Your Thoughts

For John Bruce Schmitt: I could be wrong (as I said, I wasn't from Germantown), but my recollection is that Ben's parents had a Chinese Restaurant (specializing in take-out). Maybe they also had a laundry as well? Thanks to Ben and his parents, we learned to appreciate Chinese food.
Rosemarie Rinaldi, RE: Ben Hom [01-09-2009]

i went to st michaels until 5th grade when i left in the winter of 66.i remember going to happy hallow park,the learik movie theater.i know i spelled that wrong.any way the nuns at st mikes were mean as snakes and i was glad when we moved to the suberbs to a friendly publick school.i remember my mom taking us to a place called duveys for burgers and fries.all my memories of germentown on knox st were great. all but that dam school.
dave didonato [01-09-2009]

Rosemarie Rinaldi: It was very sad to hear the bad experience that your husband [larry] had at St. Francis where he went for a confession. At the least,it was insensitive and not Christ-Like. Mike Smith and I[St. Fran guys] talked about a mean-spirited priest who was not aging gracefully.The kids fron St. Fran[50's] liked Father Finlay who was nice,the football coach and a chaplain in the army. Larry and Tony Spagnola[ST. Mike's] would have been coached by him and we might have beaten Holy Rosary. Personally,I went to confession at the African-American[ST. Katherine's] on King St. In every basket,not every apple is DELICIOUS and that is the time to make applesauce if you know what I mean.My classmates at St. Francis had these names-Mole Adamoli,Dom Raffaele,Jim Razzano,Frank Felice-they were smart,tough[physically&mentally] and good people. I always considered them my classmates- not matter our ethnic background. I am not misogynistic and I even married a feminist from Argentina. However,I did not get along with all the nuns from St. Francis. Joe Razzano on this site talked about the wonderful nun from St.Francis-Sister Grace. He and my brother[Ken] were so lucky to have this beautiful nun who even tossed the ball with the students. In the basket of apples,she was better than DELICIOUS. I liked ST. Francis and all the other churches in Germantown. It was a great place to grow up and Larry had great friends-they were very human.
John Bruce Schmitt [01-09-2009]

Joe DePero - I called my Dad (John Beaver) and recognized your name as well as the Jimmy Galager and Mike Kettel. They were neighbors of ours on Clapier St. We also remember the Rinaldi name. My Godmother, Elizabeth (Rinaldi) Calbot lived up on Pulaski Ave. We lived at 229 W. Clapier. I also had Aunt's on Wayne ave (The Manzo's) right next to the old grocery store, an Aunt and Uncle further up on Wayne near Logan (The Pauzano's) and an Aunt and Uncle on Logan (The Frizziola's). I was just a kid when we left, but there is an awful lot of memories from the "Old neigborhood"
John Beaver, Willow Grove, PA. 46. [01-09-2009]

jbs nice to see you still monitor the site. i now live in flourtown and see butch and eileen often when eileen visits her sister peggy. they still look great, i will give him your regards when i see them. bill james glad to hear that your still kicking .i know bonnie will get a kick from your blog.and lastly rosemarie tell larry i said hello ask him how his ice box is doing.? joe razzano ps jbs i later moved to newhall st right next to pulaski town and better yet close to hassis bakery-hope i spelled it right
anonymous [01-09-2009]

Rosemarie Rinaldi: I had a good friend who pasted away 18 years ago, his name was Eddie Weston. His mothers maiden name was Manzo. Irish father, Italian mother. She took him to St Michaels Parish to regester him for first grade and the parish priest told her to take him to St Francis and register him with the rest of the Irish. That was then, this is now. Get over it.
John Burke, 54 NE Phila [01-09-2009]

Rosemarie ­ it is a fact that Italians were discriminated at times in Germantown, just as the Irish were before them, and the African Americans after them. It happened. Priests are as human as the rest of us but, back in that day, folks tended to put them on pedestals. And sometimes, they acted accordingly. Some were just downright cantankerous, cranky and mean. There is always a bad apple in every bunch. Whether there was animosity between St. Mike’s and St. Francis, I don’t know. Maybe it was a remnant of the discrimination that existed previously or maybe it wasn’t animosity at all but just a parish rivalry. I’m just having a hard time believing that the incident with your husband was the norm at St. Francis because the Vincentians, who administer St. Francis to this day, hold to higher ideals set forth by their founder and are just not that way. I have to think that was an isolated case and not a cause to deride priests in general or the entire parish of St. Francis.
Dennis McGlinchey, Born & raised in East Germantown [01-09-2009]

As I've mentioned before, I was not from Germantown, but I remember the stories about the "I-talians" not being welcome at St. Francis. (How Christian is that?) Anyway, my husband, Larry, told me about the time it was getting too late to go to confession at St. Mike's because it was such a long walk from the Hollow, so he went to St. Francis. (A priest is a priest, right? Wrong!) The pastor there asked him his name and when he told him, he asked if he belonged to St. Mike's. When he said, yes, the priest told him to go to confession at his own parish. Needless to say, by the time Larry got to St. Mike's, confession was over. Shame on you, St. Francis of Assisi Parish (and yes, that is an Italian saint!).
Rosemarie Rinaldi, St. Mike's v. St. Fran's [01-08-2009]

I was not from Germantown, but I married a Happy Hollow guy (wasn't I lucky?). Anyway, we raised our sons in Cinnaminson, NJ. When our son, Larry Rinaldi, Jr., was in high school, he "adopted" his dad's old Happy Hollow shirt. He was at a buddy's house while wearing it and his buddy's dad recognized "Happy Hollow" on the shirt. He asked my son what his name was and when he told him, Larry Rinaldi, he flipped. Seems his buddy's dad was Harry Colella from Brickyard, who went to St. Mike's with Larry, Sr. Small world, isn't it?
Rosemarie Rinaldi, Larry Rinaldi's Wife [01-08-2009]

Rosemarie &Bill James: Eventhough I grew up near Pulaskitown,I enjoy the blogs about Happy Hollow- the people,the culture,their character and soul. Bill! You talked about those old heads-Bobby Goo Guarnello,Larry Rinaldi,Ollie Powers,Joe Raffaele[Joe Razzano,s cousin]-these guys were dynamic with bigger than life personalities. I think that it is OK for you to have respect for your homeboys from the Hollow. Rosemarie Rinaldi talked about the great people who were in her wedding-party and she also mentioned a Chinese-American by the name of Ben Hom. Ben H. was an interesting person who did not live near the Hollow but he hung out with guys from the Hollow. Ben's parents had a laundry near Pulaskitown[Queen-Lane& Morris] and Ben worked there while he went to school. He was a nice guy and nobody messed with him. I respected him and I was saddened to hear that he passed away. I wonder if you remembered another old- timer[Butch-Pickett] who went out with Eileen McLaughlin who was my classmate at St. Francis[1955].I am responding to blogs from Happy Hollow people but I have great admiration for all the other Germantown neighborhoods-including Pulaskitown where I would integrate the court at the Queen_Lane Apartments[the project].
John Bruce Schmitt [01-08-2009]

to ping pong. beacuse they are not as cool as we were
rich, huntingdon valley [01-08-2009]

Hey Head are you the same guy from little clapier st. Didn't you know Jimmy Galager and Mike Kettel and all those guys? Curseword... God rest his soul. Hey Miriam, someone at the reunion last May was talking about Andy Calderelli not being able to make it to the party. Can't remember who it was though. How have you been Mariam? Weren't the Davenport's behind you on stenton ave. The boys name was Pete and his father had a beatnic goatee and taught drumming there at their house. Joe DePero, 51, St Mikes 70.
Joe DePero [01-08-2009]

I do not remember Ben Hom, but vIremember John Hom, perhaps his brother. He coahed the girls team at George Mason University, and gave us a field to practice on(Cabrini College) on our way to North Carolina Wesleyan. This was probably in 1997.
Duncan Hubley [01-08-2009]

To Bill James: I do remember you and of course I remember Chalie 'Foo'. Thanks for your thoughts about Ralph. I miss him very much. Sorry that I busted your ****. I'm know you gave it back in kind. Do you keep in touch with 'Foo' or any of his old friends?
Bonnie Gatto [01-08-2009]

Anyone remember Pete "Butch" Calderelli? He was one of my brother Carmin's buddy's, they lived on G'twn ave. across from Logan park, we lived on Sylvania St.only house on the block.On 1 corner was Slaven's groc. store and on the other corner was Berndicci's garage.my older sisters are Franny and Phyllis. And also,Bobby Manzo's mom was my mom's best friend when we moved to Seymour st.(Florence), my dad's name was Lou.
Miriam Rosenthal Thompson, Evansville, In St.Mike's 70' [01-07-2009]

To Anonymous: I didn't mention Matt Fasano because we haven't seen him in quite some time, so we don't know what he's been up to. He is in our wedding album because he caught the garter at our reception. Ruthie Boelle (she later married Gene Raffaele) caught the bouquet, so she's in the picture with him. I only supplied info on Ollie because someone had asked about him. By the way, if anyone remembers Ben Hom, he passed away last year from lung cancer. He also was a good friend; Larry and I were godparents to his first child. A real loss of a great guy.
Rosemarie Rinaldi [01-07-2009]

Whatever happened to all those nicknames that kids had years ago like Bo-Bo, Butchie, Bucky, Che-Che, Monk, T-Ball, Skippy, Spider, Porp and many others? Todays kids just don't have any nicknames. Why is that?
Ping Pong, Germantown / GBC [01-07-2009]

Does anyone remember a girl name Doris Hellenmar (not sure if spelled correctly) She lived on Cleveland St, had a brother and her mother was ill, never saw her come out of her house..Doris was blonde and pretty, he brother was older...
Mary Christie, Simi Valley, CA, 58 yrs old, live on Cleveland Street [01-07-2009]

The posts on this web site are an education besides being fun to read. I know lately it's been a lot of Hollow stuff, and I don't want to overload this site with one area of Germantown but I have to add this: I was ignorant enough to think I knew everyone who ever hung at the Hollow until this site came along and I've seen many many names that I never heard before. I only thought of the Hollow as being inhabited by the group from my time, that went from Joe Razzano down to Curseword (Johnny Grivnovics). It's great to read about the people who came before 'my world'. And I want to thank the old heads that were there when I hung there. They taught me a lot about many things. I learned a lot while sitting on sitting on the wall, and on Moe's steps or standing across the street at Sal's. On a more personal note: I've been reading about Albert being sick. I remember watching Peanut play football. I used to think it was funny that he would always leave his feet (jump)to catch a pass, even if it wasn't high. My best to him. And to Bonnie. I'm sorry about your brother. You might not remember me by name. I'm Chalie Foo's cousin, on the Irish/German side. For some reason, you used to make it your job to bust my ***** everytime you saw me. I actually thank you for that. Our back and forth jawing prepared me for life. I credit you with the fact that I can verbally spar with anyone if I have to.....and get the last one in. I know, it was tough love...just a normal corner thing. I'm a lucky guy to have been around all those guys who hung there. And I'm sure an earlier earlier post was dead-on, that basically said every hangout in Germantown was a special place to those who grew up there.
Bill James, the Head from the Hollow [01-07-2009]

anyone out there no where joe or bob o'donald are they worked in the gas station for bill i think it was belifield ave anyone no anything post it please a friend
A FRIEND [01-06-2009]

Hey Anne, I appreciate your post, re/ you can't take the Germantown out of the person.I moved there in 1970, raised my kids there, Wister school, Fitler Academics plus. Parkway program and my time in Gtown was the BEST time I have spent in my life so far. Viva Germantown. Thanks, Carol Knight, Rock Hall Md.
Carol, older now, but still cute! [01-06-2009]

Rosemarie Rinaldi, We enjoyed all the information about the Hollow guys. Larry and Ollie were great buds and great athletes. You did not mention Matt Fasano. Those Hollow guys were interesting characers. You and Larry are so lucky to have 50 years together.
anonymous [01-06-2009]

Enjoyed the poem by Bob (Goo) Guarnello. I vaguely remember that he wrote another poem, which Jimmy Raffaele Trout) read at Bob's engagement party. I know that Jimmy had a copy and also Dolores Capone (Augie's wife), but they are both gone now and I would love to have a copy of it. Can anyone send?
Rosemarie Rinaldi, I'm back! [01-05-2009]

For those who asked about Ollie Powers: As you may know, Ollie and my husband, Larry, were best buds growing up and Ollie was the best man at our wedding. In September, 2007, we celebrated our 50th anniversary and our kids gave us a surprise party. They raided our albums and movies while we were on our anniversary trip to Italy and made a great DVD that they showed on a huge 12' screen at the party. (Our son, Chris, is an I.T. professional in his day job, but also is a DJ for parties and weddings, where he can prepare a video for any affair. Check out his website, CMR Entertainment, for all the good stuff he can do.) Anyway, at the end of the video, my son comes on screen and says they have a surprise for us. The screen fades away to an 8x10 photo of the wedding party which we had given to everyone in the wedding. The picture drops down and sitting there is Ollie Powers! He said he kept the picture for 50 years and wished he could be with us, but sent his congratulations. He said he would call us in a few days (he never did). My son then told us that they tracked him down via the internet. As you all know, Ollie did marry Pat and moved to Miami. They eventually divorced and he married again, but I don't know his marital status now. About 25 years ago, he came up north and showed up at our door in NJ. We were thrilled to see him and kept in touch with him for some time, but eventually we didn't hear from him anymore. We knew that he was on the Miami police force and retired on disability. So, our kids tried to track him down in Florida and found his ex-daughter-in-law instead. She said he was now living in Texas and they were able to get in touch with him. They offered him free round-trip air and a hotel room if he could come up for the party, but he wasn't able to. So Chris sent him a disposable video camera to record a greeting for the DVD, which he did. Sorry this is so long, but I know everyone wants to know about Ollie and this is the latest we have. Ro (1/4/09)
Rosemarie Rinaldi, Married to a Happy Hollow guy [01-05-2009]

even though we all remember different times and places, one thing we all know "you can take the person out of germantown but you definitely can't take germantown out of the person" happy new year to all
ANNE [01-05-2009]

yes I took my drivers test in Joels corvair.man boo had a bad 57 with 09 heads.posi .4 speedr.Hurst.mags.Hey you had the Fomoco Wino
anonymous [01-04-2009]

To Bob Terranova: Hey Bob, good to see you on this blog. I believe the St. Michael's reunion is being organized by Frank Margiotti. I'll send you his email address.
Bonnie Gatto [01-04-2009]

I like to take this time to wish everyone from the Hollow and G-town a safe and Happy New year
Bobby Taylor Aka: Bate [01-04-2009]

tacky-i remember joel m he hung on the corner of chelten & heiskell (sams drugstore) my dad was joe the barber on chelten av. frank d
anonymous [01-03-2009]

anybody remenber the guys that hung out at twenty first an chelten ave at eddies steak shop in the late fiftys early sixtys
anonymous, [01-02-2009]

does one rember joel or mike mckeon
tacky [01-01-2009]

may everyone have a safe and happy new year and good health for the comming year
rich meitzler, huntingdon valley [01-01-2009]