History
Marian
World War II began on December 7, 1941, 3 months after I started my first year as a
teacher at Orinda Union School (K-8) at the age of 21. I was assigned a split 4/5 with 45
students for a salary of $ 1,380 per year ($60 over minimum for California). Since I really
wanted to teach instrumental music, the school board allotted funds for me to buy a
complement of strings, reeds, brass and percussion instruments so that I could form an
orchestra whenever I could schedule the time. This included a chorus as well.
After a short time, it was decided to departmentalize science, music and art for grades 4 -
8. Of course, I was the 'music' department.
By April, the chorus was ready for a concert broadcast over radio station KRE from the
Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland. It included songs from the various armed forces;
Caisson Song, Marine's Hymn, etc. I have a picture of the group in the usual dark
pants/skirts and white tops which had a red, white and blue crepe paper V for Victory
pinned on them, shoulders to waist..
The orchestra could also play a few numbers pretty well. The principal, Richard Davis,
recorded the chorus and orchestra on a 'new' machine that 'cut' records. (I think I have
them somewhere)
In 1942, rationing of key items began; gas, tires, sugar, shoes, etc. Teachers were called
upon to distribute ration stamps 3 days in a row and I remember staying at someone's
house in Orinda so I could be available very early in the morning.
I was commuting to Orinda using my folks' car. At that time the gas and tire rationing
problem loomed ahead. I resigned my position at Orinda with great regret and came to
Richmond to teach 3rd grade at Woodrow Wilson school. Not nearly as exciting as
Orinda School had been.
That summer of 1942, I changed my name from Miss Bryant to Mrs. Sauer and I wasn't
sure how that would be with my students. It turned out all right, as one girl told me my
name should be Mrs. Sweet.
Eventually I was assigned as a Special Instrumental Music teacher with 3 schools at a
time to service with lessons and orchestra if possible. At the same time I was giving
private lessons on clarinet and saxophone to 18 pupils after school and on Saturdays.
My husband, George, was in the Navy at the time and I was back living at home.
At the end of WWII our life changed as babies began to arrive. I resigned in 1949,
returning to teaching again in 1955; but that is another story.
