Norwood High School - Tiot Yearbook (Norwood, MA)

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June 22, 1938— We have reached the end of our trying year as Sophomores; we have earned a reputation as a good-natured, civic-minded class; now we ' really belong ' . After a too short summer vacation, 230 gayly returned on September 7, and the thread of our history may once more be picked up. September 28, 1938— Dear Diary: We have started off the year by journeying once again to the polls to vote for Class Officers. We reelected David Maitland as President, and chose Phoebe Ann Hayes as Vice-President; Dorothy Berkland, as Secretary; Edward Holman, as Boys ' Treasurer; Agnes Bernier as Girls ' Treasurer; and Edward Leary, as A. A. Council Representative. Our class seems to have lost much of the exuberence of the Sophomore year, and because of our failure to sell many tickets, our President had to call a class meeting today for the express purpose of giving us a pep talk. We are all greatly abashed and are determined to recapture our former enthusiasm and make our Junior Party an even greater success than was our Sophomore one. December 2 — We have won again! Tonight ' s response substantiated our resolution, and a small but gay crowd is dancing to the music of The Vikings . We were so ap- preciative of the talent displayed at our last party, that we decided to have encores, and Jean Robertson, Molly Riemer, and Doris Connolly obligingly agreed. We have also discovered new talent in the person of a songstress, Rose James, and two musicians, Raymond Fleck with his Clarinet and Joe Grugnale with his violin. Even though we are allowed to leave a little later, in this, our Junior year, we still reluctantly close the doors on what has been such an enjoyable evening. January 24, 1939— Dear Diary: Everyone is so excited that it is impossible for the teachers to carry on their classes. This spirit of feverish activity will not be denied, and all because the Junior Prom is only three days away. Only three precious days are left for that shy little boy in your English Class to ask you to accompany him to this, the greatest social event of the year; only three precious days in which to order a corsage for the girl of your choice; only three precious days to buy that darling eve- ning bag in the shop around the corner; only three precious days to make a million and one last minute preparations for this great occasion. January 27 — It seems as though the entire Junior Class is here. Huge Mexican hats, brilliant colored posters, and fancy Mexican gourds all proclaim this the greatest Mexican fiesta of all time. Against this vivid background, swirling, laughing couples and dancing feet sway to the gay music of The Cavaliers , and the evening is an obvious success from beginning to end. September 6, 1939 — At last we have known that wonderful elatement of walking up the stairs of this high school as proud and triumphant Seniors. We cannot help but look pat- ronizingly down upon that small, insignificant, and disorganized assemblage, that is the incoming Sophomore class. We cannot help but realize, also, how snobbish we thought the seniors when we first entered the sacred portals of Norwood High. September 27 — We are determined to reach beyond the fairest predictions of success, and have once again marked a cross beside the candidates for Class Officers, with the following results: a reelection of David Maitland for President, making him the first person in the school ' s entire history to serve in that capacity for three successive years; Vice-President, Arthur Allen; Secretary, a reelection again, this time Dorothy Berk- land; Boys ' Treasurer, Richard Tucker; Girls ' Treasurer, Agnes Bernier — still another reelection — she also attains the honor of holding an office for three years; and A. A. Council Representative, Jean Callahan. 18

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®Ij] tffetnry nf tlj Qllajss tti 194D Having been assigned by the government to do some important research work on the ever-present problem of education, my first duty was to look over the records of a typical high school. Naturally, my thoughts immediately reverted to the Norwood Senior High School, and without further preamble, I headed for my dear old school on the hill . As I was rummaging through the files, my attention was arrested by a dilapidated looking diary, wedged between the covers of two old Yearbooks. First amazed and then curious at finding this type of literature in such an unusual place, I hastily dis- engaged it from its hiding place, and rapidly perused its contents. Many leaves were torn and missing, but I found that within its worn covers was a wealth of knowledge about my class — the Class of 1940. Herein lay its true and intimate history, as written by various enterprising mem- bers. Anxious to delve further into its contents, I cast all thoughts of my work aside, and withdrew from the building. Then, in the sanctity of my home, I relived my three glorious years of high school, all just as is told in this small diary: September 8, 1937— Dear Diary: At last we have entered the Norwood Senior High School. It is all rather strange and not a little awesome, but the teachers are very helpful and considerate. Although the upper classmen delight in playing pranks, and have sent more then one unlucky sophomore to the girls ' gymnasium instead of the Professor ' s music room, they are really a rather congenial group. October 8 — Today, after several weeks of growing accustomed to a new building, new classes, and new acquaintances, we are to elect our Class officers, resolved to make our class one of the finest the school has ever housed. October 11 — Our votes have been tabulated, with the following results: President, David Maitland; Vice-President, Marguerite D ' Espinosa; Secretary, Marjorie Davis; Boys ' Treasurer, Robert Meagher; Girls ' Treasurer, a tie between Agnes Bernier and Louise Coughlin; and A. A. Council Representative, John Cook. October 28— Tonight ' s the night! It seems as though every member of our class is here, and the soft strains of the Knights of Melody fill the room with music. We all are pleas- antly surprised at the display of talent given by our classmates, and predict a brilliant theatrical future for them all. Our yodeling cowgirls, Jane Shimsky and Angle Sansone, need only a lariat and a sombrero to make them entirely realistic; the soprano lyrics of Jean Robertson hold everyone ' s attention; and the dancing feet of Molly Riemer and Doris Connolly keep all eyes glued to the floor. Everyone hates to leave at the childishly early hour set aside for Sophomores. October 31 — The entire school is talking about our party. It was such an overwhelming success, socially and financially, that we have won the respect and admiration of everyone, including the seemingly superior Seniors. A few weeks later — Try-outs for our Christmas Play have been the subject of conversation for the past week, but now the cast has been announced, and rehearsals under the able guidance of Miss Gray, our dramatic coach, are about to begin. The play chosen is The Man Who Forgot Christmas and Levi Salonen and Bettv Steele head a fine supporting cast. December 2 — Our annual Christmas Play was given at the Norwood Junior High School. Acknowledgment of the superior talent in our class was given bv the thunderous applause that greeted our actors and actresses after the final curtain had fallen. 17

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After discussing the possibility t)f changing the date of our Senior Phiy from February to November because of conllicting circumstances, we have voted to make the change, and try-outs must begin at once. We are faced with the loss of Miss Gray, our dramatic coach, who passed away suddenly the preceding summer. We are sure we embody the sentiments of not only the Class of 1940, but all classes that have preceded it, when we express our deep sense of gratitude for her tireless work and efforts in coaching our various high school productions. Miss Peabody has kindly offered to take over, and a play, The Promoters has been selected. The cast includes Levi Salonen, Mary Murray, Molly Riemer, Betty Steele, Edwin Pothier, Jean Callahan, Shirley Dawson, Francis Murphv, Phoebe Ann Hayes, Richard Tucker, Rose James, Emil Bazzy, and Dominic Yelapi. With earnest cooperation and hard work, we are sure that we can produce a play worthy of praise. November 17 — We have conquered again! Our Class Garbos and Barrymores have done an excellent piece of work. Edwin Pothier ' s witty remarks, and Levi Salonen ' s earnest belief in his uncle, as well as the fine work of the entire cast make the play one that will long be remembered. A few weeks later — Once more we walked to the polls — this time to elect our Yearbook Staff. Emil Bazzy was elected Editor-in-Chief, Maggio Ciancarelli, Art Editor; Ed Pothier, Photography Editor; Charlotte Kauffman, Literary Editor; Arthur Allen, Advertising Manager; and Robert Wiesmann, Circulation Manager. Much later — There has been much discussion whether to make our Senior Party a public affair to raise money, or whether to keep it private, and today we voted to keep it for seniors only. Preparations will soon be under way, committees formed, and another week will tell the story. January 5, 1940 — Tonight we are enjoying to the last degree our final party at the Norwood High School. We have banished our usual form of entertainment in favor of a comical skit, which kept us laughing from beginning to end. At this party, we are giving the major part of the evening to dancing, and only by the inducement of ice cream and cookies can we be persuaded to stop. Everyone seems to be having a wonderful time, and it is without doubt, the best party of our high school career. April 22— We are all agog with the thrill and excitement of preparing for our greatest social affair of all — our Senior Prom. Everyone is scurrying around with tickets, crepe paper, scissors, and a bewildered expression on his face. We are confident that we shall make this the culmination of all our social functions, surpassing all others in its success. That was the last page of that little diary. But it was not the last page of our high school career. For, our Senior Prom took place on April 26, and lived up to all expectations; and on June 4, approximately 218 members of the original 265 will proudly receive their diplomas. Even this, however, will not be the end for my class and the members of my class. Rather it marks the beginning of a new life for us all. It is true that it brings to a close three unforgettable years in the School on the Hill , but it is only the beginning of a new life, a life which is shrouded by clouds of mystery and glamour, but a life which we hope will be a trulv happy and successful one for our class — The Class of 1940. Charlotte Kauffman, Class Historian 19