LLoyd Colebank

Carol writes:

In the 1946-47 school year, Blosser Hill schools opened. That was the year I was in fifth grade. Miss LEONARD taught, in one building, grades 1-3, Mrs. HESS taught grades 4-6, in the other building. I don't remember the numbers of students in fifth grade, but in sixth grade we only had 6, Jimmy and Viola HUEY, Jack RHODES, Norma Jean SWIFT, myself, and I can't think of the other person. It might have been Steve PLEVEL. Anyway, I get sidetracked. Mr. COLEBANK was the custodian for the buildings, he lived across the road. He would come over, open up, get a bucket of water for recess drinks from the pump on the well outside. I am sure he kept the buildings clean, although I never saw him doing that. In the winter, Jack RHODES and I would help him build the fire in the pot belly stove toward the back center of the building. We would crack the ice in the bucket and prime the pump with the water if there was any. We would fill the bucket and put it near the cupboard where our water cups were kept. We thought we were really being a big help to him. I am not sure, but I think he would wash the blackboards while we were doing this. I do remember Mrs. HESS erasing what she didn't need for the next day, I am assuming so that he would know what portions to wash. Mr. COLEBANK was such a patient, quiet man. He was so nice to everyone. After Mr and Mrs. MUNSON moved into Helen ClLEMMER'S house, he would ride to church with them. This was after Mrs. COLEBANK passed away. My mother would try to have our dinner ready when we got home from church and would have a plate fixed for him. When he returned the plate he always had a treat for us. It was usually a package of butter mints. I loved those mints. Anytime I think of going to school there, and it is often, I think of Mr. COLEBANK and what a nice man he was. It is easy to think about it, as Mother's property abuts the school property. When we sit on the back porch, we face the schools. Mr. COLEBANK'S grandson, John BOHAN, lives in their home now. It is just as well manicured as it was when they lived there. Blosser Hill has many more structures now, than it did when we were growing up, and for the most part everyone takes very good care of their property. Thanks for starting the Clarion, I love reading the new additions. I have spread the word, so I hope lots of people will add their 2 cents.

I am curious as to why the schools reopened? They were supposed to have consolidated all those rural schools. I left in 1945 and didn't know they reopened.

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