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

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IN APPRECIATION EDWARD D. PHILLIPS English University of Missouri As a salutatory to your request to say some- thing befitting from a member of the first faculty of your school, I must confess that when I was first invited to join that faculty, I reluctantly con- sented; but now, after 25 years of continuous service I reluctantly retire from such a harmonious and progressive faculty. A word of explanation may seem needed just here. When this school opened for business in 191 3, I had taught 37 years in Kansas City schools, one year in Benton Ward School, 20 years in Old Cen- tral and 16 years in the Manual Training High School, which I helped to originate. After I had aided in starting two high schools I deemed it wise to engage in a more lucrative business as a provision for old age. While I was thwarted in my business plans, I am never the less proud of being one of the Old Guard that put this school on the map with such enviable achievements, too numerous to mention here; and now in a valedictory spirit I felicitate with my comrades on having piloted our Viking school to its Silver Jubilee and bespeak for it a still more enviable record on its attaining its Golden Jubilee. — Edward D. Phillips (Northeast). Mr. E. D. Phillips, the senior English instructor and head of the English De- partment, is ending his career at Northeast this year. Mr. Phillips has had a most individual life. He began his educational career teaching Indians and half-breeds in a school in Wyandotte, Kansas, in 1874. Mr. Phillips came to Kansas City in 1877 and taught, first, one year in the old Benton Ward School. Then, he was transferred to Central High School, where he taught for twenty years, among other subjects elocution and Latin. Later, Mr. Phillips became principal of the Manual Training High School, the first of its type in this country, a school which he and a fellow teacher, Mr. G. B. Morrison, are credited with establishing. Mr. Phillips has introduced many school activities and he has encouraged student participation in them. The organization of literary societies and the con- test was conceived by him in order to encourage the cultivation of literary ability. He also originated the inter-high school contests for Missouri high schools, held at the Missouri State University to stimulate interest in oratory and debate. Northeast High School is proud to pay tribute to a pioneer in Kansas City ' s educational system, to express her appreciation to a man who has contributed many invaluable services to education in his educational epic of 62 years— The Staff The Noreaster Staff took an unusual interest in arranging this page as a surprise tribute to their Literary Advisor, Professor E. D. Phillips. It is their desire that it he printed without alteration. Mr. Edward D. Phillips, April 12, 1853, Alt. Vernon, Indiana — May 14, 1938, Kansas City, Missouri

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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