Taylorville High School - Drift Yearbook (Taylorville, IL)

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irniaiioiaiiirir Senior Class Histor Four times now has the history of the Class of 1917 been written, yet the real history of the class has just begun. The events which now seem so commonplace, in later years will be viewed as links that served to bind each of us together. Captains of football and basketball hail from our ranksg debaters and speakers must not be forgotteng vocal- ists and musicians well known in musical circlesg artists and writers whose pictures and stories have made our Drifts something worth while, all belong to our group. W'e are very proud of our distinction and attainments, tho in after years I imagine our thoughts will center around the friendships we formed and enjoyed, rather than the honors received. We thank Miss Terriere, who as our class adviser so kindly guided us through our high school days. As a result of her persistent efforts we have the larg- est class that has ever graduated from Taylorville High School. In a few more weeks we will leave old T. T. H. S. Each member will go his way to do his part in the world toward completing a still greater history--the history of a nation. -HOLLIS CLARK, '17. Last 7i1l and Testament We, the Seniors of 1917, considering the turbulent times and our impending depar- ture from life at T. H. S., therefore make, order, publish and declare this to be our Last Will and Testament, and do hereby bequeath the following property: First-Hugh Kotschi's ability to imitate Charlie Chaplin to Donald Cottom. Second-James Anderson's wisdom in American History to the American History class of 1918, for it will be sufficient. Third-Louis Warren's oratorical ability to Knight Charlton. Fourth-All of Gladys Leigh's absence excuses to Clifford Bailie. Fifth-Harry Grundy's pep to Charles Burchfield, hoping to Wake him up. Sixth-Lucy Dappert's speed and brilliancy to her sister, Arlone. Seventh-Every particle of Daddy Young's knowledge to I-IaWkshaw with sin- cere hopes of increase. Eighth-Florence Taylor's musical ability to Henrietta Young. Ninth-Harold Sadler's stand in with the teachers to Joe Bores. Tenth-Elsie Pirtle's beauty to any one who is natural. Eleventh-Hanna Lindenau's ability in arguing to Irene Byers. Twelfth-John Jenkins' loving nature to Mervin Denton. Thirteenthflrene Farrow's gait to Glenna Gimlin with hopes of improvement. Fourteenth-John Hedden's soldierly bearing to Edward Yates. Fifteenth-Merle Sullens' peaceful, Sleepy disposition to Vernetta Price. Sixteenth-Paul Siegrist's popularity with the girls to Harry Charlton-though We doubt that he needs it. Seventeenth-Erma Zeigler's executive ability to the president of the class of 1918. Eighteenth-The map of Ireland which Gerald McDaniels carries on his counte- nance to any little Irishman who wants it. Lastly-We desire, designate and appoint Miss Marjory B. Terriere to be Execu- trix of this, our Last Will and Testament. We hereby publish and declare this to be our Last Will and Testament. In testi- mony whereof we have hereunto set our hand and seal this seventh day of June, one thousand, nine hundred and seventeen. CLASS OF '17. KSEALJ This year's high mark for beauty-Pearl Baughman. 29

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S THE DRIFT SQ NYLE LARGE, VELMA SMITH Rostra, '14, '15, '16, '173 Bema, '17. Class President, '16g Celeb- She knows her own mind rities, '16g Track, '16, '17. and sure of it. Just gaze into those eyes of romance, Susan did. In maiden meditation fancy free--Gladys Leigh. 28

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THE ioisuliear Class Prophecy r- HE European war was now at an end. The Germans had the day before been forced to submit to an unconditional surrender to the great American army, which had pushed them back to Berlin after years of fighting. The date of the surrender which will always be the greatest event in history, was May 7th, 1927. I had, since my graduation from the Taylorville High School, in 1917, been among the American forces, but for the last few years had heard nothing from my friends in old Taylorville, and be- cause of the strenuous life I had been accustomed to, for such a time, I had been un- able to gain any information. Naturally, as the troops were preparing for their home- ward Voyage my thought fell back to the scenes of my former life. How I longed to learn the fate of my old school mates and to see some of them once more. On June 8, when we were embarking from London for New York, my desire was fulfilled, for on the pier stood Bud Kotschi and Bill Adams. No, not Bud and Bill, but Colonel Kotschi and Captain Adams. They had been in different divisions of the army and had fared well. After telling them the story of my long service, we began to discuss the fate of the members of old 4' '17. Hugh had graduated from West Point and thru his gallantry in battle -had been promoted to the rank of colonel. Wil- liam had received his rank for bravery in the capture of a number of the enemy. Hugh and William both showed me letters from their wives at home. Mrs. Kotschi was for- merly Miss Gladys Leigh ,and Mrs. Adams, Miss Leona Peek. It is needless to say that much of the sought-for information about our class mates of '17 was in the letters. We were pleased to hear that Helen Chesnut was a grand opera star, and had signed a life contract to make records for the Victor Talking Machine company. Poor Helen was disappointed in love, and had taken up this work in an effort to relieve her sorrow. Harold Sadler, whom you remember was always a top-notcher in athletics, is the champion all 'round athlete of America. Nyle Large and Susan Waller are married and are efficient workers in the Salvation Army, of which Nyle is a general. John Jenkins is now Professor Jenkins, being a Shakespearean critic of the Harvard faculty . We were not surprised at this because John always was a great reader of Shakespeare. Aldace Young, we found out, after having been chosen as all-American quarter- back is now coach of the Tuscola high school in which you remember our foot ball stars always were interested. This was all the information the letters gave and we boarded the ship for New York. While watching the English coast fade away Colonel Kotschi suddenly rushed up the deck and greeted a soldier, apparently an aviator. William and I soon followed the Colone1's footsteps and were overjoyed to ifnd Royal McShea. He had much to tell us He had, after his graduation at high school, entered the racing game, and after he had defeated Resta, DePalma and all the other leading drivers of the time, had joined the American Aviation corps, and was successful in destroying several German ammuni- tion factories by dropping bombs. He had much news for us and asked us if we had heard of Hannah Lindenau. We had not, and eagerly asked him for information. He said she had joined the Red Cross department, and with her husband, Dr. Gerald Mc- Daniel, had added much to the suffering of the soldiers. He told us of David Jones, who for the last four years had stumped the United States, advocating the government ownership of railways, and, with his partner, Melville Livergood, who, you remember, was always a strong advocate of that theory, fully expected to be the Socialist presi- dential nominees and are confident of being returned victors at the next election over Paul Siegrist and Irene Farrow, the candidates of the Prohibition party. Opal Hawkins and Erma Ziegler are both married and are supporting their hus- 30