The year was 1947 and the memories
of a six year old in first grade are not too expansive
to say the least. However, some memories do exist of that
very frightening first year of school.
I was one of four first graders. The others were Sally
(Ursala) Jasch, Marvin Woodilla and Rosemary DelGobbo.
The walk to and from school was the most difficult part
of my day. We walked on a path bordered by magnificently
cut stone walls behind Mr. Peckham's house on South Road.
It felt like we were walking miles but I know now it was
only about a quarter mile. With the deep snow it seemed
that my legs became increasingly short. I tried to walk
in my older brother Rod's footsteps because the snow would
be matted from his "larger" footprints. This
was indeed exhausting because his stride was much longer
than mine. To tease me and make matters worse, he would
run so that I couldn't use the matted snow method. So
much for my big brother being my hero.
My teacher was Mrs. Katherine Parnell. She was a very
kind and caring teacher. I always felt safe and protected
with her, although she continuously tried to change my
left-handedness to right, but to no avail. To this day
I'm notably a "lefty". She must have loved a
challenge because she became my second grade teacher also
in the new Consolidated School. I always believed that
she loved me so much that she wanted me for another year.
Remember, I was only six years old and had many "dubious
fantasies".
An exciting day at school was a visit from Lewis S. Mills.
We all had to clean our desks and be on our best behavior
in anticipation of his arrival. I remember Mrs. Parnell
always wrote on the blackboard, "Good morning, Mr.
Mills". His presence seemed so huge and definitely
someone to respect. He was a robust, very pleasant and
happy man. Mr. Mills always took a moment before leaving
us to ask questions of the class. I don't remember what
he asked, but we always laughed with him and he would
depart on a happy note.
When my first grade year ended and I was going on to the
"New Big School". I had no idea that some day
I would be an element of the "One-Room Schoolhouse"
again.
As a member of the Harwinton Historical Society, we saved
the school building from demolition. The day the building
was moved to its present sight was a profound experience
and personal sense of accomplishment for me. I guess the
"One-Room Schoolhouse" will always be deep seated
in the bottom of my heart and definitely not a frightening
experience any longer.
