Wm. C. McBride & HS Changed St. Louis Forever

“I think the most important thing about McBride has been the boys’ respectful outspokenness. They have a freedom and a habit of saying ‘I don’t like this,’ but also of listening to what you have to say…and nowhere but McBride have I found that frank openness, a sort of strong-chestedness…and I have a feeling it will be a long time before I find another school that has it.” 

Fr. Paul Ryan, S.M., Principal of McBride HS, Quoted by Robert J. Byrne (1971), 
"McBride Closing Elicits Memories, Concerns," St. Louis Review

This is the first of several occasional articles on McBride High School: its history, its closing and its impact. This article remembers William Cullen McBride, the school's namesake. Please enjoy and share. Richard Ganahl, McBride HS, 1969

William Cullen McBride High School was a faith-based, gender segregated, inner city oasis for college-aspiring ‘major learners’ regardless of race, economic status or geographical home. 

Courtesy St. Louis Archdiocese Archives

It was located at 1901 Kingshighway at the corner of Kingshighway and Easton (later renamed Martin Luther King Drive) in the heart of St. Louis’ rapidly deteriorating and highly racially segregated inner city. Surrounded by poor, urban African Americans, it was too far north of the city’s central corridor to survive St. Louis’ history of racial segregation. 

Courtesy St. Louis Archdiocese Archives

The Society of Mary, or the Marianists led McBride. The Marianists was founded in 1817 by the Catholic priest Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, a survivor of the French Revolution’s anti-clerical persecution. Today there are about 1,200 Marianists including approximately 400 priests and 800 brothers. McBride's faculty was almost exclusively Brothers of Mary until it was fully integrated with male and female lay teachers in 1967. 

 

The school was established as the Kenrick Catholic High School in 1911. It occupied three separate locations before changing its name to the William Cullen McBride High School and permanently settling at the Kingshighway location in January 1925 in honor of its late benefactor. 

Katherine Manan McBride, the wife of Mr. McBride, gave $250,000 to Archbishop John Joseph Glennon to build the three-story, colonnaded limestone building to enduringly memorialize her husband’s life.

Photo Courtesy St. Louis Archdiocese Archives

Brother Thomas J. Treadaway’s S.M. (1933) Biographical and Character Sketch of Wm. Cullen McBride documents a life of hard work and entrepreneurship. William Cullen McBride was born on January 13, 1859 in Butler, Pa.  He took his first job at 10 years old, and told his mother he 'could make up for lost schooling by learning something every day while at work.' 

He made good on his promise. Upon his untimely death in 1917 at the age of 58 years old he was the largest independent oil producer in the USA. His estate was conservatively valued at more than $10,000,000, or $216,618,273 in today's dollars!     

The McBride Mansion Washington Terrace

The couple and their four daughters (Ellen, Laura, Kathleen and Dorothy) moved to St. Louis, Mo in 1908 and lived pious but lavish lives upon moving to 29 Washington Terrace. St. Louis Post Dispatch writer Sheila Frayne Rhoades notes in her September 18, 2010 article that after the McBride’s purchased the house it:

became known as the party house on WT. McBride held fantastical parties here, including his daughter's memorable 1921 debutante ball, "Night in Venice." Guests were greeted by gondoliers to transport them across a huge man-made, lighted moat. The three-story mansion is made up of 25 rooms, totaling 11,000 square feet. In records dating from 1910, it's noted that a staff of 10 servants ran the house.

Mr. and Mrs. McBride gifted generously through out their lives, especially to the Catholic Church. Most notable is the magnificently ornate high altar and the baldacchino that incorporates more than four-hundred tons of marble and mosaics and dominates the St. Louis New Cathedral on Lindell Blvd. The $100,000 gift included all design, transportation and construction costs.

Published in the Art World Vol II 

A magazine of the day Art World said the project's architect George Barnett expressed his 'majestic conception' by exclaiming "I want this to be an Emperor's tribute to God!" Mr. Barnett partnered with his father George I. Barnett, who is recognized as the Dean of St. Louis Architecture and is credited with establishing St. Louis' Classical architectural tradition through designs such as the Old Courthouse and buildings at Missouri Botanical Gardens 

The Lotus Magazine described 'this gift from Mr. McBride' and family to the Cathedral of St. Louis as a "structure within a structure (that) is fifty-seven feet in height, with a diameter of thirty-six feet...which uses many varieties of fine marble and mosaics...and which is supported by fourteen columns!" The McBride's oldest daughter Ellen's marriage to Balfour Craib was the first wedding celebrated at the new altar.

McBride Mausoleum

The McBrides purchased in 1917 a winter home in Pasadena, Ca next to their daughter Mrs. Love because her husband had become ill. Sadly, Mr. McBride never lived in the house. On May 16, 1917 he suffered a relapse of an earlier stroke caused by his high blood pressure. The exact cause of his death was ‘chronic nephritis aggravated by uraemic poisoning.’

Seventeen family members, including Mr. and Mrs. Wm. C. McBride, three daughters Ellen, Kathleen and Dorothy, two son-in-laws and other family members are buried at the McBride Mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.   

McBride High School closed its doors in 1971. The McBride Alumni Club claims on its website that its roster includes 438 teachers and 7,354 former Micks. More than 2.900 Micks are club members, 4,300 are deceased and 600 are unaccounted.

The St. Louis Business Journal recently reported, the 57,000 square-foot building was purchased for $1.75 million by the Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls founded by Mary Danforth Stillman, the daughter of former Sen. John Danforth and niece of former Washington University chancellor William Danforth. The all-girls public school is sponsored by Washington University, and will emphasize a STEM curriculum (science, technology, energy and math) to grades six through 12.  

I am grateful to the St. Louis Archdiocese Archives and Archdiocese of Saint Louis Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis for their help in this research. Do you have stories about McBride's history? Please send them to me at rganahl@gmail.com. Thanks! 

This article and its contents are Copyrighted 2015 by Richard J Ganahl III

RIP: Gary Hayes, McBride HS Class of 1969

Gary R. Hayes. January 24, 2012. Beloved husband of Paula J. Hayes (nee Meatte); dearest father of Jeffrey R. (Marlena) and Rebecca Hayes; grandfather of Bailey and Ellie Hayes; brother of Mike (Claire) & John (Robin) Hayes, JoAnn (Joe) Schuessel and the late Kathleen Hart; brotherin-law of Ken Hart; beloved son of the late William and Mary Ann (nee Scharitz) Hayes and son-inlaw of Luke and Charlotte (nee McCrate) Meatte; our dear uncle and great Uncle Knucklehead to 71 nieces and nephews and friend to many. 

Gary 'Adolph' Hayes: McBride HS Class of 1969

Mr. Hayes was a member of Manchester Elks Lodge #2058. Services: Memorial Service 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2012 at King of Kings Lutheran Church 13765 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63017. 


Visitation O'SULLIVAN MUCKLE MORTUARY 13996 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017. In lieu of flowers, donations to Daniel Kids Foundation or St. Patrick's Center preferred.

Fr. Paul Ryan, McBride HS Principal: 1916-2011

Fr. Paul Ryan, SM, 1916 - 2011

Fr. Paul Ryan died on December 2, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 95 and was a Marianist for 78 years.

Paul Ryan was an only child born to William and Agnes (Murphy) in Springfield, Massachusetts, on February 20, 1916. When Paul was 5 years old, the family relocated to Wichita, Kansas. After being taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph in grade school, he met the Marianists at Cathedral High School in Wichita. Paul said his mother was reluctant to let her only child enter religious life, but he “liked and respected the brothers” and decided he wanted to be one of them.

On July 30, 1930, Paul left for the Maryhurst Postulate in Kirkwood, Missouri. He entered the novitiate two years later and professed first vows on August 15, 1933. After earning a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University, Paul began a long career as a Catholic educator. Between 1936 and 1941, he taught at Central Catholic in San Antonio and Holy Redeemer in Detroit, Michigan.

After receiving a master’s degree in philosophy from Catholic University in 1943, Paul began seminary studies at St. Meinrad in Indiana and was ordained on February 2, 1945. Between 1945 and 1951, Fr. Paul taught in the St. Louis area at the Maryhurst Postulate and McBride High School. Fr. Paul taught religion, social studies, English and Latin. Fr. Paul also served as a chaplain. After spending two years at St. Joseph High School in Victoria, Texas, Fr. Paul returned to St. Louis to teach for four years at St. Mary’s High School.

Fr. Joe Uvietta met Fr. Paul when he was a novice and Fr. Paul directed one of their retreats. “I found him to be a very good priest and chaplain,” Fr. Joe said. “It was never boring to be with him.”

Fr. David Paul met Fr. Paul when he was a junior at St. Mary’s High School. He remembers Fr. Paul as an excellent teacher and chaplain who was beloved by the students.

“He was the type of priest all the guys wanted to visit for confession,” Fr. Dave said. “He was gentle and pastoral but also funny and could relate to the students. He made religion attractive to high school boys.

“He was a great pastor, and that’s about the best thing you can say about someone. He was a big influence on my life and vocation.”

Fr. Paul served at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio between 1957 and 1960 and then worked in development for the Province for four years. Fr. Paul returned to McBride in 1964, where he was a well-loved assistant principal and principal.

Richard Ganahl, McBride class of 1969 and student vice president, described Fr. Paul as a “no-nonsense Catholic man of action who stood strong in a time of constant change.” Ganahl said, “He knew the first and last name of all 600+ McBride men, and took an active interest in our lives. He was quick to laugh, and a friend and mentor to all.”

Another McBride graduate, Don Coffey, also remembers Fr. Paul’s interest in students. “Early in my freshman year, Fr. Ryan called me by name in the hallway to ask how things were going and if I needed anything from him. He made a point of roaming the halls between classes to talk with students. Fr. Ryan was one of the reasons McBride was such a special school.”

Fr. Paul served one year at Daniel J. Gross High School in Omaha, Nebraska, before moving on to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 1972. He was appointed registrar and loved serving at the university. “Our students are top-notch” he would say.

Fr. Paul was known around St. Mary’s for his cigar, which was a constant companion, the large number of confessions he would hear, and his ability to keep his sermons powerful, yet short.

“I can’t stand long sermons,” Fr. Paul would say. “The mind can only accept as much as can the seat of the pants.”

Fr. Paul kept long days at St. Mary’s before retiring in 1986. They started with 7:35 a.m. Mass and his office lights burned late into the night as students and alumni sought his pastoral advice.

Bro. Joe Grieshaber knew Fr. Paul for many years but first lived with him in community while Bro. Joe was the director of the Marianist Residence in San Antonio. He recalls Fr. Paul as a cheerful man with a love of rocky-road ice cream. Bro. Joe said Fr. Paul loved being a priest and would celebrate the Eucharist for the community five times per week.

Fr. Paul said he never regretted joining the Marianists. In 1984, as his formal ministry was winding down, he commented: “Time has gone by so fast. Where did all those years go?”
May he rest in peace.

Fr. Ryan's Obituary is furnished by Diane Guerra, National Communications Director, Marianist Province of the US, St. Louis, MO, and will be published in the St. Louis Review and Today’s Catholic in San Antonio, TX. Ms. Guerra is a 1970 graduate of Rosati-Kain, St. Louis, MO and a friend of McBride HS. Photos are courtesy of Marianist and the McBride Alumni Asso.

The older I get the more I appreciate Fr. Ryan. One afternoon after lunch I had the misfortune of being caught by Mr. Moore chewing gum in class. Mr. Moore instructed me to move my desk to the hallway just outside the door. I no sooner got settled in when Fr. Ryan rounded the corner and inquired why I was in the hall. After my explanation Fr. Ryan looked at me and said, "Very well Mr. Laughlin, carry on." I'm not sure why this story means so much to me but it does. I wish I had known him better, for in that brief encounter I caught a glimpse of what a fine man and educator Fr. Ryan was.

Pat Laughlin, McBride, '70

In religion class Fr. Ryan taught me how to actually live a Catholic moral life as a teenager. It carried in to my adult life. I am indebted to him in a way I cannot pay him back. I trust God will reward him appropriately. 

Bob Brown, McBride, '65

Padre Ryan was a tough guy but he had his soft spots.

Dennis Ganahl, McBride, '71

MAY HE REST IN PEACE

McBride '71: The McMardi Gras 40th Reunion

Tim 'Pop" Crowe '69: Family Man & Soccer Sage

the colonnade McBride '69 Yearbook
TIMOTHY 'CURBY' CROWE
St. Thomas More
Ambitions: Be considered an athlete
Soccer 3

"Crowe, Timothy J. "Pop" fortified with the sacrament of the Holy Mother Church on June 29, 2011.

Beloved husband of Janice (McGowan); father of Jeff (Alicia) Crowe; Kelly (Matthew) Rosser; Richie (Ashleigh) Crowe. Pop to Owen, Charlie, Sophie & Hayleigh. Son of the late Richard & Mary Crowe and son-in-law of the late Jack & Betty McGowan. Our dear brother, uncle, great uncle, pop & friend; will forever live in our hearts.

"


McBride Varsity Soccer 1968: Overall 12-8-3; C.A.C.: 3-2

Tim joined McBride's Varsity Soccer team when he transferred in his junior year. Tim is on the far left in the 3rd row. Yeah, that's Tim 'rubbing shoulders' with Coach Earl!

"It was sad to hear of the death of Tim. I knew he was sick but you still hold out hope for the best. I'm not sure but I think Tim transferred from the seminary junior year.He must have worked at Steak n Shake to get the knickname Curby. I do know why he had that ambition. Coach Earl Eilerman called the soccer team into the locker room. He spent a half hour telling us what delinquents we were and that no one thought of soccer players as athletes. Just a bunch of nicotine smoking boozers."
John Phillips, McBride HS '69

"When I think of "Curby" I think right away of his great snicker type of laugh when he would tell a story. Always fun to be around. Tim was a very popular guy in the North County circle of soccer friends. God Bless Tim and his family."
Don Freesmeier, McBride HS '69

"It breaks my heart to hear of the passing of another of our classmates. Although I have not seen many of them for 42 years, each of them still remains a special individual in our "Band of Brothers" from a wonderful McBride Class of 1969. (While) I did not have classes with many in our class. I can say proudly...that I did personally know and greet each of our 156 by name."
Bill Genova, McBride HS '69

"Our buddy Tim finally lost his fight with colon cancer. He was known as a long time North County Soccer Player and Coach."
Mark Demling, Long-time friend

Tim Will Be Remembered As A Family Man & A Friend To All
"Tim Crowe was the kind of man everyone should have the pleasure of knowing. He was a loyal friend, a hard worker, a good sport, an avid sports fanatic and one of the most selfless people the world will ever know. He put family first, always, and he would never turn his back on a friend. Tim worked to live and lived for family. He loved his wife of 36 years with all of his heart. He doted on his children and spent most of his life coaching, teaching or teasing them in some way. He was always there when you needed him, and he truly enjoyed life. He lived for being Pop. As a Grandpa, Tim showered Owen, Charlie, and Sophie with affection, candy, toys and most importantly time. His world seemed to revolve around their happiness. He was so excited to add another granddaughter to the mix with Hayleigh Jaymes who should be here in September, along with any and all future grandchildren. He will watch over them from Heaven, and his legacy will remain forever. 

We are all better for having known him, and he will never be forgotten. 

Memorial mass will be celebrated on July the 2nd at 10 AM on St. Sabina Catholic Church 1365 Harkee Dr. (Florissant). Memorial gathering will be held Friday July 1 from 5-9 PM at Shepard Funeral Chapel, Friday 5-9pm 9255 Natural Bridge Road (at I-170).

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. John's Cardinal Kid's Cancer Center, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Gateway Area Chapter (1867 Lackland Hill Parkway, 63146), or St. Sabina "Love-in-Action" (1365 Harkee Dr. 63031)
Excerpts From The Timothy J. "Pop" Crowe Obituary

McBride's McWake Music: All The Tunes

Gotta have those tunes! Here’s the link to MICKS 71. If you have trouble with that, paste this link into your browser: http://50.80.165.11:8000/listen.m3u

McBride McWake: Crying Starts Friday, June 3, 2011: 40 Years Ago: The End of An Era

All McBride Alumni are invited to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the closing of McBride High School 1925 - 1971, the best high school in the history of St. Louis at an Irish Wake. Drinking and crying begin at 7:00 P.M., Friday, June 3, 2011 at Joe's Cafe located at 6014 Kingsbury near Forest Park.

B.Y.O.B. Bring prodigious amounts of any drink you prefer. Snacks will be provided. Every McAlumn and their family members are invited to celebrate our glorious history. Music is being provided by Bill "Smooth" Klutho.

Directions to the McWake at Joe's Cafe. Take Forest Park Expressway east of Skinker and turn left on Des Peres to Kingsbury. The best place to park is along Des Peres at Kingsbury as Joe's is the second building west of Des Peres on Kingsbury.

Of course be sure to wear your Orange and Green. This is being sponsored by the McBride Alumni Club and the Class of 1971.

69'er John Eilerman Is New Soccer Hall of Famer

Mick John Eilerman ('69) was inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame at the 38th annual banquet held October 2009 at the Millenium Hotel in downtown St. Louis. John was inducted into the St. Louis University Billiken Hall of Fame in 2002.

John played soccer 4 years at McBride High School. The varsity soccer team ended with a 6-12-6 record in John's senior year. Check Google's bookmarks for other career highlights.

McBride HS 1969 Varsity Soccer Team



John is Executive Vice President, C&R Mechanical Company. A 1973 graduate of St. Louis University with a BS in Accounting , John was awarded (1980) an MBA from Washington University. He is a graduate of St. Kevin's Parish, St. Ann, Mo.

Highlights of John's 11 year-soccer career playing the forward position listed on the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame website include

1967-69 St. William
1969 Our Lady of Good Counsel
1969-72 St. Louis University
1970-72 Giesler-Jorgen
1973-76 Kutis
1977-80 Caleco’s

CHAMPIONSHIPS:
1968 St. William MO Junior Cup Runner-up
1969,70,72 St. Louis University NCAA Champions
1971 St. Louis University NCAA Runner-up
1970, 71 Giesler-Jorgen St. Louis League Champions
1971 Giesler-Jorgen MO Amateur Cup Runner-up
1973 KUTIS St. Louis League Champions
1974 KUTIS St. Louis League Champions
1975 KUTIS Open Cup Champions

HONORS & AWARDS:
1976 CYC All-Star Team
2002 St. Louis University Hall of Fame

Other Class of 2009 Soccer Hall of Fame inductees include Jack Barry, Don Doran, Frank Flesch, Bob Huber (McBride '67), Don Huber, Ed Huneke, Jim Kersting, Tim Logush, Tom Malle, Ron Paul, Tim Rooney, Fred Schmalz and Richard Burns (posthumously), the Kutis family and Lori Chalupny .

Hey Micks, Enjoy Your Yearbook Online!

OK 69'ers...say you can't find your graduation yearbook!?!? Yeah, we know. "it's at Mom's"...or "that's where it was last time I saw it!" And how long ago was that? Maybe it's upstairs...in the attic...no...how about the garage? Oh, hell, admit it. You have no idea where it is do you? Well look no more...it's here with all the other McBride Yearbooks...that's right...the archive starts with the 1925 yearbook and ends with our last yearbook dated 1971. Check them all out at the McBride Alumni Website. But right now... let's enjoy The 1969 Colonnade!

Micks Hunt Poltroon In Chi Town

Mick 69'ers Tony Nocchiero, Pat Clear and Steve Schwartz pictured this July in a Chicago outdoor theatre venue shortly before Pat's evening Macbeth performance. While the ghost of Macbeth freely roamed the theatre grounds. the alums report Poltroon was a no show. Steve Schwartz last depicted Poltroon's exploits over 40 years ago in the Colonnade newspaper's comic strip panels displayed on McBride High School's first floor. Poltroon sightings in Chi town should be immediately reported to Chicago actor Pat Clear.

Micks Wait In Boston For Poltroon

Sent from my iPhone
McBride 69'ers Dik Ganahl and Steve Schwartz wait for Poltroon at the St. Joseph church in Boston's North End during the Fiesta of St. Joe held on the last weekend of July every year since 1925. Poltroon's exploits were last chronicled 40 years ago in comic strip panels created by Steve Schwartz and displayed in the McBride HS Colonnade newspaper's first floor window display. The alum shared cold ones during their vigil in the church's vestibule at Mary's shrine. While disappointed by Poltroon's absence, the alums' spirits were lifted by the Boston Police Parade Band's rendition of the Chicken Dance. Both agreed 'the outdoor Fiesta is exactly the kind of place you'd expect to find Poltroon.' Who knows, the two alums may become permanent Poltroon pilgrims!

Micks Pick In June Cards Over Cubs By 8!

Sent from my iPhone
McBride alums forecasted in June '09 that the Cards would lead the division in late August by 8 games over the Cubs. The Micks' prediction was made at Ozzies after much discussion. Pictured l to r are Mick 69'ers Jim Schafers, Larry Chik, Tom Lang, Bob Blattel, Pat Murphy, Dik Ganahl and 71'er Den Ganahl. For the record, on Sunday 8.23.09 the Cards lead the Cubs by 8 with a .568 winning record!

These Missed Mick 69'ers Have Gone Ahead

I know McBride '69 is just one-month shy of 40 years ago. But right now, and maybe because this is Holy Week, McBride seems as close as the one-hour Bi-State bus ride down Martin Luther King Drive that it always was. At this moment, these Micks that have gone to the other side are so close...so real...so 'just down the hall.' I'll always remember the haunting quietness of Steve Alsop's eyes, the thickness of Ken's just-sprouting stubbles, Carl's ruby-cheeks framing his bright smile and George's debate-style aggressiveness...Chris' dimples always hid an almost-audible-laugh, Rod's loafers were always shined, and Neil's smile was louder than his banter...Steve's voice was as deep as he was tall, and Tony's bite held the promise (for me at least) of a timeless novel...Steve Phillips always spoke behind a raised hand, Ralph's easy going manner kept life in perspective and Rich's square-jawed stare should have one day edited the Times. For me...these Micks remain very close...and for you? rjg

These 69'ers pictured L/R and T/B have gone ahead.
Steven Alsop-2004; Kenneth J. Bauman-1976; Carl E. Begmann-2008; George W. Daignault-2002; Chris Grinstead-1970; Rodney H. Hanebrink-2001; Neil R. Hohlfield-2008; Anthony V. Lazzari-1995; Stephen O. Husmann-2002; Stephen J. Phillips-1970; Ralph R. Russell-2006; Richard W. Vejvoda-2003.

Tim James '72 Mayor, Actor & Friend To All

The following notice regarding Tim James '72 is published on the KSDK site. "St. Ann Mayor Tim James, an accomplished local actor and performer, died at his home Friday night. He had battled diabetes and coronary artery disease. He was 54 years old.

James was elected mayor of St. Ann MO in 2007. Before that, he served as that city's 3rd ward alderman. His sister, Maureen Jaggard, says James was a longtime member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He did voice work for commercials and acted in plays.

Visit Google's Tim James Page.

Please send your remembrances of Tim to Richard Ganahl '69 at rganahl@bloomu.edu. Peace Be With Tim!

Mike Gorges '71 Creates St. Louis Graphic Icon

Mike Gorges '71 describes his eureka moment. "That was my art "CRUISIN." I did the Chuck A Burger art on the bill board. Originally I did a t-shirt for Ralph Stille, the owner then of the only surviving Chuck. I had previously worked as the night manager at the Rock Road location. Ralph was the supervisor of the the North County (4) chucks. After leaving and starting to print t-shirts in my basement, (yeah, I was the one printing posters and ribbons in the Brothers' basement after school hours), I ran into Ralph and he asked if I would do a Chuck A Burger shirt, "just for the workers to wear."

When I started designing the shirt, I wanted to do nostalgia of the Cruisin era. Ralph, expecting his "Chuck A Burger" logo on the shirt, was blown away, when I surprised him with a full color '57 Chevy, car hop and the Logo around the graphic. Immediately, he wanted to order more, "to sell to a few of his patrons and family." I started printing this shirt 3 doz at a time, and eventually through several years produced thousands of these shirts. I still have a couple of the original run. This eventually lead me to working for other t-shirt companies locally, and finally landed me in Indianapolis, where I work as a high end artist doing NFL, NBA, and NHL t-shirt art. You might see our shirts at WalMart or Pennys and occasionally at the stadiums. You can see some of my other work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael_gorges/"

Cruizin In North County

Bet you didn't know that crooner Lil' Walter Scott of Bob Kuban and the In Men ended his career in 1983 as a 'corpse in the cistern' at a house next to the home of McBride Alum Larry Chik of '69? Check out Walter and the In Men in this video!

CARL E. BERGMANN, McBRIDE, '69

Carl Edward Bergmann

Bergmann, Carl Edward of Wentzville, Missouri, died on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at the age of 58. Dearest husband of Cynthia Elaine Bergmann; dear son of the late Walter and Dola Bergmann; cherished father of Paul (Jennifer) Bergmann and Ryan Bergmann; beloved grandfather of Alexander and Andrew; dear brother of Doug (Cindy) Bergmann. He was our beloved brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Carl was the Owner of Superior Home Products in Wentzville, Missouri and a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.Services: The family is being served by The BAUE Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO where visitation will be held Thursday, October 16, 2008, 4-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2008 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 405 South Church Street, Wentzville, MO. Interment private. Memorials may be made to Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Ste 140, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 for Cardio Vascular Research Center. Share your condolences and memories at baue.com.

Thoughts From Fellow Micks

I'm shocked and saddened to hear about Carl's passing. I have a lot of fond memories of Carl and our '69 baseball team. He was a great teammate.
Bob Scanlon

I'm sure we all have great memories of Carl's wonderful smile and his earnest willingness to be a true friend to all!
Dik Ganahl

Carl was a great guy, always friendly and accommodating to me
and others, regardless of his stature in the Student Council. I always
asked myself, as a large fellow and introvert (even until today), how
can I learn from him to become more outgoing?

He was one of my concert "band" buddies, and was a very good
bassoonist. We really missed him in our senior year.

I believe that Carl and I were two of the oldest fellows in our
class. We would kid each other about that because we were one year
older than everyone early in the school year. We were happy that we
were not born before 15 September, otherwise we would have been in with
the '68 class, instead of with our wonderful '69 classmates.
Bill Genova

How can Carl Bergman be gone? Wasn't it just yesterday he ran into me in the hall running from the Student Council office to baseball practice, flashing his megawatt smile and a breezy wave? My heart goes out to Cindy and his kids and grandkids. I hope some of you who live closer by can make it to the funeral.
Pat Clear

I don't remember the last time I saw him. But remembering him from McBride is easy. I'll be throwing some horseshoes tonight with some friends and will have to have a beer for Carl. And Ralph. And everybody else. I better get a designated driver.
In heaven, there is no beer. That's why we drink it here
Greg Groesch

Sorry to hear the sad news. Dan and I have been reflecting on some of the great times we had with Carl. We went to school with him almost daily as seniors. His love of McBride was only surpassed by his love for Cindy. Condolences to all.
Don Freesmeier

Much like Pat I have been reflecting on the years we shared together at McBride. The experience was a mosaic of events, people, adventures and misadventures that once shared remain a treasured memory. When we lose individuals such as Carl a piece of the mosaic falls away and the picture is not quite as complete as it was the day before. My thanks to all of you for the gift of those memories, and Carl thanks for that special smile.
Joe Nettemeyer

Carl was every Mick's friend.
Roger Yanko

Carl was one of the genuinely good guys in our class. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone, regardless of who they were. My heart goes out to his family right now.
Rex Heater

I have been thinking a lot about Carl over the last few days and wanted to share a few of my thoughts.

What I think of first was his rosy cheeks and bright smile, his kindness to all, regardless of who you were. For gosh sakes, he was even kind to John Eilerman! I remember him turning double plays at second, and his quiet, yet effective leadership. I remember the hospitality always offered to me by his Mom and Dad. I remember sitting in his basement with his family watching Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. I remember going out on double-dates with he and Cindy, with him always driving since I was embarrassed to take my Dad's rusted-out '59 Ford.

And what an amazing romance the two of them had! It was the classic romance made in heaven. As far as I can remember, there was never anyone else for either of them, even in their youngest of years.

We had the pleasure of continuing our relationship while attending Mizzou. After that our lives took different directions. Yet I am sure the influence he had on my life is still with me today. He was a true gentleman and a man of honor.
Ray Finke

Ray, your comments are both eloquent and obviously heart felt. I remember the same kindness and outgoing personality that Carl exhibited and agree that he was this way with everyone at McBride. Personally, as someone who had just moved to the States from Canada at the start of our freshman year and did not know anyone when I first came to McBride, he made me feel like I had been a friend of his for years. I would bet money that Carl was the first person to "comfort" Frank Eisele after Brother Davenport beat him senseless in the hallway - anyone from Brother Hartlaub's homeroom remember that?

I would hope that Carl's family will take comfort in knowing that Carl made an impact on many people during his years at McBride. My condolences to his family in their time of grief.
Mike Kelly

Hey Ray, I was with you in Carl's basement the night Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. I remember Carl making fun of Armstrong's "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" line. Carl thought he should have come up with something better than that.

I've had some memories of the McBride ball team as well since Carl's passing. He was a really good defensive 2nd baseman and although he didn't hit for a high average he sure could figure out some ways to get on base.

That was a lot of years ago........I don't think I'd seen Carl since high school but I remember him fondly.

Blessings to all....
Marv Schaefer

I wasn't close with Carl Bergmann back in the day. I am sure he and I must have interacted more than what I recall, what with the compactness of our HS experience and mutual involvements in sports activities. We didn't drink or bum together, and probably never had any real or meaningful conversation, that I can recall. I am sorry I did not know him as well as most of you. I will say that the outpouring of love and posthumous respect shown this McBride Man reflects upon my deep regret that I did not know him better. May he rest in God's embrace and may all of you who knew Carl well have peace in your hearts at his passing.
H.T.Diekemper