Books

Life of Altoona Educator Added to Book

Carrie Weiss |

As a follow-up to his 2008 book, The Old Altoona Public School: A Collection of Memories, John Thurston has compiled a smaller booklet entitled Jesse Jensen, Principle, Coach, and Teacher, Altoona Public School, 1921-1943.  It was difficult for Thurston to find information on Jensen, who lived from 1900-1977, so he was not included in the earlier book, a collection of pre-1951 Altoona Public School memories. Since the publication of the first book, Thurston sleuthed up details about Jensen’s life, which he and Joyce Hoyt compiled into the 81-page booklet. Jensen, originally from Downsville, was a teacher, coach, and the school’s principle from 1921-1943. The book can be purchased for a $10 donation, by contacting Thurston at 832-0034 or thurstjr@charter.net. Proceeds are added to an Altoona High School Scholarship Fund.