Recess, Rulers and Fasnachts

Recess, Rulers and Fasnachts

Pull up a chair and sit awhile

August 17, 2026

Dear Friend:

The clock seemed to move slower every morning as recess approached. Finally, at exactly 9:55, the bell rang. We hurried to put away our books and pencils before lining up to head outside. While other schools may have rushed off to play kickball or jump rope, our first stop was usually a circle of friends comparing our Holy Cards.

Looking back, Catholic school had traditions and memories that were unlike anything else. Some made us laugh, some made us nervous, and some are still with me more than sixty-five years later.

I was anxious for the day when I would be allowed to walk home from school. We were related to the owner of the St. Anne’s  Catholic Shop on St Joseph Street. The shop was near the parish hall. Stopping there was always a treat. We always would get a holy card and some type of baked treat.

I also remember the dreaded fear - sisters ruler. Yes those same rulers the nuns used to measure how close a boy and girl were dancing. That ruler had another dreaded purpose. I never experienced the ruler but there was one particular boy in my class who was quite familiar with that ruler. He like to push the envelope. Some of the sisters would make you put your hand out and then would hesitate mid air before slapping that hand with the ruler.

One day, we were quietly working at our desks when Sister stopped beside me. She didn't say a word. Suddenly, she reached for her ruler, and I immediately burst into tears. I was certain she was about to crack my knuckles, even though I hadn't done anything wrong.

Sister looked completely surprised. She hadn't intended to punish me at all. She had simply picked up the ruler to point to something on my paper. When she realized why I was crying, she knelt beside my desk, gave me a hug, and apologized.

It's funny how memories work. I don't think I'd thought about that moment in decades until I started writing this story.

One day during my freshman year of high school all the girls were corralled into the hallway, standing in a row with our backs against the lockers. We stood there anxious and worried as to what was going to happen. Then,… there it was,…. our dreaded fear…. A nun with a ruler. We were all sure we were going to have our knuckles cracked. One by one sister walked from one girl to the next. But this time there was no knuckle cracking. Sister bent over in front of each girl to check if the edge of our skirt was below our knee. If the edge was higher sister used the ruler to measure. Who exactly ever let a nun have a ruler?

We always looked forward to lunch on Fasnacht day. We would hurry through our lunch so we could eat our Fasnacht. We would also have a fasnacht waiting at home for us as well. The reason the Germans ate Fasnachts on Shrove Tuesday was to use up the lard, sugar and butter before the solemn fasting of Ash Wednesday and Lent. I also remember my mother allowing me to play hooky so I could help her bake Fasnachts.

Looking back, I didn't realize how unusual those days really were. At the time, they were simply life. Today they're some of my happiest memories.

Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.

Be well,

Emma

Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, where every story starts with a memory. Through stories of family, friendships, music, traditions, hometowns, and life's simple pleasures, she invites readers to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and remember the moments that have shaped their lives.