Decatur High School - Decanois Yearbook (Decatur, IL)

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I-o:fa1s1u1Fx:ef4m1te:uw rngjzmc,-F9-1 The Senior Party On Saturday evening, December 17, 1921, the seniors held their annual class party. The gymnasium was decorated attractively in the class colors, black and white, and showed clearly the careful study and hard work of the decorations committee. The program consisted of several musical numbers and a recitation, cleverly given by some of our senior talent. A male quartet from out of town also furnished some delightful harmony. There was an exceptionally large attend- ance, both of the seniors, and of the facultyg present, no doubt, to enjoy themselves, which was by no means difiicult. After the program, a. special orchestra furnished music for danc- ing. A large crystal ball suspended from the ceiling, rotated rapidly in the path of several spotlights and created a bizarre and unusual illumination for the dancers. Grape punch and wafers were served during the evening. Altogether, it was one of the most enjoyable parties a. senior class has ever put on. The junior Party Un December 23, the Juniors took their first social plunge in the form of the annual class dance. The gynmasium was decorated in evergreen and snow. Refreshments were served, and a program pre- faced the dancing: Ruth Ackerman and Margaret Rives gave readings, and Hymen Burstein contributed a violin solo. The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing. Every one had a fine time at this party, and it must be said that the class of '23 pushed off into the social whirl most auspiciously. The Sophomore Party One of the most pleasing events of the Hallowe'en season was the sophomore party, given in the gynmasium on the afternoon of October QS. Tl1e spirit was in the air, and the majority of the guests came masked. Cornstalks and pumpkins furnished the suitable atmosphere: ice cream and cakes were readily accessible and very much patronized. The entertainment was furnished by Miss Richeson, accompanied by some of her pupils, in ai folk dance: there were also moving pictures, and a solo dance given by Dorothy lVinters. The remainder of the afternoon was occupied by dancing. The music was exceedingly good, and every one present enjoyed his class party. Mr. Miller: There is great mystery in Wlziskers! Page 104

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a-5j2iJlliFEA'lST1Qlw'J klgzzzciig-1 The Aclmirable Crichton The Adinirable Crichton, written by Sir Janies M. Barrie, was the inost successful class play ever presented in the Decatur High School. The heaviest piece of dramatic Work atteinpted by a gradue ating class was presented before two full houses on April 20 and 21. Stanley Vaill, in the title role, displayed an ability seldom equaled by either high school or university actors. His previous experience enabled hiin to handle his diliicult part with a finished smoothness. Paxton Judge, as the Honorable Ernest XVooley, carried the part of the coniedian with excellence and delighted his audiences. Yernette Anderson took the leading feininine role and carried her part well, as did the other actresses. Gertrude Redwitz, Laura Grothe, Aileen Collins and Maurine Golden. The reniainder of the cast, including Royal lNIct'lelland, Edwin Dayton and Robert Taylor, showed fine stage presence and good acting. Under the list of ininor characters that displayed good ability were: Robert Schaub, Philip Bruso, Emily Schleiser, Louise lVood, Percy Michener, Leslie Clark, and several others Who took the part of ser- vants. The cast Was coniposed of thirty people, all of Wlioni helped to niake the play the best ever presented by a senior class. Too niuch cannot be said of the line Work of Miss Eliza Thoinas, who coached the production. XVithout her the play could not have been ai success. The class of '22 owes a debt of gratitude to Miss Thonias for her splendid Work. Page 103

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1-ifjilllietdnr-xlISITlElLUJ angzzzg-1 Goocl English Week A series of interesting events marked the week set aside for the practice of good English. A definite program was followed by all of the English classes, and by devoting a special day to the va.rious phases of the subject, a goodly amount of benefit was derived, every one found that pure speech wasn't such a bore after all. A spirit of rivalry in the use of correct English was obtained by means of spelling and pro- nouncing matches between the various classes. Another feature which aided considerably in making this campaign a success, was the splendid play presented by Mask 85 lVig. The plot pertained to the use of correct speech, and was entitled One Chance. Another play, put on by the sophomores, also showed the evil effects of incorrect English. There can be no doubt as to the lasting benefits derived from these intensive programsg with our daily practice in the English classes, a high standa.rd of speech should be ma.intained in our high school. The Football-Basketball Dance A very enjoyable evening was spent by those Who attended this annual celebration, which Was given in honor of Decatur High's ath- letes, renowned on field and floor. A large number were present for the occasion, including several members of the faculty, and Mr. Riche- son and family. Dance programs were provided for all those caring to dance, and grape punch Was served as refreshment. A special orchestra was secured for the event. A spirit of friendly rivalry in the terpsichorean art made all of our heroes shovv the 'tbest they had, and some marvelous steps resulted. The evening passed far too quickly, and the general opinion Was that it must be fine to be an athlete if dances such as this were attendent. Mrs. Nelson: Now let me tell you people something. Page 105