Saluting the stars and stripes

Well, it was after failing this photo test, submitted to me by the folks at the Bonner County Museum, that I verbally volunteered to be in charge of Lincoln School memorabilia at the facility's archives. I was asked for some identification of these cherubs, who seem so full of American spirit and passion.

I think I picked out Janice McNall and Claudia Ammerman accurately, and I guessed that this may have been circa 1970s at the Sandpoint Events Center, formerly known as the boarded up school, formerly known as the Ninth Grade Center, formerly known as the junior high (my era) and originally known as Sandpoint High School.

We're thinking, anyway, that this group is pictured on the stage in the top floor auditorium. We do wonder who the brave teaching souls were that came up with these get-ups and if their houses got subsequently egged. It doesn't look like the organizers did a very effective public relations blitz on these kids in convincing them to show undying pride in their country while posing for the 'grand ol' flag.'

If I have Janice McNall identified correctly, at least she smiled, and I'm sure that one kid had to be dreaming of how good those corn nuts at the What Not Shop were gonna taste when he got out of this stupid get-up.

I can remember the days when we used to congregate from the grade schools down there at the old junior high and do combined musical performances. In my case, I remember wearing white shirts, blue jeans and red bandannas while singing "The Red River Valley." That suited me a lot better than these outfits appear to affect the stars and stripes.

Any other memories out there-------and any other ID's? The museum would love your contributions to this quest for historical accuracy.

I'm looking forward to sifting through all that Lincoln School stuff. Ah, what a trip down memory lane!