Class of 1957
Sandy Poritzky - Regina Baxter Lancaster - Robert Barthelmes - Eugene Allen - Leonard Bensky
Irma Dwir Dubin - Marie Antunes Eagens - Bill Lancaster - George Delamater - Jerry Tomassio - John Martin
Class of 1958
Dian McCaffrey Rohr - June Conklin Monroe - Norma Schroeder - Joan Dunajski Beldotti
Annette Gasparro - Sue Hughes Tudor - David Miller
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This was written some years ago as is evident by some of the teacher's names, but it is still very appropriate. Author unknown
Fifty years ago, when we left Peekskill High School, we set out to make our fortune in this great country of ours. We didn't stop to consider the great fortune we were leaving behind.
How fortunate we were to not be involved in car pools (hardly anyone could even afford to own a car!) We were forced to walk from Oakside, Franklin, Uriah Hill, and Park Street. Along with Put Valley people, we all came together at PHS where we intermingled, not thinking about who was Irish, Italian, Black, Jewish or Spanish. We all belonged - we all had great school spirit.
How fortunate we did not have to worry about metal detectors - though we might have been able to use one to find some coins to buy a coke at the Marathon, ice cream at Siole's, fries at Tuller's or a soda at Memo's.
How fortunate we were to be able to walk any street in Peekskill at any time of day or niaht without fear - to go bowling on Park Street or the alleys on Washington Street, the Rollerdome, Depew Park, Pugsley Park or to the Peekskill Theater to catch the serials, or to the classy Paramount (if we had a quarter!) where we could "make out" in the balcony.
How fortunate we were to not have to drive to a mall. We could stroll into Woolworth's, J.J. Newberry's, Kittinger's, Genung's, and J.R. Jones. We could actually find shoe stores - Pisani's. Markoff's, Thom McAn and Stride Rite. We could buy a jacket or suit at Rosoff's, Gibbs, Steins or a dress at Berry's, Windsor, and Rubenfelds. There were genuine jewelry stores - Weeks and Barger's along with Skolsky's, Bensky's, Gene's Army and Navy, Peekskill Crockery, Peekskill Hardware and all the friendly, smiling clerks where we could put a dollar down and pay a dollar a week.
How fortunate we were when we turned 18 to be able to meet at Miller's, Charlie Chefalo's, Rainbow, or Lepore's for a beer. Or how about Mario's or Sorrento's for pizza and gossip? We could just walk a few blocks and find a pub on any comer.
How fortunate we were to be able to congregate on any comer where we happened to meet a friendly face.
How fortunate we were to have had such a nice, caring faculty at PHS who taught us not only the necessary subjects but also how to be caring, considerate humans. People like Mr. Williams, Ms. Gerow, Ms. Baker, Mr. Devins, Mr. Comcowich, Mr. Buckton, Mr. Gloff, Mr. Swank, Mr. Corbin, Mr. Shulman, Mr. Konnerth, Mr. Wood and Mr. Gallagher. And how about Ms. Powell, Ms. Stidworthy, and Ms. Meserve? They taught us respect and honor as well.
How fortunate we were to have experienced all these great things before we began to live life on our own!
~~Program~~
Cocktails
Welcome: Sandy Poritzky
PHS Memorabilia Display:Robert Barthelmes
Recollections: Jerry Schablein
"Remember When" Game - Robert Barthelmes
June Conklin Monroe
Dinner
Special Acknowledgments
Booklet: William and Regina Lancaster
Merit Printing, Washington Street
Cover Design & "Our New Old Hometown ............Robert Barthelmes
Music by Ricardo and Company
OUR NEW OLD HOMETOWN
We have all changed over the past 50 years (49 for the class of '58) and so has our old hometown of Peekskill. As we look around town we don't see many of the scenes we have replayed in our memories. Gone are the days when all of our material needs could be purchased right there in the downtown. America's love affair with the automobile has made history of that convenience. As we look around one might feel that things aren't as good as they were five decades ago when Peekskill was the center of our universe. That is true in some ways but in many other ways, it is not. If you have the time, take a tour around our old hometown and view some high points on the list we have provided.
You might find the tour very enlightening.
If you aren't able to be in town long enough to have an extensive look, the following will
give you an overview of what is happening.
Paramount Center for the Arts
The theater where we saw high-end films has been completely restored to its original glory. The theater is more successful than ever, drawing full-house audiences for appearances by such stars at Wynton Marsalis, Bernadette Peters and George Carlin. There's an excellent schedule of movies, too, that are unavailable at the mall.
The atmosphere is not as conducive to "making out" in the balcony but the interior is worth a visit.
Arts Community
A city-driven concept to bring creative people into Peekskill has been extremely successful. Older buildings have been converted into artists' lofts and new loft buildingshave been built, bringing over 100 artists into the downtown. Check out the new artists lofts on Central Avenue and South Street. Art galleries such as The Flat Iron Gallery and Gallery 25 (N. Division St.) are also part of the scene.
Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art (corner of Main St. and Grant Ave.)
Believe it or not the heart of "Finktown" is now the home of an excellent showcase for international contemporary art.
David and Livia Strauss have established the center and they have reached out to the community on many levels.
If the cutting edge in art appeals to you ... go!
Peekskill Arts Workshop
When we needed paper clips, shoelaces, a philodendron or some goldfish, we went straight to Woolworth's. That space is now the home of the Peekskill Arts Workshop, an extension of Westchester Community College. The workshop offers courses in all areas of computer arts and fine arts. See the current show in their exhibit area at 27 North Division Street.
Housing Growth
Peekskill is growing. Several attractive condominium and apartment complexes have been developed over the past fifteen years as well as many single-family homes. The major developments are Society Hill (former St. Peter's), Chapel Hill (former Mt. St. Florence), Villa of the Woods (former Villa Loretto), and Riverbend (former St. Joseph's).
The population has increased to over 22,000 from 17,500 in the late 50's.
Riverfront Green
The remnants of the old waterfront are long gone. The Riverfront Green has become a focal point of the city with boating, picnicking, concerts and many other events including the annual Peekskill Days Celebration, which attracts thousands of people from surrounding, towns. The riverfront now includes the recently developed Annsville Creek Preserve with beautifully landscaped walking trails and a fishing pier.
The Schools
The make-up of the schools is quite different from the 1950's.
Peekskill High School
The high school we attended has been used as the Middle School for many years. A new middle school is being constructed on Washington Street, and sadly, our dear old high school building is slated for demolition.
Drum Hill Junior High
The grand building where we attended 7th 8th and 9th grades has been beautifully restored and renovated as
the Drum Hill Senior Residence. The building, is on the national Historic Register.
Franklin Street School
The building is long gone and the children from that section of town attend other schools in the city based on grade level.
Oakside School
The stately old building was replaced in the 1960's. Oakside is now the school that 1st and 2nd graders attend.
Uriah Hill School
This lovely building has been spared the wrecker's ball and has instead expanded.
It is now the school attended by all pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children.
Park Street School
Most recently used as the alternative high school,
Park Street was recently purchased from the school board by Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.
Assumption School
The Assumption continues to thrive as a parochial school, and in fact,
the school is celebrating its 100' anniversary this year.
Restaurants
Gone is the "Miss Peekskill Diner." The Academy, Sioles, the Marathon, and the Embo,
but many fine restaurants have taken their places. Here are some suggestionsSusan's at 12 N. Division St. The Division Street Grill at 26-28 N. Division St. Ruben's at 5 Division St. Zeph's at 638 Central Avenue
Hugo's at 1007 Brown St. (an old favorite) Henry's on the Hudson at the Peekskill Motor Inn
Stores and Businesses
Not everything has changed. Some stalwarts that are still going strong are Weeks Jewelers, Peekskill Paint and Hardware, DeChristopher's Pharmacy, Scott Camera, and the oldest business in Peekskill, N. Dain and Sons. The Bypass Diner is still a busy place under the name Westchester Diner, and the Center Diner on Bank St. will bring back memories of the 50's and beyond.
To start some new memories, stop by the Peekskill Coffee House in the Flatiron Building.
Red Devils Basketball
PHS has become a dominant basketball power in New York State under coach Lou Panzanaro. With three straight Class A Championships in 2005, 2006, and 2007 the Red Devils are being hailed as a dynasty. And much to the chagrin of area teams, the Devils are looking strong for 2008 with all state forward Mookie Jones leading the way. Two former Devils are playing in the NBA.
No. I draft choiceElton Brand (PHS '97) is an all-star forward with the L.A. Clippers
and the first round draft choice Hilton Armstrong (PHS '02) plays for the New Orleans Hornets. More to come. Go Devils!
Compiled by Bob Barthelmes, Class of 1957
The pictures above and below were taken by Scott Studios and sent to us by Richard Baisley
