Griffith High School - Reflector Yearbook (Griffith, IN)

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D m cd When alumni returned for Homecoming 74, they noticed that something had changed. There was no pile of wood, blazing flames or remaining ashes of a bonfire. They wondered what had become of it. “There were just too many problems and complaints con- nected with having a bonfire. The minuses outweighed the pluses, Mr. Sam Cox, principal, explained. The biggest hassles occurred with the collecting and storing of wood. Although this was the seniors ' responsibility, many underclassmen became involved. Some students stole from school and community alike. “Last year I received around 30 calls complaining about student vandalism and pranks due to the bonfire. Police received 60-70 additional cal Is, Mr. Cox stated. Problems resulting from drinking andtheuse of drugs at the place where the wood was stored was another reason for abolishing the bonfire, police Lt. George Phillips said. Some students considered gathering wood one big party with getting drunk part of it. Rivalry between schools presented another problem. After students traveled to a near-by school to destroy its wood pile, revenge was certain. This resulted in fights, injuries and more needless destruction. Mr. Cox, Mr. Tom Sfura, assistant principal, and some faculty decided to end the bonfire tradition as problems continued to mount. Mr. Cox felt there were too many disturbances due to the bonfire and it wasn ' t worthwhile or in the best interest of the school and community. During the summer, Dave Richards, Student Council President, and Dave Hallowell, Senior Class President, drew up a proposal for Mr. Cox to re-establish the bonfire. They tried to figure a way to have a bonfire without the usual problems. Police Chief Robert Herod and Fire Chief Bill Kane agreed to the proposal and two companies offered to donate wood. Despite the effort, Mr. Cox wouldn ' t approve the plan. He said most of the same problems would still exist. Any hope to ever reinstate the bonfire in the future looked doubtful. Seniors were more concerned with the cancellation of the bonfire than underclassmen because it played a big part in their last year of high school and was something they looked forward to and wanted to remember. But the end of this tradition didn ' t seem to affect students ' spirits as Homecoming activities continued as usual. ' I had good feelings about Homecoming this year instead of negative feelings as in past years. Mr. Cox said, “it went 100% smoother and there were no complaints or problems. Though no signs of a bonfire existed, returning alumni recognized other familiar Homecoming sights. The floats, football game, queen and dance still kept tradition alive. Bonfire era goes up in smoke as students smolder Twenty years ago, students at GHS displayed Homecoming spirit by decorating family cars, honking horns and joining the parade. The procession was enroutetothe bonfire where cheerleaders led the crowd around the raging fire in a snake dance. The queen was crowned at halftime and after the game everyone made their way to the dance where Big Al ' s Band provided the music. In the past, the bonfire tradition has always been an important part of Homecoming. Throughout the years, seniors gathered wood with hopes of surpassing the previous fire ' s height. This bonfire meant more to them than any other. It represented their class effort and would long be remembered. Alumni easily recalled fun-filled days of Homecoming preparation and student spirit. It wasn ' t winning the game that proved so important, but rather, the memorable experiences gained. The one thing I remember most about my high school years was the bonfire. We had a good time partying while gathering and guarding wood, Ken Shutts 74 alumnus stated. As times changed, so have traditions. What once played a big part in the past, may no longer exist in the future. “It seems that the school loses something different each year. Traditions are now just memories of the past, Kim Anderson 74 alumnus explained. Another Homecoming came and went this year. In some ways it was similar to those of twenty years ago, in other ways it definitely changed. Nevertheless, Homecoming still exists, even though the bonfire has died. 8

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T.V., dates, People always claim they are too busy. But how often have you found that question of What ' s to do? impossible to answer? Restlessness, easily conquered by some, often kept others searching for new ways to combat boredom. Staying at home offered the chance to catch up on sleep or do things like cleaning out overstuffed drawers and closets. The rearranging and redecorating of a bedroom often resulted from a sudden impulse or just a desire to see the floor again. Watching television became a challenge choosing from Barnaby Jones, Marcus Wei by, M.D. or FBI, all scheduled at the same time. A good solution was settling on an old I Love Lucy rerun or curling up with an exciting mystery novel. Homework, along with dishes, served as other, although less popular, alternatives. Piano, guitar or other lessons required hours of practice to increase skill. Sewing proved to be an easy way to build an up-to-date wardrobe, making everything from halter tops to winter coats. Other hobbies, such as embroidery, painting, collecting antiques and more, captured students ' interests and gave them something to work at. Friends frequently stopped by to gossip, shoot pool or play cards. When a boyfriend came over the hardest task was keeping little brothers and sisters out of the room. The next most difficult job was trying to act interested while watching Monday Night Football as he explained the difference between quarterback and center. Sometimes it ' s better to just go out with your date instead of staying at home and trying your luck at football. The drive-in was a popular place for couples to go, while visiting zoos or relaxing at a picnic provided other ways to spend the day with someone special . While some students were on dates, others spent time searching for one. Girls trying to chase guys inconspicuously and guys attempting to catch the girls ' eye with sporty cars, became familiar sights. Cruising through town past Delock ' s and Tastee Freez soon turned monotonous. Some teenagers often gathered at South Park to talk with friends or have a beer, but cops soon started chasing them oift. With nowhere else to go, they returned to town. Favorite gathering spots became off limits as no loitering signs appeared in store windows. Sitting on the picnic tables at Tastee Freez and shouting to passing cars or conversing in parking cruising the town lots, youth risked being charged with loitering. Students felt cheated out of a place to meet friends and talk. School activities frequently came to the rescue with something to offer for almost everyone. Some students participated in play productions while others became involved in Student Council or various clubs that interested them. All sports required countless hours of practice for both guys and girls. Volleyball, basketball, gymnastics and other teams demanded much time to achieve the precision needed for victory. Games offered those not participating entertainment and a chance to donate time for supporting their school. Band members and Pantherettes also gave equal hours to preparation. After games, those fortunate enough to have a car, would go to Barton ' s or McDonald ' s. No matter what the season, students always spent a portion of leisure time taking part in some sport. Summer days of swimming and playing frisbee were replaced by ice skating and tobogganing. As temperatures dropped, students usually gathering at Ready and Franklin schools for a baseball game settled for a snowball fight. Weather didn ' t hinder some students ' activities as they searched for indoor places to go. Shopping centers with the biggest bargains attracted many people who went to buy or just browse around. Stardust and other bowling alleys enabled students to try their luck at a perfect score or at the pinball machines. Restaurants served as places to eat and also as gathering spots for friends. What were hangouts for some became sources of employment for others. Jobs provided one way of occu py ing spare time with the benefit of making extra spending money. Girls donned cowgirl outfits for work at Ponderosa while guys become covered with grease at gas stations. Money earned was saved for weekend skiing trips or out of town travel. Visiting museums and well known sites in Chicago supplied a break from ordinary activities. Students usually found someway to battle boredom, whether in their own room or in another state. When another Monday came, students went back to a routine schedule. Everyone presented a different story of what they did. But whatever the case, the same question was once again heard through the halls, What are we going to do this weekend? 10