Alexander City High School - Echo Yearbook (Alexander City, AL)

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CLASS PROPHECY Returning home from a long, tiresome trip is a happy era in everyone’s life. After three months on an exploration expedition in the Arctic area, I was now entering Birmingham, Alabama. The next stop would he Alexander City, where 1 graduated nearly ten years ago. Stepping off the platform of the train, a faint sound of music came to my ears. Looking up, 1 saw much to my bewilderment, a band and a big parade. The parade was in honor of the newly elected executive committee of Birming- ham. 1 was much more surprised to find that James Roberts was mayor and Donald Thomas was chief of police. While on a tour of the city, I met Austin Roberts, who was president of the Roberts Insurance Agency, and Joe Smith, his business manager. That night 1 went to The Blue Tavern night club for dinner. The orchestra featured there was none other than Byron Ford and his Playboys,” with Ralph Mann as his singing star. I lis dancing team was composed of Mary Frances Yarbough, Frankie Nell Ray, Marie Jones, and Luvenia Dykes. Margaret Faye Buzbee, the great ballet dancer was also fea- tured. The next morning my train finally pulled into the town where my ole' Alma Mater, A. C. II. S., was. Immediately after stepping off the train, 1 was nearly run over by Dr. Jack R. Nolen, who was rushing to the hospital for an emergency. Curious, 1 followed him and met Ethelcne Smith, who was head nurse and nurses Dorothy Blankenship, Lorinza Bryant and Mil dred Freeman. Dr. Nolen was being assisted by Dr's. Adie Walls and I lovt Underwood. Portia Fincher was the pediatrician and Ruth Peters was the only woman doctor in the hos- pital. Leaving the hospital, 1 went directly home and began to read the daily newspaper. 1 found out that Hoyt Nelson was editor and Gueldine Trussell was his ace reporter. The sports sec- tion was of great interest to me because the names of many of my old friends were there. I noticed that Coach John Weathers of Georgia l ech had led his team through an undefeated season and Billy Mitchem was playing pro ball with the Chicago Rockets. Anne Kinard was now the woman champion tennis player. Taylor 1 lead ley was the end coach at the University of Alabama. Later in the day I visited the Avondale Mills, whose superintendent was Hugh llolley. Reuben King was now athletic director of the mill and Marvin Still was foreman of the knit ting department. Billy Hickman was personnel director and his secretary was Martha Jo Harris. Paul 1 lodnett was now president of the Russell Mills with Reginald Spraggins and Reginald Carlton his business advisors. Passing through town I noticed a beauty salon being run by Dorothy Pemberton, Patty Nell Gunn, Gayle McGuire, and Sara Bell Stewart. That night I had dinner at the Elite Cafeteria. Its proprietors were Paul August and Spiro Orphan. Then 1 attended a movie where I found that Herbert Barnard was the owner. The Hill Grocery Co. was now under the leadership of Benton Hawthorne and Gar field 1 Iarris was his advertising manager. Later I visited the school which was under the leadership of Superintendent Janice Myer. I ler staff of teachers included Dollie Jean Smith, Winnie Dell Love, and Rita Williams. Fhe new grammar school had been c ompleted and it was being decorated by interior decorator Mary Ann Willis. As I had expected, Tommy Miller was con- tinuing in his father’s footsteps in running the Coca-Cola plant. Jack Walker and Dennis Waldrop were partners in a thriving wholesale business. Earl Gordon was now pastor of the First Methodist Church. The time had passed quickly and now it was time for me to leave. Back on the train, it occurred to me that I had Seen the faces of nearly all our 1948 class, which was a very pleasant coincidence. Jimmy Neighbors, Class Prophet

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CLASS HISTORY During the last 12 years the horn of plenty has brought us many joys and advantages de- nied others. Shall we look back to that fall of '36 when we got our first taste of school. Our first teachers, Miss Myrtis 1 leath and Miss Ruby Worthy, were helpful and understanding as they lead us, eager but untired students through that first year. Many of our earliest teachers are still helping students get started off on the right foot but we have progressed steadily. In May of '42 Professor Jim Pearson gave to us our diplomas of graduation from the grammar school. We had passed a milestone in our school careers! The following fall, entering a larger and more complicated school, we realized that we had just begun. Misses Edward and Ballard started us on our way toward our graduation from high school. Since then we have struggled toward that goal. When we were Freshmen we were led by Jack Adamson. Then we looked at the graduating Seniors with respect and awe. The following fall our ranks swelled as we were joined by the graduations from the Russell and Bevelle Jr. High Schools. Also the incoming transfers joined us. That year we began to take an active part in the school affairs. Some of us lettered in football, others in basketball. That year Billy Mitchem presided at our class meetings. The next year Reuben King was at our helm. As Juniors some joined the D. O. Club, others were tapped for entrance into the Beta Club. That year we honored the gradu- ating Seniors at the Jr.-Sr. Dance. In '48 Jimmy Neighbors efficiently led us and it was we who were honored at the Jr.-Sr. Dance. Yes, when Mr. Myer handed us our “sheep- skins we stopped and thought how the horn of plenty had brought us so much good fortune. But we could pause for only a moment to look back over those wonderful school days as we pushed on toward greener pastures.” By: John Weathers Class Historian

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( lass £P oem THROUGH TWELVE PORTALS 1 welve short years ago our class entered Grade One Each little voice a-trembling; That same year we learned why work is done And entered Grade Two resembling. In and out Grade Three, Four, Five and then on Into Grade Six adding more to our knowing; The big, little graduation indicated the still going” along Into high school with our spirit a-growing. But alas trouble spilled on us in Junior One: “Little children” again and class a-changing; Ah, but Junior Two and Three just slipped in fun On in and out Senior One with little arranging. Senior Two and at last our Senior year: “The Cinder, “Echo,” and other activities a-doing. 1948 brought us through twelve portals of cheer As we bid our classmates adieu “boo-hooing.” By Winnie Dell Love Class Poet of ’48 cAlma uMater Dear ole high school We love her Our ideal and pride We will hold up her standards Whatever may betide We will follow her colors Flung out to the sky We will give our hearts devotion To Ole A. C. high.