Michael, Ulm and the church (Munster) which I also climbed taking photos and still have of the Danube River. I was at Wiley Kaserne in Neu-Ulm and could see the church steeple from our Kaserne (base) about nine miles away. I was with the 47th regiment 9TH division and spent many weekends in town and boating on the Danube. I had a Fraulein friend that I would see now and then who resided in Heidenheim about thirty miles from Ulm which I did visit on occasion. Heidenheim was in East Germany and when the dreadful wall went up many became prisoners of a cruel regime. LOVE AMERICA! I wondered what ever happened to her and her family and the many other poor souls. Many young folks in America and around the world should study dictatorships. Now confession time. Growing up in Seekonk first grade 1941 in a town of about five thousand and having the 3rd and 4TH and 5TH 6TH in the same room with same teacher. Mrs. Barquist was very nice but looked like she could have been in the revolutionary war. Now confession our Christmas party day I am sitting in the desk next to Mrs. Barquist munching on candy with a little stage we had one young boy Cliff who had a beautiful voice and was singing Fall on your Knees and I quietly thought joined in. Last I heard Mrs. Barquist (Peter stop) short singing career. Loved Mrs. Barquist, Newman Ave School now Mildred Aitken my second-grade teacher. loved my childhood and the Town of Seekonk. Michael, one of my Seekonk classmates Dick Lynch, Boston College 1958 Quarterback, principal Cumberland High School and Superintendent Smithfield Schools 1990S.
Ed, I also had my first singing debut as a second grader at Almy St School in a Christmas concert. I was one of the three Kings also, and the gift was also Frankincense. As you may remember the words "Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a deity nigh, prayer and praising all men raising, worship him God most high." My singing however, did not end there. In Junior High I was a member of the All State Chorus. At Boston College I was in the Boston College Glee Club for four years and also got to spend one month in Germany in 1961 as a member of a USO tour group representing the Boston College Glee Club performing concerts at military bases. I was in Berlin on August 13, 1961 at the Brandenburg Gate, the first day of the Berlin Wall.
You, however, got to become a famous doctor and a great writer. So singing did not do that much for either of us.
Peter, I was in Ulm twice. The first time was 1961 when I was a member of the USO tour group from the Boston College Glee Club. I climbed to the top of the church tower, purportedly one of the highest spires in Europe. Then, as a member of the 102nd AC&W RI Air National Guard we went to Ulm for a two week summer camp. I again climbed the church spire. That was sometime in the mid 60's. A beautiful country and a beautiful city.
What I wouldn't give to see you and hear you sing in your stage debut. In fact, when we play golf next season, I want a replay. You can use your Driver and a sleeve of golf balls to recreate your role. I'm not surprised you were a king in the play. I am honored to be your friend. Merry Christmas from your Happy Hanukkah friend.
Oh 'Edward', What a beautiful story. I never recall being in a Christmas pageant in grade school but I do have several experiences in common with you. My elementary school, Lidda Hooe' in Dallas, also had that very same long stick with the hook on the end to open o the close the transom over the doorway.
Also, the old brick school (which is almost an exact replica of the grade school in the movie, 'Christmas Story', which is my favorite Christmas movie'. I was that kid in that movie, minus the snow, for I too wanted that 'Red Rider' BB gun and got it).
The school had what seemed at the time an emence auditorium which I can see in my mind to this day. I played in an accordion band and was terrified that the teacher would call on me for a solo. It finally happened at a recital and I felt the same as you; scared to death. But, like you, I got through it and survived.
Though our memories are different, your story brought back many good and long forgotten ones for me. Have a wonderful Christmas. John & Beverly Yuill
Ed a delightful story and brought chuckles about the knocking knees. Mrs. Dooley gave her approval with a pleasent smile. Love the photos. Christmas brings the best out of all of us.
What a gift you have for bringing back the memories of childhood! I remember those walks to and from Nelson Street school and home, four for me (lunch at home, what joy!) La Salle bakery smells and Del's lemonade stand when I went to West junior high, and the stage fright you captured perfectly! Mine was piano recitals!
Tom, Academy building is still there, now apartments i believe. There was no large building across the street. Just homes on either side of Abe's Variety Store.
Michael, Ulm and the church (Munster) which I also climbed taking photos and still have of the Danube River. I was at Wiley Kaserne in Neu-Ulm and could see the church steeple from our Kaserne (base) about nine miles away. I was with the 47th regiment 9TH division and spent many weekends in town and boating on the Danube. I had a Fraulein friend that I would see now and then who resided in Heidenheim about thirty miles from Ulm which I did visit on occasion. Heidenheim was in East Germany and when the dreadful wall went up many became prisoners of a cruel regime. LOVE AMERICA! I wondered what ever happened to her and her family and the many other poor souls. Many young folks in America and around the world should study dictatorships. Now confession time. Growing up in Seekonk first grade 1941 in a town of about five thousand and having the 3rd and 4TH and 5TH 6TH in the same room with same teacher. Mrs. Barquist was very nice but looked like she could have been in the revolutionary war. Now confession our Christmas party day I am sitting in the desk next to Mrs. Barquist munching on candy with a little stage we had one young boy Cliff who had a beautiful voice and was singing Fall on your Knees and I quietly thought joined in. Last I heard Mrs. Barquist (Peter stop) short singing career. Loved Mrs. Barquist, Newman Ave School now Mildred Aitken my second-grade teacher. loved my childhood and the Town of Seekonk. Michael, one of my Seekonk classmates Dick Lynch, Boston College 1958 Quarterback, principal Cumberland High School and Superintendent Smithfield Schools 1990S.
I LOVE the discussion.
My word, Dr. Ed, all these years and you hid this singing talent from your many, many fans?
HaHa. Though a King, I was a flop.
Ed, I also had my first singing debut as a second grader at Almy St School in a Christmas concert. I was one of the three Kings also, and the gift was also Frankincense. As you may remember the words "Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a deity nigh, prayer and praising all men raising, worship him God most high." My singing however, did not end there. In Junior High I was a member of the All State Chorus. At Boston College I was in the Boston College Glee Club for four years and also got to spend one month in Germany in 1961 as a member of a USO tour group representing the Boston College Glee Club performing concerts at military bases. I was in Berlin on August 13, 1961 at the Brandenburg Gate, the first day of the Berlin Wall.
You, however, got to become a famous doctor and a great writer. So singing did not do that much for either of us.
Michael J. Neri
WOW! The only singing I did when stationed in ULM, Germany 1955-56 when we went into town and had a few extra brews.
Time to start up again, my friend
Peter, I was in Ulm twice. The first time was 1961 when I was a member of the USO tour group from the Boston College Glee Club. I climbed to the top of the church tower, purportedly one of the highest spires in Europe. Then, as a member of the 102nd AC&W RI Air National Guard we went to Ulm for a two week summer camp. I again climbed the church spire. That was sometime in the mid 60's. A beautiful country and a beautiful city.
Very Cool
Yes, Mike, I remember you telling me of your singing prowess and remarkable experiences. How fortunate you were to pursue the singing.
I guess I would differ. Singing did a lot for both of us.
What a pleasure to hear from you, Mike.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. I think we can all relate to the anticipation of performing in front of classmates and teachers. Great job as always.
Knockin' Knees. Right
Now THAT is a Christmass story. How do you remember all those minute details? Amazing!❤️
Thank you, Connie. I'm not sure. I do, and those in this story are vivid.
What I wouldn't give to see you and hear you sing in your stage debut. In fact, when we play golf next season, I want a replay. You can use your Driver and a sleeve of golf balls to recreate your role. I'm not surprised you were a king in the play. I am honored to be your friend. Merry Christmas from your Happy Hanukkah friend.
Thank you, Larry. Would you be distracted if I wore my crown? Yes, I too appreciate our friendship. Happy Hanukkah
Love the stories! Even though I grew up in Warren, the story is so familiar!! Such great memories. Please keep writing!!
Thank you, Loretta. Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Oh 'Edward', What a beautiful story. I never recall being in a Christmas pageant in grade school but I do have several experiences in common with you. My elementary school, Lidda Hooe' in Dallas, also had that very same long stick with the hook on the end to open o the close the transom over the doorway.
Also, the old brick school (which is almost an exact replica of the grade school in the movie, 'Christmas Story', which is my favorite Christmas movie'. I was that kid in that movie, minus the snow, for I too wanted that 'Red Rider' BB gun and got it).
The school had what seemed at the time an emence auditorium which I can see in my mind to this day. I played in an accordion band and was terrified that the teacher would call on me for a solo. It finally happened at a recital and I felt the same as you; scared to death. But, like you, I got through it and survived.
Though our memories are different, your story brought back many good and long forgotten ones for me. Have a wonderful Christmas. John & Beverly Yuill
John, thank you for another beautiful note. I am so pleased that I rekindled your memories.
Those old schools were wonderful.
And, yes, I identify with The Christmas Story. Absent the BB Rifle, I too was Ralphie. You stole my part.
Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year
Ed a delightful story and brought chuckles about the knocking knees. Mrs. Dooley gave her approval with a pleasent smile. Love the photos. Christmas brings the best out of all of us.
I loved Mrs. Dooley; a widow as she lost her husband in WW II.
And Yes, Christmas should calm many waters. At least I hope it will.
Bless her soul.
What a gift you have for bringing back the memories of childhood! I remember those walks to and from Nelson Street school and home, four for me (lunch at home, what joy!) La Salle bakery smells and Del's lemonade stand when I went to West junior high, and the stage fright you captured perfectly! Mine was piano recitals!
I'm pleased I rekindled your memories, Elsie. Merry Christmas. Keep singing
Ed, you captured what I am sure are the memories of our generation...well done! Don
Thank you, Don. A great era it was for us
Ed, even though I went to the other three schools in the area: Kennedy (Nelson St.), West
and Mt. Pleasant, I do vaguely remember Academy Ave school. It must have been demolished
in the late 60's? I also remember a huge structure directly across the street that is also gone,
it's now a small park. At least it seemed big to a little kid like me at the time! Do you remember
what that building was?
Tom, Academy building is still there, now apartments i believe. There was no large building across the street. Just homes on either side of Abe's Variety Store.