Columbia High School - Columbian Yearbook (Columbia, IL)

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We phoned Marian and made an appointment. After seeing her complete selection, still unsatisfied, and with Marian's recom- mendation, we left to go see Lucille Krem el, who was the buyer for dresses at the Better Dress Shoppes. There we found what we wanted and being thoroughly famished, we stopped at the famous Waldorf-Astoria, where Ruth Schneider was the food manager. The meal was delicious, cooked and served Columbia style. As we wandered out to the street we were crowded and pushed by people who were eagerly watching what appeared to be a parade. Naturally, our curiosity got the better of us, and we,too,stopped to watch. This was one of the biggest surprises yet. Florence Trenz, bedecked with an enormous bouquet, was the feature attrac- tion. We were informed by one of the by-standers that Florence had discovered a new explosive which would undoubtedly change the outcome of the war. Who would have ever dreamed that Florence would become famous through her chemistry knowledge! We got back to the hotel safely and settled down to a good n1ght's rest, which we had rightly earned. The big moment at last! Eutz and Grace, Dee and Bill Hubbs, and I took a taxi to the Stork Club. Gus was indeed surprised to see us and told us he had obtained Nadine Green, world famous, and well-known pianist to entertain us for the evening. Practically everyone had come. There were Maxine Green and Dorothy Hildebrandt,who were both teaching at an exclusive girls' school. Maxine was teaching Physical Ed. and Dorothy, English. Glenn Riebeling and his wife were the next ones to be ush- ered in. Glenn had taken a course in Scientific Farming and was now the well-known Farm Advisor of Illinois. Kenneth Harres, too, was there. He was the proud owner of a large chain of shoe-shine shops along Broadway. His constant practice in study hall was an asset to him after all. To complete the party, Lt. Erwin Withum,covered with medals, just home from overseas, made his entrance. He told us that he was there to enjoy himself after many months of active combat. At the beginning of the dinner, Gus made a speech and said that Kenny Jahr had been injured on the basketball court and had been taken to the hospital. His manager, Lou Carle, was with him and sent their regrets. Capably taking care of Kenny was Dr. Bob Weltig, one of New York's noted surgeons and his able assistant, Maybelle Mueller. As we were on our way to see Kenny, we turned on the radio in the cab and heard Shirley Mae Schneider's daily broadcast on nWhat's New in Food Preparat1on.' She had become quite famous. We arrived at the hospital and asked the nurse at the infor- mation desk, who turned out to be Mary Louise Tunze, in what room Kenny was. She told us, 403, and we started up. As the elevator wasn't working, we walked up. We stopped on one floor to admire the baby the nurse was carrying. It turned out to be Doris Reich- ert, who was Head Nurse on that particular floor. We talked to her for awhile and then went on to reminisce with Kenny and Lou. We remarked to each other as we rode back to the hotel--what a complete class reunion this had turned out to be! Grace Landgraf

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P R 0 P H E C Y Amid the rush of people at Union Station,imag1ne my surprise meeting someone I actually knew. No second glance was needed-- yes, it was Dolores Stuard. While we were reminiscing, she told me she had hurriedly packed and was leaving on the 8:57 for New York after having received a phone call from Bill Hubba. He was to be in port but a few days. The 8:57, that's my train. It was indeed a coincidence! Both of us were leaving on the same train and going to the same place. Dee jokingly asked me, 'Which one is in port now?' No such luck, mine was a business trip. I was on my way to see Harper and Brothers Publishers to obtain the rights needed to publish my textbook, 'A New Angle on Math. How time does fly! Our train was to leave on Track 9. le were casually strolling in the vicinity of that particular track when a familiar voice shouted, 'All aboard!' We looked! It just couldn't be, but, yes, it was, Horace Volkert. This was almost unbelievable--Dee, Beeps, and I all on the same train. As usual, our luck was with us. Since Dee was in a hurry to get to New York, naturally there had to be a six-hour'lay-over at Indianapolis. We stepped off the train to get a bite to eat in the station. While we were desperately looking for a so-called Luncheon Bar, Dee asked a stewardess, who looked familiar, where it was. Upon closer observation, we immediately recognized none other than Violet Rey, who informed us she was now the Chief Stewardess over several of the larger lines and was at present stationed in Indianapolis. We had lunch and she saw us off. Finally, we arrived in New York. With everything but the kitchen sink piled in front of us, we hailed a taxi. The cab came to an abrupt and reckless stop, and we climbed in rather hesi- tantly. We settled ourselves as comfortably as possible. The driver turned to ask us where we were going -- a familiar face stared at us, that of B111 Lewis. Noticing that Bill was driving, we sat back, held our breath, and hoped for the best. He informed us that lf we were looking for a nice place to stay, we might, for old tlme's sake, try Alfred Dehn's newly opened 'Dehn manor Hotel,W with Pearl Mueller as the able hostess. This sounded like a good deal. Dehn Manor--next stop! As we were registering, a familiar giggle was heard. Grace Kettler was coming down the stairs to get her mail. We talked and she told us she was living in New York since her husband, E'utz, was stationed there and could come home week ends. She informed us that Gus Koch, the manager of the Palace Theater, was giving a party at the ever famous Stork Club, now under the able management of Merril Huch. The party was for a momentous occasion celebrating Millard Mund1nger's return to the states after his heroic episode, from which he received a presidential citation for unusual gallantry beyond the call of duty. Ket said we had better go shopping with her that afternoon, as the party was the next evening. She also told us that Marian Stumpf owned a swank dress shop on Fifth Avenue and if we called for an appointment with her, she was sure Marian could arrange it. Having dialed the wrong number, we heard the operator's voice. It was unmis- takably Ruby Ritter. We told her of the party for Mip and she said she would come after she got off duty.

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SENIOR CAVALCADE In September of 1941, a group of green, bewildered young- sters began their high school careers. As usual, there was that constant looking down' from the upper classmen, but with a bit of effort, it was easily overcome, for we soon proved that we could take what ever was handed down. For our first year in high school, we elected Robert Schiemer, President, Alvin Maeys, Jr., Vice-President, Ruby Ritter, Secretary, and Erwin Withum, Trea- surer. Miss Virginia Hendricks was elected as our sponsor. We proved to be quite an active class, for we enjoyed a class party at school and a hayride to Falling Springs. Doris Jean Reichert was elected as our candidate for Victory Queen. Several of our members took part in the Drama Club's production of short plays. We ended our first year in high school well pleased with our work and activity. We started our Sophomore year by electing officers, which were: Kenneth Jahr, President, Millard Mundinger, Vice-President, Robert Weltig, Secretary, Mary Louise Tunze, Treasurer, Sponsors, W. R. Dickson and Marie Williams. This year we formed a Victory Club, and enjoyed several parties. The Freshmen honored us by inviting us to a Dog-Patch Party and later we returned this favor by taking them on a picnic to the Quarry. We ended the Sophomore year, ready and eager to become upper classmen. We started our Junior year in true upper classmen manner. We elected our officers, Ruby Ritter, President, Shirley Mae Schnei- der, Vice-President, Erwin Withum, Secretary,Florence Trenz,Trea- surer, Audrey Fulton and Louise Gentry, Sponsors. We began at once to raise funds for the Junior-Senior Prom, which was given April 28 and proved quite a success. We raised funds by giving a play, 'Room for Ten, a three-act comedy, and by selling soda and popcorn at basketball games. Later we sponsored a show at the State Theater. Marian Stumpf and Mary Louise Tunze were chosen candidates for Prom Queen. Marian Stumpf was elected. As Juniors we selected our class rings. Completing our Junior year, we felt capable of taking over the job of Seniors. September, 1944, brought us together once again as noble Seniors. This has proved to be a very busy year. Officers for this year are: Robert Weltig, President, Erwin Withum, Vice- President, Bill Lewis, Secretary, August Koch, Treasurer, and Florence Jaenke and Gratia Bram er, Sponsors. Before the weather became too unbearable we went on a hayride. We received our class rings, which pleased us all. In October we Seniors went to Van- M1ller's to have our graduation pictures taken. The rest of that day was spent in ntown.' In November a special party was given for M1p Mundinger at the Legion Hall. 'Mip was leaving to serve his country as a sailor. The Annual Staff was organized and a drive to sell subscriptions was conducted. At the same time we selected our Senior play, nTouch and Gen. The parts were assigned to the persons they seemed most likely to describe. A short one-act play was also given. And, once again, a show was sponsored at the State Theater. At first it seemed as though our career here in high school would be a long one. Now that we are approaching our graduation day there lingers in our minds one lasting word--MEMORIES!