Reminiscences of Pennsylvania childhood days
-James Boyd II

Here are a few of grandfather's reminiscences of his school days back in Pennsylvania where he went to the old fashioned school 'til a big boy.

The school teacher was boarding at his father's home and was called away for two days. As Jimmy was one of the largest and brightest boys in school, he was left in charge. Two of the other large boys took advantage of the occasion, raised a disturbance and got in to a fight. When the teacher returned he asked "Well Jimmy, how did you get along?" "Oh, first rate, Bill and John got into a fight but I thought they both needed a licking so I just let them pound each other." "That was the right thing to do, Jimmy, just right to let them lick each other. You did just fine."

Another time he was given a prize for learning a very long poem: (this is the beginning) Ye sons of Columbia, give ear to my story Who fought with brave Perry when cannons did roar Your valor has gained you an immortal glory A fame that will last til time is no more.

He remembered it and recited it in his 88th year. But when he was a boy and had learned it, he used to start to school and hide in the hollow of an old tree which stood beside the path to school. When the other children came along he would commence reciting his poem They were superstitious enough to believe in spooks and thinking the place was haunted would run for dear life.

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