Ionia High School - Ionian Yearbook (Ionia, MI)

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PROPHECY Such a treasure! To think that I should be the one to find this scroll! Perhaps I should explain that I am a collector of old manuscripts and books, owning several first editions. In my library are some old manuscripts noted in the realm of connoisseurs as outstanding in the world’s collection. But this—ah, this is very different. During my recent wanderings, I chanced to be traveling through some foothill country in northern Greece. One night, toward sundown, a terrific storm arose, and my company and I were forced to accept whatever shelter we might find. As we struggled valiantly on, one of the guides pointed out a building looming up ahead of us. It was an old partially-ruined temple, but still possessing enough roof space to shelter us from the wind and rain. The tired porters and guides, rolling up in their blankets, fell asleep at once, but not I. Searching about in the gloomy passages and winding corridors, I suddenly came upon a light. Who could be here? Surely it was none of my party! Then I discerned the habit and features of an old priest. Quietly approaching, he laid his hand upon my shoulder, and murmured, “I knew you would come.” Handing me this manuscript, he continued, “This foretells the destiny of the Class of 1936, tracing the threads of their lives since leaving Ionia High School June 19.” Opening the manuscript, I noticed that many of my old schoolmates’ addresses read New York City. The Waldorf-Astoria hotel is still there, and more exclusive than ever, as it is run under the very capable managership of Wilson Perry and Lawrence Lemmen. Presiding over the massive kitchen in the hotel is Robert Perry, head chef. Under his able and skillful guidance are Leo Lake, Rhoda Chapman, and Vera Jackson, who try to keep their fingers out of the soup. The hotel beauty salon boasts the fact that Elaine Ruehs has become successful in her chosen field of work—for the neon sign reads, “Madamoiselles Elaine and Viola.” The latter is Viola Stanton, who is Elaine’s business partner. In the dining room that evening, whom should I see entering but “Madame Shirlie.” Later I was to learn that the lovely decorating work of that very dining room, with its soft lighting and blended colors, had been designed by Miss Nelson at the request of the hotel’s business manager, Lola Gee. Several of our ambitious business women have obtained positions in Washington, D. C. Velma Schipper has made quite a name for herself, for she has been acclaimed the world’s fastest typist and most efficient secretary. At present, she holds the position of private secretary to the President of the United States—The Honorable Vernon Smith. The First Lady of the Land was formerly Miss Mary Jo Weisgerber. In the president’s cabinet appear the names of two more of the old class—John Whorley, Secretary of Agriculture, and Kenneth Ward, Secretary of Interior. When the president needs the aid of United States troops for any occasion, he merelv sends notice to General John Lombard of West Point. Washington’s largest newspaper, “The Diplomat,” is edited by our 21

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PRESIDENTS ADDRESS Parents, Teachers, Friends: Today marks one of the outstanding events of our lives. For four years we have looked forward to this goal with enthusiastic eagerness. We are proud of our attainment and yet we realize that only your encouragement and cooperation have made it possible. It is difficult for many of us to realize the type of education which present social and economic changes are demanding. We have reached the point where a man’s success can no longer be evaluated by mere possession of dollars and cents. Experience has taught us that education must be regarded not as a means of securing a high salaried position, but as a social attribute intended to prepare us for world citizenship. We are no longer confined to our own local communities, but are fast becoming world neighbors. There are state, national, and world problems, which can only be solved by the combined efforts of individuals. Therefore, I believe that the major role of our school today is to prepare us to meet these world problems and to render intelligent solutions. I feel confident that Ionia High School has done its part in preparing us for this task. We, the seniors of ’36, are indeed grateful to all of you for the opportunities you have offered us. To you, parents, we wish to express our sincere appreciation for your encouragement and support. It has been through your sacrifices that we have reached our goal. We are genuinely grateful to the faculty for their splendid help and cooperation. Their attitude and willing suggestions have been an important factor in awakening within us a desire for knowledge. We wish to thank the business men for their whole-hearted backing of our school activities. To the tax-payers and the Board of Education, we wish to express our thanks for making it possible for us to attend school. On behalf of the officers, I wish to compliment the members of the class on their cooperation in backing the various senior activities. This spirit has made each and every one of these activities a success. To each of you, I wish continued advancement and happiness in the future. 20 Elwood Brake

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esteemed Elwood Brake, and on the staff appear the names of William Allen, international news reporter, and Mildred Nelson and Alice Williams, society editors. Oh, yes! There is an “Advice to the Lovelorn” column—even the best of diplomats do have their troubles, you know.Who writes this column? Well, the advice is signed either “Aunt Helen” or “Uncle Jim.” Just as I thought—Helen Eddy and James Nimz! Posted everywhere in the city of Boston are notices to the effect that the next presentation of the Boston Symphony Orchestra will feature guest conductor Leon Lockwood, who regularly directs the New York Symphony. The medical profession has claimed several of our class. Dorothy Stevens, a surgeon and medical missionary, with Madeline Schmidt and Louise Petrie to aid her, has accepted the management of the largest United States hospital and medical base in Korea. Gertrude Linebaugh is Superintendent of Nurses at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Louise Peterson and Beulah Ockert both started seriously on careers as Early Elementary teachers, but Louise was persuaded by J«ck Shoemaker to join him in a dancing act; now they are making many hearts flutter, for they have gone into the movies. Their instructors in the art are Kenneth Ritenburgh and Donald Marion, who teach the stars of Hollywood their dance steps for pictures. Louise’s gowns are designed by the noted Jepson, and are modeled by Willie’s assistant, Dorothy Cobb. Earl Platt, blessed with good looks and intelligence, was also tempted to go to Hollywood, but abandoned this idea when he was offered the Chair of English Literature in the University of Edinburgh. Two of our girls have turned out to be very brave, for Charlotte Miller and Lillian Martin are stunt flyers and parachute jumpers at the Los Angeles airport. Barbara Bennett, whose ambition when she left high school was to be a kindergarten teacher, was lured from this course by a rich oil man of Southern Michigan. Frank Harkness purchased a farm, struck oil on his property and found himself in need of an efficient housekeeper. So he asked Barbara to take the permanent position, which offer she found very tempting, and finally accepted. Gordon McGee has become a noted performer on Station WLS in Chicago. Every Wednesday night he conducts his world-famed minstrel show. In the cast appear the names of Marvin Marshall, Harold Lemke, Charles Rushford and Mallery Wyman. At the Chicago Art Institute are several pictures which are causing a great stir in the world of artists and picture lovers. Two familiar signatures can be found on these, for some bear the initials L. J. and others, C. B. R. The former are those of Leslie Johnson, and the latter are Bert Richardson’s. Maxine Matthews and Vinnie Hoppough are still together, I see. They own the world’s best known botanical gardens, located in Berlin, Germany. Frances Wakefield and Kenneth Rowley are their very able assistants. The two Gladding sisters, Pauline and Arlene, are in charge of the orchids of “Matthews and Hoppough, Limited,” and are making extensive experiments in the blending of colors. Richard Craft’s address reads 1538 Rue de Champs-EIysses, Paris. 22