Dallastown Area High School - Spectator Yearbook (Dallastown, PA)

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gap between a three and a four-year course and our success in securing the latter depended much upon the ingenuity of three master workmen, viz: C. V. Stine. Palmer Diehl and John II. Meyers. The following period began rather auspiciously, for in the spring of 1915 the State Department of Public Instruction, feeling satisfied that we had met the requirements of that body, sent us the glad tidings that we were classified a first grade high school. This stage of our development although apparently dead and lifeless had within it great possibilities. Locked within the walls of this chrysalis is all the potential energy accumulated during the former period, expending itself slowly and definitely in shaping and fashion- ing the original pattern. To those unacquainted with the changes taking place at this time the task must seem hopeless, the energy wasted and the efforts futile. W ithin it are forces at work, unknown and unseen to the un- observant. making preparations to assume its share of responsibility as an adult and to fulfill its life’s mission and in due time to break the silken threads that held it captive and unfold its gorgeous wings in the glorious sunshine of a new dawn. What the school will be depends largely upon what she is now. What she is now is determined by her environment. She must be liberal enough so that every one has an opportunity to find himself, and for self expression. This means much to both student and school. When self expression is per- mitted. the student feels that he is of some importance to find he is a part of the school. The recognition of his abilities stimulates his interest in his work, and infuses more deeply in his heart a truer love for his Alma Mater. Her efforts are of little avail without the forceful cooperation of the student. Since the student is of such vast importance, stupendous efforts should be exerted to produce incentive and initiative within the makeup of each son and daughter of 1). H. S. School and community must be cooperative rather than antagonistic. The school must set the standard and lift the community rather than have the community fix the standard and lower the level of the school. Wealth, pleasure, and popularity must be sacrificed to place the school in her rightful position and to maintain her there. Ill fares the land to hastening ills a prey: Where wealth accumulates and men decay.” This is the task we must accomplish if we would heed the advice of our predecessors and then with satisfaction look upon the product of our labor A thing of beauty and joy forever. Page nineteen

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and adverse circumstances our young and apparently hopeless institution struggled to fulfill its mission, fostered and nurtured by such men as X. S. Shaw, J. T. Fidler. 1). A. Minnich. V. L. Ammon, Fdward inemiller. C. W. Stine and others whose names could not be secured. Progress was made slowly during these times, yet by comparing long periods marked changes are noticeable. We quote from the “History of York County.” compiled in 1886. It is claimed by the citizens that the in- tellectual and moral growth is most encouraging. The school term has been lengthened to six months. A two-storv brick building is now used for the two schools of 124 members. This building will soon be enlarged to meet the demands. For this year 1884-1885 John Fidler taught secondary and Marths J. Wantz primary school, at $55 per month each. The State appropriation is $125 per year: A. J. Hartman, president, and Adam Kohler, secretary of the school board. The other directors are Dr. L. S. Lawson. Martin Simon. Jonathan Geesey and A. P. Grove.” The two-story brick building replaced a two-storv frame structure which was damaged by fire and afterwards re- moved. 'I'lie two-storv brick was also torn away to make room for a one- story three-roomed building. In 1890 a fourth room was added to this. In this building in the spring of 1898, this seeming lifeless and uncouth egg burst its dark crust and lo. the green larva appeared in the form of the first class to graduate from the high school. The inactivity that characterized its first stage is replaced by great activity; for no sooner had it freed itself from its dismal prison, it began to eat voraciously and to grow rapidly. The egg was fertile and the brood pro- lific; for during the next seventeen years, twelve classes and one hundred twenty-six young men and women have been graduated from her sacred halls and have gone out into active service to bless humanity and to make the world a better and a safer place in which to live. They have constantly and persistently urged us on to higher standards and to greater proficiency in order that their children may come here and more readily find themselves; they come to us with the friendly admonition that we relinquish not easily those possessions which they with great difficulty maintained. While the way over which our young institution had come was steep and hard she refused to look back but set her face toward Hope. “Hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never is. but always to be blest.” She had fully determined that while her earliest sons could not reach the goal each succeeding one must more nearly approach it. The last few years were exceedingly trying, since an attempt was made to bridge the Page eighteen

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r TOP—FORMER STUDENTS OF DALLASTOWN SCHOOLS CENTER—CLASS OF 1898 BOTTOM—CLASS OF 15 Page twenty