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6ing policing, and the military. At the same time, it was important to keep good relations with God (or the gods). This led to the formation of houses of worship, a clergy, and codified practices and beliefs. As society continued to progress, and education became important, religious and secular schools were established. Eventually, most of these institutions were supported by taxes, tithes, and tuition.Of course, not everyone takes advantage%u2014or requires%u2014all that society makes available. For example, Grandpa Mendy rarely went to church. As a young man, he devoted his Sundays to playing semi-pro baseball, then, in his later years, he%u2019d watch games avidly on TV. While, for him, a double-header was a heavenly experience, I remember Grandma Mendy regularly attending services at Fowler%u2019s First Methodist Church. It meant a great deal to her%u2014seeing friends, singing hymns, and hearing the minister%u2019s sermons.Me? I was raised a Roman Catholic, and was enrolled in parochial schools from first grade through my senior year. So, for me, education and religion seamlessly blended into one another. Overall, I was indoctrinated with 12 years of religion classes and, during my grade-school years, Mass was an integral part of every school day. Yet, at home%u2014other than saying Grace before each evening meal (but, curiously, not before breakfast or lunch), and surviving meatless Fridays with fish and macaroni%u2014religion just wasn%u2019t a dominant presence in daily life. It was, instead, a subtle backdrop%u2014just always there.It would be very difficult for any of us to imagine who we would be today%u2014as individuals or as a society%u2014if we had no public or private schools; no churches, mosques, or synagogues; no libraries, jails, hospitals, court houses, postal service, or military. While a healthy and motivated individual could certainly educate him- or herself, form a personal moral code, and be a good citizen without their community%u2019s help, most of us do not possess the capacity, desire, drive, or opportunity to do so alone. And, of course, mail delivery, civil defense, and many other services, simply can%u2019t be done by oneself. The truth is, the various institutions established for the common good have influenced and shaped us all to a considerable degree. Yet, when the structures that housed them are deemed obsolete, they%u2019re often cast aside, ignored, and forgotten. That is, until we drive past one of the old buildings we have a deep personal connection to, and we%u2019re unexpectedly flooded with memories.Seeing the building where I attended Kindergarten%u2014even though more than 50 years had elapsed%u2014brought me back to my first day of formal education. I was a 5-year-old, and Dad walked me the threeand-a-half blocks from our small bungalow to the imposing, yellow-brick structure on Second Street. He made sure I learned the way because, after that day, I%u2019d walk the route alone.My Kindergarten was located in the basement of the Fowler High School where both my parents had graduated. Walking inside, then down the steps, we found a classroom full of adults and children. Dad recognized most of the fathers and mothers, but I only knew a few of the kids. After we introduced ourselves to my new teacher, she led us back into the hallway to show me my locker. Instead of being numbered, each locker was identified by a colorful decal depicting a nursery-rhyme character. To my utter horror, I was assigned the Little Bo Peep locker.Fowler High School (later Center Township School), 1926%u2014Fowler, Benton Co. (887.10)