Mary Alice Anthony
Interviewed By: Jeff & Jenn
Date of Interview: September 9, 1999
We interviewed Mary Alice Anthony about her memories of Fort Recovery on September 9, 1999. Mary Alice is in her 80's and has lived in Fort Recovery her whole life. She was a teacher at Sharpsburg Elementary School for many years. This elementary school is still in session today, but soon it will be closed when the new elementary school opens next year.
Some things that were different about our school then are: there was a French class and there were many different-aged students in one classroom. Also, there were more different schools open in Fort Recovery School District.
We asked Mary Alice what she did for entertainment, and she mentioned the Opera House where plays were put on. The Opera House still exists, but it is not used anymore. It is located above where Brockman Appliances is. She said that there weren't any places for a teenager to hang out when she was growing up. Also sports weren't as important to everybody when she was in school.
Mary Alice was a kid during the Great Depression. She remembered that people were very cautious with their money, but no one really complained. Many people from Fort Recovery were called to fight in World War II including her husband.
When asked about her favorite memory of school, Mary Alice said she loved sliding down the stair railing. The one thing that Mary Alice still enjoys the most about Fort Recovery is the friendliness of its people. She is also very proud of the Fort Recovery Harvest Jubilee which has been a part of the town for many years.