By Warner M. MontgomeryWarner@TheColumbiaStar.comAnne Hensley Hoyt responds to story onShandon/Schneider School:

Ann Hoyt's class at Shandon School 1933-1939: (front row, l-r) ?, Beth and Ann Lankford (twins), Gretchen Gayden, ?, Mildred Green, Catherine Wasser, ?, Betty Jean Ritchie, ? (second row) ?, ?, Virginia Anne Hensley, ?, ?, Anne Hiott, ? (third row) ? Betty Fellers, ?, ?, ?, (fourth row, far right) Harry Tokunaga, (back row) Miss Roy the teacher.

Thanks for all your interesting features, especially the ones on Shandon/Schneider School. I attended Shandon School from 1933 to 1939.I lived four blocks away and all who were near got together and walked to and from school. Sometimes we stopped on our way home under a chinaberry tree to have a picnic of our leftover lunch brought from home. Many times I exchanged a half sandwich for one black olive. The olive was exotic for me since my parents never bought them.

Shandon was a wonderful school with a great staff and many activities at recess and bazaars by the PTA.

There were six Anns in my first grade class so I told them my first name was Virginia, so I wouldn't be just another Ann. I went by Virginia all 11 grades. Now if anyone calls me Virginia, I know they are from my childhood.

Mr. Schneider was the principal while I was there, and he died before I left.

Herbert Jervey writes:

When I was a student at Shandon School in 1930 Mary Taylor, great granddaughter of Columbia founder Thomas Taylor, taught art and handwriting. Belle Nichols taught math, geometry, and algebra. My favorite teacher was Ms. Thurmond, sister of Strom Thurmond.

Mr. Tidwell was the police officer and crossing guard. He knew everyone and would call parents if any student acted up.

The students' favorite song was The Music Goes Round and Round . Sometimes all the students would sing at the same time and get into trouble because they wouldn't stop.