Merrillville High School - Merrillvue Yearbook (Merrillville, IN)

Text from Pages 1 - 88 of the 1949 volume:

FOREWORD Forward through the pages of this annual march fond memories of the past high school year at Merrillville. This school year, revealed on these pages, can now remain in our hearts forever. This annual was compiled to renew old memories and create an everlasting impression in the hearts of the graduating class of 49. WE’RE LOYAL TO YOU DEDICATION We. the graduating class of 1949, hereby dedicate this annual to our two class sponsors, Mr. Frank Pruitt and Mr. Richard Demaree. We consider ourselves fortunate to have had such loyal, understanding sponsors. We are leaving behind us many material things in life, but with us always will be the pleasant memories of their untiring patience and service. Edgar L. Miller, Principal ADMINISTRATION Cecil A. Grayson, Superintendent of Schools; Teddy Houchin, Trustee F acuity MRS. BARBARA KRIETER School Treasurer MRS. HELEN NESBITT Home Economics MRS. DOROTHY CARLTON English MR. STANLEY SEMOKAITIS Industrial Arts MR. RICHARD DEMAREE History Football Coach MR. LOREN CARRIER Agriculture MRS. JANET BAKER School Librarian MRS. JEAN NAWROCKI Home Economics Science MRS. ELLEN FRAZURE School Secretary MRS. GR Conn JACOBSON [R. BERT EBBS English Mirror Sponsor MR. LEON LaDUKE Grade School Principal MR. FRANK PRUITT Science Mathematics Merrillvue Sponsor MRS. IRENE COLLINS Mathematics Latin MR. PHILLIP NEEDHAM Industrial Arts Mathematics MISS MARY JANE KRAUSE Physical Education History MR. EDWARD ENGELHART Physical Education Basketball Coach — 7 — Annual Staff BEATRICE DEFOOR Assistant Editor DONNA HENRICHS Editor REVA FELLOWS Assistant Editor Message From Editor It has been a great privilege for me to be the editor of the 1949 Merrillvue. But even as editor, I cannot accept all the credit for the merits of this book since we know that it takes team work to accomplish so great a task. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the staff and all others who have helped to make this annual a success. It has been work, but we can truthfully say we have enjoyed every minute of it, since it’s finished. No, not finished, but just beginning — beginning a new life full of new people, environment ,and experiences. May this book help to keep your old memories new. COPY — Joy Brewer, Pat Knoop, Beverly Shrout, Yvonne Miller, Joyce Hancock, Beverly Davis, Boh Wilson. PHOTOGRAPHY — Elizabeth Eurit, Donald Davis. ART — Peggy Jacobus, Don Carpenter, Phyllis Borman. BUSINESS — Robert Kraft, John Shuttleworth, Mary Elnia Bryan, Elaine Green, Corinne MacLaverty. PRODUCTION— Pat Shearer, Shirley Powell, Calvin Prott, Mary Woodland, Rob- ert Achor. Senior Babies Phyllis Borrmann, Charles and Charlene Cross, Shirley Deeter, Reva Fellows. Don Johnson, Joyce Hancock, Peggy Jacobus, Elaine Johnson, Ann Kreiter, Caroline Lenon, Melvin Marshall. Joan McAlpin, Bob McCay, Joan McDonald, Shirley Powell, Calvin Prott. Bob Reichanadter, John Shuttlew ' orth, Jack Wall, Bob Wilson, Ralph Wood. — 10 — ROBERT ACHOR Annual Staff 4; Mirror Staff 4; Junior Play 3; Camera Club 2; Chorus 2; Emerson Orchestra 1. jGRACE ALEXANDER Camera Club 4; G. A. A. 1, 2; Tri-Erp 3; Chorus 2; Lew Wallace 1; East Gary 2; Glee Club 1. PHYLLIS BORRMANN G. A. A. 1, 3, 4; Sports Club 2; Junior Play 3; Mirror Staff 3, 4 Annual Staff 4. LILLIAN BURRIS Sunshine 1 ; G. A. A. 2, 3; Camera Club 4; Mirror Staff 4; Chorus 1, 3, 4. RAYMOND CLEMENTS Student Council 3, treasurer 4, president; Class vice-president 2; Senior Hi-Y 2, 3; Camera Club 2, president; Class president 3; Football 3,4; Track 1. DONALD CONNER Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 3, 4; Chorus 3, 4; Football 4. PATRICIA BLAZE Sunshine 1, 2, 3, 4, president; Junior Play 3; G. A. A. 1, 2; Student Council 4, treasurer; Mirror Staff 4; Prom Queen 3; Class vice-president 3; Chorus 4; Junior Red Cross 1, reporter; Crown Point 2; Art Club 2; Senior Play 4. HOWARD BODAMER Baseball 1, 2, 3, 4; Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 2; Chorus 4; East Gary 1. — 12 — CHARLENE CROSS Camera Club 3, 4; Mirror Staff 4; Junior Play 3; St. Mary’s Springs 1, 2. MARILYN DANIELSON G. A. A. 1, 2; Tri-Ep 3, 4, reporter; Chorus 1,2,3. CLARICE COOK G. A. A. 1; Junior Red Cross 1; Sunshine 2; Sports Club 3. CHARLES CROSS Football 2, 3; Basketball 1, 3; Hi-Y 1, 2, 3; Chorus 3, 4; Camera Club 4; Hobart 1, 2. BEVERLY DAVIS G. A. A. 1, 2; Tri-Ep 3, reporter 4; Chorus 1, 2, 3; Annual Staff 4. NORMA DAVIS G. A. A. 1, 2; Tri-Ep 3, 4; Chorus 3. BEATRICE DEFOOR G. A. A. 1; Junior Red Cross 1; Camera Club 2, 3, 4; Class Treasurer 3; Football Cheer Leade 3, 4; Basketball Cheer Leader 3, 4; Annual Staff 4, Aij-,, sistant Editor. SHIRLEY DEETER G. A. A. 1, 2, 4; Calumet High School 1; Horace Mann 2, 3; Dramatics 2, 3. — 13 — SENIORS ELIZABETH EURIT Camera Club 2, 3, 4; Mirror Staff 4; Annual Staff 4; Chorus 2, 3, 4. REVA FELLOWS Camera Club 2, 3, secretary 4; Annual Staff 3, 4, Assistant Editor; Mirror Staff 4; Class Secretary 3, 4; Chorus 2, 3, 4. VIRGINIA FRANKO Sunshine 2; Sports Club 3, reporter; Mirror Staff 3. JUDY GADNESS G. A. A. 1, 4; Junior Red Cross 1; Camera Club 2; Sports Club 3, vice-president; Mirror Staff 3, as- sistant editor; Annual Staff 4; Chorus 2, 3, 4. RAY GIACOMINI Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 4; Mirror Staff 4. CHARLOTTE GRAY Junior Red Cross 1; G. A. A. 2; Sports Club 3; Camera Club 4; Chorus 4; Senior Play 4. JUDY GREEK G. A. A. 1; Camera Club 2, 3, 4; Mirror Staff 4; Chorus 2, 3, 4. CATHERINE HALFMAN Sports Club 3. SENIORS JOYCE HANCOCK G. A. A. 1; Junior Red Cross 1; Camera Club 2, reporter; Chorus 2; Football Cheer Leader 2, 3; Tri-Ep 3, 4; Annual Staff 4; Mirror Staff 4; Sen- ior Play 4. CHARLES HARDING Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 4; Football 2, 3. 4; Basketball 3; Chorus 4. NANCY HATTEN G. A. A. 1, 2; Tri-Ep 3; Chorus 2. DONNA HENRICHS G. A. A. 1 ; Sunshine 1; Junior Red Cross 1; Sports Club 2; Camera Club 3, 4; Student Council 4; An- nual Staff 3, editor; Senior Play 4. CAROLYN HOCKETT G. A. A. 1. 2; Camera Club 3; Chorus 1, 2, 3. BURDETTE HOMIER F. F. A. 1, 2, 3, secretary, 4, president; Student Council 4; Basketball 1, 2. MARGARET JACOBUS Band 2, 3 secretary, 4, librarian; Camera Club 2, 3, 4, president; Student Council 4; Annual Staff 4; Mirror Staff 4. BETTY JENNINGS G. A. A. 3, 4; Lew Wallace 1, 2; Club Kent 1, 2; Girls’ Club 1, 2. —IS— SENIORS DONALD JOHNSON ELAINE JOHNSON G. A. A. 1; Camera Club 2, 3, 4; Mirror Staff 3, 4; Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4. DAVID JOHNSTON Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4, captain; Football 3, 4; Track 1, 2, 3; Senior Hi-Y 3, 4; F. F. A. 4; Mirror Staff 4. JAMES JUKNEVICH Junior Hi-Y 2; Football 2, 3; Basketball 2, 3; Baseball 2, 3; Track 1. PATRICIA KNOOP Sunshine 1, 2, 3, 4; Mirror Staff 3, 4; Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Annual Staff 4. PHYLLIS KNOOP Sunshine 1, 2, 3, 4; Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Annual Staff 3; Mirror Staff 4. ROBERT KRAFT Class President 1; Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 3, 4, sergeant-at-arms; Baseball 1, 2, 3, 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4, captain; Football 2, 3, 4, co-captain; Class Vice-President 4; Annual Staff 4; Student Council 1, 4. ANN KRIETER G. A. A. 2; Camera Club 3, 4, secretary; Mirror Staff 4, editor; Student Council 4; Chorus 4; St. Mary’s Academy 1. — 16 — SENIORS MAX LEFFERT F. A. A. I, 2, 3, 4. JAMES LENNERTZ Basketball 1; Baseball 2. 3, 4; Junior Hi-Y 2; Sen- ior Hi-Y 3, 4, president; Junior Play 3; Senior Play 4; Mirror Staff 4; Student Council 4; Chorus 4; Prom King 3; St. Joseph’s Academy 1. CAROLINE LENON G. A. A. 1; Camera Club 2; Sports Club 3; Tri- Ep 4; Chorus 3, 4. CORINNE MacLAVERTY G. A. A. 1; Camera Club 2; Sports Club 3, presi- dent; Junior Play 3; Class President 3; Tri-Ep 4; Student Council 2, 3; Chorus 3, 4. MELVIN MARSHALL Junior Hi-Y 2; Baseball 1, 2, 3, 4; Football 2, 3, 4; Basketball 1. 2. JOAN McALPIN Sunshine 3, 4, vice-president; Mirror Staff 4; Chorus 3, 4; Lew Wallace 1, 2. ROBERT McCAY Junior Hi-Y 2; Football 2; Camera Club 2, 3, 4; Band 1, 2, 3. joan McDonald Sunshine 2; Sports Club 3; Camera Club 4, re- porter; Junior Play 3. — 17 — S E N I O R S HENRY MIKULICH F. F. A. 1. 2, 3, 4; Band 1, 2, 3, 4. YVONNE MILLER Junior Red Cross 1; Camera Club 2, treasurer; Sports Club 3; T. B. Association 3; Mirror Staff 4; Annual Staff 4; Tri-Erp 4; Senior Play 4. EDWIN MOEHL Shop Club; Plastic Club; Basketball Manager. DOROTHY MORELAND Camera Club 2; Sunshine 3, 4; Chorus 2, 3, 4; Mirror 4. DELORES NEARING G. A. A. 1 ; Sunshine 1 ; Camera Club 2, 3, vice- president, 4 Junior Play 4; Mirror Staff 4; Class Reporter 2. JOYCE NEFF G. A. A. 1, 2, 3, secretary and treasurer; Class Reporter; Camera Club 4; Chorus 3, 4; Mirror Staff 4. MARILYN NEINER G. A. A. 1; Camera Club 2, 3, 4; Chorus 3, 4. GERALD O’BRIEN Chorus 1, 2; Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 4; Cam- era Club 3; Football 4. - 18 - SHIRLEY POWELL G. A. A. 1, 2; Camera Club 3, 4; Mirror Staff 4; Annual Staff 4; Chorus 2, 3, 4. PRISCILLA PRICE Flint, Michigan, Central High 1, 2; Sunshine 3, 4. 3, 4. CALVIN PROTT Band 1, 2, 3, 4, secretary and treasurer; Chorus 2, 3, 4; Junior Hi-Y 2; Drum Major 4; Junior Play 3; Senior Play 4; Annual Staff 4. SAMUEL REED F. F. A. 2, 3, 4, vice-president; Camera Club 2; Student Council 4. ROBERT REICHANADTER Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Football 3, 4, co-captain; Baseball 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 3; Junior Hi-Y 2, vice- president; Senior Hi-Y 3, 4. vice-president; Class Vice-President 1. HAROLD ROY DIEGO PEREZ Junior Hi-Y 2; Football 2; Chorus 3, 4; Class Sec- retary 1; Camera Club 4; Mirror Staff 4. JOHN PHILBRIN Football 1; Senior Hi-Y 3, 4; Basketball 1. — 19 — LANZA SCHWALL Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 3, 4; Chorus 2; Foot- ball 4; Junior Play 3; Senior Play 4. MICHAEL SENKO Senior Hi-Y 3, 4; Camera Club 2, vice-president; Class Treasurer 1 , 2, 4; Band 1, 2, 3; Mirror Staff 4. BARBARA ELLEN SIBLEY Chorus 3, 4; Mirror Staff 4; Camera Club 4; East Chicago Washington 1, 2. BONNIE SULLIVAN Sunshine 1, 2, 3, 4; Chorus 2, 3, 4; Mirror Staff 4. JAMES THOMPSON Lew Wallace 1; Football 1, 3, 4; Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 3, 4; Junior Play 3; Senior Play 4; Camera Club 4; Mirror Staff 4. JOHN WALL Basketball 1, 2; Baseball 1, 2, 3, 4; Senior Hi-Y 3; Camera Club 4; Mirror Staff 4, assistant editor; Chorus 4. BEVERLY SHROUT Hammond High 1, 2; Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Sunshine 3, 4, corresponding secretary; Annual Staff 4; Mir- ror Staff 4. N SHUTTLEWORTH s 2, 3, 4; Junior Hi-Y 2, reporter; Senior Hi-Y 3, 4. secretary; Student Council 3, 4; Mirror Staff 3, assistant editor; Annual Staff 4; Class President 4; Class Representative 3. — 20 — BARBARA WEIDMAN G. A. A. 1, 2; Camera Club 3, 4; Mirror Staff 4. VERNON WICKMAN Track 1; Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 3, 4. RALPH WOOD Junior Hi-Y 2; Senior Hi-Y 3; Camera Club 4; Basketball 2, 3, 4; Chorus 3, 4. MARY WOODLAND Football Cheer Leader 2, 3, 4; Basketball Cheer Leader 2, 4; Camera Club 2, secretary, 3, 4; Class Secretary 2; Junior Play 3; Senior Play 4; Mirror Staff 3, 4; Annual Staff 4. ROBERT WILSON Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 1, 2; Basketball 2; Football 4; Annual Staff 4; Mirror Staff 4; Cam era Club 4. CHARLES WINGUS Junior Hi-Y 2; Chorus 3. BERTHA YAROS Chorus 1, 2, 3; Tri-Ep 3, secretary, 4; G. A. A. 1, 2; Camera Club 2; Basketball Cheer Leader 4; Football Cheer Leader 4. — 21 — SENIOR HISTORY It’s hardly believable! Why it seems like only yesterday that there were 83 “doomed” freshmen suffering the consequences of a hilarious initiation by pushing peanuts up and down the halls and carrying books for upper classmen. Those were the days when Bob Kraft, the class president, saw to it that all had loads of fun at the Freshman Party with Joyce Neff and Bob Reichanadter elected to he king and queen. Our sophomore year was one we shall always remember. What would we have done without Corinne MacLaverty to preside over us and see us through such good times as the “Sophomore Swing!” We were just getting over that proud feeling of wearing a new class ring when Ray Clements, our Junior Class president, ordered our sweaters according to our class colors, green and white. It is so easy to remember the dance on the marble floor of the Marquette Pavilion when Pat Blaze and Jim Lennertz were the Junior Prom queen and king. This year just couldn’t be over already. We’ve accomplished much this year through the efforts of our president, John Shuttleworth. The first semester was highlighted with the annual Senior Dance with music by the “Starlighters.” Our senior play, which was the comedy, “Keep Moving,” kept the audience in a laughing suspense. We celebrated our successful year by taking a trip to Washington, D. C., for one week. Is it really all over? It’s hardly believable! — 22 — SENIOR OFFICERS Left to right: Mr. Pruitt. Michael Senko, Robert Kraft, John Shuttleworth, Reva Fellows, Mr. Demarce. Left to right : John Shuttleworth, Donna Henrichs, Ray Clements, Robert Kraft, Burdette Homier, Jim Lennertz. EXECUTIVE BODY — 23 — LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT I, Robert Achor, do hereby bequeath my good grades in Latin to any hard-working Latin student. I, Grace Alexander, do hereby bequeath my abil- ity to make up alibies for the mischief I get into to Robert Fieler. I, Patricia Blaze, do hereby bequeath my .mascu- line look to John Snyder. I, Howard Bodamer, do hereby bequeath my abil- ity to not get kicked out of Government to Danny Molchan. I, Phyllis ‘Borrmann, do hereby bequeath my seat in bookkeeping class to some poor unsuspecting soul. I, Lillian Burris, do hereby bequeath my House of Lords and House of Commons to the next Gov- ernment class. I, Raymond Clements, do hereby bequeath my “Model T” to Robert Fieler. I, Donald Conner, do hereby bequeath my “32 Oldsmobile to Fred Alve Smith, so he may visit Betty Reed more often. I, Clarice Cook, do hereby bequeath my quiet per- sonality to my sister, Donna. I, Charles Cross, do hereby bequeath my ability to ditch school and not get caught to Bill Kimble. I, Charlene Cross, do hereby bequeath my long hair to Mary Jesko. I, Marilyn Danielson, do hereby bequeath my peroxide bangs to Joan Yaros. I, Beverly Davis, do hereby bequeolh my “Best Figure” to Mary Brek. I, Norma Davis, do hereby bequeath my naturally curly hair to Janet Woodland. I, Beatrice DeFoor, do hereby bequeath my abil- ity to get a scat in the cafeteria to Mr. Pruitt. I, Shirley Deeter, do hereby bequeath my sense of humor to Joe Jukncvich. I, Elizabeth Eurit, do hereby bequeath by tininess to Rosemary Kelly. I, Reva Fellows, do hereby bequeath my ability to get along with people to Elaine Wullen weber. I, Virginia Franko, do hereby bequeath my stub- bornness and ability to get my way to anyone who could use it. I, Judy Gadness, do hereby bequeath by love for music to Martha Lee Mathews. I, Charlotte Gray, do hereby bequeath my ability to stay out of Mr. Pruitt’s gossip column to anyone who wants it. I, Judy Greek, do hereby bequeath my shyness to Oliver Kelly. I, Ray Giacomini, do hereby bequeath my seat in Jack Philbin’s truck to Bob Mekola. I, Joyce Hancock, do hereby bequeath my ability to roller skate to Mary Ann and Paula Halfman and Darrel Lauer. I, Catherine Halfman, do hereby bequeath my place in school to anyone who needs it. I, Charles Harding, do hereby bequeath my cool- ness to Bill Kimble. I, Nancy Hatten, do hereby bequeath my tall, slender figure to Norma Lawerence. I, Donna Henrichs, do hereby bequeath my giggle to any sourpuss. I, Carolyn Hockett, do hereby bequeath my stub- bornness and phrase “Never Give Up” to Louella Franz. I, Burdette Homier, do hereby bequeath my presi- dency of the F. F. A. to Howard Hughes. I, Margaret Jacobus, do hereby bequeath my old used clarinet reed to R. Shannon. 1, Betty Jennings, do hereby bequeath my seat in Government to anyone who needs it. I, Donald Johnson, do hereby bequeath my shy- ness to Melvin “Shmoe” Baker. 1, Elaine Johnson, do hereby bequeath my seat in Mr. Deniaree ' s Government class to a certain junior. 1, David Johnston, do hereby bequeath my lovable, good-natured disposition to Bad Bob Wilson. I, Ann Krieter, do hereby bequeath all the fun I’ve had in my senior year to any junior who finds it dull. — 24 — I, Patricia Knoop, do hereby bequeath my place in the Clarinet Quartet” to Loma Geyer. I, Phyllis Knoop, do hereby bequeath my solo flute chair to John Snyder. I, Robert Kraft, do hereby bequeath my ability to be late to gym class to Eldon Powell. I, Max Leffert, do hereby bequeath my ability to get along with everybody to anyone. I, Jim Lennertz, do hereby bequeath ray ability to run out of gas on a lonely road to Robert Ficler. I, Caroline Lenon, do hereby bequeath my dislike for men to Mary Brek. 1, Melvin Marshall, do hereby bequeath my hot- headedness to Pat Sullivan. I, Henry Mikulich, do hereby bequeath my great railroading and agricultural ability to the walking student, whoever that fortunate individual may have been. I, Yvonne Miller, do hereby bequeath the inches I didn’t grow to anyone who needs it. I, Erwin Mochl, do hereby bequeath my govern- ment seat to Richard Lines. 1, Dorothy Moreland, do hereby bequeath my Gov- ernment grades to my sister Betty. I, Joan McDonald, do hereby bequeath my red hair to Mr. Pruitt, who needs it, and to my brother Bill, who hates it. I, Corinne MacLaverty, do hereby bequeath my quietness to Janet Woodland, who needs it. I, Joan McAlpin, do hereby bequeath my demerits from Mr. Needham to someone in his next year’s class in study hall. .1, Robert McCay, do hereby bequeath my Model T” to Mr. Miller. I, Joyce Neff, do hereby bequeath mv pep to Jack Sims, who needs it. I, Marilyn Neiner, do hereby bequeath my dirty saddles to Barbara Kwasny. I, Delores Nearing, do hereby bequeath my pep- sodent smile to Jack Sims. I, Jerry O’Brien, do hereby bequeath my neatly placed hair to Mr. Needham. I, Diego Perez, do hereby bequeath my height to Mr. Miller. I, Priscilla Price, do hereby bequeath my curly mop to Mr. Demaree. I, Jack Philbin, do hereby bequeath my truck to Joe McGhee. I, Calvin Prott, do hereby bequeath my clarinet ability to Carol Porter. I, Shirley Powell, do hereby bequeath my love for brown eyes to Pearl Shrout. I, Sam Reed, do hereby bequeath my red hair to Janet Woodland. Mine’s prettier. I, Harold Roy, do hereby bequeath my ability to be so brilliant in Government to some dumb junior. I, Bob ' Reichanadter, do hereby bequeath my book titled “What to Do When You’re Out With a Girl to Eldon Powell. I, John Shuttleworth, do hereby bequeath some of my wavy hair to Mr. Demaree. I, Lanza Schwall, do hereby bequeath my lunch period to Mrs. Baker, who takes it anyway. I, Beverly Shrout, do hereby bequeath my love for studying to my sister Pearl. I. Bonnie Sullivan, do hereby bequeath my typing ability to Richard Neumann. I, Michael Senko, do hereby bequeath my ability to play the French horn to Mr. Demaree to “Go Blow.” I, Barbara Sibley, do hereby bequeath my place on the Mirror Staff to Bill Riddle. I, Cannon Thompson, do hereby bequeath 50 of my 220 pounds to Mrs. Baker. I, Barbara Weidman, do hereby bequeath my golden curly locks to Mary Jesko. I, Bob Wilson, do hereby bequeath my oratory ability to Leon Melvas. I, Mary Woodland, do hereby bequeath my love for the football team to next year’s cheer leaders. I, Jack Wall, do hereby bequeath my red pants to Mr. Miller. I, Charles Wingus, do hereby bequeath my good government grades to John Kokinda. I, Vernon Wichman, do hereby bequeath my mo- tor-scooter to Mr. Miller. I, Ralph Wood, do hereby bequeath my love for school to Don Carpenter. I, Bertha Yaros, do hereby bequeath my cheer leading ability to Audrey Popp. - 25 - Best Dressed Best Personality Pat Blaze, Jim Lennertz Dave Johnston, Reva Fellows Best Looking Norma Davis, Ralph Wood Winning Smile Most Bashful Bebe DeFoor, Jack Wall Robert Achor, Catherine Halfman — 26 — Most Conceited Best Figure and Physique Elizabeth Eurit, Jim Juknevich Beverly Davis, Bob Reichanadter Prettiest Eyes Grace Alexander, Don Conner Most Intellectual Life of the Party Phyllis Knoop, John Shuttleworth Jo McAlpin, Bob Wilson — 27 — CLASS PROPHECY Time: 1959 Place: Gold Digger’s Gulch Mining Town Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater community of “Knuckleheads.” Come with us to those thrilling days of to- morrow. From out of the clouds of dust come the thundering hoof-beats of the Moehl- McCay stage bringing those dynamic person- alities, Frank “The Prank” Pruitt, and Dick “Deadeye” Demaree, for our big reunion. Here comes the welcoming committee head- ed by onr mayor, Ray Clements, and his friends, Sheriff Schwall and Banker Marshall. Well, I’ll be dern, if it isn ' t Howard Bodamer. assistant to Grace Alexander, who runs the “Sloppy Joe Hotel.” Grab the bags, Howie. Shall we begin the tour of the town, Dead- eye? See that building on the corner of Red Stump Lane? That’s the town “horse-pital run by John Shuttleworth. head surgeon. You might know some of his assistants. Donna Henrichs is the superintendent of nurses, Clarice Cook is head of the laboratory, and Charlotte Gray is in charge of pediatrics. That building across the street is the “Gold Digger’s Gulch Dog Pound.” No. you’re not seeing things; that’s a dog. Delores Nearing is the head of it and has trained all the dogs to walk on their hind legs. Elaine Johnson is sewing little coats for them, when she isn ' t busy with her sewing class. Overhead we have the sign, “Blaze and DeFoor.” That’s their office. They’re in ca- hoots with those rustling ombrees, or so we’ve heard. Next door is the Lennertz Livery Stable. Of course he doesn’t handle horses now, since he has invented that new-fangled horseless carriage he calls a “Newsmobile. Upstairs is the Marriage License Bureau, run by James “Cannonball” Thompson, and right next door to it is Jack Philbin’s studio. He teaches people how to overcome shyness. We have on the same floor, Dr . Krieter. phv- chiatrist, and Dr. Yaros. dentist. “Say coach, “how about an ice cream cone?” We’ll go into the drug store. There’s Peg Jacobus, proprietor, and Pricilla Price, her assistant pharmacist. Peggy has been experi- menting with electricity on the side and has recently burned her house down for the sec- ond time. Isn’t that Virginia Franko behind the fountain, mixing up a Double-Trouble banana split? Next door is the “Three D’s Dress Shop” run by Davis, Danielson, and Davis. They are in Hollywood now, design- ing costumes for Getro Moldyn Geyer. You haven’t seen your school yet, have you? Finest in the country, we ' re told. Principal Jerry O’Brien has done a fine job and our new grammar teacher, Judy Greek, is tops. Look. Dick, there’s our government class headed by Phyllis Borrmann. Duck, Mr. Pruitt! Dern that Chuck Cross; he ' ll never get his diploma if he doesn’t stop throwing- erasers. The Bar B-Q Theatre, owned by Joyce Hancock, had its premiere of the movie. “Joe Ball Walks Again,” this afternoon. There’s Joyce now, still passing out announcements, only not our graduation ones this time. Hey, Mr. Demaree, how about going into our general store for a package of “Slooks” cigarettes? Why there ' s Jim Juknevich, the proprietor, talking with Bob Kraft, who owns the bakery while running a bookie joint on the side. Vernon Wichman has been going to the 28 - YMCA to learn how to he a “Charlie Atlas.” Robert Richanadter is the teacher, who was voted as having the best physique in our class in 1949. My, how lie’s changed. Say, Mr. Pruitt, across the street is Liz Eurit’s Palladium. Mary Woodland is here on tour from New York with her skating show, “How to Cheerlead on Ice.” See that large ranch up on the hill, Mr. Demaree? It is owned by Burdette Homier and David Johnston. They’re working on an odorless fertilizer. How would you like to take a trip down to the mines now? We’re right by one of the shafts. What’s that? No, you’re not seeing things. Charlene Cross, the town’s interior decorator, decided the place should be more cheerful, so she hung chartruse drapes at the top of the shaft and dug corner niches ever so often on the way down and put potted plants in them. There’s the foreman, Harold Roy. The production has doubled since he was put on. Are you ready to leave? Let’s see, where shall we go now? Hit the dirt! Here comes those desperadoes, Chuck Hard- ing and Ray Giacomini, being chased by Ma Neff. Probably stealing her pies again. Hey, Ray, the late edition of the “Glitter- ing Star” is out. Did you know that Reva Fellows is the editor? Why, look what it says on page eight : the “Gold Digger ' s Gulch Busy Bee Sewing Circle” met in the home of Mrs. Bonnie (Sullivan) Metcalf. Those at- tending were Mrs. Dorothy (Moreland) Hick- man, Mrs. Barbara (Sibley) Slissigger, and Mrs. Joan (MacDonald) Meeks. We see on page six that Judy Gadness, our leading street cleaner, is waging an anti-paper campaign. It also says that we’re having a lecture Sunday by Beverly Shrout, the mis- sionary, who arrived home from China last week. Did you know, Mr. Pruitt, we had a big fire in our town last week? The Old Maids’ Home burned down, leaving the owners, Nan- cy Hatten and Carolyn Hockett homeless. Come, coach, let’s go into Conner’s Florist Shop and get a couple of boutonnieres. There is Max Leffert and Betty Jennings fixing cor- sages. Seems like everyone wants flowers for the big shindig. Before we leave to go to the party at the saloon, let’s visit the town’s leading photogra- phers — Wall. Weidman, and Wingus — to have our pictures taken. Let’s don’t, though, it gets too tiresome sitting all afternoon with your head in those racks. We’ll cross the street now, and go into the “Pick and Shovel Saloon. That’s where the party is being held. It’s a very respectable place, serving nothing harder than lemonade spiked with pickle juice. Here comes Shirley Powell ,the proprietor, now. How about a short limeade, Mr. Pruitt? Hey, bartender. Well, if it isn’t Deigo Perez! Say, what’s that you’re reading? “Handbook for Bar- tenders” by Donald Johnson. This must be a new one. I’ve read a few of his books. Good, we’re just in time for the floor show. Red Nickels and his Five Pennies are play- ing here. Red Nickels is really Sam Reed, but he has changed his name. Henry Miku- lich, Mike Senko, Robert Achor, Phyllis and Pat Knoop are the Five Pennies. Have you seen the new comedy team of McAlpin and Wilson? We were really lucky to get them for tonight. They’re in great demand. Look who just came in! Calvin Prott, the town’s mortician, and his able-bodied assist- ant, Shirley Deeter. Looking for prospects, I bet. Hey, what’s all the commotion over in the corner? Why, it’s Ralph “Deac” Wood. Boy. he’s really rolling in dough. He just returned from the hills where he struck it rich. The lights are beginning to dim and here’s Catherine Halfman, backed by her chorus girls, Lillian Burris, Yvonne Miller. Caroline Lenon, Corinne Mac Laverty and Marilyn Neiner, to sing “Carry Me Back to Old M. H. S.” Let’s all sit back and RELAX! - 29 — INSIDE STUFF — 30 — JUNIOR OFFICERS Left to right: Jacqueline Richards, Mrs. MacMurray, Mr. Ebbs, Mrs. Baker, Pat Sullivan, Donald Carpenter, Betty Bowers. JUNIOR HISTORY The chills went up and down the spines of everyone present watching “The Skeleton Walks.” This was the Junior play which was held on November 12, 1948, and directed by Mr. Ebbs with the aid of Betty Hickman. These busy beavers built up their class treasury considerably by sponsoring a dance after the Lowell basketball game and the annual Junior Dance held April 8, 1949. Of course, the main event of the year was the Junior-Senior Prom held May 13, 1949, at the Lake Hills Country Club. The theme was “Deep Purple,” which was carried out by the beautiful decorations, and with the music of Sandy Richard’s Orchestra. Patty Shearer and Bill Kimble reigned over the dance as queen and king of the prom. It would be hard to find better leaders in this crucial year than our president, Pat Sullivan; vice-president, Donald Carpenter; secretary Jacqueline Richards; and treas- urer, Betty Bowers. We owe a lot to the willing and capable help of our sponsors, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. MacMurray, and Mr. Ebbs. 32 — JUNIORS Row 1: Jerry Kuntz, Donald Davis, Donald Butcher. Row 2: Robert Franz, Rich- ard Newman, Alfred Smith, Gilbert Tanne r, Edwin Wolfe. Row 3: Mary B r e k, Jerry Johnson, Janet Cook, Ger- aldine MacLaverty, Mary Jesko. Row 4: Betty Bowers, Paula Pickford, Sue Krieter, Patty Laskosky, Barbara Kwasny. Row 5: Marilyn Burkhart, Theresa Franko, Betty Ann Dick, Betty Hickman, El- sie Wesley. Row 6: Tom Rastovski, Don- ald Lakeburg, Edward Jen- kins, John Snyder, William Hall. Row 7: William Riddle, Rob- ert Chapman, Charles Hoeppner, Michael Price, Ralph White. Row 8: Robert Fieler, Ber- nice Kapela, Louise Half- m a n, Virginia Olejniczak, Richard Brink Row 9: Grace Bodamer, Paula Halfman, Mary El- ma Bryan, Pearl Shrout, JoAnn Yaros. — 33 — JUNIORS Row 1 : Edward Black, Rob- ert Reed, Larry Lahaie, Richard Frankovich, Janies Bailey. Row 2: Richard Hull, Rich- ard Lines, William Ford, Danny Molchan, Donald Magee. Row 3: Betty Major, Joyce Kelly, lone Hayes, Patricia Shearer, Elaine Green. Row 4: Shirley Essick, Helen Calhoun, Rose L e g g i 1 1. Mary Lee Ingles, Norma Lawrence. Row 5: James Hollingsworth, Edward Jeffery, Jerome Krieter, Robert Mage, Vic- tor Williams. Row 6: Andrew Taylor, Mar- vin Manis, Jack Sims, El- don Powell. Sheldon Popp. Row 7 : Richard Johnson, Charles Magnuson, Dean Leake, Robert Wilson, Donald Carpenter. Row 8: Dorthea Rendo, Bet- ty Moreland, Martha Lee Matthews, James Spurr, Donald Leake. Row 9: Dorothy Wingis, Lu- ella Franz, Ocie Roy, Jac- queline Richards, Rose Ann Boda. — 34 — JUNIOR PLAY The Skeleton Walks’’ by Felicia Metcalfe, was given on November 12 by the jun- ior class. An evening performance was given at 8 p. m. in the school gym; the matinee performance was given on November 11. In this three-act mystery comedy, Elaine Blain inherited an old house that was supposed to be empty. When Elaine and her family arrived they found it was occupied by several people. There was a large sum of money hidden in the house which only Elaine and Dr. Fersig (one of the persons living in the house) knew about. This money is the cause of many exciting events to follow. Elaine’s little brother, Bobby, and sister, Kinks, furnished plenty of laughs for every- one. At the end came a big surprise — something the audience never anticipated. The play, with the support of the cast and production crew, was a huge success. JUNIOR PLAY CAST Dr. Harold Fersig A1 Smith Elaine Blair Barbara Kw ' asny Mrs. Madge Embrey Geraldine Johnson Bobby Embrey Eldon Pow ' ell Kathleen (Kinks) Embrey Patty Shearer Anne Rowell Pat Laskosky Mrs. Eliza Hubbard Dean Leake Ollie Hubbard Mary Lee Ingles Mrs. Lillie Donahue Paula Pickford Bill Clayton Edward Black Prom Candidates The candidates for the Junior Prom Queen were Gerry MacLaver- ty, Patty Shearer, and Betty Bowers. For King were Danny Molchan, Pat Sullivan, Bill Kim- ble, and Donald Car- penter. — 35 — SOPHOMORE OFFICERS Left to right: Mr. Carrier, Donald Maffitt, Mr. Semokaitis, Joy Brewer, Charles Lanham, Wilma Horst. SOPHOMORE HISTORY Say, this class really has something to be proud of! Do you know that it was from this class that the annual Football Queen was chosen? Besides that, one of the most successful dances of the year, “The Wishing Well,” was sponsored by this up-and- coming class. Just look at those “classy” sweaters. Their class colors, green and gold, would catch anybody’s eye. All in all, the sophomores have proved themselves worthy of a good standing in our high school, next year bringing what it may. The officers for the year were Joy Brewer, president; Charles Lanham, vice-presi- dent; Wilma Horst, secretary; and Donald Maffitt, treasurer. Their class sponsors for both years were Mr. Carrier and Mr. Semokaitis. — 36 — SOPHOMORES Row 1 : Ronald Aubuchon, Darrel Lauer, Richard Hol- lingsworth, Harlo Porter, Robert Mandly. Row 2: Fred Smith, Robert Smith, Oliver Kelly, Joey Titlcy ,Evan Gosser. Row 3: Marilyn Sager, Shir- ley Laskosky, Wilma Horst, Donald Maffitt, Ted Henriehs. Row 4: Theresa Smith, Peg- gy Franko, Dorothy Ras- tovski, Audrey Popp, De- lores Knetz. Row 5: Alex Bianchi, Wil- liam McDadc, Wharton W e i t brock, William Mc- Donald, Glenn Harms. Row 6: Robert Danielson, Patrick Griffin, John Ko- kinda, John Miller, Albert Vereb. Row 7 : Bonnie Lindberg, Olga Eberhardt, Jerry Kuz- ma, Donald Yaros, Nolan Temple. Row 8: Rosemary Kelly, Bonnie B u h r, Anne Cha- dourne, Eleanor L e f f ert, Joyce DeFoor. — 37 — SOPHOMORES Row 1: Larry Joyce, Charles Beal, Vernon Saxton. Row 2: Alary Ann Hallman, Joan Powers, Dean Lewis, Charles Gernenz. Row 3: Barbara Keaton, Vic- toria Van Mcertan, Lynn Leake, Shirley Havard. Row 4: Rosalie Sharp, Louise V a r r o, Joy Brewer, Bar- bara Kirk. Row 5: Tom H o f f meister, Charles L a n h a m, Leon Malvas. Row 6 : John Burris, Howard Hughes, Arthur Lewis, Lyle Van Gorp. Row 7: Margaret Scries, Lor- raine Schmidt, Delores Dondanville. Arlene Wil- son. Row 8: Peggy O’Brien, Bet- ty Benoit, Roberta Ingra- ham, Barbara Borrmann. — 38 — FRESHMAN OFFICERS Left to right: John Ashton, Mrs. Collins ,Mr. Needham, Joan Gricman, Tom Barbercheck. FRESHMAN HISTORY September, 1948, found 90 new “freshies” wandering through the halls thinking: “Now where is the room? Should I take this subject now or later?” At our first class meeting with our sponsors, Mrs. Collins and Mr. Needham, the class officers were elected. They were John Ashton, president: Tom Barbercheck. vice-president; Joan Creiman, seertary-treasurr; and Ronald Jones, Student Council representative. The class of “52“ had one of the shortest initiations in M. Id. S. history, which was caused by some vandals. Perhaps it was long enough for some of us freshman. On January 8th and 15th, the freshman basketball tourney was held during which many exciting games were seen. Although there were many “ups and downs at the skating party, January 1st, fun was had by all. We hope that our class will have as much success in our final years and prove tc be a valuable asset to our school. — 39 — FRESHMEN Row 1 : Wayne Hartnip, Mel- vin Baker, Joseph Jukne- vich, Richard Mayer, Jo- seph Halfman. Row 2: Twilda Harding, Ann Franko, Dorothy Series, Norma Jewell, Jane Ham- ilton. Row 3: Barbara Kapella, Doris Spurr, Patsy Fetsch, Marion Horner, Ada Roll. Row 4: Laura Novak, Nancy Ballard, Peggy Bogan, Loma Geyer, Joyce Lape. Row 5: Paul M a x e y, John War d, Ronald Langbehn, John Ashton, Bill Turley. Row 6: Raymond Kent, John Roessing, Fred Taylor, Dale Lewis, Matt Smederovac. Row 7-: Everette Home icr. Bill Christiansen, Danny Smith, Patsy Mandly, Lois Franz. Row 8: Edward Hein, Roy Shannon, Jack Hillis, Jo- seph McGhee, Shirley Butcher. Row 9: Patsy C h e n t n i k, Nona Lou Murray, Noreen S t r u b 1 e, Elaine Young, Joan Griemau. - 40 - Row 10: Huey Richards, Carol Smith, Ralph Hunt, Bill Springer, James Jones. FRESHMEN Row 1: Frank Smith, John C h i a cl o, Robert Horst, Charles Bohn. Row 2: Frances Wade, Anna Wade, Susan Houchin, Faith Yarnell. Row 3: Catherine Taylor, Janet Woodland, Anna Ra- tajec, Marilyn L a k eburg, Terry Pierce. Row 4: Sally Deeter, Jean- nette Bennington, Jack Hol- lar, Tom Barbercheck, John Wolfe. Row 5: Charles Johnston, Douglas Witham, Ronald Jones, Robert Adler, James Roscoe. Row 6: Jerry Jones, Ronald Youngkin, Max Kirk, David Bookwalter, John Fetko- vich. Row 7: Norma Lines, Bar- bara Mitchell, Franklin Forman, James S i e v e r t, Donald Mills. Row 8: Barbara Rhodes, Anacleta Glennon, Natalie Williams, Norma Schreiber, Judith Price. — 41 — PASSING B Y — 42 — FOOTBALL COACHES Actions speak louder than words in the case of Coach Demaree, but “Block, you ‘knuckleheads’ ” seemed to suit Coach Semokaitis, or so we’ve bee n told by members of the team. We join the team in saying “Thanks” to the coaches for a job well done. FOOTBALL SCHEDULE M 0 Sept. 8— Wirt (T) 0 27 Sept. 10 — East Gary (T) 6 6 Sept. 17 — Rensselaer (H) 0 6 Sept. 24 — Crown Point (H) 20 7 Oct. 1 — Lowell (T) 7 12 M O Oct. 8— Griffith (H) 13 20 Oct. 15 — East Gary (H) 0 0 Oct. 22— Wirt (H) 20 33 Oct. 26 — Valparaiso (H) 18 19 Oct. 30— Crete (H) 21 18 CHEERLEADERS “Down that field, GO!” is one of the cheers that echoed across the football fields this year. This and many others, led by our four cheer leaders, Mary Woodland, Bebe De- Foor, Bertha Yaros, and Pat- ty Shearer, helped see our team through a successful season. Rain or shine saw these girls out there giving it all they had. — 45 — SENIOR BOYS ■ ’ f w . . J2 The close of the ’48 foot- ball season saw the last chance for these boys to play high school football. These boys stuck with it. even though they all didn’t see ac- tion in every game. We re- gret losing them because they have done such a swell job of raising the spirits of the team. ' 48 FOOTBALL TEAM The team, for the first time in their three-vear history, played on their own home field. This football field, one of the best in this district, was made possible by the efforts ot the community as well as the students. With Bob Kraft and Bob Reichanadter, co-captains, the team finished up a season of two wins, two ties, and six losses. The reserves also finished a good season with three wins, one tie, and two losses. VARSITY FOOTBALL Kraft ' C HOWDER D N N Y” ‘Big Ed ' Rick — 46 — CAUGHT IN THE ACT COACH ENGELHART Words cannot express our appreciation for having such a wonderful coach at our school. This feeling comes deep from the hearts of the students as well as the members of the team. His hard-driving ambition has placed Merrillville’s basket- ball team as one of the top-ranking high school teams in Northern Indiana. BASKETBALL SCHEDULE O M Nov. 19 — Edison (H) 47 61 Nov. 23 — Crown Point (T) 31 35 Dec. 3 — East Gary (H) 39 58 Dec. 10 — Portage (H) 33 46 Dec. 15 — Hammond Noll (H) 45 44 Dec. 17 — Roosevelt (H) 32 37 Jan. 4 — Griffith (T) 39 37 Jan. 7 — Edison (H) 37 62 Jan. 12— Hobart (T) 43 58 O M Jan. 14 — Dyer (T) 35 54 Jan. 18 — Lowell (T) 34 38 Jan. 21 — Crown Point (H) 38 49 Jan. 28 — Hebron (T) 38 54 Feb. 2 — East Gary (T) 65 54 Feb. 4— Wheeler (T) 39 51 Feb. 9 — Griffith (H) 31 46 Feb. 11— Wirt (T) 35 35 Feb. 18— Lowell (H) 34 38 CHEER LEADERS These peppy girls. Mary, Bertha, Patty and Bebe, with the New Look” added, were right in style for cheer lead- ing. By working with the Pep Club, they’ve done much towards boosting the moral of the team. Although high school cheer leading is over for three of them, we hope that the movement for better school spirit encouraged by these four girls will continue next year. — 48 — VARSITY BOYS Those eleven faces you see in the picture make up the varsity team of Merrillville High School. Not quite liv- ing up to the reputation of last year, the Pirates, never- theless .finished up in first place. The Pirates will lose their two captains, Dave Johnston and Bob Kraft, along with three other seniors this year. Our team finished up their ’48-’49 basketball season with seventeen wins in twenty-one starts. The Pirates ranked first in the Calumet minor school standings, but lost the conference trophy by a defeat handed to them front Wirt. Our team looked superior this year on any floor with their new purple satin warm-up pants. The help of the student managers, Ralph White, Bill Riddle, and Boh Mandly, was certainly appreciated by the team and the rest of the student body. SECOND TEAM The second team, really two teams in one, the sophomore class, offered a fine exhibition of team work this season. Although there was competition between the two classes, these boys really played together out on the gym floor. With no special captain for the year, real sportsmanship accounted for nine wins and eight losses. Merrillville . . 23 Gary Edison . .20 Merrillville . . 19 Crown Point . .20 Merrillville .. 22 East Gary . .34 Merrillville . . 21 Portage . .19 Merrillville . . 29 Hammond Noll . . . . . .20 Merrillville . . 24 Griffith . .29 Merrillville .. 31 Gary Edison ..15 Merrillville . . 17 Hobart . .23 Merrillville . . 25 Dver ..22 Merrillville . . 28 Lowell ..27 Merrillville . . 23 Crown Point . .32 Merrillvil le . . 37 Hebron . .18 Merrillville . . 18 East Gary ..20 Merrillville .. 23 Wheeler . .20 Merrillville . . 21 Griffith . .16 Merrillville .. 30 Lowell . .18 Merrillville . . 17 Wirt . .26 O L I DAY T O U R N E Y Once they get started you just can’t stop them. Or at least that’s what happened in the Holiday Tourney when the Pirates heat Dyer, Crown Point, and Griffith to take the tournament. These victories resulted from team work on the part of each player, so necessary in winning a game. Rewards for the victory were the Holiday Trophy presented to Coach Englehart and a gold basketball for each player. Chowder, followed by the rest of the team, cut down the nets on each end of the floor, an honor that Merrillville has enjoyed for the third time in the last four years. Merrillville 51 Over 36 Merrillville 64 Crown Point 53 Merrillville 51 Griffith 40 - 50 - — 51 — O N THE BALL Wilson PO W ELL f8 ' 4 9 Woody ARSlTY Bailey Kraft Danny Chowder K mple — 52 — SPORTS REVIEW — 53 — I he outlook for the 1949 baseball season looks very good. With ten veterans back and a large number of candidates, Coach Engelhart will have plenty of boys from which to choose his starters. Last season the Pirates lost out, one game away from the conference championship. The Pirates will play several practice games before going into their conference schedule. The conference games for the year are . Merrillville at Wheeler Crown Point at Merrillville Lowell at Merrillville Merrillville at Griffith East Gary at Merrillville Dyer at Merrillville Merrillville at Gary Edison — 54 — STUDENT COUNCIL This important body of our school life, initiated the year with a “Clean-Up Lock- ers” drive, in which members of the coun- cil undertook the job of straightening ont quite a number of lockers. This was no easy job. but was soon followed with a “Safety Drive.” The Student Council, with Ray Clements, president ; Pat Sullivan, vice - president ; Patty Shearer, secretary; and Pat Blaze, treasurer, was kept busy sponsoring such activities as the Goodfellow Carolers at Christmas; the magician, Orenda; the Fly- ing Parson, Gil Dodds; Four Shades of Harmony; Dr. Davis, and many movies. The Student Council voted this year to award athletic sweaters to cheer leaders who served two or more years and a letter for those who served one year. The Student Council can be an impor- tant part of our school life. Let’s keep it that way. — 56 — T H I EPSILON The Tri-Ep, known to its members as the Tri Epsilon Chapter of the Future Homemakers of America, carried on their tradition by a formal candlelight initiation held in the home economics room last October. With the election of their officers, Gerry Johnson, president; Marthalee Mathews, vice-president; Bertha Yaros, secretary; Corinne Mac Laverty, treasurer; Caroline Lenon, historian; and Marilyn Danielson, reporter, things got underway with the sponsoring of two bake sales, representa- tives attending the District F. H. A. meet- ings at East Chicago and Rensselaer, writ- ing letters to home economics girls in Ger- many, representatives attending the State Convention at Ball State Teachers College, skating, bowling, and many other interest- ing activities. The 1 ri-Ep is one of the outstanding clubs in the school and is carried on through the efforts of Mrs. Nawrocki. — 57 — — 58 — What’s this? There goes Pat and Jo running around from room to room! They ' re a couple of the Sunshine officers getting food for Thanksgiving baskets for the needy. (By the way, ten baskets were supplied.) A formal candlelight ceremony in honor of the new initiates started off our social events of 1 49 with the five officers, Pat Blaze, president; Jo McAlpin, vice-president; Arlene Wilson, treasurer; Dorothy Moreland, re- cording secretary; Beverly Shrout, corresponding secretary, dressed in Grecian robes. The initiates were inspired to help spread sunshine wherever they go. The Christmas season brought apple Santas to the fa ulty of M. H. S. and cheer to the T. B. patients at the sanitarium through caroling. Thirty-six dolls furnished by the Salvation Army wer. ' distributed and beautifully dressed to make some little girls happy. The Mexican Fiesta in February was a combina- tion social and money-making project. Chili was served in the cafeteria after dancing to the music of the “Cavaliers.” The month was also highlighted with sale of roses for Valentine’s Day. The annual Mothers ' -Ideal Ladies ' Tea was held in the school library. This formal tea is one of the nicest social functions, bringing together the girls and their mothers and ladies they have chosen as their ideals. In token of appreciation for the senior girls, gifts were given to each. The climax of the year is our Farewell Party at which the Sunshine Secret Pals are revealed. GIRL ' S ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Here comes another one, hit her hard!” These and other shouts of laughter and merry-making came from the older members, initiating new girls into the G. A. A. We see a picture of the club this year as a base- ball team. The pitcher, Patty Shearer, president; the catcher, Sue Krieter, vice-president; and first base, and Mary Ellen Bryan, as treasurer With Miss Krause as umpire the team scored many runs, such as selling mums to benefit David Blank, carrying on successful fudge sales, sponsoring the annual Sadie Hawkins’ Dance, participating in such sports as soft- ball, basketball, and bowling. The athletic girls added to the school spirit this year by starting a Pep Club under the direction of Miss Krause. — 59 — SENIOR H I - Y That popcorn sure smells good! The Hi-Y boys are at it again, making profits for their club by selling popcorn at school games and other activities. Not a bad idea, either, especially with James Len- nertz as president; Bob Reichanad- ter, vice-president; John Shuttle- worth, secretary-treasurer; Robert Kraft, sergeant-at-arms; and Dave Johnston, chaplain. Don’t go away; we still have more. These boys beat the Junior Hi-Y in a touch football game by the great margin of 13 to 0, to re- gain the beautiful trophy. A favorite of the year was the donkey basketball game, sponsored by the Hi-Y and the Lions’ Club. We didn’t know’ which to laugh at, the donkeys or the fools riding ’em. - 60 - JUNIOR H I - Y The Junior Hi-Y, one of the most popular clubs for underclass hoys, is completing its third year since its organizations in ' 46 and ’47. This club is to give the boy pre- liminary work in the Hi-Y field before they become members in the .Senior Hi-Y. Friendly rivalry ex- ists between these two clubs, espe- cially in athletic events, such as the annual football game. This year it was won by the Senior Hi-Y for the first time by a score of 13-0. The club was again fortunate in securing the services of Coach Richard Demaree for their sponsor. Officers for the year were Charles Lanharn, president; Ronald Jones, vice-president; Bill McDonald, sec- retary and treasurer; Warton Wiet- brock, sergeant-at-arms, and Wayne Carpenter, reporter. — 61 — MIRROR STAFF We have enjoyed putting out our share of the Mirror.” Our staff consisted of approximately twenty-five students, and each student was as- signed to a particular job on our school paper. We have had many interesting columns, some of which were “Sub-Deb,” a column written for the girls and by the girls containing information on the latest fashions and anything that proved to be of interest to the female sex. The boys had a column they named “Esquire” which was strictly for the men. Our paper also contained sport articles, Tips for Teens, Questions and Quotes, and large and small features which contained anything from poetry and music to the latest gossip around school. It averages fifteen pages an issue. The editions we found most interesting were tlie Armistice Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day. and April Fool’s Day publications. We have enjoyed “The Mirror and working with each other as a staff. — 62 — MIRROR STAFF Tlie Mirror staff this year was chosen from our senior English classes. The two classes took turns putting out the various issues, which came out every two weeks. The aims of our school paper were to keep students posted on news of the school, foster good will among schools through the exchange of papers, encourage school spirit, and acquaint new students with the activities of the school. This year there were some exceptionally good features and editorials which were furnished by both students and teachers. The topics concerned themselves with pertinent facts about conditions of the school. Many suggestions have been at- tained from them. The sports activities have received full cover- age. We have tried through our repbrts on these activities to stress the importance of good sports- manship. The other activities, including music, clubs, gossip, and seniors of the week have not been slighted. Altogether, we feel that the “Mirrors” of this year have been up to standard. We hope that all our issues of the Mirror have truly reflected the better characteristics of our school. - 63 — CAMERA CLUB “O-o-oh! it’s dark in here! exclaimed a new Camera Club member. “But, of course,” replied Peggy Jaco- bus, president. “This is our new dark room.” The Camera Club got down to business this year, spent $100 on equipment to develop film, prints, and enlarge prints. They raised funds by sponsoring a dance and holding a concession stand at the P. T. A. Carnival, and added to their treasury by offering photographic serv- ice to all the high school members. Of course, what else can we expect with Mr. Pruitt as club sponsor! A contest was held during the second semester from which the best pictures were selected and entered in the National Photographic Contest. Photography is an interesting hobby for all teen-agers, and we’re sure the Camera Club will continue to grow. — 6 - 1 — FUTURE FARMERS AMERICA O F The Merrillville chapter of the F. F. A. represents a membership of 32 active members. This is an inter-curricular or- ganization with a motto: I believe in the future of farming.” The season ' s ac- tivities started with an officer’s leader- ship training school held in Rensselaer in October. Following this activity came the mid-western scrap-metal drive in No- vember. Here the members went to work and won fourth prize in Indiana for the amount of metal collected. A principal F. F. A. activity is public- ity. February 19th a group of three boys were presented on “WJOB Farm Frol- ics. They were Howard Hughes, Sam Reed, and Charles Gernenz. The officers for the year were Howard Hughes, president; Charles Gernenz, vice- president; Charles Hoeppner, secretary; William Douthett, treasurer; Henry Mi- kulich, reporter; Fred Taylor, watchdog; Loren R. Carrier, advisor. There are four degrees in F. F. A. work. They are greenhand, future farm- er, state farmer, and American farmer. All boys work hard to obtain advanced degrees. This is the fifth year of F. F. A. or- ganization in Merrillville, but it is con- sidered one of the most active chapters in the district. Our district meet in Kent- lant was represented by twenty-six mem- bers at a banquet dinner. Our state meet at Purdue University was represented by ten members on April 7th. 8th and 9th. It can be said that there is always plenty to do and the F. F. A. of Merrill- ville is always busy doing it. - ' 4k ii r 1 h k m Lr } ■■■■ mm: m X J • J tl . v ' mm., W ■ BAND WOW! Check that high-stepping Calvin Prott, drum major, and his two attractive majorettes, Noreen Strub- ble and Sandra Frazure, strutting down our new foot- ball field, followed by Merrillville’s new marching band. They entertained football fans with such formations as the moon and star, heart, and the initial letters of the schools. We gave two successful concerts and were rated high in the state contest, while several of our soloists did well in the district and state solo contests. The officers for the year were James Spurr, presi- dent; Donald Leake, vice-president; Calvin Prott, sec- retary; Margaret Jacobus and John Snyder, librarians. Under the financing of the Band Boosters, we ob- tained a tape-recorder which enabled us to hear our mistakes and correct them, and also a brass clarinet. We will always remember the good times we had in the band under our wonderful director, Mr. Jacobson. — 66 — _J ! L CHOIR “Climbing up the mountain, children,” are the words that anyone might hear last period of the day, when the choir meets to practice this and other songs ren- dered to them by their musical director, Mr. Jacobson. On the calendar for this year were- the winter con- cert of the Messiah” by Handel, given in the school gym, the dedication of the new Presbyterian Church in Independence Hill, two visits to Crown Point, Febru- ary 6th and 18th, and the annual spring concert. Beverly Shrout, Pearl Shrout, and Elaine Green made up the trio for this year. Their lilting voices were pleasing to anyone’s ear. The choir went to the district music contest April 2nd, at Hebron, and were fortunate enough to go to the State Contest, April 9th, at Auburn, Indiana. The whole student body will miss Mr. Jacobson, as he finishes his eighth year of teaching music here to go on to teach at Hobart. The entire school wishes him happiness and success in his new position. — 67 — PROM O F 19 4 8 Waltzing to the beautiful moonlight music of Bud Pressner and his orchestra, everyone was swept into the “Twilight Time” heavens for only three short hours. The queen. Pat Blaze, arrayed in her shimmering gown of silver, was escorted by the king, Jim Len- nertz, handsome in his white dinner jacket with black drapes. The main event of the evening took place with the crowning of the king and queen by Alice Lanham and Robert Springer, queen and king of the 1947 prom. True to tradition, the prom was held in the Mar- quette Park Pavilion, with the background which only it can provide, on May 14, 1948, at 9:00 p. m. — 68 — SCHOOL DANCES The kick-off for the year was the Football Hop, November 4, 1948, with music by the Starlighters. The school gym was decorated in the traditional purple and white, with goal posts at each end and a football to represent each player. Louise Varro, queen of the Hop, was selected by a money vote, the proceeds going to the athletic fund. “What’s this?” was the astonishing words of our principal as he sat on a bar stool and ordered a beer and pretzels. Of course, this was all a part of the fun the student body w-as enjoying in the make-believe barroom and gambling house of the ’49ers Golden Nuggett, otherwise known as the Senior Dance. All the senoritas waving their brightly colored fans and the senors with their gayly colored sashes around their waists initiated the first of its kind, the Mexican Fiesta, also introducing our own high school band, the “Cavaliers.” Jose and Conchita, Jo McAlpin and Arlen Mohler, crowned with a mantilla and sombero, were chosen by numbers on their fans and sashes. They reigned over the dance and chili supper fol- lowing. On the March agenda is the Sophomore Dance, better known as the Wishing Well.” Music was furnished by the “Cavaliers,” and as the saying goes, “A good time was had by all.” The Junior Dance, highlighted with the announcement of Patty Shearer and Bill Kimble as prom king and queen. This annual event, with music by the “Cavaliers,” closed our season for school dances. — 69 — COOKS AND JANITORS Uin-m-m! Doesn’t that smell good? Naturally, it’s just one of the many adequate meals prepared by our head cook, Mrs. Harbit, and the others. Mrs. Newcomb and Mrs. Rendo, for the student body. These women are to be congratulated on their fine work. The janitors, too, should pop their buttons in pride. Imagine what this school would look like without Mr. Henrichs, Mr. Pierce, Mr. Waltz, and Mr. Niksch to keep it clean. — 70 — PIC PARADE — 71 — graphs — 72 — RUDY’S Texaco’s Service Route 330 Merrillville, Indiana Compliments of METCALF’S DRUG STORE Phone Crown Point 231 Merrillville Lumber Coal Co. Broadway at Merrillville Phone Crown Point 960 GREEN ACRES GROCERY ARNOLD H. BACHMANN Green Acres, Indiana Phone Hobart 8018Y1 Compliments of CROWN POINT REGISTER Compliments of HENDEDLONG LUMBER GO., INC. Building Headquarters Crotvn Point, Indiana Rich in Vitamins Gathered ripe to capture the full vitamin flavor. If you cannot purchase this in your home town — write us — P. O. Box J. S., Chicago (90) Sexton Qua ify 3voct - SWEISEY’S APPLIANCES Electrical and Plumbing Suppliers Merrillville, Indiana Phone Crown Point 8077 Y1 Meeker Classen SALES AND SERVICE Dodge — Plymouth — Dodge Trucks Crown Point, Ind. Established 1898 Root Lumber Co. BUILDING HEADQUARTERS SINCE 1892 Crown Point Indiana BLUM’S SERVICE STATION Brilliant Bronze Gasoline Tires . . Batteries . . Greasing Merrillville E. K. SOWASH GRAIN CO. GRAIN— FEED— HAY— SEED Phone Crown Point 280 — 73 — r RUSSELL’S GARAGE BUICK and PONTIAC Crown Point 201 142 Main Street Compliments of DEMMON’S GROCERIES Merrillville Indiana MITCHELL’S SPORT SHOP of HOBART B. A. Railton Co. WHOLESALE GROCERS 363-405 West Erie Street Chicago 10, Illinois Compliments of Walter and Lennertz OLDSMOBILE GARAGE Merrillville Phone Crown Point COMPLIMENTS OF A FRIEND NELRDORE and LOYCE COAL Merrillville FORI) ROTHERMEL - HILL Inc. 1000 North Main Street Crown Point, Indiana Phones 68 or 940 NOVAK’S BILL CARROLL ROYAL BLUE CHEVROLET DEALER Merrillville, Indiana Crown Point, Indiana STRUERIG AND SON INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS— INTERNATION AL REFRIGERATION PACKARD MOTOR SALES Crown Point Phone 221 Indiana — 74 — — 75 —