My brother (Dan) and I both attended West Jackson Elementary School. He is 4 years older than me and we had different teachers for the most part. He had Ms. Kelly, Ms. Davis, Ms. Smith, Ms. Randolph, ?, and Ms. Love. I had Ms. Banks, Ms. Marbury, Ms. Smith, Ms. Clark, Ms. Helms and Ms. Love.
I have of good memories of West Jackson. In Ms. Sue Banks 1st grade class we had to unfold our mats daily for naptime. I still remember the lyrics of her single verse “Sleepyhead” tune ” which she attempted to sing daily. The school office was next door so during nap time she would slip into to the teacher’s lounge for a smoke and coffee break. The teachers were joined by the school secretary, Ms. Mary Barnett (much liked). At the time, we still had the large globe lights which hung from the classroom ceilings on chains producing a warm, buttery illumination. The flag was mounted on the wall, near a framed copy of the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. A massive, brown loudspeaker was mounted on the wall. Mr. Bonson, the principal, would read the morning announcements as he pushed his way through a screeching background of of audio chaos. We would then stand to face George and the flag to recite the pledge which Mr. Bonson would lead. Afterwards, he would intone “That is all” and our day would begin. At the end of the day, he came on with more announcements, state “You are dismissed” and the dreaded music would begin. Ferrante and Teichers’ “Exodus.” The running time was about 3 minutes and seemed much longer if you had to “stay after school” which meant detention. To be there after the music felt like solitary confinement in the classroom or the library if your teacher had plans. There was no euphoria when you were released. In those days, trouble at school meant more trouble at home. Particularly so if you had an older sibling who would rat you out; making cutting up in the lunch line sound like inciting a prisoner riot at Sing Sing.
Class photos
2nd row, fifth from the left is Jackie Usery. 4th row, 3rd from the left is Margie Mays, Mr. Morris, fifth from left is Rusty Gilbert, Miss Kelly, and 8th from the left is Kenny Fullington. Fifth (top) row 2nd from left is Pam Newbill, 3rd from the left is Walter Messner, 5th from the left is James D. “Jimmy” Brewer, Harriet Emerson and Wendell Maness.
West Jackson School in the news
Rima Block was my neighbor and attended West Jackson for a few years, prior to moving to Memphis. Rima is two years older than me. I was in the first grade with Mrs. Banks at the time of this 1962 photo.
The poster winners for the annual Halloween Carnival in October, 1965. I knew (know) Sid and Becky well.
Ms. Sue Banks, my first grade teacher. I don’t remember her smiling like this too often with her rowdy class.
Nora Jane Kelly 1st year- 1957
Teachers and Staff
