As I left our narrative, Paul was around 3 years of age. I believe that is a good place to start. As I had told you, we were living in Huntington Park, CA with my parents: John and Edith Smith and my older brother Ralph. This ment that Paul was in the company of mostly grown ups. I believe this helped to create the sharp intellect he developed. Right or wrong on that score, he was very bright!
Mom had her hands full trying to keep up with her things, and looking after Paul so as soon as he qualified, we found a 'pre-school' for him and he took to it like a duck takes to water. Being with other kids and being exposed to so many new things he just blossomed. As a result, he was ready for school long before his age qualified him for entrance into kintergarden. I believe this was a draw back for Paul. He was sharp and when in classes where he could do things faster than his other classmates, he sort of sat back and waited for everyone else to catch up with him. That worked fairly well until he was in about the 3rd grade. It was then he found he was lagging behind. Either you are paying attention and 'getting it' or you find yourself wondering what just happened! It was in the fourth grad that the teacher asked me why Paul was such a 'day dreamer'. When I asked her what she ment she explained that while the other kids were soaking up things, Paul was looking out the window in such deep thought that she asked him what he was thinking about and his reply - are you ready for this one? Are their lights on Niagra Falls?
Had nothing to do with the lesson, and to my knowledge we had never talked about Niagra Falls. Go figure?
Well it only goes to follow that from here on, Paul struggled with his school work. Oh, I don't mean he failed, it was just that he either liked it, or he just didn't care to put in the effort. His mind was quick and active, but it seemed to drift into the avenues that best interested him. He could have mastered anything he set his mind to, as we know from his later years, but for this time, he just didn't seem to care.
Elementary school he managed fine, even Junior High. He wasn't an 'A' student, but he got good grades in the subjects that he liked. I believe we hit a snag when he started High School. This I will admit was through no fault of his. We were on the border line of two towns. One being Santa Fe Springs the other Pico River. Santa Fe Springs had just built a new High School, and it was decided that some of the new Freshman would be sent to Santa Fe Springs High School. Now under normal circumstances this would not seem to be such a big thing, only kids who Paul went to Church with and many he had gone through school with up through the 8th grade were going to attend El Rancho High School that was just a couple of blocks from our Church building and Paul would of course be starting Seminary (before school Religous Class - for our non-member readers).
Santa Fe Springs High School was in another part of the community which ment getting up earlier to make Seminary and a longer drive to get to school afterward. So, Paul had his Freshman year at Santa Fe Springs. Not a happy time either. When, at the end of the Freshman year, it was decided those students living on the other side of the River would be going to El Rancho High School. Which ment Paul was shifted to another High School for his Sophomore year. He was happy, but of course he was the 'new kid on the block' so it was like starting all over again. His Junior year was better, he was settled, ready to make a place for himself in school, and earned his place in the Honor Choir for his Senior year. The Choir had received an invitation to travel to Europe for a Concert Series. He was thrilled to have such an opportunity.
Well - as great as this all sounds, fate had other plans and Paul was not able to be part of this great adventure. Why, you ask? Jay had been in business for himself for some time by then, work had dropped off and he had to strike out with a number of other Owner-Opporators. They drove the length of the State of California looking for work for their trucks. Jay and another driver were able to find a short term job in Taft, CA. It was not the most glamourous place to find work, but it was promising and they were willing to accept the offer on a handshake deal that lasted for 8 years. This of course ment that a change in residence would be necessary. Paul was, to say the least, upset over this. We didn't blame him, but when you have to make a living, and it can't be done where you are, these things must be handled.
We heard all the grumbling with very sympathetic ears, but could only promise it would all work out. (Easy for us to say!) Little did any of us know that was really the case! The year was 1965 Oildorado was the big thing in Taft that year. Paul was able to grow a beard, a nice one too, so he could participate in the 'whiskorino contest'. He could possibly have won it, but the rule at Taft High School was that no Student could have a beard. So it had to come off. Well, another set back.
Now for a little information here - we came from the 'city' and Taft was a 'country' town. The boys wore blue jeans and white T-shirts and tennis shoes. Where Paul had been going to school, the boys wore dress pants,
dress shirts and dress shoes. What a striking difference he presented that first day at Taft High. You couldn't miss him, that is for sure. Every girl on the campus was turning her head to witness such a 'good looking' new comer. (I believe I will have to take another part to explain something about Paul and his dress - look for that coming up!)
Not only did he look different, but he WAS different. Something that amazed Paul in his later years, was how everyone in his class believed he had attended all 4 years with them, when in reality he had only been in their Senior Class. Why, well he was voted into the Student Council, he was active in just about everything that didn't deal with sports. Being small in stature, he wasn't athletic. (I believe I will deal with that subject under another part!) He made a multitude of friends, both male and female. When he graduated, he quickly enrolled in Taft Community College and again fit in with ease. Upon learning they didn't have male cheer leaders he inquired about this and was told if he wanted to be on the squad, they would accept him, only he would have to supply his own outfit. We bought him a pair of black slacks and found a white sweater that had black and gold striping similar to the ones the girls on the squad wore. He became part of the Squad and enjoyed his part, who wouldn't being the only guy with all those girls? This was a great year. Taft had an exceptional Football team and after winning their division, received an invitation to participate in the Potato Bowl. I believe it was in Oklahoma, but don't hold me to that, it has been so many years, I am not absolute on the location. Of course Paul had to pay his own way. It wasn't a cheap trip. A family council was held and it was decided that his finances would be his Christmas Gift for that year. (I do believe he found a little something else under the tree that year too.) I don't remember if the team won or lost, but I do remember that Paul came home thrilled and happy.
Just one final note. One of Pauls Professors at College talked to me about him and said he found Paul to have an outstanding mind, able to do great things with his education, but he just lacked the ability to stick to it. I
explained it was something we had struggled with all through Pauls school years. Bright enough, but just not able to buckle down and put the time into study. Just too personable. Fun to be around, etc. If Paul lacked for the scholarly talents he was capable of, he made up for that lack in his ability to attract friends and develope a close tie with those he attracted. Loyal, friendly and fun. Those were the school years of Uncle Paul. (I hastily add, he never stopped reading, and learning. I believe he had about one of the sharpest minds that was full of so much Trivia, he could charm any conversation on just about any subject that might come up, or he might start.)
Until our next session - keep tuned in!
Written this 5th day of March 2011
by: Eileen Rosenberg
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