Atkinson High School - Tiger Yearbook (Atkinson, IL)

Text from Pages 1 - 112 of the 1956 volume:

Dedication 1 . JOHN HAWORTH We, the Senior Class of Atkinson Community High School, wish to dedicate our annual to our sponsor and coach, Mr. Haworth—In appreciation for his help and Interest, both In our school work and activities. On August 29, approximately 105 students enrolled In Atkinson Unit High School. All the teachers returned except Miss Johnson, In the English Department, and Hiss Snlvely and Mrs. Nolan replaced Miss Johnson. Claes officers were elected during the first week, and a new student council was formed. Hie sophomores Immediately got to work on the initiation party for the Preshmen. The football season will always be remembered by the Seniors as l.t was their last football season In high school. Eddie Schul-melster and Ann Marie VanOpdorp reigned over the annual homecoming. November brought about the annual play, the Cornbelt Career Day, held here at Atkinson, and a Concert with Annawan's and our band combined was given for the first time. The next big thing to happen was Christmas vacation. Everyone was glad to see it oome. The Christmas party and play helped us start our vacation Just right. The annual carnival was an exciting night with the king and queen race being very close. Hie Juniors won with a lead of four dollars over the Seniors. Approximately three hundred dollars worth of votes were cast. Wie basketball season was next to follow. Hie season ended very exciting, we almost won the District Tournament. Buda beat us by only two points. In April the Olrl's Chorus attended the Corn Belt Chorus Pestlval, and the Band Pestlval was held here this year. The annual Chilli supper sponsored by the PPA proved to be fun and filling. At the Athletic banquet ■any new aeabers were added to the Varsity Club. Sone of the songs we heard the students singing throughout the year were Unohalned Melody , ■Story Untold , Love Is a Many Spendored Thing , 'Autumn Leaves , Standing on the Corner and Bock Around the Clock which brought In the Bock and Boll craze. The senior play, Annie Qet Your Gun, was enjoyed by everyone. May also brought along the annual Junior-Senior Prom. We the senior class hope this annual will bring enjoyment and many happy memories to the reader now and In the future WILLIAM SEARS WILLIAM FREDDY LESTER BUYSSE EARL NOARD EUGENE VAN OPDORP The men above comprise the first seven men board elected after the newly organized Unit. William Sears, President of the board and William Freddy, Secretary of the board. The five other members of the board are Lester Buysse, John Longeville, Elmer Mapes, Earl Noard and Eugene Van Opdorp. These men meet regularly on the first Monday of every month and at numerous other times as necessary. They are civic minded enough to devote a large portion of their valuable time to the training and guidance of teen-age youth. Another of their responsible Jobs is hiring competent faculty members. We wish to extent to them our appreciation for the wonderful work that they have, as a board, done for us. J JOHN P. NOLAN HOWARD D. ALLISON BETTY JEAN BUYSSE Supt. Agriculture Commerce Vocal Music BETH COOK Science Olrl's P.E. ORVILLE HARKEY JOHN HAWORTH WALTER KUEBLER Mathematics Social Science Band Coach DOROTHY NOLAN English JUNE POWELL Home Economics BLYTHE SNIVELY English Librarian BARBARA SNIDER Office Secretary BUS DRIVERS Raymond Sierens, Percy Decker, Louis Van Opdorp, Otis Bickers, Evelyn Bickers, and Rex Verbeckmoes Eva Burgess and Elsie Yinnaert CLASS OF 1956 MOTTO: Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm FLOWER: White Rose COLORS: Hunter Green White SONG: Moments to Remember SENIOR CLASS AND BIRTHDATES Ruthann Hoogerwerf January 11 Ed Schulmeister January 15 Robert Van Opdorp January 16 Peter Boelens February 9 Roberta Carton February 11 James Ver Straete February 11 Betsy Nowers March lU Ron Manthe April 7 Joanie De Geeter April 15 Pat Baele June 11 David Noard June 16 Marjorie Railing June 21 Jack Van StecheLman June 23 Richard Me Kibbon July 12 Virginia Mart July 22 Vem Moens September 12 Roger Mapes September 16 Ann Van Opdorp October 2 Marlene Buysse October 18 Stanley Causemaker December 18 Maribeth Smith December 23 Patricia Marie Baele (Pat) F.H.A. 1-2-3-4 Q.A.A. 1-2-3-4 Homecoming 4 Student Council 1-2-3 Chorus 1-2-3-4 Band 1-2 Plays 1-2-3-4 Annual Staff 4 Peter J. Boelens (Pete) Class President 3 Football 3-4 Basketball 2-3-4 Track 2-3-4 F.F.A 2-3-4 Varsity Club 2-3-4 Sweetheart Dance 4 Carnival 2 Science Club 4 Student Council 4 Play 3-4 Annual Staff 4 Marlene Marie Buysse (Marlene) Class Secretary-Treasurer 2 F.H.A. 1-2-3-4 Q.A.A. 1-2-3-4 Cheerleader 2 Homecoming 2-3 Queen Carnival 1 Librarian 3 Chorus 1-2-3-4 Band 1-2-3-4 Play 1-3-4 Annual Staff 4 Roberta Ann Carton (Babe) F.H.A. 1-2-3-4 0.A.A. 1-2-3-4 Carnival 2 Librarian 3 Chorus 1-2-3-4 Band 1-2-3-4 Play 1-3-4 Annual Staff 4 Stanley P. Causemaker (Toot) Football 2-3-4 Basketball 1-2-3-4 Track 1-2-3-4 F.F.A. 1-2-3-4 Varsity Club 2-3-4 Homecoming 4 Band 1 Play 1-3-4 Annual Staff 4 Joan Marie De fleeter (Joanle) F.H.A. 1-2-3-4 Q.A.A. 1-2-3-4 Chorus 1-2-3-4 Sextet 2 Band 1-2-3-4 Play 3-4 Annual Staff 4 Richard P. Gentry (Century) Football 3-4 F.F.A. 4 Play 3-4 Annual Staff 4 Ruth Ann Hoogerwerf (Sam) Class Secretary 3 F. H.A. 1-2-3-4 G. A.A. 1-2-3-4 Sweetheart Dance Science Club 4 Student Council 4 Chorus 1-2-3-4 Sextet 2-3-4 Band 1-2 Plays 1-2-3-4 Annual Staff 3-4 3-4 Queen Ronald G. Manthe (George) Class Secretary-Treasurer 1 Class Vice President 3 Football 1-3-4 Basketball 1-2-3-4 Track 1-2-3-4 F.F.A. 1-2-3-4 Varsity Club 3-4 Homecoming 4 Sweetheart Dance 4 King Carnival 3 King Librarian 3 Chorus 1 Band 1 Play 1-3-4 Annual Staff 4 Roger F. Mapes (Rog) Football 2-3-4 Basketball 2-3-4 Baseball 3-4 Track 2 F.F.A. 2-3-4 Varsity Club 2-3-4 Homecoming 4 Librarian 3 Play 3-4 Annual Staff 4 Virginia Rose Mart (Glnny) Class Secretary 4 Carnival 3 Queen Chorus 1-2-3-4 Play 3-4 Annual Staff 4 Richard L. McKibbon (Dick) Class Vice President 2 Football 1-2-3-4 Basketball 1-2-3-4 Track 1-2-3-4 F.F.A. 1-2-3-4 Varsity Club 2-3-4 Homecoming 4 Sweetheart Dance 3-4 Science Club 4 Chorus 1 Band 1 Play 1-2-3-4 Annual Staff 4 Class President 4 Football 1-2-3-4 Track 1-2-3 F.F.A. 1-2-3-4 Varsity Club 1-2-3-4 Homecoming 3-4 Play 1-4 Annual Staff 4 Vernon R. Moens (Burr) Elizabeth Ann Nowers (Betsy) Class Vice President 1 Class Treasurer 4 F. H.A. 1-2-3-4 G. A.A. 1-2-3-4 Cheerleader 2-3 Sweetheart Dance 4 Chorus 1-2-3-4 Band 1-2 Play 1-2-3-4 Annual Staff 4 Football 1 Basketball Track 1-2-F.F.A. 1-2 Varsity Cl' David E. Noard (Dave) Marjorie Ann Reiling (Marge) Class Treasurer 3 P.H.A. 1-2-3-4 O.A.A. 1-2-3-4 Carnival 4 Chorus 1-2-3-4 Sextet 2-3-4 Band 1-2 Play 1-2-3-4 Annual Staff 4 Edward 0. Schulmeister (Eddie) Class President 1-4 Football 1-2-3-4 Basketball 1-2-3-4 Track 1-2-3-4 F.F.A. 1-2-3-4 Varsity Club 1-2-3-4 Homecoming 3-4 King Sweetheart Dance 3 Student Council 4 Chorus 1 Band 1-2 Play 1-2-3-4 Annual Staff 4 Maribeth Ann Smith (Bethie) F. H.A. 2-3-4 G. A.A. 3-4 Science Club 4 Chorus 3-4 Play 3-4 Annual Staff 4 Robert E. Van Opdorp (Bob) Football 1 Basketball 1-2-3 Track 1-2 F.F.A. 1 Varsity Club 1-2-3-4 Carnival 4 Science Club 4 Librarian 3-4 Chorus 1 Band 1-2-3-4 Play 3-4 Annual Staff 4 Ann Marie Van Opdorp (Pooch) F.H.A. 1-2-3-4 Q.A.A. 1-2-3-4 Cheerleader 3 Homecoming 1-4 Queen Sweetheart Dance 3-4 Science Club 4 Chorus 1-2-3-4 Band 1-2 Play 1-2-3-4 Annual Staff 4 John H. Van Stechelman (Jack) Football 3-4 Basketball 2-3-4 Track 2-4 F.F.A. 2-3-4 Varsity Club 2-3-4 Sweetheart Dance 3 Student Council 3 Play 3-4 Annual Staff 4 James B. Ver Straete (Jim) Class President 2 Football 1 Carnival 1 Science Club 4 Student Council 4 Librarian 3 Chorus 1 Band 1-2-3-4 Play 1-2-3-4 Annual Staff 3-4 John Haworth (Coach) Class Sponsor for you—two for me It S°? BABE This rocking chair Is driving me crazy. TOOT Wish this was a football. JOAN Nobody likes me, everybody hates me. SAM ROG GEORGE GINNY Wonder what my nickname will be. And lf x•m elected I'm klnda cute, ain't I? If he touches me I'll cry. DICK VERN DAVE i Ohl My feet.' No speaka 'de English. BETSY Gee! What cute ' ill he notice me. dimpled knees. MARGE BETHIE Oh! You flatters you. Bored, Eddie? Mm-m-m boy, this new diet bread. POOCH I thought I'd die. BOB Yeh, I hate spinach. JACK Get away from me little girl. JIM Abandoned on a back step. SENIOR CLASS HISTORY FRESHMAN YEAR In the August of 1952, 25 new students entered Atkinson High School as freshmen. During the next week the sophomores invited us to our initiation. It included a wiener roast and rides to the country. Our activities included a hayrack ride. We co-sponsored a Sadie Hawkins Dance, and gave the Christmas play “The Trees.’ Marlene Buysse and Jim Ver Straete were our carnival candidates, and Ann Van Opdorp represented us at the Homecoming. We had boys representing us in football, basketball, and track. During the second semester we gained Virginia Mart. Coach Haworth was our sponsor. SOPHOMORE YEAR With an enrollment of 4 new members Pete Boelens, Jack Van Stechelman, Roger Mapes, and Shirley Geosling, our sophomore class was the largest in school. Our class was at its height with 29 members. Through the year we lost Sharon Shaw, Shirley Geosling, and Art and Marietta Coppejans, which left us again with 25. We generously applied lipstick and mercurochrome to the freshmen for initiation. We were all happy to attend the roller skating party given to us by the freshmen. The class hero was Pete, for he tore the beanie off the greased pole. This entitled the freshmen to wear the beanie from December to the last of February. Since the junior class was small Ann Marie had a small part in the play and some of us helped with the sound effects and lighting. We decorated for the GAA Halloween Hop. The sophomores raised their funds by selling more magazines than any other class. We also raised our funds by selling candy at the carnival, and raffling off a large stuffed tiger at the District Tournament. Three sophomore girls belonged to the ensemble, two were cheerleaders, twelve class members were in band, and five held offices in other organizations. Six boys were on the football team and nine on the basketball team. Officers elected were: President, Jim; Vice-President, Richard; Secretary-Treasurer, Marlene; Student Council Representative, Pat. Mr. Harkey was the class adviser. JUNIOR YEAR We call ourselves the jolly juniors. The highest number in our class was reached this year when twenty-seven of us enrolled. Although Kenlyn Verschoore had left the class to become Mrs. Ray Gentry, Maribeth Smith, Norma Hecks, and Gretta Abbott joined us. The juniors were active in many activities and organizations and well represented in sports. We were happy to have Marlene from our class as Homecoming queen. Ruth Ann served as president of the F. H. A„ and Marjorie was G. A. A. president. We sold food at the basketball and football games. Our carnival royalty received over $100.00 in votes to become king and queen of the 1955 Carnival. Ronnie and Virginia reigned. We gave our junior play in the fall. “Girl Crazy was the name. The biggest event of the year to us was the junior-senior prom. Our theme was “Oriental Gardens. The center of our decorations was the hugh tree in the middle of the gym hung with colored Japanese lanterns. A bamboo screen decorated with pink flowers served as a backdrop for the orchestra. Picket fences, boxed in flowers in one side of the gym and the garden cafe at the other where punch and cake were served by the freshmen. Favors of nutcups with Oriental parasols were presented to the guests. To enter the dance floor, guests crossed a small wooden bridge banked with flowers and placed over a small pool complete with gold fish. Japanese fans and a false ceiling of hugh swaths of dark blue crepe paper printed with silver stars completed the decorations. Miss Cook was the junior class sponsor. SENIOR YEAR At the beginning of this year we had an enrollment of 23. During the year we lost Barbara Johnson and Richard Gentry. Our class officers elected were Vern, President; Eddie, Vice-President; Betsy, Treasurer; Virginia, Secretary; and Ann, Historian. Ruth Ann and Marjorie were elected presidents of F. H. A. andG. A. A. Several other girls and boys held other offices in organizations. We had boys representing us in basketball, football, track, and baseball. During the year we worked hard to finance our trip to Washington and New York. We made our money from the Senior Play, “Annie Get Your Gun, District Tournament, Carnival, bake sales, and farm sales. Ann and Eddie reigned at the 1955 (Senior) Homecoming. Vernie, Rich, Pat, Ronnie, Kathryn, Stanley, Karen, Roger, and Judy were homecoming attendants. Ruth Ann and Ronnie reigned at the Sweetheart Dance, and Bob and Marjorie were first attendants at the Carnival. Betsy, Ann, Karen, Barbara, Rich, Dave, Pete, and Frannie served as attendants of the Sweetheart Dance. Every spare minute we found was used to publish our annual. The Hawaiian Theme was chosen by the Junior class for the Junior-Senior Prom, leis, palm trees, and balloons were used as decorations. We thank Coach Haworth for being our sponsor, and the faculty for all their help and patience with us. We will always remember it. 1. Making posters 2. Surprised B.J? 3. When we were sophmores 4. Senior farm sale 5. Not really Jim? 11. Which plane are you taking? 6. Does it pain you? 7. I smell zee feet 12. Labor Day Picnic 13. When we were freshmen 8. We know it's you Babe 9. Glnny gets her ring 14. Smile Sam 15. I have him by the ear 10. Naughty Lady of Shady Lane THE PROPHECY One bright autumn day in September in the year 1972, I got to wondering about my old home town and school. The more I thought about it the more I wanted to see some of the old faces once again. So I laid aside my work, ran out the back door, got into my plane and headed for Atkinson. The first place I stopped was at the old High School long forsaken for a new one. Leaving my plane I entered the building and went to study hall. That’s as far as I got. While I was there I picked up the big YEAR book and started leafing through it. Now this is a book of famous and interesting people and who do you suppose I found there but all of the 1956 graduates. The first person in the news was Betsy Nowers. It was election year and Betsy had just become the first woman President. Her motto was “Enjoy Life With Elizabeth.’’ Now we never called her Elizabeth but I suppose her nickname seemed a little to discreet for her party boss. Another person in Politics was Virginia Mart. This surprised me somewhat because in school Ginney was never one for making speeches, but it is said that she made a speech to the Woman’s Clubs of America that compared to Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. She was immediately elected president of the club. On the next page were all the famous people in the Sciences. It is said that Stanley Causemaker had discovered a solution equal to that of the fountain of youth and that he and one of his old buddies, Ronnie Manthe had taken an over dose, which had taken them back to their high school days. They were once again, having a grand time getting into mischief and pulling practical jokes on people as they used to. Now Ronnie is engaged in finding a formula that will return them to normal. Maribeth Smith, who always wanted to be a nurse, made her goal. She is head nurse at Mayo Brothers Clinic. She received this position mostly by hard work, but of course the first aid practice in Home Economics helped along. Plus being a busy nurse Beth has discovered a cure for cancer. Very good Beth. Under the heading, “Science in Forestry’’ who did I find but Eddie Schulmeister. It seems that Eddie found a chemical that makes trees grow faster. It’s called Eddie’s Energetic Eager Beaver Grower. The next section was Fine Arts and whose picture was on the first page of the section but Marjorie Reiling. It seems that .Margie is wowing them in the Metropolitan Opera House with her arrangement of Summertime.” Porgy and Bess never had it so good. She works for a salary of $999,900,000.00 a year. Droodling in classes turned out very good for Jim VerStraete. Jim is now president of United Artist’s Guild, due to the fact that one of the Guild members found one of his school droodles and presented it to the Club. It’s theme was “Three mice in a beer can.” As a side line he designs women’s clothes, the modern type after nature. They say he’s going to be a second Christian Dior. Who should show up in the entertainment section but Vern Moens. Seems Vern got the award for wittiest Comedian of the year. Now that doesn’t surprise me at all. He always was the guy to keep a party going anyway. Another person in this field was Dave Noard. He is called a second Rudolph Valentino. Did this ever astound me. As I remembered Dave, he was never too crazy about the girls. They always say time changes all things. Maybe the time for Dave was his Senior year. Marlene Buysse was voted Miss Cover Girl of 1971. This is natural because Marlene always was so neat. She’s now making a tour of the world, but she says she's going to settle down to a peaceful home life when she gets back. The first person I saw in the sports field was Roberta Carton. Baseball was a favorite of hers but it seems she’s made sports of all kinds her career. She’s known as well as Babe Zaharias. The First Babe has passed away. She met our Babe just before she died and said that now she could sleep in peace knowing that another girl so athletic was following in her footsteps. Roger Mapes is pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. It's sand that he’s finally gained control over his temper. Which is a very good sign because he used to show his temper when he played with the 4-H teams, a long time ago. He’s set all kinas of records, but the one that he’s most proud of is tying Walter Johnson’s record and bettering it with a years win of thirty-three games. THE PROPHECY The next page turned proved to be much to my sorrow, the disasters of the year. The first thing I saw was Jack VanStechelman and Pete Boelens. It seems these two age old buddies had formed a partnership and taken over Rochefellow’s Standard Oil Trust Company. One week they decided to take a little vacation from their responsibilities and go on a hunting trip. While there, Pete accidentally shot Jack and in a sudden panic he shot himself in despair. It was indeed a great tragedy. Due to Jack and Pete’s death. Standard Oil Company had no President so their will was read. It seems they willed their enterprise to an old classmate of theirs, Joan DeGeeter. Now Joan is head of the Company. The first woman to hold this position. Maybe she won’t hold this position long, it’s been heard that she’s interested in a certain Pitcher. Now a person that surprised me very much was Ruth Ann Hoogerwerf. As I remembered Sam she was always a fun loving, talkative, friendly person. But I read in the YEAR that she had received the award for being “Most Cool Reserved Person.” I think I like Sam the way she was. By the way Sam and Joanie were the only two who haven’t married as yet and it looks as though Sam will soon be alone. The last section was labeled miscellaneous points of interest. Who should I find here but Pat Baele. Pat was a long time ago elected the person with the most personality. Today she’s living up to her name “Personality Plus Pat.” Among her many other accomplishments she is now acting Ambassador of good will to every country in the world. The Tibetians fell in love with her and she had a hard time leaving the country. Richard McKibbon’s picturewas in herewith one of his famous “McKibbon Bros. Hampshire Hogs.” He had one of his old shirts like he used to wear to school for advertising. Seems that Harry, (That’s the Pig’s name) won the title of “Harry, the Heaviest Hog of Henry County.” Richie was the only person to stay in the old home town. A person that made big headlines was Ann VanOpdorp. Ann was the first woman to fly a rocket ship, and she wasn’t satisfied with just this. She set a new world record by flying around the world in just two hours. That’s mighty fast flying. Bob VanOpdorp always liked food so well. Now he should be happy he’s chief chef in the famous New Yorker Hotel. Now instead of Coffee House serving just ordinary food it’s worldly famous for its Belgium foods. One of Bob’s specialities is Bob’s baetter brun broot. Translated it is Bob’s better brown bread. Another is his Baalked keeken, (baked chicken). Lorraine DeRoo 1. Come on In, Its safe 2. Snakes are fun 3. Pat, you look goofy I know It 5. Peek-a-boo 6. Jack, you're always eatln' 7. Makln' posters 8. Are you Inside or outside 9. Guess who 10. In the good ol' summer time 11. Caught In the act 12. Noon-hour fun 13. Oh no-not the seniors lU. Bomance Is everywhere 15. Blp Van Winkle Three Mus-keetera. Do you know what Marge did? What'll you have? Come on Bob, get up. Ho-hum should've stayed home last night. That ol' gang of mine. Smile pretty. Duh-I don't beleive It. New Year's Eve Party. Not one, but two. Tig's little helper. Mr. Peepers. A couple of round heads. CLASS WILL We, the senior class of 1956, here assembled on the eve of May 25, 1956, being of sound mind do hereby bequeath the following: I, Patricia Baele, leave my dancing ability and friendly disposition to Jerry VanOpdorp in order that he may always get along with everyone as well as I. I, Peter Boelens, leave my pencil thin figure and ability to run in a girl’s gym suit to Wayne Olson so he may lead next year’s girl’s tumbling class. I, Marlene Buysse, leave my shorthand ability to Barbara VerStraete. You will find it comes in handy when you have to jot notes in a hurry. I, Roberta Carton, leave my knack of keeping a bottle of shoe polish at school to Pat Wirth. It proves to be just the thing when you just about miss the bus to school in the morning. 1, Stanley Causemaker, leave my basketball shooting ability to John Monroe in order that he may be a dead shot at A.H.S. next year. I, John DeGeeter, leave to Connie Pacquer my gum chewing ability to excel all gum chewers in A.H.S. I, Richard Gentry, leave my truck driving ability to Ray Grypp. To Joe Sherbeyn, my sneaky ways in class to stay-out of trouble and make as few trips to the office as I. I, Ruthann (Sam) Hoogerwerf, leave my ability to argue a better grade from the teachers to Roger Hoburg. I, Ronald Manthe, leave my flirtatious manner with girls to Leon DeDecker as an aid when his shyness overcomes him. I, Roger Mapes, leave my baseball ability to Frances Schaefer to help guide him in advancing to a Big League Team in the very near future. I, Virginia Mart, leave my quiet disposition and ability to stay out of trouble to Marie Vander-snick. I, Richard McKibbon, leave my lengthy explanations and ways to tell tall tales to Charles Williams. This may help him in writing his books of endless meanings. I, Vernon Moens, leave my position as captain of the Tiger football team to Gordie Croegaert. To Laurel Neilieb my great sense of humor to relieve all dull moments in A.H.S. I, David Noard, bequeath my size to Gerald Roman in hopes that he may fit in my football suit next year. I also leave my ways to tease girls without getting them too mad. I, Elizabeth Nowers, leave to Linda De Causemaker my P.E. Locker. She may find it handier to open one instead of two lockers everyday. Whatever you do, don’t forget to lock it. I, Marjorie Reiling, bequeath my height to Bob Franks. I feel that with a little of my height he may be able to see over the steering wheel of his new Lincoln. I, Eddie Schulmeister, leave my running ability to Lucille Sherbeyn. She may then be able to take a fast lead off after setting off her dynamite blasts near Spring Creek. I, Maribeth Smith to Donnie Lain, bequeath my long flashy eyelashes to flirt with all the new freshmen girls next fall. I, Ann VanOpdorp, leave my congenial manner of speaking my piece and adding my 2 to the conversation to Judy DeReu. I, Robert VanOpdorp, leave my blonde wavy hair to Karen Franks in order that she won’t have to spend nights setting her locks. I, Jack VanStechelman, leave my shiny new Chevrolet to Glenn Hajek. It may be just the thing to take a long trip to the next town. I, James VerStraete, leave my horned rimmed spectacles to Lorraine DeRoo. I hope you will be'more capable of seeing the blackboard in class better next year, Lorrie. Signed: Jimmy Mouseketeer Twinkle Toes Captain Kangaroo Roger Koburg President Lorraine DeRoo Vice President Marie Vanuersnick Secretary Lucille Sherbeyn Treasurer Linda BeCausemaker Leon DeDecker Judy DeReu Bob Franks Karen Franks Glen Hajek Donnie Lain John Monroe Laurel Neulie'o Wayne Olson Connie Fac ror Cerala Roman Francis Schaefer Joe Sherbeyn Jerry VanOpdorp Barbara VerStraete Charles Williams Pat Wirth Absent from picture: Gordon Croe aer Junior Crypp Junior Class Junior Ilislorv On August 29� 195b� our home room opened with 26 members in the class, ana Miss 3eth Cook as our sponsor. A short time later Ronnie DeDecker dropped out to attena school in Annawan, and on October IP, Connie Buysse dropped out to become the bride of James Sleaford. Election of officers was held and the following were elected: President: Roger Hoburg Vice President: Karen Franks Secretary: Marie Vandersnick Treasurer: Lucille Sherbeyn Members of the class who are represented in student council are: Lorraine DeRoo, Lucille Sherbeyn, Barbara VerStraete, and Roger Hoburg. The first big event of the year was winning top honors in the magazine contest, thanks to a lot of soliciting. On November 19 our class play, Hill Billy Weddin' was held. Our director was Miss 31ythe Snlvely. Every member in the class took part and I’m sure we all enjoyed very much putting it on. November 30, we celebrated our play as a success by going on a class party; roller-skating in Princeton. January 21;, being the carnival, our class also came out on top. Linda Causemaker and Jerry Van Opdorp were crowned king and queen of the annual carnival. Every girl in the class belongs to O.A.A.; F.H.A.; and Chorus and two girls are in the Girls Sextet; Marie Vandersnick and Connie Pacquer. With the orom and our planner all-nite affair we haJ a big and exciting year. After the dance at the prom, a show was taken in and a breakfast served by the Grange mothers at the Grange Hall. I am sure every member of the class will remember with fond memories our year as Juniors at Atkinson High. Herby Vandersnlck President Dick Haars Vice President Mary Ann McKlbbon Sec-Treas Pat Bickers Fred Blake Martha Brleser Marlbeth Buysse Rita Carton John Cauwels Charles Claeys Sherman Jones Dixie Locke Jackie Mart Diane Mapes Kathryn Nowers Sharon Nickerson Dale Roman Mary Margaret Sears Vernon Sherbeyn Carol Simon Sharon Swanson Judy Vandersnlck Sharon Vandersnlck Lynn Van Opdorp Jerry VanRle Duane Van Vooren Mary Jo VerKruyse Linda Wancket Jerry Wancket Sandy Williams c In. Sophomore Class Sop ho mo re History The 1955-56 Sophomore class started to Atkinson __ of August 29. 1955. There were 30 boJ. a Sl fJ Lwer £T£?i call. Our olaa. sponsor was Mrs. Bob„rt Powfll. Everyone llke.™£ have parties, and we are no exception to the rule. InOctober. we all went swimming at the Y. M. C. A. In Kewanee. Afterwards a movie and lunch at Brackens was enjoyed by all. In March, a roller skating party was held In Princeton followed by a lunch. The ohaperones for the evening were Mrs. Powell and Miss Cook. To pay for all of this fun we have had to work too. The Sophomore class had a candy sale during noon hour. Also a bake sale was held in the Drug Store In Atkinson. Tuesday, October 4, 1955. 1,38 8 pretty nervous day for a few members of our class. This was tfte day for the driver-training test to be given. Much to the surprise of us all, we all passed. During the year, we also chose an attendant to represent our class at the annual Homecoming which took place in the fall of 1955. Also we chose two carnival attendants In the early spring. Another method of obtaining money during the year was to have a candy stand at the Carnival. Joe Boelens President Jim VanStechelman Vice President Sharon Sears Secretary-Treasurer Carol Appleman Jerry Brutche Pat De Crane Ronnie Doubler Keith Gentry ■ rr- Eric Hagberg Robert Harris Ronald Hoburg Myma Little Jackie Lund Jack Minnaert Duane Newlon Kenny Powell Jeanne Schopp Kenny Vandersnick Judy VanDeWoestyne Sandra VanOpdorp Freshmen ft Steve Welvert Jim Wirth Class Jim • ✓ -— — -- In the August of 1955 25 new students entered Atkinson High School as freshman. During the next week we had an initiation party given by the sophomores. We had to dress in funny clothes and give a program for the rest of the students. Our activities included two bake sales and a candy stand at the carnival. We gave a Christmas play Christmas at Casey's at the Christmas program. Sharon Sears and Robert Harris were our carnival candidates. Judy .ande.oestyne represented our class at the Homecoming. We had boys representing us in football, basketball, track, and aseball. A number of the girls belonged to F.H.A., GAA, Chorus, and and. Judy VandeWoestyne, Robert Harris, and Jim VanStechelman were on Student council. Our class officers were: President Joe Boelens, ice President Jim VanStechelman, and Secretary-treasurer Sharon Sears, -uring the end of the first semester we lost one class member Karcine Hollis Hr. Harkey was our class sponsor. From left to right front row: Eddie Schulmeister; Lorraine De Roo; Jim Ver Straete; Ruth Ann Hoogerwerf; Peter Boelens; John F. Nolan, Advisor. Back row: Judy Van De Woestyne; Pat Bickers; Jim Van Stechelman; Joe Boelens; Gordon Crogart; Roger Hoburg; Lucille Sherbeyn; Linda Wanket; Herb Vandersnick. Student Council A new student Council was formed this year under the sponsorship of John F. Nolan, Principal. A general election was held In which the members of the student council were elected. Officers elected were as follows: Jim Ver Straete....................... President Lorraine De Roo....................Vice-President Ruth Ann Hoogerwerf...........Secretary-Treasurer Activities for the Student Council included the following: attendance at the Fall Combelt Student Council meeting at Sherrard, sponsored the Homecoming Dance, and host to the Spring Combelt Student Council Meeting at Atkinson. At the April meeting of the Student Council Herb Vandersnick and iAidlle Sherbeyn were elected as hold-over members for next year to head up the new student council. Ann Van Opdorp, Jim VerStraete, Maribeth Smith, Second row; Miss Cook, Mr. Harky, Robert Van Opdorp, Pete Boelens, Roger Hoburg, Charles Williams, Ruth Ann Hoogerverf, Fred Blake, Science Club The beginning of the new school year brought forth a new club at ACHS. Hie purpose of this new club is to promote greater understanding and Interest in science. The club received a state charter and formed its own constitution. Hie members chose The Active Atoms Of Atkinson as a name for their new club. The officers elected for the year were as follows: Richard McKibbon--------President Jim VerStraete—Vice-President and Reporter Ann Van Opdorp------Secretary and Treasurer Each member was required to complete and exhibit a project of his own Interest at the County Science Fair which was held at Cambridge. The club also visited WHBF TV station in Rock Island on one of its felld trips. Mr. Harkey and Miss Cook were the clubs sponsors. Bottom row: Herby Vandersnick, Jerry Van Rie, John Monroe, Kenny Vandersnick, Bob Franks, Duane Newlon, Vernie Sherbeyn, and Lynn Vanopdorp; Second row: Stanley Causemaker, Roger Manes, Duane Van Vooren, Wtyne Olson, Dick Hears, John Cauwels, Jim Van Stechelman, Bob Harris, and Ron Manthe; Third row: Jim Wirth, Jerry Brutche, Joe Boelens, Oerald Roman, Eric Hagberg, Leon De Decker, Glen Hajek, Ronnie Doubler, and Francis Schaefer: Fourth row; Mr. Allison, Jerry Van-ordorp. Jack Van Stechelman, Gordie Crogaret, David Noard, Richard McKibbon, Pete Boelens, Eddie Schulmeister, Jerry Wancket, Dale Roman, Joe Sherbeyn, and Sherman Jones. The FFA Chapter of Atkinson High School is the local organization of boys that are studying vocational agriculture. The fall of 1955. thirty-nine members met and elected the following officers. President Ron Manthe; vice president Vern Moens; Secretary Jack Van Stechelman; Treasurer Gordie Croegaret; and Sentinel Jerry Wancket; Mr. Allison is the advisor. .he Chapter held a chili sunper on September 20. We also managed several stands at the carnival The biggest event of the year is the showing of livestock at Cambridge and Geneseo shows. Bottom Row left to right: Sandra VanOpdorp, Sharon Sears, Joanle DeGeeter, Connie Pacquer, Barbara VerStraete, Diane Napes, Pat DeCrane, Second Row: Jackie Lund, Jeanne Schopp, Judy VanDeWoestyne, Myrna Little, Betsy Nowers, Marie Vandersnlok, Ruthann Hoogerwerf, Karen Pranks, Carol Simon, Marlbeth Buysse, Sharon Vandersnlck, Third Row: Mrs, Powell, Carol Appleman, Mary Margaret Sears, Judy Vandersnlck, Lorraine DeRoo, Marlene Buysse, Linda Wancket, Kathryn Nowers, Sandra Williams, Sharon Swanson, Mary Ann McKlbbon, Mary Jo Verkryusse. Fourth Row: Ann VanOpdorp, Linda DeCausemaker, Judy DeReu, Roberta Carton, Sharon Nickerson, Pat Wlrth, Marjorie Helling, Martha Brleser, Marlbeth Smith, Pat Haele, Lucille Sherbyn, Pat Blokers, and Rita Carton. The beginning of the school In the fall of 1956, brought another year to PHA activities. The officers met a week before to plan the years events. They were as follows; August, a. big sister week, to help the freshmen girls to find their way around school and beoome acquainted. September, a committee put up a special bulletin board that looked very nice. October brought our first real big Job, the Halloween Hop oo-sponsored with the GAA. November came around and so did the girls of PHA for a solid week the school was conscious of PHA. In December, gifts were brought In by each girl and sent to the Andover Orphanage. Also In December we put on a Snowflake Frolic, the decorations were very attractive and good times were had by all. January became a month for stamp selling, especially UNESCO stamps. The Sweetheart Dance was the most Important soolal event for PHAers the whole year. The royalty Is taken from the PPA and PHA. This year Heart-throb was Ronnie Manthe and Sweetheart, Ruthann Hoogerwerf. Other attendants were: Barbara VerStraete, Fran Schaefer, Betsy Nowers, Pete Boelens, Karen Pranks, Dave Noard, Rlohard McKlbbon and Ann VanOpdorp. March, No Gripe Week had everybody on their toes for fear of having to wear a No Gripe sign. In May the girls treated their mothers to a night out at a restaurant. The style show and awards night took place at the Hoy FTA meeting. The officers for the year were: Ruthann Hoogerwerf, President} Rita Carton, Vice-President; Pat Bickers, Secretary; Marlbeth Stalth, Treasurer; Karen Franks, Parliamentarian. Program Chairmen, Roberta Carton and Marjorie Railing; Public Relations, Linda Wancket; Points Chairmen, Ann VanOpdorp and Pat Baele. Mrs. June Powell, our sponsor, helped to make a better future for PHA. The offloers could not have done their Jobs without the splendid help they got from the members of the club. lane Mapes, Earbara Ver Straete, Connie Pacquer, Dixie Locke. Second row. Mrs. Buysse, Jackie Lund, Jeanne Schopp, Judy Van De Woestyne, Virginia Mart, Betsy Nowere, Marie Vandersnlck, Ruth Ann Hoogerwerf, Karen Pranks, Carol Simon, Marlbeth Buysse, Sharon Vandersnlck. Third row. Mary Jo Verkrussye, Mary Ann Me Klbbon, Sharon Swanson, Sandy Williams, Kathryn Nowers, Linda Wancket, Marlene Buysse, Lorraln De Roo, Judy Vandersnlck, Mary Margaret Sears, Carol Appleman. Fourth row. Ann Van Opdorp, Linda De Causemaker, Judy De Reu, Roberta Carton, Sharon Nickerson, Pat Wlrth, Marjorie Relllng, Martha Erleser, Marlbeth Smith, Pat Baele, Lucille ShSrbeyn, Pat Elckers, Rita Carton, Jackie Mart. Girls Chorus This year the girls ohorus was comprised of forty-three girls. Mrs. Buysse held tryouts In the fall smd the girls were divided into Sopranos, Seoond Sopranos, and Altos. The ohorus participated in the Combelt Music Festival which was held at Cambridge High School this year, they also sang for Baooalaureate. Mrs. Buysse was our instructor this year and did a very nioe Job. Some of the songs that we sang this year were: Dreamland , Children's Prayer , Jacob's Ladder , Onward Christian Soldiers , and If I loved you . Plotured froa left to right; Carol Simon, Comal® Paoquer, Alto®; Mary Jo Verkruysee, Buthann Hoogerwerf, Second Sopranos; Harjorle Balling, Harle Vandersnlok, Soprano®; Hr®. Buyssa, our sponsor. Sextet Tha 1956 sextet had five of Its last year's Bembers. Tha sixth one seleoted at the beginning of the year was Harle Vandersnlok. Tha sextet has sung for various progress, organizations, and other activities. They represented Atkinson at the Cornbelt Chorus Festival In a speolal number singing Luxeabourg Gardens . They re-oelved second place at the District Huslo Contest where they sang ■The Tear's at the Spring . They also sang the following: 'Indian Love Call , Bless this House , Prayer Perfect ’, and Hoonllght Bay . The various events that they sang at were the Hother-daughter banquet, Graduation, Alumni Banquet, and numerous other aeetlngs. At the Centennial Pageant they will sing 'Stardust , Ava Harla , •Listen to the Hooking Bird , and Jlngle Bells . Their accoapan-laent was played by Betsy Nowers and she did a very nice Job. Straw U tc. Best Liked Girl MARLENE BUYSSE Senior Most Likily To Succeed IIARJORIE REILING Best Liked Boy VERN MOENS Jolliest Junior ROGER HOBURG Host Studious Girl Most Unusual Nickname Cutest Couple Best Sportsmanship Boy r • i Band XTRAi P.XTRA1 Read all about it. Atkinson now has a fifty piece band. The members are from the three schools of Atkinson. The first concert of the combined bands of Annawq and Atkinson was held on alternating weeks at the two towns. Mr. Kuebler and Mr. Vitto led the bands. The band placed third with solo's and first and seconds with ensembles, at the first district contest that the band participated in at Oneida. For the first time the Combelt Band festival was held at Atkinson with four hundred students taking part. Five students attended the National Catholic Band Association Camp at Notre Dame, Indiana. They were; Sharon Nickerson, Mary Margaret Sears, Roberta Carton, Joanie De Geeter, and Robert Van Opdorp. 3oD received the outstanding campers award at camp. The ourpose of the camo was to promote greater rrusiclans among the youth of today. All of the members of the band enjoyed wearing the new uniforms during the past year to-the many events at which we played, such as Foot ball games, Basketball, snd Graduation. Front Row Roger Hoberg, Eddie Schulmeister, Pete Boelens, David Noard, Jack Van Steckelman, Roger Mapes, Stanley Causemaker, Ronnie Manthe, Second Row Herby Vandersnick, Frannle Schaefer, Wayne Olsen, Coach John Haworth, Gordie Crogeart, Richie McKibbon, Jerry Van Opdorp, Donnie Lain. Not present when picture was taken Vern Moens, Bob Van Opdorp. Varsity Club The Varsity Club consisted of boys who have received a varsity letter in any one of the four major sports, football, basketball, track or baseball. In order to receive a varsity letter the boy is required to play 50 per cent of the basketball quarters and to have been on the tournament squad. In football to have played in 12 quarters. Varsity track letters were given to the members of the squad which scored 12 points in a meet or scored a point in the conference meet. Baseball letters were given to 12 players who qualified for varsity play. Activities of the Varsity Club this year included the organization of a field day held in connection with the Homecoming crowning and dance. New members consisted of Roger Hoberg, Frannle Schaefer, Wayne Olsen, Jerry Van Opdorp, Donnie Lain, and Herby Vandersnick. Bottom row left to right: Sharon Vandersnlck, Maribeth Buysse, Carol Simon, Karen Fraijks, Marie Vandersnlck, Betsy Nowers, and Sharon Sears, Second row: Ann Marie Van Opdorp, Diane Mapes, Sandra Williams, Sharon Swanson, Kathryn Nowers, Merna Little, Linda Wancket, Mary Ann McKlbbon, Barbara Ver Straete, Sandra Vpn Opdorp, and Jeanne Schopp. Third row: Ml6s Beth Cook, Marlene Buysse, Huth Ann Hoog'erwerf, Connie Pacquer, Pat DeCrane, Mary Margaret Sears. Rita Carton, Dixie Lock, Judy Vandersnlck, Lorraine DeRoo, Carol Appleman, and Judy Van DeWoestyne. Fourth row: Pat Baele, Pat Bickers, Lucille Sherbeyn, Maribeth Smith, Sharon Nickerson, Pat Worth, Marjorie Helling, Martha Brleser, Jackie Lund, Roberta Carton, Linda De Causemaker, Judy DeReu, Joan De Oeeter, and Mary Joe Verkruysse. A. A. We had kj members In the G.A.A. This year Miss Cook, our sponsor, helped to sit up our point system for State Awards. Cur activities Included the annual Come As You are Breakfast; the Halloween Hop cosponsored by the F.H.A; a Slumber Party (new members were Initiated and officers were Installed, followed by class tournaments which the senior class won;) and the District Basket Shooting Contest. We presented the Carnival Program and some of the members attended Playdays at Wethersfield and Kewanee. We also held after school sport nights and clars tournaments. Pat Worth and Rita Carton were chosen to attend G.A.A. camp at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, from the 10th to the l?th of June. To wind up the years activities, awards and trophies were presented to the girls outstanding In the support of G.A.A.; leadership; sportsmanship; archery; basketball; bowling; deck tennis; softball; track; tumbling; and volleyball. G. G.A.A. OFFICERS (left to right) Barbara Ver Straete—secretary treasurer, Karen Pranks—vice president, Marjorie Relllng— president, Connie Pacquei—parliamentarian SCHOOL CALENDAR 1955-56 August U,$,6 , Combelt Tournament at Sherra Mon. 29-School Starts Wed. Ij-Adult School Ties. 30-Sell Annual Ads IUes. 10-Mineral (There) September Wed. 11-Adult School Mon, 5-Labor Day (No School) Fri. 13-Sherrard (There) Fri. 16-Football Begins Sherrard (There) Ties. 17-Joy (Here)-Grouo Pictures Men, 19-T.B. Test, Magazine Sales begin ft-i. 20-Alwood (There) TUes, 20-Chili SuDper F.F.A. Ties. 2U-Camival Wed. 21-P.T.A.-T.B. Tests checked Wed. 25-Adult School Fri. 30- Alwood (Here) Fri. 27-Canbridge (Here) October Tues. 1-Alwood (Here) Sat. Individual Pictures 28-P.T.A. Bake Sale Wed. 5- So-'homore Swim party Mon. 3O-I4-H Meeting ft-i. 7-Reynolds (There) Ties. 31-Annawan (There) End of frst six weeks February Mon. 10-Cambridge (There) Wed. 1-Adult School Fri. lL-Orion (Here) Fri 3-Revnolds (There) Tues. 18-Faculty A Board Supper Sat. ii-Sweetheart Dance Fri. 21-Winola (There) Tues. 7-Orion (There) Sat, 22-Halloween Hop Wed. 8-Adult School G.A� A. Playday Thur. 9-Mineral (Here) Mon. 2ii-Winola (Here) Fri. 10-Winola (There) Tues. 25-Indian Concert Sat. 11-Soohomore Bake Sale Freshmen Class Party Mon. 13-Adult School Thurs. 27-Bonfire 4 Snake Dance Ties. lii-Sherrard (Here) Fri. 28-Homecoming Sherrard (Here) Assembly Program Sat. 29-G.A.A. Come as you are party Wed. 15-Prophets town (Here) November Thur. 16-Erie (There) Tues. 1-Annawan (There) Fri. 17-Joy (There) Fri. li-Joy (There) 28-29-1-2- District Tournament Sat. 5-Jun:or Hobo Day March Mon. 7-Science Club Meeting Mon. 5-P.T.A. Meeting IUes. 8-Atkinson Annawan Band Thur. 8-Womens Club Style Show Festival (Atkinson) Wed. lL-Athletic Banquet Wed. 9-Ooen House-P.T.A. Thur. 1$-Grade Carnival Fri. 11-Veteran's Day Sat. 17-Science Fair at Cambridge fjon. llt-PuDoets Program Wed. 20-P.T.A. Meeting Tues. 15-Atkinson Annawan Band Fri. 30-Good Friday-No School Festival (Annawan) Wed. 16-Football Banquet lhur. 17-Career Day Fri. 18-Junior Play Mon. 21-Science Meeting Ties. 22-Basketball begins Annawan Wed. 23-Home Ec. Adult School Thur. 2li-Thanksgiving Ties. 29-Sheffield (There) G.A.A. Basketball Aoril Wed, Sat, Tues, (Here) Fri, Wed, Thur, Fri. May li-P.T.A. Dance (Tom Owens) 7-Band Contest (Aledo) 17-Chorus Festival - Cambridge Westerns Band Concert 20-Daddy, Daughter Date Night F.H.A. 25- Fresh,-Soph. Track Meet (Cambridge) 26- Dress Rehearsal 27- Senior Play Wed. 30-Adult School Thur. 3-Standard Oil Assembly Program Junior Class Skating Party Fri. ii-State Music Contest December Sat. 5-Play. Day at Kewanee G.A.A. Fri. 2-Alwood (There) Ties. l5-Combelt Band Festival (Here) Sat. 3-G.A.A. Installation of Officers Wed. 16-P.T.A. Meeting Mon. 5-Science Club Meeting F.H.A. Awards and Style Show Ties. 6-Cambridge (There) G.A.A. Awards and Letters Wed. 7-Adult School Sun. 20-3accalaureate Fri. 9-Reynolds (Here) Ties. 22-Aluimi Dinner Ties. 13-Orion (Here) Fri. 25-Graduation Wed. lii-Adult School Sun. 27-Seniors Leave on Trip Thur, Fri. Sat, Wed, January Ties. 15- Erie (There) 16- Winola (Here) 17- Snowball Frolic 21-Christmas Program, Vacations Start 3-School Starts Snake Dance On the evening of November twenty-seventh the pupils of the Atkinson High School, the faculty, band students and some of the parents attended our smake dance. The dance began with several lines of people running as fast as their legs could carry them followed by the band and the football players In their cars which had been decorated by the cheerleaders. The line of people proceeded around trees back and forth across the boulevard, and through a couple of buildings. After everyone had gotten uptown we all surrounded the cheer-leaders and the band and everyone Joined In on the school sonr ana cneers When we got back to school the fire was started and speeches were given by the players, cheerleaders and faculty. Everyone showed good school spirit. Field Day On November twenty-eight, school was dismissed after sixth hour. All pupils met In the gym for a short pep meeting which was followed by grand march practice. Events that took place cutslde were relays, a beanie contest, tugs of war, between the freshmen and scphmore girls freshmen and sophmore boys, and Junior-senior girls. A pie eating contest was held for the freshmen boys and girls. Field day was ended by a guinea chase In which most of the school participated. Judy Van De Woestyne Kathryn Nowers Ann Van Opdorp Karen Pranks Pat Baele Roger Mapes Ronnie Manthe Eddie Sehulemeister Stanley Causemaker Rich McKibbon On the 2t th of October the big game took place against Sherrard. Our boys had a lot of spirit and fought for the game which we won. The team and the fans made the homecoming game a big success. At the dance following the game, Ann Van Opdorp and Eddie Schulmeister were crowned Queen and King. Pat Baele senior attendant was escorted by Richard McKibbon who took the place of Vernon Mo-ens who was injured in the game, Karen Pranks Junior attendant was escorted by Stanly Causemaker, Kathryn Nowers soph-more attendant was escorted by Ronnie Manthe, Judy Van De Woystyne freshman attendant was escorted by Roger Mapes. Jack Van Stechelman representing the Varsity Club crowned the King and Queen. The gym was gaily decorated with a huge castle in the corner of white, gold and green. The bleecher railing was decorated with green and white saying Castle of Glory which was our theme. 1. Jerry-Is It the game or the girl? 2. Ain't we cute? 3. I made It U. Yak-Yak-Yak 5. Our trip to Chicago 6. When we were young 7. Bah-Rah-Rah-Rah 8. What's wrong Lucy? 9. I can't stand the suspense 10. Happy Barb? 11. Are you eating or studying? 12. Who killed her? 13. The 3 cheering mouseketeers lit-. Is It that bad girls? Top row left to right: Barbara VerStraete, Charles Williams, Bob Franks, and Roger Hoburg. Second row: Karen Franks, Lorraine DeRoo, Junior Grypp, Francis Schaefer, and Don Lane. Third row: Lucille Sherbyn and Judy DeReu. Bottom row: Linda Causemaker, Pat Wirth, and Marie Vandersnick. Absent for the picture are Leon DeDecker, Gerald Roman, Laurel Neulieb, and Joe Sherbyn. On November 18, 1955, the Junior class presented a three-act comedy, Hillbilly Weddin' . Prompters were Connie Pacquer and Jerry Van Opdorp. Cast Paw Bellsnickle........ Maw Bellsnickle........ Ceelie Bellsnickle.... Aunt Lucy Maxwell...... Dr. Ronald Maxwell.... Juney Lou Bellsnickle. Bonnie May Bellsnickle Chiz Upschlager........ Obey Upschlager........ The Reverend........... Four,.................. Five, and.............. Six Bellsnickle........ Cousin Zeke............ Other Cousins.......... Roger Hoburg Linda Causemaker Marie Vandersnick Lucille Sherbyn Francis Schaefer Barbara VerStraete Lorraine DeRoo Junior Grypp Don Lane Charles Williams Karen Franks Judy DeReu Pat Wirth Bob Franks Leon DeDecker Gerald Roman Laurel Neulieb Joe Sherbyn Seated from left to right are as follows: Jim Wlrth, Jackie Lund, Carol Appleman, Sharon Sears, and Jim VanSteckleman Standing in the same order are: Jerry Brutsche, Duane Newlon, and Bob Harris. Freshmen Play The annual Christmas play was given by the freshmen on December 21, 1955. The play this year was Christmas At Casey's. Stage and properties. Bob Harris and Jerry Brutsche. Cast Mr. Casey..... Mrs. Casey.... Mary Casey.... Kathleen Casey John Casey.... Dennis Casey.. Jim VanSteckleman Jackie Lund Sharon Sears Carol Appleman Jim Wlrth Duane Newlon On January 24th, the twelfth annual carnival was held. A short program was given by the girls physical education classes. The boys, Richard McKlbbon, Roger Hoberg, Pete Boelens, and Jack VanStechelman, helped by being clowns. The program Included tumbling, rope Jumping, and calasentlcs. Marjorie Belling was the announcer and Bob VanOpdorp was In charge of ' f lights 8nd curtains. Eesldes the usual stands this year, there was a milk bottle stand. A c°rd table and four chairs were raffled off as well as five beautiful cakes. The freshman and sophmores sold their candy out very early. The athletic show drew a large crowd. Wrestling matches were held between Dale Roman (the winner) and Joe Bolens; Kenny Powell (the winner) and Jack Mlneart. A tag match was held by Duane VanVooren and Herby Vandersnlck (the winner) and Dick Harrs and Jerry VanRle. The evening was brought to a close by the crowning of the Queen (Linda DeCsusemaker) and King (Jerry VanOpdorp). First attendants were Marjorie Belling and Bob VanOpdorp, seniors. Second attendants were Sharon Sears and 3ob Harrs, freshman. Third attendant were Marlbeth Buysse and Herby Vandersnlck, sophmore. Se-tec °love are left to ri ht: Fred Blake, Jim VerStraete, Pat Eaele, Eetsy Nowers, George Manthe, Dick Harrs, Stanley Causemaker, Roge-- Mapes, and Jack VsnStechelraan. Standing In the same order are: Ann Van Opdorp, Dave Noard, Ruthann Hoogerwerf, Marlene Euvsse, Dick McKlUron, Joan DeGe ter, Fddle Schulmelster, Virginia Mart, Marlteth Smith, Linda Wancket, Marjorie Relllng, Sharon Nickerson, Eob Van Ondorp, Roberta Carton, Dale Roman, and Pete Boelens. The Seniors presented a three-act Broadway comedy, Annie Get Your Gun , on April 27. Some Sophomores assisted In acting and helping off stage. They were; Fred Blake, Dick Haars, Linda Wancket, and Sharon Nickerson. Dale Roman pulled curtains and directed the lighting. The story was of an ambitious girl from the back woods, Annie Oakley, who Is a crack-shot and proves herself better than Frank Butler, a showman. The play was a success on Broadway and seemed so to us, in spite of tornado warnings and all. THE CAST Annie Oakley—little sure shot............ Frank Butler—conceited sharpshooter....... Charlie Davenport—smooth showman......... Chief Sitting Bull—a rich Indian......... Dolly Taet—a young middle-aged woman..... Winnie Taet—Dolly's beautiful daughter.... Jessie................................... Minnie—Annie's little brothers and sisters Little Jake.............................. Mary —two g s Jane Euffalo Bill—a good showman...... Pawnee Bill—Just a showman............... Thomas Luther Cody Keeler—Winnie's Fiance. Little Glrl—who got In the way........... Mrs. Adams—a rich woman.................. Mrs. Porter—another rich woman........... Mrs. Yellow Foot—an Indian............. Mrs. Thunderthud—another Indian........... Mr. Wilson—a hotel owner................. Mack—an easy going cowpoke............... A butler................................. Two Indians........................... ..............Pat Baele ..........Jim VerStraete .............Dave Noard ............Roger Mapes ....Ruth Ann Hoogerwerf .........Marlene Buysse ...........Betsy Nowers .........Roberta Carton .............Ron Manthe Joanle DeGeeter Ann VanOpdorp .....Jack VanStechelman ........Richard McKlbbon .....Eddie Schulmelster ..........Virginia Mart .............Beth Smith .........Margie Re1ling ..........Linda Wancket .......Sharon Nickerson ...........Bob VanOpdorp ...........Pete Boelens .....Stanley Causemaker Dick Haars Fred Blake The annual Junior-senior prom was given by the Junior class on Saturday night, May 15, 1956. The theme of the prom this year was Alpho-Oe . ' he Juniors had hung one thousand ballons for the false celling and these were released right before the last dance. The gym was decorated with a Hawllan theme. The Swlngsters provided the music. They had rented the Geneseo theater for all students and their dates. They also served at the Grange building in the morning. I'm sure a good time was had by all that night. First Row Chucky Claeys, Dume Van Vooren, Jerry Van Rle, Jack Minneart, Kenny Vandersnlck, Joe Boelens, Second Row Coach Haworth, Pete Boelens, Vernle Moens Rich McKibbon, Roger Mapes, David Noard, Eddie Schulmelster, Rich Gentry, Third Row Wayne Olsen, Frannle Schaefer, Stanley Causemaker, Ronnie Manthe, Jack Van Stechelman, Herby Vandersnlck, Dale Roman Not present when picture was taken Laurel Neulieb, Gordie Crogeart, Dick Harris, Jerry Wancket, Donnie Lain, Bob Franks, Roger Claeys, Lynn Van Opdorp ALL STAR TEAM First Team Vem Moens Guard Honorable Mention - Stanley Causemaker Eddie Schulmelster Roger Mapes David Noard Half Back End Center Tackle Sept. 16 Sherrard There 6 0 Sept. 23 Cambridge Here 13 0 Sept. 30 Alwood Here 0 25 Oct. 7 Reynolds There 0 - 6 Oct. 14 Orion Here 0 - 26 Oct. 21 Wlnola There 0 - 6 Oct. 28 Sherrard (Homecoming) Here 33 - 7 Nov. 1 Annawan There 34 - 13 Nov. 4 Joy There 7 2 Fo otball When school begins in the fall, it Isn't only the school term that begins but,a new football season also starts. This season represents hard work, and of course, hard work Is always rewarded. The season Is the beginning of FOOTBALL. The students of Atkinson have always liked football and this year was no exception. Our coaching was left to John Haworth. The first three weeks he was busy preparing us for the first game. We all think he did a good Job too for we beat Sherrard 6-0. The game was won by the Tigers the following week also. Then as the competition grew rougher, our team seemed to lose something. The next four games resulted in defeat. We had a remainder of three games left. These were won with flying colors. The game with Annawan was a new experience. The first half was played according to eight man rules while the second half was played by the laws of eleven man. The Tigers were again victorious. Our roster included 33 men at the start of the season and 25 remained at the close. Among the achievements of the year besides the actual won and lost record was the fine representation of our line on the Combelt All Star Team, Captain Vernon Moens was probably our most experienced line man Vemie completed his fourth year of varsity competition. He was a pillar in our stout defensive patters as well as his ability to open large holes through which our back might run. Vem was our only player to be awarded the All Star first team at a guard position. Vem also achieved second team position on the All Northwestern All Star Team. David Hoard was another key man in our line.Dave has completed his fourth year of football, three of which were spent on onr varsity squad. Dave was one of our bigger players. This gained for him a great deal of respect ana a placement on the All Star second team of the Combelt Conference. He also was awarded honorable mention in the All Northwestern All Stars. Eddie completed four years of foot-ball competition. He was awarded a varsity letter three out of his four years. Eddie's first three years were spent as an end. This year he also played in a backfield position. However, Ed was recognized as a right end on the sec end team of the Cornbelt All Stars. Ed was also awarded the honor of being king of the 55-56 Homecominn:. (Incidently, he was crowned Queen???) In the back field there was a one man power house known as Toot. This guy is really a live-wire. Hi3 drive was responsible for a great deal of our team points. Toot spent his freshman year as manager.But his next years showed quite a change. Toot came up from the smallest boy in our class to one of the biggest. Coach often referred to Toot as fat boy when Toot became exhausted after a rough ordeal. In the defense position of line backer, Toot represented a wall and tackling seemed to be no chore. Ronnie (George) Manthe played foot-ball three years. This past season was his best year. George played to be truly an asset to our team. His speed and ability to shift his stride made- him a halfback that was excep-ionally hard to stop. George played our other line backer. Together with Toot they were a rough pair that helped make a strong defense. One of the taller men on our team was Rich McKlbbon. Archie played in many different places, but probably played more at end than any other position. Archie, lide everybody else, had a little trouble catching a few passes, but his percentage was high enough to place him as one of the top eleven. Among three nev comers in their sophomore year was Roger Mapes. Rog played three years of foot Dali. He was Ineligible to play his first year because he came from a different school. However, Rog made up for it the next twp years. At the beginning of his Junior year Rog swung up to the left guard position and there he remained to fight for the Atkinson Tigers, Rog gave a great deal of lncen-itlve to the players v hlch seemed to make them play all the harder. On defense, he was again in the line fighting to keep his opponet from advancing. Another player that came to Atkinson in his sophomore year was Pete Boelens. At end Pete was .indi spens-able. Some of the passes he caught seemed impossible. Pete played a lot of good football and he can well be proud of his record. On defense he played at end.Pete stopped a good many round end runs at this position. To our ball club, Pete added something besides his playing ability. He was truly a morale lifter. A good laugh could always be had with Pete. The one person who is closer watched and often gets the most criticism is the quarter back. However, we do nothing but praise our quarter back. Jack Van Steckelman has completed two years of varsity football. Jack was considered the brains of the outfit. The plays he called were the plays the team had to execute. Often Jack would be given advice by a player, a phrase often used was Hey Jack, forty-two 'll work. But Jack used his own Judgment and his Judgment proved superior. Laurel Neulelb is a Junior, he has one more season to play this rough and tumble game. Laurel (Orv) was our center. He had to be alert in the huddle and up to the line. He was responsible for the quarter back receiving the ball. Orv did a good Job and a lot will be expected of him in the future. There's a guy on the team by the name of Crog . If you were to ask me what his full name was I doubt if I could answer you. Crog played the right tackle position like a pro. He tackled the opponent more times than carter's got pills'.' On offense you could rely on Crog to do his share and then some. Being a Junior this year gives him one more season to display his ability. Crog will be a top line man next year. Watch this Guy-man he's a real crazy ball playerI Dick Gentry and Fran Schaffer were two ofour back f1eld subs. Dick is a senior. He has completed his second year of varsity ball. Dick (Century) isn't the biggest guy on the team, but he was as rough as anybody twice his size. Burp and Wayne relieved men in the line when necessary. They did a good Job and deserve some of the credit. Being Juniors they'll be in there playing next year. No matter how good a player might be or how many players a team has,their ability is practically useless without the supervision of someone superior. Coach John Haworth was our advisor through the past season. Coach has been the athletic director in Atkinson for the past five years. Out of these five years he has produced many good teams. His second year in Atkinson he produced an undefeated squad. Under coach's directions football really had a meaning. Some of the drills and exercises he thought of seemed impossible to carry out. They often tired the players out but proved to be the best for us. If a player had any ability you could count on coach to make this ability visible. Through his en- deavors Atkinson has produced many good teams. The freshmen, sophomores team was more fortunate they won the four, reserve games that were played. These games give our reserves a satisfactory amount of self confidence and prepares them for next year's varsity. The coach and each player worked hard to make this year's season a successful one. The season is over now, but the events of it still live. Quite often you will run across a group of students, players, or perhaps enev spectators discussing some incident of the years FOOTBALL SEASON. 4P FOOTBALL SEASON'S- END Left to right; Francis Schaefer, Ronnie Manthe, Stanley Causemaker Stechelman, David Noard, Richard McKibbon, Coach Haworth Mlpes DJ Llin 16 Schulmelster' Jerry Wancket, Roger Hoburg Roger Basketball Date Nov. 22 We 69 Annawan (H) They ko 29 60 Sheffield (T) ko Dec. 2 75 Alwood (T) 56 6 39 Cambridge (T) k3 9 62 Reynolds (H) 60 13 5 Orion (H) 70 16 63 Wlnola (H) 72 Jan. 10 69 Mineral (T) 56 13 64 Sherrard (T) 39 17 67 Joy (H) 73 Corn Belt Tournament Jan. 4 52 Sherrard kk 5 34 Cambridge 3? 6 57 Wlnola 65 (3rd Place) Date Jan. 20 We 60 Alwood (H) They 70 27 50 Cambridge (H) 5 31 69 Annawan (T) 49 Feb. 3 61 Reynolds (T) 39 7 37 Orion (T) 67 9 39 Mineral (H) 43 10 66 Wlnola (T) 71 14 69 Sherrard (H) 51 16 59 Erie (T) 72 17 63 Joy (T) 72 District Tournament web. 22 77 Mineral 49 23 5 Tampico 43 2k 39 Buda 41 (2nd Place) First row: Duane Newlon, Kenny Vandersnlok, Jack Mlnneart, Chuck Claeys, and Jerry Van Rle. Second row: Coach John Haworth, Herby Vandersnlck, Dale Homan, Joe Boelens, Duane Van Vooren, and Jerry Wancket. fresh - Soph Basketball Date We They Date We They Nov 22 Annawan (H) Jan 20 60 Alwood (H) 66 29 Sheffield (T) 27 58 Cambridge (H) U? Dec 2 63 Alwood (T) 52 31 U8 Annawan (T) 1 2 6 hi Cambridge (T) 37 Feb 3 9 Reynolds (T) 60 9 51 Reynolds (H) 35 7 51 Orion (T) 69 Dec 13 5 Orion (H) 60 9 53 Mineral (H) 33 16 58 Wlnola (H) 7 10 39 Wlnola (T) 56 Jan 10 7U Mineral (T) U8 1U 66 Sherrard (H) 1 0 13 66 Sherrard (T) 1 0 16 1 0 Erie (T) 1 3 17 62 Joy (H) 39 17 55 Joy (T) 58 Annawan Fresh - Soph Tourney Atkinson Annawan Atkinson Prophetstown Bottom row; Leon DeDecker, Richard McKibbon, Gordon Crogaert, Eddie Sohul-•nelster, Roger Hoburg, Second row; Bonnie Manthe, Stanley Causemaker, Sherman Jones, Top row; Dale Homan, Wayne Olson, Jack VanStechelman, Peter Boelens, Dick Harris, and Herb Vandersnlck. Bottom Bow; John Monroe, Kenny Vandersnlck, Second row; Francis Schaffer, Roger Hoburg, Peter Boelens, Jack VanStechelman, Jerry Wancket, Joe Boelens, Roger Mapes, Top row; Herb Vandersnlck, Jack Mlnneart, Duane VanVooren, Dale Roman, Sherman Jones, Dick Harris Chuck Claeys, and Donnie lane. ' Top left to right: Lorraine De Roo; Barbara Verstraete; Karen Franks; Pat Bickers. Bottom left to right.: Judy Vandersnlck; Marlbeth Buysse; Orol Appleman. FEDERAL - NORTH IOWA GRAIN COMPANY GRAIN-FEED-SEED-SALT COAL - FENCING - POSTS HOG HOUSES ■ FEEDERS ATKINSON - ANNMAN- MINERAL MIDLAND ELECTRIC COAL CORPORATION ATKINSON, ILLINOIS PRODUCING - -WASHED EGG t STOKER COAL TIPPLE AND SALES BIN Ij MILES EAST OF ATKINSON ON ROUTE 6. ATKINSON TRUST - SMNGS BANK Ci ifj latuiatutu Class of 56 State Bank of Annawan good Luck Carmichael’s Mobil Station ATKINSON, ILLINOIS ATKINSON MOTOR CO. ATKINSON, ILL. ELSEY CHEVROLET CO. ATKINSON, ILL. H.G. LARSON DIAMONDS - WATCHES - JEWELRY 308 N. MAIN ST. KEWANEE, ILL. HOOGIE’S SKELLY SERVICE WASHING - GREASING - TIRE REPAIR DIAL 4837 KEWANEE, ILL. STANDARD W C. Nicol, Distributor Schehl's Service Station ATKINSON, ILL. Quality at Reasonable Prices Lager Department Store Mens Jackets - Hanes Underwear Lee Shorts Shirts - Ball Band Shoes Annawan, Illinois VAN OPDORP IMPLEMENTS FARM EQUIPMENT APEX WASHERS e DRYERS CRANE FURNACES ConipdmcnU of MARCEL MARY'S (food d'liencU Tljeet Atkinson, Illinois food Stor cje Lockers HUYS BECKER Atkinson, Illinois DeReus Clothing Shoes Work and Dress Clothing Weather Bird Shoes TONY'S TAVERN ATKINSON, ILL. CLAM'S SUPER 100 SERVICE STATION KEWANEE, ILL RUMLER INSURANCE AGENCY ATKINSON ILL. ARTS TAVERN ATKINSON, ILL. General Hauling « Trucking Leland Hoburg Atkinson, Illinois ComptunenU The Farmers National Bank Geneseo. Illinois Offerle Oil Company Lee, Phillips 66 Distributor s Good-Year Tires Geneseo. III. FARM EQUIPMENT REFRIGERATION GILBERT H. PRITCHARD Geneseo, Illinois Littles Phillips 66 WASHING • - GREASING - -POLISHING GENESEO, ILL. Deluxe Cafe lunch - Dinners Genes eo. MALTS4 SHAKES ICE CREAM MEALS4 LUNCHES CITY CAFE ATKINSON, ILL. Compliments of Ray's Tavern Rav Welvert mgr. IIP LEE LUMBER ca Lumber, Coal1 Millwork c ' Purina Chows Ph. 3366 Geneseo, Illinois HAMER 6VANDERSNICK Livestock Hauling Atkinson, Illinois CITY MEAT MARKET H.W. Tauee Geneseo, Illinois GERMAN'S SALES SERVICE MASSEY HARRIS NEW IDEA FARM EQUIP. Pk-20203 Kewanee, 111. 3 !HOMEMiSst UNION FEDERAL SAVINGS LOAN ASSN 106 N. TREMONT ST. KEWANEE, ILLINOIS HeH OLIVER SERVICE 106-108 N. TREMONT ST. KEWANEE, ILLINOIS Cmq'iatutationA Class of 36 Annav an Hatchery Flank Gupp CORN SHELLING-HAULING Annawan, Illinois m MERLE SCHROEDER FARM EQUIPMENT a APPLIANCES Expert Repair Work ANNAWAN, ILL. Williams' Supermarket Home of Low Prices Kewame e , Illinois Jahn Implement co. Case Farm Machinery Norge Westinghouse Appliances Winkler Stokers Oil Burners Compliments of HEDMAN-ANDERSONeCQ Lumber Building Materials Geneseo, Illinois CENTRAL TRUST6 SAVINGS Geneseo, Illinois LECLUSE MEATS Kewanee, III. SUPERMARKET PRODUCE “We Paij More for Egqs Compliments A P TEA CO. KEmNEE. ILL. HENRY BROS. SHOE STORE Shoes for the Complete Family Kewanee, Illinois Compliments of Dr. Stanly Crieg Optometrist Kewanee Illinois Kewanee Star-Courier Henry Sextstntjf Bureau — Stark Counties Olsons 66 Service Station 724 N. Main St. Phone-2257 Kewanee. Illinois Compliments of BRIGGS Verdick Implement arn - Crafts - Gifts Co. 209 E. 2 St. Phone 4692 - Awawan Kewanee, Illinois Compliment of A.W CARR CPecPiicat Contxart i Hotpoint Appliances-All kinds electrical work Phone 4308 Atk nson. Compliments of £3%e fieZgo Jt uuAance Real Estate 35 fcars ServiceAgeny Era Leans H£. DeRoo. Mgr. Bickers Trucking Service Coal - Sand - General Trucking Atkinson, Illinois CompCimentL of CbmptunenU. o£- TRI- COUNTY GLASS CO. Kewanee Illinois KIRLEYaSONS Arrow ShiktsM'Gregor Sportswear Fashions for Men Kewanee, III. BUNTING OLIVER Jewelers Omega - Elgin t Bulova Watches Kewanee, Illinois M £W Shoes Footwear for the Family Geneseo.III. Walgreen Agency We Supply All Family Needs Geneseo, III.Phr3336 Cbruf'iaiufatiiftvi S6 DeDeckers Hardware Atkinson. Illinois Cwripf rrf ffj ef The Hatch 50 W.6WKewanee Good Luck Sen or s Dairy Queen N. Mam St-Kewanee. Bill Idcicjle Home Appliance ' I P'V.k,, CROSLEY — BENDIX Geneseo in- Geneseo, III . p l°ne 3ipl°ls When in Kewanex Itctdti PIERCES' RESTAURANT 212 W 2 5t Stow KEWA NEE, ILL. kewanee. 5 DePauw Barber CcmpatuCationi HAIRCUTS SHAVES AM. DUREY SHAMPOO - TONIC Jeweler Geneseo. I Hnois 217 N. Main St. - Geneseo, III Best (JU shes BREEDLOVES y X x DR. HAYDtN OLDEN Complete line of toys KEWANEE ILLINOIS Kewane e, Illinois Charles Ruhr SPECIAL AGENT Northwest Mutual Life Insurance Co. Geneseo, Illinois Brooks Motor Co. PONTIAC Sales and Service 401 N. Tremont „„ „ Kewanee, III. Ph.- 3294 Novak JH . ,- 105 N. Main Kewanee, 111. PHONE 4245 K£L grill Annawan,Illinois Phone 101 Brown Hardware GIFTS TOYS APPLIANCES Annawan III. “ Ph. 5302. LEO « RAY’S Zep iyr Service 6 3 N. Maine St. Kewanee, Illinois Ccy iqiatulati rvx 7 OP 56 'S' Steakhouse John1 Maijme Engle Annawan, Illinois Compliments of Lee's Smart Wear The Store of Youth and Fashion Kewanee, Illinois Lesters FeedStop Ful-O-Pep ‘u,d Kent Feeds 307 N. Main St. Kewanee, III. Phone 2319 Jake's Conoco Corner Pleasing Servi Oakwood Main Geneseo. III. BLAKE'S BOOTERy Connies Jacquel ine's Kewanee, Illinois Carp's DepapwentCtoee IhC STORE WHERE YOU CAN DO BETTER Geneseo, Illinois Feed, Concentrates Wire Geneseo, Illinois Phone 3612 a PAIR STm Men and Boys Wear Clothing — Shoes ZZG N. Tremont; Kewanee Phone-Z220 Kcuanee J atcheri O.L McCom cK, Mgr Kewanee. Ill Guzzardo News Stand AND CARD STORE 010$ FannyM J Famous Name Canh Aewanee, Illinois Horseshoe Jbar 1J Atkinson, Ilunois Dr J. S. Myers Geneseo, 111. Geneseo Steak House Geneseo, Illinois Klavohns Furniture Store 6eneseo, Illinois Geneseo, Illinois Congratulations Dr G.WZiniermdn Geneseo, III. Zimmerman's Barber Shop Watch Repair Geneseo Illinois C ri( iatufatiom Dr RW Graham Annawan, 111.