El Reno High School - Boomer Yearbook (El Reno, OK)

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CLASS HISTORY In the fall of the year 1905 some thirty- five pupils gathered in the halls of the El Reno High School. Of all the classes that have ever crossed the threshhold of this renowned institution the class of ’09 certainly is the most famed by far. Ours in the only class in the history of this High School that has organized during the first week of the first month of the first year. At this time we elected our officers, chose a motto, class flower and colors. Throughout the first year we maintained a high standard in our work, but mere lessons in Algebra. Latin, Rhetoric and Physiology were not enough to occupy our time; consequently, many were the social gatherings enjoyed duding the year. Near the beginning of school, we were royally entertained Jjy Cornelia Libby, one of our classmates. In the spring time the bril- liant idea of having a May basket party was suggested. No sooner was the plan thought of. than, with the characteristic energy of this class, it was put into opera- tion. We gathered at the home of Bryan Blake, our honored president. After a pleasant social hour we sallied forth to hang our baskets. But lo! none were to be found. The Juniors had slyly made way with them. Determined to have a good time we went indoors and forgot there were ever such trifles as stolen May baskets. Examinations came, were passed and the Freshmen became Sophomores. How proud we were to learn the success with which we had passed the first mile stone in our four years’ course. In the fall of the year of 1906, we assem- bled as Sophomores. Though there were only fifteen of us we had lost none of our former brilliancy and class spirit. The Crimson and Cream was now honored by being the first colors hoisted from the flag pole, where they proudly waved until pulled down by the enterprising class of ’07 Shortly after school opened we reorgan- ized and held class meetings from time to time. We did our work faithfully and well; so. as Hallowe’en drew near, thought we deserved recreation, accordingly we planned a social gathering and were very hospitably entertained at the home of Duncan Borden. During the evening two suppers were served, the first was a three course luncheon —salt, first course; toothpicks, second course, and water, third course. Later a more substantial repast was served. After our Christmas examinations were over we decided that our new course of study was too heavy and the hours between breakfast and dinner too long to go with- out a lunch. With much difficulty we per- suaded the janitor to let us use the furnace room. Hither we hied daily, for sometime without encountering our principal. One day, however, our luck changed and just as we were to serve our lunch in walked our principal with firm tread and stern countenance. Praised be our editor-in-chief who saved the day for us by sitting on the sandwiches. After this w’e obtained special permission to have our spreads. The close of the year’s work was made especially pleasant by a reception given to the Seniors at the home of Zita Mont- gomery. This year the class has received new members, Clara and Milfred McCreight from Lamont. Okla.. and Ruth Bates from Indiana, who have won the good will and friendship of every pupil in school. Near Christmas time one of our classmates, Willie Beal Avant, was called home to nurse an invalid mother and could not return. We were indeed very sorry to lose her. I ater, Duncan Borden, withdrew to improve his farm and recreate and after- ward to join us in special work in college. Our class now numbers an even dozen, four boys and eight girls. The year has been devoted to dilligent study: Junior Geometry has the name of being the best class in school. As a means of entertainment, we content- ed ourselves with occasional spreads until April 1st. then, in company with the Seniors, we planned a picnic at Caddo Springs. The weather tried to fool us but we fooled the weather and went anyway. Next day rested and eager for study, we returned to our classes, only to be charged with the mis- conduct of some of the under class students. This censure w as borne with a meekness that any student would be proud to possess. Throughout our three years High School life our motto “Constantia Omnia Vincit,” 24

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YELL. Motto: Constantia Omnia Vincit. Crimson and Cream. Crimson and Cream Colors: Crimson and Cream. Juniors, Juniors, we’re no dream. We don’t shine, but get along fine. Class Flower: American Beauty Rose. We’ll quit the business in 1909. OFFICERS. PRESIDENT—MAUDE PETERS. VICE PRESIDENT—ETHEL DOWELL. SEC. TREAS.—JOE SHELL. CLASS POEM Yes, the sands of time are falling Thru life’s hour-glass day by day, To the Junior now recalling Days and deeds long passed away. Days when we together entered Life and work in E. H. S. Every mind on study centered (?) Crowned at last with full success. Until then we’d been the Freshmen Scorned by all the higher folk, Yet no banner of the classmen More proudly faced each cutting joke. But now before we near believed One year had pased of four, With tasks and tests both well achieved Our class became the Sophomore. ’Twas then our spirits leaped their bound, Our glorious banner on high we spread; And knowing not that Senior frowned Never suffered a fear nor dread. But innocent trust was soon betrayed For it fell by a Senior’s hand. Altho defeated, yet not dismayed, For a bigger and better soon took command. Parties and picnics followed fast Until with quickened speed Examinations came and passed And we for vacation were freed. Still a faithful few remaining, Others were added, too, Now as Juniors seek for training, Something to dare and do. Past the horizon of this year’s struggles We see Hope’s rising sun; For next year’s close will end our troubles And see the victory won. 1 Then let us still press onward, We’ll soon make our star shine And long shall be remembered The class of ninteen-nine. —Maude Peters ’09. 23

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has been a source of inspiration to us and many are the difficulties we have surmount- ed. With the completion of the Annual we shall feel that our hardest task is ended and our three years’ work completed. When the last strains of music have died away, announcing the close of the graduating exercises of the class of ’08, we shall be- come dignified and learned Seniors. BE A MOUNT. CLASS OF '08 AS PROPHESIED BY THE CLASS OF 09 In the year 1918, the Class of ’09 held a reunion in the E. R. H. S. Prominent among the speakers and occupying a front seat was the Blue Jay of the Juniors. After much speaking by the various members of ’09 and amidst great applause, the Blue Jay arose and made his way to the platform. He adjusted his spectacles; carefully un- folded his handkerchief and wiped his nose; bowed gravely to the audience and com- menced. “It was ten years ago, that I first made my advent into El Reno. As the Class of ’08 was about to be graduated from H. S., I was commissioned by the Juniors to fol- low the lives of the various members of the Senior Class and report to them after ten years had passed by. So, kind friends, I have followed your suggestion and have kept my eye on each of the members of ’OS and am now ready with my report.” Here the speaker was greeted by such a burst of applause that he looked about for a means of escape and would have flown away; but however changed his mind and resumed his discourse. “The boys have all proven themselvcr worthy of their Alma Mater. “Simon Tannebaum has made his fortune as an explorer. Two years ago while travel- ing in South America, he accidentally dis- covered the north pole. He built for him- self an ice palace on the very spot and uses it for a summer home. He also dis- covered the Chinese wall, and sold it to the Chinese government for $23.23. He now lives in ease and affluence, spending his winters in tropical South America, and his summers at the north pole. “Archie Hanks, the bachelor of the class, had a sad ending. Soon after his gradua- tion, he inherited a great fortune and sailed for Paris, the center of fashion and galty. He became known as the Chevalier Hanks de Hanks, the most polished courtier in the capital. For some years he gave lessons in lovemaking and writing “billet deux” to the young dandies. But alas! One night. while serenading the president’s daughter, a hail storm arose. Oblivious of the egg-sized hail pouring down upon his head, and think- ing only of the tender glances of her whom he loved best, he sang on. In the morning he was found a corpse beneath her window. “J. Gilbert Tompkins is the orator of the pulpit in Punkville, Missouri. His sermons on Base Ball and Opportunities have even outrivaled those interesting ones of Prof. Thuermer.” Here the Blue Jay assumed a troubled look as if in doubt how to proceed. “Well, now I will give you my report on the girls. The faculty might well be proud of them. “The class president, Florence EaBryer has become a speaker of note. Her thrill- ing stump speeches on Prohibition and Women’s Rights have stirred up the whole west. The last time I saw her she was out in Idaho, posing so gracefully and making such an impression on the cow- boys that they left the country and have never been heard of since. “Shortly after their graduation, Mable Stephens, Margaret Fitzgerald and Jessie Waring began a crusade against the manu- facture and sale of face powder. They canvassed the country and told from ex- perience the evil effects of the same and great has been their success, as you well know. For, today there is little or no face powder used throughout the United States. “Zita Montgomery, I have been told al- ways did have an affection for rural life. (Applause). She now lives on a farm in northern Oklahoma and is quite a profes- sional in raising ducks, geese and poultry. Her fresh country butter took the Blue Rib- bon at the Annual State Fair in Wichita, Kans., last year. “Blanch Pyle still lives in El Reno. She hasn’t changed much, and is still that tall, slender girl as of old. She leads a very secluded, pious life and takes great interest in church work. “Minna Jensen has gained world-wide fame as a tight wire walker. Her greatest 25