Covington High School - Puffs and Patches Yearbook (Covington, VA)

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june 3, l947 Dear Diary: This morning I heard that there was to be a meeting of the teacher's staff in order to plan an outline for next semesteris work, so l went to the oflice to see if anyone I knew was a teacher here. The first person I saw was Lemuel Fitzgerald. He is the coach and the team has won the championship every year but three since t937. After all the teachers arrived, I saw: Leonard McLain, Industrial Arts teacherg Dorothy Campbell, Commercial teacher: Leonora Cox, Civics and English Composition teacherg John Bess, Chemistry teacher, Ruth McCarthy, librarian. They all look so dignified and stern now. Tonight I went to Covington's Razzle Dazzle Night Club where Madge Harmon is one of the hostesses. Everytime I turned around I saw someone I knew. There was a group of well-dressed women and among them were Robbie Eubanks, Mary Vail, Sybil Paxton, and Esther Steffey. They are all secretaries. I sat down with them and they told me all the changes going on and all the scandal of the town. Suddenly our conversation was hushed as the floor show started. The announcer was Homer Dodd. He was wearing a tuxedo and spats. He announced Frank Dixon and His Syncopatorsu first on the program. The curtain melted away and there in all its splendor was Frank and his sixteen-piece orchestra. As they played, I studied the faces about me. lsn't that Erma Fultz over there with that distinguished looking man? Well! Just imagine seeing her here. Yes, I know she is a well known scientist. She is stopping here on her way to Richmond where she will deliver a lecture to a Scientists' Convention. There is Harold Brooks. You say he is here on his vacation. You know we called him Chicken and now he looks nhenpeckedul What, he is the father of twins? How nice! I twisted my neck out of place trying to catch the eye of Alfred Baughan, the reporter. I thought maybe if he saw me, he would put my name in the society column. He never saw me because the lights were switched off just then, and into the spotlight a couple stepped and started dancing the most beautiful tango that I had ever seen. They have the grace and soundless skill of panthers. When they took their bows after the lights were turned on, I recognized them as Buck Bayne and Caroline Clarke. Buck teaches dancing. Madge I-larmon's girl friend, Miss Violet Arrington, basketball coach at Randolph-Macon, came in late followed by Francis Watts, electrical engineer at the paper mill. I went over to the bar and saw Carl Knick. He sells Fords. I saw Jr. Catlett sitting at the bar and went over to the seat beside him. l'Ie told me that he was coach at Washington and Lee, with love making on the side. Homer Dodd popped up and announced the arrival of a great coach. Sure enough, there came Lewis Foots Kincaid. His team won the Rose Bowl game last season. June 4, I947 Dear Diary: Today ended my vacation, but I don't regret it. Since so many members of the graduating class of nineteen thirty-seven are in town someone brought about a reunion tonight. What a time everyone had. On the way I met Alfred Rocklin and, by the way, he is going places in the Army. He is a first lieu- tenant now. For a long time we just sat about studying each other. How we have matured, lived, and learned. Many have quite a few gray hairsg sorrows, hurts, success and fame have touched our lives. Somehow the ice was broken, and soon we were recalling and laughing at pranks and the many funny instances of our school days. We became kids and enjoyed it thoroughly. Mr. Curfman was there with his little ten-year-old Katharine and his lovely wife. Finally came the parting. With tears glistening in every eye, we all joined hands, and sang Until We Meet Again. Live a life of service, be honest, and true blue. All that God asks of you is the best that you can do. Louise JENNINGS, Class Prophet I5 THIRTY-SEVEN

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PUFFS 6' PATCHES. A PROPHETIC DIARY May 31, 1947 Dear Diary: Am I glad that I decided to spend my vacation in Covington looking up the members of the graduating class of I937. Covington is a city now, and she has spread her wings as far as Island Ford Bridge. I never imagined seeing so many new stores. May I never forget the thrill I received when I first saw the high school. Ir is so big and modern! I discovered the sweetest little Tea Shoppe. And just think! It belongs to Gladys Porterfield. Virginia I..ewis is the head waitress, and Madge Hughes is the cashier. june I, I947 Dear Diary: As I started to the park this morning, my taxi was struck by a drunken driver. I went to see Lawyer Bill Minter for I knew he would settle the matter without unnecessary publicity. Bill is also an announcer for the new broadcasting station in Covington. After I left Bill, I went to the Tea Shoppe. Francis Meeks came in and he is so interested in his business that he tried his best to sell me a washing machine. I became bored, since I did not need a washing machine, and turned on the radio in time to hear Jr. Reyns, the famous crooner, start his daily program with his theme song In a Chapel in the Moonlight. He dedicated today's program to his pal, William Gregory, who is in the Navy. As I started to leave, in came Harry Rose, smoking a twenty-five-cent cigar. Harry and Peck have moved the poolroom to Main Street and call it Ye Smoke Shoppe. This afternoon I saw a group of wives and mothers gossiping in front of Fishman's. Eagerly I scanned their faces. To my surprise I saw the former Frances Bryant, Ruby Kelly, Cornelia Nicely, Beatrice Tucker, Catherine Rea, Christine Hilton, and Mae I-IaII. It seemed that there was a one-cent sale in town and in the crowd which was rapidly gathering I learned only the married names of two. Mrs. Cornelia Townsend and Mrs. Frances Benson. Maybe I'Il see them again while I am here. I wonder who Ruby Kelly married. june 2, I947 Dearest Diary: Before breakfast I read an inspiring poem which is in the wonderful paper Every Woman's News- paper edited by Miss Charlotte Stephenson. It was written by Emma Cook, the famous poet. To my horror my tooth started aching. I inquired for the best dentist in town and was directed to the ofiice of Thornton Sibley. There, with the assistance of his nurse, Bess Thomas, he pulled my tooth. Deciding to take things easy I went to the show. To think that both the handsome leading man, Oliver Reid, and the comedian, Gus Humphries CAI Jolson the Secondj went to Covington High School the same time I did. And now they are tops in Hollywood. After the show I decided to get a new hat, so I went to the most exclusive millinery shop in the city. It is a very lovely place and so soothing to any woman's nerves to be shown around by its owners, Victoria Payne and Helen Persinger. They know just what is suitable to each woman and the designer, Barbara Mathers, has the most fascinating creations just waiting for a buyer. On my way back to the hotel I met Cxrey Keirn. I-Ie has a good position with the Diesel Engine Company. While I was talking to him Ethridge Burr bumped into me. I-Ie is the manager of I..eggelt's in Bedford. Passing the A. B. C. store I saw these letters on the window: C. E. I... Benson, manager. I reached the hotel about half an hour before Iunch and started reading today's Covington Virginian, hoping to glean more news of the graduating class of 37. Imarine mv surprise, Dear Diary, when in the headlines I saw Buell Fitzgerald Saves Life of Miss Frances Poff, Famous Journalist. Next a wonderful picture of a hospital scene attracted my attention. They always make one feel so insignificant. Under the picture were these words, Dr. William Crosswhite performing one of his most successful operations. At his side were his ever eflicient nurses, Margaret Ellis, Kathryn Pfadt, and Edna Milton. Eagerly watching every move from the gallery, I could distinguish these student nurses, Lucille McNulty, Violet Carter, Marie Whitaker, Janie Finney, and Louise Baker. Still on the front page I saw an article about the newly discovered artist, William Latham, one time cartoonist. Later on in the dining room I saw Ashby Rice. He told me that he was a traveling salesman for the Cornbread Tobacco Company, and that he had tried to sell Woodrow Wright a supply for his hunting club but Woodie told him that all members had good teeth and wanted to keep them that way. I4 I

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PUFFS 6' PATCHES SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS WILLIAM DUPUY MINTER ,,,., ,,..S,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,.,,.,., P f egidgni OLIVER FRANKLIN REID .,,,,,, ,,,,, V iCc-Pfc5i,1en1 I-:E-ONORA LOUISE Cox ....... .,,,,, S ecrelary-Treasurer CLASS SPONSORS MISS ELISE GOODE Miss HELEN THOMAS Moito.' Onward Colors: Green and White Class Flower: Mountain Laurel WILLIAM DUPUY MINTER Sagittarius-December IZ, I9l8 He is sincere and frank. '33 Minstrel End Man, First Aid Clubg '34 Audi- torium Club, Minstrel End Man, '35 Junior Class President, Minstrel End Man, Dramatic Club, '36 Senior Class President, Minstrel Interlocutor, An- nouncer Staff, Glee Club. I I 6