Andrew was in my division. The son on Polish immigrants, he had the heaviest Chicago accent of anybody that I have ever met! He spoke deeply and somewhat slowly,complete with all the “Da” and “Dat,” etc., His dialect was so thick, that in freshmen Early World History class, guys would snicker under their breath whenever he asked Mr. Juenglinga question as the others took him to sound retarded. This quickly changed as it soon became apparent that Andrew was intellectually brilliant. He also had a magnetic personality and a great sense of humor. In short order we all looked up to him. He was elected to represent our division on the Lane Tech Student Council. Andrew was also a gifted artist. In my yearbook he wrote; “Eric, The Marines are looking for a few good men… stick to hockey, Gracz” Just like Andrew to write something like that. But what was really a stitch was next to what he wrote he drew a caricature of a Marine sergeant with a stern stare, pointing his finger in my face in the fashion of the Uncle Sam “I Want You” poster prevalent during the World Wars.
During WWII, Andrew’s father escaped Poland and wound up flying forthe British in the R.A.F. He must have left quite an impression of England on Andrew. Andrew frequently talked highly of England and of his plans to go over there after his education was complete. He fulfilled that dream and was a veteran of the British Army, passing away in the United Kingdom at far too early an age for such a gifted soul. - Eric Hageman
Your comments about Andrew Gracz were accurate and much appreciated.
I also knew Andrew to be a fine, cultured, and highly intelligent young man. Gifted with artistic abilty and that keen sense of humor, he left our world far too early. That is our loss.
However, may I correct you on one "little" detail? As I remember it, Andrew's accent was not Polish but rather British. He was born in England and spent his grammar school years there.
I'm saddened that Andrew, and many other of our classmates, will not be able to join us for our 50th Reunion but it is good to remember them in such a warm way.
Eric Hageman
Andrew was in my division. The son on Polish immigrants, he had the heaviest Chicago accent of anybody that I have ever met! He spoke deeply and somewhat slowly, complete with all the “Da” and “Dat,” etc., His dialect was so thick, that in freshmen Early World History class, guys would snicker under their breath whenever he asked Mr. Juengling a question as the others took him to sound retarded. This quickly changed as it soon became apparent that Andrew was intellectually brilliant. He also had a magnetic personality and a great sense of humor. In short order we all looked up to him. He was elected to represent our division on the Lane Tech Student Council. Andrew was also a gifted artist. In my yearbook he wrote; “Eric, The Marines are looking for a few good men… stick to hockey, Gracz” Just like Andrew to write something like that. But what was really a stitch was next to what he wrote he drew a caricature of a Marine sergeant with a stern stare, pointing his finger in my face in the fashion of the Uncle Sam “I Want You” poster prevalent during the World Wars.
During WWII, Andrew’s father escaped Poland and wound up flying for the British in the R.A.F. He must have left quite an impression of England on Andrew. Andrew frequently talked highly of England and of his plans to go over there after his education was complete. He fulfilled that dream and was a veteran of the British Army, passing away in the United Kingdom at far too early an age for such a gifted soul. - Eric Hageman
Thaddeus Machnik
Eric,
Your comments about Andrew Gracz were accurate and much appreciated.
I also knew Andrew to be a fine, cultured, and highly intelligent young man. Gifted with artistic abilty and that keen sense of humor, he left our world far too early. That is our loss.
However, may I correct you on one "little" detail? As I remember it, Andrew's accent was not Polish but rather British. He was born in England and spent his grammar school years there.
I'm saddened that Andrew, and many other of our classmates, will not be able to join us for our 50th Reunion but it is good to remember them in such a warm way.
It was a privilege to know them.
- Ted Machnik