Lots of pleasant thoughts come to mind when I remember my days at Buna Elementary School in the early 1960’s. Our lives were not hurried, and special occasions were truly “special”. Once the excitement of the Christmas season had passed and there was still a chill in the air of the old two-story red brick building, we eagerly anticipated the Valentine’s Day party at school.
As the time drew closer each class planned a party to celebrate at the end of the school day. Cookies and cupcakes were supplied by the room mothers and were always homemade, a sign of the simpler times when most everything was homemade, including the dresses we wore to school.
Much preparation led up to the day of celebration. We were given time to decorate a shoebox or a white paper bag that our valentines could be deposited in. Great care was taken to cut out red paper hearts from construction paper so that our box or bag could be pleasing to the eye. I learned that some of my classmates were very artistic, and I was amazed at what they could do with scissors and a little glue. Then and there I decided I’d better stick to writing the little stories I crafted and leave the artwork to them.
Besides the beautifully decorated receptacles for our valentine cards, we had to prepare for the day by choosing just the right card for each classmate. The cards could be purchased at the dime store, or we could make our own. But whether we used the commercially designed cards or made our own, it was very important to match each card with the classmate that would receive it. You couldn’t be too careful, or maybe you could.
This was a time that you may very subtly let a classmate know that you chose them to be your valentine. Or, if being subtle wasn’t your style, then this was the day to let your admiration really be known.
The only problem with all the hearts and cupids with the bows and arrows was that sometimes you learned the one you thought was special, thought someone else was special, or a classmate you detested set his sights on you.
Oh well, when you’re eight years old, a cupcake and a glass of punch could work wonders for the problems of the heart. And then the dismissal bell would ring much too early signaling that the school day and the Valentine’s Day party had come to an end. But the aura of the celebration would continue until bedtime, and sometimes even beyond, when images of red hearts, cupids with their bows and arrows and valentine cards would enter your dreams.
8 Responses
Beautiful memories that most of us experienced from the days gone by. How I wish we could go back to a simpler day and time. Happy Valentines Day Sweet Friend!
We had great times, didn’t we? Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too.
Love this, you have me tripping down memory lane🤔🥰
Thank you, Debbie! I kind of enjoy those trips down memory lane.
This takes me back, back, back. I’m talking waaaaay back. I love that you can bring this nostalgia with such finesse. I love that you brought these memories back that I had truly forgotten about. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Thanks so much, Miranda! I loved those days. So glad you enjoyed it.
I remember those sweet days with a bit of pride in a smaller than average, shy little girl. Reading was a blessing, because when she dove into other written worlds, turning pages without a thought of what happened around her, the physical world in which she lived, receded. A school party was a day to retreat, unless glory of glories, “Teacher” would give her a box of colored chalk and quietly say, “Would you decorate the chalk boards Jeanette?” Oh, that made the party to come, acceptable. She could breathe. I could draw a valentines day if I had read a friend story. No, cards did not drop into her little box. Shy little people don’t visit much with others, but then, shy little people grow to love other shy little people and eventually a friend is found. So, words of love are eventually, quietly shared. As a room mother, years later, I looked for another little boy or girl sitting quietly with an almost empty collection of cards and always, always slipped something to them along with a quiet Happy Valentines word or? Maybe two words if they were received with a timid smile. Grin. My own parties were in the early 50’s. Jimminy, I’m old. Thank you for the memories!
Such sweet sentiments, Jeanette. Somehow, though, I can’t imagine you ever being shy! I can visualize you decorating the chalk boards. Thank you for sharing your memories.