Oakfield High School - Oak Leaves Yearbook (Oakfield, WI)

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CLASS HISTORY. The class of 1907 has a very interesting as well as pathetic history. It is very evident that fate has hovered over us v ith outspread wings, determined, if possible, to destroy the entire class; but, nevertheless, the eight remaining members of a once large class have pushed forward towards the goal with an undaunted zeal. But three members of the original class that started out in the first year of the intermediate room, ten years ago, have been permitted to reach the Senior year. Since that time, new members have been gained and lost continually. When the eighth grade passed into the High School in the fall of 1903, the clas consisted of ten members. To our great joy, upon our arrival there we found that our comparatively small class of ten had been increased by seven new members. Nearly all of these new members had come to us from the country with a desire for a broader education. Their bright, sunny dispositions added much to the interest of the class. Our first teachers in the High School were Mr. Foote, the principal who initiated us into the mysteries of x and y, and Miss Erb, the assistant, who guided us over the rocky peaks of physical geography. Through their tireless and unceasing efforts, we gained a foothold in, what seemed to us. a new world which awed and caused us to be bashful, and, perhaps, caused us to appear stupid. We owe a great deal to these teachers for their patience with a large, restless class. At the beginning of our sophomore year, our class membership had been diminished to fourteen members. That year, we again were permitted to have Mr. Foot as our principal, but Miss Erb, of whom we all thought so much, was no longer with us. Miss Cook, a dear, energetic, little body, filled the position of assistant and led us through the wars of ancient history.. When we were told that both of these teachers were going to leave us at the close of the school year, our hearts were saddened, for they had worked with us diligently and had become as one of us. There is never a loss without a gain, and at the beginning of our Junior Year, though we had lost several members of our class, we gained one new member, Marshall Moses, who came to us from a distant High School. Mr. Hanson became principal and under the direction of Miss Rakow, we struggled through the theorems and corollaries of geometry. German was added to the course this year, and ours was the first class to study the language. During the summer of 1906, the schoolhouse was remodeled and when our class, now consisting of eight members, began school in September we appreciated all the changes as much as could be desired. Instead of being obliged to run from the second floor to the basement of the building to get to our recitation room, we now had our assembly and two recitation rooms upon the same floor. We now had three teachers and much more time was given in the direction of our work. Mr. Curtis, the principal, taught our physics class and with unexcelled good-nature explained over and over again the formulae and theories which seemed incomprehensible to us. Through his influence the new laboratory was more fully equipped. Miss Bovee carefully instructed us in English and in Theory and Art. She also taught us the art of discussing and arguing practical questions in Political Economy. Miss Halbach, who conducted the work of cataloging the library, took up the task

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It is well that Miss Juttin, the instructor of the Intermediate Department, is possessed of a firm will, great executive ability, and a strong determination. By her kindness and patience, her willingness to answer those quaint questions which the ever busy mind of childhood evolves, she has won the love and admiration of her pupils. Miss V. Maude Bucher. Miss Bucher was born in Springvale, Wis. She was graduated from the Ryan High School, Appleton, Wis., taught in the Primary Room at Princeton, Wis., and has taught for the past four years in the Primary Grades ,of the Cakfield Public Schools. There is no need of an introduction to Miss Bucher, for she is well known and has won the regard of all, pupils faculty, and townspeople, for whom she always has a pleasant word and smile. Her sunny, even disposition, her gentle yet firm rule, and that tale - , which we call “knack”-with children , have won her an enviable success in her chosen work. Here’s to the graduating girl; She’s sweeter far than some, For while she talks, she speaks no slang, And chews no chewing gum.

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of emphasizing in our work the correct order of the German sentence. Ethel McKnight, a very bright and modest member of our class, had attended a country school situated about a mile from her home, and about four miles south of Oakfield. In 1903, she received a common school diploma and came to Oakfield to attend the High School, becoming a member of the Fresh class. By her quiet, gentle ways and thoughtful and witty sayings, she has found a warm place in the heart of every member of her class. Alvin Ehrhardt, a sturdy country lad, was also graduated in the spring of 1903 from a district school, a few miles south of the village. In the fall 'of that year he came to Oakfield and entered the first year of the High School. We are very proud of him, for he never failed to prove loyal, both to his class and his classmates. Edward Cragoe attended the graded school in Oakfield from the time he learned his A B C’s until he passed into the High School four years ago. Edward, rightly called the class philosopher, was always ready with an answer to every question presented to him. Marshall Moses, the youngest member of our class, has had a varied school experience. Several years ago he attended the graded schools here but left with his parents when they moved away about six years ago. His first two years of High School life were spent in Birnamwood. He then came to Oakfield and entered the Junior Class. Although Marshall has not been with us long, he will never be forgotten by his classmates, for he added much to the interest of his class by his jolly ways. Had it not been for him, we would have missed many a good laugh. Jessie Ripley is another member of the class who has always attended the school located in this pretty little village. She is one of the three girls in the class and entered the High School in the Fall of 1903. She became a favorite of the class and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she could. Lee Underwood came from the country school to attend the High School. He spent the last years of his common school education in the school which is situated about a mile north of the village. We considered it a great pleasure to have him for a friend and classmate. He was always frank and genial, and never deserted a friend in need. Grant Wells attended the village school from h's earliest recollection and passed out of the Grammar room into the High School on the first of June in the year 1903. Grant was always a bashful boy, but this did not prevent him from accomplishing what he had started out to do. The c’ass e’ected him their president in the Senior year and have every reason to be proud of him, for did he not win first place in the local declamatory contest held in Oakfield, on the twenty-ninth of March, 1907? Lillian Pratt received part of her first year’s schooling in Pepin, Wis. Her next year’s instruction was received in the public schools of Depere, Wis. Her parents then moved to Oakfield and she entered the first year of ’the Intermediate Department at the age of nine and passed into the High School in 1903. Lilian’s faithfulness, industry, and ability have made her a favorite with her teachers and with her classmates.