East Grand Rapids High School - Interlochen Yearbook (East Grand Rapids, MI)

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their valor, more than to any other single cause, that the Armistice had finally been signed in 194-5. The Three Musketeers, by the way, had always modestly ascribed their success to the fact that their planes had been designed by that genius of aeronautical construction, Ernest Malkewitz. As the play was resumed, Gerry Potter, who had taken the place of Edgar Guest in the 1950's, recited some of his own poetry. Few had suspected Gerry of poetic leanings, but I knew he was des- tined to be either an author or a violinist because of his hair. Secondly we were confronted by a group of successful businessmen. Among them was Bob Boyer, who had started life as a part-time insurance salesman and had risen to the presidency of a great company. Next in line was Chuck Loper, editor of the New York Daily Timesf' He was known and respected as an able formulator of public opinion. ,lim Smith, the multi-millionaire, was also in the group, having gained a monopoly of the automobile business, he sold more cars than Henry Ford. Dean Spalding, known as one of the cleverest stock operators on Wall Street, was among those present, as was Bill Webb, who lived on a large farm in Ohio and sold prize vegetables and stock. His estate was said to be one of the most beautiful in the country, having been designed by Tom Warren, who was at the top of the landscape gardening profession. The famous Betty Van Antwerp next made her appearance. She was famous because she had become a welder, and was one of the best in the business. She was so good that a song, Betty, the Blowtorch Gal had been written about her. The song ousted 4'Rosie, the Riveter from the Hit Parade List in two days. The third attraction was greeted with riotous applause. Bud Powers had become a forester, and in the memorable summer of 1947 had vanquished almost single-handedly a gigantic forest fire which had threatened to engulf the entire state of Michigan. Next the audience was entertained by a short lecture from Bill Haynes, the noted traveler and explorer. One of the most romantic figures of the age, Bill was to the fifties what Richard Hali- burton had been to the thirties. Further entertainment was afforded by Bob Paley, who had risen to fame and fortune by teach- ing his own system of muscular development. He was at the top of his profession, although he was rivalled by Bob Healy, who, even as a little boy had been inspired by the ambition to be 'fa big strong man like daddy. Louanne Johnson, head of a famous cosmetic house and a woman captain of industry, was next called to the attention of the audience, followed by Winnie Knape, chief buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue. Saks had more than trebled its turnover since Winnie had held that position. Charlene Golay, one of the most beloved figures in public life, made her appearance next. Chuckie had gone to Germany after the war to do recon- struction work and teach the ideals of democracy to the German people. Returning to the United States ten years later, she had met Frances Paquette, who had been doing brilliant work in the field of social service. They had established a settlement house in New York comparable to .lane Addams, Hull House, and both were justly revered for their great services to the American people. Edward Fritz, the mathematical genius who had discovered the hfth dimension, and Bruce Clark, whose work in the field of chemical research had been astounding the scientific world, then made brief appearances. The act was concluded by some thrilling stunts by Joan Poisson, who had become a professional roller skater. During the brief intermission, between the second and third acts, the manager came out on the stage and announced that Captain Finch had been saved and had now almost completely recovered. The announcement was greeted with thunderous cheers from the audience, although I heard some irrev- erent person near me mutter a'Tom was always like that.'7 The last act depicted a great state university in which several former East students were teachers. Doris Knol was the efficient and quietly erudite librarian, and Charlene Poisson was one of the professors in the College of Business and Public Administration. Marian Pray was a brilliant pro- fessor of college biology, advanced physics, and electronics, while Jinny Verhey utilized her tact and her ability to handle people as Dean of Vffomen. Bruce Veltman had become a teacher of organic chemistry, while he conducted brilliant chemical experiments outside of class hours. When the play was over, I found myself next to Admiral Jacob Markham. Admiral Markham, the hero of the South Pacific, had been to the Navy what General Cowdery had been to the Army dur- ing the war. HI read your last book, Gail, he remarked. MWC always thought you'd turn out to be a writerln . 4--X of MMM: if ?3 i Merc 'Q F Nuff IT v I ' X tc . JD!

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him and he called my attention to his private sec- retary, Lois Stegenga. She was as quiet and retiring as ever, but I knew that she efficiently took many cares' off the shoulders of the busy statesman. HI couldnit get along without herf, John con- fessed. i'Do you remember .Iohn Bissell, the carpet- sweeper magnate? He's been in Washington the past six weeks, lobbying for big business. And then there's Lou Cork. She's been a Congress- woman for quite awhile, and now she's Speaker of the House. She wants Nancy Harkness, the able ambassador, sent back to London, but I want her to go to Paris this time. Did you know that Fred Perkins was appointed Secretary of the Treasury last week? Look at her, she's drawing more of a crowd than I am. I glanced in the indicated direction and saw the glamourous Margot Beaver, who had been Peggy Furbee until Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer had changed her name. She was Hollywood's most beautiful movie star, and had been officially given the title of Sweetheart of the U.S.A.',. I wondered if she remembered when we had called her HThe Sweet- heart of the Senior Classf' The lights were dimming again and I hurried back to my seat just in time to see Elizabeth Bloom- strom come in. Liz had become a distinguished architect, and had recently received great acclaim for designing the PeninsulariState Building in Detroit, the tallest building in the world. With Libla was Ted Aalsburg, a civil engineer of inter- national reputation, in collaboration with whom Liz was said to be designing a bridge across the Atlantic Ucean. Pat Crothers. her efficient and self-possessed private secretary, accompanied her. Suddenly there was a commotion, and the manager came out on the stage, raising his hand for silence. 'fls there a doctor in the house? he inquired. A tall, vaguely familiar man arose. He had handsome features, graying hair, and a gray mous- tache and goatee. I realized with a start -that it was none other than Bill Torgerson. Can I help?', he asked. 6'Tom Finch, the famous test pilot, has just been injured trying out a new parachute. He jumped from the Empire State Building and the 'chute didn't open. They brought him in here. Would you come and take a look at him? Dr. Torgerson disappeared backstage, but in a minute he was back. 'There should be an imme- diate operationf, he saidf I am afraid Captain Finch has hurt his head badly. I am not a surgeon, unfortunately - Is there anything I can do? All eyes turned to a pretty girl who was making her way toward the stage. HDL Anne Pattersonlii exclaimed Dr. Torgerson in relief. You'are the only brain surgeon in the world who can save Captain Finchln MI can't do it alone, Dr. Patterson replied. I must have a psychiatrist as ja consultant. The audience was tens with excitement, for Tom Finch was a nationa hero. .Louis Wickman soon appeared in the doorway of -the centre aisle. He had been informed of the need for a skilled psychiatrist and had come in from the street to volunteer his services. A call for nurses went out. and Jeanne Schapp, Dorothy Snapp, and Ellen Platte came forward. These three girls had saved the lives of countless soldgrfrs at the risk of their own during -the Second . orld War, and upon their appearance it was felt that the idol of the populace had some chance for recovery. The little party disappeared into the wings of the theatre. followed by Captains Arthur Clements and Joseph Pierce. I remembered that during the war these two, with Tom, had been known as the Three Musketeers of the Air , and it had been due to 'if Q rj' l --.. r 7

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