Our Past Is Present May 4, 2017

May 4, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            As each school year comes to an end, teachers and students have a variety of field trips and field days they experience.  That was also true at Franklin School in 1928.  It was a cloudy day and there may have been a threat of some rain on the morning of May 24, 1928, but in the afternoon there was enough sun and many smiles on the children of Franklin School, who marched through Junction City streets in a parade preceding their annual track meet.  Children were dressed in flower-like frocks in many colors.  The little paraders were led by a small boy who carried a large flag. Near him another boy was clad as Uncle Sam.  The little kindergartners carried streamers. Some rode tricycles, scooters or stick horses while some of the girls pushed doll buggies.  Even the dolls were fancifully dressed.  There were many clowns, Indians, cowboys on ponies, prairie schooners drawn by old Towser and Fido who seemed to enjoy the attention.  Children carried flags and balloons and there were banners that announced that “Vacation is Here”.  Sounds of horns, whistles and shouts of laughter were heard by those who watched the parade of youngsters.  Following all this excitement and grandeur, the parade of youngsters went to Fegan Field for their end of the year track meet, which is still the field across from the Freshman Success Academy at the corner of 10^th and Madison Streets.