WHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PLANNING COMMITTEE THE SWEET LEGACY OF WEEQUAHIC Co-Presidents: It was not from our differences, but from the Harold Braff ‘52 traditions that we have in common, that gave birth to the Kim Gaddy ‘82 Weequahic High School Alumni Association in 1997 Treasurer: Editorial by Hal Braff, Class of 1952 Yvonne Causbey ’77 Secretary: In his fascinating reflection on Newark in the Our goals are profound: Lois Attles-Wyatt first half of the 20th century, William B. y To recapture the spirit and memories of Helmreich in his book The Enduring Weequahic High School that were so Committee Chairs: Community reminds us that: “Weequahic’s meaningful to many of us. Membership: primary claim to fame, and justifiably so, was Sheldon Bross ’55 its student body and its faculty. It achieved a y To transcend the generational and cultural Adilah Thomas Quddus ‘71 reputation as one of the best high schools in differences spanning seven decades from the country...” 1932 to the present by bringing together Events: our graduates, teachers, administrators and Faith Howard ‘82 Our school - our neighborhood! No matter friends for reunions and special events. where we now live or what we’ve Newsletter & y To remember and honor those Weequahic Tutoring / Mentoring: accomplished, we are, all of us, Newarkers - products of that special place and time. High School graduates and staff who have Phil Yourish ‘64 made important contributions to the school Committee Members Weequahic High School, age 67, is still the and our larger community. Rita Adams ‘73 grand Wigwam on the Hill, stately and aging y To utilize the resources of our alumni to Edna Bailey, (WHS Principal) remarkably well, although an eyewitness to support the current students at Weequahic Marshall Cooper ‘69 the dramatic shift in cultures and economics High School through scholarships, Nona Davis ‘77 that has taken place over the years. Joseph Foushee tutoring, mentoring, job opportunities and Lois Blumenfeld Gilbert ‘60 cultural events. Gerry Greenspan ‘59 For the first half of its life, it housed an Eugene Lawson ‘70 overwhelmingly Jewish student body. Today With the Alumni Association we re-form and Myra Lawson ‘70 the same seats in the auditorium, the same join with those who followed us through the David Lieberfarb ‘65 halls of Weequahic to preserve our history, to Aileen Marcus ‘68 apartments and houses we lived in, and the Charles Meadows, (Ex-Principal) same streets where we played are now build new friendships and to rebuild the trust Denise Muhammad ‘72 occupied by African-Americans. so essential to a healthy society. Vanessa Pressley-Napier ‘76 Kevin Scindian ‘98 With you added to our membership list we Charles Talley ‘66 It was not from our differences, but from the can provide educational grants to some Sam Weinstock ‘55 traditions that we have in common, that gave wonderful young men and women who lack Lorraine White ‘64 birth to the Weequahic High School Alumni only financial aid to be able to attend college. Association in 1997 - a unique opportunity to bring people together - people who seemed so In 1998 the Alumni Association presented far apart yet who have shared something four scholarships at the June graduation. We significant and precious: their lives were made a difference in those four lives. shaped in their Weequahic years. We urge you to join with us. You have very little to lose and, I assure you, we all have a Our motivation was to tap into both the vast great deal to gain. energy which brings so many of us back to reunions and the warm nostalgic pleasure we Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar feel whenever we see, anywhere, orange and All those for Weequahic brown things together. Stand up and holler WEEQUAHIC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ALUMNI 1998 SCHOLARSHIP A CHRONOLOGY CALUMET RECIPIENTS OF WEEQUAHIC STAFF ALUMNI EVENTS Editor Phil Yourish ‘64 SEPTEMBER 1997

Contributors ~ 1st Alumni Affair at The Newark Rita Adams ‘73 Public Library Hal Braff ’52 ~ Alumni Basketball Game Sheldon Bross ‘55 Les Fein œ MAURICE CRAWFORD ~ Honored Al Attles, former Weequahic Lois Gilbert ‘60 NJ Institute of Technology All-State basketball player and current Faith Howard ‘82 Vice President of the Golden State Dave Lieberfarb ’65 œ JORDAN KPELI Warriors NBA basketball team. Sherry Ortner ‘58 Adilah Quddus ‘71 Ramapo College ~ Homecoming Dinner and Dance Jacob Toporek ’63 Star-Ledger Photos œ KEVIN SCINDIAN MAY 1998 Essex County College ~ Weequahic & South Side (Shabazz) Alumni Basketball Game œ VICTOR SEBRES WE’RE ON OUR WAY Seton Hall University JUNE 1998 TO MEET THE FOE THIS IS THE DAY ~ Alumni scholarships at graduation FOR US TO GO ceremony AND WITH OUR BANNERS FLYING Let no one put a OH, SO HIGH OCTOBER 1998 AND WITH SPIRITS limit on what you can SOARING TO THE SKY achieve or a label on who ~ 2nd Alumni Affair at the NOW HEAR OUR Newark Museum ROUSING CRY you are. You all possess RAH, RAH, RAH immeasurable talent and ~ Weequahic & West Essex WHEN WE COME BACK Homecoming Football Game YOU’RE SURE TO SEE unlimited potential. THAT WE HAVE WON ~ Tour of Weequahic High School OUR VICTORY The words of Johnny Turner CHEERS RING from his valedictorian speech at ~ Honored Les Fein, Former Weequahic WE BRING the 1998 graduation. He is Basketball Coach and Teacher MORE HONOR currently a student at the NJ TO WEEQUAHIC HIGH Institute of Technology and a FEBRUARY 1999 volunteer reading tutor with the Newark America READS ~ At WHS - Rabbi Israel Dresner: Partnership. Marching With Dr. King ~ At WHS - Jayson Williams, NJ Nets Basketball Player MARCH 1999 ~ At WHS - Teresa Weatherspoon, NY Liberty Basketball Player

At left: Weequahic Alumni Association Committee at the Newark Museum: Sheldon Bross, Adilah Qudduss, Yvonne Causbey, Kim Gaddy, Hall Braff, Faith Howard, Kevin Scindian, Phil Yourish, Lorraine White, Sam Weinstock, and Marshall Cooper. Alumni Association the Library’s majestic atrium? Who special high school. It was a could know what to expect? Why spectacular evening of togetherness, Debuts at The Newark would people come? With all of our pride and love. We were all classmates enthusiasm and sanguinity, we just once again, brothers and sisters united Public Library didn’t know. in the folklore of Weequahic. By Faith Howard Class of 1982 The scene at the Library on Friday In a spare moment, standing in the evening was hard to believe. The atrium, I gazed at the stained glass As the Chairperson of the Events anxiety of many months disappeared dome above. It was just celestial. Committee, I helped to organize the almost immediately. The doubts just Below the dome, the balconies were first Weequahic High School Alumni melted away. Gushing optimism overflowing with alumni enjoying each Association affair at The Newark replaced all of the uncertainty. others’ company. And I thought - The Public Library in October of 1997. Newark Public Library - what a When you’re planning a special event, THEY CAME! More than we could beautiful building to host our first you “hope” and “pray” that’s it’s going have anticipated. The numbers alumni reception. to be successful, especially when you surpassed all of our expectations. Too put in a tremendous amount of effort in many people to count. So many people How nice it was to see some special contacting people, sending out mail, that it was difficult to get around. people like Ben Epstein, Les Fein, putting up posters, and getting articles Elbows touching elbows. Faces with Elizabeth Birnbaum, Al Attles, and in the newspaper. But there is no way perpetual smiles. Hands hurting from Swede Mason. to guarantee results. all of the shaking. Voices parroting similar sentiments. Laughter heard Why did 400 alumni come? Probably, As we moved closer to the date of the everywhere. Alumni catching up on for many different reasons. Will they event, the questions became more old times with conversations beginning return again? We sure hope so, but vexing. Would our alumni respond? with “Do you remember” echoing who knows? However, for just a few Would they come to downtown throughout the large assemblage. hours on a Friday night in September, Newark at night? Would the concept the spirit of Orange and Brown of an alumni association interest Weequahic alumni from the 30’s to the returned and stirred emotions in many enough people? Would the memories, 90’s. Oldtimers and newcomers, from of us that had been packed away too bonds, and friendships from the past be New Jersey and beyond. Generations many years ago. enough? Would curiosity capture their transcended - a gathering of different imagination? Would the Weequahic cultures, dreams, and life stories. We now know that the legacy of mystique magically draw people into Friends, acquaintances, and strangers Weequahic continues. with a common affection for their very

Dr. Benjamin Epstein, former Principal of Weequahic and former Newark Assistant Superintendent of Alumni committee members Faith Howard, Sheldon Bross, Adilah Quddus, Secondary Schools, speaking at the Kim Gaddy (Co-President) and Keith Reid look at an old Weequahic yearbook in October 1998 alumni affair at the front of the high school. Newark Museum. Coach Fein’s Memories Of Weequahic Weequahic ranked very high in the country for achieving scholarships Hardly a day goes by that some thought or reference to and awards in science, math, language Weequahic doesn’t come to mind... You just can’t know where and English. The sound and sight of or when Weequahic will find its way back into your life. the marching band, the dynamic antics of the cheerleaders, and the loyal have fared well and in a sense have student body built a sense of pride and become friends. I love that feeling. a reputation of excellence that carried far and wide, and is remembered to The question has occasionally risen - this day. Yes, Weequahic was what was it that made Weequahic special. High School so special? For me the answer is easy, and I think those who Now forty-four years from the year know Weequahic would agree. First, that I started, my memories and more it was the student body made up of importantly the communication and mostly enthusiastic, eager to learn, contact that I still enjoy with ambitious, intelligent and happy youth Weequahic alumni make it all as if it with spirit and a zest for life. Their were only yesterday. That is vibrance and pace in and around wonderful. It is my pleasure to let school was so apparent and so you the Weequahic alumni and your wonderful. families and friends know what a Charles Talley and Les Fein with former teacher and basketball coach Mo Layton in the background. Secondly, it was the incredibly thinks of the school that you were so talented faculty with strong fortunate to have been a part of. I don’t know how it happened that a backgrounds, experience and kid from Brooklyn found himself as a motivation. The faculty was liberally To all the students between 1955 and teacher, basketball coach, and sprinkled with strong intellects, and 1967, I thank you for making my chairman of the Physical Education men and women who took education twelve years so memorable. I do hope Department at Weequahic High in as a means to developing and helping your years were memorable, too, and Newark, New Jersey; but it did young people prepare for their future. that they came back to you - often happen and I was the kid, and I The faculty was serious, professional, with joy. consider myself very lucky to have caring and wise. The interplay was found my way to Weequahic. magic! The goal of the Weequahic Alumni Association calls appropriately for Out of my twenty-six years of The final piece that made Weequahic your input and cooperation. It is to teaching my last twelve years were at so special was the community. The help Weequahic High School, its Weequahic. They were the most streets, the houses, the neighborhoods, student body, its faculty and fulfilling and happy years for me. and the people made up a sort of community regain the former glory Hardly a day goes by that some village with a small town atmosphere. that is the legacy of Weequahic High thought or reference to Weequahic The ambition and desire that you School. Rise up to support that goal. doesn’t come to mind. It could be a found in the community was clearly Join your alumni association. Get phone call or a letter, or meeting some demonstrated by the students. Their back that remarkable spirit that was. I former student, or bumping into camaraderie and warmth enveloped us intend to do all I can to help. someone who heard about all. Yes, Weequahic was very, very Weequahic, or some basketball fan special. Don’t you agree? I wish you all good health, success, who followed our team. You just happiness and peace. can’t know where or when Weequahic I still believe that I’d feel just as I do will find its way back into your life. now even if my years at Weequahic did not have the success in basketball Les Fein’s 1966-67 team with a 26-0 between 1955 to 1967. However, it is record was rated No. 1 in the nation. In I’m very fortunate that so many 12 years of coaching at WHS, his former students and players have the hard to simply put aside the achievements were as follows: 3 state interest to find the time to contact me. remarkable record that the students group 4 titles (1962, 1966, 1967), 7 state That is always a wonderful moment in and the basketball teams recorded in sectional titles (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, time for it brings back happy the twelve years that I was there. Lots 1963, 1966, 1967) and 8 Newark City memories, and I am able to enjoy the of thrills and excitement was the order League titles (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, nostalgia, well-being and success of of the day. 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967). Overall, he had a 210-69 record and a .753 winning the many young men and women who The students earned numerous percentage. academic honors each year. How About A WALKING THE ‘Dog’ At SYD’S HALLS OF

Recently, the NJ Online Munchmobile went WEEQUAHIC searching for the best hot dog in the state. They ONCE AGAIN visited “12 of the most famous hot dog joints in Jersey” and rated Syd’s the best. Yes, it’s the By Adilah Quddus same Syd’s from Chancellor Avenue in Newark - Class of 1971 the hot dogs we grew up with. On a beautiful clear and brisk Imagine our surprise when we The following is an excerpt from an article by day in October, the Weequahic realized that the school was Star-Ledger reporter Mark Di Ionno: High School Alumni Association basically as we remembered. sponsored the Homecoming The office still looks the same Next stop was Syd’s in Millburn Mall on football game with West Essex with the old switchboard and Vauxhall Road in Union. Proprietors Robert and High School at Untermann Field bells, but we recalled it as the Beth Grossman are the seventh owners. When and a memorable alumni tour of “punishment place,” knowing they bought the place in 1996, they also the old high school on the hill. that trouble was lurking if a purchased a 56-year-old legacy. Although we didn’t win (an teacher said “go to the office.” ongoing tradition), we scored “When we took over, I had people coming up to the first touchdown and the game The wooden floors, desks and me saying, ‘Don’t change a thing’...There are brought back familiar memories radiators have been kept in some little things I’d like to change, but my from the past. immaculate condition. The fall- customers wouldn’t stand for it,” Robert out shelter areas haven’t Grossman says. It was a meaningful day for those changed. The auditorium has the who attended the game and same fold down wooden seats as Grossman should know. He was once one of the toured the school. The tour was well as the waxed wooden floors. customers. “I grew up in Maplewood and I came organized by Lorraine White During the tour, some of the here all the time,” he says. “I love the food.” (class of 1964) who is a alumni even went on stage and counselor at the school. She acted out scenes from their past. Syd’s began as a small restaurant on Chancellor recruited and trained a group of Avenue in the Weequahic section of Newark. current students to serve as The murals on the walls looked Through all the changes and a move to the guides for the alumni as they amazingly beautiful after all current location in 1967, Syd’s is still important walked once again through the these years. In the cafeteria to the old order from Weequahic. A notice for a hallowed halls of Weequahic. which is located in the new Weequahic High reunion (classes of ’63 & ‘64) addition, alumni had the hangs in Syd’s entrance, and Grossman is As we entered the high school, opportunity to browse through planning to decorate the store with old photos most of us were overwhelmed old yearbooks from 1935 to from Syd’s. with warm feelings of excitement 1997. At the front entrance of rushing through our blood. the building, the trophy cases The hot dog Grossman uses is a giant, There were screams, laughter, were full of memorabilia and kosher-style, Best’s brand 5-count (five to a and tears. In each room evidence of our athletic pound). “Those hot dogs are of the utmost everybody would sit, talk and achievements during the years. importance to me,” he said, “I buy top-quality reminisce. How often did we hot dogs, and that’s never going to change.” open our conversations with “Do Yes, many wonderful feelings you remember?” were generated by walking the halls, finding old classrooms, (Note: Dr. David We visited the places where searching for our lockers, sitting Grossman and math, English, history, science in the bleachers - stepping back Marilyn Rosansky, and foreign languages now take into time and reliving the parents of current place and also the specialty areas moments that impacted our owner Robert - computers, art, music, young lives. The very successful Grossman, were sewing, shop, cooking, and tour ended with lots of hugs, Weequahic exchanged phone numbers, and graduates.) physical education. We also met some of the current staff who pleasant recollections about a came in on their own time to special place called Weequahic. open their classrooms to the alumni. Interviewing The Class of 1958

The main reason we enjoy attending reunions and participating in assorted alumni activities is the pleasure in seeing once-familiar faces and catching up on old times. For anthropologist Sherry B. Ortner, a member of the Class of 1958, interviewing classmates and their families is a labor

members of my class and some of their grown children,” Ortner informed the Weequahic Alumni Association.

'social class' is a factor in this society, even though Americans don't like Class of 1947 Reunion - Judge Burton J. Ironson, Janet Goldstein Chernus, and David Block lives since Weequahic. In the case of their kids, I asked about their lives

had changed since their parents' generation.

funds to do everyone, and I hope no one feels slighted.

Class of 1945 Reunion - Dr. David Weingast, former Weequahic Principal, his wife Beatrice, moved my family around the country twice, ... which was hell. Phyllis Krupnick and Renee Eisenberg. “The second was that I had to finish my final book on the Sherpa people of Nepal before I could start this one. The Sherpa book (Life and Death on Mt. Everest: Sherpas and Himalayan Mountaineering) is finished and

works."

And we're all looking forward to seeing it.

Class of 1938 Reunion - Edith Hirschcoff Glick and 1968 REUNION Bernard Scharf at their 60th class reunion. On October 10, 1998, the class of 1968 celebrated its 30th class reunion at the Woodbridge Hilton in Woodbridge, NJ. The alumni came from as far

Also present at the reunion were seven members of the 1967 City

Davis, William Jacobowitz, and Dewey Ferguson. The alumni also attended the Weequahic Homecoming football game at Untermann Field and toured the high school.

Planning the 40th reunion for the Class of 1960 are The class of 1968 is already planning to celebrate its 35th year reunion in Marcia (Shindelman) Trechak, Ronald Rosen, Lois 2003. For more information, call (732) 752-0421. (Blumenfeld) Gilbert, Gary Kaplan, Olivia (Currin) Howard, and Harold Klein. 1938 60th Reunion celebration was at the THE MAKING OF A REUNION: THE CLASS OF 1963 L’Affaire restaurant in By Jacob Toporek, Reunion Committee Chairperson Mountainside. 148 (20 from Florida) of the 600 “Hi, is your name Wilmette Meeting for the first time in beating of the reunion graduates attended. Brown?” “Yes.” early 1997, the Committee tom-toms. A wonderful “I’m Jac Toporek. We determined to include the evening for hugging an old graduated from Weequahic January classes of 1963 and friend, catching up on 1947 High School, class of 1963.” 1964. Along the way, personal histories, and Reunions International was reinforcing that truism: the 50th Reunion “I remember you. It’s been contracted as the party best friends one makes are took place at Mayfair 35 years. Your brother’s planner. The date and those made while growing up. Farms in West Orange on name is Norbert, right?” location of the reunion were May 4, 1997. A chance meeting proved an set for October 10, 1998 at the As Sandy Scheps noted in his act of fate, the motivational Hyatt Hotel in New welcoming remarks, Who says force for the WHS class of Brunswick. All that remained you can’t go home? For one 1949 1963’s 35-year reunion. It was to find those dispersed night we were all teenagers 50th Reunion had been 15 years since the fellow graduates. again and walked the halls of to be held in Livingston 20th gathering of these WHS. on October 3, 1999 at the alumni. The idea of reuniting Using word of mouth, direct Cedar Hill Country Club. once again was a thoughtful contact with those who Some alumni quips were as Contact Seymour at flirtation for me. The remained in touch with high follows: school chums, recollections of (973) 994-0255 unexpected meeting with Phyllis Moskovitz Frakt - other chance sightings, Wilmette, a London, England Nice ride on the time machine. addresses and phone numbers resident for the last 20 years who was in New Jersey for a used for the 10th and 20th Judi Moss Rabinowitz - 1959 short period of time to assist reunions - the list of found What a wonderful memory. 40th Reunion her mother, turned reunion classmates started to grow. I will carry it with me forever. is scheduled for Oct. 17 at Internet directories provided a daydreams into positive Beth Susin Meltzer - The the Hamilton Park treasure of information. On action. reunion was special and Conference Center in the day invitations were magical...we lived the wonder Florham Park. Contact mailed, more than 450 Within a short period of time, years...our class was superb. Lil Freidman Weinstein at phone calls were made to graduates of the three classes (732) 542-8856 classmates, promises of were located. Ken Frieder - It was great assistance were secured, and that for at least one weekend, the initial steps were taken to As October 10th neared, I was ‘Kenny’ again. 1960 enthusiasm increased. make the reunion a reality. Sandy Greenberg - 40th Reunion Periodic e-mail updates, Congratulations to the entire is being organized for notices and anecdotes about The fifteen member Reunion committee for organizing a next year. Contact Lois alumni kept interest high. Committee included Allan spectacular reunion! Seeing Blumenfeld Gilbert at Tying the reunion to Brief, Eilleen Foner Stoller, the old crowd (mostly for the (732) 462-4808 scheduled WHS Alumni Beverly Lauer Scharago, first time in 35 years) was fun; Clark Lissner, Susan Association homecoming activities, including a I look forward to renewing Manchyk Friedman, Steven long-ago friendships. 1969 Novom, Marvin Schaab, reception at the Newark 30th Reunion Sanford Scheps, Jeff Museum on Friday evening Calvin Schwartz - Tender is now being organized. Schulman, Calvin Schwartz, and the Weequahic and West was our night...yes tender, Call (973) 313-9513 Richard Shaller, Jay Essex football game at loving and passionate. Silverstein, Marc Tarabour, Untermann Field on Saturday afternoon, promised to make Jack Dorn - In the 35 years Norbert & Jacob Toporek, I never thought to evaluate 1980 and Judy Wilson Schwartz. the weekend full and eventful. A Sunday morning brunch at how much my four years at 20th Reunion the Hyatt added to the Weequahic meant, but the planning has begun for an From the outset, the chemistry festivities. feelings I experienced when affair next year. Contact of the Committee was a seeing people I haven’t Michelle Meachum at perfect blend of orange and One hundred eighty-five touched base with in so long (973) 313-0294 or brown in the form of graduates and their spouses made me realize what a Carolyn Dilliard at cooperation, commitment and responded to the nostalgic wonderful time it was. Home: (973) 374-0226 / friendship. Work: (732) 819-7272, February 10, 1977, Attles became one of only four Warriors From Newark To The NBA players to have his number (16) retired. Weequahic’s Al Attles Attles spent two years as a player coach before moving Has A Great Career of coaching, Attles compiled a 555-516 (.518) record making him the 13th winningest coach in NBA history. In 1975 Attles guided the Warriors to a 48-34 record and their only NBA Championship, a sweep of the Washington Bullets.

The following season the Warriors finished with a franchise best 59-23 record, but lost in the Western Conference finals in seven games to the Phoenix Suns. Attles coached the Western Conference All-Star team both years.

A native of Newark, Attles was a four-sport athlete in football, baseball, track and basketball at Weequahic High School. He was voted into the New Jersey Sportswriter’s Hall of Fame in 1991. Attles earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and history at North Carolina A&T, then added a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of San Francisco in 1983. He currently co-teaches a sports law class at Stanford University.

Al Attles and his wife Wilhemina have two adult children, Former Weequahic basketball coach Alvin III and Erica, and live in Oakland. Dave Klurman, Herbie Siegel, and Al Attles

Only Boston’s Red Auerbach and Philadelphia’s Harvey Pollack have been with their respective franchises longer than Al Attles has been a member of the Golden State Warriors basketball organization. Now entering his 38th season, the revered Attles has been the vice president and assistant general manager since 1987.

Although many still remember him for his tenacious play on the court and his tremendous success as a coach, Attles has become a key advisor to the basketball operations office and a highly sought-after motivational speaker. In addition, he serves as an integral link between the Warriors and the community as a frequent guest speaker at charity and neighborhood oriented events. The only thing deeper than Attles’ commitment is his trademark baritone voice.

Because of his continuing work in the community and his tremendous past success on the court and on the sidelines, Attles last year received the great distinction of being inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Attles joined the Philadelphia Warriors in 1960 as a fifth round draft pick out of North Carolina A&T. For 11 seasons his hard-nosed style earned him the respect of players throughout the league and the nickname of “Destroyer.”

In 712 regular season games, Attles averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists, but he made it into the NBA record books by being a part of basketball’s most outstanding Wilbur Ross and Lou Grimsley shooting hoops performance in a single NBA game. On March 2, 1962 in a at Weequahic-South Side (Shabazz) game against the New York Knicks, Attles teamed with Wilt Alumni Basketball Game Chamberlain to score 117 points. Attles had 17 of them. On That House On Custer Avenue By Rita Adams

discussion caught my attention and I decided to join the conversation.

The woman then informed me that she had graduated in 1959. My curiosity was getting the better of me, so I asked her where she lived. She told me on Custer Robert Lowenstein (former Weequahic teacher), Avenue. This revelation piqued Philip Roth (award winning author and 1950 Weequahic graduate), Charles Cummings (library my interest even more. You see I and City of Newark historian), and Phil Yourish lived on Custer Avenue, too. (director of the Newark Literacy Campaign) view the Paul Robeson exhibit at The Newark Public The next series of questions and Library. answers proved to be uncanny. I lived at 119 Custer Avenue. So did she. I lived on the third floor - and so did she. With a look of surprise and delight on both our faces, we realized that we lived in the same apartment ten years apart. She then gave me a detailed description of the house. What a wonderful coincidence. For a few moments, we just grinned at each other.

With feelings of kinship, we It was October 21, 1998 at the shared some more information Newark Museum, an evening that about ourselves. Then this I remember so well. But it wasn’t Jewish woman of the late 50’s the Weequahic Alumni and this African-American Association’s 2nd Annual Alumni woman of the late 60’s gave each Affair that made this night so other a giant hug - and she said, significant. “Well, this means we are sisters.”

I was working at the registration desk, trying to convince alumni It was the strangest feeling I have from so many different years to ever encountered, but a beautiful become members of our new one. When I arrived home that alumni association. I didn’t know night, I realized that in all of the it then, but within a few minutes I excitement, we forgot to would take a step back in time exchange names and telephone and be a part of one amazing numbers. story. I wonder who lives at 119 Custer All of a sudden, I heard a woman Avenue today. Did he or she nearby telling her friend that she graduate from Weequahic? Will I had met the Principal of Peshine meet them at another reunion Avenue School at Bloomingdales. some day? Will there be another The woman had attended Peshine chapter to this unusual story? as a child. Since I was also a Stay tuned. Peshine graduate in 1969, this MEMORIES OF FACULTY: under state control. And it As the Executive Director Julius Bernstein TUTOR is challenged by too many of the Newark Literacy Bessie Bingham Elizabeth Birnbaum OR MENTOR A adults and children who Campaign (NLC) and a Maxine Boatwright don’t have adequate basic 1964 Weequahic graduate, I Morris Brenman WEEQUAHIC reading and writing skills. will be coordinating this Charles Brodsky project for the Weequahic Joseph Bruder HIGH SCHOOL A 1998 report from the High School Alumni Marshana Chapman STUDENT National Institute for Association. We will utilize Simon Chasen Literacy estimated that 52 the resources of my Arthur Coles By Phil Yourish percent of the adult organization in setting up a Michael Conovitz population in Newark is at literacy site at Weequahic - Saunders Davis Class of 1964 the lowest level of literacy. and we have a lot of Walter Eisenberg Isaac Ellis According to the 1997 experience in doing this. Benjamin Epstein edition of Newark Kids Les Fein Count, almost 40% of the For more than 14 years, Janice Findley 11th grade students didn’t NLC has addressed the Martin Greene pass the reading section of problem of low literacy by Leonard Gross the State High School providing one-to-one and Max Herzberg Proficiency Test. small group reading Raeburn Higgins tutorials and other literacy Devator Hooks services to children and Bruce Jacobs adults in the greater Newark David Janowitz A 1998 report area using trained volunteer Reada Jellinek Marion Jennings from the National tutors. Milton Kapstadder Institute For Dorothy Keith When most of us think Literacy estimated In order for the tutoring and Dave Klurman about alumni associations, mentoring project to be Edward Kobetz we think of reunions, that 52 percent successful, we need lots of Janice Lanier homecomings, and special of the adult VOLUNTEERS to Jeanette Lappe events. But sometimes an population in participate for a minimum Hannah Litsky alumni group has a larger of two hours every week at Robert Lowenstein Newark is at the purpose. For the coming lowest level of the high school on Tuesday George Martino year, one of our objectives and/or Thursday evenings. Al Mattia is to begin a tutoring and literacy. Edwin McLucas The Newark Literacy Leon Mones mentoring project for Campaign will provide Sharon Northcutt current Weequahic High training and technical Marie O’Conner School students - and we’re Unfortunately, the problem assistance. The students Sol Ostrin hoping that the tutors and of literacy is widespread will be identified by the Leo Pearl mentors will be Weequahic throughout the city, but at Weequahic staff. Max Pollack alumni. Weequahic we have an Sidney Rosenfeld opportunity to do something I can’t think of a better way Vernon Ross According to Weequahic about it. By developing a to give something back to a Sadie Rous Principal Edna Bailey, a community that played such Alice Saltman tutoring and mentoring large number of students an important role in our Charles Schneider project to supplement Meyer Spike Schwartz need to strengthen their classroom instruction, lives during our youth. Morton Seltzer academic skills and/or are in students will have a better Become a volunteer tutor Nyoka Stackhouse need of more counseling. chance to improve their and mentor NOW! To sign Dave Stamelman Although Newark is skills, attitude towards up or get additional Lou Stamelman experiencing its school, self-esteem, grades, information, please call me Helen Stevenson “renaissance,” it is still a test scores, and overall at (973) 623-4001 or send Charles Stewart city challenged by a school performance. me an e-mail message at Peter Trunk troubled school system now [email protected]. Edward Tumin Esther Tumin Jennie Twardus David Weingast Seymour Weiss ORANGE and BROWN Lorraine White Annie Williams ASSOCIATION MEMORIES OF PLACES PAST B’nai Abraham Excerpts From they see their lives in The homes were private, B’nai Jeshurun terms of friends, relatives, the synagogues further Ballantine Brewery and even acquaintances, away, the stores not Bambergers those who were with them within walking distance. Bergen Bake Shop Beth Israel Hospital when they did all of these True, some communities Bradley Beach things. forged new identities, but Bragaw Avenue School they were smaller in size Bragman’s Deli and did not have nearly as Branch Brook Park In the end, however, many synagogues, Bunny Hop Newark’s Jewish Hebrew schools, and Chancellor Avenue School community was unable to shops. As a result, the Clinton Place Junior High To look at the lives of the survive, and in this sense rhythm of life changed Clinton Manor Jews of Newark and the it resembled the urban forever and the Cohen’s Knishes surrounding communities patterns of cities across connections were lost. Essex House is to take a trip through America. The trek to the Good Humor American Jewish history. suburbs and the desire for GW Carver School Their dreams, hopes, a house with a little bit of Whatever success Jews Hahnes HarJays aspirations, and the lives green in front of it achieved in fields such as Hawthorne Avenue School they led typify the overcame the strongest law, medicine, Hawthorne Theater experiences of Jews in bonds of communal life. architecture, education, Henry’s Sweet Shoppe cities throughout the As the tax base eroded, the arts, and even Hillside High School country. In the same way services deteriorated, business, they owed in Howard Savings Bank that every human being is accelerating the large part, to their Kartzman’s Deli unique by definition, there movement outward. By education. Learning was Keils Bakery were aspects to the 1967, the year Newark’s clearly an avenue to Kresges community that were riots occurred, the Jewish success in America, and Laurel Gardens special, but when all is community was already Jews, by virtue of their Lyons Lanes said and done, the largely gone. age-old emphasis on this Maple Avenue School Millmans similarities to Jews area, were well equipped Mings Chinese Restaurant elsewhere outweigh the Gone but far from dead, to take advantage of the Mosque Theater distinctions. For this Newark remained alive in opportunities offered by Mt. Freedom reason, students of the minds of those who their new homeland. Newark Bears American Jewish life in had spent their youth Newark Eagles general can benefit from there. A substantial Newark Museum an understanding of number of former Weequahic's primary Newark Evening News Newark Jewry’s history. Newarkers stayed in the claim to fame, and Newark City Subway same general area, joining justifiably so, was its Newark YM-YWHA other Jews to build new student body and its Olympic Park Naturally, to those who communities. They faculty. It achieved a Orbachs lived out their lives in this reputation as one of the Park Theater settled in places like West community, it is special, best high schools in the Peshine Avenue School Orange, South Orange, Peterman’s Deli very special. When they Maplewood, and country....The faculty at Roosevelt Theater reminisce about their Livingston, towns in Weequahic High was Rubin’s Pharmacy lives, they think in Essex County. outstanding by all S. Kleins on the Square specific terms. They accounts. The staff had Sabin’s recall walking through terrific raw material to Silver’s Bakery parks, attending Newark’s Jewish work with. In its halcyon South Ward Boys Club community schools, community, and days, Weequahic students Stash’s praying in their Weequahic in particular, were among the best in Syd’s neighborhood the land. To speak about Tabatchnick’s Deli was one extended family. synagogues, eating in Newark without taking Talmud Torah Everyone knew one certain restaurants, and Tavern Restaurant another. Thus, when its note of Weequahic is Untermann Field frequenting different residents moved to the impossible, for it Watson’s Bagels movie houses and suburbs, they lost represents much of what Weequahic Diner theaters. And most of all, something irretrievable. Newark Jews loved about Weequahic Branch Library their city. Weequahic Park Young Israel Retired after many years leading rights of "coloreds," the Ku Klux Klan MARCHING synagogues in Springfield and Wayne, did. "All the tactics developed by the the rabbi was an activist in the civil Southern Christian Leadership WITH DR. KING rights movement in the 60's. "That's Conference began in 1962 in Albany." By Dave Lieberfarb how I spent my summer vacations," he Although Rabbi Dresner towered over Class of 1965 quipped. the diminutive Dr. King, the northerner was inspired to "follow him around like Rabbi Dresner gave the students a quick a pussycat." "Dr. King embodied all the history lesson that put into perspective ideals that the Bible at its best tries to some of the freedoms we take for teach," the rabbi said. granted today. He reminded them that U.S. history is marked by 250 years of Dr. King asked the rabbi to return to the slavery that ended in 1865 followed by North and recruit more clergymen for a century of legal segregation; that the the civil rights movement, and so he National Association for the did, returning with a flock of some 75 Advancement of Colored People ministers and 10 rabbis. Many, (NAACP) was founded on February 12, including Rabbi Dresner, were arrested. 1909, the centennial of the birth of Turning the tables on their first meeting, President Abraham Lincoln; that before "he came and visited me in jail," said An Alumni Association World War II about 80 percent of Rabbi Dresner. Black History Month Event African-Americans lived south of the at Weequahic High School Mason-Dixon Line (the border between Dr. King visited Rabbi Dresner’s Pennsylvania and Maryland), and that Springfield synagogue in 1966. He waves of northward migration since the How many people alive today can say preached the power of non-violence. war have changed that demographic they actually met Dr. Martin Luther Quoting India’s Mahatma Gandhi, he ratio to about 50-50. King Jr.? said “the pen is mightier than the sword.” It was the years of segregation in the How many can say they met him in a Jim Crow South that Rabbi Dresner and Georgia jail? How many can say they Weequahic’s English Department many other Christian and Jewish were about 10 yards away from Dr. Chairwoman, Princess Towe, informed northern clergymen sought to end. "I King when he delivered his famous "I the students that shortly before his met him in a jail in Albany, Georgia., have a dream" speech? assassination Dr. King paid a visit to said the rabbi. "That's about as Deep Newark. What turned out to be his last South as you can get. Rabbi Israel Dresner can, and did. appearance at a school was at South A guest of the Weequahic Alumni Side High School (now Malcolm X. Three black churches had been burned Association, Rabbi Dresner addressed a Shabazz High School). in the area, he explained, and when "the pair of U.S. History classes on February law didn't ride roughshod over the 10th in the school's new media center.

Rabbi Dressner and Weequahic alumnus and former history Rabbi Israel Dressner Rabbi Dressner with Adilah Quddus, teacher Dave Lieberfarb Alumni Association Committee Member Less than 12 hours after the conclusion sisters were among the first victims of NETS’ of the Nets’ February 16th victory over the AIDS epidemic, and Williams, just a JAYSON WILLIAMS the Detroit Pistons, Williams appeared college student at St. John’s, became in the auditorium of Weequahic High responsible for their children. CHALLENGES School to deliver a motivational speech. Now he’s earning some $14 million a WEEQUAHIC The 6-10 all-star center drew a standing year as a basketball player, and he and ovation from the all-male assembly family members own a construction STUDENTS when he promised new uniforms for the company that is building homes right Weequahic basketball team, Nets game here in Newark. tickets for all in attendance, and $5,000 for a year-end party if the students Admitting that it’s ridiculous to be demonstrate a good attitude and earning so much money for playing a improved attendance. game he loves, Williams said, “I’m not gonna give it back, but I am gonna give The students also responded strongly it out.” when Williams asserted that the Nets would be moving to Newark someday Weequahic students will be grateful. and when he stated, “I want to run for Mayor of Newark when I retire.” According to Vice Principal Bruce Bengivenni, “when Jason told us about One of basketball’s best rebounders, the tickets to the game, the kids were Williams told the group about how he doing high-fives. I don’t think many of An Alumni Association bounced back from a traumatic them have ever been to a pro game.” Black History Month Event childhood on Manhattan’s Lower East at Weequahic High School Side. When he was 14, his beloved Note: Members of the Alumni sister was savagely attacked by a drug Association were most impressed by addict. The assailant netted $2.00, but Williams’ commitment to “adopt” a By Dave Lieberfarb Williams’ sister was permanently section of Interstate 78 and to lead Class of 1965 disfigured. Her self-esteem ruined, she Weequahic students and alumni in an began taking heroin and soon contracted all-out cleanup effort. He noted that Jayson Williams of the New Jersey Nets AIDS. cleanup crews remove debris from basketball team may be the NBA’s most suburban sections of the highway, but “voluble” player, but he puts his money Another sister, trying to help out, as soon as you get to Newark, debris where his mouth is. instead got dragged into the drug culture and graffiti blight the area. and also came down with AIDS. Both

At left: Jason Williams in front of WHS with basketball players Chris Butler, Lawrence Finney and Tarmorris Jiggets.

SOME Jack Charwin Gerry Greenspan Alvin Lubetkin Les Shofferman Leroy Cobb Lou Grimsley Bill Mainor Nick Swerdloff BASKETBALL Mike Cohen Phil Hickson Bert Marech Charles Talley MEMORIES: Sonny Corbett Gary Jenkins Swede Mason Dwayne Talley Danny Enzer Larry Jenkins Jim McIntyre George Watson Al Attles Dave Evelyn Dennis Layton Alan Merkin Art Woliansky Larry Bembry Al Friedman Larry Layton Chris Pervall Dave Wright Tom Boose Barry Gimelstob Dana Lewis Wilbur Ross Liberty’s Teresa Weatherspoon Speaks to 300 Young Women at Weequahic

By Dave Lieberfarb, Class of 1965

Teresa Weatherspoon, the point guard for problem. That young man was her older the New York Liberty of the WNBA, brother. Now she welcomes the scored a few points with the young opportunity to speak at schools and women of Newark's Weequahic High participate in anti-drug crusades to help School yesterday. prevent other talented youngsters from getting sidetracked. The arrival of the two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year triggered a Another obstacle can be doubters. "When fast break by members of the Weequahic I was an eighth-grader," Spoon said, "a girls' basketball team to greet her. Moved coach came up to me and said, 'You'll Teresa Weatherspoon by "the warmest welcome I've had never be a great player.’ When I won the anywhere I've been," Spoon proceeded to gold medal in 1988, the first person I ran deliver an inspirational talk to an all-girls to with that gold medal was that coach." audience of about 300 assembled for the Women's History Month event. Empowering women was a recurring message. Spoon exhorted the girls in the Patience, persistence and power were the audience not to need "a man to make you themes of Weatherspoon's talk. The feel complete." 33-year-old native of Texas displayed plenty of patience between l989 and 1997. She stressed the importance of being The college player of the year and an "dedicated, committed and disciplined: Olympic gold medalist in l988, Spoon was Believe and you'll achieve." forced to ply her trade in Italy for six years and Russia for two years because Spoon said she has always looked to her there was no pro basketball league for family for inspiration. "My dad always women in her home country. "You have said, 'Whatever you start you have to to be persistent to succeed," she told her finish."' high school audience. "It's important to Teresa and Hal Braff, Co-President of the Weequahic set goals for yourself." She also listened to career guidance from Alumni Association basketball legends like Michael Jordan, Spoon said she started playing basketball Magic Johnson and Isaiah Thomas. And as a 4-year-old, but her goal of playing in because she is interested in pursuing an the Olympics took shape when she was l1. acting career after her basketball days are The journey faced many obstacles, over, Spoon mentioned Bill Cosby and including the temptations of drugs, Gregory Hines as mentors. alcohol and men. But the test in life is "how well do you move that obstacle?" The all-girls assembly was a response to an Alumni Association program last One young man, a talented athlete, was month in which New Jersey Nets star her idol. He could have been a pro Jayson Williams addressed an all-male football player, she said. Then one day he assembly. confessed to her that he had a drug JOIN THE WEEQUAHIC HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TODAY

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Weequahic High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 8039, Hillside, NJ 07205

Weequahic High School Alumni Association P.O. Box 8039 Hillside, NJ 07205

WHAT’S INSIDE

œ THE SWEET LEGACY OF WEEQUAHIC œ DEBUT AT THE NEWARK PUBLIC LIBRARY œ HOW ABOUT A ‘DOG’ AT SYD’S œ WALKING THE HALLS OF WEEQUAHIC ONCE AGAIN œ FROM NEWARK TO THE NBA œ COACH FEIN’S MEMORIES OF WEEQUAHIC œ THE MAKING OF A REUNION œ INTERVIEWING THE CLASS OF 1958 œ THAT HOUSE ON CUSTER AVENUE œ TUTORING & MENTORING AT WEEQUAHIC œ MARCHING WITH DR. KING œ NET”S JAYSON WILLIAMS AT WHS œ LIBERTY’S TERESA WEATHERSPOON AT WHS œ WEEQUAHIC IN CYBERSPACE