Charlotte Memorial Hospital School of Nursing - Lamp Yearbook (Charlotte, NC)

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SENIORS 1947-1 HISTORY Now what could give more joy to he And what a prettier sight Than a cheerful, happy, little nurse In a uniform of white. It was February 7, 1944, that twenty five young girls entered the portals of CMH to devote their time to the study and care of the afflicted. However, their desire for a part in this profession came long before their actual entry. Each of them had her own convictions about nursing and her own reasons for wanting to be a nurse; but all of them were spirited on into this field by patriotism when our Government urged the girls of America to consider nursing education to aid our country during World War II. These girls constituted our class— the Class of ' 47—1. May, 1944, was designated by the Public Health Service for the official induction of student nurses into the Cadet Nurse Corps. In our gallant grey -Cadet uniforms, trimmed in brilliant red, we proudly and courageously pledged our services in nursing along with other members of our school. Lillian Collett was elected as our first president (later, gave up nursing); Lila Gilbert was vice president (and acting president); Louise Foglia was secretary; and Margaret Sharpe, as treasurer, handled our monthly class dues. Miss Thelma Southerland, R.N., was chosen as our class sponsor. These officers reigned until our Senior year. At this time Rachel DuBose became president, Josephine Nantz vice president; and Louise Foglia took over the dual role as secretary and treasurer. Upon resignation of our former class sponsor, Miss Josephine Dunn, R.N., was elected. With these leaders, our class has remained thoroughly united throughout our three year training period. For six months we were the probies and the subject for all pranks and jokes. Our day of triumph finally arrived— we received our dainty caps in July and afterwards dashed off for a well-earned three weeks vacation. Upon return from the happv holiday, we found ourselves burdened with capped students duties. Time sped by, and we soon learned to do our tasks with ease and confidence. Seemed no time until we were having another vacation and then, in February 1946, we were honored with a black stripe to grace our caps of white. A wee marker, indeed, but oh how it gleamed the first day we walked on duty as seniors. Seems only yesterda y. Yet, here we are at the end of a three year trek, ready for the final black stripe and the all white uniform. Once we have passed State Board, our efforts will not have been in vain. History repeats itself— like the other classes, ours too has been no exception in losing several members along the way. As we reach the final stretch, we total only seventeen. And three of these left us the last six months to complete their program in the Indian Service. Small in number, but we have gathered a little moss on our feet. In July, 1946, we organized a school paper, The Draw-Sheet ; also, in September, ' 46, we took on the responsibility of publishing (jointly with Class of ' 47—2) the second edition of The Lamp, our school yearbook. In reminiscing, we remember well the parties, dances, anniversary dinners, and compliments— vaguely recalling the little mishaps while learning to shoulder the responsibility of a graduate nurse. The road has not been easy, nevertheless, as our goal is reached— we think, it hasn ' t been too difficult, in fact, often, it was fun. Lila Gilbert, Hisforirm LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT We, THE CLASS OF 1947—1, approaching the grand finale of a three year nursing education proc-sm at Charlotte Memorial Hospital, do not wish to take the last bow without leaving a few memoirs to those left behind. To the administrator, we bequeath our unheard of ideas and arrangements for the hospital. To Miss Burton, and other members of the staff, we bequeath our like new books, to give to those who may use them more wisely than we. To the supervisors, we bequeath our gold name plates, so that they may give them to the next eligible group of pirls that come their way. To the seniors, with pleasure, we bequeath the position we now hold. To the underclassmen, we bequeath all our good uniforms, polished shoes, runless hose, holeless hairnets, and starched caps. To the probies, we bequeath our ability to adjust to a new situation, and our ability to face facts. And, now, having completed our will as a group, we desire to further leave individually, certain cherished qualities and gifts to other members of the student body, as follows: I, Gertrude Wilburn, bequeath to Sara Doby, my love for bedtime snacks. I, Caroline Tharpe, bequeath to Jean Austin, my ability to do all nursing procedures flawlessly. I, Ruth Stenstrom, bequeath to Frances McCreight, rav desire to return to Florida. I, Josephine Nantz, bequeath my sewing ability and nightly exercise to Evelyn Smoot. I, Ann Miller, bequeath my childish acting to Edith Byers. I, Ruth Kirby, bequeath to Louise Wilson, my love for the opposite sex. I, Carrie Hartsell, bequeath my subdued manner to Alice Linker and may she remember to use it wisely. I, Betty Gwyn, bequeath my ability to cope intelligently with anv situation to Svbil Willis. I, Jean Gillespie, bequeath to Rachel McLain my old flames in Charlotte. I, Lila Gilbert, bequeath to Elizabeth Setzer, my desire for travel and new experiences. I, Louise Foglia, bequeath my long hours of night duty to whoever is unfortunate to be assigned this shift,— namely Gertrude Poole. I, Rachel DuBose, beoueath to Ruth Atwell, my position as editor of the Lamp. I, Wilma Crouch, to Elaine Waller, bequeath my ability to keep a neat hair-do while on duty. I, Kathleen Bryant, beoueath my vitamin pills and cathartics and all my other medications to Virginia Robinson to improve her health. I. Virginia Blalock, bequeath my sarcastic words to Emma Kate Allen, and may she use them more discreetly. Willi sound body, sane mind, and happv memories, we foreclose our last will and testament at Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Lila Gilbert, Class Testator Class of 1947—1, December 5, 1946 Page Twelve

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THE SENIDRS

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SENIOR OFFICERS 1947-1 Miss Rachel DuBose President Miss Josephine Nantz Vice-President Miss Louise Foglia Secretary-Treasurer Miss Josephine Dunn Class Sponsor Page Thirteen