Greetings, I love Marc's idea concerning teachers and would love to see how much interest is generated. It would be really good if we could come up with some teacher's pictures to add to the pages. I am willing to house this effort on my site as I think it would be a great addition. DISCLAIMER!!!!... Anything said about any teacher is not to be taken personally....The opinions expressed by the ex-students are theirs and don't necessarily reflect those of the management...ME!!!! ROFLMAO I am sooo determined to copy material out of the City Directories that I am buying a just released product called an "UltraSound Scanner". With this puppy you can scan the pages inside a book without opening it. I can't wait to get my hands on it. :) Thanks to those that wrote concerning the microfiche/film thingy. I like working with that. It makes the whole thing easier. Plus part of my family reunion will take place at Renzie...maybe I can disappear into the Historic place without being missed. I could always say I left my "Depends" in Joisey and need to go frequently and end up at the historic center lol BTW... I will start saving all the stuff I get concerning the teachers and see what happens. It has been quite a while since we have had a ROLL CALL!!!!!! At last count there were 92 subscriptions for the Daily edition and about 37 for the Digest!!! So it is ROLL CALL!!! time. Please take a few moments to let others know who you are and a little something about yourself.....where you are...still in McKeesport?.....if doing family research..which families. You might be surprised who your fellow lister may be!!!! Till next time...Blessings, George "Your Friendly Host" Jenkins

Ellen Ballas website has info on Round Hill Farm and lists a Samuel VANKIRK. I have a Frank O. VANKIRK who was born in 1862 at Round Hill Farm. Can anyone connect the two?? Greg Bender > ======================== > Subject: [PAMCKEESPORT] Introduction > Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 00:03:20 -0400 > From: "Ellen Ballas" <ellen@b-n-s.com> > To: PAMCKEESPORT-L@rootsweb.com > > Dear Listers, > Hello! I just subscribed to this site & on most of them people are > encouraged to give some sort of intro on themselves or interest in the > group. I understand this is a new site & have been wondering who the web > master is on here. Also have wondered if he/she is a local McKeesport > person. > > My e-mail address on here is one of 2 that I use. The other is > genesearcher1@yahoo.com in case any of you know me on one of the county > sites I've been on for a long time. > > I'm within driving distance of the area & am the volunteer researcher > for the Elizabeth Twp. Historical Society at 5811 Smithfield St., Boston, PA > 15135. This is within 15 minutes of downtown McKeesport (for those of you > out of state). It is considered Elizabeth Twp. While it's in Allegheny > County, it does border Westmoreland County. The library in the building > contains many books and records of the surrounding areas. > > They are open to the public on Tues. & Wed. but the hours vary a little > bit. On Tues it opens around 9:45 & Wed. about 9:30 a.m. Keep in mind > everyone there is a volunteer. There are other times members are in the > building but we can't guarantee someone every day. We try to be in there on > Fri. evenings, but Lent has made that not a good time to try to come in. > Once it's over things should improve that evening, I think. It's best to > let us know ahead of time if you live a distance & wish to come in so I can > help you. There is no charge when you come in yourself, but there is for > any light research by mail. > > I have been interested in this area all my life & been involved in > research for about 35 years. It is my hope to help others with a bit of > info on here now & then, if I am able to do so. Time is limited, as it is > with everyone these days. There are also a lot of good web sites to check > on here too. My own site that I put on for the historical society material > can be reached by going to http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/6108/ > I am going to try & get more information on it soon. See you soon! > Ellen (ETHS)

There has been a lot of new people that have joined this forum since I last mentioned the McKeesport Alumni Messsage Board. It's a very active site, and you just might find a person you've lost contact with over the years. At the very least, I'm sure you will enjoy reading through the messages!! Stop in and say hi! http://www.delphi.com/McKeesportTiger Barbara Jo Pollack Firda http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/i/r/Barbara-J-Firda/?Welcome=984880983 Researching the following surnames: COATES, FIRDA, GIRMAN, LESNIK, LOGAN, POLLACK, SCHULTE, TKACH, AND VOELKER any information greatly appreciated!

One correction to my list of teachers: The Mrs. Ripple I referred to was the Mrs. Ripple who taught at Lincoln School in White Oak Boro. Not the Mrs. Ripple who taught at Centennial School in McKeesport. One as sweet as honey, the other sour as vinegar. Marc M. G. Stauffer

Dear MSHS, FMJHS, White Oak, Lincoln, Greenwood, Bryn Mar, Port Vue, Dravoesburg, Versailles Boro, and all the alumni/alumna. Teachers we feared, loved - how to narrow the list! All time question: "Has Shelby Irwin ever found that damn penny?" Category - Instilled Fear, Respect, Scholarship: Dr. Ritchie Helen G. Malseed - went into subjects no other teacher would dare address John " I may vomit" Yarnovik Jim Steel - Grace Lemon Helen Scott Sirs: Piesik and Burns Mr. Parucha Mr. Byron Miss Kaltrider Mrs. Kenny Mrs. Mansfield aka to older students as Miss Judge Joe Lynch Miss Norton Miss Thompson Mr. Irwin Miss Hall Mr. Evans Teachers - easy and fun Coach Schaefer Mr. Clark Mrs. Jenkins Miss Bowls Miss O'Tool Mrs. Donnelly (sp) Mr. Mason Mr. Coe Just Detested: Mrs. Ripple ALL SHOP TEACHERS Mr. (Italian Last Name) gym teacher. Put me in the hospital - paralyzed waist down when he used a paddle to freely! Still have medical problems with lower back because of it. Question: Can we possibly list for future generations and research their families may conduct: Assemble a list of all the teachers who served us so well - School - Name - nickname if any, Year person was your teacher, Grade and a brief comment.. If you Email me at MStauf511@aol.com I will assemble the list by District, School and Chronology in an HTML format, edit down multiple comments for clarity. Include both good and bad comments and then give it George as a list for "All Things McKeesport" I think this might be a whole lot of fun. In fact - I would like McKeesport to have a "Teacher Recognition and Appreciation Day". Invite all living teachers of the McKeesport and surrounding communities who were or are now part of McKeesport Area School District. Give some of us older grads a chance to thank personally those special teachers. Invite a Nationally Recognized Academic - credentialed or Newsperson ( Tom Brokaw, Colin Powell ) come to mind - not just some local politician. Invite the governor and both of our Pennsylvania U.S. Senators. It would be good for the cities image. It might attract attention of the national media. Help attract business and jobs back to the Mon-Yough Area. Think of it as the ultimate "Classes Gift" to the school and city. It is the least we can do for a city that we all hold special and gave all of us a foundation. Let the region know "McKeesport Values Education." Being a McKeesport Tiger means never giving up. Marc M. G. Stauffer

Speaking of teachers, does anybody remember Miss Naomi Birch, who taught English? She was my aunt. Dee Birch Cameron

In a message dated 4/3/01 10:45:38 PM, GeoJenk@aol.com writes: >I can't wait to get my hands on >those City Directories. ... Those directories are invaluable as Ellen >stated. I am going to wear out the copying machine lol I also think they >have the old telephone books from the days when you listened to the ring >to >hear who was being called and picking up the phone & eavesdropping on the >old >party line. I believe those telephone books and City directories are on microfilms at the McKeesport Heritage Center. Possible there are otehr resources in the area for them, too BUT the ones I know about for sure are located at the Heritage Ctr. Cora

The Vogue Terrace burned at the time, I think, that Ginger Rogers was to be dancing there & she had comments to say about it in the newspaper. I know I was there for a Christmas Party sometime between 1954 & 1957. I remember that Foodland store. We shopped in there sometimes, when it was newer. One evening a can fell off a shelf on my foot & that toe has never been the same. Let's go earlier - Does anyone remember going to the school yards in the summertime to watch them show movies? You took your own chair or sat on the cement. I went down to the Market St. School to see them. Sometimes they sold things to eat or drink. or Does anyone on here remember Carnival Time in the Famous Dept. Store on their main floor. They did this in the summer and sold popcycles, candy etc. for just a couple pennies. or Who remembers going to WMCK to watch them talk & spin records. You could call in requests for songs. That would be about 1950. or How about WEDO when they had dances after school outside of the DJ Booth window & let you have free Coke. About 1950 there too. or Who went to the Capitol Theater on Sat. mornings for the Amateur Shows, which were free, and then got to stay for the Saturday Cowboy, Mystery, Tarzan, or whatever was showing that day. You spent your money on popcorn, candy & pop. When you finally left the show & got out in the sunlight you squinted for 5 minutes. That's if you didn't go right across the street & pay to see the movies showing at the Liberty Theater next. remember In those days you saw 2 movies, newsreels, cartoons, short subjects etc. All for about 18 cents, if you were under 12 & about 36 cents if older (depending on the year). Ellen (ETHS)

Dear George, Hope you know where you are going to copy entire books off other than the ETHS because we aren't going to allow you to do it there!!!! Those books are old & turning every page would entirely destroy them. We don't mind a page here & there on a particular name, but No Entire Books. I looked at a copy of one year we had just this afternoon & the cover is all loose & it's beginning to flop. We had some people in the building recently & I don't think they were very kind to our books. Am thinking of having tighter restrictions on keeping eyes on visitors and giving more explicit directions on what is required in the room. We have a few phone directory books but, off hand, I can't tell you what years they are for. Maybe I had better also tell you that we will most likely be closed all of August for some extensive work being done in some of the building. This may even start sometime in July. Sorry to have to tell you that, but work does have to be done & no one will be in the building but workers. regards, Ellen (ETHS)

Hi Y'all, WARNING!!!! Stay away from those City Directories....they're mine....mine...mine.... ROFLMAO When I go to McKeesport in mid June, my family is going to be perturbed at me for spending sooo much time in the library. I can't wait to get my hands on those City Directories. That is what I am looking forward to. :)) oooops I just drooled on the keyboard. Those directories are invaluable as Ellen stated. I am going to wear out the copying machine lol I also think they have the old telephone books from the days when you listened to the ring to hear who was being called and picking up the phone & eavesdropping on the old party line. George

Hi! Speaking of Glassport, Some of you might not know this but in the McKeesport City Directories for the early 1900's, there are listings in there for other areas including Glassport. I'm not saying all the books are available for every year or that they got everyone in them, but it's something. Bye, Ellen (ETHS)

The Vogue Terrace was located on Crooked Run Road North Versailles - burned down in late 50's (my mom thinks). They did not rebuild, however Cargo Candy did. Twin Coaches - Rostraver Rt 51 burned down sometime in the 60's Now to spark more memories... do you remember......... The Ancara was on Rt 51 in Large, PA (they hosted a lot of Ice Skating Stars/Shows) The Holiday House was on Rt 22 Monroevill, PA (was owned by or partly by Johnny Bertera, who also owed the Foodland Grocery Store on East 5th Ave., McKeesport). The building was torn down and now there is a strip mall, featuring a Pharmor. Barbara Jo Pollack Firda http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/i/r/Barbara-J-Firda/?Welcome=984880983 Researching the following surnames: COATES, FIRDA, GIRMAN, LESNIK, LOGAN, POLLACK, SCHULTE, TKACH, AND VOELKER any information greatly appreciated! Barbara Jo Pollack Firda http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/i/r/Barbara-J-Firda/?Welcome=984880983 Researching the following surnames: COATES, FIRDA, GIRMAN, LESNIK, LOGAN, POLLACK, SCHULTE, TKACH, AND VOELKER any information greatly appreciated!

I just came across the following websites, and thought somebody that is looking for information on the Glassport area, would find it very informative http://ww3.telerama.com/~urichard/glasshtb1.htm http://ww3.telerama.com/~urichard/glasshtb2.htm Barbara Jo Pollack Firda http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/i/r/Barbara-J-Firda/?Welcome=984880983 Researching the following surnames: COATES, FIRDA, GIRMAN, LESNIK, LOGAN, POLLACK, SCHULTE, TKACH, AND VOELKER any information greatly appreciated!

Greetings, You 'Porters still owe me an answer. Where did I go to see the Skyliners when I graduated in June 1961. Was it Vogue Terrace or Twin Coaches. Tis a shame I don't remember where the heck I went. lol Was The Vogue Terrace really in E. McKeesport and was the Twin Coaches really in E. McKeesport? Does anyone remember the time period when Ms. Quantz was the History Teacher and Ms. Conroy was the English Teacher at the 9th Street School? Ms. Quantz was feared by all students..she didn't play....discipline was swift & sure...lol I think Ms. Anderson (Maude on tv reminds me of her) was the music teacher with the pitch pipe at that same time frame. If anyone remembers those names, can you add any more teachers to the list ...like who was principal. I also remember who I consider the first male teacher I had in grade school...forgive my spelling....Pazshuchanics or something like that. Which teacher did you fear the most? Which teacher did you consider a pushover when you went to school? A friendly reminder... the posts here aren't strictly confined to McKeesport. Heck you can even chat about other areas around McKeesport. Blessings, George "The Memory Challenged" Jenkins http://www.geocities.com/geojenk

?? ?????? ??? ----- Original Message ----- From: Ellen Ballas <ellen@b-n-s.com> To: <PAMCKEESPORT-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2001 8:03 AM Subject: [PAMCKEESPORT] Introduction Dear Listers, Hello! I just subscribed to this site & on most of them people are encouraged to give some sort of intro on themselves or interest in the group. I understand this is a new site & have been wondering who the web master is on here. Also have wondered if he/she is a local McKeesport person. My e-mail address on here is one of 2 that I use. The other is genesearcher1@yahoo.com in case any of you know me on one of the county sites I've been on for a long time. I'm within driving distance of the area & am the volunteer researcher for the Elizabeth Twp. Historical Society at 5811 Smithfield St., Boston, PA 15135. This is within 15 minutes of downtown McKeesport (for those of you out of state). It is considered Elizabeth Twp. While it's in Allegheny County, it does border Westmoreland County. The library in the building contains many books and records of the surrounding areas. They are open to the public on Tues. & Wed. but the hours vary a little bit. On Tues it opens around 9:45 & Wed. about 9:30 a.m. Keep in mind everyone there is a volunteer. There are other times members are in the building but we can't guarantee someone every day. We try to be in there on Fri. evenings, but Lent has made that not a good time to try to come in. Once it's over things should improve that evening, I think. It's best to let us know ahead of time if you live a distance & wish to come in so I can help you. There is no charge when you come in yourself, but there is for any light research by mail. I have been interested in this area all my life & been involved in research for about 35 years. It is my hope to help others with a bit of info on here now & then, if I am able to do so. Time is limited, as it is with everyone these days. There are also a lot of good web sites to check on here too. My own site that I put on for the historical society material can be reached by going to http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/6108/ I am going to try & get more information on it soon. See you soon! Ellen (ETHS) ==== PAMCKEESPORT Mailing List ==== Did you know you can send money online with PayPal? PayPal lets users send and receive money online. Use PayPal to split restaurant tabs, collect club dues, pay friends for movie tickets, or buy an item at an online auction. PayPal charges the money to your credit card or bank account. It's faster, safer and easier than mailing a check. As soon as you sign up and complete the bonus requirements, PayPal will automatically add $5 to your balance! We're confident you'll want to use PayPal, but if not, you can transfer the money to your bank account at any time. No strings attached. Click on this link to sign up and see for yourself: https://secure.paypal.com/refer/pal=GeoJenk%40aol.com After signing up, you'll get an email like this to send to your friends and family. PayPal will give you $5 for each friend you refer who completes the bonus requirements. It's that easy! ============================== Visit Ancestry.com for a FREE 14-Day Trial and enjoy access to the #1 Source for Family History Online. Go to: http://www.ancestry.com/subscribe/subscribetrial1y.asp?sourcecode=F11HB

Dear Listers, Hello! I just subscribed to this site & on most of them people are encouraged to give some sort of intro on themselves or interest in the group. I understand this is a new site & have been wondering who the web master is on here. Also have wondered if he/she is a local McKeesport person. My e-mail address on here is one of 2 that I use. The other is genesearcher1@yahoo.com in case any of you know me on one of the county sites I've been on for a long time. I'm within driving distance of the area & am the volunteer researcher for the Elizabeth Twp. Historical Society at 5811 Smithfield St., Boston, PA 15135. This is within 15 minutes of downtown McKeesport (for those of you out of state). It is considered Elizabeth Twp. While it's in Allegheny County, it does border Westmoreland County. The library in the building contains many books and records of the surrounding areas. They are open to the public on Tues. & Wed. but the hours vary a little bit. On Tues it opens around 9:45 & Wed. about 9:30 a.m. Keep in mind everyone there is a volunteer. There are other times members are in the building but we can't guarantee someone every day. We try to be in there on Fri. evenings, but Lent has made that not a good time to try to come in. Once it's over things should improve that evening, I think. It's best to let us know ahead of time if you live a distance & wish to come in so I can help you. There is no charge when you come in yourself, but there is for any light research by mail. I have been interested in this area all my life & been involved in research for about 35 years. It is my hope to help others with a bit of info on here now & then, if I am able to do so. Time is limited, as it is with everyone these days. There are also a lot of good web sites to check on here too. My own site that I put on for the historical society material can be reached by going to http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/6108/ I am going to try & get more information on it soon. See you soon! Ellen (ETHS)

Before "The Vogue Terrace" was a night club, it was a children's home of some sort. It may have been an orphanage. In the mid-30's, Clark Hamilton bought the property (on Crooked Run Road) and turned it into a modern night club. Top bands, including Lawrence Welk, Ted "Me and My Shadow" Lewis and many others made regular appearances there. Hamilton's wife was a classmate of my mother's in the MHS Class of '32.

Would someone be kind enough to send me an obit that appeared in todays paper. Lynn Beatty formerly of White Oak. If you would please email to me. Thank you Diane Thomas dianet@iline.com

Well, quite a few of you on the list came through for me on this one, and the lost city has been found. Thanks for the URL's, and other materials that were sent! You guys are great! Nancy in DE

remove my name sef9550@aol.com