Gilmer RobertsonStrafford, Vermont

When I was a senior I developed an excellent habit of doing my homework on Friday, after school so I could enjoy the rest of the weekend without having that sharp pain that would pop up while I was having fun. It was a good habit that I have never maintained since then.  So, Debby and Barbara I apologize for being perhaps the last to fill the book.

The beginning was Dorminy Studios. My first year of school was spent with Ernie Collins, Tilman Britt, Ann Graves, Jimmy Clement, Mark Golding, Zane Odell and I believe one or two more.  We all passed the test and moved on to North Main for the second grade (our birthdays were a little late to get in on the regular class).  Not sure about the other kids but my parents wanted me to be in the same class as Charles Sykes, Jimmy Woltz and Lee Merrit.  They didn't realize that we would have to suffer though Mrs. Warhurst nicknamed "the Battle Axe" which we had to have learned from some older kids.  Her son Eddie was one of the only real bullies I ever remember. 

During the second grade Judi Dowell talked me into going into the girls cloak closest, the biggest taboo I remember at North Main. Mrs. Shore was out of the room and Judi said it was the only place to show me what she wanted to show me.  It turned out to be a kiss and as we exited Mrs. Shore came in the room.  Immediately she grabbed me by the shoulders (actually by appearance Judi had done nothing wrong) and shook me, she was very angry.  "Why did you go into the girls’ closet?".  Having absolutely no defense I looked at her and said, "Mrs. Shore, you have the most beautiful blue eyes in the world."  It worked, she just walked away without a word. I was a trapped child that came up with that, but I have used that odd event to help me through many tight situations.

My third-grade teacher, Mrs. King, was my favorite of all.  She taught me the expression "your barn door is down" in attempting to prevent me from being embarrassed during recess.  Years later on a visit home from college I picked her up

walking in a strange place in town and took her home. I knew where she lived, but she did not. An unjust situation to someone who served so many.

Mrs. Boyles, Mrs. Banner, and Miss Cockerham we were all fortunate to have.  In my mind the only real bad apple in the lot was Mrs. Finch, our superintendent's sister, by the way.  Okay Mrs. Quesinberry could be firm, but a short while before her death I gave her a ride to her home and the first thing she said was "Robertson" I'm sorry I never had you for a student. Then she asked if I ever heard from "Taylor" (Steve Taylor, my best friend who move away after the fourth grade). She remembered my name, remembered Steve's name and that we were friends. She obviously took her students seriously.

Miss Cockerham was the first young teacher we ever had.  I thought that they were all born old.  She was a fun lady.  Alan Baer and I pestered her with our silly duos. Our class planned a surprise birthday party for her and when it all went down Mrs. Coppidge (sp) called her to the office over the intercom.  Miss Cockerham came back crying because the celebration had not been officially approved. I still don't quite understand that one.Seventh grade began as a nightmare when I learned I was going to have Mrs. McCann.  I was terrified, but like most of us, I am so grateful that she was a part of us.  Those Presidents’ reports, having to be two pages long, less two lines on the second page or two lines over on the third page, in ink with no erasures or mark-throughs, were pretty tough. Many of us were lucky enough to have her a second time around in the ninth grade. 

I WILL NOT TALK IN THE HALLS OF MOUNT AIRY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL.  No Mt. or Jr. but the full spelling.  Apparently, Coach Holleman (sp) thought he could control his homeroom students in the halls between classes.  Actually, he did just that as the first punishment was writing that above 250 times, second offense 500 times, and third offense 1000 times. I never made it to the 2000 offense.  I have many of the neighborhood boys to thank for helping me, although I helped them as well.  I believe it was Larry Tilley who came up with the idea of taping 8 or 10 pencils together and getting a good amount done at one time.

Mary Alice Wolfe and I were religious about taking care of our pet white rat. Some sort of brain test in Mrs. Ramseur's ninth grade science class.  I believe we had to mix Gerber's flake food to order to feed the thing.  Okay, it was a white rat, which is a little more appealing than the grey ones, but we should have just killed it. I much preferred learning all about Mrs. Ramseur's Rambler.  There were actually parts that you could actually see how they worked.  Too bad cars aren't so simple as a 1962 Rambler.

My high school years were fantastic.  I don't remember anything but fun (other than being called on in class the one time I hadn't done my homework). While working through all of our issues and challenges it seems to me that our friendships made those issues disappear.  Even for an hour, a night of dancing, or just being together.  There are so many things to talk about that it's pretty impossible to pick just a few out. 

I will speak of my brief health issue my senior year, which Barbara Jones was gentle enough not to mention in HER memory, so I will mention it in MINE. She was the first to believe me that I was actually sick and not faking it just to get out of Spanish.  Mrs. McAllister was not so cooperative.  Poor Mrs. McAllister.  She came to visit me in the hospital with Martha Gray and I only spoke to and looked at Martha. Do I ever feel guilty about that slight?  No.

I do believe the worst thing I ever did was somehow driving the entire cheerleading team back to Mt. Airy and getting pulled over by a policeman in some little town halfway between the town we played a basketball game and Mt. Airy. I told the officer that I was not quite sure how they ended up in the car because I didn't take them to the game. Anyway, the officer asked how many people were in the car.  I said "seven" which seemed like a good number. It was amazing how 11 or 12 teenage girls could keep quiet for a few minutes!  Unbelievably, he let us go on our way, something I would have never done if I were an officer.  We were in a car with no seat belts, no shoulder harnesses, and no padded dash thinking the more the better if we had an accident. 

Unlike Ben Towe, I have NO memory of any ballgame scores, championships, etc.  I just know I hated anything Reidsville!And there was one particular young fella who kidded me unmercifully for not having hair on my chest. I never did get hair on my chest, but I do have it on my head. In true high school pettiness, I hope his little skull shines like a light bulb.

When I tell people that I'm going to go to my 50th reunion, most don't understand why. They say you don't even know them now.  And I say, I knew them then and that is as important as anything!  Can't wait to see everyone. To those who couldn't make it, we will miss you very much. I have owned a restaurant in Vermont for 35 years.  It has been pretty good, but surprise, surprise, what do you think is my biggest problem?  Dealing with high school dishwashers.

Best, warmest regards,Gil