This week I’ve been reading the school news for 1947-49, the years that my mother went to high school. She didn’t graduate because she got married when she was a junior and Dad was a senior. Shortly after he graduated they moved to California with his parents and other family members.
Reading the “Caddo High Times” has been informative and enjoyable, but also somewhat distressing. Why didn’t I know more about Mom’s high school days? Why can’t I recall talking with her about her experiences in FHA? When I was elected president did she tell me that she had served as treasurer? Did we ever talk about her trips to the state rally? Did she tell me about her cooking award? I honestly can’t remember. Nor did I realize that she was in the band. I didn’t know she participated in several speech activities. Perhaps, like many teens, I was just so focused on my own high school days that I didn’t think hers were relevant. Regardless of the reason for my ignorance, reading about her activities in school has revealed a side of her that I never knew existed.
I guess we all tend to think of our parents as mature and staid, wise and nurturing, responsible and authoritative. We know that they were once carefree and perhaps even careless teenagers, just like we were. However, sometimes we need to be reminded by the printed proof.
My mom was a very active, talented student. I’m so happy that I took the time this week to find items like this:
The Caddo Herald
January 16, 1948
Evils of Strong Drink is Score at School Play
A special assembly in recognition of temperance week was presented at high school Wednesday under direction of Mrs. Seago.
Program as follows:
Flag Salute: Howard Cochran
Assembly singing by all.
What the Bible says about drinking: Paul Edmonds
Prayer: Mrs. Taylor
Face the Facts: Colleen Springer and Betty Adams
Good Health: Band, Sixth Grade
I refuse to drink because: James Troxell
Yield Not to Temptation: Junior Girls Quartet
An Educational Campaign: Floydene Morgan
The Drunken Driver Needs His Brains Checked: Bob Hallmark
“You Can’t Fool Us”, a playlet:
Charles Choate- Mr. Wet
Joel Clark- Mr. Alcohol
Six Grade Children
If you’d like to read more, visit my Family Ties blog.
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