Diamond School and Elmer's First School Bus

(And a little info about Mercyville)

Comments or Suggestions?

jem1204@sbcglobal.net

Elmer, Missouri - Early History

Diamond School and Elmer’s First School Bus

submitted by Jim Bergmann, supplemented by Nelba (Thompson) Shockley

The Old Diamond School (west of Elmer)

My brother CR attended his first 3 years of grade school at Diamond school. I remember it for some highlights like Christmas programs and school plays and getting an orange at a Christmas party. The year I started my first grade was when Diamond school was consolidated to Elmer. My first grade and CR'S 4th grade were to be at Elmer. Diamond was within walking distance from home through the woods for CR and sometimes a horseback ride. There was a hitching posts for horses behind Diamond school house. Mrs. Dema Bayne ?sp was the one teacher at that time that I remember. I was lucky to ride to Elmer school 1st grade in a red panel van with wood bench seats and no backrest and no side windows. Mrs. Herschler was the first grade teacher at Elmer. I remember it being a very scary event starting my first year of school. About 1949/50 years. I believe the school was made into a home later but can't remember who lived there. The building may still be standing.

Nelba Shockley added:

I, too rode in this van to school when starting First Grade. Bernice Mock was the driver (I think…if not, whoever the driver was told Bernice this story and he always teased me about it). I was shy back then, ha, and when he would ask me what my name was, I would duck my head in shyness and say: "I ain't got NO NAME"! Ever after, that is what Bernice called me any time he would see me. He would say: "There is old No Name"! Gotta love our Memories!

In closing, I also have a memory of the old Diamond School. Not my personal memory, but one Mama told to me through the years. As a young girl, probably about 18, there was a revival held at the Diamond School. Mama went to it and it was there was she gave her heart to the Lord. For those of you who knew my Mom, this was a profound "memory" in her life.

I enjoy sharing memories, and Jim (Jimmy B) told me it was ok to share his with you today, so hope you all will enjoy going back down memory lane.

THE OLD RED PANELED ELMER SCHOOL VAN

I think this might be Mary (Epperson) Williams...don't know who the younger girl might be.

From Jennifer (Gunnells) Libby: The picture of the panel school bus is truly a treasure! Sure enjoy the walks down memory Lane. Patsy and Russell Knotts lived in the school house while their home was being built by Ollis Lovern. They still own the land it sits on.

Addendum from Jim Bergmann: The only drivers of that van during my years of riding it = first driver Johnny Griffin and later Travis Ward who also taught 3rd and 4th grade. Travis was my favorite driver because he hot rodded that old school van as fast as it would run over those hills and around the corners. Loved that part.