For many who grew up in Orlando, the memory of walking down Robinson Street for First Friday Mass at Saint James Cathedral is a special school memory.
After church the kids had hot chocolate and donuts for breakfast in the St. James School cafeteria served by cafeteria manager, Fran Abeel. From spaghetti dinners to fall festivals and dinner with the bishop, Mrs. Abeel always had a crowd at Ridgewood St.
In this excerpt from an oral history interview on Sept. 3, 2011, Fran shares these happy memories of community life and the surprise call she received from the St. James School graduates of 1964 asking her to serve them their hot chocolate and donuts for their reunion!
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Fran Abeel, Saint James Cathedral
Saint James Cathedral School
Saint James Cathedral School
Saint James Cathedral School SocialFran Abeel worked at St. James School on Ridgewood Avenue in downtown Orlando from 1948 to 1975. In this 7 minute excerpt from an oral history interview at Saint James Cathedral on September 3rd, 2011 she details the improvements and expansion of the school as the needs of the Orlando community have changed through the years.
First Fridays with Hot Chocolate & Donuts
For many who grew up in Orlando, the memory of walking down Robinson Street for First Friday Mass at St. James Cathedral is a special school memory. After church the kids had hot chocolate and donuts for breakfast in the St. James School cafeteria served by cafeteria manager, Fran Abeel. From spaghetti dinners to fall festivals and dinner with the bishop, Mrs. Abeel always had a crowd in the school cafeteria on Ridgewood St.
In this excerpt from an oral history interview on Sept. 3, 2011, Fran shares her happy memories of community life and the surprise call she received from the St. James School graduates of 1964 asking her to serve them their hot chocolate and donuts for their reunion!
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St. James Cathedral School
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Commemorative Booklet for the St. James School Gala Event of the Year! Scholarship Dinner - Dance, Friday November 5, 1976 at the Carlton House Resort Hotel, 6515 International Drive. Includes letter from the Pastor of St. James Church, Father David Page, outlining the purpose of the event is to provide scholarships funds for students, an "investment in the youth" of our community. A history of St. James School, "St. James School: The Past" begins on page 8. Jack Hardin, General Manager of the Carlton House Resort Hotel gave all the facilities of the hotel for the event at no cost. Arline Benedetti did the banquet decorating. Scholarship donors and patrons are listed by name including many area businesses such as the George Stuart Foundation, Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc. Blue Bird Brand Citrus Products. Last page of the booklet gives a history of George Stuart, Inc. with a photo of George L. Stuart, Sr. September 4, 1905 - January 11, 1976. Photos of school staff and scholarship committee begins on page 10.