Johnny Austin and his band play for the Spring Dance at Melrose Country Club on May 19th. Our $3.00 ticket price is the lowest in years for a Spring Dance.

With the graduation of the Class of 1950, our ranks are swelled to more than 10,000.

We are at war again!...And the impact is felt almost immediately. On September 1st, Sergeant First Class John F. McGovern, '45, a member of the 5th Regimental Combat Team, is shot in the chest while manning a machine gun. Sgt. McGovern is the first of twenty-four alumni to give their lives in this conflict.

September 21, 1950...The Board is concerned about finances. After a lengthy discussion, Frank Gormley, '38, and Jim Sholly, '32, move that dues be increased from $1.00 to $2.00.

Former alumni president, Father Jimmy McGuire, '34, is the celebrant of the Mass at the November 26th Communion Breakfast.

Honorary membership is conferred on Tommy Loughran, former light-heavyweight boxer, who in his address to the assemblage, delivers a stirring message on the responsibilities of a Catholic layman. Sports personalities Jimmy Dykes and Benny Bengough, as A's and Phillies' coaches, respectively, are also named honorary members.

"Chick" Quinn, '36, is reelected to a second term and at the Board meeting following the Breakfast the balance of the Executive Board is named. Two members of the Class of '34, Bernie Bygott and Joe Colman, are elected vice-presidents. Paul Quinn, '36, is renamed Secretary with Frank Kilian, '49, as his assistant. Vince Bee, '35, declines nomination for reelection as Treasurer and Joe McKeown, '33, succeeds him in that post. Tom Blessington, '48, is elected Assistant Treasurer.

For the first time, the Association will compensate one of its officers. Due to the increased workload on the Treasurer, Kilian, '35, and Colman, '34, move that the Treasurer be reimbursed $100 annually for expenses incurred in carrying out his duties.

No sooner does McKeown assume his duties than he is recalled to active duty with the Navy. He resigns his post as Treasurer and the duties are taken over by Tom Blessington. Members of the Association recite the rosary as a group at Radio Station WJMJ on Thursday, February 22, 1951.

Hallahan Alumnae and our Association join forces to sponsor a moonlight cruise on the Delaware. Chairman Joe Kilian, '35, who doubles as Falconer editor, advises the Board that there were 229 in attendance from the North Catholic group. A small profit is realized.

In recognition of his past services, the title of Alumni Coordinator is conferred on Father Eisenbarth at the June 28th meeting of the Board.

To commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Northeast Catholic and in appreciation of the services rendered by the Oblates, the Board approves, on September 13th, the expenditure of $5,000. The money is to be given to the Oblates to help underwrite construction costs for their new Scholasticate in Hyattsville, Md.

The Silver Anniversary of the school is commemorated at the November 25th Communion Breakfast. Celebrant of the Mass is Father Bill Seelaus, OSFS, '42, and the sermon is delivered by our Moderator, Father Brennan.

"Chick" Quinn, '36, wins a third term. Election of the remaining executive officers takes place at the December 4th Board meeting. Vince Bee, '35, and Joe Colman, '34, are named vice-presidents. William Ries, '47, is elected Treasurer and Tom Foy, '43, is elected Assistant Treasurer. Named to his third consecutive term as Secretary is Paul Quinn, '36; with Steve Tracy, '40, to assist him.

On January 10, 1952, President Quinn represents the Association at a formal reception honoring our new archbishop, John F. O'Hara, CSC.

Participants at the Invitation Dance at the United Hungarian Hall are treated to a surprise visit by our own "Mickey" Shaughnessy, Hon. '49. This Philly and Wildwood comedian gives one of his wittiest performances for his fellow alumni before leaving for a nite club engagement. Music at the January 25th affair is provided by the Clete McBride Orchestra.

Malvern attendance is dwindling, we are down to two hundred and twenty-nine. Bygott urges all-out assistance from the Board of Governors in the future.

A Paddy's Day Dance is held at the Rifle Club on March 17th (what else???). Music is supplied by McNamara's Band...no, no—we mean, McBride's Band (Clete, '42).

The first mention of incorporating the Association is propounded by President Quinn in March of '52.

For the second time, in little more than a year, we lose a treasurer. Bill Ries resigns due to ill health and once again Blessington takes up the task. Joe McKeown returns from the service in April and is asked by President Quinn to assume the treasurer's chores. He accepts.

Again, the Hallahan and North Associations' team up to sponsor a moonlight cruise on the Delaware Belle. Once more, our participation is very little.

September '52 is an auspicious month for the Association. It undertakes to sponsor a Catholic Forum. The theme of the Forum is to be "Beware of False Prophets." Over the next four months, audiences are treated to such speakers as Professor James M. O'Neil, the Rev. Max Jordan and Valentine DeBalla. The concluding session is a debate between John Bracken and Godfrey Schmidt. The moderator of the debate is Bob Benson, of KYW Radio.

The Board agrees to spend almost $5,000 to purchase new band uniforms for the school . . . Father Tocik, who became principal in 1949 and is to hold this post longer than anyone in the school's history, is most appreciative.

The Board of Governors proposes an Amendment to the Constitution & By-Laws which will increase the term of office of Class Representative from one to two years. There will be a maximum of two from each Class, elected in alternate years. The motion is passed by the Board and the Amendment adopted by the general membership at their meeting prior to the Communion Breakfast on November 30th.

"Chick" Quinn is returned to office for the fourth consecutive time. Only twice previously (Robinson, '29 and Kelly, '34) have we had a president prevail this long.

At the December Board meeting, Vince Bee, '35, is reelected First Vice-President and Joe Kilian, '35, is named Second Vice-President. Returned to office as secretary and assistant secretary are Quinn and Tracy, respectively. And the Treasurer post goes to McKeown, unopposed, with Blessington as the assistant.

The Malvern Retreat achieves a new high in attendance when 254 men spend the weekend of February 19, 1953, at St. Joseph's-in-the-H ills.

Clete McBride and his band provide the music for the Annual St. Patrick's Invitation Dance. The German Hungarian Hall, at 2nd and Norris, is again the site. As usual, this gala affair is well attended ... you can't beat the price - ZERO!

After much debate throughout the years, the Board unanimously adopts a motion, on March 12, 1953, to incorporate the Association.

The first Memorial Day Service takes place at 10 a.m. on May 30th. A wreath is placed at the base of the Shrine by President Quinn and Father Eisenbarth delivers a short sermon. Outside of the members of the Board, there are very few in attendance. Inclement weather plays a large part in holding down the crowd.

The Spring Dance at Melrose Country Club is well-attended and is considered by one and all to be a social, as well as financial, success.

On June 5th, the Silver Anniversary Class of 1953 joins the ranks of the alumni association - nine hundred thirty-four members, the largest class to date. They are welcomed into the association with a dance held at Brookline-on-the-Boulevard.

Since January, a committee has been hard at work reviewing the existing Constitution and By-Laws and drafting a new one for presentation to the general body. At last, the final draft is completed. Our new constitution is ready!

Accordingly, President Quinn calls for the first General Meeting of the Association in more than ten years. It is scheduled for September 28, 1953.

More than four hundred members attend. Copies of the revised Constitution and By-Laws are presented to each member as they enter the auditorium. Almost from the opening gavel, there is discussion and debate over the various changes. And debate quickly gives way to argument. The evening wears on. By 10:45 p.m. we have adopted only the first two articles. Finally, cooler heads prevail, common sense and logic take over. Jack Thiers, '34, and Gene Shields, '41, move that the remaining articles be adopted in toto.

The motion carries and the new Constitution and By-Laws are adopted! The major changes now allow the Board of Governors to elect the President, who will be limited to three consecutive terms, and the establishment of a Board of Trustees which will consist of all past-presidents. The fiscal year is established as July 1st to June 30th.

Archbishop John F. O'Hara, CSC, presides at the Silver Jubilee Mass and Communion Breakfast on November 29th. His Excellency, a former president of Notre Dame University, delivers the sermon. At ceremonies, held after Mass, Archbishop O'Hara is awarded honorary membership in the Association.

More than nine hundred attend...our largest turnout to date. Under the new Constitution and By-Laws, this also marks the first time the election of the President is not held at the Breakfast. He and all other officers will be elected by the Board of Governors at their June, 1954 meeting. Until then, "Chick" Quinn and his incumbent Executive Board will continue in office.

Charles Shaw, WCAU news commentator is the principal speaker and "Cozy" Morley is the Toastmaster.

Our first annual Kiddies' Christmas Party is held at the school on Sunday, December 20th. Santa Claus (a.k.a. Jim Fitzgerald, '42) distributes gifts to the more than 550 children who attend with their parents. In addition to toys, each child is treated to ice cream, pretzels, chips and candy canes. All, parents included, are delighted by the movie and cartoons that are presented by Bernie Bygott, '34, and his hard-working committee.

Frank Staub and his orchestra provide the musical setting for the Winter Dance held at the Cedarbrook Country Club on January 30th. Frank's grasp of what pleased his listeners at previous dances almost automatically insures the success of this venture. And success, it was! A huge crowd overflows the main ballroom. Thanks to the foresight of the Committee, headed by Frank Gormley and Jim Gibson, both '38, several ante-rooms are available. There, the audience is treated to the music of roving accordionist, Ray Hottinger.

Attendance at our annual retreat rises slightly over last year . . . there is still plenty of room for growth, Malvern will now accommodate three hundred.

More than four hundred attend the Spring Dance at Cedarbrook Country Club on May 22nd. The dancers and listeners are treated to the music of Dee Porter and his orchestra.

June 8, 1954 .. . The Board elects Joseph T. Murphy, '29, Esq. as President. From among a field of ten, he receives 65% of the votes. Joe was our first attorney graduate and currently acts as legal counsel to the Association.

In another wide open race, Joe Kilian, '35, and "Chick" Quinn, '36, squeak to narrow victories as first and second vice-president, respectively. Steve Tracy, '40, wins by a large margin to unseat Paul Quinn, '36, as Secretary. Quinn is named Assistant Secretary. Joe McKeown, '33, is reelected Treasurer and Blessington continues as his assistant.

At the same meeting, the Board takes its first step into the world of high finance. Till now, all of our cash has been kept in a checking account . .. what little we have had. The Board realizing, for the first time, that it could be more advantageous to put this money to work, authorizes the investment of $500 in a mutual fund - Keystone Funds. Jack Thiers, '34, will act as our investment counselor.

In our midst appears the Class of 1954 - all one thousand and six of them - the first class to go over the magic mark of 1000.

Six hundred people attend the Fall Invitation Dance at the Philadelphia Rifle Club on November 12th. Music for our dancing pleasure is provided by the Fred Vincen Band.

We are in our heyday...for the first time in history we exceed one thousand in attendance at the Communion Breakfast. The auditorium is packed for Mass and the overflow crowd in the gym is seated in the cafeteria. John Hvasta apprises us of the horrors of living behind the Iron Curtain. Honorary membership is bestowed on Ira Thomas.

A resolution to incorporate the Association is adopted by the general body.

A committee, headed by Treasurer Joe McKeown, '33, in an attempt to increase membership in the Association, makes a revolutionary proposal. A portion of each member's dues will be credited to his Class. The Class, in turn, will be permitted to draw on this credit for use in promoting Class Reunions. The Board concurs...thus, the Class Activities Fund is created.

Another success...more than one thousand parents and kids attend our second annual Kiddies' Christmas Party on December 19th. Once more, the kids are treated to toys, candy and ice cream and a grand time is had by all.

Winter, 1955...Leo Zollo and his orchestra provide the music, Cedarbrook Country Club is the setting...again we fill the place to overflowing. A combo plays during intermissions and tours the ante-rooms delighting the sitters and sippers.

C.A. Captain Bernie Bygott, '34, disappointed by the attendance (268) at our retreat to St. Joseph's-in-the-Hills, submits his resignation as Captain to the Board. It is unanimously rejected.

The Board authorizes a fund raising drive on behalf of the Oblate Scholasticate. The goal is $1,000...if it falls short, we will make up the difference from the Treasury.

Under a new procedure, the Board holds nominations for the Executive Offices in May. The election will be held at the June meeting of the Board. At the same meeting, Vince Bee proposes hiring a full time clerk. Father Eisenbarth concurs. He feels the work load has progressed to the point where it can no longer be adequately handled by the students working part time after school; and they cannot be properly supervised.

Despite plans calling for a major Memorial Day Service involving a Field Mass and parade replete with marching bands, the wreath laying ceremony prevails. Father Eisenbarth delivers the sermon. Attendance is, as usual, small. It is evident that something must be done to increase attendance and give this event the dignity and solemnity it well deserves.

Joe Murphy, '29, is reelected to his second term by a wide margin over challenger Joe McKeown. "Chick" Quinn, '36, is elected 1st Vice-President and Bob Fuessinger, '48, narrowly defeats Joe Campbell, '46, for the second vice-presidency. McKeown and his assistant Tom Blessington, '48, retain their posts in the financial wing. Frank Gormley, '38, is elected Secretary in a close win over Paul Quinn, who is then reelected Assistant Secretary.

Common Pleas Court Judge Charles A. Waters grants articles of incorporation to the Association in ceremonies in his courtroom on August 15, 1955. The final step in our gradual emergence as a full-fledged organization has been taken.

With the September meeting, the Board moves to new quarters in the basement of the Faculty House. We have a separate office and meeting room.

Our First Harvest Dance is held at Cedarbrook Country Club on November 11th. Dancing to the music of Ray Smyth and his orchestra. The club has been redecorated and there are ample parking facilities available. We look for a large turnout.

OH! OH!...We've also planned an Invitation (free to dues' payers) Dance for November 25th at Canstatter's with music by the Imperials. Given a choice between paying $3.50 and coming free, we wonder what will be the choice.

Our biggest fears are realized...you can't sell two dances two weeks apart. And when one is free, that's the one that will be well attended. The Invitation Dance draws more than five hundred to Canstatter's while the Harvest Dance...well, that can best be termed a social success.

The practice established at last year's Breakfast of honoring the Class celebrating its Silver Anniversary is continued. The Class of '30 is accorded its rightful place at the head of the auditorium, as Father Tom O'Connell, '30, the Principal of the recently opened Father Judge High School, is the celebrant. We are honored to have as our guest at the Breakfast the Superior General of the Oblates, the Most Rev. Domenico Balducelli. Father Balducelli is awarded Honorary membership in the Association. This honor is also conferred on Father Eisenbarth in recognition of his long standing work on behalf of the organization.

Attendance falls dramatically from last year's high, possibly due to the overcrowding experienced by certain classes on that occasion.

Among some of our more active Board members of this era are Bill Moos, '47, Ron Deery, '45, and Charlie Dorland, '46. It's interesting to note that eight men who first joined the Board in these post-war years are still members. Of course, the longevity record belongs to Dick McGrath, '39, who, when he resigned from the Board in 1998, had served for fifty-two years and three months - some of us haven't even been alive that long!

Edward A. McCabe, '34, is named Associate Counsel for legislative matters to President Dwight Eisenhower.

Our annual trek to Malvern, on the third weekend in February, sees a record turnout. Two hundred ninety-six men...quite a tribute to the pulling power of the Lord and the persuasiveness of Bernie Bygott, Jim Fitzgerald, et al.

Four hundred and twenty people attend the St. Paddy's Invitation Dance at Canstatter's. You can't rightfully call it a Paddy's dance since it is held on April 6th...oh, well! The music, by the Imperials, has an Irish ring to it, at least. President Murphy complains that the tempo is too fast for some of the early alumni members at the affair. You can't please everybody!

Joe Darby, '41, suggests, at the April 12th Board meeting, we hire a part-time executive secretary. Murphy takes the matter under consideration.

The ubiquitous trio of Gormley, '38, Gibson, '38, and Al McCole, '50 have signed Dee Porter and his orchestra to play at the Annual Spring Dance on June 1st. While they occupy the main ballroom at the Cedarbrook Country Club, Al Ipri and his combo will satisfy the "cool cats" with jazz and dixieland in the dining room. A packed-house assures the Dance will be continued in the future.

On June 11, at St. Anthony's Church, Wilmington, Father Edward J. Schlotterback, OSFS, '30, is raised to the episcopate by Archbishop Celestine J. Daminano. The sermon is preached by Archbishop O'Hara. The new bishop is the Vicar Apostolic of Keetmanshoop, Southwest Africa. Bishop Schlotterback, who was president of his senior class, also served as editor-in-chief of the "Good News" and was a three-year letterman in track, during his undergraduate days.

Joe Murphy is unanimously returned to office for a third term. Bob Fuessinger, '48, moves up to first vice-president from second by narrowly defeating Jim Fitzgerald, '42. The vacated second vice-presidency goes to Falconer editor Joe Darby, '41, who wins a close victory over Jack O'Hara, '52, and two other candidates. McKeown is unopposed in his bid for reelection as treasurer as is Frank McBride, '43, in his bid for office, as assistant secretary. Joe Campbell, '46 defeats incumbent Assistant Treasurer Tom Blessington, '48. Paul Quinn, '36, after a two year hiatus, is returned to the office of Secretary.

At the same meeting, immediately prior to the election, the Board of Governors establishes the position of executive secretary. This individual will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Alumni Office on a part-time basis, six days a week and will be reimbursed $1,500 per year to cover anticipated expenses. Joe McKeown, '33, is named to the post with one dissenting vote.

More than seven hundred attend the Communion Breakfast on November 25th. Major addresses are delivered by Monsignor Tom Rilley, and Dr. Joe Flubacher, both from the honor Class of '31. The Mass preceding, is celebrated by Father Thomas Furphy, OSFS, '31. Toastmaster chores are handled by our own Jack Whitaker, '41. Father John Tocik, school principal, is awarded honorary membership in the Association.

The Board of Governor election, preceding Mass, is interesting, if for no other reason, that it marks the appearance, for the first time, on the Board of Governors of three future presidents—Charles Malone, '30, Leonard Knobbs, '43, and Rocco lacone, '55.

Jim Sholly, '32, alias Santa, entertains more than nine hundred children, their moms and dads at our Annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 18th. Bygott and his committee are on hand to assist Sholly in distributing the ice cream, pretzels and candy. Each child is given a toy and treated to a cartoon show.

Frank Reagan, '37, is named football coach and athletic director at Villanova University.

One hundred and ninety-three couples journey to West Philly on Friday evening, January 25, 1957, to attend our Annual Winter Dance. The rhythm arrangements of George Sommer's orchestra pervade the beautiful ballroom of the Penn Sherwood Hotel. The ballroom, in addition to providing more than ample space for dancing, allows a large number of our older men to sit back, watch the dancers and reminisce and at the same time enjoy the relaxing music. Finger-snapping V.P. Bob Fuessinger deserves a round of applause for a well run affair.

The most successful retreat in our nineteen-year history at St. Joseph's-in-the-Hills takes place on the weekend of February 15th with 326 retreatants in attendance. Bernie Bygott and his capable right-hand men, Jim Fitzgerald and John Brady, '38, are ecstatic.

The swing and sway of that great Irish band leader, Leo (Mc) Zollo and his orchestra, is the feature attraction of the Annual St. Patrick's Dance held at Boulevard Ballroom. People driving past on the Boulevard on Sunday evening, the 17th of March, are treated to the sounds of the jigs and reels emanating from the ballroom. Many a North Catholic lad and his colleen are in attendance. And who else, but a fine broth of a lad, like Irish Jack Healy, '41, would be in charge of such an affair.

Another Alumni First...the May, 1957, Board meeting is a dinner-meeting held at the Four Chefs. Board members pay their own way and this practice of breaking bread together annually continues even 'til today.

Jim Fitzgerald, '42, is elected president by a wide margin over three other candidates. Two newcomers, Jim Sholly, '32, and Jim Cox '36, are named vice-presidents. As usual, Quinn and McKeown are returned to office as are Frank McBride and Joe Campbell as their assistants.

The Fall Invitation Dance is a disaster! Even taking the bad weather and the flu epidemic into consideration, the Committee is disappointed by the meager attendance. Chairman Cox recommends, unless attendance is vastly improved over the thirty-five couples present on October 24th at the Rifle Club, these dances should be discontinued. Joe McKeown suggests the establishment of alumni achievement awards. The proposal is taken under advisement and a committee is appointed to consider the recommendation.

In an attempt to hype attendance at the Communion Breakfast and make it easier for our far-flung suburban brothers to be present, the Board changes our annual affair to a Communion Dinner. Mass is celebrated in the school auditorium at 5:00 p.m. on December 1st, and then we adjourn to the Four Chefs for dinner.

Twixt the pillar and the post...something goes wrong. Only two hundred ninety attend...our lowest figure in almost twenty years. Those who do attend are treated to an inspiring address by Father Frederick J. Stevenson, a member of the Class of 1932 and, assistant superintendent of diocesan schools. Once again, toastmaster chores are handled by Jack Whitaker. Phillies' pitcher and N.L. "rookie of the year" Jack Sanford is also on hand.

For the first time, we allow mail ballots for the Board of Governors' election. Another fiasco! Very little response leads the Board to abandon this method in future elections.

The Mass, prior to the dinner, is celebrated by our moderator, Father Brennan. The sermon is delivered by another representative of the Class of '32, Father Aloysius Gaffigan, OSFS, the religious superior at Father Judge.

At 1:30 p.m., on December 15th, Santa Claus, in the person of Jim Sholly,'32, arrives at North Catholic laden with toys. Over nine hundred children mob him. Our committee provides the usual fare of ice cream, candy canes and pretzels. Santa gives out the toys and the kids leave happy and contented...until next year.

A crowning achievement for the Association takes place on the evening of January 17, 1958. Over one thousand couples crowd the main ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel, as well as almost filling the large balcony surrounding it. They are there to listen and dance to the popular and unforgettable music of the Glen Miller band, under the direction of Ray McKinley.

The Eddie Masters' trio plays in the Gold Room for the benefit of those who buy tickets late and cannot be accommodated in the main ballroom. We apologize to those who have to be turned away at the door (some of whom are in formal dress) but the Fire Marshal places a 2,200 person capacity restriction on the affair. This is the best reason we know of to make your reservations early next time.

Due to a large snow storm, attendance at our annual retreat on the weekend of February 15th drops to two hundred and thirty-nine. In fact, it snows so hard, many are of the opinion we will be marooned in the wilds of Chester County. The rector, Father Kane, advises us that there is food enough on hand to last a few days. Eventually, the snow plows get through to us and after some struggling everyone is able to get his car moving. All arrive home safe and sound.

George Gerlach, '42, and his band provide the music for the March 19th St. Paddy's Day Invitation Dance at the Rifle Club. A hundred couples brave the snow to spend an enjoyable evening dancing and comparing the various articles of green that are in full array.

Attendance at our Annual Memorial Day Service drops to an all-time low of twenty-three people. Much concern among the Board as to the continuance of this affair.

Fitzgerald, '42, is reelected unanimously to his second term as alumni president. Ed Mooney, '32, defeats three other candidates by a wide margin to succeed classmate Sholly as 1st V.P. In the race for second vice-president Len Kent, '39, emerges victorious in a close race over incumbent Cox and two other candidates. Secretary Paul Quinn and Assistant Treasurer Joe Campbell are unopposed for reelection. McKeown retains his treasurer's post with a landslide victory over Tom Blessington, '48. The race for assistant secretary is wide open. Pat Boyle, '49, squeeks to a narrow three-vote victory over four other candidates.

Earlier in the year, President Fitzgerald appointed a committee headed by Jack Healy, '41, to review the Association's entire program of events, step-by-step, and to make recommendations concerning them. The committee delivers an extensive report, so extensive that it requires two Board meetings to debate and vote on their recommendations. Three items that are still in existence today are: a charge of fifty cents for lost membership cards, the Malvern Retreat not subsidized by the Association unless attendance at the retreat is 100% active members; and standardization of awards made to championship school teams.

The Fall Invitation Dance is held on Halloween night at the Rifle Club. Clete McBride's band provides the music and quite a few of the one hundred and two couples show up in costume.

Our Second Annual Communion Dinner is scheduled for November 23rd at the Four Chefs.

Father Joseph F. Lynn, OSFS, a member of the honor Class of 1933, celebrates the Mass in the school auditorium and our moderator, Father Fernan Brennan, '32, delivers an inspiring sermon.

After a delicious dinner, we are treated to quite a few Irish jokes by Toastmaster Joe Glennon, '34. However, the highlight of the evening is an instructive and humorous account of his experiences as permanent labor arbitrator on the Delaware Valley waterfront by the Rev. Dennis J. Comey, S.J.

Unfortunately, attendance is well below three hundred. We say unfortunately because the Board has chosen the Dinner to be the vehicle with which we honor all our past presidents. All these gentlemen, from Father Conmy to Joe Murphy, are presented gavels, symbolic of the office they held, adorned with silver bands upon which are engraved the dates they had held office.

Another highlight of this affair is the awarding of honorary membership to the provincial of the Oblates, Father William Buckley. We take this occasion to award additional honorary memberships to all former principals of North Catholic who had not previously been given this honor - Fathers Joseph Butler and Edward Smith. Former Coaches "Jocko" Collins, "Si" Simendinger, Mal Gowen, Bill Dougherty are similarly honored.

Due to inclement weather, attendance at St. Nick's annual visit to the North Catholic auditorium on Sunday, December 14th, is held to eight hundred. Despite the frightful weather outside, the fun inside is delightful. As usual, the kids stuff themselves on ice cream, pretzels and candy canes; while the parents fret about soiled clothes and future tummy aches. Sholly, as Santa, is the hit of the affair.

It is pointed out to the Board, at the January 8th meeting, that the President and Moderator have been incurring extraordinary expenses due to the fact that they have been attending an inordinately large number of Class reunions recently. Accordingly, Knobbs, '53, and Iacone, '55, move to establish $100.00 annual expense accounts for whoever holds these offices - a practice that is still in effect, although the amount has increased.

Buoyed by the outstanding success of last year's Winter Dance, the Board grabs the bull by the horns and authorizes another large scale dance. January 30th is selected as the date and Woody Herman and his band are booked into the Broadwood Hotel. All stops are pulled out to publicize the affair, transit ads are purchased and half-page ads bought in the Catholic Standard and the two local newspapers.

Despite the all-out effort by the committee, headed by Frank Devinney, '42, the affair is a financial, as well as a social flop - less than four hundred couples attend - a far cry from last year's attendance of two thousand people.

The week-end of February 20th brings chilly temperatures and unwanted winds - at least there is no snow. We go over the top at Malvern again. Three hundred and eight retreatants follow Bygott and his associate captains to St. Joseph's-in-the-Hills.

After an absence of more than a decade, the Alumni Basketball League is resurrected under the chairmanship of Rocco lacone, '55.

Only forty-three couples attend our Annual St. Patrick's Day Invitation Dance. Various members of the Board express the thought "we are dancing ourselves to death." Four a year seems too many - we should rearrange our program with less emphasis on dances.

At their May meeting, the Board comes to a decision on the "Achievement Awards." There will be two - one to an outstanding graduate and a second to an outstanding Catholic layman, who is not a graduate. It is suggested that these awards become the vehicle for obtaining Communion Breakfast speakers.

George Sommer's orchestra provides the musical entertainment at the Spring Dance on May 29th. We move from a country club to the Four Chefs to provide a conveniently reached location...to no avail - only one hundred thirty-two couples show up. Another financial flop...and the Board spends hours at the June meeting bemoaning the fact...that nobody cares.

Jim Fitzgerald, '42, sweeps to a third term victory by an almost two-to-one margin over Ed Mooney, '32. In turn, Mooney retains his first vice-presidency in a tight race with Joe Edwards, '40, and two other candidates. With seven candidates seeking the second vice-presidential post, incumbent Jim Cox, '36, squeeks to victory. Treasurer Joe McKeown, '33, is unopposed in his bid for reelection. Paul Quinn, '36, retains his job as Secretary by a wide margin victory over Len Knobbs, '53, and Jim Bengough. '52. Joe Campbell, '46, and Pat Boyle, '49, are returned to office as Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary.

Our First Golf Outing is held at Torresdale-Frankford Country Club on Friday, June 26th. Forty duffers tee off. Eleven are so exhausted after their 18-hole tour of the Torresdale countryside that they couldn't stay for the Awards Dinner that evening. President Fitzgerald and Chairman Bill Rueter, '35, present suitable trophies to the champions in various categories.

The Halloween Dance on October 30th at the Rifle Club is promoted as a costume party-dance. Chairman Rocco Iacone, '55, appoints a committee consisting of our most eminent senior citizens as costume judges - Father Brennan, '32, Mooney, '32, Cox, '36, Darby, '41, and Fitz-gerald, '42. Their job is made easier when only forty-two couples arrive.

At our Annual Christmas Party, we host five hundred and ten. "Kris Kringle" Sholly delights the small-fry with his usual Irish blarney and gifts. Chairman Bygott and his committee provide the usual refreshments in the cafeteria.

At the meeting following, the increasing cost of running the Party is the main topic of discussion by the Board. John King, '35, ventures the opinion that the money would be better spent in establishing a Scholarship Fund for some deserving student. The seed is planted! And it finds fertile soil in the minds of a few who nurture it in their hearts and minds until it is ready to bloom.