My mom, Pat Risley, started grade school at Washington Township School no. 5. It was located where Flanner & Buchanan mortuary is now on Broad Ripple Avenue, just east of the high school.

She then transferred to Frances Willard School no. 80 when it opened in 1929, just south of Mustard Hall on Guilford Avenue and across from where Kroger grocery is now. She graduated June 1931. The school is now condos.

In her 8A autograph book are notations from her friends. Here is a sampling.

From Reba Mayhew: "I live by the canal - drop in sometime."

Josephine Ridenour 6562 Ashland wrote: "They tell you they love you, for you they would die, but don't you believe them, for young men will lie!"

Margaret Hawkins: "It's so funny it makes me laugh, to think you want my autograph!"

Mrs. Mike Lobraico 6115 Carrollton: "May the flower of friendship flourish and embellish you long after this friend is forgotten!"

Holly Peelman 6119 Broadway: "When you are married and have twins, don't come to me for safety pins!"

One of Pat's school mates, Anna Marie Heintz would walk from school, cross the street and go into the Broad Ripple Amusement Park for her lunch! Anna's grandmother was a cook at the Fried Chicken Restaurant located just inside the park. Many children brought their own lunch. Anna is 92 and lives near me. I have been to see many of mom's old friends and made visits to their homes because they hold so many interesting stories about growing up in Broad Ripple.

In the fall of 1931 Pat started high school and graduated from Broad Ripple in 1936.

Years after Pat graduated she attended a school reunion where former principal K.V. Ammerman was present. He walked over and said; "Patty, how is your Asthma?"

He always remembered all the students.

In Pat's last year at Broad Ripple High School she took nurses training. After graduation she enlisted in the Women's Army Corps to become a nurse and was turned down because of her Asthma.

Her mother Ruby Messersmith graduated in 1916 and Pat's father Roger Risley in 1908.

For Roger's class picture they walked across the street and stood near the White River as the school had a fire.