When Corrinne Norris started driving a school bus, Apollo 11 astronauts successfully landed on the moon, The Beatles released Abbey Road and Richard Nixon was sworn in as the 37th President of the United States.
This past May marked the end of a long ride that began in 1969 as Norris has parked her bus for the last time, retiring from driving for Harlem School District 122.
A life-long resident of Machesney Park, Illinois, who graduated Harlem in 1959, Norris started her career as a driver when she was 29 and needed to buy a washer and dryer. Back then the Harlem district had 15 buses. It has grown to 80.
The first bus Norris took control of was a five-speed International, straight stick, which she calls a “hunk of junk,” but that has drastically changed. Now it’s like “driving a Cadillac,” she said. “It’s a fancy piece of equipment.”
The 45 years behind the wheel have filled Norris with fond memories of the students under her care. One memory that stood out involved a young man who brought Norris a rose after graduating high school. He told Norris that if it wasn’t for her, he would not have completed school because his parents were so neglectful.
The investment Norris showed in his education, getting him to class and being a consistent figure in his life, carried him through to graduation. “I see this young man around town all the time,” said Norris. “He doesn’t say hello. He comes up to me and gives me a hug every time.”
Thirteen Harlem transportation directors have passed through the district since Norris started driving. Current Transportation Director Donald West will miss Norris, noting that her charisma and laughter were a constant source of joy.
“This year, her bus number was 45 and her route number was 45 to match her years of service. It was a nice way to remember whose route it was and how long she was here,” said West.
Generations of families have been picked up and dropped off during Norris’ long, illustrious career. She watched former passengers turn into parents, sending their children off to school on her bus. Those parents then became grandparents, often waiting with their grandchildren at their bus stops.
“It’s one of the best looks you can get from a child, when you tell them that they need to behave because their grandma rode her bus and she will tell on them,” said Norris.
Norris devoted countless hours to the Harlem bus fleet, washing and inspecting the vehicles to make sure they were in excellent operational condition. Her close proximity to the terminal allowed her to be on call, working nights and weekends.
Through thick and thin, from summers through winters, Norris loved her role as bus driver for the Harlem district. She said she will miss the people, especially the students.
Norris plans on spending her retirement with her husband and siblings, as well as visiting children and grandchildren. Yet, she knows she can’t simply leave memories of her bus life behind. “I’m going to cry every time I hear the sound of back-up beepers,” she said.
