Booker T Washington High School - Cornellian Yearbook (Atlanta, GA)

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Page Thirteen Two Decades of Progress Booker T. Washington High School is twenty years old this year. Three members of the original faculty which was a pillar of strength in establishing the first public high school for Negroes in Atlanta reminiscence about the good old days”: To those teachers who have made up the 'assembly line’ at Booker T. Washington High School since 1924, the date 1944 I am sure startles them. For, in their imagination, there appears before their eyes this sign: 'Two Decades of Progress.’ Evidently, these teachers have not depended upon the ‘trial and error’ methods of teaching. In these years, their many experiences have taught them to study, analyze, invite suggestions and offer recommendations in dealing with their unusual problems.” —Susie M. Cunningham September 5, 1924 was a great day for the youth of Atlanta. It was on this day that the Booker T. Washington High School, destined to be the largest of its kind, opened its doors. As this was the first public high school in Atlanta for the education of Negroes, hundreds witnessed the opening. Many of them were grown men and women far past the ages for students in high school, but previous to this time, they had had no opportunity to obtain an education above the eighth grade (except in private institutions and they were eager and anxious to attend a high school). So great was the crowd and rush that day that (I am told) many fainted in the struggle to get registered. Since there was such a great need for a public high school in the city, no effort was made to bar anyone who wished to attend. . . . Soon the building was overflowing and relief was sought by erecting a few frame buildings or portables’ in the back yard. Naturally such a crowd of people of all ages and types coming together created a problem of discipline. An interesting incident illustrating the ability of the instructors to rise to any occasion presents itself here. . . . The school was quite young, and a very learned professor, though quite short of stature, was 'holding down’ a room overcrowded with youngsters. They were so mischievous that the instructor couldn’t take any more. So he removed his coat, grabbed one of the boys and began to administer a whipping when the door opened and the Assistant Superintendent of Atlanta Schools walked in. The professor explained—unabashed—that he could not teach and maintain discipline too; so he was keeping discipline. Our cafeteria is a portable building; yet as primitive days of B.T.W.H.S. knew no lunch room or cafeteria, provisions for eating had to be made otherwise. So, on nice sunshiny days, the food was placed on long tables in the back yard with a teacher and a group of students in charge of the selling. On rainy days, the children enjoyed indoor recess after their fourth hour classes and food was carted around from room to room in huge boxes. Our first principal, Prof. C. I- Harper, was the heart of the school. He was a practical visionary and was noted for promoting various activities. The presentation of an outstanding artist each year was one of his most highly praised projects. Some of the best artists of the race including Marian Anderson, Lillian Evanti, Abbi Mitchell. Etta Motcn and The Southcrnaires have been presented. The second most outstanding project was the annual Honor Trip to places of interest such as Chicago and New York. Students who maintained an average of ‘B‘ and above could make the trip. A book describing the life of the institution could be written. A few paragraphs can treat highlights only. Washington I ligh School has always advanced forward and is continuing to move on.” —Rosa C. I.aiimir 3

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Page Twelve -r-r T -1 I “T £ i1 v i i «r § CoY2 el 1 I layy I ool Box Mr. C N. Glider” Cornell . . Lee me ,hink it over.” please 1 rU° Up t0 lkc f°urtk °°r and take this message. Mrs. V. M. Akridge . . . Freedom of what?” Miss G. V. Arnold . . - Now, Ice’s get down to business.” Coach L C. Baker . . . P raps as far as you arc concerned . . .” Mr. M. J. Papa Beavers ... I like that.” . lrs. O. B. Brown . . P'ck UP the paper please! My room must be kept clean. «cLLCaJ! • c rc's a little boy down the street who will.” • r h. Shh. Be quiet! . 'Good afternoon, girls.” As soon as I call the roll, we have a great proposition to Miss S. G. Bradley . . Mr. J. Q. Caruthers Mrs. P. J. Coggins . Mr. V. F. Crawl . . tackle.” ones Miss S. M. Cunningham . . . Wrong stcp! . . . Tur„ 3rounJ 3nd go „p thc right Mr' r',E'.»rf ' ••.■nWC 11 T’, 0 '11 have o be more specific. Mr. S. L. Whistling Davis . . . All right, girls '• ' Mrs. Elsie Foster Evans . . . If you j0n. ... ®. . , , . , . v r-u i ..y- ■ • “• . ont ,lkc »t do the next best thing. Mr. Charles Cubic Centimeter Gaines i i . ,, m1;: Jc l A ,,vc' v, r L., ' C°?k ' ’ ‘ hfi Chief! How’s your mother? Fine, Fine! Mr D P r p0') Vi ”r-P °n U ‘ngt 1 send you home for good.” v P G°I,guUlV ’ 0ur cigarettes, l y.” Miss E M ITU nC S You a °W| n Studicd 'h r work last night?” MU I ( Ln ‘ I f11 fic-but mentally unbalanced.” V ,L‘ ±rn • »vJ identical thing.” Clt, cnsll,P ,s what counts with me.” ros°o why everyone shouldn’t make an ’A’.” ..c ' 0n la hing. I wouldn’t pass you to save your life. See me twenry Ar,., aftCr hooh” ' .J, . r,« t- 'ut y0Ur mouths up.” rhisis wartime you know.” T '°U.r trouhlc. You leave your minds at home. • Hey, Sugar. How’s your mother?” ° right back where you came from.’ Miss L. T. Jones Mr. L. H. King . . . Miss R. C. Latimer . . Mr. E. T. Lewis - . • Mr. L. H. Martin . . Miss J. F. Mason . . Mrs. M. L. Middleton Mrs. R. C. Modiste . Miss I. G. Johnson . i, • ) vu v. iiiit: i i if111 Mr. j. N. Montgomery . . . Lai, summer, whcn | „as in Nev York Dr. X. L. Neal . • • Mrs. L. M. Moreland Mr. H. S. Powell . . Mr. J. B. Prather . . Mrs. A. Hatcher . . Miss L. C. Reeves . Mrs. I.. I). Shivery . Mr. B. S. Burch . . . Mr. F. W. Sullivan . Mrs. V. G. Taylor . . Miss Z. A. Thomas . away. w • 1 was m i cw lorn . . . I unt! touch tile girls, then you touch them.’ ’ ;.n lNow takc Slass of soda water.” • Boy, g,t out of that car.” ’., Gu up an 8't out.” . Stop dat gigglin’. . You can take that or go home.” ’. ’ , nun ' scc w at I mean? Raise your hand.’ -VC iS “ rrk in hcrc ® R« mark.” ’ °fk’ ork! There is no rest until June 2nd.’ . I don t see what you come to school for.” . . It doesn’t matter with mc a’tall.” Mr. I . (Osmosis) Thorpe . . . Ladies and gentlemen: Put all your paraphernalia Compiled by Doi.okhs Roiuxson an l Ci i Fowl i.i

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Page Fourteen Twenty years! Twenty years! Yes, but it seems as yesterday when Hayes, Childs, Peters, Buchanan, Saxton and Owens started weaving the strong sinews of Washington High School. The School has a personality that is of the essence of the souls of those who served in it. . . . When I think of Charles Bonner, Julia Stanfield, Charles Gaines, Almcta Hill and many more who were students here and the contributions which they are making it is imperative that I deal in personalities. Two decades ago, we came upon these grounds, a strong and stalwart band. Many years have passed since then and many of them have passed beyond the IVY WALL. Mrs. Peters was a cultured, gentle woman, as fragrant in personality as a lily and her gracious greeting is remembered by all. She was the first head of the Home Economics Department. Mrs. Hayes, a lovely character, gave us the model home where our girls practiced domestic arts. She was a devout Christian and her motto was 'Carry your Sunday School lessons along with your secular work.’ Mr. Saxton, a minister of the gospel, a scholar of the classic type, appreciated gardening and taught his boys to share this love of the soil. We remember his growing plants in the school room as he lectured. Many of our gardens were started from plants given to us by him. . . . Mr. Childs was a unique personality. His benigan smile showed the joy of seeing beauty in nature. He first beautified our campus and one of the finest rose beds anywhere was on the site of our cafeteria. The annual rose shows instituted by him were classic. His interest in biology was such that many students were inspired to bring their own animal and plant specimens. . . . Miss Buchanan, exact, scientific, conscientious, bore a tender heart concealed beneath a calm exterior. Few knew how many pupils received financial aid from her or how physical pain was endured while lingering after school to ground boys and girls firmly in mathematics. Requirements had to be fulfilled; there was no getting by! 'Mr. Owens came as a young man, worked for a brief spell and passed, all too soon. His quiet reserve would melt the most frigid and bitter. Twenty years! Don’t you remember, Atlanta, the magnificent fashion revues staged by Miss Lucy Reeves at the City Auditorium?—the big active Hi-Y Clubs sponsored by Mr. Cornell?—the monument and stadium drives seen to successful conclusions by Mr. Harper?—the research spirit in chemistry shown by Mr. Holliday? We have come a long way since the 'Washingtonian was founded and essay writing grew from a small to a large, varied program. From bare walls, no books, pianos, or full-time music teachers grew 'Washington! O Washington!’ My own contributions were made here, and I am proud to say that I think that I made some. Recognition has borne that out. . .. Twenty more years? We have produced noble men and women who arc making contributions everywhere as far as land and sea extend . . . they will carry on. —Mrs. I.. D. Shivery Alma Washington! O Washington! Thy name shall be our guide, For learning, fame, renown and gain, Our gratitude abides. As long as God’s eternal love Shall hold their portals wide, l or God and man in every land. We’ll live for Washington. Washington! O Washington! Thy name shall never die; Our hearts are thine, thy fame shall shine, O’er earth and sea ansi sky. Thy halls shall echo memories. Thy precepts reign sublime; Where’er we roam, where’er our home, We’ll live for Washington. Dear Alma Mater keep our hearts In dear old Washington, band of loving schoolmates, we Will live for Washington. Mater “Vincit que sc vincit,” The lesson thou hast taught; We trust the future may perfect, The work thy hands have wrought. Washington! O Washington! March on to victory. For honor bright ‘gainst wrong for right, Spread learning everywhere; Truth Purity, thy white and blue. With banner held unfurled; Great deeds we’ll dare; Do each his share. We’ll die for Washington. CHORUS Washington! O Washington! Thy name shall be our guide; lor God and man in every land, We’ll live for Washington. Words by Mrs. I.. D. Shivery Music by Graham W. Jackson