Coopersville High School - Zenith Yearbook (Coopersville, MI)

Page 27 text:

FOOTPRINTS the topic of Modern Banking, after which Emma Schmidt and Thelma Nichols, prima donnas of (.hand Opera in Chit ago, favored us v ith a couple of present day pieces. The toastmaster introduced one of our ablest scholars, Eugene O’Brien, who at the present time is our representative lrt m filth dis- trict in Congress, and is doing everything possible to further the ad- vantages of the Great St. Lawrence Water Way. The meeting was interrupted by the presence of Margaret Parish, who had just arrived by airplane from Norfolk, Virginia, where she has been visiting Fred Marshall, Ensign of the Navy, stationed at Norfolk Navy Yards. She reports meeting Mr. and Mrs Benjamin Westrate. Mrs Westrate, the former June Bliss, now resides there with her hus- band on a poultry farm. The last number on the program was a report by Robert Hard, tralfic inspector for the New' York Central Railway, on the following class members w ho were unable to attend this reunion: Neoma Mergener, employed as air hostess on the New York-San- Francisco Trans Continental Airways. Evert Way, operator of a pugilist training camp at Saratoga Springs, New York. Mabel Otterbein, manager of a health resort at Hot Springs, Ark. Kenneth Brown, a mining engineer, last heard from in Northern Canada. As this was the last number on the program, w'e arose to go, but became aw'are of an increasing disturbance in one corner, and upon investigating discovered Louis Laug, Paul TerAvest and Herman Luben, “The Debating Trio of 1934 ’ now famous lawyers of this city, still trying to convince each other that the government should have control of the radio system. The remainder of the evening was spent in renewing old acquaint- ances, after which w-e departed, hoping that we might all meet again some time in the future. G. E. R. Page Twenty-three

Page 26 text:

FOOTPRINTS ♦ Class Prophecy July, 1944 “All aboard for Coopers ville,” Ld Leemon, pilot of the Kohler Amphibian, called out as I boarded. In an hour or so I would be at the reunion of the Class of 1934. What fun, when we would be to- gether again, renewing old acquaintances and school day memories. While we landed at Grand Rapids to take on passengers, to mv surprise, Margaret VanOffelen came aboard. After talking with her, I learned that she and Zora O’Bradovitch were employed as nurses for TenBrink and Tikkanen, M. D’s., who have successfully established a hospital in Titusville. On arriving at Coopersville, Frances Venema joined us and I was surprised to learn that she is now Mrs. Donald Laug, and that they re- side on the Laug homestead, just northwest of town. She informed us that Don was detained at home to care for a sick cow-, but would ar- rive shortly. While touring the city, we noticed many changes had taken place. Lillie’s Department Store has been replaced by a fine new building, covering a full city block and is owned by Peters Dinkel. Marie Smith and Evel n McClain are modeling for them, and Uldene Roth is chief cashier. It has been hinted that Wilkinson and Peterson are closing their Funeral Home and have undertaken the real estate business, due to the fact that deaths are becoming fewer and fewer. The Hovingh sisters have an unusual but very modern hat shoppe. As w'e went up East Main street and started to climb the hill, we discovered that the building of our high school days had been com- pletely torn down and replaced with a mammoth building of present day architecture. On entering the lobby, we met Ray Push, present superintendent of schools, Margaret Kloosterhouse, head of English de- partment and Louise Spinner, commercial instructor. While talking with them, we learned that William Mergener is the present coach of athletics. After inspecting the new building, we entered the banquet hall as the high school orchestra played the popular piece, “Internat- ionale.” We were shown to our places at the several tables, which were placed the length of the gymnasium. After an enjovable dinner, Clare Rhodes, prominent oil man from the city of Conklin, acted as toastmaster, introducing Mayor Perd Rey- nolds, who handed us the key and welcomed us to the Biggest Little City in Western Michigan. The next speaker of the evening was Ruth McMillan, who has spent the last eight years as a missionary in the Far East. Carl Merkins, president of the Peoples Bank, at Nunica, spoke on Page Twenty-two

Page 28 text:

+----------FOOTPRINTS---------♦ Class History September, 1930 marks the beginning of a four years’ record of outstanding achievements for the class of'34. The group of 41 “green’’ noisy Freshmen soon showed itself capable of qualifying for a place in the annals of C. H. S. history. Many Seniors, as well as Sophs and Juniors, looked with envy at the places occupied by Freshmen on the Honor Roll. We made an outstanding record the first year in musical ability and stage performance, by donating two of our members for the Operetta “Crocodile Island”. The progressive, enthusiastic spirit we had portrayed as Freshmen was increased with our entrance as Sophomores. Though we decreased in number somewhat, we increased abundantly in wisdom and ability. We were the smallest class in 1931-32 having a total of 34 members. We were lacking however, only in number. Throughout the )ear we gained recognization in all phases of school activities. Several mem- bers made the first squad in football, one in basketball, and one of our class took first place at the Regional Meet in track. We also had representatives doing very well in oratory. In addition to all of these scholastic achievements, we also enjoyed many social activities. luniors Our number was re inforced by the entrance of class- mates from Nunica, Lamont, Allendale, and Conklin. The confidence we had obtained through our past success, was now accompanied by bv the self satisfied feeling of real prestage, for now we were among the upper classmen. However, we did not slacken our pace toward the high goal of success at which we had aimed. Once again the class distinguished itself in athletics, as well as Debating and Oratory. Our Junior play,“Beads on a String”, composed of a very capable cast, was a huge success under the equally capable directing of Miss Sorr. When the time approached for the great social function of the year, we once again showed our competent judgment and independence by throwing aside the cloak of formality and pretence, defied conventions, and gave the Seniors a banquet that was different, one w-here they could really be themselves. Plain, but very enjoyable to all. The goal at last!! Self confident, dignified, noble Seniors!! The most enjovable of all High School years. What a record we make in this, our last year—ten football letter men—three chan pion del aieis — four Seniors out of a cast of six in an all school play, “Haunted”— —outstanding representatives in Oratory and Track. A record to be proud of and talked about. Our High School days are swiftly drawing to a close, and as we leave, we sincerely hope that the future classes of C. H. S 11 a deri e the manv benefits and enjoyments that were so cheerfully bestowed upon us during our High School career. Page Twenty-four