Columbus East High School - Altis Yearbook (Columbus, IN)

Page 26 text:

Security lights of the First National Bank were shut off during the late hours of the evening which made Columbus seem as though it was a ghost town. Everything seemed to be disposable during the United Mine Workers strike as senior Duane Nichalson demonstrates his way of disposing of his styrofoam tray.

Page 25 text:

Dwelling on the traditions of the Jewish be- lief, Tevye, senior Steve Kalstrup, explains the significance of the prayer shawls and head cover. Neighbors of the town introduce themselves to Pcrchik, junior Scott Willy, a poor student from Kiev. The neighbors arc: Mendel, soph- omore Scott Taylor; Avrahm, sophomore Tim Howard; Mordcha, sophomore Daryl Deck; and Tevye, senior Steve Kalstrup. Discussing new ideas about Russia, Hodcl, sophomore Lori Campbell, and Perchik, junior Scott Willy, dream of a better Russia. Student Life 21

Page 27 text:

Energy crisis set back closing times of all Washington Street stores which left the streets deserted. Carefully manipulating his fork without it snapping in two, senior Jeff Brown devours the cold lunch plate which replaced the hot lunches because of the energy cut back. Ghost towns revive from energy crisis Bringing back memories of the ghost towns of the old west, dark, eerie, and quiet, Columbus and sur- rounding communities suffered through history being made as United Mine Workers struck for one hundred and nine days. History was being made as President Jimmy Carter called an emergency en- ergy set back for Indiana and other states. Columbus cut back all electricity except needed from businesses such as schools, factories, and stores. Employ- ees were laid off, homes and businesses cut back by utilizng few lights and less heat. East went through numerous cold spells as gym classes were moved to the open area between the audito- rium and the cafeteria to finish their dancing segment of the P.E. course. The gym was totally shut off from any heat and lights as it approximately dropped to a 40 degree level. Basketball practice was postponed but practice was temporarily moved to North or they played in the dark at school. Ex- tra-curricular activities were post-poned also for the time being. But as the energy crisis lingered on, the community realized how serious the shortage meant to the state of In- diana. Most of the citizens of Colum- bus and surrounding communities sup- ported the energy crisis to some degree. Ending the one hundred and nine day coal strike was a relief to many citi- zens. Even though some issues couldn’t be agreed upon, the strike was settled and the ghost towns of Indiana flick- ered back to life. Student life 23