1947 To 1948

A Memory of Boston.

In 1947 there was one of the worst snow falls I can remember, when packed snow in High Street, lasted into March; then those on the dole had to get picks and shovels from the Council and break it up, horse and carts then took it to the Doughty Quay, where it was put into the river.
Then I got a bombshell, it was announced the school leaving age was changing from fourteen to fifteen. The older lads from all the schools would be going to a school, at the Workhouse. The first day was quite a shock, it was a grim place, The main building was four storeys high; each end three storeys high; winding stone steps to class rooms; flag stone inner courtyard was our playground. It must have been terrible to have been put in there. It was bad enough having strange teachers. A smack across the head was normal, or a thump to the head with a knuckle, for talking in class. One teacher, got his enjoyment; by lifting you out of your desk by your sideburns, then paraded you in the front of the class, on our tip toes, or he would keep clouting you around the ears with a pencil; going one side then to the other. He came from my previous school; where I had experienced is punishment before. I never said " please sir, can I have some more", like Oliver Twist.  It was sheer joy when the year was up.

---

---