This will be an unusual sort of post. While we often focus on the “B” – or Broadway – of BFA, I’d like to post about the “F” – Fillmore.
The intersection of Fillmore Avenue and Landon Street has been home to a house of worship for more than a century. While it’s now Antioch Baptist Church, it was for most of its existence (1890 until the 70’s) St. Mary Magdalene Parish, in its better days a thriving Catholic church and school.
The St. Mary Magdalene community was formed from St. Ann’s boundaries as were 5 other churches, incidentally all of which are now closed.
A personal connection for me, is that my grandmother and her brother and sisters moved in the late 1940’s from St. Francis Xavier Parish (they lived on Gorton St. then Dearborn) in Black Rock to St. Mary Magdalene Parish where they lived on Winslow Avenue. They all graduated from the school and my great-grandmother was buried from the church (however in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery) in 1951. Arrangements were by the WM. Vogelsang Funeral Home across the street from St. Mary Magdalen’s.
The church, unlike most of the former Catholic churches that have been sold off, is still very much alive and in remarkably good condition due to its upkeep by the current congregation. The long-gone school just had its 2008 reunion and alumni meet regularly for breakfast.
If you have a connection or story about St. Mary Magdalene’s or the Fillmore area in general, we’d love for you to share it. There’s not much on the internet and it’s an important part of neighborhood history.
My father, Judge William J. Ostrowski, went to school there in the 1930’s before going to St. Joe’s. We have a photo of his class somewhere.
I went to St Mary Magdalene’s from 1957-65 and then to St Joe’s.
Lived on Glenwood and walked to school and back home for lunch everyday.
I passed three bakery’s on the four block walk that took 10 minutes. Of course I was taught by Christian Brothers from 5-8 grades and even though we moved to Rochester I always kept up with my school mates, one who is my best friend even today. I live in Houston so it is great to find information on the old neighborhood. I fondly remember swimming at the big Humbolt Park Pool and going to the Natural Science Museum.
I attended St Matthew Church mass and St Matthew School grammar school with a Joseph Schmidt in the 1960’s.
I lived on kehr st. My name is Gary Lewinski. I can’t place you although name sounds familar.
don, your name sounds so familar. You said you lived on glenwood. I lived on kehr near the corner of dead end Glenwood. I was your paper boy. I just can’t visualize you. My name is Gary lewinski
This is mike Crawford formerly of Woeppel Street. After graduation from SMM school, i went to Bishop Turner and graduated in 1967 then onto junior college in Alfred., New York called Alfred State College. One day i got a letter from uncle Sam and he invited me to join him in the Army. I decided to turn down the invitation and joined the Navy instead. i spent a total of 6 years in the Navy with about a year and a half of school in electronics and almost 3 years of shore duty in Japan which was the highlight of my time in the Navy. After i went on board an amphibious cargo ship, the USS Mobile (LKA -115). We participated in the evacuation of people from South Vietnam in 1975. After the Navy i went back to school in Longview, Texas and graduated in 1978. I spent the next 37 years working for various Defense Contractors in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I retired in December 2015. i live in Lewisville Texas which is about 20 miles north of Dallas with my wife. We have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren with a little girl scheduled to arrive around the end of May. My email address is crawfmike49@gmail.com
I attended St. Mary Magdalene School from 1st through 8th grade (graduated in 1959). My husband and his 5 brothers aslo attended the school. It was an active, vibrant parish with a Pastor and 2 priests as his assistants. At 6th grade the boys were taught by the Christian Brothers, and the girls by the Sisters of St. Joseph. I lived on Glenwood Ave., and walked home for lunch and then back to school about 40 minutes later..I don’t think we ever had “snow days.” We did have early dismissal on Mondays so the public school students could get religious ed. in the building. There was nothing elaborate about our school, we didn’t have up-to-date equipment or teaching tools but we received an excellent education.
I attended SMM for 8 years and graduated 1961. I am looking for fellow students! I lived on 666 Riley St., just a block from the old red brick school. Sr. Stella taught us in Grade 8. Sr. Cassiana in Gr. 7. Sr. Barbara Ann in Gr. 6. Sr. Theresa in Gr 2. Father Schreckenberger was the pastor. Brother Philip was handsome. Brother Lawrence skated with us daily at Humboldt Rink.
Hi, I lived at 938 Humboldt parkway and went to school there in 1965-67. It was a very good school and I still think about the school and the church.
I was in cub scouts with your brothers and went to meetings at your home. I lived at 785 Glenwood third house from public school 59. We “made” a wooden key that was a key holder. We only put the finish on it and put in the hooks, thanks to your dad. I still hung in the kitchen when we moved to Chili when I was in high school. People today don’t believe we walked home for lunch and your walk was longer than mine. Incredible memories.
hi jim wagner here ,remember your family ,and of course tom was a classmate of mine
Hey jim- this is gary lewinski. Went to school with you and john o’brien, roger kremblas, mike ivansitz, david bauerlein, joe barbawitz. Just to name a few. Bring back memories? You can e-mail me at gary29052@gmail.com
My mother and brother attended the school and I was baptized there in 1959. My grandparents owned Old Dutch Rye Bakery at 1414 Fillmore Ave., which is now a beauty school. The owner is a wonderful person, and has let me walk around the building with my childhood memories.
My mother, Eileen Crawford, worked at Old Dutch Rye Bakery around 1965-1968 for Mr and Mrs Uschold? I went to St Mary Magdalene up to 7th grade in 1969. I would walk to the bakery for lunch and eat in the back area. I remember I could have a brownie or doughnut for dessert. Also my best friend, Mike Massey, lived upstairs of the bakery with his parents for a number of years. We knew every inch of that big building. It was like our playground, always in need of exploration. I also remember some people that lived in small apartments/rooms on the 3rd floor. One woman named Elsie was quite a character and was friends with my mother. She always reported any mischief we got in to our parents.I have many great memories of that neighborhood and St Mary Magdalene. It was very sad for me when we moved to Depew in 1969, but the neighborhood was getting too dangerous. What a small world.
Paul: Yes I know about the neighborhood. We had to move around 1970. I was in the service and my parents sold the house and when I came home I was living in Cheektowaga. Did you have a brother Michael?
Bernie
Bernie – Yes my brother Mike now lives in Dallas. I think he graduated from St Mary Magdalen in 1963. We often talk about the old neighborhood. My sister, Marsha graduated in 1960.I live in Lancaster now and often tell my kids about the Fillmore neighborhood. They don’t believe me when I tell them we walked to school twice a day. I gave Mike this site so he can respond and add his many memories. He wants to attend the SMM reunion sometime, and so would I.
hello we grew up in same neighborhood
We’re you neighbors with Mary Lou burguard?
Yes- a brother mike and mark and sister sandy
This is mike Crawford. i live in Lewisville Texas which is about 20 miles north of Dallas. I’ve been here since 1978. I retired from working in the Defense industry for 37 years. My email address is crawfmike49@gmail.com
Hello Bernard Sansone…Mike Feiner (almost 67 years old) here !!! Remember you, Tom Heine and I were considered the big “THREE” when we attended 6’th, 7’th & 8’th grade at ST. Mary Magdalene School. Remember the Christain Brothers ??? Its 1964 and we all graduated from SMM and went to either St. Joes, Bishop Turner or (don’t remember where you went to high school). Had a GREAT time those three years and think about it OFTEN.
Mike: nice to hear from you. I did attend Bishop Turner and graduated. We were in different sections. I often do think of the friendships we had along with all the things we did with the Christian brothers. I remember the football games and hockey games we had on Glenwood Ave. Tom Heine passed away 8 years ago. I did see him the year before. I am retired now and teaching part time.
hello bernard
I went to SMM ALSO BROTHER anselm bro. Augustine
Do you have a sister Joanne
No, my sister was Marsha Crawford. My Brother is Mike Crawford.
I graduated in 1956. Lived on Winslow and Glenwood Aves. My mother worked at the bakery in the 50s. Is your mother or father either Georgie or Dorothy? Had Brother George and Brother Amity? in 7th & 8th grades. Great memories.
My parents were friends with George and Dorothy Hoffman on Weopple St. Their kids were Georgie and Carol who were friends with my brother and sister, Mike and Marsha. Dorothy Hoffman worked at the Heinz or Heims bakery at the corner of Fillmore and Weopple. I don’t think they ever owned it. The Old Dutch Rye bakery on Fillmore, was Owned by the Uschold family. At least that’s how I remember it.
Wow, it is certainly a small world, Paul Crawford! I do remember you and your family. My mom, dad, grandma and I rented the apartment above your parents when they were on North Bryant Street in Depew, NY, I think it was 1970 when we moved in. My name is Donna. My mother, Doris; grandmother, Mabel; and I got along really well with your mom, Eileen. I know that there were, unfortunately, tensions between my dad, James, and your parents. I never knew what that was about, but I do apologize for the way he acted. I did not know (or perhaps remember) that your family came from the Fillmore district as well. We lived on Woeppel Street. Did your mom and dad move from there, too? I’ve been trying to find out the name of the bakery my maternal grandparents, William and Mabel Magrun, owned. I think it was on Fillmore Ave. You don’t have any idea, do you? I also attended St. Mary Magdalen School in the late 60s. We clearly attended at the same time. I remember fearing the nuns with their rulers because if someone got out of line, “Whack”–they’d be hit right on the knuckles. I have a son and daughter. My husband and I live in the Lower Hudson Valley area of NYS. My first grandchild, Katerina, was just born in January. Do you have any grandchildren? Sure hope to hear back from you, Paul!
Yes Donna, I certainly do remember you and your family. It’s hard for me to comprehend that you will be a grandmother, congratulations. I remember back on Woepple St. you lived above my nemesis, Mrs. Kissinger at 40 Woepple. I believe that house is gone now as so many are on Woepple St. We lived at 32, three houses from you. I have so many great memories growing up there. Then it just got too dangerous to live there. Around 1966-67 my mother asked your mother if I could eat lunch at your house while my mother worked at the Old Dutch Rye Bakery on school days. I remember your mother served Carnation powdered milk, I hated it. So they came up with the idea to flavor it with strawberry Quick. I drank it, but I knew what they were up to.
I don’t know the name of your grandparents bakery, but I do remember the adults talking about it. I seem to remember you had an uncle that your grandmother occasionally went to visit. He would probably know if he is still alive. I will also ask my brother Mike. He might remember.
LuAnn and I have 3 daughters, 3 granddaughters, and one grandson on the way. I sold my company last year and I’m told by my family that I’m retired. I don’t consider myself retired, I chose not to work at this time, Ha..
The last I remember you lived on Grand Island. How did wind up in going East? You can respond to my email pecrawf@aol.com and we can catch up some more.
Great hearing from you.
Paul.
Donna,
I don’t know if you ever received my response from last year. I hope you get this one.
Paul
Heims Bakery was on the corner of Fillmore & Woeppel St and was owned by Walter Heim. The family lived upstairs. We all went to SMM.
When I lived on Woeppel The Old Dutch Rye Bakery was known as Uscholds. Lived there in the 40s & 50s
I graduated from St Mary Magdalene in 1964. Was Marie Berner back then. Went to school with Marilyn Heim. I have a picture of my 1st grade class & Sister St. Jude was the teacher.
My sister Gwen Faust is good friends with Marilyn Heim to this day. Her parents owned Heims bakery.
Where did you live on Winslow? My grandparents (John and Mary Kushner) moved there from Rochester in 1942. They lived in 316 Winslow. My mother, the oldest of 12 stayed in Rochester. Eventually my Aunt Francis took over the main part of the house and my grandmother lived in the apartment in the back. We visited the neighborhood until the mid-70s when my uncle won the numbers and they were able to move to Blasdell.
Manny memories of growing up and being taught by the Christian Brothers.
Great friends Tom Heine, Michael Finer, Tim Bear, John Sandecki, Allen Bryan just to name a few. I went there from 1956 to 1964.
Ah Glenwood Ave, many hockey and football games along with building forts on the dead end. Does anybody remember our baseball team The Brothers 9? No parents involves just your bike and your friends.
Hi I am
Jim
Wagner 1958 to 1964 we were classmates and I am recalling those same persons live now in New Orleans return to Buffslo each year to visit family. I remember in the third grade I had a nun teach me ,sister depazzi , music on wooden chimes
Ps lived on Irban Street
Yeah the class of 64. What about Dennis Theur, Mike Colson, Joey Tomas, Ken Diebold, Francis Barbarits(sp?), Joe Chevilear(?), and I am still close to Al Dunn, and all the faces I remember but can’t name. In third grade I needed glasses badly and was bored and crawled on my hands and knees up and down between the wrought iron desk frames.
Sister was short and fat and never caught me. I got glasses that summer and straightened out in 4th grade before I was thrown to the brothers who beat us. There was no shortage of volunteers when the brothers asked for someone to lend their belt
What a life, it was a different time. I still have the graduation and first communion pictures on the steps of the church. We won the city Catholic basketball championship in 8th grade with tall Paul M. I took a Polaroid of the team. Lets have a reunion. With face book it might be possible to find the guys. Unfortunately I know two who have passed. I live outside of Houston.
Correction, I was class of 65, sorry, just got nostalgic and lost my head.
Hi Don. I went to school with you. Carol Kane (Cusmano now). Lived on Urban St Grad 1965 My brother Tom grad 1963. You said you had pictures. I sure would appreciate copies. I’ll pay for them of course. My email is ccusmano77@aol.com Sure would like to hear from you. You were in my class!!
Hi Don; My name is Wayne Diebold . Kenneth is my baby brother. He won’t have anything to do with me though. we went our own ways back in the 60’s haven’t spoke to him since.
I think I wrote to you several years ago via E- mail. hope everything is good with ya ….
Those names are familiar . I must have been in class ahead of you. Did they combine 5th and 6 th grade .5th wore red rises and 6 th green ties.
Ron Raymond
Lived on Josephine St.
I also had Sister Dipazzi as my third grade teacher. I attended SMM 2nd thru 8th grades. Graduated 1966. Maybe you have a sister Mary Beth?
I remember the school had the scariest fire escape and a third floor basketball court. If there are any further reunions I would love to know. Roger (Ball Box Ave.) and I are currently planning our 51st Turner reunion.
Did you live on urban st. Near mary Burguard? I lived on kehr st. And went to school with you.
Oh do I remember sister to pazzi she was great playing baseball with us if we got back after lunch early.
I went to school there 1958 to 1965.I grew up on Josephine St. I remember you and the guys you are talking about. I remember picking up the Buffalo Evening News for our paper routes at Weslo’s store (I think that was its name) on the corner of French and Kehr.
Ron Raymond
I, Bruce, remember St Mary Magdalines. I attended 2nd and 3rd grade under Sister Antivirus. It was 1966 and 1967. I have great memories of playing games in the playground at recess. I was always amazed by the 2 bells that range at noon and six pm and 12 am. We lived on Riley street, so it was just a walk up the street to the corner, and there I was at St Mary magdalines Good Days!!
I thought her name was Sr. Antinitus. Lol. I went there 1965 until 1970. I live on Northampton st. I remember Mcpeaks, and a place that made fish and chips. I especially remember Mrs. Brice, my 4th grade teacher and her friend, Mr. Jake.
I went to school there from 1964 til 1970 we lived on fougeron street theresa Gillman I rember mrs brice my favorite teacher taught me piano I also remember sister Claudia sister antonitus and mrs wagner and sister Stella and sister theophane walked to school in the morning went home for lunch and back and then home again!!!
Theresa and Marge, I believe we were in the same class at SMM. I moved to Depew in the summer of 1969, so I did not graduate with you. The last teacher I had was Sr. Theophane (7th). I remember her constantly punishing all the boys only and making us stay after school while all the girls were free to go. I never forgot that. I live in Lancaster now, but spend time in Florida for some of the winter. I hope if there is ever a reunion we can all attend.
I am one of many Lamberts who went to St Mary Magdalene’s School. My parents went there, too… and all of their siblings. We moved to East Aurora in 1970, so the last Lambert “graduate” would have been my brother, George, in June of 1969. Sr. Marcella was principal then, and she gave George a puppy (Buttons.) I remember Buttons at the convent. Buttons lived for a long time. I left home in 1979, and she was still going strong.
There was a reunion I went to in 1986 – where I saw Joey Deibolt and his mom. Theresa Deibolt was in my class. Marty Sansone (another classmate) was there, too.
Theresa, your brother, Wesley was also in my class at SMM.
Mr. Fischer was my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Wagner for 5th, Miss Brice – 4th, Mrs. Marinello – 3rd, Sr. Antoninus – 2nd, Sr. Aquinata for 1st grade.
Yes I do remember all you guys small world I live in Fredonia Wesley lives in Virginia
hello yes memories
Hi Theresa. I am one of many Lamberts who went to SMM. Your brother, Wesley, was in my class. My family moved out of Buffalo in 1970.
If I remember correctly, the 2nd grade teacher’s name was Sister Antoninus.
I am from the class of 1964 and remember Jim Wagner, Tom Heine, John Sandecki, Michael Fiener, Bob Eberle, Zigmont Malwicki, Ken Rozaek, Charlie Colber. I told all the stories to my kids about growing up on French st., Glenwood avenue and Humbolt park. What about the Brothers 9 baseball team?
Lot of great memories and FRIENDS from long ago.
Bernie Sansone
Yes, please see my post under Wagner’s. Believe it or not there is a Sansone’s bar in Houston that used to be the area HQ for Bills fans. When I went there about 20 years ago and I immediately thought of you with the same name. As you know no relation.
Just thought of two more, Paul Malinowski, Nick Magyarics. My home was at 785 Glenwood Ave, class of 64, Bro Anselm, Micheal, and the tall one from NYC.
No, I was in the class of 65, sorry for the poor math. All the guys were in that class, not 64.
It was so exciting to hear of our unique familiar story at SMM I just forgot to count.
Don: great memories of the old neighborhood.
Was life really that simple? Neighborhood friends only a walk away.
I know two people who passed away John Sandecki who was my neighbor and Tom Heine.
Great summer time days playing with the brothers 9 and sharpening my pool skills at the PAL.
Bernie Sansone
Gary, hi I am Anne (Faust) Shay.I lived at 14 Kehr near Genesee . I went to SMM till 1964. We moved to Tonawanda. I missed graduation in 65. I ran into Denise Theur at flickengers. My sister Gwen hung around with Marilyn Heim, from Heims bakery. They still stay in touch. They graduated in 64. I have such fond memories, playing baseball with sister Dipazzi. When the weather was nice after lunch. I skated everyday at Humboldt park with brother Lawrence. Went to Pal there as well. All the candy stores on the way to and from school. The best years of my school years.
FYI: I still see Ken Rozek on occasion. He’s a retired postal worker and still married to a girl from our old neighborhood, Jane Garland
Did Ken have a sister Kathy?
I know you remember all the guys. Do any of you remember the Glapinski girls that lived on French St.
Don’t know if you remember me. I graduated SMM 1966. I also remember all the people you mentioned. Lived on Josephine St.
I’m Gary lewinski, lived on kehr st. Near Glenwood. Paper boy and altar boy. Alot of the names you mention bring back memories. Remember Terry kaczmarek on box st.near kehr. Roger Kremblas, Mike Ivansitz, the Shelton Brothers are a few I remember.
Hi Gary – This is your favorite sister, Sandi – hope you and your family are well – sure do miss all of you – trying to take a trip down memory lane here – St. Mary Magdalene holds so many wonderful memories for me – still have a picture of my eighth grade graduation – picture taken on the front steps of the Church – trying to find out some information about my Confirmation – way back in the day – have no idea where to begin. I believe that Nana was my sponsor – would have been around 1960 or so. Any suggestions where I might try to find out any info? – Love you little brother.
Sandi
How the heck are you? Been awhile- hope everything is fine with you. Crazy way to hear from you. I was just reminiscing the other day and browsing that site, some of the names mentioned brought back memories for sure. As for the information you’re looking for, I have no idea. I did come across the mention of Kenny Rozek, you were good friends with his sister. Anytime you just want to text- our e-mail is Gary29052@gmail.com – have a good day and stay in touch, Gary
Joane kaczmark worked ta Flickengers. she was in my class of 65 . My sister Gwen went with Paul Melinowski. So many good memories. Roller skating at St. Ann’s., Ice skating, etc. How about Canada dry plant Urban and Kehr Street. I remember finding bottles of ginger ale out in the snow piles workers were cooling for themselves. What great days. I hung with Karen kirsch, Peggy McClusky. Walked to school with miss Kirshberger some times.
Hi Anne, I just came upon this chat today. I see a lot of familiar names. I am Bernice Smith (Kuerzdoerfer) Your sister Gwen was in my class and so were a lot of people listed above. What a small world. I went to SMM for 8 years and then Archbishop Carrol HS, skated at Humboldt and lived on Urban near Canada Dry.
This was a post I did in 2011 on a site called “Churches of Buffalo”
I graduated in 1965. There was Bro Anselm, Michael, Augustine (from NYC), Bernadine and Lawrence who did not teach at that time. Sr. Stella was Principle of the girls side also. I live in Houston now but still remember them opening the gym on Friday nights to play ball and taking us to college basketball games at the old Aud. We played every day after school in the parking lot behind the school and I remember the vinegar fries too. What was great was the tiny take out pizza place across Fillmore from the church. This was a more more recent picture after they replace the old church spires when they became a hazard.
Hi Don,
I graduated in 1961 from St. Mary Magdalene’s, having had Sister Stella for 8th grade; Sr. Cassiana for 7th, Sister Barbara Ann for 5th, Sr. Theresa for 2nd. Our family lived at 666 Riley St., less than a block from the church. I speed skated with Bro. Lawrence and Bro. Philip at the Humboldt Park Rink, and remember fondly skating to the hits of the fifties. I still remember the original steeples on the church and get mad at the ugly new ones. I sang in the choir at masses, and played in the school yard. I’m now seventy years old and live in British Columbia, having married a man here. The nuns were strict, but what else could you do when you had 60 kids in one class? SMM had a huge influence on my life. Unfortunately, we moved to Cheektowaga in ’61, so I lost contact with my classmates. I attended Cheektowaga Central. The suburbs were boring compared to the very cultural life of our neighborhood, including the Buffalo Museum of Science.
I used to ice skate with Brother Lawrence around 1960; he was a great skater. Thanks to him I bought (used) speed skates. The rink at Humboldt Park was packed every day with music out the speakers.
I graduated from SMM in 1961. From there we moved to Cheektowaga and graduated in ’65 from CCHS.
I have great memories from living on 666 Riley St. We were a couple blocks from the Museum and had dance and art classes every Saturday there; plus telescope night on Wednesday nights. Also a great delight was climbing the monkey trees in Humboldt Park. I hope they are still there!
I had Sr. Cassiana in Grade 7; and Sr. Stella in Grade 8. My favourite was Sr. Barbara Ann in grade 6.
This is Gary lewinski- your name rings a bell but I just can’t place you. I was the paper boy and also altar boy every Sunday morning at 7:30 mass. I lived on kehr st.the last
My Alsatian great grandparents were married in this church on June 24, 1906. Two years later they relocated to California and eventually Idaho.
I graduated from SMM in 1958. Started there inthe 5th grade. Last name back then was Licnerski. Lived on Fougeron St. Got married at the church in 1965. Very young bride…..lol I have great memories of that school.
Class of 1960 after all 8 years in grade school.
My dad and mom, Carl and Alice Mertz were proprietors of the “Mertz Funeral Home”
We lived above the business and our picture window faced SMM.
St Mary Magdalene had a significant affect in shaping my values and character.
It was a wonderful place to learn about God, country and community.
(I remember the North Fillmore Businessmen’s Flag Day Parades when the WWII vets along with the US Army tanks “rumbled” south down Fillmore towards Humboldt Park.)
The Christian Brothers taught us in grades 5-8 at SMM.
After graduation, I took the NFT to St Joes in Kenmore.
It was quite a transition to get use to “suburbanites” as classmates at SJCI.
But it worked and graduation came in 1964.
Wanting to stay with the Christian Brothers, I attended St Michael’s College.
St Michaels was in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (It was the closest College that would have me!)
In 1966, I transfered to St John Fisher College in Rochester where I graduated in 1968.
Then, like most graduates in that era, Vietnam.
My education and religion help me get through that and I am writing about these things as a Septuagenerian.
Great memories as I reminisce while reading all your posts to this website. Keep them coming.
Thank You
BTW if anyone is familiar with the Bork Family, please share the information.
I understand they have a source to many SMM history.
If anyone has neighborhood pictures or school / church pictures and would be willing to share them, please contact me at my e-mail address.
Hi Wayne,
I think I need your email address. My parents were friends of your parents, back in the SMM days. I was friends with your brother Mark when you lived on Fillmore Ave, and now your name pops up on my wife’s ancestry account as a DNA match. The Bork name is my wife’s family. Maybe we could talk. My email is pecrawf@aol.com. Paul Crawford
Wow
Talk about a name from the past. I am Dennis Haraszko and married Kermy Delmar in 1964. Joes. I must have gone to school with your brother Carl, both at SMM and St Joe’s. Is he still around? Right now we are still in AZ because of the virus, but spend half the year in Cheektowaga. My email is dahsr64@gmail.com.
Hi Wayne. I’m Carol Kane. Lived on Urban. I remember you and your Mom & Dad. My dad & your dad we’re friends!! My brother is Tom Kane.
Carol:
Somehow or other the names got mixed up. I am Dennis Haraszko not Wayne as mentioned in your comment. I lived on Box and Kehr and married Kermy Delmar whose parens owned Kream Kraft on Fillmore. We graduated in 1956 from SMM.
This search began as I was trying to recall the name of my 4th Grade teacher. I remember she was a nun. I had Sister Rosalia in 3rd grade and Miss Drey and Miss Montasano in 5th, then Sister Bridget in 6th, Brother George in 7th and Brother Amedy in 8th.
Fourth grade was Sister Barbara Ann. I graduated with you & Kermy. Good to know a few of us are still hanging in there.
I lived on Josephine St next to the house on Fougeron where your uncle? Fred and his German wife Hilla? and daughter Jane lived. I believe your Grandparents (Carl and Ruth)may have also lived at that adress. My father was good friends with your father and uncle. Your brother Jim owns the funeral parlor near my house in Tonawanda. Do you know anything about Jane Mertz. We were close as children.
I was a classmate of your brother Jim at SMM (1967). We lived on Riley on the other side of the expressway…which forced me to hop the fence every day. I cant tell you how many pairs of pants I ripped as a result. Times were much simpler then.
Best Regards
I lived on the Fillmore side of Riley; so I didn’t have to jump any fence. Our whole family hated it when they put in the Expressway. It ruined all the neighborhoods.
Mary Ann (Morley) Rombach
formerly of 666 Riley St.
dahsr64@gmail.com
I am Denny Haraszko and graduated from SMM in 1956. Went to ST Joes after that and then St Bonaventure.
Married my Sweetheart Kermy Delmar and have been happily married for over 58 years.
Still in contact with Ray Paske and his brothers. Also saw Jim Rudnicki, Michael Angel, Paul Weber and Doug Domres over the years. Also say a note from Bill Giles. Kermy and I are Snowbirds.. 6 summer months in Cheektowaga and 6 winter months in Arizona.
Is Ray Paske a brother of Matthew Paske? I knew Matthew a bit. Lived down the street.
Mary Ann (Morley) Rombach
Yes
There were five brothers. Dick, Bob, Ray, John and Marty the youngest.all lived on Riley and went to St Joe’s after SMM.
I graduated with your brother Charles in 1956. Most people on here are younger than Charles & I.
I am Carol Kane Cusmano. We lived on Urban Street. I attended 8 years at St Mary Magdalene School. Graduation 1965. My brother Tom graduated 1963. So many wonderful memories. Those St Joseph Nuns and Christian brothers kept us in line for sure. But we had so much fun there . We were a tight group of kids. Loved attending CYO on Tuesday night on the 3rd floor of the school building. Oh those wooden floors. Lol
hi hi him
My name is Gary lewinski, I lived on kehr st. Near Glenwood. Did you live on urbanized Beach st.? If so I was in your class a long, long time ago. Brings back memories.
I also remember those creaking wooden floors!
Mary Ann (Morley) of Riley St.
I’m Gary lewinski. Lived on kehr near Glenwood. Went to smm and graduated in 1963 or 64. Altar boy and paper boy. Good memories growing up.
Hello Carol, this is Anne Faust Shay. Your name sounds familiar. I believe we were in class together, class of 65.
My brother an I went to SMM. I went for all 8 years, last graduating class in 1971 I believe. Was an alter boy and crossing guard..we lived on Fougeron street. Those were some good years….
I graduated in 1970 I was theresa gillman I think I remember you
Theresa, I don’t remember names to good, at this age I don’t remember much. Lol. I loved living there, I wanted to buy my grandfather’s back when it was for sale but missed that opportunity. Does smm have a face book page?
I lived next door to you on Josephine St.
My family goes back to the doerflein sweet established the church long before I was born just found out
I went to SMM for 8 years and was the last graduating class in 1971. I can’t find any web or facebook page foe the school. I remember walking to school every day. We lived on fougeron st across from East High.
I was just reading through some of your comments concerning the neighborhood around SMM. I am an African American female and our family bought a home in the “neighborhood” on Woodlawn Avenue (between Fillmore and Humboldt) in 1965. We were a family of 7 (5 children/Mom and Dad). None of us attended SMM….we attended School 59 on Glenwood Ave., which was a great school back then. I remember many of the School 59 students leaving early every Monday to attend religious instruction at SMM. I am curious as to why many of you say the neighborhood was becoming “too dangerous” throughout the 1960’s, as I remember it as being very family-friendly and peaceful, where so many households on most streets were filled with large families and we all knew each other, played together, walked everywhere together and enjoyed patronizing Humboldt Park and the many stores and businesses along Fillmore Avenue. Can you tell me what was so dangerous about it? Maybe it was your “perception” that the neighborhood was dangerous only because the demographics were changing to become more multi-cultural and then, due to “white” flight, the neighborhood became predominantly African American. However, I am still associated with a few of the white families that never left the neighborhood……I guess they never found it necessary to leave due to “danger”, and they have as many fond memories as I have as we all grew up together. I realize that things have changed in recent years…..I have even left the neighborhood myself for North Buffalo, but back in the day, we lived a peaceful existence with “danger” being an unusual occurrence in the neighborhood, and not the norm. As a side note, our property values were greatly diminished when the horrid Kensington Expressway came barreling through the neighborhood, destroying the beautiful parkway and the serenity of our neighborhood. However, there are still many great families in the neighborhood trying to maintain and turn things around in spite of the challenges. The 1960’s were great, safe, happy family times for me and my family in the neighborhood. Peace Out!
Do you remember tina shiek ( not sure of spelling), one of my first girlfriends!
Hi,
I went to SMM for the sixth grade (66-67). In 1964, my family moved on Winslow Ave. I remember seeing two teen girls walking down Winslow and they were listening to the Beatles on their radio. Also, I have fond memories
of the hot dog restaurant, Bakery (oh the delicious eclairs), juke box in the diner across the street from SMM. At SMM, there were lots after school activities in the gym and playground. Growing up the Science Museum was my favorite place for afterschool programs, summer camp, and the Christmas play.
The Nuns were very strict! I don’t remember names of most of the other students. I believe there were only 4 or 5 other African-Americans in the class.
Hello,.my name is Anne (Faust) Shay. I was in class of 65 but moved out of the area in the summer of 64. I remember two friends in school Kristen Bell and Annette Bull, they are African American . I never thought how hard it might be to be the only two African-American girls in our class I know Annette I believe he had a brother named Charles. Nothing but wonderful memories from school, girl scouts and neighborhood.
I remember the Bulls . They lived on Humboldt park. Dad was a physician.
Hey skip maybe you can help me. My wife brought a picture frame at a thrift store and tucked inside is a certificate for “Remembrance of First Holy Communion” for a person named Leonard Majchzak dated May 21,1950 from Sr Mary Magdalene Church and the pastor was Rev H. Schrzkinbiger??? Looks like the name. It’s a cool relic and perhaps someone knows this family and may want it.
Btw I grew up in the old first ward in Buffalo and my father myself and my brother all worked the streets on the east side and Fillmore districts as Buffalo Firefighters. Lots of beautiful buildings and homes lost. Terrible shame. I can only imagine those streets as playful because they weren’t for a while but now it’s much nicer in your home communities.
Don’t recognize the names. I was only at SMM last three years. Then on East side Sycamore st .My mom had a gift shop and was a seamstress. We lived across church next to MERTZ FUNERAL HOME.
I DID SOME HOME NURSING IN THAT AREA it was depressing. Patients told me to watch my car and be careful cuz might think I carry drugs. So sad . Some of the homes I visited had boarded up windows and clients could not afford their meds or supplies. Sad to see the changes.
David Bannister; the priest was Charles H. Schneckenberger. He is listed as RC clergy in the 1950 city directory residing at 24 Urban St. Which was the rectory for SMM. Will see if i can track down Leonard
Thanks Marie. It’s a part of your parish fabric and should fine a good place for it.
I was student at SMM in the 1950’s. Graduated in 1958. I believe Fr. Schenkberger baptized me but not sure.
I was taught by the Christian Brothers in 7 th and 8 grade…played BBall for 2 years ,was an alter boy and lived on Urban St.
Looking for former players,graduates and school friends
I remember Brother Amity and Brother Leo
I now live in Forestville NY
Paul Schonhart
Welcome to Broadway Fillmore.
Dave, good news! I found leonard! He passed in 2022 but i found & contacted his daughter in Elma NY on facebook. She was very happy to hear this. She said her mom donated things & must have missed this. She would love to have it. How can you & her make this connection? Marie
Hi Marie great job tracking. Give them my email dbbannister@gmail.com and I’d happily get this to his daughter. I do feel sad that Leonard is gone but I hope this is another way his family can stay close to his history and upbringing.
very well said ,i graduated in 1964 ,my family lived on urban street..i heven been back to visit family and the antioch baptist church ,white flight was a reality . fueled by fear and ignorance,also the institutions did nothing that i recall to counter act this.
My mother’s family, John and Mary Kushner, lived at 316 Winslow Ave. with 11 kids. My mother stayed in Rochester when they relocated there in 1942. In the 60’s, through ’72, my Aunt Frannie and Uncle Chago lived there. My cousins were alter boys at St. Mary Magdalen. Once my cousin Joey was lighting the candles behind the alter and started with the bottom row. Big mistake. His robe caught fire. My cousin Titi yelled “Tuck and roll Joey!” and he grabbed the end of the rug and rolled himself down the steps in it. Success.
lived at 817 glenwood. went to kintergarden school 59, then first grade true 8th grade at smm. alter boy and played some baseball with school. after smm started at bishop turner in ’59. all i can say is thank you for all your comments. almost makes me feel like i went back and visited the good days.
I graduated from SMM in 1964. Lived on Glenwood Ave. Just came across a picture of our 1st grade class with Sister St. Jude being the teacher.
hello
Paul Schonhart
Graduated smm in 58. Sports friends….Paske, Zier, Mancuso.Now living in Forestville. priests at smm we’re Fr.Huber. Fr.Paa.
Paul:
I went to SMM and graduated in 1956. Br Amedy was our 8th grade teacher, Brother George taught 7th grade and Br Leo had 6th I believe. Also Br Lawrence was there too and although not a teacher was living at the Brother house on Landon. I too hung ou with several of the Pasje’s. Ray was my classmate and you probably hun gnu with either John of Mattie. I then went to St Joes.
I am a Snowbird and spent 6 months in Arizona and 6 months in Buffalo.
Good to hear from you…..I hung around John Paske.After grad in 1958 my family moved to Syracuse when my father left his job as a Bflo fireman to take a new job with Niagara Mohawk.
Atended high school with the Christian Brothers at CBA high school in Syracuse.
Would like to connect with John Paske if possible….i wonder if he would recognize my name
Did Ray Paske serve in VietNam?
I now live in Forestville NY and spend time in Buffalo quite often
Paul
Just saw your reply but somehow didn’t see it earlier. I remember the Paskes hung out with John….do you have any other classmates from that time ?
Paul
Does anyone remember me? Gary lewinski, lived on kehr st. Near corner of dead end Glenwood. Smm graduate in 1963. Was paper boy, and altar boy for 7:30 mass every sunday for years.
Hi Gary! While I don’t remember you, i lived at 845 glenwood, the big glenwood. I was Marie Berner back then. I graduated in 1964 from SMM. I have my class ring, my report cards & a picture of my first grade (1956/57) with Sister St. Jude. I loved that neighborhood.
Marie: I was a graduate of SMM in 1964, I know Glenwood Ave played there all the time with Tom Heine, Michael Finer, Zigmont Malowicki, Bob Eberle.
The class of 64 was: Tim Behr, George Blako, Allen Bryan, Michael Bucierka, Paul Campagna, Louis Deibolt, Michael Reiner, Tom Heine, Thomas Kane, Charles Kolber, Darwin Larkin, Zyamunt Malowicki, John Metzler, Joseph Orilkowski, John Sandecki, Bernard Sansone, Richard Seel, Michael Vanderlip, Wallace Ward, Patricia Fix, Marilyn Helm, Nancy Kaczmarek, Joanne Moretta, Nancy Pacer, Carole Reusch, Augusta Rick, Sharon Schuler. That is all I have.
Bernie: good to hear from you. Are u still in Buffalo area? Great memory with those names. Going to be 60 years this June since we graduated. I will send you that picture but i need an email address. Marie
Marie: yes live in Amherst. I actually had a list from the Buffalo news that my brother had.
I heard from Allen Bryan, Michael Finer, and Wallace Ward
Yes I have tattered class photo skip war but photo is wallace ward
Chatted with Rozek Tim Wagner and Bernie. And Joe Zierkelback who was bob eberle’s cousin he said Bob died of Lou Gerhigs
Tried to look up others . Can’t find Darwin
Larkin or Zig.
I’m in Williamsville
Tom Heine passed away about 12 years ago and John Sandecki lived around the corner from me. He passed away about 20 year so ago. Thomas Kane just passed away.
Do you remember Terry kaczmarzek. Lived near corner of kehr and french. One of my first girlfriends.
Hi Gary! While the name Kaczmarek sounds very familiar, Terry doesn’t. Did Terry have sisters?
Does anyone know what happened to Fr. King from St. Mary Magdalene about 1963-64?
I’m Gary lewinski- 247 kehr street. I had 2 brothers- Mike and Mark.
Do you remember Terry kaczmarzek. Lived near corner of kehr and french. One of my first girlfriends.
Hi, Carolyn Siegel here. I graduated from SMM in 1957. We lived on Northampton, 1279 Fillmore and 740 Humboldt Pkwy. Many memories of the school, Church and neighborhood. In addition to the pastor — Charles Schneckenberger, at that time Fathers Huber and Paa were there. Our 8th grade teachers — Sister Macrina and Brother Amedy eventually married one another. It is wonderful that the church is still standing and so well taken care of. My brother Joel Siegel graduated in 1955.