Dear Marty,

You have no idea how happy I am that through your website you have managed to recreate a time and place that no longer exists. Although, I left Rockaway to attended college in San Diego where I now reside, my heart still remains in Rockaway.

During WWII we had cannons on the beach to protect us from German submarines that were patrolling our waters. Even though the world was in turmoil during the war years, our "salad days" growing up in Rockaway seemed as tranquil and comforting as a Norman Rockwell portrait. Rationing was going on. But, if you wanted fish, you went to the fish store. If you wanted meat, you went to the butcher. And, if you wanted good cake, you went to Elfenbein's Bakery.

After school at F.R.H.S. we would walk into the "Village" and go into a booth to listen to Perry Como and Big Bands. It was a great way to live!!!

I also remember a special holiday dance that was held after WWII for the sailors from Lido Beach. I was only a teenager. But, I somehow managed to sneak in. At that time I was singing in New York and Belle Harbor on weekends. So, I wore my "performing outfit" to the dance.

During the dance, the sailors, most of them in their late teens, held a beauty contest. I was an entrant along with about 80 other girls. I considered myself the "girl next door" type. I won the contest! The runner up was a very sexy redhead. I guess those sailors preferred to vote for the girl that most reminded them of the one they left behind. I was rewarded with an orchid corsage and my picture in the paper (The Wave). I still have the photo!

I'm also sending you two additional photos of three FRHS Seniors (1947) and of those same three ladies today. Hopefully, someone is still alive who might remember us. FRHS celebrated its fifty year anniversary when we graduated. In the Senior Show I sang "The Trolley Song."

Now, I go to New York once or twice a year to get my New York "fix". I stay in Manhattan and meet old friends and we reminisce over lunch.

As a former teacher, I wish my students could have experienced the extraordinary times we had!

Jackie (Zipern) Singer (FRHS,1947)