Pekin High School - Pekinian Yearbook (Pekin, IL)

Page 33 text:

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

Page 32 text:

(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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Esther and Evelyn, as you'd never guess. Were aiding orphans in distress. Lucy and Gladys were in Quincy, Running a matrimonial agency. Kathleen Dietrich, in all her grace. Was vying with Mary Pickford for first place. Emma Von Tobel, aspiring to fame. With Jane Adams was playing the game. While taking a summer trip to Maine, I’ll bet you can’t guess—I met Irene. Yes. she and ‘‘Cullie’’, with corkscrew curls, Were running there a school for girls. They planned for me a great surprise In a half-way house done in Japanese. We went one afternoon for tea, Served by none other than our friend Annie D. Norma was a partner of Annie D. In this cunning little house for tea; And we thoroughly enjoyed the dainty display Of such charming hostesses that summer day. Albert Potts had made a great name Practicing law in the State of Maine. The suffragette cause felt sure of victory For it had as its leader no other than Dorothy B. By the way, I mustn’t forget to tell you A piece of news they said was true: ’’Smittie and Elmore had gone in together And were running a movie in all kinds of weather. Bernice Brown was a great surprise; I always thought as a teacher she’d rise. But would you believe it, she turned out to be As graceful a dancer as you’d wish to see. Another thing Irene had said, That Mary Soldwedel had grown heavy as lead. And spent most of her time at the Gym., Where she was trying to reduce with a vim. While Jim was a consul in the Philippines, Stew” was an officer in the marines. At home Ray Smith was running his Ford, And Ruth S., his wife, was paying Ray’s board. Page 30 — The Pekinian