Mason High School - Anchora Yearbook (Mason, MI)

Page 26 text:

M. H. S. ANCHORA, 1927 25 1927 Class History Our class, the- class of nineteen twenty-seven, was founded in the year of nineteen fifteen. Under the most favorable conditions we received our primary instruction and prepared a foundation which has never since trembled. It is certain that our early schooling differed little from that of previous classes, except that perhaps we were more prompt in our classes or a bit more quiet at study. Aside from these two points it was nearly history repeating itself. We had. our long, tiresome days filled with lessons seemingly unconquerable, and we had our short, happy days filled with fun, and frolic. We spent our share of time after school hours receiv- ing special instruction from our teachers. Classmates' birthdays were celebrated, and oftentimes, under proper ch-aponerage, we held parties at our homes. After all, lookin-g back over our early school-life, we conclude that it wasn't hard work, as we once thought, but merely organized play. In January, nineteen hundred twenty-one, when we were known as the sixth grade, the most destructive fire in the history of Mason occurred-. The newly remodeled high school building was entirely destroyed. The loss was great, yet our schooling was but momentarily halted. We resumed classes a few weeks later in the Methodist church of this city. And although the conditions were poor, we satisfactorily finished our work. The next year we attended school at the court house. The present school building was finished in the fall of nineteen hundred' twenty- two. Our class at that time represented Mason High as the eighth grade. We soon became acquainted with the ways of the High room. We learned to plan our work with the greatest care. We learned' the secret of high marks, which so-me of us have forgotten-study. It was during that year, Hilah Paine, our beloved classmate, was forced to leave school because of her health. She died at her home December 1, 1924. We mourn the loss of one who was always willing to do, not just her share, but every- thing in her power for her class. The following year we took up the title of Freshmen. I think we lived up to it, for Mason High never saw a peppier class. The first thing to our credit was the ac- ceptance of the challenge, made by the Sophomores, to a tug-of-war across the mighty Sycamore. 'They were given the decision because we were first to break the ice. Many other events took place that year but never were the social activities placed above our high standard of scholarship. Although the class of '27 was not quiet during our Sophomore year, it wasn't until we had achieved the rank of Juniors that we broke fully into the lime-light. The Junior--Senior reception of nineteen -hundred twenty-six outclassed any preceding event of that kind. As Juniors we headed the high school in achievement for many months. We were represented in every phase of school life, in 'all social events and on all athletic teams. Then after seemingly only a few days had passed we were called Seniors. Seniors, because we were at the top of the list. One short year remained in which to do every- thing that would go down as history. We are proud of our senior year. We have tried to make everything successful. Our senior play, according to public judgment, surpassed all previous high school pro- ductions. The credit for its success is given to the director, Miss Densmore. The an- nual publication of the Anchora, we are certain will be met with the greatest satis- faction. Everything worth while is achieved through work. We have worked hard, and now, with commencement at hand, we feel worthy of our place. Philetus Peck.

Page 25 text:

24 M. H. s. ANCHORA, 1927 Salutatory The class of Nineteen Twenty-seven extends to you a most hearty welcome. For, indeed, who should be more welcome than you, dear friends, who have made this day possible, you, who have so generously provided this beautiful school building and so faithfully backed our every project and enabled us to graduate from an institution which shall ever be our pride? We see on the eastern horizon a new day dawning, a day in which we must prove our ability to overcome obstacles, to resist temptations, and to be successful. We have laid our foundation under the guidance of our parents and teachers and now we must build, on that foundation, our future. We will greatly miss our teachers' helping hands, for we must solve our own problems now, those complex problems of life that always shall remain to be solved, with every individual obtaining a different answer. As the sun daily passes from east to west, sometimes hidden by the clouds but always coming out from behind the dark and gloomy places with a greater grandeur, so shall we be doing our daily work, sometimes meet- ing obstacles that apparently overwhelm us and make us feel hidden in the world. When life seems the darkest, when our hopes are washed away as by the rain, and our air castles fall to ruin as if torn up by the raging winds, then our efforts to overcome these hindrances must be most sincere and firm and we can then draw aside the curtain of gloom and, coming into the light, smile and be happy in a success earned by labor in joy and in sorrow. And lo! When we have reached the twilight of life we shall look back upon trials and our successes and feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing we have done our best. We do not know what the sunset of our lives may be, we would know only through experience and the life we will lead, but in the mind of every Senior is the vision of a rosy and golden sunset, the last days of his life being spent in the comfort gained by earn- est and sincere efforts and by the help of the One Friend who is ever watching over him and guiding his life, his dearest and best friend, with whose help alone the realization of his ambitions and the happiness of his life can be possible. Frances Brower.

Page 27 text:

26 M. H. S. ANCHORA, 1927 Giftatory When I was asked to take the Giftatory for this class, I felt unlfitted and I said, How do I know what gifts would be suitable to bestow upon my mo-st Worthy class- mates? It is well known th-at this class of 1927 has outstanding ability and should not be compared with any preceding class so how could I choose suitable gifts for such a group? An idea came to me. Perhaps., for such a class, the 'Goddess Fortuna would con- sent to come to Mason and in her Horn of Plenty might be found gifts that would be suitable. The class of 1927 earnestly desires to do away with war and promo-te peace, and for this re-ason we would present a date 'book to Helen Gunn, Elsie Morrison and Ann-a Couch, that Two bodies might not occupy the same place at the same time. It is known that Doris Densmore would like to be taller-I wonder why? The Goddess Fortuna gives me a yeast cake to bestow upon her that she may rise from the lowly earth to the vaulted skies. To Homer Launstein we present a fishhook with this advice: Take your time, use the right kind of bait, for there are as good fish in the sea as have ever been caught. It seems that to Frances Brower the Gods have already given some gifts but For- tuna brings this megaphone for you, that the voice of our orator might be heard afar. This gift, Frances., will also remind you of the days when you led our yells in Old Mason High. Some are born for great things, and some are born for small, but it seems Philetus Peck came into this world end-owed with the soul of an artist, 'Therefore we give you a set of water colors and ia brush that you will bring honor to your Alma Mater. Don't misuse it by painting the town red. All girls are good for something I suppose, though for just what I've never discov- ered, but when I think of Margaret Eggers of our famous girls' basketball te-am, I feel we must present her with what the 'Gods have often bestowed upon her, HA Basket. Beatrice Fanson shot an Harrow in the air, She missed its Hight, she knew not where. The class tried to help her and all did their part, And the next day they found it in Cliffordi Smith's heart. The Goddess advises a piair of dark glasses for our friend, James Noxon. These are to be worn when he becomes a lawyer. They will make him look distinguished and wise when arguing his cases. The Goddess advised' me to supply Margaret Lasenby with another musical instru- ment, for, one Writer tells us, music is the fourth great material want of our natures. First food, then raiment, then shelter, then music. Addison says that music is the greatest good that mortals know, and all of Heaven we have below. The Goddess somehow learned that Longfellow's Excelsior was appreciated by Rex Beaumont. Excelsior, you know, means higher up. 'This portion of Excelsior, Rex is often heard repeating at twilight: Oh stayjl the maiden said, and rest Thy weary head upon this breast. A te-ar stood in the big black eye But still he answers with a sigh, Excelsior, Accordingly, a box of Excelsior. Somewhere in the good book we read of a foolish virgin who had a lamp, but no oil. We want H-elen Doane to be 'wise and have her lamp burning, so we present her with a bottle of gasoline-fuel for her Coleman lamp. It has been said that what you eat today walks and talks tomorrow. This class walks and talks well because they are go-od feeders. We might like to go to the home of Madeline .Iewett for a feed, so we present her with a rolling pin that can be used for a dual purpose. I have a feeling we should be on the lookout for the needs of our class. This box was given me by a young man who says the Gift without the giver is bare. It's a box of Watkins' heart-balm for Miss Frances Nellis. We have heard' the story of the lost sheep, but saddier yet is the lost man. Ac- cordingly, we give a road map to Ot-to Marshall that he may not get lost on his way to Leslie. The Goddess says she believes in giving beautiful as well as useful gifts, and to Kenneth White we bestow this pi-nk hair-ribbon. We are apt to lose- track of the members of this class. we love so well. Now, Virginia, you write better than many of your class, accordingly, we present you with this pen and request that you use it. n