1943 Stenographer Says "Practice Makes Perfect"

Practice Makes Perfect

In 1943, Thelma Klemish was a Senior at Exira High School in Exira, Iowa. 

 "Practice Makes Perfect, Thelma"

She heard those words from her Commericial Instructor,  Mrs. Robert P. Shirley.

She heard those words from her Basketball Coach, Mr. Robert P. Shirley. 

AhHa!  A 'Practice Makes Perfect' Consipiracy!

I asked Thelma about that 'Consipiracy Theory' and if it was the beginning of her lifelong use of the words, 'Practice Makes Perfect'. You see, I've heard those words of wisdom from her my entire life.

She said, "At the time, I was sure they were in cahoots. Practice was boring and I always thought of myself as a Game Player. If I heard, "Thelma, use the backboard", once I heard it a million times. My Steno Pad was a collection of Big Red X's and O's and notes from Mrs. Shirley...'practice, practice, practice, Thelma'.

I took Shorthand for the first time as a Junior in 1942 and earned a certificate for 60 words a minute. Mrs. Shirley congratulated me in one breath and in the next said I could do better..."You know Thelma, 'Practice Makes Perfect". I heard the same thing from Coach Shirley when he handed me my Letter Award for basketball.

By the end of my Senior Year "Practice Makes Perfect" made 'Perfect Sense". With 'Practice', my Shorthand Speed increased to 80 words a minute and 'The Backboard' became my favorite scoring shot! I'll always remember Coach Shirley's words when he handed me my Team Captain Certificate, Thelma, you are a Perfect example of Perfect Practice Makes for Perfect Games. 

And Now....It's time to put 'Practice Makes Perfect' to good use with the announcement of...

The 1940 US Census Community Project Weekly Contest

'Getting Prepared To Index'

Click HERE for Entry Information

There are PRIZES...Two Qualified Entrants will be chosen at random to receive a

$50 Visa Gift Card and One Qualified Entrant a $100 Visa Gift Card.

The Contest is Sponsored by

Click on Badge for The 1940 US Census Website

You, too, can support the 1940 US Census Community Project

by volunteering as a 1940 US Census Indexer.

Upon it's release on April 2nd, the 1940 Census Community Project, a joint initiative between Archives.com, Family Search, findmypast.com and other leading genealogy organizations, will coordinate efforts to provide quick access to these digital images and immediately start indexing these records to make them searchable online with free and open access.

As part of the 1940 US Census Blog Ambassador Program

'1943 Stenographer Says "Practice Makes Perfect"

Blog Post enters me...CollectInTexas Gal...into a drawing for a

KINDLE FIRE.

PS...About Thelma, the 1943 Stenographer...in February she celebrated her 85th Birthday.  Her lifelong BFF...Best Friend Forever...from Exira High School's Graduating Class of 1943 was her Guest of Honor. 

Throughout their lives, 'Practice Makes Perfect' has made 'Perfect Sense'.  They have been 'Role Models' for their children, grand children and great grand children who continue to Practice...'Practice Makes Perfect".

Coach and Mrs. Robert P. Shirley will be one of the 'First Folks' I will look for in the 1940 US Census.

PPS...Thanks to Thelma and her being a part of the 'The Greatest Generation', my post 'Ring-A-Ding-A-Ling...1947 Mobile Phone Calling' was selected as one of the Four Winning Entrants in last weeks 'Weekly Ambassadors Contest'. 

Thanks Mom,