Christiansburg High School - Demon Yearbook (Christiansburg, VA)

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76a Demon if Senior Class Prophecy DEAR DIARY: I was gazing out on the endless waves of ocean water on the day of my return from China, where I had been teaching English to the Chinese. It had been years since I had been in America, so I was wondering about all my classmates at dear old C. H. S.-what had happened to them during my absence. Suddenly, I heard a terrific roar above me. The Admiral of the ship came up behind me and I saw, to my surprise, that it was Charlie Hawley. He told me that the sounds I heard were two planes piloted by Peggy Cox and John Chumbley. They were racing around the world. He said that the race was very much publicized and that the President would give the winner a silver cup. I talked to Charlie for a while and learned that Doug Jones was his assistant. We sailed on until we entered New River. This led to Radford where Kenny Devore, Marine Engineer, was completing a new bridge. The port was also something new. My, I thought, how we have progressed! I told Charlie good-bye and started looking for a taxi to Christiansburg. I hired one and as I drove away I saw Kenny, proud, but tired Qsince he had erected most of the bridge himselfl, waving to me. I decided to go through Vicker, just for curosity, and as we entered there, I was impressed by the newly-paved road. I asked the driver what the large white building was on the left and he told me it was the DEMON Memorial Hospital. Sidney Bailey and Nancy Porteriield were chief surgeons. I told him to stop for a minute as I would like to see them. As I got out of the car, I saw another building beside the hospital. The sign read, Be Modern With Mitchell's Funeral Home. I wondered what went on in the hospital to make Paul set up his business so close to it. I started up the steps and was met by Billy Hart. He asked me questions about my trip for the Mmitgovnery Newr MEJIE'H.gET and when I asked him about Betty he told me that he was quite worried about her and that he had just made an appointment for her in the hospital. Dr.Bailey was to take out her appendix and then Dr. Porteriield, the next week, would perform a brain operation. I soon got up the rest ofthe steps and entered the office. Alma Davidson, Head Nurse, was talking over the phone to Edwin Sutphin, General Manager at Leggett's Department Store. It sounded like quite a conversation, but upon seeing me, she stopped talking and showed me around the hospital. On the second fioor, we came upon nurse Betty Hungate, chasing the orderly down the hall. Only natural, I thought. Frances Epperly was with another nurse arguing about her day off. I sincerely hope that Frances won. As we passed a supply room, I noticed Margaret Williams eagerly climbing upon the scales. Nope, no change since yesterday! I inquired about Nancy and Sidney. Sidney, it seemed, was working in the V. P. I. mess hall during his time off- To quiet his nerves,', he said. Nancy was in her private laboratory trying to lind a new formula for HZO2. As yet she had not succeeded. I had to be on my way, so I bade Alma good-bye and continued my homeward trip. As we entered an intersection in the road, I saw a large billboard. It concerned Edward Slusher, state senator. He was debating an all-important question in congress: Should jute Boxes be Allowed in High School Gyms?,' I made some remarks concerning this and the taxi driver turned and grinned. That's my old pal! he said. Not until then did I recognize him as Palmer Sweeney! So, in good company, I continued the trip and asked him about other members ofthe class. I-Ie told me to be sure and listen in to a new radio program. Another of his good friends, james Gearheart, was fast gaining popularity as a commedian. jack Benny, it had been rumored, was about to call it quits. James was too much competition for him. Palmer then told me about Kolmer. I had one swift moment of recollection of a peculiar cough. Kolmer was paying for this cough at Catawba. I expressed my regrets and settled down in one corner. A large Burma-Shave sign caught my eye. The girl on the sign-who was she? Then I remembered and asked Palmer ifI was right. He said, Yes, that's Louise Simp- kins. She's been singing in the Redbird Night Club in Cambria for some time. My surprise and wonder was further height- ened when I saw the sign: Be Modern! Use Our Bleach Ale, Composed of a Special Brand of Clorox and Peroxide. Below this bit of news were the words, Madam Marie and Dortha C., Beauty Operators. So Marie Shelton and Dortha Cecil had finally settled down to business! As we drew closer to Cambria, I noticed an attractive farmhouse beside the road. In front a sign said, Try Lester's Apple Cider-Aged to Suit Your Taste, Taste to Suit Your Age. Then I saw Willy on a large tractor waving good-bye to Hildred, who stood in the door. I asked Palmer to stop, that I might speak to Hildred. She seemed glad to see me and right away introduced me to little junior whose teacher, Beatrice Woods, just wouldn't let him throw spitballs. It seems that she thought they were old-fashioned. I looked around Hildred's cute home and noticed a stack of records on the table. She showed them to me and I saw that they were Reish Recordsf, with piano score by Lois Reish. I would liked to have heard one, butI didn't have time. I asked about Lois' friends, Dot Landis and Mary Ellen Peregoy. She said they were both very successful in the line of teaching. Dot was Dean of Women at Bridgewater College and Mary Ellen was head of the Science Department at Radford College. just last week Mary Ellen had discovered a very important part in the fishworm which had been missing before then. I asked Hildred if any other of our classmates were married. She said, Yes, and pointed to a little house on the other side of the road where Frances Bolt Hall lived and waited for each of Gene's visits from the Merchant Marines. Emma jean Sisson was married to a soda jerk who had formerly worked with her in Miller's. Hildred told me about the latest big wedding. David Smith, Methodist Minister, who had declined the offer of a position in the New York Central Park Methodist Church, had married Anna Woods and Billy King the day before. I was puzzled because there was no reason for this long delay in the wedding, since high school days. I was about to leave when the television phone rang. It was Ralph Lester. He told Hildred to come over if she could. Jean, his wife, wanted her to help with little Ralph, who was sick. I told Hildred good-bye and drove off again. As we went over the Huckleberry Streamline tracks, I remembered what I had to ask Palmer. Is David Smith married? I said. Palmer said, No, but half the women in town buy new hats every Saturday to wear to church but David is still immune to them. Sad, I thought, and started thinking about the kind of hat I would et. Thei Palmer told me that Lucille White was the principal of Andrew Lewis High School. She certainly must have loved that lace! We turned off at the mill because I wanted to see the high school again and as we turned into the high school a light blue Mercury zoomed past down on College Street. I recognized the car as Eddie Dickerson's. Palmer told me that he and Bobby, his wife, were living in Cambria. Eddie had won the Speed Demon Cup last year with his little Mercury. l20l

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14 if ?cvu.'q- was Senior Class Will I, Anna Woods, do hereby will and bequeath to Janet Shelor my place as co-captain and my ability to get at least four fouls in every game, and still not foul out till the last two minutes. I, Eddie Dickerson, being feeble in character and feebler in mind, do will to Eulene Wilson my well-implied nickname of Curly. I, Nancy Simmons, being of sound mind and body, do will to Velma Gilmer the small space just inside of Mrs. Zirkle's door, where I stood waiting for the ring of the last bell in the afternoon, in hopes that she doesn't get shoved out of the way as I did. I, Palmer Sweeney, being strong of back and mind, do hereby will and bequeath to Irene Willard ten pounds of sound flesh which I, at present, do not need. I, Ruby Nolley, being of weak mind and spirit likewise, do hereby will to Chip Lucas my saddle oxfords in hopes that he will polish them at least once, which l didnlt. I, Elizabeth Crcasy, do hereby will and bequeath to Elvin Atkinson my ability to get along with Mrs. Smith. I, Colleen James, do will and bequeath to Bessie Lovern my ability to be the biggest iiirt in the Senior class which was willed to me last year-Keep it upl I, Esma Bishop, do hereby will and bequeath to Doris Wickham my faithful Locker No. 337. I, Kolmer Altizer, being a weak-minded Senior, do hereby will to Ira Oliver my old Tubercular cough. I, Alma Davidson, do hereby will to Doris Gray the vacancyI left in Blacksburg among all the V. P. I. cadets. I, Lucille White, will to Nora Creasy my ability to play cupid. I, Elizabeth Creasy, do hereby will and bequeath to Dennis Reed my Government book in hopes that he makes better use of it than 1 did. I, Donald Conrad, do hereby will and bequeath to joan Nichols my ability to disturb the second-period English class, if you can get by with it. QI didn't.l I, Kenny Devore, do will and bequeath to Andy Miller my place in study hall near the wastebasket so he can chew tobacco like I have done the last six years. I, Nell Daingerlield, just being, will to julian Slusher my reputation as a joke teller, and also my nickname Smoky, with the hope that he can get rid of both. I, lN'Iax Linkous, do will to Wanda Blankenship my seat in Mr. Stanley's English class in hopes that you have as much fun as I did. I, Walter Woolwine, being a man of sound body and weak mind, do hereby will and bequeath to Dorothy Bishop a plug of my favorite chewing tobacco hoping that she will never make use of it. - I, Jimmy Earles, do hereby will to Ralph Reed my old rusty football sock in hopes he will get as much out of it as I did. I, Paul Mitchell, being of controvertible mind though compassionate attitude, do hereby will and bequeath to Glen Landis my unequalled ability to argue and disagree with everyone in the Debate Club and still like them. I, William Hylton, being ready to get my diploma, do hereby will to Frances Martin everything that I leave behind. I, Paul Mitchell, do hereby will and bequeath to junior Bland my ability to slip out of Mr. Stanley's sixth-period English class and return without being caught. I, Hildred Sowers, do hereby will to L. R. Hall my typewriter in sixth-period typing class in hopes that he will have as much fun typing as I did. I, Margaret Williams, do hereby will and bequeath to Dolly Gilmore my ability to get along with people as I always do. I, Emma jean Sisson, do hereby will to Tommy Blanton my fourth-year English book that was willed to me by Agnes Wade with the hopes that you will be more considerate of the next person and not will it to anyone else. I, Louise Miles, do hereby will to Harold Epperly my seat in study hall in hopes that he will like it more than I did. I, Betty Hart, being of weak limbs and of sound, reserved strength do hereby bequeath to Harold Akers my silver-plated ankle bracelet guaranteed to slightly tarnish, but not to rust. This bequest is made to the said Harold Akers for wearing pur- poses only. If the said bracelet should cease to be worn at any time within 1947-48 the same shall be placed in the melting pot to make dimes to be sold out to Perry Sarver so he can purchase stamps to write to his ole buddy, Kemp. I, Dorothy Church, hereby will and bequeath to james Bolt my place in sixth-period English class in hopes that he enjoys the noise as much as I didn't. I, Lucille White, do hereby will and bequeath to Lloyd Creasy my seat in Government class in hopes that he will ac- complish more than I did. I, David Combs, do hereby will and bequeath to John Sweeney my ability to give all the teachers a headache. I, Nell Daingerfield, will to Howard Lawrence my place in Government class. CDon't worry, I'll Find a new desk for next yearj I, Kenneth Devore, do hereby will and bequeath to Harry Graham my place in study hall in hopes that he can get by with more things than I ever did. l19l

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if 74457-Seven Senior Class Prophecy I opened the door of the school and was startled to see the changes. There were cups of honor won from tournaments placed on high shelves in the hall. Each locker had a lamp overhead and a cold storage fadditionall foot locker for food to eat between classes. Nice, I thought. I looked at my watch. It was ten minutes before time for the bell according to the old schedule, and here came the bell boy to ring it. Smart boy, getting out of class ahead of time. Those minutes counted. Then I recognized him as George Morgan. I went on up the hall. There, where the doors leading from the hall into the gym used to be, was a long window. Looking in, I saw Parker Manor, Physical Ed. instructor, yelling orders to his boys-that old devilish gleam is still in his eye. I wondered if he would dare get out on the floor with them-or even if he could do the stiff gymnastics. On the other end of the court was Louise Miles. She had just finished counting off the girls and was now lining them up for exercises. I saw on her Tshirt the words All-State. So she had made the All-State Basketball team. I went on upstairs and stopped in the Home Economics Department. There I saw Betty Atkinson Linkous sampling some candy. On the board, I noticed the rule: All candy, cake and cookies must be sampled by the teacher. This must be very enjoyable work, I thought. I hurried on, for it was getting late. On the bulletin board downstairs I noticed the im- portant facts of the day. There was a poster telling of a Ouiji Board Fortune Teller who would visit the school next week. The words said Margaret Walker, the Ouiji Board Talker. I laughed and looked on. There was also a sign telling the students that tickets to the Rose Bowl game would be sold the following month. John Epperly, star of the Tech game, which was playing Army fand expected to beat them because of johnnyj, would be here in person to sell tickets. I went into the Library and saw Elizabeth Creasey sitting at the desk. She was fussing with some little boys for throwing acorns at the book shelves. She told me that Esma Bishop was working at the Electric Company. I told her that I would like to see her and might-go down the next day. Then I got a copy of the Zlloutgomrry New: Illeffenger from the rack and looked through it. There was a whole page of fashions by Rose Spangler. Boy! That spun-glass dress was good-looking. Kind of sheer, though. Rose was fast making fame for herself as a dress designer with Colleen James as a typical model. Colleen's picture had that old come on look. On another page, was the picture of George Bell, Trial justice of Montgomery County. He was made famous by the news that he had just granted Rosemary's eighth divorce. Anything for a lady! No personal reasons? I remembered how heart- broken George had been when Rosemary got married the first time. He had then devoted his life to his career. I had to get on, so I told lilizabeth good-bye and went out. As we went around the school, I heard the laughs ands creams of young girls. I looked to the left where the cannery used to be and saw a glassed-in swimming pool. David Combs was visiting the ole school. Isle had gotten in from Florida, where he worked as a life guard, and was now treating the girls to a doubleifeature. I-Ie had on his swimming trunks and he was singing to them. Swoon, swoon! ! Palmer told me that equipment for a new tennis court was to arrive tomorrow. The tennis balls had been made by David Thomas who had erected a business firm in Riner. I got out at Dickey's Corner Store, only it wasn't Dickey's anymore. There was a meat market with the words, Try Conrad's Cow Cutletsfi Donald had set up his own store, with Max Linkous as his partner. I heard a noise and walked on a little past the store. There, at the back was Max, shouting across to Fred Graham. Then I saw Fred's meat market right next door with the words, Try Graham's Ground Grizzlef' written over the door. I laughed and thought, May the best '79 meat win I stopped in front of Leggett's, though not of my own free will. Someone had bumped into me. I looked again and saw that it was Nell Daingerlield with her head lowered in order not to ruffle her bangs. She raised her head then and spoke. She had just been in Lcggett's she said, to see jean Britt Earles. Jean was head of the scarf department and Jimmie was her assistant. She had tried to give her position to him, but he wouldn't take it, since the head of the department had to do most of the work. Nell asked me to go across the street to the drugstore with her. I agreed and, as we crossed the busy street, I saw a new shop. On the placard over the door were the words Simmons Shoe Shop, Nancy Lucas, Owner, Business Manager and Pro- prietor. Then I saw Jimmie Lucas come out holding a nickel before his eyes and go into a drugstore. I looked at the top ofthe building and saw the words, I-Iess' Hot Chocolate Shop. So Vina had a career, too. I remembered when she used to work in Miller's Drugstore. Nell and I had a coke in the Hot Chocolate Shop and I noticed a diamond on her left hand. I asked to whom she was engaged but she said it was a secret. Margaret Wirt entered the shop and came over and talked a while. She was working for-Richard Smith, famous engineer, now Mayor of Cambria. I wondered what all the work included? ? ? ? Later, I told Nell good-bye and went on outside. I saw Kemp Williams, still in an old Navy wardrobe fhow long had Roy been out of the service, anyway?l. He told me he was working as a forest ranger. Poor, poor trees, and all the little wild animals! Kemp said he was going to the show so I walked down to the theatre with him. Then I stopped and stared. There on the billboard were the words, The Return of Kilroy,', starring Walter Woolwine and Ruby Nolley. Walter was the second Bing, and would sing When There's Smoke on the Water. Ruby was very popular in Hollywood. It seems that Lana, Lauren, and Langford were very jealous of her because she was vamping their husbands away from them. I left Kemp and continued the broken journey home. I thought of all those I had seen and smiled a little. What a lot of things Fate had handed out to all my friends! VVho would ever have thought that we would turn out like this. I silently praised Him who had been so kind. My steps became slower, for it was getting dark and I wanted to see the high school from where I stood. There were lights in the halls. Was it basketball practice night? No, I thought, this isn't basketball season and I could think of nothing else that might be going on. Then the thought came to mc, The Black Sisters! I went up the steps to my house with a self-satisfied feeling. I had not missed hearing about or seeing any of my class- mates and the Black Sisters were still keeping alive the school Spirit.'i And so, dear Diary, I close you for today. Who knows what my story for tomorrow will be like? DOT LESTER Christiansburg, Virginia April 11, 1957 l21l