Class of '71 Remembers McBride's Closing

Don't let it be forgot 

that once there was a spot 

for one brief shining moment 

that was known as Camelot.**

This is the fourth of several occasional articles on McBride High School: its history, its closing and its impact on the St. Louis area and beyond. This article explores the reactions of McBride's Class of 1971, the last graduating class, to the Archdiocese’s largely unpopular decision to close McBride High School.  Please remember that everything published here is exactly as it happened even if it's not absolutely true. Richard Ganahl, Class 1969 

Photo By Richard C. Finke Courtesy of Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives

McBride High School opened on No. Kingshighway on Jan. 5, 1925 and closed on June 1971. McBride HS is the direct descendent of the original Catholic school for boys est. in 1911. 

 Photo By Richard C. Finke Courtesy of Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives

Brother Sanders and Micks in Library. Ben Caffe is in front row

 on left, Mark Landis is in front row right and Pat Murphy is

 second from front on right. Can you name any others? 

It was announced in the school by Father Ryan on January 27, 1971. I remember a group of us going to the Chancery to meet with Msgr. Curtin, which ended in a vision of useless futility. After a while we decided to go to the police headquarters downtown, to apply for a permit to have demonstration march from McBride to the Chancery office.  The concept was to carry a coffin of McBride High School from the school to the Chancery, in hopes of gaining attention and possible financial support. I remember getting called into Br. Fitzsimmons office for a rather one-sided "conversation", where it was made very clear to me if I wanted to graduate from McBride, the march would not take place. That is where it ended. Later in the year I recall the decision to move the multi-media equipment including the TV studio to Vianney. Ben Caffe

Photo By Richard C. Finke Courtesy of Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives

Micks shared stories at hall lockers between classes 

We didn't get the news until late in the school year.  So, not much impact during most of the school year.  I was thankful we (class of '71) would graduate and was very sorry for the members of the Junior class, who would have to have their senior year somewhere else. Once we heard the news, any activity became the last time this activity would happen at McBride--so that was somewhat melancholy.  Things got rather hectic the last few weeks, as alumni started coming around claiming various mementos! I vividly remember our class was proud to be the last (and best) class!!  Overall, I think people felt the diocese handled the timing poorly--but maybe the short notice was a blessing. Marvin Borgmeyer 

Photo By Richard C. Finke Courtesy of Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives

Bob Kuban and the Inmen was a favorite McBride band.

What I remember was that it brought the senior "jocks" and "freaks" together. For three years tensions flared between the wannabe hippie freaks, and the testosterone-poisoned jocks. This was evidenced by the long struggle by the freaks to have a psychedelic-themed dance, instead of the conventional soul music dances. Finally in junior (?) year a psychedelic dance was held, with light show, band (The Good Feeling (?)) and nervous chaperones and faculty roaming the corridors for illegal activities. It wound up drawingmore attendees than any other dance in our memory. And who could forget the ballyhooed fisticuffs between Paul and jock-icon Tim in Sherman Park, with interested parties surrounding them? That was after Tim was presented the Golden Jockstrap Award in the music room, an athletic supporter that had been spray painted gold with gold sequins sewn on. Much of this was underscored by divisions on the War in Vietnam, with the Black Armband Day bringing tensions to a head. But after the closing was announced, suddenly all that wasn't so important. With college looming, and the end of an era on us, tensions relaxed and friendships grew as we matured while we pondered the sad closing of our Colonnaded school of the last four years. At least that's how I remembered it. Tom Kuennen

When we first heard of the closing my first concern was where would the under classmates end up. It wasn't until the blow out party at the Electricians Hall where it seemed that thousands of alumni attended that made me realize that I was part of something very special. Not until later in life did the reality that no longer would the great educational and social aspects be available to future generations. McBride was the stepping-stone for a tremendous number of successful careers and quality people. Tony Witte

When Dan the Transmission Man next door got shot (and killed?) that was all she wrote.  That's my take.  Attendance may have already been dropping. Vic Venizia

Photo By Richard C. Finke Courtesy of Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives

Micks typing away in Bro. Singer's typewriting class. Senior

Tom Elfrink is on the left in the front row and senior Steve 

Nollau on the left third row. Can you name any others? 

One thing I remember about the closing was the school assembly held in the gym when the closing was announced. Father Ryan's announcement was a shock out of nowhere dropped on our student body. It was stunning. Did anyone have any idea this was coming? I remember feeling especially sorry for the class of '72, they really got hosed. I still feel thatway. To the credit of the '72 class, they show strong support for McBride alumni events. Does anyone remember the McBride closing party/celebration for all McBride classes held at the Electricians Union Hall in June 1971? While my memory is blurred from too much alcohol that night over 45 years ago, I recall a packed house of Micks of all ages. The crowd was loud and rowdy and alcohol was flowing freely. There was a line up of distinguished Micks to give speeches. It seems half way into the program no one was listening to the speakers as everyone was into reminiscing with their own classmates and enjoying the McBride fellowship. Rumor was beer ran out and another delivery had to be made. Similar to Tom Keenan's comment, this was one night where in spite of all the divisions in ages, backgrounds and political views of the time, everyone was united as a one -we were all proud to be Micks. Tom Elfrink

Photo By Richard C. Finke Courtesy of Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives

McBride's Class of 1971 was the last graduating class. 

I remember the basketball team being told at practice before the “official” announcement. We went on to win the Rosary Tournament with a sense of urgency. Plus, we got to keep our varsity uniforms. “When fact meets legend print the legend.” We’ve all moved on—great school, great friends, great alumni. Our class (1971) is probably the most active in the alumni events. I strongly recommend all 71ers to join in and have some fun. Michael Reinhardt

During lunchtime on the day McBride's closing was announced in the gym, I was standing by the front doors near the principal office. I opened the door for Monsignor Curtain (how ironic a name) who headed Archdiocesan Schools. He asked me how to get to the library. I heard from other Micks about a faculty meeting in the library, and told them about Monsignor Curtain. I vividly remember going into gym after the PA announcement of an assembly.  One look at the stunned look on the teacher's faces confirmed that McBride was closing. I wished I hadn't let Monsignor Curtain into the school. I felt horrible for playing even a tiny part in the sad events of the day. Dick Zerega

Sometimes my memory tends to embellish reality........I was an all American tight end, Scanlon was Mike Butkus and Marischen was Lew Alcindor. My favorite foggy memory of those bad times, the entire school was in the gym, a representative of the archdiocese was there to make the formal announcement of the closing. He was completely shouted down with "WE ARE...............MC BRIDE". Seemed to go on forever. My memory says he finally gave up. I'm sticking with that version, true or not. Gary Lake

Photo By Richard C. Finke Courtesy of Archdiocese of St. Louis Archives

St. Louis G-D sports writer Bob Burnes (second from left) helped Micks celebrate at Electrician Union Hall. While Bob graduated from CBC he was always thought of us as one of us. Bob's column the 'Benchwarmer debuted in 1946 and appeared daily for 40 years! 

I was at the celebration too. I had my picture taken with what seemed to me was a 90 year-old guy (he was probably 64) and it made the next day’s Post Dispatch. I do remember Tony and I leaving the reception...driving to some greasy spoon for eggs at around 1:00 AM...The school assembly you describe is exactly as I remember it. I too remember shock, then relief that we would graduate, and then sorrow for the guys who wouldn’t (which were most of guys in the assembly). Steve Nollau

I am grateful to Eric Fair, Rena Schergen and Eric Holt of the St. Louis Archdiocese Archives. Their patience, guidance and support have been invaluable in this project. I am also grateful to Dennis Ganahl '71 and Ben Caffe '71 and other members of the famous McBride Class '71 for their valuable contributions to this story. We are an amazingly complex combination of our cultural and historical heritage. Embrace your past and fearlessly discover your future. Find out why you are who you are. Send your stories about McBride’s history to me at rganahl@gmail.com. Thanks!

This article and its contents are Copyrighted 2018 by Richard J. Ganahl III

** Alone on the stage of the musical ‘Camelot,’ King Arthur realizes his dreams for his beloved Camelot are no more. Richard Burton played King Arthur opposite Julie Andrews' Queen Guenevere in the original 1960 production. The Broadway musical was President John F. Kennedy’s favorite and he played the soundtrack often in their personal quarters at the White House.