20th Street crosswalk named in honor of alumnus

By Shannon Curley
Collegian Staff
March 29, 2006

The walkway on the west side of 20th street has been dedicated as “The McHale Crossway and Plaza” in honor of Philadelphia native and La Salle alum, John McHale ’49.

The intersection at 20th and Olney Avenue was named in honor of La Salle alum
John McHale '49 during a dedication ceremony held on March 20. It is now called the
McHale Crosswalk and Plaza. Photo courtesy of University Archives.

A historical marker, which gives a brief written history of LaSalle and theUniversity’s growth was also placed at the site. The official dedication and unveiling of the marker took place during La Salle’s 143rd Charter Day celebration on March 20.

The day included a luncheon, the dedication and a liturgy that was presided over by Father Dever, the La Salle chaplain. Seventy-five people attended the ceremony, including McHale, his two sons and two granddaughters. After the service, McHale’s 15 year-old granddaughter Marguerite Walsh made remarks on his behalf.

“Its personal influence is deep-rooted and extensive,” Walsh said. “I spent four years here as a Little Explorer—then four years for World War II, and finally, a full-fledged Explorer back again.

“Two intersections that have impacted our lives, all of us, educators and educated, faculty, staff and student. First, the intersection of 20th and Olney—otherwise known as La Salle… The second the intersection that has so affected our lives was the introduction to what’s called a Lasallian education.”

Director of Major Gifts, Br. Charles Gresh, said that the marker is a very fitting gift as McHale is a “big history buff, and has been instrumental in documenting La Salle’s history.”

In a letter to the Christian Brothers that McHale sent the day after the ceremony, he wrote “the sign was a complete surprise and thrill. By pronouncing the 20th Street cross route exactly, it visually defines campus unification, and supports the marker’s text.”

McHale began as a student at La Salle College High School—referred as the “Little Explorer” by its graduates. After serving in the United States Air Force during World War II, he enrolled in what was then called La Salle College. The school was renamed La Salle University in 1984.
Another attendee, sophomore Courtney Bowers, spoke about her experiences with McHale. Bowers was recently named runner-up for the Leo Prize, a historical essay contest sponsored by McHale. The contest awards La Salle students who write about Philadelphia history.

“I know firsthand the generosity of this man, a generosity which many have felt,” she said. “Through his sponsorship it was discovered that La Salle University is the second-oldest continuously degree-granting institution in Philadelphia, and the oldest Catholic institution…today we recognize the wonderful things Mr. McHale has done for La Salle, including the landscaping project which has so beautified this campus.”

Over the years, McHale has helped fund University research. He recently contributed the trees and park benches added during the reconstruction of 20th Street, and is donating the McHale Computer Room for the new science center the University is proposing.

curleys1@lasalle.edu