Ludlow High School - Lion Yearbook (Ludlow, MA)

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ONAGAH..1938 CLASS PROPHECY Scene: A dense forest; figures sit about. The sky is dark with clouds; rumbles of thunder sound ominously nearer and nearer; lightning streaks the darkness. One lonely fi- gure turns his face questioningly to the heavens. Big Chief Kuc: “Oh, omniscient Gitche Manito, we, the class of ’88, appeal to your all- knowing powers. What have you in store for us? Will the way of life be clear or will it be stormy?” (Out of the dark clouds descends Gitche Manito, the Great Prophet, accompanied by a blinding flash of lightning. Large and majestically he hovers above the circle of young Indian bucks and squaws chanting rhythmically the night-long chant. Slow and weird come the thuds of the sacred drums. As the Great One comes nearer, the drums beat louder, louder, and then silence.) Gitche Manito: “Oh, my young people, you have reached the stage in your life where the knowledge of what you are to be in years to come looms a perplexing mystery in your uncertain future. You ask me to predict the future. I see a court scene. Rita Hennes- sey is sueing David Hutcheson for breach of promise. Evelyn Bassett, advocator of women’s rights, is the plaintiff’s attorney; opposing her is Fred Gregory. On the solemn judge’s bench sits Vincent Ayres, drowsily nodding his head. He raps on the desk for order. Shir- ley Waldron is called to the witness stand, for she was the air-hostess on the airplane piloted by Murray Burgess and Marion Hiersche when the plaintiff and defendant met. The men at the trial suddenly sit up straight and take notice, for down the aisle come stylish- ly dressed models (their hair dress was designed by Mary Laska and Marion Frietag). They are Gertrude Scott, Wanda Wadas, Sophie Hojnak, Ann Barton and Ann Dynok, who were traveling to Hollywood on the same plane in which the ill-fated love affair start- ed — a plane designed, by the way, by Harry Merkel. Other witnesses are Alphe Duby, a renowned explorer, who was on his way to discover a Utopia in the South Seas; Joseph Beauregard, returning to his job as chef for the M. G. M. Restaurant in California; Ruwe- ben Quaglini, body-guard of David Hutcheson; and Stanley Sternala, his chauffeur. Julia Sarad, Helen Barton, Shirley Consedine, Stella Kochanek, and Claire Nedeau, nurses, are in the audience talking with the world-famous surgeon, Joseph Karczmarczyk. Another im- portant witness is Christine Easson, a well-known singer who was also on the plane. Other passengers who have been subpoenaed as witnesses are Albert Goodreau, Theresa Stolar, and Rose Pereira, who were starting on a world cruise; George Magada, on his way to put through some important business transactions, and John Wdowiak, orchestra leader. Frank Silva and Americo Silva from the Silva Dancing School were on their way to Hollywood to teach the stars some new dancing steps. Philip Gaffney is also there; he was the aero- nautical engineer. Near him is Alex Johnston, a close friend of David Hutcheson, and Da- vid Preston, the rich idler. Eagerly taking notes are Stella Zuccarini, Laura Swiatoska, Catherine Dennis, and Winnifred Hiersche. Looking over the crowd we see Gloria Pereira, the confirmed old maid who, however, is always interested in love affairs. Mary Sorcinelli, stenographer to Evelyn Bassett, is watching anxiously the tactics of her employer. Sitting dreamily in a corner is Paul Golden. Also I see Margaret Bell, the dramatic star, and the comedian Robert Frennier, who are to appear as guest stars on Harry Reid’s guest night radio pro- gram. Harry has taken over Jack Benny’s program, including also the playing of the “Bee’’. And look, there are Fernando Costa, Mario Diotalevi, and Fernando Monteiro, our ace sportsmen. Scanning the audience eagerly are Benny Edgar and Conrad Martin, avidly searching for rich wives. There’s Betty Townsend with faithful hubby. Gildo Pancotti, with his head in the air because he won in an Irish sweepstake, is standing near her. Esther Farr and Helen Fuller, too, are here today. It seems that the airplane scared their page twenty-seven

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@ ONAGAH..1938 CLASS OFFICERS President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Motto: ‘“Perge” Class Colors: Crimson and Grey CLASS HISTORY Once upon a time, back in the days of 1934, the Tribe of ’88 whooped its way into Lud- low High. The whole Freshman year was spent in settling down on the reservation, The next year the Tribe chose four students to lead the group. There were the Big Chief, Benny Edgar, and his assisting brave, Joseph Beauregard, with Annie Janes to keep a record of the Tribe, and Ruth Crowell to take care of the wampum. It was a year of tri- umphs — the Tribe won over the Tribe’s of 386 and ’37 in the inter-Class One-Act Play Contest, in which Margaret Bell played the leading role. In the Oratoricals, Robert Beat- son and Grace Guerra, both of the class of ’38, won first and third prizes respectively. Many moons later Joseph Karczmarczyk became the Big Chief, and William Mateer took over charge of the wampum, but Joseph Beauregard and Annie Janes remained. By now the Tribe was well established, and settled down to choose colors and a motto in keep- ing with tradition. Crimson (a real Indian hue) and grey were chosen for colors, and “Perge’” (In Indian it’s “Onagah”) selected for the motto. The Tribe held a good old- fashioned pow-wow in the form of a Harvest Dance. As for achievements, many of the class participated in the Operetta, among them May Hiersche and William Avezzie. And Grace Guerra captured first place in the Oratoricals. As the final social event of the year, the Tribe held the annual Promenade for the departing Class of 1937. More moons passed. The Tribe was getting wiser and wiser. That year Mitchell Kuc took over the Big Chief’s head-dress, Arlene Munsing became his assistant, and William Avezzie started to count the wampum all over again (on one hand). Annie Janes was now so experienced at symbol writing that she was kept as Secretary. The Senior Dance was an important fall event. The Tribe made an exceptionally good record in their final year. Four young braves were awarded sweaters for their athletic prowess, these being William Avezzie, Joe Beauregard, Fernando Costa, and Mario Diotalevi. Rita Hennes- sey placed first in the Oratoricals and Robert Frennier second. Grace Guerra won the Gorgas Essay Contest. Evelyn Bassett was chosen as the D. A. R. Good Citizenship Pil- grim. In a League of Nations Contest in which all the Class participated, Evelyn Bassett was first, Robert Frennier second, Mary Sorcinelli third. For the first time in the history of the school, Ludlow placed first in the preliminaries of the Valley Wheel One-Act Play Contest. The time was drawing close when the Tribe must move to another reservation. Some had already left in the many moons since that fateful September in ’34. In order to have a little fun before they left, the Braves and Maidens came to school one day dressed as pa- pooses. Then, at long last, after a gay time at Class Night and a Prom sponsored by the Juniors, came Graduation, when the “thirty-eighters” received their diplomas, and set out confidently for new reservations and new worlds to conquer. page twenty-six

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@ ONAGAH..1938 prize-winning cows and chickens. And Annie Janes is here in person to see that the story gets in her paper. Hthel MacDowell and Edward Mik are busily drawing sketches of the trial. Nathalie and Marion Grabowski and Bertha Tenerowicz are in the audience, as quiet as ever. By them is Helen Kogut who has attained her goal of being an aviatrix. Mary Pukish is interested in the case since she can use the material for her next novel. In the jury I see Leon Kras, Theresa Martins, Corinne Martin (playing with a pencil), Steve Obr- zut, Walter Pease, Fred Pruhnik, Francis Thompson (nodding his head), Joseph Zina, and Marion Warren (waving to the audience). The court clerk is Fved Bruni, and the steno- graphers are Julia Brammucci, Ruth Crowell, and Anna Costa. The court breaks up and a few enter Hugene Abair’s drug store where Mario Arco- bello is a pharmacist. Francis Bissaillon is there, too. He has become the second Walter Winchell. Charlotte James is with him, aiding him in his scoops. The radio is playing, and over the air comes William Mateer’s chant; he is tobacco auctioneer on a radio pro- gram. Outside Anna Nowak is entering Frances Mackintosh’s Escort Bureau. Across the street a colored sign announces the arrival of Arlene Munsing, the great ice skater. Willis Warren’s truck sails by, almost upsetting two pedestrians. Climbing into a cab is Doris Goddu with her rich husband. Down the street I see Edward Williamson buying tickets for a hockey game in which Gisto Marini is the star player. Nearby, Thelma Doughty is waitress in a restaurant where Rena Baldrate and her cowboy husband are seated. John Karezmarezyk nonchalantly strolls by with his hat on the side of his head. As I pass a theater I see advertised an operetta in which Rose Konderwicz, Grace Danforth, May Hiersche, and William Avezzie are starred with Eva Ellison as the orchestra leader. The music was composed by Hmelia Lewicki, and the play written by Grace Guerra. And you, oh Big Chief Kuc, I see you as head of a cosmetic concern. My prophesying is done. May you all go in peace now.” The drums sound louder and louder; a cloud of mist envelopes the Great One, and where he has been only a thin streak of smoke remains. Lightning lashes the heavens and a deafening peal of thunder is heard. OUR FAREWELL SONG (Tune “Auld Lang Syne’) Past years have fled and gone their way, Like a passing summer’s rain, It seems but yesterday we met, Yet here we part again. Our work is done and the end is near, Soon the last short passing bell, And then we take our leave from school, And sadly say farewell. I hope I carry on with me, The happiness school has brought, And keep with me the friendships, And the lessons it has taught. And so goodbye. From in our midst, We hope some futures great are born; Through parting sorrow we must smile, And welcome the life to come. David Hutcheson page twenty-eight