Dixon High School - Dixonian Yearbook (Dixon, IL)

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Gladys E. Gaylord (1919-1923) basketball team. Coached by McMasters, the team com- piled a perfect conference record and walked away with the trophy. During the 1920's the number and kind of extracurricu- lar activities grew rapidly. The Agriculture Club, whose work was continued later by the Future Farmers of Amer- ica, was opened in 1922 to those interested in farming. In 1923 Dixon entered debate competition with the forma- tion of the Lincoln Debate Club, supervised by Miss Scott. Two organizations of importance were organized in 1924 —a student council, consisting of a president and one rep- resentative from each class, was formed; and the first pub- lication of the school newspaper, The Bat, was presented to DHS students. Other clubs formed during this decade were Les Pauvres Poisons (French Club), Vadi Mercum (Latin Club), Literary Digest, Joyce Kilmer Society, and dramatic clubs. A structure resembling a castle, located on Lincoln Statue Drive near the banks of the Rock River, held all of Dixon's high school students. The new building and its facilities made Dixon one of the greatest sites of learning in the state of Illinois. A telephone system connecting each classroom to a central board in the office was the latest type of convenience to be had in a school’s facilities. The electric control board in the physics room was the first of its kind in the state. The clock and bell system, which is still in use, far surpassed those of other schools. Excluding the auditorium, which was added in 1936, the cost for the whole building was $600,000. Cafeteria 1935 Home Economic Class 1932 11

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Rock River Conference 1925 John Reeder (1919-1921) I B. Potter (1921-1932) 1920-1929. In 1920 North Central and South Central were united under the supervision of Superintendent John C. Reeder and principals Gladys Gaylord and I. B. Potter. The 1920 Dixonian was a result of the combined efforts of staff members from both schools, and a joint basketball team put an end to the rivalry which had grown up be- tween North and South Central. The success of the merger of the two teams was evident in 1921 and 1922 when Dixon won the Rockford Basketball Tournament. Track and field events were also introduced during the first year of union. In 1921 Superintendent Reeder died leaving his posi- tion to be filled by I. B. Potter. Later, in 1922, Dixon High School experienced the promotion of A. H. Lancaster to take over the position of principal and the arrival of A. C. Bowers. In later years these two men were a definite in- fluence in the lives of many students and townspeople. Mr. Lancaster who was known for his friendly and under- standing personality gave many years of service to the school. Mr. Bowers was instrumental in the forming of the Rock River Conference, which soon gained a reputation for having keen athletic competition. In 1925 Mr. Bowers joined forces with B. O. Culley to produce Dixon’s first conference championship football team. Dixon’s solid defensive line proved to be the main factor in its undefeated season. Opponents of Dixon never succeeded in crossing the Dukes’ goal line during the en- tire season. I he only blemish on the champion’s record was a safety obtained by her arch rival, Sterling. The year 1927 proved to be outstanding for the Dukes' NCIC Champions 1932 Louella O. Parson» Ronald Reagan 10

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High water mark 1938 DHS from the air 1939 1930-1939 Dixon’s athletic success during the thirties was dependent primarily upon the expert coaching of C. B. Lindell, A. Q. Bowers, and L. E. Sharpe. Football was the first sport to receive attention; 1930 brought Dixon its sec- ond and last Rock River Conference Championship. The North Central Illinois Conference was formed in 1930, and Dixon soon gained full control. Mr. Lindell's football team captured the NCIC conference trophy in 1931 after an undefeated season. Much credit is due to the shifty open-field running of all-stater Elwood Me Reynolds. The year 1932 brought another NCIC championship to Dixon's football team coached by Art Bowers. In the same year, golf and tennis were added to the athletic program. It took the Dukes only one year to become masters of the golf course and NCIC titlists. Basketball moved up in 1933 as Mr. Sharpe's team advanced to the rcgionals, gaining en route Dixon's first district trophy. Dixon also won the conference in track in 1933. Outstanding in field events were Curtis Strong, broad jump; Fred Pagett, mile-run; and Howard Mantsch, discus and shot put. Also in 1935, Mr. LindeU’s golf team continued its winning ways by dom- inating conference play. During this year of outstanding athletic achievements, the Ixntennen’s Club was organized with Francis “Hank Henry as president. The 1935-36 athletes climaxed a drive which since has never been equaled in the history of Dixon High School- Dixon placed first in every conference sport in which she participated. With a display of powerful running and blocking and the excellent offensive and defensive action of Lloyd “ ruffy Miller, Mr. LindeU’s football team over- ran the conference. Mr. Sharpe coached his basketball team not only to a conference championship, but also to Dixon’s first regional trophy. Mr. Bowers’ track team won all its dual meets and gained its fifth consecutive NCIC title. The team then advanced to the state sectional meet where it placed second. The golf team, led by senior Dick Durkes, captured its fourth NCIC title in four years. Mr. Lindell followed suit in 1936 with an undefeated and untied sea- son. Don Miller, halfback for the Dukes, later became the Big Ten's best place kicker. In 1937 Gerald Ankeney, later one of Iowa’s famous “Iron Men,” led the football team to its third consecutive conference championship. Due to the flood in the spring of 1937, the track team was un- able to use the field. Despite this handicap, they captured first place in the conference. In 1938 Mr. Marvin Winger became a member of the coaching staff when he took over the duties of Mr. Sharpe and Mr. Lindell who had been assisting Mr. Bowers in track. Coaching staff 1938 12