Johnson St Paris High School - Parisian Yearbook (Saint Paris, OH)

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 Editorials THE STAFF Editor-in-chief Associate Editors Athletic Editor Assistant Athletic Editor Alumni Editor Art Editor Business and Advertising Robert Taylor j Oneita Rudasill | Ruth Hanback Paul Vickrey Lowell Runkle - Kathleen Leedom Ethel Pence Editor - Paul Klapp Assistant Business and Advertising Editor Lucy Hamilton Circulation Manager - Elma Beatty Assistant Circulation Manager - - - Clifford Barger Joke Editor ... Nelle Ross Society Editor - Jeannette Wiant Treasurer - - Pauline Hunt The Meteor HIS journalistic luminary burst into flame during the intellectual days of ’06, and consumed itself into ashes even before that gifted class had ceased their toils and passed forth as alumni. Some nimble-minded person christened this bright and shining star of the literary heavens, “The Meteor,” a title which won instant popularity as most appropriate of the bril- liance of its origin, and afterwards was found to have been sadly prophetic of its early disappearance. Its mission of appearing in public to startle mankind was declared to be that of all scholastic periodicals—record the important events and splendid advancement of its own cultivated circle, and acquaint the world with the ideals of education. Such cruel design upon the world’s bliss was conceived in the crafty brain of Supt. D. C. Bryant, who swung the big stick in high school maneuvers about St. Paris in those ancient times. It was born of ardent literary hopes, survived under increasing difficulties, and perished in infancy. To lead this rash adventure, a youth of noteworthy journalistic skill, Benj. H. Riker, ’07, after- wards editor of the “Ohio State Lantern” was dragged from peaceful seclusion and bravely saw his supposed friends exchange his happiness for the empty honor of “Editor-in-Chief,” and to further burden his young life, a complete staff of associate editors, alumni, athletic, exchange, society, etc., etc., was wished upon him Likewise Unkind Fate overtook his two fleeing classmates, H. W. Nixon and R. W. Guthridge, and blighted forever their care-free spirits by forcing upon them the Herculan- ean labors and worries of “Business Managers.” But the youth in those olden times were dutiful. Resignedly they laid aside the pleasures of youth to toil long hours over manuscripts and furrow their brows over unpaid accounts. And reward- ing their efforts, there would occasionally be cast out into the cold practical world a journalistic waif seeking a day’s residence on trial or otherwise. It was a monthly publication, having, of course, a fixed date of issue, but a little delay of three or four weeks was nothing in its young career, and concerned the subscribers really less than the edi- torial staff. But when its appearance would finally be made, it was an occasion attended with surprise and re- joicing in the cultured circles of that day. Eagerly was it read from cover to cover, for it contained the latest news of scholastic movements, of athletics, society and alumni, brilliant short stories and timely editorials on the needs of education in particular and civilization in general. Indeed each issue was well worth the subscription price. A special base-ball number, greatly enlarged and made highly attractive with the photographs of all the'famous athletes of that day almost doubled its circulation. It leisurely swung along on its orbit, gained prestige far and wide, was granted second class mail- ing privileges, endorsed by its publishers, Brown Wiant, and gave the old school great renown. 27

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We all knew that Nell’s intelligence and striking personality would win fame for her, but we hardly expected her to be quite so noted as she really is. On leaving High School, she took a college course and then she was the only successful one out of three hundred and twenty-five applicants to he Mary Pickford’s understudy at her studio in California. After all these wonderful pictures had been portrayed on the miniature screen there was quite a change in the weather conditions, the atmosphere was not charged with a sufficient amount of elec- tricity which interrupted our experiments for that day, but Edison insisted on me coming back and seemed quite anxious to continue the following day,—weather permitting. The next morning dawned bright and clear and I knew we would be able to proceed with this most interesting task of penetrating the future. Sure enough the instrument worked perfectly and picture after picture passed before our fascinated eyes. It seems as though Pauline Huffman being always musically inclined had the wonderful oppor- tunity of traveling abroad with her brother and studying music under the great artists. She is now quite famous and a second Galli Curci. Records of her singing voice are sold as soon as man- ufactured. Elma, who always captivated all hearts by her music, finally won the heart of the great Prince Gustave of Sweden, and presides over his castle in a most queenly manner. Still, as of old, she is the Belle of the Ball and a society leader. Klappy seems to have had his plans for the future sidetracked, for instead of being a journalist as he had hoped, he found upon getting his degree from college that lofty ideals had been awakened and felt it his life work to give himself as a missionary to Africa. We remember as president of our Literary Society what a good speker he was, and know he cannot help but accomplish great things in his chosen field. Clifford has become quite a celebrated author. We know of his book entitled “My years in Basket Ball, which was very interesting, written from the author’s own experience. It should be read by all Freshmen who have aspirations along that line. Tt is well known the kind of basket ball he played and he seemed to improve with every game. Ethel, who was always talking about the rights of women, studied law, was admitted to the bar and practised quite successfully for several years. She is now running for Congress and we hope it is a victory for her as it will mean another feather in the cap of Klass ’21. Kathleen, who was always such a student, graduated from Ohio Wesleyan with honors, although missing none of the fun for she seemed to be one of the few who could have a good time yet not at the detriment of her studies. At this time we find her assistant superintendent of S. P. H. S. Mem- ories of her school days were so precious that she could not overcome the desire to go back and teach the younger generation true manhood and womanhood. It was Viola who with her kind sympathetic manner, who was always thoughtful of others and al- ways spreading cheer and sunshine, determined to be a nurse. She studied at Massachusetts General Hospital at Boston and won a prize scholarship which entitled her to a course in one of the biggest medical institutions in France. Lucille Hill (nee Jenkins), is the only one in class ’21 who did not graduate under her maiden name, but we were mighty glad to have her finish with us, even though she did prefer the society of a member of class ’20. The pictures on the screen still revealed a state of true love and happiness. The fates have been kinder to Boots than to any of the class, as he is the only one who needs never plan for tomorrow. A perfect stranger entering the place of business where “Boots” was employed after leaving school, look an especial fancy to his dark eyes and raven locks and made him heir to his vast fortune. Boots has become a great philanthropist giving freely of his abundant wealth to charity. This wonderful apparatus of Mr. Edison's will no doubt' soon be given to the public and every one interested may satisfy their curiosity in regard to the future, and here is a vote of thanks for the part he has played in the prophecy of Klass ’21. 26

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And thus it continued month after month, even six or seven, when it was announced by the Busi- ness Managers, after many secret consultations, that the treasury of this worthy journal was dis- covered to be only a sinking fund. Something must be done, and that quickly. Nobly the old school responded by voting a gift of thirty dollars, a hangover from a public debating debauch and thus was gained for the world of literature another issue of this high born hope. But no permanent relief could be secured, and the downward flight of that illustrious orb be- came swift and unerring. Gradually the publishers lost interest, contributions ot authors and poets ceased, and the editorial staff vacated their offices to practice base-ball. Hence the publication of so eminent a periodical was temporarily suspended, very reluctantly it is true, for many subscribers de- clared that life could not be the same without it. And thus ended a daring adventure into the realms of self-supporting journalism. Of a meteor, having fallen thru space, there survives only dust; and of “The Meteor” there survives only a few scattered copies—pitiable relics of that golden age of learning. And should some high-brow body of students, ambitious for journalistic glory and industrious in proof-reading, desire to let history repeat itself by resurrecting this forgotten legacy, there will be found, to link the high-minded past with the progressive present, a little matter of forty dollars or so at the publishers which is yet considered a perfectly good account against someone. For this reason the gifted author of this tragic bit of high school history must suffer the cruel fate of remaining for- ever unknown. The Scarlet and Silver to The Yellow and The Black Oh S. P. H. S., Honored One, how many grateful sons and daughters have you sent forth, equip- ped for the beginning of their life’s work; and never have you sent out a class larger than this one of 1921. Now in the beauty of May they have come to the time when you will send them out, with the best that you afford, to take their places in the field of life. Eighteen strong and loyal all to you, they have come to this day of parting, glad of the honor you bestow but sorrowful at the thought of separation. Fifty years have elapsed since you first be- stowed high honors on your children and many have gone forth since that time, establishing notable careers in every walk of life, each one an added honor to you. This class promises much, bestow upon them, venerable parent, your blessing as you have given them the best opportunities in your power, that they may succeed in their cherished plans and may not only be your pride but a benefit to humanity. And now with pride in our achievements under your guidance with sorrow for our parting, and joy in the pleasant memories of our life with you, we take a fond farewell. Well do we know that whatever we may do in the field of life that is worth while will be because of you and for you. —P. T. K. Most high literary critic, please do not tear your hair in anguish or shrink back in horror from this our “first born” which we are casting upon the cold unmerciful world. It is our first attempt at S. P. H. S. so please treat it as kindly and considerately as possible. Although we have made many mistakes we have tried to do our best. We have endeavored to make the “Parisian” of 1921 interesting to the alumni as well as those now attending S. P. H. S. and we hope we have not failed. It has meant work and lots of it for this year’s staff, groping in unknown fields, endeavoring to publish the first “Parisian.” However to say the least we have enjoyed it all and hope that next year’s staff find things easier. We wish to thank everyone who has helped us in any way and there have been many. The alum- ni, the student body, the faculty, and especially the business men of our town who have supported us so faithfully with their advertising. Indeed this is not the first cause which we have occasion to thank them for supporting for they have backed us in everything we have attempted. Neither do we care to pass our printer without a few words of appreciation. He has worked long and faithfully and it is certain that we would never have been able to publish the “Parisian” without his hearty co-operation. In parting we have only to say farewell and hope that every year will see a bigger and better “Parisian” published at S. P. H. S. 28