Agawam High School - Sachem Yearbook (Agawam, MA)

Text from Pages 1 - 30 of the 1931 volume:

Cost of Reproduction a Gift from Mr. Smith THE FIRST GRADUATING CLASS . . . AGAWAM HIGH SCHOOL . . . Photograph by Bosworth The AGAWAM MIRROR 8 The AGAWAM MIRROR AN UNINVITED VISITOR Closing my book, I shut off the light, and lay back in my chair with a sigh of relief. I wanted to enjoy the fire-light, but the book still held me. It seemed as though I could hear some one softly saying, “The French windows in the rear opened, and Miller stepped cautiously into the room.” These words kept running through my mind, until the least sound seemed a pistol shot. At last, although I would have declared that I was not nervous, 1 decided to face the French windows. As I was about to turn my chair around, my glance fell on the mirror above the fireplace. By the dim light, I saw the windows stir a little, then they were pushed open by some one on the porch out- side. I wanted to scream, but my throat was so dry that I could not utter a sound. As the logs sent a shower of sparks up the chimney, I saw a woman step cautiously into the room. Her clothes were dark, and a veil hid her face. Further I was unable to distinguish. As she turned to close the windows, I rose from my chair, and slipped stealthily to the table on which the reading lamp stood. As my visitor turned from the door, I gave her an unexpected welcome by putting on the lights. Dazed by them, she did not stir, but stood alert waiting for me to speak. Ready for adventure, and seeing that she was unarmed, I decided to enjoy her com- pany. if such a thing was possible. “Won’t you sit down?” I asked. “If you would do so, I might be able to enjoy your company, which you have so suddenly thrust upon me.” At this she gave a quick, nervous laugh, and perched herself on the edge of a chair. Keeping my eyes on her. I carefully locked the windows, saying as I did so, “Two is company, three is a crowd, and I, at least, don’t want any more visitors tonight.” Much to my surprise, this action seemed to put her more at her case. She set back in her chair, and gracefully crossed her feet. As she did so, I noticed that she did not wear rubbers, and that her feet were wet. This fact showed that she had walked some dis- tance. “You are a stranger to me,” I said, draw- ing two chairs toward the fire, “but you must come and dry your feet. You arc now my prisoner and won’t be allowed to escape while in this condition. So give up whatever hopes that you may have had.” She took the chair that I had placed for her, and, at my command, tried nervously to take off her shoes. Unable to do this, she sank back into her chair, and promptly fainted. In her exhausted condition, the heat of the fire had proved too much for her. I was about to call for help when I remem- bered that the folks had all gone out, and that the maid had gone to spend the evening with the maid next door. Therefore, I pro- ceeded to take off the stranger’s coat and hat. She was a light, frail bit of humanity, and I carefully picked her up, and carried her to the couch. I left the room to get some water to bathe her head, and when I returned, her eyes were open, but she was too tired to talk. Her big, hazel eyes seemed to be trying to tell me something, so I drew a chair near the sofa. The more I watched her, the more my cur- iosity was aroused. Where had I seen her before? The ringlets of her auburn hair against the blue of the sofa-pillow reminded me of a familiar face. But where had I seen her? A shiver passed over her body, making me realize that I had forgotten all about the comfort of my unwelcome guest as she ha F fallen into an exhausted slumber. I felt safe in leaving the room to get some dry stock- ings, and a blanket for her. As I was making her more comfortable, a quick step on the porch outside made me sud- denly remember the fact that I was har- boring a stranger, for some reason which I myself did not know. Acting upon some unexplainable impulse, I grabbed her coat and hat, and put them in the hall closet. Taking a book off the table, I sat down to await results; but nothing happened, and I was about to blame my over-wrought nerves for playing such a trick on me, when I heard two voices talking low, then steps on the porch, and some one turned the door knob. I was panic stricken. Who were these people that I heard talking? What business had they in my sun porch, and to all ap- pearances trying to enter my house? Were they following this strange girl that I was harboring? Oh, why had I taken her in with- out even notifying the police? As I rose from my chair, my knees seemed to give out from under me, and I feebly GRACE I d like to ask a blessing so in reverence bow your head As we thank our Father in heaven,not just for daily bread We thank Him for this evening, for the fellowship we ll share, For the joy of reminiscing and smiles that show we care; For health, for food prepared for us, for kindness, love—for friends. For all the joys that come to us that Thy great goodness sends. Father, we thank Thee. Amen. Written and given by Edith Michaud THE TOAST _ Harold Roos (Master of Ceremonies) And now a toast to the members of the Agawam Class of 1931s The greatest and best class ever. To our unexcelled, outstanding teachers who showed us the way and to every one of our very nice guests. God bless you all and may everyone live a long, healthy, happy life so that you will be with us in 1986. THE STC3RCMT0WN ADDRESS Five decades and two days ago, our nation brought forth from Agawam High School a new breed, conceived in superiority and dedi- cated to the proposition that we get together. Now we are engaged in a celebration, testing whether we members of the class of 1931, so conceived and so dedicated can endure. We ve met here in Storrowtown Village, a fine place for us to reunite. It s altogether fitting and proper that we should do this— but in a larger sense, we cannot celebrate without first greeting and welcoming our teachers, guests and classmates who have come from far and near to join in these festivities. The world will little note nor long remember what we have done in the past or what we do here tonight, but we will remember so many things and will be grateful. It is for us to be dedicated to the work of having fun. WS HERS RESOLVE that the work of the Committee shall not have been in vain and that all efforts by these people, for you people, shall be cherished for all time. REFACTIONS We thought it would be nice to reflect briefly on a bit of the history of Agawam and our Class. lho3e of us who have had our roots in Agawam have reason to be proud of it. Agawam is truly a part of the history of America. In 1636, white settlers, led by William Fynchon, met and contracted with the Indians to buy all of Greater Springfield and a part of Conn, for 18 coats, 18 hoes, 18 hatchets, 18 knives and 18 fathoms of wampum, (strands totaling 108 feet of beads) The property East of the Conn, river became Springfield, named for William Pynchon's home town in England. Twenty-two square miles of land west of the Agawam River became and still is Agawam. The truancy law was adopted in the Agawam Town School System in 1885 In I89h, a law was passed that the Town of Agawam must pay the tuition to out-of-town High Schools or maintain a High School of its own. Many Agawam residents attended West Springfield High School—a school that later became our rival. In 1895 the town voted down a motion to build a High School but did approve the appointment of its first music and art supervisors. Finally, in 1920, the Town voted to appropriate $250,000. to purchase the Walter Barr property to build a High School. In 1921 the Cornerstone was laid and in 1922 Eenjamin J. Phelp3 was engaged as the Superintendent of Schools. There were 25 members in the first graduating class, who, for the most part, were transferees from West Springfield High. The size of the classes increased slightly in size in the following years. In 1929 there were 28 graduates and in 1930 , 33 graduated� Our Class, in 1931, was the largest class to graduate to that date. This was because, in 1926, the ninth grade was being eliminated so that eighth graders were promoted with the ninth graders to become freshmen. There were 65 in our class. A small class compared to a class of close to U00 to be graduating in 1981. Over the past fifty years, ve lost eleven of our class, namely: Earl Fay, Frances Figiel, John Roos, Mae Novelli McGowan, Julius Thormeyer, Jame3 Wright, Henry Madden, Florence Cowles Carroll, Helen Casanova Bassi, Alfred Levesque and Arthur Ruffo. Our class was referred to as nthe class of champions” and justifiably so. Musically, members of our clas3 were part of a 200-member Glee Club, a girls' choir, a double quartet and a 22-piece Prize-winning orchestra and all these groups were trained and directed by Ruth Perry. Selections were made from these groups and operettas were presented each year. During our four years in high school, 1928 - 1931, the Agawam Mirror received first clas3 honor ratings from the National Scholastic Press Association and in our Senior Year, the Mirror was classified nationally and was recognized as an all-American Honor Rated Publication. Talented members of the class were a part of the Art Department under Miss Crowley. They were always ready to help out with Stage sets. Mirror illustrations and Publicity Posters. The Commercial Dept., under the leadership of Miss Mclntire, had as its mascot a toy pig, indicative of its efforts to hog all the prizes and they were successful in their goals. We had so much to cheer about with our ever-winning football and basketball teams who also established the reputation of being clean, hard-fighting good sports. Harmon Smith was gym teacher for both the boys and girls and Elizabeth Baker Pond, in addition to being a top-notch bookkeeping teacher, coached Girls' sports until Marion Edge11 was engaged as physical education teacher for girls. The agricultural department was new to Agawam High School and, no doubt, was invaluable to those who became interested nnd went on as successful farmers. W® would especially like to pay our respects to the outstanding teachers assembled by Ben Phelps, the Agawam Supt. of Schools. We remember F. Earl Williams, the Principal, courting Ruth Bugbee, the English teacher. We remember with affection Hazel Aldrich in Domestic Science, Elizabeth Baker Pond in bookkeeping and Economics, Gertrude Belyea in bookkeeping I would especially like to thank Nellie Irene Button who taught us to express our thoughts on paper, Eleanor Smith who made mathematics invaluable to my later life, Marjorie Ward who made history come alive, Ruth Perry who opened up the world of music to us all and Allan Hadley in Science as he courted Katherine Phealan who taught History and English. Other fine teachers were Mary Crowley in Art, Fred Dacey taught manual training before advanoing to greater things. We remember with gratitude Marian Edgell and Harmon Smith in Physical Education, Elaine Mansfield and Miss Jacques in French, Clara Mclntire in typing and shorthand. We salute Eleanor Miller in Latin and Geometry. Latin may be a dying subject but it wa3 darned useful in learning other languages, reading foreign menus and solving each Sunday Times crossword puzzle. We recall John Quirk in Science. These were an unusually capable and dedicated group of people. They were handpicked by Ben Phelps with hi3 always smiling moon face and continual enthusiasm. We thank you all. I suppose we were a “depression class . 1931 was in the middle of that 1929 i93k period—about the worst in U. S. History. A plate of spaghetti and bread cost 25 cents at Tinti's; Ford s best car cost a little over $500.00 Each of us present here tonight hopes that we have contributed our little bit to the society in which we live, that we have enhanced the reputation of Agawam High School and partially repaid the large debt we owe the taxpayers, school administration and the faculty of this fine high school. Thank you all and my especial thanks to Edith for her research. BION T. WHEELER, JR. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CUSS OF I93I School day ties are treasured things and far though we may roam, The tender bonds with those we knew still pull our hearts toward home! We, the Committee, have found our olarming the reunion most rewarding. Each bit of correspondence brought with it a kind of magic—the sight of those we haven't seen for so long—remembering their smiles, their school activities and the count- less infinitesmals of pleasurable and genial feelings . It was our hope that we might get a bit of news from each and every one of the fifty-four surviving members of the Class of 1931. Although we are disappointed that everyone did not respond, it is with pleasure that we submit the following: CATHERINE ASHE: - Until 1968, I was an executive secretary, first at Van Norman Machine and then U. S. Envelope. I then changed my career to journalism, becom- ing Editorial and Advertising Manager for two weekly newspapers in Manabawken and Tukerton, covering the Long Beach Island - Mainland resort areas. In 1978 the papers ’were sold to a national chain and I retired. I live in Bamegat, New Jersey. In a few words—if I had to choose a high school and teachers all over again, it would be Agawam—Miss Button, Miss Miller, Miss Ward and on and on. We were most fortunate to have had such dedicated teachers and such a fine educational system that resulted in literate graduates. MILDRED BITGOOD HAFF - After working for the Springfield Armory for about 17 years until it closed down in 1968, I moved to Burlington, Vermont where I continued working for the government in the IRS office. Three cold winters in Burlington were enough, so in 197? we moved to Largo, Florida in a mobilehome. I worked three years as a secretary for the State of Florida in the Health and Rehabili- tative Services office and retired in 1976. Now we live in Mainlands , a con- dominium development of individual homes. We contracted to have a new house built in this development two years ago and took possession in February, 1980. We keep busy with our bowling and golf leagues, swimming, card playing, trips, plus attending some of the activities at the Clubhouse, such as twice-monthly dances, bingo, bridge parties, dinners, etc. Mainlands is located just off High- way 19, between Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Please stop and see us if you are in that area. FLORENCE BRADFORD - It will be a joy to hear about the reunion and the members. 1 was married, unmarried and have no children. I'm a graduate of the University of Chicago—Seven years teaching in the graduate school of Social Work at the Universitv of Washington. Did two years of research—seventeen years in Child Guidance Clinic of the Los Angeles schools and eleven years of part-time private practice, including one day assisting school personnel. My therapeutic work is here in a home I designed and had built twenty years ago. It snuggles into a hillside of granite overlooking Pasadena and the San Gabriel Mountains. I enjoy Los Angeles Philharmonic seasons, growing Eiffel Tower Roses—spend time at the beach in the summer and traveling and seeing friends. Come and visit when you are in California or traveling to far places. School will keep me in California until July 1 and then I will be off to Scandanavia. HI IDA BRIGGS RILEY - I regret that I will be unable to attend. In 1979 I was de- clared legally blind. I no longer drive or read. In the past I enjoyed knitting, sewing, rug-braiding and gardening. Now I do loom weaving for the New Hampshire Association for the Blind. From 1951� through 1961 I did office work. When I 2. became bored, I gave it up for working on our chicken farm which I found much more pleasurable and interesting I had no family of rry own but in 1956 I took in a homeless boy He is now married and has three children who have made us a very happy Gram and Gramp. ALICE BAL30NI ZAVARSLLA - We live in Agawam. Our son, Ralph, is a School Counselor in Agawam Since we are going to Bermuda, we will be unable to attend the reunion. SYLVIA E4RDWELL NELSON - My working days were in an office with an Insurance Agency, I have one daughter and two granddaughters, one twelve and one thirteen I enjoy gardening both flowers and vegetables. BEATRICE CASANOVA PLOWER - I was married and had no children. I lived in New York until 1971 when ny husband died. I then returned to Agawam. Since then I have traveled to Greece, the Greek Isles, Turkey, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Bangkok, Singapore, South America and the Canadian Rockies. In 1979 I lost both my mother and my sister Helen. I look forward to more travaling. JOSEPH CHAGNON - Married and living in East Longmeadow. I was a cabinet maker and carpenter and for many years until retirement worked as superintendent of construction jobs. I am enjoying such hobbies as gardening, nature stucty, Rock- hounding, making silver jewelry and cutting and polishing rock. JULIA CHRISCOIA CRAWFORD - After forty-two years in the field of Education in Agawam, I retired in 1976 from my final assignment as principal of the James Clark Elementary School. Presently Jack and I are enjoying the winter months in Port Orange, Florida, the summer months in Agawam and we are doing some traveling. NATALE V. CIRILLO - I have retired as of last September from the James River Corp. where 1 was employed as a chemist in charge of Quality Control and R. D. I have been married for U3 years. We have three children, all married and five grandchildren. My hobbies are golf, fishing and all sports. Good luck to all. ALMA COLSON BOYNTON Have traveled a great deal. Have most recently been to Australia and New Zealand. Travel to enjoy the Springfield Symphany. ANY'COTE SURPR5NANT - Harry and I.have three children and three grandsons. We own the Bay State Advertising Co., Inc (Outdoor Advertising - Billboards) and I still do the office work for this company. We also own the Safeway Signs, Inc. of New England (Directionals - Overhead Highway Signs. I do not work for this company. Both companies are located at 231 Western Ave., West Springfield, Mass. In my spare time I do knitting and play bridge. NELLIS DAVIS - I didn't go to business very long. I kept our home for my aging parents. I enjoy gardening and reading. VSRDA FITZGERALD BURKE - Widowed. Spend much of the winter at a friend's Chalet at Ski Country in New Hampshire and to the Islands and the shore in the summer. DOROTHY HASTINGS MARTIN - Taught Physical Education at Agawam High School for forty years, retiring in 1976. Since retiring tiave taken up needlepoint, work one day a week at the church and am a member of the Board of Trustees of the Cantain Charles Leonard House. ORPHA HASTINGS BIAISDELL - I had been looking forward to our $Oth reunion and had planned on coming but it is a conflicting day. I'm very active in Rug Hooking and will be teaching a Seminar in Tennessee. My class there finishes the day of our reunion. I graduated from Springfield Hospital in 1935 and was married 3, that same year. I worked on and off at nursing until 196$. In 19$1 we moved to Wisconsin. I have two sons, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I lost my husband in 1977. Rug Hooking has become the main interest for me at pre- sent. I have a class here in Eau Claire, Wis. the year round. Then each June I teach at a Rug Seminar at Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tenn. In July I teach at Luther College in Iowa. My pupils are from all over the country and Canada, ffy rug-hooking friends are what keep me going. I'll miss seing you all. Good Luck! ETHEL JENKS TOWNS - Took care of my bedridden mother for two and one-half years. Moved to a new location after being in one place for seventeen years. Much to dispose of—Junk, Collectibles and antiques. Went to Hawaii for two weeks and hope to return. Personal activities are reading, crossword puzzles, picture point, embroidery and TV Sports—hoping the Red Sox will make it this year. ESTHER JOHNSON GIBSON - I wish I could join in the celebration of the $Oth anni- versary but since my husband is recuperating from a fractured vertebrae resulting from a fall while in the hospital, I will be unable to attend. We enjoy our Condominium apartment. Besides golf, we have two pools to keep us in shape. I work with a group making ceramics for gifts which are sold at a bazaar to help the school. I sew all my clothes. Cur condominium offers many activities such as arts and crafts, oil painting, exercise classes, duplicate bridge and other card games, cookouts and a monthly ball. FLORENCE JOHNSON SHAW - A lot has transpired since I was fortunate enough to get a job in 1931 starting at the fantastic salary of 312.00 per week. I have four wonderful sons and seven grandchildren who make up our family. We've had the usual crises within the family, including such bizarre things as brain sur- gery and cardiac by-passes, but the following passage amply expresses our feel- ings? Our family is a circle of strength and love; with every birth and every union the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love and every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger . PHYLLIS JONES - Sorry to miss the reunion but had reservations for Hawaii. (We know that Phyllis was a Registered Nurse serving in a supervisory role) CHARIES MARSH - I received my BS degree from Mas3. State in 1936. On graduating I joined Fisk Rubber. Fisk sold to U.S. Rubber, now Uniroyal. I worked for them thirty-nine years, retiring in 197$ at age fifty-nine. With Uniroyal I had three year tours of duty in the Phillippir.es and Colombia, South America. I was in the U.S. Navy for twenty-seven months during World War II. I have three sons, ages IjO, 3h and 28 and one grandchild. % main hobby is Duplicate Bridge. I still have my sax and clarinet but am pretty rusty. STANLEY MATTESON - Married forty-two years—no children. I worked for Pratt Whitney of United Technologies for 36 years, taking an early retirement at age sixty-two, in 1976. We have two cottages in New Harbor, Maine. Work on cottages kept us too busy to attend prior reunions but we rearranged our schedule this year to attend our $0th. We dabble to some degree in coins, stamps and books. We do puzzles of all kinds in winter. We enjoy tag sales, flea markets and browsing through antique shops. � e are active with Church youth group as Leaders of the High School age group for twenty years. My wife has been Sunday School teacher for U0 years. My wife was an only child and I the eleventh and youngest of my family. A sister, 20 years my senior and I are the only two left of my family. FRANCES MONTAGNA FAGNANI - I worked as Cost Accountant for Westinghouse for fourteen years. I was married in 193h and Frank and I have two daughters who have blessed us with two granddaughters and four grandsons. We have been retired for seven years and, as most retirees, we have done extensive traveling. For hobbies, we bowl and I sew, knit, crochet, do crewellng, braiding and needlepoint. I'm still looking for a day with nothing to do LOUISE MEYER SCULS - I was an Accounting Office Supervisor with the Telephone Company and held this position for thirty-four years. My husband and I both took early retirements in 1969 Since then we have traveled to Mexico, crossed the United States a couole of times and went to Bermuda. Our main hobby is camping. We have a Club which we helped to organize. We meet at a different location every month for four days and so have been all over Florida and enjoy it tremendously. We have a daughter and a son and three grandchildren—two boys and one girl. VERA MERRILL BARK MAN - I worked as Secretary for Avco Lycoming. We have one son, one stepdaughter and two step-grandchildren. My hobbies are knitting crocheting and tag saleing. I do volunteer work for the VA hospital, the local hospital and the Red Cross. I am an active member of five organizations. MARY 0fCONNOR MURPHY - I retired as Record Librarian from Noble Hospital in Westfield. I am widowed, have one child and two granddaughters ages ten and six. They live only two houses from me so am enjoying seeing them grow. My hobbies are traveling, duplicate bridge and golf. CHESTER PIICH - I am still single. Can’t tell if the right girl didn't come along or if I wa3 to busy running iry poultry operation. Since I sold the chicken busi- ness and am retired now, I can enjoy lots of interesting hobbies - like watching the stock and commodities markets. FRANCES PILCH - I, too, like my brother Chet, dealt in poultry, organic farming and plants. Unlike my brother, I chose to marry and live in Enfield, Conn. LEONARD RISING - Anita and I will have besn married forty-seven years as of July h, 1981. W- have two sons, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and another one on its way. I was in sales with Fels Naptha and Fillsbury Flour Co. for eighteen years and then went into Industrial Catering. For the past fourteen years I have been Director of the School Lunch Program in Wilbraham. Although I am still working at this job, I may RELUCTANTLY retire this year. EDITH PISANO MICHAUD - I married in 1935, divorced in 19li7 and married Joseph •'Ul in I960. I have one daughter, Joyce Young, a twenty-one year old granddaughter, Leslee, and an eighteen year old grandson, Jeffrey. Ity working experience was ten years as a legal secretary and twenty-five.years doing secretarial and account- ing for a firm of Certified Public Accountants. I retired in 1973. In my senior years I studied organ for three years and enjoy trying to play it. My other hobbies are gardening, sewing, knitting, bowling and dancing. I also enjoy spectator snorts with particular enthusiasm for the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics. Although we have done quite a bit of traveling, we look forward to doing more. EMMA RICCI - I am still unmarried — Serving as Administrative Assistant at the Springfield Juvenile Court. My hobbies are Golf, reading and traveling. HARO ID ROOS - Married—Have two girls and one boy. X owned and operated two restaurants. I retired February 2£, 1981. My hobbies are gardening and boxing. CLARENCE JACK DALY and) , , , , '7 n' Vv- - 1931 Classmates who married and have lived all our R.PY.DAU-------) married lives in Agawam. We have one daughter, Kathy, married to Kevin Doyle. They too, live in Agawam. I, Adrienne, have retired from the Robinson Park School Cafeteria in Agawam. Jack is still working in con- struction at Smith College in Northampton. In his spare time, he plants a garden which he enjoys very much. We have no grandchildren. DOROTHY- SMITH F0RNAS2RI - I would love to be with everyone. Since my husband is ill I regret that I shall be unable to be there. I live in California. 1 11 be with you all in spirit. Fond memories and best wishes to all. ALMA SMITH CAFFY - Word came from her sister Dorothy that Alma suffered a massive stroke in 1973 when she was about to retire in Florida after having a profession of nursing for many years. Dot felt that Alma would be pleased to hear from anyone who cared to write—her address - Room 19, Williams Health Care Facility, Glenridge Drive, Augusta, Maine 0ii330. THSLMA SMITH BOURGEOIS - Twenty-five years with Forbes and Wallace. I have four children, five grandchildren and expecting our first great grandchild in October. I am active in Golden Agers and am reporter for its monthly newspaper The Breeze . Have traveled, visiting my daughter who lives in Hawaii. Traveled to Canada and Florida and hope to go to California soon. My husband retired from Milton Bradley last year and taught for one year at the CETA program. I love to read and square dance. My husband loves golf. It amazes me when we drive through Agawam and I see the changes in the streets I walked to school. CATHERINE STATKUM CURTIS - My husband is a doctor and I am using my talents as a registered nurse in our Medical Practice and loving it. We hope to retire in 1932. BION T. WHEELER, JR. - Retired Senior Officer at Mass. Mutual for forty-three years. Have been married forty years. We have twin daughters and each daughter has two daughters ages six and twelve. My hobbies are contract bridge, golf, woodcarving and lapidary. MARION WILSON PARO - My husband and I have operated a small restaurant, here in Agawam, known as the Bridge View Grill for thirty-six years. Since we have decided to retire, we are in the process of selling it. We have a son David, a daughter, Judith and three grandchildren. KENNETH WRIGHT - I am now in Kensington, Maryland, living with my son for an extended visit. I have been lobbying for Cancer Immunization Research which helped me with my bout with Cancer. I retired as an officer of the U. S. Navy. ELEANOR JOHNSON KOZAN - I worked around Springfield for a couple of years after my post-graduate year at A.H.S. I received my B.S. degree in English in 1938 from Simons College in Boston, Mass. I lived in New York for about 5 years and was married there to an airline pilot who lost his live in a plane crash in 1944 in Van Nuys, Cal. I worked for a couple of years at the U.S. Naval Air Station. I married again in 1949. In 1958 I lost my second husband the legal way. I have a 39 year old son who is getting is Master of Architecture degree at the University of Arizona and in the capacity of a graduate student has been teaching a couple of undergraduate courses in architecture and am informed that he does an admirable job in teaching. My grandaughter, Stacy, has just completed her freshman year at the University of Arizona. I've come to appreciate our teachers over the years, especially during the twelve years or more that I was work- with Master and Doctoral candidates for their thesis and dissertations. Hardly anyone knows (1) how to write a sentence (2) how to organize their thoughts (3) how to spell. Up until the time that I retired last year, my job at the University of Arizona was in Graduate College as final editor of thesis and dissertations for the entire University, advising, editing and approving something close to five thousand of the same during those twelve years. I set up the job under the aegis of the Graduate Dean, working with a manual devised by him and a committee of faculty members from among the various colleges of the University. I loved the job, working with students, faculty and typists. I trained a lot of the typists in some of the niceties of thesis preparation. Last year, after spending some time in Agawam and Vermont, I returned and bought a duplex home in Tucson, with my son occupying one half. I'm presently volunteering time to the Neigh- borhood Housing Services of Tucson. I also hung out a sign, so to speak, for free-lance editing and am doing a bit of that. I also write and edit a newsletter for the N.H.S. My good wishes to everyone for as much good health and happiness as I have had and intend to keep on having. FRANKLIN N. BR0CK5TT - Graduated from the University of Conn, and married in 1933. We have three children and four grandehildren. Until 1955 I spent my time in various phases of agriculture. Then I started a Real Estate and Insurance office. In 1979 I sold the business and am semi-retired here in East Granby. Regards to all. I MJISB CARUSO MORENO - Married to Vic Moreno. We have two children and five grandchildren. I worked off and on as a Secretary before I was married and after the children were well on their way. I started to work for the Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield in their accounting office. I hope to retire before long. I also have a small Income Tax business on the side, which I enjoy. My husband and I have enjoyed several cruises. I traveled abroad with my daughter and enjoyed a camping trip across the country with my sisters. My grandchildren seem to be my favorite hobby right now. I also enjoy skiing—did not quite make the Olympics but will scon be joining the over 70 Ski Club. I play a little golf which is also a disaster—never was much of an athlete. I also enjoy the theatre, opera and ballet. All in all, the past fifty years have not been too bad. MARILYN DOIANDSCN LIVERMORE - I was widowed last March, 1981 Our descendents are three daughters and two sons and seven grandchildren. I met my husband when we were both attending the same college. With five children, I spent most of my life as homemaker and mother. I did volunteer work and at present am employed as an instructional aid in reading and math for second graders. My hobbies are photography, dancing, painting, needlework and traveling. IORRAINS WILSON WALKER - Two years after graduation, I finally landed a M3teady job—exactly the sort I wanted, as a clerk in a small auto and fire insurance agency in which I came to know many of the clients and where I could make use of my typing skill which, of course, had to be both fast and accurate. My thanks to Miss Mclntire for her diligence. I worked twelve years in this office during which time Harold and I were married and built our home. We have two daughters, one single and with us at present, the other has lived in Southern California for the past eleven years which, of course, has been reason enough for a few trips West. After twenty years in the various aspects of Girl Scout- ing, I find church activities, a bit of typing work, Senior Citizen day trips, along with keening house, leave no time for boredom. PEARL BEAN - I taught school for thirty years—a few years in Huntington and the rest of the time in the Westfield school system. I lived with and took care of my aging mother part time and in 1973 retired to take care of her full time. I enjoy reading, walking and just anything that has to do with the great outdoors. DOROTHY BRYCE MACK _ Widowed since 1956. I worked as a Registered Nurse at Springfield Hospital in a supervisory capacity for fourteen years. I left my work there for a few years to care for my aging mother. At age sixty I worked as a registered nurse at the Municipal hospital, retiring in 1977. I will be with you in spirit and would be there in person by my physical condition pro- hibits it. Good luck to all. ROCKWELL CASCEILA - I have been married for 39 years and we have one son and one daughter who have enriched our lives with two grandchildren. I was employed by the Country Club Soda Co. for twenty-six years, retiring in 1972. My hobbies are bowling and golf. We also enjoy traveling; visited Scotland twice, cruised to the Carribean Islands and toured Florida. A BIT ABOUT THE FACULTY Twelve teachers were invited to our reunion. What anxiety and excitement was ex- perienced with each reoly received, whether it was a letter or a call, George Williams Childs said, Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheer- ing words while their ears can hear them, and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier by them, There isn't one of us who, looking back to the years in school, cannot feel within the heart a deeo gratitude and love for all our teachers who were dedicated to helping us achieve our goals. Selflessly, they gave extra time when we needed it. They taught with humility, gentleness, patience and enough persistence to have us do our very best. With great esteem we say to them simply, THANK YOU. F. EARL WILLIAMS - (Came to A.H.S, in Sept., 1927) It would be a very happy occasion RtffiffcUGBEE WILLIAMS - for us to meet with you again but we must forego the pleasure. (Ruth is in a nursing home) I often recall events associated with our eleven years in Agawam. I went to Gardner High School for a seventeen year term. In 1956 I accepted a position on the staff of the University of Penn. In 1968 I retired in Amherst. Ruth and I have had fifty-two years together. We have been fortunate in many ways, including good health, many trips abroad and in this country but best of all are the friendships we have made through the years. Our very best wishes to all. RUTH A. PERRY - (Came to A.H.S. Sept. 1926) I'm thrilled to accept your kind invitation to your 50th anniversary. I still live in Agawam and share a home with my sister. ELEANOR MILLER - (Came to A.H.S. Sept. 1928) I now live in Hadley, Mass. Was delighted and had accepted but due to a sudden and grave illness of her sister. Miss Miller had to cancel her reservation. ELIZABETH BAKER POND - (Came to A.H.S. Sept, 1926) I still live in Agawam. Called to accept and expressed her gratitude and joy at being with all of us. MARJORIE WARD - Came to A.H.S. in 1922). Still lives in Agawam. Called to accept and exDressed her gratitude and pleasure at being invited. HARMON SMITH - (Carr� to A.H.S. in 192li) Still lives in Agawam. Although he is not as strong as most of us remember him, he was haopy to have been invited and will make every effort to be there. MARION EDGSLL CRCUCH - (Came to A.H.S. Sept. 1929) I live in Gardner, Mass. It is with deep regret that I cannot accept. I assure you there is nothing that would have made me haopier than to have been with you all. My five years at Agawam High are very precious ones to me as I was fortunate enough to be chosen to start the Girls' Physical Education Program in the brand new gymnasium. Have a wonderful evening. KATHERINE PHAELEN HADLEY (Came to A.H.S. in 1927) I am widowed and live in North Carolina. It was kind of you to invite me to your $0th anniversary reunion. I have a flight North scheduled for later. However, if circumstances should permit my getting away earlier, you may be sure I'll be present and even willingly go without the dinner. I keep busy doing hospital volunteer work, taking a course or two, trying to keep house and with outside help, give some time to the large yard. FREDERICK DACEY - (Came to A.H.S. in 1922) Was in Florida for the Winter. Mow living in Agawam, foiled to say that he was happy that we wanted him to be a part of the party. Felt he should decline as his physical condition might not permit him to attend. EMILY MC CORMICK - (Came to Agawam in 192h) Started at the Springfield St. school and moved to A.H.sTher second year. Called to say she was delighted to accept the invitation CIARA L. MC INTUffi)-(Both came to A.H.S. in 192?) Both are not L ELEANOR SMITH' -Tj- Mclntir, lives in Newton Center, Mass. Miss Smith lives —--------- Northampton, Mass. CIASS 0? 1931 GOLDEN JUBILES Music by Alma Colson Boynton Lyrics by Edith Pisano Michaud Pa, ■ Lj , T J . 1 vl ,. J 1 4 • k , A. L . „ (I ) r J: . Vl J A 1 2 • Oh, Classmates dear we • Dear friends a smile, a celebrate Our Gol—den Ju bi lee ha nd clasp, Warm friendships will re - - new -h- 1 1 - — s j: j J —4= Mo- -ments of hap- - py mem - o - ries For all E -ter- ni - t - y An evening that is go - 1 - - den Could be in store for y - ou nr I- . I k L J J . r ' pi -J — Oh Class of Cham� — i. - - ons recall The things that we did best This Gol-den An- ni-----ver-----sary Both Beau- ti - ful and rare The snorts the mu sic and all oth - er tal- ents we poss - essed Was . planned to make more mem - o - -ries for you and me to share We 11 dream of by - gone mo -ments Our hearts will al - ways store far 1 -f” ■ U1 r r J J 1:.J_i The hao - i - ness they bring us is ours for - e - - ver more As of May, 1931 AGAWAM CLASS OF 1931 Page 1. Miss Catherine Ashe 7 North Main St Barnegat, New Jersey 08005 Alice Balboni Zavarella 1702 Main St Agawam, Mass. 01001 Sylvia Bardwell Nelson 1 3 Old Fuller Rd Ext. Chicopee Falls, Mass. Miss Pearl Bean 120 Sandy Hill Rd. Westfield, Mass. 01085 Mildred Bitgood Haff 9105 both St., No. Pinellas Park, Florida 33565 Miss Florence Bradford 285 Anita Drive Pasadena, California 91100 Hilda Briggs Riley Scotland Road Winchester, New Hampshire 03b70 Dorothy Bryce Mack 127 School St. Springfield, Mass. 01105 Louise Caruso Moreno 19 Anthony St. Agawam, Mass. 01001 Beatrice Casanova Flower 238 Maple St. Agawam, Mas s. 01001 Rockwell Cascella 328 Kings Highway West Springfield, Mass. 01089 Julia Chriscola Crawford 1135 Suffield St. Agawam, Mass. 01001 Joseph Chagnon 358 Maple St. East Longneadow, Mass. 01028 Natale Cirillo 1118 Main St. Agawam, Mass. 01001 Alma Colson Boynton East Road Richmond, Mass. 0125b Amy Cote Surprenant 60 Terry Road West Springfield, Mass. 01089 Miss Nellie Davis 52 North St. Agawam, Ma3s. 01001 Marilyn Donaldson Livermore 35 Chapin St. Ludlow, Mass. 01056 Verda Fitzgerald Burke c o Josephine Luccardi Sutton Place, Agawam,Mass. 01001 Irene Govoni Smith 9b25 Blind Pass Rd. 3306 Constellation St. Petersburg, Florida 33706 Dorothy Hastings Martin h5 School St., Agawam, Mass. 01001 Orpha Hastings Blaisdell b!9 Marston Court Eau Claire, Wisconsin 5b701 Miss Sylvia Hunter Horse Shoe Farm Ridgefield, Conn. 06877 Ethel Jenks Towne P. 0. Box 153, Brightwood Station Springfield, Mass. 01107 Eleanor Johnson Kozan 20b0 East 35th St. Tuscon, Arizona 85713 Elva Johnson Tourtellotte P. 0. Box 128b3 East Las Vegas, Nevada 89112 Esther Johnson Gibson 2770 So. Garden Drive Apt. 112 Lake Worth, Florida 33b60 Florence Johnson Shaw 165 Seventh St., Rte. b Bonita Springs, Florida 33923 CLASS OF 1931 - Continued Page 2. As of May, 1931 Gordon H, Johnson Weston, Vermont Miss Phyllis Jones llhli3 Goggins Dr Sun City, Arizona 85351 Charles Marsh 2310 Cass St. Sarasota, Florida 33531 Stanley Matteson Ii86 Parker St Manchester, Conn. 060h0 Virginia McVeigh Splettstoeszer 221 Lowery lane Newington, Conn 06111 Louise Meyer Soule 55 Kono Circle Molokai Motor Court Leesburg, Florida 3271 8 Frances Montagna Fagnani 33 Wilson St. Agawam, Mass. 01001 Vera Merrill Barkman 30 Fenway No. Milford, Conn. 6036 Marv 0 Connor Murphy lli2 West Silver St. Westfield, Mass. 01035 Chester Filch Enfield (Hazardville Sta.) Conn.06032 Francis Pilch 12 Moody Rd. Enfield (Hazardville Sta.) Conn. n6082 Edith Pisano Michaud 3U Norris St. Feeding Hills, Mass. 01030 Miss Emma Ricci 25 Prospect St. Agawam, Mass. 01001 Leonard Rising 9h? Shoemaker Lane Feeding Hills, Mass. 01030 Harold Roos 3 State St. Westfield, Mass. 01085 Adrienne Roy Daly and Clarence Daly 12 River St., Agawam, Mass. 01001 Alma Smith Caffy Rm. 19, Williams Health Care Facility Glenridge Drive Augusta, Maine 0b330 Dorothy Smith Fomaseri 633 Herring Ave. West Covina, California 91790 Thelma Smith Bourgeois 25 Powell Ave. Springfield, Mass. 01118 Catherine Statkum Curtis 8507 Lynwood Place Chevy Chase, Maryland 20015 Bion T. Wheeler, Jr. I Oak Ridge Dr. Wilbraham, Mass. 01095 Lorraine Wilson Walker 21 Pomeroy St. Agawam, Mass. 01001 Marion Wilson Paro l?5l River Road Agawam, Mass. 01001 Mr. Kenneth Wright bl03 Wexford Dr. Kensington, Maryland 20795 Franklin Brockett 69 No. Main St. East Granby, Conn. 06026 Earl Fay Henry Madden Frances Figiel Florence Cowles Carroll John Roos Helen Casanova Bassi Mae Novelli McGowan Julius Thormeyer Alfred I vesque James Wright Arthur Ruffo Members of the Class who are deceased are: 50TH CLASS REUNION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Edith Pisano Michaud MASTER OF CEREMONIES Harold R003 ADDRESS Bion T. Wheeler, Jr. CORRESPONDENCE Louise Caruso Moreno PUBLICITY Frances Montagna Fagnani GUESTS Lorraine Wilson Walker BOOKLET Edith Michaud Pisano and Louise Caruso Moreno Mciek 4 1 i i liose Were the Days By PENNY FILOSI Republican Staff It was 1931 — the year of the Great Depression, Prohibition and the graduation of 65 seniors called the “Class of Champions” in Agawam High School. Their graduating date may not have been consider- ed part of a year of opportunity to go on to further education or a good job. Money was scarce. Liquor was taboo. But the tightly knit group was full of spirit. There was so much spirit in the Cla-s of 31 that now, 45 years later, class representatives expect about 35 persons to attend the 45th class reunion to be held Oct. 2 at the Colosseum Banquet House in West Springfield. “We’ve been having a reunion every five years since our 15th class reunion.” said Mrs. Louise A. (Caruso) Moreno of 19 Anthony St., Agawam. “They’ve been very well attended considering the length of time (since graduation),” she said. “We got out of school right in the heart of the De- pression. Not too many could go to college in those days, there was probably just a handful (that went). “There were very few jobs available. Many of them had to take odd jobs on farms, but those that did go to college did very well,” Mrs. Moreno said about the achievements of her classmates. She recited a list of names and the status of the former Agawam High School seniors after 45 years. Bion T. Wheeler, is the financial secretary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. The Pilch brothers, Chester and Francis, sold the Pilch Chicken Farm in Hazardvilie, which did “excep- tionally well for years, and went into organic farming, which also is doing “exceptionally well,” Mrs. Moreno said. Harold Roos, who was president of the class, was associated for years with Howard Johnson’s and is now managing his own restaurant in Holyoke. Charles Marsh recently retired from his employ- ment with a rubber company. He had been stationed in South America. The women, who were pre-liberation, fared as well. According to Mrs. Moreno, Irene Gavoni is a bac- teriologist in a hospital in Maryland. Phyllis Jones is a nursing supervisor in a Hartford, Conn., hospital. Edith Pisano was an accountant in Springfield and Louise Mev rs was a supervisor for a telephone company. In 1931, Agawam was noted for its award-winning high school football team, basketball team, orchestra and commercial typists who won several national awards. “We were called the Class of Champions,” Mrs. Moreno said. Classmates attended games for a small fee. Money was not easily available. The seniors also attended class picnics and dances. “We didn’t have cars to run around in. And there was no such thing as drinking or dope either,” Mrs. Moreno said. If some classmates did drink beer it was 3.2 per cent. Dress code was different from today’s casual jeans- and-shirts unisex uniforms. Boys wore suits, shirts and ties. Some wore sweat- ers instead of suit jackets. Their hair was cut short. Girls wore their hair short but few in the class had the latest-style permanent waves. Permanents had just been developed and were expensive. Girls also always wore stockings. They were not al- lowed to wear socks because if they did part of their legs would be bare, according to Mrs. Frances (Montag- na) Fagnani, 33 Wilson St., Agawam, who also was a member of the class. “I can remember the superintendent sending his own daughter home because she came to school in socks. You didn’t show your legs in school,” she said. The class sweethearts married. Teachersspent long hours after school working with students, talking to them, listening to their dreams, giv- ing them extra attention. About 50 persons attended the reunion in 1971. That number included classmates and their spouses. This year Mrs. Moreno expects about 35. “I guess some of them have passed away and many of them are in Florida retired or in some parts of the country we can’t contact,” she said. Any member of the class who has not been contact- ed or knows the address of any classmate should con- tact Mrs. Harry (Cote) Sunrenant. 60 Terry Road. West Spriopfiold Mrs S' ron- j ; ♦� ..� nppn'-i' rh- ■ ■••• f - Y