Central High School - Almanac Yearbook (Toledo, OH)

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THE 1914 ALMANAC came so intense as to reveal a verdant spot. It was numbered 4O,l' and everything was green. Ah, that was a peculiar impression, our first sight of the Toledo High School. Wfe were soon taken into the kind and loving hands of our dear teachers, and received much care and attention from them. One of our first battles was schedules How were we to understand such a system? But perseverance earned us the name of being an unusually intelligent aggregation. Bright hopes for our future! Days passed, and by and by each one began to investigate into the mys- teries which seemed to surround the place, although not without fear that he be caught doing something which was not allowed. One spot, especially, seemed attractive. XVe were still childreng hence the lunch room was a favorite resort. Then we were put to work by those loving, guiding teach- ersQ?j. Grind, grind, grind. Latin, Algebra and German were very mo- notonous courses to travel, but by constant nagging and coaxing, we were soon ready to receive some credentials as to our standing. And that first card l !! All A's? Ah, yes! Of course B's and Cs were acceptable, but D's were seldom found. Our teachers were so proud of us that we could endure anything they might demand. And so farewell to that green and guileless year of our lives! Gone forever are those days when X and Hy befogged the atmosphere with their misty radicals. equations, problems and fractions. Vanished have those endless declensions and conjugations of foreign words. Covered with dust or reduced to ashes are the crude themes written in the days of our innocence. Neglected and forgotten are those wonderful drawings made in the Physiological laboratory. Soon each found more work to encounter, and it was not until the Sophomore year that we realized what an honor it was to have schoolmates lower than ourselves. At this time we discovered something that had pre- viously escaped our attention. On the ground floor there was a room filled with books and with the best furniture and fixtures. The long tables and the comfortable surroundings were in direct contrast to the stiff chairs and desks to which we had been accustomed. It was also discovered that by simply signing a paper, one could spend happy moments down there. By doing our regular studying outside of school the alloted study hours could be spent in that pleasant room, reading the nice books and looking at the interesting pictures. It was also during this year that we first united as a class in pushing through a school activity. Mr. Oley Speaks gave a song recital. and to have made this a success, no little credit is due the Sophomores, guided by their prudent leader, Mr. Travis. But somehow. we were not enjoying the good times the Juniors and Seniors were having: so some began to be discouraged and tired, and fell out of line. Also. when the time did come for crossing the hall, and going from l6'l to l7. some, sorry to say, had to spend another year in l6. It was here that our numbers began to decrease. But when the rest of us were ready for our Junior year, new class spirit, new enthusiasm. seemed to fill our midst. and certainly Miss Caughey, who was to be our guide, had no small part in bringing this about. VVe now began to mingle work and play, but fortunately, the former was not neglected for the latter. The first great event was the Iunior Hop, an unqualified success in every way, and something of which we are still very proud. 67

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I . xi -:H . ',, fy' pg-,YZF ' 5 ,twig s 2 X 9.1 Il, 1 L 'ifif:5g::,, X NE-EQ, - N I X xx ' N Q f I -i Q- ., .,...f:5 fx 1- 55:Qf'i?A:-g., ' ,.'fe2'5:' X, 7' S '-'-,Q ' F' Car BY JOHN E, TRAUTWEIN HERE was great commotion and confusion on that eventful day. Anxiety filled the hearts and somewhat of a nervous fear affected each individual. But pride urged us on, allowing nothing to inter- fere, and we boarded that masterly ship, which was destined for the isle of knowledge, with the determination to prepare ourselves for the tutun.. Wfhat a strange crowd seemed to fill the boat! How very, very many were unkonwn to us and how difficult it felt, to mingle and become friendly! Had it not been for our own few chums, we would never have mustered the courage to proceed onward, no matter how much others who finished the journey safely before, had filled us with high hopes and expectations. In the dark and hidden corners of the boat we could distinguish some down- cast, hopeless-looking individuals who were taking that voyage for a second, and perhaps a third time. To them nothing appeared attractiveg no bright and cheerful hopes seemed present, but a meaningless look prevailed, as if to say, VVe're here because we are. On that bright September day the sky was clear and a light, refreshing breeze blowing. However, something was alarming and disturbing the higher authorities. Wfhat could it be? All waited anxiously to see. and they were suddenly satisfied as to the cause. VVe were within sight of the isle and could catch a first glimpse of the main building on the future home. Suddenly the sun was lost to view behind dark clouds, the wind began to howl around the ship and great waves washed up over the decks. So near our destination and still so far from safety. was uppermost in our minds. But those voyagers who knew the storms of former trips calmly awaited the results. This tempest at sea was a great beginning for us poor little Freshiesf' for that's what they called beginners. although we didn't know the reason. Soon the waves seemed to double in size, the wind's velocity was greatly increased, and under this great force, our boat, which at the beginning of the trip seemed so portly, could no longer stand the strain. A sudden jar, a great creaking and crashing, and it was wrecked. We were separated in two divisions. and little by little. drifted from each other. How dismal everything looked, and how helpless all were! Soon we could no longer hear our comrades who had been left on the other part of the boat: for they had drifted far away and were lost to us. Then, of a sudden, a huge wave seemed to cast us up, and without any idea as to our fate, we were fortunately washed into a large room in a large building. Immediately the storm subsided. the spell seemed broken, and the light be- 66

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THE 1914 ALMANAC By the time the midwinter examinations took place, some new facts were brought to light. Wle received news from the other side of the river, and much to our surprise, found right in our midst some of those same shipmates who, after the storm on that first fearful voyage, had drifted apart to another shore. lVe began to realize that there was an East Side, and that it was a thrifty, progressive community. But how were we to work together as a unit class? Let Father Time manage that, Soon after, elaborate preparations were made for entertaining our parents. llflith what dignity were the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts. uncles and all, introduced to our teachers dear, at that memorable reception given for them! However, it was not like us to make the affair formal and stilted, for a county fair was held. llle learned our futures at the gypsy camp and heard the village gossip at the grocery store. But the wonder of the evening was the sideshow. Right this way! Show will begin in five minutes! Come in and see the Oriental magical wonders! The den of mystery! Surely all who entered the annex that evening en- joyed the entertainment. lYith -lune in sight and with grade cards for the first ten weeks at hand, the wise course seemed to be. Absorb all that you can, and this we tried to do. But inevitably some received a C or D occasionally, which was rather discouraging. However, we soon recovered from the effects of such trifles. At last something definite was known about a new High School and our class was cadled upon to help dedicate Scott It required practice, but we furnished the usual class spirit, and as far as our part was concerned, the affair was a success. But now, with a new building, larger than old Central, with many more conveniences and luxuries, what would naturally follow? As Seniors we were to separate. some to go to Scott and some to remain at Central. News again from across the river. A union was at hand. Qur frail ship, temtpest-tossed at the beginning of our High School career, was to be re- modeled and rebuilt. Those voyagers who had been separated from us were to return to complete the struggle for knowledge. Little cared we now about those called to the new building, for with such a reinforcement we .would undoubtedly succeed. The new leader immediately gained a high place in our hearts, and won much respect by his unfailing and untiring efforts in our behalf. Organization was now effected. And what class ever selected a more faithful and efficient set of officers than ours? Then plans were made for some play to rest us from the work which was getting so very arduous. The first party at the Maumee River Yacht Club was by no means a dismal failure, but a proof of the truth of our motto. lVe can if it can be done. It was at this time that our esteemed principal had a most disagreeable dream. He was seated in his office just after the close of the singing period. The classes were all busy with their recitations and the study rooms were models of industry. Suddenly he heard a strange sound in the distance which resembled the bray of a donkey. Then. a few minutes later. it became intensified and seemed like the hissing of numerous geese. Out he rushed into the hall and was confronted by a line of boys with rags tied around their heads. At first he thought they might have escaped from the asylum but soon he recognized some familiar faces. Then this mighty throng marched through his peaceful building and carried many of our number with them. He dreamt that the culprits were assembled in Room 17 and assorted 68