Emmerich Manual High School - Ivian Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

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THE BOOSTER JUNE 1918 HISTORY BY MERLE O. GOSNEY On the evening of June 10, 1930, Marjorie Fisher King, a very dear friend of mine, invited me to her home for dinner. After dinner, we were com- paring some pictures of her brother, Jack Fisher, before and after the war. Seeing that I was interested in the stories connected with the pictures, she took me to the garret and began show- ing me trophies taken from an old, weather-beaten chest. One of the things which interested me most, was an old bunch of letters which were written to Jack by a school friend while he was in the navy. After a lit- tle puzzling over these letters, we dis- covered that they contained a history of the June, 1918 Class of the Charles E. Emmerich Manual Training High School, of which Jack was a member until he joined the navy. By special permission I am allowed to read them to you, as I was sure you would be in terested in them. October 21, 1917. Dear Jack: Yes, I agree with you concerning the contents of your last letter. All you talked was war, war, and more war. My sentiments are just what you ex- pressed. It is a shame, though, that you are not getting to share any of the good times of the class. As I sym- pathize with you on this point, I will be only too glad to take up your sug- gestion as to writing each meeting and telling you the school news to the best of my ability. Well, on the 17th of October we or- ganized, under the everguiding hand of Miss Knox. A committee was appoint- ed to overhaul and oil up the consti- tution of last year and put The Con- stitution of the June, ' 18, Class at the top, thus making it a new constitution. After this we elected officers. Very little raving and the pedestal was knocked off its base only three times. For our guiding star, model example, and ideal school-mate (viz. our Presi- dent), we elected Joseph Sharp. For the dear do-nothing and honor-gainer (viz. our Vice-president), we elected Grace Hackemeyer. You remember Grace of the Quaker-Oats smile and eternal A+ ' s! For general scribbler (viz. our Secretary), we elected John Booth. Now from what you and I know about Johnny, he wasn ' t elected from his ability to spell names, was he? For that terrible tear-maker and source of greatest worry (viz. our Treasurer), we elected George Garrard. After the election, they lined these poor officers up on the stage, and one might then have heard hearty laughter and much applause. Miss Knox heaved one of those famous sighs as if the task had been strenuous or something, when Joe relieved her of the chair. All Joe did was to tell us that he would appoint a pin and color commit- tee and then we adjourned. Such was our first meeting. Will write full par- ticulars of next meeting and more be- sides. As ever, Ted. October 25, 1917. Dear Friend Jack: Thank you! I am glad you did en- joy the news. You know, day before yesterday, I did see some fun, though I am glad it wasn ' t I that got it. No cast of characters need be given. Scene I: In that lovely dark corner at the end of Room 9, you know, there stood a charming little boy and a blushing little girl. Scene II: Miss Foy saunters around the corner suddenly. Now you know Miss Foy says she is not going to get old, and, judging from eyes and things, I ' ll wager those children believe her (Five minutes conver- sation). Scene III: The little girl weeps now — the little boy ' s charming words fade into those of anger as he takes sides with the fair dame against the ogre. She is a sweet little Senior and sings soprano nicely when she is in the humor. He is an underclassman and has quite an ability for fiddling. We had another meeting yesterday afternoon. We are having quite a hub- bub over our class color. Do you sup- pose all classes have the same trouble? First it was between Peacock Blue and Khaki. It seemed that Khaki won, but it was suddenly suggested, made a mo- tion and carried, that the color ques- tion be dropped until the next meet- ing. Lewis Ward suggested entering upon the green carpet to ask Mr. McComb if we might have an Annual; Lewis was made chairman of such a commit- tee. Then we talked Class Gift and decided upon a grand plan. Each stu-

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«m % is atlf lettr ability Ijaa be en to tlje satififartion of euenj- one, Ijis abilitg to tutu an keep utarm frienis is rnm- mon knowledge; tjia moi- eatij ta kwmm to Ijaue stood the test of murij applause Ani so, beraose tue feel tljat Ije, among m all, best represents ttjre rlean anft sportsmanlike may of doing tljings tl|at me find in onr bogs at tlje front, me dedicate iljis Senior Nnmher of tlje booster to iFrank Garten

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THE BOOSTER 3 dent was to pay 5 cents per week for twenty weeks. With this money, we will buy Liberty Bonds. This fund is to be called the Senior War Tax. Then glory of all glories — our first party! We are going to give the Jan- uary ' 18 Class a party some time soon. The date has not yet been decided. Yesterday, Miss Knox informed us that anyone who talked in session per- iod after the third bell rang, would be shot at sunrise; if not up, would be shot in bed. This morning, Malcolm Dunn was absent — Do you suppose that Miss Knox carried out her threat? Kind, patient Miss Knox! Well, if she did, I would go to court any day and swear that she didn ' t say it to keep her from getting hung. For goodness sake, write me a letter of consolation. I ' m worried to death. Yours in tears, Ted. November 29, 1917. Dear Jack: Thanks for that consoling letter. But it was useless. Of course, Miss Knox didn ' t do it, I knew she couldn ' t. Lewis Ward reported at our last meeting that Mr. McComb did not ap- prove of having an Annual. Kearsley McComb arose and made a motion that the Annual question be dropped with- out further discussion. (Say, Jack, do you think it is safe to have a princi- pal ' s son in your class? I don ' t. Might let out some deep, dark secrets). Then some poor child ventured to suggest that our color be chosen at once, but he was immediately drowned with Ohs — Ahs — Nos, and such like. Well, we have the design of our pin. It is shield shaped with E. M. T. and June ' 18, on it. It was designed by Harold Stewart. Kearsley McComb has thought of something worth while at last. He discovered our motto: Over the Top. Bill Sommers was elected Yell-leader and Emory Bryan to take his place when he gets hoarse. Yours filled with happiness, Ted. January 20, 1918. Friend Jack: Glad you enjoyed your comfort bag! We sent a similar box of them to France. We hope that they conveyed as much cheer as we put into them during their preparation for travel. Next week ends this term ' s work, so there is being a grand scramble at present to prepare for exams. February 15, 1918. I haven ' t had time to mail this, so here is an addition. Re-election took place today. Our last term officers, having proven themselves so efficient, were elected to serve another term. Yesterday we unfurled our beautiful service flag with its 600 stars. As we get new names, we will add stars. We had an impressive service in connection with the raising. Out-of-doors we sang America and gave the Oath of Alle- giance, after which the students and parents of Manual boys in the service heard a rousing, patriotic speech by Mr. Dick Miller. Today we gave Emory Bryan the work of giving whatever he pleased of school and private property in the name of the class. (Will-maker) Lewis Ward is to be allowed to make matches and hand out occupations and professions just as he sees fit. (Prophet). Class Day is coming! Yours faithfully, Ted. March 16, 1918. Dear Jack: Murmurs of Class Play may be heard now. We are going to give Joan of Arc. At first, no one liked the idea, but when we put childish views away, and looked at the thing from all sides like real human beings, we realized what a fine thing it would be because of the present war situation and the whole make-up of our class. Miss Perkins talked to us at the last meeting, but what she said, I do not find recorded in the secretary ' s book, nor shall I re- cord here what she said, but the stu- dents have it recorded in their brains. Now, proceeds the one blot on our promising young career as a class. It all happened on account of one little girl who wanted her way just once. She pulled for Ophelia Rose for class flower and got it. Miss Knox warned that child,— plead Fleur-de-lis, suggest- ed Fleur-de-lis, offered inducements for Fleur-de-lis, but the child was stubborn. However, you must admit that an Ophelia Rose is really beauti- ful. On the 21 and 22, we are to have Class Play tryouts. Wish you could be here for Ivy Day exercises. We are planning for a great time. As ever, Ted.