Brook High School - Talisman Yearbook (Brook, IN)

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I Lear Class of 1953: For the class of 1908 I am happy to write a note of greetings for the B. H. S. yearbook, The Talisman, and to say “hi to all those “fore and aft . Not many were before us as our class was the third one to graduate from Brook High after it was commissioned. We were a class of 9-7 girls, 2 boys--perhaps most of us strangers to you, so may I present Leila Foresman Hanson, Hazel Laurence Hess, Frances Hays Lyons, Ida Sell Kindig, Mae Whitmyer----2 , Mary Ballard, Ina Sunderland Peirson, Charles Conn, and Everett Hess. Both boys are now deceased. We were all of average behavior and intelligence, never failed “to pass’’--but back in 1908 we were very sure that we were very much above the average, a Senior complex. The years have deflated our 1908 egos but think I may say, in no one statement, that all have found useful places in life as average citizens, and we have kept, through the years, our devotion to B. H. S., and an unfailing interest in its students and their activities. We have watched with pride and pleasure the development and progress of our Alma Mater and are happy to extend proud best wishes to the students and faculty of this year of 1953 from the Class of 1908. Sincerely, Ina Pierson, 08 To the Class of “53 It it were possible for you grads of ‘53 to obtain a television set which could back- fire and pick up the events taking place at B. H. S. back in 1914, some of the things you would see flitting across the snow-speckled T. V. screen would make your eyeballs whirl in amazement. But you are concerned with the future, not the past. You are fortunate to be grad- uating at the beginning of the atomic age. In a few years, by the time you have settled down in a plastic home and started buying baby rattles, the standard of living in the good old U. S. A. will have advanced to that push-button stage. You will have more leisure time in which to enjoy living. However, in spite of all the scientific advances that are to come, human nature will remain the same so if you want a happy future make all the friends you can, and be a friend to all. Other members of the Class of ‘14 join me in extending congratulations and best wishes to you. Art Irwin, 1 4 25

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Dear Class of 1953: Our Brook High School was commissioned in the year of 1906. There were only six of us to graduate that year--namely, Blanche Hess Gast of Warsaw, Indiana, Maude Adair Smeak of Crawford, Nebraska, Jennie Harry Beagley of Brook, Indiana. The other three members of the class are deceased. They were, Elsie Noble Eastburn of Sheldon, Illinois, Charles Lyons, Sheldon, Illinois, Clifford Harry, Tulsa, Oklahoma. We were not as fortunate as you are now, in having a complete library. In fact our Superintendent, Mr. E. E. Vance(deceased), made his library available to us and later donated it to the school. We took four years of Latin, and had to take two sciences in our Senior year in order to commission the school that year. Our first Alumni Banquet was held in the present United Brethern Parsonage in May 1906. Those present were the six graduates, our taithful Superintendent, Mr. E. E. Vance and our Principal, Mr. Fred Longwell, who is now a retired Methodist Minister. Sincerely yours, Jennie Beagley, 06 Greetings Class of 1953: Congratulations on attaining another milestone on the road of Success. To some of the members of the Class definite plans for the future have already taken shape; to others the future may seem uncertain and obscure. It is an assured fact that the future of this country will depend upon the manner you people shoulder your responsibilities. Your class may never have among its members a president of the United States; a five star general, a minister of a Fifth Avenue Church, or an Ambassador to the Court of St. James---if each individual accepts his daily tasks, and fulfills these obligations to the best of his ability he has attained his goal--SUCCESS. God Bless your every effort. . may each become one of the distinguished Alumni of B. H. S. Sincerely,

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Class of 53: I believe there are other members of my class who could offer better words of wisdom and tell of their accomplishments. However, writing this takes me back to enjoyable days at Brook High, and to be sure the most impressive event to me was Graduation, along with the realization that I was leaving behind an idealistic little world and going into the cold business-like world of reality, with the breaking up of the friendliest group of people with whom I have ever come into close contact. Watching and finding out what happens to people is probably as interesting as life itself, perhaps because that is part of life. It may sometimes be tragic, but it is interesting and thought-provoking. For the past three years I have been closely asso- ciated with graduates from hundreds of “Brook High's” all over the United States, in my capacity of Director of the Department of Power Plant Training, Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. Kipling said, “If you can dream and not make dreams your master. If you can fill the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it.” Very wise words from a wise and successful man. And too, an unknown said, “There is no anchorage in the river of time”, which is so true in these days of progress, almost to the extent of advancement revolution. It is difficult to add to the recognized wisdom of proven successful people, but association with recent graduates has brought out the “not reaching a decision in the field of endeavor early enough to take advantage of every opportunity”, whether headed for industry or the Armed Forces. The very fine aptitude tests that are available either in the Air Force or industry are helpful to the young graduate. However, we find that some in- dividuals turn in high scores in all phases. So then again, it goes back to the person's primary interest and desires. Self-analysis cannot come too early for the life-import- ant decision. Sincerely, Duane O. Sunderland Class of 34 To the Class of ‘53: I would like to thank you for asking me to write for my class of 1950. I hope what I have to say will be what each of them would say if they were writing. You are graduating and going on to make your ways in a world full of uncertainty and confusion, but if you keep faith in God, Your Country, and yourself, I know you can deal with whatever comes along. Best of luck to each of you in whatever you decide to do. Stanley Ricker Class of 1950 26