Grandparents Gifts Foundation

We are getting a huge volume of support via the e-mail.  Thought it might be interesting to share some of them with everyone.

Please let me know if it is OK for me to post your e-mail, or parts of it to the web site when you send.

 8-17-09

There are so, so many memories, and all of them sweet.  "Boots" Frum
 was our bus driver on #5 south of town.  When the weather was bad I
 went next door to Gramma Minnie and Aunt Tillie's house south of the
 school and spent the night.  Every time I open a door for my wife or
 move to the street side of her on the sidewalk, I remember "Mrs. May"
 as we called her in the 50's.  She taught us about "life" and how to
 live it, and she had an incredible sense of humor.  I have vivid
memories about football with Mr. Knight as our coach, about the joys
 of music with Mr. Bragg as out teacher, and about our Ag and Shop
classes with Mr. Parham.  I wouldn't be who I am today without all
 the "molding" they did.

Rich Hoeppner
>> class of '56

1-18-09

Your recent flyer about  "saving the school" was the first I had heard about the project. 
I applaud your efforts and really appreciated the information on your web site.  Will look forward to helping in some manner.  Do keep me informed. 

Norm Bock Class of 1958

 1-7-09

 12-30-08

12-22-08

12-21-08

12-18-08

12-15-08

12-13-08

My name is Rich Robinson. I live in Gardner Kansas and have been keeping up with the school project thanks to you and the fantastic website you are building. I have to tell you what you are doing for this project and the towns people of Shelby who want to save this fantastic old building is beyond words. I just
want to take this time to say THANK YOU for what you have done. You
are certainly a huge asset to this great project.

I was sitting here this morning reading the great news you posted
last night and a little birdie said why not try "EXTREME MAKEOVER
HOME EDITION". I know they just do homes but what a different slant
to help a whole town. Maybe it is insane but it came to me and I just
wanted to put it out there.

Again Jim, I thank you for all you are doing for this great project.

Rich Robinson, 62 alumni
Connie Babbitt Robinson, 64 alumni

Great Idea Rich, keep them coming!  The grants group is looking into the application right now.- Jim

12-12-08

I thought you would enjoy the picture, even though it was taken on our porch
at home rather than at the school.  I read the post where someone was
reminiscing on those Halloween parties.  This was my costume in
kindergarten.  My mom made it, using a hoola hoop around the bottom.  Our
mom was really creative with the homemade costumes, but of course WE thought the STORE BOUGHT ones the other kids had were neater.  We seemed to have won a prize or two with ours, though.  I believe I won a silver dollar for this costume.  I can remember Chuck going as a "One-eyed, one-horned flying purple people eater" one year, and as a robot made out of boxes painted silver. 

Besides the fun Halloween parties at the school, another fond memory I have
is of the birthday parties that I believe were put on by the PTA.  Moms
would make birthday cakes, and they were placed on the tables.  You sat at
the table for your month and everyone at your table shared the cake.

Becky (Martens) Rasmussen- Nebraska

 12-11-08

I work for a wholesale roofing supplier in Denver. We supply a large deal of Tamko Roofing Material to our customers. Here is the name of the Tamko rep who services your area. Perhaps Frank Paul can contact him to see if he can give you any assistance on the project. His name is Scott Patterson and his cell phone number is 801-209-3579. Mention you got his name from Statewide Wholesale in Denver.- Jim Constable Class of 1967- Colorado

12-10-08

 My name is Donna (Ehlers) Jahn and I live in Nixa, MO.  I am originally from Shelby and am a graduate of the class of 1968 from Shelby-Tennant Schools.  I just wanted to write and tell you that I am behind all you guys who are trying to save the school.  The Shelby School is a landmark in Shelby.  It should be restored as a historical site or turned into something that the whole community could use, like a community center, etc.- Donna Ehlers-Jahn Class of 1968- Missouri

 12-9-08

In spring 1952 my family immigrated from Germany to America.  We were displaced persons and by immigration agreement were assigned to work on a farm - first Madsen's and later Watkins.  I attended Shelby Consolidated School and consider Shelby my home town.  This school means so much to me. When we came to America I didn't know one word of English, but with the dedication of several Shelby School teachers I learned to read, write and speak English.  Even though I was held back in school one year to learn the language, I made that year up later in junior high and today get paid because of my writing abilities - thanks to the Shelby school teachers and Shelby Consolidated School.  We moved from Shelby in the late 1950's.  I have been back several times, and always enjoy my visits.  This school building is a classic example of school houses serving small town America and should be saved.  Please let me know if I can help.- Bernd Kammer- California

The Shelby school building is the only one I've ever known other than college.  I was sickened when I first saw what has been done to that beautiful building over the years, but even more sickened when I heard that demolition is being considered.  Having lived in Omaha since the early  70s, I have seen a beautiful past wiped out just for the sake of progress; a history that can never be replaced.  The town of Shelby has plenty of room to grow, and with some creative minds and forward thinking, that building has a bright and promising future.- Chuck Martens Class of 1967- Nebraska

12-8-08

"In the scheme of things how important is the Shelby school?

The brick and mortar of the school is probably of little importance but the heritage and symbol is as important as who we are as a society.  The school and the community of Shelby exemplify small town rural living which made our country great.  It represents those of us that learned a school and work ethic that we carried with us all our lives. All that had the opportunity of growing up in Shelby and attending the school must be forever grateful for what the community and school did for us. 

I strongly support your efforts to acquire and make the school into a
historic landmark. Your cause is noble and just. I hope everyone will find it in their hearts to donate something to help you. This is an opportunity for all of us to give something back for which we received so much."  - Colonel Dennis Nielsen USAF (Ret.) Class of 1965- North Carolina