East Rockaway High School - Rock Yearbook (East Rockaway, NY)

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STUDENT COUNCIL Senior Class ALBERT DOXSEY, Secretary WINIFRED HAGGARD Junior Class ROBERT PASTOR, President Sophomore Class HERBERT FRANK, Vice-President Freshman Class ROBERT McGOVERN Eighth Grade GARRETT EELMAN Seventh Grade WILLIAM GILLES Sponsor...... MISS BARRON The Student Council is the student controlling board, or ruling organization, of the high school. It dates back to the days when the old Woods Avenue School was the East Rockaway High School, and the now famous slogan, Down by the Creek,'' was absolutely unknown. In those days, however, it was the older students who had the authority in the school, and the lower classes merely obeyed their commands; but now the Student Council is made up of representatives from every class in high school. Throuqh the work of the Council a study hall was opened during lunch hour, a new Webster's Dictionary was bought for the library, and a timber path was made for bicycles. Summed up in a few words, the Student Council is the ruling body of the high school, that initiates programs, activities, and policies. 27

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ACTIVITIES a Writinq this yearbook in 1937 we look back at the amusements of the past with interest and hope these we are about to discuss show as much enthusiasm, for although early East Rockaway did not have the advantages of our present day recreational facilities, the residents enjoyed themselves, nevertheless. The summer was too warm for the strenuous game of baseball so that it was played in the winter and often the snowfall was so thick the red ball that was used could not be seen. No mitts were used and both sides generally averaged twenty runs a game. Ice skating and sleighing were also important methods of passing winter time. A two horse sleigh carpeted with straw, people, and buffalo robes, in that order, would go whisking o’er the snow, generally stopping at someone's home for a surprise party. The sleighers brought their own music, a fiddler, and refreshments. The square dance, the lancer, and the Virginia Reel were the popular terpsichorean fantasies. Walking was the main means of getting together or goinq any place. Barnyard gatherings generally saw horseshoe pitching contests, croquet matches, and ice cream feasts. Swimming was popular, but the circuses and carnivals that came every few years attracted little interest. There were no plays or dramatics in the old days. Elections were such important events that huge tents were set up and speakers from party headquarters in New York gave orations. Drinks, food, and favors were passed out at night and a torch parade was held. In 1888 there was a great parade with over 1500 marchers. Old East Rockaway showed individuality in diversions for about 1882 there was a test of endurance. East Rockawayites journeyed to the Lynbrook depot where there was held a ten hour walk around a half mile course. Contestants could run or walk, but they had to keep going for ten hours. The one who covered the most miles was the winner. History, alas, does not tell us the name of the victor. 26

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President HILLIARD PROCTOR Vice-President JACK KLIPPEL Recording Secretary ALBERT DOXSEY Corresponding Secretary JACOB FRANK Council Representative ROBERT PASTOR Sergeant-at Arms WALTER CASPER Sponsor MR. HALFORD President VIRGINIA DAVIS Vice-President MARGARET ALFANO Recording Secretary HELEN OBRIEN Corresponding Secretary IRIS WELLEBIL Treasurer MARY SEELY Council Representative ELEANOR MOORE Sponsor MRS. JOY BOYS' H I - Y The Boys' Hi-Y is one of the groups that have come into being as the social branches of our school life have spread. This organization is two years old and is a branch of the Nassau Boys' Hi-Y, a division of the Y.M.C.A. The purposes of this organization, to do good and aid in social betterment, are very abstract. To further these aims, discussions or ''bull-sessions.' are conducted. This season Mr. Studwell inaugurated a series of talks by speaking on The Marks of an Educated Person. The club is being increasingly felt as a good influence whether it is practically distributing Christmas baskets or theoretically discussing life's problems. GIRLS' HI-Y To create, maintain, and extend throughout the school and community, high standards of Christian character. In these words the aim of the Hi-Y Club is given, the aim that the girls try to exemplify. This year the club r r r r i has sponsored dances, cake sales, and card parties to raise money for charitable purposes and has had discussions on ethical subjects and a series of talks by professional women. 28