Thanks to Charles McGrath for the wonderful
memories in "Patrol Boy". Here are a few embellishments
as practiced at S. 17th St School. One of the great things about
being a Patrol Boy was you got to leave class early to get to your
"post". Likewise, you got in a few minutes after the other
kids. At our school, all the patrols met in front of the school
and saluted the flag with the Pledge of Allegiance since you would
be too late to do it in class with everyone else. The Chief led
the pledge.
Also, the "call" that brought all the patrols in was
strangely like the Tarzan yell from the movies. It could be heard
for blocks and every kid wanted to do it. Charles' description of
a "trial" for violators sounds eminently fair. At S. 17th
St., you were sent to the Manual Training teacher who was the "advisor".
What happened behind closed doors was anyone's guess but few kids
ever had to go twice.
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