Anna Mae attended St. Mary’s School about 2 blocks from the family home.  Many years later she wrote a few memories about her school days: “When recess was over, one of the sisters would take a big hand bell from the window ledge on the landing between the first and second [floors], and ring the bell outside to call the children.  After noon recess one of the older students would turn the crank on a big floor model Victrola that played John Philip Sousa marches as the children filed in.  …the library was located in the little room at the top of the second floor.”

In the 8^th grade Anna Mae helped out with the altar flowers at the Church and she also was a member of the girls’ Sodality group whose members were involved in charitable activities as together they worked toward spiritual growth.

Bob attended St. Mary’s from the 6^th through the 8^th grades.  In 1943, Bob graduated from the 8^th grade at St. Mary’s School.  Many years later he, like Anna Mae, wrote a few memories about his school days: “The “Candy Nun”, Sister Georgina, sold bags of candy for two cents every noontime.  I did odd jobs for the sisters at the convent to help pay for my books.  Eighth grade Sister Georgina and I made root beer.  A couple of days later sister told me we were in trouble.  The caps on the root beer had blown off making a mess in the basement that they had to clean up!”

Not only did Bob help the sisters at the convent, but he was also active as a member of the school patrol, which involved escorting fellow students safely across the streets near school.  He was an altar boy at St. Mary’s Church and in later years, an usher at the Church.

In 1945, 2 years after Bob, Anna Mae graduated from the 8^th grade at St. Mary’s School.  I don’t know of a class picture for her year of graduation; it might be that one wasn’t taken.

Both Bob and Anna Mae attended White Bear High School.  During her years in high school, Anna Mae was active in G.A.A. (Girls Athletic Association), F.H.A. (Future Homemakers of America) and the school choir.⁷

I’m not sure if Bob was involved in any extracurricular activities at school.  I suspect that he may have had an after school job.

Bob graduated June 5, 1947 at 17 years old and Anna Mae graduated on June 2, 1949 at 19 years old.

After high school, Anna Mae helped at the church counting envelopes from the Sunday collections.  She also did bookkeeping for the church as well as contributing her vocal talents as a member of the Church choir.

To be continued…

Thanks for visiting, come back soon,
Cynthia

© 2026 Copyright by Cynthia Vadnais, All Rights Reserved

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Footnotes for Anna Mae Ruth Vadnais and Robert James Campbell (Part 2 of 3) post