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

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THE GOBBLER-1946 JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS PROPHECY PI OR two or three years now the newspapers and radio have been telling the H world how a quiet little New England town has been transformed into a L busy modern metropolis since the United Nations has made North Andover, Massachusetts, its headquarters. I glance at the date on my newspaper—June 11,1956, exactly ten years to the day since the class of ’46 at Johnson High School said “Good-bye and good- luck” to each other and went their separate ways. I feel a thrill of excitement when I think that in a few hours I shall return to my home town, and perhaps see many familiar faces. But I must keep it a deep, dark secret that Alfred McKee, known as the greatest promoter of horse-racing in the country, is suffer¬ ing from nostalgia! The jet-propelled plane which is transporting me from California to my famous Merrimack Valley Downs at Salem, New Hampshire, is piloted by none other than my old classmate, Vincent (Ippy) Ippolito. In New York I am joined by a Johnson girl, Beverly Howard, who is now a medical assistant to a famous brain surgeon. Bev is the owner of the famous horse “Sure to Win” who will run in the next Handicap which I will promote at my Salem, New Hampshire, track. Howard Doherty is her jockey and Art Drummond is the trainer. Leaving New York we are pleased to recognize Kay Roche and Claire War¬ wick as air hostesses, and we enjoy some time in reminiscing. They tell us that Arlene Donnelly operates a Beauty Salon, Martha Glidden is a child’s nurse and Emily George has an exclusive dress shop in Washington, D. C. When we arrive in North Andover, we are welcomed by the genial Mayor of North Andover, Mr. William (Goosie) Gosselin, and Mr. Don Kimel, who is at the head of the radio broadcasting at the U. N. As we drive through the city, we are amazed at the modern highways and the buildings that have replaced familiar scenes. Grogan’s Field, where we won (?) so many ball games has become the site of a large hotel managed by Bob Smith. When we stop here to eat our dinner, we see Velma Hinton, who is the telephone operator, and Eleanor Gaudet, Ruby Dill, and Rose Lawlor, who have charge of the dining room. Tommy Giaquinta is the head chef, and is known far and wide for his ability. When we ask for the news of all our other pals, Don tells us that Bill Wil¬ son is a successful optometrist, Palmer Long manages a large motion picture theatre, Marjorie Mitchell is a veterinarian and Tony Laurenza is an airline official. Mabel Arlit manages a fleet of taxicabs, and Rita Coppola has a chain of florist shops in several large cities. Elsie Miller has used to good advantage the Southern accent she acquired in the school play and has captivated a wealthy Georgian planter. Audrey Ferrin and Steve are happily married. She writes lyrics for Irving Berlin’s songs, and Steve manages Audrey! Phil and Alma finally made up their 27

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THE GOBBLER-1946 JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL leader. Phil Long took over the vice-presidency and Howard Doherty was our new secretary-treasurer. These offices were held by this group for the remaining three years. Since the war was still raging, and many Johnson seniors and graduates were fighting for us, we formed a student council and began selling war bonds and stamps. Next, a service flag was purchased, dedicated, and placed in the hall for everyone to see. Miss Glenna Kelly was replaced by Miss Sheridan, and Miss Theresa Kelly took over Miss Howe’s duties. Trouble was brewing over the cafeteria and finally the students boycotted it. The difficulty was soon settled and we were allowed to eat again. In September of 1944 we entered Johnson as “upper-classmen” and were quite proud of the fact. Miss Bascom was added to the faculty and we lost Miss McAloon to a lucky captain in the army. Our friend “Joe Kemm” originated this year, and created quite a sensation for some time. We held a very successful magazine campaign for the Curtis Company which increased the sum of money in our class treasury. On May 8th the war in Germany ended, and after a solemn talk by Mr. Hayes which quieted many of us down, we were dismissed for the day. In June we were given the T. B. Patch Test and all felt greatly relieved by the fact that we had no sign of the dread disease. The prom was the highlight of the year, since it was the first for many. When we returned to school in September, 1945, the world was at peace, since the fighting in Japan had ceased during our summer vacation. The following new teachers were welcomed to the school: Miss Callanan, Mrs. Manson, Miss Gillen and Miss James. The lunch-room was now under new management; Room 2 was converted into a dining room and hot dinners were served. Stunt night was held in place of the Freshman-Senior dance, and this new plan proved to be both entertaining and successful. The idea of noon-day dancing was presented by the student council to Mr. Hayes who followed the plan through. The Prom-Benefit Dance was livened up with a skit by Nicky, Chief, Bob Skinner, Howard, and Bill Driscoll, who gave a splendid performance of a ladies ' sewing circle which everyone heartily enjoyed. There are many personal memories which are not listed in this history, and some which we would just as soon forget; for the memories which will stand out in our minds as we travel the hard, rough roads to success are the happy ones which brought pleasure and laughter with them, and no matter how far away we may travel, these thoughts will draw us back to “the happiest years of our lives,” which were spent with classmates we learned to love and understand in four memorable years at Johnson High. Alma Sanford Bill Gosselin 26

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THE GOBBLER-1946 JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL minds and decided it was cheaper for two to live than one. They have a special little ball club of their own, known as the “Long A. C.” Gloria Bottai and Frank, her husband, are improving their time and their minds by studying medicine at Western University. Refreshed by our meal and pleasant conversation, we are now ready to make a tour of this new metropolis with the Mayor. As we go up Main Street we notice a building where the City Newspapers are published, the Gazette, edited by Rita Mulchahey, and the International, edited by Larry Walker. June Ingram is head reporter and Barbara Cochrane writes the T. T. A. column for the Gazette. Vic Brightman is Larry’s photographer and Carol Berry writes the humor column. We see a large sign on a very swanky building, “You Want It—We Got It” and Bill tells us that here Clarence Spencer runs a very modern junk exchange. Next door is the Mangano Plumbing Works and across the street a large truck¬ ing concern headed by Gerry Kent. We call on Blanche Turner, who is hostess and dental assistant to her father, and as we leave her office we meet a distinguished and familiar Merchant Marine officer, Capt. Joseph Rand, Chief of Naval Operations in Washington. We visit the radio studio and we are amused and amazed by Bob Skinner and Lizzie Marland, who are comedians on several of the popular programs. We notice several large lighted signs billing a performance of the Ballet Russe, and read the words “Starring Margaret Ann Holder.” Bill invites us to a performance by the North Andover Symphony Orchestra under the direction of William Torrey. Donald Phair, Pat Chadwick and Arthur Terret are out¬ standing in the clarinet section. As we ride up Main Street we see a large impressive glass building across the street from where old Johnson stands. The grounds are laid out ideally and there is a huge athletic field and stadium. This, we are told, is the new high school. We see a young man coming down the steps staggering under a load of heavy books. We take a second look and discover it is Fred (Horror) White. He says he is taking his P. G. and really having a “peachy” time with all the new teachers. Barbara Lambert is teaching biology there, and Eleanor Finn is principal. Pat Bredbury is coaching girls’ athletics. Her girls have been unde¬ feated for four years. Sally Kane is the music supervisor and Jack Wilkinson is athletic coach for the boys. Fred tells us that Ethel Shapcott has charge of a nursery school for the children of the United Nations delegates established in the Old Johnson High School. Nancy Kinports is a Powers model in New York, and Shirley Pendlebury is owner of a large roller-skating rink at Salisbury Beach where she is teaching fancy skating. Nicky Evangelos is athletic coach at Phillips Exeter, and Helena Saunders is Superintendent at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. There is a beautiful hospital on the hill overlooking the lake where Dr. Oscar Soucy has his practice and Shirley Kelly and Rita Nicetta are his medical assistants. The United Nations Headquarters are situated on the Russell Estate where 28