Macomb High School - Spiderweb Yearbook (Macomb, IL)

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7Aii y aA, It was still August thirty-first here when Germany invaded Poland. Americans received the news late that night over their radios. Those radios had been terribly overworked the previous two weeks. The commentators and press rooms of the different networks had been overworked too. They had stood by twenty-four hours ever day ready to go on the air at any time. Great feats were accomplished by radio technicians in their efforts to bring the best in news and opinions to the country. On September third, which was a Sunday and rather hot, Americans arose early to listen to Chamberlain informing the world that England was now at war with Germany. Most Americans heaved sighs of relief, for that eternal dilly-dallying about on the part of Europe had begun to wear a bit. Now here was something definite they could absorb and become adapted to. Now they could turn to other things, such as baseball. The American League Yankees made themselves legendary last fall by defeating the National League Reds four straight games to give them their fourth consecutive World Series title. While crowds were cheering themselves hoarse, men a short distance away were trying to find some way to get around the embargo act which had cut off shipping to France and England some Americans were wondering whether they could go through with their plans for a trans-Atlantic air service. Fall came on in its full beauty. It brought with it football, hot-dogs, and Armistice Day. But the day looked rather ironic and politicians didn’t have much to say this time about keeping the peace for which the Unknown Soldier had died in vain. Maybe they were saving their ammunition for the presidential election was looming big. Quite a while ago the question of whether Roosevelt would run for a third term had replaced the question of who would play Scarlett O'Hara as the national guessing game. As the winter of 1939-40 got under way “The Grapes of Wrath was still a hot topic of conversation while on Broadway Americans were showing their inclination to laugh by flocking to the comedies. In movie theaters they were getting a good cry watching Bette Davis emote in Dark Victory and laughing at the American boy as portrayed by Mickey Rooney. No song had yet replaced “The Three Little Fishes” of the summer before as the nation’s favorite bit of silliness, but before the winter was out Confucius was to become the most quoted man of the day under the auspices of Walter Winchell and the song Confucius Say . Over in Turkey there was a series of earthquakes, the worst in years. Here in the United States Roosevelt threw the nation into the biggest uproar since his court-packing bill by proclaiming Thanksgiving a week earlier. The result was two Thanksgivings with some states following the president and others holding to the traditional date. On November 24th Russia turned from mass executions to mass disillusionment by invading little Finland and saddening many people who felt her to be the white hope of the world. Much to everyone's surprise Finland put up such a fight that Russia paid with 250,000 men for what she got from the three-months war. It was only because of lack of support from the great nations that Finland had to quit. When spring came around men were having difficulty trying to find puns which would fit the ladies' hats while they were attiring themselves in gayer clothes than they had worn for years. There were rumors floating around that there would be action on the Western Front which had been almost completely quiet during the winter. Action came, but not there. On Tuesday, April 9, Germany invaded Denmark and Norway. Denmark offered no resistance but Norway fought. The outcome of the Norwegian venture remains uncertain but the Germans have a great advantage in having arrived first. All over the world people are dragging out dusty atlases, arguing, and wondering. Wondering on which side Italy will fight if she fights at all. Wondering whether the Balkans will stay neutral. They're wondering a thousand things serious and trivial. Whether the Yanks will win again, whether Roosevelt will run again. Wondering a thousand things that belong not here but on next year's record. —Caryl Carstens Page 8

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£enioA,d JAMES AMERINE Tarzan likes technical work and plans to specialize in mechanical engineering . . . likes to skate . . . argues with Mr. Johnston in history class. MIRIAM BOTTORFF “Stinky” was active in Vagabond Club and many other organizations . . . one of most popular girls . . . ardent admirer of the illustrator, Norman Rockwell. BETTY BARNES a four year member of G. A. A. . . . wants to be a beauty operator . . . she is librarian . . . belongs to Tri-Hi-Y, Sub-Deb, and Glee Clubs ... tap dancer in May Festival. JEANETTE BARTLESON won several ribbons for M.H.S. in Speech contests . . . president of G.A.A. . . . member of M.F.S., Sub-Deb, Tri-Hi-Y, and Vagabond Clubs . . . plans to attend W.I.S.T.C. PAl )L BERINGER transfer from Liberty where he was Art Editor of school paper . . . member of Boys’ Chorus . . . drummer boy of M.H.S. Band . . . going to Carthage College. DALE BURTON doesn't plan to attend college . . . studious . . . appears at most of the school dances ... is somewhat of a jitterbug. eiaii 0$ 1940 James Amerine Betty Barnes Paul Beringer John Bliven Miriam Bottorff Jeanette Bartleson Dale Burton Junior Carey JOHN BLIVEN one of our star athletes . . . participated in football, basketball,and baseball . . . very definitely going to Bradley College. JUNIOR CAREY always knows answers to Mr. Johnston's questions . . . liked by everyone . . . belongs to Bible Club . . . gives good points in arguments . . interested in Diesel. Page 10