A L Brown High School - Albrokan Yearbook (Kannapolis, NC)

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THE 1928 PIONEER EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF SHIRLEY NORWOOD Sept. 9, 1948 — My husband and I are taking a kind of second honeymoon during his vacation, stopping at the most celebrated parts of the United States. Poor fellow, a doctor’s life isn’t always such an easy one and this is our first real vacation since that thrilling month spent in New York on our first honeymoon, exactly fifteen years ago! But, not once has Shirley L. Turbyfill, noted elocutionist, regretted that she gave up her name and a most promising career to become the wife of the aforesaid doctor. Nevertheless, it will be great to leave cares behind and have an exciting time again. I’m all thrills! Sept. 11— You can’t guess what a surprise I had today! Alene Stonestreet, the “Stony” of K. H. S., was the first person I saw when I stepped aboard the Crescent Limited. She was on her way to Atlanta, where she is giving a concert tonight. I asked “Stony” about our old classmates of ’Twenty-eight. It was such a shock when she told me that Elsa McKnight, the tomboy of our class, had settled down and was teaching math back at dear old Kannapolis High. Can you imagine such a thing? “Stony” said that Ralph Gillon, now a famous boxer, and Wilma Brown were married last week and are now on their honeymoon abroad. “Stony” and I had a good old talk and I was sorry when she got off in Atlanta. Sept. 15 — The first stop on this, the famous tour, was in Asheville, N. C. While riding around I passed Biltmore Hospital and decided to stop for a few minutes. At the entrance I was met by the super- intendent, and can you imagine who it was? Laura Hastings! She told me that Edna Brown, Mary Harrison, and Thelma Upchurch were graduates of Biltmore and are now pursuing further knowledge at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I was nearly knocked speechless when she ' said that Dr. Virga Smith and Dr. Ann Thompson, both famous specialists, were performing some wonderful operations at the hospital. I wanted so much to see them, but my time was running short and I had to hurry to catch my train. Sept. 16 — The next place of interest to me was the Capitol in Washington. In the senate a distinguished looking man was making a speech and swaying the senate to his side. To my surprise, I recognized him as Ralph Whitley, my classmate of ’Twenty-eight. Then I remembered his oratorical ability at K. H. S. Back at my hotel I bought an extra of the Washington Times, and guess what it was all about? In big headlines, “Edgar Ketchie, second Lindbergh, and companions land in Egypt.” Well, at last “Ed” had achieved his ambition to be a great flier. I surely was surprised as I read on to find that his companions were his wife, the former Edith Jolley, Titus Sills, expert mechanic, and Dr. Walter Mclnnis of Columbia University, who was to conduct a party of Americans in some research work among the antiques of Egypt. It was all so completely new to me that I just couldn’t seem to grasp such astounding news. Just as I smarted to put the paper down my eye caught a familiar name. “Maulden,” it was, and I stopped to read, “Editor-in- Chief, Y. A. Maulden.” Why, that must be “Vonn” who labored so faithfully as the editor-in-chief of The Pioneer, our high school annual, back at K. H. S. Hope I can see her before leaving the city. Sept. 20— Have been having such a big time in New York that I haven’t had time to write down a thing. While at the opera last night I noticed a very stately looking woman in the opposite box. As she turned her face toward me I recognized her instantly as Ruth Taylor, the most independent senior of the class of ’Twenty-eight. I spoke, and as the curtains were being lowered at the end of the act, I soon found myself in her box. She was now a Countess, having married Count Huguenin of France. I surely was glad to see her, even if for just a few minutes. I hope to see more of her, but it is very doubtful, as I am leaving the city in the morning. Dr. Norwood and I have decided to buy a car before leaving. It’s wonderful to think that tomorrow we will be motoring westward. Sept. 24 — While passing over the plains into the West, Dr. Norwood and I beheld a large ranch. Here I was to find more classmates. The ranch belonged to Leon Winecoff and his wife, formerly Lillian Brantley. Sept. 27 — As dark overcame us tonight before reaching our destination, 1 we stopped in this small western town. The bells were ringing at a little Mission church for evening worship, and Dr. Norwood and I stopped in. There I beheld Crealie Steele teaching the westerners in her sweet way about Jesus. Oct. 3- — The next place in our travels was the theater in Los Angeles. To my delight I recognized Lawrence Fowler, well-known athlete, as the leading man in the play. In the chorus group I saw Myrtle Davis and Hazel Baker, now famous dancers. After the play Dr. Norwood and I went in to see them. They were the last of the Seniors of ’Twenty- eight. I was just wondering what had happened to Miss Helen Harris, our Sponsor, end the dearest of all, when Myrtle said that she was married and living happily in an orange grove in southern sunny California. Miss Harris could not find her husband in the east so she had gone west, and there forgotten her former lovers. We leave for home tomorrow, back to the humdrum of keeping house for a husband and three children. But what a wonderful vacation it has been! Seeing so many of my old friends has taken at least twenty years off my age, and I can almost imagine myself a school girl again back at dear old K. H. S. once more. Shirley L. Turbyfill, Class Prophetess. Page Seventeen mmw

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THE 1928 PIONEER CLASS HISTORY CHARACTER OF THE TIMES The summer of 1924 was a period of great unrest. The affairs of Kannapolis had been thrown into much confusion by the realization of the natives that gre at ignorance existed. It became the duty of every one who loved humanity to unite in an effort to gain knowledge. FOUNDING OF THE COLONY The most important outcome of this growing sentiment was the planting of a colony at the Kannapolis High School, September, 1924. Because of the verdure of the settlers the colonists called themselves Freshmen. HOSTILITY So strong was the determination of this group to alleviate their woeful ignorance that not even the hostilities of a savage tribe led by Warriors Wisby, Wood, Smart and Humbert were able to defeat them in their purpose. ELECTION OF 1924 In order to cope with existing conditions it was found necessary to have leaders, so early in the first year an election was held. Due to the size of the colony it was decided to divide it into two groups. Ketchie was chosen Governor; Harris, Lieut. -Governor ; Efird and Goldston, councillors, of one group. Mclnnis was chosen Governor; Stonestreet, Lieut. -Governor, and Helms, councillor, of the other. Under the capable leadership of these officers rapid progress along social and industrial lines was made. Invitations were ex- tended by nearby settlements to share their hospitality and much was learned from these neighbors. CHIEF EVENTS The greatest progress intellectually was under the leadership of Smart in the study of bugs, grass- hoppers, flowers and trees. The chief social event was la weiner roast enjoyed by the colony as a whole. NAME CHANGED; ELECTION OF 1925 A happy year rolled by, but the second year showed a decrease in the number of colonists. In spite of this decrease such growth in wisdom had taken place that it seemed proper to change the name of the colony, and they became known as Sophomores. A joint election was held early in 1925; Ketchie was chosen Governor; Turbyfill, Lieut. -Governor ; Gillon and Hall, councillors. PROGRESS; SOCIAL EVENTS Again marked progress was shown, especially by the women who in their art of dressmaking won prizes in the county fair. Numerous social events were enjoyed during the year. NAME CHANGED TO JUNIORS; ELECTION, 1926 So prosperous did the colonists, become, and so much improved in wisdom and knowledge, that the name Sophomore gave place to Juniors in 1926. As was the custom an election was held in the fall of that year. Turbyfill was chosen Governor; Ketchie, Lieut. -Governor ; Gillon and Jolley, councillors. It was found proper to keep a permanent record of this colony, which was destined to become so famous; so Maulden was chosen to represent the colony on the staff of The Pioneer, a record kept by a nearby settlement, the Seniors. SOCIAL PROGRESS Great intellectual progress was made during this year but the chief advancement was along social lines. The colonists were entertained elaborately by Elsie McKnight and Edyth Jolley. So friendly had the Juniors become with the next largest settlement, the Seniors, that a big reception was given them. They conducted themselves so admirably and enjoyed the occasion to such an extent that they decided to reciprocate; so a banquet was given the Seniors the following spring. It was a swell affair and did much to increase the friendly relations of the two settlements. COLONISTS EXCEL AS ACTORS In order to finance these various social affairs and to pay for space in The Pioneer, it was found neces- sary to raise money; so the colonists decided to try their skill as actors on the stage. A play, “The Wren,” w?s selected and so well did the first performance succeed that it was reproduced in several nearby settlements. JUNIORS SUCCEED SENIORS In May, 1927, the Senior colony decided to abandon their settlement, and because of their remarkable progress the Junior colony was chosen to fill their place. So in September, 1927, the Juniors assumed full responsibility, left their old abode, and changed their name to Seniors, and another election was held. ELECTION OF 1928 Since the business of the colony had grown so much it seemed wise to have more officers of the law. The result of the election was: Gillon, Governor; McKnight, Lieut. -Governor ; Stonestreet, Secretary of State; Smith, Secretary of Treasury; Jolly, Historian; Turbyfill, Prophet; Whitley, Chief Justice; Steele, Secretary of Poetic Art; Mclnnis, Secretary of Charities. STAFF OF PIONEER In taking this place as leader among the settlements, the Seniors assumed full management of The Pioneer, the record of the colonies. Thus it was necessary to have a staff. The following were elected: Editor-in-Chief, Maulden; Assistant Editor, Harrison; Business Managers, Ketchie and Thompson; Athletic Editor, Fowler; Exchange Editor, Hastings; Literary Editor, Winecoff; Art Editor, Whitley; Joke Editor, Mclnnis; Kodak Editor, Taylor; Subscription Editors, Stonestreet and Sills; Printer, Turbyfill; Stenographer, Davis. Great work was done by these capable staff members. The 1928 Pioneer stands as evidence of their efficient service. CHIEF SOCIAL EVENT OF ’ 27 The chief social event of 1927 was a Christmas party given the Junior colony by the Seniors. Santa Claus left a real Christmas tnee bearing gifts and goodies for every member of the two colonies. In spite of a downpour of rain the occasion was greatly enjoyed. THE END The great event toward which the colony is now working is Commencement, at which time we shall endeavor to show to the natives of Kannapolis our noble efforts in dispelling the woeful ignorance of our town. Note: A more complete account of this colony will be rendered at Commencement. Edyth Jolley, Historian. Page Sixteen

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THE 1928 PIONEER LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT We, the Senior class of Kannapolis High School, realizing that we must leave the dear old school where we have been nesting for knowledge for four long years, and that we must start the journey of success in life, conscious of the fact that the road is filled with temptations of evil and good, but with sound minds, physical bodies, and lovable dispositions, do hereby make known and declare this to be our Last Will and Testament. ITEM ONE To the Juniors we do will our Senior dignity, our cozy room, and pictures, i and all our PIONEER bills and surplus money. ITEM TWO To the succeeding classes we leave our privileges of having a football team (see page 85), and our many privileges (if you can discover them). Our personal belongings we individually dispose of as follows: I. Mary Harrison, do will and bequeath to Helen Flowe my passion for ear rings and chewing gum. I, Alcne Stonestreet, do hereby will and bequeath my love of Chaucer, and my knowledge of the town happenings to Gat Parker. I, Wilma Brown, do hereby will and bequeath my innocence and dumb expression to Rachel Ketner. I, Edna Brown, do hereby leave and bequeath the extensive circumference of my waist to Johnsie Maulden. I, Edgar M, Ketchie, do hereby will and bequeath my shoes and sox to Tuby Bonds. I. Virga Smith, do hereby will and bequeath to McNeil Petrie my ability to sing Frere Jacques.” I. Ralph Whitley, leave to Greer McCall my ability of explaining geometry, by request of Miss Ruth Cannon. I. Ralph Gillon, do hereby will and bequeath my ability of making “A ' s on geometry to Boyd Baker. I. Leon Winecoff, do hereby will and bequeath my ability to speed to Speedy Durham. I, Hazel Baker, do hereby will and bequeath to Lucille Orr my numerous freckles. I, Myrtle Davis, do hereby will arid bequeath my naughtiness to Rosa Jane Cox. I, Elsie McKnight, do hereby leave and bequeath my ability to stammer to Charles Goldston. I, Yvonne Maulden, do hereby will and bequeath to Myrtle Daves my unrivaled athletic ability, trusting that this will assist her in adding many stars to her K. I, Ruth Taylor, do hereby will and bequeath to Erline Sims my permanent wig. I, Thelma Upchurch, do hereby will and bequeath to Pearl Keller my ability as typist. I, Titus Sills, do hereby will and bequeath three physics books to Wallace McCombs. I, Annie Thompson, do hereby will and bequeath my ability to grin and bear it” to Rosalee Faggart. I. Laura Hastings, do will and bequeath to Alma McGuirt my winning ways and smiles, together with the merry twinkle of my brown eyes, hoping that she will break no, hearts on account of them. I. Crealie Steele, do hereby will and bequeath my ability to always know my lesson to James Funderburke and hope he will never have to study. I, Lillian Brantley, do hereby will and bequeath to Bill Hastings my chemistry book, hoping he will be as successful as I have been. I, Shirley Turbyfill, do hereby leave and bequeath my position as teacher ' s pet to Jim Peeler, the need thereof being most conspicuous. I, Edyth Jolly, do hereby will and bequeath mv ability to giggle to Connie Harmon. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we set our seal and signatures this 22nd day of May. in the year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty-eight. Ralph Whitley, Testator. Page Eighteen