Generosity of STA Alums

The Peanuts creator, Charles Schultz, once wrote “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”  At this Christmas time we wanted to thank all those STA Alums for “the little something” that made a “big difference” to our former Church and School.

The generosity of the STA Alums at the September 30^th reunion was exceptional.  In addition to all the refreshments provided, signs designed, photography taken, and time given for set-up and clean-up, you also contributed $1,027!

After covering parish and school staff expenses and some paper goods, we were able to distribute $517 to St. Martin de Porres Church and $100 to the Plato Learning Academy.  Included with the checks were thank you notes noting how much STA Alums appreciated the warm welcome received and the ability to visit the Church and school of our youth.

We received the following responses:

*******************************************************************************************************

We wish to acknowledge your kind letter of October 3, 2012.  We will publish it in our Sunday Bulletin.  Thank you very much for the generous donation of $517.  The alums were generous also at Church as our collection more than doubled that Sunday.

Former St. Thomas Aquinas students and parishioners are always welcome at St. Martin de Porres.

May the Lord bless you and such wonderful friends.

Sincerely,

Rev. Peter Premarini, MCCJ

********************************************************************************************************

On October 9, 2012 my school received your donation in honor of the alumni of St. Thomas Aquinas.  I want to thank you for your generosity.

Please be assured that your donation will be used to help my students who come from families that struggle financially.  At Plato Learning Academy we are striving for excellence and we thank you for your support in that effort.

Respectfully,

Vanesa Scott-Thompson, Ed.D

********************************************************************************************************

May The Spirit Of Christmas Bring You Peace, 

The Gladness Of Christmas Give You Hope

Patrick Reardon's New Book

Patrick Reardon, class of 1963, just published a book entitled Woven Lives: One Hundred Years in the Story of the St. Gertrude Faith Family, 2012.

At the presentation today, Pat read excerpts from his book and in a lively Q & A took questions about his research, St. Gertrude's Parish and the history of Edgewater and the larger Lakeview area.  Coffee and donuts were supplied by the Edgewater Historical Society, who hosted the event. 

Pat sharing information about St. Gertrude's Parish

As an example of MORE Woven Lives .... As I sat listening to Pat's reading, I realized my first cousin, twice removed, was one of the founders of St. Gertrude's parish, a fact previously unknown to me.  Thanks, Pat, for enlightening me with more about my family history.

Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin (class of 1960) with author, Pat Reardon

Photos: Courtesy: Elaine Beaudoin

Video of September 30 Mass

At our STA Reunion on September 30, Dan Carr set up his video camera in the Church's choir loft and proceeded to record the entire Mass.  Thank you Dan.  He posted the service on his Aquinasville blog page.

If you would like to view the Mass, click on Aquinasville and it will take you to his eight part video.

You are wonderful, Dan.  Thanks for recording our reunion Mass.

Mary's Page - March 27, 1958

Merikay Fogarty (Class of 1958) attended the September 30th reunion and brought several issues of her Mary's Page, a "school newspaper" she wrote while at STA.  One of the issues was scanned and is presented below.  Wouldn't we love to have Merikay scan the rest?  If so, comment below -- perhaps Merikay will oblige.

Click on image and it will enlarge

This March 27, 1958 issue identifies many STA classmates.  I see the names Belmonte, Parry, Hickey, Flavin, McGuin, Kernaghan, Redding, Cotter, Loech, Mullins and Dutra.  I also notice a short article about JM in Miss Delaney's classroom -- could this be John McGuinnis?

Merikay, thanks so much for sharing this bit of nostalgia.  We'd love to see more.

"Our Father" Sung at Mass

At our September 30 Mass, Erice McKee, a graduate of STA, sang the "Our Father".  It was most beautiful as it echoed throughout the Church.

Dan Carr (Class of 1960) captured the moment on his camera.  Enjoy.



In case you couldn't see Erice from where you were sitting in Church, here he is in the Canteen after Mass.

Erice McKee, STA Graduate c1970s

Video: Dan Carr; Photo: Elaine Beaudoin

Cheerleaders, 1967-68

This wonderful photo of the 1967-68 St. Thomas Aquinas Cheerleaders was taped to the pillar in the Canteen at our reunion on September 30.

Where are all these young ladies today?

1967-68 STA Cheerleaders

Thanks Diane Callahan Mastny, Class of 1968.

Trip Down Memory Lane

Carol Guglielmo-Bock, Class of 1962, wrote:

I'm sending this to you to watch and maybe post on the STA blog for all of us to remember the wonderful memories we have of growing up, especially in a "neighborhood" like ours.  I wish I would have thought of it sooner, as we could have shown it at the reunion in the Canteen. 

 

The introduction to the video reads:

This is a trip down memory lane for those "of a certain age." It says "Close Your Eyes" but don't! You have to read the screen while the song is playing! The second or third time through you can close your eyes!!




The video was produced by chacha3078 and posted on YouTube on November 5, 2009.
Musical artist: Ronnie Milsap.

Thanks, Carol, for helping us "of a certain age" remember the good times on the Westside.

Gathering in the Canteen after Mass

Dan Carr also brought his video camera to the STA Reunion.  However, unbeknownst to him, his great nephew had smeared the lens the last time Dan used the camera.

As Dan writes, "I was last using [the video camera] to capture one of my great nephews who, as little ones like to do, took a poke at the camera.  If I had had sense enough to realize what was wrong and wipe the lens of fingerprints, I would have taken more post-Mass video." 

Smudge and all, your video still reflects the wonderful feeling the Alums enjoyed as they chatted with their classmates, renewing old friendships, and enjoying the pastries.  Dan, I think what you have shared captures the day!


Thanks Dan.  And for those who haven't visited Aquinasville, Dan's "westside" video channel, you might wish to take a look.  Click on Aquinasville to be redirected to his YouTube channel.

Dan Carr's Photos from Reunion

Dan Carr (Class of 1960) has put the beautiful photos he took at the September 30 STA Reunion up on Flickr.  You can view small 'thumbnails' here, larger 'thumbnails' here, or the slideshow.  The slide show lasts about 30 minutes.  So get your coffee or soda, sit back and be prepared to be amazed.  Be sure to click on the little box in the lower right hand corner of the slideshow to view the images full screen.  If you wish to get out of "full screen" view, press the escape key on your keyboard.

You also can go to his Flickr 'front page' and click through the photos, one by one.   And, if you wish to view in a different size or download any of the photos you can:

1. Click on the individual photo and it will open up as a separate page
2. Above the photo, click on the word "Actions"
3. From the drop down, choose "View all sizes."  Information about the picture and its various sizes, i.e., number of pixels, is provided
4. Click on the size photo you would like to view or download and the photo will resize on the screen.  The default is "Large 1024 (1024x517)"
5. If you wish to download the photo, click on "Download the [   SIZE CHOSEN    ] of this photo" which is just above the list of photo sizes
6. A popup box, unique to your browser/computer photo software, will open. Then follow the instructions appropriate to your own configuration to download the photo.

Dan notes "there is a tremendous amount of detail in the 'original' versions."   While you may not wish to download such a big file, if you view the photo in 'original' version, you often will be able to make out faces and even read nametags!

While you are looking at the individual photos, you also will have the opportunity to leave a message or comment.  Please do, I know Dan will enjoy it.

Thanks, Dan, the photos are absolutely gorgeous.

Photos from John McCormack

John (Class of 1968) shared a couple of photos from our Sept. 30th gathering that he also posted on his Facebook page.

Waiting for Mass to begin

1968 Class members

Enjoying the school walk thru

Boys' Latrine

I don't think we will see this last photo in any of the Reunion Slideshows!   Thanks, John. 

Reunion Mass Photo

STA Alums were treated to a beautiful Mass celebrated by Fr. Peter Premarini, MCCJ, at St. Martin de Porres Church.  The Deacon, third from the right, was celebrating his 80th birthday and the congregation enthusiastically sung Happy Birthday to him.

Photo courtesy: Dan Carr

Preliminary Reunion Slideshow

Word is that Dan Carr's photos will be up on Flickr shortly.  Once everything is up, we will post the link on the STA Blog.  But, while we wait to see the "really good" photos, here are a few from the reunion taken by Carole Keough and Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin.



Hope you enjoy!

Reunion Photos from Bill Moorhead

Bill Moorhead, class of 1951, sent these two photos from our September 30 reunion.  He arrived early and snapped this photo before the church filled up.

And he captured a moment during the Mass --

Bill, thanks for sharing the photos and for being one of the Eucharistic Ministers at our Reunion Mass.

Church Organ

A note from Richard Allison, Class of 1967 --
 
I didn't get the chance to tell you that I had a key to the choir loft from my days of playing the organ at St. Thomas that I found before the reunion [on September 30th]. 

Just for fun, I brought it along and sure enough it still worked. Too bad the old pipe organ isn't in playing condition, but at least it is still there which is not true for many other churches.

[I have] nothing but fond memories of the church, the people, the organ but my favorite was being pulled from school to substitute for a mass. Of course I'd always play 6 verses of the last song to prolong my classroom absence.

Richard, we would have loved to hear you play the organ!  Glad you kept the key for so long.  It must hold many memories for you.

STA alums: Did you know the Kilgen pipe organ was built for the Swiss pavilion of the 1933 Century of Progress?  In 1935, the organ  was purchased by STA's second pastor, Father Edward L. Dondanville, and installed at STA.

I guess we all keep a little bit of our past.  Thanks Richard for sharing your memory.

And, just in case you don't have your own personal key to the Choir Loft, here is what the organ looks like, sorry we don't have any photos of the pipes  ..............

Photo Courtesy: Dan Carr, 2011

Oh, What a Day!

The STA Reunion Committee was thrilled to see nearly 200 STA Alums and guests at St. Martin de Porres Parish yesterday.

Attendees started to arrive as early as 9:30 a.m. and were treated to a church filled with sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows. As the Alums arrived, squeals of recognition could be heard echoing off the walls and welcoming bear hugs could be seen between classmates of earlier times.

The Youth Ministry Mass, celebrated by Fr. Peter Premarini, provided the opportunity for the community children, many under 10-years of age, to sing, dance and narrate sections of the service. As Carol Broderick said at the Mass “All Masses are beautiful but I’ve never seen one this interesting and energetic.” Several of the STA Alums participated in the liturgy as Readers, Eucharist Ministers and even one who sang an incredibly beautiful version of the Our Father.

Although we hoped to get a group photo in the Church of all the attendees, the numbers were too large to round up and so we moved on to the Canteen for refreshments where many Alums, and in particular the Houlihan family, provided an abundance of muffins, coffee cakes, donuts, sweet rolls and other snacks for the hungry crowd to enjoy.

Numerous Alums brought photos, letter sweaters, school newsletters, autograph books and even a first Holy Communion veil, filling several tables and pillars. Considerable time was spent enjoying these articles which triggered memories of our time at STA.

Then we were off to travel the halls of our grammar school. A comment overheard several times during the walking tour was: “So many things look the same, but only much smaller than I remember.” It was fun to visit Sr. Immaculata’s classroom which still has its cloakroom attached, to walk the stairwells where an Alum remembered “seeing sawdust on the steps and smelling the unforgettable odor of vomit,” and to see the old school alive again with desks, colorful bulletin boards, plants and textbooks, all ready for the students to return the following day for class.

At the end of the day, the STA Reunion Committee, as you can see in this photo, smiled from ear to ear, feeling the event will be savored by all who attended for some time to come.
 

L-R: Carole Keough, Peggy Dernbach Kuzminski, Joan Laughlin LaBeck, Carol Broderick, Kathy Houlihan Redel, Dan Carr, Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin (All Class of 1960) and Maurice Bowman, Maintenance Engineer, St. Martin de Porres

Photos from the reunion will be posted on this site as they are received. If you have photos to share, please send them to Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin at elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy: Dan Carr, photo taken by Maureen Houlihan

Images of the Past - STA

For the September 30th Reunion at St. Martin de Porres, a short slide video comprised of many of the images provided by STA Alums over the past several months, and posted elsewhere on this Blog, was prepared.

With the crowd at the Reunion, it was impossible to show it there so it is presented here......  Enjoy!






Video production: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960

Reunion Registration Update - September 29, 2012

As of today, September 29, we have 158 individuals who have said they plan on attending the STA Reunion tomorrow.  The classes represented include:

1936 – 1

1951 – 6

1952 - 3 - 60th Reunion Class

1954 - 1

1955 – 5

1956 – 5

1957 – 5 - 55th Reunion Class

1958 – 9

1959 – 8

1960 – 23

1961 – 4

1962 – 12 - 50th Reunion Class

1963 – 7

1964 – 9

1965 – 5

1966 – 3

1967 – 7 - 45th Reunion Class

1968 – 8

1969 – 1

1970 – 2

1971 – 2

1972 - 2 - 40th Reunion Class
1973 - 1
1986 – 1
Unknown - 3

Guests – 25

Total: 158

Looking forward to a wonderful day at St. Tommies!

Final Update for September 30 Reunion Gathering

Email sent to all STA Alums on September 29, 2012 for whom an email address is available.

Hi STA Alums -

We are gearing up for tomorrow and wanted to share a few last minute items.

1. PARKING -- The Austin Police Department will grant "courtesy parking" from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the vicinity of the Church and School.  Meaning, they will not issue any tickets for cars parked in restricted areas.  So, you are free to park on the street, even if it says, no parking in front of school, etc.  Also, each parking lot will have an Alum to assist with the early arrivals so we are able to make the most use of the space.  There is a lot at the corner of  Leamington and Washington as well as at the corner of West End and LeClaire.  Each will hold about 20 cars.

2. GROUP PHOTO -- Due to the absolutely wonderful response to the Reunion, i.e., 160 so far, we will take ONE group photo, immediately after Mass.  Please gather in the rear of the Church around the Baptismal font.  Dan will be in the choir loft with his camera.   If you wish to gather your classmates together as the day goes on, please do, and Dan Carr will be happy to take additional photos.  But, we wanted to let everyone get over to the Canteen and have time for some refreshments, renewing friendships and then time to take a walk through the school before it gets too late.

3. NAME TAGS -- Tags have been prepared for all who have said they plan to attend.  Please pick your name tag up when you arrive at the Canteen after Mass.

4. SHARE THE INFO -- Many of you confirmed attendance for your siblings and friends.  Please share this information as well as the schedule for the day which is repeated here.

10:00 a.m. -- Gathering at the Church and enjoying the beautiful surroundings
10:30 a.m. -- Mass with the Parish's Youth Ministry
Immediately Following Mass -- Large group photo in the Church
Noonish -- Canteen for pastries, coffee, and renewing friendships. If you would like to share photos or other items from your days at STA, bring them along, there will be a memorabilia table set up
Following -- A stroll through the school building which is currently occupied by the Plato Learning Academy Charter School.  The school administrator has graciously agreed to open all the classrooms.

A few other items:

Handicapped Accessibility:  Both the Church (enter on the west side off of Leamington) and the School (enter on the southside, near the entrance to Canteen) are handicapped accessible

Location: In case you have forgotten -- the Church is located at 5112 W. Washington Boulevard.  The entrance to the Canteen is on the south side of the School.

Donation: A donation of $5.00 will be accepted in the Canteen to cover maintenance staff services, paper products and miscellaneous items. Donations received in excess of costs will be donated to the Parish. Pastries, coffee and bottled water are being generously donated by Alums -- thank you all so much.

Fr. Peter Premarini, MCCJ, has opened up St. Martin de Porres Church to us and has arranged for our use of the Canteen and access to the school building.  Your generosity at Mass will be most appreciated by the Parish.

See you all tomorrow!!

Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960
elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com
http://stthomasaquinasreunion.blogspot.com

P.S.: To those who receive this note and are unable to join us on Sept. 30 know we will miss you.  You will all be with us in spirit. 

Church Scaffolding, 1950s

Does anyone remember when the Church was full of scaffolding in the early 1950s?   I really don't recall what the interior of the Church looked like prior to Msgr. Long's extensive renovation.  What I do remember is walking into the Church after all the scaffolding had been taken down and thinking the space was absolutely magnificent.  Oh, how my breath was taken away seeing the artistically decorated walls full of Saints' pictures with extensive gold leaf paint and the ceiling all brightly colored.

Notice the two sisters working on the altar with their aprons on.  I believe the man with Msgr. Long is John A. Mallin.  His company was responsible for the interior art decoration of several churches in Chicago, including St. Thomas Aquinas.

Source: Chicago Historical Museum

Photos of 1950s Church Redecoration

After the extensive art work was completed at St. Thomas Aquinas in the 1950s, the John A. Mallin Company produced a small pamphlet showing architectural photos of its work.   The Foreword, shown below, was certainly an interesting marketing piece.

Source: Chicago History Museum

Class of 1966, Eighth Grade

This is our first photo for members of the Class of 1966. It has been provided by Diane Callahan Mazzucchi Class of 1966.

She believes this might be Room 16 and the teacher might be Sr. Margot.  Thank you Diane.

First Holy Communion - Class of 1961

First Holy Communion photos are always so beautiful.  This one from 1954, certainly is.  Students in the photo went on to be the Class of 1961.

Another great photo from Linda Del Monico Wallin, Class of 1961.  Thank you so much.

Class of 1961 Graduation Photo

This wonderful 1961 Graduation photo was provided by Linda Del Monico Wallin, Class of 1961.

This might have been the first year the school photo had all of the students in their graduation gowns.

Linda, thank you so much for sharing this photo.

September 30th Reunion Update

Sent to all STA Alums on September 23, 2012  for whom we have an email address. Please continue to spread the word.

STA Alums -

It should be a grand day -- we have 135 Alums planning on attending the September 30th reunion at St. Martin de Porres Parish, formerly, St. Thomas Aquinas.

The plan for the day includes:

10:00 a.m. -- Gathering at the Church and enjoying the beautiful surroundings
10:30 a.m. -- Mass with the Parish's Youth Ministry
Immediately Following Mass -- Large group and Class photos in the Church
About 12:30 p.m. -- Canteen for pastries, coffee, and renewing friendships. If you would like to share photos or other items from your days at STA, bring them along, there will be a memorabilia table set up
Following -- A stroll through the school building which is currently occupied by the Plato Charter School.  The school administrator has graciously agreed to open all the classrooms.

A few other items:

Handicapped Accessibility:  Both the Church (enter on the west side off of Leamington) and the School (enter on the southside, near the entrance to Canteen) are handicapped accessible

Parking: Two lots, one just west of the Church, at Leamington Avenue and Washington Blvd and one at West End and LeClaire (where we used to have recess) will be cleared for parking. Additionally, there is street parking around the Church and school. If you can, you might consider car-pooling.  The Austin Police Department has been notified of the reunion and a request to assist with traffic has been made.

Photos: Immediately after Mass, we plan on taking a full group photo of all Alums attending.  Following the large group photo, individual class photos will be arranged.  Several volunteers will be organizing the photo taking effort, so please listen to directions immediately following Mass.  Photos taken on Sept. 30 will be posted or linked from the STA Blog.

Location: In case you have forgotten -- the Church is located at 5112 W. Washington Boulevard.  The entrance to the Canteen is on the south side of the School.

Donation: A donation of $5.00 will be accepted in the Canteen to cover maintenance staff services, paper products and miscellaneous items. Donations received in excess of costs will be donated to the Parish. Pastries, coffee and bottled water are being generously donated by Alums -- thank you all so much.

Update/STA Blog: Please continue to check the STA Blog at http://stthomasaquinasreunion.blogspot.com for any updates. 

RSVP: If you haven't already, and would like to RSVP and/or be put on the mailing list, please send your email and class year to elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com.

Fr. Peter Premarini, MCCJ, has opened up St. Martin de Porres Church to us and has arranged for our use of the Canteen and access to the school building.  Your generosity at Mass will be most appreciated by the Parish.

See you all next week!!

Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960
elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com

1962 Football Team

Paul McCaffray (Class of 1964) shared this great photo of the 1962 St. Thomas Aquinas football team.   It looks as though the photo was taken in STA's gym.

Does anyone know names to go with these young faces?  If so, please add them via the comment section below.

STA 1962 Football Team

Thanks Paul for sharing a treasured memory.

1961 C.Y.O. Champions

1961 was a great year for the St. Thomas Aquinas football team. They were C. Y. O. Section Champions.

Seated on Ground - Equipment Managers  Left to Right:  Joe Holmes, Michael Jones, John Brady
First Row: Left to Right: Jack Ryan, Bob Ciancio, Tony Ranella, John Jones, Dan Kelley, David Segerson, Mick Prendergast, Dave Reardon, John Fahey
Second Row: Left to Right: Kevin Kane, Paul McCaffray, Michael McGuinnis, John Stapleton, Pat Prendergast, Bob Kelley, Tim Kelley, John Dobias
Third Row: Left to Right: Pat Kane, Tom Graham, Michael Segerson, Michael Amorella, Steve Hurley, Vince Giangrego, Pat Falco, Jim Duff,  Dan Heffernan
Fourth Row: Left to Right: Bob McGowan, G. J. Le Jeune, Tom D'Amato, Gay Heffernan, Gary Kelley, Chuck McElhany, Vince Caponighi, Dan Redding, Assistant Coach
Fifth Row: Left to Right: Fred Walsh, Bob Birkett, John Birkett, Coach - Len Tyrell, Assistant - Bob Wohlberg


Thanks to Paul McCaffray (Class of 1964) for sharing this wonderful picture, listing the names of all the members of the team.

Fourth Grade, 1957 - Class of 1961

The fourth of a series of photos provided by Linda Del Monico Wallin (Class of 1961).  Here we have 50 students in the class. Did anyone ever think we were in overcrowded classrooms?   Isn't it amazing!

Grade 4, Room 7, March 1957

Does anyone have 5th through 8th grade photos from the Class of 1961?

Thank you for the great photos and memories, Linda. 

Third Grade, 1965 - Class of 1961

Who is the teacher in this photo?  In the prior year, I believe the teacher in this third grade classroom was Mrs. Lane.

Grade 3, Room 5, April 1956

The photographer certainly was able to get all the students to smile.   Looks like a very happy classroom.

Linda Del Monico Wallin (Class of 1961) thank you for this photo.

Reunion Registration Update

As of today, September 18, we have 130 individuals who have said they plan on attending the STA Reunion on September 30.  The classes represented include:

1936 – 1

1951 – 5

1955 – 5

1956 – 4

1957 – 3 - 55th Reunion Class

1958 – 7

1959 – 5

1960 – 25

1961 – 4

1962 – 9 - 50th Reunion Class

1963 – 6

1964 – 8

1965 – 4

1966 – 4

1967 – 6 - 45th Reunion Class

1968 – 9

1969 – 1

1970 – 2

1971 – 2

1972 - 2 - 40th Reunion Class
1973 - 1
1986 – 1

Guests – 16

Total: 130

Yesterday, we told the Pastor at St. Martin de Porres we thought we would have over 125 indivduals attending the September 30 reunion.  He was so moved.  Please continue to spread the word.

Second Grade, 1955 - Class of 1961

Here are second graders, who in six short years, will be graduates of the Class of 1961.  Does anyone know who the teacher was this year?  You might notice there are 48 students in this classroom photo -- my bet is that a few students might even have been sick that day.  The Sisters of Mercy didn't know about overcrowded classrooms!

Second Grade, Room 2, 1955

Notice the thoughtful teacher wrote the exact date of the photo on the back blackboard: February 4, 1955.

Thank you Linda Del Monico Wallin (Class of 1961) for this wonderful photo.

First Grade, 1954 - Class of 1961

Class of 1961 Alums, you are going to be treated to a series of four wonderful classroom photos over the next couple of days thanks to Linda Del Monico Wallin.

First Grade, Room 4, 1954

I think many of us will recognize this classroom which "belonged" to Sr. Immaculata, pictured in the rear of the photo.

Thank you Linda Del Monico Wallin (Class of 1961) SO MUCH!

The Chicago Neighborhoods Project - Austin

If you haven't noticed, for the past couple of years Steve Shanabruch has been designing logos for each of the neighborhoods in Chicago.  Here is what he writes about his design of "love!"

About This Project

One designer's take on Chicago.

I love Chicago and I love design. I decided it was about time to mash those two loves together, and the logos you see here are the result.

Some of these logos are based on personal experiences and intimate knowledge of certain neighborhoods (such as Beverly, where I grew up), but in most cases these logos come from inspiration gleaned from various sources, including online research and conversations with current and past residents.

I know branding a neighborhood is quite subjective. My experiences and knowledge are obviously different than those of someone else, especially a long-time resident, so let's call this project "One designer's take on Chicago." My vision might not match yours, but I hope that we can agree that a neighborhood with a logo is better than a neighborhood without.

Check back frequently! It is my goal to post a logo every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until I reach the end...whenever that may be.

Steve Shanabruch

He recently released his design for Austin

For each of his logos, he writes a little bit of history. On our Austin neighborhood he writes:

Austin, first established as a 280-acre subdivision in 1865, has grown into one of Chicago's largest community areas, in both size and population. Originally home to the government seat of the Township of Cicero, Austin became a part of the city in 1899 after "people from other parts of Cicero Township resented the influence and the dominance of Austinites and began an election to have" it annexed into Chicago. Residents of the neighborhood didn't like this, and they fought to maintain an independent identity after annexation. One example of this was the 1929 construction of Austin Town Hall, which was modeled on Philadelphia's Independence Hall.

Aided by the presence of street railways and the Lake Street "L" (now the Green Line), Austin was one of the "best-served commuter areas" in the city by 1920. "Commerce in Austin followed transit lines" and the population exploded. The community had more than 130,000 residents living within its borders by 1930, and the area transformed from a village filled with large frame homes into a densely populated area that featured "brick two-flats, small frame houses, and the ubiquitous brick story-and-a-half bungalow." Austin's "nineteenth-century village" feel is not completely gone, though. The "residential core is still visible in the Midway Park area," and it boasts "stately neoclassical and Queen Anne–style homes, many designed by architect Frederick Schock, as well as several structures by Frank Lloyd Wright and his students." One of Austin's other "crown jewels" is Columbus Park, which was designed by Jens Jensen in 1920, and includes "a lagoon, a golf course, winding paths and an imposing refectory overlooking the lagoon. "

Click on The Chicago Neighborhoods Project for more information, to see the logos for Chicago's other neighborhoods, or to even buy a T-shirt with the logo.

Priests in the 1950s

During the 1950s, both Fr. Rabbitt and Fr. Buck served at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish under Msgr. Long.  Later, they each went on to become pastors in the Chicagoland area.

Rev. Francis J. Buck, 70, a priest for 45 years, died Saturday in Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge.  For 22 years, until his retirement last month, Father Buck was pastor of Our Lady of Hope Catholic church, 9711 W. Devon Av., Rosemont.  He is survived by a brother, Gerald.  Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the chapel at Our Lady of Hope.
Chicago Tribune, September 9, 1979, page B21

Rev. Patrick J. Rabbitt, August 28, 1978, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church, dear son of the late Patrick and Delia; beloved brother of Mary E.  To lie in state Tuesday at St. Francis de Sales Church, 102d and S. Ewing, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Mass of the Resurrection Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  Please omit flowers.  768-0632.
Chicago Tribune, August 30, 1978, page B7

Memorial Cards courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960

Early Reunion Registration Numbers

Registration for the September 30, 2012 
Reunion at St. Martin de Porres Church
Formerly St. Thomas Aquinas
Surpasses 100!

Many different graduation classes are represented.  As of Monday, September 10, we anticipate seeing members from the following classes:

1936 – 1

1951 – 3

1955 – 5

1956 – 4

1957 – 3 - 55th Reunion class

1958 – 7

1959 – 5

1960 – 24

1961 – 2

1962 – 8 - 50th Reunion Class

1963 – 5

1964 – 6

1965 – 4

1966 – 2

1967 – 6 - 45th Reunion Class

1968 – 8

1969 – 1

1970 – 1

1971 – 2
1973 - 1
1986 – 1
Class Unknown - 2

Guests – 11

Total: 112

Note: In some cases, students moved from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish prior to graduation.  They have been counted in the class from which they would have graduated.

Fr. Edward McKenna Sends Best Wishes

We received a note from Fr. Edward McKenna, Associate Pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas (1965-1974) -- the last three years as Administrator of the Parish – and now a Senior Priest with the Archdiocese of Chicago.  Unfortunately, for us, he will be embarking on a chaplaincy for a cruise on September 30^th.  He calls this “a priest’s luxury vacation on the cheap!”

He shared the following memory:

I was never happy with the decision by the Office of Divine Worship committee to cover with beige paint the only known replica/copy of Francisco de Zurbaran's Apoteosis de Santo Tomás de Aquino that graced the back wall of the sanctuary.  An arrogant "expert in liturgy" made the decision to modernize [the] sanctuary, and had no thought of the artwork!

[Cardinal] Bernardin's renovation money was well intended; and I am proud of the present condition of the church, with all the surrounding parishes destroyed! It was a difficult time to be ‘pastor/ administrator’ and Cardinal Cody was always at a distance with the complex problems we had to deal with.

That it's all going today is a kind of miracle!

I bet a future redecoration could remove the offending paint and restore the original!  Oh, those progressive liturgists of yore.”

All the best with the beloved STA groupies!
Fr. Edward

Thanks Fr. Edward for your memories and best wishes for our September 30 reunion.  We hope you, too, have a grand time on your cruise!

Additional information about the original painting:

In 1627, Franciso de Zurbarán (1598-1663) began the painting of the great altarpiece of St. Thomas Aquinas, now in the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville.  It was executed for the church of the college, also named St. Thomas Aquinas, and completed in 1631.  This is Zurbarán’s largest composition, containing figures of Christ, the Madonna, various saints, Charles V with knights, and Archbishop Deza (founder of the college) with monks and servitors, all the principal personages being more than life-size.

The style is baroque and the original painting is 486 x 385 cm or approximately 16 feet by 12 ½ feet.

Sources: Wikipedia.com and HISTORIA DE LA PINTURA ESPAÑOLA http://www.deyave.com/Arte/Pintura/historia-de-la-pintura-espanola/7-sigloXVII-Zurbaran.htm