Interview with Mr. Anderson
Mr. Anderson was born in Plano, January 29, 1920.
At his elementary school, most of the families had larger numbers of children. But he was the only child. He did attend a segregated school. However, he had no feelings one way or the other about it. At that time he was just thinking of one thing " didn't want to pick cotton" he wanted an education to get out of the cotton picking business.
College:
He first went to Wylie College in Marshall, Texas. P. E. was his major, then he went into the army in 1941. He didn't like the war, but he had to fight because we were invaded. He thinks we should be able to go around any war, where people don't have to go and fight.
Education profession:
He was Principal of the Allen Elementary School on Cedar and St. Mary until 1964. Then the Allen schools integrated. He then became a sixth grade teacher at what is now the Lowery Center.
During those years he also served as a bus driver and line football coach.
Naming of Anderson:
After 25 years in the system, the trustees of AISD came by his house early one morning and brought a declaration that they were going to name a school after him. He's very proud of having a school named after him. He says, "I have 900 children this year."
His wife:
He met Hazel when they were 14 years old at St. Mary's Church where she played the piano. They were married after college graduation and were happily married until Hazel passed away almost two years ago. The library at Anderson was recently named the Hazel D. Anderson Library in her honor.
Contributed by the 5th Grade Aim Class of 2002-2003
Interview Oct 2002