Nichols School - Verdian Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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8 BEGINNINGS This time on earth was sweetest; We have yet to know its joy, Though we shall, and knowing, smile On the freedom that was ours, On the learning as the bond That held us high together As we knew some things we didn't, And said so, and were young. Schoolboy days were much to us. Though unaware of meanings. Though we laughed and knew not why And offered foolish reasons. It all was good and belonged to us. And now is ours to keep. —Kevin Lewis

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HE VERDIAN class presidents, appeared the following year, 1927, in which Nichols beat Shady Side in hockey 10-0. From the 1927 Verdian comes this timely thought, “Scenes and incidents of these beautiful years of irresponsibility and boyhood friendships are reenacted vividly in our minds now; but years of more serious affairs and trying experiences will wear away the outstanding occurrences of today to obscure memories of the past .” The 1928 Verdian reports a Nichols circus. On into the thirties, football remained the big sport, receiving the most coverage. Jokes still found their way into the Verdian. In 1932 the football team met Cranbrook for the first time, and spoiled their undefeated record. Of some sixty who had been sophomores in the class of 1933, but thirty-seven were graduated: the Depression was felt. 1935 produced a distinguished yearbook, with green transparent dividers and much better photography. The Assembly Committee made its appearance. During the school year 1938, Cranbrook joined the League now called Interstate. The 1938 Verdian also gave thanks for new artificial ice in the rink. In 1939 Western Reserve entered the League. The Verdian found it increasingly difficult to obtain funds necessary for production, due to economic instability. The 1940 Verdian came out proclaiming itself “one of the most modern Verdians ever published.” 1942 was the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Nichols and the Verdian proclaimed it. Also appeared Clubs for Communications, Military Science, Economic Warfare, Navigation, and First Aid. This editorial from the 1943 book is significant: “Like so many boys all over the country, we (the senior class) were faced with a truly perplexing problem. The future was unknown, and indefinite, and few could make any plans.” A number from the class had already left to join the Service. A diminishing senior class of twenty-four published the Verdian in 1944. It contained a school hymn. In 1946 Nichols had an orchestra. The 1948 yearbook tells of the dedication of the Scheu Room and the alumni laboratory. In 1950 the Verdian first mentions the Forum and the Hockey Dance Committee. The following year appeared the Green Key Committee. The 1955 Vedrian reports on the Three-Sport Varsity Club and the Athletic Council. The Science Fair is an important feature also. In 1956 came Creative Writing, Driver Education; the next year, the Math Club, and the disappearance of the Dramatics Club. 1957 was the year of the new Gym. In the past two yearbooks the Publicity, Foreign Exchange Student, Study Hall Proctors, and Freshman Orientation Committees appeared. The biggest of the Verdians was in 1912, 251 pages, and the smallest, 1939, eighty-one pages. In 1955 the book was first printed by photo-offset. This is the most significant development in recent years. By this process, a greater number of pictures and a wider variety of layouts are made possible. The improvement in style and readability is great. As the fiftieth Verdian rolls off the presses it becomes another in a lengthening line of distinguished yearbooks. —Kevin Lewis MR. WILLIAM NICHOLS Founder of Nichols School

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1960 Seniors