From time to time I hear from friends regarding something I’ve written about in this column. Helen Rominger Oxley recently asked me to write some memories of George E. Burch. As I sit here thinking about it, I would venture to bet that about a third of the ‘Crescent” subscribers could also write a similar column about this man.

So here are a few of my recollections - and I expect you, Helen and a lot of you other “kids” who went to school to Mr. Burch to send along your own stories, for folks to read.

In many cases, two generations of the same ‘family had George E. Burch for a teacher since he taught here for more than 41 years. His early years were spent teaching country schools, followed by being principal and 8th grade teacher.

Each school day regardless of weather conditions began with each grade lining up in front of the schoolhouse to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The voice of Mr. Burch could always be heard above all the rest! Whenever the other grade school teachers had discipline problems they couldn’t handle, the problem. student ended up visiting the principal’s office. Occasionally a lecture from Mr. Burch would suffice, but usually it meant a trip to the willow patch. This meant taking Mr. Burch’s pocket knife and cutting your own willow from the patch, across the street, south of the school grounds. I learned first hand how this process worked when I was in the eighth grade.

One day, on our way home for lunch several of us boys were throwing snowballs. Gordon Solomon and I were throwing at Jack Curtis and Mino Mondragon who were on up ahead. Our aim wasn’t real great cause one of our projectiles hit Miss Reitz ( the music teacher) in the back of the head. She turned around, but didn’t even scold us - how lucky can you be? When school took up after lunch Gordon and I were called to the Principal’s office - we got ours!

Yes, teachers in those days did enforce discipline when it was needed - and consequently had the respect and love of their students.

At our class reunions, etc. the conversation always seems to get around to George E. Burch and the many ways he helped to shape our lives! Mr. Burch was not an easy man to forget!