The History of the Gloucester City Memorial Athletic Association

By Bart Rettew

THE BEGINNING – 1946

**(August 24, 2006) GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ–**The year was 1946, and World War II was over. Many veterans were now returning home to resume their lives that were interrupted by the War. A group of young, local former high school athletes got together and started what was known as, and still is, the Gloucester City Memorial Athletic Association.

The club was formally organized on Tuesday, June 18, 1946, at the Dixie Hotel at Burlington and Ridgeway streets in Gloucester, as reported by Bill Flynn, the meeting chairman. The club was named in honor of the 42 local boys who gave their lives in WWII. Since most of them were athletes or had a strong interest in athletics, it would be a living tribute to them. The Charter was presented to club president, Ralph Bracken, on October 9, 1946, by State Senator Morrisey.

The primary purpose of the club was to promote and encourage sports, and to reward the city’s best athletes in various sports. Initial membership by August of 1946 numbered 260. An emblem was adopted featuring the letter “G” bearing a “Mustang” which became the club’s nickname. The club’s initial major project was to work with the city and the Board of Education to recondition the Charles Street Stadium to provide a field for local schools and independent teams.

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1957: RAMS OVER LIONS, GCHS WINS CITY TITLE AGAIN; BEAT GLOUCESTER HIGH 12-7

Note: A series of articles about the history of the Gloucester Catholic vs. Gloucester High football games was published in a booklet released in 1993 entitled “The Renewal of Friendship”. This incredible history of the series was put together by members of the Gloucester High Alumni Association.

In 1957, in what was the most thrilling game of their 10-game series, Gloucester Catholic High captured its fifth straight city championship. By doing so, they evened the series at five wins apiece.

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GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ–(November 1957)An estimated 3500 spectators witnessed the game at the Charles Street Stadium, which, when the final whistle blew, saw the Rams victorious by a 12-7 score.

The determined Public High eleven looked good even in defeat and were pressing until the end.

Catholic scored in both the second and third quarters and had to beat back a fourth-period rally by the Blue and Gold, who, having scored in the third period, went all out to try to upset the ultimate victors.

Richie Shields and Ray McCann produced the touchdowns for the Rams, while bothTerry Reiss and Ozark Underwood failed in the P.A.T.

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GLOUCESTER’S GAME

BY G.J. FERGUSON

Gloucester City, NJ (1993)–It has been nearly three decades since the last City-Series game was played in 1965. At times, it feels like it was only yesterday, but sadly, it was not. With the final whistle on that sunny autumn day, the City-Series faded into memory—memories that have endured over the years, living in the hearts and minds of those who remember the series and hold it dear.

It is with those memories in mind that the idea for this program began. What started as a history of the series has transformed into more of a memoir. While a true history would require a book of several hundred pages, this program aims to evoke nostalgia. As you read the game stories and look at old photographs, I hope it brings back not just memories of the games themselves, but also of old friends, teammates, and a different time.

In the old industrial city on the Delaware, the year 1948 marked the beginning of annual football games between Gloucester High and Gloucester Catholic. This was a time when semi-pro and town teams still thrived and attracted sizable crowds. However, the largest and most loyal following was for high school football. Across the country, in rural towns and cities large and small, thousands filled the bleachers to cheer for their local teams.

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1950: Lions Swamp Rams Score 56-7

**Note:** A series of articles about the history of the Gloucester Catholic vs. Gloucester High football games was published in a booklet released in 1993, entitled “The Renewal of Friendship.” This comprehensive history of the series was compiled by members of the Gloucester High Alumni Association.

**Gloucester City, NJ (November 1950)** – If any Gloucester Catholic players had nightmares after last night’s city series battle in Gloucester, they may have envisioned a mythical figure bearing the number 66 leaping over the edge of the bed.

Before more than 3,500 chilly fans, the hard-running halfback scored five touchdowns, leading his team to a stunning 56-7 victory. This triumph allowed Coach Carlos Paisley’s team to set a new school scoring record, surpassing the previous high of 49 points, achieved in 1930 against Clayton.