Homestead High School - Homesteader Yearbook (Homestead, PA)

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THE HOMESTEADER When the constitution was framed, between two conflicting parties, wider and wider grew the breach, and the country was plunged into hollows of Civil War. Look down upon the narrow. long and dusty path by which others have reached them “Compass I lap- pincss since happiness alone is victory on the fragments of your chartered plans, and oppositions and love Life is a burden but it is empowered by gex'd What you make of it will be your own life. Whether a millstone be about your neck or a diadem upon your head, take up bravely the thing you are to do. and bear it cheerfully; lay it down triumphantly. LXCLRPT FROM MR PIPER:S ADDRESS SUCCESS One of the foremost subjects in the mind of the young man or the young woman, about to graduate ai .d leave the Alma Mater, is his or her success in life. It is teacher s cherished hope and schoolmate's earnest desire; it is the father’s or mother’s prayer when son or daughter leave the parents, perhaps never to return again, made tearful when that son has not laid a gexxJ foundation, and joy when all is pleasant for the future, lalleyrand. perhaps the greatest diplomat in history, said Nothing succeeded as well as success . Disraeli another great statesman said “The great secret of success in life is for a man to be ready when his op- portunity comes . The two most important things lor the young man or woman, is the starting out in life to determine our vocation and location, or what shall he turn his hand to. and where shall he settle. In the days of our fathers, the graduate of college or other literary schools, looked forward to one of the three learned professions; namely, law, medicine, or theology. It he lost his calling here, he felt that his education was sought in vain; not so now. If the student makes a right selection of the many vocations, his success is assured as far as the beginning is concerned. Having lound his vocation, he must labor with all his energy, to make it a success. Be a master of your profession. 11 it be a fcxx t-black, be a go xJ one. for it is better to be- a first-class boot-black than a failure as a professional man. One of the elements of success is a persistent effort Another element of success is punctuality. To be punctual in all your appointments, is a duty resting upon you always. 1 he man on the voyage to success must also expect to school himself to withstand failure and many other pitfalls. Life is lull of trials I hey come in a thousand different forms. The man wishing to achieve success must be ready to withstand them. Excerpt of American Women Ura Williams Looking over what woman has done, we arc astonish- ed at the way she' einters in the broad punctual field of life with victory as our guide word. As manhexxj and womanh xxJ is continued on in life we don’t separate them according to the gcxxJ they have done, because in reality, men and women are the same in their gexxJ deed’ The record that woman has set for herself, we find that many noble women arc better then men. and we are proud that a place is reserved in our country to show to the world the excellence of women. In the exercise of the largest and truest liberty, the world is glad to know of the women who have succeeded in everything they aim to succeed in. Among the American women, we discuss the Presidents wives, who proved themselves both intellectual ar.d morai women, worthy of mention. Some of them eminently fit to be called, at the White House, The First Lady of the Nation ’. Martha Washington was tht first to be honored as President ’s wife, her s perhaps as familar history asanv. She was a true woman, prompt and winning in her nature During those eight long years of war. she greatly aided her husband in all of his needs. England is proud of Grace Darling. Her name and courage in rescuing the drowning, are known to all who cherish heroic deeds. Among the thrilling efforts in our country may surely be counted those made during the dark days of slavery and the Civil War. Especially where the woman w'as interested for the slaves liberation from the cruel bondage w hich John Wesley declared ’ I he Sum of all Evils . Harriet Beecher Stowe used her fcxx)k by telling of the life of the slaves, and thus making the people feel sorry for the slavcssoasto vote against slavery. I he time is soon approaching when the question of sex will not be mentioned in relation to brainwork. lo us. the women arc crowding the men up in the front in their gix d deeds. Ever since the C hristian religion began to be preached throughout the world, women’s condition has been gradually better. In America where the greatest liberty and opportunity prevails, she has taken her stand among the foremost in art. religion, and culture. 1891 COMMENCEMENT Across the floor of the stage the motto of the class in gilded letters Not Finished. But Begun . At the conclusion of their parts, the graduates were presented with large bouquets and baskets of flowers. Miss Buffington, who taught the pupils, was presented with a fine plush seated rex:kcr. After the audience was dismissed, the school board invited the graduating class to go to a restaurant where they indulged in the delicacies of the season 1892 COMMENCEMENT Successful and enjoyable beyond expectation, was the Annual Commencement, on Tuesday evening, in honor of the high-school graduates, the class of 92 I hink of it' 1200 people filled the platform, galleries’ and floor of the big opera hall. It was the largest and. finest audience ever under one roof in Homestead. Children were not admitted. Considering the large number who had to stand, the heat and the length of the program, the audience remained very quiet and gave close attention. There were 20 numbers on the program There was one distinguished feature of the essays and orations. They were brief, seven of them occupying only 35 minutes, and one of the other men only 15 or 20 minutes Never could young people acquaint themselves better. They spoke and acted naturally and with a freedom from embarrassment that was comforting to the audience. The friends of the graduates were not permitted to give flowers and no offers were bestowed. 1899 COMMENCEMENT Did themselves proud last night An interesting program rendered before a large audience entertainment, music and fine decorations - a large reception followed the Commencemen t Iixerc ises. The largest crowd that has assembled in Carnegie Music I fall since the dedication of the Library, wit- nessed the I ligh Sch x l Commencement exercises last night. Exercises opened at 8:15 by the orchestra playing an overture. On the stage back of the young graduates were seated Superintendent J. C Kendall Professor I fol brook, the I ligh School teachers, and the members of the School Board. The stage was decorated with large bouquets. The flowers and ever- greens set the stage off with a nice effect, and made a very pretty background to the pictures formed bv the sweet graduates in white gowns, and the young gentle- men in their conventional black. Rev. R. P. Miller read the prayer and was followed by Ralph Carter Davis who was the first to address the crowd. I le read an excellent essay on Trusts in a clear firm voice, and was loudly encored by the audience Sue Bui lex: k read an essay entitled Thank you and if you please , showing that it pays to be polite at all places and at all times.

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THE HOMESTEADER Fifty Years of Progress 1888 Homestead I ligh School founded. First high school building situated on Fouith Avenue. 1890 hirst graduating class composed of three mem- bers. Exercises held in the Opera Hall. Miss Lula Buffington first principal. 1893 Mrs. L. P. Williams succeeded Miss Buffington as principal. 1899 Class composed of 14 members. Total of 90 to date. 1909 Class composed of 54 members. Total of 335 to date. 1912 Building now occupied by I ligh School was opened. 1919 Class composed of 31 members. Total of b85 to date. 1922 Mid-year graduation inaugurated, hirst class contained 9 members. 1924 Junior 1 ligh School opened. Graduating class had increased from 3 to 74. 1925 Mr. George Gould became principal. Grad- uating class passes ICO mark. 1929 Mid-year graduating class contained 11 mem- bers. 120 members in Jur.e class. Iotal of 1722 to date. 1930 Mr. D. II Conner succeeded Mr. Gould as prin- cipal. 1939 198 graduates. Total of 3938 to date In the last decade there were 221b more grad- uates. than in the other four decades in the history ol the high school JUNE 14. 1890 Local News IIONORS TO I I IE GRADUATES A thousand patrons of the public schools greet the class of W Music, speeches, and flowers. The first Commencement exercises of the Homestead Public Schools were held in the Opera Hall on btiday evening of last week. The event marks an epic in the history of our schools, and will long be remembered by those identified and interested in school work At least 1000 ladies and gentlemen were present. Children were not admitted. The audience w'as attentive and gave evidence of their appreciation of the exercises by frequent and prolonged applause. The stage was occupied by the directors of the school; Professor J. C. Kendall; County Supt. Samuel Hamilton of Braddock; Deputy State Supt. Hon. Henry Houck of Harrisburg; Rev. R P. Miller and J . J. Mcllvar of I lomestead. and the graduating class Miss Ura Williams, Miss Suzy Rogers, and Mr. Charles Piper. After an overture by the orchestra, the ex- ercises were opened with a prayer by Rev. R. P. Miller, followed by a pretty chorus by the pupils. Charles Piper had the honor of delivering the salutatory ad- dress entitled ‘ Success . He spoke in a manly voice, and won the admiration of the audience. I he address itself was full of interest and a fine effort for a young rrtan of his opportunities. .Yliss StizY Rogers read an essay entitled The Victory Won . She read with a distinctness of utterance that displayed fine vocal training, and delighted everyone. Her paper contained much thought and study for a pupil of her age. It was well received. Miss Ura Williams’ valedictory address American Women was a timely and interesting subject, well treated and excellently delivered in a clear pure tone. This was the first graduating class of our schools Their performances were of a high order and spoken well not only for the members of the class, but for the efficiency of the teachers and the principal of the schcx)ls. There was one notable feature that won the praise of all. and to which Supt I louck called special attention, and that was the distinct, audible voice with which every member of the class was favored. They were heard by every person in the large assembly who followed every word attentively. 4 he superin- tendent stated that in all the Commencements he had attended, there were none in particular that excelled the performances of that evening. County Supt. Hamilton delivered an interesting address to the graduates. He gave them much sage advice and en- couragement. I lis address was alike appreciated by the audience as well as the class. Principal Ker.dall s address was brief because of the lateness of the hour, but contained some points worthy of note. He urged parents not to take their children from the schools until they had graduated. Supt. Houck also made a short address. I c is the most popular educator in the state, and an entertaining talker. He paid the Home- stead schools, pupils, teachers, and directors handsome compliments. 1 he evening exercises, he said had been excellent in every particular. Following his ad- dress. was the presentation of diplomas by the Presi- dent of the school board. Mr. E. H. Morton. One of the best features of the program was the music furnish- ed by the Keystone Orchestra under the direction of Messrs. Sample Caldwell. The rendition of The Mocking Bird with variations, gained great applause The exercises of the evening closed with a most success- ful school term All connected with the schools are to be congratulated upon the excellent results of their work. There will be two entertainments in the Filth Av- enue Opera I lall On Thursday evening. June 5. the teachers and pupils will present a unique program to the public. To this, an admission fee of 10 and 25 cents will be charged The proceeds are for the organ and library fund To this all should attend The enter- tainment will be g(x d. and the fact that the proceeds are for the much needed organ and library, ought to fill the house. On Friday evening. June b. the Commencement exercises will be held in the same place. The admission will be free, but all who attend should hold invitations. 800 invitations may be given out. and those desiring to attend, should procure them. Following is the pro- gram; Prayer Song............................ Chorus Salutaory ..................... Success Charles Piper The Victory Won ........Suzy Rogers Validictory.......... American Women Ura Williams Piano Solo.......Zclda Francis Address to the Graduates ..............Supt. I familton Principal s Address.....j. C. Kendall Address to the People...Deputy State .. .Supt. Hon. I lenrv Houck Presentation of Diplomas .. . Pres, of the School Board EXCERPT OF THE VICTORY WON Suzy Rogers Victories are the triumphs of all the joys and sor- rows of our life. I f we hadn’t anything to do in com- mon. the word victory” would rot be known to the world as it is now. Victories may be classified as politi- cal. religious, and scientific. One of the greatest political victories in the history of the world, is the Emancipa- tion Proclamation, by our notable President Abraham Lincoln. In 177b The Declaration of Independence was signed, but our country was still without the Constitution, and slavery still existed, but through the efforts of President Lincoln, it was abolished in 1863 Not withstanding the fact that there were many op- posed to it. he still continued to abolish it because he knew of the brutality of it. 5

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THE HOMESTEADER Herbert MacDonald’s oration on The Failure of the American Soldier” made one of the hits of the evening. Miss Grace Howard’s paper on Wit and I lumor” contained a great deal of thought, and spoke in a quiet manner that pleased the audience and many others of the school hoard Miss Skirkall had an ex- cellent paper prepared on Faust, showing that it was historical The people then adjourned to the I 1. L. A. C.. where a reception was held in honor of the graduates Dancing was indulged from 10:30 to one o'clock. I’he (Commencement Exercises were the best ever held The class of '99 may be justly proud of this Com- mencement . 1000 COMMENCEMENT Interest in the Commencement I he I lomcstcad I ligh School Commencement exer- cises were held last night in the Carnegie Music Hall and as Mr. King, the President of the Board of Direc- tors stated in his address previous to the presentation of the diplomas, the large and representative audience- indicated the interest taken in the sch(x ls by the people here. The audience was not only notable by reason of its size but also by the interest taken at the exercises, and they. too. were different in several re- spects. Those features presented consisted of no es- says or orations delivered by the pupils, and with the exception of the presentation of the diplomas, no word was spoken by any other sch x»l authority or instructor. The purpose of those having the matter in charge, ap- peared to make it as interesting as possible. Without running the risk of tiring the audience with a preview of speeches, not one authority had any talks. This was successfully accomplished last night and the audience was dismissed before 10 o’clock after a very pleasant evening’s entertainment. The address of the evening was delivered by Frank W. I lays. 0.1).. Presi- dent of Grove City College, who chose for his address A Page From American History . President King of the Board of Education, in his address presenting the diplomas, confined his talk to the local schools and referred to the advancement made in the past 20 years in our school facilities and the g xxj work which had been accomplished in the education of the young people. I le would like to dispose of the 3 R’s to the waste basket and under modern conditions thought it was necessary to have a more elaborate curriculum. He also stated that this was the 20th year of the Homestead High School. There were 54 members of the graduating class, 25 in the Academic and 29 in the Commercial. 1919 COMMENCEMENT Sermon Given to Graduating Class A large audience was present in the First Presby- terian Church. 9th Ave. and Ann Street last night in spite of the hot wave, to hear Rev William Woodfin deliver an instructive baccalaureate sermon to the graduating class of Homestead I ligh School, an epitome of which follow: Be yourself and not a simple- imitation of someone else. The man who begins to imitate in sch x l will imitate in life. There is only the one Billy Sunday, and the man who imitates him be- comes a Billy Monday. The great address at Gettys- burg by Lincoln was the outward exposition of the real inward Mr. Lincoln Rely upon yourselves, and not upon others. The fellow who really makes a suc- cess is the fellow who has relied upon himself and no upon others. The danger of imitation in the study of the classics is in the danger of one losing his ability to translate it at all. The man of the hour is the man who works himself up from the bottom. I he things of which you will be proudest in after life w ill be the things that you have done for yourself, and not from others. What is genius’ . asked of Mr Edison, and he replied. 98% work and 2% genius. Develop yourself—the better self. The real self is the better self. ” You will forget many of the things you have learned in this school, but you will never forget the teachers and their influence upon your life. In all of our ways, you must always learn to rely upon yourself and to direct your own path. 31 GET THEIR DIPLOMAS Dividing his attention between 31 young men and women on the stage and the audience during his address on the stage. J. W. McKay, President of Waynesburg College, emphasized his need of a more intelligent curriculum as the essence of the school system. I le was the principal speaker on the occasion of the thirtieth annual Commencement of the Llomc- stcad I ligh School in the auditorium last night. Dr. McKay paid tribute to the glowing America dis- played by the late Theodore Roosevelt in his speech. I le pleaded for patriotism, and appealing to the graduates, he urged the cultivation of friendship as the key to success. Dr. McKay told his auditors that students should be ready to enter on their chosen professions at the age of 18. The rapid advancement of education was predicted. Mrs. L. P Williams. Principal of the Homestead I ligh School was mentioned by the speaker as having gtx d efforts which were instrumental in obtaining an increase in salaries for teachers of the school. He closed with the expression of a fervent desire that heaven be brought closer to the people and that evil may be eradicated. The exercises started promptly according to sche- dule. The school Orchestral unit struck up a tune to have the dignified graduates march to their reser- vation on the stage. Rev. C. E. I lemans of the First Baptist Church pronounced the invocation. Dr. McKay followed on the program A musical number receded the presentation of the diplomas by the resident of the Sch x)l Board, Samuel Boot. Superintendent danger announced the scholastic awards of a college medal by the Rensselaer Poly- technic Sch x)l of New York, for the highest ranking scholar in Mathematics for the prescribed school term, was presented to Lin Ncvin. The University of Pittsburgh’s scholarship went to Kenneth Harkins. Esther Silveus got the unique record worthy of com- mendation by completing her graduate and high sch x l course without being absent nor tardy during the entire course. Rev. C. E. He-mans offered the benediction and the program wound up with a selection by the orchestra. 1 dancing in honor of the outgoing seniors was enjoyed bv many in the gvmnasium following the exercises. 1929 COMMENCEMENT The fortieth Commencement exercises of the Home- stead High School were held in the Carnegie Library last evening. Many people who went to the library to attend the exercises were unable to gain admission because of the crowd. The class was one of the largest in the history of the school 118 graduates received diplomas. The program was carried out in full and the selections played by the school orchestra received great applause from the audience Dr. Ben Graham. Supt . of the Pittsburgh Schools, gave an appealing address to the graduates, introduced by the President of the Senior class. The principal of Homestead I ligh Sch x l then announced the winner of the scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh as John Connelly The scholarship is an award always given to the best in the graduating class taking the Academic course who makes the highest grades in the school year. Miss Ella Coughlin read the names of the graduates and as the class was so large, the diplomas were not presented. The graduates were told that they would receive their diplomas at the Superintendent s ofifee. Previously the exercises have been held in the high school but the classes have grown too large with the result that a larger place had to be secured. 7