North Andover High School - Knight Yearbook (North Andover, MA)

Page 18 text:

JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL And climb the crystal wall of the skies, And then again to turn and sink, As if we could slide from its outer brink. Ah! it is not the sea, It is not the sea that sinks and shelves, But ourselves That rock and rise With endless and uneasy motion, Now touching the very skies, Now sinking into the depths of ocean. Ah! if our souls but poise and swing Like the compass in its brazen ring, Ever level and ever true To the toil and task we have to do, We shall sail securely, and safely reach The Fortunate Isles, on whose shining beach The sights we see, and the sounds we hear, Will be those of joy and not of fear! William B. Graham Class History September 3, 1930, marked a new advance in the history of Johnson High School, for there it was that one hundred and three enthusiastic, ambitious, innocent fresh¬ men entered its wide open gates, there to spend four long years in an effort to become learned. Our snooty, sophisticated senior comrades proved to be of little aid to us during our first few weeks. Our attempts to find our assigned rooms were in vain, and we were further misled or overlooked by our schoolmates. The first excitement arrived on the evening of December fifth when the long awaited time, the occasion of the senior reception to the freshmen, arrived. Although it was a rainy, cold evening, this did not dampen the spirit of the freshmen, for each attired in his finest, assembled at eight o’clock to enjoy an evening of dancing and games. I recall that it was well along into the evening before we, a bit bashful before our superiors, dared venture onto that spacious floor—and then all too soon the clock struck eleven and the party was over. The election of officers was held a few weeks later and the seat of honor, the presi¬ dency, went to John Kennedy. The return party to the seniors came and far surpassed anything Johnson had ever known. The amateur playlet exhibited the superb dramatic talent of some of our fellow classmates and as the newspapers would say, “A large number attended and an enjoy¬ able time was had by all.” 16

Page 17 text:

1 9 3 4 YEAR BOOK Oration “Tonight we launch; where shall ive anchor? For the past years of our lives we, the class of 1934 , have been preparing for a longer journey on the sea of life than we have yet attempted. Tonight we launch. Our fleet has been lying in the harbor during the time which we have been at work, but tonight we weigh anchor and set sail toward unknown seas on a journey of mys¬ tery and unrest. The preparation which we have received during our four years in Johnson High School will aid us greatly, for it is here we have learned the importance of diligence, perseverance, and steadfast purpose in life. For just as a pilot needs his compass and his chart to guide him safely, these qualities are likewise necessary for us if our journey in life is to be successful. As we leave the harbor we will find that the clustered sails soon begin to thin out appearing only as white specks on the horizon each bound on its separate course. Some of us will continue in schools of higher education, while others will start im¬ mediately to shoulder the responsibilities of life, but in either case we shall find, pos¬ sibly by actual experience, that we cannot allow ourselves to drift with the tide and still escape disaster. It may seem pleasant and the best way to enjoy life but in a short time we shall realize our mistake and we shall find that real happiness is still farther off. When we choose a goal for which to strive we must realize that our destination cannot be reached in a short length of time. Then too, we cannot expect perfect sailing weather and think that we need make no provision for possible casualities. Ours is not a charted course, over which many ships have passed, but one which we ourselves must make out step by step as we progress. We will undoubtedly meet situations which will cause changes in previous decisions and will even be of such importance as to compel us to change our course. But even such setbacks as this need not hinder us, provided that we strive onward with diligence, perseverance, and a steadfast purpose in life. We have a living example of what perseverance and concentrated endeavor can accomplish toward gaining the position in life most desired, in President F. D. Roose¬ velt. He was stricken by one of the greatest of physical afflictions in 1921 but instead of floating aimlessly and helplessly about, he worked hard to strengthen himself. He accomplished this and because of his strong body and sound mind he is able to perform the difficult duties of his office. Likewise if we earnestly cling to our course and strive whole-heartedly toward our goal, we shall arrive successfully at our destination. Longfellow has ably de¬ veloped the thought of our motto in his poem, ‘ ‘The Building of the Ship. Like unto ships far off at sea, Outward or homeward bound, are we. Before, behind, and all around. Floats and swings the horizon’s bound, Seems at its distant rim to rise 15

Page 19 text:

1 9 3 4 YEAR BOOK Little can be said about our second year, the only enlivening incident being the dance we gave to the juniors on St. Patrick’s Day. To be sure, we anticipated and hoped for a return party, but our hopes were not satisfied, due to the depression which seemed to wipe out any financial balance which the juniors might have had. During that year, however, the scholastic standing of our class was noticeably high and this fact is worthy of mention here. The junior year was an outstanding one, scholastically, financially, and athletic¬ ally. Once more we upheld our reputation as a clever class, and it was during this year that the Harvard Club Book, awarded to the boy of the Junior Class whose scholastic average is the highest, was awarded to William Graham. Financially, the pocketbooks were flattened out due to the many expenses in¬ curred during that year, together with the fact that “ole man depression was still hanging on.’’ There were rings to be bought, and gold prices soared, and then there followed the banquet tendered to the seniors. Athletically, the outstanding members on all the teams were members of the Junior Class and it was during this year that the school was the tecipient of several cups for its superior athletic teams. The fourth year was on its way and, as was inevitable, September, 1933 rolled around. “Hats off’’ to the seniors, underclassmen! The class of ’34 was now in the fore¬ ground. The athletic teams were headed by seniors, the honor roll was monopolized by seniors, the student publication was headed by seniors, in fact, everything was carried on and started by us as seniors. We were an all around good class and the many friendships established during our four years were now to be tested by separation—the last get-together being the class supper held on June fourteenth. The largest class ever to have entered Johnson (up to 1930) and the largest class to graduate was now ready to close the gates of this institution of learning and to open the doors of others or to venture out into the ranks of the world, leaving the tasks and duties to be carried on by our lower classmen. Helen Clarenbach Class Prophecy Having just defeated Bill Hodge ten up and eight to go at the North Andover Country Club on this beautiful July morning for the 1954 trophy, emblematic of the Professional Golfers’ Championship of these United States, it flashed upon me that a cold bottle of beer would do me no harm. Trudging wearily up the club house steps I was hardly able to flop into a com¬ fortable wicker chair safe from the clamorous public, when in burst George Holds- worth and Alex Pickles, the demon safety razor salesmen, and boy! what a line of chatter they spilled. After being given the choice of buying two dozen blades or being talked to death I gave in. No sales resistance could withstand those lads. They decided to join me in a drink providing I took care of the checks. Imagine our surprise when in answer to the ring, Steward Arthur Darveau ap¬ peared. It is highly probable that his training in the Chefs’ Club was prominent in 17