September 1945 found a very eager little 5-year-old girl anxiously starting first grade in a one-room schoolhouse. Part of the eagerness was just to be with other kids, especially one “other kid.” He was a big, handsome fourth grader and MY BOYFRIEND. Of course, he didn’t know that!
We had the type of desks where you could sit with a friend and do your reading, etc. Custom was, girls sit with girls, boys sit with boys. It being my first day of school, I didn’t know this.
I raised my hand and the teacher asked what I wanted. In a loud voice I said, “May I sit with Elwyn?” Needless to say, everyone in the room heard my request – and you can imagine the snickers. I don’t know who was more embarrassed, him or me. Of course, when recess came we took a lot of teasing, but it finally wore off.
Earline Mayes
Prague, Oklahoma
Back in 1955 a call went out from the editors of the then Capper’s Weekly asking for readers to send in articles on true pioneers. Hundreds of letters came pouring in from early settlers and their children, many now in their 80s and 90s, and from grandchildren of settlers, all with tales to tell. So many articles were received that a decision was made to create a book, and in 1956, the first My Folks title – My Folks Came in a Covered Wagon – hit the shelves. Nine other books have since been published in the My Folks series, all filled to the brim with true tales from Capper’s readers, and we are proud to make those stories available to our growing online community.
