Barb Hammond with Elfrieda Shellenberger
After discovering last fall that Elfrieda Shellenberger is alive at age 101 and living in Wichita, I wrote a story about her for the East High Class of 1960 Website. In February 2022, I accompanied two of her nieces on a visit to her and found a slightly older version of the woman I knew so many years ago. She has a quick, broad smile and a strong resonant voice. She continues to personify the poised, and elegant teacher who directed our discussions of English Literature and made sure we minded our commas, apostrophes, and syntax.
I told her that many of us in the Class of ‘60 still attest to how she influenced our studies and careers. Classmates said, “She was my favorite teacher of all time,” “She had a quick wit which surprised me at times,” and “What a gift she was to all of us who enjoyed her English Literature class!”
One of her nieces told me that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates ’61 (at left ), who addressed East High’s graduation ceremony in 2009, named her among six influential teachers who “opened my eyes to the world… She was a model of decency and character.”
Retiring after 42 years of teaching, she participated actively at her church and many Wichita cultural institutions. She attended the Music Theater with a friend whose “connections” allowed them to go backstage. She still loves reading, especially biographies and stories of pioneer life. She enjoys exercise classes, bingo, and the social atmosphere of mealtimes at her assisted living residence. Still attending gatherings of her close-knit family, she said with a big smile that they have many questions for her
and call her the family historian. (Right, Miss S looking elegant as ever on a really big birthday.)
According to Miss S, one of the most rewarding aspects of having been a teacher was meeting former students after retirement. She said she’d been recognized in odd places “all over the world” while traveling with friends. These days, she treasures the cards and letters that she receives from former students.
You can write to her at Elfrieda Shellenberger, 2455 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS 67220.
Editor’s Note: You can read more about one of our favorite teachers by clicking on this link: “The Divine Miss S.”
Agree she personified the point of the Teachers of America 4(?) cent stamp I used to send her birthday greetings. Thank you, Barb!
What a cool idea. I received a card last year from a friend who had a stash of her mother’s old stamps. She sent me one commemorating the Camp Fire Girls. I hope that you mentioned the stamp in your note to Miss Elfrieda so that she knew to look at it. You’re welcome and thanks for writing to her. I still don’t have any idea how many cards she received.
Stamp: Was it this one?