are mother & daughter

9-- Mike Watson (former HS Health Teacher & Coach) and Nils Watson (HS Social Studies Teacher) are father & son

10-- Milford A. "Bud" Warner (former HS Principal) and Kate LaMoreaux (HS English Teacher & former Coach) are father & daughter

See you in July with more facts and information from the Watkins Glen Central School District!!!

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

WG Central School District news & memories for May.......

1951 Boys' Varsity Basketball Champions

* Boys' Varsity Basketball Team won the Section IV Class B CHAMPIONSHIP on March 16, 1951 by defeating New Berlin by a score of 48-36 at Cornell University's Barton Hall;

* Coach Joe Lemak's team completed a commendable 13-5 record in a very strong & challenging schedule, then dominated in Sectional play, defeating Homer by a score of 66-56 and Cato-Meridian 66-36 to earn the right to play for the Championship against New Berlin.

* In that Championship game against New Berlin, FRANK BUTTON led all scorers with 22 points; T.J. O'ROURKE had 11 points, TED MARCINIAK scored 10 points and TONY TALLARIDO hit for 5 points. Teammates who contributed so positively all season long were: A.J. "TONY" SPECCHIO, JOHN WILLIAM "BUB" SMYDER, ROGER HERRICK and DELEVAN "AUGIE" GATES. Team Manager was JOE DEL ROSSO, and ANTHONY STEPHNO served as Assistant Manager.

* Cheering on the team during their CHAMPIONSHIP season were Varsity Cheerleaders:
LELA POTTER, NANCY INMAN, KATY DISCENZA, WARDA EDSALL, ANNIE RILEY, and KAY VITALI

* Our Section IV Class B Championship Team was led by Captain & member of the WG Athletic Hall of Fame T.J. O'Rourke (a Southern Counties ALL STAR 1st Team as a Sophomore, Junior & Senior and the League's Top Scorer that season), Frank Button ("Red" and "Knotty Knot" -- also a Southern Counties All Star) and Ted Marciniak (also a member of the WG Athletic Hall of Fame). Their Coach, Joe Lemak, is also a member of the WG Athletic Hall of Fame.

* Tracie McIlroy interviewed her dad and team member Roger Herrick in 2001 and among his fondest memories were:
-- "It was the first time we ever played on a regulation full-length court."
-- We were a fast-break team, and that court seemed like it was three miles long."
-- "It was also the first time we played with glass backboards -- they don't react like wood backboards and we had to get used to them real quick."

* For many years prior to his death on 10/18/2001, Coach Joe Lemak would visit the school to fondly gaze at that 1951 trophy and share with me memories of the "greatest team he ever coached."

* On June 6, 2001 the living members of that Championship team were honored by the WG Sports Boosters and presented with special certificates to commemorate their outstanding achievement.

* On June 14, 2006 this 1951 Championship team was nominated -- as a team -- to the WG Athletic Hall of Fame by another stellar athlete, Tom Harrison (a Hall of Fame member himself); *** that nomination will be re-submitted again this year for consideration.

* My thanks to A.J. "Tony" Specchio for contributing much of the information and a team picture for this article.

Photos in text above:

Top: The 1951 varsity basketball Section IV championship team from Watkins Glen. Standing, from left: Coach Joe Lemak, John William "Bub" Smyder, Delevan "Aukie" Gates, A.J. "Tony" Specchio, and Joe DelRosso. Seated, from left: Tony Tallarida, Ted Marciniak, T.J. O'Rourke, Frank Button and Roger Herrick.

Bottom: The 1951 Section IV trophy.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The Value of Commitment... so many faculty/staff members have made a difference in so many lives.....

-- Former Board Member & President Dr. Thomas J. Love always spoke so fondly of teachers Harriette Allen (English), Orval Perry (History), Gordon DePew (Biology) and A.C. Munson (Math).

-- Among Ernie Tolman's most inspirational colleagues were Anne Meehan & Naomi Roberts

- George Conklin, Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds from 1959-1985, counts John Cook & Lloyd Peak among his most unforgettable colleagues "because they both were compassionate and fair in their dealings with people, and the students' interests were always first."

That tradition continues today.....

-- Just a brief look at SOME of the inspirational & unforgettable more recent high school faculty are:
* NICK DUGO -- he will always be remembered for his commitment to students through his teaching and organization and participation in Homecoming activities (parades, bonfires, election of Royalty and crowning of our Queens), annual Senior trips to Washington, D.C., Senior Days at Darien Lake, formal & memorable Commencement exercises each June, Blood Banks, All Night Senior Parties, sundae parties, voter registration & election opportunities, visits to the County office building, and so much more;
* BARB HUGHEY -- her planning & implementation of "Sports Days"/"Spring Into Spring" athletic competitions between faculty/staff and students from 1990-2000 provided a degree of entertainment, excitement and school spirit rarely found in any schools; her involvement in offering such a variety of life-time skills through her teaching was absolutely outstanding;
* NANCY LOUGHLIN -- living through and working with every State Education Department program and federal program from the 1970's to the present (A-B-C Schedule to Regents Action Plan to Excellence & Accountability to No Child Left Behind --- and so many more...); working to foster AP and ACE (college level) opportunities for students, helping create the new Freshman Academy program, implementing summer Orientations for new students to the high school, helping implement the very successful Interact Program, planning and hosting annual Thanksgiving Dinners, and so very much more;
* JERRY LOUGHLIN -- this long time Biology teacher and Coach was always well planned & prepared, challenging his students and athletes to always do their best and be their best; many of his efforts (his generosity to others specifically) may have gone unpublicized but they did not go unnoticed;
* HELEN HUMAN -- helped foster such a welcome and caring environment in the Library, earning the respect of everyone! For years she maintained scrapbooks of student achievements publicized in the media.
* Barb Baldwin -- the personification of the perfect secretary -- personable, knowledgeable, efficent and always kind and positive with all.

(Watch for other inspirational and commited faculty/staff in future columns!)

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

More interesting and sometimes astonishing facts to note:

-- in 1982/83 our District had less than 25 computers (12 Franklins at the Elementary School, 5 VIC 20's at the Middle School and a 'few' TRS 80's at the High School); at last count, for this 2007-08 school year there are currently 777 computers on our network; from Jerry Gregory to Andy Patros, with Dave Ackland and others in between, we thank you for your vision, your efforts and your expertise;

-- Gail Franzese (at our High School) is completing 30 years of service in our Food Service/Cafeteria operation; Pat Stansfield is close behind with 23 years of service and Teresa Louden and Marilyn Hoxie have 16 years of service; Lori Gezzi is finishing 10 1/2 years of service --- thank you ladies (and your colleagues) for keeping up the fine tradition of good folks like Mel Adesso, Pat Edmister, Josie Tomassi and so many others.

-- 1983 Senecan (Yearbook) mentions Adam Marciniak & Kenny Thurston and their sailing hobby (16 foot Hobie Cat) with outstanding finishes in Glenora Cup Races

-- 1982/83 yearbook also mentions that Senior Barry McKinney became a certified pilot in a Cessna 172 (before he ever drove a car alone)

-- for the 1990/91 school year, local celebrity "Sheik" Spaulding was hired as a high school Hall Monitor (to keep law & order). What a great guy! On August 31, 1992 -- on his 79th birthday!!! -- Sheik retired.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, April 14 -- Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them is the one at right -- of Theresa Bianco (right) and Gabrielle Rosier, WGHS Class of 2003, preparing and packing material for the High School and Field House cornerstones. (The cornerstones say 2002, but were sealed and installed on May 30, 2003.)

Watkins Glen High School Class of 1933. The only notations on the back of the photo are the year and "The Payne Studio, Photographs, Watkins Glen, N.Y."

The photographs above and below are of Watkins Glen Middle School classes about 30 years apart. No date appears on the back of either photo. One has a stamp for "The Symes Studio, Watkins Glen."

A Watkins Glen "Town Meeting" on April 27, 2000. Left to right in foreground are High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, Superintendent Don Dryden, then-U.S. Senate candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Student Council President Andy Clark.

There are no notations on this photo, taken after a house fire had run its course. A fire hose is visible in the foreground.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* A look as some retirements over the past 15 years or so...
1989 -- John VanDuren (HS Driver Education)
1990 -- Marilyn Filippetti (HS English)
1991 -- Robert Drabkowski (HS Science), Andy Holmes (HS English), Betti Ferri (HS Clerk), Peg Lorenz (ES Teacher), Ernie Tolman (HS Music), Jean Tolman (MS Music), Kitty Depew (HS Library Clerk), Joan Clark (Custodian)
1992 -- Bob Morin (HS Social Studies), " Sheik" Spaulding (HS Monitor)
1993 -- Don Maas (HS Art), Carol Kunzmann (HS Reading/Writing), John Vona (MS Technology), Doris Fazzary (ES Grade 4)
1994 -- Barb Baldwin (HS Secretary), Mabel Rondinaro (Secretary to the Superintendent), Nancy Callahan (ES Grade 4), Betty Lou Pearsall (School Nurse Teacher), Abbott Morgan (HS English), Arlene Kravitz (ES Teacher)
1995 -- Dave Cook (HS Science), Bobbi Olcott (ES Teacher), Hazel Verdegaal (MS Reading),
Julia Rafferty (MS Teaching Assistant)
1996 -- Helen Human (HS Library Clerk), Gerald Loughlin (HS Science), Emma Smith (HS Social Studies), Michael Yuhasz, (ES Principal), Charles Medalie (HS Guidance), Rita Banfi (ES Teacher), Rhoda Givin (MS Nurse's Clerk), Ruth Givin (MS Library Clerk), Gene & Harriet Reasor (Transportation)
1997 -- Chris Huston (HS Home Economics)
1998 -- Pat Tammaro (HS Social Studies), "Midge" Franzese (ES Teacher), Judy Caruso (ES
Teacher), Peter Pevo (ES Grade 4), June Irmischer (HS Science), Marylou Thompson (ES Grade 4), Bill Davis (ES Phys. Educ. and Faculty Manager for Athletics)
1999 -- John Updyke (MS Science), Ross Lyon (MS Resource), Bonnie Dilts (Teacher Aide), Mary Doland (Teacher Aide), Josie Tomassi (Food Service), Kathy Fragola (ES Sp. Ed.), Carol & Ed Lindsay (ES Music)
2000 -- Don Dryden (Superintendent), Mike Watson (HS Health -- died in service 8/2000)
2001 -- Robert King (HS Librarian), JoAnn Axtell (MS English), Bill Henderson (MS Science),
Nancy Cleveland (MS Guidance Secretary -- died in service -- January 2001), Dave Warren
(resigned as HS Math Teacher to accept position as Middle School Principal -- July 2001), Connie Gooley (MS Librarian)
2002 -- Barb Hughey (HS Phys. Educ.), Karen Schamel (ES Teacher), Marilyn Denson (MS
CORE), Linda Gould (ES Grade 2), Ed Westbrook (ES Grade 3), Donna Reimels (ES Teacher), Reetha Shumway (HS Teaching Assistant)
2003 -- Brian O'Donnell (HS Principal), Diane Melveney (HS Math), Dannie Brown (HS English), Richard McIntyre (HS English)
2004 -- Ralph VanBuren (MS Technology), Andrea Heichel (MS Health)
2005 -- Barb Franzese (ES Kindergarten), Chris Omiatek (HS English), Tom Omiatek (School
Psychologist), Steve LoPresti (MS CORE), Lynn Norman (HS Math), Dave VanDyke (MS
Custodian), Ray Thomas (HS Math), Sue Caslin (HS Cleaner)
2006 -- Dan Teed (HS Technology), Nick Dugo (HS Social Studies), Nancy Bahns (HS Social
Studies), Chris Updyke (MS Spanish), Marty Evans (District IST), Connie Lazoration (MS
Home/Career), Dr. Mary Ellen Correa (Superintendent)
2007 -- Richard Schied (MS Math), Tom Planty (HS Social Studies), Kathy Sluty (ES Teacher), Cole Lee (HS Spec. Educ.), Jennifer Butler (MS Spec. Educ.)

********

* 1920's: our own "Black Thursday" fell on January 14, 1929 with the fire that destroyed the high school building; Seniors were able to complete their studies in the Cole-Royce Hall and the
Masonic Temple. This decade came to a close with a major construction project to erect a new
school.
* 1930's: all classes met in off-campus sites until the new building was complete; Class of 1930
put on their Senior Play in the dining hall of the Presbyterian Church, with Commencement taking
place in the Glen Theatre; this decade saw great advances in academics with a strengthening of
the curriculum and the addition of many new academic departments.
* 1940's: perhaps the major change was the retirement of long-time District Principal John A.
Beers in 1941 (came to Watkins as a teacher & Vice Principal in 1901); became District Principal in 1909; arrival of District Principal Warren Hertenstein in 1941 took us through the War-years, gasoline rationing, six-man football and much more; many young men left school during their Junior or Senior year to enter the armed forces for World War II.
* 1950's: decade of Centralization, tenure of District Principal John R. Cook (1953-1964), the
opening of a new Elementary School building and the founding of several new High School clubs; Principal Mae Klube brought stability to the Elementary School, and a fairly substantial
construction project at the high school (today's Middle School) resulted in addition of a girls'
gymnasium, a band room and two industrial arts classrooms.
* 1960's: decade of major change -- retirement of John R. Cook, tenure of Jack Terry, our
enrollment in the SCT-BOCES, the arrival of Dr. Lloyd N. Peak as Chief School Officer (later
Superintendent), the designation of our District as a Superintendency and the construction of a
completely new high school resulting in our current configuration (K-4, Gr. 5-8, and Gr. 9-12
facilities.
* 1970's: at the Elementary School, Principal Mae Klube retired (completing 40 years in education) and Mike Yuhasz began his 25-year term as Elementary School Principal; Charlena Curry retired as Middle School Principal and was replaced by Frederic Lorenz, and Milford "Bud" Warner began his 2nd term as HS Principal in 1974; major renovation took place at the Middle School (via a $1 million grant) & student enrollment reached its highest numbers ever.
* 1980's: the busy decades just continued; "Bud" Warner retired as HS Principal and was replaced by Fred Lorenz; Brian O'Donnell was appointed as Middle School Principal; in 1986
Superintendent Dr. Lloyd N. Peak resigned (after a 20-year tenure) and accepted position as
Superintendent at Amagansset Long Island District; in 1982 the 100th Class graduated from the
Watkins Glen HS; new Superintendent Will Ross joined the District in 1987; HS Principal Fred
Lorenz retired in 1988 and Brian O'Donnell was appointed new HS Principal; former Curriculum Director Sandra Woolley became MS Principal.

*********

* CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Jim Scott and all of his volunteer assistants through the years
--- this is the 20th year for Saturday Morning Watkins Glen Youth Basketball. During that stretch
of time, literally hundreds of area youth have benefitted from Coach Scott's energy & enthusiasm,
talent & personality, kindness and caring ...AND... terrific emphasis on basic skills &
SPORTSMANSHIP. Many of these young athletes have had a major impact on WG Athletic
teams as they have grown and come up through the grades. Just some of his volunteer
"Coaches" who have helped make this program possible are:
* SAM BRUBAKER * NEIL DE RAICHE * TED PEARCE * NICK BARTONE * ED AUGUSTINE * A.J. ELLISON * HOLLY MOSHER * JEFF FAZZARY * DAVID SEITHER * TRACEY WILLIAMS * TRAVIS LINCOLN * JASON SABATINI
* BRIAN COOLICAN * MIKE ARNOLD * NATE WEBER * JON EVANS * MATT CLARK * JEREMY DAVIS

**********

* Clerical Staff -- one of the major SUPPORT groups for the operation of our schools.....

Elementary School: Remember the great jobs done by Gladys Davis, then MaryAnn Van Amburg?
Middle School: Remember what a fine job Jane Knapp did? Anyone remember the year of three secretaries -- Diane LaRue, Gloria Brubaker & Betty Calhoun?
High School: Remember Barb Baldwin and Betti Ferri staffing the Main Office?

* Teaching Assistants: among some of our 1st Teaching Assistants were Jeanette Stephno,
Sandy Berry, Joan Gascon and Julia Rafferty, all in the Middle School. Reetha Shumway had a
20+ year career in the High School. How about those long-serving Teaching Assistants at our
Elementary School -- Barb Fazzary, Lorraine Augustine, Rosemarie Franzese, Marcie Ergott,
Jolene Miller and Angie Morelli? Teacher Aide Jeannie Andrews (ES) also has helped so many
students through the years!

* What a debt of gratitude we owe to the following:
* Sheik Spaulding, Walter Wood and Charlie Butler, Sr. (All Hallway Monitors at the High School over the years);
* Lincoln Wager -- his strong singing voice & assistance with our Basketball program;
* Fred Thorp -- for all of his time and talent assisting our Varsity Basketball program;
* Rick Hughey -- He and his wife Barb cut numerous cross-country ski trails in the State Park so our students could incorporate cross-country skiing into Physical Education classes.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

* 1950 Coach Joe Lamak Varsity Football Team (Games were played at the County Fairgrounds):
-- Les Murray, Ken Smith, Jim Henderson, Jim Paradiso, Frank Bartholomew, Edgar Stratton, Lou DelRosso, Sammy Greis, Harry Van Horn, Bob Wager, Gordon Bauman, Clifford Morehouse, Dick Clark, Kenny Field, Bill Tinker, Keith Smith, Red Matthews, Jerry O'Grady, John Landry, Ted Marciniak, Tony Specchio, Bill Ames, T.J. O'Rourke, Brian Field, George Harnas, Captain Rich Franzese, Co-Captain Fry Herrick, Fran DeSarno, Bill Ryan, Delivan Gates, Tony Tallarido, & Roger Herrick.
Assistant Coach: Bud Warner
Team Manager: "Bub" Smyder

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* WG's 1st Football Team (cicra 1922) following the Great War! Watkins had played football for a number of years prior to the 1920s, then dropped it due to the Great War (World War I). John Donohue, from Boston, a graduate from Holy Cross and a former college football player, convinced Watkins High School administration to bring back football. Halfway through the season Watkins did field a team -- this team defeated Penn Yan 6-0, DeSales (Geneva) 13-0 and St. Peter & Pauls (Elmira) 24-0. As the City of Elmira's High School team was State Championship caliber, Donohue convinced an Elmira Junior Varsity All-Star team to meet Watkins at Elmira's Dunn Field on Thanksgiving Day in 1922. Watkins' John Frank recalled a good game (until most of the Elmira Varsity managed to get into action, too) and Donohue's team lost by a score of 18-0.
* Team Members - Watkins Varsity Football Team 1922:
-- Frank Harrington, Bill Walsh, George Shannon, Daniel Sullivan, Royce Smith, Tommy (Dutch) Moran, ? Johnson, Frank Moran, Herman Klube, Bill Tuttle, Walt (Dope) Powers, David Smith, Levi Brimmer, John Coughlin, Tom Viglione, Delivan Gates, Tom O'Rourke, Irving (Grub) West, Lawrence Skuse, Lynford Wood, John Frank, and Charles Barnard.
Coach: John Donohue
Assistant Business Manager: George Patterson
Manager: Stillwell Brown
Mascot: Leo Frank
Principal: John A. Beers

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Baccalaureate Service -- Sunday, June 24, 1923, 7:30 p.m. Prayer by: Rev. William Guillan
Sermon by Rev. Dewitt Thompson of Auburn, NY

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Schuyler Players present: "You Can't Take it With You" -- March 16, 17, & 18, 1961 in the Elementary School Auditorium.
Cast included: Francis Beattie, Beth Verrill, Carol Symes, William Elkins, George Emery, John Wait, Louise Benton Argetsinger, Thomas Kanaley, Michael Argetsinger, and others. Some people "behind the scenes" included: John Callanan (tickets), Charlotte Curry (set design), and the Girl Scouts of Watkins Glen Troop #1 -- supervised by Mary Sciore -- as ushers.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Senior Class Play 1940 "The Whole Town's Talking"
Cast included: William Kelly, Polly Stillman, Charles Tong, John Wait, Justine Eisenhart, Katherine Kotsones & Esther Green.
Some of the ads in the booklet included: "Elmo M. Royce," "The Thompson Pharmacy," "The Glen Springs," "The Olympian," "Grand Union," "Glen Chevrolet Company," "D. Burr Stone Texaco," "Freudenheim's," "Pellet & James," "The Jefferson Hotel," "Whiting's Alleys," "Woodward & Stouffer Hardware," "Nick's Fruit Store" & others...
Class Officers for this Class of 1940 were:
President: Essie Osterhoudt
Vice Pres.: Ruth Woodward
Secretary: Marguerite King
Treasurer: Robert James
Business Manager: George Scaptura
Class Advisor: Mr. Timms

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Senior Class Play 1970: "Teahouse of the August Moon" directed by Marilyn Filippetti and Donald H. Maas, March 20 and 21, 1970
-- Behind the scenes: Mr. Nick Giambo (Scenery), Mrs. Anne Woodworth (Advisor), Mr. Daniel Teed (Printing), Mr. Harold Mathews (Advisor)
-- Cast included: David Chicone, David Havens, Jenny Dean, Carmen Garrett, George Weed, Fred Kelly, Elizabeth Franzese, Carol Colunio, David Dunbar, Liz Smith, David Symes, Marilyn Wilson, Mary Rose Spena, Allison Maas, Larry Specchio, Barry O'Malley, Sam Argetsinger,
Richard Garland, Ernie Thurston, Bill Palmer, Sam Baldwin, Steve Tinker, Sue Bauman, Roann Baldassarre, Dianne Dunlap, Peggy Doolittle & Christine Hickey.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Commencement --- June 24, 1930: At 2:30 p.m., held at the Glen Theatre (due to the fire previously at the High School).
Salutatory Address, Carl Walsh; Class History, Irving Russell; Class Prophesy, Elizabeth Mourey; Senior Oration, Roger Chapman; Class Will, Doris Ely; Charge to Juniors, Doug Giles; Violin Solo, Elizabeth Walsh; Valedictory, Grace Birge

-- Presenting High School Diplomas: W.W. Clute, President, Board of Education
-- Presenting Regents Diplomas: Principal John A. Beers
-- Prizes Awarded: Scholarship Medal, Scholarship Cup, PTA English Prize, "Norman W. Abbey" Oratorical Prize, and the NYS Chemistry Prize

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* 1968-1969 athletic information:
Cross Country Team: Coach Ed Lindsay; Co-Captains Paul Albertson & Jack Hoose (Team was Lakes Region League Champion)
Varsity Basketball: Coach Pete Galatis; Co-Captains Mike Learn, Jim Nitche & John Margreno (Team record 13-6; 3rd place in League)
Wrestling Team: Coach Jeff Smythe; Co-Captains Steve Franzese & Jack Hoose (overall record 5-6-1)
Tennis Team: Coach Major Coleman; Captain Sam DeDominicis, four-year record was 34-6
Golf Team: Coach Pete Galatis; Captain Dale Havens (team finished 4th in Lakes Region League)
Track Team: Coach Ed Lindsay; Co-Captains -- All the Seniors (Team record 10-2, Champion of Lakes Region League)
Varsity Baseball: Coach Bill Davis (Team Record was 11-5, Champions of the Lakes Region League)
Varsity Cheerleading: Coach Malloy (Members: Karen Callanan, Carol Colunio, Barb Flahive, Liz Franzese, Carmen Garrett, Diann Semski & Connie Woodward
Varsity Majorettes: Coach Snyder; Team Members were Jennie Dean, Peggy Doolittle, Nancy Johnson, Mary Rose Spena & Marilyn Wilson
*** The All Sports Banquet --- the 2nd in our history --- was held at St. Mary's Center

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Commencement -- June 23, 1931: At 2:30 p.m., Watkins Glen High School Auditorium (1st one held there after new construction!)
Salutatory, Anna Morris; Class History, Charles Decker; Class Prophesy, Selma Howard; Violin Solo, John T. Beers; Class Will, Ellen Kelly; Charge to Juniors, June Cunningham; Reply, Richard Walsh; Valedictory, Nello Arcangeli
Essay (Training Class Honor) -- Grace Birge, "Character Building"
Presentation of Diplomas: W.W. Clute; Awarding of Palmer Method Teacher Certificates: H.O. Ganung
Presentation of Regents Diplomas: Principal John A. Beers

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Alumni Banquet: June 22, 1985: Presented by the Class of 1960 (the 25-Year Class)
Call to Order: Superintendent Dr. Lloyd N. Peak
Alumni Association Business: Jim Chedzoy
Dinner: Catered by Carol Bower
1960 Officers, Alumni Association: President, James Chedzoy; Vice President, Nancy King Cole; Secretary, Marge Smith Arcangeli; Treasurer, Gerri Yanch
1961 Officers, Alumni Association: President, Jo Pat Wright; Vice President, John Updyke;
Secretary, Rosemary Schimizzi; Treasurer, William Green

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

* Baccalaureate Service: June 21, 1925: Held at local church.
Prayer, Rev. F.N. Bouck; Sermon, Rev. Robert J. Drysdale of Rochester, NY

* Baccalaureate Service: June 20, 1926: Held at First Methodist Episcopal Church.
Prayer, Rev. A.B. Herr; Sermon, Rev. Adna Wright Leonard, Bishop of Buffalo Area

Faculty and students of the old Watkins High pose in front of the school in this undated photo.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 20 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them is the one at right -- of the fire that destroyed the old Watkins High School in 1929. The ruins were leveled, and the school rebuilt on the same site -- what is now the Watkins Glen Middle School.

Another view of the school, pre-fire, can be seen in the photo above the headline.

Rear of the Watkins High School before the 1929 fire. It's now the site of the Middle School

These are members of the Watkins Glen High School at Mount Vernon, Virginia, in 1930.

This appears to be a group identified with Watkins High School during 1915-16 (the date on the ball). Eona Burnett is holding the ball. Kneeling are Florence Wood Eisenhart (left) and Maude Simpson. Seated, from left: Kathryn Wood Ball, Lola Harwood Chidester, Elizabeth Stevens Burrell and Marie Orzechowski.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Another segment of our stroll down the halls of Watkins Glen Central Schools brings the following:

In the Spring of 1982 -- just in time for the 100th commencement ceremony in our history -- I was part of an effort to coordinate the first 100 years of our District's history. That effort resulted in "The 100 Year's Book" -- a pretty comprehensive compilation of the history (people & events) of the Watkins Glen Central School District from 1883 through 1982.

It's time again to update that history, and I'm pleased to announce that a "new" book is in the works. This volume will speak to the entire history of the District from prior to 1883 up to and including the current Class of 2008. Watch for more details in the next month or so and learn how you can secure a copy of the new (and improved) "100 Years Book + 26"

To continue "dusting off" some of the events and achievements from years gone by, I offer the following this month:

* 1982-1983 school year:

Class Officers were.....

..................Seniors and Juniors
President: Allison Isley, Ed Alling
Vice Pres.: Eric Rocholl, Chris Wickham
Secretary: Sharron Scaptura, Margaret Franzese
Treasurer: Adrienne Kramer, Don Mason

..................Sophomores and Freshmen
President: Laurie Caldwell, Dina Ciprich
Vice Pres.: Kim Kelly, Michele Pierce
Secretary: Elaine Ware, Joe Gibbons
Treasurer: Betsy Bianco, Lisa Osborne

* 1983-1984 school year:
-- Yearbook was dedicated to Mr. Frank Steber, English Teacher for the past 34 years (29 of those in Watkins Glen!);
-- Lori Bruce (Italy) & Gwen James (Denmark) spent a year of study abroad;
-- Dawn Maricle (1965-1981) and Michael Osborne (1965-1981) were featured as members of the Class of 1984.

* 1984-1985 school year:
-- Major changes included end of the old A-B-C schedule in favor of more traditional scheduling at the high school; "Free" periods for Juniors & Seniors were eliminated in favor of "Honor Passes";
-- Computer Education was added to the curriculum and the Regents Action Plan became a reality.

* 1985-1986 school year:
-- Some "inside" information shared by the staff of the Senecan included:
1. "Emily Kramer, Mike Klemann and Kelly Bonzo from the Junior Class (are) examples & an inspiration to other students";
2. "Lisa Bartone, Jeff Forney & Steve Beaver ... all experienced driving woes in the 'Speed Zone'";
3. "Those stylish standout students -- Mindy Franzese in her mermaid skirt, Keli Hall wearing her oversized jacket, Marcia Josey in her fingerless black lace gloves, Neil Fazzary in his break dancing clothes, Brian Naylor wearing his cream white suit, Ben Kramer in his paisley shirt and Carol Morin/Rhonda Van Alstine/Sonja Voorheis for 'awesone and different hair styles.'"

..... moving on into the 21st Century:

* 2000-2001 school year:
-- Craig Cheplick was named by West Virginia University as "Person Who Made A Difference in My Life" as nominated by student Brandon Margreno;
-- Judy Pearce, school bus driver, walked 10 miles in the annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk and raised $1,540.50 for research;
-- "Operation Recognition" (granting High School diplomas to veterans who were in World War II and who had to leave High School to enter the Armed Services):
1. Herbert Allen Templar 12/08/00
2. Elmer T. Buckley 12/20/00
3. John C. Coolican 1/19/01
4. Clyde J. Weed 2/08/01
5. Albert Colunio 4/30/01
* This program was later extended to include veterans from the Korean War as wel l...

* 2001-2002 school year:
-- High School "X-Day" schedule was eliminated in favor of a more traditional one;
-- Peggy & Ken Field donated a number of plants to adorn the HS library;
-- Bob Foote continued to be a fabulous resource and trouble shooter behind the scenes in the Broadcast Studio;
-- Congressman Amory Houghton donated a U.S. Flag -- which had flown over the U.S. Capitol Building on January 22, 2002 -- to be placed on permanent display in our Field House
-- RYAN COON was presented with a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program & LYNN MARIE BENNETT became a published poet by having a poem published in "The International Library of Poetry -- A River of Emotion."

* 2002-2003 school year:
-- "Open Campus" (at lunch time) ended for Grade 9 students as plans were put in place to phase out this long-standing privilege with one additional Class per year
-- Laurie Macri & Gail Butler, Main Office clerical, won the annual Halloween Costume "Funniest" category by virtue of their "Bathing Beauty" shirts.
-- Teachers Sam Brubaker, Nancy Ruda, Margaret Swinnerton and Kate Barthomomew were presented with 5-year service pins for their years of teaching
-- Theresa Bianco and Gabrielle Rosier were instrumental in getting information packed into the two new corner stones (one at the entrance to the High School Main Office and one at the entrance to the Field House)...

Some Athletic achievements over the years:
Next time you're in our Field House, think about the following:
-- 1st JV and Varsity Boys' Basketball games played there -- December 3, 2002 against Odessa-Montour; some of the "1st's" in those games :
* 1st JV basket made by: Brian Rentschler
* 1st Varsity basket made by: Drew Bubb
* 1st Varsity assist, steal & 3-pointer: Todd Lincoln
Team Scores: JV's -- WG 28, OM 27
* Conor Flahive scored winning points via foul shots with 4 seconds left.
Varsity -- WG 70, OM 32
-- Todd Lincoln had game-high 16 points
-- Craig Bianco had three 3-pointers

Scholar-Athlete teams (2001-02) -- probably our best year ever for these awards:
-- Boys' Soccer -- Girls' Soccer -- Girls' Swimming
-- Varsity Softball -- Girls' Cross Country -- Golf Team
-- Girls' Track -- Boys' Cross Country -- Tennis Team
-- Girls' Varsity Basketball Team

More "1st's" 2001-2002 year... Varsity Baseball Team on newly constructed field
--1st pitch: ceremonial 1st pitch thrown out by former Varsity Baseball Coach and then Middle School Principal Dave Warren -- catcher was NICK BUTLER
-- 1st WG Baserunner was JON PRESTON -- drew a walk, then stole a base;
-- 1st WG hit and RBI -- NICK BUTLER with a single scoring JON PRESTON with 1st WG run

Varsity Girls' Softball Team on newly constructed field: 2001-2002 year...
-- Keri McIlroy, Class of 1996 (Member of WG Athletic Hall of Fame as a pitcher, 20-3 during the 1995-95 season) threw out 1st ball/ceremonial pitch
-- 1st WG Hit: Shannon Lewis (a single)
-- 1st run scored: Ashley Bauman
-- 1st RBI: Jessica Brown (a 2-run double, the 1st double)
-- 1st triple: April Byers
-- Jessica Brown was 3 for 5 with a double and 4 RBIs
-- Shannon Lewis was 3 for 4 with 2 doubles & 2 RBIs
-- Katie Oats & Sylvia Brown had 2 hits each

1860's: April 3, 1863, the Chapter 69 Laws of 1863 were enacted to create a Union Free School District in the Village of Watkins and to create a Board of Education "therein with powers of taxation and other powers for school purposes." The formal name was established as the Watkins Academy. A Charter of Operation was received from New York State, and the Watkins Union School District began.

1870's: This decade saw the District go from early uncertainty and changing educational direction to the consistency & stabliization provided by the arrival of Professor S.S. Johnson, who re-wrote the curriculum and condensed the time frame of each grade level from two years to one year, thereby allowing more students to stay in school and attend high school.

1880's: Mary Freer became the 1st graduate (1883) and Lula Martin received the 1st Regents diploma (1884). Classes during this decade averaged just four students per senior year with the 1st male students -- Herbert Morgan & Edward Thompson -- being in the Class of 1887.

1890's: During this decade, only nine young men graduated from high school as compared to forty-six young women; there were two major fires (6/19/1897 and 2/04/1898) which virtually destroyed all school facilities; while rebuilding took place, classes were held in such places as Gurnett's Hall (corner of Third & Franklin Sts.), the Baldwin Block (located on the site of the current Glen Theater) and the Beach Building of the Sheldon Block (just east of the old
Jefferson Hotel).

1900's: Several major events characterized the arrival of the new Century -- among them the arrival of Professor John Beers as teacher & Vice Principal in 1901, plus increasing enrollment (senior classes now averaged 11 students) and the formation of extracurricular activities and athletic teams.

1910's: This decade was noted for many things:
-- Class of 1910 was 1st graduating class under Professor Beer's leadership (S.S. Johnson having retired in 1909);
-- Class of 1911 was last class NOT to have an annual Senior Trip;
-- Class of 1912 was 1st Senior Class to have a Senior Trip;
-- Class of 1914: each member of the Class shook the hand of United States President Woodrow Wilson in Washington, D.C.;
-- Class of 1917 was forced to cancel their Senior Trip (due to World War I);
-- Class of 1918 went to Niagara Falls for their Senior Trip (again due to World War I).

A 1964 retirement get-together. From left: John R. Cook, Doris Owens, Grace Abbott, unknown, and Mae Klube.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 16 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them are the one at right, showing a Burdett PTA meeting that featured David Ruggles (Burdett Elementary School principal from 1957-60), Mrs. Edward Bond and Mrs. Dallas Landrum.

In the photos presented here, there are often unidentified persons. If anyone has information as to the identification of such photo subjects, let us know.

Watkins Training Class of 1916.

Watkins Glen High School senior class graduation, 1949.

Watkins High School boys basketball team from 1904-05. Back row, from left: unknown, Albert Forbes, unknown, and Coach (and vice principal) John Beers. Front row, from left: H.W. Burch, unknown, unknown, and Alvin T. Spencer, team captain. A year later, the team went 16-0. Members of that squad included Spencer, Forbes, Burch, Tom Lembeck, F.C. Nichols and Frank Macreey.

Watkins High School girls basketball team from 1921-22.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Another segment of our stroll down the halls of Watkins Glen Central Schools brings the following:

* Class of 1983 - the 25th Anniversary Class for this year's Alumni Banquet:

-- Class Officers:

President -- ALLISON ISLEY
Vice. Pres -- ERIC ROCHOLL
Secretary -- SHARI SCAPTURA
Treasurer -- ADRIENNE KRAMER

-- Student Council President: MATT SERLO
-- "Northrup Foundation Award," "Freer Mucklow Award" and "Harriett Allen English Award" winner: LENA HORWITZ
-- "Louis Rondinaro Award": KRISTI PEAK
-- "Southern Tier Guidance Counselor Award": HEIDI HOLLAND
-- "Elizabeth Johnson Clute" & "Winifred Chase Love" Music Awards: ROBIN TOLMAN

-- Yearbook "Senecan" was dedicated to Business Education Teacher: MRS. ANNE MORGAN MEEHAN with special mention and honor to retiring Guidance Office Secretary: MRS. DOROTHY COGSDILL, completing 22 years of service, and MISS EMMA SMITH (having no regular assigned classroom but assigned to the "dental office" as her office space); and MRS. RUTH WARNER for "having a well used and worn planbook."

-- Cited for successful and winning ways were:
1) BUD NEMETH -- for BMX Moto Cross racing
2) LAURIE CALDWELL -- for Cheerleading (1st place at Lake George Invitationals and 8th place in the Nationals in Michigan)

-- Mentioned for sailing success (16 foot Hobie Cat) for three outstanding finishes in the Glenora Cup:
*ADAM MARCINIAK
*KENNY THURSTON

-- ISANO ASADA: exchange student from Japan
-- JULIE METAL: an unusual hobby as a "fish farmer"

-- MISSY HORNER: blind since birth but rose above her handicap to do many things (bowl, archery and travel to France).

-- DICK KENDALL: worked for Schuyler County Sheriff's Department & Hector/Valois/Logan Fire Department as a rescue diver searching for drowning victims.

Additional achievements/honors for Members of the Class of 1983 include:

-- JANICE AMEIGH: BOCES VICA Vice President;
-- DONALD (BRUD) HOLLAND: Football & Swim Team co-Captain; 2nd Team ALL STATE as a Kicker;
-- ALLISON ISLEY: Class President as a Freshman & Senior;
-- WENDY PEARSALL: Math Club Secretary & National Honor Society Vice President;
-- SHARRON SCAPTURA: Ski Club Treasurer, Homecoming Queen and Class Secretary Grades 11 and 12;
-- MONICA STANSFIELD: Class Secretary in Grade 10;
-- BARRY MC KINNEY: became a certified pilot in a Cessna 172 before he ever drove a car;
-- DARRIN STOCUM was 1st Team ALL-STATE in Football;
-- KATHY HATSELL: Captain, Girls' Swim Team

In Athletics the 1983 year was memorable:
-- Varsity Football Team (8-2) was Division 1 Champion
-- Girls Tennis Team was 8-3
-- Boys' Swim team completed a three-year record of 34-1 under Coach Steve Woodworth

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Official dedication for the Watkins Glen Elementary School:
October 18, 1953

Invocation..... Rev. James V. Davidson, Pastor
First Baptist Church

Welcome..... Don J. Wickham, Vice President
Watkins Glen Board of Education

Acceptance of building.... Frank A. Cole, President
Watkins Glen Board of Education

Remarks..... Mrs. Laura Merrill, President,
Watkins Glen Parent-Teacher Association

Band.......... Mr. Raymond A. Bailey, Director

Benediction.... Rev. Benedict Ehmann, Pastor
St. Mary's of the Lake Church

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

50 Year Class to be honored at Alumni Banquet in June:
* CLASS of 1958...

1958 "Senecan" (Yearbook)
JUDY HAUGHEY: editor-in-chief
....BARBARA BUCK, BECKY COOK, MARY LOU CALDWELL, STEVE HOARE & ELISSA MC ANARNEY: contributing editors...

Class Officers were:
President..............ALICE GAREY
Vice President.......DAVID FRABONI
Secretary..............SUZANNE WHITE
Treasurer...............BARBARA RICHARDSON
Publicity Mgr.........JUDY HAUGHEY
Business Mgr........ELIZABETH MC ANARNEY

Other Club Leaders:
"Student Standard" Editor: BARBARA BUCK
FHA President: MARJORIE SHAFFER
Future Nurses President: ANN ROWLES
Lettermen's Club President: PATRICK PANGALLO
Projection Club President: STEVE HOARE
Future Farmers President: RALPH VEDDER
Dramatics Club President: BRUCE WARD

Senior Play was"Onions in the Straw." Featured roles went to:
REBECCA COOK ..... TYLER SCHOUTEN
...MARY JO O'GRADY ..... JUDY HAUGHEY
...DAVID FRABONI ... JERRY SMYDER
...NORM WISNER ...... ISABEL WOLCOTT
...LINDA FITCH ..... JEANETTE STRONG
...ELISSA MC ANARNEY ..... BARBARA BUCK
...CAROLE NITTOLY ..... ALICE GAREY

On June 23, 1958 at Commencement the top 10 Seniors were:

ELISSA MC ANARNEY
MARY LOU CALDWELL
BARBARA BUCK
ALICE GAREY
JUDY HAUGHEY
DON BRUBAKER
NANCY HORNER
REBECCA COOK
BRUCE WARD
TOM JAYNES

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

In the spring of 1996 I visited former County Superintendent of Schools (and retired SCT-BOCES Superintendent) IRVING D. GOODRICH, Sr. in Elmira's Arnot Ogden Hospital. I asked him if he was frustrated by the fact that his doctors had told him he was to be discharged from the hospital five days earlier and he was still there. His reply was, "For nine years I drove Route 14 between Watkins Glen and BOCES and I soon learned never to be frustrated about anything."

Watkins Glen School Board from an unspecified year. Standing, from left: Harold Ely, clerk; Irving Goodrich, superintendent; Harry Sebring; John Hoare, and Warren Mertenstein, principal. Seated, from left: Leona Everts, Frank Cole, Dr. Jackson, Estelle Kerr, and John Bolton.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 14 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

Among them are the one at right, showing a 1939 Riding Club affiliated with Watkins High School.

From left were Emily Bell, Barbara Sebring, Anne Odell, Aileen J. Thompson, Margaret Quirk, Dorothy Van Fleet, Virginia Timms and Esther Freudheim.

The 1903 Watkins High School basketball team.

Sophomore class officers from 1962. Seated, from left: Mr. Vona, advisor; Carol Wade, vice president; and Gary Granston, president. Standing, from left: Karen Doolittle, secretary; Arthur Roberts, business manager; and Patrick Fennell, treasurer.

Watkins Glen Senior Class officers, 1962. Seated from left: Gail Palmer, secretary; Francis Schaefer, advisor; Steven Williams, president; and Martha Johnson, treasurer. Standing from left: William Pierce, vice president; and Dan Dolk, business manager.

A 1929-30 Watkins High School team. From the kneepads, it would appear that these were volleyball players.

From 1927, this Watkins High group represented track competitors.

To view photos from the Kelly Collection, click here.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Continuing our "stroll" down the hallways of the Watkins Glen Central School District, we find the following bits of information:

* Wouldn't it be something to formally name the Watkins Glen Fieldhouse to honor three former long-time teachers & coaches of note:

Coach Francis W. Blake
WG Career: 1933-1967
Coached: All Sports plus Boxing and Tumbling
Hall of Fame: 1991

Coach Joseph J. Lemak
WG Career: 1948-83
Coached: All Sports
Hall of Fame: 1990

Coach Peter Galatis
WG Career: 1955-87
Coached: Golf, Basketball, Football
Hall of Fame: 1991

Additional facts:

Coach Blake: Physical Education teacher, and Vice Principal for 13 years; coached 6-man football teams during World War II years and beyond (11-man football teams returned in 1948); yearbook dedications from the students in 1945 & 1952 (Oracles) and 1960 Senecan.

Coach Lemak: Health & General Science Teacher, coach & Athletic Director; taught Driver Education; coordinated Saturday morning winter recreational program (Gr. 4-12); avid golfer, winning WG club championship in 1953, 1955, 1956, & 1957; coached varsity boys' basketball team to Section IV, Class B Championship in 1951; elected to the Section IV "Hall of Fame" in 1993.

Coach Galatis: Taught Physical Education in our elementary school from 1955-1969 and in our middle school from 1969-1987; in 1962 formed district's 1st golf team; served 14 years as boys' varsity basketball coach; coached a remarkable number of WG Hall of Fame athletes; outstanding athlete in his own right (Southern Tier All-Star quarterback for football and All Star in basketball at Johnson City, and played varsity basketball, wrestled and was on golf team at Ithaca College.)

These three gentlemen chartered the course of athletic history at Watkins Glen for more than 50 years! They truly connect our "Proud Past" to our "Promising Future."

*******

With the Christmas season upon us, let's look back at one high school tradition begun by Librarian BOB KING back in 1988 --- the "Door Decorating Contest." Winning classrooms and the year of victory follow:
1988/89: DAN TEED
1989-90: DIANE MELVENEY
1990-91: KATE LAMOREAUX
1991-92: RAY THOMAS
1992-93: DAN TEED (a double winner!)
1993-94: KATE LAMOREAUX (ditto!)
1994-95: EILEEN MALANEY
1995-96: ELAINE WOJTUS
1996-97: PAT TAMMARO
1997-98: KELLY MUIR
1998-99: TOM PLANTY
1999-00: KATE BARTHOLOMEW
2000-01: ELAINE WOJTUS (another double!)
2001-02: NANCY RUDA, DANIELLE MAZZOLA, DENNIS BRADY, REETHA SHUMWAY & PEGGY RICHARDSON ("Santa" was busy that year!)
2002-03: NANCY BAHNS & NICK DUGO

* The "Winning" classroom always earned a pizza party from the Library Council!!!

Memory Lane...

* MAE KLUBE (pictured at right) -- born in New York City as Mae Elizabeth Christensen (married Harry Klube in December of 1946);
-- graduated from Dundee High School, Penn Yan Teacher Training Class, Oswego Normal School, Buffalo State Teachers' College & Cortland Normal School;
-- taught Gr. 1-8 in rural schools in Rock Stream, Crystal Valley, Crystal Springs, Bennettsburg & Townsend prior to becoming a substitute teacher in Watkins Glen in 1944;
- - retired as principal at Watkins Glen Elementary School on July 1, 1971 (with 27 years of service at Watkins Glen -- 14 as teacher, 13 as principal -- along with 14 years of teaching service elsewhere for a career total of 41 years);
-- noted for "being always one step ahead in implementing new ideas of value while ignoring those ideas which were not so valuable; her sense of humor and devotion to young people served to make her loved or respected or both by all who knew her." (School Newsletter for December, 1971)
-- from her letter of retirement: "I have been privileged to work and associate with many diligent, talented and cooperative people who gave generously of their time and efforts to provide for the education and well being of the children."
-- Mae Klube died in 1981.

...from the 'Student Standard' (school newspaper) October 1948:

Editor-in-Chief: ANNE CARTMELL
Associate Editor: BOB PARADISO
Contributing: SETH SMITH, MARGARET PETRIE, CLIFFORD MOREHOUSE, BILL
WHITING, RODERIC MATHEWS, FLORENCE BELLOWS & RUTH HUBER.....and many more

One story: Titled "Chit Chat":

The students of WGHS have many different ideas on many different subjects. Here are a few of the many male sentiments on that much discussed topic, the "New Look":
G. Gotrly: "Only a woman could think up something that stupid."
B. Shires: "I don't have to wear it so it doesn't bother me."
Fry Herrick: "If girls want to wear evening gowns, why don't they wear the whole thing instead of cutting off six inches?"
B. Chapman: "It used to be 'nice legs', now it's 'nice ankles.'"

.....speaking of the "New Look" (in summation): "Reminds one of prohibition days. The joints are still there but they're harder to find."

*******

Basketball Season is here: let's review some interesting information from the first boys' basketball games vs. Odessa-Montour in the new Field House (12/3/2002):

1st JV Basket: BRIAN RENTSCHLER
1st Varsity Basket: DREW BUBB
1st Varsity 3-pointer & steal: TODD LINCOLN
The games: JV's: WG 28, OM 27
(Conor Flahive scored winning points via foul shots with less than 4 seconds to go!)
Varsity: WG 70, OM 32
(Todd Lincoln scored game-high 16 points; Craig Bianco had three 3-pointers).

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!

The Watkins Glen Elementary School 4th grade class of Brian O'Donnell (top right) included: Top row, from left, Vicki Bovaird, A.K. Thurston, Margaret Cornish, Rick Dunbar, Gina Marcellino and Lindsay Wickham; second row, from left, James Minichiello, Nancy Franzese, Patti Sopp and Kevin Wager; third row, from left, Brooke Webster, Robert Ector, Nora Rogers, Charles Blim, Michelle Holmes, Jerry Ely and Jennifer Fitch; and bottom row, from left, Sharon Kuttner, Karla Raplee, Pattie Van Horn, Hildegarde Hoke, Anne Paradiso, Lynn Cunningham and Sharon Edsall.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 14 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more photos from days long gone by.

One contains O'Donnell himself with his Watkins Glen Elementary School 4th grade class in 1972-73. Another features a 1924 Watkins Glen class, and -- according to information from Mary McGrath Owen -- two show members of the 1980 school production of "Oklahoma." Also included: a non-photo in the form of an 1891 Certificate of Promotion from the Watkins Union School.

Photo in text: "Cowboys" in the 1980 production of "Oklahoma." From left are Bill Ruger, Ryan Tolman, Henry Rocholl, and Mike Myers.

Maggie Field, left, and Mary McGrath work backstage on the 1980 "Oklahoma" production.

This is the class of 1924 at Watkins Glen. There are no names with it.

Self-explanatory: A certificate of promotion for a first-grader in 1891.

There is no date on this one. It shows Lloyd Peak -- who was superintendent in the Watkins Glen school district -- on the left, and Jim Whiting on the right.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Continuing our "stroll" down the hallways of the Watkins Glen Central School District, we find the following bits of information:

Rotary Students of the Month:

.............1994-95........1995-96
Oct. -- Brett Mahon...Peter Dugo
Nov. -- Andy Henderson...Mike Paugh
Dec. -- Mary Martha Brubaker...Stacey Morgan
Jan. -- Seth DePuy...Sarah Winstead
Feb. -- Angela Foster...Heather Kendall
Mar. -- Katie Bills...Rebecca Watson
Apr. -- Blanche Franzese...Keri McIlroy
May -- Jessica Colon...Janna Solomon

History of the Watkins Glen Central School District:

(1) Oracle of 1906 -- written by Jane M. Haring from the Class of 1898 -- updated from the beginning through 1906.
(2) Oracle of 1941 -- written by staff -- updated from early times through 1941
(3) In 1960, Librarian/Historian Mrs. Louise Stillman updated from early times through 1960
(4) In 1982, Middle School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell updated from early times through 1982 to honor the 100th Graduating Class from our District.

Under Warren Hertenstein - District Supervisory Principal from 1941-1953:
-- during World War II (1941-1945), students sold national defense stamps and many students and faculty joined Civil Defense;
-- because of World War II, the Senior Trips were to New York City and not Washington, D.C. (Classes of 1942-43-44-45);
-- due to gasoline rationing and smaller enrollments (as many Juniors and Seniors enlisted in the Armed Forces) we had short football seasons (six games AND 6-man football rather than the usual 11-man football);
-- Oracle (Yearbook) Dedications:
1942 -- Mrs. Harriette Allen
1943 -- Mrs. Naomi Roberts
1944 -- Mr. Donald Harkness
1945 -- Mr. Francis Blake
1946 -- Miss Lucy Viglione
1947 -- to men & women who lost their lives in
World War II
1948 -- Mr. John Goetchius
1949 -- Mr. Raymond Bailey
1950 -- Coach Joe Lemak
1951 -- Mr. Milford (Bud) Warner

Under John R. Cook, District Supervising Principal from 1953-1964:
-- "Senecan" replaced "Oracle" as school Yearbook
-- National Honor Society was organized, Student Council was instituted, Library Club was organized and Lettermen's Club began; Photography Club and Future Nurse's Club were organized;
-- Senecan Dedications:
1954 -- Mr. John Elliott
1955 -- Mr. Richard Fetterman
1956 -- Mr. John Rowles
1957 -- Mrs. Myrtle Miller
1958 -- Mr. Donald Harkness
1959 -- Mrs. Irene Gillette
1960 -- Coach Blake

Under Mr. Jack Terry, Supervising Principal from 1964-1967:
-- Senecan dedications:
1965 -- Mrs. Naomi Roberts
1966 -- Mr. Gerald Loughlin
1967 -- Mr. Frank Steber

-- in 1965 we joined the SCT-BOCES system

Watkins Training Class (future teachers) 1923-24:
-- Ernest Brimmer, Instructor
Mildred LaRue, Edith Spader, Marion Koch, Beatrice Jennings, Eleanor Boyce, Alta Hall,
Leona Butler, Bernice States, Geneive Oiven, Frances Wickham

.....Photographed at their 50th Reunion were:
Bernice States Dunham, Beatrice Jennings Marsh, Marion Koch Cashady, Edith Spader Updyke, Leona Butler Smyder, Alta Hall Decker, Frances Wickham Wiggin, Eleanor Boyce Schimpff, Mildred LaRue Burnett

Athletic Team Most Valuable Players 1972-73 season:
Softball....................................LEE HERRICK
Basketball (Girls)......................LEE HERRICK
Swimming (Girls) .....................PEG MC GONIGAL
Swimming (Boys).....................DAN HOLMAN
Football...................................HAROLD CHAFFEE
Wrestling.................................BYRON THOMPSON
Basketball................................JOHN CALLANAN
Cross Country..........................KEVIN MURPHY
Track...................................... HAROLD CHAFFEE
Baseball...................................JEFF GARDNER
Tennis......................................DOUG COLEMAN
Golf.........................................MIKE MOORE

Historical first:

AMANDA AHO -- Grade 9 (1997-98) -- pins her Wrestling opponent in the 1st NYS Wrestling match between two females (January).

Senior Trip information as compiled by Senior Class Advisor Nick Dugo in 1982:
-- Class of 1912 was our 1st Class to have a Senior Trip
-- Class of 1917 (because many public buildings were closed during World War I) decided to forgo its trip to Washington, D.C. and donate its hard-earned funds to the school to purchase playground equipment
-- Class of 1918 took its Senior Trip to Niagara Falls (probably because of World War I)
-- Class of 1914 --- EVERY member of the Class shook hands with President Woodrow Wilson

Members of the Watkins Glen school district administrative team in the early 1990s. From left: Mike Yuhasz (Elementary School principal); Brian O'Donnell (High School principal); Peter Pevo (Middle School principal), and Don Dryden (Superintendent).

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 8 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with more group photos from days long gone by.

One is of O'Donnell himself with other Watkins Glen school district officials back in the early 1990s; while the others deal with a food prep setting, a play rehearsal, and a class photo from 1961.

Rehearsing for a school play in the 1980s were, from left, Lorraine Hall, Kristi Peak, Angela Nyre, Colette Kramer, Sharron Scaptura and Alison Isley.

Rehearsing for the same play as in the photo above were Jennifer Fitch and Chris Calhoun.

According to the caption material provided with this photo: "Rick Smith, Joe VanAmburg and Bill Wagner whipping up some fun."

Mrs. Withiam's class in 1961. Front row, from left: Sammy Argetsinger, Wanda Houseworth, Sandra Usher, Dennis Morris, Nona Graves, Kenneth Porter and Clifford Gardner. Back row, from left: Kathleen Ackley, Constance Haupt, Gloria Simpson, David LeGro, Lana Rea, Mrs. Withiam, Larry Woodworth and Joel Dean.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Continuing our "stroll" down the hallways of the Watkins Glen Central School District, we find the following bits of information:

* Alumni Banquet History:
- 1964 : MISS BERTHA THOMPSON was given an award for attending her 60th banquet;
- 1926/1966: JACK THOMPSON served as Alumni Association Treasurer;
- 1958: ELIZABETH MC ANARNEY was given the 1st Citizenship Award;
- 1961: Head Table was adorned by flowers sent in by a Classmate from Hawaii;
- 1968: Alumni Association voted to donate $400.00 to the Schuyler Hospital Building Fund;
- 1973: Class of 1948 (25th Year Class) presented a painting to the school in memory of JAMES FRANZESE;
- 1993/94: District Calendar dedicated to SUSAN ROLOSON DRAKE, Class of 1912 -- our oldest living alumnus at that time (turned 100 years old in February of 1993)

* June, 1989: Retirements: LOLA ANNE LUTOMSKE, JOHN VAN DUREN,
AMELIA ADESSO, HELEN SORTORE & HELEN PURVIS
Resignations: ROXANNE KNAPP & JEAN VANDER VLIET
Earlier retirements that same year: MARILYN FILIPPETTI, EMILIA MORELLI & SANDRA WOOLLEY

* Those we remember: Month of October deaths:
-- October 6, 1999: Dominick "Art" Fazzary -- school bus driver for 45 years;
-- October 11, 2000: Jean Hanville, former Gr. 4 teacher
-- October 12, 2005: Elizabeth Amisano, Class of 2003
-- October 13, 1994: Frances Martz, Elementary School Teacher
-- October 18, 2001: Coach Joe Lemak, HS Teacher/Coach/Athletic Director
-- October 18, 2004: Glenn Davis, Custodian/Cleaner
- October 23, 2001: Dorothy Foote, Elementary School Teacher
-- October 25, 2004: Dr. Thomas (Jack) Love, Long-time Board of Education Member & President
-- October 26, 1997: Doris Ely Owen, Teacher
-- October 26, 2006: Camille Meek, CSE Chairperson
-- October 30, 2006: John W. Lutomske (Big John!) -- School Bus Driver 43 years

* 1988/89 High School Class Officers:

-- Senior Class: President COLLEEN LOTT; Vice. Pres SUNNY WINSTEAD; Secretary BECKY PEARCE; Treasurer DANIELLE GOOD

-- Junior Class: President MARGARET FAZZARY; Vice Pres. CHANDRA FLAHIVE; Secretary BECKY DRAKE; Treasurer LAURI FOLNSBEE

-- Sophomore Class: President KIRRA MC DERMOTT
Vice Pres. PETER LA MOREAUX
Secretary ALLISON MOFFETT
Treasurer MARNIE DAVIS

-- Freshman Class: President: BRIAN COLEMAN
Vice. Pres: MARY FRANZESE
Secretary: JOHN BONZO
Treasurer: BRIAN COLEMAN

* Some INDIVIDUAL Athletic Achievements:
-- Fall, 1999: MARK MATTHEWS: voted IAC Defensive MVP (Soccer) by Division Coaches
-- Winter, 2000: JAMIE LAPRIORI bowls three-game score of 545, leading team to IAC victory over seven other schools
-- 1989/90: Boys' Swimming -- Section IV Diving Champion -- NEIL PLANTY
-- HEATHER THORP -- Class of 1990 -- #1 in Nation in Free Throw percentage at Alfred University (94.7%)
-- Spring 1993: JESSICA CRAVER goes 4-for-6 with 5 RBIs in WG Girls' Softball win over Newfield, 33-16
-- JOSH BUTLER leads 2000 Varsity Baseball Team with 8-3 record as a pitcher and a .381 batting average, gaining 1st Team IAC All Star status

DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE:
-- approved May 10, 1994 by the Watkins Glen Board of Education as follow-up to presentation at PTA meeting by the following:
1. CYNDY WOOD (Drug Free Zone representative)
2. KAZ ESTELOW (Chemical Awareness Team Member)
3. NANCY BAHNS (SADD Club Advisor)
4. DANNIE BROWN (Journalism Club)
5. KIM HERRICK (Counseling Services)
6. MIKE WOOD & HOWARD DAVIS (Law Enforcement)
..... additionally: NANCY CLEVELAND, LIZ PARADISO, TRACIE MC ILROY, EILEEN MALANEY, LINDA FAZZARY & ROBIN WAITE

The Watkins Glen High School Class of 1949 on its senior trip to Washington, D.C.

Three more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 13 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with three more group photos from days long gone by.

One is of the WGHS Class of 1949's senior trip to Washington, D.C. (above), one is of the 1963-64 Watkins Glen Elementary School faculty and staff, and the third is of the Watkins Glen Class of 1924.

The Watkins Glen Elementary School faculty and staff in the 1963-64 school year. First row, from left: L. Stamp, C. LeShure, B. Stevens, M. Klube, M. Gable, D. Emery, J. Stamp, B. Field, B. Gaiss. Second row, from left: Brewer, C. Fitch, D. Foote, G. Jacobson, L. Kuhn, A. Ginsburg, B. Piersall, L. Williams. Third row, from left: P. Galatis, G. Davis, M. Denson, M. O'Grady, I. Ogelman, J. Coleman, N. Callahan, D. Fazzary, J. Hull, L.A. Lutomske, L. Knapp, G. Wager, W. Throop, C. Fenton, L. Snyder, J. Smith, R. Taylor, G. O'Dea, C. Randolph, B. Love, C. Kopp, K. Ackerman, R. Banfi, Wetmore, J. Parsons.

The Watkins Glen Class of 1924. Front row: Includes Lucille Peck, Alice Quirk, Anna Kuhn, Lenore Manning, and Mary Updyke, with others unidentified. Back row, from left: Miss Kathleen Miller, William Rooney, George Shannon, Herman Klube, Clayton Dietrick, Charles Bernard, Thomas Moran, Henry Hess, Principal John A. Beers.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

As we continue walking through the hallways of the Watkins Glen Central School District's "past," we note the following -- which I hope evoke fond memories in all...

Some outstanding FIRSTS... & 'other' items of interest...

-- 1975: 1st Girls' Track Team formed with NANCY LOUGHLIN as Coach; team became IAC Champions in first three years of existence (1975-1976-1977);

-- 1st female Pole Vaulter in WG history: LIZ HENRY in 1999;

-- under new Title IX guidelines: 1st female on Varsity Boys' Baseball Team: LEE HERRICK (in 1973); 1st female on JV Baseball Team was Gr. 9 student MARIE FITZSIMMONS (also in 1973)

-- 1st "live" broadcast over Channel 5 Television to our local community was Varsity Girls Swim Meet at home vs. Frewsburg; swimming pool spectator area was filled to capacity with "overflow" seating on the deck; additional seating was made available in the gymnasium with spectators watching on televisions;

-- Athletic "Hall of Fame" members ALLISON ISLEY & KATHY HATSELL were the very 1st Varsity Girls' Swimmers to dominate the record boards in the early 1980s;

-- 1985 marked the 1st year of KATE LAMOREAUX'S coaching career with the Girls' Varsity Swimming Team (the team had its 1st undefeated season at 17-0);

-- throughout the early 1990s KRISTEN BROWN dominated the record boards in Varsity Girls' swimming;

-- in 1996 Grade 8 student/athlete KIM WARREN made her 1st trip to the New York State Swimming Championships as a Varsity Swimmer;

-- swimming "sisters" who helped make the Varsity Girls' Swimming Teams dominant from the mid-1980s through 2006:
- the Bahns - the Browns - the Bills
- the Chaffees - the Drakes - the Nobles
- the Elliotts - the Hanleys - the Woods
- the Hubbards - the Lincolns - the Pierces
- the VanEmriks - the Yuhaszs - the Keefers
- the Warrens - the Schamels - the Porters
- the Winsteads - the Kanklefritzs

-- one of Teacher and Coach MIKE WATSON'S greatest memories (told to me with pride and humility): "Coaching and teaching my three sons -- NILS, SANDERS & WILLIE -- the coaching aspect was an emotional rollercoaster without comparison."

-- remember when: WG Sports Boosters Club led by President TRACIE MC ILROY --- worked so hard to "save" the 1994-95 athletic season by raising --- through the wonderful efforts and generosity of so many --- a total of $42,554.50

-- remember when JEAN LAWTON was Coach for WG's very 1st Girls' Varsity Basketball Team in 1972-73????

-- how about ESTHER PELLER CHURCH becoming the New York State High Jump Champion in the Special Olympics of 1971???

-- remember when JEAN LAWTON & JULIE WILCOX teamed up to win the WG Central School District Womens' Doubles Tennis Championship in 1977???

-- how about these memories???

1. LEON (HAM) ANDREWS: Class of 1942; five career holes-in-one and Watkins Glen Golf Club Member-Guest Champion in 1976-1977-1979 & 1982 (elected to our Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000)

2. MIKE BARTONE: Class of 1934; was the 1947 Singles Champion for the Elmira Bowling Association;

3. DON SMITH: Class of 1960; scored 60 points in WG 108-52 victory over Newark Valley during the 1948-49 season

4. TED MARCINIAK: Class of 1951; scored 5 touchdowns (4 rushing and 1 on a 65 yard fumble recovery) in 52-6 victory over Horseheads in 1948;

5. STEVE OLIVER: Class of 2001; rushed for 280 yards and 5 touchdowns on "last" game on the old Alumni Field (prior to the new football field opening in 2003) -- falling just 14 yards short of GEORGE PALMER'S single-game rushing record set in 1971;

More memories: "Most unforgettable colleagues"...

..... from Liz Paradiso:

-- RUTH WARNER: "A wonderful teacher, a very compassionate & caring person; the doors to her home and her heart were always open; she made a difference."
-- CAROL KUNZMANN: "She taught more than reading. She helped students with lifetime skills. She was extremely knowledgeable and very dedicated."
-- CINDY RUGER: "Not only a good teacher but a perfect example of a lady; a woman our students looked up to and respected."

.....from Nick Dugo:

-- JOE LEMAK: "a great guy; liked kids; always there for their needs; a real pro."
-- RUTH WARNER: "Always helping kids; a great faculty party organizer."

.....from Mary Cook:

-- MAE KLUBE: "She was fair, open-minded, hard working, dedicated to education and never asked anyone to do what she herself would not do."

.....from Hazel Raplee:

-- NEIL PATTERSON: "He was most loved by all."
-- RAY BAILEY, NICK GIAMBO & PAUL DE MUERES: "helped make our community special because they showed it was OK to care about their students."
-- MARIE BAILEY, EMMA LOU SMITH & JOHN VONA: "Through them, students knew a teacher could be a disciplinarian as well as a confidant."

The WGHS Class of 1962 poses in front of the Capitol during a senior trip to Washington, D.C.

Some more O'Donnell File photos ...

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 13 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with three more group photos from days long gone by.

One is of the WGHS Class of 1962's senior trip to Washington, D.C. (above), one is of Josephine Curry's Watkins Glen class on Sept. 28, 1910, and the third is of a second-grade class at Watkins Glen in about 1913 or 1914.

Josephine Curry's Class in a Watkins school, recorded on Sept. 28, 1910. Row 1, from left: Mario Saraceni, Pearl Alexander, and John Hunsinger. Row 2, from left: Louise Houghtaling, Julia Peck, Leona Coughlin, Doris Grant, Cora King, George Mack, Helen Beckwith, William Selfridge and unknown. Row 3, from left: Esther Orr, Florence White, Ralph Owen, Robert Taylor, Helen Darron, William Clark, Emma King, Leo Sullivan and Earl Bills. Row 4, from left: Elizabeth Sullivan, Margaret Gurnett, Lucy Ackley, unknown, Oliver Martin, Edward Quirk, Helen Grant, unknown, and Frank Booth. Row 5, from left: Mae Sproud, Caroline LaDom, Horace Paradiso, Albert Betz, unknown, Charles Haight, and Tony Morris. Row 6, from left: Alice Case, Edward Kuhn, Florence DeMott, Frank Cole, Pete Phinney, and (unknown first name) Masten. Standing, from left: George Harding, unknown, Edgar Jackson, and teacher Josephine Curry at rear.

A Watkins Glen second-grade class, circa 1913-1914. Sitting, from left: Daniel Sullivan, unknown, Mary Paradiso, Thelma Sreeves, George Walters, Joe Romeo, Venico Fraboni, James Sullivan, Delivan Gates Sr., Robert Connelly, and Jerry Frank. Kneeling, from left: Helen Orzehowski, Lena Adesso, Josephine Fordham, Dorothy Allen, unknown, Fred Moran, and four unknowns. Standing, from left: Martha Harding, Margaret Miller, (unknown first name) Sullivan, Mary Arvonio, Joseph Fredo, Virginia Peters, Evelyn Hoar, Florence Green (Hansen), unknown, Mary Cherock, Mildred Clark, Louise Rooney, Amy Cole (Tallis), Mary Bernard, and Alice Olsen.

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

"Walking'" down the hallways of Watkins Glen Central School District turns up these additional historical facts:

* "Rotary Students of the Month" -- inaugurated during the 1992-93 school year to honor truly outstanding, consistent and contributing students:

------ 1992/1993 ---- 1993/1994
Oct. Mark Thomas -- Bree Argetsinger
Nov. Kristen Brown -- Sarah Wright
Dec. Amy Dugo -- Frank Madaffari
Jan. Michelle Watson -- Julia Edminster
Feb. Matt Murphy -- Amy Wirth
Mar. Chad Hetherington -- Paul Woodworth
Apr. Terry Lynn Sheesley -- Kristina Jaynes
May Caleb Wright -- Ben Bingham

*Retirees: to begin Sept. '99 -- to begin Sept. '00
--------------Ed Lindsay ---- Sandy Berry
--------------Carol Lindsay -- Karen Rowe
--------------Bonnie Dilts --- Irene Burgess
--------------Mary Doland --- Glenn Davis
--------------John Updyke
--------------Ross Lyon
--------------Josie Tomassi

* Homecoming Queens 1989-1999:
1989-90: Jodi Sipperley
1990-91: Kirra McDermott
1991-92: Roni Pierce
1992-93: Leigh Hazlitt
1993-94: Judy Dunn
1994-95: Christie Coolican
1995-96: Kelly Dense
1996-97: Laura Webster
1997-98: Alissa Norman
1998-99: Christin Cherkis

* Memories: "Most Unforgettable colleagues..."
-- from George Conklin: "John Cook and Lloyd Peak because both were compassionate and fair in their dealings with people and the students' interests were always first."

-- from Frank Steber: "Domenic Giambo - the total professional. He gave more help to his colleagues in many ways than anyone knows, especially to younger teachers, in regard to such matters as insurance, tenure, faculty relationships, discipline, responsibilities and professional conduct."

-- from Barb Baldwin: "Too many but Coach Lemak for his personality, Art Curry for his jokes, Frank Steber for his professionalusm..."

-- from Dr. Thomas J. Love: "Harriette Allen inspired all of us to do our best and she influenced generations."

-- from Ernie Tolman: "Anne Meehan and Naomi Roberts -- I will never forget the fun and joy we had directing the musical 'Lil Abner' with the Class of 1966."

-- from Geraldine Richtmyer: "Dr. Peak and Henry Clayton -- both were gentlemen, had visions for the future and put the interests of the students first."

-- Betty Lou Pearsall: "Mrs. Myrtle Miller -- my mentor, my helper, my guide, my sounding board ... basically, my friend."

-- Marian Boyce: "William Wickham and Lauren Lodge -- they followed through on any project or task they started and they were able to inject humor into the dullest Board meetings."

-- Jean Lawton: "Louise Stillman -- she was a wizard with words and extremely knowledgeable in Schuyler County history."

-- Ross Lyon: "Fred Troy -- because of his great ability to teach Art."

-- John Updyke: "M. 'Bud' Warner inspired me to become a Science teacher, Coach Blake instilled the importance of hard work and respect. Nick Giambo -- for his efforts as a WGFA member to better our working conditions. Bill Henderson -- for his humor in helping me bear the burdens of work. Dick Schied -- for his service in helping all of his colleagues."

* District Calendar Dedications:

-- 1982-83 Communication
-- 1983-84 School Improvement Process
-- 1985-86 District Transportation Staff
-- 1986-87 Buildings/Grounds Staff
-- 1988-89 Quest for Excellence
-- 1989-90 Community Playground Project
-- 1991-92 Dr. Lloyd N. Peak
-- 1993-94 Susan Roloson Drake -- Class of 1912
-- 1994-95 Irving D. Goodrich

* Outstanding/fabulous Athletic accomplishments:

- - GIRLS' VARSITY SWIM TEAMS -- Coach Kate LaMoreaux -- undefeated in dual meets 1995/96 through 2002/03 (107 meets); Ranked #1 in New York State Class C/D 1995-96 through 2002-03; consistently named as a "Scholar-Athlete" team;

-- MATT MARCINIAK -- Class of 1991 -- won NYS Wrestling Championship at 155 lbs. capping an undefeated Senior season at 41-0 giving him 189 career wins (tops in New York State history at that time)

-- MARY MARTHA BRUBAKER -- Class of 1995: graduates as WG's All-time leading scorer in Girls' Basketball with 971 points;

-- JESSICA CRAVER -- Class of 1997; becomes 1st WG female basketball player to score 1,000+ points in a career;

-- MOLLY SCHAMEL -- Class of 2001; becomes all-time leading scorer in WG Girls' Basketball by scoring 26 points in her final game and ending her high school career with 1,164 points.

Some pictorial blasts from the past

WATKINS GLEN, July 11 -- Former Watkins Glen High School principal Brian J. O'Donnell -- now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has provided us with three group photos from days long gone by.

One is of Miss Robinson's second-grade class at the Watkins Union School in 1911-12. The second is of the 1920 Watkins High School boys' basketball team. And the third is of Coach Francis Blake's 1936 Watkins Glen High School football team.

Miss Robinson's second-grade class, Watkins Glen Union School, 1911-12. Principal: John A. Beers. First row, left to right: Arthur (Pick) Greeven, William Slattery, Carmen Compton, Rosie Saraceni, Mary Morris, Nellie Carey, Naomi Fordham, Margaret Paradiso, Lucille (Tommy) Peck, Mary Cherock, Madeline Lillis and Eldred Baynes. Second row, from left: Joseph Orsino, Marian Hyatt, Warren Hunsinger, unknown, Esther Brown, Lewis Baker, Eleanor Miller, Elizabeth VanDerhoof, Emma Woodward, Ronald Harrington, John Jackson Thompson and Miss Robinson. Back row, from left: Delbert Cunningham, Corthell Mack, Ferris Smith, Henry McKenna, Starr Martin, Wesley Hoare, Frank (Pete) Carey, Lynford Wood, Thomas Moran, Fred Gillette and William Rooney.

1920 Watkins High School basketball team. The only names available on this print are Walter I. Burrell and Walter Sproul, located in the back row, fourth and fifth from the left. A last name -- Harrington -- is available for the fellow on the right in the front row.

1936 Watkins Glen High School football team. Front, in street clothes, is Paul Wigsten, the team mascot. Front row, from left: James Viglione, Andrew Chicone, Augustine Paradiso (Stretch), Justin (Carl) Love, John Carpenter, Dominick DeAngelo and Thomas Jack Love. Second row, from left: Coach Francis Blake, Jack Knapp, Murray Walsh, Nicholas Lapre, Ubaldo Sabatini (Tiny), Robert Smith, Thomas Donnells and Harry Fordham. Back row, from left: George Weed, Daniel Waite, George Scaptura, Robert Spencer, William Bell and Leslie Turner (Murt).

A look back at some WGHS facts

By Brian J. O'Donnell

Continuing our stroll down the hallways of history for the Watkins Glen Central School District:

* the very 1st District Calendar was published for the 1982-83 school year; comments from Superintendent Dr. Lloyd N. Peak included:
"We hope you find the schedules provided to be of value to you as you arrange your activities. We hope you find the material concerning operation of the district informative and useful."
(District Calendars have been published annually since -- except for 1987-88 and 1992-93, when they were eliminated as a cost-savings measure due to austerity budgets).

* School 'Medical Staff' in 1982-83:
Dr. Joseph Roberts - School Physician
Betty Lou Pearsall - School Nurse/Teacher
Linda Fazzary - Health Aide, Elementary
Rhoda Givin - Health Aide, Middle
Elizabeth Paradiso - Health Aide, High School

* "We Remember" -- loss of faculty/staff/students in 2000-2001:
- Amber J. Brockway August 5, 2000
- Michael A. Watson August 28, 2000
- Louise Stillman Sept. 1, 2000
- Jean H. Hanville Oct. 11, 2000
- Myrtle Miller Dec. 6, 2000
- Ruth Taylor Jan. 6, 2001
- Don J. Wickham Jan. 18, 2001
- Nancy Cleveland Jan. 30, 2001
- Howard Gage Mar. 22, 2001
- Phyllis Bond May 4, 2001
- Ernest LaVerne Crout May 19, 2001
- Lulabelle Williams May 31, 2001

* Top 10 High School Students 1997-98:
#1- Julie Dill
#2- Holly Johnson
#3- Stephen Terry
#4- Jason Barry
#5- Chris Schoneman
#6- Coveney Fitzsimmons
#7- Traci Lincoln
#8- Sarah Hoppe
#9- Jonathan Evans
#10- Jared Gardner

* District Principals/Supervising Principals:
- Professor S.S. Johnson 1874-1909
- Professor John A. Beers 1909-1941
- Mr. Warren Hertenstein 1941-1953
- Mr. John R. Cook 1953-1964
- Mr. John Terry 1964-1967

* 1902 - 1st Girls' Basketball Team is organized
1906 - 1st undefeated Boys' Basketball Team (16-0)
1908 - 1st Track Team is organized
1911 - Last Class to graduate without a Senior Trip
1919 - 1st District Kindergarten class formed
1924 - Music Department is organized
1925 - Homemaking Department is formed
1927 - Art Education Department organized
1933 - 1st Tennis team is formed
1936 - Industrial Arts Department organized
1954 - 1st Wrestling Team is formed

* Alumni Association - Annual Banquets:
1926-1932 and 1934 & 1935: held at Stephen House
1933, 1936, 1943-1945: at Jefferson Hotel
1968-1969: at Jefferson Motor Inn
1937 through 1942: at Glen Springs Hotel
1946 through 1953 at WGHS Cafeteria
1954 through 1967 at WG Elem. School
1970, 1972 through 1978 at WG HS
1971, 1979-Present at Community Center

* Board of Education Members: 1886...
- L.M. Gano, President
- James Gray
- Frederick Davis, Jr.
- D.H. Higgins
- M.M. Cass
- Dr. F.W. Adriance
- Mr. Miller

* Burdett Elementary School Principals:
Laura Bond 1950-1953
Richard Phillips 1953-1954
Jack Drew 1954-1957
David Ruggles 1957-1960
Charlena Curry 1960-1968
Annie Hoxie 1968-1975

* CLASS of 1962:
- Yearbook (Senecan) dedicated to Mr. Ronald Ward
- Senecan Co-Editors: Dan Dolk & Mike Haramis
- Senior Class Officers:
President: Steve Williams
Vice President: Bill Pierce
Secretary: Gail Palmer
Treasurer: Martha Johnson
Business Manager: Dan Dolk
- Class Advisor: Francis H. Schaefer, Jr.
- Club Presidents:
- National Honor Society: Dan Dolk
- Library Club: Eleanor Westervelt
- Secretarial Club: Maureen Powers
- Varsity Football Team had a 4-3 season including very first night game in our history;
- Coach Pete Galatis coached District's very 1st Golf Team
- Steve Davis was Captain of Varsity Basketball Team
- Barb Williams and Bill Davis were Queen & King of the Senior Ball.

A look back at some WGHS facts

Former Watkins Glen High School Principal Brian J. O'Donnell, now a member of the Watkins Glen School Board, has delved into the past to provide us with some historical WGHS graduation facts.

By Brian J. O'Donnell

The Watkins Glen High School Class of 2007 is the 125th graduating class from the Watkins Glen High School.

A little "stroll" down the hallways of history shows the following:

In 1852, the last will & testament of Cynthia Ann Freer (Mrs. Samuel Watkins) provided for the land on which the Watkins District began...

1- In 1860 there were approximately 100 high schools in all of the United States.

2- In 1863 there were less than one dozen high schools in all of New York State.

3- In 1863, Watkins (known as the Watkins Union School District) earned status as a Regents School; Watkins did not become Watkins Glen until 1923.

4- In 1883 Mary Freer became the 1st graduate from the Watkins Union School District; she was also the ONLY Member of the Class of 1883.

5- In 1884 Lula Martin earned the very 1st Regents Diploma issued by the Watkins Union School District.

6- In 1887 the Watkins Union School District graduated our first male students: Herbert Morgan and Edward Thompson.

7- From the 1860's through 1900, enrollments were very low and were more female than male.

8- Programs then believed Greek, English Literature and Trigonometry were the ONLY basis for College entrance.

9- The Watkins Union School District had six grades -- each with a two-year course of study prior to entering a high school program.

10- Earliest District Administration:
- A.C. Huff, April 1863-March 1867
- Jacob Berry, March 1867-July 1867
- J. Wadhams, Sept. 1867-July 1868
- Edward Abbey, Sept. 1868-July 1869
- J.L. Mack, Sept 1869-Jan. 1874
- A.C. Pike, Jan. 1874-July 1874
- S.S. Johnson, Sept. 1874-July 1909

11- The District has undergone three different name changes:
1) Watkins Union School 1863-1922
2) Watkins Glen School District 1923-1950's
3) Watkins Glen Central Schools 1950's- Now

12- The District has experienced three tragic fires:
- 1897 - destroyed the grammar school 6/19/97
- 1898 - destroyed the Academy (HS) 2/04/98
- 1929 - destroyed the High School 1/14/29
* All three of these fires took place on the block where the Middle School stands today.

Watch for 12 more facts about the Watkins Glen Central School District next month!

Brian J. O'Donnell
Watkins Glen Central Schools
Employee 1969-2003

Worker applies the first letter above the Watkins Glen Field House entrance in 2002.

The Watkins school building project

WATKINS GLEN, March 13 -- The shots with this article were provided by Brian O'Donnell, then principal of Watkns Glen High School. They show scenes of the construction project at Watkins Glen Central School that was concluded in 2002 -- the project that brought us the Field House, new pool, and various new facilities in the expanded school layout.

O'Donnell -- now interim principal at Odessa-Montour High School and a member of the Watkins Glen School Board -- has retained visual records of the construction in a neatly kept photo album that he lent to The Odessa File.

The Field House interior was taking shape as 2002 progressed.

Students watch as worker prepares to install the Field House cornerstone carrying the date.

Exterior shot of the Field House during construction.

The old schoolhouse in Odessa, near the site of the current school.

Odessa, Alpine scenes e-mailed to us

Editor's Note: The photo above and the three below were e-mailed to this website by Alice Jean Fowler Collins, who wrote:

"I have been going through some old pictures. I thought these might be of interest to you. If this works out OK, I may have some more for you. I grew up in Schuyler County and have a lot of pictures."

Send some more along, Alice. And thanks.

The old Odessa Opera House, once home to the fire department.

Lehigh Valley Railroad Station, which was located in Alpine.

A view looking up Church Street in Alpine many years ago.

Downtown Odessa, many years ago -- from a recently surfaced photo album.

Scenes from the past: An album's photos

ODESSA, Feb. 13 -- The photo above, the one on the right and the three below come from a photo album that ended up recently in the possession of former Odessa mayor Bob Carpenter and his wife Althea, who passed it along temporarily so we could scan some of its photos and present them here.

Some notations are located within the album -- which we're utilizing here in identifying the various scenes. A few of the photos are marked 1913, but most -- including those here -- have no date indicated.

The photo above shows four stores in downtown Odessa. The store on the right was Michel's Hardware ("fis" is probably "fishing equipment"). The small building next to it was -- at least in the 1920s -- used by Bob Cleaver to store paint equipment. Next to that is the undertaker's, and on the far left was a structure believed to be another hardware.

The photo within the text shows an unidentified woman and her two dogs, at an unidentified locale. The fact that both animals were seated, humanlike, on chairs struck a chord with the editor.

The first photo below is of a train wreck, date unknown. A notation suggests this scene could be on the hill by the old Agway Buildings, now Parmenter's.

Below that is a busy downtown scene. Notes say that Ezra Leonard, his wife, and their daughter Marie lived upstairs in that corner building on Main Street, and that a meat market was operated below them. To the left (with the awning) was the Elmer Worth Ice Cream store. And to the left of that was a hardware (also partially pictured on the right in the photo above this article) run by Howard Michel and his father.

At the bottom is a celebration scene showing a band marching past Joel Miller's livery stable (where the Dandy convenience store is now), with the Odessa House (then a hotel) on the right, and Church Street running between them, then as now.

Photo in text: Unidentified woman and her dogs, from Odessa-area photo album.

Train wreck, from the photo album. Possibly near what is now Parmenter's.

Busy downtown Odessa scene. The date, as with these other photos, is not specified.

Band marching up Main Street, heading east. The Odessa House is on the right.

History Nugget: A look at Library lore

Editor's Note: The following History Nugget about the Dutton S. Peterson Library in Odessa was prepared by Bonnie Seeley of Odessa, a regular contributor to this website.

By Bonnie Seeley

ODESSA, Jan. 31, 2006 -- Many readers of The Odessa File are aware that this is the year of the 20th Anniversary of the library’s establishment in the little building on the southeast corner of the First and Church Street intersection. What many do not know is that there was a library, of sorts, long before this one was ever envisioned.

Quoting one of the documents from a scrapbook on the history of the library, this excerpt is taken: "The discontinuance of the Bookmobile left a void in library service to the community. The Southern Tier Library System worked with the Town Board of the Town of Catharine to establish a reading center. The result is the ODALCA READING CENTER located at the home of Mrs. Ida Milspaugh, Merchant Avenue, Odessa.

"More than 1,500 books are on the newly constructed shelves. Attention will be given to specially requested books. The library will be manned by volunteer help. Children under 12 years of age must register with their parent’s signature."

Appreciation was expressed to the volunteers and also to Mrs. Milspaugh "for her generosity in inviting us to use her home." Patrons were asked to respect the posted hours "in due consideration to all these people." The hours of operation were Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m.; Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

*******

ODALCA was not a new name. In the late 1940s, young people of the surrounding area wanted "something to do." Young married couples and young single folks formed a social group for gathering and enjoying potluck dinners, games, and conversation. A major project that they undertook was to revive a community newsletter called "The Cultivator."

The group took the name "THE ODALCA CLUB." This name was formed from the first two letters of the names of area villages and hamlets -- ODessa, ALpine, and CAtharine, CAyuta, and CAyutaville. (They probably chose to use the "CA" only once, for repeating it three times might have sounded like stuttering.)

(A thought that just occurred to me is that some of the very same individuals who were part of this group in later life became part of an organization with a much more amusing acronym for its name -- the Odessa Luncheon, Discussion, Fine Arts Round Table Society -- formed for many of the same reasons as"THE ODALCA CLUB." The name of that group, formed in February of 1996, later evolved into what is known today as the "Seasoned Seniors of Schuyler County.")

Names appearing on the "Open House Guest List" (on one side of an unruled 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper) included those of some very young patrons, scrawled in rather large letters upon the page ("VALERIE BARRETT," "Mark Fagnan" and "Chandra Rosen") to well-known citizens of Schuyler County ("Chas. Harrington," "Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lemak, Sr.," "Mr. & Mrs. Charles Martin," and "Rexford Richards.")

One photograph accompanying the information for the new reading center showed a display of available materials and a large sign declaring, "WE’VE REPLACED THE BOOKMOBILE! COME TO THE ODALCA READING CENTER." This display appeared in a vacant storefront on Main Street.

A notice sent home with school children in the Odessa-Montour Central School District said: "Are you aware of the ODALCA Reading Center located right in the Village of Odessa? The Reading Center was established to fill the void created when the Bookmobile was discontinued. It is located in Ida Milspaugh’s home at 125 (now 403) Merchant Avenue.

"Although the selection is necessarily small, a good variety of reading material is available for all ages. There are even a few large-print volumes. Because of the Center’s affiliation with the Southern Tier Library System, almost any book in print in the country is available to area residents. In addition, magazines, records, pictures, and films may be ordered. Requests for particular items can usually be filled within a week or two, depending on the availability. Stop in soon to see what they have..." This was followed by another listing of the hours of operation.

Author's Note: Some of the information for the above "History Nugget" was gleaned from materials printed by the Southern Tier Library System (7/80) and made available to the community in a leaflet presented at an Open House on August 3, 1980, from 1 to 3 p.m., celebrating the opening of the ODALCA Reading Center.

Stay tuned in February for another "History Nugget" sharing more on the evolution of the ODALCA Reading Center into what we now know (and for the past 20 years have known) as the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library. And help us at our February installment of the year-long celebration of our 20th Anniversary by attending (on Tuesday, February 28, at 3:15 p.m.) an After-School Story Hour featuring that famous and zany monkey, none other than Curious George!

Blast from the past: '81 banquet program

By Charlie Haeffner

ODESSA -- While rummaging through a stack of "stuff" I have sitting around -- I really must hoe out my house and free up some living space -- I came across an artifact I picked up somewhere along the line: a program from the Odessa-Montour Sports Banquet of 1980-81.

It was a mimeographed effort -- not very fancy, but chock full of interesting names from sporting days gone by: Joanne Mathers, Loueda Barrigar, Brian and John Bleiler, Greg Mathews, Rusty Crainey and so many more.

It was the 14th annual Booster Banquet program -- with no specific month and day mentioned. David Sidle -- father of an eventual O-M football coach -- was the emcee. Coaches included Scott Westervelt, Frank Gavich, Dawna Fetter, Roger Myers, Ed LoPresti, Tim Anderson and Tom Williams, among others.

Gavich was the boys varsity basketball coach. His team, the program says, "tied for 2nd place" that year and finished second at an Elmira Christmas tournament. Players included Mark Leszyk, Dave Wood, Brian Bleiler, John Greuber, Mark Jackson, Allen Bulkley, Pat Cleary, Harris Bailey, Dave Bannister, Phil Haller, Steve Kane, Ryan Keough and Tom O'Rourke.

Varsity cheerleaders were Tracy Anagnost, Jane Dunlap, Annette Notar, Meg Parker, Nancy Saunders, Bette Strong, Tammi Drake, Tish Fowler, Kim Martin and Kathy Riley. The squad got new sweaters that year, and competed in Boston and at Dundee and Southern Cayuga. It also won the Congeniality Award and third place in the IACs.

Girl swimmers were Denice Heichel, Joanne Mathers, Donna Cutton, Brenda Wayland, Laura Kahle, Laurie Nichols, Jeanne Timms, Cathy Clemons, Karen Sidle and Sue Cook.

In girls track, Joanne Mathers and Chris Slusser took first and second in the High Jump at the Small School Championships in Dryden, and Wendy Roblyer was second in both the 100 dash and 220 dash. At the Large School Championships, Mathers was second in the High Jump and Nichols was third, while Roblyer was 6th in the 220 dash.

Mathers took first in the league Girls Pentathlon held at O-M that year, while Nichols was fifth and Sidle was sixth. Mathers went on to finish second in the Pentathlon at Sectionals, and 17th in the States.

Members of the boys swim team included John Bleiler, Dusty Lawrence, Rick Vary, Terry Briggs, Byran Bernal, Tony Calderone, Brian Wilson, Ray Smith, Bill Vinti, Andy Michel, Greg Chamberlain, Glenn Bleiler and Jeff Rhodes. It was not a high-water season: the squad went 0-10.

Track and Field competitors included John Castor, Chris Peppard, Rocky Vail, Derryck Wilson, Bill White, Matt Leszyk, Mike Thorp, Andy Kelchner, Terry Valley, Bob Simpson, Jim Hunter, Brian Bleiler, Mark Leszyk, Brian O'Neil, Mike Reynolds, Mike Hayth, Phil Haller, Rusty Crainey, John Greuber, John Bleiler and Harris Bailey. The squad went 8-5.

In what was referred to as a Section II League Meet, Mark Leszyk took first in the High Jump, and Haller was second in the 110 and 400 Hurdles.

The football team went 7-1-1 under Myers' leadership. All-IAC status was earned by Steve Kane, Greg Mathews, Doug Mathews, Rusty Crainey, Dave Wood and Allen Bulkley. All Lakes Region status went to B.J. Baker, Crainey, Wood, John Greuber, Bulkley and Tom O'Rourke. All Twin Tiers status went to Crainey, Greuber and Wood. And Wood made 3rd Team All-State.

The Cross Country team went 2-5. Members included Mike Hayth, Harris Bailey, Mark and Matt Leszyk, Dale Heichel, Mark Jackson, John Keough, Britt Michel, Alan Searles, Wayne Menzi, Laurie Callahan and Jenni Leszyk. Michel was third and Keough seventh at Sectionals.

Volleyball sported such players as the aforementioned Barrigar, Mathers, Nichols and Slusser, along with -- among others -- Becky Powers, Jill and Beth Rounds, Sue Cook, Glenda Stermer, Moe Letteer, Randee Davis, Cindy Gardner, Marcy Thurman, Ellen and Lisa Grover, Kathy Beebe and Robin Decker. No record is mentioned, nor any statistics.

The wrestlers went 10-5, tying a school record for most wins in a season. Thirty-four boys went out for the team, and 21 finished the season. Tim Anderson was coach, and members included Don Gunning, Delroy and Dave Rodabaugh, Rusty Crainey, Jim Hunter, Scott Taber, Alan Searles, Derryck Wilson, Craig Smollen and Mike Hayth.

The girls basketball team featured Mathers, who was on the Southwest Division First Team; Jennifer Leszyk, a division Honorable Mention; and Kathy Beebe, Sue Cook, Darlene Decker, Christina Hayes, Denice Heichel, Lynnette Koloski, Mary Maine, Terri Rappleze and Karen Sidle.

The tennis team featured Rick Vary, Mike Duerbeck, Matt Sweet, Blair Wich, Marcy Thurman, Lou Barrigar, Mark Wilson, Brenda Wayland, Kevin Tharp and Corky Teeter. Coach was Dawna Fetter.

The varsity baseball team went 16-5, with six players on the IAC All-Star squad: pitchers Tom O'Rourke and Ray Cilley, catcher Dave Wood, second baseman Al Bulkley, shortstop Dale Heichel, and outfielder Del Rodabough. Making the Southern Tier All-Star team were Bulkley and Heichel.

The softball team went 6-6, good for second place in its division. Coach was Ed LoPresti. Some of the members: Darlene Decker, Jill Rounds, Sue Cook, Glenda and Cindy Stermer, Kathy Beebe, Jennifer Leszyk, Patti Strong, Ellen Grover, Nina Mathews, Connie Mathers, Marcee Dickens, Lisa Brown and Nancy Chapman.

Many of you out there remember these athletes and their achievements. I was new to the area, working at the Star-Gazette, but not yet in the Sports Department (I was in Sports from about 1984-88, and Sports Editor the last couple of those years), so I missed them. I know some of them now, of course, for a number have settled into the social fabric of Schuyler County: Jo Mathers Fitch, Lou Barrigar Bleiler, Lou's husband Brian, and Mary Maine Crainey, to name a few.

Some of their offspring have excelled in sports at O-M, too: Russ and Tyler Crainey, for instance, and Cassie Fitch.

Perhaps the names of the sons and daughters will be unearthed 24 years from now, as their parents' have been, and they will be the subject of a history article by The Odessa File or a successor website -- if websites are the information medium of choice then. Maybe websites still will be prevalent -- or maybe they'll have gone the way of the mimeographed sports-banquet program.

Old 'Cultivators' give peek at the past

By Charlie Haeffner

One of the side benefits of planning a centennial celebration -- such as Odessa is doing -- is the discovery of interesting artifacts along the way.

For instance, Mayor Robert Carpenter unearthed several items recently that he passed along to the committee planning the July 4-6 celebration -- a group led by former Mayor Betsy Austin.

Carpenter came up with a 1930s era phone directory for Odessa -- still in nice shape -- along with several photos, including a group shot with dozens of people in it taken at Seneca Lake when he was a child. He can't find himself in the photo, but his mother is there, and a sibling or two.

"And that," he said, pointing to a gentleman on the left, "is Vernie Williams."

Williams ran a sweet shop in the Odessa House. His home was just down the block -- a structure that has housed the writer of this article and his family for more than 20 years.

But perhaps most fun was a collection of mimeographed sheets that Carpenter found -- issues of Cultivator, a newspaper of sorts produced in 1935 and 1936. The paper was subtitled "The Odessa Community." Each issue ran eight to 10 pages, with each page roughly 7 by 8 inches.

The editor or editors are not listed anywhere, but in one front-page article -- urging correspondents to "get your notices, anecdotes, jokes or whatever you care to have printed, in to the staff ON TIME!" -- four names are listed as people to "hand article to": D.S. Peterson, Ray Stevens, Charles Harrington and Wayne Willis.

Peterson, of course, is memorialized through the local Dutton S. Peterson Library. He was a local Methodist minister, then a state assemblyman, and finally a state senator. Harrington was a longtime mayor of the community.

****

A large part of the fun in looking through such publications is the ads. In Cultivator, many were handprinted and hand-drawn before being mimeographed, giving the whole enterprise a more personal feel.

The Methodist Churches of Odessa, Catharine, and Alpine -- with Peterson as the minister -- take up the better part of a page in each issue. Meeting times, speakers at church-related functions, news of parishioners and the like dominate that space.

Not to be outdone, the Baptist Churches of Odessa and Cayuta take up as much room or more, with roughly the same kind of subject matter.

St. John's Episcopal Church settled for a smaller ad -- about a quarter of a page.

Regular business ads can be found for Pure Honey at Wilcox's, Shell Service at Fowler's Garage, The Horton Funeral Chapel, Cotton & Hanlon (for such things as electric washers and refrigerators), the J.T. Prince Jr. Cash Store, The Farmer's Store, Washburn's Hardware Store (in what is now the D&B Hobby Shop), Williams' Confectionary (also simply known as Vernie's), Odessa Coal Yards, Tawasi Beauty Shop, The Market Basket (in the eastern end of the old Post Office Building), Odessa National Bank, and Odessa Mills ("Quality Feed at a Reasonable Price").

There are regular sports reports --soccer, softball, baseball -- and small meeting notices, personal-event items, jokes and quotes.

Here's one joke, from July 18, 1936: "Little Audrey and her father were on top of the Empire State Building. Her father lost his balance and fell off. But Little Audrey laughed and laughed because she knew that he had on his light fall suit."

And this article in the Oct. 10, 1936 issue could almost have been pulled from today's government:

"The Village Board under the direction of Mayor Carpenter has been studying the various village ordinances with the object of revising many of the older ones to make them fit today's circumstances. They are also preparing new ordinances to meet conditions which need correction."

The Mayor Carpenter referred to was A.F. Carpenter, father of our current mayor, Robert Carpenter.

****

This "For Sale" item in the same issue is an eye-catcher: "3-drawer, square-top, oak desk and chair -- in good condition. $10. Mrs. Milo Hitchcock."

As is this personal note: "Will the person who borrowed my extension ladder please return it for a short time, as I find that I have a little job or two for which I find need for said ladder. Thanks. Bert Ganoung."

And for those into the names of the past, there's this notice of the local Class of 1937's selection of officers for the senior year: Eleanor Hausaman as president, Anna McGuire as vice president, and Patricia Conrad as secretary-treasurer.

The year before, on Oct. 19, 1935, this article appears under "Believe It Or Not": "Last Sunday, Harvey Couch found it necessary to break the ice for his roosters to drink. After attendiing to this, he went to the garden and picked a nice lot of berries." That appears right above an ad for "Insurance. Harvey Couch. Odessa."

In the same issue, Dutton S. Peterson's name pops up again: "Pomona Grange at Searsburg Saturday, Oct. 19th. Dutton S. Peterson speaks. Mr. Peterson addressed Tompkins Co. WCTU last week, speaks at E.L. Group meeting Monday evening, at Elmira Lake St. Presbyterian Church Thursday evening -- Men's Banquet."

And there is this verse:

"A Hallowe'en party
Thursday at eight --
In the Baptist Church
Now, don't be late --
Wear goopy clothes
As a quaint disguise,
For the best costume
We offer a prize.
There'll be eats and stunts
And lots of fun,
We're expecting you all
So EVERYONE come."

In the April 18, 1936 issue, the school honor roll is printed. One familiar name in Grade 6: a Robert Carpenter had a 90 average. Another pupil, Hubert MacDowell, was close behind with an 87.
The same issue carried a village budget synopsis. The budget total was $2,791.

The good old days indeed.

Other Scenes from the past

For a look at some early 20th century photos of downtown Odessa and other nearby locales, try the website http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyschuyl/phalbum.htm.

Looking for historical accounts

We're seeking historical accounts of Schuyler County on this page -- both an overview of the area's settlement and development, and side stories related to the county's past that are informative and entertaining.

Any historians out there are welcome to try their hand at such efforts -- either through fresh writing or through previous essays or stories you might have composed and would like to see in electronic print for awhile.

Some of what appears here will remain for an extended period, while some will take turns with newer entries. I've included a photo of the fairly recent past -- the demolition one clear day a couple of years ago of the R House 2 building on Main Street in Odessa, a building with a rich history. In fact, anyone with details of that structure's long existence could tackle that as a subject.

In addition to the writing, this would be a good place for photos of historical interest. Anyone with old photos of Odessa, Montour Falls and Watkins Glen are welcome to lend them to this website for possible publication, or scan them and send them by e-mail.

If you are interested, you can e-mail the address at the bottom of this page or to chaeffner@stny.rr.com, write to The Odessa File, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY, or call 594-3594 and ask for Charlie.

E-mail publisher@odessafile.com