Advertising - A Sign of the Times - 1974

A snapshot of Saginaw in 1974

Twelve GM plants with 23,0000 General Motors People
St. Mary Cathedral Credit Union - soon to be Catholic Federal Credit Union
Edwards - Keeping up with the times with plaids and flowers
Sullivans - One of our own SMC family restaurants

Sodality Expands Under Wise Leadership - 1959

Sodalists gather to observe a day of recollection at Our Lady Queen of Angels Retreat house. Pictured are M. Miller, unit leader; M. Cole, Secretary; G. Frahm; N. Bell, leader; R. Feorowicz and M. Knox, leader.

Striving for sanctity, the Marian way, leaders of Mary's Sodality, crown their Queen at the annual May Crowing. Co-prefect B. Bastien crowns Our Lady while prefect T. Harden, secretary A. Ezop and treasurer T. Smith assist in the ceremony.

"We Fly Our Fashion Standards High." - 1950

Above: Joan Porath, attendant; Margaret McGovern, football queen, Kathaleen Green, attendant.

Many years have gone by with many different fashions and styles. Of all these years, 1950 heads the list. In the fall and winter, the faculty of St. Mary's must have blinked their eyes once or twice when they saw the bright plaid jackets of the boys - the bold green and reds - telling the world of their warmth and comfort. Jim Schaefer is wearing one as he admires Jean Robinette's new dark blue ski-suit with its yoke of sky blue.

The feminine charm of St. Mary's lovely young girls was unmistakable as they glided gracefully through spring and winter formals in modest gowns of swishing taffetas, shining satins, regal velvets, romantic lacey nets, and billowing chiffons. Accompanying these beautiful ladies were St. Mary's boys in stunning dark suits and dignified tuxedos. Here are tow of St. Mary's fashion-wise students. Johanna Mudd wears a lovely chiffon formal while Joseph Dashner wears a dark suit.

It was hard to leave winter and its glamor and fun behind but spring came to our school halls. Our smart students were occasionally appearing in their small-checked suits, their lovely flary soft coats of various hues, the smart short hair cuts of the girls looked as neat and pretty as their new suede and kid shoes. The boys too are style-wise in a comfortable, casual way.

The faculty will probably blink their eyes once or twice again, not in surprise but in sadness. For they know that the seniors of St. Mary's were not only fashion-wise and study-wise, but also Christ-wise. They will miss those plaid coats, those fashion-wise students - those seniors of 1950.

Homecoming Court - 1979

Our Homecoming for the year '79 started out as a spirited week of fun. The activities began October 2-6, spirit week we called it. It hosted a series of competitive events between the different classes, which the Seniors came out victorious. There were such events as a pep rally, hush day, a powder puff football game and a float competition.

The Homecoming game took place at Saginaw High. Our SMC Raiders played host to North Branch and came out on the losing end, as the Bronco's defeated the Raiders 12-6.

At half time our student body received a chance to see SMC's Queen and her Court. The Queen was Olivia Flores and her court as follows: Denise Walker, Angela Powe, Anne Kostrzewa, Trish Schreiber, and Jill Colcher. They were presented again at the dance on October 7, which featured a Disc Jockey from Detroit for our entertainment.

Despite our loss to North Branch, Homecoming 1979 turned out to be a winner.

Dedication - Sr. Mary Yvonne - 1955

This looks like the first graders of the class of 1966 - can you identify the children in this picture? If so - Please leave a comment so we can put names to these faces! (I thought the little boy on the right was my brother Larry, however, he wrote to tell me he never remembers wearing a tie to school!)

Twelve years ago Sister Mary Yvonne, O.P. began her arduous task of laying the foundation of Catholic Citizenship in the minds and hearts of St. Mary Cathedral First Grade pupils. Her broad vision caught glimpses of the truth, loyalty, and cultural beauty that must be woven into the fabric of Catholic civic life. Her genial personality captivated us, and soon "her word was law". Gently, but firmly she trained us to direct our desires and ambitions to things noble and good. Her dynamic professional ability insured our progress; her Marylike zeal fostered ideals of happiness to be found only by participation in the Kingdom of God. Her vision - each of us a virile Catholic citizen in our great American Democracy.

As a tribute of gratitude for her vital concern in Catholic Education, and for her continued interest in our behalf throughout the years, we lovingly dedicate the Labarum, our most treasured remembrance of school days, to Sister Mary Yvonne, our First Grade Teacher.

Defense Council in Action - 1942

Standing: Patricia Sullivan, John Lincoln, Harry Kain, Marion Pendell, Bernard Topham, Edward Slaggert. Seated: Rosemary Beckley, Eugene Matthews, Joseph Popecki, Robert Topham, Peter Bommarito.


Education is the first line of defense for the younger generation. The second, buying defense stamps and bonds. But still boys and girls ask, "What can I do?" The boys are too young to fight: both boys and girls are prevented from working in the factories on defense because they are still in school. There are many things that can be done, however; one is to establish a paper and scrap iron drive. Another is to establish a defense council which will cover a multitude of activities.

So, under the direction of the Board of Education, a defense council was established in all high schools throughout the city. The defense council here, in St. Mary consists of thirteen leaders. One was elected chairman and twelve committees were inaugurated. They are: Blackout, Contact, Vigilance, Messenger, Sewing, Map Making, Postermaking, Knitting, Signaling, News Clipping, Stamps, Red Cross.

The Contact and Messenger Committees have not as yet had an opportunity to go into action. The Blackout Committee has made curtains and the school is all set for the order "Lights Out." The Vigilance Committee is on the lookout for all suspicious things - on the ground or in the air. The Sewing Committee helped with the curtains for blackouts. Beautiful and patriotic posters that have been seen on the bulletin boards have been the work of the Postermaking Committee. Several sweaters of all sizes were handed in by the Knitting Committee. An air-raid horn was installed by the Signaling Committee and air-raid drills practiced. The News Clipping Committee has kept the students informed on world events by posting interesting and important items on the bulletin boards. A stamp station is open for business every Wednesday and has sold approximately $2,000 worth of stamps. The Red Cross Committee has conducted several classes in first aid and are ready for any emergency. This is a brief resume of defense activities. Full speed ahead for VICTORY!

Music Recitals - 1945

Above - Joan Hendrick, Marion Pratt, Shirley Maxwell
Below Standing: P. Lechmann, M. Kennedy, N. Humes, P. Gilmore, J. Birney, N. Topham, V.Greene, J. Reimer, J. Clarke, M. Derosier, L. Moskal, J. Clark, P. Collins, L. Ladebauche, J. Brennan. Seated: M. Bradley, G. Doye, J. Zimmerman, V. Pockrandt

St. Mary's School of Music is proud to have three graduates, Shirley Maxwell and Joan Hendrick of St. Mary High School, and Marion Pratt of Arthur Hill. The graduation recital, presented June 1, showed their ability as soloists and in two-piano work in the performance of Beethoven's Concerto in G Major, the first piano parts being done alternately by Miss Hendrick and Miss Maxwell.

Miss Pratt, who is also a gifted soprano, offered several vocal selections. Mr. Ernest Eckerman, M. Mus., baritone, added to the program with several solos. The difficultly and variety of the numbers so effectively executed by the musicians showed the years of work which preceded the Graduation Recital performance.

Cathedral's Lively Spirit Instigators - 1967

Varsity Cheerleaders: Cindy Rockowski, Nancy Lum, Reene Kerns (co-captain) Mary McLoughlin (captain), Janice Brown and Joan Sowulewski.

J.V. Cheerleaders: Cathy Bieri (captain); Judy McKinney, Mary Ann Castanier, Laura Hendrick, Carla Melvin (co-captain) and Susan Siers.

Maintaining the high spirit of Cathedral High students is the function of the cheerleaders. This vivacious group, including the varsity and junior varsity squads, is responsible for the "sound" backing of the student body for the talented athletes of St. Mary's. Long hours of tedious practice, frustration, encouragement and fun are wrapped up in the lives and duties of cheerleaders. Undaunted by defeat, these girls enkindle contagious spirit and enliven the attitudes of the players as well as the student body. As representatives of the school, their performances at games, pep rallies and clinics are preceded by long hours of critical planning and practice. They have consistently through the years maintained the highest standards of courtesy and good sportsmanship.

Football Champs - 1944

O'Brien, E. Quinnan, J. Deisler, O'Keefe, Sheltraw, Carson, Lenick, R. Frawley, Fielder, J. Frawley, DeCorte, A. Deisler, Kenny, Ward, W. Quinnan, DePrekel, Phelan, J. Sullivan, W. Sullivan, Daley

For the first time in St. Mary's athletic history one of its football teams went undefeated. Working with a newly formed T-formation, under a new coach, "Johnnie" Sullivan, former St. Mary's star athlete, the mighty Maroons met and crushed all opposition. Equally strong on defence and offense the team piled 167 points against their opponents' 18.

The Maroons attack this year was paced by hard-running Jack Kenny, husky fullback, who was selected as both All-Valley and All-State (class C) fullback. Running behind a powerful line, Jack gained consistently to lead the team in scoring. In the line the mainstays were Captain Ed Quinnan, All-Valley tackle for three years and most valuable player; Willie Quinnan, a fighting end who also mad the All-Valley.

Scores:
St. Mary 25__________St. James 0
St. Mary 34__________St. Mary's (Flint) 0
St. Mary 63__________St. Joseph's 0
St. Mary 20__________St. Andrew's 18
St. Mary 19__________St. Pete's 0
St. Mary 06__________St. Joseph's 0

Speech - 1947

Dawn Bodrie made a fine showing as the Red Cross representative of the school. Her speech at the Bancroft Hotel over W.S.A.M. given for the opening of the Junior Red Cross Drive, was followed in succession with speeches at the Jewish Synagogue, Nurses' Auxiliary, and Elks Club. Miss Bodrie has been chosen as Saginaw's Catholic School delegate to the National Red Cross Convention to be held in Cleveland in June.

At the next signal. . . St. Mary's will broadcast over W.S.A.M. The radio play, "It's More Fun Being a Mother than a Career Girl," presented on March 11, gave the students ample opportunity to develop the fine art of public speaking. Don Christensen, Aileen Bourchard, Denny Lawler, Dolores Daignault, Elizabeth McGovern, Richard Koblinski, Denise McMullen, John Lechmann, Dennis O'Leary, Lorna Walderzak, Eleanor Magryta and Jerd Clayton prepared for the broadcast.

St. Mary's P.T.A. - 1938

Early in the year 1920, the need for a society which would bring the parents in to closer relation with the teachers, was realized by the ladies of the parish. Accordingly, they met at the school and formally organized St. Mary's Parent-Teacher Association. They were given encouragement and splendid cooperation by the pastor, Rev. Father Caldwell.

Mrs. W. Daily was elected the first president. Her first act was to appoint the necessary committee chairmen. Among the accomplishments of the first year was the obtaining of free milk and wafers for needy school children.

Mrs. William Jahnke was the president in 1923. During this year the first annual cake sale was given. With the money derived from various activities the P.T.A. began to purchase desks for the school. This year, also, high school girls were bidden to wear blue serge uniforms.

In 1924, under President, Mrs. Leo Weadock, the P.T.A. hired a physical education instructor for the school. Her salary was paid by donations. This year the membership was raised to 243.

A new laboratory table costing $50 was purchased by the P.T.A. in 1925-26. This year the gymnasium was fully equipped ($617) and paid for with funds derived from various activities. Mrs. Devereaux was the president.

A permanent male gym instructor was engaged in 1927 through the zealous efforts of the P.T.A. under the leadership of Mrs. Devereaux.

In 1929 the idea was put in action that each grade should have a parent to look after it. This lady was called the "grade mother." The school had been painted previously, and the P.T.A. gave nearly $500 toward the payment of this debt.

New desks for the 3rd grade were purchased in 1930 and the school library was catalogued throughout. Mrs. A.D. LeFevre was the president this year.

During these years the programs were made specially interesting several times by the work of guest speakers of superlative quality. Among these were the Rt. Rev. William F. Stadelman of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Father Babcock, chaplain of the Univeristy of Michigan.

Every year Father Caldwell was present as the honorary president of the society.

In 1932, Fred O'Hara was named our delegate to the state convention at Kalamazoo. The president this year was Mrs. Arthur Weadock.

The following years were busy ones for the P.T.A. They sponsored many activities and aided the school in many things.

Mrs. Leo Hendricks was the president for two years, 1935 and 1936. During that time the desire was realized for free test books for students. Mrs. Hendricks was the delegate at the state convention to Grand Rapids in 1934.

This past year has been an active one for the P.T.A. Along with Mrs. Ellerthorpe, the president, Mr. Harry Green was the head of the father-members. Meetings were attended in goodly numbers and the slogan was, "A Better Knowledge of Child Psychology."

Reviewing the past eighteen years of splendid accomplishments by the parents of St. Mary's Parish, we must give credit where credit is due, and surely these good workers merit our deep appreciating and gratitude for their noble work. I sincerely hope that this may serve not only as a tribute to past achievements but as an encouragement to future members.

Seniors in Service - 1946

The class of '46 proudly present their senior classmates, who are serving in the Armed Forces. Leaving their studies and many friends behind, these boys enlisted in their junior year.

The Army is well represented by John O'Keefe and Franke O'Brien. John left New York City for overseas duty in November, 1945, and is now stationed in Bari, Italy. Frank is also doing his share of overseas duty, stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, for the past year.

Wearing the sailor "blues" are Tony Deisler and Kenneth Bloomer, who left in his sophomore year. Tony recently paid a visit to the school making it seem like old times again. At present Tony is stationed at the separation center in San Diego, California.

We pay special tribute to James Gavit, our only classmate preparing for the priesthood. At present Jim is attending Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and expects to spend four more years there.

To James and to all the seniors in service, who will be far away on Commencement day, we send an expression of our deepest loyalty and friendship, and say, "We'll be missin' you."

First Student Council - 1941

During the past year a new and broad field was opened to the students of Cathedral High. Student government was inaugurated and put into motion. At the close of last year a general election was held in which fifteen high school students were chosen to make up what is known as Student Council. This group in turn elected officers, choosing Leo Hendrick as president, William Hendrick as vice president, Robert Fettig as treasurer, and Mary Tuhy as secretary. Other members were: Patricia Burns, Frances Ann Hayes, Mary Schneider, Robert McDonald, Dixie Lou Mueller, Patricia Grohman, Charles Heid, Frank Mueller, Jerry McCarty, William Tophman, and Jack Runchey.

Their accomplishments have been few during the past year, but like all permanent organizations, it takes time to develop such a group to a high degree of efficiency. Some projects, such as the direction of school assemblies, enforcement of school regulations, the raising of money for school equipment have been carried out with some degree of success. It is the hope of those in charge of this movement that in a very short time St. Mary's Student Council will be one of the most active in the city.

Junior Senior Banquet - 1930

Thursday evening, May 29, the most important social event of the school year at St. Mary's took place in the Crystal Room of the Hotel Bancroft when the Junior Class was host to the Graduates at the annual Junior-Senior Banquet and Dance.

At half past seven when the guests arrived they found awaiting them long, beautifully decorated tables. Tiny place cards beckoned each person to his place and in no time delectable food was being served. Small baskets and menu cards of blue and silver, colors of the class of 1930, were found at each place. A lovely bouquet of roses furnished by Charles Baase adorned the Speaker's table.

After dinner toasts were given by the following: "To our Pastor" Margaret Mary Lowe; "To the Seniors" Angelyn Cronkite; "To the Juniors" John Greiner; "Our Parents" Frederick Bossman; "Class Motto" Mary Jahnke; "The Faculty" Margaret Mahar; "Our Athletic Directors" Frank Sullivan; Virginia Snyder gave a very interesting class prophecy. William Korth acted as toast master.

Among the guests at the dinner was Reverend Fr. Francis L. McLaughlin, pastor of St. James Church, Montague, former assistant at St. Mary's.

Kenny Anderson's Cotton Stompers furnished the music for dancing which lasted until one o'clock and to which the underclassmen were invited. The patrons and patronesses were Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Nickodemus; Mr. and Mrs. W.S. McMullen; Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Cronkite; Mr. William Posey and Mr. G. Leo Weadock.

Cathedral Youth Credit Union - 1970

Members of the newly formed Cathedral Credit Union at St. Mary's High School examine their financial statements. In the foreground, left to right, are Celia Schrems, treasurer; Robert Berlin, president. At the head table, left to right Joseph Schneider, vice president; Elinor Tijerina, assistant treasurer, Kathy Bailie, education chairman. On the left side are Margo Phelan and Paul Slaggert of the credit committee and on the right side are Mary Ellen Shea and Mike Haremski, credit committee.

The talents and resources of students are best shown by their involvement in community and school affairs.

From participation in the United Fund Sun Bowl Games to the establishment of their own "Cathedral Youth Credit Union:, the students' enthusiasm abounds and achieves in their many activities.

The Cathedral Youth Credit Union is unique in that it is the second of its kind in the United States. Its purpose is educational - to teach students to make deposits and loans. It is operated under Federal regulations under the direction of Mr. Robert Adams, parish manager, and Mrs. Bette Peterson, faculty member.

For more information on the history of Catholic Federal Credit Union (which started as St. Mary Credit Union click here.

A History Lesson -1984

The last Yearbook staff of 1984 wanted to show the past, present and future. Beginning in 1984, Nouvel Catholic Central High School would open. It was a consolidation of SS Peter and Paul, St. Stephen and Saginaw East Catholic - St. Mary Cathedral. I will be posting many of their articles. The articles are a great history lesson about St. Mary's. From the preface: As the years roll by, the only appreciation we crave is the consciousness of feeling that our efforts have helped in forming a connecting link between the present and past. May this book instill in our hearts a greater love for Alma Mater and a greater appreciation for the good she has done for us. Mike Rocha, Erika Trevino, Michele Allen, Duane Hall, Leslia Eiland, Joe Sheltraw, Rose Schliska, Beth Gallery, Carolyn Bashans, Amanda Lewis, Tom Schmidt, and Sandra Orum.

REGIONAL CHAMPS 1969

St. Mary's entered the District Tournament as a heavy favorite, and the three games played proved to be a showcase for the talented Raider team. Our opening game was against Holy Rosary, who had managed to slip by us twice in the regular class. But behind the fine shooting of Mike Haremski and John Looby, and the clutch performance from Ray Wickes, St. Mary's was not to be denied. We won 96-69. This was just the start of our revenge as the next game brought on St. Andrew's, a team that had given us trouble in both games so far this year.

With John Hansen and Mike O'Donnell showing their tournament experience, the Raiders put the game away in the first half, with reserves playing almost the entire second half, the Raiders recorded an 80-48 victory. The District final was played against a fired-up St. Joe's team. The outcome of the game was not decided until the final two minutes as St. Joe's burned the nets too often, but under the steadying influence of Mike Fournier, who threw in several clutch baskets, St. Mary's led almost the entire game and recorded an 83-75 victory. Thus St. Mary's added the first of a line of trophies that destiny seemed to lay in her path.

The School was 100 Years Old in 1968

Resolution from the State of Michigan

House Resolution No. 281
Offered by Representative O'Neill.

A Resolution for the Centennial of Saint Mary Cathedral High School of Saginaw.

WHEREAS, Saint Mary Cathedral High School, the oldest parochial school in the newest Michigan diocese, the Diocese of Saginaw, celebrates its Centennial, dating from the opening of two classrooms with enrollment of 150 students, on September 2, 1868; and

WHEREAS First served by three Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Monroe, Michigan subsequent parish reorganization brought the Saint Mary Academy, then a high school for girls and a grade school for boys and girls, under tutelage of the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, whose sixty-one years' dedicated service achieved co-educational status with their 1907 advent and accreditation by The University of Michigan in 1912 and the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1926. The name, Saint Mary High School, became Saint Mary Cathedral High School in 1938 concurrent to the Saginaw diocesan establishment; and

WHEREAS, From a graduating class of two young women in 1879--the only class who was required to qualify in public examination by a mayor, attorney, accountant and another citizen--to the total of 2,209 graduates given to Michigan society through 1967, all trained in moral values, social conduct spiritually-oriented, and the love of country and fellow men founded in Christian principles and recognized throughout the world of men; and

WHEREAS, Recognized for many decades by employers for their superior discipline and attitude, the graduates of parochial schools are inculcated through constancy of purpose and method for focus upon principles of reasoning and judgment, democracy, family virtues, as well as vocational and continuing educational proficiency. The Saint Mary Cathedral High School's newest facility supportive of all these aims is their new library, constructed in 1967 at a cost of $76,000. Athletic, forensics, public service work and achievements and arts and letters are encouraged in excellent programs subordinate to academic progress of each student, and these offer opportunity for the development of well-rounded citizens vital to the republic; now therefore be it

RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That by these presents tribute is accorded the Saint Mary Cathedral High School to commemorate its first hundred years of service, dedicated to inculcate and foster the qualities of future citizens which have the bulwark of the State of Michigan and America, implementing through service to God the only avenue He inspires and sanctions--service to fellows in brotherhood.

Adopted by the House of Representatives February 27, 1968.

Signed by Thomas Thatcher, Clerk of the House of Representatives.

Closing Notes from the Centennial Yearbook - 1966

It was 1966 - The Cathedral parish was 100 years old - the school a little less (98 Years Old). The closing statement from the Yearbook Staff: One hundred years have passed since Saint Mary's was established as a tiny mission church in the wilderness. During those years she has grown to be not only the heart of her parishioners, but the nucleus of the Saginaw diocese as well.

To commemorate the happenings of these eventful months, the Labarum Staff of 1966 has worked especially hard to compose a book that will keep this momentous occasion alive in the hearts of the people for the years to come. Special thanks are in order to our new advisor, Sister Ann Lucille, whose untiring assistance and store of ideas have helped us meet our numerous deadlines. Our parents, friends, and business patrons have been more than willing to see that our ends meet financially. To Mr. Harold Bosch and Mr. Kenneth Redina, our photographers, we express our deepest thanks.

All in all important jobs that must be done, there are many behind-the-scenes who are never recognized. Our hats are off to all of you for making this publication a success.

Staff members were listed as:

Editor: Donna Zacharias; Business Manager:Martha Meyers; Associate Editors: Academics: Donna Zacharias, Rachel Ontiveros, Susan Melvin; Theme: Kathy Stevens; Athletics: Pat Knox, Gary Packard; Seniors: Sheilah Hendrick, Marlene Percy; Activities: Jean Swinton; Photographer: Stephen Hansen; Art Editor: Robert Leslie; Copy Editors: Donna Zacharias, Jean Swinton, Pat Knox, Kathy Stevens, Marlene Percy, Sheilah Hendrick; Junior Assistant: James Cichowski, Faculty Advisor: Sister Ann Lucille; High Salesman: Ruth Radziewicz; Special Photography: Bosch Studio.

First Communion - 1965

My name is Osmond Urivez (Oz or Mondo) as I was called. I would have graduated in 75' at St. Mary's since I went to school there from the 5th grade where class was held at Dalton Hall, to the 10th grade where I had Sister Sam for algebra class. I just happen to get lucky while doing a google search and found this site. What a lucky find.

The attached picture is a communion picture where about half of the kids in the picture graduated from St. Mary's class of 75'. I knew just about everyone in the picture since they were kids that I met or lived in and around the neighborhood. I also am in the picture, but I think it would be fun to see if anyone looking at the picture can pick out who was who way back when.

Some of the names that made it thru are Mark Strong, Nancy Ward, and Jim Sullivan to name a few.

I hope you post this to the web site as it would be interesting to see how many faces are recognized.

The last reunion that was held about 5 years ago I wasn't able to make,
although my oldest brother Oscar and my younger sister Gloria did go and they said they had a blast. I am hoping to go this time around since I would like to get to see some of my friends from years back.

Osmond (Oz or Mondo) Urivez