by Diane Norek Harrison
PERTH AMBOY- Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Division No. 3 and Ladies’ Auxiliary Ancient Order of Hibernians (A.O.H.) held their annual ball and card party on Monday evening, April 2, 1923 in the new auditorium. Music was by O’Brien’s Royal Serenaders. The committee for the activity was: H.P. McCardle, Mrs. Mary Green, Andrew Lahey, Thomas Daly, Mrs. Alice Smith, Mrs. Mary Kennedy, John S. Clark and Thomas Haney.
SOUTH AMBOY-March 17, 1978, was the 29th year of the Irish flag raising. The flag raising was always sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, prior to the formation of the South Amboy Irish American Association.
St. Joseph’s Day, March 19, has always been remembered in South Amboy.
On March 18, 1979, the Polish American Club held its annual flag raising ceremony. Joseph Szarejko was the flag raiser.
I am always looking for any holiday memories or past material to use at the appropriate time of the year. Send them at any time.
Back in December, I received an email from the company doing the new banners for Main Street. My columns were found on the Atom Tabloid‘s website. I was asked for help with content or imagery of the John Bull, the first hot air balloon landing, first airmail flight and first America’s Cup. I sent what I had. I don’t know if I was much help, but it was nice to be asked!
Downzie’s Bar was located on South Pine Avenue until 1989. Here is the Downs’ family float in the 1987 South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. (Photo by Diane Norek Harrison)
