2009: THANK YOU, JERRY WELSH FOR AN INTERESTING EMAIL

I received this very interesting and insightful email from Jerry Welsh, who has fond memories of his grammar school years at Klockner and Mercerville grammar schools. Jerry referred to my Kuser School Centennial column which appeared in Saturday's Trenton Times. (See the side bar to the right for a link to that column). Jerry also remembers the graduation song they sang at the graduation ceremony in 1948. I will most certainly use that "Crusing Down the River"
melody in future presentations. Thanks so much for an interesting email, Jerry.

=================================================================

From: Jerry W

To: thomglo@verizon.net

Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2009 5:16 PM

Subject: re:School Days

Dear Tom,

I really enjoyed your column in the TIMES today,with the storyof the Kuser School's Opening 100 years ago.

That was a beautiful poem you wrote for the 75th Anniversary!

It got me thinking about my Grammar School Graduation from Klockner School.

I had been attending Mercerville School since kindergarten,and was in seventh grade as Winfred Applegate and I attended the Mercerville School Graduation,in June of 1948.

That fall,we would become 8th graders. We looked forward to being in Mrs.Bainbridge's Class,having Gym Class,the School Patrol activities, going to a big-league game in Philadelphia with the Patrol,getting "8th Grade Jackets,"making the Mercerville School Baseball team,etc!

But none of that was to be! That Summer,we were told we would be attending KLOCKNER School ! There would no longer be an 8th Grade at Mercerville. Children and Parents were irate! But,nothing could be done. Along with boys and girls from Maple Shade,and from Kuser,I believe,we became the Klockner Class of 1949,with 104 pupils.

It wasn't the same! I really didn't apply myself well to Klockner School! But,I "passed", got in the choir and had a part in a Musical we did,and in Graduation.

I remember our Graduation Song-to the tune of "Cruising Down The River"-

Leaving dear old Klockner

is a time that will not fade,

The scenes we know,just where to go,

friends that we have made.

The time worn bell's a-ringing

a message to our ears,

memories of Klockner

as we travel through the years.

as on we pass,from class to class,

new laurels to attain,

hardships may fall,but after all

we've everything to gain,

So we will all be singing,

a song of happi-ness

leaving dear old Klockner

on our way to HHS.

I don't know who wrote it,but you know,that Graduation was held 60 years ago next week! Wow!

Regards, Jerry Welsh