On a recent vacation to my hometown Detroit area, I stopped by Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary school in Southfield. Sad to say, but it is abandoned, closed and run down.
I was a student there when it opened in 1970 and recently found the dedication program my parents attended in 1971.
Eisenhower was a great Elementary school. I fondly recall sitting in the "commons" area watching the fledgling PBS TV system for the "Electric Company." The art classes offered everything from a kiln to fire our clay projects to learning paper mache'. I remember music class and letting us bring in our favorite 45s to play in class. I was already then a mini nostalgic rambler as I brought in songs from "My Fair Lady" or Vaughn Monroe! I played floor hockey in the gym and gave a performance or two on the stage there for various Christmas programs, probably playing the accordion.
Since we were the first group there, we spruced up the side of the property by planting trees as a student body. I think we even had a garden.
We raised money for the projects by bringing in popcorn poppers from home and selling popcorn in school. Can you believe it?!
The former President Eisenhower had passed away in 1969 and he was very well loved, thus naming the school after him. Some of the quotes from the dedication ceremony celebrate the man. From his first inaugural address this quote "Almighty God...Give us the power to discern right from wrong...to work for men everywhere." Powerful words today that probably wouldn't be tolerated.
"Ike", as he was known, said "there is nothing wrong with America that faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of her citizens cannot cure." Wow.
Eisenhower Elementary school is falling apart, much like the values the Ike and the 1950s when he was president idealized.
I'm a bit sad....
