A MyVeronaNJ.com reader on Hillcrest recently found this photo while clearing out an attic box that may have been left by a previous owner of her house. The photo is of the 1940 Verona High School football team, and was taken on what is now the location of the middle school track. Although the faces are somewhat obscured by the helmets, you can get a clearer view of them by clicking on the photo to expand it in your browser.
There are a few names pencilled in on the back: Harry St. Clair, Freddie Pollidino, Angelo Salvanti, Bill Hafer in the back row and, in front, Bob Hagerman, Norman Wiener, George “Dutchy” Frey, Jimmy Zingg, Harry Dougherty, Eddie Smoot and Al Kaplus. My dad, who graduated VHS in 1946, remembers some of the players and believes that the correct spelling of some of the last names was Pallidino, Salvante, and Hegeman.
MyVeronaNJ.com would love to pass this photo along to someone who has a connection with it. So drop me an e-mail to tell me how you know the players, and it’s yours.
I think my dd, Jim Towart is 3rd from the left, front row althouh it’s diffcult to tell. He graduated 1947 from VHS. Sadly he’s no longer with us so I can’t confirm.