Diman Vocational High School - Artisan Yearbook (Fall River, MA)

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Because of his estimable character and superior scholarship, as well as out- standing Basketball prowess, George Lelievre was re-elected our class President. He immediately planned and accomplished a series of happy events for the hearty mem- bers of his crew. The social event of the Junior season was held in February. Need- less to say, in 'brilliancy and numbers, our 'Junior Hop' set a standard to which our successors can look for many a year to come. Basketball accomplishments were by no means as successful as we had hoped for, but we fought a good fight and landed in the top finishers. One bright light, however, was the world record batting feat of 'Stanley Szelag, featured by Ripley in his famous column. On the first of June we heard some mention of a year-book and a committee of seven was appointed to look into the feasibility of the matter. Utterly fatigued by our exertions, we dropped our anchors, and sought once more the comforts and enjoyments of vacation. Once underway on the final leg of our cruise, Senior, we found there was no rest for the weary as the goal was in sight. Compilation of the Year Book was the first important item on the agenda. This was followed in rapid succession by a series of dances, football games and the usual Basketball parties. Graduation came with its thrill of diplomas won, and the knowledge of satisfaction and happiness for our beloved parents and friends. Last, but not least, the close of our four years so- journ, the Senior Prom. The 'Springs of Success' so long sought by us are now within our grasp. Cer- tainly the burdens for striving for our port were lessened by the helping hand of Mr. Curt, to whom we owe so much. It was he who guided us with keen eye, in times of stress, through the filmy veil that might have separated us from a happy future. In like manner, during our four strenuous and uninterrupted years of study and play, we have ever been conscious of the paternal guidance and brotherly comradeship of our teachers. We cannot fully recall the innumerable instances when they directed our stumbling footsteps, or when they shared our praise and censure. We do hope in future years, by noble ideas and manly character, to reflect some credit upon the gen- erous and untiring efforts they lavished upon us. In that way alone, can the crew of 1952 sufficiently express its thankfulness and appreciation. George Lelievre William King

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Sophomore year found us reassembled for our cruise on September 6th. Our ship had been overhauled and now consisted of a new gym as well as our main deck. Many of our companions of the first leg of our journey were conspicuous by their absence. Among these were Ed. Chicca, Bob Cusick, A1 Mendes, Harry Thomp- son, Jim McMurray, Jim Cyr, Nelson Shea, and a few others who had strolled so far away that we can get little account of them unless through service records. We gathered together for a re-election of officers, George Lelievre being chosen president of the Class. Coach Charles O'Keefe, first mate extraordinary, now appear- ed upon the new deck to teach us the ways and wherefores of a sound supplementary Physical Training, so helpful in the full development of a good citizen. It is needless to mention the accredited accomplishment of our noble crew when we recall that First Mate O'Keefe's efficient coaching brought aboard the coveted Eastern Mass. Class C. Basketball Championship, as well as the Narry League Em- blem of Leadershipg both trophies now on display in the Main Cabin on deck A. , Shore leave was granted to all hands that we might celebrate our greatest deed for Diman and we basked in the sunshine of prominence because of our victorious record, for many days to follow. At the Victory banquet in the Eagle restaurant, we were showered with heroic praises and the gifts of an appreciative citizenry. Nor was the social side of our development by any means neglected. A series of enjoyable assemblies tended to give surcease from the steady drill of school-life. It is worthy of note at this time to mention the progress in social niceties displayed on the dance floor of our classy gym deck, by so many of our bashful brothers. Many a wall flower crewman became a dancing fool at the insistence of the more sophisticated hoofers of our worthy gang. About the middle of June, we slowly steamed into the harbor of Repose, dropped our anchors, and scattered abroad to come together the following September and take up the third stage of our journey. Junior year discovered many more vacant chairs at our table when we first ap- peared for lunch after resuming our journey on Sept. 7. Pickering, Lord, Vanesse, Lowery and Dagais had been enchanted by the call to arms and had decided to sign up for the next few years. Some, and one in particular, had been felled by the darts of Cupid as they wandered about the by-ways of Boston after enjoying a 'Peach of a time'.

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CLASS PROPHECY Twenty years have come and gone. The world has plunged forward through many revolutions since the happy graduation day in 1952. It seems incredible, even as a mat- ter of History. The past has been more wonderful than any oracle would have dared to depict. These were my reflections as I gazed down upon my beloved Alma Mater, Di- man Vocational High School, from the blue and cloudless heavens over my native city, Fall River. I had planned this, my first visit home in two decades, by air, as a surcease from my labors in Oak Ridge, Tenn., where I had finally completed my World-anni- hilating Bomb as a threat to all aggressors of my native land. Likewise, as a loyal son of 1952, I felt it my incumbent duty to greet and con- gratulate my former classmates, now in happy reunion at the Vocational School 'on the banks of the old Quequechani Brushing aside the autograph seekers and news photographers assembled at the big F. R. airport, I entered my assigned government car and waved a gesture of thanks to my police escort. As was my custom, I suggested a brief stop at City Hall in order to pay my respects to the Chief Executive, His Honor the Mayor, whoever he might be. Dismissing my escort, I quickly mounted the steps to the entrance. The sweet music of the old belfry chimes that ushered in my arrival, quickened my pulse. I now knew what it was like to be known as a 'big wheel' to my fellow-citizens. What a surprise awaited me! His Honor was none other than my smiling class- mate, Ed Lafleur, now in his fifth term as First Citizen of his illustrious city. Need- less to say, I was overwhelmed by his address of welcome, particularly when he con- fided to me, aside, that he had finally learned to spell 'bananas'. Politely refusing any further attempts at formality, Mayor Ed, and myself ex- plained our desire to enjoy, once again, the scenes of our happy school days, by non- chalantly strolling down Hartwell St., to the place of our reception and banquet, the Diman Gym. At Fifth St., we paused momentarily to reflect upon that historic spot where the beloved Poet Longfellow had been inspired to immortalize the first American explorer, 'The Skeleton in Armor'. From afar, we could hear the deep religious note of the silvery bell in old St. Mary's, as it ushered in the evening angelus. As we approached the entrance to the school, we were shockingly startled by the mad rush of two adults stopping abruptly in front of us, both out of breath. They proved to be classmates Jim Toolin and Dick Berube, rushing to the reunion in like manner as in school days-always late.