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Haec Olim Meminisse Juvabit:
Reflections by the Pioneer Class on the Occassion of their 25th Anniversary
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| 70 years ago this month, the February 1944 Regis Alumni Newsletter documented the then recently-celebrated 25th anniversary dinner for the Class of 1918, the first class to graduate from Regis. Reprinted here are refelctions on the milestone celebrated by that pioneer class all those years ago. The reflections touch on some memories all sons of Regis carry and remind us—as Virgil wrote—that "one day, we will look back on this and smile." |
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Twenty-Five Years
By Thomas Henry '18
Regis Alumni Newsletter, February 1944 | Volume 10, Number 1
Haec olim meminisse juvabit. Do you remember that quotation? That's Vergil. The quotation is shortened and rightly so. There can be no "perhaps" or "maybe" in our recollections of Regis, looking back, as we are, over twenty-five years. Event are remembered. We remember persons twenty-five years later with humor, with love, with affection, with tenderness, with sorrow. But remember Regis? Regis is not and cannot be a memory to us. It cannot be a memory to any true Regis man. The day we entered its still unfinished halls it became strictly and literally a physical part of us, to remain in us the rest of our lives.
We of the twenty-five year class are an unusual crew. We are unusual in that we met Fathers Kilroy, Archdeacon and Reilly before you did! We are unusual in the sense that we net Roll of Honor (a few of us), List of Merit (some of us), and Regis buns (all of us) before you did. We are unusual in the sense that we have seen Regis involved in two wars. Most of us were too young for the first and are too old for the second. Cy Egan actually fought World War I for us while some of us were fighting the bloody battle of Fordham Heights. But seriously we lay proud claim in World War II to Lt. Commander Charlie O'Neill, Lt. Phil Walsh, and Captain George Gilligan, all soldiers of the Cross. We are unusual in the sense that twenty-five years later we still see each other, like each other, help each other. We are unusual in the sense that we entered Regis when the plaster was still wet on the walls, and we still come back after all these years. We are unusual in the sense that we still remember those of us who did not finish as clearly and affectionately as we remember those of us who did. We are unusual in that we remember retreats, sodalities, and chapel as yesterday. But then we are unusual because we are the usual sons of Regis.
That we are the twenty-five year class is merely an accident. To us, twenty-nine years after we entered, Regis is no different than the day we entered. Regis cannot change because what it is built on is changeless. Regis cannot change because no one of us would have it so. Regis cannot change because the same educational, spiritual and moral values are and ever will be present there. Regis cannot change because all of us, whether we be 1918 or 1958, leave there dedicated "Ad majorel Dei gloriam."
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| Above: A 1914 photograph of a group of students from the class of 1918 as freshmen. |
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"Fair Regis"
By Raymond Kane '18
Regis Alumni Newsletter, February 1944 | Volume 10, Number 1
Once upon a time we looked from the St. Ignatius Parochial School windows and saw many things. We were looking into space to work out those Regents problems—you understand! Across the way, back in '14, stood a row of livery stables and carriage houses. We oldsters saw those fabrics come down rapidly; then, steam shovels, blastings and an immense hole in the ground. Many young hopefuls looked in the direction of demolition and then of construction as a school of unparalleled architectural beauty rose from almost nowhere.
Finally early in September '14, the first group of Regians walked into the awesome structure that had almost mushroomed from the ground we had been looking out upon from St. Ignatius School windows and that a legion of other boys from all over the metropolitan area had heard of. Regis High School and virtually Alumni association history was in the making.
The calendar cycled on to '18. These pioneer lads had run their first scholastic lap and won their diplomas; a thing to be proud of as they themselves were to their parents and masters. Regis for the first time had its full complement of classes. Regis for the first time had a graduating and a graduated class. The carnage of World War I was abatting.
Through it all the Regis owl looked out with imperturbable serenity. It watched these boys grown into Regis men. It saw Regis anchor present and future on to solid foundations and advance in strength. Regis was establishing a tradition. Post-war readjustments, boon days, depression, great social and economic upheavals--all came marching before our young eyes. Regis remained unchanged—a symbol of strength in true education, morals, religion, preparation for life. The enchiselled words crowned by a beautiful row of windows and bronzed frieze graced eight mighty Ionian columns in the facade. Those words were not dead. They lived. "Deo et Patriae Pietas Christiana Erexit." Christian devotion had raised a tabernacle of learning and scholarship. It had nurtured the Catholic way of life. It was then and is now cultivating a sort of manhood that alone can make for the best statesmanship, genuine democracy and Christian living—Regis, our own Alma Mater. |
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| Above: A photograph of the Regis High School pioneer class of 1918. |
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First Graduates Celebrate
Cover Story, Regis Alumni Newsletter, February 1944 | Volume 10, Number 1
The 25th Anniversary Dinner and Celebration for the Class of '18 held on June 5, 1943, is now a 'fait accompli.' It was a function well carried out and successful in all respects. Not an easy matter to hold a get-together after so many years. Under the able chairmanship of Harold Treanor, the task was done in grand fashion.
Plans were conceived I nearly spring and hard working assistant chairmen were put to work. George Brooks, Dick Deely, Vincent Dillon, Edward Galloway, Thomas Mahoney and Anthony Straub literally rolled up their sleeves and dug into the work before them.
The biggest difficulty was rounding-up of so many and so diversified (in location) a group. The plans included a Jubilee Mass in the School Chapel and a Jubilee Dinner at the Hotel Shelton. The class on record numbered 76. Ten had gone to their heavenly reward, and an equal number were serving their country.
But, on June 5, the pioneer graduates again went home to Regis, their seat of learning through the portals of 4th St. and attended Mass celebrated by the first priest-graduate Rev. John P. Manning. Many of the attendees received the Holy Eucharist. Benediction was given by Father Zema after the Mass.
The clock tolled 7 P.M. and the Hotel Shelton became the center of a new session of get-together. Cocktails were served to stimulate reminiscence. Nearly fifty members of the class (some almost complete strangers 25 years) were on hand, careless now of scholastic matters, and all intent on a fond remembering and an enjoyable meal. The old graduates recalled the '18 class song—
When through the years,
With their trials and their fears,
We have passed from thy portals,
Both faithful and strong,
Still staunch and true,
We'll remain to you,
For the love of dear Regis
Will guide us along.
Hearts one and all,
We'll old memories recall,
And old friendships
We shall then renew.
Here's to the Class of 1918,
Regis, here's to you.
When Toastmaster, Harold J. Treanor, summoned the merrymakers to the festive board, it was discovered, with great satisfaction to all, that the following guests were on the dais: Rev. James M. Kilroy, S.J.; Rev. Charles T. Taylor, S.J.; Rev. G. A. Zema, S.J.; and Rev. Francis L. Archdeacon, S.J. After dinner the toastmaster called upon three commentators, each one representing his section, to tell some of the highlights concerning the Class of '18. Section A was represented by Edward McDonald; Section B by Maurice Cox; Section F by Fran Caragher.
The Class and its guests will not forget the humorous and refreshing stories narrated by these gentlemen and many, who for four years could not comprehend any justification for the room called "Jug", were now glad to admit that no school celebration can be competently fulfilled without refreshing their memory with pleasant stories of the famous or infamous precinct known as "Jug". The audience listened attentively to the words of the guest speakers, and especially to those uttered by Fathers Kilroy and Archdeacon. Many a genuine tear was secretly wiped away as Father Kilroy, the first Prefect of Studies, and Father Archdeacon, on of the first professors and later Prefect of Studies, confessed, for the firs time, their original experiences, and also their feelings, wishes and hopes for the school which they called their "first love." The men who listened will undoubtedly never forget how Father Kilroy, explained that, despite all the honors which have been conferred upon him by the Society of Jesus, he would still desire, if he had his way, to return to Regis High School.
In his address, Father Zema paid tribute to Father Kilroy to whom the fine Regis spirit and traditions are chiefly due. Father Taylor, Regis' youngest headmaster, expressed his desire to continue in the traditions of the school so ably set by his predecessors. Father Archdeacon underscored the Catholic and Jesuit spirit that is Regis', was Regis', and must always be Regis'.
Harlod Treanor who, incidentally was excellent in his occasional remarks as toastmaster, complimented the committee on its work, and claimed that much of the success of the Alumni and especially of the Jubilee celebration was due to the encouragement and assistance of our faithful Moderator, Rev. Gabriel A. Zema, S.J. |
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| Above: An archived photograph of the members of the 25th Anniverary Dinner held at the Hotel Shelton, the first graduating class at Regis. Reading left to right the attendees were: 1—James F. Kelly; 2—William J. Sullivan; 3—Joseph I. Boylan; 4—Maurice E. Cox; 5—John Duncanson; 6—John F. Dolan; 7—Stephan A. Brooks; 8—Capt. N. Gilligan (Chaplain); 9—Rev. John Manning; 10—Edward F. Gallaway; 11—Rev. Gabriel A. Zema, S.J.; 12—George Brooks; 13—Rev. James M. Kilroy, S.J.; 14—Harold J. Treanor; 15—Rev. F.L. Archdeacon, S.J.; 16—Anthony F. Straub; 17—Rev. Charles T. Taylor, S.J.; 18—Richard L. Deeley; 19—Frank X. Caragher; 20—Joseph Hamilton; 21—Robert Hamilton; 22—Edward F. McDonald; 23—John O. Turner; 24—Thomas J. O'Gorman; 25—William Sweeney; 26—Vincent F. Dillon; 27—Charles K. Finch; 28—Raymond Kane; 29—Joseph A. Lee; 30—Joseph A. Butler; 31—Francis X. Holland; 32—Joseph Hanifin; 33-John J. Quinn; 34—William Leslie; 39—John J. Reilly; 40—Rev. William F. Wilkins; 41—James J. Williams; 42—John M. Murphy; 32—Maurice M. Condon; 44—Ralph J. Pempel; 45—Rev. Joseph A. Connor; 46—Thomas E. Mahoney. |
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