Ramlinks Salutes The
Bus Drivers of '64

By Brad Carpenter
SPECIAL TO RAMLINKS
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with Melba [Cutler] Barker '67, and her husband, Doug '67. Ramlinks is in the process of writing a feature story on G-A's legendary rock band, the Tel-Tales, in which Doug was a member. During this visit, Melba hauled out her Rambler Yearbooks and offered to let me borrow them, to scan photos.

One photo, in particular, really caught my eye, and that was the photo of the bus driver crew of 1964. It seems that the entire fleet consisted of seven drivers, who also served as schoolteachers, counselors and maintenance men. To the best of my recollection, here is the line-up along with their regular positions. Mr. Boomershine was a shop teacher, Mr. Hanna taught government and civics, Mr. Berger was a counselor, Mr. Morrison taught government, history, civics and coached baseball, J.V. football and varsity basketball, and Mr. Piper was in building and grounds, Mr. Wagar eventually became superintendent and Mr. McGinnis taught biology and was on the football coaching staff.

It's surprising that the entire fleet was seven buses, but thinking back, the city kids still had to walk to school, because curbside pickup was yet to come. In 1958 I began kindergarten and my mother walked me to school the first week, and after that I was on my own, unless it rained. On rain days I would receive a ride to the elementary on Blake Street, right next to the high school. These were still the days when you could let your kids go out and play and not have to worry unless they weren't home when the streetlights came on.

Eventually my family would move outside of town, next to the 101 Ranch and Motel, and I would catch the Number 10 bus to school, with Mr. Boomershine. The kids at my stop had the unfortunate honor of being the first stop in the morning and the last stop in the afternoon, which meant a cold bus in the winter and a long boring ride home after school. I never could figure that out…why did they reverse the route for the afternoon run? I suppose it offered a change of pace to the driver. The next time I see Mr. Boomershine at Harding's Market, I'll have to ask him.

Ramlinks would like salute these drivers, as well as all of the current drivers, for their faithful bus runs...hauling screaming kids, rowdy athletes and long-haul field trips. Through sleet, rain and snow they have safely delivered G-A's younglings there and back again.