Ishpeming High School - Hematite Yearbook (Ishpeming, MI)

Page 32 text:

- present many diversities within the class. On entering school for the first time 19 usually did not speak English at home. Most of these students spoke Finnish, but a few spoke Ital-- ian, and some used other languages. By com- parison 15 per cent of the class usually speak no English to their fathers today, and 14 per cent to their mothers. Thirty-six per cent of the fathers and 52 per cent of the mothers were born in foreign lands, But the remainder were largely stay-at-home people, as 57 per cent of the fathers and 43 per cent of the mothers were born in the Up- per Peninsula. Those who have followed these reports from year to year will realize that the nationality patterns have been the same for a number of yearsz The Finnish are the best represented, then the English, the Swedish, the lesser numbers of the Italians, French, and Norwegians. There has, of course, been considerable in- termarriage among nationalities, since 36 out of the 111 have parents of different nationali- ties and 75 parents of the same nationality. Al- though some cynics are inclined to disagree with us, if we assume that men do do the pro- posing, then of these 111 men, none of the 35 who were Finnish married girls of other nation- alities, only 2 of the 12 Italians did so, 10 of the 24 who were English did marry girls of other nationalities, 9 of the 17 who were Swe- dish married non-Swedish girls, 6 of the 9 French married other than French girls, and 5 out of the 6 Norwegians married outside of the Norwegian nationality. About one student in five, 21.6 per cent, have only one parent living, 9 per cent having lost their mothers and 1216 per cent having lost their fathers. Divorce is relatively uncommon. About 2'5 per cent of the class do not live with both parents either because of death or separa- tion. Eight of the 111 have mothers who are working. No doubt it is a surprise to the faculty but our class is decidedly not lazy. In fact about two-thirds of the class have jobs in their spare time. The commonest employment for the boys is carrying papers. followed by working in stores, and setting pins in bowling alleys, Sev- eral have unusual occupations. One operates projectors in the local theatre. Another one, however, has us definitely worried. He spends his time wrecking cars. We have also ridden with several who might consider entering this line of work. The girls manage to keep them- selves busy in their spare time, for the most part by caring for children, but also by N. Y. A. work, followed by general housework. The old-fashioned family has not entirely dis- appeared. Only 20 per cent of the class have no chores or daily tasks to perform. Three out of five families of students have gardens. In their efforts to secure a broad cultural background our students have not remained at home. Eighteen of the class have witnessed fwe hope that is all that it amounted toj, a court trial, 57 of the class have attended a city council meeting, and 46 have been pres- ent at a party caucus. This rather unusual interest shown in governmental affairs is prob- ably due to pressure from our social science department. For further information see any senior. The financial status of the railroads has not been alleviated to any great extent by the ac- tivities of this class. Over one-half the class have not taken a long trip on a train since Page Twenty-Eight - x they were in the seventh grade, four out of five of the class have never slept in a sleeper. Almost one-half the class has not slept in a. hotel. In fact it seems that members of the class prefer something solid under their size twelves, since only seven have taken ve1'y ex- tensive airplane rides, and only two of these were real cross-country trips, Looking into the health of the class it seems evident that the medical profession is not through with these students yet, only 10' per cent have been operated on for appendicitis, and about one-third of the class have not been vaccinated for smallpox. - In these troublesome times the thought of war is uppermost in the minds of everyone. The homes of members of this -class have not escaped its consequences. Almost one-fourth of the class have fathers who served in the last war, although few were overseas. Approxi- mately one-third of the class have brothers reg- istered in the draft. It is very interesting to note that in only four cases fathers of mem- bers of this class, who served in the last war, have sons registered in this draft. Whether this is merely coincidence, or whether it is a direct and intended consequence of making the upper age limit 35 We do not know, but it is evident that drawing most of the draftees from families whose fathers were not veterans will have a decided effect upon public response to the draft. As a graduating class this group will have more advantages than any for a decade, with regard to securing jobs. The high school ad- ministration has recently completed a survey of the employment status of the Classes of 1937 to 1940 inclusive. This is being kept as up-to- date as possible. It may shed some light on what this Class of 1941 can look forward to in the next few years, if not called to military service and if conditions remain reasonably nor- mal. Of the Class of 1940, 55 are working full time, 19 part time, and 19 were unemployed at the time of the survey. For the Class of 1937, G6 are working full time, 6 part time, and 12 were unemployed. At the time of the survey 35 of the Class of '40 were continuing their education in some manner, 36 of the Class of '39, 31 of the Class of '38, and 25 of the Class of 1937 were doing so. The commonest sort of full time work for the Class of 1940 was working at the Gossard, 26 being employed there. Next came work as a clerk, then working at common labor, in a mine, in an ofiice, and as a domestic. For the other classes the numbers were more evenly di- vided among these activities, the Class of 1937 having its largest representation in offices, fol- lowed by work at the mines and in the Gossard, clerking relatively few working as domestics, and a much wider variety of other jobs. Un- fortunately, the survey records 'as to marital status are incomplete, so we can make no fore- cast for the Class of '41 on this score. From the foregoing it is evident that the tendency in the past has been for new grad- uates to go 'at once into completing their edu- cation or some of the more routine or less de- sirable tasks. From there on they soon gravi- tate out to something better or more to their liking, The number working part time de- creases quite rapidly, 'and the number unem- ployed decreases steadily but more evenly. It also appears that about one in fifteen of each class will be...more or less consistently unem- L X . I as ' ---

Page 31 text:

7- -1 PRESIDENTS ADDRESS On behalf of the Class of 1941, I welcome you to our Class Night exercises. I am sure that to the members of the class this occasion is one of high significance. It is the first real step in attaining that goal which has been up- permost in our minds. Almost always when a person has achieved success, he can look back and see that many have assisted him. I take this opportunity to thank the faculty, administration, friends, and parents who have been so kind and sincere in their guidance, helping us to achieve a certain measure of success. Soon we, the Class of 1941, shall be enter- ing a sphere much larger than the one We are leaving. We shall go forth into new territory seeking that which is fine and righteous. What is there for us? What can we do? Is there a place for each of us? These are a few of the questions which rise before us. We are entering this sphere at a time when democracy is truly on trial. It is a time when diflicult decisions must be made. Our future depends upon these decisions being made cor- rectly. It is a time when alertness and stead- fastness become essential virtues. Indifference or selfishness can not be allowed to interfere. Sacrifices will have to be made that We may preserve democracy as our way of life. You as well as I know that now as never be- fore industry is having a great boom. Every kind of worker is needed from skilled machin- ist to the laborer doing the simplest task. VVe are fortunate. Inasmuch as there is this need of workers we have a fair chance to en- ter into some field that will give us a living wage. But what does history show? Wars have their booms and good-time periods, but after the war is over and industry slackens, we know that we shall have to face a time of depressing situations. What will keep human spirits high? To what kind of leadership shall we respond? These are questions of great im- portance. The youth of America will help either to make or break the fine democracy which we have. We shall not be the first to face such a sit- uation. It has been faced many times before. In 1800 William Pitt said, There is scarcely anything around us but ruin and despair, and the following year Thomas Jefferson in a mo- ment of despair said that the enemies of civ- ilization were about to destroy every- trace of civilization in the world and force mankind back into a savage state. Yet in due time We conquered the situation and went forward. We have accomplished much since those statements were made 140 year ago, for our ancestors would not accept defeatg they faced the facts unafraid with vision and courage. During- the panic of 1837 people were Wont to say that there was no hope for things ever to be as satisfactory as they had been. Longfellow an- swered with The Psalm of Life which opened with the stanza: Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dreaml- For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not what they seem. and closed with the words: Let us then, be up and doing With a heart for any fateg Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait. We, too, shall face the days that are ahead with faith in the future. Some of us will be aided by having had a college education, but we who do not receive this training should not try to avoid the responsibility which is ours. VVe must be willing to take up some of the responsibility which is on your hands. We do Want to help to see this present-day situation through to the end. We ask that you accept that we are no longer children, that you give us some of the burden, In doing so you will strengthen us in the faith in which you are working. We are future citizens, and to some extent our start in social activities is depend- ent upon what you give us to do and how you receive us in this world of turmoil. The Class of 1941 sits before you 120 strong. Through the thirteen years many friendships have been established. Soon we are to part, each to go his separate way-some to college, some to work, some to the army or navy. Re- gardless of where we go we shall never forget these last few nights of being united as one great working organ. We are happy to have you with us. We Welcome you to our Class Night exercises. -CREIGHTON AMELI. CLASS HISTORY-STATISTICS In considering the history and other vital facts about this class it would probably be well to go back to our educational beginnings. In many respects we are among the more favored of those classes graduating during the last dec- ade. Our education began just before the great depression: Sixty-four out of the 111 of the class for whom information is available entered school in 1928, 22 in 1927, and 15 in 1929. The remaining 10 for one reason or another have had more marked interruptions of their educational careers, Thus We entered school just before the depression, lived most of our educational careers too young to real- ly understand it, and find ourselves now en- tering a world unusually ready to receive us. That is not to say that there are no difficulties or troublesome times ahead for us. We need only to look at the front pages of the daily 4 l papers Csocial science department please notej, to be aware of that. It is rather interesting and somewhat sur- prising to find how varied the educational back- grounds of the members of this class have been, particularly in the sources of their elementary education. Almost one-half the class, 47 per cent to be exact, have attended schools other than the Ishpeming public schools, and only 53 per cent, are entirely a product of the public school system. While these diverse preparatory backgrounds present problems to the high school authorities, yet the practice inaugurated in re- cent years of holding conferences at outlying schools with prospective students has resulted in a more complete understanding of the stu- dent and his individual needs. The home backgrounds play an important part in the educational process, and these also Page Twenty-Seven

Page 33 text:

ployed, either because of disabilities, faulty work habits, or just bad luck. In the long run the Class of 1941 may expect to experience about the same shift of fortune as these classes of the past few years unless military and de- fense service intervenes. One thing is clear. It is imperative that we, the Class of '41, keep our heads during this time of artiicial prosperity. It is certain that there are difficult days ahead. We were too young to learn from experience during the last depres- sion. To be successful in meeting future situa- tions we must prepare for them now, gather all of the possible information that we can and then frankly and courageously face the facts. On- ly thus can we avoid being swept away with a mad world. --THOMAS MUDGE CLASS GIFTATORY---PROPHECY W'itches dancing around cauldon: VVliile the night is yet black and deep with witchery, W'hile weird winds woo the roaming spirits While the roaring thunder cracks with a livid flash, Let us stir these wondrous potions we have gathered Till it spits and froths its bubbling prophecy For each member of the Class of Forty-One. Let us haste, let us haste, 'ere the spell is shriveled and gone, Agrella, Loretta-fmodel-bag of ice In summer when you model sealskin coats You'll need this bag of ice to keep you cool. Aho, Wilhart-dairy farmer-fly swatter Now here's the thing that you will need to swat The fly that tickles the tail that turns the pail. Alanko, Elsie-teacher-an apple I pick from this an apple red for you, To help your pupils keep you well supplied. Amell, Creighton--musician-big key If Creighton Amell always keeps this near Of flatting he will never have a fear. Anderson, Donna-interior decorator-yeast cake To help her rise to quick and easy fame She'l1 need this foolproof cake of yeast. Anderson, William-artist-scrub brush You'l1 need this brush to start you in your work For every painter needs a brush that lasts. Andriacchi, Catherine-authoress-pan covers Between these covers you can put The pages of your first accepted novel. Aro, Elna-interior decorator-cake decorator To make the border when you decorate Just use this gadget for a fine design. Asplund, Glenn-draftsman-ruler We have this golden rule to give to you To follow when your work gets difficult. Backa, Lillian-dentist's assistant-big tooth So you may advertise your boss' work We give this charm to wear around your neck. Bartanen, Reuben-garage mechanic-a frilly apron To keep you clean when working on a car You'll find this apron just the thing to use. Beauchamp, Virginia--interpreter-tongue of a shoe This tongue to use when yours wears out Or when a hostile tribe has cut it off. Bergdahl, Alice-pharmacist-dynamite If your prescription should be for a blond This natural powder will be just the thing. Bjorne, Leslie-athletic coach-4artif1cial finger- nails When nerves are taught because the game is close Just chew upon these artificial nails. Bosio, Leo-mechanic--Olive Oyle doll To Leo Bosio, mechanic, Olive Oyle To oil the joints so his machines won't squeak. Burling, Helen-nurse-yardstick To Helen Burling, nurse, this yardstick for a splint In case a skier breaks an arm or leg. Burnette, Marie-typist-water wings You'1l find these wings will come in handy when Your fingers quickly o'er the keys must Hy. Carello, Elizabeth-manager of woman's ap- parel shop-raft As styles will always change from year to year Set sail to get the latest fashions. Carlstrom, Dagney-swimmer-a paddle If you become fatigued from doing the crawl Try using- this to do the dog paddle. Carlyon, James-detective-fly paper For James Carlyon I have a sheet of fly paper So he can stick right on the villain's trail. Chapman, Eleanor-hairdresser-bottle of shellac Our caldron holds for you this bright shellac For shiny hair is what your patrons want. Christensen, Jean--director of girls' school-- candles So that your girls won't sit at home to pine These candles for some steady flames you'll need Coduti, Robert--builder of homes-box of wa- ter colors When you have won a contract for a house This box of paints will help you choose a shade. Comensoli, Junior-factory worker-boxing gloves If you would be a factory whistle slave This pair of boxing gloves to punch the clock. Davis, Donald-prison warden-sheet of music This sheet of music we shall give to you With bars galore, to make you feel at home. DeVold, Marion-actress-pair of stilts To you I give this cunning pair of stilts So you can reach the heights of stardom soon Dubinsky, Bernard--clothier-paper dolls These dolls should come in very handy To use as models in your big new store. ' Francis, George-pole vaulter-cardboard inch In case that you're in need of one more inch This one will help you take the bacon home. Gagliardi, Joseph-sailboat racer-a balloon When winds don't blow in some momentous race You'l1 need this air so you can fill your sails. Genord, Shirley-beautician-big ears I'm sure this pair of ears will help To get in all the gossip that you can. Goethe, Paul-judge-scales If court should bring ia trying case to you These scales should serve to weigh the evi- dence. Page Twenty-Nine . V! 4