By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
When it comes to the history of Madison’s public school system, there are many names that come to mind. One of the names that many people might recall is Gerald Anderson. Anderson served as principal for Madison Primary School, Pinetta Elementary School and Madison Middle School throughout his career. Most of his time was spent at the Madison Primary School. He worked at the Primary School for five years at the beginning of his career. It was actually that job that brought him to Madison from Nebraska. After leaving the Primary School, Anderson worked for Pinetta for one year and the Middle School for seven years. He then returned to Madison Primary School, where he retired almost eight years later.
Throughout Anderson’s time in Madison there have been many changes made to the schools throughout the county. Anderson recalls when they changed Madison Primary School to Kindergarten through third grade, from Kindergarten through sixth grade. He also remembers when they built Madison County Central School to replace the old primary school and when the old middle school closed down.
Anderson recalls spending his free time playing golf at the Madison Country Club. “I played usually twice a week,” he explained. He also remembers playing tennis at North Florida Community College on a regular basis. He even competed in tennis tournaments at the college. Now Anderson spends his free time fishing on the Gulf.
Another thing that Anderson has seen change are prices. He remembers when fruits and vegetables were far less expensive than they are now. He also remembers when gas was less than half the price it is now and the same with milk. However, not all of the changes that Anderson has seen have been bad. Anderson believes that Madison as a whole has improved a lot over the years. “The roads are nicer and there are neat places to eat,” he stated.
Anderson has three children with his ex-wife Charlotte Cason. Their children are Michael (Mike), Karen Hackett and Linda Smart.
Anyone interested in being interviewed for this article can call 973-4141 and make an appointment with Kristin Finney, or may drop by Greene Publishing, Inc. any day before noon. Those interviewed must have lived in Madison for a large portion of their life, and be able to recall a few things that have changed since that time.
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