When I started school in 1956 I had a pair of big old cloppy saddle shoes. They were purchased at least one size too big so that they would last the entire school year and I wouldn’t grow out of them. Yep, that’s how it was done in my family.
I wore headscarves. I looked like a Russian immigrant. My Mom insisted that whenever it was cold, windy, rainy, snowy, chilly, cloudy, or whatever I had to wear a headscarf, so I wouldnt catch cold. Yep, and as soon as the bus took off down the road, I would rip that headscarf right off.
I kept my crayons (all 8 of them) in a Velveeta Cheese Box. Yep … along with a jar of paste and a couple of really big fat pencils.
My Mom was very resourceful. I carried my lunch money tied in the corner of a handkerchief. It was less likely to be lost that way and I also had something to blow my nose on!
More school adventures to follow….
Retired Ruth 
I had a pair of those shoes, but not until 1963-64 when I was in grade 5 — they never went out of style – or the real question is – were they ever in style – love you memories
your scarf story reminds me of the fact that we had to wear skirts to school, but when it was cold my mom made me wear cordoroy pants underneath – what stupid rules the schools had back then
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Oh I absolutely hated wearing pants under my dresses! Even then I knew it looked “dorky” and I never really ever outgrew that look! And how about the corduroy pants that were lined with flannel? As if they weren’t thick and uncomfortable enough!
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better than having to wear snow pants though
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The funny part is that we never even questioned the school rules… boy that has surely changed!
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Yes, yes, no, yes. I never had a velveeta cheese box
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