Picturing the Past 142: Last day of school

Posted Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 9:49 AM

Excitement fills the air as kids leave Eakin (then known as Central) Elementary on the last day of school in 1974. (T-G file photo)

It's the last day of school in May or early June 1974 at Central Elementary School (now Eakin Elementary, named for its longtime principal Deery Eakin) and these kids are ready to get out. I suspect some were mugging for the camera as well.

Recognize anyone?

I guess all of us remember being glad summer had arrived. And, if we're honest about it, being glad to return in the fall.

Picturing the Past is featured each Tuesday in this blog. Reader contributions are welcome.

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The one thing I remember most about the last day of school was that it was the time we had to clean our lockers out and bring home all of the coats we had accumulated through the year of cool mornings and warm afternoons.

-- Posted by leeiii on Wed, Jan 18, 2012, at 6:18 AM

I believe that's Kent Holt front left. That may be Jay Brinkley on the right. Great photo and a great school. Deery Eakin was principal then (1974).

-- Posted by gordo1965 on Wed, Jan 18, 2012, at 8:34 AM

I agree; that is definitely Kent and Jay. The boy behind Kent and to the left looks familiar, but I can't say for sure. Those were the happiest days back then.

-- Posted by Harleytodd on Wed, Jan 18, 2012, at 11:50 AM

David Melson

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David Melson is a copy editor and staff writer for the Times-Gazette.

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