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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1978-05-18, Page 12Page 12 Citizens News, May 18, 1978 The Zurich Pubic School Choir in Action at Wednesday's Sing Time at South Huron District High School. Miss Olive O'Brien Teacher of 42 years has vivid memory It was 60 years ago that the Federation of Women Teachers' Association of Ontario was formed and one of the Tiachers who became a member in 1918 has a vivid recollection of how things once were. Miss Olive O'Brien was born in a home just outside of Zurich and taught at Zurich Public School from 1918 to 1960. Coming from a family of four, Miss O'Brien said she had wanted to become a teacher from a very young age. After attending Exeter High School and Stratford Teacher's College she began her teaching career at Number Three Hay on the Parr Line. In addition to looking after 40 pupils of all ages, one of Miss O'Brien's duties was to make sure the fire was kept going. One time during the winter the school was so cold that the smaller children Golden Glimpses Our week began with a happy note rather than the Monday blues as the residents were dinner guests at the Bayview Inn on the Bluewater Highway. Approximately 21 residents along with three attendants were served a delicious roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. This was a very generous gesture on the part of the management and we would like to express our PUBLIC NOTICE Meeting For Dashwood & Area Citizens at Dashwood Community Centre May 23,E 1978 at 8:30 P.M. Regarding additions to Community Hall Everyone plan to attend as a vote by ballot will be taken. 60% majority of persons attending 18 years and over must be had before any additions will be considered. �. Dashwood Community Centre Board appreciation to them for making it a special day for the residents. Mr. William Decker has returned from the hospital much improved. We welcome Mrs. Jenny Davis, formerly of Exeter, as a new resident. Mr. Dolph Sopha and Mr. Eldon Ortwein are presently patients in South Huron Hospital, Exeter. Bingo was played on Thursday evening followed by refreshments. The annual Mother's Day tea and bake sale held on Saturday was again very successful, thanks to all who assisted by their donations of baking, craft items and plants also to the public for their faithfulness in patronizing the tea year after year. A special Mother's Day cake made by Miss Mary Lou Erb was won by Mrs. Jim Grainger. Next Wedensday evening, at 7:00 p.m., the piano and organ students of Mrs. Dorothy Stade will be presenting a musical recital in the dining room of the Home. I am sure it will be a pleasant evening and we invite the public to come out and enjoy it with the residents. The Sunday evening Mother's Day chapel service was conducted by Mr. Merlin Bender of the Conservative Mennonite Church. Mr. Alvin Gingerich led in the singing. gathered around the stove to keep warm. Travelling between her home and the school during the winterproved to be quite adventuresome and on one occasion the cutter that they were travelling in, upset three times. The snow banks were so high that when she walked back to the school "You could touch the telephone wires," Miss O'Brien said. 1 1 Visit Our Store FOR A COMPLETE LINE OF * Groceries * Confectionery * Novelties Dairy Store MAIN ST - ZURICH PHONE 236-4930 MB III ®r III OS WIN Off MB IIIA NII OS MB READ HOW YOU CAN 1 11 1 1 1 1 11 1 Another instance from her first two years of teaching that stands out was a time during the spring when the children ran up to the road to meet her. "There are thousands of snakes in the school yard" they shouted. The school's custodian had set fire to a bush and • disturbed a snake pit. She remembers The Hay school fondly and said "It was the first time that I' put my education to work." In 1918 Miss O'Brien joined the staff of Zurich Public School and taught grades three, four and five through to her retirement in 1960. - Over the years, Miss O'Brien has noted several changes in the education system. When asked if she thought that the education system had improved over the years she said "yes." "The children get a broader education today but I don't know whether it's of any benefit to!themfor not." Teachers in ' yester-years had more freedom in what they could teach and when they wanted to teach it, Miss O'Brien noted, without having the encumbrance of core areas of study. Asked to comment on the recent secondary school strike in Huron county she said "It seems to me that a teacher loses his or her dignity when they go on strike" but added that if she were a teacher today, she would probably follow the same course of action. Miss O'Brien said she believes that teachers were looked up to more in earlier days. The retired teacher has kept a list of the 646 students which she has taught over the years and receives gratification when she sees one of her former students accomplish something in life. On her 42 years as a $ 1 895 teacher Miss O'Brien stated "It's a wonderful training and I'd do it all over again." mi In en ea Iles ®o me l®®ale se ass 1 11 1 11 1 1 .1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 .1 11 1 1 1 1. 1 1 1 .1 1 MI MN 11111 AIM SIM 11111 •11 1 1 1 A BRAND NEW 125 C.C. ENDURO MOTORCYCLE I HERE'S HOW "BUY YOUR NEW BIKE FROM US AND 1 SIT ON IT! IF YOU CAN SIT LONGER THAN' 1 ANYONE ELSE YOU WILL 1 1 1 1 1 YOUR PURCHASE We're excited about our 'fantastic "Sit on It Contest." You could win your purchase (up to a maximum of $1200) if you can sit on a motorcycle longer than anyone else. If your new bike purchase is more than $1200 you will still' win a' new 1978 125 C.C. 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