March 29, 2024

A typical day on Bessie No. 4

1953 – Fun, courtesy and all around good will are the makings of a busload of happy "high-schoolers" every morning and evening. Bus No. 4, driven by good-natured Charles Lamb, is typical.

Mr. Lamb leaves Osceola about 6:30 a.m. every morning (yawn), heads east on Highway 34 and stops 4 miles out for his first sleepy-eyed passenger, Carol Gardner. Then south, north; and back to the highway he collects quiet Evart King and two neat little tricks, Joan and Bonnie Sheesley. To the east – another early morning guest, Anita Diehl. Goal, Ottawa! A hearty laugh perks the early downers when blond-haired, full-of-fun Sharon Horton gets on.

Watch out! That’s just Peggy Frizzell zooming to the third seat from the front to save for her cousin and pal, Mary Manley. One, two – no, three of them! That’s Condon Clark and his twin brothers, Roger and Roland.

“Oh you about ran over me, Mr. Lamb.” Would you know her? No other than Betty Blackburn.

Ottawa at last! Here red-haired but mild-tempered Mary Ann Evans and Karen, old-junior-class play-herself Martin ascend the steps. Things are pretty lively by this time.

To the north now, Wilbert and Laura Smith climb aboard. Mary Manley fills the seat saved by cousin Peggy Frizzell. Next, the little Miss that is allergic to two-toned green Fords, Sue Powell. Ron Henry, who seems most unwilling to be left only a front seat, takes his place. Here another comes, big-smile and all. That’s Harley Pippin. What’s this? Four feet stepping out of a pickup. Oh yes, that’s neat, trim and happy Norma Johnson and good-natured, fun-loving Joyce West. What a life! Old Bessie No. 4, as it is known, is slowly heading for town.

Then, “Hi everybody!” is heard from sparkling all-over “Marg” Hoffman. Now, where are we? Texas? No, it’s just Phil “ride-em-cowboy” Townsend and “live-em-up-and-be happy” Dick Griffin. Just one more and then Bessie No. 4 will be loaded. Yes, here he comes, Marvin Blanchard. Between Marvin and Sharon “giggles” Horton it’s a really lively trip.

Ah, school, what a lovely sight! Quickly all are out. The journey is ended with everyone in high spirits for the day.