Fort Benton High School - Pioneer Yearbook (Fort Benton, MT)

Text from Pages 1 - 82 of the 1953 volume:

The reproduction ot Charles M. Russell s WAGON BOSS , which shows freight wagons coming over the Helena Hill from old Fort Benton, was used by permission of Brown Bigelow, of St. Paul, Minnesota, who own the copyright. The senior class wish to express their appreciation to the Brown Bigelow Calen- dar Company and especially to Harry G. Huse, who made this possible. THE PIONEER — ■ Volume XXIX ===== Published by the Class of '53 FORT BENTON HIGH SCHOOL TABLE OF CONTENTS: Chapter I—This Side of the Wide Missouri .. 1 Chapter II—Guides and Government .......... 5 Chapter III—Progressing—To a Certain Degree. 9 Chapter IV—Cheers and Challenges ..........25 Chapter V—Trombones and Tenors ............37 Chapter VI—There Will Be a Meeting......- 47 Chapter VII—Time Out for Talent............59 DEDICA We wish to dedicate this annual to the person who has served our class throughout the three years he has sponsored us. While hacking our various activities such as the Junior Prom, the Sophomore dance, initiation. Sneak Day, the painting of the B, and heading the business section of our two plays, “The Perfect Idiot” and “A Date With Judy,” he lias earned the respect and admiration of the Senior Class. We hereby sincerely dedicate this annual to Mr. Herbert Berg. —The Senior Class W W W T T T FOREWORD The Fort Benton High School Pioneer records the principal events of the school year in pictures, supplemented by brief explanations. Though the seniors are responsible for its publication, the Pioneer is in reality your book. Your combined activities and enthusiasm make this year a memor- able one for all of us. Your support through purchase of activity tickets makes this annual possible. Now, we supply the pictures; you will supply the memories. THE BRIDGE THE BLUFFS 3 1 THE CANNON THE HISTORY THE OLD FORT U Chapter II—Guides and Government School Board and Superintendent....................... 6 Junior-Senior High School Faculty..................... 7 Elementary Faculty and Other Staff Members..... 8 5 MAN NO I SCHOOL BOARD Policy making functions of schools are vested in a lay board elected by the citizens of the dis- trict. Fred Arnst Chairman Ingolf Birkeland V ice Chairman William T. Morrison Leonard Crane Edward M. Peterson Halder Hansen Clerk SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Administration of the schools is handled by a superintendent chosen by the board of trustees. Bill Johnstone, M. A. Montana State University American Government—Business Law Annual Sponsor Projectionists Student Council Guidance and Audio-Visual Coordinator 6 SCHOOL STAFF W. J. Shirley, M. A. Montana State University, Science. Administrative As- sistant. Freshman Sponsor Mrs. Minnie Crane Office Secretary’ Mrs. Mary Troy, B. A. (Not Pictured . Great Falls College of Education, Social Studies James Ward. B. S. Montana State College, Science and Social Studies. Assistant Coach, Eighth Grade Sponsor George Puckett, B. S. Oklahoma A. M.. Voca- tional Agriculture, F.F.A., Junior Sponsor Ch arles White, M. A. University of Illinois, Eng- lish. Physical Education, Varsity Coach. B Club, Sophomore Sponsor Herbert Berg, M. A. Montana State University. Mathematics, Intramural and Junior High Basketball, Ticket Sale, Senior Sponsor Miss Leola Albrecht, B.S. Montana State College. Art. English. Senior Play, Pep Club, Player’s Club Miss Ruby Taney, A. B. Peru State Teacher’s College, Commercial H. Merne Parsons, M. A. University of Iowa, Music (vocal and i nstrumental). Lyres Club Mrs. Alice Smith, B. S. Montana State College, Home Economics, Girl’s Physical Education, F.H.A.. G.A.A. Miss Betty Browne, B. A. Montana State University, English, Librarian. Junior Play, Library Club, “Cannon Report” 7 Glenn Kennedy, B. S. Montana State College Industrial Arts Mathematics Safety Patrol Industrial Arts Club Guidance Assistant Seventh Grade Sponsor Hi gh Simmons, B. A. Western Montana Sixth Grade Grade School Athletics Mrs. Agnes Hough Two Year Degree a 1 para iso University Grade Two Mrs. Estella Breiter Two Year Degree Western Montana Grade One Miss Elizabeth Meeuwsen, B.A. Northern State Teachers Grade One Miss Irene Phillips Two Year Degree Northern Montana Grades Two-Three Miss Kith Hazen Two Year Degree Northern Montana Grade Three Mrs. Rose Farrington Two Year Degree Western Montana Grade Four Mrs. Jo Soreness Two Year Degree Iowa State Teachers Grades Four-Six Miss Betty Williams Two Year Degree Black Hills Teacher’ Grade Five Mrs. Ella Culbertson Two Year Degree Western Montana Grade Six CAFETERIA Mrs. Ella Rowe Mrs. Ida Embleton BUS DRIVERS Bill Scott Harry Rowe CUSTODIANS Charles Smith Dixon Bokovoy Chapter III—Progressing—To A Certain Degree Seniors..........................................10 Senior Class History ............................16 Juniors..........................................17 Sophomores ......................................18 Freshmen....................................... 19 Seventh and Eighth Grades........................20 Fifth and Sixth Grades...........................21 Third and Fourth Grades..........................22 First and Second Grades..........................23 Ciass Snaps .....................................24 A. Evon Anderson B Club 2. 3. 4 Player� 2. 3, 4 Byres 2. 3, 4 Projectionists 1, 2, 3, 4 FFA I, 2 •The Perfect Idiot ’ 3 “A Date with Judy 4 one Act Plays 2. 3 Boys' Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4 Mixed Chorus I, 2. 3. 4 ctette 3 Quartet 3. 4 Football «ft man) 1 Football ill man) 4. Manager 2. 3 Intramural 1, 2 Pep Band 2. 3. 4 Senior Band 1. 2. 3. 4 Music Club 1. 2. 3. 4 Cannon Report 4 Annual Staff 4 Edward Bach FFA I, 2. 3. 4 Intramural 2, 3 Annual Staff 4 Fred Arnst B Clui� 2, 3. President 4 Industrial Arts, President 4 Projectionists 3 •A Date With Judy 4 The Perfect Idiot 3 Business Manager 3 Boys’ Chorus 4 Mixed Chorus 4 Football «fi man) 1 Football (11 man) 2, 3, 4 Basketball 3. 4 B-squad Basketball 1, 2 Student Council 1, 4 ('lass Treasurer 3, Vice President 4 Music Club 4 Annual Staff 4 Players 4 Don Bogner FFA 1, 2. 3, Treasurer 4 Intramural 2. 3, 4 Cannon Report 4 A Date With Judy”, Stage Crew 4 Annual Staff 4 Pai l Bogner FFA 1. 2, 3. Sentinel 4 Intramural 2. 3, 4 Annual Staff 3 Myrtle Bratvold Transferred from Brachet, North Dakota 4 GAA 4 A Date With Judy 4 Girls Chorus 4 Mixed Chorus 4 Sextette 4 Annual Staff 4 Q Dale Elmer Charters Billea Carver Pep Club 1. 2 GAA 1. 2 Clay era 3. I KHA 1 The Perfect Idiot 3 A Date With Judy 4 One Act Plays 2. 3 (Sirin’ Chorus 1, 3 Mixed Chorus 1, 3 Brass Quartet 4 Pep Band 1, 2. 3. 4 Senior Band 1. 2, 3. 4 Dance Orchestra 4 Music Club 1. 2. 3. 4 Twirier 3 Annual Staff 3. 4 I y res 3, 4 Dorothy Evans Transferred from Port Angeles, Washington 4 Annual Staff 4 Lyres 1, 2. 3, 4 FFA 1, 3, 4 The Perfect Idiott 3 Boys' Chorus 1. 2. 3, 4 Mixed Chorus 1, 2. 3. 4 Intramural I, 2. 4 Track 2 Pep Band 1. 2. 3. 4 Senior Band 1. 2. 3, 4 Student Council 2 Music Club I. 2. 3. 4 Annual Staff 4 William Clark FFA 1. 2. 3, 4 Annual Staff 4 Shirley Frieling Pep Club 1, 2, 3. President 4 GAA 1. 2, President 3. 4 Library Club 1. President 2. 3 A Date With Judy , Assistant Director 4 Girls' Chorus 1 Mixed Chorus 1 ('lass treasurer 4 Music Club 1 Annual Staff 3. 4 Stanley Frieling B Club 2. 3. 4 Industrial Arts, Treasurer 4 The Perfect Idiot 3 A Date With Judy , Stage Crew 4 Football (6 man) 1 Football HI man) 2, 3, 4 Basketball 2. 3 Intramural 4 B-squad Basketball 1 Baseball 1. 2. 3 (Hass President 2, 3. 4 Annual Staff 4 II Beth Mitzi Granger Pep Club 1, 2. Vice President 3. Secretary 4 GAA 1 Players 4 Lyres 1. 2, 3, 4 The Perfect Idiot” 3 A Date With Judy” 4 ne Act Plays 2. 3 Cheerleader 1, 2 Oirls' Chorus 1, 4 Mixed Chorus 1. 2. 4 Senior Band 1 Music Club 1. 2. 3. 4 Class Secretary 3 Twirl!nj? 1. 4 Annual Staff 4 Alma L. Lemngton Pep Club 1 Players 3. 4 Library Club 3. President 4 PH A 1. 2. Vice ITesident 3. 4 The Perfect Idiot” 8 A Date With Judy 4 One Act Plays 3 Oirls' Chorus 1. 4 Mixed Chorus 1, 4 Annua] Staff 4 Barbara Lemngton Players 3, 4 Lyres 3, 4 KHA 4. Secretary 1. 2. Pres. 3 The Perfect Idiot 3 A Date With Judy” 4 one Act Plays 3 Oirls' Chorus 1. 3, 4 Mixed Chorus 1, 3. 4 Oirls’ State 3 Music Club 1. 3. 4 Class Treasurer 2. Secretary 1 Annual Co-Editor 4 Carole King Transferred from Dillon I I Vj. 'luh 4 PH A 4 Oirls' Chorus 4 Mixed Chorus 4 Annual Staff 4 Helen Jacobsen KHA 1. 2. 3. President 4 One Act Plays 3 Oirls' Chorus 1, 4 Mixed Chorus 1, 4 Pow Wow 3 Co-Editor of Annual 4 Cannon lieport Editor 4 Music Club 1. 4 “A Date With Judy , make i; Beverlie Johnson Pep Club I. 2, 3. 4 O A A 1. 2 Girls’ Chorus 1, 3. 4 Mixed Chorus 1. 3. 4 Annua) Staff 4 12 Lillian Lldwig Pep Club 1, 2. Treasurer 3, 4 GAA 1. 2 FHA 1 'A Date With Judy”, costume� 4 One Act Plays 3 Girls Chorus 1. 2 Mixed Chorus 1, 2 Annual .staff 4 William I). McFarland FFA I. 2, 3. Treasurer 4 Boys' Chorus 2 Mixed Chorus 2 Intramural 1. 2. 3, 4 Annual .staff 4 Patricia Lyle Pep Club 1, 2, 3. 4 GAA 1. 2 Player� 4 Lyres 4 FHA 1 'The Perfert Idiot 3 A Date With Judy 4 Girls Chorus 1, 3. 4 Mixed Chorus 1. 3. 4 Sextette 4 Cannon Report 4 Annual Staff 4 Lloyd McCollum B Club 2. 3. 4 FFA 1. 2. 3. 4 Football (11 man) Manager 3, 4 Basketball Manager 3 Baseball Manager 2 K-s«|uad Basketball Manager 3 Intramural 1. 2. 3, 4 Track Manager 2. 3. 4 Annual Staff 4 Donald D. Olson Player� 3, President 4 Industrial Arts 4 Lyres 1. 2, 3. 4 ‘The Perfect Idiot 3 A Date With Judy 4 Boys Chorus 1. 2. 3. 4 Mixed Chorus 1. 2, 3. 4 Quartet 4 Football 11 man) 4 H-.squad Basketball 3 Intramural 1. 2, 4 Track 3. 4 Pep Band 1, 2. 3, 4 Senior Band 1. 2, 3. 4 Dante Orchestra 3 Boys’ State 3 Student Council President 4 Pow Wow 3 Annual Kdltor 4 Cannon Report 4 Music Club 1, 2, 3, 4 Music Camp 1. 3 Donald E. Olson Projection!� !� 3. Treasurer 4 FFA 1. 2. 3. President 4 A Date With Judy 4 B-squad Basketball 3 Intramural 2. 3. 4 Annual Staff 4 Cannon Report 4 13 Jerry E. Pugh B Club 2, 3, 4 Industrial Arts 4 The Perfect Idiot”, Stage Crew 3 “A Date With Judy”, Stage Crew 4 Football (« man) 1 Football (11 man) 2. 3, 4 Baseball 2 Intramural 1, 2. 3. 4 Track 1. 2. 3 Annual Staff 4 Class Treasurer 1 Patricia Reichelt Pep Club 1. 2, 3. 4 GAA 1, 2. Vice President 4 Library Club 1 Lyres 3. 4 •The Perfect Idiot” 3 A Date With Judy” 4 Girls' Chorus 1, 2, 3. 4 Mixed Chorus 1. 3. 4 Sextette 2. 3. 4 Octette 2. 3 Annual Staff 4 ('annon Report 4 Music Club 1. 2. 3, 4 Players 4 Bill Reichelt FFA 1. 2. 3. 4 A Date With Judy”, Stage Crew 4 Intramural 1, 2. 3, 4 Annual Staff 4 Cannon Report 4 Mary Lan A. Konisii Transferred from Denton 3 Pep Club 3, 4 FHA 4 .iris' Chorus 4 Mixed Chorus 4 Annual Staff 4 Ethel Lot Scott Library Club 4 FFA 1. 2. 3. 4 Girls’ Chorus 1. 2 Mixed Chorus 1, 2 Annual Staff 4 Dave Stovai.i. B Club 3. 4 Industrial Arts 4 Projectionists 3 Football (6 man) 2 Football (11 man) 3, 4 B-s juad Basketball 3 Intramural 1, 2 Annual Staff 4 lk Gene Stovall H Club 4 Industrial Art . Swretary 4 Projectionist 2. 3, President 4 FFA I. 2. 3. Vice President 4 The Perfect Idiot , Stage Crew 3 A Date With Judy”, Stage Crew 4 Hoy� ’ Chortis 4 Mixed Chorus 4 Football 11 man) 4 B-squad Basketball 2, 3 Intramural 1 Annual Staff 4 Harold W. Walker, Jr. It Club 3. Vice President 4 Industrial Arts 4 Projectionists 2, 3. 4 FFA 1, 2. 3. 4 The Perfec t Idiot” 3 “A Date With Judy”, Business Manager 4 Boys Chorus 2 Football � ; man) 1. 2 Football 11 man) 3, 4 Baseball 1, 2, 3. 4 Intramural 1. 2, 3. 4 Track 3. 4 Boys' State 3 Annual Staff i Avne Marie Stranahan (iAA 1. 2. Treasurer 4 Lyres 1. Secretary 2. Vice Presi- dent 3. President 4 FHA 1. 2 A Date With Judy” 4 Girls' Chorus 1, 3, 4 Boys' Chorus Accompanist 4 Mixed Chorus 1, 2. 3, 4 Sextette 3. 4 Pep Band 1, 2. 3, 4 Senior Blind 1, 2. 3, 4 Student Council 2, 3 Dance Orchestra 2. 3, 4 Annual Staff 4 Cannon Report 4 Musk- Club 1. 2, 3. 4 Class Vice President 2 Music ramp 3 “A Perfect Idiot”, Student Director 3 Players 4 Leroy Taylor Transferred from Great Falls 2 B Club 3, 4 Industrial Arts 4 The Perfect Idiot” 3 A Date With Judy”, Business Manager 4 Football 6 man) 2 Football 11 man) 3, 4 Baseball 3 Intramural 2, 3, 4 Boys’ State 3 Annual Staff 4 Players 4 Marilyn Wadsworth Pep Club 1, 2. 3, 4 (iAA 1. 2, 4 Players 2. 3, Vice President 4 Lyres 3, 4 FHA 1 The Perfect Idiot” 3 A Date With Judy” 4 one Act Plays 2 Cheerleader 2. 4 Girls’ Chorus 1. 3. 4 Mixed Chorus 1. 3. 4 Senior Band 3. 4 Student Council 3 Annual Staff 4 Music Club 1. 2. 3, 4 «'lass Secretary 2 Kenneth Watson B Club 2. 3, 4 Players 4 Industrial Art 4 FFA 1. 2. 3. 4 “The Perfect Idiot” 3 “A Date With Judy” 4 Boys’ Chorus 4 Mixed Chorus 4 Football 6 man) 1 Football 11 man) 2. 3. 4 B-squad Basketball 1, 2 Intramural 3, 4 Annual Staff 4 Class President 1 15 Bob Yirsa Joan Welch Transferred from North Hollywood High. Californio 3 Pep Club 4 FHA 4 A Date With Judy '. Make up 4 Annual Staff 4 Cannon Report Associate Editor 4 H Club 4 FFA 1. 2. 3. 4 “A Date With Judy”, Stage Crew 4 Football til man) 4 H-nquud Basketball 1 Intramural 2, 3, 4 Annual Staff 4 SENIOR CLASS HISTORY On September 16. 1940. the freshmen, 43 strong, were initiated by the mighty seniors of ’50. The girls wore the large paper bags used by dry cleaners, a silk stocking over their heads, large rubber over- shoes, an onion medallion and cold cream make-up while the boys were arrayed in girls’ shorts and blouses, sun bonnets and a toothbrush lavaliere. The annual painting of the FT' in the spring put the finishing touch on the beginning year. In comparison to the freshman, the sophomore year seemed quiet. The events of the year were a dance given in December and the annual class picnic in May. “Buh” Frieling took his place as presi- dent of the class for the rest of his high school years with Mr. Berg accompanying him as class advisor. The class of ’53 realized they were progressing in high school when they received their class rings just before Christmas, 1951. The Perfect Idiot was the junior class play with Pat Reichelt and Evon Ander- son sharing leading roles. Also in the month of April was the elaborately decorated prom presenting the theme, ‘‘Across the Wide Missouri.” Barbara Lenington and Donald E. Olson co-starred in the successful senior production, “A Date W ith Judy.” Baccalaureate services were held May 24. At Commencement, May 27, the class was headed by Helen Jacobsen and Donald E. Olson as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Of the 38 grad- uating seniors the following completed twelve years in Fort Benton schools: Fred Arnst, Evon Anderson, Barbara Lenington, Alma Lenington, Don E. Olson, Anne Marie Stranahan. 6 JUNIORS Row 1 Donald Allison Donald Brinkman Roger Britton Stanley Byrd George Carver John Em mens Jon Evers Kenneth Dun webber Glenn Flatt Dorothy Frieling Glenn Hardy Shirley Homme Beverly King Donald Letz Donald Lundgren Betty MacKenzie Edward Midlestadt Sharon Morrison Patricia Nagenga t Wendy Norton Barbara Olson Donald Patterson Rita Paul Norma Pugh Mary Stevenson Howard Taylor Stanley Thisseile Duane Tibbies James Vinion Walter Wesche Kenneth Works 17 SOPHOMORES Bill Allen Dennis Allen Avis Barton Le Roy Briese Shirley Briese Gary Carver Frederick Clark George Collins Edgar Drube Jack Davison Donald Frieling Karen Fultz Gay Harris Barbara Jacobsen Jeanne Joubert Charles Lenington Anna Mae Ludwig Elinor McFarland Gerald Myers Shirley Myers Maxine Nagengast Dennis Nottingham Betty Postill Sam Ragland James Renville Carolyn Reis Dennis Ryan Lyle Shaw Myrna Smith Nellie May Spiros Leslie Stashi Jerry Swett Dennis Vermillion Karen Vischer m Darleen Wadsworth Lones Wigger Kenneth Willson Robert Wood Benita Woodcock Jean Wright Not Pictured: Marilyn LeMond FRESHMEN Kim Adamson Johnnie Allard Judith Blanchard Mary Bogner Robert Bramlette Sharon Briese Howard Brinkman Bud Britton Wilbur Davies Shirley Davison Lee Doney Harvey Drube James Craig Betty Feltman Dale Fisher Phyllis Frieling Karen Gomoll Theresa Johnson Elsie Jones Kathleen LaBarre Helen Lacey Gayle Ledgerwood Donald Lundy Ritamae Lussier Robert Lyle Kathryn Mackenstadt Terry Marcussen Earl McKeever Gene McKeever Orville McKinlay Donna Miller Sharril Mulkins Ida Jo Myers Linda Passage James Pugh Kim Rettig Barbara Reichelt Ida Stovall Joseph Svoboda Douglas Towner John Watson Bonnie Welch Lila Jo Wood Louis Woodcock Not Pictured: Kenneth Mack Dorothy Hinkle 9 GRADE EIGHT Row 1: Donna Arnst. Pat- ricia Blanchard, Rose Boomer, Ethel Brat void, Charles Carver, Helen Clark. Cleo Crane, Ro- berta Davison Row 2: Christine Doney, Lyle Glascock. Bob Hardy, Glenda Hartman. Marietta Johnstone. Kenneth Koplin, Ernes- tine Lang. Gale Lening- ton Row 3: Walter Lenington, Bob MaeKenzie, Donna Mayo, Priscilla Mertz, Sandra Murray, Shirley Patterson, Mark Paul. Robert Peterson Row 4: Phyllis Pimperton, Virginia Ragland. Myra Renville. Florence Rich- ard. Robert Rowe, Janet Smith. Lorna Smith, Peggy St. Peter Row 5. Sharon Vinion, Dean Scott, Dennis Scott. Gordon Watson, Robert Warren. Donald Wright, Nancy Wright r r ' f i r GRADE SEVEN Row 1: Jess Allison, Thomas Bach, Jackie Bartlett. Bruce Bramlet- te, Sandra Bramlette, Melvin Breault, Kath- erine Calkin, Raymond Cameron Row 2: Russell Cameron, Judith Cline, Gordon Collins, Barbara Davies, Patricia Edwards. Jean- ne Feltman, Guy Fish, Marlene Frederick Row 3: Larry Gomoll, Charles Hal: ;y, Patricia Hardy, Gary Homme, Marlene Hunter. Elenet- te Jasper. Earl Kinion. Donna Larson Row 4: Carol Lilly, Edna McDonnell. Henry Naga- mori, Jerome Nagengast, Shirley Nordhues, Bruce Rettig. Gene Ronning, Joan Ronning Row 5: Alice Rowe, Rus- sell Salisbury. Richard Scott. Oliver Stashi, Lar- ry Vielleux, Edward Wadsworth, Tony War- ren. Mary Ann Wood 20 GRADE SIX Row 1 — Clifford Ayers, Mary Ellen Bessette. Michael Bogner, Merrillyn Brown, Robert Carver, Amanda Clark. June Crane, Roberta Hardy. Row 2—June Marie Hol- land, Mary Ivey. Marie Jou- bert. Linda Lenington, Norma Lilly. Jean MacDonald, Pa- mela Mayer. Patsy McClain. Row 3—Carol Mertz, Shir- ley Midlestadt. Donna Moli- nario. Barbara Nagengast, James Olson, Gary Overhol- ser, Carol Peterson, James Pugh. Row 4 — Shirley Ronning, Kirby Salisbury. Jo Alice Schieno, Franklin Schoon- over, Francis Stashi. Shirley Stevenson. Eva Stovall, Kareen Swensgard. Row 5 — Patricia Tibbies. Gary Towner, Sharron Ulrich. Nancy Vinion, Gregory Ver- million, Leona Watson. James Willits. Jack Willson. Not Pictured—Fred Evans. Dennis Larson. GRADE FIVE Row 1 — Lane Adamson, Betty Anderson. Dennis Bach, Jerry Bach. Lynda Bessette. Sharon Brinkman. Bernice Davison. Mary Everson Row' 2 — Laulette Hansen. Dennis Hardy. Karyn Hardy, Howard Johnson, Paula Kala- nick. Roger Krause. Alderine LaBarre. Douglas Lenington. Row 3—Karen Mack. Kath- aryn Mack. James McDonnell, Daryl Milledge. Charles Nag- engast. Rose Marie Nagen- gast. Robert Nelson, Patricia O’Hara. Row 4 — Florence Olsen, Cleo Pugh, Edward Ronish, Larry Saksa, Danny Schieno, Doris Scott. Eugene Semenza, Betty Stipe. Row 5—Lillian Welch, Ger- ald Wood. Not Pictured: Edward Evans. James Meeks. Carl Ray. 4 2 GRADE FOUR Row 1: Karen Aznoe, Anita Booth, Lynda Bramlette, Bar- bara Cameron, Hazel Charters. Patrick Clark. James Collins, Judy Davies Row 2: Georg iana Davison, Donald Decker, Leslie Ed- d a r d s, Geraldine Edwards, Katherine Edwards. Charles Engren. Paul Evans. Beatrice Everson Row 3: Harold Everson. Charles Hardy, Carol Harris. Irene Johnson, Dennis Kegel, Glenn Ledgerwood, Connie Legreid, Marilyn Lenington Row 4: Marilys Lenington, Tony McDermott. Jon Mere- dith, Martin Molinario, Leone Nagengast, Catherine Olson, Donna Paul, Beverly Scott Row 5: Linda Stovall, Don Swensgard, Bill Vinion, Verne Weeks. Douglas Wigger. Joseph Wolf Not Pictured: Sharon Grantham, Dick Silberman GRADE THREE Row 1: Robert Bailey, Dennis Bramlette, Earle Cook, Mary Jo Feltman, Donna Frederick, Juanita Guardipee. Anna Hart- man, Ronnie Hood Row 2: Sherry Hunter, Eli Johnson, Jean Johnson, Billy Johnstone, Danny Koplin, Ronald Krause, William Le- Furgey, Douglas LeMond Row 3: Wanda Lenington, Sheila Lett. Carolyn MacKenzie, Peggy McClain, Michael Mere- dith, Marilyn Midlestadt, Don- nie Milledge, Freddie Mueller Row 4: Evon Norton, Vicky Peres, Eddie Peterson, Ronald Pugh, Cheryl Saksa, Diane Schmidt, Larry Serbin, Wil- liam Silvius Row 5: Christine Stashi, Bobby Stevenson, Dennis Swensgard, Betty Tibbies, Kenneth Wil- lett, Connie Willits, Terry Wood Not Pictured: Jill Worman, Cleane Lords 22 GRADE TWO Row 1: David Adamson, Patricia Bessette. David Brown. Donald Carver, Joyce Eddards, Patricia Foucher. James Fox. Richard Frederick Row 2; Judy Hankins, Roy Hankins. Toni Hanley, Mary Jones. Robert Jor- dan, Raymond Kalanick, Charlotte Ann Kelley, Ruth Lenington Row 3: Gary Lippard. Sue Lyle. Thomas MacKen- zie. Alice Mertz, Vernon McDermott. Marty Nel- son. Mary O’Hara, Roger Pugh Row 4: Katherine Scott, Kenneth Scott. Larry Semenza, Ralph Speak- man, Mark Squires, Ray Taylor, Ronald Taylor, Den ice Vielleux Not Pictured: Carol Evans, George Hinkle. Gary Stevens, Chester Ray GRADE ONE Row 1: Bonita Allison, Donna Anderson. Mar- garet Appleby. Charles Bateman, Barbara Beals. Carroll Bishop, Barbara Booth. Carol Bragstad Row 2: James Cambron, Bernard Cameron, Dil- lon Crain, Carolyn Col- lins. John Clark. Johnny Davies. Lonnie Everson, Sylvia Grissom Row 3: Herman Hankins, Elaine Hardy, Dian Hartman, John Herbold, Randall Hunter, Mary Jordan, Deanna Kinion. Thomas Kittock Row 4: Marrietta La Barre. Sherry Lundy. Ronald McFarland, Keith Mon- ey. Richard Nagengast, Ida Novelli, John Peter- son, Jimmy Phillips Row 5: Elizabeth Poore, Carol Ritland, David Robison. Sandra Schoon- over, Connie Scott, Donna Scott, Ruth Sil- vius, Paul Stashi Row 6: James Swensgard, Susan Vielleux, Ronald Warehime, Carol Weeks, Margaret Wolf Not Pictured: Sydney Edwards, Raymond Le- greid, Ronald Zimmer- man, Johnny Striker, Barbara Hood CLASSES AT WORK Physics students setting up experi- ments. Art students paint- ing a Christmas scene. Home Ec girls working on their projects. Junior Ag. boys cutting up a beef. Senior Ag. hoys tearing down the bus. Woodworking pu- pils fixing the band- saw. Woodworking pu- pils re pa i ring an electric motor. Typing class busy on ten minute writ- ings. Chapter IV— Cheers and Challenges Football ..................................... 26 Basketball ................................... 30 Spring Sports...................................34 Intramural ................................... 35 Grade School Sports.............................36 Row 1, Left to Right Sam Ragland—Sophomore Half Back Dave Stovall—Senior Guard FOOTBALL 26 Gene Stovall—Senior Tackle Charles Lenington—Sophomore Full Back Row 2 Jon Evers—Junior Guard Jim Vinion—Junior Quarter Back Harold Walker—Senior Center Row 3 Coaches Charles White and Jim Ward Row 4 Bob Bramlette—Freshman Half Back Doug Towner—Freshman Center Row 5 Jerry Pugh—Senior Guard Glenn Flatt—Junior Quarter Back Don D. Olson—Senior End Gene McKeever—Freshman End Row 1, Left to Right Don Brinkman—Junior Half Back Fred Arnst—Senior Half Back Evon Anderson—Senior Quarter Back Glenn Hardy—Junior End Row 2 Walter Wesche—Junior Guard Leroy Taylor—Senior Guard Kenny Watson—Senior Tackle Row 3 Manager Lloyd McCullom Row 4 Bob Yirsa—Senior End Donald Patterson—Junior End Row 5 Jerry Swett—Sophomore Center Dennis Nottingham—Sophomore End Duane Tibbies—Junior Guard Stan Frieling—Senior Half Back FOOTBALL 27 FOOTBALL One of the best defensive elevens in the conference. Fort Benton Longhorns placed third in the Northern B Football division with a record of four victories and two defeats. Of the eight touchdowns scored against them, only one came on a running play. A large turnout of about forty-eight boys was another reason for the successful football season. Of this number thirty-seven, including several lettermen. will return to bolster next year’s squad. CHOTEAU 7 LONGHORNS 25 Fort Benton jumped to a 19-0 lead at halftime as Bub Frieling scored twice and Flatt tallied the third touchdown. In the third quarter Frieling scored from 12 yards out. CONRAD 0 LONGHORNS 19 The Cowboys, troubled with fumbles and pass interceptions, fell before the Longhorns, 19-0. Charles Lenington went 26 yards for the first score while Frieling and Hardy each added a touchdown. Local’s defensive play was outstanding during the contest. GREAT FALLS RESERVES 0 LONGHORNS 26 The Longhorns downed the Baby Bisons 26-0 in a nonconterence game. Local reserves saw consider- able action during the contest. CENTRAL 13 LONGHORNS 19 After trailing 13-0 at the half. Benton turned on the power to down the Mustangs 19-13. In the second half Lenington scored on runs of 11 and 39 yards to knot the score. Glenn Flatt. with good line play, scored the w inning touchdown. FAIRFIELD 6 LONGHORNS 7 Again the Ixmghorns came from behind, this time to edge the Eagles 7-6. With Benton Trailing 6-0, Fred Amst scored from 22 yards out, climaxing a 70 yard drive in the final quarter. Lenington kicked the extra point for a 7-6 margin and the fourth straight conference victory for Benton. CHINOOK 6 LONGHORNS 0 Chinook snapped the Longhorn’s sixteen game winning streak with a 6-0 victory . The only touchdown came on a Sugarbeeter pass in the first quarter. Although Benton was inside the Beeter five twice during the contest, the locals lacked the punch to score. BROWNING 21 LONGHORNS 20 Browning pulled an upset, downing the Longhorns 21-20. Amst and Yirsa scored in the first half while Jim Vinion reached pay dirt later in the game. The Indians tallied three touchdowns; however they converted each time to edge Benton. 28 FORT BENTON VS. CENTRAL RUNNING BACK THE KICK 29 Row 1: Donald Brinkman, Junior Guard Fred Arnst, Senior Forward Bill Allen. Sophomore Center Row 2: Jerry Swett, Manager Dennis Vermillion, Soph. Forward Dennis Nottingham, Soph. Forward Row 3: Charles White, Coach Charles Lenington, Soph. Guard Row 4: Douglas Towner. Manager Gene McKeever, Freshman Forward A SQUAD Row 5: Glenn Flatt. Junior Forward Joseph Svohoda, Freshman Guard Glenn Hardy. Junior Guard Donald Patterson, Junior Center 30 B SQUAD Row 1: Kenneth Willson, Sophomore Guard Earl McKeever, Freshman Forward Robert Bramlette, Freshman Guard Row 2: Robert Lyle, Freshman Forward Kim Rettig, Freshman Center Robert Wood, Sophomore Forward Row 3: Kim Adamson, Manager Jim Ward, Coach Row 4: Dale Fisher, Freshman Forward Lee Doney, Freshman Guard Row 5: Sam Ragland, Sophomore Guard Jim Vinion. Junior Guard Orville McKinlay, Freshman Guard Donald Lundy, Freshman Guard 31 BASKETBALL As defending champions of the Northern Division Class UB Conference the Longhorns suffered 14 defeats and two wins to wind up at the bottom of the heap. However, the courage and pluck of loyal team- mates who fought through the disheartening season will probably show to better advantage in succeeding seasons, for the Fort Benton team was the youngest squad in the conference with an average age of fifteen years, four months. The varsity will lose only one member at graduation. Coach Charles White selected a squad from a group of 50 boys who reported for basketball tryouts. The outlook was dim with only three returning varsity lettermen. Four boys dropped from the team after the first few games and recruits were taken from the B Squad. Although no one was hurt seriously, a bus accident postponed two games, one with Great Falls Central and the other with Conrad. Fort Benton was granted permission to make up these games by playing three games a week for two consecutive weeks before the district tournament. During the regular conference season play the Longhorns lost two games each to 1 airfield, Shelby, Chinook, Cut Bank, Central, and Browning and divided a pair with Conrad and Choteau. In non-conference games the Big Sandy Pioneers handed two losses to the Benton five, but the close defeat of the alier Pan- thers brought the Longhorns’ win record up to three games. In a “sudden death game, opener of the Class “B” Northern Divisional Tournament at the Great Fails Central Gymnasium, feb. 25-28, Conrad defeated the Longhorns, 57-51, thus eliminating the locals from further tournament play and ending the 1953 basketball season. The B Squad under the direction of Coach James Ward was enjoying several wins when its rank., were weakened by the removal of its most promising players to the A Squad. Nevertheless, these youngsters wound up the season with seven wins and six losses, playing every game with spirit and perseverance right up to the final bell, even though their opponents were often older and larger. Many of them will be valu- able additions to the varsity. SEASON RECORD A SQUAD Opponent We They Shelby .50 68 Conrad 54 .56 Choteau 58 47 Fairfield ...52 57 Browning 53 56 Chinook 46 71 Cut Bank 55 62 Big Sandy 55 67 Shelby 77 Browning 42 68 Cut Bank 41 56 Choteau 50 62 Conrad 62 59 Fairfield 52 68 Chinook 40 78 Central 50 67 Valier 68 62 Central 51 59 Big Sandy 42 62 DISTRICT TOURNAMENT Opponent We They Conrad.........................51 57 B SQUAD Choteau .......................51 28 Fairfield .....................47 53 Geraldine .....................53 40 Chinook .......................46 59 Cut Bank ......................57 42 Geraldine......................66 58 West Side Jr. High ............44 32 Cut Bank ......................33 35 Choteau .......................48 43 Fairfield .....................39 57 Chinook .......................28 75 Central........................37 68 West Side Jr. High ............53 51 32 SHOOTING A JUMP SHOT DRIBBLING OUT OF THE KEYHOLE HOOKING IN A LAY-UP JUMPING FOR THE REBOUND FIRING FROM THE FREE- THROW LANE TRACK Row 1, Left to Right: Donald Brinkman Douglas Towner Harold Walker Jerry Swett Leroy Taylor Dennis Vermillion Louis Woodcock Howard Brinkman Row 2: Earl McKeever Dale Fisher Glenn Flatt Glenn Hardy Donald Patterson James Vinion Sam Ragland Dennis Nottingham Row 3: Gary Carver Dennis Allen Harvey Drube Kim Rettig Robert Lyle Lee Doney Robert Bramlette Row 4: Gene McKeever Wilber Davies John Watson James Pugh Joe Svoboda Duane Tibbies Bill Allen Leroy Taylor flinging the discus. Glenn Flatt throw- ing the javelin. Lee Doney pulling over the nine foot mark. James Vinion try- ing for distance on the broad jump. Glenn Hardy dis- playing form on the low hurdles. Donald Brinkman trying for height on the broad jump. With weather conditions favorable for outside workouts the Longhorn track team, coached by Charles W hite and Jim W ard, was in good shape to meet the Chinook team on April 18. but owing to lack of ex- perience they were l eaten by a score of 57 to 33. Due to the annual deadline it was impossible to publish in this book the outcome of the Divisional and Interscholastic Track Meets. On May 9 the team planned to go to the Divisional Track Meet at Choteau. The track men who placed in the Divisional were to go to the Interscholastic Track Meet at Missoula held on May 14, 15, and 16. Last year at the Interscholastic Meet Floyd Smith won the 440 yard dash and placed fifth in the 220. Glenn Flatt, the only returning track Jetterman, and Jerry Pugh also attended the state meet. 34 FOOTBALL RESERVES Row 1 (kneeling): Louis Woodcock, Hud Britton, Kim Adamson, John Wat- son, James Renville, George Carver, Stan Byrd Row 2 (standing): Boh Yirsa, Roger Britton, Dale Fisher, Harvey Drube, Wil- bur Davies, James Pugh, Boh Lyle Not Pictured: Leroy Briese, Gary Carver, George Co 11 i ns. Terry Mareussen, Orville McKinlav, Kenneth Willson INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL TEAMS (Left) Seated: George Carver, Kenny Wat- son, Harold Walker, Boh Yirsa Standing: Don E. Olson, Lyle Shaw (Right) Seated: Dave Stovall, Jerry Pugh, LeRoy Taylor, Stan Frieling Standing: James Pugh, George Col- lins, Howard Brink- man (Left) Seated: Duane Tibbies, Douglas Towner, Howard Taylor, Harvey Drube Standing: James Renville, Don Bog- ner, Paul Bogner (Right) Seated: Louis Woodcock, J o n Evers, Eugene Stov- all, Bill Reichelt Standing: Jack Davi- son, Bill McFarland, Donald D. Olson, John W atson 35 INTERMEDIATE BASKETBALL Row 1: Edward Ronish, Dennis Hardy, James Willits, Greg Vermil- lion, James Olson, Gary Towner, James Pugii Row 2: Charles Nagen- gast, James Mc Donnell, Frank Schoonover, Bob Carver, Michael Bogner Row 3: Coach Hugh Simmons, Larry Saksa, Roger Krause, Jack Willson, Boh Nelson, Francis Stashi, Gene Semenza JUNIOR HIGH VARSITY BASKETBALL Row 1: Bruce Bramlette, Bob [{owe, Gary Hom- me, Bob Hardy, Mark Paul, Lyle Glascock Row 2: Don Wright, Charles Carver, Dean Scott. Kenneth Koplin, Gordon Watson, Bob Peterson, Coach Her- bert Berg JUNIOR HIGH RESERVE BASKETBALL Row 1: Ray Halley, Tony W arren, Jerome Nagen- gast, Guy Fish, Jack Bartlett Row 2: Bobby Warren, Dick Scott, Melvin Breault, Bob MacKen- zie, Coach Berg Chapter V—Trombones and Tenors Senior Band........................................38 Chorus ............................................39 Beginners Band and Pep Band........................40 Junior Band and Orchestra .........................41 Brass Sextette and Girls’ Sextette.................42 Music through the year.............................43 Junior Prom........................................44 Music Snapshots ...................................45 SENIOR BAND ( Reeds ) 1st Row: Donna Arnst, Rita P a u 1, Patricia Hardy, Tony Warren, Virginia Ragland, Barbara, Reichelt, Anne Marie Stranahan 2nd Row: Gale Lenington, Phyllis Frieling, Darlene Wadsworth, Anna Mae Ludwig, Dennis Vermil- lion, Charles Carver, Lo r n a Smith, Sh a r r i 1 Mulkins, Gayle Ledger- wood, and Janet Smith 3rd Row: Edward Wads- worth, Beverly King, and Marilyn Wadsworth 4th Row: Marietta John- stone, Phyllis Pimperton, Jeanne Joubert, and Joe Svoboda (Trumpets) 1st Row: I,arry Joe Viel- leux, Jack Davison, and Robert Warren 2nd Row: Gene McKeever, Charles Lenington, George Collins, Raymond Cam- eron, Evon Anderson, Rus- sell Cameron, Kenneth Willson, Kenneth Koplin and Douglas Towner (Lower Brass) 1st Row: Dale Charters, Gary Carver, Sharon Mor- rison, Jerome Nagengast, and Sam Ragland 2nd Row: Donald D. Olson, Robert Lyle, Shirley Davi- son, Cleo Crane, Kathleen LaBarre, Billea Rae Car- ver, and Jim inion CHORUS Sopranos 1st Row: Elsie Jones, Shirley Davison, Linda Passage. Mary Bogner. Phyllis Friel- ing. Theresa Johnson 2nd Row: Dorothy Frieling. Ida Stovall. Rita Paul, Wendy Norton, Pat Lyle, Jeanne Joubert 3rd Row: Betty Granger. Myrtle Bratvold. Beverlie Johnson 1st Row: Anne Marie Strana- han. Beverly King. Carole King. Bonnie Welch. Pat Reichelt. Darlene Wads- worth 2nd Row: Gayle Ledgerwood, Mary Stevenson, Pat Nag- engast, Sharon Morrison, Sharril Mulkins. Barbara Lenington, Mary Lan Ronish 3rd Row: Alma Lenington, Kathryn Mackenstadt, Helen Jacobsen. Lila Jo Wood. Barbara Olson, Kath- leen LaBa-re. Maxine Nag engast, Barbara Reichelt, Judy Blanchard, Marilyn Wadsworth 1st Row: George Collins, John Watson, James Craig. George Carver, Dale Charters, Don Frieling 2nd Row: Gene Mc- Keever. Terry Mar- cussen. Charles Len- ington, Doug Towner. Jerry S w e 11, Dale Fisher. Glenn Hardy Basses 1st Row� : Jim Pugh, Ken Willson, Joe Svoboda, Evon An- derson, Ken Wat- son, Don D. Olson 2nd Row: Fred Am.t, Bob Brarrlette, Bob Lyle. Bill Allen. Jim Vinion. Kim Rettig. Ken Dunnwebber Altos Tenors PEP BAND 1st Row: Donna Arnst, Anne Marie Stranahan, Rita Paul, Marietta Johnstone, Phyllis Pim- perton, Anna Mae Lud- wig, Barbara Reichelt, and Phyllis Frieling 2nd Row: Jack Davison, Robert Warren, Evon Anderson, Kathleen La Barre, Sharon Mor- rison, C 1 e o Crane, Douglas Towner, Gene McKee ver, and Ken- neth Willson 3rd Row: Edward Wads- worth, Dennis Vermil- lion. Beverly King. Robert Lvle, Donald D. Olson, B i 1 1 e a Rae Carver, Sam Ragland, Gary Carver, and Dale Charters BEGINNERS BAND ( Brass) 1 st Row: James Mc- Donald, Larry Saksa, Gerald Wood, and Den- nis Hardy 2nd Row: Charles Nagen- gast, Frank Schoonover, Robert Nelson, Ernes- tine Lang, and Douglas Lenington (Reeds) 1st Row: Bernice Davi- son, Rose Marie Nagen- gast, Laulette Hansen, Alderine LaBarre, Betty Anderson, and Barbara Nagengast 2nd Row: Gene Semenza, Karyn Hardy, Roberta Davison, Cleo Pugh, and Howard Johnson UO DANCE ORCHESTRA Kathleen La Barre, Den- nis Vermillion, Jack Davi- son. Billea Kae Carver, Anne Marie Stranahan, and Douglas Towner JUNIOR BAND ( Brass) 1st Row: Robert Carver, Roberta Hardy, and James Willits 2nd Row: Robert Peter- son, Marie Joubert, Bruce Rettig, Earl Kinion, Jack Willson, and Kirby Salisbury 3rd Row: Walter Lening- ton, James Olson, Gary Towner, and Russell Salisbury ( Reeds) 1st Row: June Marie Hel- land, Shirley Running, Carol Peterson, Jean McDonald, and Pamela Mayer 2nd Row: Clifford Ayers, Gary Overholser, Dean Scott, Mary Ellen Bes- sette. James Pugh and Shirley Midlestadt 3rd Row: June Crane, Patsy McClain, Carol Lilly, Judith Cline, Kareen Swensgard, and Sandra Bramlette Boys Quartette Left to Right: Donald Frieling Douglas Towner Donald I). Olson Evon Anderson Brass Sextette Back Row: Douglas Towner Donald D. Olson Robert Lyle Front Row: Gary Carver Jack Davison Hi Ilea Rae Carver Girls Sextette Left to Right: Myrtle Bratvold Patricia Lyle Beverly King Anne Marie Stranahan Sharon Morrison Patricia Reichelt MUSIC Activities of the music department were many and varied this year. Victor Herbert’s operetta, ‘The Red Mill,” the major undertaking of the year, was presented by the high school music department in the high school auditorium, and was sponsored by the Kiwanis club. Included in the cast were many high school students. Evon Anderson played the part of “Kid” Conner, and Donald D. Olson played the part of “Con Kidder, two Americans touring Europe. Running out of money in Holland, they were stranded there until, and only after many amusing incidents, they were able to raise enough money to return home. Other students in the cast were Anne Stranahan, as ‘Tina;” Patricia Lyle, a “Gretchen;” and Charles Lenington, as “Joshua Pennefeather.” A minstrel show, “Minstrel Parade,” presented on Homecoming, November 1, was also sponsored by the Kiwanis with high school students and members of the community taking part. Roth of these productions were directed by Mr. Parsons and accompanied by Marion Smith. Mrs. James Ward directed dialogue for “The Red Mill.” Band and chorus concerts were given several times during the year. At the invitation of the Mon- tana Education Association, the band presented a concert at the annual MEA conference in Great Falls, October 23. “Green Domino” by C. E. Grundman, “March Fantastique” by T. Darcy Jr., and “Com- manding Officer” by Frangkiser were the selections. Two effective numbers presented at the Thanksgiving Concert, November 26, were the mixed chorus’ “No Man Is an Island” by J. Whitney and A. Kramer, and the band’s “Four Episodes for Band,” by J. Morrissey. A repeat performance of “T was the Night Before Christmas by Moore and Darby highlighted the Christmas Concert, December 18. The chorus first sang this number for the Christmas concert in 1949. “First Suite in E Flat for Military Band” by G. Holst and “Hallelujah Chorus” from “Mount of Olives” by Ludwig van Beethoven were two numbers from the Spring Band and Chorus Concert, March 27. The last concert of the year was composed of music of a lighter vein. Selections from “South Pacific” by Rodgers and Hammerstein,‘TV Suite” by H. Walters, “Marching Along Together” by M. Dixon, and “1 Wish I Wuz” by Kuller and Murray were numbers of the “Pop” Concert. Every two years music students from five northwest states. Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wvoming, participate in All Northwest Band, Orchestra, and Chorus, as part of the Northwest Division of the Music Educators National Conference. More than seven hundred high school students took part in the three All Conference groups, meeting in Bellingham, Washington, March 18 through the 21. Four Fort Benton applicants were accepted: chorus—Charles Lenington, tenor; Patricia Reichelt, alto II. and Anne Marie Stranahan, soprano II; band—Donald D. Olson, tuba. The performance of Lerner and Lowe’s operetta “Brigadoon” by the Bellingham High School provided the conference with an evening of pleasant entertainment. The District IV Music Festival was held at Fairfield, April 25. From Fort Benton eighty-two stu- dents and fourteen chaperones attended. Superior ratings were received by the band, the boys’ chorus, the girls’ chorus, the mixed chorus, and the girls sextet. Students receiving superior ratings were Donald D. Olson, tuba, and Charles Lenington, voice. Excellent ratings were received by eight students. Vocal: Evon Anderson, Patricia Lyle, Donald D. Olson, Myrtle Bratvold. Instrumental: Bob Lyle, trombone; Marietta Johnstone, flute; Marilyn Wadsworth, baritone saxophone; and Sam Ragland. French horn. The music department wishes to thank those who gave their time to chaperone this trip. They were Mrs. Ruth Farrell. Mrs. Frances Mulkins, Mrs. Sam Towner, Mrs. Ray McKeever, Mrs. Wilbur Lyle, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Crane, Mr. and Mrs. Noel Anderson, Mrs. S. F. Pimperton, Mrs. Dan Reichelt, Mrs. Clin- ton Stranahan, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wadsworth. 43 Junior President “Bub Frieling and Queen Barbara Witt Punch-servers, Ed Bach and James Lacey UU OPERETTA MINSTREL CONCERT “By the Side of the Mill” (ah, yes) “Mah Hero” Mr. Bones Uncle Tom’s Cabin Christmas Concert 45 CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS Santa arrives by air to meet the first graders. Santa visits Nor- way. Representative! from other European countries gather around Santa Claus in his sleigh. Santa i-it- France. The King and Queen are surround ed by their Court. Chapter VI—There Will Be A Meeting Future Farmers of America..........................48 F uture Homemakers of America......................49 Lyres Club....................................... 50 B Club........................................... 51 U Gills’ Athletic Association 52 Pep Club......................................... 53 Projectionists................................... 54 Industrial Arts Club ..............................55 Student Council....................................56 Librarians ...................................... 57 Pi a vers Club ....................................58 I : r fc Kim Adamson Johnnie Allard Bill Allen Edward Bach Donald Bogner Paul Bogner Leroy Briese Roger Britton George Carver Dale Charters Bill Clark George Collins Jim Craig Lee Doney Edgar Drube Harvey Drube Jon Evers Donald Frieling Terry Marcussen Lloyd McCollum Treas. Bill McFarland Earl McKeever Gene McKeever Orville McKinlay Gerald Meyers Charles Lenington Donald Lundy Pres. Donald E. Olson Sec. Donald Patterson Bill Reichelt Kim Rettig Lyle Shaw Vice-Pres Gene Stovall Howard Taylor John Watson Kenny Watson Jim Vinion Harold Walker Walter Wesche Lones Wigger Kenneth Willson Merwin Works Bob Yirsa Future Farmers of America under the direction of Mr. George Puckett must lie enrolled in vocational agriculture and must have a farm project. The 48 members of the local FFA meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 o’clock. In September, twelve freshmen were initiated as Green Hands during a joint meeting with the Big Sandy chapter. An attempt is made to obtain an interesting speaker or good movie for every other meeting. Montana FFA is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year. Alvin Hazen. ’52, a member of the Fort Benton FFA chapter, was awarded a State Farmer degree at the 1952 convention. In Montana forty-four of these awards were made to outstanding Future Farmers. Bill McFarland and Howard Taylor attended training school at Helena, November 21-22. Delegates and judging teams were sent to the district convention at High wood and the state convention at Bozeman. FHA Future housewives of the class of '56 whip up fudge and divinity for the candy sale. Judith Blanchard Barbara Jacobsen Beverly King Pres. Helen Jacobsen Theresa Johnson Jeanne Joubert Helen Lacey Vice President Alma Lenington Barbara Lenington Gayle Ledgerwood Kitamae Lussier Donna Miller Sharril Mulki ns Maxine Nagengast Secretary Patricia Nagengast Linda Passage Barbara Keichelt Mary Lan Ronish Treasurer Lou Scott Myrna Smith Karen Vischer Bonnie Welch Joan Welch Lila Jo Wood Benita Woodcock Achieving the junior and chapter degrees was chief among many activities of the Future Home- makers of America under the direction of Mrs. Alice Smith. Each girl is required to select a goal under each of the following titles: individual, member of a home, member of a chapter, member of a community. The girl must show improvement in each goal over a semester in order to earn the degree. A dance at Highwood, a meeting-dance at Big Sandy, a candy sale, and a bake sale high lighted the year. Mrs. C. Jacobsen was elected chapter mother. At the District III Convention at Havre on October 11, Patty Nagengast was elected president of the 1953-1954 convention, which will l e in Fort Benton. She automatically gains the position of State Chair- man of Projects. About fifteen girls from Benton attended. Beverly King capably led the convention in songs. 49 LYRES CLUB Floyd Smith, '52, attempts to cut in on Joe Svoboda, who is dancing with Anna Mae Lud- wig. Cl Evon Anderson Billea Kae Carver Dale Charters Jack Davison Betty Granger Vice Pres. Glenn Hardy Beverly king Kathleen La Barre Gayle Ledgerwood Barbara Lenington Charles Lenington Anna Mae Ludwig Patricia Lyle Gene MeKeevcr Sharon Morrison Sharril Mulkins Patricia Nagengast Wendy Norton Donald D. Olson Rita Paul Sec. Sam Ragland Barbara Reichelt Patricia Reichelt Pres. Anne Stranahan Douglas Towner Dennis Vermillion James Vinion Marilyn Wadsworth Lyres dub, an honorary music noddy esUrblished i„ 1946 ad,m,s member, on £: basis ol_Aeir formal or semi-formal is held each year; this year the Lyres sponsored a Mill ” retraction of the lyre. 50 B CLUB Sonny Walker keeps his Knot Hole Gang in line during a basketball game. Hill Allen Evon Anderson President Fred Arnst Robert Bramlette Donald Brinkman Gene MeKeever Glenn P latt Stanley Frieling Glenn Hardy Charles Lenington Lloyd McCollum Dennis Nottingham Joseph Svoboda Donald Patterson Jerry Pugh Sam Ragland Secretary -T reasurer Dave Stovall Gene Stovall Jerry Swett Leroy Taylor Duane Tibbies Jim Vinion % — W Vice-President Harold Walker Kenneth W atson The B Club, a group of hoys who have earned an award in one of the conference sports, meets every Thursday at 4:00. This year’s club includes seventeen old members who plan on initiating eight new members, four having earned a letter in football and four in basketball. Recruits from football are Gene Stovall ’53, Duane Tibbies ’54, Dennis Nottingham ’55, Bob Bramlette '56; from basketball. Bill Allen ’55, Dennis Nottingham ’55, Joe Svoboda ’56, Gene MeKeever 56. With the approval of the sponsor, this year Mr. Charles White, the club establishes award policies. A highlight of the organization is the spring initiation. This year the major project is to raise money for insurance on athletic injuries. March 13 the athletes sponsored a benefit game between the Texas Cowgirls and the Verbal All-Stars, a team made up of senior B Club members. 51 Judith Blanchard Billea Rae Carver Shirley Davison Sec. Dorothy Frieling Phyllis Frieling President Shirley Frieling Barbara Jacobsen Elsie Jones Kathleen LaBarre Betty MacKenzie Maxine Nagengast Rita Paul Vice Pres. Patricia Reichelt Mvma Smith Treasurer Anne Marie Stranahan Karen Vischer Marilyn Wadsworth Lila Jo Wood The Girls’ Athletic Association, organized for the purpose of promoting good sportsmanship and pro- viding recreation for girls, is sponsored by Mrs. Alice Smith. Each year members must participate in 40 hours of actual play, of which there must be five hours in each of the following sports: basketball, softball, volleyball, tumbling, indoor softball, soccer, bicycling, and horseshoe throwing. Even Friday at four o’clock the girls play one hour. Letter and chevron awards are made on Class Night. Besides plans for Play Day, an annual event to which girls from near-by towns are invited, this year’s program is marked by two special events—a party and an exhibition. In January the girls entertained friends of the club with a volley-ball game and supper. During half-time of a varsity conference game GAA put on a demonstration of girls’ basketball. 52 PEP CLUB The concession «Land i a busy spot timing the basketball season. Row 1, Left to Right Shirley Briese Shirley Davison Dorothy Frieling President Shirley Frieling Sec. Betty Granger Shirley Homme Beverly Johnson Theresa Johnson Gayle Ledgerwood Treasurer Lillian Ludwig Patricia Lyle Kathy Mackenstadt Vice President Betty MacKenzie Sharril Mulkins Maxine Nagengast Patricia Nagengast Wendy Norton Barbara Olson Norma Pugh Patricia Reichelt Mary Lan Ronish Myma Smith Mary Stevenson Jerry Swett Darleen W adsworth Marilyn Wadsworth Joan W elch Congratulations go to the Pep Club for its valuable support to the Longhorns. Organized to contri- bute to the promotion of the athletic program, the club has a monopoly on sales of food at varsity ball games. Every year the club makes a purchase which is usually an improvement to the athletic program. In past years the Pep Club has purchased a coke machine, a football scoreboard, a concession stand at the football field, and cheerleaders’ uniforms. This year under the direction of Miss Leola Albrecht the Pep Club earned about $240 with which they have agreed to purchase a three gallon coffee urn and a gift for the athletic department. Included in the constitution of this club is an award system by which active members are entitled to a Pep Club letter for their participation. PROJECTIONIST CLUB Dennis Allen Donald Allison Evon Anderson Donna Arnst Jackie Bartlett Donald Brinkman Howard Brinkman Kenneth Dunnwebber Donald Frieling Gene McKeever Patricia Nagengast Barbara Olson Treas. Donald E. Olson Vice-Pres. Sam Ragland Russell Salisbury Mary Stevenson Pres. Gene Stovall Jim Vinion Sec. Darleen Wadsworth Edward Wadsworth Harold W'alker Tony Warren The Projectionist club, sponsored by Bill Johnstone, added new activities to their program this year. As in recent years the members assisted the faculty in the use of filmstrip, movie, and opaque projectors, tape recorder, public address systems, and record players. Monthly meetings featured club business, instruction in the use of equipment, and recreation. Noon entertainment movies were shown weekly during the winter months. Money earned will be used to start construction of a dark room as an aid in developing photography for a student hobby. It will also help those responsible for pictures in student publications. Fred Arast Boh Bramlette Kenny Dunnwebber Dale Fisher Glenn Flatt Stanley Frieling Bob Lyle Ed Midlestadt Don D. Olson Jerry’ Pugh Jim Pugh Dave Stovall Gene Stovall Joe Svoboda Jerry Swett Doug Towner Not pictured : Leroy Taylor, Glenn Hardy, Kenny Wat- son, Don Allison, Harold Walker, Howard Brinkman This year an Industrial Arts club, a newr organization in FBHS, was formed under the sponsorship of Mr. Glenn Kennedy. Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays in the shop den. The past year a constitution was drawn up and organization completed. The club sponsored a successful dance with basket social November 21. This year’s project is improvement of shop facilities. Examples are the new lumber rack and the “initial carving board.” The club has made several plans for the future. Awards will be given for the different levels of craftsmanship. Members w ill be encouraged to enter the Ford Motor Company National Industrial Arts Award Contest. A crafts display will be exhibited at the Chouteau County Fair. Future programs will include field trips, speakers and industrial art movies. 55 STUDENT COUNCIL Student Council members are elect- ed twice a year. Group Picture Top Row’ Left to Right Stanley Frieling Charles Lenington Bottom Row: Patricia Nagengast Betty MacKenzie Barbara Reichelt Row 1: Left to Right Fred Amst Jack Davison Glenn Flatt Row 2: Sec reta r y-Trea s u rer Dorothy Frieling Vice President Glenn Hardy Gene McKeever Sharon Morrison President Donald D. Olson Rita Paul Student Council, the governing body of the Fort Benton High School, oversees all student activities. One of the main activities of the Council was the sale of activity tickets. For a price of $5, a student is admitted to all home athletic events and National Assemblies, and he receives the Cannon Report and the Pioneer. Other activities this year included the homecoming festivities, the preparation of a new student handbook, and the consideration of a new rental plan on caps and gowns for senior graduation. The Student Council is financed by the general fund which is 5% of the gross from profit making enterprises of all the clubs in high school. In recent years the Student Council has bought a tape recorder and a moving picture machine and has helped to buy the football scoreboard and the new’ opaque projector. 56 Domui Amst Christine Doney John Emmens Karen Fultz Barbara Jacobsen Pres. Alma Islington Donna Miller Shirley Patterson Myra Renville Lou Scott Treas. Myma Smith Nellie Mae Spiros Sharon Vinion Sec. Karen Vischer Required to work at least ten hours every six weeks. Library club members receive a grade on their report card and one-quarter credit for one year’s work. The most important jobs of the Library club are the circulation of books and magazines, arrangement and care of all library materials, and assistance to students; most of the members also gain experience in processing new books. Without the service of five eighth graders the library would have been forced to close during periods when high school help was un- available. However, these girls do not receive academic credit. A pin (open book of silver with a lamp of learning placed above) is awarded to the members who have served in the organization for a year. The girls who received the pin at mid-year were Alma Lening- ton, Barbara Jacobsen, Karen Vischer, and Lou Scott. Row 1, Left to right: Evon Anderson Donald Brinkman Billea Rae Carver Betty Granger Row 2: Beverly King Alma Lenington Barbara Lenington Patricia Lyle Row 3: Sharon Morrison Pres. Donald D. Olson Donald Patterson Vice-President Marilyn Wadsworth Not Pictured: Secretary -Treasurer James Vinion Players’ Club, an honorary society sponsored by Miss Leola Albrecht, promotes interest in dramatics in the high school and community. Points for membership may be earned in any activity connected with the theatre. An outstanding meeting of the Players’Cluh was initiation of new members, at which stunts and a “pitch in” dinner were enjoyed. Each year Players’ sponsor a bill of one-acts, which often gives opportunities to less experienced actors. Players’ also enter a one-act play in The Little Theatre Festival, an activity of the Interscholastic Meet at Montana State University. Last year in Phillip Moelar’s “Helen’s Husband,” Don Byrd received an outstanding character actor award, and Lauretta Marcussen, a bit actress award at the Festival. Other participants in this satire were Evon Anderson, Mitzi Granger, Dewain Ryan, and director, Betty Browne. 58 ■ Chapter VII—Time Out For Talent Senior Play.....................................60 Junior Play ....................................61 Cannon Report...................................62 Pioneer Staff ..................................63 Honors..........................................64 Homecoming and Cheerleaders.....................65 Calendar .......................................66 School Program..................................68 Sponsors .......................................69 Snaps...........................................70 59 a. SENIOR PLAY Carole King, Kenin Watson, and Beverly King: “Hold still, Ir Mart indale!” Judy (Barbara Lening. ton), Hannah (Myrtle Bratvold ), and Randolph (Don E. Olson): “Who going to eat these?” Randolph, Susie (Marilyn Wadsworth I, and Eloise (Patty Rei- chelt): “Where are my caterpillars?” I h e O’Conners, Rex (Fred Arnst) and Susie with Judy and Randolph: “We’ll help you elope!” Barbara (Anne Marie Stranahan), Judy, and Mr. and Mrs. Foster ( Evon Anderson and Bib lea Carver): “When do we eat?” Judy, Mitzie (Alma Lenington), and Oogie (Donald D. Olson); ’ But, Judy, you’re my date!” Not pictured are Pat Lyle (Mrs. Schultzham mer), Mitzi Granger (Mrs. Hotchkiss), and Bob Y i rsa ( delivery man.) “A Date With Judy,” the senior class play, directed by Miss Leola Albrecht, was attended by a capacity crowd on December 5 in the high school auditorium. As a result of the seniors’ hard work and their drive for ticket sales the auditorium had only 18 seats not filled. A gay comedy about teenagers, “A Date With Judy,” was capably handled by the class of 1953. The sympathetic and enthusiastic audience was responsi ve to lines and situations. Some of the credit for the very successful class play goes to many who worked behind the scenes: student director—Shirley Frieling; make-up artists—Beverly King, Carole King, Helen Jacobsen, Joan Welch, Bertie June Hankins; stage crew—Stan Frieling. Omar Swett, Jerry Pugh, Don Bogner, Paul Bogner, Gene Stovall, David Stovall, Fred Arnst; business managers—Leroy Taylor, Harold Walker; house manager and radio announcer—Lloyd McCollum; prompters—Beverlie Johnson and Mary Lan Ronish. 6 o JUNIOR PLAY Displaced settlers Don Brinkman. Ken Dunnwebber. Dorothy Frieling. Glenn Hardy and Betty MacKenzie): 'Wouldn’t Everheel like to come bustin’ up here with his tractor? Everheel (John Em- mens), Tinker (Don Letz), Eldon (Don Pat- terson). and Martha i Norma Pugh): “The fuel pump's gone again! Spirits ( Howard Tay- lor. Barbara Olson. Wendy Norton, Merwin Works, and Jon Evers): And as fur as this rope’ll stretch. Prim (Beverly King) and Eldon: “You’re pretty insultin’, Prim.” Lonesome (Glenn Flatt) and Granpa (Jim Vinion): “This here thing is a tractor heart . Granma (Mary Ste- venson). Prudence (Sharon Morrison), Hansom (Ed Midle- stadt), and spirits (Wal- ter Wesche and Roger Britton): Jedge Lynche, I wanta present my evy-dence. The junior play, “Green Valley” was presented April 11, at 8 o’clock, to a capacity audience. Weird music from yesteryear, gun shots, and the low’ “moo” of a cow, combined with the voices of spirits to make a humorous and unusual production. The outdoor setting consisted of a small house, a tree, large rocks, and huge sunflowers. With its realistic sound effects and colorful costumes, “Green Valley” took its place as something different in class plays. Bouquets go to Miss Browne for directing th- play, to Miss Albrecht for supervising the make-up crew and to the members of the class of “54 for their efficient advance ticket sale and their cooperation on the production which included all but three members of the class in the cast. 6 Pat Reichelt and Don I). Olson take an order for an ad from Ellis Larson at the R e x a 11 Drug Store. Anne Marie Stran- ahan and Pat Lyle type their copy. Evon Anderson. Miss Betty Browne, journalism teacher, and Helen Jacobsen edit the copy. Don E. Olson and Don Bogner cut up the proof and make the dummy for the sports page. Joan Welch, Helen Jacobsen, and Mr. Joel Overholser watch the paper roll off the press. Bill Reichelt dis- tributes the paper to members of the sophomore class. In a Student Council election, students voted to print monthly the Cannon Report, which was previous- ly mimeographed and issued every' three weeks. Support by the advertisers brought in much of the needed financial aid. After the information was gathered and the stories written, the copy was checked, the tentative dummies were made, and the edited copy was sent down to press Wednesday evening. Thursday night everyone gathered to read proof and help make the dummies. Friday and Saturday the River Press printed the paper and on Monday it was distributed. Helen Jacobsen, the paper’s representative at Pow Wow, was editor. Barbara Reichelt, a freshman, was crowned queen at the successful Homecoming dance and lunch. Last year’s Cannon Report won an “all-state” rating in interscholastic competition. 62 THE PIONEER The write-up com- mittee makes assign- ments. The photography crew get ready for action. The editorial staff chooses a cover. The advertising committee prepares to cover the town. Sales and Distri- bution staff gets ready to cope with details. Make-up crew pre- pares pages for the printer. Early in the school year Mr. Bill Johnstone, Pioneer advisor, met with the editorial staff, Don D. Olson, Evon Anderson, Barbara Lenington, and Helen Jacobsen, to plan the 1953 annual. Each division and its pages were planned. December 15 was set as the deadline for orders for hard covers. Committees were selected and put under the direction of the seniors who had worked on the annual the previous year. Six juniors were again invited to help. Subscription, sales, advertisement, photography, layout, and write-up followed; step by step the ’53 Pioneer came into existence. Credit must be given to Mr. Johnstone for his constant prodding and con- sistent effort and also to Miss Browne for her assistance to the write-up crew. Last year’s Pioneer received a superior rating from the Montana Interscholastic Editorial Association. HONORS The highest third of the Senior class scholastically are graduated with honors. While slight re- visions might be necessary after the eighth semester grades are in, these are based on grades on file at the office for the first seven semesters. Helen Jac obsen, Don E. Olson, Hi Ilea Carver, Dorothy Evans, Mary Lan Ronish, Barbara Lenington, Evon Anderson, Betty Granger, Anne Stranahan, Donald D. Olson, Lillian Ludwig, Joan Welch and Shirley Frieling ranked in the highest third of their class. Included in summer activities of Fort Benton students are several valuable camp experiences. Junior girls selected Rita Paul to attend Girls’ State sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. Junior boys selected Kenny Dunnwebber and Don Patterson as delegates to Boys’ State which is sponsored by the American Legion. The River Press provides a scholarship to Pow Wow for next year’s annual editor— Eddie Midlestadt. Two music camp awards are made by the Kiwanis music committee and the school music director. The V. F. W. and Auxiliary have annually presented scholarships to a boy and a girl who are entering college to train for education or medicine. The State of Montana through its Greater University system is awarding scholarships this year to Helen Jacobsen and Billea Carver. Heisey awards based on citizenship, service, cooperation, scholarship, leadership, character and improvement are selected by the faculty on the basis of four ratings during the year. Selection of this and several other of the awards were not complete on May 1st when the annual went to press. A new award has been announced in vocational agriculture by Haas and Associates. Eight $50 awards are made by the Heisey foundation and two $50 awards are made by Haas. FIRST SEMESTER HONOR ROLL SEVENTH GRADE Feltman, Jeanne ........2.00 Hardy, Patricia.........2.40 Nagamori, Henry ........2.60 Rettig, Bruce ..........2.40 Warren, Tony............2.40 EIGHTH GRADE Arnst, Donna ...........3.00 Crane, Cleo.............2.40 Glascock, Lyle .........2.20 Johnstone, Marietta ....2.80 Patterson, Shirley......2.00 Peterson, Robert........2.20 Ragland, Virginia.......2.40 Warren, Robert..........2.40 FRESHMEN Bogner, Mary............2.25 Johnson, Theresa .......2.50 Lundy, Don .............2.00 LaBarre, Kathleen ......2.00 Rettig, Kim ............2.00 Svoboda, Joe ...........2.50 Towner, Douglas ........3.00 SOPHOMORES Clark, Fred ............2.00 Fultz, Karen ...........2.75 Nottingham, Dennis .....3.00 Postill, Betty..........2.50 Ragland, Sam ...........2.00 Shaw, Lyle .............2.00 Vischer, Karen ........ 2.00 Wadsworth, Darleen.....2.25 JUNIORS Olson, Barbara .........2.00 Patterson, Don .........2.50 Paul, Rita..............2.50 SENIORS 4 Anderson. Evon .........2.25 Carver, Billea .........2.60 Frieling, Shirley.......2.00 Jacobsen, Helen ...... 3.00 Lenington, Barbara .....2.00 Ludwig, Lillian.........2.00 Olson, Donald D.........2.00 Olson, Donald E.........2.00 Ronish, Mary Lan........2.00 Stranahan, Anne......... 2.00 6 u YOUR PEP The Fort Benton cheering section ap- proves a play. The “B” burns brightly for Home- coming celebration. The snake dance fire gets off to a roaring start. 65 THE SCHOOL YEAR IN REVIEW Sunday, Sept. 14 Dear Reader: Gee, school has begun again just when the sum- mer seemed about to start instead of end. But it’s good to see all the familiar faces. Last night we seniors held initiation without paddles—believe it or not. You might think it was dull, but it was lots of fun. Instead of just saying a verse, the frosh has to sing to us, ‘“Oh, mighty Senior of ’53” to the tune of the ietory March. The girls looked like Topsy in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin with their 33 numbered braids and the boys, like worried housewives with their five curlers. Some of the costumes were really original. A Senior Dear Reader: Monday. Oct. 27 Although Homecoming isn’t till Saturday, Nov. 1, and there haven't been any outstanding events lately, the month of October has been a busy one. Fort Ben- ton FHA, well represented at the District III conven- tion in Havre, Oct. 11, succeeded in electing Patty Nagengast as chairman. Five of the journalism class, Evon Anderson, Anne Stranahan, Pat Reichelt, Pat Lyle, and Joan Welch, accompanied by Miss Browne, attended journalism classes on the MSU campus, Oct. 11 and 12. The work on the “1953” annual has started in earnest. Every pep rally or significant event brings out Evon Anderson or Mr. Johnstone with his camera and flash bulb. The ’52 Pioneer received a superior rating from MIEA. Eisenhower won the mock elec- tion by a margin of 58 votes over Stevenson Oct. 16. Some pretty heated arguments are resulting from the coming presidential election. A Senior Wednesday, Nov. 5 Dear Reader: The football team ended up in third place with a record of five wins and two losses. The hoys lost a couple of close games, 6-0 to Chinook and 21-20 to Browning. Homecoming, Nov. 1 was well attended in spite of the sharp, chilly wind. To start the full weekend, the Student Council lit up the “B” after a snake dance and a pep rally. Saturday after- noon brought the close football game with Browning. In the evening the “Minstrel Parade” under the direction of Meme Parsons and sponsored by Kiwanis Club provided laughs and en- tertainment. Barbara Reichelt, a freshman, was selected as queen of the Homecoming Dance which followed the “Minstrel Parade.” Such a whirl of activities for one weekend! A Senior Saturday, Dec. 6 Dear Reader: Our play, “A Date W ith Judy,” scored a hit last night in front of a capacity crowd. Barbara Lenington and Don E. Olson certainly gave a performance along with the help of the other members of the cast. Behind the scene people, such as the stage, sales, and makeup crews, cannot be forgotten either. A heap of thanks must go to Miss Albrecht and Omar Swett, who gave much of their time to make the play successful. Christmas is just around the corner! The week before vaca- tion is certainly going to be a busy one with grade school operettas on Dec. 15 and 16, the community Messiah, Dec. 17, and the Band and Chorus concert, Dec. 18. If Mr. Parsons comes to school Friday, Dec. 19, with little hair left, we’ll know' the reason! A Senior Saturday, Jan. 17 Dear Reader: I ast night the basketball boys were in an accident! The bus that was carrying them to a game at Central rolled into a coulee one mile west of Floweree. Luckily, no one was hurt seriously, but Doug Towner and Kim Adamson lost the seats of their pants! Since the bus was completely demolished, the Carter- Floweree route will get a new bus. Although the bus accident is the uppermost thought in everyone’s mind, a few of us had better start burning the midnight oil. Semester tests are coming Thursday and Friday, Jan. 22 23. Don’t I wish 1 had studied more at the beginning of the year instead of fooling around! A Senior Thursday, Feb. 26 Dear Reader: The basketball boys lost last night in a “sudden death” play-off with Conrad, 57-52. The squad ended their season with a 2-14 win-loss record. The bus ac- cident. the flu epidemic, and a squad shakeup all bit into the Longhorn’s chances. However, many under- classmen received good experience, so let’s watch them climb to the top of the conference next year. Good luck! Progressing rapidly is work on the community operetta, “The Red Mill,” sponsored by the music de- weather has come, construction on the new building is moving along rapidly. A Senior Saturday, April 25 Dear Reader: This is really a busy weekend! “April In Paris” was the theme of the successful junior prom held last night. Today, the music festival is going full swing in Fairfield. The soloists had to get up at 6 o’clock this morning (wonder how some of them made it out of bed if they got there at all!) The band and chorus members are leaving around 10 o’clock because chorus does not perform until this afternoon, and band, not until tonight. The junior play, “Green Valley,” was presented to a capacity audience, April 11. The outdoor set, showing the cooperation of the class of ’54, was a relief from the usual three-walled set. A Senior Friday, May 22 Dear Reader: Yippee! We seniors are all finished with high school. It seems as if twelve years is a long time and yet it’s mighty short, too. There certainly have been a lot of activities to keep us going this month. April 30-May 2 was High School Week in Bozeman. A style review', held in the gymnasium this year, took place on May 5. Interscholastic at Missoula, May 15-16, saw several FBHS students participating in the various divisions—speech, dramatics, sports, and journalism. Senior Sneak Day and the painting of the “B” were also among the May activities. This coming Sunday is baccalaureate with Father Geisen speaking. Then comes Class Night and the senior breakfast. Rev. Marvin Adams of the Great Falls Methodist Church will be the principal speaker at graduation. May 27. We leave pleasant Fort Benton High School with a back- ground to guide us in the problems of the wide world. Have a nice summer! part men t with the cooperation of Kiwanis Club. It’s the biggest project ever attempted by the community with two main performances (reserved seats both nights) on March 6-7. The set includes the construc- tion of an actual windmill! A Senior Friday, March 27 Dear Reader: We seniors have just finished taking the Iowa Tests of Educational Development. They are valuable in determining the students who will be successful in college. Hie annual spring concert w ith an abundance of both hand and chorus numbers was well received by the audience tonight. The juniors are busy working on their play, “Green Valley,” which will be presented April 11. Last night a DeMolay Degree team from Great Falls initiated and installed the officers of the newly or- ganized Benton DeMolay Chapter. Jack Anderson is the “Dad.” FFA and FHA members are attending various conventions. The old decaying cottonwoods were cut down off the school grounds. Since warmer 67 A Graduate THE HOME OF THE LONGHORNS Let’s look at education in America and especially in Fort Benton. Since 1900 the greatest change has been in the high school area. In 1900 nationally about 11 % of the boys and girls attended who were in that age bracket; now' about 75% attend and locally the figures are higher. Our graduating classes in the first decade of the twentieth century averaged three, while in the last ten years at Fort Benton an average of 38 have graduated each year. American educators have adopted this policy—“Education for all American Youth.” Over more than half a century of service to the community. Fort Benton has been justifiably proud of its school system and the accomplishments of its graduates. Since 1904 twelve hundred twenty-eight have successfully completed the high school course of tudy. With the present expansion program Fort Benton will have a physical plant valued at $600,000. This includes an auditorium, gymnasium, woodworking shop, agricultural shop, science laboratory, library, home economics department, combination cafeteria and all purpose room, offices, and twenty other classrooms with a capacity of approximately 550 boys and girls. In the important first six grades the fundamental tool subjects—arithmetic, language arts, and reading —are stressed and integrated with work in the sciences and social studies. A junior high program, serving as a transition from the elementary to the high school, in addition to the regular academic subjects, includes classes in woodworking, home economics, music, art, and physical education under the direction of special- ists in those areas. High school offers students an opportunity to choose their own program. Fort Benton offers five main fields—all accredited, equipped with excellent facilities, and taught by qualified instruc- tors: college preparatory with emphasis on mathematics, science, English, and social studies; home econom- ics; commercial; industrial arts; and vocational agriculture. All graduates are required to complete four years of English (speech or journalism may substitute for one year), one year of American history, and at least one-half year of American government. In a recent survey more than 90% of our student body participated in some extracurricular activity—band, chorus, athletics, dramatics, journalism, or one of the eleven clubs. An opportunity exists for every student to participate in these activities, which contribute to the development of a well rounded personality. The community of Fort Benton offers many added opportunities. A pleasant physical surrounding coupled with all needed community facilities appeals to many. Six churches and their youth groups. Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Theta Rho, Rainbow Girls, and DeMolay are important assets in the training of our youth. Three special services at the local school have been added in recent years: guidance—educational and vocational including testing and counselling; audio-visual aids library—more than 800 films, record- ings, filmstrips, and tapes; and a cafeteria, which serves well-balanced noon meals to an average of 120 boys and girls a day. From Loma and from Floweree-Carter daily transportation is provided in the finest school buses available. The Fort Benton School operates on the basic philosophy that the school should consider individual growth, giving each child an opportunity to develop his capacities and abilities to the fullest. 6 8 PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS The free basketball program, the schedule cards which have been distributed, and a lil eral share of the cost of our school annual are due to the generous support of the merchants whose ads are on the program and schedule. We ask you to support them in the same manner in which they have supported us. The Fort Benton school is deeply appreciative of the excellent support given not only by these merchants, but by our many loyal fans. dorger Realty Insurance Co. Chouteau County Abstract Company Scott’s Lumber Supply Co. Farmer’s Elevator Trading Co. Missouri River Lumber Co. Fort Benton Locker Market f ay Adams Implement Co. Murphy-Maclay Hardware Co. Pioneer Insurance Agency Palace Bar Barber Shop Lett Plumbing Heating Fred and Arnie’s Service Pepper Pot Bar and Cafe Greely Elevator Company Central Service Station Fort Benton Drug Store Triangle Hying Service Fort Benton Motor Co. Holm Insurance Agency Riverside Barlier Shop Central Machinery Co. (dark-Hilton Company Benton Hying Service Benton Equipment Co. Montana Elevator Co. Chouteau County Bank Coast To Coast Store Benton Funeral Home Roy’s Electric Shop E and N Bar Lunch Upp’s Food Market Allsports Supply Co. Price-Rite Grocery Benton Dry Cleaners Dr. P. J. Sweeney Montana Power Co. Western Fumiture Pioneer Mercantile G. C. Schmidt Co. Midlestadt Pontiac Haas Associates General Mills, Inc. Bloom Seymour Crown Jewelry Co. The Western Bar Rudy’s Shoe Shop Paul’s Park Inn Ragland Grocery' Benton Jewelry Benton Hardware Ayrshire Dairy The Rexall Store Veterans’ Club Capitol Theatre Duval-Wallace Barnes Jewelry Bernie’s Cafe Chet and Tesch Barber’s, Inc. Power Motors Gamble Store Uke’s Sports Overland Bar Modern Cafe Joseph Gray Woodward’s Lee’s Cab River Press 69 Mr. Helmbrecht, our cameraman. Coaches White and Ward. Auctioneers at the Industrial Arts box social. Decorating win- dows for Halloween. Waiting for a slowr waltz. Young Rockyboy doing his routine. The masquerade dance. Young buck dis- playing his talent. 70