Lyme Central School - Ontarion Yearbook (Chaumont, NY)

Page 7 text:

This year Leo Pettey, one of our bus drivers, celebrates his twentieth year of service to our school. He began driving in January, 1941, and it is interesting to note the changes that have occurred since that time. The buses, then owned by Ben Countryman, were cold because of inadequate heaters. The more clothes one could wear, the better one could keep warm. Children not properly dressed were not allowed on the buses. Today, improved heaters, power steering, and more comfortable seats have changed the buses considerably. Although our school was centralized in 1942, the buses were kept in Mr. Countryman’s barn, The first bus owned by the school was purchased in 1946. There were originally four buses and drivers. One of these buses, the International, held only 9 to 11 passengers. Mr. Pettey s smallest bus held thirty-one. His first route had thirty passengers. Today his route carries fifty-nine. During his years of service, Mr. Pettey has traveled about 200, 000 miles and over all five routes. In fact, some of the original routes have been split. Mr. Pettey has had fun on his side trips. He has taken the Seniors to Syracuse or Utica for their trips to New York for the past ten years, and he has driven for basketball games at neigh- boring schools. His most exciting experience occurred while on the way home from a game at Theresa. The bus slid off the road into a ditch due to freezing rain, and the spectators didn't arrive home until 4:30 a.m. He has never had any other mishaps. Throughout these twenty years of service, Mr. Pettey has maintained a meritorious and exemplary safety record, and the Class of 1961 wishes to commend and congratulate him.

Page 9 text:

BOARD OF EDUCATION SEATED: Mr. Howard, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Purcell - President, Mr. Wright - Principal, Mrs. Shaver - Clerk, Mrs. Haas - Treasurer. STANDING: Mr. Hillick, Mr. Frye, Mr. West - Vice Principal, Mr. Chisamore - Superintendent. BUS DRIVERS Mr. Rickett, Mr. Gifford, Mr. Cheal, Mr. Holbrook, Mr. Heasley, Mr. Petty. PERSONNEL SEATED: Mrs. Chavoustie, Mrs. Baker, STANDING: Mr. Allen, Mrs. Clapsaddle. Absent: Mrs. Mudge, Mr. Rickett.