Graham High School - Graham Yearbook (Bluefield, VA)

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It CLASS PRUPHELY “Well, ‘Lank’ is still at Graham. He still has hopes of becoming principal. ‘Lank’ was always optimistic anyway,’’ sighed Rebecca. “If you're ever down Falls Mills, you should stop and see some of your old classmates there. Emily Ruth McKenzie married Jim Hale and they are now the proud operators of the Hale Dairy. “T think ‘Millie’ Muncy still lives there also. Alvin finally got out of the army and they are married, ‘Millie’ was formerly employed as secretary to S. S. Kresges.'’ added Rebecca. “Isn't it exciting having an old classmate being crowned Miss America?” inquired Rebecca. “'I was referring to Lots Kinzer of course.”’ “Did you get to see Murtel McClintock before she left for Cuba? ’ asked Paul. “You have heard of the new drug store in Bluefield, Virginia haven't you? Well, Mary Frances Yost is the proud owner, and Margaret Landreth is her secretary. David Hoge is the new doctor there. He specializes in broken heart cases. His most loyal patient 1s Frances Harman,’’ added Rebecca. “Joyce Hoops and Shirley Belcher live in Tazewell. Shirley married the promising young post- master. Joyce Leffel made her fortune in the auto business there also,’’ replied Rebecca. At this point Rebecca happened to realize just how long her visit had been. She hastily arose to leave. She remembered they were a nice class and excellent singers also. MILDRED MUNCY FRANCES NEAL

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HE CLASS PRUPHELY Paul Nash was sitting leisurely in the office chair of the Nash Mental Institution. He looked up to see his favorite patient Bobby Mullins. Bobby had been his chief case now for several months, having gone insane over Muriel McClintock. Quickly disposing of Bobby, he was ready to receive, as a visitor, a famous dancer, our own Rebecca Barksdale! ‘Why Rebecca, how nice to see you!’’ exclaimed Paul. “I have heard of your famous dancing school in New York and I’m glad you have done so well. Seeing you makes me wonder about our former classmates of ’47. Do you happen to know how any of them are getting along in the world?”’ ‘‘Why, yes,’’ answered Rebecca,‘‘ [ was reading the other day about the old fashioned restaurant Betty and Nancy, the Jackson sisters have opened. Their staff consists of Virginia Harman and Frances Dur- ham. I'm pleased they have accomplished so much since their start at Graham’s Cafeteria and Louise Angles is head nurse at the St. Lukes Hospital. Marie Devor now has as her chief interest in the welfare of the Kent Cab Company,” added Rebecca. “Did you receive an invitation to the opening of the Dick Fuqua and Jeannette Barnett Art School?” asked Paul. ‘‘I always knew they would be outstanding some day. But say, here I am just rattling on and not giving you a chance to say anything.” ‘Oh, yes, the same old Paul, always talking,”’ sighed Rebecca. “IT heard that several of our former classmates are teaching at Graham now,’ Rebecca added. “David Amburn developed into an excellent typing teacher; Alyce Robertson teaches shorthand; Jack Dalton followed in his father’s footsteps and is teaching chemistry, and Sarah Perdue is their capable librarian. Kent Ruble replaced Mrs. Damron as algebra instructor, and they have an excellent Latin teacher, the Professor Billy Rees. Nancy Yost is the girls’ basketball coach and Phyllis Simpkins is the musical instructor.” “Oh, yes, about that Joe Ernest and David Beverly?’’ inquired Paul. “Why, Paul, didn’t you know that both drive the city dump trucks,’ asked Rebecca. “Helen McCormick and Betty Poteet attended Bluefield College. Christine Harry finally moved over in Gossip Bottom, and Catherine Jessee went to McLains.’’ added Rebecca. ‘Another member of our class, Ralph Bowling,is the president of the Speech Society of Chicago. He has as members: Ralph Browning, Lewis Whitman, and James Wallace,’ replied Rebecca. “Y heard Bluefield, Virginia, has another flourishing new business,’’ stated Paul. “It is the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Goodwin. Mrs. Goodwin was the former Miss Queteen Kiser. “Did you know that Eathelie Fife and Arlene Anderson have positions as skating instructors at the White Kitchen Skating Rink?’’ added Rebecca. “You remember ‘Frankie’ Neal don’t you?’’ inquired Rebecca, ‘‘Well, she and Paul Scott finally married and they now have a large farm on tne Tazewell Road. Betty Beavers and Johnny Mattox are their nearby neighbors.”’ “How is Kenneth Walker getting along with his new newspaper job?’ asked Paul. ‘Kenneth is now the editor of the Daily Telegraph. He has come a long way since he was editor of the Graham Atom,” answered Rebecca. ‘‘He is assisted by Ray Durham and Alfred Minton. Sue Hawks is the society editor.” “Did you know that ‘Jody’ Wysor and Gerald Crabtree are both admirals in the navy?’ asked Paul, “What ever happened to Clyde ‘Lank’ Wysor?’’ inquired Rebecca.

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HE CLASS HISTORY CHAPTER I—FRESHMEN On a bright September morning in nineteen hundred and forty-three a band of eager freshmen launched on a high school career. There were approximately 115 of us to start, but a few of us fell by the wayside. Perhaps no class of Graham High School has lived through more exciting or history making times. We were young, it is true, but we did realize that things were taking place which would shape all our destinies. Our faithful sponsors, Mrs. Presley and Miss Riggsby, must have been sorely tried at times, but they remained patient and wise counsellors. Under the leadership of our class president, Boo Dishman, we did our patriotic bit by selling and buying war stamps and bonds. At the close of the term, to our amazement, most of us became sophomores. CHAPTER II—SOPHOMORES In the fall of °44 we entered G. H. S. as sophomores. The war still raged and at times it seemed it would never end. Many of us waited anxiously for news of friends or relatives. We began to grow up in the year of ’44, to realize that life wasn’t all fun. Mrs, Presley and Mrs. Gillenwater were our able sponsors and Dick Fuqua was our class president, who led in many-of our school activities. Each year found us losing and adding new members. In our sophomore year, Phyllis Simpkins, Anne Akers, and Jack Dalton, came to our class. When the school term closed, the goal ahead——that of becoming juniors—was now a reality. CHAPTER III—JUNIORS September, nineteen hundred and forty-five, found us starting on our career as juniors. This proved to be our busiest year in high school, as there were so many things to be done besides our lessons. Mrs. Wetzel and Miss Robinson were our sponsors and helped us over many a rough spot. The class play ‘‘The Orchid Limousine’? was a huge success. The funds derived from this helped make the Junior-Senior banquet and prom a very delightful affair, Many boys who had been in the service returned to school. Most of them had been overseas, and had many stories of interest to tell. Our year as juniors had been a successful one, and we left school looking forward to becoming ‘dignified’ seniors. CHAPTER IV—SENIORS This closing chapter is difficult to write—so much to be said that must be left unsaid—so many friends to say goodby to. Our four years together have been gay and sad in turn, but we shall always cherish the memories they bring. We owe much to our sponsors, Mrs. Wetzel and Mrs. Damron, and perhaps the fact that most of us will graduate, will repay them in small measure. Our activities this year included publishing ‘““THE GRAHAM ATOM” once a month, Kenneth Walker being editor, sponsoring an annual, and presenting the senior play. To our group this year came Bobby Mullins, David Beverly, Patsy Coleman, and Queteen Kiser. We also have a group of returned G, I.’s, namely Clyde Wysor, David Amburn, Kenneth Walker, Ralph Bowling, and Joe Ernest. Looking back we can say ‘‘Nothing is left now but majestic memory.” JEANNETTE BARNETT, Chairman PHYLLIS SIMPKINS, Lois KINZER