Third-generation Bantam paints Clarkston ‘C’
W
hen the Lewiston telling her my husband, her Tribune recentgreat-grandfather, Lloyd J. ly published a Bosserman, was one who picture and article about helped form and paint the five students, three very first “C,” 80 parents and seven years earlier. staff members, He graduated in going to the top of 1941, which set the the Lewiston Hill date earlier than to paint Clarkston the 1950s, as reportHigh School’s “C,” ed in the Tribune. I — being a CHS The first “C” and grad — was exits location was a tremely pleased. dream of science MOVING Then a midFORWARD and math teacher, morning text Frank Mosher. He from a grandchose the most daughter, made prominent peak, me much more and then had to elated, because I have asked for perlearned that my mission from the great-granddaughland-owners before ter, Paitton Zellerhoff, was even presenting his plan to one of the painters. school authorities. I sent a note to Paitton, Mosher was extraordi-
Ruth Bosserman
nary in many ways. I remember, in grade school, having him bring guinea pigs and rats from his lab. He wanted us to see and pet them and learn about their use in science. I was thrilled to pet a guinea pig, having never seen one before. When I shared my happy news at home that night, my mother was appalled and ordered that, should he bring them again, I was never to touch them. My inner response was that I could barely wait to see and pet them again. Now, back to the “C”: Lloyd Bosserman loved math; he aced geometry and calculus, so Mosher made him a classroom assistant to help with the other students. It was natural he would be one of the students chosen for the task of forming and painting the “C.”
The students were taken to the site, but Mosher, using telescopes and signals, remained on the ground at the high school to direct the students in the project. Lloyd could never explain to me just how this worked, when I questioned him years later, but he and his buddies knew what to do under Mosher’s expert tutoring, and the very first “C” was created. In 1976, our youngest daughter, Rena Bosserman Blair, who lives at College Place, Wash., also braved the hill and helped paint the “C”. That makes three generations of our family who have helped with this important task. When I interviewed Paitton, she mentioned that permission is required before entering the private property where the “C” is located, and it is
a rough road to drive on. While they painted, friends located in Walmart’s parking lot, sent pictures showing where more paint was needed. Paitton said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but one she wouldn’t want to try again. She nearly lost her balance and was saved by a faculty member. She still recognized that it was a great honor to be there and to participate in it. This isn’t a yearly event. The “C” needs to be painted every four years or so. When a class has the opportunity to do the painting, it is truly carrying on a great tradition and an honor to do so. Go Bantams! Bosserman, 92, is a retired Clarkston first-grade teacher. She may be reached by email at ruthboss20@gmail.com.
S EN I O R E VENTS For the LewistonClarkston Valley
>>Mondays Coffee hours, 10 a.m. to noon, Valley Community Center (VCC), 549 Fifth St., Clarkston. Line dancing, 10 a.m., Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main St., Lewiston. Fit For Life, 10-11 a.m., Grange Hall, 2220 Reservoir Road, Clarkston. Senior citizens nutrition program meal (pickup) 11-11:30 a.m., Lewiston Community Center. Senior citizens nutrition program meal (dine in), noon to 1 p.m., Lewiston Community Center. Painting class, noon to 3 p.m., VCC.
>>Tuesdays Coffee hours, 10 a.m. to
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GOLDEN TIMES
noon, VCC. Senior Round Table meal (pickup), noon, Valley Community Center. Senior citizens nutrition program meal (pickup) 11-11:30 a.m., Lewiston Community Center. Senior citizens nutrition program meal (dine in), noon to 1 p.m., Lewiston Community Center.
>>Wednesdays Coffee hours, 10 a.m. to noon, VCC. Fit For Life, 10-11 a.m., Grange Hall, Clarkston. Senior citizens nutrition program meal (pickup) 11-11:30 a.m., Lewiston Community Center. Senior citizens nutrition program meal (dine in), noon to 1 p.m., Lewiston Community Center.
Bridge, 12:30-4:30 p.m., VCC. Pinochle, 6 p.m., Lewiston Community Center.
>>Thursdays Coffee hours, 10 a.m. to noon, VCC. Line dancing, 10 a.m., Lewiston Community Center. Senior Round Table meal (pickup), noon, VCC. Painting group, noon, Lewiston Community Center.
>>Fridays Coffee hours, 10 a.m. to noon, VCC. Fit For Life, 10-11 a.m., Grange Hall, Clarkston. Bridge, noon, Lewiston Community Center. Senior Round Table meal (pickup), noon, VCC. Pinochle, 1-4 p.m., VCC. T U E S D A Y, N O V E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 1
