Willis High School - Pirate Yearbook (Willis, KS)

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CLASS PROPI-IE CY When our class of 196 made its arrangements for the class commencement, it fell to my 'lot to assume the role of the prophet. Since I am not especially endorsed with the gifts that make a seer, I first attempted to decline, but my classmates became so insistant that I promised to do the best I could, hoping that some kind fairy would help me out of my trouble. Up to date I have never seen the fairy. Still, I have had some visions, and I am going to picture to you what I beheld in the crystal globe. ' It was on a spring day of May 1956. I had served as President of the First National Bank in Springfield, Illinois, for the past 10 yrs. and on this day had to make a business trip to St. Louis, As I walked down Broadway, I was attracted by a magnificent poster, announcing to the people of the metropolis that Gladys I-Iazen, world famous so- prano soloist would give a concert in the Academy of Music. I remem- bered that Gladys' maiden name was Small. Across the river, in East St. louis, Carl Bohnenkemper was too busy to give me much informa- tion. After leaving the doctor's luxurious offices, I was greeted by a well dressed lady. How do you do? she said to me. I looked at her somewhat puzzled. I am Beulah Mace- and a teacher in the St. Louis Normal School. Gur former teacher of world history is principal of the same institution. Cf course, she is still single, and is an unclaimed blessing. Beulah seemed to know more than any other person I had met. She told me that Jody Willis and that boy fromEverest-had marr- ied and were living in Philadelphia. In addition to raising their family of five, R. C. was keeping a restaurant, while joan, his wife, had taken upon herself to furnish stylish headgears for those who wanted some- thing especially fine and had the money to pay for it. I also heard that Donald Barnes was clerk in a financial institution at Baton Rouge, La. Towards the end of 1957 business brought me to Louisville, Ky. Taking a stroll through the streets of the city, I was attracted by a mas- culine voice, neither beautiful nor sweet, but harsh. But, the words had a familiar ring. I had heard them many times when I used to attend school back at Willis. Charlie, that boy who was always funny and some times mischevious, used to sing this ditty when others .tried to study their lessons. My attention was directed to a sign on a house which read, Charles Zimmerman, teacher of Music. In the next few years my business took me to Europe. On my way back to the states, I came across Owen Modeland, formerly known as Lem or Clem. He told me that he had established himself as an Undertaker in Knoxville, Florida.

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I told Owen that I had been fortunate enough to locate every one of my former classmates with the exception of Addie Lambert. Oh, how his face brightened when he heard that name! Oh, dear, don't you read the papers? You know beauty is only skin deep, but it is irresistible while it lasts. Addie is to be the next White House Bride. Here, my prophetic vision ended and I hastily scribbled down a few notes in order to preserve the important facts for this festive occasion. Perhaps some of you do not take any stock in my predict- ions. Let it go at that. If you live long enough, you will be convinced of the truth of my statements. All that I have foretold will come to pass. THE OLD HOME TOWN The action revolves around the Irving family. Andy, the son, is terribly interested in the girl next door. He develops a case of measles which, he thinks ruin his love life. Henry, the father is a druggist whose business is going on the rocks. Mrs. Irving, who is preoccupied with her daughter's homecoming, knows nothing of her husband's difficulties. Alice, the daughter, has been in New York writing a novel which is supposed to be a success, but so far it is nothing more than a flop. Clark Kent, Alice's former fiance, has been going around with Carol Brewster, the banker's daughter. Clark and Alice's new relationship stirs up gossip and also Carol's jeal- ousy, getting her into a great deal of trouble. When Mr. Irving at- temps to get a thousand dollars with which to start up a new busi- - ness, he discovers that his daughter's book isa failure and that she has no money. Uncle Tom, the bachelor brother, is a joker and a photographer. He refuses, at first, to sell his equipment to give his brother the money he needs. Clark offers to lend his sav- ings but there is trouble at the bank and it takes all of his money to clear himself. Suddenly Alice receives a telegram from a moving picture company in Hollywood offering her three thousand dollars for the use of her book. Uncle Tom, then arrives with money from the sale of his equipment, which he planned to give to his brother. To end things up right, Carol admits taking the money from the bank, clearing Clark. The Irvings all feel Carol is reformed and ask her to stay for dinner and be friends again.