Memories of E Street: Gibbs Elementary
(Gibbs Elementary front school yard)I was in my old neighborhood this weekend when I passed by my old school, Gibbs Elementary. The memories. I looked over at the school as I always do as I passed it, but this time I pulled over. It was just after the rain and the little playground was glistening with puddles of water on the asphalt. No, there was no foam rubber to protect our little heads/shoulders/knees/toes and apparently there still isn’t. I stood on that playground and briefly went back to my first days of kindergarten. Gibbs was only right down the street from the apartment that we lived on E Street in Northeast DC. I even remember where my classroom was. It was 1972 and My Amanita got little Stevie dressed and ready for school.
(The entrance to my kindergarten classroom at Gibbs)
I don’t remember my teachers name, but I recall the classroom in some details. I remember the round tables, the coat racks and the location of the restroom. I remember going on field trips. I remember that we all had to hold hands. We had assigned partners for whenever we left the classroom. I remember holding hands with one little girl and rebelled at having to do so. I would retaliate by squeezing her little hands until she would cry in protest to the teacher. The teacher would scold me and tell me to behave. I would do it again and again until the teacher would threaten to spank me (Yes, they could paddle you back then). Thinking back, I wish that I could talk to that little girl so that I could ask her if she remembers me. I even wonder why I remember? Anyway, I would apologize for little Stevie's boyish and aggressive way of just saying, I like you. Will you be my friend? The memories. **smile**
Comments
I was too polite to say anything, though.
I wish I'd have thought of your hard hand squeezing technique!
I bet you were SO CUTE!
TS
But actually going back to the place must be even nicer...
As per the school, great write-up. I had the opportunity to visit my old school a few weeks ago on book tour. It was just familiarly odd, but refreshing--like a part of my past that really never existed.
Lots of school yards here don't have asphalt, they have sand...makes sense to me.
There is instant nostalgia everytime I go around there. I decided to get out of the car and walk over this time. :) Thanks.
Dance-
lol! I know. I was so mean to that little girl. I still remember her slender little fingers and the sad look in her eyes. Wow! You're better than me with the memory, but wait...that was only a few years ago for you. LOL! :)
TS-
LOL! Kids and their noses. I taught little ones for a minute down in Georgia. The first thing that some of them would do in the morning is run their hands across their soggy noses and then reach for me. ARG!!! :) They were so cute though. Me? I was a big head, wide eyed little boy. My body finally caught up with my head. :)
Rethabile-
It's always great to revist the past. My worst memories are torn down. They were the projects that we lived in for 8 years of my life. The rest are pleasant.
ke a leboha, ntate. :)
Bboy-
Thanks, Stephen! Yeah, I broke down and got some new frames since I saw you in B'more. I can see clearly now... :)
The past does seem distant and strange, but it makes for good writing material, huh? I know you know. *wink*
GG-
I may have scarred the poor girl. :)See, sand makes so much sense. There are places here that have sand, but the old school yards in the city are still concrete/asphalt. We are always cracking our heads. That's why some of us are half crazy! :)
At least you all had asphalt - we had GRAVEL!!!! We ALL have scars to prove it. Try slidin on that mess. :(
Memory is alive for you, nd you are lucky to be able to pass by your ancient school.
Not the case for me.
I'm fzr from ALL the schools were I went when kid !
I feel blessed to have those memories. They help to weave wonderful tales. :)
Dance-
Just as I said, Bedrock! :)I need to visit Detroit one day. I've never been. I was in the Navy with a lot of dudes from Detroit. They didn't like me. :)
They told me that I thought I was cool. Guys from Chicago and Gary, Indiana were cool with me though.
Boys used to pull my hair until my scalp was sore! It would have been easier if they said I like you....may be they didn't.
I will never know and even if they did I would never forgive them.
It bloody hurt!
I know. This little girl probably never forgave me too. She probably gets mad everytime she sees a little boy with a big ol' nappy head. :)
Sorry I have not been by for a while - life got rather hectic.
You sent me back oh so many years ago - and brought back so many memories, some not so good. The best was my fav. teacher who punished and praise fairly.
I got the idea from you. I wanted to brighten up the place. :)
Dance-
Planning a trip to the Motor City. :)
Profzero-
Urban Butterfly gave me the idea. :)
anonymous-
Luckily, the teacher paired me with someone else when she saw that the little girl wasn't happy. I think that I remember that situation because I never intended to hurt her. I can't imagine making her vomit. I think that I would've been more traumatized. I'm sorry that you had to go through that at school and home. Take care. Blessings~
Uaridi-
It's good to see you! I hope that things are not still hectic. Meanwhile, I'm glad that I can offer pleasant memories of school. :)
lol! Wow, how cool!! Well, like I said, its a nice change!! =)
Thanks C!
Kimberley-
Welcome. I checked by your blog too. I'll also have to look at your poetry. By the way, I noticed that you are in North Carolina. I'm originally from DC, but I graduated high school in NC.
Lovely post Stephen, you brought my memories back too. :-)
Sandy
It was fun writing this. Thanks!
Rose-
Yes, it's one of the few places still standing that reminds me of my childhood. The city is changing constantly and rapidly.