Uniondale and St. Martha's in the late fifties

The following is courtesy of Ed Tyler. Thanks, Ed!

Believe it or not I was the first person to be handed a diploma from Saint Martha’s School in 1961 which was the first 8th grade graduating class for the brand-new school, which was built in 1957 if I’m not mistaken.

I was the shortest male student at 4’ 11” and therefore the first on line since we were lined up in height order.  As the two lines of graduates (male and female) made their way to the front of the church the Bishop handed me the first diploma, the second one went to the shortest girl, and so forth. It’s a small distinction but it was a proud moment for me.

Sister Mariam Francis the school’s principal loved John Phillip Sousa music so as a consequence his spirited music was loudly played over the outdoor PA system as we all marched into school and after lunch recess. There wasn’t a time in the four years I was there that we didn’t march here and there to his music, and I don’t remember anyone complaining even when we were in the 8th grade.
I now have a successful painting and restoration business in Virginia and often think with fond memories on a simpler time growing up in Uniondale in the 60’s.

Ed Tyler
Yorktown, VA

Ed was also nice enough to add a photo of him and his dad:

This was taken in the driveway at 586 Macon Place, Uniondale. On the left is my Dad Edward R. Tyler Sr.who made it back successfully from WW2 As a P-38 pilot flying missions in Burma, India. The photo was marked Easter 1955- I guess we had just come home from church at Saint Martha's.Behind us is my Dad's first new car-a 1953 Ford Crestline two-door hardtop.

This page was last updated on 06/08/08

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