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Forum: Fremont Elementary School

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In the beginning . . .

Created on: 07/18/14 08:12 PM Views: 3350 Replies: 19
In the beginning . . .
Posted Friday, July 18, 2014 08:12 PM

O.k., my friends  - I’ll start this off.  After all, I really did see myself being elected Class President of Kindergarten through 6th Grade.  So, we’ll begin at the beginning: My “Afternoon” kindergarten class (apparently, there was a Morning class) with Mrs. Sullivan at the helm.

My sister, in going through my parents’ house after their deaths, came across a lot of stuff my mom saved from when I was a wee tyke.  Among the creased, fragile, bone-dry momentos was a class list, barely-legible but printed in that unmistakable purple ditto machine ink.  I happily recount it below, as it is not amenable to photocopying. The class members are divided, in those pre-gender-hysteria days of 1952-53, into Boys and Girls:

      Boys:                                                           Girls:

Ron Andrews                                         Patricia Adelson        Lynda Bathhurst

Jeffrey Carlson                                       Catherine Bettini       Nancy Butterworth

Robert Cassano                                     Patricia Gallien          Ann Hellender

Mark Jenkins                                         Julie Huntington         Lynn Lesher

Robert Huntington                                  Sylvia Moore             Nancy Mulcahy

George Peterson                                   Janice Richardson     Ann Segesman

Victor Trione                                          Susan Soso             Johnell Snyder

George Wells                                         Shirley Scott           Susan LaPlant

Some names do not ring any bells; most others remain still quite fresh in my mind.  I also recall, once graduated to the First Grade, that students were divided (based on some arcane criterion that eludes me)  into “9-o’clockers” and “10-o’clockers”.  This lasted just long enough to impart emotional scars on the more sensitive students, while allowing me and others in the latter group to satisfy our slacker inclinations by grabbing an extra hour of sleep before heading out into that brutal, strange, unforgiving world of dodge ball and Red Rover, study films in the auditorium under the harsh, S.S.-honed eye of Edith Vaughn at her balcony command post, spelling tests, hot dog sales (the best I've ever eaten ... don't know why), fierce contests of marbles, and the raucous queue outside Benton Market’s side window culminating with our paying one quarter and one dime for its "everyday" special: Baloney on a hard roll with mustard, plus a soda pop (hold the high-fructose corn syrup, please.)

In subsequent episodes, I might delve into the singular wonders of air raid drills, science projects and that blonde-headed cutie in the second row whose romantic interest I was never fully able to elicit.

Your faithful correspondent,

- Bing

- Presidente de por vida

 
Edited 09/02/14 07:42 AM
In the beginning . . .
Posted Friday, July 18, 2014 08:42 PM

I was a fellow student at Fremont with you, Bob.  I remember really liking our principal, Mr. "Wally" Wallstrom.  We got to know each other well since my teachers often sent me to his office for supposed disciplinary reasons.  He was a very cool guy.

 
I used to walk from my house on Crawford Court (across from S.R.H.S.) to Fremont every morning and back in the afternoon.  At the time it seemed like a very long trek.  I walked past Mrs. O'Sullivan's house each way and would occasionally stop by to say "hi" and maybe enjoy one of her cookies. I also recall having a crush on Dale Nagy only because she always wanted to gallup and prance around the playground pretending she was a pony.

The coolest thing was when I was allowed to be a junior crossing guard.  I loved the officiativeness of the position and that I could legally stop auto traffic with my big red stop sign on the end of a wood pole.  Wow, what power!

 
Edited 07/18/14 08:43 PM
In the beginning . . .
Posted Sunday, July 27, 2014 07:50 AM

Pablo -

All great memories, and thank you for sharing.  I do now remember your living in Crawford Court - a cute loop tucked away from Mendocino Ave. and exiting near that great little market, Red Rooster.  My dad's first nurse was a dear lady named Jean Grant, who lived with hubby Lynwood kind of around the bend of said court.  I liked to cook, even at 14, and she had the best recipe (still) for an apple cake. You might have known them, as I believe they lived there at that time.  One of my sister Barbara Jean's names was to honor Jean Grant.  The other was for Barbara Gaddis, who was my dad's nurse for at least 25 years, covering two stints divided by a 20-year break for child-rearing.  Did you ever hang around Gaddis Nursery on the weekends?  Adjacent to the old Hadley Tire Factory, at the northern dead-end of North Street, just west of "the tracks" and separated from the first house on Spencer by a grand vacant lot - our gladiator field of battle on which we'd wage epic dirt clod fights and construct architecturally "unique" forts, all done without parental oversight, or permits, fees and other tedious governmental intrusions.  In its way, a "Stand By Me" kind of childhood.  I got to play the Wil Wheaton part on occasion.

Your encounters with Mrs. O'Sullivan ... she wasn't the wife of "Jocko", our later H.S. Vice Principal, was she?  If so, then cudos for your keen political skills . . . insuring your favored status several years hence.

I recall Mr. Wallstrum's first name being Andy, but I never call him that during the few times I was "invited" to his office.  He was the ideal principal - firm standards, but fair, gentle and compassionate. A rare breed, that true gentleman.

- Bing

- Presidente de por vida

 
Edited 09/01/14 09:35 AM
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Tuesday, August 12, 2014 12:53 AM

I only went to Fremont for about 1/3 of the year in 2nd grade so I can't remember much. I lived on Slater Street at the time. Strangely enough I do remember Principal Wallstrom.

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Saturday, August 30, 2014 04:55 PM

I remember going to Fremont and getting into "big" trouble and spending the rest of the school year sitting in my desk in the hall on the second floor.  What did you expect for a minister's son.

 
In the beginning . . .
Posted Sunday, August 31, 2014 05:53 PM

Hello, David -

Do you recall the grade and name of your teacher at that time? I remember most teachers there.  Grades 3 and up were on the second floor, as I recall.  But, I also recall Fremont having a "daylight" basement, no?   I had sweet Helen Zeidler for 5th grade, maybe on the ground floor.  She was the first to pique my interest in science.

Part of a school year banished to the hall, David?  The seeming harshness of your discipline brings to mind former SS officer Edith Vaughn (6th grade) or perhaps Irene "The Intimidator" Becker (4th grade)  Do you realize nowadays there'd be a flurry of lawsuits, citing the likes of "cruel and unusual punishment", or "you are destroying this poor boy's ability to socialize!"  I imagine it might take a glass or two of wine to coax from you the juicy particulars of the transgressions he/she believed warranted your hallway exile.    Have some Cabernet.

An intriguing story, David ... thank you for sharing.

- Presidente de por vida

 
Edited 09/03/14 08:04 AM
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Wednesday, September 3, 2014 08:44 PM

FYI~~Ron Andrews, I believe,  was son of the teacher many Lewis School students lost in first grade....Mrs. Andrews was THE BEST ~~Wanda Ramsey came in as our substitute and stayed,,as nice as she was, we longed for our Mrs. Andrews to return...1st grade reality difficult for so many of us......Jamie Brendlin, Judy Kellar,  Gwennie Nicholson, Carlene Frazee and many more.....Dale Nagy~~

 

These days, when I visit the neighborhood, I remember the sweet days at Lewis...Judy and I did "office duty"....won't tell who, but those chewing gum, had it stuck to their noses and heading for principal's office...(Mr Traub)....Mr McCloud was our custodian......sweet man.....any more memories???  Hope to hear...........

Carlene Frazee

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Thursday, September 4, 2014 08:55 PM

 

Lewis School should have its own forum! This forum is for FREMONT!   cheeky


Carlene Frazee wrote:

FYI~~Ron Andrews, I believe,  was son of the teacher many Lewis School students lost in first grade....Mrs. Andrews was THE BEST ~~Wanda Ramsey came in as our substitute and stayed,,as nice as she was, we longed for our Mrs. Andrews to return...1st grade reality difficult for so many of us......Jamie Brendlin, Judy Kellar,  Gwennie Nicholson, Carlene Frazee and many more.....Dale Nagy~~

 

These days, when I visit the neighborhood, I remember the sweet days at Lewis...Judy and I did "office duty"....won't tell who, but those chewing gum, had it stuck to their noses and heading for principal's office...(Mr Traub)....Mr McCloud was our custodian......sweet man.....any more memories???  Hope to hear...........

Carlene Frazee

 

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Saturday, December 13, 2014 10:49 AM

I believe this is the Class picture of my 2nd Grade Class at Fremont 1954-55. I am 4th from the left in the middle row. If any of you know for sure please note and of course if you recognize anyone please also note.Anyone recognize the teacher?

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Monday, December 15, 2014 10:22 AM

2nd grade class,  I don't recognise the teacher but you'd think I would!!  5th from right, middle

row looks like Paul Quistgard;  John Bussman 2nd from right middle row;  Glen Via 3rd from left

middle row  Maybe Ida Knight next to Bussman  Denise Mahan center front row with head cocked!

Ther are a lot of kids I recognise but can't recall their names.

I'll have to dig out some old pictures of Fremont days.  No one knows that I started a fire in that

big tree in front of the principals office one Saturday.  There were some big holes in the trunk that

needed a burn!

Bob Sloat

 

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Friday, December 19, 2014 06:06 PM

Can't say anything about Fremont Elementary,  but Fremont High School (in Sunnyvale) has something I remember well.  When installing the new lighting system in the theatre, I had to use the bathroom.  The bathrooms are locked and I had to go to the office to get the key.  The secretary smiles as she hands you a bright red painted full size toilet seat with the key tamper-proof screwed to it.

Not only do you get the enjoyment of announcing your destination as you walk the hallway, but the locks are mounted high.  So you have to shoulder the toilet seat like an ox collar to get the key in the lock.  Turning it took some learned manuvers.  I don't think my body allows me that much time anymore.

 

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Sunday, December 21, 2014 09:05 AM

That's a colorful short story that is very amusing, Dale.  I am sure you must have a hat full of them.

 
In the beginning . . .
Posted Thursday, January 1, 2015 10:41 AM
I agree with Pablo Q. ... that is a very enjoyable story, Dale.  Keep 'em coming.

- Presidente de por vida

 
Edited 01/01/15 10:43 AM
In the beginning . . .
Posted Monday, January 12, 2015 12:41 PM

Winnifred Williams Williams wrote:

I believe this is the Class picture of my 2nd Grade Class at Fremont 1954-55. I am 4th from the left in the middle row. If any of you know for sure please note and of course if you recognize anyone please also note.Anyone recognize the teacher?

Bob Sloat believes the young lady to the left of John Bussman (he's in the middle row, two from the right end) is Ida Knight?  I vote for Carol White.  How about the top row, first girl to our far right? Looks like Kathy Daniels, to me.  Who is in the bottom row, first girl on our left? [BTW, I had to copy this image, paste into a Word.doc, then enlarge, to be able to discern faces.]

How about we get some other Fremont students chiming in?  (Come on, people ... we can't lose to Bob Lindemann and the mediocre Lewis Elem. School!) 

- Presidente de por vida

 
Edited 05/26/15 07:21 PM
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2015 07:07 PM

OMG!  I'm in this photo!  Wow, impressive.

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2015 07:08 PM

I am 5th in from the right in the middle row.

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2015 07:18 PM

Jean & Lynwood Grant were our next door neighbors and were the quietest and sweetest couple I may have ever known.  Somehow they put up with us 4 rowdy boys making all kinds of racket & mayhem for years.

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2015 07:32 PM

Paul -

"Sloaty" identified you as such (school photo) back on Dec. 15, 2014.  Just now checking in?

Also, did you see my comments about Jean Grant . . . ten months ago?  You are correct - she and Lynwood were very quiet, generous, sweet and pleasant people.

- Presidente de por vida

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Thursday, June 4, 2015 11:07 PM

I went to Fremont from 4th through 6th grade, but knew Principal Andy Walstrum from when I lived on Wright Street in 3rd grade and went to Lewis Ave.  Mr. Walstrum and his 3 sons, Randy, Rotty, and Ricky (not necessarily in age order ... failing memory) were a bit older than I, but my mother was a teacher at Windsor Elementary from ~'54 to ~'79, and not sure if she knew him from something school related OR if it was because Mr. Walstrum lived around the corner from us on Poppy Dr. (between Wright and Franklin Ave.).  I, like at least a few others who will admit it, ended up in Mr. Walstrum's office ... and I seem to remember something about a wooden paddle ... larger than a ping-pong one ... but can't remember if/when/how it was used.  I DO remember that when I was in 5th grade, and had had some surgery on my nose and when it got hit by a ball and was bleeding profusely, Mr. Walstrum TOOK me to a doctor.

Fast forward to perhaps 10 or 15 years ago when a good friend of mine who still lives in SR sent me the obituary for Andy Walstrum that was published in the Press Democrat.  A key thing I remember from that was a story re. how someone once asked Andy what he would do or say if a student brought in a note requesting an "excused absence" because the boy had gone fishing with his dad and Andy replied that the boy probably got more out of that day than had he been in school.

Most of us have MUCH to be THANKFUL for when growing up in SR!!!

P.S. I had (think it was) Miss Helen Dixon for 5th and 6th grade in a long narrow room that was on the top floor at the North end of the auditorium ... with a door going out onto the balcony along side the auditorium.  She use to let us go out in pairs to study spelling.

P.S.S. I believe I also remember that Paul Quistgard used to have to sit in a desk RIGHT IN FRONT of Miss Dixon so she could attempt to control him (but you can deny this Paul if you like)

P.S.S. I vaguely remember having a man teacher for 4th grade in a room that would be on the South East end of the main floor ... somebody needs to help me out here

 
RE: In the beginning . . .
Posted Wednesday, January 8, 2020 11:37 PM

For any/all of us who went to Fremont on Humboldt St., I just stumbled across a link that shows a picture of the main building when it was Santa Rosa High School ... around 1895 (not clear from the article ... but it talks about the building surviving the 1906 earthquake).  It looks EXACTLY like I remember it when we were there in the mid '50s, and the description matches too..   Check it out at http://comstockhousehistory.blogspot.com/2014/03/santa-rosa-high-school-version-21.html

 
 



agape