Lew Wallace High School - Quill and Blade Yearbook (Gary, IN)

Page 24 text:

i • • % iI ’UJiU ¥ ' 4 Inflation became a dirty word to many Americans as the year slowly dragged by. Public au¬ diences squealed about the rising cost of living. It now was being recognized that our nation was in a serious economical situation. The public failed to realize the acute situation of a possible reces¬ sion and threatening depression ahead. Money now was scarce, and the increasing unemployment rate didn’t help at all. Attempting to aide the consumer American automobile manufacturers in¬ troduced their rebate plan, which offered cash refunds, which soared up to $600.00 on the new 1975 models. President Ford in¬ troduced his new economic pro¬ gram WIN (W’hip Inflation Now) and urged the American society to voluntarily cooperate and help curb possible economic chaos. I) 1974 unveiled the resig¬ nation of Richard Nixon, 38th president of the United States, and the ad¬ mittance of our vice-presi¬ dent Gerald Ford as 39th head of state. Public reac¬ tion varied to this histori¬ cal event. Topping it off, the Nixon Administration was shattered again when H.R. Haldeman, John Er- lichman, and John Mitch¬ ell were indicted on counts of conspiracy, ob¬ struction of justice, and perjury. In late February a federal grand jury sen¬ tenced all three men to a 2V6 month to 10 year te rm in federal prison. In early 1975 the fall election in November proved to be a successful outcome for the Democratic party throughout the country. With more than % major¬ ity members in the House and Senate, Democrats proved to the GOP that they would surely domi¬ nate Capitol Hill. May 6 was the date se¬ lected for the city primary elections. Offices up for grabs were, mayoral, city judge, city councilman, and councilman at large. Candi¬ dates in the race for mayor were incumbent Richard G. Hatcher, Dozier T. Allen, James Hilton, Ted Roma- nowski, and the renowned radio personality, Warren Frieberg. In early February, heavyweight champion of the world Muhammad Ali visited the community and appeared at Lew Wallace, Roosevelt, and West Side High schools. He spoke to the student body on the pur¬ pose of life. Mayor Richard Hatcher accompanied him.

Page 23 text:

LW win, half-time events thrill fans An array of amusing and exciting feelings was shared by the students, the faculty, and the community when September 23-27 was officially labeled Homecoming Week. Mum distribution, car and float decorating, and rehearsals for band and pom-pon performances were preparations made for the grand finale on Friday evening. For some 425 guests at the annual Homecoming dance the music of Monterrey” brought Homecoming one step closer. The third Homecoming parade marched from 53rd and Broadway to the stadium. The procession consisted of the Lew Wallace band, pom-pon squad, the five queen candidates and their escorts, class floats, and 87 individually decorated cars. On the field the Hornets were ready to meet and play their opponents, the Tornadoes of Emerson. Half-time arrived and some 5000 spectators closely listened as Student Council vice-president Patti Bottos revealed the winners of car and float competition. For the second consecutive year the Class of 76” took first prize. As the crowd placed their attention on the five queens, senior class president Don Capp crowned senior Lisa Bistransky 1975 Football Homecoming Queen. After half-time the game recommenced, only to end two quarters later with the Hornets on top, winning easily over Emerson 48-9. 3 The Lew Wallace band hurriedly assembles into their marching formation for their debut in the third annual Homecoming parade. 4 School photography teacher, Dave Metz, receives final instructions from helicopter pilot, John Farkas before taking aerial pictures of Homecoming festivities. 5 Freshmen Diane Capp and Felicia Dale find time to cool off after dancing to the music of Monterrey at the Homecoming dance. 6 Buzzing along in the parade, sophomore Kim Reeves proudly displays her winning truck to the crowd. 7 The spiritminded Class of 76 unveils their float, Knock The Wind Out Of The Tornadoes, which won them a $25.00 prize and their second float competition win.

Page 25 text:

V The State Legislature in In¬ dianapolis welcomed many newcomers to the House of Representatives and State Senate in 1975. A concern to all Hoosiers was the race in the U.S. Sena¬ torial office where incumbent demo¬ crat Birch Bayh faced tough com¬ petition against his republican foe Indianapolis mayor Richard Lugar. Re¬ turns resulted favorable for Mr. Bavh, and in the beginning of the year he be¬ gan to serve his fourth term in Wash- ingtoneD.C. Area politicians and the public happily reacted to the election of Rep. Eugene Bainbridge of nearby Highland to Speaker of the House in the canitol. The 99th Indiana Assembly proved to be successful in the passage of some 151 bills in the house alone. Lo¬ cal accomplishments included the ap¬ proval of a new city Civic center in Gary, and the RTA bill which will allow Lake and Porter counties to merge and work out a mass transportation pro¬ gram. The Equal Rights Amendment was marked out of the records leaving many women’s libbers disappointed. In 1975 the environmental issue was still burning but it took the backseat to the all important concerns of inflation, energy and unemployment. Leaders of the environ¬ mentalists agreed that because of increased stream and air pollution, littering and mine stripping, America must open up it’s eyes and mind and accept the fact that our environ¬ ment is endangered. Locally, everyone agreed that the clos¬ ing of the mills open hearth, Number 4, was indeed a step ahead in stopping air pollution. It was a big help for Gary. J L. ■ f i ■ vi lt t