Ipswich High School - Tiger Yearbook (Ipswich, MA)

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After some instruction on the part of our new principal and teachers, we held our first class meeting. We chose as our class officers to lead us during our first year John Burke, President; Grover Bailey, Vice President; Gardiner Bolles, Secretary; John Carey, Treasurer. The one event we en- joyed during that year was a social at which we became better acquainted with our new friends, and the games seemed new and interesting — yes, even seven-in and seven-out. We returned in September and began the year’s activities with a class meeting. We elected Mildred Hardy, President; Grover Bailey, Vice Presi- dent: Marion McGlew, Secretary; and Richard Mansfield, Treasurer. Mildred has a temper which we had the pleasure of witnessing at some of the class meetings, but in spite of it she made a good leader for our sophomore year. In October the band instruments were given out. “Buddy” Brennan received a trombone. All could hear his music, but no one could see “Buddy,” he being completely eclipsed by his instrument. On the contrary Norman Ewing, who was given a bass horn, could be both seen and heard without difficulty. After the summer vacation we returned as upper classmen. We soon elected our class officers. Apparently we had had enough of petticoat govern- ment, for we elected only boys to represent us during our junior and senior years. For our junior year our officers were Richard Mansfield, President; George Greene, Vice President; Douglas Wood, Secretary; Ashley Jewett, Treasurer. These class meetings were much enlivened by debates between John Burke and Richard Pickard, and “Doug” Wood, our class secretary, seemed to have a good time “kidding” them about their differences. Our first appearance was in a class assembly called “The Birds’ Christ- mas Carol.” “Buddy” Brennan was the baby and Eleanor King was the distracted mother of a large family. Aside from a few minor accidents such as the screen’s almost falling over when they were giving the baby a bath, and “Al” Hodgkins’s falling off the stage, the play was a success. Our next appearance before the school was at an A. A. stunt night. Jewett, the “coachie dear,” in dress suit and tall silk hat was the outstanding attraction. His actions were supplemented by the sissified imitation of a football team, which consisted of the most talented of “32.” The entertainment was a success and netted us the Grand Prize of two empty vanilla bottles, donated by the Varsity Club. The big event of the year, however, was of course the Junior Prom. The decorating committee worked hard under the supervision of Miss Blodgett and made the town hall resplendent in green and white, our class colors. The Prom, was engineered successfully and enjoyed by all. The next event was the Junior-Senior Day. This was held in May. Contests of various kinds were held between the two classes, but the seniors, the Class of 1931, being a year older and wiser than we, received the most points and won the honors of the day. In fact, in view of the rough handling we received, we considered our selves lucky to get away with our lives. There were no hard feelings, however, and that evening we held a farewell social in their honor. Thus the years were passing quickly and we found out that we ourselves were to be seniors. 28

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received the tuition for her pupils sometimes in the form of a day’s labor and sometimes as a certain amount of butter and cheese. The greatest educational institution that our town has ever had is the Ipswich Female Seminary. When the Grammar School began to decline, the people, who always desired their youth to have the best advantages possible, felt the need of something to take its place. At first the Ipswich Academy, opened to both young men and young women, was established, but it soon gave way to the Female Seminary in 1828. During its first period of greatness the seminary was guided by Miss Zilpah Grant and Miss Mary Lyon, who later founded Mount Holyoke Seminary in South Hadley. Under their leadership the seminary became famous and attracted many pupils from out ' side. Later after the retirement of both these leaders, the school fell into a period of decline from which it was retrieved by the admirable skill of Rev. John Cowles and Mrs. Cowles. Together these two worked not so much to instruct their girls in their studies as to instill into their hearts the principles of truth and right. After this second era of greatness a second and final decline became evident. The growth of other seminaries and the establishment of the high school made the closing of the seminary inevitable. Although the school was forced to discontinue its sessions, it had not failed. Instead it had been highly successful in putting forth so many competent women, many of whom later became noted. Shortly after the fou nding of the Ipswich Female Seminary, the seeking for instruction in English and other everyday subjects, as well as the classical languages taught by the Grammar School, resulted in the establishment of what is now called the “high school. ” Through the generosity of Mr. Thomas Manning, who left money for the building of a new high school, it was possible for the youth of the town of both sexes to enjoy the benefits of a free high school education. This Manning High School, established in 1874, has played and is still playing a valuable part in the education of the youth of Ipswich. Insomuch as our past has been notable and successful, let us hope that likewise our future in education will be as successful and that Ipswich pupils, following the example of their forebears, will always be a credit to their town. CLASS DAY PARTS Class History By Parker Hall I n the fall of 1928, one of the largest and most illustrious classes ever to graduate from the Junior High School entered Manning High. We were a little timid at first, but soon got over our timidity as the faculty will testify. We went through the usual process of getting acclimated, adjusting and readjusting our programs, and being “initiated.” In the latter ceremony, one of our smaller members, Clinton Spencer, had to be carried down the stairs as he was too light to be pushed. 27

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In September we entered the school as happy ' gO ' lucky seniors, not quite the dignified type as the teachers soon found out. We held our first class meeting and decided that we would elect another group of boys to be our final class offices. They were Richard Mansfield, President; George Greene, Vive President; Douglas Wood, Secretary; Donald Wood, Treasurer. They have made a creditable showing especially in leading devotional services in the home room, although a question always arose as to whose turn it was to officiate, especially when it was “Doug” Wood’s turn. Our first appearance before the school as seniors was in a Thanksgiving assembly called “Just Joy.” Appleton took the prophetic part of the father of a small family which was well portrayed, and Frances Ames, whose thank ' fulness put the other characters to shame, took the part of Just Joy and cultivated a good limp. Though Appleton’s attempts at groans brought forth real ones from the rest of the cast at rehearsals, he managed to get through them at the final production. The next play was a real one, the senior play, when “The Charm School” was presented by a large cast. Jewett’s almost professional ease upon the stage merited special commendation. Another interesting feature was the fact that Don and Doug Wood played the part of twins. They were a good pair even though they occasionally mixed up each other’s speeches at re ' hearsals. Parking space for the buggy used in the third act proved to be another problem as it could not well be paraded through the hall and hoisted over the footlights at the final performance. But in spite of all difficulties including late hours, wrecked nerves, and ruined dispositions, the play was a success. The next class activity was having our pictures taken. Everyone tried to pose as either John Barrymore or Greta Garbo, and Vantine did the shoot ' ing. We all thought we were handsomer than we were, but cameras don’t lie. The photographer tried to get our class president Mansfield to smile, but Mansfield maintained his stern icy look. Our last duty to old Manning High was to publish the senior year book. Some of us have worked long and hard, fast and furious in an effort to get T he Tiger to the printer on the appointed hour. Our last few weeks have been filled with feverish attempts to attain an average of 80 percent that would excuse us from final examinations and also with preparations for our graduatoin activities. But at last we are here. We have completed our task and will forever hold as cherished memories our days in Manning High. 29