Johnstown Central Catholic High School - Memories Yearbook (Johnstown, PA)

Page 31 text:

M E M O R I E Si was promptly escorted from the royal grounds by the guards. A cry from one of the party cen- tered our attention on a nearby lake. There a contraption resembling what we on earth call a para- chute had just “let someone down” into the water. The able guards again went to the rescue and dragged from the lake none other than George Krueger. After a hearty cough and a few sputters Krueger told us that he and John Ruth had been flying around in a small spaceship when they got into a hot argument over the’price of rockets, and Ruth, the pilot, had dumped Krueger out. Luckily they were near Mars and he was able to land safely there instead of floating through ether. Suddenly a shrill toot sounded over the grounds from the palace, and we knew it was time to leave Mars and continue on to Venus. We thanked the king for his hospitality to us, and hurried into the plane. This hop took only two hours, and the time passed swiftly for us, becaus we were supplied with a toothsome delicacy, “slezterp,” by the ship’s cabin boy, Robert Bonner. He car- ried them in a flat box on a strap and made quite a few extra pennies when not busy with his other duties. A very slight jar of the ship assured us that we had landed on Venus. No sound greeted our ears as we left the ship. Indeed, the place looked quite deserted. Suddenly a figure sped around a corner on a bicycle and halted breathlessly before us. It was Robert Hoover. “The Empress is wounded and the whole place has been silenced.I was sent to meet you,” he whispered loudly. He led us down the quiet streets three blocks, and up a steep hill to the royal residence. There were six X-men, two of whom we recognized as Steve George, and Joseph Urban, who stood about the pal- ace, watching. On a bench near the door sat three lassies, weeping for their leaders. They were Ruth King, Betty Singer, and Helen Sefick. Suddenly the door opened and on the threshold stood a regal-looking figure, Marguerite Huey. The crowds shouted, “The Empress!” Several very proud doctors came from the building—proud because they had caused the lady to recover from her injuries in one fortieth of the time usually required. They were Betty Abele, Agnes Puzak, and James Curley. Then Marguerite came towards us and offered to show us about the land. This time we travelled in touring cars. Everywhere activities were resumed. In the market place Clara Snyder was loudly advertising the superior quality of her mistletoe while at the counter a jolly fellow was accomodating the customers. To be sure, it was Ray Schnell. Look at that stately gentle- man in the top-hat, poking among the fish in the fish cart with his cane. Why, of all beings, Robert Clark! He always did act sort of queer, though, come to think of it. There in the city square on a soap box a young lady is telling an enthralled crowd about the evils of society. She certainly looks like Evelyn Kinney. To think she should corneto this. Now we are arriving at the business section of town. Well, we should see some of our commer- cial students here. Yes sir, that girl standing near the third floor window powdering her nose can be no other than Mary Heeney. Who’s that who just came past the window and seems to be reprov- ing her for the unwise act? It’s her boss, William Seifert. Look at that young lady rushing breath- lessly towards the office, by all appearances late for work. That, my friends, is Ellen McGreehan. By this time we had circled around the main part of the city and were returning to our plane. We were startled, however, to see someone jump on the running board of our car. pencil and pad in hand, and asked for the particulars of the trip. These pesty reporters! Always around when they’re not wanted. By the way, the fellow is Earl Decker. “Wandering Reporter of Venus City.” Hav- ing successfully gotten rid of him, we returned to the ship and took off for Saturn, our next destination One of the girl passengers, Clara Lison, decided that she would improve her appearance. So she went to the ship’s beauty shop. There she was excellently treated by Connie Roddy, who has become well known for her hair-dressing. Assisting her was Virginia Heilmann. She specializes in manicuring, and has high hopes of getting rich when she secures her patent on her invention for the preventing of nail biting. Saturn turned out to be a very military place. We were met by a complete regiment of red and black clad soldiers. Their captain was Cletus Stibich. Down a wide street we marched, amid three lines of erect, stern civilians. These people were very uncommunicative, so we learned what we could about the city by using our eyes. Staunch, robust women worked unconcernedly about their homes. We saw Alberta Reiser shaking a rug out of an upstairs window, and Angelinc Taranto washing the windows of a rather imposing looking residence set apart from the other homes by a wide strip of grass. In that field over there Bill McMahon barked sharp orders to a .group of men tilling the soil. We passed a bake shop wherein Bernard Hasse with his 29

Page 30 text:

EMOR CLASS PROPHECY OF ’36 Barum! Carassh! Whounn! We're off! With a fuming and spitting of sparks and flames, our strato-rocket ship hurls from the earth at the rate of twenty thousand miles a minute. By the time the first shock has worn off, we are far out in the vast areas of space, with our earth, a dull greenish ball, receding quickly from view. Now our moon is right beside us. Soon we shall be on Mars, the first stop in our round-the- universe vacation cruise. Wishing to prepare myself for the landing on Mars, I started for my stateroom. Turning a corner of the deck I bumped into a fellow passenger. His tall, portly figure looked so familiar that I involuntarily cried out, “Bob Boyle!” The gentleman stood and gasped in amazement at see- ing one of his old school chums on this ship and asked, “How did you know my name—why, aren’t you Bernard Skatnla?” Here at last was one of my J. C. H. S. classmates. Immediately we began to tour the ship; making it a systematic tour we started at the bottom and continued upwards. Our first stop was the engine room. Entering we were confronted with the broad back of the engineer who was barking orders. The sound of the door closing caused him to turn. Three voices sounded simultaneously, “Bud.” “Bob,” “Bertiie.” Before we could say another word “Bud” Visosky turned and shouted, “Hey, Pete, come here! A black, greasy figure came out from the mass of machinery. Boyle almost fainted as he recognized the form as that of “Pete” Sedlmeyer. Many a happy mem- ory of school days were brought to light once more in that busy room. Not having much time left in which to explore the rest of the ship we bade a reluctant farewell to our friends and departed for another section. The next stop was the lounging room from which we were startled to hear. Ladies and gentlemen, this is station, E-A-R-T-H, bringing you the music of Mario Scarpa and his boys featuring the honey-voiced Julia Schramko. This is Margaret Cole announcing for the Olene Shrift Cosmetic Co. I he first number will be Ottilia Heinrich’s popular masterpiece, “Knitting.” We nestled in our easy chairs very contentedly but were startled to hear the announcer say, “And now, ladies and gentlemen, Mary Louise Luscombe will give her idea of how “white heat is tapped. A strange conflicting sound made us wonder at its source and curious as to its cause we entered the adjoining room to discover Anthony Bayuk, with his secretary, Leo Kessler, lecturing to the chorines of Francis Hummel. Exploration of the Strato-plane was suddenly cut short by the announcement that the ship was about to land in Mars. Mars! After only a three hour trip from terra firma. As the able pilot, Anthony Golian and his assistant, Jerry Guyan, skillfully landed the plane, a tremendous cheer vibrated through the plane. Peering out the window we could see thousands of Marsians standing to greet us. A huge arena was cleared for the good king before whom we were to be taken. A hearty laugh emerged from be- neath the royal robes which covered the ruler of Mars. Suddenly this concealing cloak was thrown aside and lo, and behold! Ward Schuster stepped forth to greet' us. At his side was Queen Cath- erine Markferding. A graceful tap dance was entertaining the curious visitors. Who could it be that attracted so many people? At the close of her dance the young person came to the king to be introduced. The greatest shock of our lives came in that moment. “Let me present,” said Ward Schuster, “our charming Ophelia Nowading.” The king, then, invited us to dine at his palace. This place was a beautiful work of art. Curiositv got the better of us and we inquired as to the architect. This genius proved to be none other than Richard Hoy. The dinner was such a delicious meal that we all demanded to know who was re- sponsible for such good cooking (being from earth we were all good eaters). With a clap of his hand. Ward Schuster summoned the Cooking Staff to appear. Head cook. Catherine Held, ap- peared very resplendent in her silver and gold uniform. Assistant cook, Mark Staib blushinglv strolled forth to greet us. Dishwasher and drier, Victoria Young and Jim Dowdell, peeped around the corner before entering. Two of the waitresses, Mary Jane McCann and Eleanor Gradwohl, lagged behind, Mary Jane, because she had mussed her apron, and Eleanor because she couldn’t leave Mary Jane. So they’re still sticking together, are they? After a survey of the spacious rooms of the palace, the good King, aided by the royal guards. John Brett, and Joe Weaver, took our party through the palace grounds. Passing down a lane bor- dered by strong, solid, cone-shaped trees, we encountered a nurse pushing before her a unique vehicle. It looked like some sort of bin on wheels and it was painted a gleaming blue-black, and held some six or eight babies, all howling dismally. The nurse who proved to be Charlotte Pfefferl, 28

Page 32 text:

MEMORIES assistants, Rita Rosenberger, Rosemary Stanko, could be seen at work. We have now reached the rural districts, and are delighted to see the military drills being conducted by the dictator himself, Regis Boxler. One unfortunate fellow sneezed, for which mishap he was sharply reprimanded. As he meekly took his reproof, something about his expression reminded us of Leo Seitz, and so it was. Among the group of watching women and children we recognized Kathryn Burns and Ruth Weak- land. Each seemed to be intently watching one certain soldier. We learned later that the objects of their attention were Norman Betz and Bob Roddy, and they were their respective husbands. loot! loot! I here goes the whistle again. The caTTio the ship commands us to return immedi- ately. Farewell, Saturn! An inquisitve passenger asked the pilot what our destination is now. “Mercury,” is the answer. A surprise awaits us for John idmann will be on hand to give us a reception with his five Melo- deers, who are none other than Mary Jo Burkhard, the renowned blue singer, Joe Bodenschatz. with his singing guitar. Walter Friewald and Catherine Carville the romantic Saxophonists, and our one and only Bud Ward, the Piccolo player. This so aroused the enthusiasm of the passengers that the half hour’s ride seemed to be two or three minutes. As has been stated we were greeted by the Melodeers. To the astonishment of all, the god. Mercury,” Joe Byers, honored us with his esteemed presence. Celebration was the day’s order. I his being the last stop on our Solar vavation the Mercurions planned to give us the greatest of the trip. “Jupiter” and “Juno” were invited to attend the party. They were our old school chums, Jack Godfrey and 1-ranees ilkosky. A fleet of winged messengers captained by Verna Litzinger ar- rived from the palace to announce the opening of the festivities. The Committee of honor, Dolores Bishop, Louise Comiskey, and Gertrude Bodenschatz, appeared on the scene to escort us to the Grand Arena, where Jesters, Rita Scott and Anna Ruth Nitch diverted our attention long enough for the Knightly Procession to enter the stadium. At its head sitting on a blue charger was Madeleine Kiueger. A banner almost covered Betty King from view as she proudly marched behind. A cop- per-mailed Knight was recognized as Veronica White. bile this was being carried on, an unbearable thirst overtook us and drove us in the direction of the refreshment stand, where John Havas served us with a smile (and a drink). It was now time for our departure for the ship, so we scarcely had time to stop anywhere else, but we were detained by two women who spoke very cordially to us and since we did not recog- nize them, they told us that they were Helen Bako, and Margaret Seifert. They had joined an expedition to Mercury and were now helping to publish the history of this planet. e were delighted to have seen all of our former classmates and very reluctantly we retraced our footsteps to the ship. But once aboard we, were glad that we were a,gain headed for Earth and our own homes. 30