Benjamin Franklin High School - Electron Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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LBHKING BAEKWABD Little did we think as we left school for our summer vacation in June, 1950, that our country would become embroiled in another war. Such was the case, however. Upon returning to classes in September we were greatly con- cerned not only about our own fates, but the fates of the many graduates who we knew had enlisted. Before many weeks had elapsed, we were reading casualty lists published in the newspapers containing the names of F ranklin graduates. Already we have had more than our share of those who spilled blood for their country. To sound a more cheerful note-we had many things for which to be thankful. Many students in the graduating class were participating in athletics and other school activities. Our football team, under the excellent coaching of Mr. BeloE, showed marked improvement over the previous year. The 1950 squad was the most spirited, aggressive and determined group of players Frank- lin has seen in many years. We missed the play-offs by the scantiest of margins. Herbie Fisher and James Jenkins were so outstanding they made the All-Public High Team. Bill Yancey, a tower of strength in the backfield, received Hon- arable Mention. Every member of the team showed fine spirit and courage. On and OH the field these fellows were ttregular guys. On Dec. 12, 13, and 14, 1950, hAmerica Sings, a musical production staged almost exclusively by F ranklinites, under the direction of Mr. Fox, was presented to responsive and enthusiastic audiences. The performance of our students was truly superb. It was the first time in the history of Ben Franklin that a show of this type was given. Mr. Fox, his faculty assistants, the cast and every one who worked hard to make Franklin's first musical a rousing success, may well be proud of their work.

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ELASS PULL Most popular ...................................... WILLIAM PEACOCK Most active in school a.gairs ........................... GEORGE HARRIS Best dancer .......................................... EDWARD BROWN Shows best school spirit ................................ FRED BLYTHER Quietest .............................................. LESTER BARRON Loudest .............................................. WILLIAM CHASE Sleepiest ............................................ NORMAN NELSON Best loafer ............................................ WILLIAM CHASE Most probable bachelor .................................. ROBERT CARR Most likely to succeed .................................... ERNEST DAVIS Best athlete ........................................... LEON WHITLEY Most talkative ...................................... RICHARD BENTON Most studious .......................................... ROBERT GLASS Best dressed ............................................... WILL DAVIS Best politician ........................................... JOHN MOORE Most handsome ....................................... GEORGE HARRIS Who thinks he is most handsome ..................... ROBERT JOHNSON W ittiest ............................................ RAYBURN WRIGHT Best lover .................................................. WILL DAVIS Best cutter .......................................... ROBERT J OHNSON Who is out to lick the world ........................ WILLIAM PEACOCK F avorite school study .......................................... ENGLISH Most disliked study ............................................... MATH Favorite teacherLsJ ...... MR. HAMILTON, MR. ROSENBERG, MR. WEISS Most desirable companion on a desert isle ....................... MY GIRL

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Our own Bill Cody, an outstanding academic student and President of the StudentAssociation, brought fame and glory to F ranklin by winning the city- wide llI Speak for Democracyll contest in which representatives from all the Public and Parochial High Schools competed. By winning this contest, Bill not only won for himself a four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsyl- vania but also won for the school a handsome radio-television set. In passing, we must mention Mr. Rosenberg, popular and capable English teacher, who coached Bill. On Jan. 19, 1950, four Heet-footed Blue and Gold spike and shoe men competed in the Annual Inquirer Track Meet held in Convention Hall. They were Ruben Adkins, Wardlaw Hall, James Jenkins and Otis Johnson. F ranklin was once again put in the limelight when these speed merchants established a new record for the four-lap relay. For the second consecutive year our basketball team participated in the playoffs. Bob Gainey and John Chaney were unanimous choices for the All- Public High team. Leon Whitley, Moses Rice, Bob Black, and Freddie Blyther comprised the other starters. Loyal followers of the squad will long remember those exciting basketball games, especially the championship play-olfs. Our assemblies, led by genial Mr. Allen, continued to be of high calibre and were the scene of many spirited pep-rallies. Versatile Mr. Hamilton spread enthusiasm and spirit among the student body with his original cheers and songs. To the faculty and Dr. Horowitz, we wish to say good-bye and good luck. We sincerely hope we will profit by our experiences at Franklin. 2 I