Camrose High School - Royal Blue and Gold Yearbook (Camrose, Alberta Canada)

Page 40 text:

April 21 was the first day of spring for C. H. S. students. As a tonic for spirits wearied by countless (?) hours of studying for Easter exams, “The Rustle of Spring” lured our girls into their gayest attire. The gym itself was beautifully decorated for the occasion by pastel streamers, provided by Gordon and gang. Dickinson’s orchestra, as if imbued with spring fever, kept us whirling gaily in polkas, waltzes, fox trots and hilarious square dances throughout the evening. Outstanding featues of the dance were the waltz and jitterbug contests. Two of our guests from Bawlf won the prizes for their waltz¬ ing, while Lorraine Terry and Eddy Wong gave an exhibition of energetic jive which captured the jitterbug honors. During the evening, Gwen Smith favoured us with two numbers. A enjoyable lunch, served by Norma Jean and her committee, sustained the weary dancers for another hour. Too soon, however, twelve o’clock rolled around and to the strains of the “Home Sweet Home” we bade farewell to another successful school dance. 38

Page 39 text:

Sleigh Ride February 10 was the date set for the greatly anticipated sle : gh ride. At eight o’clock approximately eighty kids climbed into two hayracks. After everyone had craned his neck and smiled for the “birdie,” eve were cff. A trip to the C.P. stock yards soon settled the lack cf straw problem, although it was felt by many that it would be much better on the floor than in our eyes and mouth. For nearly an hour people looking out of their windows wondered what new locomotive had been invented. Then that glorious moment arrived — the trip around the college! Suddenly amid the shouting, disaster struck. Students came flying and tumbling from a rack showering clouds of straw. Due, probably, to the many layers of clothing, no bones were broken and only minor bruises, and later, stiffness were suffered by the victims. Back at the school once more, everyone participated in games and relays while waiting for the doughnuts which the teachers served and the hot coffee Jake had made while we were absent. Then, the High School orchestra provided us with dance music and those not interested in dancing (or too tired to dance!) adjourned to Room 5 to play ping pong, checkers or crokinole. Later in the evening Barbara Howarih conducted an amusing weiner-eating stunt. Floyd Fossen and Elly Nelson challenged “B” Buckingham and Maxine Brandt. After a great deal of messing in mustard, Bob and Maxine were proclaimed the “winnahs” and were awarded with suitable prizes. When at last the orchestra played “Home Sweet Home” teachers and students alike, although somewhat battered in spots had thoroughly enjoyed a fun-packed evening. 37

Page 41 text:

Operetta MIKADO For many of us the most important event of the social calendar was “Our Operetta.” Early in February the Glee Club, under the direc¬ tion of Mr. McCleary, started work on the comic operetta, “The Mikado” by Gilbert and Sullivan. After hours and hours of practices, the final dress rehersals rolled around all too soon and March 23, 24 and 25 came even more quickly. The principals were as followes: Mikado of Japan - -- -- --.Red Evenson, Wes Gerber Nanki-Poo (his son) a disguised minstrel - -- -- -- - -Wallace Johnston Ko-Ko (Lord High Executioner of Titipu) - -- -- -- -- - Bob Hagel Pooh-Bah (Lord High Everything Else) ----------- Sid Fehr Pish-Tush (a Noble Lord) ------------ Floyd Fossen Yum-Yum (Ward of Ko-Ko) ------- Laverne Feragen, Bonnie McLeod Pitti-Sing (Ward of Ko-Ko) -.- Barbara Howarth, Gwen Smith Peep-Bo (Ward of Ko-Ko) ----------- Reta Hilliard Katisha (an elderly lady in love with Nanki Poo) - Lois Cleveland, Marion Hilland The remainder of the cast was composed of nobles of Japan and Yu m Yum’s schoolmates. At the Matinee on March 22 all seemed in fine shape but beware! The next day measles struck down our Mikado Red Evenson. Fortunately Wes Gerber was able to fill in the breach. Back stage even those who claimed not to be nervous were a little jumpy. Actors and actresses were scurrying about repairing make-up that had been uncon¬ sciously rubbed off, sucking lemons or trying to remember cues. After several appearances on stage, however, courage and confidence moun¬ ted. Spirits likewise soared to new heights on each consecutive evening. In fact emotions were so tense on the final evening that the actors could not refrain from turning away for mirth in one exceptionally fine scene. This momentary lapse only added to the audience’s enjoyment. The tremendous applause following the finale testified to a most delight¬ ful evening for all. At the conclusion of Saturday evening’s performance, the cast began the merrymaking by presenting a charming parody of “Charlie My Boy.” Lovely gifts were then presented to Miss Shaw, Corinne Leisen and Mr. McCleary as a token of our appreciation and remem¬ brance of their work. After removing our make-up we were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by the Home and School Association. We shall long remember our production of “The Mikado,” e’en though our Trig formulas and French verbs may vanish. How would it be possible to erase the memory of yellow tans and slanting eye¬ brows, acquired at the hands of the merciless make-up committee? The colorful k ' imonas and pyjamas, the cluster of flowers and those amusing pigtails really made us feel Japanese. No indeed, we shall never forget the sympathetic “Titwillow”, “The Wandering Minstrel” or “If You Want To Know Who We Are!” The tremendous success of the operetta must be chiefly attrib¬ uted to Mr. McCleary who so capably and willingly directed the many voices. Corinne should also receive credit and a word of thanks, for we feel sure that a more patient accompanist “just couldn’t be found.” To all those who prepared posters and stage sets, to the drama class, make¬ up and lighting crews, and especially to the many Camrosians who so kindly lent costumes for the occasion, we should like to simply say “thank you very much.” 39