Place: St. Mary's School
49 Gidney Ave,
Newburgh, NY
Person: Sister Maureen
Sister Maureen decided the first grade Christmas pageant would be a version of the Nativity. With 55 people in class and relatively few unique roles for the play, most were dressed as angels and had no speaking parts. Among the few and fortunate who were to stand out in other roles were the Three Kings. The first choice of the Kings was obvious, as Mark McCartney had a gold crown he wore for Halloween just a short time earlier. Then when Stanley Chumas called out "My Uncle Jack can make crowns, and he can make them for me and Pat!", the remaining Kings were chosen.
Date: 1969
Place: George's Store
80 North St.
Newburgh, NY 12550
Which was more amazing in '69? A man on the moon, the Woodstock Festival? Or the Jets beating the Colts? The Amazing Mets? Oh, and let's not forget the "Paul McCartney is Dead" rumor (no relation to Mark M... though he had us going for a while), and the constant search through Beatle songs and album covers for clues. There was also shock and sorrow the same year with the Tate murders and Chappaquiddick. Through it all, the Three Kings and other teenagers convened at "The Rail". "George's Rail" was just outside the store. We would purchase a beverage or two, sit at the Rail, and discuss teenager things, plans for the evening (and the plan might be to hang out at the Rail), or debate such relevant topics as to whether or not there was salt in the Hudson River as far north as Newburgh. Kids who could drive or get rides would come from miles. "In Rain, Snow, Sleet or Hail, There's Always Someone At George's Rail" proclaimed rail sitter Charles Kavanagh. Typically, a rail sitters life long ambition consisted of flicking a bottle cap across the street at the widest point of North Street trying to hit the yield sign. Unfortunately, such bottlecaps were discontinued from all beverages. We're not sure if it was because of us. Our proudest moment, however, came when we unionized and became card carrying members of B.R.E.W. - The Brotherhood of Railsitters and Established Winoes. We owe Bobby Olsen a huge thank you for his B.R.E.W vision.
The Rail's greatest popularity as a hangout lasted until 1974 when it was destroyed in a car accident. For some time, a smaller rail was used on the other side of the store in front of the Brem's house (store owners). But it wasn't the same. An era had ended.
Date: 1977-Present
Place: 29 Old North Plank Road
Newburgh, NY 12550
As the drinking age in NY was still 18, John and Teddy Brem (owners with other family of George's Store) and Chris and Nancy Daley opened "The Golden Rail Ale House". "Hanging out at the Rail" took on a new, but related meaning, much to the delight of former Rail sitters, and many others. Though ownership changed hands a few times, Brian and Ann Marie Butler, owners since 1990, have operated the Golden Rail as a very charming and friendly "English" pub, minus the warm beer favored by our friends across the pond.
Date: May 21, 2005
Place: The Golden Rail Ale House
Each of the cast in the 1961 Christmas Play at St. Mary's School turn 50 this year. The three kings, Mark McCartney, Stanley Chumas and Pat Daley, have wisely decided to reunite in Newburgh to celebrate this historic and joyous occasion. Stan will travel on camel all the way from Huston Texas. Pat journey will take him to the South from Wappingers, and then across the Great River - whether salted or not. And Mark... well, he's about a mile from the Rail, but sometimes he has to be careful when he turns left onto Brewer Road.
Free Food is graciously provided by The Golden Rail from 5pm until approx 9pm. There will also be cake, fun, frivolity, a number of prizes (hold on to your ticket at the door!) an abundance of joviality, and wonderful LIVE MUSIC from 7pm to 11pm.
