John D Bassett High School - Timber Tints Yearbook (Bassett, VA)

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MONOLOGUE OF THE CHEW ING GUM Quiet reigned in the classroom for it was the time of summer vacation. The vacant desks stood in straight lines like a regiment of soldiers while the well-worn blackboards were as clean as could be having crammed so much knowledge into the minds of students. Suddenly the death-like silence was broken by a rather tired voice! “Alas, another year has passed. Four years I have been stuck to the bottom of this desk. I am tired and will he no good to anyone now. How well I remember the opening of the school term in the autumn of 1 37! Around eighty boys and girls entered this school as freshmen. The very first day one of those daring damsels grew ' tired of working her jaws, thus placing me under this desk. Those students were divided into two tribes w ' ith Calvin Trnon as “Heap Big Chief. The guides were Mr. John Lasko and Miss Anne Hoover. Many war dances ensued that year, but those members came through. Oh, how important they felt when they received their report cards in the spring, stating that they were promoted ' higher ' . The voice w ' as silent a short wTile and continued its reminences; “As the drum beat out the beginning of the second autumn, sixty bright, eager faces appeared, under the leadership of Herman Marshall and John Lasko. Blanche Ratcliffe stepped up to take her place as chief and a happy delightful year followed. To be lower tribesmen, I have never heard of such popular sophomores. They were in practically every club organized. My strength is lessen- ing. Again I must rest. I fear that 1 shall not stay here much longer.” The wad of chewing gum loosened slightly from the desk and after a moment’s pause, heaved a deep sigh and with great difficulty, hut cherished memories, continued the monologue; “ In the fall of ' 40, the Junior Class had as its leader Bill Jones the “biggest chief (in size) of all Shirley Brightwell was the sponsor of the tribe. That was one of the most enjoyable years of all. Carl Plott was the tribes’ scribe with Lonnie Ingram as keeper of the funds. On May 16, 1941, the tribe held a banquet at the Riverside Hotel, honoring their superiors, the seniors. “Then in the fall of 41, Carl Plott, a most worthy and capable young man, with the aid of the sponsor, Bruce Lemons, lead the forty-eight seniors through a successful year. His helpmates were John Bryant, his assistant, Beatrice Thommason, secretary, and Lonnie Ingram, treasurer. Blanche Ratcliffe w ' as editor-in-chief of the ’42 Timbert Tints, and Elizabeth Anne Bowman was editor-in- chief of the school paper, ' Fessor Hoover ' s Gang. The senior council was composed of Carl Plott, John Bryant, Beatrice Thomasson, Lonnie Ingram, Ruth Prillaman, Eubert Clarke, and Paul Spencer. For the first time in the history of Bassett High School, a cheering squad was organized. Those seniors were active participants in Literary Society work, sports and various other clubs. Near the close of their high school life they were the guests of the Juniors at a banquet. That was a very profitable year anci in the spring another group of young people faced the world.’ 4 he voice was again quiet. Its recollections were at an end; its work was done. With a last groan it fell from the desk to the floor to be trampled upon by the students, the coming fall. Elizabeth Anne Bowman Ruth Prillaman

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Paul Spencer Is that right? Ambitious, Neat, Efficient Erma Elizabeth Stone That ' s what say Athletic, Humorous, Sincere Ora Ella Stone Hee Hee, I ' m mama ' s pet Spoiled, Flirt, Likeable Cassie Beatrice Thomas.son He ' s my honey Conceited, Attractive, Intelligent Tommy Gruessner Turner “ I ' ll be seeing you Musical, Timid, Attractive Calvin Coolidge Vernon I ain ' t had none Humorous, Sincere, Attractive Tyndvl Oberia Young ' At’s me Attractive, Friendly, Aggressive QloMr 17

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QlaH Poem Through the course of everyday life We ' ve met toils, conquered strife, We faced with a smile all of our sorrow Building our hope for tomorrow. When trials came we did not shirk, But went on faithful with our work. Our school days through, we dread to part We ' ll hold these memories in our heart. From our beloved Bassett Hi we must go, And put to use just what we know. This unfinished work we leave to you, Though great be our sorrow. Learn as if you would live forever; and live as if you would die tomorrow. This is the challenge we leave to you. To principal, faculty and classmates , adieu. Carl Vernon Plott Tune: The Band Played On School Days are over; commencement is here, So we ' ll say good-by. Memories will linger of school days dear. In old Bassett Hi. We ' ll boast aloud and will always be proud Our stories of school days to tell. To those who have aided in our success We say Farewell. Now we have come to the end of the way But we ' ll still march on. For we will recall in our minds every day Of our school days gone. Well always endeavor to please you forever. And to dear Bassett Hi we ' ll be true To teachers, and classmates that we hold so dear We bid Adieu. 19 Blanche Ratcliffe Carl Plott