Grant High School - Memoirs Yearbook (Portland, OR)

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For the first few terms, letters were awarded for scholarship, but in the Spring term of 1928, the Council discussed but did not decide upon a plan which was adopted shortly thereafter of giving a gold G pin to any student with all E’s for three terms. (Grades were then E, G, F, and U). Each term thereafter a pearl would be added to the G until the eighth term. If any student managed to make E’s in all his subjects for eight terms, he was awarded a diamond. Mr. Fletcher repeatedly reminded his faculty, “We are all here learning to live together.” This implied friendliness and cooperation and understanding. Interviewing prospective teachers, he was as selective concerning their character and personality as he was of their scholastic preparation. Out of such an heterogeneous mass of humanity as was Grant in September 1924 came a solidarity of purpose and ideals, not just of scholarship, but of sportsmanship. What a thrill it was to watch our cheer leaders trot out on the field or into the gym and lead a first rousing yell for — the opposing team. What a glow resulted from seeing our Student Body back a losing team feeling that “winning isn’t everything; it’s how you play!” And that, dear Alums, is another reason why Grant is truly great! In the spring of 1926, Grant athletics for the first time members of the basketball league, were City Champions. In the falls of 1926 and 1927, they were city football champions. Our students had already set scholarship records, won typing awards, achieved baseball and tennis victories. The school was on its way. We should, perhaps mention the fact that one of Grant’s sports participants also had the highest scholarship of any athlete in the city with a 98.6 grade average for four years. George was one of the most lovable and most popular boys at Grant, and if I recall correctly, the only black student in the school. Fall 1927 — June 1931 — During these fours years of E grades, (note: George was taking the classical Course - see below ), he found time to be a cashier his fifth and sixth terms; be an active member of the Faraday (Science Club); Quirites (Latin Club); the Royal D’s; the Glee Club; Track ‘27, ‘28, ‘29, ‘30, ‘31; Football ‘28, ‘29, ‘30; and the Fire Squad. What a record! There were three courses available to high school students in Portland. 1) The Classical which was required for entrance to the Eastern “Ivy League” colleges. It consisted of four years of English, three years of Mathematics, four years of Latin and at least two of another language, one year of either Physics or Chemistry, and two years of History. This was a total of 32 credits in required subjects. Only the best students attempted this course. Not only was it just plain hard but there was little if any time for electives one might want. To take typing or art one had to carry five subjects besides his physical education. 2) The College Preparatory course was also for college bound students, but it met the requirment for Western colleges. In the state at large it required three years of English, two years (Algebra and Geometry) of Mathematics, one year of a laboratory Science (they would accept Biology for this) one year of American History, and two years of any Language. Grant required four years of English. This made a total of twenty required credits, and the student could elect, from art or industrial or home economics or any other subject offered, enough to make a total of 32 credits. 3) In the General Course students were MAIL-WELL ENVELOPE CO. Envelope Designers and Manufacturers BOB HORNING '35 BILL LORD '36 CHUCK SHERWOOD '38 EARL WALTER '41 2515 Mail Well Drive 654-3141 4

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To these thirty, ten more were added in January, 1925. Mathematics A. F. Bittner Celia Wilson Latin Mrs. Elizabeth Stephenson Spanish Alice Van Schoonhoven Science Mr. A. Rickies English Mary Evans Ethel Ewer Alva Jarbeau Mrs. Dale C. Thompson One of these additions, a transfer from Jefferson, Adolph F. Bittner, was to become successively, head of the mathematics department, vice-principal, and finally, principal. From the time Grant opened for business, it grew like the proverbial dandelion. In January 1925, so many, both freshmen and transfers, were added that Mr. Fletcher threatened to assign classes to the office safe, he was that hard-pressed for room. More portables were added; A, B, C, and X, Y, Z to house the freshmen, and a North Wing was started but was not ready for use until the spring term of 1926. The Cafeteria, for the first three and a half years, was a portable back of the school. The early graduates will doubtless remember the country-school atmosphere. Some of us recall the faculty Chirstmas parties held there, the singing of carols and Mr. Comstock, in the role of Santa, handing out “joke gifts” and candy canes. In the fall of 1926, the Student Council initiated a cafeteria board consisting of two boys, two girls, and two faculty advisors. This board managed finance and employment, dealt with complaints, efficiency, cleanliness and quality. By June 1927, the cafeteria was accommodating about twelve hundred students daily and was yielding a reasonable profit, despite its lack of room, insufficient and inadequate equipment. In the fall of 1927, the board hired Miss Barbour, daughter of the then Commissioner Barbour, and an O.A.C. (now O.S.U.) graduate, as the cafeteria supervisor. In January of 1928, the Cafeteria Board was modified to include besides Miss Barbour, (the manager) Mrs. Grace Hiestand (faculty advisor) and four students elected by the Student Body to serve two terms. Joy, oh, Joy! Shortly after the beginning of that year, the new, well-equipped cafeteria in the basement of the Auditorium became a reality. The neighborhood had begun a building boom now that the brickyard was extinct. New houses popped up all about Grant; and the residents — you guessed it — all had one or more potential Grantonians to contribute to the cause of making Grant, soon, the largest high school in Oregon. Naturally, those of us who watched this spectacular growth were eager to see it become not just the largest, but the best school in the state. Incentives for scholarship excellence were provided and moral codes were exacting. ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS, Ine. MARGE (BITAR) RAIES. Publisher MELANIE RAIES ’67, Circulation Manager JENN1 RAIES 70, Staff Editor JIM SLEEPER 9, Editorial and Advertising Director 3435 N.E. Broadway 288-1290 3

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required to take seven terms of English, one year of History, one of any Science, and a year of Math which did not need to be Algebra or Geometry, to make up a total of thirty credits. Subjects such as Cooking, Sewing, Art, Typing, Mechanical Drawing, Manual Training, and Music were only one half credit per term. There are some interesting statistics for Grant’s first year: at the end of the year 1924-25, there were 478 girls and 375 boys. The average attendance was 852.7. The average absence, 37.5 or 195.7 attendance rate. There had been three suspensions. But lend an ear! 499 girls and 532 boys were tardy - a total, if you please, of 1031! Let us hope most of those were racked up by a dozen or so late risers. A more gratifying set of statistics concerns the interest in Science. During the spring term of 1925, 176 were taking General Science; 164 Biology, and 54 Chemistry. There were no seniors to take Physics or Trigonometry. Most of the freshmen took Algebra. Grant offered courses in Art, Mechanical Drawing, Manual Training, Domestic Science and Art, Vocal and Iinstrumental Music. Physical Education was required the first two years. Students were not free to dress as they wished. The writer recalls an effort made by the students to adopt and wear a school uniform thinking it would be both attractive and democratic. If I recall, some of the parents stopped that. Miss Henderson, on occasion, sent some girls home to clean their faces of makeup and to don more suitable classroom attire. A few years later, under Miss McGaw, girls who came stockingless to school were sent home pronto! “Grubbies” were allowed for after school wear when students were working on various booths or in other activities about the school. Even as late as 1961, Ahmad Khan, an exchange student from Pakistan, was required to shave off his moustache. There seems to be a direct relationship between the lowering of appearance standards and the increase in careless behavior patterns! Students were training to take their places in an adult world, and every effort was made to fit them for a responsible place in that CLASS POEM High School is a mountain steep. That must be climbed in slow degrees By every member in the class— It cannot e'er be scaled with ease; It takes four years to reach its peak ; For thirty credits we must seek. In September ’twenty-two We all entered some High School. As Freshmen toiled we through the year And learned a different kind of rule. As Sophomores we climbed ahead. And passed examinations dread. To U. S. Grant, our own new school, As Juniors we together came : And since there was no class ahead We added dignity to fame; So we became the leaders then Among our younger fellow-men. But now at last we've reached the top. And as our graduation nears We thrill with pride to contemplate We are the first,—the pioneers. First, from this crest to see life’s star To which our mountain led us far. —Frances Murray. :26. J. J. CONSTRUCTION CO. Complete Remodeling Service Since 1935 JERRY JONES JIM KIRK DUANE SCHWARM GERALD BROWNHILL 1836 N.E. 82nd Portland, Oregon 97220 255-0415 5