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

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Across the street, surrounded by a bevy of rustic beauties from 'over the river', we watched a beau-brummel wax and groom his hirsute moustache. Without further strain on our memories, we suddenly recognized that notorious entertainer of femi- nine pulchritude, Leo Ccookie-dusterj Duquette, enjoying his favorite pastime. Now we were greeted by a number of classmates including Bill King and Gerry Buchanan, manufacturers and distributors of Colonial Furniture De Luxe, to a select clientele. We exchanged greetings with Capt. Andy Lusignan, now engaged in teach- ing Texas-bound recruits how to pronounce 'you-all', and with John Serba, Fall River's leading interior decorator. We were delighted to renew memories with Stan Szelag and Frank Mello as they modestly related their conquests in big-league baseball. Stan pitched the Braves to their recent championship, while Frank succeeded Walter Dropo at first base, some few seasons ago. Meandering down the lane to the old gym, we were amazed at the exquisite dis- play of multicolored lights and ,school banners intermingled with bunting around the interior walls and ceiling. Advancing with his wonted dignity, was our distinguished class president, Capt. George Lelievre, now Chief draftsman in the Pentagon at Wash., D. C. Without re- vealing any of the top-flight secrets of National Defense, he intimated that science had advanced with such gigantic strides that this horizon of knowledge was immeasurable. His only regret on this happy occasion, he explained, was the deep personal con- cern for the immediate welfare of our two classmates Don Lavoie and Al Pimental. Don was absent, he said, because he had been called before the Supreme Court in Bos- tong it being alleged that he had promoted the sale of Andy Michaluk's NON- IGNITIBLE COLLARS to the local fire dept., at a recent muster. The case is now in the hands of the jury. A1's absence was explained by a sudden decision on his part to take his beloved J oanie on a gondola ride down the lovely Quequechan. No one knows the loveliness of moonlight till he beholds it on that Queen of Waters Al had confided to George at dusk. Joanie does so enjoy the sight of stately stepping clouds marching to the music of the upper winds and the fragrance of every wild-flower along the river banks . Un- der these circumstances, his return was unpredictable. Now we shake hands with Lieut. Roger Lavoie of the Army Tank Corps and the other Roger of drafting days, who is on the staff of the Patents Office in Wash., D. C. Continuing our rounds, we greet Paul Roy, with his accustomed smile and genial greet- ing. With a pardonable pride he told us of his success as Pres., Treas., Salesman and Chief Mechanic in the HESITATING AUTO CO., of East Freetown.

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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.

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We noted among these present, in great glee, Bob ibachelorb Dean, Fred Louro, George Jasmin, Bill Dupere, Art Ferris and Norman Berube. Bob has founded an Aca- demy for young ladies between the ages of 14 and 16. In honor of Mrs. Dean and the five little Deans in his family, he has called it UPANDEMONIUM HALL . Fred Louro explained that he had spent much time in travel during the past twenty years. He is employed as Ticket Collector on the Merry-go-round at Lincoln Park. On his night off, he collects tickets in the dance hall between dances. George Jasmin has made his pile as Pres. of the Just As Good Perfume Co., of Swansea. Bill Dupere, now a member of the Legislature, has recently introduced a bill regulating the size of 'Schooners'. Art Ferris has signed for bed and board on a slow boat to China. Mostly bed , he said. Norman Berube has invited us to pay a visit to the Monte Carlo Casino, where he is the proprietor. As we gazed about, we espied Dick Morrissette astride the Parallel Bars teaching George Tonelli, now Principal of the Diman Girls' School, the art of operating a six- jet Cargo plane. Gerry Buchanan spoke of his happy employment as Coach of the Chess, Checkers, and Ping Pong Teams at Durfee High School. Wandering near the head banquet table, being readied by Miss Lavender and her efficient Ccash onlyj ticket sellers, We spotted the towering figure of John Midura in his de-elevated shoes. He was listening in rapt attention to his pal, John Howarth, who warned him not to use his knife when eating peas, but rather his fork. Well, I'l1'be darned , replied Big John, I always thought that forks was only used to clean barns with. Both are partners in the renowned Perfumed Fertilizer Co. of Rusty Gate, Iowa. In the center of the gym floor we listened with much pleasure to our old cronies Romeo Potvin and Dick Boler as they demonstrated their advanced showing of the latest in Paints and Wallpapers. Nothing like a little business mixed with pleasure , they explained. The Banquet was, to say the least, out of this world. Fred Louro asked for a sec- ond helping of the delicious home-made hash. Upon gulping it down, he seemed ut- terly disappointed. Asked why, he moaned: Tastes like a return engagement of the famous Hungarian Goulash in my Senior Year at Diman. The post-prandial exercises were brief by agreement. Worthy of note, however, was the lively debate between Jim Toolin and Tish Lavoie on the virtues of endowing a new home for Indigent Custodians. Sounds like a Mexican duel to me, shouted Big John. Now the festivities are over as we opened the flood-gates of our voices in a song to our Alma Mater. With a hasty adieu to all, we wend our way up Hartwell St., alone in our thoughts. As I gazed skyward, the vast Vaults of the purple night enthralled me with their splendor. The stars were burning brightly in the clear sky. This had indeed been a tribute to Diman by the Class of 1952g our Alma Mater, Mother of useful men . George Lelievre Lewis Constance Albert Pimental