Two more pics from Coach

Woody,Brian S. and Jack D.



The "Randallion" doing his thing, sans a zoom lens.

Coach's Photographic Contributions

The Coach of the Year,every year, Don Kuhns,has sent in these three pics from the Re-Union. He said he has two more. He would have taken more but he realized he had to put his beer down to focus the camera and thought better of it.




Here is Cindy Lou,Sybil and Paula enjoying the party.





Paula and Jack Daily.




Paula,Brian Smith,Jack D.,Ralph B.Jimmy Z., and Chuck Daily.

The Sign of Four (1890)

"Eliminate all other factors, and the one which remains must be the truth." – Sherlock Holmes

 

I packed the 340 Club archives away in their box last Saturday and took them out to the vicinity of my car (or placed them in my trunk). I then took Chris home (perhaps, for some reason taking the box out and leaving it on that parking lot; maybe Chris has it. I’ll check.). I then returned to the hotel with Beverly (while there was no reason to take the box out of my car; perhaps I did. However, neither the Parking Authority nor the Hotel’s lost & found’s are aware of it.) The following morning I drove home to Harrisburg and unloaded my car. A few hours later I noticed that the box was not among the items in my home. (Again, perhaps I left it in my parking lot in downtown Harrisburg and some knucklehead took it). Alas, the box and its contents are gone. Lost forever.

 

Unless, we eliminate the other factors. I remember packing it. Grabes saw me pack it. I took it out of the Knights (this is verified by the Knights not having it). I loaded most items in my trunk. The last item I brought out was the tub of artifacts. Then I took Chris home, went to the hotel and went home. I had no need to remove the artifacts from my car – and I did not (this is verified by the Brunswick & Parking Authority). I came home and unpacked. The artifacts were missing.

 

Therefore, once all the other possibilities are eliminated!!! The artifacts never made it to my trunk. I did, as I remember and as Grabes saw, pack the artifacts in the plastic tub and I did take them out to my car. Where I was distracted by the Hound of the Baskerville’s (more accurately JJ’s nice puppy). I placed the tub on the ground and, as I am apt to do, went over to pet the pooch. While encouraging JJ to say hello to Beverly. I slammed the trunk lid and hopped into my car leaving the precious 340 Club artifacts right there on the Knights of Columbus parking lot. I trust they are now in the possession of one Johnny Johnson or young Phil Zangari or some other 340 Clubber. If not, wind and rain have taken their toll and they may be on the way to the Chesapeake Bay.

 

Bottom-line is while it would be interesting, funny and whatnot for the missing artifacts to make a miraculous appearance at the November 2009 reunion and while I don’t believe I’ve any need for them in the interim; there are three overriding issues:

 

1. it would be nice if those two or three Bonnie Parker photos could be scanned in and uploaded to the blog, and;
2. of more immediate concern to me at the moment I really could use that plastic tub for several upcoming Negro League baseball exhibits, and;
3. I could sleep better at night knowing where my archives are for sure

 

So, please return. Thanks. Elementary my dear Watson!

Flash Back - 1978

The "Greatest Day in Rock & Roll History", June 17th,1978 has been well chronicled on this Blog. What transpired on the eve of this day is not widely know. The Chestnut Street Hockey Club had their first Annual Semi-Formal. Most if not all the attendees were either residents/members/guests of the 340 Club.
The party raged until the early morning hours of the next day making the trip to JFK Stadium in Philly for the Stones and Foreigner and then the trek to Summers Point,New Jersey to see the Bonnie Parker Band even more impressive.




To view the above pics in a slideshow format click on the link below.



1978 Chestnut Street Semi-Formal

Typical but Tragic

The archival exhibit on display at the 2nd periodic 340 Club Reunion is missing. I thought I took it to my car and placed it in the trunk and unloaded it in Harrisburg. However, obviously I did not. The Knights say it is not there. Perhaps I removed it from the Knights but left in the parking lot? I don't know why I would have unloaded it to bring into the hotel and don't think I did but I will check. The next flashpoint is my parking lot in downtown Harrisburg. Or could it be in my house. Keep your ears open. Thanks

Punishment Deferred

My punishment was delayed for five years. As the fiscal year turned, July 1, I found myself as Phil's roomie again on Seymour Street. There I completed my 15 year run in a frat house staying at Seymour until the death of my mother in September 1989 when I had to undergo my punishment, punishment it was though; I had to move into my families home. Just like Phil it was my first experience on my own, other than briefly at the Outpost of Humanity in between roomies. While I didn't suffer back problems I did have to deal with ghosts and not having a bar within a decent walking distance. There is no comparision between City life and suburban living. My decade in Quaker Hills, Lancaster County, was the worst decade of my life. I was more isolated (with friends only three miles away) than I have been in my new City (where I had to start from scratch)for the past decade.

Sil's punishment was of a different sort; it took him a while but he took a wife. (I trust the reader recognizes my poor attempt at humor; Sil was very lucky in that regard. No punishment there. He married a young lady that he met at the 328 Club.)Sadly, what Phil and I refer to as punishments are very light compared to others who left the 340. Life has been very good to me - my health (despite diabetes) is relatively good, my job has been steady and retirement is on the radar screen, I have a daughter, and a good woman. Others have not been so lucky ... I am blessed and grateful; Praise the Lord!

My Punishment

I don't know what the plans are for the Virtual 340 Blog but there are probably a lot of things that have been left unsaid. In November of 1983 the house adjacent to Zangari's South,where I had been working since August,1977 became vacant.

The allure of living next door to my workplace and the probability of me being able to get rid of my automobile were too tempting. I made my decision and left the confines of West King Street.
I moved on a weekend,I believe it was a Sunday. Dave Shertzer and the McClain boys helped me move in according to my recollections. This would be the first time I ever lived alone. I remember I left the hallway lights on just in case of bogeymen when I retired that first night.

I have had a history of back problems,muscular in nature not structural. My back has gone out playing hockey,basketball or simply bending over to tie my shoes. Well after a hard day of moving boxes of junk and what little furniture I had we all sat down to watch the Sunday afternoon football games. Adult beverages were of course the drink of choice for me and my "movers". Well I nestled comfortably in a soft chair in less than an erect sitting position. Soon my back began to tense up. After everybody left I retired to my bedroom which was later to become Tee's suite when he joined me at 48 Seymour Street.

After a few hours of uncomfortably trying to sleep, my back began twitching in the most powerful muscle spasms I ever experienced. Daylight was approaching and I somehow managed to crawl down the steps, because every time I tried to stand up a spasm would send me back down to the ground. I finally worked my way to the phone and called Tee. I told him to call an ambulance for me. Telling him that they don't have to put their sirens on because it wasn't a real emergency but I desperately wanted to be put in traction or something to alleviate all the pain I was in.

He made the call and I then "wormed" my way to the front door and unlocked it. Soon the Ambulance Personnel arrived and loaded me on a stretcher. They missed the last step on my porch and I received a jolt when they nearly dropped me. They strapped me onto the side of the ambulance and away we went. They then neglected to support me as we rounded some corners causing me even more pain as my body rolled with the turns. The female doctor on duty in the ER was less than sympathetic. When I told her I had this problem before but not as severe she might as well said the old punch-line, "Well you got it again". In fact I think she did say that. She tried to make me sit on the edge of the bed but the spasms drove me right back down. She then said if I wasn't going to cooperate there was nothing she could do. The nurse on the other hand was very sympathetic and tried to explain to the ER Doc that the pain would not allow me to do as the she ordered. She prescribed some muscle relaxers and sent me home. My dad and my sister, Sybil picked me up. I remember I could only take "Pee-Pee" steps and I was in my stocking feet so my feet became quite wet when I tried to navigate from my Pop's car through the Fall's damp leaves that were in the gutter next to his car. I finally arrived at my new home and slept on the floor for a few days which always cured my chronic back problems.

Of course my recovery was aided by a six pack of Pabst and a gallon jug to relieve myself supplied by Sybil for the next three days. I have no idea what kind of punishment the other residents received when they left West King Street for the last time.

November 2009

not as hot, can definitely book the date ... maybe not at the Knights ... if they want us I'd like to return they were very good to us other than turning the AC off but considering I paid them less than 50% on the dollar based on what I promised I thought it was even, can be in conjunction with Catholic Hi, McCaskey, M-Ville, F & M football. In addition to reminiscing and critiquing this year's bash; we seek your thoughts on the next one. Let's hear it boys and girls.

While Supplies Last ... !!!

Compleat 2008 2nd Periodic 340 Club Reunion Packet - $16 includes souvenier program, tee shirt, 2008 membership card, and one of both button styles ... $33 at the door value! buy know as the price will only go up ... don't let us display the surplus in next year's archives

340 Club Tee Shirts $8 ($10 at the reunion)

Souvenier Programs $5 (definite collector's item)

340 Club pins $1

I Survived Pins $1 (impress your friends, they will think you were one of the 32!)

Trivia Answers

No more new questions. In typical zany 340 fashion the answer key in the 340 trivia test in the souvenier program scored only a 310 of a possible 340 points. Here are the corrections

3. George Reed, not Ed Cameron, got hit in the head with an errant dart.
22B (23 on the answer key)Geno DiEugenio not Sam Wickersham did the fish fry
23 (answered as if it were 25) Bill Harris, Dick Lichty
25 (answer not provided but Phil had the longest tenure at the 340 address)

As for last week's final set of questions (for now) in the virtual club:
104 ... the darling little sailor was Jason
105 ... at someone's wedding - Phil & Dean
106 ... Tee, Kenny, Jimmy Z, Paulie Ressell, and Martin Hornberger
107 ... a nude photo of Phil

More

Phil, Clack and Beverly got to the Knights at 5 for the 7 start. It turned out we shoulda got there at 4. Chris, who gave Phil and I smallish, stylish tiny constructions, and Beverly spent the couple of hours getting along famously while I (and Phil sort of) setup. Registration, packet ordering, DJ stand, tee shirt sales, and button sales all had to be readied. As well as checking the layout (9 tables, a comfortable 6 chairs per). Would we need more than 54, I hoped so and thought so. Next item was the PowerPoint presentation which earlier in the weekend I had unilaterally cancelled. It turned out Phil thought it was central to the event and, it turned out, he was correct. It was very well received and stimulated many nice memories.

After the above items were addressed I sought a screen from the Knights and they produced a 1952 classic that me and Phil struggled with but finally mastered as in put it up. Sounds simple I know but … For our next scavenger hunt I set Rich, manager, of the nights off to look for an extension cord. While he looked for that, I opened up my PowerPoint and to my (and Phil’s) pleasant surprise I had pretty much created about half of a decent show. The 2nd half of the show was created on the spot by me with Philip’s oft ignored but helpful nonetheless insights. Finally as some IT issues were beginning to overtake me in came one of the night’s MVPs – the Red Fox himself, Dan Joyce. Dr. Joyce was very helpful in putting the final touches on the PowerPoint and we did a fairly quick check and setup only to have a different, not Rich, Knight type move the screen gaining us inches in height but throwing off my projection point.

Now it was almost 7 and I began my period of being glued to the registration table and my laptop for what seemed like an hour. My setup was quickly violated people entering without paying or getting their packets (with program and button; with – in most case – Phil needing to get them their ID card). After about an hour I was quite content that everyone had paid and that most had gotten their packets.

It was around 8 when the official proceedings began with the following statement: It has been almost 24 years since we shut the 340 down …27 years since we first gathered residents together in reunion style… a lot has transpired good/bad … one constant has been friendship … tested by time and distance, sickness and circumstance but that bond has survived and for that reason – plus, of course, beer & music – we are here. Please enjoy the night and plan on doing it again; bigger & better in 2009.

In the absence of Fr. Hahn and also sadly much of the lack of any memory of a single prayer of the Rev. Jack Dailey, the invocation was also left to me and it went something like this: Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, God bless the 340 and all who are gathered with us tonight… Amen. Next up was Phil to say a few words, read a litany of our beloved residents, members, cardholders and such that have passed on and then sought a moment of silence on the crowd’s behalf in honor of the deceased. I then offered the floor to any who wanted it. Dan Joyce pointed out that the 340 Club was actually several addresses and not just one. No one sought the floor to offer any additional wisdom. Our poet laureate offered a poem (see 6/4 Poet Laureate) and when he was finished I had hoped that the loud words of I AM THE GOD OF HELLFIRE AND I BRING YOU FIRE. would blare out and the evening would begin in earnest. Didn’t happen; our DJ – the Randallion Cat – had a 1971 vintage [the kind we all still wish we had] record player with more than adequate sound potential but the wires that connected the speakers to the stereo were defective and, in addition to that stop sign, Randy had neglected to bring that little disc filler one needs to play 45s. However, the able fingers of Brian Smith, on both issues, came to the rescue and before too long we were off and running to Randy’s spinning. I had spent a lot of time putting records (61 of them) in the order that I wanted them played and Randy tied but the likes of Ed Cameron, the aforementioned Mr. Daily, ditto for the Red Fox and others just wouldn’t let Randy do his job. In particular, Fox couldn’t come to grips with why the Supremes had three records in a row while other groups were only getting one song per group. Another time Fox wanted to hear Dock of the Bay but didn’t like my edict that the Bar-Kays most of whom died with Otis on that fatal crash forty years ago had to be played in tandem w Otis. All in all the music was great and Rick, of the Knights (not to be confused with Otis Day and the Knights), commented a couple of times how nice it was to hear vinyl.

Next was the PowerPoint … we dimmed the lights and showed a half well done and half on the fly pictorial featuring the West King Street personalities and haunts. I enjoyed showing and narrating it much more then hectically creating it. I will endeavor to polish it up and have it in an e-mailable format for anyone who requests it (if you left your e-mail address on the signup sheet - assuming I can find it – I will automatically forward you a copy).

During the PowerPoint Phil solicited $1 chances at a 50/50 drawing. Jack Dailey did the honors and he drew Dan Joyce’s name who in a mad rush prior to the drawing had envisioned himself winning and then donating the winnings to the club did just that. The Power of Positive Thinking.

Finally, the check came and while I had agreed to pay the Knights $980 when I signed on for this back in January (anticipating 80 guests); I was pleasantly surprised when Rich handed me a bill for $343.10 (for a total bill of $443.10 including my down payment). He counted 27 attendees when he served the food and billed me accordingly. While 80 was an errant and non-binding forecast; I had promised Rich 50 just 48 hours earlier so I was grateful for the break. It saved us $122 and lifted my spirits since I was the sole financial backer of the affair. I will have more on the fiscal bottom-line later on in the week after the dust settles. I think we finished in the black however so that is a good thing.


While there may have only been 32 or so, it was a great time. Fox was my MVP, he had genuine fun, helped others – including my lady Beverly (whom I was largely ignoring in going about my duties), have fun, interacting, freely and unscripted, with any attempts at MCing done by me or Randy, and then donating his share of the 50/50 raffle to the party for the good of the order. ,
Words of Wisdom for the Good of the Order. I enjoyed seeing every one of the attendees but have to note a few special unexpected ones – Jimmy Shay (340 Club resident) and two high school classmates – Tony Kenneff and Jack Booth. Coming the furthest (and in both cases for the expressed purpose of this party) were Coach Kuhns (California) and on the distaff side, Vicki Charles (Florida).

Then it was over … Rare Earth’s cover of their Motown stalemates the Temptations provided the walkout music. It is my recollection that the last guest to arrive – Johnny Johnson – actually walked in at the music was ending. There was still a dirty dozen still present when the party wound down on time at 11. Despite a few “We won’t go” cheers everyone disbursed in orderly, quiet, fashion unlike years ago. The place was relatively clean. The food cleared. Screen still up. Extension cords lying around but nothing broken. A deafening quiet descended on the Knights and the 340 Club returned to its virtual state.

More to follow...

The Aftermath

The reunion went smoothly with only a few minor glitches. Attendance was lower than expected, 33 by my count. I could have missed a few however.

The Attendees:
Tee Knorr,Beverly,Phil Zangari,Chris Joyce,Dan Joyce,Ed Cameron,Chris Cameron,Don "Coach" Kuhns,Jimmy "J.Z." Zangari,Chuck Daily,Jack "J.D." Daily,Wayne Rankin,Cindy Lou Rankin,Chris Lake, Steve "Grabes" Graybill,Paula Graybill,Sil and his wife Barb,Randy Brown and his niece Lisa, Sybil Zangari, Vicki Charles,Carol Templeton,Art Morris,Janet Kelly,Linda Dombach,Jimmy Shay,Woody Kleinhaus,Jack Booth,Tony Kenneff,Ralph Baker,Brian Smith and Johnny Johnson



The Randallion,Randy Brown did the DJ honors as he spun the 45's that came directly from the Mighty 340 Juke Box.




Johnny "J.J." Johnson was the last guest to arrive, a scant five minutes before closing, pictured here next to Randy

The 340 Museum was a big hit, with a copy of the 340 lease because of the LOW rent payments a fan favorite. The Power Point Presentation which was prematurely announced as being cancelled but then on second thoughts, a rush job by Ted Knorr with some help from computer guru Dan Joyce made it a reality and it was one of the highlights of the festivities.


Here is Dan assisting Tee

The souvenir program was nicely done and well received by the troops. Almost everyone complemented us on a very entertaining evening. Kudo's to Ted Knorr who did most if not all of the work in getting this event together,aided by a few assistants.
Most of the gang then converged down to the Dirty Ole Tavern to finish off the night. 340 Tee Shirts are still availabe @ $10 apiece for those residents/members/guests that were unable to attend.

For the complete photo album of the bash please click on the link below

Barnstormers game and other pre-bash notes

Thanks Phil for those excellent photos ... easy to see now but - why didn't we get Ed to take a picture of the three of us ... me, Sil and Phil put in 7,213 days on West King Street representing 61% of all resident days on the block.

Max 2,730 days
Tee 2,669
Sil 2,363
Phil 2,181 (altho Phil's 1,937 at 340 is #1 at that address)
John 1,108
Sue 1,033
City L 846
AVG 791
Jimmy 427
Fox 252
Sh--foot 252
Randy 197
Mitchell 196
Clack 152
Dave 122
The Gilt 46
Dean 29
Dick often

In other news, the PowerPoint presentation expected to debut tonight has been cancelled. Although, when completed it will be available via e-mail to any interested parties ... the 340 Club is very grateful to its patrons and vendors who have contributed in excess of $600 (counting Randy's willingness to work at a fraction of his normal charge)... most of all the 340 Club is grateful to all who attend in person and in spirit ... THREE FORTY!

Barnstormer Game,6/6/2008

Sil on the left and Tee at Clipper Stadium,home of the Lancaster Barnstormers, on the eve of the 340 Bash






Club Member # 103 Ed Cameron (right) meets Sil and Tee for the first time.

This Could Be My Last Post Untill The Reunion

I am in the process of completing my packing, shitting, showering and shaving. Will be hopping in the car soon ... E-Town Sporting Goods, AlleyCat, Starr Plumbing, Hotel Brunswick, Auntie Anne's Grand Opening, a qwik bite, Lancaster Barnstormers, a few beers, zzz, awake, work on PowerPoint, archives, accounting, merely a shit and a shower this time, pick up Beverly, get Chris, get Phil, setup ... it will be 6/7, 7p, before ya know it.

Or, in the alternative, I might find a hot spot and be back online in the interim.

See you there ...

On the 12th Day of 340

We honor you, the 340 Club members; thank you for the memories, hope to see some of you tomorrow night –

Kenny, Fred, Janice, Dave, Linnea, Clyde, Dimples, Jane, Helga, Sheryl, Bob, Dave, Donna, Sybil, Sue, Chris, Gene, Wanda, Cottontop, Dee, JJ, Fred, Steve, Mary, Jeri, Skyscraper, Barbette, Jason, Sandy, Deb, Sugar, Tim, Kathy, Tom, Theresa, Louie, Katie, Poochie, Susan, Suzanne, Gary, Tina, John, Hedgehog, Grabes, Accu, Moose, JV, Bobbi, Charlie, Sissy, Vicki, Daisy, Herb, Glenna, Dean, Mickey, Sis, Beth Ann, Sam, Daisy, Alice, John, Gloria, Bob, Chris, Pam, Eileen, Phyliss, Brenda, Chris, Huntz, Marlene, Craig, Frenches, Jim, Barbara, Marty, Marquita, Sue, Sadie, George, Sherry, Charlie, Tina, Tom, Dianne, Barbara, Mike, Becky, Betty, Sandy, Karen, Brenda, Nick, Dale, Ruth Ann, Bob, Carol, Karen,Lynne, Gail, Pat, Pat, Aaron, Sonya, Craig, Darcel, Kim, Marlene, Butch, Poochie, Wes, Yvette, Mary Ann, Butch, Shelly, Jose, Booty, Helen, John, Deanna, Denise, Priest, Rose, Ron, Pee Wee, Diana, Charlie, Hawky Dog, Carla, John, Renee, Ron, Cecilia, Tom, Sarah, Harry, Ann, Tex, Pat, Lisa, Pete, Rick, Bob, Shelby, Marty, Jackie, Eulinda, Dave, Gino, Ted, Nan, Evelyn, Pat, Tom, Vicki, John, Faye, Paula, Lynette, Barb, Cork, Mickey, Stan, Marie, Wanda, Don, Vonna, Pam, Arty, Sharon, Ralph, Ralph, Lale, Mike, Sharon, Brian, Regina, Brett, Michelle, Dawn, Manuela, Lori, Val, Scott, Bette, Jeffie, Dave, Ted, Woody, Julia, Bill, Leroy, Debbie, Vicki, Brenda, Dave, Val, Coach, Patty, Tasha, Sonya, Fred, Maxine, Ed, Clarice, Marvin, Zella, Susan, Jeff, James, Gary, Virginia, Barry, Jack, Gene, Geoffry, Don, Frank, Phil, Dave, Holly, Dick, Barry, Judy, Kellie, Deanna, Bruce, Tina, Diane, Chris, Anita, Cindy

On the 11th Day of 340

On the 11th day we moved in … (play the video, while scrolling down and reading)



The structure, a veritable mansion, stretched from what used to be called 328 West King Street to where the 340 itself stood. Of course, the Post Office assigned 340 as its address. In fact, 340 Club was recognized as itself an address kinda like the White House or the Empire State Building. It had a rather large yard stretching through the rear of what used to be 8 properties with a beautifully done stone wall holding up Strawberry Street. The well manicured yard was impeccably maintained. There was a large Jacuzzi, a large deck, and plenty of space for the pets to roam. There also was a nice trough like cement apparatus that always had Listerine infused water flowing to provide a spot for male guests to relieve themselves if the need arose.

The mansion was set back, off KIng Street, but only six feet further than was standard in order to preserve the feel of the City streetscape. The magnificent front door was centered somewhere near where the Waxhaw Design showroom used to be. It was accessed by climbing a spectacular white marble stoop that had three steps and covered an area at the top almost 500 square feet and covered an area at its base of about 700 square feet. There were a chaise lounge and a hammock located on both sides of the magnificent porch. While we didn’t take any of those pieces in at night; nobody fucked with them, probably because some member could usually be found occupying them 24/7 in various states of sobriety. The structure itself was four stories high. As one entered the domicile, a spectacular 18 foot wide staircase caught one’s view and it led to the second floor. A prominent feature of the stair was the inclined chair on the left so that Mitch, at first, and others in the future could get to their sleeping quarters. The stairway rose in the center of a great hall wall which sunk behind the stairs, theatre style to a large screen. The screen was used for movies and other projection views. When the screen was raised a giant flat screen TV was present and it when it was raised there was a panoply of 9 separate TVs all triple stacked so one could watch 9 different shows at once. State of the art sound, lighting was available. There were five rows of very comfortable seats with two sets of eight seats separated by a short aisle on each of the top two rows. The first three rows could seat 12 persons each with four wing chairs on the ends and three coaches stacked back to back to back in the center.

Directly behind that magnificent TV/Living Room were two rooms - the Kratzert & the Martin - on the edges each with TV/Stereo and the like which intruded into what was a grand dining room which had a rollaway ping pong table that fell out of the front wall and then rolled into the center of the room. There was also a hidden sunken pool table that rose out of the ground. Rumor had it that there was a dining room table that descended from the ceiling that could be dropped for mealtime. I’ve never seen that but I’m told it exists. Unfortunately, at 18 foot it is not long enough to hold a decent sized hoagie so I suppose it is not a practical table.

Finally, behind the ping pong room, separated by a magnificent bar that ran the half the length (on the west side) of the room was a full service kitchen with much counters and cabinets, dishwashers, full toilet, walk in refrigerator with a walk in freezer. There was a separate refrigerator with Sil’s name on it as well as two refrigerators dedicated to the golden beverage which enclosed a full keg system which could be accessed from a tap alongside resembling a standard half keg setup and also at the sink which had a handle that could provide hot water, cold water and beer. Again, similar to that table in the dining room, I have heard people say that there was a state of art stove top and oven but I can truly say I never noticed. On the East wall of the ping pong room there was a state of the art dollar bill operated audio/video device that played the latest CDs, VCRs, XYZs as well as 8 tracks and LPs. Next to it was an old Rock Ola GP160 that looked to be about 1969 vintage and was a little worse for wear but that was totally rehabbed to sound better than its modern cousin or even the theatre sound system. Still, you could play Bette Davis eyes for a thin dime. The entire collection of 500 45s from the Mighty 340 Club juke box was present in a shelf next to the Rock Ola. The walls of the 340 were filled with a venetian blind like sound proofing material that could be kept closed so that you could hardly hear anything on the outside OR open if you wanted that old tyme 340 effect.

The upper floors were accessed by front and rail simple stair ways and by an elevator in the rear. There were 8 suites on each of the 2nd and 3rd floors which were fully self contained and autonomous; each with at least two bedrooms, bath, kitchen, living room.

On two at the front were Phil (who maintained his personal residence there) and Dan. Behind them were Chris (permanent addressee) and Dean, behind them Mitch (permanent) and John/Sue (permanent) in the way back was Slick and a guest room.

Simalarly on three, Sil and Timmy were at the front. Timmy lived in Jersey but would bring family several times a year. Behind them were RE and Dave (who moved in with his wife); then Randy (permanent) and a guest room (which pretty much went unused unless Ellen (my daughter), Beverly (my lady) or her sons or family were visiting, with Jimmy (permanent) and another guest room in the wayback.

I lived on the 4th floor, which could only be accessed by the front staircase, and was now truly a penthouse. There was a small Spartan room that looked as if it had simply been lifted from the ol’ 340. It was painted black. Walls, ceiling and floor. There was a mattress, a record player, a chest of drawers, a concessionary IT stand with PC, laptop portal, several book cases. In the one corner were a nice matched set of mahogany sticks each about 14 inches long and about 1 ¼” in diameter. The room behind it was smaller and seemed to have not been painted in years and contained all sorts of clothing, APBA boxes, records, a Giant bear, books, clothing, half eaten bags of potato chips, hangers, an inflatable doll, unused baseball tickets, an old 8 mm projector, and a Nestle’s Quick Box.

Sometimes the latch at the bottom of the staircase leading from the third floor needed to be hooked.

The 10th day of 340

On the 10th day of 340 … the parties! Oh the parties

From humble beer parties with maybe a quarter keg and boys on one side of the room; girls on the other type affairs in the early days of the 328 Club to monster – wall to wall people, with an occasional copulating couple and massive quantities of booze, beer, contraband and noise – mashes in the last days of the 340. Other contrasts were timing … starting earlier and finishing earlier in the early days. In the end, if you started too early you might miss the party which typically started after the bars closed at 2.

It was the parties that found David Sturm & the Intelligencer Journal finding the 340 Club in 1981-82 as being the 3rd best night club in the county behind the Village and the Old Colony. As Coach said some 340ers would dispute even that lofty assesment. Looking back I wonder as Coach did how we lived in such open and unprivate circumstances. Like Mr. P sez the living room was never empty. I guess living on the third floor made it a little easier.

The Poet Laureate

Joyce Swords by Christopher E. Joyce, on the occasion of his parent's 50th wedding anniversary

Ed and Jane, Jane and Ed,
They often sent us off to bed
Alone at last Ed would cheer
Yes Jane would say ‘til early next year

First came Michael
Bold and strong
Very fitting
For son number one

Along came Patricia
May Queen, teacher and prudent
And along came Kevin
And Pat became the student

Then came Pete, tough as nails
But he always loved his family
I guess goodness prevails

Dr. Joyce hair so red
Doctor Joyce to Kathy wed
Two great kids
Good to grandmom
One great family
All good to grandpa

Down to me, as I read this poem
L love you all especially Dad and Mom
Who on this day we do honor
Who on every day, I live in wonder
I live with them, and I see their love
And it’s beautiful to marvel on

Down to Kathy – who’s been gone so long
Kathy was meant for another song

Phil came along, and it was instant toy,
What an athlete, what a brave little boy
Now I never knew he’d get bigger than I
Now he's strong as an ox and I’m the little guy

And Ogie Paul whatever your name
I’d take money on you from 25 and in
You work so hard with so many tasks
I’d like to hit the lotto and give you anything you ask

Along came Mary
Last but not least
I haven’t always told you what I mean
But your heart is true – your mind is too
You one of the prettiest women I ever knew

Mom – Dad from all of me
And all of your children we love you

Where are they now: Chris

Christopher Joyce, 340 Club, January 1977-June 1977

I lived at the 340 Club in the spring of 1977 while going to Millersville University. My housemates were Tee, Phil, Sil and Tim. It was one of the best times of my life. We spent a lot of time at Cassidy's Tavern drinking and playing the bowling game. Dick Lichty was the friendly bartender. We also went to the Village often on weekends to see the Bonnie Parker Band. It was lots of fun.

I moved back to Lancaster in 2001 I live in the Manor House Apartments. In February 2007 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and in the next 7 months I lost over 90 pounds and have kept it off. I’m unemployed but keep busy going to the gym everyday and walking around 12 miles per day. I’m looking forward to the 340 party and hoping it will be an annual event.

As you might figure, the above was submitted by Chris the other day. He will recite a new, for us, poem at Saturday's event.