Montebello Junior High – 1969

Montebello Junior High – 1969

I was in the last class to attend school in the beautiful red brick building before it was torn down for earthquake concerns. Many of us fought and protested, but as usual, money concerns came first and so our beautiful building was demolished and the new “prison like”, windowless structure was built. I found these two tributes I had written for the school paper and a photo of our charming, old school.

 

A Fond Farewell

This year is a sad one for many students, especially the 9^th graders. We came to MJH young and eager to learn. The last 3 years seem to have flown by and all of us flew with them, growing from childhood to adolescence in a sometimes painful, sometimes sad, but always exciting way.

Now when we say goodbye, we are saying it not only to MJH as a school but as a good friend, for it will never be the same. Soon there will be a whole set of safe, modern, spacious buildings but in our hearts MJH will always be an old, but beautiful red brick building. Farewell MJH, you will not be forgotten.

April 23, 1969

Dear A Building,

This is one on the saddest letters I have ever written.

This letter is written to say goodbye. Yes, we the 9^th graders are finally leaving and you, our good friend, are facing death. Oh we will not forget your beauty or your kindness. Or that welcome feeling you gave us when we first arrived at 7^th graders.

Stand proud, dear school and when the blows begin to fall, feel no pain, for you cannot die, you will live forever in our hearts.

Love, the 9^th graders

April 23, 1969