Those words are the title of a popular folk song of the 1960’s. Two musical groups made separate recordings of this song; Peter, Paul, and Mary and the Kingston Trio. The lyrics proclaimed a cycle of life describing a beginning, a maturing, a living, and a passing, at which point the cycle starts all over again. These songs, and others of this time era, bring back fond memories. There is one memory in particular that I would like to share that touches on music but includes much more.
In 1964 I became a teenager. I also entered the 7th grade at Englewood Elementary School located on old highway 69 South, in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. At that time, the seventh grade was “top dog” in the school. To respect privacy, I will call my teacher, Miss Jane. She taught all academic subjects as well as music class, in which she played the piano while the entire class sang along.
One school day, several of us young teens, enjoyed our class-time in a rambunctious way. As a result of our behavior, Miss Jane canceled our musical sing-a-long time. Other classmates begin to moan and groan. I whispered something to my friend Franklin and he agreed.
“Miss Jane,” I said. “Frank and I will sing a duet if you will still have music class.” I could hear quiet laughter among classmates. To my surprise and relief, she agreed.
On the way to the music room, where the piano was, Frank and I desperately discussed what song to sing, one that we both knew. Finally, we had one. We would sing the theme song from the TV western series, DESTRY. “Were will you ride tomorrow, what will your legend say…” etc. The crowd waited. Miss Jane sat at the piano and watched. We stood near the stage, side by side and sounded forth. We were a smash hit. The class enjoyed our effort because we heard them laughing. Miss Jane smiled and instructed the class to open their song books. Oh well.
Miss Jane had a monthly lesson requirement for all her students. “Turn in your literature books to page … and your assignment this month is to memorize and recite this poem.” The first poem of the year was, Old Ironsides. In December, the poem was, The Night before Christmas. Each student was required to stand before the class and recite the poem for that month. In April, the poem was Hiawatha. Twelve pages long!! The entire class let out a moan for 7 minutes. We griped and complained until finally, she stood before the class with a huge smile on her face and said, “April Fools.”
I enjoyed learning in Miss Jane’s class. I was motivated by her. I learned to read for pleasure in her class. I learned to research subjects in her class. I took guitar lessons as a result of her influence (I am not musically talented). From her I learned good sportsmanship. The world is a better place because of Miss Jane. Public education needs more like her. I think of her often. Miss Jane was the best teacher I ever had.
Walter Allen is a graduate of TCHS and Auburn University. He is retired from the paper industry and is a published author. A former president of the Laurens County Museum Assoc. in Laurens, SC. He lives in Tuscaloosa County, AL.
