Northeast High School - Nor Easter Yearbook (Kansas City, MO)

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3n Jtlemoriam WALTER A. FRENCH Instrumental Music Mr. Walter A. French, band and orchestra instructor of Northeast, passed away Thursday, October 21, 1937, at the Research Hospital. Mr. French was responsible for all of the fine exhibitions given by the band and orchestra at school activities during his period of service. We can best remember him through the Viking Varieties, which was successful largely through his faithful work. Although his doctor stated that he would not live to be twenty-one, because of tuberculosis, Mr. French became one of the six best trumpet players in the United States. Few people knew that Mr. French spent his personal money for the benefit of the band, orchestra, and even individuals. An example of this is shown by an incident which occurred just before the band left for Lawrence, Kansas, to participate in the 1935 National Band Contest. Each person in the band needed a certain amount of money to cover his expenses on the trip. Several of the students did not have the money and could not get it. Well, Mr. French said nothing, but you can be sure that all of those students went to Lawrence. So, let us give praise to a person who loved music and strove to bring out musical ability in others— Mr. French, or Pop, as he was known to many. Dr. John W. McMurphev, history teacher of Northeast, passed away at the Vineyard Park Hospital on Monday, April 18, 1938. Dr. McMurphey led a varied life as traveler, war pilot, athletic coach, and teacher. He was born and reared at Madison, Kansas. Dr. McMurphey was studying political science at the University of Kansas when the United States entered the World War. He enlisted in the army and served in the air corps. When the armistice was signed, Dr. McMur- phey, a first lieutenant, returned to the University of Kansas. Upon his graduation, Dr. McMurphey obtained a civil service job teaching in the Philippine Islands. Later, he returned to America and became all-around athletic coach at Manual High School. His black derby became a tradition at Manual— the players came to know how he was receiving their playing by the angle at which the derby was tilted. In 1934, Dr. McMur- phey took an extended tour through England, Ireland, Scot- land, France, Germany, and Italy. He traveled by bicycle in the British Isles, visiting the homesites of his ancestors. In 1936, he obtained his Ph. D. degree at the University of Iowa and then returned to teach history at Northeast. During his two years at Northeast, Dr. McMurphey was greatly interested in school activities. He was very popular among his students. Those who did not have the privilege of knowing Dr. McMurphey admired his pleasant smile and kind manner. JOHN W. McMURPHFY Social Science

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RENDEZVOUS LONG VISTA