SOUTH SHORE NEWS SPOT

This is a jam packed issue with over 13 pages on many different aspects of South Shore life. I try to use all the correspondence I get every month and answer your requests for information and articles. This gives you an idea of my mail load.

Word count for this issue is 7136 words – Total read time about 20 minutes.

We are over 1,600 strong now! If you change your email address please send me your new one. Once they bounce I take you off this list. This month we feature an interview with the current South Shore High School Principal, a story about the I.C., reunions, people seeking old friends, famous South Shore people and much more! Don’t just forward this newsletter. Your friends can get their own copy at caryn@cmapublishing.net

HOLIDAY SPECIAL - Thanks for ordering Pied Piper books and posters using the Holiday Special for gifts. Plan ahead NOW for the holidays! From now thru December 31, 2006 you can purchase Pied Piper books and posters on a BUY TWO BOOKS/POSTERS AND GET ONE F*REE offer. This offer will not be in stores or on the Pied Piper website. The only way to take advantage of this offer is to call me toll f*ree at 1-866-50-PIPER (74737) (9am – 7 pm Chicago time please) or write P.O. Box 366 Medinah, Ill 60157-0366. We will autograph your items and ship all three together. We even gift wrap upon request. Book shipping is $7 for three books to one location. Poster shipping is $7.50 (the same for one or three posters sent together). Books are $19.95 each and posters $29.95 each. Illinois residents add 8.75% sales tax on the merchandise only, not the shipping. We accept Visa, Master Card and Discover.

BYE BYE BOOKSTORES – Important notice – As of November 2006 you will not be able to purchase my book in bookstores unless your store already has my book in stock. We have discontinued the use of our distributor which means that our books will no longer be available in bookstores or on Amazon. Books and posters will still be available on my website, by mail, phone (toll free 1-866-507-4737) or at events. With the Buy Two Get One F*ree Sale now is the time to order Pied Piper books and posters (offer exp. date 12/31/06).

THE REAL NEWS CONTINUES – Just because my book will not be in bookstores does NOT mean I am going to stop this newsletter! It is so gratifying to keep all of you in touch and I will continue to write the free monthly email newsletter.

Are you enjoying this newsletter as much as your emails tell me? MANY THANKS to all of you who sent donations to support it. Please keep them coming. It is much appreciated. Responding to emails and letters, as well as writing and sending this newsletter manually to over 1,600 people is very time consuming. I do not want to charge for it, but it amounts to an unpaid part time job. I will gratefully accept donations. Send your donation in a check or with your credit card number (Visa, Master Card or Discover) and the expiration date for any amount that seems reasonable to P.O. Box 366 Medinah, Ill 60157-0366 and include your email address. Or you can call me toll free at 1-866-507-4737. Either way I will email past newsletters from 2005/2006 to you.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH - “As we grow older and realize more clearly the limitations of human happiness, we come to see that the only real and abiding pleasure in life is to give pleasure to other people.” P.G. Wodehouse, “Something New” as printed in Real Simple Magazine

WEBSITES OF THE MONTH - This is a REALLY COOL site that will take you right back to the ‘60s – It is pretty long so give yourself some time but well worth it - Enjoy! http://oldfortyfives.com/TakeMeBackToTheSixties.htm

Visit http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites everyday. A free mammogram is given for every visit. Thanks to Bob Levi for this information.

“EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY SOMETIME”- SEEKING LOST FRIENDS

Looking for lost South Shoreites? Email caryn@cmapublishing.net and I will try to put you in touch. If you want me to use your request/memory in the newsletter, please include permission to use your name and email address in your correspondence.

Thanks to your newsletter, I am making progress on reaching an old friend! Now that I've seen how successfully that went, any chance we can try with a couple more people? I went to Horace Mann and South Shore (graduated 1964) with Karen Nordquist who lived on 78th & and Constance. I'd love to reach her and Gayle Alexenburg. Can anybody help? Please write me at Phyllis Eisenberg Friedman, phyllismartyf@msn.com.

I have kept in touch with most of the gals that were in my group at Bradwell and South Shore. One gal we have lost touch with is Judy Tubbs. I sure would like to touch base with her again. She was part of our group for a while, including Marilyn (Erickson) Seelander, Sue (Andrews) de Malignon, Margo (Macropulous) Snoad, and I. Hope you can help us find her. Gloria (Johnson) Moses richeast60466@yahoo.com

I graduated from SS in June '50 where I only attended my junior and senior years. I had just moved to Chicago from New York and before that I spent a year in London. South Shore was such a wonderful school and I have so many happy memories of my time there. Jean Thomson Burnett and Jackie Conger Leucht were my best friends and they were so kind to me as the new kid on the block. We remain good friends and I attended the 49-50 reunion in October 2004, and it was wonderful. At one time I dated Seale-Dare Draper, does anyone know where he is and what he is doing? He was a colorful and interesting young man and I often wonder what happened to him. I live in New York in a Solar house with my husband, Ron, of 52 years. We have 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. Ann Lawson Hobson- Class of June 1950 ahobson@primelink1.net

We had a house fire a few years ago and lost everything including my year books. Do you know of any way I could get a SS Tide for 49 and 50? I would love to be able to put faces to names. Ann Hobson ahobson@primelink1.net

In your Aug. newsletter there is a mention of an Allan Brown from CVS 1959. I responded to the gal that wrote the e-mail hoping that Alan Brown was one of the guys that was in our group. I can't wait to hear back from her. This is like a jigsaw puzzle only the results are much more rewarding. Thanks again. Gloria (Johnson) Moses richeast60466@yahoo.com

I had seen Alan Brown's name in your newsletter. He was part of our group. I got verification that he was in Michigan and I sent him a long letter to let him know how the old gang is doing, Thanks. Gloria Moses richeast60466@yahoo.com

I went to South Shore and graduated in 1959. My name is Lorraine Fionda O'Donnell.

I lived at 1626 E. 75th St. I went to Madison grammar school at 74th and Dorchester We lived at 78th and Colfax after I got married. Later we moved to Dolton where we lived for 27 years and then moved to Arizona in 1995. I have been trying to locate Rochelle Blitz Burke. I don't know where she lives. I went to grammar school with her. Your letter sure brings back great memories. My email address is azodgprs@sbcglobal.net

Do you know the whereabouts of a Jackie Finley or Barb Arney? They graduated from South Shore around 1957. I went to Hyde Park, and we were friends. Thanks!

Lee (Bay) Andreas leeandreas@aol.com

I was Shirley Jacobson now Shirley Kantor-Behr. I lived at 7438 Colfax and attended Bradwell in 1947and South Shore 1953. I sent this to my brother Stanley who graduated in 55. I look forward to hearing from classmates. shirley406@fuse.net.

I've wondered what ever became of an old girlfriend, Robin Patterson who lived on Chappel Avenue between 81st and 82nd streets and graduated from Horace Mann in 1968. Dennis Wood - DWoodAudio@comcast.net

My name is Margo Philbrick nee Boruszak. I graduated Hyde Park in1958 and am looking for any classmates. I am looking for a classmate named Bob Lapp. If anyone knows where he is let me know. I recently moved to Phoenix. margo@qmail.com

Your newsletters are more and more interesting. Has anyone started the ball rolling for a SSHS 50th reunion for the class of '58”. Do any of your readers know the whereabouts of Sherry Lewin. She went to Kenwood grammar school (in Hyde Park) and graduated from SSHS in June 1958. She had a lot of influence on me and I've often wondered how life treated her (well, I hope). Rose Sadlek (nee Rosa Gustafson) sadlek@bellsouth.net

My sister, Diane Kelley SSHS 1962 passed away on May, 2005 with Cancer. My maid of honor, Dee Doty, class of 1959 passed away Sept, 2004 after a battle with cancer. My husband & I graduated from Hyde Park HS, he is 1957 & me in 1958. We are looking for info on his 50th reunion. Joyce Shoemaker joyceshoemaker@hotmail.com

We were the Fagan family from 7635 Ridgeland. We loved your parents store I remember buying a red wagon on time payments. Your Dad always let me slide if I was late. Your parents were wonderful people. I will be glad to make a donation! Art Fagan ajf41@comcast.net

My brother, Hank Taylor (South Shore 1952) sent me the October New Spot. I appreciated getting it and looking for "lost friends." My other brother, Jim Taylor was graduated in 1953. My name is Bill Taylor, a graduate of Myra Bradwell in '45 and South Shore in '49. We attended S. S. during a wonderful period of U.S. History and we are blessed for it. Bill Taylor taylorsgate@aol.com

I grew up at 7829 Clyde Avenue, and graduated from Our Lady of Peace. My sister, an Aquinas grad, was a longtime friend of Monsignor Ignatius Mc Dermott who resided at OLP during the 40s, was the pastor of the SKID ROW church for years and founded the Haymarket Center on W. Washington Street. He died 12/04 at 92. What a great man. Do you ever hear about George Mitchell, whose parents owned Mitchell's candy and ice cream store on 71st Street, about Paxton or Luella on the North side of 71st Street?

Jim Gibbons jim1936g@yahoo.com

I was wondering if anyone knows where Irene Pappas (and her sister Elaine) are and what they are doing these days. Irene was a friend on mine at SSHS who took me to my first Greek event. Caryn Amster – caryn120@comcast.net

Your newsletter is extremely interesting. I couldn't stop reading it, which is why I am still up at 3:30 a.m.! I didn't know the people that have written to you because they are all a decade or so younger than I am! I'd love to think someone from 1945 through 1950 era might send a bit of news to you. So many memories have been brought back to me in this past half hour and I want to thank you for your tremendous efforts. Who remembers the Trianon and the Aragon dance halls and the wonder sound of the big bands? There was Jerry Lacher, Ruthie Elzinger, Ingeborg Halvorsen, Jerry Boyd, Donna Lee Highman, Faith Lemke. We were all so lucky and we didn't realize it. Remember Bill, the cop? Beverly Kiely beverlybea1@earthlink.net

STORIES TO SHARE - Now here’s a great idea for you!

In late November, 2004, prompted by my 95 year old father-in-law, we took a sentimental ride through South Shore and visited all our old haunts. When we drove past my house on 77th & Euclid, a man was putting up Christmas decorations on the front lawn. He was very friendly and introduced me to his mother (who had bought the house from my family in 1968). They told me that most of the people on the block had lived there since the late 60's - early 70's. They let me go through the house and see my old bedroom, the kitchen, etc. What a wonderful flood of memories it brought back. Since then, we've exchanged holiday cards at Christmas. If you're interested in visiting the homes you grew up in, I'd suggest dropping a holiday card to the "current resident" and ask if you can visit sometime. What have you got to lose? Phyllis Eisenberg Friedman, phyllismartyf@msn.com

ARTS AND SUCCESSES BY FORMER SOUTH SHOREITES

Anyone have a special event showcasing them that is open to the public, a new book launch? I will be glad to mention it. Share your accomplishments you are proud here!

South Shoreite Corky Siegel has a new book “Let Your Music Soar” available for pre-order. This book is especially for the musician who wants to reach their musical goals quickly and effectively. It is also for anyone interested in the world of artistic expression. For information go to www.chamberblues.com Corky says the book is most appropriate for teachers, professionals, semi professionals, adult entry level and kids accompanied by a teacher. It might also be interesting to non-musicians who are interested in the subtle aspects of performing arts. Also if you live in the New York area, see Corky’s website for special Jazz concert information. Good luck Corky!

And another South Shore story “Southside Kid” by Curt Erler who many of you may know as the son of Cash Erler of "Cash Erler Photo's" on 83rd Street. Curt was the only non-Catholic attending Catholic school. "Southside Kid" is an autobiography beginning in the 1940s. It tells of one boy’s experience growing up on Chicago’s Southside. Curt pays homage to a simpler time when families worked hard, stuck together and made their own fun. From the Big Band days and matinees at the Avalon Theatre to dancing and dragging on the Eastside this book shares one man’s experience with the American dream. Visit

www.southside-kid.com Good luck Curt!

While not South Shore related, another Chicago related book is “The Division Street Princess” by Elaine Soloway. http://thedivisionstreetprincess.blogspot.com is Elaine’s blog and you can sign up for it there. You will find the Pied Piper book mentioned there. Her book is a coming of age memoir of a girl set in the 1940’s on Chicago’s Division Street. Her background, like mine, was as a Jewish merchant’s kid.

The 75th Anniversary Memorial book from St. Patrick's Church in South Chicago is now available. It is 82 pages, packed with detailed history of South Chicago and contains many ads from businesses and services of the area. You can download it at the Overflow site http://overflowat79th.googlepages.com/home

STORE STORIES Here is the real inside scoop on Mel Markon’s - a correction from last month’s newsletter

Having worked at both Seaway and Markon's for ten years, I am compelled to offer some "deli clarification". Mel Markon's father Raymond originally owned the Purity on the (dare I say it?) North Side at Kimball & Lawrence. Around the end of WWII, he opened Shoreland on the northwest corner of 71st & Crandon and owned it into the late 1950's. In February, 1960, Raymond, along with his son Mel and his brothers-in-law Herb Smith (my uncle) and Irv Safron opened Seaway on the south side of 87th just east of Stony Island; Mel and his father sold their interests to Herb and Irv in 1964. Mel never owned Rib Hill, but he and his father opened Markon's on that site in early 1966. Mel continued to operate it into 1970 after his father's death in the late 1960's. Since I've been in Northern California, I've really missed good deli. People ask where is the nearest one and I reply I would have to drive 360 miles south on Highway 101 and exit at Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley. Louis Harris beccadina@msn.com

And a correction from Mel Markon himself – My father operated the Shoreland Restaurant and Deli on 71st in the 50's and the Seaway Restaurant on 87th near Stony Island from 1960 till 1964. I operated Markon's Restaurant & Deli on the site that was formerly Rib Hill before going to Lincoln Park. Mel Markon

MEMORIES OF THE MONTH - This is the spot for your memories of South Shore. Email me your memories. When did YOU move out of SS? What do you remember? Where did you move? Great stories? Here are some memories I have received:

THE I.C. – By Mitch Markovitz - This is the real story of the I.C. we all remember from the one person who knew it best, Mitch Markovitz, fine artist, Pied Piper book cover artist, friend, Knox, Indiana www.mitchmarkovitz.com art.mark@usa.net

The Illinois Central’s suburban service began in the middle of the 19^th century with a few local trains serving Hyde Park. It was Paul Cornell who was a developer in Hyde Park that sold the land for the IC to run their main line into Chicago. That was 1856 and Cornell made the IC promise to run local trains from Hyde Park to Chicago as part of the deal. Cornell said that if the IC were to run the service at a loss he would reimburse the railroad for the losses. So not only was Mr. Cornell a real estate developer he was the first person to subsidize a commuter operation. In fact he requested that the railroad sell multiple ride tickets at a discount to “commute” the cost of daily riding. Thus the term “commuter” was born.

The service grew and expanded. In 1883 the branch to South Chicago was built through almost empty land. With the IC trains came new residents. The Chicago Fire only touched the South Side and there was plenty of land to develop and inhabit. In 1919 The City of Chicago enacted the “Lake Front Ordinance.” This required the elimination of steam locomotives from the IC’s route along the lake. The first phase was to be the electrification of the suburban service. In August of 1926 the familiar olive green electric trains began service. At one time there was a train every 10 minutes from stations in South Shore and South Chicago for Randolph Street.

During the depression the frequency of trains changed to every 30 minutes plus hourly service after midnight. Residents of the South Side had a suburban service surpassed by none. An old friend of mine and past trainman on the IC, Dick Luckin once remarked that South Siders didn’t have a second car, they had an IC ten ride ticket. I used to say if you couldn’t find what you were looking for on 75^th Street, you went to 71^st. If you couldn’t find it there you hopped on the IC and went to Field’s.

The IC instituted automatic ticket collection during July of 1966 the next big change came with the new double deck “Highliner” cars and green uniforms for the trainmen. As the population of the South Side ebbed and flowed IC service on the South Chicago District changed as well. The most noticeable was the frequency being reduced to one train an hour. There came a time when the service, now being run by Metra, faced extinction. However that never came to pass. The IC was my first contact with real railroading. My father did their advertising artwork, a close family friend was an engineman on the IC. When I started grammer school at Bryn Mawr in 1955 the first thing we did was stand and sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Yes, “My country ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee IC,” or so I thought. Mitch Markovitz

And…speaking of trains – wait till you see this one! Check out George’s website - Caryn

I heard about your book through my brother-in-law Gerald Hochberger, whom you quote. I graduated from Horace Mann, 1952, and South Shore in June 1956. I played center on the football team at SSHS. We even won a few games. I graduated from IIT and joined IBM as a systems engineer working with all the railroads with their "real trains". I spent a long time building my dream model train layout. This is my train website George's Trains for any train fans. George Bachouros Gbachouros@aol.com

I was at South Shore from 9/49 - 6/53 and loved my time there. I remember fondly teachers like Miss Lee (Science) Miss Lipsky (Art), yes Miss Long (Choir) and a few others. I even remember Miss Isabel Magan (the lady of the blue hair) our principal. Remember going to the Ray (75th and Exchange) for hours of serials like Superman or Flash Gordon. At the Shore we went for two hours of cartoons and then a double feature for a quarter. If we dared cross 79th Street we went to the Cheltenham? I live in Las Vegas but still cheer for my teams. How about Siegal’s Hot Dogs across the street with the poppy seed buns, great dogs and greasy fries? Remember the Friday night Sock-Hops in the gym? Harriet Sax, SSHS Class of 1953 Hjsax@cox.net

My grandmother used to take me to Wee Folks. She lived at 7040 S. Merrill. It was a big treat to visit your parent’s store. My husband lived at 78th and Essex, his name was Ken Gore but they moved to Homewood and he went to HF. His brother Richard Gore went to South Shore, he is 65. Thanks, Barb Gore Bserog@aol.com

We just finished our June 1956 Reunion and it was a blast! I ran into a bunch of the old classmates. Some were bald, some were grey, but none were old. I couldn't find anyone that knew where my old buddy Lyle Schichner was so I did some internet searching and found his Mother and she led me to him in Texas. We visited the old school, crumbling steps and all, the lockers are the same as we had and so is the Library floor. The new addition is going to be torn down and a new school built in its place. Bidwell Stadium was gone, so was Jacks. Barry Hughes, Class of '56 2xharveyil@clas.net

I lived at 67th & East End. My life was spent on Rainbow beach, going to all the movie theaters in SS, eating lots of White Castles, hating school and teachers, making loads of lasting friends, getting into trouble. During High School there was lots of motorcycle riding, girls, car racing, girls, and repairing autos and airplanes. I married a British girl 47 years ago. I became an Engineer after two years in Army Helicopters and later an Engineering Technology Educator. I was employed by NSF/USAID in India and later worked for several UN Agencies like UNIDO, UNESCO and ECAFE. I have worked in 24 countries. I left Morgan Park in 1961 to live in Australia. I spent six years teaching at OCAS/University of Cincinnati. I still miss seeing family and many old friends and especially eating the good food at the Kickapoo, Super Burger, Phil Schmidts and Alexanders. I lived four years in Thailand where I got interested in helping Gibbon Apes and have spent the last 30 years in S.C. with otters, dogs, and Apes without a Cunis ice cream or a near by White Castle. John McGreal jmcgreal@sc.rr.com

Note to Dr. Kaz - My name is John Hartigan. I was one of the managers of the South Shore High School Football team from 1956-1959 and remember Coach Stein and I believe yourself when you just started in the fall of 1958. I also remember the man with the booming voice, Clarence Applegran, former Army Colonel (or higher) Africa 1942-43 who did not need a microphone at the weekly pep rallies and the kids loved it. I was also baseball manager for Roger Inman and would like to know what happened to great guys like Inman and Stein. Our SSHS teams were not much for winning games but those coaches sure turned out winners in life. I graduated from SSHS in 1959 and went to the University of Pennsylvania, settled in Philadelphia, married, and have been working for 42 years and now live in Medford Lakes, New Jersey. I am looking forward to my 50^th reunion. Congratulations to you on turning your trials and tribulations as a football coach at South Shore into such a great career. John Hartigan, SSHS Class of 1959 Jdhartigan2@verizon.net

I found a facade of the Avalon Theatre at the Old Town Art Fair in 1984 and gave it to my Dad that Christmas. The artist, Zani Jacobsen (sadly deceased) was well known for her facade sculptures of Victorian and landmark buildings. As the Avalon was near and dear to our family (Dad's business just 2 blocks west) it was well worth the several hundred dollars we paid for it at the time. Zani even "customized" the marquee with my Dad's favorite movie titles, and a little blurb about softball. The fired clay sculpture is about 24" tall and weighs about 35 lbs. I have the clay sculpture at my home. I haven't gotten around to putting in the proper wall anchors to hang it, so it sits on the floor. I have the notes from the back of the sculpture and a Chicago Tribune article from 1987 that kind of picks up where the liner notes leave off. Like his father, my father saved everything. Don Turner dturner@livemarketing.com

Note! Don included some photos of these Avalon facades in his email to me. If you email him he said he could be persuaded to email them to you as well. Caryn

BIDWELL UPDATES

Regarding Bidwill Stadium, it was the home stadium for the Bluebirds who were in the Chicago area women's baseball league. They played with a 12" and hard baseball. They had played with somewhat oversized gloves since the 12" ball is larger than the smaller ball used in the major leagues. Jerry Barich Hyde Park HS 1956 jtbarich@cox.net

Bidwell stadium and it was named after Charlie Bidwell. It was also the home stadium for the Women's fast pitch (12" not 16") league during and immediately following WWII. There was another stadium around 76th St and Loomis called Shewbridge Stadium, another home stadium for the league. I recall one team was the "Bloomer Girls" and the other was the "Blue Jays". My father was part owner of one of the teams (the one that played @ Loomis Ave) but we used to go to Bidwell to see games in the late 40s & early 50s. John McNeal, Asst. Atty. Gen. (ret), originally from 73^rd & Luella, Graduate of Mt. Carmel 1960 JOHNEMCNEAL@msn.com

I remember going to Bidwell Stadium to watch DONKEY BASEBALL! Does anyone remember that? Also, I think they used to hold carnivals there. My brother and I and the neighborhood kids used to walk along the railroad tracks to get there. We all lived on East End Avenue between 73rd and 74th Street. Sara Zaremberg SZaremberg@aol.com

I wrote back to Sara asking her if the donkeys played baseball and here is her reply.

Hi Caryn, your response really made me laugh! The GUYS ran the bases riding on the donkeys and of course, the asses didn't always want to cooperate! I don't remember if the BATTERS were on the ASSES when batting. It was an advertised event if I remember correctly. It was generally used as a softball field. Sara

All of my life I've pronounced the name of the stadium Bid-well and spelled it that way. In fact it's actually Bid-will. Still, nice to know some of the old time memorabilia is of interest to some people. Don Turner - dturner@livemarketing.com

Don Turner's recollection of Bidwell stadium is correct. The "Bluebirds" played there during the early 1940's. The Bluebirds was a woman's baseball team. I saw a baseball game there that was played on donkeys. That was quite a sight. The Bidwell family still owns the Cardinals. They are now the Arizona Cardinals. I would appreciate any pictures of the stadium that you might have. I made a slide-show of Chicago pictures. Any additional pictures would be a welcome addition. My wife, Gail Miller class of 1954, and I, class of 1953 enjoy your newsletter very much. Joel Wolff azwoofer@yahoo.com

I spent a lot of time at Bidwell Stadium growing up. The Bidwell family still owns the Cardinals, the Arizona Cardinals. I will send you some expansion of details on the area bounded by the B&O tracks, Jeffrey and 75th Street. Also some information on the "Stone Factory" in the triangle bounded by the B&O tracks, 77th Street and Chappell. Ronnie and Kennie Sone lived north of the tracks on Chappell. Their father was a doctor or dentist, I believe. Jim Gibbons jim1936g@yahoo.com

MY FAVORIE TEACHER - People have been writing me with memories of their favorite teacher. Share your memories by emailing me. Many have asked what is happening at South Shore High School today. The emails below are an example. So I interviewed Bill Gerstein, one of the principals of today’s South Shore.

Can you provide an update about South Shore High School? I think the buildings are shared with four new small high schools with a total enrollment of around 1700. I hear that the Board of Education is planning to tear down the original building (the one on the 7600 block of Constance) that we all knew as South Shore. Robert S. Kaufman (Class of June 1957), Immediate Past President Midwest Region-B'nai B'rith RobKaufn@aol.com

For the record, SSHS was destined to be built where Eckersal Stadium now stands. However, the politicians argued that site was too close to Bowen High and the small vocational school on South Chicago Ave. which later became a mega school known as CVS. The school board was forced to find an alternate site. The block of property between 75th and 77th streets, Constance to Jeffery was completely empty in 1939 and of course was selected as a compromise basically because it was more centrally located between Hirsch, Hyde Park and Bowen high schools. In 1940 my parents rented an apartment at 8052 South Yates Avenue because it was practically across the street from the future high school. When the site change was announced we moved to 77th and East End Ave. Larry Kilcran lpkilcran@yahoo.com

You asked for favorite teachers. Mine was Miss Kinchelo (sp?). She taught English and was so inspiring. She instilled the love of poetry and books in me. As a consequence I spent much of my working life working in Libraries. I remember her with much respect and thankfulness. I also remember Miss Long who took me into the Girl's Chorus even though I don't think I had a very good voice. Those were happy days. Thanks for this Newsletter. Ann Lawson Hobson- Class of June 50 ahobson@primelink1.net

Interview with Bill Gerstein, current South Shore High School Principal

Bill Gerstein is the Principal of the School of Entrepeneurship which is a high school within one of the two buildings at South Shore High School. The School of Entrepeneurship concentrates on preparing young people for college and the eventual ownership of a business. There are three other schools at South Shore today, the schools of Art, Technology and Leadership. The four schools serve a total of 2,000 students.

Bill was graduated from South Shore High School in 1969. He was a high school teacher for eight years and then operated his family business for 16 years; a grocery store in Hyde Park called Mr. G’s. He sold the business in 1996. “I wanted to be a part of a better high school experience for today’s kids” says Bill. In 1996 he came to South Shore specifically to do that.

South Shore today is a school attended by low-income working-class Afro-American teenagers. 50% of the graduates go to college but there are still many who never graduate. The school covers the same geographic area as it did in the 50’s. Because of the two buildings, four separate areas of study and the small school nature; kids feel more connected to the school. It is a school on the way up. In 2006 South Shore won the Illinois State Stock Market Game.

“We serve tough kids on a high level today,” says Bill. “The news is that this is an important school transforming from big and bad to small and good.” South Shore recently received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to expand their programs. Visitors and educators from all over the country visit the school because it is a good model for this type of education. The original model started in New York. “That’s why I came here,” Say Bill. “Our kids need help.”

If you want to support the school, contact Shelly Stark, head of the South Shore High School Alumni Association. His office is on campus. The school is seeking funds from former South Shoreites to help deserving graduates go to college. If you wish to donate, you can contact Shelly at 773-535-6175 or mail a check to The South Shore High School Alumni Association in care of Shelly at the school, 7529 South Constance, Chicago, Illinois 60649. If you wish to visit and tour the school you can contact Bill at 773-535-6272 or email him at billgerstein1372@yahoo.com

FAMOUS SOUTH SHORE PEOPLE – HYDE PARK AND BOWEN

People seem interested in what now famous people attended South Shore area schools in the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960s. Send in your entries from any school

You've mentioned Bob Conrad in a few newsletters. Here's what I remember. He had a motorcycle and used to park it in front of Vinnie's (the local 79^th St Al's diner kind of place) and he was like Fonzie. He had a leather jacket and lots of girls with him all the time. His stepfather was a local radio disc jockey, Eddie Hubbard. He would have graduated from South Shore in the late 40'sand his name was Duke Smith.

Pat at DKruse7409@aol.com

Here are some other SSHS graduates that have had rather important jobs. The coach of the Buffalo Bills football team Marv Levy was a terrific sports figure while he attended South Shore? Marv is now retired, but he led the Bills through many wonderful seasons. Another person from our school was Congressman, Philip Crane. When so much of our entertainment came from the radio, there was a program called "The Whiz Kids". Harvey Fishman was chosen from South Shore. He was one bright kid! I wonder how he put those brains to work. Beverly Kiely beverlybea1@earthlink.net

THE POWER OF KEEPING IN TOUCH – REUNIONS - If your class is planning a reunion please email me and I will include it in the newsletter.

Another Bradwell'67 reunion for our 40^th will occur in summer of 2007. Anyone who has not connected with us, moved or changed e-mail addresses in the last couple of years e-mail me at skcjd2@aol.com, Thanks. Sheri Kessler

St. Felicitas people…..I am still looking for a "reunion" with St. Felicitas neighbors Jim and Judy Nolan. They are twins who graduated in '55 or '56. Their birthday is February 2, 1942. If any of you have contact with them let me know. fitchum@aol.com

CVS Reunion – Fall 2007 – Stan Fish has been searching and building a database over the past three years for 1957 CVS grads for a 50 year reunion in Fall of 2007. He has located 532 of the 752 so far. – Note: Stan is moving so for now use his phone number and address to reach him effective 9/29/06. The cell number is 708-466-8566 and address will be 6729 W. 126th Court, Overland Park, KS 66209.

South Shore High School 1959 – January and June Classes Reunion ~ Do you know someone who graduated from SSHS in January or June 1959? Calling all 1959 Graduates of South Shore High School (January and June)! We are in the planning phases of a 50^th reunion in 2009. A “Steerage” (not steering) committee is forming. If you or someone you know was a member of these classes please have them email me at caryn@cmapublishing.net or the new class email at SS59reunion@comcast.net

We are having a benefit for my brother’s family on April 28, 2007. My brother Ralph was born deaf and struggled all his life. He is now on permanent disability and his eyesight is failing. Both of his children were born deaf, are legally blind, and have juvenile diabetes. Ralph's wife Sharon was diagnosed with lung cancer in August. We need silent auction items, donations etc. The event will be at 115 Bourbon Street, Merrionette Park, IL. (Around 1115th & Pulaski) and will be $20.00 donation per person. We have room for 1000. Thanks! Frank Parisi parisif@prodigy.net

Stop now and forward this newsletter to friends. If you are reading someone else’s copy and want your own emailed every month, email caryn@cmapublishing.net.

CONDOLENCES

Do you know of someone special who passed away and you want to share their memory and story with my readers? Email me at caryn@cmapublishing.net

DATES IN 2007!

Visit my website Calendar of Events for more detailed information on my upcoming events. www.cmapublishing.net – I am now booking talks and book signings into 2007.

WHAT ARE THEY DOING NOW? People from the South Shore area and their whereabouts: Barbara Sapkin and Alfred Ruben were married, but later divorced. They live in Buffalo Grove, having moved from SS to Hyde Park. Jeffrey (now Scott) Winston attended Bowen; he and his family moved to Highland Park, where he finished high school and competed in its successful golf league. To Ellis Simon who asked about Hyde Park H.S. grads alongside Mel Torme and Steve Allen. My late friend, Desmond Rainsford always mentioned them as his fellow grads. Shirley Rainsford lives in Florida. Brenda agrrtig@aol.com

ACCOLADES AND ATTA GIRLS – This is where I share some of the many emails I receive about my book.

Harry Tiffany came to see me from Wisconsin to buy a book. Here is what he had to say. Thanks Harry!

Hi Caryn, I finished your book today. It was excellent!! Your description and accounts of your folks made me feel not only that I knew what kind of people they were but that I wish that I'd had the opportunity to know them myself. Growing up on E. 76th St. I had a Jewish friend, Dick Price. He is 2 days younger than me and we played together from the time we were 4. His folks were a lot like you describe yours, so kind and giving of themselves. Particularly Dick's mother, a beautiful lady made even more beautiful because of her kindness. So even though I never met your parents I can kind of relate to what they were like. I thank you for writing their story and also for explaining the history behind the destruction of our neighborhood. It occurred to me as I continued through the book the intensity of the conflict between good and evil and how evil, even starting 40 years ago, was winning and continues to intensify to destroy our neighborhood, The World, with hatred and violence. Thank you for reminding me of the peace and happiness we once shared long ago in South Shore. We both know of and look forward to the time when peace and happiness will return to the World. Harry Tiffany h27tiff@sbcglobal.net

Your book it was wonderful. I laughed and I cried. I was wishing my parents were alive to talk about those days and the book. I remember getting Karmelcorn and going to the movies. I remember getting trains with a family friend who lived west of WEE FOLKS. Your dad reminded me of mine. My dad owned a business on 79th St. that sold vacuum cleaners (East of Jeffery). Later, he owned Guardian Construction in the all glass pie shaped building between CVS and Bowen on 87th St. (about 1954-62). I remember going to the YOUTH CENTER on Thurs nights and dancing to 45s. We thought we were American Bandstand. I can't thank you enough for writing such a wonderful book of wonderful memories that at the time we never realized how wonderful they were. We were VERY lucky kids. I will order a copy of your book for my children so they will see the wonderful times we had. Sue Seckbach Gendusa my_licorice@yahoo.com

I told you that I was taking your book to Hawaii which I did. Though I did not plan on being in an earth quake, we survived and had to alter our plans. I loved your book. It brought back so many wonderful memories of my youth. I loved growing up in South Shore. I had forgotten about Woolworths that was my first job while I was in high school. I made $.62 an hour. By the time payday came I had spent my money on cosmetics. I hated to see the book end. The day I got home I had to rush and change because my friends were picking me up for my 50th class reunion from Aquinas and I told them to buy. book. They were so glad I told them about your book. Thanks again for the stroll through South Shore. Marybarbara Kunz

If you find typographical or grammatical errors in this email, they're here for a purpose. Some people actually enjoy looking for them and we strive to please as many people as possible. On a personal note! I love to hear your South Shore, Wee Folks and great reunion stories. Remember to ask your library or bookstore to request a signing of The Pied Piper.

Happy winter and thanks for your support of the Pied Piper book and art work.

DON’T FORGET THE HOLIDAY PIED PIPER BOOK/POSTER SPECIAL From now - December 31, 2006 purchase Pied Piper books BUY TWO BOOKS AND GET ONE F*REE offer. Posters too! This offer will not be in stores or on the website. The only way to order is to call me toll f*ree at 1-866-50-PIPER (74737) (9am – 7 pm Chicago time please) or write P.O. Box 366 Medinah, Ill 60157-0366. We will autograph your items and ship all three together. We even gift wrap. Shipping is $7 for three books to one location. Poster shipping is $7.50(one to three posters together). Books are $19.95 each and posters $29.95 each. Illinois residents add 8.75% sales tax on the merchandise only, not the shipping. We take Visa, Master Card and Discover

Many and More and More Happy Memories ………………Caryn

If you no longer wish to receive emails, please unsubscribe by sending an email to unsubscribe@chicagospiedpiper.com

South Shore News Spot Newsletter – November 2006 ********************************************

Caryn Lazar Amster, (The Pied Piper's Daughter) is the award winning author of the debut book

The Pied Piper of South Shore, Toys and Tragedy in Chicago. This true family true crime

social history is set in Chicago's South Shore in the 1950's and '60s. It won the USA Book News

"Best of 2004" in the True Crime category. It garnered an all "5" rating in 2004

from Writer's Digest International Self Publishers Contest in the Non-Fiction category

and Honorable Mention in the Family Stories category from the same magazine in 2005.

ISBN: 0-9758928-0 LOC: 4108342

CMA Publishing is a divison of CMA Marketing Group, Inc. P.O. Box Sig366, Medinah, Ill 60157

mailto:caryn@cmapublishing.net 1-866-50-PIPER (74737)

To purchase books and posters of cover http://www.chicagospiedpiper.com

Amster is a Chicago area marketing specialist, President of CMA Marketing Group, Inc.

and a speaker and trainer.

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