Blume High School - Retrospect Yearbook (Wapakoneta, OH)

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THE TEACHERS and Mr. Beckwith, J. B. Bush Miss Blankenbaker. Miss Frische Miss Noble, Mr. Jones Mrs. Miller. Miss Miller Mr. Rinehart. Miss Postle SOCIAL SCIENCE The Social Science department is under the direction of Mrs. Miller, Mr. Jones and Mr. Hamm. All Seniors are required to take the “History of the American People,” which is the study of the founding and building up of our own country. In connection with this text, they study “Essentials of American Government.” This book deals with the structure of our government and how it operates. Also the “American Observer,” a current event paper, is read and discussed once a week. From this paper they gain a knowledge of the current events of the day. Mrs. Miller also teaches Economics and Social Problems. The study of Economics, which relates to the production. distribution, and consumption of wealth, gives the pupils a knowledge of how to handle money. Social problems, which are much discussed and widely studied, affect us indirectly. This subject deals with the problems of society such as education, crime, and world peace. Mr. Jones instructs the pupils in Geography and Early European History. This type of Geography acquaints you with the formation of the earth. The seasons, tides and various topics that we have wondered about are explained to us. Early European History deals with things that happened as far in the remote past as historians can discover. It takes you through the stages of the development of the European countries and people. This subject is a foundation for all the other history that is studied. Mr. Hamm supervises the teaching of Modern European History. It portrays Europe as it is in more recent years. SCIENCE Mr. Bush, Mr. Idle, Mr. Stultz and Mr. Hamm teach the Freshmen General Science which is a required first year subject. In Chemistry the students learn the use of chemicals by their own experience with them. They work in the commodious laboratories and learn to use a chemist’s tools. MANUAL ARTS The Home Economics department is under the supervision of Miss Frische. The girls are instructed in cooking and sewing that can be adapted to practical use in their lives. A large, well-equipped kitchen is put to the disposal of the pupils. Here the girls are instructed in the art of cooking and preparing meals that are healthful and appetizing. The sewing room contains all the appliances necessary for a seamstress. The pupils are taught how to make clothing for themselves, as well as many things to make the home attractive and comfortable. The boys who take manual arts are taught by Mr. Beckwith and Mr. Hamm. Their rooms are in the basement of the school. Their rooms are furnished with carpenter’s tools of every denomination. Artistic pieces of wooden work are produced here. The upper classmen manufacture beautiful, as well as, useful pieces of furniture that would be a credit to any home. Another section of this department is the auto mechanics. Here the boys gain a useful knowledge of machinery and how it functions. They are also instructed how to build and repair cars and other mechanical devices. This subject is gaining in popularity year by year. Mr. Hamm teaches the boys mechanical drawing. They draw plans for houses and are instructed in the art of printing. Every spring it is an established custom for the manual arts department to stage a demonstration. The work of the boys and girls in this department is on exhibit. COMMERCIAL The complete commercial department, except Business English is under the direction of Mr. Taylor. The course consists of Shorthand. Typewriting, Bookkeeping, and Business English. Business English, which is supervised by Miss Blankenbaker, gives the pupils a broad knowledge of office practice. They are drilled in business letter writing, spelling, conversation, and office etiquette. In Shorthand I the fundamentals of the subject are learned the first Many facts are illustrated by experiments which are both interesting and instructive. Biology is a subject that many find interesting. The pupils taking this study are under the capable instruction of Mr. Bush. They explore nature’s world of flora and fauna. This spring the students searched in the woods for wild flowers and made individual collections. Professor Stultz teaches the upper classmen Physics and Chemistry. In Physics the pupils discover the actions of the elements and the causes of these actions.

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Our Worthy Superintendent Mr. Menschel, our very estimable superintendent, is always ready at our slightest request to lend us a willing and helping hand. We have never had a problem but which, if we asked his advice and cooperation, was responded to with a true spirit of friendship and comradeship. In the few social functions which we enjoyed together we were shown another side of his personality and through this contact we were convinced of his personal attitude toward the students as his fellowmen. We wish to express our gratitude for the faith this friend of ours has placed in us during these four years of close relationship. When the doors of Blume Hi close on the nineteen hundred thirty-three class of Seniors, it will be with deep regret that we bid this willing friend adieu. Our Revered Principal To our beloved principal, Mr. Idle. It is a difficult task to tell of his many good deeds and thoughts toward us, as a class. Each and every one of us feel we know' Mr. Idle as well as our own father. To him we would wend our way when in trouble r.o matter how serious or insignificant it seemed. He took all our personal grievances to heart and with his kind, unselfish spirit always afforded us real consolation. He is a person of untiring patience, due to his personal contact with boys and girls ci every type for the most part of his life. As long as Mr. Idle remains w'here we can have access to his confidential advice, we shall go to him. It is with deep regret that the class of nineteen hundred thirty-three leaves this true friend, but he will be remembered by them throughout their lives.

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DEPARTMENTS of SCHOOL thing. In the second year the pupils strive mostly for speed. In both Typewriting I and II the students strive for speed and accuracy. The pupils work out business letters and papers similar to those used in the modem business office. Bookkeeping I gives the pupil a knowledge of the bookkeeping used in a small business. Corporation bookkeeping is taken up the second year. Practice sets are worked out giving the students experience in working in a firm or business organization. As an added incentive pins are awarded pupils in all three of these courses. Also contests are arranged with the neighboring schools. A state contest is an interesting feature of the year. MATHEMATICS All Freshmen are required to take Algebra which is taught by Miss Noble and Mr. Bush. It is important because it is the basis of all the other mathematics taught in the fob lowing years. Plane Geometry is under the direction of Mr. Jones who is an able instructor in this subject. The pupils work on the contract method giving them ample opportunity for advancement. Solid Geometry and Advanced Algebra are taught by Mr. Idle. Miss Noble has charge of the Busi-less Arithmetic classes. They are giv-jn that instruction that they will need in the business world. LANGUAGE In addition to the study of our own language, the pupils have an opportunity to study Latin and French. Miss Blankenbaker is an accomplished teacher of Latin. The course offers four years of this language. The Freshman class was especially large this year. The work is supplemented by drawings and carvings that stimulate interest. Another thing of interest that has been introduced is the corresponding by pupils in this school with Latin students in other schools. The correspondence is in Latin thus giving the pupils a practical use of their knowledge. We had only one French class this year. This class was taught the second year course by Miss Postle. The French club is of much interest to the pupils. At every meeting two dif- ferent persons act as hostess and host. All conversation is in French. The class is now studying the story, “Colomba,” which is written in French. ENGLISH English is the only subject in the school curriculum that every student is required to take all four years. The pupils are instructed in both grammar and the best literature. Miss Postle has complete charge of the Freshman English. They study the correct usage of the English language, and they are introduced to rather an extensive study of Julius Caesar. The Sophomores are under the instruction of Miss Zeigler and Miss Postle. In addition to their study of language, they are taught the structure of poetry. Their literature study contains the story of Silas Marner, selections of Robert Louis Steveson’s work and other interesting reading matter. The third year English, which is under the supervision of Miss Wilson, studies the American writers exclusively. The work is made more fascinating by the writing of original plays and essays. The writers range from the very earliest to the latest. The work is also composed of studies of non-fiction writers. Miss Zeigler has charge of the Senior English. In this subject stress is laid on the very beginnings of English writings up to the present day. Shakespeare is the writer that is studied most extensively. Also the students study the nineteenth century poets and essayists and read selections written by various men. Another branch of English is Public Speaking which is taught by Miss Wilson. This year is the first time this subject has really come into the limelight. A debating team was organized and drilled by the instructor. At various times during the year the team competed with our neighboring schools. They won high honors which they rightfully deserved. Thev merit much praise for the splendid presentations of their question. PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mr. Steiner. Mr. Stultz Mr. Taylor. Miss Wilson Miss Ziegler. Miss Spiedel Miss Streight. Mr. Stein Mr. Hamm Miss Miller and Miss Wilson teach the girls gymnastics. This year tap dancing, park ball, marching tactics. ar.d tennis were taught. Mr. Hamm instructs the boys in this course. The boys were taught exercises, tumbling, volley ball and how to do acrobatic stunts on the bars. MUSIC—Mr. Steiner is in charge of this department. He has under instruction the band, orchestra and mixed chorus. These have entered different contests throughout the school year.