Middletown High School - Chestnut Burr Yearbook (Middletown, MD)

Text from Pages 1 - 76 of the 1953 volume:

mBmmmHmsmammmmmm«m«mm ,mHiM m ammmm g)Iic V lvC tfXiit QJu utt qVPxc Sc.vtc Sfa 5 oj ' 1953 MARY GRAMS, Editor MARY THOMAS, Asst. A MESSAGK TO THE SENIORS ih It is my task and privilege to write a word for the 195 3 Yearbook. 1 say task, be- cause, as 1 gather experience, it seems increasingly difficult to know what words will give direction to the lives of you who leave our schools for endeavor in other fields. When one thinks of the possibilities of youth in this great age, it is little Vk onder that oldsters should become awed and unpretentious. As one realizes your potentiali- ties and your possibilities, one should be profoundly humble. Doubtless some of your names will be eligible for Who ' s Who, while your former teachers are picking daisies in the Elysian Fields. HERBERT F. DAVIS, Prmcipal Much is required of youth in this atomic age. Much can be and must be accomplished if our civilization is to survive. Your thinking must be done in a channel that promotes the betterment of man. You must not have a distorted vision such as Fuchs or Hiss possessed. It is often more important to move steadily and unrelentingly on the right course rather than to move with such haste that one loses sight of its proper direction. Pin your faith to a force outside yourself, a force that causes all of us to make our reach exceed our grasp, as Browning once said. Early in our lives we must begin to build a way of life or philosophy which helps us to steer a straight and steady course always in the right di- rection. Do not be wishy-washy, willy-nilly, tossed about by every little breeze that blows. Upon life ' s voyage set your sails for the course and steer your vessel w ith a steady hand. They tell a story about a fellow down in Tennessee. He plowed the field with a pair of oxen. He would holler gee and haw at them but they paid no attention to him. Then go wherever you please. The whole field has got to be plowed anyway. Our philosophy should harmonize in our lives in such a way that it enables us to get on well with our fellowmen. It keeps us on our course. We are not susceptible to the lure of the imaginary and the artificial when there is calm and poise within ourselves. My wish for your future is that you may always possess a fair mind, a well integrated personality, and a steer in the direction of bettering the world for mankind. 2i)cdiculicii We, the Senior Class of Middletown High School, dedi- cate the 1953 Chestnut Burr to the first staff of this year- book, which had its beginning twenty-five years ago. To the staff members — Madeline Harshman, editor-in- chief; Josephine Toms, secretary; Meredith Flook and Emmert Bowius, associate editors; and Lewis Lamar, Max Smith, Fran- ces Ahalt, Fred Hutzell, and Pauline Grossnickle, assistants — we extend our sincere appreciation and thanks for the:r un- tiring efforts and courage in publishing for the first time the Chestnut Burr. The Chestnut Burr was pubUshed for the first time by the Senior Class of 1928, whose officers were president, Elea- nor Weag ley; vice president, Madeline Harshman; secretary, Evelyn Young; treasurer, Meredith Flook; historian, Catherine Hauver; and poet, Lewis Lamar. At that time, R. E. Kieeny was principal, and other faculty members were Wilbur Devilbiss, William Hauver, Edna Lighter, Charles Remsberg, Mary Rhoads, Lillian Stalling, and Lorraine Thomas. To this faculty, who helped so wonder- fully with the first publication of the Chestnut Burr, the first yearbook was dedicated. The first Chestnut Burr contained snapshots and write- ups of the faculty, classes, clubs, and sports, as well as snap- shots of class rooms and familiar scenes around school; the class ode, history, poem, will, and prophecy; programs of graduation exercises; a record of those receiving medals awarded at graduation; a copy of the Senior Class Play, Cyclone Sally ' ; and nevs ' spaper clippings concerning school activities. Until 1950, there was each year only one bound copy of the Chestnut Burr, all the work being done by hand. These copies are kept in the school office, where the alumni are welcome to come and look through them. In 1950 the School Photo Service, Inc., Kansas City, Mo., published the Chestnut Burr as we now know it, making it possible for each student to purchase a copy. TTie annuals of 1951 and 1952, as well as the present edition, were published by the Valley Register Publishers. Each year, a marked improve- ment can be found in our high school treasure. To the class, yearbook staff, and faculty of 1928, we owe the ever-growing yearbook which is dear to all our hearts. They were the pioneers of the Chestnut Burr, which will always be cherished by students of Middletown High School. aC44itif CATHARINE H. AHALT Social Studies and Core LOUIS F. AHALT Agriculture CLARA M. BREWER Guidance GEORGE O. CHADWICK PATRICIA G. CUMMINGS Mathematics, English, Science Art and Crafts EVELYN F. S. DAVIS Core and Science ac4Mif F. ROSS FOLTZ Science RUTH C GARDNER CARROLL L. HORINE Secretary Physical Education ROBERT H. LAYMAN C. ELIZABETH McCAFFREY ALICE M. MOSER Industrial Arts Commercial Social Studies and Psychology GX uUsf NANCY G. MULLEN CHARLOTTE G. PALMER ELIZABETH R. PALMER Physical Education Core and Mathematics English WILLIAM E. PEACHER, JR. BEN A. REIBICZ MARGARET E. ROHRER Core, Mathematics, Science Latin, French and English Librarian (icultif DORIS L. SIMPSON NELLIE B. SMITH PAULINE C. VAN PELT Music Mathematics, Junior Business Core and Mathematics DOROTHY D. WILSON Home Economics SENIORS Ue Senian, O j lce l LEE ROPP, President DELORES HORINE— Secretary CHARLES GOUKER. Vice-President DONALD GAVER— Treasurer Motto Great Things Thru ' Greatest Efforts Are Achiev ' d ' Flower Red Rose Hymn God Of Our Fathers Colors Red and White 10 Definitely a handy man Pleasing personality Ambitious type SANDRA ANNE BASSFORD Smiles galore A likeable lass Brown hair CATHERINE BIDLE BOYER Jolly soul Amazing line Beaming smile LORRAINE MAE BRANDENBURG Lots of fun Modest girl Black hair and green eyes MARVIN OSCAR BRANDENBURG Mechanically-ininded Obliging friend to all Brandy to many Bursting with jokes Lovely blonde hair Big, blue eyes PAUL DAVID BRUNNER Popular Dandy athlete Buck to his friends MARIANNA MAE BUSSARD Mischievous Modest lass Baseball fan SHIRLEY ANN BUTLER Short and cute Athletic Bashful Jazz lover Keen French student Comical lad II V)4e Senla d, : ¥ -s JOANN MARIE CLARK Jolly classmate Member of Glee Club Courteous lass MARY ANN DRAPER Merry always Athletic whiz Daring, good sport DONNA FAE COVEY Dignified Friend of many Calm, cool, collected DELPHIN LEE FRUSHOUR Dark, wavy hair Loyal friend Forthcoming business GEORGE NOAH DELAUTER Gay lad Nice to all Bandy hunter f JOYCE EVA GAVER Joyful girl Energetic Glittering brown eyes BERNARD LEE FUNK Bright personality Lover of the Air Force Friendly to everyone GENE LEMUEL DOUB Graceful dancer Loads of fun Daring young Republican Nip- DONALD GENE GAVER Donk -class treasurer Great athlete Good looking m DAVID PATTON GILROY Dodger fan Pat to us Glowing black hair CHARLES HOWARD GOUKER Clerk in a bank Hearty and healthy Genial MARY VIRGINIA GRAMS Marriage ahead Very musical Gay 12 Music lover A very nice girl Good natured FREDA LOUISE HAGAN SANDRA SUE HOFFMASTER Spotlight editor Super in mathematics Helpful to all Dottie to her friends Lover of knitting Happy all the time ' ' JS KT ' - Dandy personality Joyful in class Hearty laugh FRIEDHELM JACOBS Friend of all Wonderful personality Jovial in chemistry lab. WANDA ELIZABETH KELLER Winning ways Energetic Keen at teasing WILLIAM CHARLES KEPLER Willing to help Captain of a Ford Kep to his friends Devilish Studious in English Keen sense of humor MARILYN JUNE LEATHERMAN Merry lass Just plain Meg Likeable girl MARY REBECCA LUDY Merry at all times Record girl in Phys. Ed. Light-hearted Real mathematician Jester in her classes Lilting ' laugh 13 Personality supreme Bashful Merry lad DORIS JUNE MARTIN Delightful personality Jovial comrade Mischievous CHARLES GROVER MILLER Carefree Gallant Romeo Member of many teams SHIRLEY ANN MILLER Spirited in sports Always ready for laughs iVTeg of Little Women Beautiful alto voice Jolly Nurse to be LEONA MAE NORRIS Lovely voice Marriage in the future Neat BERNARD GLENN PALMER Beaming personality Good judgment Polite at all times MARJORIE JOANN PEASLEE Many friends Joggling brown curls Petite lass ' f JOHN K. PEASLEE Just and honest Kind in all his ways Personality good Minstrel end man Leader of class of ' 53 Rugged in sports DORIS JACQUELYN PRYOR LAWRENCE EDWARD RICKETTS Delightful personality Loyal to his work Jackie to us Ever friendly Prize joker Real comic fan 14 FRED WILES RUDY Friendly Whiz in science Realistic ideas - . tP MARILYN LAMBERT RUDY Moddy to her friends Loyal student Reliable DORIS JEAN SCHROYER Democrat of senior class Jade green eyes Sunny disposition Dandy carpenter Magnetic personality Successful Admirer of French Careful observer Sup to his friends JAMES EDMOND THOMAS Jimmy, a handsome guy Eisenhower of senior class Thoughtful lad iite ? -:. MARY A. THOMAS IMusical Active in school events Thoughtful GRACE MARCELINE TOMS Good in Home Ec. Many friends Talkative JUNE IRENE TOMS Jubilant lass Ideal homemaker Truly a doll ELINORA FRANCES WILES Earnest in her tasks Futui ' e farmer ' s wife Whiz in Home Ec. 15 etASS HISTORT De Di ary, The honor of recording the events of our four years of high :_hoc: h.s Lean bestowed upon me. The years have brought us joy ir.L.leJ with sorrow , dear Diary. How ever, in spite of all ciisappcintments, we realize that much has been achieved, and it is ith a deep feeling of gratitude and appreciation to everyone, that 1 record these, the outstanding events of the years. September 9, 1949 Today seventy-nine eager students joyfully threw open the doors of Middletown High School to begin four years as high school students. Whispers, restlessness, and excitement were replaced by stillness as the stroke of the gavel announced that Nine A had chosen for its president, Johnna Rice; vice president, Wanda Keller; secretary-treasurer, Delores Horine. Nine B quickly relayed this word that it had elected Jimmy Thomas as president; Donald Gaver, vice president; Dwayne Smith, secretary-treasurer. December 12, 1949 Hurrah! Sandra Hoflmaster was delightfully surprised when she was awarded first place in the state Flannel Garment Contest and learned she would soon receive a twenty- five dollar savings bond. March 31, 1950 Tonight, with knees knocking and voces trembling, we presented the operetta, Green Cheese. So that you won ' t forget some of the talented students, here is the cast: Jimmy Sherreff, Edward Fisher; Johann von Bimmer, Jimmy Thomas; Trini Schultz, Mary Grams; Hans, Delphin Frus ' .iour; Frieda, Freda Hagan; Peter Schultz, John Castle. September 9, 1950 Some people say sophomores are slow, but you should have seen us today. Diary. We gay little sophomores had quite a rapid election. Ten A elected for president, Ed- ward Fisher; vice president, Mary Grams; secretary-treasurer. Delores Horine. Ten B elec: ed Jane Wolfe, president; Donald Gaver, vice president; Frances Wiles, secretary-treasurer. September 20, 1950 Today w e walked around in a dazed state of grief, for during the night Elwood Frushour, one of our class mates, died. 1 hope. Diary, that 1 wont have to enter anythinj else c,uite so sad. September 9, 195 1 We proudly marched into the auditorium t ' . ' j moir.ir.g as Juniors, roally and tr . ' y Juniors. Calm and not quite as talkative as in previo_s years. Eleven A elected Delores Horine, president; Delphin Frushour, vice president; Leona Norris, secretary- treasurer. Eleven B placed their election on the bulletin board, Jane Wolfe, president; Jimmy Thomas, vice president; Lee Ropp, secretary-treasurer. Our F.H.A. is really tops this year. Diary. Today we were told Wanda Keller was elected State President and, not to be left out of National honors, was elected Na- tional Historian. 1 almost forgot to tell you about the honor the F.F.A. received. William Kepler, dur- ing the summer, won the State Dairy Judging Contest. October 17, 1951 Freda Hagan, Mary Grams, and some other Glee Club students left this morning for Baltimore, where they will represent Middle ' .o ' .-. n in the State Chorus. 16 October 20, 1951 Guess what? Freda Hagan won a scholarship sponsored by the Monday Musicales of Frederick. She took the honors with her rendition of The Laughing Song, and Hold Thou My Hand. October 26, 1951 Win! That ' s the eleventh grade motto. We eleventh grade girls carried it out by winning the County Championship in fieldball today. February 11, 1952 Indeed this was a red-letter day in our lives for we had our desires fulfilled when we moved into the recently constructed new Middletown High School. March 3, 1952 Hurrah! Hurrah! Oh, do I have news for you tonight! Middletown boys ' basket- bal team, which includes Lee Ropp, Charles Miller, Charles Gouker, Donald Gaver, Paul Brunner, and Cecil Dagenhart, won County Championship for Class B. This victory made them eligible for the Sectional play-off which they won by defeating Williamsport of Wash- ington County. May 10, 1952 Some of the girls in our class really excel in music for Mary Grams, Freda Hagan, Leona Norris, Betty Newman and Wanda K slier were again selected to sing in the All County Chorus. May 26, 1952 1 need tooth picks to hold my eyes open tonight! We were the first class to hold a From in the new gymnasium. it was wonderful to dance to the music of Tommy Stup ' s orchestra in the gym, gaily decorated in blue and gold streamers. September 9, 1952 At last the big day has arrived! We are seniors. We made haste to select the fol- lowing for class officers: president, Lee Ropp; vice president, Charles Gouker; secretary, Delores Horine; treasurer, Donald Gaver. Our school days have been enriched by the presence of an exchange student from Wuppertal, Germany, Friedhelm Jacobs. October 21, 1932 Middletown took first place honors again this year, when Mary Grams won a scholar- ship from the Monday Musicales by singing Deborah and May Night. February 27, 195 3 Hurrah! It has happened again. The boys ' basketball team w on County Champion- ship in Class B League. The senior members of the team are Lee Ropp, Bernard Funk, Jimmy Thomas, Dvvrayne Smith, Charles Miller, Charles Gouker, and Paul Brunner, April 10, 1953 We presented our senior minstrel tonight entitled Moonlight Frolics. What fun! April 17, 1953 Have you ever wanted to be in An Old Kentucky Garden surrounded by lovely women? If so, you would have enjoyed the operetta the senior Glee Club put on tonight. May, 1953 I am closing and locking you. Diary, because my high schools days are ending, but before i do here is the senior schedule for our last two months in dear ole M.H.S. May 6, 195 3 County Chorus May 15, 1953 Junior-Senior Prom in high school gymnasium. 8:00 o ' clock. May 23, 1953 Seventeen Is Terrific (Senior play) June 5, 1953 Class Day June 7, 1953 Baccalaureate Service, Zion Lutheran Church. 8:00 o ' clock. June 9, 1953 Commencement, High School Auditorium. 8:30 o ' clock. 17 CLASS PRCPHECy La Bonne Aventure de la Classe de ' 53 Dite par Mademoiselle Doris Schroyer Pushing my way through a narrow and crowded street in gay Paris on a summer afternoon in 1965, I looked up at a brilliant Neon sign: MADAME FIFl. Under it, in smaller letters, was printed: Si vous voulez vous faire dire la bonne aventure, venez voir Madame Fifi. Translated, it read: If you want your future told, come to see Madame Fifi. ' The thought came to me that perhaps Madame Fifi could tell me the whereabouts of the dear old Seniors of 195 3. I entered a dimly lighted room where a dark but lovely young gypsy girl came up to me and invited me to be seated. In a few monments 1 was served une tasse de the avec de la creme ' followed by the explanation that, in the tea leaves, Madame Fifi would read of the past, present, and future of my former class mates. When the Madame entered, she studied the leaves carefully and turned to me chant- ing, 1 have much to tell you of the friends you hold dear; listen carefully and forget not what you hear. She continued: First, 1 see several noble souls who offered help to Uncle Sam. In the United States Navy are Bernard Main and George Delauter. The Air Force claims Bernard Funk, Charles Miller, Gene Doub, and Donald Gaver. Thanks to Mr. Louis Ahalt, the United States Department of Agriculture has im- proved greatly with the help of David Allen, Paul Brunner, Joseph Boyer, Lee Ropp, Wil- liam Kepler, and John Peaslee. At a filling station in Frederick, I see Marvin Brandenburg filling Banker Charles Goukers Buick with Esso gasoline. ' A businessman 1 see in Hagerstown - — • Delphin Frushour, Romeo ' de la classe francaise, with his smiling receptionist, Doris Martin. Strolling down life s lane together, 1 see Donald Kinna and Jimmy Thomas swapping jokes. Making use of his high school chemistry is Fred Jacobs, a world-famous chemist. in room 15 in Middletown High School, 1 see Austin Stockman teaching French and always saying ' pardonnez-moi ' to the ladies. 18 The class of ' 53 has given to the world five excellent secretaries. I see Sandra Bass- ford, Doris Schroyer, Marilyn Rudy, Catherine Bidle, and Shirley Miller, seated behind large mahogany desks. In the same line, Lorraine Brandenburg works as typist — very efficient too, thanks to Miss Elizabeth McCaffrey. From this class, I also see four wome i in white who are working in various hos- pitals throughout Maryland. They are Donna Faye Covey, Rachel Ludy, Mary Ann Drap- er, and Jackie Pryor. Mary Alice Guyton wears the uniform of a Nurses ' Aide at Frederick Memorial Hos- pital. Stitching away on a Singer sewing machine, 1 see Shirley Bowling, an expert hem stitcher, busy at the Frederick Tailoring Company. Staying at home, helping with the chores, are several girls from the class of ' 5 3. They are Delores Horine, Dorothy Huffer, and Mary Ludy. Working diligently at making a house a home, I see Joyce Gaver, Leona Norris, June Toms, and Frances Wiles. Taking the role of a minister ' s wife, is Mary Grams. She seems to be enjoying life in Findlay, Ohio. Teaching Home Economics at Middletown High School, I see Marilyn Leatherman, busy but happy in her work. If there is anyone here not looking her best, refer her to Marianna Bussard ' s Beauty Salon. It ' s the best in Middletown. Pick up your telephone receiver. Whose voice do you hear? It may belong to Freda Hagan, Betty Newman, Grace Toms, or Joann Peaslee. ' Flying through the air on wings of Trans World Airlines as a stewardess, is pretty, petite Shirley Ann Butler. 1 see Mary A. Thomas as a Home Demonstration Agent, ready with help for any home problem that you may have. Employed by the Potomac Edison Company in Hagerstown is JoAnn Clark, the same sweet girl as always. And through it all, with you to the end, is Lawrence Ricketts, mortician and friend. After slipping a shining coin into Madame Fifi ' s palm, 1 hurried through the streets once again. This time 1 w as filled with a great desire to write to some of the school pals Vfcrhom I had left so far off in America to tell them of my experiences in Paris and how I have used my high school French to advantage. Doris L. Schroyer 19 CLASS WILL Place: Court Time: June 6, 195 3 Judge: Mr. Herbert F. Davis Recording Secretary: Mrs. Ruth Gardner Jurymen: Faculty Defendants: Seniors Plaintiffs: Juniors The Junior Class of 1953 has filed suit against the Senior Class on the grounds of their having too many privileges during the Senior year. The Seniors have been found guilty and the sentence is that each Senior relinquish something that he dearly treasures to some Junior. Following are the sentences the judge placed upon each Senior: 1 . 1 hereby sentence Mary Grams to give her vocal lessons to Marietta Summers. 2. I hereby sentence Austin Stockman to give his French ability to Shirley Moss. 3. 1 hereby sentence Doris Schroyer to give her role as head of the D emocratic Party to Betty Schroyer. 4. 1 hereby sentence Bernard Palmer to give the car he never got from Robert Routzahn to Donald Schroyer. 5. 1 hereby sentence Betty Newman to give her width to Merle Lee Guy ton. 6. 1 hereby sentence Mary Ann Draper and Rachel Ludy to give their position on the basketball team to Dorthalee Michael and Thelma Huffer. 7. 1 hereby sentence Delphin Frushour to give to Darrell Shepley his popularity with the girls. 8. 1 hereby sentence John Castle to give his cooking ability to Meredith Haupt. 9. I hereby sentence Frances Wiles to give her interest in photography to Raymond Minnick. 10. 1 hereby sentence Marianna Bussard to give to Shirley Delauter her job as attend- ance clerk. 11.1 hereby sentence David Gilroy to give his quietness to Howard DeGrange. 12. 1 hereby sentence Lee Ropp to give his position on the basketball team to Wayne Ohler. 1 3. [ hereby sentence Bernard Main and William Kepler to give their loafing places in the halls to Wendell Huffer and Robert Knill. 14. I hereby sentence Leona Norris to give her position in the lunch line to Jane Shank. 1 5. 1 hereby sentence Charles Gouker to give his black curls to Dale Frushour. I 6. 1 hereby sentence Dorothy Huffer to give her knitting needles to Rebecca Guyton. 1 7. 1 hereby sentence Marilyn Leatherman and Lorraine Brandenburg to give their achievements in Home Economics to Dorotha Grossnickle and Janet Pryor. 20 1 8. I hereby sentence Fred Jacobs to give his pleasant smile to Wayne Guyton. 19. 1 hereby sentence Donald Kinna to give his role as class comedian to Carl Gue. 20. I hereby sentence Paul Brunner and Bernard Funk to give their F.F.A. jackets to Rudy Slifer and George Smith. 21. 1 hereby sentence Sandra Hoffmaster to give her position in F.T.A. to Edna Smith. 22. 1 hereby sentence Doris Martin to give her friendliness with everyone to Shirley Schroyer. 2 3. 1 hereby sentence Mary Thomas and Marilyn Rudy to give their way of getting along with teachers to Cynthia Metzger and Doris Shafer. 24. I hereby sentence Wanda Keller to give her sly way of teasing to Patricia Harshman. 25. I hereby sentence Jimmy Thomas and Donald Gaver to give their mischievousness in classes to Floyd Schildknecht. 26. 1 hereby sentence Mary Ludy to give her height to Lou Sw ope. 2 7. 1 hereby sentence Catherine Bidle to give her driver ' s license to Joyce Keller. 28. 1 hereby sentence Charles Miller tj give his excuses for being late for classes to Dawson Ahalt and Tommy Bittle. 29. I hereby sentence Delores Horine to give her quiet ways to Ann Younkins and Ruth Shepley. 30. I hereby sentence P reda Hagan to give her nicely shined shoes to Bonnie Henson. 31.1 hereby sentence John Peaslee to give his masculine voice to Carrollee Zecker. 32. I hereby sentence David Allen to give to Grayson Flook his good manners. 33. I hereby sentence Jacquelyn Pryor to give her height to Barbara Gladhill. 34. I hereby sentence Sandra Bassford to give her chewing gum to Anna belle Kline. 35. I hereby sentence Joseph Boyer and Marvin Brandenburg to give their wrestling ability to Mitchell Bidle and Gene Delauter. 36. I hereby sentence Betty Brown to give her slowness after gym class to Sarah Mae Gladhill and Ruthanna Lewis. 37. I hereby sentence Donna Fae Covey to give her position as square dance caller at parties to Joan Eccard. 38. I hereby sentence Fred Rudy to give his scientific ability to John Lloyd Clark. 39. I hereby sentence Shirley Miller to give her lovely teeth to Betty Baugher. 40. I hereby sentence Shirley Bowling to give her starched gym suit to Evelyn Sowers and Regean Wiles. 41. 1 hereby sentence Mary Alice Guyton to give the memory of her trip to New York to Janice Smith and Shirley Shoemaker. 42. I hereby sentence Grace Toms to give her sparkling eyes to Linda Shank. 43. I hereby sentence June Toms to give her petite stature to Barbara Ifert. 44. I hereby sentence Shirley Butler to give her pretty smile to Pauline Hays. 45. I hereby sentence George Delauter to give his ambition to join the Navy to Kenneth Moats. 46. 1 hereby sentence Dwayne Smith to give his ability in carpentry to Roger Schroy- er and Harry Pryor. 47. 1 hereby sentence JoAnn Clark and Joann Peaslee to give their pleasing per- sonalities to Esther Tracey. Judge Davis, striking his gavel on the desk, declares the court session adjourned. By Sandra Bassford 21 (CLASS POEM) Our school life now is past and gone, And still we fondly linger on. With each heartache and joy we ' ve known. The seeds of life are now well sown. Our life before us brightly lies. Yet still we gaze at misty skies. It ' s here fond memory loves to dwell, We bid to all a sad farewell. A nice time went aw ay so fast, it seems so long but now it ' s past. Fine fellowship was v hat we had, Is that v hat makes a farewell sad? Jacquelyn Pryor ; . Doris Schroyer . ' Friedhelm Jacobs (CLASS SONG) We, the class of fifty-three. Are now prepared to meet the world. Cheer! Cheer! for M.H.S. Where we have studied, played, and toiled. .« Cheer! Cheer! for red and white. Our colors bright we now unfurl. Three cheers, rah! rah! rah! For our class of nineteen fifty-three. Words: Freda Hagan, Mary Grams, Delphin Frushour Tune: Our Chicago by Norman Reid 22 23 24 25 AULD LflNS SfNi fe yi 5h6i4i i a, i tuL tk uvtumjt be ia ja-f  vi (v fcir brja iftto mifvi i SM-ii , y r iE? gr j ivaid ci C(j 4 « «  cc tot ■V  ' ' | ; Aid i i|4  V l itki ina yit? 26 JUNIORS 27 7 e unlan l llA LINDA SHANK President WAYNE OHLER Vice-President SARAH MAE GLADHILL Secretary DAWSON AHALT Treasurer IIB BETTY BAUGHER WENDELL HUFFER DORTHALEE MICHAEL .11, Mitchell Bidle Howard DeGrange Eugene Delauter Shirley Delauter Joan Grayson Dale Barbara Dorotha Carl Eccard Flook Frushour Gladhill Grossnickle Gue 28 7Ae 44 Hio U, a H .dh. M ' -x. w. mm P. i Merle Lee Rebecca Wayne Patricia Meredith Pauline Guyton Guyton Guyton Harshman Haupt Hays Bonnie Thelma Barbara Reginald Joyce Annabelle Henson Huffer Ifert Johnson Keller Kline Robert KniU Cynthia Metzger Raymond Minnick Kenneth Moats Shirley Wayne Moss Ohler Floyd Betty Schildknecht Schroyer 29 7 e juntas Donald Roger Shirley Doris Jane Darrell Schroyer Schroyer Schroyer Shafer Shank Shepley f Ruth Shirley Rudy Edna George Janice Shepley Shoemaker Slifer Smith Smith Smith Evelyn Sowers f E r A ■it 4 ' ' fT Esther Dolores Tracey Warrenfeltz Ann Younkins 30 NOW INTRODUCING K THE...y1 e o o 9Cf VX aj OO0 UNDERCLASSMEN 31 0 loen.6. off the lAn lLe clciAyi ne4t 10A President— BARBARA KEFAUVER Vice-President— BUZZ BUZZERD Secretary-Treasurer— RITA KORRELL lOB President— REGINA BASSFORD Vice-President- JANET MORAN Secretary— MARY CATHERINE FAWLEY Treasurer— DAVIS SHAFER IOC President— -AMOS HOLTER Vice-President— ROBERT HARRISON Secretary— LIONEL MAY Treasurer— ALBERT HARGETT 9A President— WAYNE HORMAN Vice-President— BEVERLY OHLER Secretary— MARY SHOEMAKER Treasurer— CHRISTINE MINNICK 9B President— PATSY SHAFER Vice-President— JAMES MAIN Secretary-Treasurer- JANET WOLFE 9C President— RICHARD KELLER Vice-President— GENE IFERT Secretary— JAMES BAUGHER Treasurer— BILLY FULMER 8A President— GEORGE KUHN Vice-President— DAWN BUTTS Secretary— NATHAN FRUSHOUR 8B President— ALICE HOLTER Vice-President— CLARA FISHER Secretary— WAYNE KELLER Treasurer- ROBERT DELAUTER 8C President— DAVID PRY Vice-President- JOHN SHAFER Secretary— YVONNE RICE Treasurer— ELWOOD HUFFER 32. ? e SapJtam.a ei The Sophomore Class was divided into three sections, each having a homeroom advisor as follows: lOA — Miss Alice Moser JOB— Mr. Ben Reibicz I OC — Mr. Robert Layman 33 jUe le JtifteH, f f |§ Mrs. Evelyn Davis was the advisor of the 9A section; Miss Clara Brewer, 9B. Mrs. Juanita Hartle, who advised 9C the first part of the school year, was succeeded by Mr. George Chadwick. n n r n - f n r ' £ f e ,0 T- ' j ' v.-. ' i, - ' ■i 34 jlte ( l( tlt QfLade The eighth grade was divided into three classes. Mrs. Catharine Ahalt was homeroom advisor of 8A; Mr. William Peacher, 8B; and Miss Patricia Cummings, 8C. 35 37 STEPS TO y flnflcl ice- i la-Vie Hor ' a ' Shirley 6 -unner Gfcofqt ' KaWn Alice HoU-ev 38 success Success 1a+«y SHa-peir DorotKy Oialc RatK Ho-rne _ iP 39 XXXlAiSC ) ( , - OCIAL EVENTS l95e-53 40 MIDDLETOWN 42 ,43 CL UBS 44 CHESTNUT BURR STAFF This group sponsored the school annual for 195 3. Miss Elizabeth Palmer and Miss Clara Brewer carefully guided the work of the staff. Mary Grams was editor in-chief with Mary Thomas as her assistant. Although the publication of the annual is a tremendous task, the ac- tivities involved provided good experience for all who helped with this book of fond memories. JOURNALISM CLUB The Journalism Club, under the supervision of Miss Elizabeth Palmer, published the school paper, The Spotlight, four times during the year. Busy reporters, conscientio:;s editors and efficient copyists made our paper a great success. 45 n r r f ry GLEE CLUB The Senior Glee Club is composed of selected voices from the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades. Projects of this club were the Christmas assembly, the operetta, An Old Kentucky Garden, and participating in the All County Chorus and graduation exercises. Miss Doris Simpson was di- rector, and Mary Grams and Mary Thomas were the accompanists. ORCHESTRA The high school orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Charles C. T. Stull, assembled once a week for rehearsal. Besides serving as a means of furthering its members ' musical knowledge, it also furnished music at the biggest event of the school year, the graduation exercises. 46 DANCE BAND Under the direction of Miss Betty McCaffrey, a new group, the Dance Band, was organized. The members diligently practiced currently popular songs. They hope that in the near future they will be able to play for parties or even accept engagements to perform at social functions of other schools. The venture has proved a pleasant experience for those concerned. SOCIAL DANCE CLUB The Social Dance Club met for the purpose of learning and practicing dancing etiquette. Its members learned to waltz, fox trot, and tango. 47 r t P,8 r SQUARE DANCE CLUB The members of the Square Dance Club, which met each Monday under the direction of Miss Betty McCaffrey and Miss Doris Simpson, was very successful in learning to do the various square dance steps. One of the ultimate aims of the club was to have many of the students participate in the calling of the square dances. KNITTING CLUB The Knitting Club, sponsored by Mrs. Catharine Ahalt, was offered to all students from the eighth through the twelfth grades. After learning a few elementary skills, the girls advanced to making scarfs, gloves, socks, and sweaters. 48 N FUTURE HOMEMAKERS OF AMERICA The Future Homemakers of America Club offers opportunities for per- sonal development of the individual member, for improving home life, for community and school betterment, and for world service. The Middletown Chapter was under the leadership of Shirley Moss, local president and state treasurer, and Mrs. Dorothy Wilson, advisor. - - . ff f FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA The Future Farmers of America Club is an organization interested m learning better methods of farming. Agriculture students in the ninth through the twelfth grades are automatic members. The officers were president, Lee Ropp; vice-president, William Kepler; secretary, Charles Gouker; treasurer, Bernard Funk. 49 COOKING CLUB The Boys ' Cooking Club, better known as the Chefs ' Club, is one of the most interesting clubs offered to the boys. In this club, the members, from the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades, made pies, cakes, candy, and many other delicious things to eat. Cooking provides many worthwhile experiences as well as a good future vocation. The boys were very fortunate to have Mrs. Wilson as their instructor. INDUSTRIAL ARTS CLUB This club has proved so popular that many students were refused mem- bership. Club members may choose projects from the following fields: leathercraft, woodwork, metal work, and plastics. These officers are chosen to help enforce shop rules: supervisor, fore- man, safety engineer, and clerk. 50 ARTS AND CRAFTS CLUBS Several arts and crafts clubs were sponsored by Miss Patricia Cummings. Their activities were numerous and varied: working with gimp and plastic, life drawing, sketching, poster making, costume designing, and portrait drawing. SCIENCE CLUB The Senior Science Club, sponsored by Mr. Ross Foltz, enjoyed many programs and field trips planned by its members. The club consisted of twenty-six members this year. Some of the activities included a trip to the State Police Station, Barracks B, watching movies on safety, and hearing a talk on fire safety by Mr. Toms, the forest warden. 51 JBRARY CLUB The Library Club consisted of twenty students who assisted in the library routines, and participated in the activities of the Maryland Council of Student Library Clubs. The Book Fair, held in November, was a project which the club plans to repeat each year. BOOK CLUB Members of the Book Club enjoyed pleasure reading under the super- vision of Miss Alice Moser. This club enables its members to obtain many new books and good literature. During the year, the group visited the C. Burr Artz Library in Frederick. 52 JUNIOR RED CROSS COUNCIL The Junior Red Cross Council is composed of representatives from each homeroom as well as students who were members last year. This group guides the work of the Junior Red Cross Club, under the direction of Miss Pauline Van Pelt. FUTURE TEACHERS OF AMERICA The Future Teachers of America Club, under the supervision of Miss Clara Brewer, is now in its third year. The purpose of this club is to create interest in teaching and to better acquaint students with the profession. The members gain experience in teaching by substituting in the elementary school. They have also attended both County and State meetings. 53 DRAMATIC CLUB fk ' This club, under the supervision of Miss Clara Brewer and Mr. B. A. Reibicz, was divided into two sections, one composed of senior class members; the other of Juniors. The senior group presented two one act plays, Little Red School House, and the White Phantom ; one three-act play, Little Women ; a minstrel, Moonlight Frolics, and the senior play, Seventeen Is Terrific. Four one-act plays were given by the junior class club: There ' s a Ghost in the House, Christmas Gift, There ' s Money in Witchcraft and Society Page. LITTLE WOMEN This old classic by Louisa May Alcott was wonderfully lived on the stage by nine girls from the club. The four Little Women were Meg, Shir- ley Miller; Jo, Mary Thomas; Beth, Mary Grams, and Amy, Wanda Keller. 54 ■HMi ■■■■ SPORTS 55 ' pRi .fhfr f --n- yii BOYS ' OFFICIAL CLUB The boys ' sports official club, under the supervision of athletic coach, Carroll Horine, was composed of about twenty athletes who assembled each week to practice and learn the fine points of various sports. SOCCER TEAM For the third consecutive year, the Middletown High soccer team fought its way to the county championship. This year ' s team was undefeated. They won over Brunswick, Walkersville, Emmitsburg, Thurmont, Boonsboro, and tied with Frederick. They scored sixteen goals to their opponents ' seven. 56 BOYS ' BASKETBALL TEAM The Middletown High School Varsity highlighted an action-packed basketball season by winning the County Class B championship for the fifth consecutive season. The championship race was a terrific battle this year, with Middletown win ning it as they defeated Brunswick, 43-41, in a play-off game. The team then traveled to Cumberland for a two-day regional elim- ination tournament, and won over Hancock in the first round of play. Bruce High School of Cumberland defeated M. H. S. in the finals, and later went on to win the State Title. M. H. S. had a season record of I 7-6 and the season was considered the most successful in recent years. 57 BASEBALL TEAM As usual, the Middletown High School baseball team played many in- teresting and close games. The team played six games in the course of the season. The schedule was as follows: April 23 M. H. S. at Frederick May 5 Walkersville at M. H. S. May 7 M. H. S. at Thurmont May 13 M. H. S. at Emmitsburg May 2 1 Brunswick at M. H. S. GIRLS ' OFFICIAL CLUB These girls met under the supervision of Mrs. Nancy Mullen for the purpose of learning to officiate at games of the different seasons, the main one being basketball. The members received practice in physical education class- es and during intra-mural games. This club was composed of twenty-two members. 58 GIRLS ' FIELDBALL TEAM At the Fieldball Tournament which was held at Frederick High School on October 29, Middletown had two teams. Team 1 consisted of Seniors and Team 2 consisted of Juniors. Team 2 won the County Championship by defeating Brunswick, Thurmont, and Walkersville. f £) r A rv GIRLS ' BASKETBALL TEAM This game is one of the most popular among the girls. Each girl showed much interest and skill throughout the season. To improve their skill, the girls practiced two afternoons each week. They tied with Thurmont for second place. 59 GIRLS ' VOLLEYBALL TEAM These are the two popular spring sports for girls. Again this year the girls played with all the schools at Frederick. The teams consisted of Juniors and Seniors. GIRLS ' SOFTBALL TEAM 60 GUe.itnut UmAA. liooAie i6. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Clark Mr. and Mrs. Ralph R. Rudy Mr. and Mrs. Josephus Huffer Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Keller Mr. and Mrs. Grayson Toms Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Hagan Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Boyer Rev. and Mrs. E. Stephen Raby Mr. and Mrs. Edgar M. Frushour Compliments, Peoples Supply Co. Mr. Clarence F. Grams Myersville, Maryland Mr. and Mrs. Stanley F. Young Mr. Russell H. Hinds Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Gouker Mr. Russell H. Hinds, Jr. Mr. Paul S. Shepley Mrs. Cora Smith and Sons Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Bussard Rev. and Mrs. Edwin M. Alcorn Mr. and Mrs. Eugene M. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Renn Remsburg Mr. and Mrs. Clarence H. Wise Mr. and Mrs. Edward Holter Mr. Paul C. Leatherman Mr. and Mrs. George E. Wiles Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Gordon and r 1iss Ellen J. Wiles Peggy Mr. William W. Wolfe Mr. Elwood Bussard Chestnut Farms Dairy Mrs Ruth E. Moxley Mr. Russell Keller Mr. W. Ross Horine Mr. Milo Delauter Mr. and Mrs. Harry S. Schamel Pryor ' s Store, Myersville, Md. Mrs Albert C. Miller Myersville Savings Bank — Mr. David A. Hinds Member of F.D.l.C. Mr. A. Gene Harshman Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. Kepler Mr. Frederick Buzz Buzzerd Mrs. Luella Kepler Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hoffmaster Mr. and Mrs. Ernest R. Eccard Mr. and Mrs. Grover Horine Dr. and Mrs. J. Elmer Harp Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Long Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Koogle Misses Alice A. and Mary C. Cline and Karol Rev . and Mrs. R. L. Markley Mr. and Mrs. Hyden Hoffman Rev . and Mrs. Zirkle and Son Mr. and Mrs. Charles Solt Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Guyton Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Kieeny Mr. and Mrs. Grayson Doub Mr. Robert L. Arnold Mr. and Mrs. George Weedy Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Barkdoll V. Kaplon Co. Mr. and Mrs. Merhle Duvall Mr. and Mrs. Roy McBride Mr. and Mrs. George P. Ropp Mr. and Mrs. Elmer J. Delauter Mrs. Amy V. Main Mr. John T. Routzahn Mrs. Caroline Leatherman Dr. T. W. Clark Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Bittle Mr. Richard A. Keller Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Eckard Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Norris Mr. and Mrs. Howard A. Gross Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Martin Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Covey, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jennings, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Derr Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Kinna Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Rhoderick Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Hedges Mrs. Mary M. Morgan and Son Mr. and Mrs. Russell C. Crone Mr. H. Eugene Keller Mr. and Mrs. Earl Adkins Miss Erma C. Waters Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Leatherman Mr. and Mrs. Dale Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Harshman - 61 _ Friends . Compliments of - N. E. Kefauver, Jr. Ef Middletown, Md. j YOU Sales MASSEY HARRIS Service CAN HAY STRAW GET Phone 30 FREE HELP WITH YOUR HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS Fisher ' s AT THE NEAREST OFFICE OF YOUR PLUMBING and HEATING POTOMAC CONTRACTOR EDISON Phone MO 3-3 Ml COMPANY Frederick, Maryland G. S. Guyton Dan - Dee Motel and GENERAL MERCHANDISE Restaurant Burkittsville, Maryland Route 40 Greetings - 195 3 Graduates The Key To Casual Living American Provincial Furniture Floor Covering Draperies Cline ' s C. C. Carty, Inc. Furniture Store, Inc. 52-58 Patrick Street Frederick, Maryland Frederick, Maryland 6 ?. Compliments of Remsberg ' s Jewelry Store Key Hotel Building Frederick, Maryland H. C. Summers Refrigeration - Welding Farm Implements and Repairs Phone Frederick MO. 2-1889 or Brunswick 7827 Jefferson, Maryland R. D. Hemp Sons Dealers in LIVESTOCK and FRESH MEAT Phone Frederick MO. 3-5978 Jefferson, Maryland Compliments of L. J. Keller 6c Sons Frederick, Maryland Hanover Shoe THE GREATEST SHOE VALUE ON EARTH Middletown, Maryland W. L. Slifer SHELL GAS FUEL OIL KEROSENE Middletown, Md. Phone Middletown 1 2-J or Frederick MO. 3-6381 FOR PROMPT and DEPENDABLE SERVICE call Hagerstown 4948 or Smithsburg 2-561 1 THE CAVETOWN PLANING MILL CO. CAVETOWN, MARYLAND Millwork, Lumber and Building Material 63 Richard B. Rudy Compliments of GLADE VALLEY TRUCKING CO. Daily Can or Tank Milk Hauling Howard L. Metzger INSURANCE and BONDS To Washington Phone MO 3-9041 Myersville, Maryland Frederick, Maryland Phone 2691 Quality Service Satisfaction Compliments of The L. Z. Derr Store Warren ' s PAINTS DRUG SUNDRIES Men ' s Shop HARDWARE GROCERIES Phone 1 1 2 Middletown, Maryland Hotpoint Appliances Main ' s Maytag Washers N. L. Ingalls Quahty Ice Cream HARDWARE PAINTS FARM SUPPLIES Middletown, Maryland Middletown. Md. Ph. 96 Phone 1 1 J. Vernon Coblentz INSURANCE AGENCY H. B. Duvall HI Glenn A. Main, Jr., Associate 9 North Court Street Frederick, Maryland Phones Frederick MO 2-1333 or Middletown 109-R Your INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER Dealer Frederick, Maryland 6 4 For Your Complete Line of ES£0 PRODUCTS Call or Contact The ESSO FARM DISTRIBUTOR Farmers Coop. Assn. Petroleum Division Ph-ne Middletown 6 Mehrl F. Wachter PLUMBING - HEATING CONTRACTOR Drainage - Field Digging and Installation Winkler Low Pressure Oil Burners 419 N. Market Street Frederick, Maryland For Prompt, Courteous, and Complete Service - Call S. Leslie Shafer Sons REGISTERED PLUMBERS Phone 61 Middletown, Maryland David H. Young JOHN DEERE Farm Equipment Custom Bulldozing - Combining and Corn Picking We repair all makes of Autos and Farm Machinery Model Garage Everett V. Moser General Contracting Hauling Custom Mixing and Grinding Lime - Fertilizer - Feeds Phone 42-J Middletown, Maryland nwHtfi . CHEVROLET - PONTIAC Sales and Service Phone Middletown 54 MIDDLETOWN SAVINGS BANK MIDDLETOWN, MD. Complete Banking Services Member Federal Deposit Insurance Co poration fi5 Hahn Beachley ' s ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR Lunch Confectionery LUNCH — SODA Phone MO 3-3863 WHITMAN ' S CANDIES Frederick, Maryland Middletown, Md. P. L. HARGEl 1 COMPANY • Hardware, Dairy Barn Equipment, Seeds, Paint, Farm and Builders ' Supplies, Delta Power Tools 52-56 South Market Street FREDERICK. MD. This Book is a product of Young ' s The Valley Register General Merchandise PRINTING DEPARTMENT GROCERIES — HARDWARE Publisher of Middletown Valley ' s Home Newspaper and Producer of Middletown, Md. Fine Printing for over 1 00 Years Phone 178-J Boyer Bros. B. B. CUSTOM WORK - COMBINING Milk Transportation BALING and CORN PICKING MILK HAULING To Baltimore in Tank or Cans Phone 1 34-W-2 or 1 34-J-2 Phone Brunswick 4761 Middletown, Maryland Knoxville, Maryland 66 Valley Supply Company FLOUR FEED GRAIN MILLWORK LUMBER ijaver s Farm Supplies - Building Materials Feeds - Seeds - Fertilizer Hardware - Television Electrical Appliances Cattle Bought - Sold - Hauled Middletown 144-J-5 Reed ' s Garage STUDEBAKER DEALER Cars and Trucks Phone 62-J Middletown, Md. THE SENIOR CLASS WISHES TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HELPED TO MAKE THIS CHESTNUT BURR A SUCCESS. WE THANK YOU SINCERELY. SENIORS OF 1953. 67 AUTOeRAPm 6S Mi Ji£K.: