My sister moved from Aberdeen to Timonium Friday (Feb 10). On my way to help I stopped at what was my elementary school in Aberdeen, MD from 1963 to 1969. It is now the Aberdeen Workforce Center Community Services Building, 34 N. Philadelphia Boulevard, Aberdeen, Maryland 21001. I found it moving. The building is monitored like a prison. They have removed the three-story stair-case, backbone of the life of the building, and replaced it with an elevator. Upon entry, the only option is an elevator the opposite wall opens where a very kind guard, Mr Dawson, greeted me.
I felt ancient. Mr. Dawson spoke to me like I was an apparition arisen with treasured memories of a previous world of which he knew little but upon who visitors demanded a knowledge. He walked me around the floors as I pointed out the cafeteria (now a weight room and day-care) and the library (now two offices). He asked me what this or that room was used for. "I know of six rooms where I spent my six years; Mrs. Stine, Mrs, Lurton, Mrs. Ramsay, Mrs. Graybeal, Mrs. Crocket, Miss Harsh (6th grade) who married Mr. Savage (6th grade). Little of my day remains visible. The hallways still have ceramic tile but only an outline of lockers or water fountain. I could see hidden but for damage the dark green from 40 years ago on the baseboard.
So much of my childhood had been spent in this building. I mourned for it. I recall my fear in first grade when I kept asking my classmate, Wendy, if the bus number was 59 or 95. That was huge those first days. I cried for my mother.
There are, of course, good memories but they have become moldy and hidden under layers but for the damaged baseboards. Should one ever go back?
