Shortridge High School - Annual Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

Page 28 text:

THIS WGRD FORMAL EDWARD COHN Mr. and Mrs. 1 +- Request the Pleasure of Mr. Edward Cohn's presence At a Formal Dinner-Dance November Eighth, at 7 o'clock R.S.V.P. -+---1 Washington Boulevard Alas! The third word in the fourth line spelled d-o-o-m for me. What would I do, what would I say, and what, what would I wear at the formal dinner-dance ? All these questions popped in front of me while I nervously and repeatedly read over the words, Request the pleasure of - 1-- at a formal dinner-dance. I stayed awake for two nights, walked the floor for two days, lost five pounds and my schoolboy com- plexion in deciding whether to accept or send regrets. My parents worried about me, my boy friends thought I was love-sick and my girl friends felt sorry for me. Caesar had his Brutus, Napoleon had his Waterloo, and I had my formal invitation. After much debating, pro and con, I decided to accept. That's what started things rolling. I had five days to prepare for the unforgetable affair. So, on Tuesday, I started my first window shopping tour. Having never worn a Tuxedo before, I didn't know the correct dress and this was the cause of my shopping trip. Store after store was passed and a dummy in Strauss' window attracted my attention to the utmost. He was attired in a black suit, and had a stiff-front shirt opening in the front, a black tie, a wing collar and patent leather shoes. Also a handkerchief in his front coat pocket. Hm-m, so that's what the socially well-dressed man will wear this year, I said to myself. That evening at the supper table, I told my family of my observations and my intentions of buying a complete outfit. After discussing the sub- ject my fond family decided I had too many intentions. Then I spread the news to my boy friend. After many comments my know-it-all friend informed me that the dummy was dressed wrongly and that he would help me select my formal clothes. Wednesday came because Tuesday had passed, and once more I resumed my tour of inspection in order to see what was being worn. Each shop had its idea of the correct style, and I was more bewildered than ever. As such always happens, Thursday and Friday passed and on Saturday I decided to end it all. I went to Strauss' and asked for my favorite clerk in rather a hesitating and embarrassing manner. After a few necessary greetings, I told him of my desires. He jokingly remarked that I was get- ting old enough to step out into society and I was greatly put out by his true but hurtful comment. After twenty suits and three tailors, I had finished the first part of my painful task. As I soon found out, my shopping had just begun. Next on the pro- gram, was a dress shirt. I debated for an hour with two beautiful sales-

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THE CARDINAL Before the trees are fringed with green, Before the first brave flower is seen, Before the sun smiles down on all As it gladly hears the thrushes call, I heard a note so sweet and clear It banished away all grief and fear. For a moment there on nature's breast A crimson cardinal paused to rest: Its joy dispelled surrounding gloom Like a brilliant flower burst into bloom, Straightway from God's own throne above It bore its message of hope and love. MARY MARGARET TUTEWILER

Page 29 text:

THIS WORD FORMAL ladies as to whether a shirt, buttoning in the front or one buttoning in the back was in vogue. It might have been their questionable statements that finally induced me to take a shirt buttoning in the back, but I doubt it. I had heard of women mara- i'l'I ' thon shoppers, but by this time il II 1 I I felt I had surpassed all records l ever established by a being of the so-called weaker sex. My next purchase took place in the p collar and tie department. This It is where I purchased my wings, l L I mean I obtained my wing col- fl l 1 I I lar in this section. I endeavored 1 I 1 il ' I for quite a while, muchj to the disgust of the impatient clerks waiting on me, to find a collar suitable for my swan-like neck. I soon learned this was nigh im- possible and finally took the first one shown to me. Next, but far from last, was my tie. The fe- male clerk who was struggling with me finally gave up hope and did nothing but stand at the E:-nn. counter and glare at me. Fright- ened at her black looks, I took the next tie offered me. While waiting for the dog ornament and its em- bellishment to be wrapped up, I selected two studs in record-breaking time. By the time I left the store, I felt every one had watched me and there- fore quickly made my way to a nearby shoe store. Feeling exhausted and foolish I accepted the first pair of shoes offered me. It seemed as if the salesman was delighted at this, and feeling rather disgruntled, I changed my mind regarding the shoes. I didn't want any one to be happy while I was in this nervous mood and the salesman soon became aware of it. Everything has an ending, so I finally purchased the shoes and a pair of black socks. The method of boarding my street car with a half-dozen packages was quite a problem. Wobbling back and forth, with one hand on a seemingly elastic strap, I stepped on more than one foot. Fourteen hours later, I awoke and prepared for my morning meal. The word formal had made me a nervous wreck. I was in a stupor! I Washed my face, but not my neckg put on my tie without a collar under it and ate my eggs at breakfast with a spoon, much to the amazement of my folks. I had nothing to do, so I went to church and prayed for myself to be delivered from future formals. When church was over, there was a feeling in me that said, your prayers did no good. How true this was! I slept most of the afternoon,