Adventure Bound

We are almost finished with the bedroom remodel that I spoke of in a previous blog (Getting Through the Winter).  I will post finished photos of that later.  While deciding what items should be returned to the room and which items should be discarded, I came across my favorite school book.  In seventh grade we had an English book called Adventure Bound.  Way back then, when I was in school, we had to memorize poems and stand up in front of the class to recite them.  I still remember so many of them to this day.  I don't remember the teachers name, but I remember the poems.  Many years ago I found a copy somewhere and felt the need to buy it.  I think I will keep it.   The Fly Lady probably wouldn't approve (http://www.flylady.net/).

There was The Village Blacksmith by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Under the spreading chestnut tree, The village smithy stands.
The smith a mighty man is he, With large and sinewy hand.
And the muscles of his brawny arms, Are strong as iron bands.

Or The Barefoot Boy by John Greenleaf Whittier

Blessings on thee, little man
Barefoot boy, with cheek of tan.
With thy turned up pantaloons,
And thy merry whistled tunes.

I memorized Hiawatha's Childhood and Nancy Hanks.  Who would have thought that all these years later, I still remember most of them.

There were stories too.  Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling as well as science stories, interesting people like Henry Ford, sports and animals.  I realize that much of my trivia knowledge came out of this book.  I wonder what twelve year old kids of today will remember when they are sixty five.  I bet they will never take a trip to the past in a school book.