Hellgate High School - Halberd Yearbook (Missoula, MT)

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THE CLASS OF 1914

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CLASS OF 1914 At the time of its entrance into the Missoula High School, the class of 1914 numbered over one hundred, the largest Fresh- man class that had ever entered the institution. In honor of this addition to the school, the upper classmen prepared an elaborate initiation, which is still vividly remembered by all Juniors. Some recall the obstacles in the path of their progress to the assembly hall, the barriers they had to climb, the tunnel with its red pepper that they had to wiggle through and the shocking sensation of shaking hands with the two cordial members of the reception committee who were charged with electricity. All proudly recollect the “stunts” that were performed after reach- ing the assembly room. Although the initiation was an exceptionally brilliant event, the feature of most permanent importance was the Freshman Literary Society, an absolutely original innovation. At each of the regular meetings an interesting program of orations and music was given, establishing these on a firm basis in the school, which hitherto had been almost ignorant in these two branches. During the winter, an elaborate banquet was held by the society in the lower hall, causing many attempts at petty thieving among the hoggish upper classmen, one of whom was caught on a window ledge while attempting to enter the building by a ladder which was removed without his knowledge. In marked contrast with the brilliant Freshman year, the Sophomore year was characterized by the burial of class spirit. The pall bearers were the officers, the rest of the class apparently being unconcerned about its demise. In spite of the decease of the Sophomore spirit on the pre- vious year, the Junior class was well supplied with it at the opening of school. For some weeks, Junior affairs floated on with a serenity peculiar to that class, which was suddenly dis- turbed by the campaigning for class offices. The popular pref- erence expressed itself in the election of the best set of officers that ever graced the Junior or any other class. Their confidence in their president, John Patterson, was amply justified, when, but a few weeks after his election, he called a meeting to de- liberate upon methods of avoiding the financial shoals which his experienced eye saw far in the future. After a long and heated debate, it was decided to give a Halloween carnival. The class succeeded in separating the gullible public from over seventy-five dollars, which is to be used to entertain the Seniors with the best banquet and “Prom that have ever been given to a class graduating from this school. Throughout the entire year the Junior class has manifested its revived spirit. This, together with the remarkable athletic and declamatory ability of many of its members, will make a Senior class next year, which will long be remembered by the Missoula High School and excelled only bv the famous class of 1913. —24— James Friauf 14

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CLASS OF 1915 LEWINA AINSWORTH High and mighty Seniors, take notice; Juniors, lend us your ears; Freshmen, listen with awe. We, the Sophomores, are speaking and when we ope our lips we utter words of wisdom, for we have outgrown the baby age, overcome our ‘‘greenness” and mastered our “freshness.” Our heads are not filled with fusses and fancies for proms, plays and such foolishness. We have not yet reached the degree of swell-head and egotism that the Seniors have attained. We speak with a clear head and an unbiased opinion. Following in the steps of our beloved hero, Benjamin Franklin, we will give a modest account of ourselves. We, as Freshmen, entered high school on September, 1911. We organized our class and started out with a “Russel” that was recognized all over school. We were duly initiated and our initiation was one of the events of the year. Not only did we prove stars in track, but if I remember rightly, it was our little “Peter” who walked off with the gold medal before the aston- ished eyes of nine other schools in the Dixon “Declams.” Yes, even as Freshmen we were “some class.” Enough for our past—in our present we are still more glorious. In September of 1912 we were auspiciously acclaimed Sophomores. So great was our fame that even the Seniors and Juniors tried to gain admittance to our class (at our election times). During the winter we gave a sleigh-ride, a brilliant suc- cess, even surpassing the one arranged for (?) by the Senior class. But I will not go into detail, for a detailed account would fill volumes. To test the strength of the class basketball teams, a set of games were held. Seniors against Freshmen and Sopho- mores against the Juniors. The Seniors and Sophomores came out victors. Then, to decide championship another game was scheduled; knowing their strength the Sophs quaked and re- fused to appear. However, in order not to forfeit the honor entirely, the girls of our class prevailed upon the team to meet the mighty Seniors and we were ignominiously defeated. So the Sophomore class lost the basketball championship of the M. H. S. Yes, unsophisticated followers, it is well for you to tread in our footsteps and profit by our example. Worthy Juniors and Seniors, stop amid your plans for “proms”, graduation “duds”, diplomas and troubles to bow to us who have honored and always will honor “Missoula County High.” -26-