Chrylene Flowers Lindsley.

Chrylene Kwiatkowski (Flowers) Lindsley

MEMORIES OF GROWING UP AROUND ST. HEDWIG’S

My name is Chrylene Kwiatkowski (Flowers) Lindsley. I grew up in the house next door to the school, 321 Wallace Street. I lived there with my father Stanley, my mother Elinor, and my three sisters Jeanette, Pauline and Janice.
Our next door neighbors were John and Mary Szymczak. John, the brother, was my father’s fishing buddy. Mary was the organist at St. Hedwig’s. She died April 14, 1961, and was buried on April 17, 1961. I remember singing at her funeral. The house was bought by the Trojanowski family.
On the corner was Donikowski store, and Mary Hatkevich’s Beauty Shop. Also living there was Ed Brzezinski and his mother. Ed became a teacher and taught my daughter Stephanie at East High School.
Across the street was another Donikowski family. I went to school with Rita and John.
Two doors away was the Milewski family. The father was a fisherman. Patty was a good friend growing up.
Across the street was the DiAngelo family. They sold their house to the Romeo family. Their daughter, Kitty and I were best friends until they moved to California.
Next door was the Dumala family. I remember John as being one of the smartest boys in school. His sister Gabe’s daughter Sharon was in my daughter Kristie’s wedding party. The Furgal's lived upstairs.
On the corner was a Variety Store. I remember it had really good ice cream.
Another girl who went to St. Hedwig’s was Judy Chrostowski. She lived at 610 East 6th Street. Her family moved when we were in the upper grades.

My fondest memory is playing my accordion for midnight Mass in 1959 or 1960. I also played for some of the dinners at the Polish Falcons.
I was a member of Girl Scout Troop No. 68 at St. Hedwig’s. My favorite game was Strut Miss Lizzie.
One time a Nun locked me and two other kids in the old school basement for talking in line. She left and went to the convent and forgot about us. It wasn’t until one of the mothers went to the convent that she remembered us and let us out!
On September 15, 1960, my friend and fellow classmate, Elaine Suleski died. It was a very sad time at school.
Another classmate, Frank Carl Suvara Jr., was killed in Vietnam. He died on January 14, 1967. He was a P.F.C. in the Marines. His name is on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall Panel 14E, Line 030.
My father Stanley Flowers and brother-in-law Richard Moskel were both janitors at St. Hedwig’s. I used to rind the 6:00 A.M. Church Bells when they couldn’t. Going into a dark Church was really scary.
A lot of kids would sled down the hill on Third Street; it was also great for bike rides! We would also sled ride at the Soldiers & Sailors Home.
At the end of the alley were chickens and a pigeon coop, owned by the Arusiewicz family. I don’t remember who fed the chickens.
At lot of people would go to George’s Bakery after Church. It was right across from the 3rd Street Polish Falcons. It was a great place to buy baked goods. Also, there was Sutula’s Market, Elmer’s Grocery Store, Peterman’s Grocery Store and Calvano’s Bar which was on Parade Street.