Coal Regions Connections: Marian Celebrates It's 60th Birthday and Men of Marian Celebrate 44th Annual Picnic

(Skook News, July 2014)

Coal Regions Connections: Marian Celebrates It's 60th Birthday and Men of Marian Celebrate 44th Annual Picnic

MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES ITS 60TH BIRTHDAY IN SEPTEMBER & THE MEN OF MARIAN CELEBRATES THEIR 44TH ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC THIS WEEKEND.

Congratulations to Marian Catholic HS--its teachers, coaches, & support staff, its alumni, & the many volunteers who donate time & money to keep the Marian Catholic moving forward with its tradition of academic & athletic excellence. In 1954, Marian Catholic was formed as a 3 school campus with freshmen attending St. Jerome's in Tamaqua; sophomores going to St. Ann's in Lansford; juniors & seniors being taught at St. Mary's (pictured below) in Coaldale. In September 1964, all four grades were consolidated under 1 roof when Marian Catholic HS opened in Rush Twp. It's a school built on farmland--surrounded by farmland. So, 2014 marks the 60th birthday for Marian Catholic & the 50th birthday for the school in Rush Twp.

I never knew where the Marian team name "Colts" was derived from until I researched this post. COLTS--C for Coaldale; O for other towns; L for Lansford; T for Tamaqua; S for Summit Hill. Today, Marian serves students from over 50 Roman & Byzantine Catholic parishes in 3 counties & also welcomes students from all other faiths.

The Men of Marian Summer Picnic also has an impressive history. I remember well it's humble beginnings in the early 70s at Tippett's Grove in Hauto. What memories of those Tippett's picnics! It was like a class reunion every summer. Anybody have old pictures of those picnics at Tippett's?

Eventually, the picnic got too large & moved to Jim Thorpe Memorial Park & then later to its present location on the school grounds in Rush Twp. This year's picnic will be held Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 5-10pm, & Sunday 4-9pm under the big top tent. There will also be a large flea market inside the school gym.

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