Growing up in the 60s

We made many trips to the Carnegie Library when Patti and Tony were small. I always took them to "story hour" each week. They were allowed to check out several books from the children's library. I read to them before bed. They always wanted me to read each of the books every night, not just one or two.

The elementary school was down the hill and a few blocks away. Patti and Tony were able to walk to school which was nice. I liked the teachers and the principal who was a small, wiry, soft-spoken man.

Patti was tall for her age when she started school. There were two teachers who were tall. Both these ladies walked tall. Patti never slouched when she walked. I credit the example set by these two teachers. She reached her full height about 5th grade. After that she was no longer taller than the boys in her class.

I don't remember Patti's first day of school but I do remember Tony's. I walked with him down the street to the Luzum's house where his pal came out to walk with him. Both boys wore red shirts. They walked off down the hill without a backward glance. No wave, no nothing!

Elementary school was from kindergarten through 6th grade. After that they went to Junion High in another building.

Both Patti and Tony started clarinet lessons when they were 4th graders. (I think my Mom wished two clarinet players for me so I would know what she went through with me!)

I volunteered at the elementary school when the secretary was away. I really enjoyed being back in a school setting.

The school hired me to be noon hour supervisor when Patti was about 5th grade and Tony, 3rd grade. I supervised the kids in the lunchroom and out on the playground. Some of the 5th and 6th grade boys were bigger than I. That was sometimes a challenge.

We called Tony Anthony until about third grade when he told his teacher he wanted to be called Tony. From that time until now, he is called Tony.

Somewhere along the line, I was room mother for each of the kids, baking and taking cupcakes and other treats several times a year.

I am sure Patti and Tony will remember other things - or maybe differently than I remember but that it ok. These are my memories.