Ranchester High School - Rustler Yearbook (Ranchester, WY)

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Despite this, they give us an example of a working democracy excelled by none other in the world . . . For two and one-half centuries Switzerland has furnished the world with a great share of its watches. The first Swiss clocks were large tower clocks made more for their architecture than for their efficiency. During the Renaissance period the clock designs became smaller and smaller until they had a clock which could be worn on the wrist. They called this clock a watch. Watchmaking was begun in 1550 by a group of common workers in Geneva, the cradle of watch- making. and later the trade spread to Neuville and prospered in the Valley of Jura and most other parts cf Switzerland. In the 18th century Switzerland began mass production of watches. Profiting from the inventions pertaining to clockmaking through- out the world, the Swiss have developed a watch with efficient mechanism, unique engraving and exquisite style. Precision instruments, jewelry, and music boxes have long been representative of the perfection of Swiss craftsmanship. No other people have devel- oped this art to the extent the Swiss have done. Wood carving was started at Brienz by Christian Fisher and the industry proved so successful that it spread into Meiringen and remote mountain villages. Toys, flowers, animals, chairs, and wood objects of every description are made by the hands cf peasant artists. Numerous craftsmen are em- ployed in this art. Each year many people go to study the examples of old Roman architecture which are scattered throughout Switzerland. The famous monastery at St. Bernard Pass is often visited. For years monks lived there and it was there that St. Bernard dogs were developed for rescuing people who became lost in the mountains. The people of this country have a deep apprecia- tion for music of a wide variety. Beautiful Alpine music and ancient yodels originated in Switzer- land. Alpine music is sung in valleys by many voices which, when blended together, echo and re-echo through the valleys and mountains pro- ducing moments of enchantment Swiss atmos- phere has influenced many composers in their works, among whom are Wagner. Liszt, and Rossini. In the winter Switzerland becomes a spectacular playland for the world. The Alps are among the world’s best ski centers. Thousands of tourists each year are enrolled in Switzerland’s ski schools, where one can begin with the first principles of skiing and can continue to learn and obtain certifi- cates of the highest degree. Skillful skiing and ski jumping are achieved by artists in that field, through untiring effort and practice. Ice skating, too. is a popular art and pleasure. If one does not ski or skate, he may go for a thrilling toboggan ride cr leisurely jaunt along in a horse-drawn sleigh with the bells ringing clearly in the brisk Alpine air. Switzerlanders enjoy a game called Hornussen. a batting game played by opposing teams on ice. and tourists are fascinated by it. Many Olympic champions have been Swisss. and Switzerland al- ways has participants in the various events of the Olympic Games. Living peacefully in the turmoil of Europe, this remarkable little country continues her tradition of contributing immeasurably to the happiness and well-being of the peoples of the world. Like a lighthouse sending its rays over a storm-darkened sea. Switzerland, by her successful example, sends out the light of hope for democracy in the world. MARKERS AND MONUMENTS OF MY STATE OF WYOMING Representative papers from Ranchester Junior High School submitted to Sheridan Chapter D. A. R. Historical Essay Contest) Wyoming is often looked upon by the people who live east of the Mississippi as a distant place where nothing important happened. This is not true because Wyoming is the very center of the history of our west. It is where the Red Man made his last stand. Here the old land grants of Spain, France, and England joined. The most daring trap- pers and traders and many of the greatest explorers made our historic trails. One reason that so few people know this is that, until recently, little was done to mark the locations of the events that made an “empire” out of the west. I think the most interesting site that has been marked is Independence Rock, located in the Sweet- water Valley on the Old Oregon Trail. There are seven markers here, and at nearby Devils Gate, but they never could tell all the exciting and varied events that happened. More interesting than the markers are the hundreds of initials and names that the early trappers, scouts, travelers and army men carved there. The Historical Landmark Com- mission has indexed these names so we can find the ones we especially want to see. Although there are many places where early trappers carved names, such as Register Cliff, there is nothing like “Inde- pendence Rock” in the whole west. The historical societies recently have placed markers along routes of our famous trails such as the Oregon. Mormon, Overland. Bozeman. Cus- ter. and Bridger. There has been much interest in the reconstructing of some of the more important buildings. At Fort Bridgsr many of the original buildings are still standing and so a better job has been done. At the site of Old Fort Caspar the Natrona County Historical Society made a reconstruction. Work was begun at Fort Phil Kearny but there is much yet to do. The United States Government has made a National Monu- ment of Fort Laramie and when this reconstruction is completed it will be one of the best in the country. Sacajawea was one of the greatest women in history, but she was almost a forgotten and friend- less old woman when she was buried at the Wind River Reservation. It was Rev. Roberts who kept her grave from being forgotten. Finally, in 1931. a marker was placed there. In February of this year our Wyoming senators asked congress for $275,000 for a monument that would “represent the rppreciation of the United States Government “ I think no monument would be great enough to recall all of the brave things Sacajawea did. There is no part of this state that cannot be proud of some historical or geological site. Each ccmunity and school had its beginnings somewhere and I think the people of each town should mark these places. Even if the marker is small it will keep the location and event from being forgotten. Then, some day. the state may be able to help by replacing permanent and proper markings where they belong. Meanwhile, we should be thankful for the his- torical societies’ work. Each marker has helped us to appreciate more the great heritage we have in “Wonderful Wyoming.” —Joan Johnson—8th Grade 30

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AUDUBON SOCITEY Most of the junior high school have joined the Junior Audubon Society, a rational organization with headquarters in New York. Its main purposes are to protect the birds and encourage study about them. The dues are only fifteen cents a year and this money goes to help keep up bird refuges. The society was named for John James Audubon, the famous naturalist and painter. He did more lor birds than any other person. In high school some study of birds was done in our general science class. We had one field trip to the forest where Mr. Dickson spoke to us on wild life and forestry. The ones who accomplished most in bird study were Eugene Fackenthall and Frank Kukuchka. Eugene gained a merit badge for Boy Scouts through identifying forty birds. —James Melton—April issue. ----o--- Bells are ringing Children are singing All around th2 Christmas tree. —Rebecca Rawlings ----o--- When the Christmas bells are ringing All the little angels are singing. —Walita Boyd The snow is blowing All of it is piling In great big drifts. —Charles Birdie ---o—— The snow is drifted The wind has lifted Me up off the ground. —John Jolovich o---- WE KNOW IT’S SILLY—BUT What did Dona Reed? Why isn’t Lois a Reeder? Who’ll crown Loren King? How many Dales are worth a Schilling? Could Larry Cook? Would Barbara really Addleman? Will Frances always be a Birdie? Do you think David can Hallowell? ---o---- SCHOLARSHIP IN RANCH ESTER Continued from Page 17) serving acts” on the part of the Swiss people were the reasons for making Geneva the headquarters for the International Red Cross. To many, neutrality means no army or military preparations but as Swiss neutrrlity is “the first and uppermost principle” of the federal foreign policy, it is “expressly mentioned among the duties of the government in the federal constitution itself.” Therefore, in spite of the CTreat Powers’ guarantee. Switzerland is prepared to defend that neutrality through a model military system that is the envy of the world. Instead of a conscription period that interrups education or production of farm or business. Swiss military instruction is com- pletely universal and for short periods. It begins as physical training in all schools and continues as rifle or ski clubs or similar activities until the age of 49. There is no idleness in camps and there are no professional soldiers, except for instructors. The Swiss have made this democratic, defensive army a representation of the finest qualities of Swiss manhood in physical and patriotic attainments but they have not made the army representative of the nation. In most countries, dying on the battlefield is the ultimate. In Switzerland this idea is exchanged for the ideal cf humanitarian deeds for the good o all mankind. Instead of teaching race suprem- acy and philosophical aspirations. Swiss thinkers have stressed the idea of A nation as “a community cf A whole people.” For example in the Plad- finder. or Swiss Boy Scouts, there is no nationalism but their stated aim is “world brotherhood.” Always included among the political causes of war have been misdirected patriotism and national ambitions. The intens ty of such feelings may vary from Naziism to Ajnerican “manifest destiny. In contrast, years ago Konrad Falke wrote: “It makes a tremendous difference whether a man has been brought up with the thought: ‘You belong to a great power which one day must light for world supremacy or whether he must always say to him- self. “If it comes to fighting we have hope for nothing better than to keep what we already have.” Charles Lindbergh recently wrote: “The quality of a civilization depends on a balanc? of the body, mind, and spirit in its people. . . .” It has been this kind of neutrality that has made Switzerland a balanced nation united from three cultures, four languages, two religions, and many divergent politi- cal ideas within the 22 cantons. Neutrality is the e «ential element of Swiss equality and the “symbol of national unity.” Neutrality, in competition for foreign markets and investments is largely responsible for Swiss prosperity. Travelers, traders, and headquarters for international organizations have come to Switzer- land of their own accord, bringing prestige and wealth to the nation. Of the many things contributed to the world by Switzerland, there is one that shines brightest to a world living in fear and distrust. The Swiss have given hope for the practical working of a world confederation in which neutrality and tolera- tion are the peacemaking links for international cooperation. ----o---- Excerpts lrom “SWISS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLD”—Julia Mae Cable—11th Grade Switzerland, a picturesque country only slightly larger than on2-sixth the area of our state of Wyo- ming. is located in the heart of Europe Surrounded by the Alpine Alps, its principal rivers are the Rhone and the Rhine. Beautiful Lake Geneva and the towering Matterhorn are always associated with the mention of Switzerland. Its capital is Bern and the main cities of culture are Basel. Zurich, and Geneva. It is the oldest republic in the world and the only true democracy. Sw'iss people know freedom in everything they do. Their government has been formed step by step through the years—a government to fit their own needs. Switzerland is a very disjoined country in races and classes of people: there are Latin and Teuton. Papist and Calvinist, laborer and banker, living together in peaceful harmony. There is no Swiss language: they speak Italian. German. French, and Romanche. Switzerland is a land of contrasts in geography, people, and government. 29

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THE SCHOOL YEAR AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF THE “RUSTLER STAFF” WE DEDICATE TO The quickly blushing “Sw et Alices” who “weep with delight” at his smile; “tremble with fear at his frown,” can’t bear being talked about, but who believe everything they hear . . . and . . . The rugged, hard-shelled rats who must be tomahawked before they can take a hint, because their consciences are numbed and their finer natures are buried deep beneath the callouses of indifference. This section, then, is designed to make as many people as pos- sible uncomfortable. If we’ve failed to insult you, we’re sorry, but it’s too late now. 31 HELEN KUKUCHKA. Editor