School Days, 1953

Cool, crisp morning air, the rumbling sound of school buses, relishing the sweet smell of marigolds in their final days, the bright, warming afternoon sunshine and the increasingly shorter days of  September.

September is the month associated with the end of summer and going back to school, even if it has been years since you have stepped into a classroom, the sights, sounds, and smells of September can refresh memories of long past school days.

A few years ago, while rummaging through my attic, (actually, I do not do the attic rummaging, I leave that to my husband) I came across my father’s college notebooks from the year 1953.  Among his notes in chemistry, accounting, and history was my favorite find, his English notes, which included some of his early writing assignments.    Most of his writings were about cars and the auto industry, which is no surprise since cars were his passion throughout his life.  

However, my father’s writings that caught my attention and gave me a unique glimpse into the dreams of a 21-year-old college student in 1953, are the writings I will share with you.

Although they may seem a bit sketchy in spots, these short pieces provide a brief, poignant look at life in the 1950’s through my father’s perspective.

*Click on the letter to make it more visible.

*Click on the letter to make it more visible.