I loved watching the kids doing the maypole dance every year. I always hoped to be picked as one of the dancers when I got to 8th grade. Alas, I was sent to St.Raphael school in San Rafael, starting in 6th grade.

The day was actually called "Play Day" and the different classrooms put on skits. I remember being a pilgrim lady in one of them. There were also games and competitions. Three-legged races, sack races, and potato races. Later, I think in the fourth grade, I started taking violin lessons, and the next thing I knew, I was in the school orchestra. The attached link to the photo (which was taken by a professional photographer) shows the orchestra during Play Day in 1946. I am in the violin section on the left with the white rimmed sunglasses. In front om me with the sailor hat, was Ron Stewart. Behind Ron and next to me is Al Cuthbert. Behind Al is Delbert (?forgot his last name). Next to me on the other side is a blonde girl with dark glasses playing the saxophone. That is Joy Jaegling. Standing by the music stand in a Cub Scout uniform is Art Donati. There are others whose faces I recognize, but the names are forgotten. Of course the Music Director, Miss Whittlesey is standing in the center with her baton, back to us.

For a bigger version, click here.




-- Edited by Rosemary at 05:41, 2008-01-16