Clinton High School - Clintonian Yearbook (Clinton, IA)

Page 13 text:

arly morning sky, this was the scene that met the startled eyes of Shell Remains . . . duty to guard against a rekindling of the blaze from the white ashes. By mid-morning it was apparent that the third floor and auditorium had been gut- ted by flames. The second floor had received fire damage along with smoke and water damage which also affected the first floor. By their valiant efforts, the fire-lighters were successful in saving Yourd Gym and the industrial arts building. Eerily, awesomely, the smoldering shell of what was CHS remained. Yet only the physical struc- ture Was actually destroyed. With spirit and strength the student body was determined that 1968 could still be a very good year, fore . . . the meanest flower that blows can give Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears. 5 3 . 5 E i 1 'Wi Busts of Lincoln and Kennedy stand alone as silent sen- tinels, keeping watch over the charred second-floor corri- dor. Snow has come to rest on this mass of debris fallen from the third floor and barely reaching the threshold of the library. is as gl E5 .75 . s as S s 5 if fi ii .V S 2.

Page 12 text:

'1 , , 'll ' um gg A e V 'W I A symbol of the tragedy, this group of students stands watching their home of one, two, or three years crumble away, In the ,distance can be seen thehback-stage' area of the IElgefijstbgigiggivIgoglzgfiilvrlgg through U auditorium, allegedly the original site ofthe fire, A Smouldering Words cannot describe the loss, yet for the dark- er pages of history We recall: December 3leA blaze set in the Wood shop re- sulted in damages exceeding Sl00,000. January 8-2:28 a.m.-A youth was reported prowling in the school by a milkman. 3:10 a.m.eA four alarm fire called out all the fire-fighting equipment ol the city. Within 30 min- utes, all off-duty firemen and police Were at the scene. 5:05 a.m.-Explosions rocked the city as the chemistry lab was engulfed by flames. For much of the day, fire crews remained on

Page 14 text:

. M M il' .L Q 5 X41 9 . . ...W g .K L, M. 'W . , sf. .J ,. 1 W ' Jia Je- s e 3 . . new , iii . ib ' ia. .JF ev Q 'tlfjsfif fs ' N 5 -,gsgfs.tfs.ss - x K, .ah 5 .-:, ss:-' M . ,- .508 X Q f '- Shuttle buses became a part of life for students. Many had to be transported fron versa. It was a real problem trying to keep on time. A New Sense Cf Duty lt's that way! Mr. Jones seems to be helpinga lost student adjust to new surroundings at WJHS. After the immediate shock of the tragic blaze had passed. the stu- dents of CHS were ready to continue their education quickly and in the best way possible. Being assured that they would be provided with an education of highest quality. they prepared to return to their new books and new surroundings on January l8. Many seemed dubious about the feasibility ofa split-schedule day with WJHS. lt was a hard- ship for all concerned to face the dark, bleak mornings and frigid dawn temperatures to come to school, yet, it was a necessity and a challenge. Extra-curricular activities scheduled afternoon meetings. music and athletic activities continued, and such things as the Junior Carnival and the Prom were presented as always. Students became more aware of themselves and their responsibilities as detention was discontinued and they found themselves faced with decisions. Often a planned acti- vity or a free afternoon had to be sacrificed for drivers' education, a math class or a science lab. The schedule was a demanding one, yet from the first day on it was evident that the fire had not destroyed the spirit and initiative of a determined student body. Determination WAS the key as the whole student body co-operatededetermined to overcome obstacles. determined to learn and mature, and determined to make l9o8 a very good year. N m. K Q 3 This became home, not just for . S ' K . 5. fu... K - -Q A E ..:12'it fWr- 'jfs t li' 'a' N, i- . 5 :psf Us s- a , tfis SE we 1