School Story:
I started kindergarten in Holtville California.
Went to first grade with a wide variety of races, which was unusual in those days by Texas standards. Children wearing turbans, Mexicans, Blacks, Orientals were among my classmates. Attended @ 23 schools in three states until I married in 1958. During the 1940's when America was emerging from WWII, my mother would dress me as if I was attending a party for school the Organdy Pinafores & black Patten Mary Jane’s my teacher would clear her desk and have me model for the class. Why no one resented me is a wonder as most children were barefoot. I remember my mother bringing a Birthday cake for all to share and small favors for everyone. This was a first and the children loved it and responded by giving me their dearest treasures something that has stayed with me how they opened their hearts with love. A red Crayola, shinny penny, pencil, several Cracker Jack trinkets and a class card made for me as well.
I moved to Greenville for the second time in 1953,attending Lamar. Second day they voted on Cheerleaders my teacher said I should so as a result even though very shy I became one along with Carol Harbuck and not sure who else. Second, half of 5th grade was at Travis. Because of moving, so much I had "NO" foundation in school my parents held me back. I then went on to repeat fifth at Houston. This is where I met Joel Jacobs, Judy Mcham, and Carey Collier. With whom to this day I stay in touch. Lunch was 25 cents then went up. Anyone remember doing the Bunny Hop as part of the 6th grade play using the High school Flashes costumes ?
In Jr. High, I was radio Disk Jockey on KGVL I asked Joel to be my co-host. I was sweet on him but he never even noticed. This was a lot of fun for seventh graders.
When my father was on active duty in WWII in the Army Air Corps, we bought a house on Templeton St in Greenville, living next door to Donnie Duncan and his family. We were playmates and somewhere I have pictures. {Donnie married Sally Treadway}. It was after this that we moved back to California.
The Youth Center across from the school was a favorite gathering place for the young people in Greenville. Mrs. Hater had her hands full. I remember the night Larry Curtis played with his group I thought he was so dreamy and just knew that he had to like me, as our parents were friends. Well guess what he never noticed me either. I was a wall flower what can I say. May 7,1955 attending the Saturday Morning show at the Texan Theater I was introduced to Don Walker by his friend Lynn Anderson. Lynn was a cousin to Jennie Phipps and she & I were at the show. Afterwards we went to the Youth Center and danced. Don & I were on again off again but he was the one then and still is.
I gave our homemaking teacher fits over a dress I was making in 9th grade. Still have and from time to time pull out her old recipe’s to use.
Remember 9th grade Drivers Ed the first year offered what fun except for the teacher and our parents.
Only time I ever skipped school was in 10th for half a day after asking permission from my mom. I had to see "Gone with the Wind" which by that time I had seen for 14 times. Found out much later Carey is as much a fan of that movie & Clark Gable as I was. First time seeing that movie was in kindergarten my baby sitter took me and was infatuated from then on.
