Randallion

Randy Brown is not black; he is pretty brown.

I first met Randy (340 Club: March 1981-August 1981) sometime in the mid-70s. One night, in early March 1978, I invited him to a 340 bash and he took me up on it. It was a crowded classic and Randy was on the second floor quaffing beers and making out with an atractive blonde near the top of the front stairs. Randy, as he is when his sights are on a young lady, was oblivious to everything else. Unfortunately for Randy everything else at the time was the girl's boyfriend steaming down at the other end of the hall waiting in line for the bathroom.

Meanwhile swirling around Randy and all of us was one of the greatest 340 bashes of all-time. It was rare that any of the parties stood out. They all were great but this one stood out because of a couple memorable events. Among them was a girl getting hit with a beer mug. (I'll need help from Phil on details. Randy sez Biker Bob Koenig, our neighbor at 338, struck his girlfiend. I don't have that detail but will await a consensus opinion). The 340 was packed in all three downstairs rooms. The second floor hallway was full of partyers.

After relieving himself the irate boyfriend solicited assistance from 4 or 5 other friends and the group approached the illicit pair - Randy & the blonde - breaking their lip lock and, after a quick "I'll be right back" deleivered to his girlfriend, the boyfriend and his buddies proceeded to pick Randy up and carry him down the stairs over their heads and then out the front door whereupon they gave him a toss into a snow bank.

The party continued unabated although with much commotion after the beer mug struck the young lady. I remember loud talk but in my mind it was more protestations of "I'm ok" and do not want to go for treatment rather than hostilities. In any case the party just grew louder and larger.

Randy picked himself up; dusted himself off, and proceeded back into the 340 and straight to the kitchen for a beer. Well, as soon as the drunken posse saw him they gathered their strength back up (i.e . five on one) and proceeded to carry him again, beer & all, on their shoulders and once again tossed him out into the snow.

Only this time Randy found himself, unspilt beer in hand, positioned between the 340 and a couple of Lancaster's finest. Having sane thoughts, Randy simply turned, beer in hand, and walked down King Street homeward bound.

The gendarmes, having been called to the house by complaining neighbor, entered the house and assisted the injured woman, warned us to keep the noise down, delivered a few obligatory winks, and departed. I'm certain the party continued, albeit a little quieter, long into the night.

Randy & I have been friends ever since.

From the Mighty 340 Club Juke Box

January 30, 1978

My memory and notes indicate a big fucking snowstorm on this night. Again, I have not researched in the papers but if my recollection is correct it was an 18" (or more) storm and Phil & I may have walked to Cassidy's together knowing that, at least in my case, there would be no work the next day. I do not recall walking home with Phil or, if I do, we were not alone and I certainly was by myself.

Interesting to note we are still talking about events that happened just over 30 years ago. Where does time go?

Music Options

Here are some more sets of records for consideration –

Here is the hardcore Motown collection – Supremes (10), Four Tops (8), Temptations (3): Beauty is Only Skin Deep, I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You), Loneliness Made Me Realize; The Jackson 5 (2): ABC, I Want You Back … no need to list the Supremes and Tops, with 18 45s I think if you want to hear it; it probably is there. Also from the Motown stable is Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The Grapevine

The Atlantic collection (11) – Sam & Dave, Blues Brothers, King Curtis, Clarence Carter, Arthur Conley, Chic, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Soul Finger, Otis Redding, Archie Bell & the Drells

Other Soul (36) … that makes 70 Soul records alone … remember there will only be 210 minutes of music … that is 70 records!

British Invasion – just as with the Supremes and the Tops it would be pointless to list all Stones and Beatles records. If you want it; lets us know. Your favorite is likely in the pile. Here they are – Rolling Stones (24), Beatles (13), Kinks (5), The Who (5), Moody Blues (3), The Dave Clark Five (3), The Animals (3), Manfred Mann (3), Herman’s Hermits (2), Led Zeppelin (2), Cream (2), The Zombies (2), Gerry & the Pacemakers, Wayne Fontanna & the Mindbenders, and The Troggs … 70 records!

Local – The Magnificent Men (5), The Kit Kats (3), Joey Welz, and then this trio of groups- The Blame, The Sharks, and The Shaynes … a dozen local hits!

Father Pete Hahn

Today, Father Pete Hahn confirmed that he would be thriled to attend the 340 Club reunion and deliver a prayer over the food as well as bless all in attendance. Previously Mayor Art Morris had stated his desire and hope to attend but has not yet been able to commit. I and all of us are happy that both of these two and, hopefully, Mr. Kratzert, the 338-340 landlord, are looking forward to attending the reunion. The important folks attending, however, are you and me. Lets be there. Here is what the agenda currently looks like:

Saturday, June 7th, Knights of Columbus
7:00 Welcome – Ted Knorr, MC
7:01 Invocation – Father Peter I. Hahn, St. Peters Church, Columbia, PA
7:04 Moment of Silence – Phil Zangari, MC
7:07 Mayor Arthur Morris (unconfirmed)
7:14 David Sturm (unconfirmed)
7:21 George Kratzert, Landlord, 338-340 West King Street, 1975-1984 (unconfirmed)
7:28 for the good of the order
7:30-11 Rock ‘n Roll – Randy Brown, DJ/Music of the Mighty 340 Club Juke Box

Special features:
• new 340 Club cards
• souvenier programs
• beer
• buttons
• tee shirt
• 50/50 raffles
• beer
• PowerPoint
• Trivia
• Cold cuts, chips. Pretzels
• beer

Semeniscus Receptacali

YEAR #
1974 0
1975 0
1976 15
1977 15
1978ytd 4
36

#33 met her at Johnny’s Tavern; took her to Forester’s where the N-word was used and I had to save Mr. Tanksley from her blade

#34 met her at Wonder Bar and we remained cozy for several years

#35 finally got friendly with my stage manager from previous year’s play

#36 met her at Fairmount House; at 47 she remains the oldest woman in terms of age difference

Source: Phil’s list of Tee’s exploits

I'm the MC; He's the DJ

Planning has begun in earnest for the June 7th 340 Club reunion. Several special attractions are being developed including special guests, new 340 Club cards, t-shirts, souvenir program, trivia test, PowerPoint and selection of special records to spin at the affair.

With regard to the music, it is anticipated that, just as if it was 2:30 am in the morning on a weekend in June 1978, there will be continuous, loud rock n’ roll music. Roughly 70 songs will be played; all of the records will be taken from the 500 record library of songs that were available to the mighty 340 Club juke box. With very few exceptions, if any, there will only be one song (or medley) played by any single group. I expect a mix of novelty, soul, psychedelic, hard rock, a few grinders, and good ol’ rock & roll.

To that end I am seeking suggestions for and/or dedications of specific songs to specific persons. Please submit your ideas. To help I will periodically list possible songs; the first installment of such are presented below:

Beach Boys (4) – Barbara Ann, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Good Vibrations/Help Me Rhonda, I Get Around/Surfin' USA Medley

The 4 Seasons (3) – Save It For Me, Lets Hang On, Don’t Think Twice

Sly & the Family Stone (5) – Dance to The Music, Everyday People, Sing A Simple Song, Stand, Sing A Simple Song

Monkees (2) – A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You, Pleasant Valley Sunday

Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels (4) – Jenny Take a Ride, Too Many Fish in the Sea, Little Latin Lupe Lu, Sock it to me Baby, Breakout

The Royal Guardsman (2) – Snoopy v The Red Baron, The Return of the Red Baron

The Lovin’ Spoonful (3) – You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice, Nashville Cats, Six O’clock

Creedence Clearwater Revival (6) – Proud Mary, Born on the Bayou, Travelin’ Band, Who’ll Stop the Rain, Up Around the Bend, Run Through the Jungle

The Young Rascals (3) – Good Lovin', I’ve Been Lonely Too Long, People Got To Be Free

Tommy James & the Shondells (5) – Hanky Panky, Mony Mony, Crimson & Clover, Sweet Cherry Wine, I Think We’re Alone Now

KISS (3) – Beth, Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud

Paul Revere & the Raiders (2) – Just Like Me, Good Thing

The Cars (3) – Just What I Needed, It’s All I Can Do, Candy-O

Reading the Tea Leaves

1977 began with the optimistic arrival of Chris Joyce into the 340 Club. The move portended a great year for the 340 Club and it panned out that way.

1978 began with the pessimistic happenstance of Dave Petkosh moving out. Little did we know that this set a tone for the year that would find seven more – eventually all – exoduses from the abode which would eventually lead to its demise.

From the Poet Laureate

Pessimism

Everybody looks
With relative ease
Everybody watches
But nobody sees

Everybody talks
Outloud and clear
Everybody shouts
But nobody hears

Everybody takes
Is what it is
Everyone wants
But nobody gives

Everyone praises
Heaven above
But everybody’s fake
Cause nobody loves

1977

JAN Beginning-of Year Roster: Tee, Sil, Phil
JAN President Carter pardons Vietnam Draft Dodgers
JAN Clactu moves in to the 340 Club
MAR Tee & City L in the Big Apple w Accu Jack
MAY City L returns to the 340 Club
MAY Chestnut Street captures 6th straight Brandon Cup
JUN Clactu moves out of the 340 Club
AUG Son of Sam caught
AUG Zangari South opens its doors
OCT Dave Petkosh moves in to the 340 Club
OCT Chestnut Street captures 7th straight Brandon Cup
DEC End-of-Year Roster: Tee, Sil, Phil, City L, Dave

1977 in the Book
President Jimmy Carter
Governor Milton Shapp
Mayor Dick Scott
CPI 60.6
U.R. 7.1%
Life exp 73.3
Violent crime 50.8
World Population: 4.23B
U.S. Population: 220.2M
Ted's # 32 pretty ladies
Best Picture Annie Hall

NCAA BK Marquette
Indy 500 A.J. Foyt
NBA Portland 4-2 over Philly
NHL Montreal 4-0 over Boston
MLB Yankees 4-2 over Dodgers
Horse of Year Seattle Slew
Hvwt Champ Muhammad Ali
NCAA F Notre Dame 11-1
NFL (1/78)Dallas 27-10 Denver

Happy New Year to the virtual 340 Club! 340 Club has operated for 1,197 days!!!

Chestnut Street Hockey Club

December 31st,1977
Front Row:(Kneeling)Marty Hornberger,Steve "Chip" Ream,Phil Zangari,Dave Buller,Steve Lesher and Jimmy Zangari
Middle Row:Tom Hoenninger,John "Mick" Walton,Don Todd,Ron Metzger,Joe Onore,Steve Troop,Dean Staherski,Mike Showalter,Tim Bowman,Jack Lewis,Jack Daily and Woody Kleinhaus
Back Row:Dave Ream and Jeff Troop


In late 1970 with the National Hockey League getting some coverage on our local cable station with broadcasts of the Philadelphia Flyers, the sport was intriguing to impressionable want-to-be jocks Dave Loss and myself.
We went out to the Sears store at the Lancaster shopping center and were pleasantly surprised to see a “street hockey puck” for sale. Made out of hard plastic it was supposed to glide along the pavement like a real puck does on ice. It rarely did, usually it came up on its side making it difficult to handle.We also purchased some hockey sticks and for protection, some baseball catcher’s shin guards.
Dave lived on Wise Avenue in Lancaster but there was an alley that ran behind his house. That is where we took a large cardboard box and laid it on its side to simulate a hockey net and practiced shooting the puck into it. Quickly tiring of just the two of us playing we recruited Dave’s brother Mike, Joe Wysock and Sil Simpson to play a half-court two on two contest. Mike was the goalie and the other four I think rotated as team-mates.
This was the first competitive “Street Hockey” match to my knowledge although down the road one of our main rivals, Rodney Park, ala the Russians during the Cold War, claimed to have invented it first.
We soon graduated to the tennis courts at Millersville State College picking up more interested players until we were politely told to leave by security after several weeks. In 1971 the Chestnut Street playground became the home of our street hockey activities with several of the neighboring kids getting involved. We usually played nearly every day with these newcomers forming the nucleus of our future team. Street Hockey equipment soon became available in all the sport stores with the puck being replaced by a red ball. They even came out with a blue ball for cold weather play which did not get as hard as a rock like the red one did.
Playing softball at Buchanan’s park one day we noticed another group of guys playing hockey so we challenged them. This group called themselves The Huckles and when they asked what our team's name was,we simply said, “Chestnut Street”. Soon we discovered teams throughout the area, mostly through casual conversation with other fans at Hershey Bears hockey games.
In August of 1974 the York YMCA announced they were sponsoring a street hockey tournament, we entered as did the Huckles and Rodney Park from Lancaster. We won the championship going undefeated in six games. We continued to practice everyday at the playground and occasionally on weekends playing a game against the Huckles and Rodney or sometimes traveling to Columbia or other towns when we discovered an opponent.
In the spring of 1975 the Lancaster Rec Commision decided to start a street hockey program on the basketball courts of Brandon Park. We won the championship that year, the first of seven consecutive Brandon Cup titles. Also in May of ‘75 we entered the National Championship in Leominster,Mass. After winning our first game 10-0 against a team from Brooklyn we soon learned a little humility as Roslindale, the champs of the previous year, beat us 7-3 outplaying us greatly but it showed us what we needed to do to improve our squad.
Street Hockey seasons usually consisted of two separate segments per year, sometimes three if there was a summer league. In the winter of ’77-’78 we left Lancaster after seven straight championships to compete on a new hockey rink in Sinking Springs known as the Western Berks League. We added six more titles there to give us 13 straight championships.
1977 thru early 1979 were the peak years for Chestnut Street, we won the Pennsylvania State title in ’77 but lost in the finals of the Mid-Atlantic Regionals. The following year we were crowned the Mid-Atlantic champs in a grueling two weekend tourney and captured the Western Berks Invitational.
In 1979 we placed 8th in the nation in Leominster and defended our crown in the Western Berks Invitational. Slowly age took its toll. In the winter of 1979-1980 we left the Western Berks league to come back home where the Lancaster Rec commission had erected a new street hockey rink. Our streak of titles came to an abrupt end. In our seven seasons at the new facility we made it to the finals only once, losing to the Wizards. The summer of ’82 was our last hurrah as we finished 7-3, good for 2nd place in an abbreviated summer league with no playoffs. It was time to pull the plug on the Chestnut Street name.
The team folded although several players latched onto other teams and resumed their hockey careers. The numbers are impressive, a 258-57-17 regular season record for 20 seasons. 56-19 in the playoffs, 13 consecutive league championships and in 31 tournaments a 72-36-1 mark with six titles.
Overall we were 386-112-18, a .775 clip. Most if not all the team members made a 340 or 338 appearance at sometime with several being "bona fide" regulars.

Stats

Season by Season


Rec League Scoring
Rec League Goaltending


Western Berks Scoring
Western Berks Goaltending


LRC Rink Scoring
LRC Rink Goaltending


Tournament Scoring Stats

Curator's Corner

This is my original 340 Club card and a subsequent calling card I had printed when I lived on Seymour Street

Trivia 46-50

There will be some trivia questions posed at the reunion in June. To help you prep for such an event from time to time questions will be posed here in the Blog so you can revive some old memories and rev up your response time. To that end here are a few questions:

46. What date was shared as a birthday by what two 340 Clubbers?

47. Name the two main men at the Rendezvous Steak Shop. Bonus points for as many staffers as you can name.

48. Name the Father & Son duo that ran Johnny’s Tavern?

49. What owner changed the name of the Royal House to the Golden Eagle? Who was his bartender?

50. During 340 Club days if you were at the Rendezvous and were drinking a beer … were you on East King or West King?

Last week’s Q & A

41. What was the name of the athletic store almost directly across the street from the 340 Club? Gary's Pro Shop

42. What was a member of the 340 accused of doing at the laundromat down the street from the Club at a town meeting at the nearby Church and defended by 340 resident Sue Krimmell? Phil was accused of hanging out at the laundromat and drinking beer. Sue explained that we only had a washer so he would take ONE can of beer with him when he went down to dry his clothes.

43. The "Bat Cave" and "Sleepy Hollow" were locations in the 300 block of West King Street, who resided there? Naturally, the Bat Cave had Batman (Butch) and Robin (Wes Blessing) while Ichabod Crane (Brian Smith) inhabitated Sleepy Hollow.

44. What two North Queen Street establishments did 340 resident "City L." work for? The Rose Bowl and Tom Paine's

45. Who was the "Master of Sidewalk Driving"? The one and only Tricky Dick Lichty. RE confined most of his sidewalk driving to West King Street but one time he took Phil the whole way down to Luckee’s Elbo Room on Manor Streets sidewalk.

Fab Four or Faulty Memory

Last night may have the marked the first time in a long while that FOUR 340 Club residents converged under one roof. Sue and John Emswiler accompanied by Chris "Clacktu" Joyce descended upon the 7th Ward Republican Club where I work. John's sister Gina and her husband Dennis were also in the group.
The party dined on salads,pizza,wing-dings,a oyster sandwich,corn fritters and a 7th Ward burger. The "past" was of course the topic of discussion. It was revealed by Gina that John was once stabbed in the hand, by his brother Bruce, with a fork when he attempted to pilfer one of Bruce's french fries.
Several pitchers of beer later,"Clack",the Poet Laureate, was urged to commemorate the event by composing his first poem in over twenty years and Chris said he would consider it. Of course four ex-clubbers may have been together in recent times,perhaps for a funeral/wedding but I can't recall such an occasion..Sil,Tee and myself have attended baseball games together but that is only three. Even if it has happened in the not so distance past it was a great evening.