The
MEGAPHONE
Elwood, Indiana Elwood High School(s)
Volume 7, No. 10 Sunday, October 1, 2006
Whoops!!!
Contents
-- Page numbers on the left can be used as links --
Page 1 . . . In and Around Your Hometown -- Nancy Sumner
Page 2 . . . Panther Den Birthday & Anniversary Calendar -- Nancy Sumner (Our Calendar Girl)
Numb3rs -- Fuzzy Logik
Page 3 . . . Memories of Mercy Hospital -- Karen (Stine) Hollies
Page 4 . . . The Boy Who Saved My Life -- Julie (Stout) Crim
In and Around Your Hometown
by Nancy Sumner
October 2006
What do I write if I haven’t noticed much going on? For the last 3-4 days I’ve been wondering and worrying about my article for the October Megaphone and I keep coming up blank. I guess I could sum it all up in 5 words … No News Is Good News! Which also reminds me of a new line of commercials on the TV for Safe Auto Insurance. A news reporter asks the helicopter reporter on the traffic situation and the reply is only one word … Crappy! Another one where the newscaster asks the sports reporter about the scores of the football games and all the reporter does is shrug his shoulders! The theme being, if you need minimum coverage then call Safe Auto! That is what I feel like I’m giving you … minimum coverage!
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On the 23rd of September, there was a school reunion for those who ever attended, taught or worked at Red Corner School. I was one of a committee of 3 who have been planning this gathering since January or February. The school was torn down in November of 2004. I guess you never realize how important something is to you until it is gone. As with the school, the building is forever gone, but the Red Corner Rocket spirit is still there! This was in evidence on the 23rd at the Callaway Park shelter house. Not knowing what to expect as this would be the first ever reunion, we were hoping for 40 – 50 to attend. In our wildest dreams would we have ever thought the final count would be 85!
In 1905 a new brick 2 room school was opened in the country east of Elwood on State Road 28. The school was called Red Corner. Prior to that, a wooded one-room school called Douglas was near that same location. As the population increased so did the number of students. What started out as a 2 room with 4 grades each became 2 rooms with up to grade 6 in the 1940’s. Grades 7 & 8 were bussed to Frankton Jr. Hi. In 1952 a large addition was completed and this revolutionized the school experience at Red Corner. The school now had 4 rooms with 2 grades each. But the best part was the school now had a cafeteria in the basement and indoor plumbing! No longer did the students have to trudge outside to ‘take care of business’! In May of 1971, the school went through redistricting and the school was closed at the end of that school year. Students were sent to Edgewood, Oakland and Frankton schools beginning September 1971. An auction was held in November of 1973 to sell off any existing chairs, desks, the cafeteria sink and the old school bell. The building was left to deteriorate until it was finally razed in November of 2004.
The oldest student to attend the reunion was DorothyNell (Chriss) Antrium. She started first grade in 1920! DorothyNell is 91 and walked to the reunion from Parkview Assisted Living situated behind the park. The next oldest to attend was Janis Legg McConnell who came up from Lexington, KY. Janis is 90 and her school experience started in 1921. Our youngest to attend was Steve Fisher and he was in the 3rd grade in May of 1971.
It was such a great day visiting with former classmates, neighbors and new friends. Two teachers were also able to attend: Mrs. Lornell Mock and Mrs. Mary Ann Quarles. Many photographs of early classes were posted and many others were brought by those attending. We even had the old school bell there! At the auction it was purchased by Walter Updegraff who was a member of the committee of 3. The third member was Linda Ead. Many times during the get-together that bell would ring and automatically we wondered who would call, “Recess Over!” Then we just laughed!
A book will be compiled of the photos and memories of Red Corner School. Hopefully we will be able to complete that by next spring. This started out to be a one time reunion, but after the comments, it looks like we’ll have another next year! What a great day in Callaway Park!!!
Recognize anyone here? This would be the 3rd & 4th grade class of those
graduating in 1965 – 1966 from Elwood or Frankton High Schools
Until next time, have a good month!
Your Roving Reporter,
Nancy Sumner '66
Elwood, IN
