Keokuk High School - Comment Yearbook (Keokuk, IA)

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True COMMENT 23 evening was the dressing of corn cobs. Some of the costumes I am sure had never been seen or thought of before. In January we had a sleighing party, meeting afterwards at the home of lVIiss lVIyna Bonham. That we had a good time goes without question. These with the biology trips formed the social functions of the season. And I must mention that Miss Becker informed us that we were the first class that she had attempted to take on a trip so early in the season. So, well, we must have been different,-above the average. The football team will certainly lose some fine men when we graduate. We are all proud of our team and have always tried to show our appreciation in our mass meetings. The first year Jess Devero won a K in football, and one in basketball, and was elected captain of the team. In basket ball the team tied for Hrst place and the girl's team was fourth. The rest of the year passed by uneventfully, and in September we came back quite refreshed and ready to take the next step in the ladder of education. Our Sophomore year, beginning September 1910, tended to add just a little bit more to our fame, and since we had been in school a whole year we naturally thought ourselves privileged to begin to do as we pleased. But our superiors soon taught us that we still had a year to grow before we would be considered worth noticing. There were two parties, one a hayrack at Coreyls, where our usual good time was enjoyed, and the sleighing party at August Pechstein's, which was a big success, altho the freshmen tried hard to capture some of our boys. They soon found out that they wereup against a tough proposition. Our poor Freshie had to seek refuge under the sink in a strange house, from which he was afterwards rescued and made to face the music like the rest of his companions. In the fall of l9ll we returned to school as Juniors. Our actions from the very first served to show that the class understood and practiced the right class spirit. Notwithstanding the fact that it was the largest class in the school, the meetings were conducted in a very orderly manner. On September 8th the class was organized, the following officers being elected: President, Wilhelm Heineman, Vice President, Gladys Engelhartg Secretary, Charles Honceg Treasurer, August Pechstein. Mr. Heineman has proved himself to be a very dignified and efficient president, and all the other officers should be given credit for their

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22 THE COMMENT THE HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF 1913 I BY CARITA VOLLILRS History, as we all know, means an account of events and all the important incidents during a certain period of time. All of you, I know, have spent many a delightful hour, listening to someone relate his adventures on certain occasions. In order to become a success and live then to posterity, history must be interesting, and what could be more interesting than the history of the Class of 1913. Yes, I know thirteen is considered unlucky, but since there are exceptions to every rule, just so our class is an exception. The old saying, Quality not quantity, is often quoted, but I think you will agree with me when I say that our class had both. One seeing fifty-eight pupils enter K. H. S. on that memorable day, September 6th, 1909, would probably havebeen impressed by our quantity, which during these four years I can truthfully say has developed into quality also. From the very first we were treated with the greatest distinction, at least we thought so, for by dutifully following the instructions in the lower hall, we repaired to room ten where we were met by ushers who escorted us one by one into the Assembly, which was for a time to be our home. Then followed the usual task of filling out enrollments and adapting ourselves to our new surroundings. I think credit should be given to a certain person in our class for the unique device resorted to in attracting attention towards our class from the start. We had just got settled when we came very near having a tragedy. Being unable to restrain momentary impulses, as freshmen are supposed to, that individual proposed to see just how tight he could draw a strap about his neck without exceeding the limit of choking. But alas! I am afraid to say what would have become of the poor victim if some obliging Senior had not come to the rescue with a knife. And from that day to this we have become famed for our originality, ranging from the social element shown in our artistic taste portrayed in last year's banquet to our literary genius and famous cartoonist, Charles Honce. We were the first class to have a freshman class party, which was held on Hallowe'en at the home of Hugh Corey. VVe were met at the park by two excursion cars, and from there went to the VVhite Elk Vineyard, where all sorts of good things, including ghosts and such Hallowe'en sports, awaited us. One of the features of the

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24 THE COMMENT work, especially Mr. Pechstein. Our treasurer has been accused of pocketing the coin because of the numerous assessments, but, if you think itls fun to try to get money out of a High School class, just ask Mr. Pechstein. His motto appears to be, Say, ain't you got any money for me P We had quite a discussion as to the class colors. Green and lavender were chosen firstg but some were dissatisfied, and at the next meeting they were changed to yale blue and White. Since the girls are more numerous, the election naturally Went their Way, and someone accused us of studying Woman's suffragist rules, which We have a perfect right to do. On September 29th the Juniors had the honor of having the first party of the year at the home of Carita Vollers. The suffragette rule seemed to have prevailed here also, as there Was quite a scarcity of boys. This night is noted for the organization of the Press Club in the back seat of Birge Elder's car by six of the members. Games were played, marshmallows toasted, and all had a delightful time except Mr. Corey, who had the misfortune of having his girl stolen. He accused Birge, but no one found out. The next social function was a Hallowe'en party at Hugh Corey's. This was the third party We had there, and each year it seemed that We had a better time. Regular Hallowe'en games and music were enjoyed and an elaborate supper served. At a late hour we departed, the only regret being that We must go. On the Way home the Sophomore hayrack was overtaken and immediately attacked. The boys must have been scared, but the girls put up a good fight for them, and proved themselves to be quite equal to the task. On the 25th of November, Miss Hazel Ackley entertained the class. Although only eight couples turned out, We had a fine time and departed with the impression that the fewer the better, instead of the more the merrierf' On Monday afternoon, December llth, ended once and for all the class enmity which often prevails throughout the junior and Senior classes. The start of one of the greatest class rushes ever seen at K. H. S. was the placing of a Senior pennant upon the school Hag pole. A Junior with Dr. Reid's permission hauled it down and tore it to pieces, and then portions of it were worn by the members of the class. Of course the Seniors could not stand for this, and that afternoon the general scrimmage took place. Both classes were satisfied that they had enough, and from then till the end of the year were the best of