The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-05-09
BY THE OUT EASTER

The sale Of the property at the corner of East Main street and Maple street by the remaining members of the old St. Joseph's T. A. society, carries with it memo ries of great and glorious days in the Waterbury of years ago when the organization annually held its excursion to Coney Island, by way Of the rail route to Bridge port. and then by the beautiful steamer, Sirius, to the island Oh, what days; what fun, what pleas ure.
 In Early NinrtieS
 St. Josephs society was formed in the early ninet;es by leaders of the old Church of the Immaculate Conception, such as the late J. J. McDonald James H. Freney, Michael McInnerney and others, The first headquarters were in the old Lilley building on Bank street now the location of the Rowland Hughes department store. The membership comprised hundreds of boys of all of the Catholic par ishes of the city. Of course we couldn't join, but we were with the lot nearly all of the time. We recall the regular Sunday aft ernoon meeting when all formed in the clubhouse on East Main street, and marched in body for nation to the old St. Patrick'S hall to hear an hours address by one of the priests of the Immac- ulate Conception. We well re- member the sound advice and words of instruction as given, and We, although an outsider, think we well prolted by what we heard.
 And then, once a month, at least, a Sunday night entertain ment was given in the same hall by the society. Local talent ap- peared, many of whom, naturally, were known by the members. They gigglsd at times, and sort of tried to emoarrass the singers by their tittering, and for this now and then were ushered out Of the hall by the older heads. Golly, but what influence the men men, toned above had on these young fellows. If J. J. Mcdonald mo- toned or spoke, the member sheepishly arose and followed him to the door, which was then shut on him, and he was out for the night. No member could legally drink intoxicants and be- long to the club. And few there were who ever tried to break this rule. The tales of ruin by liquor were explained, and every mem Der warned and told to keep out of the saloon.
 Popular Excursion
 Every young fellow of that day looked longingly for the annual excursion, If he were a factory worker, it was his only vacation. None Of us could get cut, eye- II We ran errands, at any other tune. But the boss" was always agreeable to us to be away on this day The cost was $50 for the round trip. And many waited until the night before, fearful the day might by stormy. A table or two always stood out in front of the East Main street quarters for the sale of tickets, and hun dreds were disposed of in this manner. Entire families, father. mother, boys and girls, and babies even, went along, many walking to the railroad station on ac- count Of the lack of early morn Ing trolleys, The trains started early; two of them at least. and everyone had to be on time. The sail to Coney Island was long. put yet it was enjoyable, even if the boat was packed to the gills. Ihe wonder, it now seems. was the old tug was able to make the voy- age without mishap. But she did. fortunately.
 And what a tired lot of people returned to Waterbury. The trains were late and many times did not arrive until early the next morning. No trolleys or busses to meet the people, and those who did ride had to pay we'll for the ride home in the old fashioned mack of that period The hacks III service in the night season then were few, but all had plenty of customers on this occasion, and reaped well from the charges made, although nothing compared to what you have to pay for night or day travel now.
 Historic Sale
 And so you see, rather historic sale took place when the property in question changed hands. We of Old Out East spent many