Charlotte High School - Witan Yearbook (Rochester, NY)

Page 29 text:

26 THE W I T A N School Notes The assemblies which we have been enjoying for the past six weeks have indeed bc?en notable ami have left pleasant memories to all of us. The first of these occurred shortly after St. Valentine’s Day, and the main features were two readings given by Miss Rhodes in her inimitable style and two se- lections given by Mr. Lee and El wood Mcyerhoff upon the cello and violin. M iss Rhodes is a reader of unusual merit, and it is indeed a pleasure to know that we have in our number such a charming actress and to know that she is always whiling to give us the benefit of her talents. The ’cello and violin selections impressed us all greatly with their charm and beauty of rendition. At the following assembly we listened to a fascinating talk by Mr. R. B. Stewart, of the Ritter Dental Company, who presented to us the possibilities in the field of dentistry. Mr.-Stewart had a very' interesting topic on which to speak and he spoke in a manner which aroused the interest of us all. This was the second of a series of vocational talks this year, the first having been given by Miss Bacon, of the Federal Board, on Retail Selling. After this talk we listened with great enjoyment to two vocal solos by Miss Marie Mel- son, who is one of the school’s most talented singers. The next assembly was held on Friday, instead of Thursday, in order that Mr. Reinisch, the orchestra director, might lie present. The entire program was given by the orchestra, anil included four numbers by the orchestra and a clarinet and flute duet by Harmer Davis and Roger Butterfield. The se- lections were rendered very well and did much credit to the performers. The most memorable occasion of all occurred the following week, when we had the good fortune to listen to Dr. A. W. Beaven, of the Lake Avenue Baptist Church. Dr. Beaven is a widely known speaker to high-school stu- dents and indeed to people of all ages. Hig convincing, simple, and direct manner of delivery makes him a most enjoyable and, above all, a most force- ful speaker. He spoke upon Laying the Foundations of Your Life ’ and it was not a sermon, hut a real heart to heart talk. Such a talk should surely he a powerful influence for good and should give us a great deal of practical inspiration. Two vocal numbers by Miss Lillian Lambert also added much to the enjoyment of this occasion. A feature of nil these assemblies was the chorus singing, led by Miss Spaulding. This is becoming more and more popular and has done much to create a friendly atmosphere on thase occasions. The usual spring ailments have been going their rounds lately and have affected quite a few of our number. There are very few pupils in school who have not been talking as if they were impersonating a crow, and several of the faculty have also been affected. Among those who have been forced to be ahsent for varying periods of time arc Mrs. Keenan, Miss Emerson. Mr. Hamilton, Mr. True, Mr. Lee and Mr. Chamberlain. (Continued on page 29)

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THE W' I T A N 25 years nnd do not know what chancres have been made, but it was the seat of the High School activities. On the second floor were two rooms, known as the “Big Room ’ and the “Side Room.” In the Big Room sat the students, fac- ing the north, and for recitations occupying a long bench in front, or going to the side room. We had a Principal and a Preceptress who heard classes all day. In addition to this the Principal made the rounds of the Grammar School, which was on the floor below and in an adjoining new building. He also rigged up many contraptions for oui experiments in Chemistry and Physics, as we did not possess much equipment. Our laboratory was a small room on the ground floor, and we took our work very seriously, wearing caps and aprons. I wish I could And the picture of our chemistry class in this room Rather, it is a picture of seventy-five per cent of the class. The other member must have been absent that day. When we took Botany we went to the woods for specimens for our herbariums, and the Geology class could al- ways depend upon the river banks near Driving Park bridge for treasures. We had one custom which seems to have been lost. We celebrated Arbor Day with the planting of a tree, appropriate songs, getting dismissed early and general rejoicing. It was on a certain Friday in May, I think. Of course, the trees were generally uprooted by some careless youngster on the playground, and this may be the reason that we do not hear so much about Arbor Day any more. Gymnasium work was done by those students who brought their lunch to school, and after swallowing it whole would persuade one of their number to play two-steps and waltzes while they danced. One year we attempted a school orchestra. We had two violins, a mando- lin, piano and some other instruments which I cannot recall. Most of the orchestra played by ear and it was a difficult matter to select music within the grasp of all the musicians. One public appearance is all I can recall. Now these are not exactly the events of 1897, but a summary of my im- pressions while in high school and I give them to you for what they may be wozth. GERTRUDE KEENAN. Grammar School Notes A number of the boys and pirls of the sixth and seventh grades ffave a birthday surprise party in honor of Miss Pickworth on Saturday, Feb. 25th. The refreshments that were served were delicious. The boys and girls pre- sented her with a very pretty necklace. Singing and dancing made the party a most enjoyable affair for all. Miss Boughton, eighth grade teacher, has been out for several weeks be cause of illess at home. Miss White has succeeded Miss Cruugh as first grade teacher.

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TH E WITAN 27 Athletics BASKKTBALL—FIRST TEAM Quackenbush Cross Howe Culley Johnson Gibaud Punnett EAST HIGH RESERVES AT CHARLOTTE The East High Reserves defeated Coach Chamberlain’s quintet on our court by a score of 36-22. As is evident in practically all our games, our fellows won the first half, but lost out during the second half and allowed East High to get the lead. CHARLOTTE AT R. B. I. The Charlotte fellows went up to R. B. I. and in an exciting game of basketball, which was played on a very smooth and slippery dance floor, were defeated by a score of 32-24. As usual our fellows won the first half and lost the second. ROCHESTER SHOP SCHOOL AT CHARLOTTE Rochester Shop School, rivals of our own class, were clowned by our boys. The score, 19-17, was not large but, nevertheless, we beat them. The game was very fast and exciting. WEST HIGH RESERVES AT CHARLOTTE In a game which was full of fight and pep galore, our basketball five was defeated by West High. At the end of the first half the score stood 17-16 in favor of West High, but during the second half the score crept up to 37-32 in favor of West High also. Our fellows certainly fought hard dur- ing the whole game and never gave up a minute. CHARLOTTE AT ROCHESTER SHOP SCHOOL In a game played on a very small court at No. 26 school the Shop School boys managed to beat our fellows by the extremely close score of 26-24. This leaves these twoschools even, as each won one game. BASEBALL Owing to the conditions of the weather, our candidates for baseball have not had a chance to show their skill, but here’s hoping they get under way soon for a successful season. Mr. Holly was elected manager and Mr. John- son, captain. Under the leadership of these two fellows, the team ought to get some place this year. TRACK The members of the track team have purchased track suits for them- selves and are practicing very diligently for the coming track meets. Mr. Lowden, who is manager, is expecting to turn out a crack track team.