Kingswood Oxford High School - Retrospect Yearbook (West Hartford, CT)

Page 25 text:

John dc Moulpicd Hooker Hook The fall of 1946 brought John Hooker into his first contact with prep school life at Kings wood. A refugee from Sedgwick Junior High School Johnny participated in Intermediate soccer that fall. Skiing in the winter and tennis in the spring completed his sports program. “Hook soon became known for talents two- fold; in order of their importance they were his ability to leave school at unspecified times and also his ways with the young lasses. The Fifth Form was a lucrative one for John. Besides joining the Choir and the Choral Club, he played the part of Jenny, the maid, in the Dramatic Club’s production of the Torchbcarcrs. Jed developed a flair for photography that year and with this in mind joined the Camera Club. His picture of “the old mill” won him the Camera Club prize. To add to these activities John played the same sports as the preceding year and became quite proficient in tennis, though surprising may it be, John spent the majority of his time- on his cxtra-curriculars, and a great deal with one special one I His senior year proved a mammoth one for Johnny. With sports taking little of his time, Jed spent much of his time on a new fad — guitars. With the Smith Brothers he formed a trio that used to clear out the Administration building in Conference Period with its playing. John also became a confirmed party-goer and giver, which many will testify to. As a post-graduate, John easily adapted himself to this unfamiliar atmosphere. As a reward for his faithful work, Jed was elected President of the Camera Club. Spending much time on athletics and studies, he established himself as a good member of the class. l ie could always be found after lunch in the smoke-filled Common Room during the winter term treating a bevy of listeners to his repertoire of jokes. For his sense of humor and steady fidelity John will always Ik remembered, and these attributes will undoubtedly aid him in whatever career he chooses. 21

Page 24 text:

Girard Edmund Havcrty Jerry Jerry made his first appearance here at Kings- wood during pre-season football practice in the fall of our Sixth Form year. Having already graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford, he decided to continue his studies at Kingswood for a year before going on to college. While at Hall, Jerry made quite a name for himself as an accomplished athlete. He was a member of the football team during each of his three years there, filling the position of first team halfback during the last two years. By the end of his junior year, his reputation as a shifty, hard-running back was well established, and he became the district high-scorer for the season. In the spring of that year he turned to base- ball and became a catcher on the team. When the fall of his last year at Hall came around, Jerry once again completed the season by being the high-scorer for the district. That spring he filled the role of first team catcher on the baseball team. Upon his arrival at Kingswood, Jerry quickly set out to prove his skill as a back, and easily earned himself the position of quarterback on the football team. The end of quite a successful season once again found him the leading scorer, as well as the possessor of a well- earned Varsity letter. Those who arc more closely acquainted with him will assure you Jerry is also an excellent boxer and an accomplished sharpshooter. On many afternoons one can find him improving his aim down on the range. As the winter months slowly rolled around, Jerry somehow wrangled his way out of athletics and soon found himself a member of the infamous Three-Thirty Club. During that period Willie Tomasso's big green Cadillac was not infrequently seen rumbling off the campus with its occupants, Willie and Jerry,— destination unknown. In the spring Jerry filled a position on the baseball team. In a remarkably short time, Jerry has earned a position as one of the most popular and respected members of the class. His cheerfulness and wild talcs about the “days at Plant” have given us many laughs at the times when they were most needed, and we will not soon forget Jerry. 20

Page 26 text:

Leonard Wirtley Horton, Jr. Lenny Lenny entered our fine institution in the middle of his Fifth Form year. He had pre- viously been at William Hall High School, where among his numerous wild activities he was vice- president of his home room. In Kingswood he was a hard-working mem- ber of the second baseball team and became one of the relief pitchers for this group. When he was not out with this unhealthy outfit or rest- ing on the notorious Fifth Form green, you would often find him fishing. Len was of great value during the fall of ’49 to the third football team. Without his outstand- ing work, the team would never have done as well as it did. During the winter Len’s activities consisted mainly of joining the 2:45 Club. He and several nefarious seniors would take off and either glut themselves at Howard Johnson’s or go bowling. Sonny became an active member of the News during the winter term when he volunteered to do typing. This is quite a job and was greatly appreciated. Len’s favorite class in the day is history. When asked why this should ever be, he replied, “Ah, it’s the one class I can really sleep in. Why, how would I ever prepare myself for another week-end, if this class didn’t come five times a week?” Perhaps it is all right in history class, but more than once Len has been severely threatened by Doc with worse things than the hair brush. Most of his trouble comes from the evil clutches of the church social. Though it ends before eight, Len seldom reaches home until the wicked hours of ten or eleven. Among Len’s most outstanding contributions to class life is his immortalizing the kitchen. He has worked very hard during the last ycar-and-a-half and has been awarded for his efforts by acceptance to the University of Maine, where he plans to study forestry. 22