Who's Who Among the Seniors - 1919

Top: Dante Dente, Francis LaJoie, Francis McGovern, Walter Gase
Middle: Gertrude Sager, Helen Reimann, Walter Logan
Bottom: Marian Lester, Gerald Muir, Alice O'Reilly, Catherine Connelly

Catherine Connelly:
Nickname: Kate
Disposition: Sparkling as the Lakes of Killarney
Favorite Phrase: “I beg your pardon.”
Likes Most: Trying on other people’s clothes
Hates Most: Staying in school free hours
Strong Point: Walking
Ambition: To be taken seriously


Dante Dente:
Nickname: Dinty
Disposition: Fun-Loving
Favorite Phrase: “You don’t say so.”
Likes Most: Getting ads
Hates Most: Lectures
Strong Point: Looking Wise
Ambition: To master French


Walter Gase:
Nickname: Pip
Disposition: Agreeable
Favorite Phrase: “G’wan.”
Likes Most: Physics Class
Hates Most: Doughnuts
Strong Point: Note Books
Ambition: To be a Prof.

Marian Lester:
Nickname: Midge
Disposition: Pleasing
Favorite Phrase: “Listen.”
Hates Most: Latin
Strong Point: Getting out of class
Ambition: To drive a car

Walter Logan:
Nickname: Logie
Disposition: Unassuming
Favorite Phrase: “No, it ain’t”
Likes Most: Exams
Hates Most: Solid Geometry
Strong Point: Contradicting
Ambition: To be an Electrician

Francis La Joie:
Nickname: Eukie
Disposition: Changeable
Favorite Phrase: “Shut up”
Likes Most: Entertaining
Hates Most: Study
Strong Point: Tailored Clothes
Ambition: To Graduate

Francis McGovern:
Nickname: Mickey
Disposition: Jovial
Favorite Phrase: “Go to pieces”
Likes Most: Dances
Hates Most: 1:00 Session
Strong Point: Book Stores?-
Ambition: Time will tell

Gerald Muir:
Nickname: Jerry
Disposition: Scotch
Favorite Phrase: “Gee Whiz”
Likes Most: Newspapers
Hates Most: Staying last period
Strong Point: Cookies
Ambition: To be an Editor

Alice O’Reilly:
Nickname: Bill
Disposition: Sunny
Favorite Phrase: “Got any cake?”
Likes Most: To take her time
Hates Most: Summer
Strong Point: Eating
Ambition: To be a Nurse

Helen Reimann:
Nickname: Pat
Disposition: Congenial
Favorite Phrase: “Lem’me see.”
Likes Most: Music
Hates Most: Reciting
Strong Point: South Saginaw
Ambition: To be a Music Teacher

Gertrude Sager:
Nickname: Gert
Disposition: Excitable
Favorite Phrase: “You don’t mean that.”
Likes Most: To cook
Hates Most: Perry’s
Strong Point: Red
Ambition: To live out West

Compiled by Gertrude L. Sager, ‘19

We Pray! We Plan! We Play! - 1952

The Senior Class offer a valentine of lilies, roses and rosaries to our Lady.

The success of the Fall Frolic was due to the planning of these Juniors: T. McCabe, M. Miller, D. Troester, M. Lawler, J. Barry, and M. Schrems.

'Midst the colorful decorations of the Fall Frolic the couples danced to the gay music of Bob Schwannecke and his band.

History of St. Mary's School - 1917

Did you ever wonder why we call the basement of the church "Dalton Hall?" Read on!

History of St. Mary's School
1869 - 1917
This history of our school so dear,
Will interest members far and near.
But when you read it, bear in mind,
These facts were very hard to find.

In the year 1869, a little frame school house was built on the corner of Hoyt and Howard streets on the property donated to Saint Mary's parish by Mr. Curtis Emerson. It was a two-story square building, painted gray and faced the parochial residence. This building served not only for a school, but was also the residence of the good sisters who were in charge, surrounding it was a high board fence, which extended as far as the church; thus confining the children to the playgrounds in which they could enjoy every game popular at that time. It also obstructed the view from the public highway.

On September second, of the same year, the first Catholic school opened its doors to the children of Saginaw under the supervision of three Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. One hundred and fifty pupils were enrolled, the number increasing to two hundred before the close of the year. Rev. Fr. Vander Baum, who was then Pastor, established the Sodality of the Children of Mary and the St. Aloysius Society.

In 1874, the parish was divided, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary were withdrawn and their place was filled by the Sisters of Providence. During the interval that elapsed between the change, Miss McEntee took charge of the institution. The ground was deeded to the Sisters of Providence who moved the frame building back and erected, at their expense, the present St. Mary's School which was opened in September, 1878, and continued under their supervision until 1907. The school and property were then purchased by Rev. Father Dalton, Fr. Vander Baum's successor, and placed in charge of the Sisters of Saint Dominic.

On October 10, 1914, Rev. Father Dalton passed to his eternal reward. Rev. E. A. Caldwell, a former member of the parish, was appointed to succeed him as Pastor.

St. Mary's High School was affiliated with the University of Michigan in the year 1912, being subject to examination every year. In 1915, the High School displayed such great progress and efficiency and had added so many improvements that the Board of Examiners listed it for two years.

St. Mary's Literary Society was established in 1911, and the Auditorium fitted up in 1914 as a suitable place for its meetings and programs. The pupils have derived innumerable benefits from the latter, having developed dramatic as well as literary powers.

With the graduates of '15, will ever be united the memory of having bravely attempted and successfully issued the first edition of the School Annual, "The Labarum," while to the Class of '16 is given the honor of having proved that St. Mary's numbers some excellent athletes among its members. This class has brought credit to the school through the organization of a basketball team, which has victoriously closed two seasons.

To the Class of '17 has been conferred the honor of seeing the St. Mary's Alumni Association established on April 10, 1917.

Some of the most prominent people of our city today attended this school in their youth, among them being Rev. Dean Caldwell, our Pastor, Mr. F. J. Wolfarth, Mr. Leo Weadock, Mr. Bert Lenahan, and Mr. Ed. Germain.

--Virginia E. Klees

Parish Works - 1957

Marion Troester and Sylvia Kenton contribute time and energy to parish work as they run off the weekly Sunday bulletin.

Plans for the Sodality action are made in weekly unit meetings. Clockwise this unit shows J. Kolleth, R. Fedorowicz, G. Morrisette, D. Bieri, R. McIntyre, J. Mahank, R. Cole, R. Brennan, J. Loiselle, R. Novak, and C. Raths.

Active Sodalists perform babysitting duties in Dalton Hall after Masses on Sunday. Typical workers are Sue Potts and Ellen Kay Miller and their charges: Mike, Brenda, and Diane Marshall.

B. Borsenik, S. Sullivan, L. Garske, M. Zak, M. Sladowski prepare for the teaching of Saturday catechism classes.

Alumni Sharing - Fun after School

This blog will be about where you hung out with friends. After school, on the weekends, after the games, or even when you were supposed to be in school!

Leave a comment - it's easy! Just click on comment, sign in with your email address, make up a password - and start sharing your stories.

Alumni Sharing - What year did you graduate?

Comments in this blog are to see what year you graduated. We have had over 1,000 people visit this site - it would be fun to hear from you!

In this comment type in your name and year you graduated.

It's easy - sign in using your email address - and make up a password. Then add your comment!

Alumni Sharing - Good Memories

This blog is for comments about your favorite memories of St. Mary Cathedral. Whether it was being on the honor roll or prom night. Getting the winning touchdown or graduation night. Take a minute to comment on the happiest times at St. Mary High!

It's easy to comment - just sign in with your email address - make up a password (which you can use all the time) and type in your comment and publish it!

Alumni Sharing - This Teacher Changed My Life in a Positive Way

Here is a blog entry to honor all the teachers that really made a positive impact on our lives - grade school or high school - you can add as many teachers as you want and explain how they made a difference in your life. It's easy to comment - sign in with your email address - create a password - and you are on your way!

They Give of Themselves to Inspire, Guide and Help - 1962

Again the Athletic Association members meet to discuss future plans for the athletic banquet and the upcoming picnic. Throughout the year the association sponsors the Cathedral athletic program. Officers are president, Charles Brookins; vice president, Harold Ruckert; treasurer, Leo Novak; secretary, Charles Shea,; and athletic director Father Richard Ratajaczk.

A pleasing personality, cooperation, and reliability are the distinguishing characteristics of Mrs. Wesley Frahm, the school office secretary. These personal qualities have made Mrs. Frahm a friend to both faculty members and students.

Cathedral students benefit from the well balanced nutritional lunches prepared by Miss Ann Floeter, Food Service Supervisor of St. Mary's Cafeteria.

Representative of the many active members of Cathedral's Home and School Association who participated in this year's school projects are (l to r): Mrs. Henry Kurecka, Mrs. Leo Novak, Mrs. Hanford Topham, Jr., president; Mrs. Charles F. Shea, and Mrs. Robert Topham. The association has long been distinguished for its fine spirit of cooperation and a well balanced parent-teacher relationship.

Airy Nothings - 1920

Father Caldwell upon entering a drawing room alone, found it lined with mirrors on all four sides. Finding himself reflected in every direction, he remarked, "Ah, I see! There appears to be a meeting of the clergy here, and there seems to be a very respectable appearance."

Many of the yearbooks had pages of little poems, quotes and short writings included - here are some from 1920:

"Old father Hubbard
Went to the cupboard
To get his poor self a drink;
But as he drew nigh,
The country went dry,
So he got him a drink
at the sink."

The man in the crowded car had his eyes closed when the conductor reached him.
"Wake up" commanded the conductor.
"I'm not asleep," answered the passenger. "I only closed my eyes because I hate to see so many ladies standing."

Burton, contemplatively in Civics - "I wonder how much money there is in the world?"
Dwyer - "Try to borrow a quarter and you'll find out."

'Twas the night before pay day
And all through my jeans
I searched in vain for the price of some beans.
Not a quarter was stirring
Not even a jit,
The kale was off duty,
Milled edges had quit.
Forward, turn forward, Oh! time in your flight
Make it tomorrow just for tonight.

Sister to little girls - "What should you do to make a good confession?"
Little girl - "Wait until everybody comes out, then go in."

George R. - "Why do the Irish love Ireland?"
Frank B. - "That's easy, for the same reason the French love France."

There was an old lady of Crewe
Who was horribly frighted of flu.
She spoilt her complexion
Through fear of infection
Having fixed on a gas mask with glue.

When the donkey saw a zebra,
He began to switch his tail,
"Well, I never," was his comment,
"There's a mule that's been to jail.

All-School Assembly - A Prelude to Halloween - 1967

The junior and senior glee club joined forces under the direction of Sister Louis Ann, music director, to present a Halloween Assembly for the faculty and student body. Folk songs were sung a'la hootenanny; noses were pinned on pumpkins by blindfolded faculty and student competitors; ol' clothes relays were run and won. The entire affair was informal and relaxed. Music was supplied by piano, guitars and drums. Songs that both glee clubs had practiced for weeks were finally heard.

This presentation by the glee club was the second this year. Under Sister's direction, our singers performed for St. Mary's parishioners old and new at our Centennial dinner October 2. The songs were "Processional" and "Far Away Places." The songs' high point of the program was the lovely "Bells of St. Mary's" which invited and received warm and tearful audience participation.

Building the School - 1921

Memories of Senior Year
As we walked down Hoyt Avenue during the summer months and took notice of our new school, or rather of its frame, we inwardly rejoiced at the thought that it would be impossible to resume our studies before late October or early November; but pupils propose and teachers dispose.

Upon entering school in September, we found the basement of the church, now known as the "catacombs", ready for use. We seniors did not quite know how to act, for glancing backward at the partition of our room made us think we were camping, and looking sideward at the pews on end, would have us believe we were in church, but when our gaze rested upon Sister's desk in the front of the room, we knew only too well we were in school.

Excitement was keen when on a certain Monday morning in early February we were ushered with much pomp and ceremony into our long-desired new quarters. How the clean bright walls dazzled our eyes! How proud we felt to be once more in a real class-room!

Cathedral Students Find New Meaning in Mass - 1972

Top Left: At the Golden Mass for Thanksgiving, Pierre Thouzellier offers a can of food which Mark Meibeyer and Carl Real place in boxes for distribution to the poor.
Top Right: Jane Hendrick and Brian Bailie receive Communion from Monsignor Forbes at the Thanksgiving Golden Mass.
Bottom Left: Alma Gomez, Oswald Urivez and Tim Looby prepare to bring to the altar the offering of bread and wine for the first Mass of the Year.
Bottom Right: As the Human Person Religion class celebrates Mass in the Convent Chapel, Diane Brezezkiewicz and Maria Rendon provide music while Karen Orosco and Mary Urivez sing.

Today everyone is searching for purpose in conventional church practices - even the Mass is being revised - but its meaning is always the same.

Sometimes the Mass is conducted in a more informal manner in order that Cathedral students may find a deeper meaning. More emphasis was placed on the Mass as a celebration of Christ's Resurrection.

Many Masses that were offered throughout the school year at the Cathedral for students gave them spiritual enlightenment. The Golden Masses profit many needy families in the parish area.

It was the cooperation of students and faculty that made these Masses possible. It is hoped that through their help they will continue to be successful.

Religion Class - 1958

A group of juniors: D. Bieri, C. Naismith, C. Poorman and G. Frahm listen intently as Father Lynch explains a point in their religion class that has them puzzled.

Councils Serve Students in a Variety of Ways - 1973

Student Council, seated: Sandee Packard, Bill Rousseau, Joe Keyes, Lori Sullivan, Sr. Carmelita. Second Row: Cathy Sting, Janey Shea, Linda Zummer, Louie Witchger, Connie James, Paul Keller. Third Row: Dennis Schneider, Willie Young, Rick Dice and Eva Trevino.

Student Council was a great service to Cathedral students and faculty. Through their many hours of work and the patience of theri advisor, Sr. Carmelita, the handbook was revised over the summer of '72 and accepted in February. During the fall the student council helped with the Right-to-Life campaign (Where a large group of Crusaders worked tirelessly against Proposal B which successfully defeated legislation to permit abortion in Michigan.) The Christmas dance-party-singalong was also the result of their efforts, ending the year.

Academic - 1963

Dan Ciszecky, Emil Ognisanti and Jim Keyes check their calculations.

Members James Keyes, Barbara Brown, Mary McIntyre, Judi Schiavone, Pamela Morse, Kathleen Shea, and Mary Hausbeck brief themselves on the rules of the National Honor Society.

Academic
To know, love and serve God should be the ultimate in our education. The education we are receiving here at St. Mary Cathedral is the fundamental link in our transformation from youth to adulthood. The education we acquire now will enable us to live a life of love and srvice, not only to God, but also to our coutnry and our fellow man. St. Mary's curriculum presents to us every possible way to prepare for the future. By linking ourselves to God through cultivation of the mind we will be able to conquer any form of tyranny set before us.

Saginaw East Catholic School - 1983

Mr. Cole distributes American Lit awards to Rene Fulgencio, Archie Tullos, Erika Trevino, Geri Jastrzembowski and Michele Allen.

St. Mary Cathedral was now called Saginaw East Catholic School. The year - 1983.

The new system was a big success for everyone involved. It was a consolidation of three schools, St. Mary's, St. Casimir's and Our Lady Help of Christians. With the new system came many new changes and adjustments. The head administrator of the system is Mrs. Barbara Geary. She was formally the principal for grades one through eight at St. Mary's. She has done an excellent job and felt very positive about the whole thing.

When the three schools were joined as one, it caused many difficulties for the people who lived near one campus and had to go to another. As a solution there was a charter bus service free of charge from one campus to another. Also for a fee, there was a bus that would pick you up at your house.

Grades K through third were placed at St. Casimir. Fourth through sixth at Our Lady Help of Christians. These two campuses were headed by the principal, Sister Marie.

Grades seven through twelve were located at St. Mary. The principal there was Mr. Jack Sochowicz. Also located at St. Mary's was a Day care center. It was directed by Sister Lucy. It was located in the old Acquin hall.

The new system was a great success. With the great efforts of the administrators and everyone involved it was a positive and successful consolidations.

The '80s come in like a Lion - 1980

The school year saw the inevitable end of the '70s and the precarious beginning of the '80s. Hostages in Iran. Soviets in Afghanistan. Women in the draft. A teacher in Lake Placid. The Raiders in Jennison Field House.

As the Labarum went to press, the hostages were approaching 250 days in captivity. The Russian invasion of Afghanistan was the catalyst that brought on the boycott of the summer Olympics in Moscow.

Yearbook advisor Mr. Thomas F. Cole and his wife, Marlene, ventured to Lake Placid for the Winter Olympics and witnessed the U.S. Hockey Team's defeat of Russia in the playoffs. "It was like you were a part of history," commented Mr. Cole upon his return.

With the possibility of the world never witnessing another Olympics of any kind, another possibility surfaced---the return of the draft for women, as well as men. St. Mary's students faced registration upon graduation.

Closer to home, the St. Mary's following urged the Boys' Varsity Basketball Team on to victory after victory until a one point loss to Detroit East Catholic in the semifinals ended a successful season.

The '80s came in like a lion and it remains to be seen if they go out like a lamb.

The Senior class of 1980 was an assortment of different beliefs, ideas and talents. When they arrived in the fall of '76 they were eager to start their high school life, but still a bit scared that they weren't going to be accepted.

From the beginning of their senior year, they showed a unity that not many other classes had. Shouldering the responsibility of their Junior-Senior Prom, they started early to earn money. Hot lunches that weren't all that hot, dances and candy and jewelry sales made up the bulk of their money. All the hard work paid off though, and the prom was a success.

Finally, they made it, their senior year. This was the year that everyone said they would never forget. Right from the start they could tell it was going to be different. They were closer, there were more activities for the class, cards and pictures and addresses were exchanged. Gowns were tired on and graduation parties were planned. The final countdown had begun.

SMC Alumni Share Photos

Charles Shea Award

C. Mrozinaki 1963-1964
R. Montcalm 1964-1965
J. Bailie 1965-1966
D. Bittner 1966-1967
R. Looby 1967-1968
J. Hansen 1968-1969
J. Looby 1969-1970
B. Mangold 1970-1971
J. Kelly and B. Sullivan 1971-1972
T. Sullivan 1972-1973
D. Berlin 1973-1974
K. Lilliestierna 1974-1975
J. Kelly 1975-1976
No Award given 1976-1977
M. Meatte 1977-1978
K. Schulte 1978-1979
B. Booker 1979-1980
M. Quinnan 1980-1981
D. Pritchett and G. Jastrzembowski 1981-1982
D. Andrews 1982-1983

Following is a quote from the letter written by John Looby for the election of Charles F. Shea to the Catholic School Hall of Fame:

August 21, 2005

As a high school freshman entering St. Mary High School, I first learned of the Charles Shea Award, which was given each year to one high school senior. Because the award recognized a student for outstanding character and athletic and scholastic achievement, it was considered a great honor to receive it. I was awarded the Charles Shea Award my senior year, and I can honestly say receiving this award meant more to me than being voted First Team, All State, in both the AP and UPI Press Polls. I felt a great sense of pride when receiving this award, and it made me want to live up to the high standards it represented.