Grants Pass High School - Toka Yearbook (Grants Pass, OR)

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noble hearted singer and the poor man wept together while Annette poured out her thanks to God and Madame Bernhardt. Annette’s father was sent to the 'Red Cross' hospital where he is being carefully nursed back to life by Annette who has joined the Red Cross Society. Her name is heard on hundreds of soldiers' lips, who were helped on the road of recovery from wounds by the cheerful words and sweet songs of the little French nurse. She still composes music during leisure hours, and after the war is over she will probably be heard of as one of the most talented composers of the age. All honor to those great hearts, who from their high stations send down bounty to the many war sufferers. -IRENE V. MERCIER. 9 9 9 9 9 MEMORIES By ALLEN UNDERWOOD '17. There is a spot most dear to us on this far western shore! THERE is a name that we repeat that brings a flood of memories, a horde of joys. We may be distant, we may be alone, but as we repeat it softly—Grants Pass High—it raises, as if by magic, a train of pictures of the past. Back flood the golden hours, the dear associates, the happy times spent as students in G. P. H. S. In fancy we again see the old High, beautiful in its red and gray splendor, as it stands majestically upon its verdant eminence, overlooking the campus below. Ah. the campus! There are a wealth of memories surrounding it; there we have fought our gridiron battles, held our base-ball and track contests; there enjoyed many social gatherings around the bonfires, weiner roasts and campus picnics. We will always remember with longing the hikes to the dam. the good times spent at Fruitdale, and, most vivid of all, the wonderful trip to Table Rock. Our teachers and former schoolmates pass before us in review, each one nearer our hearts than we realized; those whose influence on our lives was greater than any other, before or since. It is pleasant, but somehow a sense of longing intrudes, when we thus gaze back to our High School days and lose ourselves in golden retrospect. We may see sights more marvelous and make many acquaintances, but never will we find a sight dearer than the old High School, nor count our schoolmates other than first in our affections. Every foot of the green campus, every stick and stone of the buildings, every well-remembered face, stands for a memory. II

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 Who did you say is waiting for me, Rene? said the lady to her maid. 1 am nearly worn out with company. It is only a very pretty girl who says if she can see you she is sure you will not be sorry, Madame. Well let her come, ’ said the famous singer with a smile. Little Annette came in, with her roll of paper in her hand. With dignity unusual for one of her standing, she walked straight to the lady and bowing said, “Madame, 1 come to see you because my father is sick and we are too poor to buy food and medicine. 1 thought that if you would only sing my little song at some of your grand concerts, perhaps some publisher would buy it for a small sum and so I could get some medicine for my father. The beautiful French actress arose from her seat, very tall and stately, she was, and took the roll from Annette’s hand. She lightly hummed the air. Did YOU compose it. she asked you a mere child? And the words?— would you like to come to my concert for the wounded soldiers tonight?” she asked after several moments of thought. Oh yes! and the girl’s eyes grew bright with happiness—“but I couldn’t leave father.” I will send someone to take care of your father for the evening, and here are a few francs, with which you may get food and medicine. Come here tonight and 1 will take you to the hospital with me. Annette could scarcely realize her good fortune. She bought oranges and many other little luxuries besides and carrying them home to the poor invalid telling him, not without a few tears, what had happened. When evening came Annette was seated in a place where she could see the singer during all the program. The music and myriad of soft lights, the gentle demeanor of the nurses who were in charge of the wounded heroes, bewildered her eyes and brain. At last Madame Bernhardt came and the girl sat with eyes riveted upon her glorious face. Could she believe that the grand lady in her elegant robes, whom everyone seemed to worship, would really sing her little song? Breathless she waited. The sweet, soft tones of the violin struck up a little plaintive melody. She knew it and clapped her hands with joy. And Oh! how Madame sung it. It was so simple, so pathetic, and soul subduing in its tender tributes to the national heroes, that many a bright eye was dim with tears, and nothing could be heard but the touching words of the little song. Annette walked home that night as if she were walking on air. What did she care for money now? The greatest singer of the age had sung her song and the many had wept at its patriotism. The next day she was frightened at a visit from Madame Bernhardt, who laying her hand on the girl's head and turning to the sick man said, “your little daughter, Monsieur, has brought you a fortune. 1 was offered this morning, by the best publisher in Paris, five thousand francs for this little song; and after he has realized a certain amount from the sale, little Annette is to share the profits. Thank God, Monsieur, that your little daughter has a gift from Heaven. The 10

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HIGH SCHOOL BULLETIN THE very interesting feature of practical talks, in which men from town, representing different vocations, told us of the advantages and the interesting parts, as well as the peculiarities of their lines of business was continued this year to good advantage. The first of this series of talks was given by Mr. Basler who represented the political field. Mr. Gilkey gave a very interesting talk on Banking telling many new and interesting facts about notes and bills, etc. The Commercial Department has turned out a class of commercial graduates from the complete two year course, the first from Grants Pass High School. These pupils are now capable of filling responsible positions as stenographers or bookkeepers. This department is a great addition to the school curriculum and will be continued through years to come. The boys and girls glee club, and the boys quartet favored us with several short programs and Marguerite Wible and Ailene Dunbar sang for us during their Spring vacation, Mr. Fergeson also sang several songs featuring Scottish ballads. On April I 4, Miss Bridges' Latin class gave a play entitled A Roman School which was very novel and interesting, being the first of its kind presented here. Several of the musical entertainers which came to town this winter also provided short programs, among them being the Negro Minstrels, the Children’s Band from Washington and the O. A. C. Glee Club. Another very interesting feature of the year was the literary clubs which were organized in all the English classes. These clubs brought out much of the literary and dramatic ability of the students as well as relieving the monotony of Friday oral compositions, and familiarizing the pupils with parliamentary law. Our High School campus, which has long been in need of repair, has at last come to the notice of the Women’s Civic Improvement Club and they will, with the aid of the School Board and the High School students, improve the grounds by planting lawns, shrubbery and trees. The plans for this work have been drawn up and each class will contribute to the improvements. This great work cannot, of course, be accomplished in one year, but next fall when school reopens we trust that there will be a marked contrast to the former scenery. Last but not least 1 would mention the school spirit which has been shown this year. There has been more real school spirit evinced at the class tie up, foot-ball and basket-ball games and track meets this year than ever before and we hope in another year to add enough good fighting qualities to this splendid school spirit to win every game we play. This spirit has also been shown in the fine enthusiasm which the pupils have shown for the military training which it was thought best to establish in the school because of the present war and its demand for trained soldiers and nurses. The boys, under the leadership of Mr. Archbold, have been formed into three companies, which are making remarkable progress. There is also a High School girls’ Red Cross course, under the leadership of Miss Parker. Much enthusiasm and patriotism have been aroused, making of us all better citizens. 12