School Day Memories ~ Kent Ohio ~ 1940s 1950s ~ Going Home


Walking was the only way to get to grade school and high school during the 40s and 50s. We had only one car in our family.My dad drove that car to work. The distance from home to school at the old Central School seemed really far for our little legs to carry us but what great exercise that was. The cold brutal days were the worst. Rainy ones could be dealt with by wearing waterproof boots and raincoat. 


Seeing the acorns during my walk in the yard today bought back a vivid memory of the boys that lived on or near the corner of Fairchild and N. Mantua. School rules required us to go straight home with no horseplay, fighting or throwing things on the way. Unfortunately the kids that lived in that area arrived home first as they were close to the school.


 In the Fall they would pelt the passing kids with acorns, buckeyes and horse chestnuts. Winter was worse because the ice balls and snowballs that they hurled at us hurt more if they struck you. I think somewhere along the way these wayward kids got reported to the school for their actions because after a few years it ceased. 


I wonder if these boys matured into adults who felt some guilt or responsibility for harassing us or if they went on to be men that would aggravate all who would cross their paths. 

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