Blog

Usually, Diane and I write these blogs about our personal experiences. But recently my SHS Class of 1946 had our annual holiday luncheon/mini reunion and I learned that one of my childhood sweethearts, Joann Summers Lowe, grew up four blocks away from me but almost in a different world. She lived on the other side of the railroad tracks, literally since their property fronted the railroad tracks.

During World War II, young men were being drafted or they enlisted into the military services. This left many young girls and young ladies to keep the home fires burning;  Joann, at age 10-14 was one of them

The Ormond Summers family of 6 lived on about a 10-acre farm where now is North Washington Blvd. and 11th & 12th Street and the I-Hop Restaurant. North Washington Blvd. dead-ended there at the railroad tracks at this time (pre 1955) so this was out in the country.

Joann's early morning chores included milking the cows, bottling the milk and gathering the eggs. At age 13 she had a special driver's license that allowed her to deliver farm goods on her way to Central Elementary School and later Sarasota High School. When she was 10-12 years old she made the deliveries riding her bicycle to school.

School was an important part of her life; she taught at Phillippi Shores and Southside Elementary for over 30 years.  Life was/is good.

Image courtesy: www.bukisa.com