Barbara M. Bahm

Barbara Ruth Malcom was born on November 25, 1917 in Anaheim, California where her father was a teacher at Anaheim High School. When Barbara was not quite three years old –her family moved to San Juan Capistrano. It was 1920 -and her father had accepted a position to become the first principal, of the newly formed San Juan Capistrano High School. His first graduating class had 16 students in 1924. Two younger sisters joined Barbara over the next several years -Maryem (DeMeza) and Marjorie(Weatherholt).

Barbara attended elementary school in San Juan Capistrano and then graduated from San Juan Capistrano High, after having had her father as a history and Spanish teacher. Barbara also shared her father's love of sports. Mr. Malcom was a coach at the high school and much like her father -Barbara loved participating in various sports and observing sporting events. USC football never had more loyal supporters than the Malcom family! Barbara carried on that tradition throughout her life. I must also add, that she was quite an amazing Ping-Pong player -even into her elderly years!!!

Following in family footsteps, Barbara attended college at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. It was a familiar family location as her grandfather, George Finley Bovard had been USC's fourth president.

His eldest daughter, Edna, who was Barbara's mother, met a handsome young man named John Malcom while they were both students attending at USC. It was quite the college romance when the president's daughter married the captain of the football team -who was also the Student body President. They were married in August of 1916. And 15 months later Barbara joined their family!

Education was in Barbara Malcom's blood...thus in 1940 Barbara graduated from USC's School of Education. Her first teaching job was in Chula Vista, CA. While there she met a handsome Army soldier who she thought was introduced to her as "Bob".

It turned out that she had misunderstood. His friend had said "Bahm" –but the name stuck and Marvin was called "Bob" by the entire family from then on! They became Mr. and Mrs. Bahm on March 25, in 1944.Their first five years were spent in Bob's home state of Louisiana. While living there –their first son Malcolm was born. Then they returned to California and put down roots in San Juan Capistrano. During the next few years they welcomed two more sons –Allison and Stephen.

Barbara resumed her teaching career at San Juan Elementary. In 1982 Barbara after teaching kindergarten for 21 years at San Juan Elementary –she retired.