Pekin High School - Pekinian Yearbook (Pekin, IL)

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(Class iljistorp of ’19 By Ruth Scheffler IN THE YEAR 1915, about forty Freshrrffen ascended the stairs to the as sembly rccm cf Pekin High. They looked about in dismay, for they knew not what they should do. Being an intelligent little band, they watched the actions cf the upper classmen, and, sorry to say, a few watched too closely, for they were to be found in Senior classes. Finally every one was settled and began to feast his mind cn the green pastures of knowledge. Miss Bur-wash was chosen faculty adviser and the class officers were: Harry Mar- tens, president; Albert Potts, vice-president; Dorothy Balcke, secretary; St. Clair Anderson, treasurer. The class colors were purple and gold, and the class flower the chrysanthemum. Two parties were held that year, one a hayrack party and the other a valentine party at the school. When vacation c'ajs were over, we entered the new high school. The Freshmen were net the cnly students who had to search for their rooms, but this was our year to laugh at the Freshies. The class was greatly diminished in numbers, so many havirg fallen over the precipice of hard examinations. In October, a hayrack party was held at Soldwedel’s bungalow and everyone had a fine time. During the winter, the class had a party at school. As we were tired of the customary “eats”, we decided to prepare our refreshments in the domestic science room. Being not very well experienced in the art of cooking nearly the entire evening was spent in preparing them. The Junior year was a very important one in the history of the class. Miss Burwash resigned and Miss Clem was elected class adviser. The most important event was the Junior Class play entitled, “The Blossoming of Mary Anne.” Toward the end of the Junior year, we gave the Senior Class a banquet, an event for which we had long waited. In the fall of 1918, we entered Pekin High with a different feeling than ever before, for we were now Seniors, a model for the lower classes. On account of the “flu” epidemic only one social event was held during the first semester, that being a hayrack party to Aydelott's bungalow. On January twenty-seventh, the Senior Class play, “Daddy”, was given for the benefit of the “Pekinian’’, and was a great success financially as well as dramatically. It is with regret that we think of leaving high school with all its pleasant memories. As each one goes from this dear old school to make a name for himself in life, he can look back with pleasure upon his high school days, which will remain forever dear to him. Page 28 — The Pekinian

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room, which had been decorated so daintily in pink and white, our class colors. The pink and white ice cream, cake, and candy disappeared quickly, and, after a short time of play, the lights were turned out and the school was left in darkness while the tired but happy youngsters hurried home to dream of the pleasures of the evening. Never were hikes so popular as in the next year of our high school life. The first trip took us to Bailey’s Lake, where, down in a little valley, sheltered from the wind, we built a fire. As the gleaming flames died down and the embers glowed in the soft twilight, we roasted “weenies” and marshmallows and told stories. After school on the 22d of February, ’16, we walked across the river. We had stopped in at some of the stores on the way down Court Street to buy a lunch, and we found by the time we reached the end of our tramp that we had gathered together quite a feast (cookies, popcorn, candy, and salted peanuts). The crowning event of the year was the trip to Aydelott’s bungalow on the first day of vacation, the tenth of June. We gathered at Mineral Springs Park, and were traveling at a brisk pace at ten o’clock when an empty brick wagon went rumbling past. Some of the happy party hopped on and rode, while the rest hiked merrily on. We certainly enjoyed ourselves during the day and also the ride home by hayrack. We held the first party in the new building, September fifteenth. On the sixth of January we gave another party at which we wore costumes designed to represent the months of our births. We brought our baby pictures and had great fun guessing who was who. The prettiest feature of the party was the serving table loaded with goodies and lighted with tiny burning birthday candles, which was pushed into the room while the electric lights were turned off. Our dear adviser and friend had been given a bigger work far away from us. Though she hated to say “good-bye”, and we to give her up, it was her duty to go, and she went. We gave her a farewell party the ninth of October. After she was gone, we shifted from place to place without a leader for months. Then Mr. Berkema took us in charge, giving us his kind assistance. Miss Clem, the adviser of our sister class, is responsible for the success of the Junior Class play entitled, “The Blossoming of Mary Anne,” and also the Junior-Senior banquet. Our class has been made what it is and enjoyed its successes through her untiring work for us and with us. The last year in our high school career has witnessed four parties, one a hayrack party last fall, two parties at the school this winter, and a picnic on the Bluffs at Hollis. Miss Martin is our new adviser. She has been a faithful worker for us in the past few months. We have almost completed our journey. Graduation will soon be over, and we shall part to go down separate highways of life. We shall never forget those happy days together. The Pekinian — Page n

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ji cf)ool |3ropf)ecp ONE bright spring morning in 1919, In Chemistry II Class the Seniors were seen; Miss McCune began somewhat in this way: “Is the study of ions worth study or nay?” “Would class it as worthy or trash? Give candid opinions, nothing rash. Albert, will you give us your views? What phase of the subject do you choose?” The days of the high school were growing few. If we didn’t hurry up we d have something to rue. A feeling of awe and vague unrest Possessed us then, for we’d failed our best. And so. while Albert was rambling on. I fell to thinking of Frances and Norma. Of Martha. Helen and Emma. When school was out. where would they be? The girls, of course, had but one common thought (Not saying that's what they were taught): That whether or not it was what they should. They’d land a man as fast as they could. Well, a tale of events I’m about to relate That is as full of surprises as sure as fate. What really did happen you’d scarcely believe. Now. if you please, don’t anyone grieve. The faculty had heart as well as brains For in the end they couldn’t cause us pain; In some strange way we “put it over And everyone got through in clover. Now. what did Bill do right away But strike out west to make it pay; Bought a ranch and has done quite well. And they tell me “her name is Nell. Verna Fluegel did reign supreme. In a ten-cent store in East Moline. Martha and Ruth Watson, just next door. Together were running a grocery store. I got the idea into my head That I’d turn poetess—“nuff said . I went back east for an inspiration. Since writers there met with approbation. The Pekinian — Page 29