On the 50th Anniversary of Rome Catholic High School: A Look Back to the 1950s and 1960s

 On the 50th Anniversary of Rome Catholic High School: A Look Back to the 1950s and 1960s

Julie Ann Racino, RCH Alumni Class of 1971

September 9, 2021

          In 2021, in conjunction with the 50th Reunion of Rome Catholic High School, we take a look back at our own lives and the role that faith, religions and ethnic heritage have played in our growth and evolution. I was honored to serve as Valedictorian of Rome Catholic High School, Class of 1971, and as the National Honor Society President before accepting a Dean's Scholarship at Cornell University in Fall of 1971. It was a difficult decision for Julie Ann Racino because LeMoyne College, known as a Jesuit institution, also made her 'just as good an offer'! Augustine Racino weighed in, and Julie Ann Racino "took a leap to the Ivy", a decision our family continued to pursue through the years!

        We thank Bill Arena, John Wilson, and Jim Siepiola for the zoom virtual event last night; and Bill for the 2021 newsletters and features on faculty and class members (with photos) of the Rome Catholic High School, Class of 1971. The Paraclete, our yearbook photos, were excellent for the memoriums of our classmates who have now passed. Regretfully, that includes those who passed past the 40th reunion (See, photo, Facebook , Julie Ann Racino and Class of 1971, RCH Alumni). I thanked the Rome Daily Sentinel (Waters family) for the 1971 commencement page photo spread, and the now historical coverage of the 1971 city of Rome and Diocesan (Syracuse) event at the downtown Capitol Theater.

Polish Catholics and Base of Integration

           We, of course, thought of ourselves as Americans ("assimilation"), even though our lives revolved around the Polish Catholic Church, the Polish Parochial Elementary and then High School, and the community and civic clubs (e.g., Rome Polish Home, Girl Scouts, Polish Catholic School sports cheerleading-with St. John's, St. Mary's and St. Peter's sports teams, Steczko Post-Polish War Veterans) associated directly with the Polish community. That was Transfiguration School beginning kindergarten to the 8th grade (See, memorium Tom Barry, April 2021 Alumni newsletter, with 8th grade graduation photo)!

         One might say our integration was that of ethnicity, which yesterday I noted in a new draft letter  was Cuomo-Italian Catholic, Biden-Irish Catholic and forgive me for being presumptuous, Racino-Polish Catholic. By the time marriages began directly after high school (e.g., Bob Gately & Betty Scheiderich), I claimed a favorite was Polish-Italian marriages (See, Square Market, Toccolana Club and Rome Polish Home, 2014), which was the first marriage of my brother Terrance Racino to Susan Tagliaferri (parents: Grace and Olindo), and that of William Civiok (son of John and Mary Civiok, both veterans) to Joanne Giardino, all of Rome, New York.

        Now, "I took for granted" the two-family home we lived in since 1953 surrounded by the Polish institutions "which our own parents built" (e.g., building fund, Transfiguration Church) and our uncles founded (e.g., Steczko Post; see Bernard and William Bien). Another family story is that Josephine Bien did not like the sound of crickets on the farmland, which my father Augie Racino owned (Ezidor and Yadwiga passed early) now Route 365 into the city at the Red Carpet Inn. Loving Josie very much, he bought a home for "her and their first daughter Julie" down the street from her family in the city. 

      The Polish neighborhood offered our first experiences at "volunteer and paid work" (formal dinner waitress for 300 and pierogi maker at the Rome Polish Home, White Eagle Bakery with Mr. & Mrs. Frances and John Krenitsky), and our Polish church (now over 100 years) and heritage contributions (e.g., May processions to Mother Mary or Blessed Virgin; church organist at wakes and weddings, dancing the Krakowiak at the Utica War Memorial). It was later during high school that I earned cash ("for a dowry or hope chest") from McDonalds, while continuing to serve through volunteer work at Annsville Youth Camp.

       Our early lives were filled with church bake sales (See, T.S. Mother's Club stained glass window; Polish babka for Easter sales: Rosary Society of T.C.), T.S. card parties ("400 attending" with Julie Racino as fashion show commentator), summer festivals at the Rome Polish Home and St. John's Churches (even an elephant ride one year; and yes pizza fritte), Polish weddings with the popular polka and family celebrations (dining room streamers, more cakes "than the law allows"), backyard barbecues (with dad, then Terry at the grill), weekly fish fries at the Polish Home, and family picnics at homes (this one a popular site, for showers, birthdays), and as an extended family, Lake Delta, Green Lakes and Verona State Park with special train trip to Suburban Park. 

Secular World of Play and Work in America and Polish Culture

       We played (boys and girls, 1950s and 1960s) catch and softball in the backyard, together with kickball, statues on the front law, hide and seek on the block, and basketball in the driveway, and earlier in the sandbox in the backyard! Later, "as the boys joined Little League" (Julie Racino was in JA-Junior Achievement with company Rostrel), we played more hopscotch, hula hoops, baton twirling, "Barbie dolls" with tree climbing, read Nancy Drew mystery, dressup or costumes, makeup and hair styles, and rope jumping with the neighborhood girls. And then, of course, board games in the house (e.g., Yahtze, Monopoly, Battleship, Sorry, Rummy and Other Card Games-Solitaire, which mom and Robert enjoyed with me more than Terry or Dad! Later, in the late 1970s, with Miller to pitch and poker on the front porch, darts, table pool, and Pacman, and backgammon, chess and pente, the latter my favorite. 

       In my starting doll collection, my Polish doll is in pheasant dress (yes, Polish aristocracy) with babushka-the latter what Babci Julia Bien wore daily together with ankle length, multi-layer, flowing cotton skirts and heavy sweaters. Why? Babci is still with a wood stove in the kitchen for cooking huge pots and heating the entire house (See, Tubman House, in Auburn, NY)! That's where she raised her seven children after the death of her husband Anthony Michael Bien (who would play the violin in the adjoining livingroom). The address of 313 Henry Street is on his naturalization papers in Oneida County from December 6, 1944 and on Julia Bien's June 3, 1942! Yes, that was the "fully intact" home in the facebook photo that was recently "torn down" by the Republican city of Rome, NY!

        The doll collection was accompanied by one from the Alps (definitely Uncle Joe Bien, the skier and veteran traveler), another two from India (first meeting Narain Gehani, 1971, Cornell University), one native American (later Turning Stone), and two Chinese (silk robes; see ASPA Chinese public administration) were one of the few signs of Polish  and ethnic cultural America. Those predated the very popular Barbie and later Ken dolls (that's Terry's retail store chains in America), which today feature all kinds of historic firsts, including Barbie going to the office and the first black Barbie!  Believe it or not, we generally did not read Polish literature (Encyclopedia Brittanica, Lives of Saints, Holy Bible) though Uncle Joe Bien would talk about Radio Free Europe (was a traveling sailor, and later color guard for the Steczko Post). 

        For Polish dancing, we also wore original sequined (red, green gold) dresses, puffy white blouses, and embroidered velvet vests, and flowered and ribboned head dresses in traditional Polish folk style (See, photos online). The flowered headbands were also common in church processions for young girls, who would dress in Sunday attire (e.g, white patent shoes and white, just below the knees, full skirted, lacy dresses). At the Rome Polish Home, we wore secular dress in the 1950s and 1960s- though last week I pointed to a Polish light blue dress, white puffy blouse, white socks and white glossy leather shoes to my friend Robert DeCristo (as a Polish girl's elementary school outfit). At Rome Catholic High School we all had required school uniforms with plaid skirts and maroon blazers (with Fr. Morelle checking the skirt length!). 

       Another Polish event was the Miss Polonia contest of which I came in second; and "one might know" it was not exactly this girl's cup of tea as a gown and roses walkway affair! Now, polka dancing and waltzing and spinning with Augie Racino (the handsomest father on earth!) across the Polish Home auditorium I loved. Similarly, Julie Ann Racino enjoyed dancing Krakowiak (Millenium Dance) with "partner by height" Stanley ("Stash")  Sawicki (just passed) as part of four pairs ensemble (with Joanne Gleba and Richard Wagner, Claire Czajkowski and Robert Krenitsky, and Christine Serbicki and David Montoya) at the Utica Memorial Auditorium (now "the Aud"). That was years after John O'Neill Dance Studio and lessons in tap and ballet of my early years (with performances in 1958 that included the Rome School for the Deaf with Kim Oliver and Emily Schroth)! Following the "track of secular integration",  at 115 lbs (5 ft., 6 in), I dressed in the red, white and blue mini dress and white top hat (See, this year, beach ball uniform requirements at Tokyo Olympics) for a Centennial performance at RFA (Rome Free Academy) Stadium for the Honor America Days.  

         Another RFA performance track was Sing Out Rome which of course led to dating (e.g., John Siddall, Sweet Caroline) as well as regular stage performances and rehearsals (e.g., Joe Mercurio, Nola Hemphill, Barbara Drexel). We wore colorful pastel dresses of yellow, green, and light blue as we danced to the main stage up the aisles of the public school auditoriums. I loved playing the songs (e.g., Which Way America? Paul Revere Ride from Sing Out, and Beer Barrel Polka, polish koledy-Lulajze, Dzie Jie Bethlehem-from Polish community; the upbeat sounds of I am Sitting on Top of the World, Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella) on the Lowrey Organ that my father had bought for me (instead of a piano) back in grade school; but even after the organist years at Transfiguration Church, "her music" was not fully integrated into "her life". Now, during this same period which is high school, Julie Ann Racino is winning every top scholar honor at Rome Catholic High School (e.g., top average, freshmen and sophomore years, Catholic Women's Club) presented at the Capitol Theater Annual Commencement Ceremonies. 

Franciscan Sisters as Teachers and Role Models; and Clergy of Rome, New York

     Even though now 68 years young, I remember the first Transfiguration School (grey, cement-like walls, and front steps where we would sit and talk) which was next to the convent for the Franciscan (Felician) sisters. The sisters/nuns (Sister Olivia, Sister Noreen) then wore the 'heavy shrouded head to foot' (might identify with garb of Middle East), popularly known penguin robes (habits); the style was changing for the newer nuns as we entered Rome Catholic High School (See, Marian Badge book below). It was years before sisters (Mother House in Buffalo, NY, vows of charity, poverty, chastity, and obedience) commonly wore street clothes, a latter modernization to "better relate" with "the population". Later, the federal government would be choosing mini, midi or maxi lengths for women personnel (Phyllis Shantz in Parade Magazine). 

      As I described several years ago (detoured from a research project by ASPA!), Babci Julia Bien would attend daily mass with the Felician sisters in the convent, after decades with the priest/pastor of Transfiguration Church at early morning mass at the main Church. The two story brick convent was next door to the first Transfiguration School (See, Civiok & Trela families), which was then located down the block next to Transfiguration Church under the pastorship of Fr. Francis Holocinski. Father passed of a heart attack before our first kindergarten class entered to our first lay teacher Veronica Smith. The convent is located down the block from the Rome Polish Home, another landmark in the city of Rome, New York, and featured a chapel and grotto of Virgin Mother in the gardens. 

     We thanked Bill Arena and John Wilson for the article about Sr. James Clarine, our algebra teacher, who has now passed and introduced us into the worlds of science and mathematics, Alice in Wonderland, and Regents honors track. The leadership team of Rome Catholic High School consisted of Assistant Principal Rev. Donald H. Karlen (Cornell University recommendation), Principal  Rev. James J. O'Connell (since RCH opened in 1963), and Sister Joan Schermerhorn, Vice Principal. At the time Bishop of Syracuse Diocese was David H. Cunningham and Diocesan Superintendent of Schools was Thomas Costello. The Bishop endorsed the "new Principal": 

 Rome Catholic High School has established a splendid record and ranks very high in the confidence of the people of Rome and in the minds of our educators. I am sure that Father Karlen will play an important part in maintaining the standard of excellence.

      Between Babci and the Altar Rosary Society and Altar Linen Society (Carol Robin, Josephine Racino, Sophie Gorski), and daily church life ("none too crowded at morning mass"!), Julie could not help but consider a vocation before she attended Rome Catholic High School. She explored different sisters-religious orders and religious vocations, attaining a Marian badge in the Girl Scouts (see, compiled book, still here; see, below, Catholic Youth Organizations), of which she was T.S. troop President (photos of camping in the Adirondacks!); however, life had something very different in store!

     It is not surprising, of course, that the paths lead near religious organization in human services (e.g., L'Arche and France's Jean Vanier), diverse religions (e.g. Dali Lama and compassion), religious services advocates (e.g., Bonnie Shoultz to Buddhism and chaplain, Aileen Jackowsky and life sharing at TLS, and Bill Remby and L'Arche, Margaret Andrews and  Harry Maples to Siddha Yoga Meditation and universalist chaplain), and that Canadian Marcia Rioux was found in the 2000s near the streets of Calcutta with Mother Theresa in India. Of course, Wolf Wolfensberger was also an early supporter of L'Arche and of life sharing for "retarded children" (Canadian NIMR).

     Marian Badge and Catholic Girl Scouts

     However, Julie Ann Racino  explored the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix, Maryknoll Sisters, Felician Sisters (branch of the Franciscan Order), Sisters of Charity, and Dominican Order, and featured the Czestochowa Madonna on the Cover of the Marian Badge with the first page as follows:

I Julie Ann Racino am a member of Transfiguration Church Girl Scout Troop 512 and try to lead an exemplary Catholic life. My requirements are found on the following pages. 

The book contain in handwritten script (7th grade): The Ten Commandments, The Six Precepts of the Church, The Two Great Commandments, the Principal Parts of the Mass, Prayers (Our Father, Holy Mary, Act of Faith, Act of Hope, Act of Charity, Act of Contrition, Apostles' Creed, Blessing Before Meals, Grace After Meals), Chief Corporal Works of Mercy, Chief Spiritual Works of Mercy, to Prayer and Nuptial Mass and Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders and Matrimony), Five Feasts of the Blessed Virgin. 

Step 1: Spiritual Interpretation Laws and the Girl Scout Code and Motto, and Five Joyful, Five Sorrowful and Five Glorious Mysteries, the Papal Flag, Five Examples of Our Lady's Influence in America (e.g., 4. Columbus ship was the Santa Maria in honor of the Blessed Virgin.), signature and statement of Mrs. A. Racino, room dedication of guardian angel, and church contributions.

Step 2: Transfiguration Church (photo) architecture, sculpture and symbols. Statements on owning a Saint Joseph Daily Missal (copyright 1959), and reading a Treasury of Catholic Children's Stories (copyright 1963). Legion of Decency. Catholic Cultural Heritage. Five Poems of Famous Catholic Poets. Counties of Syracuse Diocese (handdrawn map in color) with Cathedral of Immaculate Conception (photo), Sr. Elizabeth's Hospital and Auriesville Shrine. Christmas Celebrations (Dutch, Sweden, German). Symbols (e.g., Lily, Palm, Dove, Fish, Rose), Saint Francis and the Birds, Five Flowers Named for Our Lady, Saint Julia ("rich noblewoman who lived in North Africa"; see named after grandmother above). Good sportsmanship, lay baptism, Christian ideals in dress. Room for extreme unction (known today as last rites). Bishop (e.g., Most Reverend of Your Excellency), Monsignor, Priest, Brothers and Sisters. 

Step 3: Religious, marital and single life. Vocation prayer (Show me, O Lord, Your way, and grant me the faith and courage and love to follow Wherever it may lead. Amen*-variation of Thy will, not my will be done.). Brochures and literature requested and sent regarding vocations "to the sisterhood". The brochure on the Felician ideal includes formation in Warsaw, Poland 700 years ago, and that adoration will save the world as Pope Pius IX voiced it. Even less well known are the mystical death, atonement for sins and mortification of the passions, crown of thorns and the convent cell of the Felician sister as her safe refuge. Primary are the good works of the sisters (God's work): teaching, nursing, working in hospitals, taking care of children who have no homes, bringing food, clothing, and other help (e.g., medical care) to poor people in our large cities. Historical material included and locations in Brazil, Canada, Italy, and US states (Connecticut, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, New York, New Jersey and Illinois).

Rome Catholic High School : Academics, Sports, Clubs and Social Life

      To this day, I still think about high schools as academics, sports, clubs and social life. With Rome Catholic High School, my brother Terry Racino shone as a sports star featured with the football team (freshman captain)-and I believe that it is those high school teams that many thought were the world of the "white patriarchy" or powerful and influential men (leadership, competition and zoning). John Sturbin Jr., Rome Daily Sentinel sportswriter, began: "Five Catholic High Redwings, including lone two way performer Terry Racino (6 ft. 1 in., 170 lbs.), are among 31 players chosen by the coaches for the 1974 Tri-Valley League Football All-Star Offensive and Defensive Teams". 

     In the Racino family, I just wanted to know why the boys had all the big trophies (e.g., Terry Racino, outstanding lineman). And unsaid, because I was featured, regular press (e.g., Terry Racino, a heavyweight in wrestling decisioned Bill McMutyrie, 3-1; varsity letter winners and gold inserts) at the science awards (big ribbons, certificates, half the size trophies!)! Robert (Bob) Racino, one year behind Terry, I thought would have quite the job to follow (to a different sport, baseball; wrestling and football certificate), although I was at Cornell University while both attended Rome Catholic High School. 

     The sports in 1970 were: varsity and jv football, freshmen, jv and varsity basketball, winter sports, track and field, wrestling, varsity and jv football, cross country, (men only) and then to women, varsity and jv cheerleading. Our class did break the gender barrier with the first woman on golfing (Gail Burkhart), which is not in the RCH Sports Award Dinner. In the brochure is varsity football with Bill Arena, Steve Kozick, Tim Merchant, Luigi Magnanti, Raymond Robin (RCH Freshmen Class President), John Taylor, Joe Mastracco, and Steve Gawarecki from the Class of 1971 with Steve's younger brother Ken Kozick already on jv team.  Of course, that was Coach Ray Vaccarro, Frank Destito and Joe Campbell.

    Now, varsity cheerleading included: Beth Czajkowski, Barbara Kiskiel (Planning Committee, 50th RCH reunion, Class of 1971, 2021),  Emily Schroth (RCH Student Council, Queen Junior Prom to St. Bonaventure, Class of 1971, 2021), Betty Scheiderich, Barbara Urtz (who attended LeMoyne College), Jeanne Grande (Rome City Hall, Rome Business Family, Republican, 2021), Barb Murphy and Linda Wagner, among others. Cheerleading coach in 1970 was Miss Janet Bagnall, before the advent of Ms. "for both single and married women" as part of the feminist movement of the 1970s. 

     My own scrapbook is filled with Rome Daily Sentinel articles, including Bill Arena (Arena near record as redwings triumph; strong rebounding in the Iroquois Basketball League) who hosted the zoom yesterday evening. Of course, Tom Barry (also, Freshman Class Treasurer) who just passed from the class was cited for fine teamwork and sharp shooting (Catholic High tops Camden Hoopsters) with Coach Frank Didio, and jayvee with then boyfriend Steve Kozick with Ed Civiok (8 points each with Pete Delpiano, 14; Oneonta's Early Lead Stops Rome Catholic). Arena, Barry and Jack Gorski "controlled the boards" Redwings defeat Little Falls, 75-51). 

     National Honor Society was both men and women students (still girls and boys) in high schools. And I (Julie Ann Racino) was delighted to win the Valedictory for the Class of 1971 with Margaret Romer, salutatorian. The Rome Daily Sentinel began: Two girls lead RCH 1971 Graduating Class (with 33 honor students). "As we thought in the day", my friend Mary Craft was in 16th place and not surprisingly, Mary Anne McKelvey, who recently passed, as 15. Personally, I always felt a bit competitive with Patty (Patricia) Parker who came in third, elected as Freshmen Secretary, and also in the sciences with Tom Darner! 

       Believe it or not, my friend Bill Brockett was 27, family friend Susan Sturbin 29, and Luigi Magnanti who was appointed to West Point, 32 with Raymond Robin, 35. And to follow the Polish  American school, Richard Wagner, Edward Civiok, Stanley Sawicki and Steven Kozick were 49-52. Yes, studies in itself for the beginning of 'balancing acts in life and commitments to academics". Marilyn Roundy in 6th place was a "true stunning girl", and Chris Dandino was a new, Eastside friend in 5th place. Dorothea Czyscon (12th), who was a close friend in grade school, was deep into a young relationship! As I still compare ranges today.  

Polish Language and Foreign Language Studies

      However, as third generation English speaking, we only thought of Babci Julia (Centka) Bien, for whom I am named, as from the old country (which indeed she was, traveling here by ship from Poland to the city of Cohoes, NY). As children, we knew that Babci was a Polish language "first speaker", and that our parents dabbled in Polish with each other (seven Bien children, down the block from this home in 1953) and expected that we would be English speakers in American society. The Polish Catholic parochial school is still remembered for the words and phrases lists one side Polish and the other English (much like online translators today, separate from Google translators). I always admired my friend ChrisTreemarcki Sarch (Cornell University) and husband Joel for studying up on languages before their visits abroad, especially to Europe.  

     "We never thought in high school that the goal was to learn Latin (RCH teacher, Fr. Guckert), then still the traditional language of American masses, romance languages such as French (RCH teacher- Sister Mary Gabriel)-later as a diplomatic language of the UN, and Spanish (also, see Spanish Action League, Syracuse, NY), which we were assured later was essential for any social or human services worker in America."  In fact, the Regents requirements of New York State (Honors track) indicated that we would be "more well rounded" and have much in common with other people educated similarly. Cornell University, public and private institution with seven colleges, agreed requiring I finish (everyone) at least four years of a "foreign language"! Yes, to Russian & Tibetan languages in 2010 post Dali Lama at Cornell University in 1991.

Polish Neighborhood and Immigration in America

     Now, in relationship to our southside neighborhood, which I used to "joke or kid around" (1970s!) that maps often indicate a richer north side (e.g., Evanston suburb, Chicago, Northwestern University Main Campus) then southsides, including the proverbial southside of the railroad tracks. My natural curiosity proved it to be true again when I visited my high school friend Mary Craft, married to Jim McMillan since college (1977, St. Peter's Church), on South Jersey shore circa 2011 and followed the railroad tracks to find the low income housing, Habitat for Humanity Restore, public school, billboards on crime, and ethnic grocery. 

      That's a long way to say, that although the Bien family at one time owned four consecutive homes on Henry Street (Babci Bien, Joe Bien, John Civiok married to Mary Bien, and William Bien), a block away (Augie and Josephine Bien Racino), and the Polish corner store (Gorski family, see now Gorski Ave) and Polish meat market (Washington Market) were less than a block in both directions, I simply did not think of it as a Polish neighborhood! Indeed Oneida County Historical records indicate the area as the original Polish settlement, probably a "give away" Bull's Island. More recently, the reason is a mix of nationalities, including Italian-Rizzo's two corner market and income taxes at the "Washington Market corner" and new, La Greco Avenue.

        Of course, as children, we remember the penny candy counter (Gorski Market) which was unmatched in our lifetimes! And the weekly Polish seeded rye bread, half moons, and baked goods of all kinds (e.g., fresh cream puffs, jelly donuts) from the White Eagle Bakery. I always recount the big blackout winter storm of 1966 when the roads were unplowed from the snowstorm and the White Eagle Bakery was open with candlelight (that evening, Frances (Zaglaniczny) Krenitsky and myself in the store, and customers walking in all evening long). John Krenitsky, who in his later years served on the Board of Directors of Rome Seniors, operated the White Eagle Bakery until 1985. Frances passed in 1995 on South George Street, and John lived until age 93- with children Karen (teacher), Robert (health executive), and Al (eldest)!

       Now, the Washington Meat Market (not open for decades, but 'building-house' still on the corner across from Transfiguration Church with white, lace cotton curtains) had fresh homemade Polish kielbasa.  Another popular area brand is Hapanowicz "Polish wedding kielbasa" from the New York Mills Meat Market. Babci and the Bien brothers (Bill & Joe who both married later in life to Aunts Harriet and Barbara) still kept the big industrial freezers and as I recall the answer when I was young, "would hang meat to dry" in the back garage. Another answer from Cioci Mary Bien was that she loved chicken wings which became popular later on, went from the price of a bag to the price of a wing! 

Mixed Use Zoning and Business-Residential Districts: From Days of Childhood in 1950s and 1960s to Present

      When we think of businesses in that period (the area was till zoned mixed use),  we had the Coalyard (i.e., anthracite coal and heating) operated by the Czajkowski family a half a block down. Daughter Claire Czajkowski was in my class at Transfiguration School, and Beth was somewhat older, around the age of Melanie Trela (next door), Karen Urbanik to Markowicz (down the street, parents Cordelia & Stan), and Paulette Borkowski, Gen and Stan's daughter. We used to say Claire was relatively well off, having a camp on Sylvan Beach and water skiing and frequenting the arcade at the Sylvan Beach Amusement Park (See, Racino, 2014, Sylvan Beach Tourism). Regretfully, today the Coalyard is one of Rome's environmental hazards with a ceiling breakthrough of the large conveyor crane through the ceiling.

     Across the street, kitty corner in a large brick building, was the knitting mills of the World War II period which I picture as the women sewing in lines for the war effort. My story, however, is that when workers came to cut down our apple tree in the backyard (which had my big swing from the 1950s), I ran across the street (which I was not allowed to do, by the way) pounding on the door for my father! For some reason, it was the first time I remember "anguish", a combination of anger, fear, astonishment, hurt and disbelief.  I knew that "Augie" (pierogi) worked at the Mill (and later as shipping manager), not knowing yet then, it was the Rome Manufacturing Plant (light manufacturing) of Revere Copper and Brass (heavy manufacturing) on the Eastside of the city of Rome, NY. Today, the Henry Street building is still a business-original site of Joe Tehan's Furniture. When Joe passed, son Al (now with three sons) and Joe's daughter Bernadette acquired the business which also has main showcase store in New Hartford, New York. 

      One more example, the General and Rome Cable mills were large industrial, heavy metal plants, down on Ridge & Henry Streets, several blocks walking distance. I described the large overhead vats of molten iron which traversed across the entire plants, tractor trailer deliveries, spooled wire 6 feet or higher, and represented heavy industrial manufacturing in America. One plant "now houses Owl Wire", and another plant has been bought and retooled down the street (See, community participation, Toccolana Boccee by Worthington Industries), to this year, a new office building-Cold Point (opened by the city of Rome to private corporate) following a brownfield cleanup by the state environmental conservation teams. We thanked the NYS Environmental Conservation for the excellent presentation at the South Rome Senior Center in 2019. However, in the cleanup, a massive effort, the "prison tower was left on the property" as the eyesore of the city, and we have graffiti (city first, southside) and used cars and decay on an office building that was operational before "they started"!

      Now, just several blocks away, we discussed the period of urban renewal which in the city of Rome replaced neighborhood blocks on the southside of the Main Street (Dominick Street) of downtown with Freedom Mall. As most people know, the history of America's malls is entering a new phase in the 21st Century (See, New Hartford Shopping Mall, Shoppingtown Mall and Fairmount Mall in Syracuse, NY), and we will not recount the full history here. My brother Terrance A. Racino managed the Ames store in Freedom Mall which was the centerpiece of the new mall (and later the Ames Mall in Oneida, NY). His business card in the scapbook is from Jamesway, where he was the store manager in Rotterdam, New York (Rotterdam Mall). 

      However, today Freedom Mall is the active site of the first "conversion from retail" (e.g., J.C Penney, anchor store closing as part of bankruptcy reorganizations), and new telecommunications buildings and retail stores (buyouts; Verizon, Spectrum), and even, the first Rome Memorial Hospital outpatient dialysis (this month, 2021). Prior part of city planning (government for the people), two main office supply stores (Officemax and Staples) and an established office business (Olivers) now results in "not even an available copy machine downtown" to Hummels, before Covid-19)!

Concluding on New Housing, and Plans for Southside of Rome, NY

     The city of Rome invited Republican John Conners of the Rome Polish Home to participate in planning on the southside, per magazine at the 2019 event (above). John and his Polish wife Mary Lou live on South Jay Street, and John Conners has served as management of the American Legion on the boulevard in addition as President of the Rome Polish Home. The Third Ward Councilor (City of Rome, Common Council) is also Republican, from the eastside, and represent the southside on planning; Republican Kim Rogers was featured yesterday in Rome Daily Sentinel as approving the Erie Canal Heritage District on Rome-Taberg Road (see, repeat histories of sale "by city of Rome"). The Erie Canal Village, Peterpaul Recreation Park, Rome Sports Hall of Fame, Fort Bull site, and Fort Rickey Game Farm are on this corridor (Racino, 2014). This is termed community and economic development for the city of Rome, NY (See, NYS Department). 

     On the positive side, we reflect back on the new housing (nationally termed housing and community development) on the other end of Henry Street and South James Street, which resembles the Madison Mutual Housing Association and Cooperative from Madison, WI (Racino, 1993). The "mixed income housing" still looks in great shape as the new housing development for South Rome, New York State (See, photos posted online), and is a very positive and welcome contribution to the area, across from Transfiguration Church. The parking seems to work well, and the property extending for several blocks, sometimes is high landscaped with variegated foliage. The private porches and entryways, bright colors of mellow yellow and beige, the playground area, and the location near the older housing makes a case for the development. 

      The DeWitt Clinton School has now been converted into "senior style townhouses" and clear that partial occupancy has occurred so far. We thank the housing department for its efforts as we viewed new restrictions on plumbing, electrical licensing and building codes and approvals in Rome City Hall this past week. We were particulary impressed with the Stewart Stores planning on the Boulevard, by the company itself, which resulted in a very good community business partner in Rome, New York (City of Rome Planning Board, with environmental and disability reviews). Years earlier, we attended the Sand Plains approval meeting in downtown Rome, and do encourage participation in these sometimes sparsely attended public meetings. 

      We will continue our discussion later on the "Polish neighborhood", which includes church property in the city of Rome, including Rome Catholic High School (See, Rome City School District),  the Church property of St. Mary's, St. Peter's and St. Paul's Churches, and other prior sales (e.g., convent next door to the RCS; convent on southside to Angel's Nest Bed and Breakfast; Agway building). And, of course, the new offices of Catholic Charities at the Neighborhood Center as the United Way moves from the Main Street of downtown Rome, New York, and housing near St. Peter's School now converted to a teacher education training site.

References

Catholicism (Polish, youth)

Catholic Boy Scouts, Catholic Girl Scouts and Catholic Campfire Girls of Diocese of Syracuse, NY. (1966, May 8).  Troop 512,  Girl Scouts, and Troop 8, Boy Scouts, Transfiguration Church.  25th Annual Assembly. Syracuse, NY: Catholic Youth Organizations of the Diocese of Syracuse held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Executive Chairmen (e.g., Rev. Albin Majdanik, Rev. William Gleba). (September 25, 1966). Poloniae: Poland's One Thousand Years of Christianity (Zysiaclecia Chrztu Polski) Utica Memorial Auditorium. Utica, New York.

Author's Documents

Racino, Julie Ann. (1966). My Marian Award. Transfiguration School, Girl Scouts, Troop 512. Rome, New York. 

Racino, Julie Ann. (1967). Valedictory Address, Organ Recital (School Days March), and Country Dance.  Transfiguration School, Class of 1967, Graduation Exercises: Program Mimeograph. Rome, NY: Transfiguration School held in T.S. Auditorium. 

Dali Lama; Tibetan Buddhism

His Holiness The Dali Lama of Tibet. (1991). Overcoming Differences. Barton Hall, Cornell University, The Henry E. & Nancy Horton Bartels World Affairs Fellowship. 

Wilson, Lillie. (1991). Thousands hear the Dali Lama (12,000 Cornell University) and Chayat, Sherry. (1991). Dali Lama is gone; great art remains. Glossary of Tibetan terms. Ithaca, New York. 

Wilson, Lillie. (March 25, 1991). Ithaca welcomes the Dali Lama. Syracuse Herald-Journal, A1, A10.  [Cold weather, warm heart cheer Tibetan and religious leader arrival; speech excerpts]

Memoriums

Obituary of John T. Krenitsky. (Oct 10, 2015). Rome Daily Sentinel, p. 5. [Owner, White Eagle Bakery, Transfiguration School Parent]

Obituary of Mrs. Anthony Bien. (December 24, 1974). Rome Daily Sentinel, p.5 [Mother of Mary, Frances, Josephine, Joseph, William, Bernard, and Louis Bien]

Obituary of Olindo A. Tagliaferri. (August 2002). Rome Daily Sentinel, p.6. [Father-in-law, Terrance A. Racino, first marriage, Garden Street, Rome, NY]

Obituary of Stanley A. Urbanik. (April 5, 2003). Rome Daily Sentinel, p. 5. [South Rome Neighbor, Transfiguration Church Ushers]

Memorial Mass for Sophie B. Gorski (February 25, 2012) and Caroline B. Robin (March 24, 2012). Rome, NY: Transfiguration Church. [married to Paul Gorski and Raymond Robin, respectively; 2005, Henry Street, Rome, NY]

Rome Daily Sentinel Articles 

Hawley, Nicole A. (September 16, 2021). Planning board oks heritage district. Rome Daily Sentinel, pp. 1-2. 

Kahler, Joan K. (June 25, 1985).  White Eagle Bakery will shut off its ovens for good in South Rome. Rome Daily Sentinel, pp. 3,9.

Kahler, Joan K. (November 2, 1985). O'Neill has tripped the light fantastic for three generations. Rome Daily Sentinel, p.2.

Kahler, Joan K. (February 5, 1986). Loss of landmark, proud trademark, 125 jobs: 1801 Revere. Rome Daily Sentinel. 

Hubbell, Robert G. (1969). Letter to the Editor: Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Rome Daily Sentinel, Rome, NY.  [Director of Music, Rome Public Schools on Sing Out Rome, standing room only RFA]

Urtz, Kay. (March 3, 1969). Sing outers' verve and goodwill contagious to audience of 750. Rome Daily Sentinel,  Rome, New York. [Strough Junior High School]

... (nd). Alderman points to public service in campaign for 3rd ward seat. (photo, Tim Merchant). Rome Daily Sentinel.  [married to Diane Graziadei, ordained minister]

... (1958). Dance pupils perform at School for the Deaf. Rome Daily Sentinel, Rome, New York. [Julie Ann Racino with Kim Oliver, Emily Schroth, Kathy Luczynski, Janet Sturbin, Carol Destito, Gail Smith, and Ann Marcellus...)

Newsarticles and Documents

...(February 1966). Blizzard of the Century idles Rome Cable. The Snowball Special, Vol. 1, No.1, Rome ,New York. 

...May 7, 1970. Rostrel (1969-1970): Stockholder's Report Sponsored by Rome Strip Steel. Rome, NY: Juniior Achievement. 

...September 16, 1970. (Phyllis Shantz) Joins Secret Service. Syracuse Herald Journal, p.53. [first woman member of Executive Protective Service]

...July 27, 1991. RCH Class of 1971, 20 Year Reunion. Rome, NY: Rome Catholic High School. 

Roth, Anne. (nd). Harry J. Maples; Worked with disabled. Syracuse New York Newspapers (Post Standard). 

Music Arrangements and Songs

...(1963). Standard Simplified Songs. Hansen's All Organ Series No. 43. NY: Warock Music, Inc. 

Siedleckiego, KS. Jana. (Octobris 12 1901). Spiewnicziek Zawierajcy: Piesni Koscielne Z Melodyami.  New York, NY: Regulski-Polaski, Inc. 

Author's Books

Racino, Julie Ann. (1993). Madison Mutual Housing Association and Cooperative. In J. A. Racino, S. O'Connor, P. Walker and S. Taylor (Eds.), Housing, Support and Community. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes. 

Racino, Julie Ann. (1999). Policy, Program Evaluation and Research in Disability. London, NY, NY: Haworth Press. (See, Routledge Press, Francis and Taylor). 

Square Market/Community and Policy Studies

Racino, Julie Ann. (2003). Car Shows, Car Cruiseins, and Bike Nights in Central New York. Motorsports Research Series, Report #3. Rome, NY: Community and Policy Studies. 

Racino, Julie Ann. (2003). Peterpaul Recreation Park: An Amusement Park for Families: Go Karts and Bumper Boats: An Introductory Participant Observation Study. Motorsports Research Series, Report #1. Rome, NY: Community and Policy Studies.  

Racino, Julie Ann. (2014). Reflections on Community Integration in Rural Communities in Upstate New York. Rome, NY: Community and Policy Studies.