Her Eighth Grade Graduation
Their handwriting, his especially, and expressions show a relative command of
1918 discourse, passions and insightful uncertainties. Mother’s information is more
detailed: sensitive to her life station, loyal, creative, a lover, dreamer and romantic
poet, whose thoughts waver between adult realism one week, girlhood infatuation
the next. Her lifelong patterns began appearing. With love for family and friends, she
matured into an active, conscientious and respected community volunteer servant.
Mother enjoyed fantasizing about the future.
“If I loved a man, I’d stick to him to, & no one else can pull me away. Because
I’m one of these kind. It will be a precious time when you come to see me. Oh!
Gee, I wish it was tomorrow.”
There is mention of a boyfriend named Garland.
“He came by and took pictures and said he is coming back, but I don’t really know
or care whether he does or not. He is a sentimental boy, & I like him alright but you
can tell he’s not used to going with the girls.”
She spiced gossip with relationship theories and judgments: “That which he
soweth, also shall he reap.” I suppose she acted like other girls of her generation and
place, and meant no harm. Through it all, with Daddy’s participation, she laid the
foundation for an enduring marriage.
Viola Elizabeth Murrell, 15, upon graduation from the eighth grade at Hemenway
Grammar School on North Fifth Street, June 1918. Viola Elizabeth Murrell filled three
scrapbooks with memorabilia.
WILBUR D. JONES, JR. COLLECTION
WILBUR D. JONES, JR. COLLECTION
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WBM february 2019