The Kissing Corner

How many of you remember the “kissing corner” on the playground?

As I remember, the Woodsdale playground was somewhat segregated by fencing. The older students played on the Maple Avenue side of the playground facing Vance Church. That’s the side where the softball diamond and backstop was located. The younger students played on the section on west side entrance facing Bethany Pike. The entrance to Mrs. Fox Kindergarten room was at the back of the building on that part of the playground.. The north side fence ran slightly behind her room and formed a “V” about 8 feet deep. And that my friends formed the “Kissing Corner”!

The game was to chase someone into that corner…the price of freedom was a kiss. Both sides played the game..... I distinctly remember being corralled by an “older woman”. Her identity and honor shall be preserved to my grave. (Name rhymes with Date).

Valentine's Day

Time: Valentine's Day, 1956
Place: Miss Holderman's Fourth Grade Class

Underneath the front blackboard were aligned all the gorgeous, creative "mail boxes" we had prepared in anticipation of an onslaught of valentines. Red construction paper, white lace doilies, cupids, hearts...the works. This ritual included a trip to Murphy's five and ten to get the valentines, a night of signing them, and then on the big day....put them in the various envelopes. Silly slogans, cartoon animals wishing each and every member of the class a Happy Valentine's Day. On Miss Holderman's recommendation we were NOT to leave anyone out..a card was required for EVERYONE, BUT if there was someone REALLY special in the class you could get away with a BIG, HONEST-TO-GOODNESS card. At the end of the day, it was time to open your "mail box" and see if anyone was ready to declare undying-fourth-grade love. I don't remember ever getting my heart broken on the day, but again, we must have been too young even for first crushes, as those sincere Valentines seemed to elude everyone!