Written by Mrs. Wenger

“Bush School, 1939 – 1945

“I lived south of Salem about where Walling Sand and Gravel Company is located. We rode the school bus. We rode even farther south and up the hill where Morning Side School is. The homes and that hill were mansions, at least to a little girls’ eyes. I remember one girl who lived there. Her name was Norma Paulus.

“Bush School is located on Mission Street. That is for awhile yet. It will be torn down this (2002) year. This is sadness for me. I remember the playground where we climbed in a big tree’s roots, where we played dodgeball. We got so dirty because sometimes the ground was very wet.

“I remember Mr. Beck, our principal. he was a very kind man. I remember my first grade teacher, Miss Dimick. She taught me how to tell time while I waited for the bus to take me home. I remember my fourth grade teacher who believed in ‘good health habits’. she said we should brush out teeth three times a day. she did. Also, every morning we had to raise our hand, handkerchief in hand, to show we carried one.

“I recently went back to Bush School with my daughter and grandson. Ryan wanted a picture of me in front of the school. While we were there I noticed how close to the floor the drinking fountains were. I never noticed that during the years 1939 – 1945.

“This wonderful school that I remember so well was a happy place.”