February 2025: Volume 25 - Issue 5

Thanks for reading our latest issue of HixNews.com. We appreciate all the feedback we have received. If you want to contribute but don't have a story idea, you can always send us your memories and pictures about Spring Break or marching in a St. Patrick's Day Parade. We will gladly edit it for you! Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Memories from a Long, Long Time Ago

Submitted by,

Wayne Lyons, Class of 1966

My family moved from the Bronx in the early 1950s, and we settled in Hicksville in 1952. I lived on the border of Hicksville, and over the fenced backyard was Levittown. I did have one neighbor briefly who worked in the TV industry...Wright Thornburgh King (January 11, 1923 – November 25, 2018) was an American stage, film, and television actor whose career lasted for over forty years. He is best known for playing Jason Nichols in the television series Wanted Dead or Alive (1958–1961). King studied acting at the St Louis School of Theater, from which he graduated in 1941, before enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II, in which he served in the South Pacific campaign from 1943 to 1945.

With Vivien Leigh in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

King made his small screen debut in 1949 as Midshipman Bascomb in the television series Captain Video and His Video Rangers. Throughout his career, he worked in both the United States and the United Kingdom. King was cast in numerous Westerns and is particularly known for his role in the 1951 film adaptation of Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Vivien Leigh (whom his character kisses). Before that, he had appeared in the original stage production, a performance that drama critic Harold Hobson lauded. Years later I always looked for his name in various westerns that were on in the 50's and 1960's.

Back to my Hicksville days...I went to school at Fork Lane, which was a two-and-a-half block walk from our house on Spindle Road. Those days, you could walk home for lunch. Then it was off to junior high and back to seventh to ninth grade. The high school, from what I remember, had split sessions in 10th grade. I remember we had classes in temporary buildings....one rememberance from ninth grade I was coming out of the library with a good friend and we heard about President Kennedy. Still remember that day.

High school had over 900 graduates. It was always a challenge to attend classes with over 30 students, which was a usual amount for our teachers to combat!

Some of the teachers I really enjoyed...10th grade Mr. McCarty...he was there a couple of years...a bit ahead of his time. He had sweatshirts made by McCarty's Minkles..where he came up with that, I do not remember. But his English class was amazing. He was probably just out of college. Gus Alfieri another great teacher, taught history. My favorite teacher, whom I first met in junior high, Neal O'Daughtery... once took me and three other students to Shea Stadium, where we met Larry Bearnarth..., a relief pitcher for the Mets. They went to the same college - St. John's and Mr. O'Daugherty had us meet him before the game. By the way, my wife also had him in high school.

I remember going out to eat lunch (I still have an early lunch pass in my possession) at a hamburger place we called Ed's Tomaine Parlor. The burgers were good ...but for some reason that was the name we used...go figure!

During my time in the high school we were getting very familiar with what was called, at the early stages, a police action in a faraway place called Vietnam...Do I remember any other classes? I took a year of typing, which came in very handy in the following years: 3 guys and 20-some girls. After graduation, I decided that college was not for me. Nor was the US Army. I went to the Navy recruiting office and joined the Navy in April of 1967. Spent a little under four years being stationed in Washington Navy Yard, Newport, Rhode Island, for school and then 26 months on the ship USS San Diego, which was attached to the Sixth Fleet...two Med tours...fond memories...went to college starting at Nassau Community for two years and then SUNY Albany and SUNY Stonybrook...Navy paid all....

It was not easy being in a class as big as the one I was in, but I maintained strong friendships - one for over 55 years. I also married a graduate of the class of 1970. I got to know her from her brother, who I graduated with.

Battle of Long Island August 27-29, 1776 

 by, Wendy Elkis Girnis, Class of 1977

The vote for the Declaration of Independence took place on July 2nd of 1776.  All of the Colonies voted “Yes” except one.  New York abstained for 9 days because they had not received instructions from their assembly on how to vote.  Because of this, the first printing of the Declaration, the Dunlap Broadside,Dunlap Broadside Copy of Declaration Stone Engraving of the Declaration that says Unanimous Declarationdoes not say “The Unanimous Declaration of...” Fortunately, New York returned with a “Yes” vote, making the vote for Independence unanimous.  The first and largest major battle of the Revolutionary War occurred from August 27-29, 1776, in the southwest portion of Long Island, known as Brooklyn Heights. 

The Battle

After the Siege of Boston on March 17, 1776, the British decided to seize control of the strategic Port of New York to isolate New England. British General Lord William Howe, under the protection of the British fleet, moved to occupy New York.  With British soldiers arriving, Washington stationed one-third of his troops on Long Island and erected fortifications in Brooklyn Heights.  Those fortifications were occupied by Major General Nathanial Green and his men. 

As for the British, Howe was encamped on Staten Island with 30,000 British soldiers and Hessian mercenaries. They attacked the south beaches of Long Island on August 22, 1776. The Americans had 9,000 men. Unfortunately, just before the attack, General Green became ill. He was replaced by Major Battle of Long Island, Delaware 1st RegimentGeneral Israel Putnam who was not as capable. Putnam had 6,500 men in the primary position; the rest were placed to block the three roads leading to the Heights.

British troops were divided into three assault groups by General Howe, one group for each road.  After midnight on August 27, Howe’s central and left columns marched forward. Putnam pulled troops to deal with the British threat, leaving the right road undefended. The Americans were outnumbered and neededBattle of Long Island Maryland Regiment to retreat to the main defense line.  The first Maryland regiment allowed hundreds of Americans to escape the defenses at Brooklyn Heights. 

 The Retreat

General HoweHowe was successful in his campaign and paused for two days to prepare for a final assault.  While waiting, a storm moved in, bringing rain and fog.  This forced the British Warships to move downriver. Washington used this opportunity to abandonGeneral George Washington 1776 Long Island. 

During the Evening of August 29, 1776, the Americans successfully escaped. Washington waited until all his men left, making him the last Continental soldier to leave Long Island.  By September 15, Washington finally withdrew to New Jersey.  In the end, American losses/casualties were 300 dead, 650–800 wounded, and 1,100 captured; British and German losses / casualties were 64 dead, 314 wounded, missing, or captured. The British held New York for the rest of the war.

Afterwards

 Washington faced General Howe eight times in the 15 battles his army fought.  Of those engagements with Howe, he lost six times.  Luckily, the tide turned, and the Americans won the war.  The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.  In May of 1787, Washington called for the (Constitutional) Convention. The US Constitution was completed on September 17, 1787. 

During the debate about the Executive Branch, the Antifederalists were worried that the President would be an elected monarch who would develop small groups of secret plotters that would go against the government.  They worried that the pardon power and the veto power would be abused.  Federalists argued that the President would only enforce laws and conduct foreign policy. Unlike the King, the President would have the other two branches, Judicial and Legislative, as checks on his power. Although Washington desired to retire, he ran for President because he felt it was his duty to serve his country.  

An 1849 print by Henry Sadd & John Neale, based on a painting by T. H. Matteson, depicting George Washington's first inauguration on April 30, 1789. Library of Congress

During his two terms, Washington had the trust and admiration of the American people.  They knew that they could trust him not to take advantage of the power of the president. He worked to be a president for all, which at the time meant white men.  He was mindful of the principles of republican virtue.  Self-sacrifice, decorum, self-improvement, and leadership were what he strived for. Our expectations of presidents today, that they should be held to higher standards and that the office carries a certain level of respect and prestige, began with Washington’s careful creation of the position.  Washington also left his mark on the political process by choosing a cabinet, a group of carefully selected people who would help him make decisions. 

Washington retired from the presidency after two terms, setting a precedence for all future presidents until FDR.  Washington was worried about the power the president might accrue if they served more than two terms.  He knew that Americans needed to learn how to elect, transition, and inaugurate a new president for our country to be successful.  Washington wanted this process to be planned out and not haphazard.  After FDR, the 22nd Amendment was added, giving the office of the president a two-term limit. 

Although our country admires and reveres Washington, we can't help but remind ourselves that he did have enslaved people. He pursued those who had escaped instead of letting them go free. During Washington's time, his wealth and lifestyle depended on enslaved people. Although he didn't free his enslaved people while alive, by the end of his life, he knew the institution was wrong and freed his slaves after his death.  When his will was made public, it sent a shockwave through the country.  By freeing his enslaved people, he made a statement about the morality of slavery, albeit a little too late. 

History may not always be pretty, but it has made us who we are today.  History reminds us of not just what we have done well but also what mistakes we've made so we can correct them.  Looking at all sides of history gives us a 360-degree view of our lives.  As I would tell my students, you need to look at all sides of the story and listen to all points of view.  Somewhere in all of it is the truth.  You have to have an open mind, do your own analysis, listen,  and come to a logical conclusion. 

 Resources

• Britannica - Battle of Long Island, American history [1776]  https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Long-Island
• Ducksters- The Battle of Long Island  https://www.ducksters.com/history/american_revolution/battle_of_long_island.php
• World History Enclyclopedia - Battle of Long Island https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2359/battle-of-long-island/ 
• Center for the Study of the American Constitution- The Debate over the President and the Executive Branch https://csac.history.wisc.edu/document-collections/constitutional-debates/executive-branch/    

 Illustrations: 

• Dunlap Printed Copy of Declaration- https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2016/fall/declaration
• Matlack Handwritten Copy of Declaration- https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2016/fall/declaration 
• Battle of Long Island - https://www.ducksters.com/history/american_revolution/battle_of_long_island.php
• The Maryland 400 - https://www.ducksters.com/history/american_revolution/battle_of_long_island.php
• The Retreat - https://www.ducksters.com/history/american_revolution/battle_of_long_island.ph
• George Washington - https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2359/battle-of-long-island/
• General Howe - https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2359/battle-of-long-island/
• Washington's Legacy https://millercenter.org/president/washington/impact-and-legacy
• An 1849 print by Henry Sadd and John Neale, based on a painting by T. H. Matteson, depicting George Washington's first inauguration on April 30, 1789. Library of Congress https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/george-washington-inauguration.htm

Walt Staehle, Class of 1972, Needs a Kidney

submitted by Kurt Spielmann, Class of 1972

Walt Staehle was very active at Trinity, active in Boy Scouts, became an Eagle Scout, and won several scouting and church awards. He raised two sons, one of whom still serves as a US Navy Captain. If he’s lucky to receive a kidney, he’s the kind of person who would continue to give back to society as long as he’s able. In that picture of 8 kids in a line, Walt is the guy in the middle wearing the maroon shirt. I’m the guy on the right in the trench coat on our high school trip to Germany in ‘72.

Here is more information from John Dunne, a college classmate of Walt's. Walt Staehle, our beloved classmate, needs our support. A 1976 graduate with an A.B. in Economics and English, Walt is originally from Hicksville, NY. During his time at Muhlenberg, he was a dedicated member of the Varsity Football and Track Teams for all four years, served as Senior Class President, delivered the Convocation Speech, and won several awards. He also led our Pledge Drive and was known for his memorable performances in Intramural Basketball, often fouling out with gusto.

Walt married fellow Muhlenberg alumnus, Loran Duemmel (Staehle), a member of the Class of 1975. The couple met on campus in 1973. Together, they have two sons: Chris, a 2004 graduate of Muhlenberg and a bank executive at Bank of America, who lives in Delaware, and Karl, a 2006 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, who currently commands all EOD training units and is stationed at Fort Story, Virginia.

Walt is now retired, but he spent most of his career in the Lehigh Valley, where he held key roles at Kraft Foods and Siemens Industry in Plant Management, Manufacturing Systems, and National Strategic Account Management. A highly respected executive in manufacturing and technology, he led teams at seven manufacturing networks and three headquarters locations. He earned his master’s in business management from Central Michigan University and furthered his education at The Wharton School and Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

A committed alumnus, Walt has given generously to Muhlenberg College in time, talent, and resources. In 2002, he received the Alumni Achievement Award for Service to the Alumni Association and is a member of the Cardinal and Grey Society, and the Henry Melchior Muhlenberg Society. Walt has also been honored as a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Citizen of the Year, a Bronze Medalist from the Sons of the American Revolution, and a recipient of a Bronze Medal from the Four Chaplains Memorial.

An avid cyclist, Walt had been eagerly anticipating exploring the scenic roads and parks of the Lehigh Valley in his retirement. However, health challenges have recently changed the course of his plans. Walt is now in urgent need of a kidney transplant. He has met all 23 criteria on the waitlist, which are key to ensuring the best transplant outcomes, but he still requires a living donor.

If you are interested in helping Walt, please contact Temple University Health at 215-707-8889 to learn more about their Living Kidney Donor Program. You can also find more information on the program and Walt’s surgical director, Dr. Antonio DiCarlo from the Katz School of Medicine, here: https://www.templehealth.org/services/transplant/kidney-transplant/living-kidney-donation

Despite the challenges he faces, Walt is confronting his situation with an unwavering positive attitude. Let’s come together to support Walt during this critical time, embodying the spirit of community and compassion that defines us. With advances in medical science, the success rates for kidney transplants are extraordinary, and I encourage you to reach out to Walt to offer your support or encouragement in any way that’s comfortable for you.

Let’s rally together, so we can all enjoy many more years of life, shared as a community.

Walt’s Contact Information:

1754 Penns Crossing
Allentown, PA 18104
484.273.6964
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Etcetera for February 2025

Notes from Readers

Thanks to those who read the article from our webmaster about using the comments function for articles. We also received emails, and we are so glad to hear from our readers!! Below are a few of the comments we received. Remember, if you are signed in you can leave a comment on an article.

*Allied Shopping Center...from Austin Bowles "Stefanie, Thank you for your article. I do remember my family using the bakery even though we lived on the other side of Hicksville near Wantagh Parkway. If I remember correctly, there was a bar (Alpine?) that I sometimes frequented as a recent 1961 graduate, but not much later, as I moved away from Hicksville after graduating from college. Eighteen drinking law was still in existence"

*Allied Shopping Center...from Eugen Lewan "I believe the bar was called the Alpine. As kids it was a mysterious place. Allied was a few blocks away from where we lived. I, too, have fond thoughts of the businesses and folks that provided for the community. The 5 and 10 we knew as Jack's, and the luncheonette as the Candy Store (I think the proprietor was Phil). I also recall a drug store, I believe, next to Crown Bakery. There was at one time a laundry service between the candy store and the Grand Union. I also recall all the discarded gum that decorated the sidewalks outside the deli and candy store and the delightful aroma of the Kosher Meat store. Later years there was Rizzo's Pizza across the street where what now is I believe is now a 7-Eleven. Thanks for this walk down memory lane."

*Hicksville Revitalization...from Eugene Lewan "Very nice article Wendy. It's nice to see some of the upcoming developments though some of the upgrades will change the Hicksville we knew growing up there. Hicksville of old will always be a part of the collective memories for each generation. Thank you for dedicating your time to this forum. It is appreciated by those who no longer reside there. Still it will always be home."

Response from Wendy Elkis Girnis..."You're welcome. I can't wait to visit Hicksville in the future to see all of the changes taking place. You are right though. Those of us who left will always think of Hicksville as a small town where you could play kickball in the streets, ride your bike from one end to the other to go to your friend's house, or spend time at the mall with your friends."

*From Robert Bittner... Bob's article on President Truman showed just how far those seeking office have fallen. It's take the money and run like a bunny. Talk about integrity, and President Truman was our last President who did not attend college! I would suggest he believed in George Washington's farewell speech. He was a President for all regardless of party. Well that's my three cents. I know it should be two cents but hey inflation. Bob Bittner Class of '68 I believe we had close to 1100 in that class

*From Wayne Lyons...from latest issue of hix news found out about teacher I had (Paul Vetrano).

Thanks for letting me know you read it. I work on getting those in there. Some of the teachers in your article are listed under Faculty and Staff under In Memoriam on the website. Mr. Alfieri passed a few months ago. Stefanie

Mr. Alfieri was also an excellent basketball player...I remember watching him play when faculty took on basketball team...he also wrote an excellent book which I read awhile ago...Lapchick: The Life of a Legendary Player and Coach in the Glory Days of Basketball  

In Memoriam

• Joan Knight Gavin, Class of 1967. Passed January 20, 2025. Thank you to Michael Hand for the submission.
• Charles Newton, Class of 1977. Passed January 31, 2025.
• Mary Jane Gillette, Class of 1962. Submitted by her daughter.
• John Mayorga, Class of 1960. Enlisted in the Air Force. Submitted by his daughter.

They are trying to compile the addresses of alumni. Please send your address, regardless of whether you can or cannot go in a Facebook PM, to either of them. Or email Donna Smith Weston at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Janette Teplin-Marvelli at  jani91167@gmail. Classmates who can read this, please post it on your pages as well. If you also are in touch with anyone NOT on FB, reach out to them ASAP! SO looking forward to this wonderful night!

Class of 1975 50th Reunion Updated

Join us for a special evening where the most popular phrase will be “Remember when…”! Yes! We are celebrating our 50^th anniversary as the class of 1975 from our beloved Hicksville High School. And what a class we were. Come share friendships, laughs, cries and hugs as we travel down memory lane together. How many more opportunities do we have to get together as a class? The realistic answer is not many, that’s why this one is a special one and we ask that we all put our political views aside to secure a very special evening. So, if you’re on the fence about this event…jump off and come celebrate with us!

Editor's Note: Ted Urban posted this on the Hicksville High School page on Facebook and has granted us permission to repost it here.

The Hicksville High School graduating class is approaching 500 students. The PTA needs to pay for 100 apples, so every little bit helps! Please consider making a donation, and if your employer matches donations, be sure to leverage that as well. Go Comets.