Laingsburg High School - Looking Glass Yearbook (Laingsburg, MI)

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Oun, 'Ztotfowf In the year 1952, late in August there set sail over the sea of knowledge a magnificent fleet proudly bearing aloft floating banners of silver and black. This fleet was headed for a far distant land reached only after a long voyage of four years over this much traveled but. to us, unkown sea. There were four isles — Freshman (The Land of Wandering Souls); Sophomore (The Land of Wise Fools); Junior (The Land of the Owls); Senior (The Land of Promise)—to be thoroughly explored before reaching the promised land. Commencement Isle. On board the vessels, which had been recruited from such minor isles as Shiawassee and Clinton Counties there were 43 voyagers called Freshman, each firmly resolved to succeed or go down with the fleet. The first port reached was Freshman Isle where Mr. Wesner ruled. Here we selected our chieftains; Jack DeHart, Captain; Corwin Parker. First Mate; Elaine Blackledge, Log Keeper; and Margie Stichler, Paymaster. During our stay at Freshman Isle, Lucille Antcliff was elected queen of the four isles. Here five mem- bers of our fleet left to sail under different banners. . . . f „ . . . After having an enjoyable year we departed for the next port. The Land of Wise Fools. As we neared this isle we felt our heads begin to swell.and thought our- selves very wise indeed. Upon landing we found that we were no longer Freshman, but Sophomores, much like those we had met the year before, but much wiser. Mr Fockler served as king of this isle. We again selected our chieftains; Lucille Antcliff. Captain; Harriet Gray. First Mate; Judy Mansor, Log Keeper; Lois Cortright. Paymaster. Our first activity on this isle was the Sock Hop during which Shirley Pierce and Sam Harmount took home silver dollars for the best dec- orated sox. Later on a boat steamed into port carrying a cargo of magazines which we proceeded to sell to the other islands. The greatest memory of our stay on this isle was the day we received our class rings. The last memory of this isle was the Spring Swing, where everyone enjoyed themselves very much. The next year we set sail with Mr. Fockler as our navigator since he had been promoted to rule over the land of The Owls. At last we reached port and im- mediately chose our leaders from a group of 31. Those chosen were: Corwin Parker, Captain; Duane Wagner, First Mate; Lois Baumgras, Log Keeper; Jack DeHan. Paymaster. While on this isle, we celebrated Christmas by sponsoring a Christmas Ball. The decorations consisted of silver colored Christmas trees with biue bulbs. After we returned to school following Christmas vacation we immediately started plans for the Prom and Banquet. In early spring the class picked the theme for the Prom which was Springtime in Paris. On the evening of May 10 the annual Junior and Senior banquet was held in honor of the Seniors of 55 . Everyone walked through the side-walk cafe and danced under the stars of Paris. This was an event that will long be remembered. Thirty-two of us were left to sail to the Land of Promise where Mr. Doyle was ruler. We held our election and it was as follows: Duane Wagner, Captain; Trudy Coleman, First Mate; Rosalyn Parker. Log Keeper; Lucille Antcliff. Paymaster. We entered this year with a total of $975.19 in the Treasury. To help raise money for the Senior Trip we sponsored a Disc - Jockey dance on October 8. To display our acting ability we presented The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come during the latter part of October. In November we sponsored the annual Homecoming, and as an added attraction each class entered a float in the parade. We were again honored by having Beverley Parker reign over the four isles as queen. We decided that our flower should be the American Beauty Rose. Our motto was We Finish To Begin. The class chose Lois Baumgras as our D.A.R. representative. In February we had for entertainment a Donkey Basketball game which added to our Treasury. During the spring the school became the scene of much confusion as the girls were seen doing various jobs for the boys. This took place during the slave sale which was climaxed by a dance freeing the slaves. The last activity in The Land of Promise was an Amateur Show in which an array of fine talent was displayed. In May the Juniors honored us with a Banquet and Prom which was thoroughly enjoyed. We then proceeded to our final goal. Com- mencement Isle. On the night of May 20 we attended the Baccalaureate services. Class night, in which the entire class participated, was held on May 22. At last the long awaited event was upon us -- Graduation. As we received our diplomas our thoughts wandered to the many events that had filled our high school careers and we looked forward to the rewards of our many efforts.The Senior trip. On May 25 we left the isles on the exciting trip under the guidance of special pilot Mr. Keith Reed, to return in 13 days as Alumni of Laingsburg Community Schools. 17

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@o H Ke tce »te tt PtayKUK Baccalaureate Services Under direction of Reverend Forrest Andersen Pastor Baptist Church Giffel’s Fieldhouse Processional Hymn Reading from Scriptures Prayer Hymn Sermon Benediction Recessional May 20, 1956 8:00 Organist Baptist Church Congregation Reverend Forrest Andersen Choir Baptist Church Reverend Forrest Andersen Organist Giffel’s Fieldhouse Master of Ceremonies Class Song Salutatory Girls Quartet Class History Graduation Exercises Giffel's Fieldhouse May 23, 1956 8:00 Selections by Laingsburg High School Band Robert Berube. Director 7:40-8:00 Processional Invocation Selections Address Flute Solo Presentation of Class Presentation of Diplomas Benediction Recessional High School Band Rev. Robert Duff, Pastor Methodist Church High School Glee Club Maryrose Leckrone, Director Clyde M. Campbell Michigan State University Gordon Alexander Accompanist, Robert Berube Raymond O. Nash, Principal Keith Reed, Superintendent Dr. R. G. Alexander, President Board of Education Rev. Robert Duff High School Band Saxophone Solo Class Will Piano Solo Class Oration Frivolous Flappers Class Prophecy Ventriloquist Act Giftatory Musical Pantomine Class Poem Presidents Address Vocal Solo Valedictory 16 IE I..— Class Night Exercises May 21, 1956 8:00 Jack DeHart Members of Class Elaine Blackledge Phyllis Bauman, Beverly Brii k, Margie Stichler, Lois Baumg as Della Hunt, 9, 10 grades Pat Hutchings, 11 grade Gloria Frank, 12 grade John Walters, Summary Rosalyn Parker Corwin Parker assisted by C iss Nancy Watson Lois Cortright Harriet Gray, Elaine Balckh ige, Judy Mansor, Marilyn Alexander Mary Shaw Gary Craig, Steve Ranny Tom Croy, Beverley Parker, Shirley Putnam Dennis Coe, Kenneth Chant, Danny Koonter Judy Mansor Duane Wagner Sharon Bcardslee Trudy Coleman

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Oun (PCcma “Pic It was almost Christmas on a cold windy, stormy, day, and being a lady of leisure, I was sitting by my TV set. A dreamy contentment stole over me. Not being able to keep my eyes open any longer, they closed and 1 was wafted upward until I was enthroned on a fleecy white cloud with the shadowy world below me. Then my vision cleared and a parade of familiar looking people passed before me. Could it be possible? Yes by golly! It was true. They were the mem- bers of my old graduating class of 1956, Laingsburg High School. Each person became distinct and real in my vision as they marched along in the procession: Jerry Adams, the world renowned head mousketeer on the Mickey Mouse Club now has six of his own children on the show with him. Steve Ranney, who was dead head in high school, is now sole owner of the DEEP SLEEP FUNERAL HOME. Steve says he has a fine lay-away plan. Judy Mansor, went from High School to the Louvre School of fine arts in Paris. She graduated from there at the end of her third week and is now employed in Hicksvillc where she paints signs on garbage cans which are to be placed in the city, and Danny Koonter who did have a weakness for Ford trucks and cars in highschool days just couldn’t turn down the offer of managing the city’s fleet of Ford garbage trucks. He finds working with Judy right down his alley. Dennis Coe, is still in Laingsburg running a very thriving business, called The Hangover Shop” for all his pals of past years. Della Hunt, who wanted to be a police woman or detective, it seems, didn’t quite make the grade and is now a bouncer at Club Roma. John Walters and Phyllis Bauman have teamed up together and are trying to ruin Arthur Murray’s business. It seems they are both with the Salvation Army and preaching to the wicked world the evils of dancing. Harriet Gray, whose special subjects in high school were those in the Commercial field decided to go to Business College and is now head secretary for Laingsburg High School. We find Tom Croy holding a very imponant office. He is President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the A. U. A., the Alcoholic Unanimous” Association which he orgainzed. The membership dues provide him with Cadillac, a palace and well stocked cellar. Lois Baumgras, didn’t seem to have enough restaurant work during her high school days is now owner of a chain of hot dog stands from here to California. Jack DeHart, who was noted for his unusual excuses in high school was recently hired by a large New York school as a truant officer. They decided it takes one to know one. Patty Hutchings, who loved school so well, is still attending old LHS. It seems she couldn’t leave behind her many young admirers. Gary Craig, is a photographer in Miami. His photographs are well known for their quality and low prices but the crayon enlargments are not much in demand anymore. The first ones he made were so large that the ears were behind the frames they were intended to fit. Nancy Watson, who after graduating worked with Jackie Gleason’s June Taylor dancers, was asked by Samuel Goldwin to be a golden girl, but she wanted to keep up the competition with Libcrace. Gloria Frank and Marjorie Stichler it seemed couldn't decide on a husband from their large collection so they have opened a canteen for all” service men and are still looking. Ken Chant, who always used to be a pool shark and poker player in his younger days, owns and operates the Loaded Dice Casino in Las Vegas. By the way, he won the Casino in a crap game. Corwin Parker and Trudy Coleman, are in business together. Trudy, it seems is head R. N. at Corwin’s Cow Convalescent Home. Crowin is still experimenting with his prize cow and after twenty third time it still won’t, as yet, give purple pop. Poor Corwin! Lucille Antcliff.a confirmed bachelorette is head fashion buyer for her chain of dry goods stores but she recently broke her hermitage by marrying her office boy. Sharon Beardslee, is in Africa teaching the natives the latest techniques on hair styling. Some of them even let her pratice on them. Sharon always was pretty good in high school, keeping everyone guessing what kind of hair-do she would wear next. Beverley Parker, who never had a car fast enough to out run the cops after running red lights invented the fastest motor car running on the ground in history. She tries many daily stunts such as jumping the Grand Canyon or running over the tops of baby mountains. Rosalyn Parker, who appreciated fine music in her younger days devoted her life to running and insane asylum for juke box maniacs. Then Duane Wagner is a missionary just returning from China. He is talking to his old school flame, Elaine Blackledge. Elaine is Editor of the Laingsburg Blat, and 1 discovered he gave her the announcement that he would preach on the Ways of Chinese Women” next Sunday. Beverly Brink, is now tops in Hollywood, and has had no trouble getting the part as the leading lady in a new smash broadway hit Women Prefer Men.” Shirley Putnam, who spent so many nights at the Elite Theatre taking tickets just couldn’t give up the business. She and her husband own and operate the North- side Drive-In. They feature a special attraction: The Drive-In is divided into two sections, one side for married couples and one for unmarried ones. That Shirley surely knows how to run a good business. When Marilyn Alexander graduated from Medical school, she figured she’d follow her father’s footsteps and become a small-town doctor. Much to my surprise she is now starring on a new panel show, What’s My Ailment. Cathlene Davis has recently bought the Dandy Davis Diaper Company to save on her laundry bill. Her slogan is they’re cheaper by the dozen. Then suddenly 1 thought I saw myself and Mary Shaw being escorted down the street by some little men in white jackets. 1 was about to investigate this strange happening when, to my amazement, I had a sense of falling and woke up to find that I had fallen out of my chair to the floor and missed my favorite TV pro- gram, Hawk-eye the Irresistible.” 18