Honaker High School - Torch Yearbook (Honaker, VA)

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It was on a train, which was taking me to California to interview several actors, that I fell asleep and dreamed the most exciting of all dreams. It was the year 1967 — twenty years hence. As the train sped across the wide spaces of the great western country the revelry of my dream continued. There was living in Oklahoma City, Evelyn Baldwin, who was busily preparing supper for her husband in a neat little bungalow. There in Pittsburg was Kirby Smith, who was owner of a large oil concern. Kirby ' s chief interest seemed to be his wife, the former Miss Dorothy Davis and his little twin daughters, Eula and Billie Joe, both named for two of his former friends in Honaker High School. Evelyn Loomis, as Alan Ladd’s third wife, was sitting in the parlor of their luxurious mansion going over a script of one of Alan ' s pictures. In the University of Colorado, Cecil Wilson was coaching athletics. Bobby Jackson was happily married to Dennis All, but Bobby was waiting the return of Dennis, who was a member of a naval fleet on a voyage from China. Jimmy Boyd was taking the role of Gary Grant. The only thing he lacked was that deep dimple in his chin. Ruth Jackson was manager and owner of an up-to-date Beauty Shop in Bristol, Virginia. To my suprise I saw Betty Sargent teaching American History in the University of Texas. Willard Newberry had successfully won bis prolonged fight-fight to win the heart of Jackline Smith. I saw Rufus Jamison enjoying his position as a proud father of twins, whose mother was the former Miss Goldie Peck. Yes, Betty Joe VanDyke had been selected as a Power’s Model. To my great astonishment I saw Harry Honaker on his knees pleading to Joan Meade and telling her that eight years of courting was long enough and it was time to get married. To beat it all there was Edith Honaker producing her own comedy program over the air in which she herself starred as the comedian. Then there was Garnet Howard, a salesman traveling for Royal Typewriters. Instantaneously, I was peering through the window of a snug bungalow, in At- lanta. There was an open fireplace, around which was gathered Mrs. Foster Honaker, the former Miss Dixie Musick and her family which included three adorable children. While still enjoying this unusual state of mind, I was shocked to see J. P. Wilson successfully playing the role of the “Bashful Lover” in a new stage production. There in a large hospital in New Orleans, I saw a cute little nurse, who happened to be Thelma Johnson, standing by the bedside of a pleasant faced man, holding his hand. The man was none other than Billy Motford.

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THE CLASS HISTORY In the history of time, we find it recorded that “time is and man marches on.” So it is with the history of the class of ' 47. Since September 1936, we have been marching on in pursuit of a high school diploma, for in that year there gathered to- gether at Honaker High School forty excited, six year old “tots” who were to enroll for the first time in a public school. As the days, months, and years passed we continued in our journey and while some of our number fell by the wayside, others joined our ranks. Seven years later we, numbering ninety four, entered the high school ranks Though meek and subdued as we were in 1936 there was no comparison with our bewildered and confused personalities in 1943. We thought that life would be easy going from this point, but it grew harder as the days passed by. More work and better preparation were expected from everyone. We were faced with many tasks, but we strived and advanced forward. In the beginning of the second year we realized that we had moved a step forward. Our number bad decreased, but those remaining ones were determined to work together in making that year and the future ones successful. We had the reputation of being ignorant sophomores, but we went on through the year not too disturbed by our reputation. In the fall of 1945 we found ourselves continuing where we left off the previous year. We felt our importance and gladly welcomed the enrollment of two returning veterans, Kirby Smith and Rufus Jamison. There was plenty of work as well as pleasure throughout our Junior year. We wish to express our gratitude to Mrs. John Miller, our Junior sponsor, for her guidance and interest in our progress. The final goal was nearer and by striving together we completed the third year. On September 4, 1946 the doors of Honaker High School stood ajar and thirty- eight Seniors entered upon the last of four years of pleasant labors as high school pupils under the dirction of Miss Mary Sue Fuller, our Sponsor. Only five of the original forty beginners of 1936 are included in this number and only thirty-eight of the ninety- four freshmen have reached the final mile. It has been through co-operation with teachers and the readiness to do our share in the attainment of knowledge that we stand near the end of the road in our high school career. We believe that with the leadership developed and the knowledge gained that we may be ready to undertake the next mile of life’s way as worthy citizens. To our School, the teachers, and our principal we have a deep feeling of appre- ciation for their guidance, patience, and kindness through the years. They have fur- nished the foundation stones, and it is our duty to complete the structure of a sterling, oble and reliable character. “To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.”

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THE CLASS PROPHECY There was Ora Lee Ray happily married to Barney, who was an old heartthrob in the gay 40’s. Next there was Kyle Fuller in Washington, as Junior Virginia Senator. His hair was no longer red for he had grown grey because of political campaigns. Yes! Just as I had expected; Virginia Combs was in the White House and was none other than Secretary to the President. After this I found myself in the Manhattan Club in Hollywood enjoying the entertainment. Suddenly it was announced that Guy Plaster’s Orchestra would play a special for Miss Phyllis Shelton, and to my surprise Geanette Gent appeared as the vocalist for his band. To my great astonishment I discovered that I was seated in a large congregation in a Baptist Church, in North Dakota and was enjoying the sermon very much, when in my sudden amazement I found the minister to be none other than Millard Hylton. Next I saw Harold Gregory as an important director and producer of M G M Pictures in Hollywood. At this time there was a slight hindrance in my vision, caused, I guess by the irregular motion of the train, but I saw Ruthie Plaster successfully managing a reducing system at Raven for all overweight women who had gained too many extra pounds. As My dream became more enchanting I saw John Honaker teaching Agriculture in Blacksburg at V. P. I. Yes! Gaylena Phillips was enjoying that bliss which comes with success — success by the name of Mr. Loyd Perkins. Suddenly I saw Henry Rickman wearing the uniform of a state trooper and making an exceedingly high record. Gerald Griffith had reached his goal. Yes! that of Gabriel Heatter’s place as com- mentator. Ellen Miller, that’s right, was playing her successful role as housewife with Hubert Wilson as her wayward life companion. The goal had been reached. Lawrence Bostic and his best friend, Roland Miller were owners and pilots of the airplanes at Doran. Dallas Boyd and Curtis Hess bad reached the top as two Supreme Court Justices. This is what they call “it”. As my vision continued, I saw Dee Plaster in the fishing business. It seemed he was very unlucky, but as long as Billie Anne Call baited his hook he didn’t mind. Why, there was Gerelene Fuller! Only it wasn’t Fuller anymore, for she was Mrs. Douglas Martin and was an efficient housewife. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder and heard the Hostess saying “Get prepared, we are nearing the Southern Pacific Railway Station in Los Angeles.” As I sat up and rubbed my eyes the enchanting memories of each of my classmates faded away and alas, it had been nothing more than a dream.