I am a baby boomer born in 1960 and my father was stationed at Midway Island from 1970 to 1972. I tell everyone those were my best years growing up there. Life was soooo carefree for a 10 year old, myself, and my little brother, 8 years old. We made many friends and all the kids played together, all the time and anytime (if we weren’t in school or church) and everywhere. I don’t remember much staying in the house. There was only tv in the evening with 1 channel and no kid shows. No worries about kidnapping and crimes! My own children never had this experience, sad to say.
I have many memories of attending George Cannon School and but not enough and some have faded since I was only 10 yrs old. I remember teachers: Mrs. Maria Williams (English), Mrs Barker (music & art), Mr Rocciolo (science). I forgot my P.E. teacher’s name but I remember her face and she was a like a tomboy? Mrs William’s was very elderly (it seemed) and very nice. Mrs Barker was very energetic and enthusiastic who taught us how to play the recorder. To this day I still have it and can play the 2 songs. I remember the Science fair and gathering sea shells for my display. I remember making a poster for the dental week(?) and my poster slogan was “Have a Healthy Smile” I remember some classmates’ names and/or faces. I remember playing softball or kick ball in the school field during P.E. And I remember going home for lunches riding my bike since there were no school lunches. I really enjoyed school there. I wish I had more photos or if there was a yearbook to remember and smile.
Family friends who lived on the island recount with me the good old days. We so wish we could travel back to the island and visit and have some sort of reunion. But seeing photos of how Midway deteriorated I realize it would be more heartbreaking than happy to be there. So we hold on to the good times and memories growing up for 2 years amongst the gooney birds.
