Lafayette High School - Oracle Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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close of the assembly an Alumni Association was formed. Mr. Edwin B. Dietrich was elected first president of the association on June 21, 1928. Mr. Frank R. Gott became principal in 1934 when Captain Mellen retired. As assistant principal to Mr. Mellen for the previous nine years, he had come to hold Captain in the highest esteem. Frequently Mr. Gott graciously welcomed Mr. Mellen to arouse enthusiasm during football assemblies or to participate in traditional Lafayette observances. He joined in appreciation of Captain's recitation of Edgar Guest's Somebody said itcould- n't be done. Mr. Gott has served faithfully and devotedly, ev- er striving to instill in the students the high standards and ideals of Lafayette. During Mr. Gott's time an annual Junior-Senior Prom and Armistice Day Program, under the direction of the iun- iors, have been added to the year's observances and the alumni association has been reinvigorated. Physical changes have taken place about the school also.The clinic on the fourth floor was moved to the assistant principal's office on the first floor. The assistant principal's office was moved to the room next to the main office and counselors' offices were opened next door. The library, formerly at this location, was moved directly above on the second floor. The hand bell system has been replaced by the electric bell system but the hand bell is still used in times of emergency. The air pressure clocks were changed to electric ones, and were taken out of the rooms and placed in the corridors. The auditorium was repainted in 1949 and the entire in- terior of the school was decorated in attractive pastel colors in 1952. At the same time the rooms were renumbered. The front lawn was landscaped and enclosed by an iron fence in 1950. Cap at his desk Even the approach to the school has changed. Since October 1952, students crossing Colonial Circle have admired the statue of General Bidwell, for whom the adiacent parkway was named. The courses of study have changed from chiefly college entrance to commercial. For many years, there was on- ly one business teacher but now there are six. Additional facilities have been provided for the commercial courses such as two typing rooms. Boys have enioyed wood work and cabinet making classes under the direction of Mr. Ko- lassa for twenty-five years. ln the fall of 1951, an additional shop was opened which provided for training in print ing, plastics, and ceramic making, under the guidance of Mr. Temlitz. Also in the fall of 1951, the study room system was changed to one in which the students are divided into more than thirty roll call rooms. During the First World War Captain Mellen trained two companies of men. We see one company here shoulder ing wooden guns. 1 12

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Mr. Frank S. Fosdick, principal of Masten Park High School, with Captain Calvert K. Mellen. About this time the need for ' an actual gymnasium was felt and candy sales were held to l raise funds to build one. These candy sales were held in the auditorium which was gayly dec- orated in a violet and white color scheme. Students in booths sold candy and souve- niers such as violet and white caps and the like. The senior boys dispensed ice cream from their booth on the stage. An original play, THE GOR- GONZOLA by Lucius Pratt with original music by Paul Kellogg, was presented to make money for the gym. Bonds were sold to parents and friends of Lafayette by the students. It was noted that one girl gave a dollar which she had saved by walking to school and back from Hertel Avenue. Because land was not available for building the gym, efforts were turned toward the construction of the Lafayette field. This new athletic field, on Delaware Avenue, just north of Hertel, was dedicated November 23, 1907. It in- cluded a diamond, track and courts as well as a gridiron. Its twenty-eight bleachers accommodated 2500 people. Unfortunately the financial difficulties involved were so great that during the First World War the Lafayette field had to be given up. When Masten Park High School burned in March 1912, Lafayette invited Masten Park students and teachers, led by Mr. Frank S. Fosdick, to share their facilities. Lafayette students attended morning sessions and Masten Park students came in the afternoon from 1912-1914 while Masten was being rebuilt. As the enrollment continued to rise, additional facilities were needed. The lunchroom under the auditorium A candy me in the assembly- in which Mr. Johnson, popular custodian had S, , sold wieners and sweet buns when the school first opened, was long since outmoded, In 1920 construction was begun on the addition to the building which was opened for use in the fall of 1921. The added space provid- ed for a modern cafeteria, gymnasium, pool, home making department, enlarged quarters for the science and art departments, and a photographic laboratory. On November 18, 1938 this section of the building was named Memorial Hall and was dedicated to Lafay- ette graduates who had died in the service of their country during World War I. So through the years Lafayette's traditions and activities continued. On June 12, 1928, a Silver Anniver- sary Dinner was held at which Mr. Detmers and Captain Mellen in turn conducted an f assembly as each did in school. At the 11

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. WX Mr. GOI1 in 1935. Last year teachers participated in the Buffalo Industrial and Educa tion Day exercises for the first time. In the spring of 1952, the teach ers enioyed their visit to the industrial plants, in the fall, the industri alists made a return visit to the schools. Mr. Gott noted that many were eager to visit with their former teachers. During Lafayette's existence, three wars have occurred and La- fayette has willingly offered her services. At the time of the First World War, the students sold Sl ,053,400.00 worth of Liberty Bonds. Students sewed and knitted garments, made hospital pillows, and pre- pared comfort kits for the American Red Cross. During the Second World War Lafayette sent subscriptions to the READER' S DIGEST to our boys and girls in service. Before each Armistice Day and Me- morial Day, Lafayette students ioin with the John A. Boechat Post in honoring our war dead. As Lafayette students participate in the traditional assembly programs each year, they eagerly look forward to Commencement night in June at Kleinhans' Music Hall. At that time many awards and scholarships are presented, among them the four year honor roll pins and the Detmers-Mellen Alumni Scholarship. Former students recall the many happy experiences they have had, the numerous and lasting friendships they have made, and the inspiring companionship which they have shared with their teachers. Days at Lafayette High School are never forgotten by those who have attended and those who have taught here. I I . I3