In 1928, my great grandmother, Doris, attended the Saint Mary’s Parochial School. She was in fifth grade, like me, but after having a long talk with her, I think she had a totally different experience.
Doris would wake up every day and look forward to a long mile walk that would lead her to Saint Mary’s Parochial School. She would carry her lunch books, and other school accessories in a white canvas bag. When she arrived to her class, with 35 children, she would quietly sit in the girl’s section. If she was caught talking to boy, she would have to sit in the boy section all day. (A big humiliation) Another punishment was if a boy came to school with out a tie on, (the essential dress code) they would have to wear a huge paper one all day. Also, if the children disobeyed any other rules, (talking, chewing gum etc.) they would get hit with ruler.
My great grandma loved school. She loved to study geography, history, catechism, math, language and penmanship. By the way, penmanship was a very important part of her education.
Update: 2003/02/06 23:44:43
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