Butler High School - Tropaeum Yearbook (Butler, IN)

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TROPAEUM The Class Prophecy The piercing blasts of a large locomotive whistle, then the sound of air whirring through the coaches, a terrible jerking of the whole train, and I found myself sitting upon a fat gentleman ' s lap on the seat facing me. The heavy train came to a stop none too soon, for even then it had grazed the rear of an automobile which had tried to beat it across the track, and luckily for the occupants, had only pushed it to one side. Of course, out of curiosity, everyone piled out of the coaches and walked to the head of the train. There, the engineer, who proved to be Arthur Jenks, was confirming the fact that even at this advanced period of civilization and after so many years of sad experiences, people were still foolish enough to try, against all odds, to beat trains over crossings. His lecture was cut short by a small hoy who crawled out of the auto and called out excitedly, Ma and pa aint hurt much, only pa bumped ' lis nose. The conductor and the man who sold peanuts and candy on the train, the, latter I recognized as Robert Rudd, pulled pa and ma out of the car. There, much to my surprise, I beheld two of my old classmates, namely, Gaylord Mullet and Sarabel Capp. Neither was seriously injured and after wishing them much success I climbed back into the train and was soon on my way. At the next station a most familiar personage boarded the train whom I remembered as the Rev. Roscoe F. Wilson, of the class of ' 24. He informed me he was going back to the old home town to hold a series of revival meetings, and as T had plenty of time I decided to stop at Butler and, perhaps, see some of my old acquaintances. Deacon Miller, Russell Miller without the title, was at the train to meet us. From the station we proceeded to the Motel Butler where we were both heartily received by my host Henry Punk and his fjood wife, formerly Miss Margaret Kuss. After a short visit with Henry and Margaret, 1 made my way to the church where Rev. Wilson was to conduct the services. I entered, found a seat and began looking at the crowd, hoping to see a familiar face. I was much surprised at the size of the choir and orchestra, but most all to see Kate Mavis nee Gehring playing first violin and Queen

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THE BUTLER HIGH SCHOOL Senior Class History September, 1920, forty-four Freshmen entered Butler High School. At our first class meeting we elected the following officers: President - Earl McDonald Vice President - Robert Rudd Treasurer ----- Ralph Sturgis Secretary ----- Dorothy Ocker They participated in the inter-class basket ball games but after several victories lost to the Eighth grade. During the term we enjoyed several social functions, including class parties at the Haverstock home and at 1 the school house. When we returned as Sophomores our number was greatly diminished and we paid more attention to study, only having one party at the school house. The officers were : President - - - - - Robert Rudd Vice President - Russell Miller Secretary - Kathryn Gehring Treasurer - Gaylord Mullet In 1922-23 we undertook to publish our school paper, The Fortnight, and to. give a bancpiet to our upper classmen. We entrusted our affairs to: President ----- Tyol McClellan Vice President - Russell Miller Secretary ----- Gaylord Mullet Treasurer ----- Kathryn Gehring That year we won the championship of the inter-class basket bail games. We are now Seniors with our high school career nearly finished, but only twenty-two remain of the original class. Our efforts this year have been centered on the publication of the Annual and presentation of Senior Play, but we have also been represented in athletics, the operetta and the Discussion Contest. The present, officers are : President ----- Henry Funk Vice President - Earl McDonald Secretary - Loren Teutsch Treasurer ----- Dorothy Ocker

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THE BUTLER HIGH SCPIOOL Blair, piano. I received another jolt when Charles Sehramn took his place as leader of the choir. I also learned that Ervin Norris was holding down the position of janitor. Rumor reported that although not altogether satisfied with his present situation his intentions were to hold it until something better turned up. Further information revealed the fact that James Cather, through his honesty, integrity and business ability was allowed to take up the collections. What great changes time will bring about. The truth of this statement was fairly thrown in. my face when I learned that Butler had. long ago been made the county seat. Upon inquiry I learned that the Spring term of court was to open on the following day with Earl McDonald as Judge of this district. To make my visit in Butler one of nothing but pleasure, I could not afford to miss anything of interest to me so most certainly I must visit Judge McDonald ' s court. The newly elected sheriff, Mary Carpenter, seemed to be performing her duties in a very satisfactory manner — judging from; the arrests she had made. Case after case was disposed of by the wily old Judge, most of them divorce cases, which goes to prove matrimonial difficulties were not all con- fined to the early days when moonshine and bathing beauties were in vogue. The last case on the docket was that of Paul Wagoner, one of my old classmates, who seemed to have strayed away ; a lost sheep that had wandered far from the rest of the flock, had fallen into one of life ' s numerous pit-falls and this was perhaps his last, day of freedom. He was a pitiful looking character, sullen, haggard and worn from days and nights of watchful waiting. His downward glance and evasive manner fairly proved him to be a criminal. Our most esteemed and honored. classmate had been arrested and had plead guilty to the charge of playing marbles for keeps. I sincerely hoped, from the depths of my heart, that the jury would be easy on him. At my tiist glance at that worthy group my spirits began to rise, for among them I recognized my former classmates, Ivol McClellan, Adelle Oberlin, Ruth and Dorothy Haverstock, Kathryn Cather, the Deacon Miller and Loren Teutsch. At length, after a heated discussion, by both attorneys — one for and the other against capital punishment, the jury ad- journed. The crowded court room waited in breathless silence. After fourteen hours of agony and suspense, a faint sound was heard — 24—