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Parochial school was difficult. The Nuns at that time were very strict but the education certainly was much better than today. Entering 1st grade, separation from our Mother was difficult. We both cried, felt the loss but soon adjusted and learned to like school. We played in a small band. I remember so much wanting to play the triangle. If I remember, Janice was called on to have this instrument and I got to play the blocks. Blocks didn't impress me nor did it impress others. We wore little white hats, blue skirts with white blouses, we looked so cute; I was in the second row and really stood out with those silly two blocks in my hands. I was jealous of Janice up in the fourth row with that triangle in her hands and playing away. Music seemed to be her first love. She sang at parties, picnics and the people so enjoyed her. I remember at the Brewery picnic, she sang "Don't go under the Apple tree" and at the Eagleton Town Hall, they gave her a 25 dollar saving bond. I truly beleive that had she had music lessons and voice lessons we would now hear her voice on the list of today's Oldies.
She could yodel; unbelieable, as no one else could do this. I was so jealous of her talent yet proud of her. She beamed, her face happy that she could please so many people. I think she would be a mixture of Kay Starr, Connie Francis, and some of the popular country singers that we hear today.
We made it through first grade and second grade we were ready for first communion. Going to confession was exciting; now who at that age would have any sins. (We did or I thought we did). We had a little contest going, who could stay in the confessional the longest. I went first, told the priest sins that I made up. I slapped the dog, called the cat a naughty name, disobeyed my parents. Didn't roll Mom and Dad's cigarettes when told to. Finally after spending countless minutes the Priest would say "you can go now Janet". I came out of the confessional smiling and now time for Janice. She had to tell me that she could stay in there longer than me. I believe she was in longer than me and probably made up more lies than me and better at it. As soon as she came out of the confessional I asked her what her penance was. She said 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary's and the act of
contrition. Father gave us both the same penance. At least he was fair with us.
Went through the remaining years, making friends, playing with the girl's baseball team; they were fun years.
We still went to Grandma's on weekends; loved her very much. We remembered the days when we would bury little animals (mice & birds in boxes) and have a religious ceremony; Janice would sing and I would bless the little creatures. We would bring out Grandma's statue of Mary and put wild flowers on a small rock for the funeral. I truly hope that God witnessed all of this and gave both of us a free pass to heaven.
High School was fun, Bloomer being such a small town, we went to grade school, and High School together with the same kids. Some classes I disliked and of course every Friday was Sports day. A free day, entertainment, etc. Some of the kids would play an instrument, some in small groups, would act out a play taken from the English class. Janice sang "Bonapartes Retreat". She was good, no fear of an audience, just belt out the song.
Then, there were tryouts for cheer leaders. We wanted so much to belong to the team. So we practiced, felt we had it down pat and now our turn on stage.
At that time there was a song called "shs ca boom". The idea was for Janice to get down on all fours and I would flip over her body saying "ssh", flip, then say "boom" as I fell on my behind, everyone
laughed. We felt foolish but we tried.
Mom and Dad had spent a few years on my Grandmother's farm to help out, the Brewery had folded. They made the decision to move on as Dad did not enjoy farming and Grandma finally sold the farm and built a home in the city. We settled in Racine, Wisconsin.
I missed my dear old friends but it didn't take up long to find new friends. Janice had new friends and I did as well. We did share some of the friends and today we still have some that remain with us over fifty years - dear, dear Golden friends.
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