THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 6, 1996 TAG: 9611060363
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Guy Friddell
LENGTH: 55 lines
Some days it seems that every advance for humanity in this century has come in my lifetime - such as Popsicles, bubble gum and school safety patrols.
Today at 10:30 a.m., the 75th anniversary of safety patrols, the most important advance, will be celebrated at Norfolk's MacArthur Memorial with 170 fourth- and fifth-graders.
How pleasing with their bright faces and clear voices animating that staid, gray museum!
How many do you suppose will be chewing bubble gum?
In Norfolk, the first patrol began in 1921 at James Monroe School, led by Principal Merrill J. Ober.
In 1930, the patrols received the city's blessing at a meeting of city officials with schools Superintendent C.W. Mason and School Board Chairman A.H. Foreman.
The group organized a troop at Blair Junior High School, where J.E. Haley was principal. Thus began a working partnership for the city's schools with the local American Automobile Association.
Its secretary, Robert J. Pollock, was at the meeting, and the partnership for safety flourished with the arrival of Tim Timmons in 1934 as the local AAA's energetic managing director for 62 years.
For decades, youngsters have received medals awarded by presidents of the United States for pulling pupils out of harm's way and saving lives. Statistics for accidents are markedly lower around schools than elsewhere. Civic service of the patrols' many alumni suggests that responsibility nurtured as crossing guards continues through life.
Among alumni, former U.S. Rep. G. William Whitehurst recalled Tuesday a boat trip in 1937 to Washington, where the Norfolk contingent joined a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol.
``Mother gave me $5 for the two days, and it was probably worth it to her,'' he said. ``Principal of Lee Elementary, J.J. Brewbaker, took us out on the playground to make certain we could march in step.
``It was the first time I'd been up there, and my first trip away from home overnight. It made me feel kind of grown up.''
Every so often as a congressman driving along Pennsylvania Avenue, Whitehurst recalled that trip and smiled. ``Wearing the arm band and belt, I was as proud as if it was the uniform of the U.S. Marines!''
Today's speakers will be Oliver Perry, a 1934 alumnus; E. Wallace Timmons of the AAA; and schools Superintendent Roy Nichols. AAA Board Chairman Dan Duncan will present Mayor Paul Fraim an award for Norfolk's outstanding record in traffic safety.
Timmons noted Tuesday that the safety patrol is a motivator of good conduct as well as academic achievement. ``To stay on the patrol,'' he said, ``members have to make good grades.''
And probably dasn't chew bubble gum. MEMO: Guy explains why Dole lost/A9 by CNB