Very few memories…
I attended Nesbitt School in Rosemount (K-6). Apparently, the school was built in 1911. Was a 40-year old school when I attended. A 3-story reddish brick block with little ‘architecture’ about it.
The school was on 8th Avenue. We lived on 2nd Avenue. I walked to/from school on my own for a couple of years, then with my brother. Even a 6-year-old was expected to make their way to school without adult accompaniment.
Story: Don’t know where I heard this, but apparently Mom used to follow to make sure I made it to school okay. Maybe, during the first weeks or months? I don’t remember noticing.
I do remember having a classmate/friend who lived on 6th avenue. (Name? Long forgotten). Would sometimes play a while at his house. The family moved before we graduated.
I remember one classmate had the nickname “snotty”. Probably had allergies, so his nose was always running… [The things you remember!]
Story: Play in the schoolyard was less supervised than today. We used to play football — tackle football, I think. I fractured my leg once and needed a cast. The biggest boy in my class took me down or fell on me. I remember that he weighed 105 pounds. (Why do I remember that number?) Was helped to the nurse’s office. Had a cast and crutches until healed.
The school yard was divided by a short fence. One side for boys, one for girls. Mixed play was not a thing in the 1950’s. Half the school yard was asphalt, half was grassed.
Story: I have one “scientific” memory I have from that time. In the spring, there would be deep puddles and snow banks along the route to school. One day I figured I could jump into a 6-inch deep puddle without getting wet. My boots were water proof, and the tops were maybe 8 inches high. If I kept my feet close together, the water would splash away from me and I would remain dry… In theory… So I jumped… First problem, I couldn’t keep my feet together. Second problem, the water wave moved away from my feet, bounced off the edge of the pool, and poured over my boot tops. Oops.