Turners Falls High School - Peske Tuk Yearbook (Turners Falls, MA)

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Page 30 TURNERS FALLS HIGH SCHOOL 19 3 4 ®fje Class iMstorp HAT obstreperousness was going on in good old Turners Falls High School. There came to pass a dusting and sweeping that was unusual. The desks were varnished as they had never been varnished before. The school shivered with such industry inside. Why? It was September 1930 and the renowned class of 1934 was entering the next day. The next morning, a few hours before opening time, the principal and teachers were all dressed up in their best bibs and tuckers, as my old friend Hathaway T. Prendergast would say, to greet our honorable selves. At the appointed time we did arrive and our illustri¬ ous personages were escorted to our rooms on the second and third floors. During the day we noticed the awe and respect given us, for were we not the class of ’34? Says Mr. Sprinklefield Zilch, one of the typical frosh of the class of ’34: “To each soph that they met they would bellow, ‘Hi there, old sock-in-the-wash, old fellow!’ But they got a surprise Which made them realize That they should have said only, ‘Hello’.” Days passed, and we swept along our noble paths to fame. Came the Freshmen Reception. Quite a few of the historic class of ’34 attended, and went through the customary rituals, and then danced. We swung gracefully about the dance floor — well anyway we swung about it. Says Sprinklefield Zilch of this affair: “To some couples it was just a dream; To others, three plates of ice cream. Many things it could be, But on one, all agree, The freshmen were really a scream.” While freshmen, we, of course, were a little frivolous. At times we would become bored with work and then things would pop. I again quote from Sprinklefield Zilch for an example. “Some bored frosh in a class that is dry— ‘This is awful, let’s start something,’ they sigh. And, boy, did they have fun! In a hole in the ground they now lie.” es it was quite an interesting class, all right. We must have been a very nice class too, lor alter ten months of school, the authorities presented us with a two months’ vacation plus the title of sophomores when we should return. Of course, you must realize, we were the great class of ’34 anyway. Because of these pleasing arrangements, we decided to honor them with our presence in the fall. We found many duties staring us in the eye upon our return. We elected class officers and discussed what the official ring of our famous class would be like. Then, we put on our

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19 3 4 TURNERS FALLS HIGH SCHOOL Page 29 3bj |Doem Tiny vine that grows so tall We fain would plant today. We ask that thou wilt guide us all In our bewildered way. As you forever upward climb Teach us the strength and power That we, while marching steadily on Will need in every hour. Not for us will the tuneful bell Ring through the familiar halls, Our recitations all are passed In the school of vine-clad walls. We know that the heart oft will ponder On the dreams that fade so fast. So, on the ivy-green walls, will linger The memory of days that are past. But the thought of the joys will stay with us, And the friendships that ne’er can die Will make us, tiny vine, reach upward Holding our standards high. ■ III! ' ■+ Phyllis Gunn

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19 3 4 TURNERS FALLS HIGH SCHOOL Page 31 first social, the Sophomore Social. It was well conducted. The ice cream company helped us make it an original social by sending us ten quarts instead of the usual ten gallons. Says Sprin- klefield Zilch of this social: “This social was quite an affair, And a great many students were there; As many had guessed Of all this was best And the dance music filled the night air.” You see, Sprinklefield Zilch says it was good. You’re not supposed (you’re not supposed— you’re notsup—you’re notsu—you’re nots—you’re nuts—you’re nuts etc.) to doubt anything he says. Well, this sophomore class swept on along the road to fame, just as the class before us had done, only they were sweeping it for us. Weeks passed, and the novelty of being sophomores had long before worn off. Seeing we were disatisfied, and, of course not wanting to lose such a fine class, the authorities granted us another two months’ vacation with the title of juniors, which supercedes that of sophomores. We condescended to accept. So, in September, 1932, there we were, back in the old school. This year, two things were laid out for us, the Prom and Prize Speaking. The general idea of the Prom was decided on in December, and how we did work on decorations! The cla ss of ’34, destined to fame, must present an original Prom. Easy. Make the decorations in a new way. Then we took a trip, and, on returning, brought back the report that it was practically impos¬ sible in any other way than by using the panels, frills, and back drop. But, however, determined to break precedent, we, instead of hiring the same orchestra as a matter of course, looked sev¬ eral over. The music committee finally decided on one that was a wow—pardon me—that was especially delightful. Sprinklefield Zilch expresses the general opinions and feelings about the Prom. “In the merry merry month of May, Said the juniors, ‘How’re we doing, please say,’ Said the seniors, ‘Hey, hey!’ Said the sophomores, ‘Okay!’ Said the freshmen, ‘I want to come too’.” Then the fatal night came around. Boy, boy oh boy! ! The dancers danced on a floor, sit¬ uated between walls, upon which were various sizes and assortments of polar bears and ice cakes, Eskimos, and arctic waters, and frosted windows, while the orchestra played before the northern lights, and various people guzzled punch at the entrance of an igloo. It was a very pretty scene. It looked like a ballroom, with the boys’ and men’s formal dress, and the girls’ and women’s evening gowns swishing below knees (bellow knees—bellonee—baloney—etc.) Curses! I’d better stop that. I knew that would happen if I tried to get sentimental; I used to be a stock exchange robot. And as usual Sprinklefield Zilch has something to say. It is about the Prom: “The polar bears looked quite elite, Each was given a reserved seat. They reclined on the wall, And looked over all, And seemed to enjoy the treat.” +■ •+