Memories of going to school were mostly happy

By: 
Lorna Marquardt
Columnist

“School days, school days, Dear old golden rule days, Readin’ and ritin’and ‘rithmetic, Taught to the tune of a hick’ry stick.”

What an exciting time of the year. Moms and dads spent the last few weeks buying school clothes and supplies. Teachers prepared their classrooms for their students. The summer flew by; although most kids don’t admit it, they are ready to see their friends again and get back to their studies.

I have so many “first day of school” memories. I can actually remember my own. There was no pre-school or early kindergarten, so going to school was a totally new and scary experience. I can remember my teacher, Miss Howe hugging me.

My own children’s first day of school seems like yesterday. They both handled it very well; it was me who cried my eyes out when I got back into the car.

I also remember my three grandchildren’s first day of school. Now I have great-grandchildren in school too.

I have always thought of my school days as some of the best days of my life. Not all of my memories are happy ones, but I wouldn’t trade the memories of my school days with anything.

When I was in kindergarten, my folks moved to Marion. I remember I did not want to go to a new school, but of course, I had no choice.

I have never forgotten the wonderful way I was welcomed. The school was going to put on a parade and each class was asked to participate. My classmates selected me (I think with some prodding from the teacher) as the princess of the parade. They made me a crown, a paper link necklace, etc. I was so proud as I was pulled through the halls in a decorated wagon. It was the best wagon ride I ever had.

I also remember getting shots at school. I was a big sissy and kept going to the end of the line until I was the last one there. Do any of you remember those awful goiter pills? They were chalky and nasty tasting. I hated them.

I will never forget a terrible day out on the school playground. A classmate of mine walked in front of me when I was swinging. I couldn’t stop, and I hit him. He fell to the ground and ended up having a broken bone in his leg. The kids were all mad at me for hurting Merlin.

I remember crying and not wanting to go back to school. I felt terrible. Fortunately, young kids are forgiving.

I truly enjoyed my years of high school. During those years, girls weren’t allowed to wear slacks to school. I had to walk a distance. In the winter my mother wanted me to wear slacks under my skirt and then take the slacks off when I got to school. I wouldn’t hear of it. Good thing knee socks were in style.

The sock hops after home football and basketball games were such fun. I loved to dance. I remember twisting to Chubby Checker and doing the stroll, the jive and the limbo. I always hoped someone would ask me to dance when Elvis Presley’s “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” my favorite song, was playing.

I will never forget the night my date for the homecoming dance, John Pocket, got hurt at the football game. Suddenly I was without an escort and I was on the court. Thankfully a classmate, Jerry Moericke asked me if I would go to the dance with him. Would I? I was never so relieved.

My folks scrimped to buy me a beautiful dark green dress and shoes to match. It was the most beautiful dress I ever had, and I was so glad I could join the rest of the court (show off my dress) and dance to the songs of Ricky Nelson, the Supremes and Bobby Vinton.

Most seniors were excited about graduation, but I wasn’t. I knew I would miss school. My folks bought me a beautiful white dress at Pries Apparel. I wore a red necklace and red shoes to complete my outfit. I rarely received brand new clothes/shoes, which is probably why I remember them so well 56 years later.

A while ago, while at a restaurant, one of my hubby’s teachers Harlan Martin visited with us. Hubby was so surprised Mr. Martin remembered him. Hubby also fondly remembers other favorites, the late Fred Ponchok and Harvey Steffen to mention a few.

Next to my family and Rev. Ohlrogge, I can’t think of anyone that impacted my life more than my teachers. I’m glad I had a chance to say “thank you” to a few of them.

Have a great year, students, teachers and parents.