The video below appeared in my watch list a few days ago. I estimate its been 57 years since I last saw it. There is a back story; 8th grade Jr High, all boys were required to take, IIRC, 8 weeks each of woodworking, drafting, metal working/basic mechanics and to be well rounded, 8 weeks of home economics.

 

The intended goal was to determine required freshman class choices of either one semester of woodworking, then one semester of metal working/ mechanics or two semesters of drafting (home-ec not an option as a freshman boy)

 

One of the first things we did in our woodworking class was to watch this very video. Later in class, any misuse or damage to shop tools had our teacher exclaiming loudly, "Primitive Pete, Primitive Pete; everyohe gather around this table to see what Primitive Pete has done today." To which a lengthy discussion occurred around what "Primitive Pete" had done, what he should have done and how to prevent it going forward. In addition, a fine was levied on Primitive Pete ranging from a penny up to a dollar (not chump change in 1966-67) depending on the degree of damage. A drill bit was typically a 10 cent fine payable in cash or after school service cleaning the shop.

 

Anyways, seeing this video rekindled memories from so long ago of a much simpler times. A time when real learning of useful skills was taught in schools by teachers who commanded respect and discipline, but genuinely cared for the well being and life-long learning skills of their students. A time when trades were not only taught and respected, but required learning.

 

So, have you ever seen this video? Where? When? Likely it was projected from a 16mm reel projector perhaps operated by a upper-class student in the AV Aide classes.

Good times, fun times, great memories...thankful I experienced them.

 

 

I've never seen this film, but I know several "Primitive Petes" I'd like to show it to! Thank, Gramps.

I don't recall it from the title, will watch it a bit later.

On 4/24/2024 at 1:20 PM, Grandpadave52 said:

The video below appeared in my watch list a few days ago. I estimate its been 57 years since I last saw it.

 

I watched it yesterday Dave - for the first time.  Some good tips in there!