Concord Memories: Ron Sarbach ’59

Guest Author: Ron Sarbach ’59

In 1948 when I started school, Concord Elementary School was an old, four- room school that housed six grades in a country atmosphere. Mrs. White taught first grade in one room, and she kept us under a semblance of control by ringing a small bell that she kept on her desk. When she rang that bell with vigor, we all snapped to attention and started to more or less behave. She was an old-school teacher and was not afraid to stand us up in the corner if needed. But she was also a good teacher, and I felt she gave me a good start in life.

Mrs. Mordoff taught second grade in the room across the hall from Mrs. White’s. She was also an older lady, and she had a tremor in her neck that caused her head to always be bent forward with a  constant small shaking. She was not as tough as Mrs. White, but she was also an effective teacher when she had her kids under control. That said, the boy always tried to get away with a lot.

Mrs. Woodford was a notably large women who taught third and  fourth grades in room #3, which was the largest classroom in the building, and it was the one used for fire department dances and other festivals. Mrs. Woodford was redheaded and had a temper to match. Combined with her physical size, she was rather impressive, so kids were very cautious about making trouble in her room.

And last there was Mrs. Brandt, who was the principal whom I remember best for the tight sweaters she always wore. By the time I got to her class, I was old enough to appreciate them, but too young to know I should not stare. She taught fifth and sixth grades, although I only had her for fifth grade as the sixth grade was transferred to Hale Road School to lighten the crowding at Concord.

My mother took the job of school cook, and she was quite popular after the food served by the previous cook. Mom took my sister and me to school while she was the cook, as she had to arrive early to get started for the lunch- time crowd. So, with nothing to do, I became friends with Mr. Davidson, our custodian, and his deaf-mute son Donald, who was a lot older than me. Challenged by his limitations, Donald’s intellectual level seemed close to mine in my childhood. He and I learned to communicate pretty well, and we enjoyed each other’s company those early morning hours. Donald and Mr. Davidson would often join us  in our baseball games at recess.

Kids I remember:

David Landfear        Tony Godecker          Doris ????                 Vernita McLish        Jack Urban              John Turner

Carl Stoltz                 David Leroy                Donald Spangler     JD Lucas                  Loyal Freeman        Larry Freeman

Gary Seeds               Patsy Morrison          David Buckholz       Dick Ely                    Curtis O’Linger       George Konick

Donald Earhardt      Bill Evans                   Brian Gilson             Joe Lett                     Russell Fritz            Valerie Fritz

Linda Sarbach