Mc Donogh #35 High School
655 South Rampart Street / New Orleans, LA
Of all the 141articles posted on CreoleGen up to this date, the one entitled McDonogh #35 High School- Sophomore Class 1931 (July 10, 2012) was the one that has been read the most. It is also the one, where you as readers, have posted the most comments (thirty-three) and sought information on relatives who attended school there throughout the 1930s to 1940s. For this reason, I have devoted some of my spare time to researching the various archival sites in New Orleans so I could put together where these rare early editions of The Roneagle can be found.
1928
The first Roneagle was published in 1928 by the students of McDonogh #35. This edition can be found at Xavier University Archives and McDonogh #35 High School.
1929
The University of New Orleans Library/ I also have a personal copy in case anyone needs information.
1930
The University of New Orleans Library and McDonogh #35 High School
1931
The University of New Orleans and McDonogh #35 High School/ I also have a personal copy.
1932
I have a personal copy which was loaned to me by a friend.
1933-1943
McDonogh #35 discontinued the publication of its yearbooks from 1933 until 1944. The University of New Orleans is the only archival repository where you can find the “names” of the graduates of the school for 1936, 1941, and 1943.
1944
After an absence of 11 years, publication of The Roneagle resumed. The scope and type of advertisement were changed by the yearbook staff, but a copy can be found at New Orleans Public Library and McDonogh #35 High School.
1945
Available at New Orleans Public Library and McDonogh #35High School
1946
McDonogh #35 High School has the only available copy. No other information is available on yearbooks throughout the remaining years of the 1940s.
Note:
Librarians at the various sites will more than likely not be able to look up specific photos for you, so you will probably need to report yourself or send someone to do so. A phone call must be made to the librarian at McDonogh35 for an appointment since those yearbooks are locked inside of a cabinet and she is the one who has the key. Plus she also has classes to teach so you need to make sure she is available. You may be allowed to take a photo or possibly use the copy machine at most locations. None of the books, of course, can be removed from the area in which they are housed.
Locations:
New Orleans Public Library/ Louisiana Division / City Archives and Special Collections -209 Loyola Avenue (third floor) phone # 504-596-2610
McDonogh #35 High School/ 1331 Kerlerec Street / phone # 504-324-7600 (ask for the librarian)
University of New Orleans/ Louisiana and Special Collections Department (4th floor) – Earl K. Long Library- 2000 Lakeshore Drive/ phone# 504- 280-6544 (open for research to all)
Xavier University of Louisiana Library/ Archives and Special Collection/Suite 319- 1 Drexel Drive- phone# 504-520-7655 (open for research to all)
Lolita Villavasso Cherrie/ I can be reached at CreoleGen.org (comments)
If you have any of the yearbooks listed above and would be willing to share information, please contact me at Lolitac454@aol.com and I will gladly add you to our list.
L.V.C.
More than pure nostalgia, Creole Gen is demonstrating how important it is
to share the achievements, social connections, and the sense of peoplehood
embedded in the lives of our Creole ancestors, Reviewing the photos that
you posted in the past year brought back memories of great teachers, dedicated leaders, and wonderful Creole people who were role models for
us to follow. Please, whenever the opportunity occurs, explain to our youth
any knowledge you may have of these Creole ancestors who gave us much
more than they realized. Merci beaucoup, Creole Gen. Keep em coming!
–Maurice M, Martinez, Jr. Ph.D.
Professor
The University of North Carolina Wilmington
martinezm@uncw.edu
Cousin, you are such a generous provider of historical and genealogical information, that it
is almost impossible to not read your post. Looking forward to the next.
Cousin,
Gobert, Rochon, Pellerin, Boutte
So glad you appreciate what we are doing. We love the work and know how important it is to bring history alive…especially when it is buried so deep.
I have a “fair” copy of the first yearbook from 1928. Listed for sale on ABE, but haven’t found a buyer yet.
Hello everyone: My name is Catherine Bibolet. My Great- Grandfather was Carroll John Bibolet. My Grandmother whom I’m searching for pictures was Catherine Marie Bibolet. Edna Robert Bibolet adopted my Father, Melvin J Bibolet, when my father was 5 yrs old. I believe no one has any pictures of my Grandmother Catherine and I find that strange.They lived in the 7th ward at 1680 N Miro street. My Aunt was Helen Bibolet. My Father passed away August 24, 2019. I would just love to see a picture of her ! Any information would be appreciated.
Hello Catherine,
The reason why there may be no pictures of your grandmother is that she died so young. Catherine Bibolet was only 28 years old when she died in Orange, Texas, on 25 March 1946. She and another woman were stabbed by two intoxicated young men. She had lived in the Beaumont/Orange area since at least 1940. At the time of her death, she was purportedly married to a Menard, likely L. C. Menard. According to the 1940 Census, she completed four years of high school. In New Orleans at that time , her options for high school would have been limited. We can check the surviving yearbooks to see if she’s included.
Coincidentally, we are distant cousins through Catherine’s mother, Gertrude Landry Bibolet. Gertrude’s grandfather, Jean Landry, and my great-great-great-great-grandmother, Elizabeth Babin, were brother and sister. I will email you Catherine’s death certificate and the newspaper article about her death.
Yes, I would like to see the article in the newspaper. I’ve seen the death certificate on Ancestry. Thank you so much for responding (Virgolove51@yahoo.com).
Hello, a lot has gone on since I asked this Question. I do need to update my email to be able to see what you’re talking about. I just find it strange none of my relatives know nothing about my grandmother. It’s like what you’ve said about a news paper clipping, that’s great news. I’m sure my family’s cousins knew of this. I mean like what’s the big secret ? This is a closing chapter of my life. I’m 53 yrs old and I don’t even know what my Grandmother looked like. That’s not even fare.
Hi Catherine. I think you met my mother at great auntie Helen’s funeral. (Bernadette) We don’t have any pictures of my grandfather, Carroll Bibolet Jr, as a child either. My mother saw one of her father at communion at her great aunt’s house when she was little. The great aunt’s house caught on fire and as far as we know, no pictures exist.
Her siblings, nieces and nephews knew of her and her passing but I’m not sure if any of them (nieces and nephews) met her as she was no longer in New Orleans. And her nieces and nephews were close with your father growing up.
The documents are also available via google from different cites as well.
Also Jari… I would assume she went to Prep or at least started at Prep since both her siblings attended.
I have a couple questions for you re: Clara and Victor Landry. I think my mom has your email. I’ll email you
Hello again this is Catherine Bibolet and it’s a little over three years later since I asked this Question but I don’t have access to that email anymore please send the information about my Grandmother to bib9181967@yahoo.com Thank you
Hello Everyone.
I have been attempting to do the genealogy on my father’s side. My father was Thomas Edward Montgomery, born 19June 1921, in New Orleans.My father talked often of this school. I went looking for information about the school, this past week. I believe that my father was the only one of his siblings to graduate from McDonogh 35. He said he graduated at 16. He was at Dillard in 1940, so his graduation year would have been 1936 or later. I am trying to pull our history together for my children and grandchildren. I am 72 so the clock is ticking! I live in Utah . Is there a way for me to access records? Thank you.
Hello, Ms. Leydsman! My name is Wanda Romain, and I’m a 1985 graduate of McDonogh 35 with access to some newspaper articles reporting on the school’s commencement ceremonies. I should have a copy of the 1936 article, so I will look for that name. Should I find it, I will contact you via email.
Sincerely,
Wanda Romain
Come December 2020, my grandmother Mrs. Amanda Parker Bowers wil by 97 years old. Pop Pop (her second husband, my grandfather) late Mr. Frank Dixon Bowers, III, was McDonogh #35 Class of 1929. My late mother Mrs. Evelyn Marie Francis Garrison was McD #35 Class of 1962. Any chance you might have, or be to direct me towards high school photos for either of them? God Bless You and your Work!!!
Good Afternoon all, I am a graduate of McDonogh #35, c/o 99. I wanted to know if anyone has a picture of my grandmother, Theodora Blunt. My late mother told me she was a part of one of the first black graduating classes. My grandmother died when I was 5 years old. I have been looking and researching trying to find anything. If any one can help, it would be much appreciated.
Have a blessed day.
Hi Melody, I really didn’t think I would be able to help you out with your request, but after searching for your grandmother’s obit in 1986 and determining that she would have been 16 in 1944; I searched my copy of McD#35’s yearbook and found her !! She is in a group class photo sitting in the 1st roll 4h seat. It is a small image of her but I’m sure you can enlarge it somehow. I have not found her anywhere else in the book. I will scan it for you and send to your email today. Please let me know if you receive it. I think she led us to her !!
(Lolita)
Melody, I just sent you the photo of your grandmother in 1944. I need to correct something you said. Your grandmother was not a member of the 1st graduation class of McDonogh #35 since the school opened in 1917…. Lolita
OMG Thank you sooo much Lolita!!! This means sooo much to me!! Again thank you
Hi,
My Father, Azemar A. Frederic, attended Joseph S. Clark and graduated in 1954.
He was the President of the Senior Class.
I’m looking for any photos or a yearbook.
Can you assist me?
Hi Stephanie, I have searched for a 1954 Joseph S. Clark yearbook but have found none. I recently was told by a friend of mine who graduated in 1955 that there were no year books published in 1955 nor 1954, and probably a few years after that. The school was overpopulated, forced into a platoon system, annexing students to Bell Jr. High and lacking appropriate school board funds. These issues may have been contributing factors. “The Louisiana Weekly” may have info on the ’54 graduates. As soon as possible, I will check the 1954 newspaper at the library and let you know….Lolita
I am looking for articles or pictures of O’Neil Poree who graduated from McDonough #35 in either 1941 or 1942; can you help point me in the right direction?
Hello, Ms. Morrison!
My name is Wanda Romain, and I’m a 1985 graduate of McDonogh 35. I have digital copies of some articles about the school’s commencement ceremonies. I may be able to locate that name in those copies. Hopefully, I can hellp!
Hi Cynthia, McDonogh #35 did not publish any yearbooks from 1933 to 1943. Publication did not resume until 1944- 1945-1946. I checked my copy of 1944 but, of course, he is not there. I did, however find a beautiful photo of a Juli Poree and one of Betty Poree. If either one is a relative, please let me know. I can scan it and send to you. I’m so sorry there is none of O’Neil Poree……..Lolita
Hello,
My mother was Edna Mae Dyer. I have a very clear studio photo of her in a white gown holding her diploma. The back of the photo is stamped “1610 MAGNOLIA ST JUN 1944”. I assume that she graduated in 1944. Is there a yearbook from this year or any photos or information on this class. She was first cousin to Lillie Mae Dyer, whom I have seen listed in many posted books. Thank you
Karon, I have a copy of the 1944 yearbook from McDonogh 35. Unfortunately, I did not find a Lillie Mae Dyer. There are about 132 individual photos of graduates. Was Dyer her maiden name? (Lolita)
Thank you. Her maiden name was Edna Mae Dyer. Lillie Dyer was her cousin and I found her name in several books. I am only assuming that Edna Dyer graduated in 1944 because the stamp on the back of her graduation photos says 1944.
Karon, I just checked for Edna Mae Dyer but she is not in the 1944 yearbook either. There is a Helen Dyer on page 32 shown in a group photo with 36 students, but not in an individual photo with the 1944 graduates. Is she a relative? She is in class 4B and may be a graduate of 1945…..Lolita
Hello, my father attended McDonogh 35. I don’t know if he graduated or not, but he more than likely attended between 1946-1948 timeframe. His name is Ernest Fitzhugh. Would love to know if he is pictured in any of the yearbooks. Thanks.
Ernesta, The last yearbook I have is 1944, but your dad is not there. The New Orleans Public Library on Loyola Avenue (Research Division) has a copy of the 1945 yearbook. You can call and asked them to check for you. During Covid they will do the research for you. The 1946 yearbook is only housed at McDonogh 35’s Library. Check with them also. I am not aware of any years beyond 1946…..Lolita
Hi Lolita,
I’m trying to put together my dad’s timeline. I know he graduated from Xavier in pharmacy in 1942. He was in the Army. He, Henry Julien, my mother, Esther Barra, and my dad’s brother and sister Estelle Julien and Edward Julien, all graduated from 35, probably within the same time span. Would you be able to research their names? My mother’s maiden name might be the easiest way to do this. They are a year a part in age.
Janet, I sent you an email of a newspaper article showing that both your mom (Esther Barra) and dad (Henry Julien Sr.) graduated the same year (1938) from McDonogh 35.I found several group photos of your dad’s sister (Estelle Julien) in the 1931 yearbook. I believe she graduated in 1930 from high school and was back at #35 in 1931 for the Normal training program for teachers. I also found a nice small photo of an Eddie Julien in 1931 that I believe may be your dad’s brother. You can reach me at 504-453-5922.
Yes Eddie would probably be my dad’s brother. How would I get to see any of those pictures? I know my cousins and family would love to add them to our family reunion collection.
I am trying to confirm which High School in New Orleans my father attended. Ludwig Charles Mulling was born in 1930. Lived at 2511 N. Rampart. I’m leaning towards McDonogh. I think he would have graduated in either 1947 or 1948. His nickname was Pete. Thanks for any help you can offer.
Hello Ms. Lyon,
We searched the online newspaper database, Genealogy Bank, and found that your father graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School in 1947 (The Times-Picayune, 21 January 1947, p. 7). This school was later renamed Frederick Douglass High School and still stands at 3820 St. Claude Avenue.
Hello, growing up my grandmother Jacqueline Ferguson b. 1926 told us she went to McDonogh. I see there were no yearbooks at that time, but are their other records that could confirm her years of attendance? Thanks
Cheri Coussan: The Louisiana Weekly newspaper is the only other source I can think of that may have information. They generally would list the names of graduates each year of McDonogh #35. Is your grandmother’s maiden name Ferguson? Since she was born in 1926, she may have attended in 1941 or 1942.I have the 1944 yearbook if she may have attended a little later. Send me her full name and I’ll check for you. Send to Lolitac454@aol.com