HistoryofWoodlin 

1950-1959

WES1950 

The 1950s spelled continued growth and overcrowding. Again, a church - Woodside Methodist- came to Woodlin's aid with an offer of three rooms during 1954-55 construction of the third upper building with four classrooms, a covered walk and a library (now the music room). Meanwhile back at Woodlin, classes were held everywhere, including the stage and the halls.

A key event of the 1950s was integration. In 1955, the all-black Linden School closed, and numerous students were sent to Woodlin. At the end of the preceding year Woodlin staff were invited to the Linden School to visit to help ease the transition. The former teachers remember the warm hospitality that they received.

Memories from former members of the Woodlin Community:
 

  • Duck and cover" air raid drills, with students crouching under desks.
  • Singing the Davy Crockett theme song on the bus, endlessly.
  • Playing Greek Dodge and kickball, and having a playground with swings and jungle gyms.
  • An annual Spring Festival, with each class performing something on a different theme, outdoors. And having to carry their chairs outside "just so, please."
  • Many children riding bikes to school; no one worried about locking them.
  • Class productions were a "big deal"; one was a first-grade circus with parents making crepe paper costumes.
  • May Day celebrations, complete with May pole and dancing.
  • "The Paddle" - little used, according to teachers' memories, but much feared, according to at least one student.

1945-1949  |  1950-1959  |  1960-1969 1970-1979 | 1980-1989  |  1990-1999  |  2000-2009  |  2010-Present