Bolivar Central School - Gusher Yearbook (Bolivar, NY)

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 Log of B. C. S. With the opening of Bolivar Central School on September 2, 1930 came the dawn of a new era of school life in Bolivar. Rather timorously we adventured on that day across the threshold of the fine new school into the unknown recesses beyond. There a scene of richness met our enquiring eyes, a richness which we must approach cautiously. Like a bursting bomb did this startling change come into the lives of the pupils. We had been uprooted from the old, smooth, worn course and were beginning again. We saw new faces intermingled with the old. There were new customs'to assimilate with those of the old regime. Everything was so turbulent, so novel that it was delightfully pleasant. This turbulence lasted and held us for many weeks. However, order and system were restored and the new school began its new existence. Naturally with the increased size and importance of our school would come the formation of many new organizations and activities to interest the pupils. September 2—Registration Day—Our old gang is back with all enthusiasm. September 3- We all try adjusting ourselves to a new kind of life. It’s rather amusing. Why can't we be always jolly like this? October—This month heralds the formation of B. C. S.'s most important and influential organization. The first new organization was the Student Council. The twelve members, selected from all the classes, were elected by their fellow students and form the legislative department of our school. Several wise laws were made under its reign, and all its actions were just. October 7 This day marked the dedication of our school, and was one of the season's most significant events. Those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the excellent program arranged by Principal Whitford. The orchestra, hastily organized by Mr.U. Clavelli, was surely good. At the close of the program the presentation of the keys of B. C. S. was made by Carl C. Ade, the architect, and A. L. Shaner, president of the Board, to Principal Whitford. Bolivar High School’s first dramatic club was organized during October. At the first meeting called an astounding number of pupils was present. The members seemed eager to begin their new work. Evidently the previous lack of anything of this nature had left the pupils with a longing for such a club. At the initial meetings the many phases of dramatics were outlined and extensive plans for the year were made. Without a doubt the Dramatic Guild was a priceless asset to the B. C. S. October 17—On this day was organized the Boy's Glee Club. This novel band, the first of its kind in Bolivar, was certainly helpful in effecting harmony within the school. Its twenty members, yodelers all, enjoyed their weekly meets to learn a few new tunes. The members assisted in several assembly programs. All in all it was a big sensation.” This month also sees the beginning of the band and orchestra. An evident lack of stringed instruments hindered the rapid advance of the latter organization. However, the former, the B. C. S. Band, is the jewel in the crown of our school. It is the center, the nucleus, of school life, and an organization to he much esteemed. The members aided in all the assembly programs, being invaluable and indispensable then. On May 1, arrayed in the new uniforms, forty members represented Bolivar at the Musical Festival at Fredoma and came home with first honors for their class. October 10—The first of its kind to be organized, the Varsity “B” Club, hasshownrapid progress. In the first meeting the duties and purpose of the organization were outlined. It was to act as supreme and omnipotent authority” on all athletic disputes and questions. Reviewing their work during the term, we feel that they have surely formed a solid, praiseworthy base on which, in future years when the present members have long since left B. C. S., the organization will rest secure, to grow, forever, in power and size. November 20—B. C. S. is given a taste of concert music. This day, long anticipated, marked the arrival of the famed U. S. Army Band, scheduled to appear at the high school auditorium. This nationally renowned musical organization, under the leadership of Captain Stannard, was a spectacu-

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cue lar feature in Bolivar and fitting event to herald the opening of the new school. On the day of their arrival, ye lord of unrest exercised his potent rule over the non-resisting pupils, who found a Herculean task in applying themselves to school work while celebrities wandered, unrestrained, through the corridors. In order that every student might attend such a brilliant event a matinee was arranged. A literal sea of people from near and far swept over B. C. S. all that day. Before its close the ushers, appointed by the Council, had a much aggrandized viewpoint on the duties of such an office besides a much fuller capacity for commiseration with those afflicted with any lameness. The program was immensely enjoyed by the audience, especially when, in a whistling selection, they themselves were allowed to take part. On the same day the familiar film of the U. S. A. Band members, our school board, and local 'Barrymores’’ was taken. To the delight of the students this bit of drama was shown on several occasions. At the evening concert the crowds were less dense and more brilliant, composed chiefly of adults. The entire day had been successful, especially financially. It had been the secret fear of the Council and Board, who discussed the event at great length for several evenings, that in the present state of financial depression in the oil fields, the anticipated amount would not be gained. However, as if to animate those former morbid suppositions, the next day brought the astounding news of a $313.25 profit, which was the means of purchasing many new instruments for the high school band. Naturally, so unparalleled a success could not pass without celebration so on the next day a holiday was decreed. Thus did we join in the Bacchic festivities. On that day requiescat in pace would have been an utter impossibility. The entire student body assembled for outdoor exercises. The hectic parade is a vivid memory. The cars, led by Mr. A. L. Shaner, and loaded with riotous revelers, paraded the main thoroughfares. The school band participated, playing several marches, and rending the atmosphere by the too familiar tunes of the old school bell which had been carefully conveyed from the museum. Such days as these shall be always historical. March 4- B. C. S. goes musical club. “The Harmony Box, an original entertainment conceived and directed by Miss Tallman, brought us vistas of a sparkling evening. To the audience it was a brilliant show; to those acting, it was a lot of fun, especially the rehearsals. April 14- This was the day on which we all became incorrigible radio fans. But then, who would not sacrifice the ambiguous joy of work for thirty minutes, in anticipation of hearing their schoolmates, Beatrice Tyler, Edith Gregson, and Lucille Jones, otherwise known as the Bolivar Trio, broadcast, as they did from station WBEN in Buffalo? We can still hear the vivid echoes of their exquisite harmony, bidding us “Bye, Bye Blues. April 20- Mr. Gleason gave us a glimpse of the past in the operetta, “Down South in Dixie. It was an admirable presentation, and B. C. S. will thereby always favor Stephen Collins Foster, the composer of the songs. April 30 Bolivar was shown what genuine dramatics were when the Senior Class presented “The Whole Town's Talking,” a comedy of great merit, which incidentally proved to be one of the most successful plays put on in Bolivar. On game .part- Let! day a- ming. May 4th, the Seniors left for Wellsville where in the Nordin studio, they - . in the art of posing, the occasion being the taking of Senior photographs. The e Oasis gaVb them all a thrill. It was all they had expected, and much more. „ upon them on that night, lal contestants displayed vocal powers on this Wednesday evening in the oratorical r ... After listening to the six girls and six boys deliver their fine addresses, we all agreed that luncey Depew could not possibly be termed a speaker. The prizes, furnished by the board of education, were awarded Clarence Schaffner, John Dougherty, Richard Commons, Hazel Clarke, Henrietta Paul, and Alice Newton. To further personal honors and the renown of his school, Clarence Schaffner won first prize in the Alfred oratorical contest on May 7, 1931. A brilliant future for the speaking field is undoubtedly assured. [15 1