UCityClass1957

Wallace G. Klein: I am a native St. Louisan. Spent first five years of school at Arlington School in St. L.
Moved to U.C. in the 30's..[.My father was at pharmacist in U.C. for 40 of his more than 50 years in that
profession.]I entered Delmar-Harvard in the 6th grade, where I had a life-changing educational
experience: departmentalized teaching by 3 teachers, plus enrichment by supplementary teachers in art,
music, handwriting, physical education, plus
exposure to substantive progressive educational techniques. Attended Ward Jr. High before Hanley was
built (my class chose the colors for Hanley). Graduated from UCHS in the illustrious class of 1940.
Entered Washington University. Called to service from the Enlisted Reserve Corps in l943 (middle of my
junior year). Basic training in California and specialized training at UCLA. Overseas in Gt. Britain,
France, Luxembourg, Germany, HQ.Sq. Xix Tactical Air Command, Ninth Air Force. We were
reconnaissance and tactical air support for Gen. Patton's Third Army. Returned to W.U. Majored in
Political Science and minored in History.
A.B. l947; M.A. l948. Had begun study of German at UCHS, continued at W.U., supplemented at UCLA.
Was offered graduate assistantship in German; liked it; began secondary teacher training in 48- 49.
Married in 1950 very happily until death of spouse in 1986. Began teaching Social Studies at Jennings
High School in l953 but jumped at the chance to teach German at UCHS in 1954. My own teachers
became my colleagues and later my friends. Taught German, and when necessary English, at UCHS
until 1983. Sponsored Der Deutsche Verein and was also sponsor of the Senior Class for many years
after the "reign" of the inimitable Miss Bruns. One of my two daughters also went into teaching for
some years. Had carried on alumni work as successor to Miss Johnson and Miss Watts even before I
retired. That work therefore became my main interest in retirement, but I also volunteer at Richardson
Library at the St. Louis Art Museum, at the Greater St. Louis Book Fair, 100 Neediest Cases. After 5
years of unhappy widowerhood I married Norma Vavra, Director of Early Childhood Education, U.C.
schools, widow of Assoc. Dean of Medical School, John Vavra, mother of 3 UCHS Alumnae, Linda,
Janet, Susan. We have now been married 15 years; have together 5 daughters and 14 grandchildren
,and are living happily ever after, Anything else you want to know? WGK