Petersburg High School - Missile Yearbook (Petersburg, VA)

Text from Pages 1 - 158 of the 1955 volume:

Res Rb Petersburg High 050 School. M691 The Missile. (1955) c. 1 Petersburg Public Library Petersburg, VA 23803-4257 1 L !■ ' , . L-i- r 51; t .11 1 ■ ■ ' OSD PETERSBURG IlglgJill lllilil y ' NfemEjkrea wabiybjmw MJL AMlmGMJ (flttT For Reference Not to be taken from this room J ' LithSbURG PUBLIC LIBKARY PETERSBURG. VIRGINIA -f ■ . ' .fc? ■ t ' s? v.! ' -, ,v ' . ' . ; ■ ■ ' . ' tiji.,: % ' ' V ■ : ■ ,,; , r ■ ' ; • ■- -1 ' or ' . ■ j ■ ' u- ' ■ ' - s.iv ' i. ' ' ‘ ' -v- ' V ■ oi •_ : • x ' tfc. r . V . ji5?� -; ‘ % - ' .‘tv: • • V ' v ■’• h ' r ' - i ' : ' a. - m I Petersburg High School H THE MISSILE PETERSBURG I G H SCHOOL VOL. XXXXIII — No. 1 Petersburg, Virginia M A Y - 1 9 5 5 TABLE O F CONTENTS “PETERSBURG, ALL-AMERIGAN GITY” L I T E R A R Y S E G T I O N Education The Bright Colored Feather . Arline Riley 45 Public Schools 3 Trapped 47 Petersburg Public Library . Judith Schultz 4 Never Again . Bill Roberson 51 Public Welfare My Fatal Night . Russell Early 53 The New Hospital Barbara Mayfield 7 Suspense . Freddie Clements 54 Water System and Distribution No Future Norman Jacobson 55 Improvements . Peggy Wilburn 8 The Crimson Wave in Review . Susan Elliott 58 New Fire Station 9 Procrastination’s Rush . . Robert Elder 59 Petersburg Tuberculosis Association . Susan Elliott 10 Lost Birthitay Evelyn Wyatt 61 The Petersburg Police Boys’ Glub . Eileen Dorsk 11 Par.ade Rest 63 Municipial Recreation Program . Maynard Moore 12 The Southside Emergency Grew . . Shelly Daviis 14 P O E M S Industries The F’reckled- Faced Boy . . Kay Scoggin 4 Tobacco in Petersburg .... . . Betty Harvey 17 Love . Joan Wright 5 Titmus Optical Gompany . . Maynard Moore 18 John Wilkes Booth . . . . . John Haines 5 Seward Trunk Bag Gompanv . . Irving Lewis 19 Dusk . Margaret Moore 9 The Farm Market Genter . . . Eileen Dorsk 21 Distance Barbara Mayfield 11 Transportation Nature’s Symphony . . . . . . . Scotty Steele 13 Improved Transportation Gondition . Susan Elliott 23 Clouds . Joan Parcells 20 Petersburg of the Past The Storm Dottie Gill 20 At the Falls of the Appamattucks . Buzz Nowlin 25 Music . Margo Hurtle 21 The Battle of the Grater Ira Lee Andrews 27 The Great Waters . . . . . Betsy Hargrave 28 Gentre Hill Mansion .... Judith Schultz 28 Last Night . . . . Margo Hurtle 37 Old Blandford Ghurch and High Galling 39 Cemetery Ira Lee Andrews 29 Spring . Irving Lewis 40 The Court House . Kay Scoggin 31 The Grlm Historian . . . . 41 Citizen Action They Told Me . Evelyn Wyatt 49 The Community Chest .... . Ann Pope 33 I Stand on Gliffs . Russell Early 50 The Willingness of Citizens on Signs of Spring 50 Defense Effort Barbara Mayfield 34 God Revealed in Nature . . Susan Elliott 52 The Garden Glubs . . Ann Pope and Kay Scoggin 35 Mr. Poe’s Old Raven .... Hojie Bulat 6-1 Organizations Gontributing to a A Memory Virginia Mann 65 Better Petersburg . Maynard Moore 36 Hope . Hope Btday 65 Future Interview With Mr. Ash Anne Gatling and Laura Yates 39 Water Works Improvements . Peggy Wilburn 40 Television Station and Toy Industry . . Anne Gatlin, g and Laura Yates 41 A D E R T I S E M E N T S MISSILE STAFF Editorial Staff: Editor-in-Chief, Carol Woerner Lavenstein; Associate Editors, Ira Lee Andrews, Jr., Shelby Anne Davis, Eileen Rose Dorsk, Susan Carver Elliott, Judith Hope Ford, Anne Hubert Gatling, Betty Beryl Harvey, Lillian Irving Lewis, Barbara Ann Mayfield, Ernest May- nard Moore, Percy Conway Nowlin, Ann Claiborne Pope, Judith Schultz, Kay Whitehurst Scoggin, Margaret Louise Wilburn, Laura Radford Yates. Business Staff: Business Managers, Louise Scott Steele and William Graham Roberson, III; Assistants, Dorothy Leon- ard Gill, Mary Weisign Grossmann, Elizabeth Madison Hargrove, Betty Beryl Harvey, Garol Jean Krapp, Ben Levy, Joseph Wesley O.xendine, Bobbie Peroe, Jon Ghris- tian Peterson, Sally Kay Powell, Joan Maureen Wright. Circulation Staff: Circulation Manager, Virginia Meade Mann; Assistants, Betty Jane Carrel, Margaret Fay Fields, Anne Wright. Art Staff: Art Editor, John Fairbanks Haines; Artists, Emily Reynolds Greever, Mollie Lee McDonald, Vita Marie Wall, Douglas Wayne James, William Branch Storey, Barbara Lee Dearing, Evelyn Bowen Wyatt, Ann Beverly Roper, Beverly May Jones, Adeline Anne Lange, Jacqueline Scott Dudson. Photographic Staff: Editor, Jean Ellen Kitchen; Assistants, Mary Fletcher Simmons, Lois Schmidt Jones; Staff Plto- tographer, Janet Dean Gongdon. F.aculty Advisers: Editorial, Mr. Martin Andrews (Adviser), Mr. H. Augustus Miller, Jr. ( Honorarc’ Adviser); Business, Mr. James W. Sutherland; Art, Miss Mary Bailey, Mrs. Shirley Willco.x; Circulation, Mr. A. M ' . Lloyd; Photo- graphy, Mr. E. B. Gongdon. cSafiooL 7955 mm By Hope Bulay O, classmates, see in my chest These treasures rich and rare: 1 stole them all from school clays While you were unaware. Sunny srniles each morning A ' we met in the room I ' ve marked, “For Future Referenee To Chase Away the Gloom.” Your spirit that has borne us Through cdl the trying years I’ve labeled, “Keep This Handy; It Helps Hold Baek the Tears.” The fear we wouldn ’t make it I’ve tagged, “For What It’s Worth,” Decided not to keep it And tossed it to the hearth. The loyalty we sing of In every high school song I’ve l(d)eled, “Great to Have When Everything Goes Wrong.” The joy we shared in victory After the team had won I ' ve Icdyeled, “This for Pleasure, The Cleanest Kind ot S ' ”’ ” The honor in our cl “Oh, to yourself be I’ve Icdjeled with tin And give them cdl to PHS 1955 Mary Francfs Stone Bartlett Roper Susan Carver Elliott Jra Lee Anclri ' ws Marilyn Rntli Eiule James Winston Challender Thomas Aujjiistus Burnett Betty Paij e Harte Carl Blandford Cottrell Barbara Ann Warriner Clifton Albert D ike Jane Spencer White Barbara Jean Jones James Claiborne Pritchett Frances Ann Laine Thomas Eugene Phillips Ann Louise Norris William Edwin Clements John Alexander Cunninj ham Pearl Hope Bui ay John Gardiner Richard Francis Louise Scott Steele Thomas Edjjar Hinkle Patricia Ann Burton Edna Annette Bailey Thomas King Anderson Judith Mae Powell Herbert Perr ’ Mann Judith Alexander Schult Donald Lewis Strum in ‘ er 1955 PHS Mar iaret Louise Vin in n Carl is Aubrey Tucker Janet Deane Conjzclon Donald Lewis Show Jean Ellen Kitchen Robert Hoy Harrison, Jr. Glenn Marshall Ford Elizabeth Louise Ramsey Carthan Floyd Currin Xancy Louise Blankenship AUred Heber Krause Geraldine Jeanm tte Ford Nancy Louise Harville Robert Field Hutto Patricia Anne Bonner Floyd Raymond Childs, Jr. Yvonne Salome ’oshall Dovmlas Wayne James Lewis Lea land Johnson Dianna Trischman William Nichols Rutfin. Jr. Dorothy Leonard Gill Robert Dale Lane ' Joan Maureen W ' rijjht Virginia Meade Mann Charles Earl Hall Joan Frances Parcells James Russell PLnly, Jr Marjiaret Louise Hesse P3rnest Ma uard Moore i PHS 1955 Catherine Rochelle Dun iv ant B()hhie Fern an , ia Peroe Cazell Nhrrie Kirkland Percy Conway Nowlin Em ih ' Reynolds Greever Whitworth W ' ilson Cotten Robert Ell wood Horne Dorothy Louise Tinney Milton Franklin Jefferson Aire Guy Fenderson Wiley Rollers Underhill Donna June Pritchett Juanita Naidean Kinsey Da id Lawrence Partin Betty Kay Morrissette Charles David Murdock Mary Lillian Wade Edward Marshall Elder Patrick Matthews Carole Fay Price LawTence Calvin Griffin Lillian Irvinj; Lewis Calvin Eujiene Wall Joe Ann Pullen Dehna Marie M’all John Aloysius Rooney Carol Lavenstcin Edward Tirrell Gerr ’ Elizabeth Madison Har ra e Fred Jones Swearingen, Jr. Kay Whitehurst ' Seotigin Wilbur Leon Stables Betty Beryl Har c PHS 1955 Charlotte Ann Wall John Fairbanks Haines Carol Anne Torr«.-nee Kieluird Lee Litehheld Arline Carol Riley Howard Gray Hedford, Jr. Charles Hernard Poole Elva Jane Wynne William Branch Storey Jo Hollinj; Jones John Albert Flowers Shirley Ann Stevens PeU ' y Anne Broekwell Robert Peyton Townsend Franees Vounji Tatum Richard Phdlip Counts Joyce Anne Simmons Ralph hwan Itowlett Donald Elmo Tross Carolyn Ann Snead Bernard Clarence Wriiiht Bettie Louise Sanford Roh(n t Monroe Tipton Pe jiy Ann Bowles Virginia Ann Tench James Reminie Rowlett Kay Manning Sheffield William Graham Roberson Rosa Lucille Cieasey Randolph Claiborne Nemecek Joyce Ann Driskill Braxton Craiy Baker Cleo Jeanette McMnllan i 195S PHS E lm a Eranccs Mackey Tlionuis Way lie Marck Evelyn Bowen WS att Emma Lee W’atts Uobeit Louie Di-nson Nancy Lee Dobson John Kenneth Eanes Arlene Banby Oranjje Betty Jane Carrell Betty Lou Cole Joan Marlene W’alker Edwin Lynn Dawson Nancy Lee Collins Josephine Ladare Adams Marjio Liane Hartle Shirley Ann Campbell Betty Lou Ratcliffc Barbara Anne Porter Mildred Elizalieth Moore Zelma Pond Sheffield Shirley Anne Moore Sara Ann Cummins Patsy Carol W ilkerson Lola Helen Faison Eric W ayne Mann Lois Schmidt Jones Anne Sterling WVst Rosemary Gordon Helen Leilani Johnson James Otiburn Hart HAJBCs ' jy HAififfs ks SENIORS TO YELL ABOUT HA� WC5 ' £! ■ Missile Staff Edifor-in-CIiicf .. Business Managers Circulation Manager Art Editor Photographic Editor Photographer Factdty Advisors: Literary Business Circulation Photograph An Carol Laveiisteiii Scotty Steele, Bee Roberson Virginia Mann John Haines Jean Kitchen Janet Congdon Mr. M. F. Andrews Mr. J. W. Sutherland Mr. A. W, Lloyd Mr. E. B. Congdon Miss Mary Bailey ' Mrs. Shirley Wilcox First Row Virginia Mann Scotty Steele Carol Lavenstien Jean Kitchen Second Row- Buzz Nowlin Irving Lewis Barbara Mayfield Ann Pope Kay Scoggin Susan Elliott Shelby Davis Joan Wright Third Roiv Maynard Moore Adeline Lange Vita Wall Beverly Jones Mary Grossmann Betty Harvey Betsy Hargrave Laura Yates Ann Wright Ann Gatling Barbara Dearing Eileen Dorsk Judv Schultz Dottie Gill Fourth Row Jacquelin Hudson Emily Greever Mollie McDonald Evelyn Wyatt Beverly Boper Betty Jane Carrel Margaret Fields Kay Powell Peggy Wilburn Fifth Row Mr. Andrews Miss Bailey Mrs. Wilcox Jon Peterson Joe Oxedine Douglas Janies Bobby Peroe Mr. Lloyd Mr. Sutherland Principal Assistant Principal Secretaries Librarian Faculty Russell B. Gill - H. Augustus Miller, jr. Doris Curliu, Arline Wicks - Gladys Spencer First Row Russell B. Gill H. Augustus Miller, Jr. Second Row Arline Wicks Frances Morgan Edward Smoot Wilma Salmon Helen Brooks Mary Holloway Jane Wood Doris Curlin Third Row Shirley Wilcox Katherine Warner Edwin Betts Gladys Wilkerson D. Pinckney Powers Dorothy Barney Frank Haines Fourth Row Martin Andrews A. W. Lloyd Georgia West Mary Bailey Frances Evans Laura Meredith Fifth Row Juanita Minor James W. Sutherland Ella Rowe Hayden Gwaltney Gladys Spencer William Finney Pauline Robertson Sixth Roiv Burton F. Alexander Howard Luni Richard Hartman Thomas Moore James Micklen Edmond B. Congdon Senior Committee Advisor Mr. H. A. Miller, Jr. First Row Arie Fenderson Carol Lavenstein Second Roiv Ira Lee Andrews Nancy Harsille Jill Hesse Fred Swearingen President Vice-President Secretary Advisor Student Council Bobby Laney Ham Evans Nancy Parker Miss Ellen Moyer First Rote John G. Francis Bobby Laney Ham Evans Nancy Parker Second Row Carol Price Betty Lou Bulifant Kay Powell Francis Fenclerson Third Row Vivian Hirshhorn Page Brockwell Virginia Street Suzy Wyatt Fourth Row Adeline Lange Libby Lynn Baine Nancy Hubbard Jeanette Brantley Fifth Row Russell Early Jimmy Alexander Buddv’ Leasure Norma Collins Sixth Roic Carl Cottrell Steve Idelman Seventh Row Dickie Spain Miss Moyer Algie Pnlley Monitors Club President Maynard Moore Vice-President Virginia Mann Secretary Mary Grossmann Advisor . Mr. James VV. Sutherland “M” left to right Joe Blankenship Lewis Jolnison Bobby Peroe Nick Ruffin Scottie Steele Dottie Gill Sue Poore Helen Nugent Nancy Collins Adeline Lange Carol Price Betty Bulifant Pln llis Edwards Bruce Bowman Bobby Mallory Don Show Nancy Parker Bobby Laney Susan Elliott Joan Wright Dianna Triscbman Virginia Mann Maynard Moore Mary Grossmann Irving Lewis Betsy Hargrave Ann Pope Betsy Goodman Kay Scoggin Kathryn Sherman J immy Alexander Marvin Boswell John G. Francis Betty Harvey Barbara Short Betty Jane Carrel Molly McDonald Jill Hesse Ruth Davis Ann Norris Barbara Leete Laura Yates Emily Creever Kay Dunnivant Kay Powell Arie Fenderson The Band Fall Student Director Spring Student Director Manager Librarian Assistant Librarian Head Majorette Drum Major Tommy Marek ... Franklin Jefferson Edward Gerry Carol Ann Torrence Gypsy Lockett Kay Dnnnivant .... Ira Lee Andrews Flutes Carole Ann Torrence Lois Ann Parish Sharon Slate Selina Blair Oboe Fred Clements Bassoon Nancy Blankenship E Flat Clarinet Daniel Hawks B Flat Clarinets Edward Gerry, Mgr. Bill Hartzman William Crowe Elva Jane Wynne Mary Sue Holland Barbara Ann Phillips Cazell Kirkland Dianne Williams Marylyn Sessums Doris Martin Cherry Grubbs Joyce Williams James Crim John Saunders Joan Race Alto Clarinet Wayne Tucker B Bass Clarinet Franklin Jefferson, Student Drector Baritone Saxophone Helen Northup Alto Saxophones Madeline Caudle Eloise Allen Carolyn Barco Patricia Maitland Tenor Saxophones Ira Lee Andrews Virginia Tench French Horns Robert Grossmann Gypsy Lockett Eleanor Bowen Joseph Hoggood Trumpets and Clarinets Charles Poole Howard Bedford Lee Litchfield Thomas Marek Claiborne Nemecek Roland Riley Hugh Litchfield Tommy Barnes Ronald Elder Charlotte Johnson T rombones David Murdock Edward Branch Douglas Perkinson Nancy Blankenship Douglas Ridout Susan Mayar Baritones Eugene Winer Brooks Parham Clifton Smith String Bass Tom Anderson T uhas Spencer Perkins James Traylor Forrest Motto Richard Clements Tytnpani James Seay Percussion Carey Stronach Jerry Procise Warren Tinney Charles Barnes Bess Dupu - Glenn Browder Majorettes ( serving as ushers ) Arline Riley Charlotte Bryant Peggy Bulay Joan Cole Ka ’ Dnnnivant Program Narrator Stephen Eitelman Glee Club President Peggy Wilburn Vice-President “Moe” Morin Secretary am Treasurer Marvin Boswell Adoisor Miss I3orothv Wainwright First Row Third Rote Fourth Row Fifth Roto Marvin Boswell Betsv Goodman Sue Ignore Ida McCarter Ben Lew Jane White Audrey White Barbara Leete Fred Swearingen Eleanor Earlv Barbara Harrison Kave Ikigbv lohn Haines Pat Burton Gerry Andrews Frances Stone Toniniv Hinkle Joan l arcells Mary Grossmann Joanne Pullen Bee Boherson Hilda Marshall Ann Gatling Scottv Steele Pete Wright Jeanette Brantlev Barbara Mayfield Bettv Bulifant Billv Storev Eileen Dorsk - Dottie Gill Carol Kraft Donald Laine Ann Pope Peggy Baker Betty Beasly Bobby Webster Janet Congdon Maxine Davis Betsy Hargrave Bart Boper lr ing Lewis Kathryn Sherman Carol Lavenstein Pat Porter Laura Yates Bettv Harvey Mary Doris Smith lobnnv Stailv Joan Wright Jo Jones Nancy Parker I3onald Miles Bettv Daniel Kay Powell Kav Clarke Buddy Pittman Cora Willis l at Bonner Beverly Jones Robert Meredith Adeline Lange Connie Lewis Judv Ford Douglas James Vivian Hirshhorn lean Kitchen Wavne Whelan Elsie Hooper Don Struminger Sixth Rotv Second Roiv Marilyn Ende Edward Dawson Ruth Davis Joe Blankenship Peggy Wilburn Da% ' id Henshaw Nancy Talbott Jiininv Alexander Carol Price “Moe” Morin Mary Steger Bobby Hutto Shelby Addock Toininv Kellam Sarah Sheppard Russell Early Molly McDonald Bobb Harrison Virginia Mann Dramatics Club President Marilyn Ende Vice-President .Uuly Schultz Secretary Jimmy Challender Treasurer Kay Duimivant Advisors Mr. Edwin Betts, Mr. Thomas Moore First Row Second Row Third Row Mr. Bett.s Billy Johnson Eileen Dorsk Kay Dunnivant Cora Willis Linda Renien ’ Donald Struminger Barbara Mayfield Lola Faison Billy Storey Fourth Row Carlton Harville Janet Garris Judy Schultz Ann Chandler Fifth Row Mr. Moore David Schweikardt Ben Levy COCKADETTE StAFF Editorial Advisor Mrs. Shirley Wilcox Editor Kay Powell Assistant Editor Phyllis Edwards Managing Editor Kay Rigby Sports Editor Norman Jacobson Art Editor John Haines Advertising Manager Donald Laine Production Managers Braxton Baker, Lawrence Griffin Circulation Advisor Miss Ellen Moyer First Row Mi.ss Ellen Moyer Norman Jacobson Donald Laine John Haines Kaye Rigby Kay Powell Phyllis Edwards Mrs. Shirley Wilcox Second Row Shelby Davis Clara Chandler Judy Ford Judy Jacobs Linda Remeny Dianna Trischman Gayle Roberts Laura Yates Beth Gill Buddy Leasure Barbara Short Third Row Marilyn Ende Sharon Slate Mary Doris Smith Mary Fletcher Simmons Ann Pope Mollie McDonald Irving Lewis Guy Smith Robert Meredith Fourth Row Bill Johnson Eddie Pappas Vivian Hirshhorn Ruth Davis Maynard Moore Emily Gooke Nancy Parker Janet Garriss Walter Smith French Club President Norman Jacobson Vice-President Dottie Gill Secretary Shelby Davis Treasurer Ben Levy Advisor Mrs. Pauline Robinson First Row Vivian Hirshhorn Shirley Beasley Ben Levy Shelby Davis Norman Jacobson Scotty Steele Jeanette Ford Betty Harvey Fourth Roto Donald Struminger Betty Bulifant Phyllis Edwards David Henshaw Clara Chandler Carol Kraff Mollie McDonald Kay Rigby Irving Lewis Arline Riley Second Rote Beverly Jones Beth Gill Mary Grossmann Susan Elliott Betsy Goodman Mar ' Evelyn Bowman Ann Pope Laura Yates Carol Torrence Fifth Row Donald Laine Janet Garris Effie Pappus Gaye Roberts Kay Clarke Jerry Andrews Nancy Parker Kay Powell Juanita Kinsey Evelyn Wyatt Third Rote Peggy Capehart Adeline Lange Carol Lavenstein Mary Stegar Philiijoa Allen Eileen Dorsk Barbara Harrison Yvonne Voshall Lola Faison Peggy Wilburn Sixth Row Mrs. Robinson Wayne Tucker Janet Congdon Joe Oxidine Bobby Chandler Jimmy Challender Alary Jackson Bennie Mollock Sharon Slate Sarah Sheppard Spanish Club Fall Officers: President . Betty Daniel Vicc-P resident Emilv Fuller Secretan and Treasurer Mildred Moore Reporter Connie Lewis Spring Officers : President Vice-President Secretary and Treasurer Reporter Chaplain Advisor Ann Gatling Barbara Short Bnth Davis Pat Bonner Kathy Williams Miss Gladys Wilkerson First Roic Connie Lewis Betty Daniel Mildred Moore Miss Wilkerson Second Row Barbara Short Ruth Davis Pat Bonner Barbara Barham Ann Gatling Sonja Williams Carolyn Moon Third Row Ernest Pannell Bernie Zateoff Pat Henison Jerry Thomas John Hall Square Circle Honor Society Fall Officers: President Aun Pope Vice-President Scotty Steele Secretary and Treasurer Betsy Goodman Spring Officers: President Vice-President Secretary and Treasurer Chaplain Advisor Dottle Gill . Maiy Grossmann Dianna Trischman Kay Glark Mrs. Helen Brooks Bottom Row Polly Powell Scotty Steele Ann Pope Betsy Goodman Ann Gatling Mary Bowman Top Roto Binnie Mollock Beverly Roper Ann Wright Betty Ramsey Laura Yates Gay Roberts Left Side Kay Scoggin Mollie McDonald Nancy Lawrence Betsy Hargrave Right Side Mary Sue Holland Kathryn Sherman Martha Bryant Mary Fletcher Simmons Mary Doris Smith Center— Clockwise Mrs. Helen Brooks Gerry Andrews Kay Glark Dottie Gill Dianna Trischman Mary Grossmann (). G. Club Fall Officers: PresidcnU Kay Powell Vice-President Pat Burton Secretary Betty Bulifant Treasurer Jean Kitchen Reporter Peggy Wilburn Spring Officers: President Kay Powell Vice-President Peggy Wilburn Seeretary Phyllis Edwards Treasurer Sonja Williams Reporter Peggy Wilburn Advisor Miss KatherineWarner First Row Pat Burton Kay Powell Betty Bulifant Jean Kitchen Second Row Carol Moody Jo Ann Cole Christine Urban Nancy Harville Miss Warner Third Row Peggy Wilburn Sonja Williams Phyllis Edwards Jo Ann Pullen Betty Jane Carrel Shirley Williams Advisor Projection Crew - Mr. Howard Lum First Row Bruce Bowman Betty Jane Carrel Jimmy Rideout Linda Remeny Second Row Clifton Duke Billy Beville Tom Anderson John Chapman Third Row Phillip McEwen Carl Ashby Bill Clements Pat Porter Douglas Perkinson Fourth Row David Henshaw Bobby Webster Joe Blankenship Fifth Row Jimmy Stewart Wayne Mayton Arthur Dean Tommy Hinkle Whit Gotten President Viee-P resident Seeretanj Treasurer President Vice-President Secretary Advisor Speech Club Fall Officers: Carol Lavenstein Norman Jacobson Jricly Schultz Buddy Leasure Spring Officers: - ... Nonnau Jacokson Jimmy Challender Bess Dupuy Mr. Edwin Betts First Row Norman Jacobson Judy Schultz Carol Lavenstein Buddy Leasure Second Row Jacquelin Hudson Betty Nauseef Marilyn Ende Barbara Mayfield Carlton Harville Third Roiv Leon Duke Bennie Mollock Eileen Dorsk Nancy Collins Jerry Houchins Fourth Row John Haines Clyde Barnes Ben Levy Billy Johnson Jimmy Challender Mr. Betts Cockade Hi-Y President John G. Francis Vice-President Ben Levy Secretary Tommy Hinkle Treasurer Joe Blankenship Chaplain Marvin Boswell Advisor Mr. Edwin Betts First Row Second Row Third Roic Mr. Betts Tommy H inkle Carlile Mooch’ John Francis Marvin Boswell James Stewart Ben Levy Joe Blankenship Billy Bawlings Billy Beville Fourth Row Fifth Row Sixth Row Robert Meredith Don Show Douglas James David Magee Billy Johnson Gin ' Smith Carl Ashby Everet Mason President Vice-President Secretary . Treasurer Chaplain Advisor Crater Hi-Y Tom Anderson Jon Peterson Buddy Leasure Dickie Spain Alfred Krause Mr. Tommy Young Cdockwise from bottom Mr. Young Tom Anderson I on Peterson Buddy Leasure Dickie Spain Alfred Krause Wayne Whelan Spencer Perkins David Crittenden Archie Robertson John Haines Joe Oxdendine Jimmy Seay Billy Storey Ben Nelson Bobby Mallory Alfred Brockwell Fred Swearingen Charles Barnes Wayne Percell Lewis Wyche Algie Pulley Steve Eitlemen Bart Roper li ll K- Warner Tri-Hi-Y Fall Officers: President Carol Torrence Vice-President Kitchen Secretary Janet Congdon Treasurer Lola Faison Chaplain Phyllis Edwards Advisor Miss Katherine Warner Spring Officers: President Jean Kitchen Vice-President Betty Lon Bnlifant Secretary Annette Fittz Treasurer Wanda Cainpodonico Chaplain Sonja Williams First Row Second Row Third Row Janet Congdon Miss Katherine Warner tiilda Marsliall Jean Kitchen Dot Tinney Ardys Henshaw Carol Ann Torrence Nancy Mays Annette Fittz Lola Faison Carolyn Hargrave Sonja Williams Phyllis Edwards Peggy Brockwell Libby Lynn Bain Elma Mackey Christina Urban Adeline Lange Harriet Berkely Frances Stone Betty Lou Bnlifant T. Albright Ti.i-Hi-Y President Peggy Lon Wilburn Vice-President Jeanette McMullen Secretary Betty Lon Ramsey Treasurer Jeanette Ford Advisor Miss Doris Rose Ramsey First Row Betsy Bonner Jo Ann Sellars Sue P.oore Barbara Harrison Second Row Betty Lou Ramsey Jeanette McMullen Peggy Wilburn Jeanette Ford Third Row Miss Ramsey Evelyn Wyatt Pat Bonner Eleanor Stevens Leilani Johnson Kay Powell 1 Pence Tri-Hi-Y Fall Officers: President Scottv Steele Vice-President Dottie Gill Secretarij Joan Pecht Treasurer Kay Scoggin Chaplain Spring Officers: Barbara Short President Scottv Steele Vice-President Marv Grossmann Secretary - Ann Pope Treasurer Anne Gatling Chaplain Gonnie Davis Advisor ... Miss Wilma Salmon First Row Scotty Steele Second Row Dottie Gill Joan Pecht Third Row Mary Grossmann Kay Scoggin Barbara Short Fourth Row Joan Wright Ann Gatling Ann Pope Connie Davis Fifth Row Xlary Doris Smith Nancy Lawrence Nance Weeks Betsy Goodman Anne Wright Yvonne Voshall Sixth Row Susan Elliott Virgina Mann Betty Harvey Sharon Slate Martha Bryant Janet Garriss Betsy Hargrave Nancy Blankenship Molly McDonald Kay Rigby President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Advisor Key Club Marvin Boswell Fred Swearingen Buddy Leasure Carthan Currin L. A. Azlin, Jr. First Row Fred Swearingen Marvin Boswell Fourth Row Lev is Johnson Norman Jacobson Lewis Wyche Bobby Pope Francis F’enderson Second Roiv Ben Levy Ira Lee Andrews Fifth Roiv Bart Roper Jon Peterson Jerry Honcbens Dickie Spain Bernard Bortz Third Row Maynard Moore Nick Ruffin John G. Francis Buddy Leasure Sixth Row Alfred Krause Butch Redford Don Show Wayne Whelan David Crittenden Ronald Pond Library Staff Fall Officers: President Dot Tinney Vice-President Marilyn Ende Secretary and Reporter Carolyn Moon Spring Officers: President Vice-President Secretary and Reporter Advisor Bobby Barfield Carolyn Moon Jean Sheffield Mrs. Gladys Spencer First Row Beth Gill Cherry Grubbs Gloria Norris Mary Moody Irene Edwards Carolyn Moon Jerry Wliiehard Second Row Sylvia Adams Betty Saddler Jean Sheffield Jimmy Challender Mildred Moore Nancy Collins Warren Birdsong Edsal Baily Betty Daniel Elma Mackey Mrs. Spencer Third Row Bobby Barfield Billy Storey Judv Schultz Maril n Ende Mary Stagger Charlotte Wall Claiborne Nemecek Lee Litchfield I Varsity Cheerleaders Head Cdjeerlcader - Marvin Boswell Advisor Miss Mary Bailey First Roic Marvin Boswell Second Row Bets ' Goodman Ir ' ing Lewis Scott ' Steele Laura Yates Ann Pope Betsy Hargrave Miss Bailey Third Row Guy Smith Douglas James Carthan Currin Dottie Gill Susan Elliott Forth Row Lewis Johnson Don Show Not in picture Jill Hesse Philip McEwen J. V. Cheerleaders Head Cheerleader Mollie McDonald Advisor Miss Mary Bailey First Row Mary Grossmann Ann Wright Mollie McDonald Second Roiv Miss Bailey Elizabeth Litos Polly Powell Barbara Inge Martha Bryant Football Squad Captain Fred Swearingen Manager Pat Porter Coaches Mr. Randy Mallory Mr. Tommy Young Mr. Frank Teass First Row Ronnie W ' alker James O’Berry Donald Pond Buck Wingfield Nick Ruffin Pred Swearingen Ham Evans Wayne Whel an Mike Irvin Donald Miles “Moe” Morin Second Row Pete Wright Ronald Pond Tommy Burnett Bobby Odenwelder Joe Blankenship Bobby Laney Jimmy Pond Bart Roper Spencer Perkins Elliot Elder Donald Struminger Third Row Buddy Pittman Clifton Duke Eric Hamilton John Hall Butch Belangia Gordon Lewis Adolph. Urban Bill Jiumphries George VVilliams Barry Ozmore Larry Belcher Fourth Row Major Sheffield . rchie Robertson Billy Pritchett Emmett Scott Larry Elmore Wayne Percells Perry Mann Gerald Moody Wayne May ton Dickie Spain Basketball Team Co-Captains Maynard Moore and Fred Swearingen Manager Ben Levy Coach Bob Kilbourne First Row Ronnie Robertson James O’Berry Maynard Moore Fred Swearingen Norman Jacobson Ronald Pond Second Row Tommy Marek Bobby Mizelle Walter Smith Robert Badgett Bobby Odenwelder Bernie Zatcoff Third Row James Ellis Ronnie Walker Tommy Zix i [ Co-Captains Coach Manager Girls’ Hockey Squad Lola Faison, June Walker Miss Ann VanLanclingliam Carolyn Moon First Row June Walker Miss VanLanclingliam Lola Faison Second Row Wanda Canipodonico Sandra Bolt Jean Davis Dot Tinney Josejihine Adams Hope Raye Mildred Moore Helen Moore Betty Streshley Sarah Jane Sheppard Carolyn Moon Girls’ Basketball Team Co-Captain Annette Bailey Co-Captain Kay Powell Co-Captain Betty Harvey Co-Manager . Lola Faison Co-Manager Carol Torrence Coaehes Miss Mary Riddlebnrger Miss Ann VanLandinghain First Row Rose Addison Josephine Adams Annette Bailey Kay Powell Betty Har ' ey Barbara Phillips Katie Kassulke Second Row Brenda Woodrnft Joyce Williams Susan Mayar Carole Phipps Third Row Eleanor Bowen Betty Johnson Wilma Scott Pat Maitland Lola Faison 00 1 4 AU-Ammran OIttg The Missile page three P«bltr §rljntil0 By Buzz Nowlin fETERSBURG has two senioi high schools, one junior high, and ten ele- mentary schools in its public education system. The most recent elementary school project was the building of Walnut Hill Elementary School, for white students, which cost $500,000. This project was completed for the school term beginning September, 1952. Walnut Hill School greatly relieved the over-crowd- ing in the other schools caused by the rapid expansion of that section. Walnut Hill School is of modern design and incorporates many safety features for the grade students. It is a one story brick structure in the shape of an arrow. This specific shape was selected because the wings of the building can easily be expanded at minimum cost. The school’s modern auditorium is used by the community and can be entered from the outside as well as from within the school because the school has two separate entrances. This school is very convenient for the students in the southern section of the city and is a modern advancement in Petersburg’s edu- cational system. The most recent high school project in Petersburg was the en- largement and modernization of Peabody High School, for Negro stu- dents, which cost approximately $1,500,000. Peabody High, a brick structure now covering one city block, is a system of wings running from a central point. One of the outstand- ing features of this project was the building of a radio room to receive commercial programs, and the placing in each room of a speaker to receive these broadcasts and also to receive announcements from the radio room. The modern auditorium can now seat eight hundred and six- teen and the new gymnasium is modernly equipped with folding seats. Peabody has up-to-date vocational training facilities. There is a music room with practice booths, a home economics suite, a beauty culture salon, art and sewing rooms, and shops for woodwork, mechan- ics, drafting, and electrical work. The cafeteria and the kitchen were built in the basement. The new twelve year system to be used in the Petersburg public school system will be put into effect for the school term beginning September 1955. The extra year of school will be inserted between the present seventh grade and the first year of high school. This ad- ditional grade will not affect the students already in high school. The twelve year system will better prepare the students for a higher education, and enable Petersburg to compete with other high schools in sports and scholastic activities. Petersburg graduates en- tering college will have the same advantages that other students of twelve year systems enjoy. Those graduates who enter the business world will have the advantages of an extra year of practical education in the vocational departments. Petersburg, one of the last school sys- tems in the state to change to the new system, now will be able to offer these and other advantages to its students and thus becomes another modern advancement in Petersburg’s school system. The Missile page four f ftpraburg l ubltr IGtbrarg By Judith Schultz The PETERSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY WES givcii to the Citv of Petersburg as a memorial to William R. McKenney by his wife. The library was first opened to the public in August 1924, and from 1924-1934 it was known as the William R. McKenney Free Li- brary, then changed to its present name. The library has a children’s section for children under fourteen and a special branch for colored people. It also issues free Service Cards to all Fort Lee personnel and their families. Since 1942 they have issued 8,000 such cards. The library has a total of 46,483 books — 37,434 adult books and 9,049 children’s books. The total number of active borrowers is 10,984 and they have an average yearly circulation of 50,000 books. Featured also in the library are several displays of educational and historic interest. This library offers a wide and vaiied section of books and most people can find the kind of reading or reference they want here. By Kay Scoggin The cold little breeze as it plays in the trees Is a mischievous, freckle-faced boy. He howls with glee at all that he sees. Then whistles a tune with joy. All up and down the town he will run. And not a tree does he miss. His pranks are those of boyish fun; To each leaf he blows a kiss. While through tall grass he loves to prance. Soon all his strength is gone; No longer can he sing or dance. But settles down Til dawn. 2Inup By Joan Wright How important to us is that thing called love Which was given to us by the One above. It comforts the home when trouble is near. Brings joy to those in time of fear. And uplifts the hearts of all mankind. From lack of love the nations have fought For centuries, yet what has this brought? Waste, destruction, grief and despair So bad that only love could repair The damage done to the human mind. All races equal in His eyes Are loved by Him Who never dies. Love given by Him should be treasured more Than other gifts that we adore When oft we scorn the ties that bind. 3fal|n Mhea ioati| By John Haines My eyes fell on the wall, dust-flecked and bare. The flickering oil lamp cast this image there. Then all was gone but haze. And as I turned my gaze. His spectre eyed me blankly from the chair. I clenched my fists, my blood began to race, I now would meet this devil face to face. Sweat dots my brow. My hand goes now. To the snub colt pistol on the mantelplace. My heart now senses well its duty clear. And pounding muscles tell the time is near. Dictator though he be. He shall die in infamy. Abraham Lincolns heart shall freedom’s pellet sear. Pabltr Hflfarf The Missile page seven Moapttal By Barbara Mayfield Petersburg wanted and needed a new hospital. There was the problem, and the citizens of Petersburg met it squarely and accom- plished the task. They did not just replace the old hospital, but they built a new and better one. The new, $3,176,000 hospital, accommodates one hundred and eighty patients and has modem facilities. There are the facts, now here is how it came about. In 1949, a few citizens realized the ever-growing need for a new hospital. The old one was overcrowded. It lacked modern facilities and was poorly equipped. It was such a fire hazard that the state fire marshall finally had to condemn it. These few citizens started a subscription campaign for a new hos- pital. The citizens accepted the challenge, and a third of the 35,000 people of Petersburg contributed their time and money generously. Civic groups also worked hard to raise the necessary funds. No proj- ect had ever received such a unanimous approval of the public. The realization of this goal was achieved under the leadership of the Hospital Authority with its able chairman, William Earle White. Credit also goes to the City Council and City Manager Roy F. Ash. This new hospital was Petersburg’s first and greatest accomplish- ment in civic work. It gave Petersburg that push toward the future for a better community. The hospital stands today as a shining example of what people can do if they really want something bad enough. People like the sense of security that a good hospital gives a com- munity, especially if they realize that it might save or prolong their lives someday. However, the result of this achievement was not the feeling that now was the time to rest after a good hard job. Instead it spurred Petersburg on for more and better things. In some respects Petersburg is like Rip Van Winkle awakening from his long sleep. His beard is long and his gun has grown rusty. He remembers his past vividly and is very proud of it, but he is also in- quisitive and excited about the present and future, and what it holds in store for him. The Missile page eight Watpr i|0tpm ani Statributinn By Peggy Wilburn The water and the water distribution systems of Petersburg and the surrounding area have been greatly improved in recent years. In the past, the back yard well was the only supply of water. Now the Petersburg area obtains its water from the Appomattox River by means of a canal, from which the water is pumped through underground pipes to the water works, some fifteen blocks away, by the shortest pos- sible route, where it is made ready for domestic use. In the past November elections, the voters of this area approved a plan for issuing $950,000 in revenue bonds. Of this amount, $400,000 was to be used to build a new sewage system, and the balance was to be used for improvements to the water works and to water distribu- tion. There will be a 60 ' ' ' tax on all water bills until these bonds are paid for. More than half of the money set aside for water distribution im- provements is to be used for new water tanks, one of which will be set up in the Walnut Hill area, where it is badly needed. The new tank will be much higher and will greatly increase the pressure. As it is now, the people who live on a higher level than the height of the water tank receives a very low water pressure. This tank will hold a half-million gallons of water. There will also be a new tank set up at the end of Halifax Street, which will take the place of three smaller tanks that are serving the area at the present time. The three small tanks hold only 60,000 gal- lons apiece. The new tank will hold approximately a million gallons of water. As it stands now, there are three water location systems for the city. The low service area covers the distiict that is lower to the sea level and where the pressure would easily be obtained. The high service area covers the parts of the city that is on a high level, and must have a fairly high water tank to receive any pressure, as there must be 2% feet to receive one pound of pressure. The third area is the Wal- nut Hill area, which has a system entirely set off from the rest. New pipelines will also have to be laid for these projects. From the days of hand pumps to the present time when from 3 to 6 million gallons of water are used a day, you can see how the Peters- burg water and water distribution systems have greatly improved. And, as with most growing cities, there will be much to be done in future years. The M page nine Nftu 3 xt Station By Judy Ford Formerly located on West Bank Street, Fire House Number Two is now located on Fourth Street. This building houses four pieces of equipment, one aerial truck, two pumpers, one a thousand gallon pumper, and another, a five hundred gallon pumper, and the Chiefs patrol car. In this building are the Fire Chief’s office. Fire Prevention office, and Recreational Office. Also there is an assembly room where some civic clubs meet. However, the main purpose of this room is to train firemen in fire fighting and fire prevention. The twelve men, having twenty-four hours on duty and twenty- four hours off, have the advantages of home life. They have the use of a large kitchen, dormitory and a lounge, which is now used as a tempor- ary office for Chief Farmer since his illness, which is equipped with television, radio and other recreation. With such advantages and privileges we may be sure that the firemen of Fire House Number Two under Chief J. N. Farmer are always on the alert and ready to serve the public. Su0k By Margaret Moore The dusk comes On the wings of a dove. Silent, and swift From nowhere above. The dying sun fades Behind yon hill; ’Tis early evening And all is still. The satin sky Is now bright rose; A soft, spring wind Now gently blows. Birds drifting above Are a beautiful sight As a fleeing day Turns into night. The Missile page ten pptprsburg uJubmuloata Aaannatton By Susan Elliott The Petersburg Tuberculosis Association, originally called the Peters- burg Anti-Tuberculosis League, is now in its 35th year of working to combat the disease that causes more deaths than all other infectious diseases combined. The local association is made up of an executive secretary, who works with the tuberculosis nurse. There is a total of thirty-one people on the board. At Thanksgiving time an effective year-long campaign is begun by the sale of Christmas Seals. The familiar bright-colored stamps are the sole support of the associations which work with city and state health programs in an effort to control one of our major killers. Seven thousand five hundred envelopes are sent out, and with the co-oper- ation of approximately forty percent of those receiving the Seals, about six thousand dollars is obtained each year, which is almost equivalent to the value of all the Seals sent out. The money raised by the Christmas Seals goes toward many proj- ects, but the finding of cases is one of the more vital activities of the local group and accounts for almost one-fourth of its annual budget. Much of this work is done by chest X-rays through the use of a mobile X-ray unit. This unit is obtained from the State Department of Health under the branch of Tuberculosis Control. During a ten-day visit at the schools, plants, and in the downtown section or Petersburg, seven thousand people were X-rayed last year. The use of a mobile unit in finding cases is especially helpful because it reaches those who are unaware of having symptoms of the disease, and therefore would not visit a clinic or doctor otherwise. The mobile X-ray unit comes to Petersburg about once every seventeen months. However, this is not the only time when X-rays are made, for in Petersburg’s extensive program. X-rays can be made every Thursday throughout the year at the Petersburg Health Clinic. These X-rays not only help in the control of tuberculosis, but also discover other types of pathology such as heart or lung diseases, pneumonia, and rib fractures. Another large part of the budget goes toward health education which includes community education, working for better hospitals, better health departments, and better laws, and school education, teaching parents and children how to live more healthfully. A third financial objective is that of improved methods of treat- ment, including new medicines and specific drugs, which help doc- tors to care for TB patients. There are eleven hospitals in Virginia that have tuberculosis programs in operation. In this field the Asso- ciation gives financial aid to city cases in the Blue Ridge and Piedmont Sanatoriums. In the future the local c linic is planning to begin a program of admission X-rays which would give X-rays to all patients admitted to Petersburg General Hospital. X-rays to people in good health have proved very worth while, but X-rays to the obviously sick might prove to be even more successful. The Missile page eleven f Ptfraburg Pulirp Inga’ Qllub By Eileen Dorsk The Police Boys’ Club of Petersburg was started in 1949 by Chief Traylor and some of the men at Police headquarters. Its main pur- pose was to keep young boys off the street and give them a right start in life. The club is financed by the Community Chest, but the boys are instructed by the members of the Police force. The club, which meets once every week, will accept any boy, no matter what his past rec- ord has been. If a boy commits a crime while a member he is au- tomatically dropped from the organization. Only twenty-one mem- bers have had to be dropped, out of 1753 members, since 1949. The boys conduct their own meeting with an advisor to help them. Their slate of officers are chosen by the boys themselves. They have the same order as the Police have, such as; Chief, Captain, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Corporal, etc. The boys are shown movies, given refresh- ments, parties on holidays such as Christmas; and have many summer activities. The Police Boys’ Club has helped many a young boy in Peters- burg. It is said to have reduced juvenile delinquency, among boys, quite a bit. We’re sure everyone wishes them the best of luck in fu- ture years. They are doing a fine job. liatanre By Barbara Mayfield How far is far? How near is near? Why is distance made? Could it he for fear? Do we flee fast? Do we flee slow? Should we care, if we’re late? No, just go. Where shall we go? Where shall we stay? Is life just a rush? Just another day? Let’s fly away! Let’s go afar! Should we return? No, find a star. The Missile page twelve iiunm)ial Emratinn program By Maynard Moore The municipal recreation movement is relatively new in our country, being less than 50 years old. Towns and cities have been realizing more and more each year that a municipality does have an obligation to offer varied phases of recreation to its citizens. Of course, the amount and types of programs widely vary because of needs, local policies, and funds available. Public recreation programs are not designed to take the place of commercial recreation such as swimming, skating, movies, plays, or professional athletic contests, but to supplement these types of recrea- tion for the community as a whole. However, it is inevitable that many municipal activities will run in competition with commercial activities. It is also inevitable that public programs will run in some degree of competition with programs of the schools, churches, Y M C A’s, Scouts, and many other local organizations. Careful program plan- ning will help to eliminate many of these conflicts, although some dup- lication will still have to occur. In a given community there is room for recreation programs from any and all agencies to do their part with- out worrying about having too many programs. However, without co-operation from all local agencies, especially the school system, a municipal program will not be able to survive. A few years ago Petersburg had hardly anything at all in the way of a city-wide recreation program. A new department was created to give the citizens of our city badly needed public recreation on a large, continuous, year-round scale. Thus a continuous municipal recreation program was formed. A recreation program, supported by tax funds, such as Peters- burg’s, has to be designed to accommodate as many persons as funds and facilities will permit. The Petersburg program is thus designed to include white and colored, men and women, adults and children. Due to the acute lack of indoor facilities at its beginning, the youth and teen-age program was generally limited to outdoor activities. This situation has been greatly improved upon by virtue of the establish- ment of the Harding Street Recreation Center for Negroes with the Armory Recreation Center soon to be in full operation. The indoor centers will be used by the entire community but with a definite em- phasis on youth work. Activities to be included at these centers are parties, dances, roller skating, basketball, volley ball, badminton, ping pong, shuffleboard, checkers, cards, and a tea room with a snack bar. There are enough activities for all boys and girls to find something to their liking. The Missile page thirteen Some of the activities started by the present Department of Re- creation since its activation in 1953 are as follo vs: Varied adult classes and hobby shops. Elementary School Touch Football League. City Free-Throw Tournament. Track and Field Day. Lee Park Night Recreation Area. West Street Night Recreation Area. McKenzie Street Playground. Harding Street Recreation Center. Improvements to many existing conditions and facilities. Planned for the future are: Armory Recreation Center. Walnut Hill Playground. Lawrence Street Playground. Here are basic objectives which the Petersburg Recreation De- partment is trying to achieve: 1. To offer sheer enjoyment for any citizen by active or passive participation in some phase of the program. 2. To indirectly lessen delinquency by offering the youth some- thing wholesome to do. ( This does not imply that the program is set up only for the underprivileged. ) 3. To offer social improvement to individuals through contacts and associations. 4. To offer physical development for those who desire it, but es- pecially among the youth. As you can see, the Petersburg Recreation Department has done a marvelous job in the last two years, even with the lack of facilities, funds, and materials. Truly, this department had much to do with the naming of our fair city “Petersburg, the All-American City”. Naturp ' a i ' BtttpIjong By Scotty Steele The symphony heard on a warm summer night Is one of rare beauty filled with delight; The crickets, while chirping their triUing refrain, Are joined by the swamp owl’s softening strain. Bass frogs and croakers with resonane sound Complete a chorus rarely found. Oh, could I choose a classic so rare, I’d prefer this music in summer night air. The Missile page fourteen lEmprgptirii (Hrrm By Shelly Davis Yes, Petersburg is truly an All-American City, but as in any city, whether All-American or not, there are accidents and emergencies. However, in Petersburg, the citizens are extremely fortunate in hav- ing an organization such as the Southside Emergency Crew on twenty- four hours duty to come to their aid in situations of this kind. The Southside Emergency Crew, organized in Petersburg in May of 1944, and started taking calls in February, 1945. The Junior Chamber of Commerce, although it gave no financial aid, became interested in organizing a rescue crew in Petersburg and invited interested persons to apply. The group had eighteen charter members, and Howard Holmes, a former teacher at Petersburg High School, was the first captain. Since they organized during World War 11, there was some dif- ficulty in acquiring the needed equipment. They finally got one oxy- gen tent which was the first in the city and the Kiwanis Club donated an iron lung. They also had a three-way unit to help with breathing. There were, of course, many different first-aid supplies in addition to the above mentioned equipment. Most of the men had some first-aid tiaining and were required to have completed at least the advanced course. The crew learned to use the machines as they acquired them, and each member was sup- posed to be familiar with all of the equipment. Even though the Southside Emergency Crew celebrated its tenth anniversary in February, 1955, still they have not expanded too much in membership. The present number of members is twenty-five. In comparison with the one oxygen tent they began with, there are now seven. Most of the group’s cases are concerned with heart conditions and in restoring breathing; however, they never refuse a call even if it isn’t one of their regular types of cases. In many cases, they are summoned by a doctor after he receives a call. In the beginning. Crew members received calls and directions by telephone, but now there are two-way radios on all the mobile units. This makes them much more efficient since they can get directions en- route to their destinations. All calls are received by the desk sergeant at the Police station and relayed by telephone to the homes of the Crew members who are on duty at that particular time. The shifts are set up and the members are notified about four weeks before their time for duty. The organization has four mobile units which include two station wagons, one panel truck, and one pick-up truck. The radios on these vehicles are on the same frequency as the police cars; therefore the police may call the trucks and give directions or information at any time. The group’s officers are not president, vice-president, etc., as other clubs, but are entirely different. The head is called a captain, and there is a first lieutenant, two second lieutenants and five sergeants. The Missile page fifteen There is also a secretary. A board of directors is also a part of the group, and it takes care of the finances and welfare of the crew. Ells- worth Collier is the present captain suceeding T. T. Musgrove. Five of the local doctors are on the board and keep the members informed on the latest methods of treating various diseases. Persons over eighteen years of age who are interested in working with the group, first send in their applications. They are then inves- tigated in regard to character, availability, and other responsibilities. The group is compelled to turn down many persons when they feel that they won’t have the free time that the work requires. There is no set age limit, but they prefer men under forty-five. Each man has to have an agreement with his employer that he may leave his job im- mediately when he receives an emergency call. The group owns $20,000 worth of equipment and its own head- quarters on Wythe Street. The crew members don’t receive any pay- ment for their services, but operate entirely on public donations. The Community Chest is the largest contributor and its money is used only for such things as maintenance of equipment and insurance on equip- ment and men. They don’t charge anything for their services, but they do ask people who use oxygen tents for a long period of time to pay for the oxygen which is very expensive. Also many persons who are helped by them send in small and large donations as tokens of their appreciation. The aims of the group are to teach first aid, encourage safety, pre- vent accidents, and to act in emergencies to the best of their ability. In carrying out the above things, they usually teach two or three classes in first-aid each year. The Southside Emergency Crew is an independent group, but each year the forty such rescue crews in the state hold a convention, and there they participate in contests involving the use of first-aid equipment. The Petersburg group has won first place several times, and in 1954 won second place. One case last year which shows their speed and efficiency oc- curred in Colonial Heights in March of ’54. A young girl passing by the Colonial Apartments saw a four-year-old boy hanging from a swing chain. She ran and lifted the child up so that the pressure on the neck was relieved, and screamed until help arrived. Mr. E. N. Bunts at his job on Farmer Street received the call and went around through Et- trick to miss the heavy noon-day traffic. When he reached the inter- section of the Boulevard and Dupuy Road, a call came over the two- way radio on the station wagon asking him his location. He gave it and was told that a police car would meet him on Westover Avenue to lead him to the place. On his arrival, a police officer was giving artificial respiration. This was replaced by giving the child oxygen by artificial means. The child’s skin was very dark for lack of air and there was a blockage in the throat which was removed by a doctor. Mr. Bunts then accompanied the child in the ambulance to the hos- pital giving him oxygen enroute. At the end of a week, the child was completely well and playing about as happy as ever. Whenever an emergency arises, remember—the Southside Emer- gency Crew is your servant twenty-four hours a day, twelve months a year. JnhustrifB The Missile page seventeen Sobarrn in f rtfrabnrg By Betty Harvey Since the day of John Smith and Pocahontas when the Indians taught the white man how to plant, cultivate, cure and use a leaf called to- bacco, the tobacco industry has become a prominent business in Vir- ginia. Thus, it is in Petersburg today. It is one of the largest and oldest industries in our city, and one of which we can be both proud and boastful. Starting with the days when “Ole Virginia” was a state of planta- tions and good old southern hospitality, one of which was to oflFer your guest a “good smoke,” Petersburg has been a Tobacco center. Farmers and Plantation “massas” came from far and near to the tobacco auc- tions to buy and sell their tobacco. Today this city is still the scene of many tobacco auctions and also has the reputation of being one of the best and largest tobacco markets in the state. Here in the city, the manufacture of cigarettes and smoking to- bacco is largely the work of the Brown and Williamson Tobacco Cor- poration, makers and distributors of such popular brands of cigarettes as “Kool,” “Raleigh” and “Viceroy.” The company, whose home of- fice is in Louisville, Kentucky, started operations in Petersburg in August, 1932. Since that time, operations have expanded to the point where all available space in the company’s five processing buildings, located in the heart of the city’s industrial area, is being utilized. Other buildings house the machine shop, the shipping department and to- bacco storage warehouses. The entire plant is bounded on three sides by Perry, Brown and Lawrence Streets, showing that it covers a large area. The tobacco warehouses are located on West Washington and South West Streets. The company employs around 2,500 workers who work in spotlessly clean, ultra-modern environments. One will surely notice when seeing a shift leave, how fresh they appear and also the absence of fatigue on their faces. Besides being one of the city’s leading industries, this concern is also a market for one of the south’s leading farm crops, that being to- bacco. The tobacco they use not only comes from North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Near East, but from local farms as well. The people of Petersburg do not realize what a great service this com- pany renders the community through employment, civic cooperation and to the local tobacco-growing empire. The Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corporation surely is a main factor in our city’s happiness and prosperity. Growing tobacco from a seed in beds early in the spring, to pull- ing and curing tobacco in barns tended by local farmers, Petersburg s tobacco market is peculiar to this locality in that the entire life of a tobacco leaf is handled within the radius of a few miles of the city. Import is not excluded, for filler, molasses, paper and foreign to- baccos are brought to the city, making Petersburg a tobacco market. A leaf handed the white man by his Indian friend many moons ago brought prosperity to him today by patient study, safe and efficient machinery, understanding manufacturers and satisfied customers. The Missile page eighteen uittmua O pttral (Compang By Maynard Moore T TTMUS OPTICAL LENS COMPANY is the fruit of many men’s labors dur- ing many years of toil. The present Titmus Optical Company began . in a jewelry shop about the turn of the century. Mr. Edward H. Tit- mus developed his business from practically nothing. Mr. E. H. Titmus was born on Cross Street here in Petersburg and quit school in the fourth grade to go to work for a jeweler on Sycamore Street. Mr. Titmus had had many jobs before this one and was to have many more. His salary at this time was a dollar and fifty cents a week which included sixty hours a week. Later in his life, Mr. Titmus attended the Philadelphia Horolog- ica] College for three months. Here he learned watchmaking. Then in 1900 Mr. Titmus married and later in 1902, Mr. Titmus started a watchmaking business of his own with $35.00 in his pocket. He rented a corner of the old Y. M. C. A. building on Sycamore Street, a space just liig enough for a six-foot showcase and his bench, for ten dollars a month. Mr. Titmus in a few months had over $800.00 and gradually began to expand. There was a need for opticians in Petersburg, so Mr. Titmus took courses in Richmond two nights a week to learn the business. In 1916 they began experimental work on the manufacture of ophthalmic lenses in the rear of the jewelry store. The building gradually became too small as they were selling all the lenses they could make. Their first building that they built was on Commerce Street, 50 feet by 120 feet, two stories high. Then, around the end of World War I, bankruptcy almost forced the Titmus Optical Lens Company to close. But Mr. Titmus took profits from his thriving jewelry business and the Optical business gradually began to improve again. Through the years more buildings were erected, more people were hired, and, consequently, more lens were made. Almost all of their machinery is made in their own machine shop, which is second largest in the city. The land of the company is now about four and one-quarter acres, and floor space is approximately one hundred and seventy-six thousand five hundred square feet. This still leaves more land for further expansion. Back in 1916, when the company started, there were three em- ployees. Now they total approximately eleven hundred people. The Titmus Optical Company, Incorporated, is still thriving very well and, no doubt, will continue to thrive throughout the coming years. This company is an important asset to our city, one of many businesses making it “Petersburg, the All-American City.” The Missile page nineteen ®runk anJ USag dflmgatig By Irving Lewis T HE establishment of a great industry in Petersburg began, so the story goes, when an itinerant worker stopped in at the home of Mrs. Simon Seward asking for food and lodging for the night and promis- ing in return to make her a trunk. He was allowed to stay. When Mr. Simon Seward eame home from the flour mill that he and Henry Munt owned, he became fascinated by this man who was making his wife a trunk from scrap wood and a covering. He called in some men to watch the progress of the trunk and to learn how it was done. The man stayed on for a few more days making trunks for inter- ested neighbors, then he continued on his wandering way, completely unaware of the ideas and interest he had stirred in Simon’s breast. Mr. Seward’s dream became to establish a modern industry for the manufacture of trunks. This dream came true when he and Mr. Munt started the Seward Trunk and Bag Company in 1878. This founding made Petersburg and the two men famous at home and abroad. The first trunks produced were crude ones, hand-made by skilled craftsmen. Then a professional trunk-maker came down from Balti- more to supervise the business and he improved the quality of the trunk. The location of the plant was changed several times due to the increasing popularity and demand for bunks. In 1889 the company began the manufacture of baveling bags in addition to trunks Mr. Seward had so much faith in the new industry that he sold his part of the flour mill to his partner Henry Munt and centered all of his attentions in his trunk and bag factory. A fire in 1891 which destroyed the building and plant then located in Etbick, and the panic of 1892-93 were both weathered. After the First World War, Petersburg became the greatest trunk cen- ter in the world. The years 1919 and 1920 were the most prosperous for the industry. As success brought competition and imitators, other bunking con- cerns sprang up in Petersburg. In 1948 the name of the luggage com- pany became Seward Luggage Manufacturing Company, because the competition had grown so keen that it threatened all the manufactur- ers with ruin unless they were brought under one central conbol. Today the Seward Luggage Manufacturing Company operates two luggage plants in Petersburg — one on High Sbeet where lockers, box trunks and wardrobe trunks are made, the other on Lawrence Street where all types of hand luggage and the plywood used in both factories are produced. Both are favorably located on railroad sid- ings from which shipments are made each day to all parts of the United States and to company-operated warehouses in several large cities. This great and well-known company supplies many people with jobs and Petersburg with handsome well-made luggage. The present officers of the Seward Luggage Manufacturing Company are William R. Seward, President; Bernard J. Seward, First Vice-President; Robert A. Totty, Vice-President; A. L. Seward, Treasurer and Vice-President; and R. R. Liskey, Secretary. The Missile page twenty (dloubH By Joan Parcells The fluffy clouds are floating hy Like puffs of cotton in the sky. Or cotton candy at the fair. Perhaps soft Christmas angel’s hair. Sometimes on dark and stormy days. Before my wide and wondering gaze. There passes by a flock of sheep. And rolling billows on the deep. And then some days when the wind is blowing, A parade of figures seems to be going On a journey along the wide blue road, A little old fellow bent with his load. At the close of day when the sun has set, Tinting clouds with hues man hasn’t mixed yet, A treasure of jewels and gold in the sky. Is a gift to mankind from our Lord on high. $lorm By Dottie Gill The wind came striding by my house With full and gliding gait; It knocked upon my window pane. It pulled the garden gate. It drew the trees this way and that. It made their branches shake; The wires vibrated ’neath its breath. And waves broke on the lake. The birds had huddled in their nest. The squirreLs, they had too; And all to do was pray to God Until the storm was through. The Missile page twenty-one 3Farnt Market Olfut r By Eileen Rose Dorsk The Old Market Center, a venerable structure of unusual architec- tural and interesting iron ornamentation, is thought to occupy the site of the first of many tobacco warehouses which raised Petersburg from the status of frontier outpost to a populous colonial town. This was the warehouse of Robert Bolling, at Bolling’s Point, for which inspec- tion was authorized as early as 1730, and which perhaps had been in existence for some time. Near the Old Market Center, John Randolph of Roanoke gave indisputable proof of physical courage by capturing a desperado who had been terrorizing the community. The market suffered from Fed- eral shells invariably, during the siege of 1864-1865, because it was so close to the railroad station and bridges from which the invasions were made. In 1805, Robert Bolling donated the old building for a public market. In the early days it was the only place in Petersburg where meats and vegetables could be sold. The building is now leased by operators of a grocery store and meat market. It had been closed down for the past few years. Just recently it has been reconstructed, and re-opened as the Farm Market Center of Petersburg. jlUBtC By Margo Hartle Music is sorrow, laughter, and light. Music is birds in a beautiful flight. Sometimes it is rain pouring down on my roof. Or maybe an eagle, high and aloof. And then the deep chords ring out to me. And I see a queen and her company. Or rolling meadows, brilliant sun. Fields in which 1 run and run. Music compels us to listen and be Transformed to be blessed with tranquility. Some songs set your soul on fire; Other fill us with a quiet desire. The Missile page twenty-three Umprottfi SrauHjiartatwti OlanJittion By Susan Elliott P ETERSBURG, Under the diiection of the city engineer, Mr. Whitworth Gotten, has done much work in the past two yeais to improve traffic conditions in the city, including a new system of one-way streets and re-routing, and an extensive program of street maintenance. The one-way street system was put into effect in September of 1953 under a total cost of $60,000, forty-two per-cent of which was paid by the state. This money was spent mainly on the resurfacing of some of the streets, the widening of Market Street, three additional street lights, and numerous directional signs. This project has proved to be very profitable, for there is now a steady fiow of traffic from Bol- lingbrook Street on to the Appomattox Bridge, whereas there used to be a bottleneck at this intersection. Outbound traffic has increased to a great extent. To correspond with these changes, a new system of routing for Routes 1 and 301 was formed. These routes were altered only a few blocks so as to cut down traffic jams on Sycamore Street. Under-the-street maintenance projects resurfacing has been done to sections of Washington, Sycamore, and Market Streets, and to parts of the Hopewell Road and Crater Road. Some of the streets have been widened. Also, parking lots have been formed at Market and Old Streets. New streets have been constructed at Fort Henry, in the Lakemont area, and at Oxford Place. There have been no very large projects made in one place, but streets have been constructed or im- proved in many localities throughout the city. The state provides a large part of the money needed for street maintenance in Petersburg. The city is making future plans to construct parking lots on the west side of Monroe Street and on Washington Street at the location of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Station. Also, a curb-and-gutter program will be set up to have two miles of improvements made each year. pteraburg of tlfp paat The Missile page twenty-five At 3ffaU0 of tl|p AppamatturliH By Buzz Nowlin While exploring the falls of the Appamattucks River in 1607, John Smith was captured by Chief Powhatan’s tribe near the site of Peters- burg. Later he was saved from execution and released by Pocahon- tas, the Indian princess. Fort Henry, built on the banks of the Appamattucks in 1646 for “the protection of the inhabitants on the south side of the James” was the actual beginning of this city. Built by Governor Sir William Berke- ley, who was unable to maintain it, the fort was leased to Abraham Wood, whose leadership made the fort a flourishing and foremost trad- ing post and garrison. Many expeditions led by Wood and Edmund Bland opened up the country beyond, and through their example, brought about the settlement of the middle west. The founder of this city. Major Peter Jones, who succeeded Ab- raham Wood as commander of Fort Henry and as owner of the trading post, saw “Peter’s Point” grow under his able leadership and by 1733 when William Byrd claimed to have laid the foundation of the city, Peter’s Point was an old and prospering settlement. The Revolutionary campaign of 1781 brought General Benedict Aimold, traitor, and General Phillips to Petersburg. The British armies marched on Petersburg and after valiant resistance put up by the militiamen, who retired in good order, General Phillips made his head- quarters here. He campaigned towards Richmond until the arrival of General Lafayette with Continental troops. Lafayette, unable to dislodge Phillips by shelling Petersburg, retired to Richmond and oc- cupied the north bank of the James. Lord Cornwallis marched into Petersburg and joined under his command all the British forces in Virginia in a maneuver to capture Lafayette. Lafayette escaped north- ward and Cornwallis countermarched to the coast and entrenched his army at Yorktown, where he and his army were captured, ending the Virginia campaign and the Revolutionary War. The valor of Petersburg was again put to a test in the War of 1812 at Fort Meigs. The Petersburg Volunteers, captured by Richard Mc- Rae, distinguished themselves so valiantly that President Madison re- ferred to Petersburg as the “Cockade City.” This name, derived from the decorative ribbons on the shakoes, has remained with Petersburg ever since. Virginia, uncertain whether to leave the Union or fight her sister states, debated long over her decision and chose to secede from the Union and join the Confederate States of America. In response to Virginia’s decision, men of Petersburg promptly formed seventeen com- panies. The city saw no fighting until May 1864, when General But- ler landed at Bermuda Hundred with the Army of the James. Butler’s campaign was short as he was defeated by General Beauregard at Drewry’s Bluff and the Federals turned their attention elsewhere until June. Petersburg awoke the morning of June 9, 1864, amid the daily tasks that are carried on in an average city— average, that is, for a city The Missile page ttventy-six in the midst of war— her men gone, only old men and young boys left. All was usual until scouts reported Federal troops advancing on the city. With the ringing of the courthouse bell, the news spread rapidly and one hundred and twenty-five convalescents, old men and boys made ready for battle just east of the city. This group held the Fed- erals long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Thus Petersburg be- came the last major battle-field of the War Between the States. Grant arrived with his army and failing to carry the city in a four day assault, entrenched his forces and began the siege. The Battle of the Crater, one of the largest battles and most daring military schemes, brought defeat to the Federals, who perpetrated the plan. The Fed- eral plan, suggested by a Pennsylvania mining engineer, was to under- mine a whole Confederate entrenchment, blow it up, rush soldiers through the gap, and capture the city. The fuse was lit and after some delay the charge exploded. With the explosion the Federals charged, only to be turned back into the Crater by General Mahone’s counter- charge, where they fell under the Confederate crossfire. Thus the siege operations were again carried on. By March 1865, the contest of extending entrenchments was weakening the Confederate line. Even the capture of Fort Stedman, on the east of the city, failed to cut Grant’s line and the Confederates were forced to retire to Peters- burg because of the lack of reinforcements. Thus the final military maneuver failed and Petersburg, as well as Richmond, was evacuated by the Confederates as a long thin gray line stretched to Appomattox where the greatest period of chivalry of romance ended forever. Petersburg had risen at the falls of the Appamattucks and its greatest period of history had died at the fall of Appomattox. Petersburg has sent her men into both World Wars and into the Korean conflict. Although ch iefly known for her bravery in time of war, Peters- burg has also contributed to the arts of peace. Sir William Skipwith, fleeing from the wrath of Oliver Cromwell, and John Daly Burke, flee- ing from Ireland after the rebellion of 1798, found refuge here. After the Revolution, Washington and Lafayette were entertained here, dur- ing Lafayette’s return visit to the United States. In 1866 the women of Petersburg formed a memorial association to honor annually the brave who had so valiantly defended the city on June 9, 1864. Petersburg also influenced the establishment by Con- gress of a National Memorial Day, which is celebrated on May 30. The first municipal public health department in the United States was es- tablished in this city about 1780. There are memories of victory and of disasters, of sorrow and of hope; Petersburg has many memories, some dimmed by the sands of time and some remembered and cherished. The people of Petersburg are a modern people, but keep alive the traditions and beauty of old Virginia. They are good citizens with a sensible outlook on life and a people who love their city and homes with a fidelity unsurpassed throughout history. All References in “History of Petersburg” by J. T. Morriss. The Missile page twenty-seven lattU of Qlratfr By Ira Lee Andrews C3n June 25th, 1864, the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, which was composed of coal miners from Pottsville, Penn., began an undertaking which even today stands out in American military history. On that day, these coal miners started to dig a tunnel which would be approxi- mately 400 feet in length and would extend under a battery of Con- federate artillery. Around July 1, the Rebel troops became suspicious of under- ground noises, so they dug counter-mines, to locate any Yankee tun- nel which might be there. However, this venture was abandoned, because it proved to be unfruitful. The miners of the 48th Regiment, meanwhile, undaunted by the Confederates’ actions, kept digging until finally on July 23, their mine shaft was completed. The completion of this tunnel was a big climax for the Union sol- diers, but their oflficers didn’t know just when to explode the terrific charge of 8,000 lbs. of gunpowder. Meantime, General Grant had sent General Winfield Hancock with his H Corps northward, across the river, and onward to attack the defense lines of Richmond. When Lee, whose headquarters was at Violet Bank, now in Colonial Heights, saw Grant’s move, he sent five of his eight divisions to re-inforce the Rich- mond defenses. This was just what the Yankees wanted, for the Confederate de- fenses, thus weakened by the loss of five full divisions, wou ld probably give in readily to the force of IX Corps’ 15,000 men. On the morning of July 30, at 4:44 A. M., four tons of gunpowder heaved earth, men, and cannon skywaid in a tremendous explosion. Immediately Gen. Burnside’s IX Corps rushed toward the gaping hole in the Confederates’ defense line and then stormed through Petersburg. The Rebels seemed to have an entirely different concept of the picture, for they, numbering almost a meager 2,000 men, dug into jtheir line and stuck with the grit and stamina of human machines. The Yankees steadily advanced on the hole in the line and just as they were about to go through, they saw the smoke and fire of the Rebels’ guns as the one wide-open hole was filled with raging gunfire, supported by with- ering artillery fire. Wave after wave of Yankees came towards the Rebels in the breach, and wave after wave of Yankees was sent reeling backwards. Quickly, reinforcements were brought up and the line held intact. When the opposing armies stopped to lick their wounds, they found that the Rebels had lost only 300 men, while the Yankees were staggered with the loss of about 4,000 fighters. This great battle was insignificant strategically, for Petersburg hung on until April 2, 1865, when its defenses completely collapsed. Today, the Crater and its adjoining museum attracts approxi- mately 3,000 visitors each month. The people of Petersburg owe it to themselves to see this historic landmark, for it will bring them to a deeper appreciation of their lives, their liberty, and their various pur- suits of happiness. The Missile page twenty-eight Olf ntrp HtU iManatnn By Judith Schultz The Centie Hill Mansion was built in 1825, and was one of three such houses built by Robert Bolling, a member of a family prominent in settling Petersburg. The house passed to several owners and finally Mr. Bolling bought it and gave it to the United States Government who in turn gave it to the city of Petersburg. It was made into a museum and now contains relics from the his- tory of Petersburg. The main collections are from the Civil War, in which Petersburg played a large part. ®rpat ttatera By Betsy Hargrave The brook is a boy. Bubbling with joy As its newly discovered delights. It had found it could run As free as one Who is flying up in the heights. The rivers a man Who thinks he can Always have his own way. He’s fierce and strong As he pushes along. Moving all in his path astray. The sea is a god. Who gives a nod. And all desire to obey. So great is his power. That others must cower In fear at his masterful way. The Missile page twenty-nine SlaniiforJii CI]iurrl| anb Olftartfry By Ira Lee Andrews In Petersburg, although we are obviously indifferent to the fact, we have some of the most historically valuable places in the entire United States. One place especially has a very rich heritage which began about 1735— Blandford Church and cemetery. After Williamsburg began to prosper, and people moved onward, religion too, moved with them. The Church of England, which was the American church at the time, was divided into parishes, with each parish consisting of one congregation. As the church extended, more and more of these parishes were established, and their churches were called “Chapels of Ease”, for they literally made it much easier for a preacher to visit. In Petersburg, Ferry Chapel was established and was the center of religious life for this area. It was situated on the Appomattox River below the Pocahontas Bridge and so-named because there was a river ferry station at that place. In a few years, this wooden structure be- gan to deteriorate, and rather than expend their funds to renovate that old building, they erected a new, brick sanctuary atop Welles’ Hill, which we know as Old Blandford Church. Its official name was the Bristol Parish Church, for then a parish had been formed. Around the church a wall was constructed within which the mem- bers buried theii ' deceased; thus began the Blandford Cemetery. About 20 years later, or in 1755, the church had expanded to such an extent that the congregation had to build an additional section to their sanctuary, which today is the north wing of the church. It was used from that time until 1806, when the congregaton abandoned it for a brand new facility, located on Courthouse Hill in downtown Petersburg. In 1819, the city was given the deed to the church, but never did any work of restoration or preservation on it. People came and took the original furnishings as they pleased. However, in 1866, after the Civil War, the Ladies Memorial Association was given the use of the church and grounds. This organization was composed of widows, sweethearts, mothers, and close relatives of those Petersburg men and boys who lost their lives defending their city. These ladies buried the bodies in proper fashion, which had been hastily buried in the last days of the war. In 1882 the old tile roof was replaced with the present slate roof, because of damage inflicted by Union artillery during the siege of Petersburg. Afterwards, however, a semi-neglected stage followed, with the Ladies Memorial Association doing work occasionally on the structure. The Ladies Memorial Organization decided in 1901 that the building should be preserved as a Confederate Shrine, so steps im- mediately were taken. Each Confederate state gladly donated a window, with the ex- ception of Kentucky. These windows were done by Louis Tiffany of New York and are said by many to be the most exquisite stained glass windows of their type in the world. The windows are painted with portrayals of the Disciples of Christ, and their colors are done by lighter tones, rather than deep tones used by the majority of other artists. These give the atmosphere of reverence to enrich the lives of any who let it. ' ' fiilflAUrwui QIL-0 nuwiamr Ccbij j The Missile page thirty-one nurt Moubp By Kay Scoggin It was June 9, 1864, and in the little town of Petersburg, all was quite peaceful. In other parts of Virginia there was much fighting between the Northern and Southern armies. Suddenly the bells in the tower of the court house on Sycamore Street rang out loud and clear. The people of the town were alarmed for this could mean only one thing. These bells were warning them of the approach of the Yankees! True enough, the Federal Cavalry under the command of General Kautz was entering Petersburg. The local troops had gone to fight in other parts of the State, so the old men and young boys of the town resisted the army heroically until regular troops could arrive. This is one of the many exciting events which our old court house has witnessed. It was planned in 1838 and completed in 1839 on the site of the old Episcopal Church and can be truly called one of the city’s “architectural gems”. Many people have said that this build- ing is a reproduction of the Chapel of St. Mary Le Bow in London which was a Sir Christopher Wrenn design. However, upon compar- ing pictures of these two buildings, it may be easily seen that there is very little resemblance between the two, although there is some simi- larity in their towers. Nevertheless this fact does not degrade our court house in the least because it is the style of architecture which Christopher Wrenn used in building his churches in London. The court house was a rallying place, and it was there that two companies of volunteers for the Mexican War were organized, then dis- banded after service. On April 20, 1861, another group of volunteer companies marched out from the court house square to answer the call of Virginia. It was also said that during the siege of 1864-1865 Federal Troops could tell the time of day by the court house clock, and that although their shells inflicted upon the building made ex- tensive repairs necessary, the old clock never failed to keep perfect time. Today the court house has a court which is called the Virginia Court of Records. This court tries all kinds of cases. The Judge is Oliver A. Pollard who succeeded Judge Richard T. Wilson. Our court house is a lovely old building, and its beauty as well as its history should be preserved and appreciated by the citizens of Petersburg. J. MAl )e s Artinn The Missile page thirty-three olljf dommunitg (illyfBt By Ann Pope T i-iooK Mommy! Why do those men have Red Feathers in their hats? ’’ asked a small boy on one of the downtown streets of Petersburg. “They have contributed to the Community Chest, Tommy,” re- plied his mother. “The Community Chest, what’s that? ” This is not only the question of a small child, but also the ques- tion of many older people in the city of Petersburg. The idea and goal of the Community Chest is to reduce the num- ber of money-raising campaigns. When you contribute to the Com- munity Chest each year you are aiding twenty-one different organiza- tions. If each of these twenty-one had a drive of their own, people would not be inclined to be as interested or as generous in their con- tributions because of too many solicitations. The Community Chest is a central organization of volunteer workers of the Petersburg area which raises funds to help carry on the work of these agencies. It was organized in Petersburg in the 1920’s but was disbanded in a few years. In 1941, due to the efforts and hard work of the citizens and Chamber of Commerce, a much-needed Com- munity Chest was reorganized in Petersburg. To be an agency of the Chamber of Commerce, organizations have to meet certain standards of low cost, efficient administration, and fill a real need in the community. There is an Agency Study Committee composed of 30 busy citizens who study the agencies to see if they meet these requirements and are operating in the proper manner. During October, usually the last two weeks, the Chest launches its big campaign. For the past two years, the drive has started off with a parade which sets the public aware that the Community Chest Drive has begun. Last year the campaign was under the capable guidance of Mr. William L. Stanton, Campaign Chairman, and Mr. George H. Lewis, Jr., President. The goal was $94,997.00, an d results went over that to reach a total of $98,882.00. This year’s President will be Dr. Herbert Jones and at the time this article was written the campaign chairman had not been selected. All industries, civic organizations, mercantile associations, and residential sections of Petersburg are canvassed and lend their support to the drive. The money is divided among the agencies according to their in- dividual needs. The Community Chest greatly helped Petersburg in obtaining the All-American-City Award. By giving, you contributed to the Police Boys’ Club, the Y. M. C. A.’s, the Boy and Girl Scouts, and many others which help Petersburg to have a very low juvenile delinquency rate. The Southside Virginia Emergency Crew, Inc., one of Peters- burg’s most outstanding organizations, is aided financially by the Com- munity Chest, helps to make Petersburg a safe place in which to live. The Missile page thirty-four 5iiUt«0ttf0a of Olittzpoa on i fpoaf Effort By Barbara Mayfield o NE hot summer afternoon at about 6:30 P. M. several large planes , flew over Petersburg. This was the city’s first enemy air attack. The citizens, however, were not greatly alarmed, since they knew that it was a simulated enemy air attack for the purpose of civil defense. The six planes were spotted by the Ground Observers Corps, sit- uated on the top floor of the hospital. They telephoned Richmond and informed of the planes, their number, altitude, kind, and direc- tion. This corps maintains a twelve-hour watch throughout the year giving Richmond information concerning low flying planes. As the planes passed over Sycamore Street, the noise of exploding bombs was heard, and black smoke rose from the roof tops. The results of excited people, trying to help, can sometimes prove fatal to injured persons. Therefore, over thirty-two children and adults volunteered to act as victims of the bombing. At the Civil Defense Station, they received realistic looking wounds, which were painted on their bodies. Some of them appeared so real that a few girls felt dizzy when they looked at them. These volunteers stationed themselves along the business block of Sycamore. They climbed into overturned cars, lay under fallen tim- bers, sprawled in the gutters and street (in dire pain), and along the side walks. Next, it was the job of the Red Cross workers, stretcher bearers, emergency crews, ambulances, and civil defense workers to transport the victims to a first-aid station or hospital for treatment. As the patients were carried off the street. Red Cross women gath- ered important information concerning the patient, and attached an identification card. Meanwhile a gas pipe and a water pipe had broken, and these had to be fixed. Some electric wires were down too. The Fire De- partment and Emergency Crews were busy at work, controlling fires and clearing away the debris for public safety. The complete operation was under the direction of Fire Chief J. N. Farmer who believed the air raid to have been a success, but he also saw much room for improvement. These civil defense workers deserve a lot of credit. They need your help and should receive your support for the safety of the com- munity and the state and America. The Missile page thirty-jive a[t)fr Ollubci By Ann Pope and Kay Scoggin The beauty of Petersburg itself was an important factor in obtaining the award for an All-American City. Due to the efforts and hard work of the women of Petersburg, it has become a beautiful place in which to live. The women have formed ten active garden clubs, each one hav- ing a special project which adds to the attractiveness and appearance of the town. At the head of all the clubs in Petersburg is a Garden Council which is composed of two members from each club. This council helps to unite the clubs and to fulfill their sole purpose, “To beautify Petersburg”. Each year the council gives flower shows and sponsors tours through local homes and gardens to raise money for its main project, which is the planting and landscaping of azalea gardens around Wilcox Lake. These azaleas add much color in their surround- ings with their red, white and pink blossoms. Each individual club also has a special project toward the beauti- fication of Petersburg. They take various places in Petersburg and do what they can to make them more attractive. One club has the court house square as their project, and they have planted box bushes and grass seed there. Another club has Blandford Cemetery, and they have done much toward improving the appearance of the historic old graves and the area around the church. These are only a few of the many accomplishments which these women have made, however perhaps most important is that they have become conscious of the fact that a neat, well-kept yard with shrubs and colorful flowers adds to the neighborhood and the town as well as to the appearance of their own property. When Spring comes around, and the little flowers begin to open their buds, and the dogwoods and azaleas are in full bloom, we should be very proud of the women of Petersburg. They surely deserve a great deal of credit, for beauty is not just a word but something es- sential to every home, town and nation. The Missile page thirty-six ©rgamgatinnH Qlontnbutttt0 to a letter prtfraborg By Maynard Moore There are many organizations in town which contribute to a better Petersburg. There are all types with many different purposes. There are clubs for all ages, for all interests. There are clubs for public bet- terment, clubs for personal activities, clubs for charitable institutions, clubs for pleasures during spare time. Yet there are more organizations in Petersburg than clubs. Probably the foremost of all organizations is the church. Every- one will probably agree to the fact that the church is the oldest, most beneficial organization in the history of mankind. Churches have had more members on their rolls than all other organizations put together. Petersburg has a great number of churches of all denominations. One of the foremost facts which gave Petersburg the honor of being named “the All-American City” was the presence of so many churches in Petersburg. Almost all denominations are represented here. Most of our popu- lation is Baptist, but there are still enough church-goers left in all de- nominations to say that nearly all of our native population are listed on a church roll. We have a laige and very beautiful Catholic Church, two Jewish synagogues, and countless Protestant churches of all denominations. All these institutions, regardless of their beliefs, contribute greatly to the lives of the citizens of our fair city. There are many secular civic organizations around town, also. They contribute, in a great manner, to the social and private lives of most of our inhabitants. Some of the foremost of these organizations, also do a wonderful work which often is not publicly acclaimed. The Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Junior Chamber of Com- merce, and Optimists are only a few of these wonderful organizations. Then, for the women of our town, there are the Federated Wo- man’s Club and the Junior Federated Woman’s Club, who do a won- derful job of sponsoring projects and activities for our citizens. There are also many fraternal organizations in our city which were among the first of their respective orders in the state of Virginia. In the vast Masonic Organization, Blandford Lodge No. 3, for example, was chartered from England before an organization was set up in colonial America. There is the Shrine Club along with the Masons and Order of Eastern Star. The Masons sponsor our local Petersburg Chapter, Order of DeMolay, a fraternal organization for boys, and also The Missile page thirty-seven the local chapter of Job’s Daughters, a similar organization for girls. There are also, in addition to these, the Eagles, the Moose, and the Red Men. The Petersburg Y. M. C. A. sponsors the Hi-Y’s and Tri-Hi-Y s at P. H. S. along with many other beneficial projects for the youth of our city. The U. S. O. is second “home ” for many of the servicemen sta- tioned at Fort Lee. Its program provides wonderful entertainment and wholesome recreation and activities for the boys in the Armed Forces. Our local Police Boys’ Club steers youth in the right direction and gives boys a respect for the laws of our city, state, and nation. There are many, many more organizations in the Cockade City which do a wonderful work, but are too numerous to mention. Only a few have been highlighted in the above article, but all do a great job. IGaat Nijlft By Margo Hartle Last nisht I passed a lady’s Yard in which there bloomed A lovely sight . . . roses in December. The Missile page thirty-nine Jlntpruipm Hitlj iMr. A0lj By Anne Hubert Gatling and Laura Yates If you had been in city hall one afternoon you would have seen us sitting very patiently in front of the desk of our city manager, Mr. Roy F. Ash. The topic of our interview was the future of Petersburg. Since we are the future citizens of Petersburg, this topic concerned us the most. Our main interest was the new television station. Mr. Ash said that the Federal Communications Commission has given a local or- ganization the okay to go ahead and build a television station in Peters- burg. He said that it would operate on channel 8, and it will be located between here and Richmond. A toy factory from Elkton, Maryland, which makes rubber and plastic toys has been to Petersburg. Mr. Ash said that they had es- tablished a corporation to begin to build. “Bid opened Januaiy 27, 1955, for the new sewerage improve- ments and a contract has been awarded,” said our city manager. Men will begin working this year. The pipes will run from the western part of this city to the Appomattox River. The treatment plant will be in Pocahontas County. The future plans to bring forth two new storage tanks for the water supply, and in addition the plan to add fluoridation. This, we hope, will cut down our tooth decays. Petersburg and Richmond together are going to build a toll road from the north of Richmond to the south of Petersburg. “This road,” said Mr. Ash, “will improve traffic conditions. It will cost approxi- mately three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars.” Won t it be fun to watch Petersburg grow? The future genera- tions will find Petersbmg as progressive and fine a town to live in as it is today. Yes, they too will be proud of this All-American City. Bisti falling By Carol Lavenstein The man Who has never dared. Or climbed a mountain peak. Or strongly loved, has yet indeed To live. The Missile page forty 3iat?r HorkB 3mpr0timfnt0 By Peggy Wilburn The Petersburg Water Works, having been in operation for many years, has been designated by the bond issue to receive some improve- ments. These improvements will include some minor repairs to the building itself, and improvements in the machinery to purify the water; which will give better coagulation. This is also a small item. The major item on the agenda for these improvements is the in- stalling of a system for the fluoridation of the city’s water. The set- ting up of such a plant has been greatly urged in recent years by dentists and medical authorities who know that it is a wonderful pro- tection for teeth, especially those of younger children. Several cities in this state have installed such a plant with the results being approx- imately 25 ® less cavities in the children’s teeth. The money for this fluoridation system will be apportioned from the revenue bonds approved by the city’s voters in the last November elections. When this system is set up, there is much hope that it will greatly improve the welfare of the people, and will aid in the prevention of cavities and decaying teeth for children and adults as well. Spring By Irving Lewis The maiden Spring awakens at last. Throws off her blankets of snow; A timid glance to the earth is cast. Before she sets it aglow. She dons her frock of delicate green. Her ornaments of flowers; Her hairs a halo, a golden sheen; She walks in fragrant bowers. Her whispering breath, her lingering touch Overflow the land with gladness; Her enlightening presence is as such That banishes all the sadness. The Missile page forty-one Slpiputawn i tati0u anil ®ng Sniiuatrg By Anne Gatling and Laura Yates -A-bout two years ago the Petersburg Television Corporation (55% locally owned) and the Southside Television Company (100% locally owned) applied for a permit to operate a television station in Peters- burg. The Federal Communictaions Examiner recommended the Southside T. V. Company, but when the case was brought before the Federal Communications Commission, they voted 3-1 in favor of P. T. C., just the opposite of the Examiner. The Southside T. V. Com- pany applied for a rehearing since only 5 out of 7 members were pres- ent. This was refused. Now the Southside T. V. Company has gone to the Federal Court to get the Federal Communications Commission to reopen the case. Although the outcome of the case hasn’t been decided as this is written, the Petersburg Television Corporation plans to go ahead with its building sometime in the near future. They plan to build on the road to Richmond near the Hopewell turn-off. This television station will operate on Channel 8 and will be connected with a similar net- work as you receive on your television now. ( NBC in August. ) A man was sent from a company in Elkton, Maryland, which makes plastic and rubber toys. He looked Petersburg over and has decided to build a toy factory here. The place hasn’t been decided for the factory yet, but this will provide many new jobs for the unem- ployed. More information about the f actory will be available soon. flirim Miatorian By Russell Early The silence Of sea or meadow Is rest to weary souls. But silence is sole recorder of heroes A • ' f } ' ■ t ICit rarg The Missile page forty-five Ololorrh By Arline Riley Dick harland was a pilot of a bomber in World War 11. His plane, “The Gift of God,” had been hit on the way back to the home base from a night bombing mission. Dick ordered his crew to jump while they still had a chance. “What about you?” asked Bill Hardy, his navigator. “I’m riding her in,” replied Dick, cough- ing from the smoke and fumes, “now get going. ” Dick had vowed he would never leave his plane when she was in trouble. He was praying for all he was worth that he wouldn’t crash behind enemy lines. While he and his plane were plunging into a deep, dark pit of nothingless, Dick blacked out. Mainly because he was worn out mentally. He was tired of war! War! War! His life, up to that moment, flashed in front of him in the form of a dream. He worried mostly about Beth. She was a Navy nurse he had met six months be- fore. Now, he didn’t know where she was. She was shipped out three months ago, and he hadn’t heard a word from her since. He even saw his brother Sam, whom he admired greatly. All of a sudden Dick awoke with a start. “Am I alive?” he whispered. “How? Why? ” His head was bleeding, but he felt no pain. He tied his handkerchef around his head to stop the bleeding, then crawled slowly out of “The Gift of God.” He looked sadly at the plane with its nose buried in the sand. Suddenly he laughed for the first time in months, for the plane reminded him of an ostrich. He looked around and all he saw was sand, nothing but sand. Something said to him, “You might as well start walking somewhere. You’ll die if you stay here and probably die if you don’t. You’ve always liked to walk, so why don’t you walk now? ” Dick started walking, not like a man facing death, but a man who had found peace at last. He even hummed a tune his mother taught him before she died. He climbed a sand dune and stood on top to catch his breath. He wondered where he was and where all the horrors of war were. “Halleluy’ah,” he yelled. There before his very eyes were trees, birds, flowers, grass, and even a hill. “Now I know Tm dead,” he exclaimed. He walked for about ten minutes, telling himself he was crack- ing up. He put out his hand and touched a leaf or a tree, he smelt a flower and listened to a bii ' d overhead. He hadn’t seen anything like this since the war began. A scarlet bird landed on his shoulders. Another, whose feathers were of splendid colors, looked at him questioningly. It looked like a woman who has just bought a new hat and was asking him how he liked it. Dick bowed and said, “Madam, your feathers are marvelous. Never be- fore have I seen anything like them.” The bird flew away and as it passed over, a feather fell. Dick picked it up and put it behind his ear and walked on. The The Missile page forty-six scarlet bird was still on his shoulder. He eame to a hill and found a path, not very well worn, that led to the top. “Are there people living here?” he asked himself. “This would be a paradise to live in because the trees provide most of the food and plenty of it. There are bread, fruit, bananas, eoeonuts, pineapples, wild cherries, and probably many other things around. Now, I have found another ‘Gift of God’.” He followed the path to the top of the hill and was amazed by the beauty be- fore him. There was a small valley sur- rounded by three hills. A elear stream came from the top of the opposite hill forming a waterfall of many eolors, that played with the sun. It ran through the valley, winding and twisting like a child playing tag. He saw an objeet under a tree by the fall; it looked something like a hut. He ran down the hill through the many eol- ored, sweet smelling flowers. He stumb- led and fell rolling over and over. The searlet bird was sereaming and flapping its wings for all it was worm. When Diek stopped rolling, he lay among the flow- ers and laughed at the scarlet bird. A slight breeze eame skipping by, making the flowers laugh with him. He made a necklace of them as he had done when he was a child. The searlet bird finally settled down on Dick’s belt buekle with the bright colored feather in its mouth. It seemed he didn’t want Diek to lose it. Dick took the feather and put the neek- lace around the bird’s neck. Then the bird took flight. “I guess he’s going to show it off,” said Dick rising slowly. He walked over to the stream and saw some small fish. Then he realized he was hungry. He broke a small braneh from a tree and sharpened it with his knife. “Guess I’ll have to go baek to the cave man’s style of fishing,” he said smacking his lips. After a hard struggle, he speared three fish. “Matehes!” he yelled. “Do I have any matehes? ” He went hurriedly through his poekets and found some in his shirt poeket. After enjoying the fish he deeided to investigate the hut. Along the bank of the stream he saw foot prints. “There is human life here, ” he thought. Goming to the hut, he found it was made of dried grass. He went in and found a few cooking utensils and women’s cloth- ing. There was one green dress he ex- amined very carefully. On the poeket was embroidered a B and a S. He ran exeitedly out of the hut ealling, “Beth! Beth! Where are you? It’s Dick! Beth, ean you hear me? ” From the top of the third hill came a ery, “Diek, here I am.” He turned and there stood Beth dressed in white with her dark hair flowing behind her, and the scarlet bird on her shoulder. “Don’t move! ” he shouted. “I’m com- ing up. ” He climbed and elimbed. The more he elimbed the steeper and higher the hill beeame. The sun went down and the moon came up shining only on Beth. Dick’s foot slipped and down he fell into the black below. “We’re too late,” said Bill Hardy. “I thought he erashed somewhere about here. He has only been here a day and his body is still warm. His head is cut pretty badly. I guess h e bled to death.” “I’m glad he didn’t know the ship Beth was on was torpedoed,” said Sam Harland. “Nobody survived,” he said softly. “Look what I found,” said Bill, “a bright colored feather. Wonder where it eame from?” The Missile page forty-seven By Mollie McDonald The sun shone warmly on the lake and a gentle breeze blew through the leaves of the trees, which, now dropping to the ground, were a warning of the approach- ing winter. Nature’s change of dress was not an offensive sight, for the shore was painted beautiful shades of crimson, orange, and yellow, which was a sign the trees were preparing themselves for the cold days ahead. Being the middle of September, the lake was deserted except for the wood crea- tures, who spent their winters near the summer cottages, which now stood de- jected and lonely on the shore. Both noise and gaiety had abandoned the cottages when their residents had left at the close of the summer season. No longer was there the happiness nor the shouts of the children at their play. No longer did the laughter that comes with youth resound on these forshaken shores. The lake was now deserted — forgotten — ■ until another spring would bring the laughter and the gaiety again to echo througnout the sum- mer months. Suddenly the peaceful silence was broken by the sound of an approaching car, which, winding along the narrow road to the lake, was a warning to all the wood creatures to take shelter in the woods. Tom Henderson, a young, business execu- tive in his early thirties, parked his sedan in front of the small, brown cottage, which he, with his wife and their two sons, oc- cupy during the summer. Getting his bags and fishing equipment out of the back seat of the car, he whistled a gay tune. “Come for a last weekend of fishing, have you, Tom?” the rustling leaves seem- ed to ask. “Come anytime. We have no right to restrict you — we have no rights at all! You enjoy us in the summer and the early fall, but when winter comes and snow lies on the ground, we are forgotten until spring returns. Yes, Tom, come any- time you please. It is not for us to say when you should visit us or leave us for- gotten and alone.” The words of the leaves went unheeded by Tom, for he had already entered the cottage and was busy trying to get in touch with his wife, Ellen on the telephone. “Hello? Ellen, is that you? ... I just arrived. . . . Yes, the weather’s fine. To- morrow ought to be a grand day for fish- ing. Tell the boys I’ll bring them plenty of fish when I come home Monday . . . Yes, I’ll call you tomorrow about five. Well . . . until then ... I love you, Ellen. Good-by.” Hanging up the receiver, Tom rose from his chair beside the telephone and walked into the kitchen. The sun was just rising the following morning when Tom arrived at his favorite spot for fishing. He anchored the boat and cast his line into the water. The air was brisk, but not too chilly -- a grand day for fishing. He had not been there long when he noticed the sky had become overcast. Hop- The Missile page forty-eight ing the sun would soon return, Tom con- tinued to fish, but, contrary to h is belief, it began to lightning and thunder. Pull- ing up anchor, Tom started the outboard motor and headed for the dock, as he hoped he would make it before the rain began. As if luck was against him, his motor cut off in the middle of the lake and try as he would he could not get it started again. Having only one oar in the boat, he decided it would be best to head for Duffy’s Landing, a deserted dock, which people only used on rare occasions, but which now was the nearest place to land the boat. Tom tied the boat up just as the rain began. There was no shelter nearby, so he took the path leading to the cottage, which was not far away. The lightning in- creased as Tom ran down the path. The world seemed to be in a great turmoil of lightning and thunder. There was a sud- den flash of lightning and then the sound of a tree falling to the ground and Tom heard no more. When he regained consciousness, it was dusk and the storm had passed. Looking to the west, Tom saw a faint red glow which he knew must be the sunset. He had broken his watch when he had fallen, but, guessing the time by the setting sun, he decided he had about a half an hour to return to the cottage and call Ellen be- fore she would begin to worry. It prob- ably hadn’t even rained in Pittsburgh; on account of this she might not know about the rain or how it might have delayed his call. “You’d better hurry, Tom. Ellen will worry. Get on your feet and head for the cottage. Yes! Try to stand up, Tom— just try to stand up!” The woods seemed to know something, something Tom didn’t know, but some- thing that amused them greatly. When Tom sat up, a sharp pain shot through him. Then, and only then, did he realize his right leg was pinned under the tree he had seen falling that morning. Now he remembered how he had been knocked unconscious. The tree had been struck by lightning, which, falling, had hit him and thrown him to the ground be- neath it. The force by which he had been hit had knocked him out. Suddenly he became panic stricken and trying to force himself to rise, he called to his wife, Ellen, to help him, but the pain was so great he passed out again. Tom awoke with the smell of charred timber in his nostrils. Turning his head toward the west, he realized that the red glow he had seen earlier was not the sun- set but a forest fire started by the lightning. Much to his horror, he saw the fire was headed in his direction. He also realized that if someone didn’t find him soon he would burn to death. Out of sheer fright he began to beg and plead with the wood creatures, who were now running past him to safety, to help free himself, but they did not heed his plea and continiued their flight to freedom. “Call to them, Tom. Ask them to help you — they, whose kind you have shot and killed for the sport of it. Ask them to save your life! Please, Tom! Beg God’s wood- land creatures to help you! Pray to God to spare you! Pray, Tom, pray! ” The woods around him seemed to mock and taunt him. “Help me! Please, someone help me!” Tom’s words were to no avail as there was no one to hear them except the crea- tures of the woods, who k new not what he said, for they did not know his language. His leg began to pain him again. He felt dizzy and, try as he might, he could not keep his eyes open. Soon Tom had slipped into unconsciousness again. There he lay, not realizing that each minute the fire was drawing closer and closer. An hour later when Tom awoke, he could feel the heat from the fire. Open- ing his eyes, he saw it all around him, no more than five yards away. The wood creatures were gone, that is, all those who had made it safely through the fire. Tom was alone — all alone. The Missile page forty-nine “It’s bad to be alone, isn’t it, Tom? We’re alone in the winter just like you are now. It’s awful to be alone.” The trees continued to taunt Tom in all his agony and pain. They seemed to re- ceive a strange sort of satisfaction looking down at him, made helpless by one of their kind, A line of grass grew along the side of the path. It was now dry, brittle, and easily kindled. A fiery branch from a tree not far away dr opped upon it and it quick- ly caught flame, racing toward the fallen tree — and Tom. There he lay, helpless, watching the fire eat up the grass as it came. There he lay with no one to call to for help, for no one was there. Helpless, hurt, and alone, he lay praying for someone or something to end this nightmare. Looking above him, he saw the leaves of the trees catch fire. He watched as it crept closer and closer, jumping from tree to tree. The ones directly above him were on fire! Now even the ones past the spot where he lay! Soon the fiery branches would be dropping around him -- on him. Soon all too soon — his life would be no more. “Fire! Fire! Everywhere I look fire! Don’t burn me, fire! Please, don’t burn me,” Tom chanted. His eyes reflected the fire around him. He was no longer afraid. The fire was pretty with its flames of red and gold lick- ing the black sky, Tom was delirious now and the fire no longer frightened him. The trees had not won after all, for Tom liked the fire now. The pretty red and gold fire would never hurt him — never! ®nl Me By Evelyn Wyatt ’Tis said that flowers are human And now I believe it’s true; For when I walked thru the garden They told me all about you. The pansies were gossiping grandmas Gathered in a group; They told me you d never support me On more than beans and soup! The jonquils were frivolous flappers Shaking their heads in woe; “He’ll flirt with girls,” they warned me, “And surely wild oats will sow.” But then I saw the lily A pure young maiden and fair; She said, “Have faith in your loved one And your life will have never a care.” The Missile page fifty 3 tanb on (Cltffa By Russell Early I stand on cliffs o’erlooking a river wide In dizzy height, as autumnal haze descends On timbered woodlands that meet the lapping tide. Above, the streaks of white against the blue Suggest the splendor of dying, fading day. The distant farmlands arranged in neat array Lie under a blanket white, ’til spring awakes The sleeping buds, all hid from wintry blasts. Bey ond the shore, the vessels winding their way Are floating, silent worlds, alone in space. The majestic pines do sway as stately figures Against a lonely sky. Wild geese in flight To regions south, fly in harmonious form. And all is still, as if to keep in tune With reverent hymns of autumns whisp’ring winds. Oh, to enjoy the free and open field And never return to cities’ vacant roar, To sense the pulse of nature’s flowing peace. To live with God and have eternal soul. Where man’s fitful pause upon the weary stage Is lost in time to more precious, higher worlds. t na of Spring By Scotty Steele The whistling wind is singing a song Announcing spring is coming along. The blustry blasts of winter have past And sleeping nature arises at last. All around there are signs I see— A roaming robin, a blooming tree; Suddenly joy hits like a dart— Spring is really within my heart! The Missile page fifty-one Npuer Again By Bill Roberson Dinner parties have always terrified me, so when I received an invitation to Mrs. So-and-So’s party, naturally I de- cided to decline. I had received invita- tions before, which I had turned down, so this time I was informed that I was going. So, aided by maternal and paternal arm twisting, with numerous dire threats of what would happen if I didn’t, I ac- cepted. I was going, but I was going under protest. At last the night of The Great Feast ar- rived. I was completely at ease and not the least bit nervous, so it surprised me to find I had put my pants on backwards and my shoes on the wrong feet. Other than this, nothing happened until I left the house. I tripped down the front porch stairs, literally speaking, and landed on the bottom step. When I arrived at the lady’s house I accidentally kicked over a plant. It was a something-or-other muscipula, some- times known as a Venus Flytrap. As I bent over to set it back up, I swear the thing snapped at me. Finally I stood in front of the door. It was a massive door looking like the ones that the medieval torture chambers had. I took one long last look at the “outside” world, took a deep breath, and pressed the door bell. It sounded like Gabriel’s horn. The door opened and I was in- vited in. Much to my surprise I entered a pleas- ant sitting room with chairs and a couch. I didn’t see any thumb screws, stretching racks, or iron maidens as I had anticipated There were ten people sitting around in the chairs and on the couch. Naturally I didn’t know anybody; no one ever knows anyone at dinner parties. I looked into the dining room and be- held a table which looked as if it were two miles long. There was a grand array of food which seemed to consist of such de- lightful dishes as broiled worms and southern fried skunk. There were twelve places set at the table and so much silver- ware that the manager of the Statler would have hung his head in shame. After seeing this, I decided to leave. Just as I was about to get my hat and coat and make my exit, dinner was announced. Everyone proceeded to the dining room and stood behind a chair. Of course every- one had picked the wrong chair, so the hostess juggled us around for about fif- teen minutes. Most of us wound up as we were at first. Our hostess walked to the end of the table and sat down. We followed suit, all, that is, except myself. I missed the chair. This brought to my flaming face and bowed head, looks that would have wilted a lesser person, but I had resolved to stick it out to the bitter end. After grace, we began passing the food. Everything was all right until I spilled the gravy on me, the people sitting next to and across from me, and the food in front of me. This again brought wilting looks to me. Not a word was spoken during the meal and I knew that everyone was watching me. Starting from the outside, I slowly worked my way tlirough the sil- verware. When I came to the turkey I cut off pieces the size I usually ate, but after watching the other guests, I began to feel like a hog. The salt was in little round dishes, which looked like miniature sugar bowls, which I thought they were. So when I saw the other guests watching me when I put some in my tea, I thought something was wrong. The lemon, in- stead of being sliced, was aheady squeezed and the juice was in little gravy boats. Thinking it to be gravy, I poured some on my turkey. Needless to say, the meat The Missile page fifty-two that I ate was quite different from the one that my fellow guests enjoyed. I just acted as if I always put salt in my tea and lemon juice on my turkey. Somehow f managed to get both of them down. Finally dessert arrived. This consisted of a small bowl of raspberries with sweet- ened cream poured over them. Raspber- ries make me break out, but I ate them anyway. I itched for a week afterwards. At last dinner was over and I stood up along with the rest of the guests. Some- how I turned my chair over and tripped a maid who was carrying a large tray of dishes. In the confusion I graciously thanked my host and beat a hasty retreat, vowing nevermore would I attend a din- ner party. doh Epupaleti in Natnrf By Susan Elliott I look around and see majestic beauty Revealed by God to all who seek to find Its woi ' th. For He displays to us the trees And flowers growing wild in fertile lands Beside a murmuring brook. The complex leaf With threadlike veins that seem to run askew Oft makes me wonder who could be the one To form a structure so complete. Without The veins the leaf would soon be dead; without The verdant leaves the tree would then become A naked silhouette against the sky. The flower flaunting brightly colored petals Adds beauty to the world of nature; the air Is filled with many fragrant scents that wander T o and far der the countryside To many distant places. I marvel to see Such handiwork, the mark of a perfect One Who created every leaf and flower flawless In each minute detail. Truly here Is natures proof of God. The Missile page fifty-three i®g IFatal Ntgljft By Russell Early C3ne of my earliest experiences with members of the gentle and quite opposite sex shall never be forgotten. Whether or not a bit of over-sensitivity on my part was responsible for my everlasting remem- brance of it, I cannot say. At any rate, I should say it is quite unlikely that fate could have possibly contrived more ob- stacles to lay in my path than it did on this occasion. Weeks ahead I had telephoned the ob- ject of my affections and asked if she would consent to date me. Upon her affirmative answer a profound silence immediately descended over the wire. For want of experience in such delicate affairs, both of us were left speechless. Therefore, I immediately hung up, not even remem- bering to whisper a good-by as the con- versation was thus terminated. To this day I am not sure she has totally forgotten the abrupt and now humorous ending to that telephone call. For the ensuing weeks I carefully plan- ned the strategy I would use on the night of the date. My first maneuver would be to adorn myself in my grandest attire. Then I would gather a few choice flow- ers from a plant arrangement in our liv- ing room to offer up to my darling. But then the master stroke was yet to come. I would even whisper how wonderful she looked as I met her at the door. This was sheer genius! I had thought that we would go to the skating rink, which was about a mile and a half across town. Our means of trans- portation was to be my parents, who would drive us over. Indeed this was not the most satisfactory approach, but my poor pocket-book could not withstand the ex- travagance of a taxicab fare. Finally the day arrived. As we left school at three o ' clock, a few flakes of snow began to fall. By six o’clock it was quite apparent that a blizzard was in the making. However, undaunted by this crisis, I began to dress in my very best Sunday suit. At seven - thirty I was completely clothed, even to the detail of a white handkerchief in my breast pocket, which I imagined distinguished all well-bred gen- tlemen, such as I, from a lower form of humanity. I then asked my parents to take us to the skating rink. Then the death sentence was pronounced! Accord- ing to my parents it was snowing too hard for them to take us. Really, this was impossible. As I arrived at the gill’s doorsteps, which was a block away, I knocked un- certainly on the front door and waited for the girl to answer. Of course the girl, her- self, and no one else would greet so im- portant a guest as I. So, when her mother opened the door, I was totally flabber- gasted. I managed to stammer, “G-g-good evening, M-Mrs. B—,” and then proceeded to hand over to her the flowers intended for her daughter. So red-faced was I, over my ridiculous entree, that I do not re- member, nor do I care to think of Mrs. B— ’s reaction. When the girl finally came downstairs, I weakly explained that we could not go skating, but I knew that she would enjoy seeing a movie. We found one picture which she had not seen and decided upon that one. Nothing really mattered now as I was too far gone to redeem myself. We ploughed through ten inches of snow for six blocks, until we reached the theater. I started to give my money to the lady in the box office, when I discov- ered that no one was there. The movie had closed on account of the snowstorm. Had a convenient means of escape to China appeared, I would have seized the chance without the slightest hesitation. Thoroughly defeated I trod homeward in a gloom of silence. After she had thanked me for a most charming evening, I de- parted from the girl’s house with the grim determination never to return. Needless to say, it took several months for me to regain the confidence to sally forth on another such affair, which, by comparison, was highly successful. The Missile page fifty-four By Freddie Clements wrn 1 here’s a boy on top of the water tower!” “Where? ” “Up there, don’t you see him?” Sure enough, there was a small boy on top of the tower. “He looks frozen, he’s so still.” “He must be scared to move.” Excited conversations were rising from the rapidly growing crowd. “Someone should get the firemen,” a boy of about thirteen, said. “I’m going to phone them now,” a tall old gentleman replied. “I’m going up!” The statement came from a small, wiry man near the tower ladder. “Somebody’s got to go up fast or he’ll fall.” “You ought to wait for the firemen,” the thirteen-year-old boy argued. “You must have firemen on the brain,” a nearby onlooker countered. The man was about half-way up the ladder now. The crowd murmured as he looked down and wavered a moment. “Anybody got an idea who the kid might be?” a tough-looking man saked. “Don’t believe anybody can tell with- out field glasses from this distance,” a well- dressed businessman replied. The man on the ladder was about three- fourths the way up. “Oh, how can he stand to climb all the way up there?” a plump woman gushed. “Can’t sit down and climb,” somebody answered wryly. “He’s almost there!” Silence. The crowd stood, everyone focusing his gaze upon the object of com- mon interest. Suddenly the man on the tower seized the boy and hurled him toward the ground! The astonished crowd pushed forward and gazed at the figure on the ground— a broken department store maniquin. The Missile page fifty-five No iPutttrf By Norman Jacobson Whv DOES the time pass so slowly? It is 1:15 and these dragging, creeping min- utes are driving me to the ultimate in madness. I never realized that one could be so tortured by mental strain as well as physical. This retarded and abominable time is the curse of mental strain. If I could only sleep or relax! But who under such agonizing pressure could do such a thing? It is inevitable that, with such a stake at balance, my mind would be con- vulsed with terror. Such painful torture makes one wonder if life is worth living. Perhaps I could—. No, I mustn’ t! I couldn’t think of resorting to such extremes. I must face the facts and be determined to protect my ego. I was a wealthy banker in this city of about sixty-three thousand. My position was that of head of the First American Bank, the bank with the largest assets in this county. In recent years I obtained the better part of the bank’s shares, this making me the holder of the controlling stock. Everybody in this closely knitted, prosperous, and industrialized city knew me, for I possessed a prominent position in this community. I accomplished a great deal for my firm since starting from the bottom when seventeen years old. I work- ed and struggled through many years of economical difficulty until appointed pres- ident seven years ago. Although I tried to live conservatively, I had already become categorized as a millionaire. I am but forty-two in age and my future, not essen- tially in banking but also in politics, had a tremendous potential. My political ac- tivity and wealth had given me consider- able pull throughout this section of the state; however, it also produced many staunch enemies. It all matters little now. I was destined to this misfortune. The multitude of the city’s citizens re- spected me though, as a gentle, kind- hearted man who intended to enhance the conditions of the city. They knew how actively inclined I was in the church work- ing for the youth of this city, the Com- munty Chest, and numerous other civic affairs. They knew me as a man of the highest integrity and moral code. In fact, I was to be the next candidate for Con- gress for this section. I was, but under these unfortunate conditions, not now. My family was considered one of the finest in the city. My two little boys and little girl are the swellest kids in the world. My wife was a beautiful thirty-four year old blonde, who was generally referred to as the head of the higher society here. She was a fine wife. She was always so understanding and always came through whenever I needed her. There was only one failing which irked me constantly and that was she sometimes tried to tease me. She knew she was a social spark and capi- talized on it whenever possible. She also knew that I got perturbed when her at- traction was diverted away from me, usu- ally toward some well-to-do industrialists. She really had no intentions of making me jealous, but she had to show that she was the life of the party. Oh well, what’s the difference now. No sense is reminiscing. It makes me feel all the worse. Ever since they locked me up The Missile page fifty-six here in this dark, dismal, damp eell on the eharge that I murdered my wife, I haven’t done anything but go over and over, time and time again, the case pre- sented by the prosecuting attorney, and try to find a loose end. But the evidence was so overwhelming that it almost con- vinced me, too, that I was the murderer. I pleaded and pleaded my innocence, but, judging by the faces of the jury, it seemed to be to no avail. Yes, they had a pretty substantial case against me, but I didn’t do it! I swear that I didn’t do it! I was framed! My life is ruined! I ought to kill myself! Why not? I could—. No! I must at least wait until the jury returns the verdict. I must settle down. These painful hours of stress are draining the life out of me like somebody did to my wife. Who wanted to kill her? My worst political adverseries would not ever stoop so low as to murder. She was not greatly disliked by anyone. I occasionally got jealous of her, but never thought of harm- ing her, because I loved her. It looked so obvious that the killing was my work though. Even my best friends testified that I was angry with her that night at the dance at our estate. I was and am not afraid to admit it; although I’d say that any man would be if his wife con- sumed too many and started showing off in an unusual way. Everybody knew she was behaving improperly and that I was becoming rather excited. True, I was ex- cited and did have a slight quarrel with her. It amounted to little and was such a trivial matter. Throughout our entire eleven years together, I never so much as laid a hand on her. But then again, as someone stated in the trial, they heard us yelling indignant remarks to one an- other on the patio near the swiming pool and that my voice became vicious. We did throw a few hateful remarks, but I got disgusted and proceeded immediately to my bedroom, which is adjacent to the patio. I last saw my wife, when I turned around to look at her, while shutting my door. There she was sitting, glass in hand, right on the edge of the swimming pool. I presumed she would return to the party to continue her acting. I simmered down considerably after sit- ting in my bedroom for several minutes thinking. I went to my bathroom to wash my hands and douse my face with cold water. Through my clumsiness, the water splashed all over my tuxedo. I thought nothing of it then, for in due time it would dry up so as to be inconscipuous. I took a towel and did the best possible to re- move the better part of the water. I left the bathroom, threw the towel on the bed, and absent-mindedly forgot to turn off the lights and shut the doors of my room. With my mind preoccupied, I then nonchalantly proceeded to the patio, past the swimming pool, and into the living room. For some reason I did not know then, several people stared oddly at me. Probably it was the water that remained on me or perhaps it was possible that they heard our little argument. I looked around for my wife in order to apologize to her. But she was nowhere to be found. I searched the living room, the dining room, the kitchen, and even the recreation room in the basement. I thought that she was either outside or in a bedroom and that eventually I’d run into her and extend my apologies. My time for an extended period after this was occupied talking among many of my friends in the recreation room. I hardly thought about my wife until a woman guest’s voice screeched a yell of horror from above. With the greatest haste, I ascended the stairs to the first floor and ran to the patio where the entire party had gathered in a group near the swim- ming pool. I pushed my way through the crowd and finally, after shoving one of the young ladies aside, I saw there lying before me, soaking wet in her eve- ning gown, hair flung wildly over her once beautiful face was my wife. Around her delicate neck were red impressions where fingers had apparently strangled her. I hardly remember what occurred after that. The story of my actions that eve- ning were related to the police. The fact that we were quarreling, my tuxedo was wet, the wet towel was on my bed, I was probably the only one on the patio, seemed sufficient evidence to the police to war- The Missile page fifty-seven rant booking me for the murder of my wife. Why even think about it? It’s too late now to save myself. I pleaded my innoc- ence and my attorney defended me as skillfully as could be expected under such overwhelming evidence. The papers were giving me fifty-fifty odds on being sen- tenced. It seems as if though the jury has been deliberating for hours, but my compre- hension of time is so distorted. Right now it is 2:15. They have been out scarcely an hour and forty-five minutes. As these terrible minutes drag on, the pressure be- comes worse and worse. Certainly they must have come to a decision already. I know they didn’t believe my story in the trial after hearing the state’s case. I didn’t do it! I couldn’t kill her! The stu- pid, asinine people don’t understand that. What takes the jury so long? They don’t have to torture me by letting me fight the horrors of imprisonment or death. All this is but a preview of all that awaits me. Even if I was acquitted, there would be little future in my life. Wherever I go, whomever I see, I will be a murderer in their eyes. People always doubt even the jury when the evidence is so obvious. I can see myself walking down the street; every man, woman, and child whispering to their companions as they unceasingly stare at me. They will say, “There goes that rich banker who killed his wife, and because he was so wealthy, bribed his way out of trouble. He should have been strung up long ago.” Nobody in the world would want to hire me, a man with such an infamous background. And just to think, a month ago I was a man of respect, a man to be looked up to, a man of gen- uinely fine qualities. Then again, my children. They are not only wrecking me here, they are also wrecking my poor, innocent children who will be known as castoffs of a pitiless rat. Their future is almost as weird as mine. No future is left me now in life. If they only knew the trials and tribulations which have accompanied me through life, the love for my wife and the children, and my sincerity in my testimony; they couldn’t possibly pass a guilty sentence upon me. It has been over four hours since the seven men and five women left the courtroom. I still can remember see- ing them glance half-sympathetically, half-bewildered, to me as I was yelling without restraint at everybody. The scene I created was distasteful; but once a per- son loses his control, it is difficult to judge the reactions. The entire trial was full of strain for me, but these last hours are the worst, the ultimate, the apex of torture. Certainly the buzzer, signifying that the jury has come to a decision, will ring soon. It must! They must relieve the tension some way or the other! Either way it is, guilty or not guilty, I will be wrecked for life. If found guilty, I will slowly rot away in a cell or die. I will be but a number, another mouth for the taxpayers to feed. If found not guilty, I will slowly rot away as a pauper, a has- been; will be indefinitely suspected as “that murderer.” There is no use. Maybe He above will be sympathetic toward my poor soul. . . . The following day the newsboys were in a lucrative business as they yelled at the top of their lungs. “Banker commits suicide before jury reaches acquittal ver- dict. New suspect apprehended.” The Missile page fifty-eight rtm00n Haii? tn Emm By Susan Elliott A ith THE BEGINNING of the HCW School year came also the beginning of the radio program, ' The Crimson Wave in Review. Through the previous semester I had been a part of the program introducing and in- terviewing an outstanding member of Petersburg High School of the week. Having not the vaguest notion that I was to have the job again this year, I was approached one Thursday afternoon by my dear old friend, Maynard Moore. I knew when I saw him coming epctly what he would say. It would be, “Well, Susan, our radio program starts once more a week from this Saturday, and I know you’ll just love doing the job again.” I was almost right! There was one excep- tion; he stated the “our” radio was to be- gin this Saturday, September 18. “Maynard,” I said, “‘our’ radio pro- gram is going to do no such thing. I don’t have any part of the program now. Fur- thermore, with only two days’ notice I won’t possibly have time to work up any kind of interview. My own sister is get- ting married this Saturday, and with all I have to do— there would be no time to prepare it. By much persuasion, however, that “I was the only person with the experience and knowledge of broadcasting,” and that “nobody else can do it in such short no- tice,” I found myself consenting to this wild plan. Whom was I to interview? No one but Spungy Swearingen, the cap- tain of our football team, and Coach Randy Mallory. When was I to see them to plan this interview? Heaven only knew! Saturday morning rolled around and I had done nothing to prepare my little questions. Luckily I awoke early enough to write out a brief outline. It was then a mad rush to get to the radio station at 9:15. This would allow twenty minutes to settle matters with Spungy and Coach Mallory. Arriving just in time, WSSV’s announcer kindly inform- ed me I was an hour and fifteen minutes early! Oh, yes, this year’s program was set an hour later. Just think all this time to listen to such jolly programs as “Pet Brown Mule,” in- cluding all the princesses, knights, and kings of fairyland, rather— Pet ice cream land! What fun! Fortunately— for my ears were getting fatigued listening to this program— May- nard arrived early. But it was not until three minutes before going on the air that Spungy arrived— without the Coach. After my solemn inquiry concerning him Spungy replied nonchalantly, “Uh, he couldn’t make it; he had an engagement out of town.” That just suited things fine! Hur- riedly I scanned my outline marking out all questions having to do with Coach Mallory. As the program began I apparently still had the Coach on my mind, for I began, “This morning we have with us Spungy Swearingen, coach of our football team, etc.” Oh, what a break I made! To make matters worse, I didn’t realize what I had said until one of our records started play- ing. We were cut off the air, and immed- iately WSSV’s announcer, Maynaid, and Spungy broke out in peals of laughter! During the course of my interview I was just preparing to ask another question when I let out a violent sneeze and drop- ped my outline on the floor. Over the air it must have sounded as if the place had blown up. Not that my long pause when I was recovering my paper went over very well either. These things always happen to every one at one time or another, but why in the world they were all happening to me all at one time I’ll never know. Following the interview, a record be- gan to play. Just then Maynard said to me, “Boy, this ad lib is really something.” The Missile page fifty-nine “It sure helps,” I said. We then realized the light meaning “on the air” had not gone off and our conversation was heard over the radio! Maynard finally concluded the program. “Tune in next Saturday and hear our week- ly program, ‘The Crimson Wave in Re- View . I’m beginning to wonder whether he meant “weekly” or “weakly.” 5prn«:a0tt«attim 0 mu0l| By Robert Elder Do YOU KNOW of some person or persons who could never be ready for anything on time? Let me tell you of one I know quite intimately. I know this fellow as well as an astronomer knows hs stars, and better than a burlesque comedian knows his cues. But then, there’s no reason whatsoever in this whole wide world why I shouldn’t, for this poor wretch is none other than myself. Even now at this very moment (while the midnight oil burns), I toil vigorously to catch up with that moment which has crept away from me and gone to a place which I cannot account for. For my Eng- lish teacher has assigned that I should write an essay for the morrow. And now, after putting off this dread agony for one whole week, I, at the last moment, sit down to bring this awful task into re- ality. But, let it not be said, after I am finished, that this be not an essay; for here I have truly essayed, and if the word bear out its meaning, this bit of writing must be a success. Sometimes I think it of myself that, if Saint Peter should beckon from the Gold- en Gates of Heaven, I should get there no sooner than few seconds after he had closed them, and with a profound look of dismay and disbelief, I should know that “I was late again”--as I was this morn- ing when the bus left me stranded on the corner, just because I was a half minute late. Have pity on wretches such as I, dear reader, for ’tis not we, but our fate, which always causes us to be late. Why, ’twas but a fortnight ago, when this harassed soul’s punctuality was put to the test again. I had finally secured an appointment with a lovely young lady, whose courtship I had desired for quite some time. When I arrived, I found she had gone— for you see— I was late again. But believe me, when I say, I was not always late on the scene; for once I had an invitation to my best friend’s wedding, and arrived first, ahead of everyone. Af- ter waiting around the church for about an hour, the janitor appeared and inform- ed me of my mistake— the wedding was the next day and not this one. Of course, the next day I was very prompt in being the last to arrive. I do so hope that this will not happen on my own wedding day, as I fear ’twould embarrass me greatly. But now I must conclude this bit of nonsensical writing, but please bear in mind, dear reader, that this, also, was done at “procrastination’s rush of the last minute,” and may even yet be a late paper. The Missile page sixty-one ast ItrtljJiag By Evelyn Wyatt Elizabeth ann thacker was strolling down the narrow footpath that ran from her home down to the Potomac. Her mind was heavy with bitter thoughts, her brother fighting, the horrible war. Gen- eral Lee’s retreat, friends and relatives fighting on opposite sides. Would it never end? The Civil War had been raging now for over three years— how much longer would it last? So far her family had been exceedingly lucky. Those dreaded Yankee soldiers had not bothered them. A few days ago, how- ever, they thought their luck had ended, because four scouts were spotted only two miles from her Uncle Harry’s planta- tion, which adjoined “Fairfax,” her home. Elizabeth shuddered to think they had come so close. Oh well, today she was going to enjoy life. It was a lovely day, the sun danc- ing merrily on the new leaves, and the delicate violets peeking from under the tall grass to catch the warm rays of sun- shine. Yes, Spring was here at last. She shook his head as though by doing so she could rid herself of her morbid thoughts of the war. Today she was go- ing to forget there was a war. In fact, she might even ride over to Uncle Harry’s and Aunt Mary’s plantation, as she hadn’t seen them for over a week. There had been no sign of soldiers for several days, so her father had at last granted his per- mission for her to venture out alone. Elizabeth walked briskly down the path, gathering up her long skirts so they wouldn’t rip on the briars as she stepped. Her mind wandered again and this time she determinedly thought of more cheer- ful things. Tomorrow was her birthday, she would be sixteen. Her brother, Jim, had promised to come and see her on this day of days if he were anywhere near home. They would have so much fun. Jim, her tall, handsome brother of whom her father was so proud, had left home eight months ago on his eighteenth birth- day to join the army. How strange he had acted that day, but finally with much persuasion on her part he had promised to be home on her birthday. They had always shared their secrets and she was the only one who knew of his intentions to leave home. Let’s see, now— they could have a party, just as they did when they were small. Last year her birthday had been forgot- ten because the fighting was near and everyone was busy making bandages and melting metal to mold bullets, but this year her mother promised to make up for her lost birthday. Today she would tell Aunt Mary about her plans. She would probably allow “Mammy Julie” to make a cake. Her thoughts suddenly vanished and her heart stood still. Perhaps she had imagined it. No— now she could hear it very distinctly. The snapping of twigs, the rustle of leaves. What must she do? Frantically she looked for a place to hide. Could the noise be made by the enemy scouts? The noise drew closer and closer. A rusty brown mare pushed its way out from behind a veil of leaves— neighed and trotted towards her. Elizabeth laughed at her foolishness in thinking it could be soldiers. Wouldn’t Jim tease her when he heard about her fright! It was probably one of Uncle Harry’s new horses. It must have broken the fence again and escaped. Elizabeth reached up as if to pat the the horse. Her breath caught in her throat for she noticed the saddle and blanket roll on the mare’s back. The stirrup had been broken as though the rider had fallen and cut his foot free. There was fresh blood on the saddle and the blanket. Her head began to whirl as her imaginaton ran riot at the possible meaning of the The Missile page sixty-two blood. The horse was branded “US” and was sweating as though it had been hard- ridden. Surely the rider wasn’t far away. What must she do? Go home, tell her father? Notify the Confederate authority a Yankee was roaming around in the woods? Yet the rider was most certainly hurt, maybe dying. He might have a wife and children. No, she would try to find him. Elizabeth gathered up the loose hang- ing reins and led the horse back in the general direction from which she had first heard the noise. The horse seemed to sense that the girl was trying to find its rider— for it daintily walked behind her winding in and out of the tangle of vines. At first the noise sounded like the whine of an animal. Ehzabeth finally realized it was a low moan of a human. The horse pricked its ears, whinnied, shook the reins loose from Elizabeth’s grasp and trotted toward the sound. Elizabeth gathered up her skirts and ran hastily after the animal. The mare slowed down to a walk then stopped over the figure of a man. He was sitting on the ground with his leg twisted under him, quite obviously broken. The man’s back was to Elizabeth. He wore ' a bloody Union uniform. Another groan of pain escaped from his lips as he wrap- ped his one good arm around the mare’s neck and tried to raise himself and mount. He gasped, shuddered with pain, and slumped down into the grass. Elizabeth cautiously picked her way toward him. His arm was thrown over his face, con- cealing most of it. His forehead was a pasty white and beads of sweat stood on his brow. He trembled and this time the groan was more faint. Elizabeth bent over him. Even though half-conscious, he sensed someone was near. He lifted his arm and slightly turn- ed his head. A cry of anguish came from Elizabeth’s throat. Why! Jim! A Union uniform! Now she knew why he had secretly left the house instead of waiting for his father’s good wishes. Jim had al- ways wanted the United States to remain as such. Jim looked up and tears came to his eyes. His very expression said, “Don’t tell dad.” It would break dad’s heart to know his only son was fighting against his own beliefs! Ehzabeth bit her trembling fip. After a moment she made up her mind what she would do. Go to the house, bring Jim’s old clothes to him. Help him change them quickly. Father need never know. She mounted the horse, a difficult task in full skirts, and turned its head toward home. Before she could even bring the horse into a fast walk, she was nearly thrown as the horse was frightened by the sound of a gun shot. The noise vibrated in the air, then there was silence. Elizabeth dismounted and ran back to where the still figure lay. Oh Jim! Why did you do it? Father would never have known. You would have gotten well. Jim had almost kept his promise. To- morrow was her birthday— another lost birthday. The Missile page sixty-three f aralip By Bess Dupuy In a few moments I will be marching, marching in my first parade. It’s unfor- tunate that it has to be the Fourth of July parade, but one can’t have everything. I wonder if Bill will watch the parade. Probably not. He hardly speaks to me now. Perhaps he will want to see the parade, though. No time to think about Bill now. I must start marching. Phooey! I can’t even remember to start on my left foot. I’ll have to stop throwing my arms so high. Everyone knows I can beat a drum, even if I can’t do it well; besides I’ll wear myself out before I get to an audience. There’s nobody around here to see me ex- cept other bandsmen and they don’t give a darn whether I raise my arms or not. (As if anyone else does.) We’re turning the corner now. In a min- ute I’ll be marching down Main Street. There’ll be people there. Have to be on my toes. Have to watch June’s toe now as she makes the turn, so I can put mine in the same spot. Nothing like sharp comers! There! That’s accomplished. I should pay attention to the drum- beats now. John called the new one and I didn’t even notice. Now’s the time to throw my hands high, but how can I show off if I don’t even know what I’m sup- posed to be playing? Man, it’s hot! Why on earth does Mr. Roberts make us wear these heavy, hor- rid coats? Of course the pretty blue things look good, but it won’t look good to have kids droppng like flies from heat strokes. I wonder what that would look like? Well, there’s no use being hot now, I still have six blocks to go. If I’m hot now, what on earth will I be like then? There’s the signal for the roll-off. I wonder what piece is up? How does everyone know what to play? Good, it’s the school song! I know that. I wish the drummers could have music to go by. O-oo-h, it’s hot! I would give anything (almost anything) to be able to wipe the perspiration off my face. I bet I look a sight. We’re getting into the business section now. I wonder if I’ll see anyone I know? Susan and Betsy will be here, so will Daddy— or at least he’d better. I hope we’ll be playing a piece when we get to them. On second thought, I hope we’re not. I can play the drum beats better than the pieces. Here we are at Elm Street. If Bill is seeing the parade he’ll be here. I don’t see him. He might be at the beach. I just must pay attention to June. I’ve gotten out of step again. I wish I didn’t have to march behind her. Her steps are so irregular. I like it better when the boys in the color guard are marching in front of this rank, but they have to be in front of the band. The Missile page sixty-four I wonder what it’s like to faint? This headache I have bothers me. It’s not pleasant. Oh, goody! There are Susan and Betsy with Daddy. We’re playing music for them, too, even though I can’t play it well. I’m about to roast. My shiit feels soaked. The temperature will probably go over a hundred today, maybe it aheady has. It feels like it. My head throbs something awful. Only two more blocks to go. Only two blocks? It seems like a thousand. Bill wanted me to quit the band. He said that marching would just about kill me, and he’s just about right. Left, right. Arms higher. Left, right. One block to go. Left, right. New drum beat. Left, ri t. Beat, beat, beat. Left, right. That’s all. Oh, my head! Where’s Joyce? Have to find her. Can’t faint in the middle of the street. Joyce! Joyce! I must get to the side- walk. There. At least I won’t fall in the street. Where is Joyce? She’ll take my drum. Can’t fall on my drum. No time for Joyce. Take my drum off. Put it down. I hate fainting . . . the lights . . . the blackness . . . the blackness . . . it’s clos- ing in . . . what will Bill say? “I told you so!” iMr. Pof’0 (ili Satiptt By Hope Bulay Mr. Poe, come get your ole black raven. Company like hisn 1 sure ain’t cravin’. If I’d known it was him when I heard the knocking. I’d still be in my chair a-rocking. I tell you, Mr. Poe, “He done got educated.” And the things he can say makes me mighty aggravated. Now that “nevermore” stuff might a started you to writing. But I’m pretty much afraid it’ll start me to flighting. Everytime he opens that “nevermo’e” bill. My backbone spine gets a bran new chill. When he flaps his wings, my ole heart flutters And I wish he’d fly right through them shutters. But dat ole crow, he just sits on de do’ And when I turn up my bottle he says, “No mo’e.” Mr. Poe, come get him, I want to go to bed. And I’m a-f earing I can see him when I kiver up my head. The Missile page sixty-five A JMfmnry By Virginia Mann Yesterday when youth was light and gay And little caring what might come along. We laughed and shouted at the blush of day. We greeted spring with rowdy bursts of song. Each day unveiled an unexpected joy; We were so young, so young and unconcerned. The lovely girl, the joyous, madcap boy Uninterested in why this wide world turned. Each went our way in innocence and love. The future lights gleamed brightly in our eyes. We only sought the things which lay above; These were the days with hope that never dies. Today the lights are dim and youth has gone; Our happier days have vanished with the dawn. ope By Hope Bulay I am the promise of tomorrow; I dwell in those who pray; And if you hold fast to my hand. You’ll never lose the way. I comfott the heart of those who wait When life and death are gambling. I guide the wanderer s way toward home When he is tired of rambling. Up to success, I will take you; We’ll look down on failure’s plight. Then you will come to know me well— The hope that leads one right. 4 I i � ■ a Aiwrtfemftita Aiid now we’re getting a vacation ' Let’s tell our graduating friends with pay . . . it’s good to count to find out all about well -paying, on that nice check every week.” interesting telephone jobs.” The Chesapeake Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia Hurry out to ,, , RAINBOW DRIVE-IN Fmed Chicken — Italian Spaghetti Homemade Ice Cream HOT MEALS - $ .85 UP Curb Service PHONE RE 3-6919 3631 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Va. CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATESI Yes, you’ll always find your old friend REDDY KILOWAH at the head of the line to congratulate you, and wish you every success! VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY SMITH’S Cigar Store Compliments of Walnut Hill Hardware Co, 2010 S. Sycamore St. PHONE RE 2-4029 Compliments of Kirkpatrick Drug Co. 950 S. Sycamore St. PHONE RE 3-7711 or 3-7712 We Deliver Roper Building Supply Corporation LUMBER - MILLWORK “We Supply the Builder’’ Phone RE 2-9321 C. F. SCOTT, Inc. Real Estate and Insurance 14 EAST TABB STREET Compliments of C. F. Lauterbach’s Sons Jewelers and Silversmiths 122 North Sycamore Street Phone RE 2-7802 Petersburg, Virginia Compliments of Petersburg • Hopewell Bus Lines vcnoinG mm co., inc. Automatic Phonographs, Scales and Amusements Phonographs rented for private parties USED RECORDS - Very Cheap 45 78 RPM 308 N. Sycamore St. Phone RE 3-8420 Petersburg, Virginia Dodge — Plymouth — Dodge Trucks Ted Curry Motors, Inc. SALES - Phone 2-3811 - SERVICE 19-27 N. Union St. Petersburg, Va. Butterworth’s, Inc. Quality Furniture 415 Boulevard Telephone RE 2-4256 Colonial Heights Virginia Parham’s Texaco Service 1901 Sycamore St. PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA Gas — Oil — Wash — Polish — Lub. BANQUET ROOM AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES Whitmore’s Restaurant “Best Food in Town” Telephone REgent 2-8941 29 S. Sycamore St. Petersburg, Va. Compliments of JOHNSON CO. FUEL OILS Here is hoping that you pass. But don’t pass by our office. Say it with REAL - ESTATE The - JOHNSON - Boys 11 W. Tabb St. RE 3-7817 Don Voshall’s Lieutenant Run Service 900 SOUTH SYCAMORE ST. Phone RE 2-9846 Compliments of Leonard’s Hardware PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA Congratulations .... PETERSBURG HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES WE WISH YOU SUCCESS IN ALL OF YOUR FUTURE UNDERTAKINGS Deposits Insured up to $10,000.00 2% Interest Paid on Savings THE OTIZENS NATIONAL BANK Main Office — 147 North Sycamore Street Drive-In Teller — Corner East Tabb and Monroe Streets Walnut Hill Branch — 1933 S. Sycamore Street PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation COMPLIMENTS Clayton Oldsmobile, Inc. Remmie Arnold Pen Co. John L. Hack, Sales Manager PENS - PENCILS SALE - SERVICE BALL PENS Phone RE 3-3773 Olointttdl DRIVE. INN RESTAURANT THE PLACE WHERE FRIENDS MEET TO ENJOY GOOD THINGS TO EAT Locally Owned and Operated by DICK LANE and HOWARD JONES ROSE STUDIO COMMERCIAL AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS Serving Petersburg and Southside Virginia for over a quarter of a century 124-A N. SYCAMORE ST. PHONE RE 2-6818 over Standard - Janies Shoe Store CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS ! Walnut Hill Barber Shop 1952 S. Sycamore St. Compliments of Builder’s Supply Co. of Petersburg, Inc. “Everything to Build With’’ Standard- James, Inc. “For Better Shoes’’ 124 NORTH SYCAMORE STREET L. W. T. Bulifant, Inc. Insurance of All Types INSURANCE CENTER 38 Franklin St. Medical Arts Bldg. Phone RE 2-5618 Lawrence Corporation Paints, Wall Paper and Glass No. 9 North Sycamore Street Petersburg, Virginia Follow the Shopping Center Arrow to .. . COLONIAL FLOWERS FLOWERS AND GIFTS Night RE 2-5409 - Day RE 3-3107 130 Pickwick Ave. COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA. “Complete Personalized Floral Service T. S. BECKWITH CO., Inc. 125 North Sycamore Street Stationers to Fetershiirg High School Students Since 1870 FEAZEL AND SWEARINGEN, Inc. Fire and Automobile Insurance — Real Estate PHONE: REgent 3-6986 104 Pickwick Avenue Colonial Heights, Va. Compliments of CAVALIER BUICK, Inc. ejacit 109 N. Market St. CONGRATULATIONS Colonial Heights Drug Store, Inc. 135 PICKWICK AVENUE Dial RE 3-9822 Fob Dby Cleaning, Rug Cleaning AND Stobage R AY ’ S Dial RE 3-8441 Hair Styling Grumpier Cleaners 132 Pickwick Ave. 906 Boulevard Colonial Heights COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA. Phone RE 3-7039 Pick Up and Delivery Service L. G. Balfour Company ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS Leading Manufacturers of Class Rings and Pins Commencement Announcements Diplomas, Medals and Trophies Class Rings and Commencement An- nouncements for the Seniors of Peters- burg High School are Balfoub-Made. Compliments of NOLDE BREAD PETERSBURG’S NEWEST INDUSTRY HEARTY GOOD WISHES FOR SUCCESS! FBOM “THE BANK WITH THE CHIME CLOCK” Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. f DRUG COMPANY iatmoccf Celebrating Our 100th Anniversary — 1855 - 1955 Dial RE 2-4312 or RE 2-4313 — Two Listed Phones 130 SOUTH AVENUE PETERSBURG, VA. 1855 PETERSBURG’S PRESCRIPTION PHARMACY 1955 The most important thing in this store is something you never see. What is it? It’s your pharmacist’s professional knowledge and technical skill. It takes years of study in college and then he must pass the state board of examiners. He must have a knowledge of many sciences. Get better acquainted with us. Trade with us. We can be relied upon in all circumstances. Compliments of THE BANK OF COLONIAL HEIGHTS THE COMMUNITY BANK 123 Pickwick Avenue Colonial Heights, Va. Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Parks School of Dance Arts Gray’s Drug Store 1, 1 All Types of Dancing h||p for All Ages (Downtown Prices with Neighborhood Service ) n Baton Twirling PHONE RE 3-7711 WE DELIVER 141 N. Sycamore St. Phone RE 3-4531 RCA - VICTOR - ZENITH TELEVISION AND RADIOS Carr’s Radio Shop Prince Robinson Petersburg’s Pioneer Dealer MODEL LAUNDRY and Electrical Appliances Sales and Services DRY CLEANING 31 S. Sycamore Street Compliments of NORTHROP’S SPORTING GOODS NORFOLK, VIRGINIA Kirk’s Super Market Choice and Prime STEER BEEF Cor. Wythe and Jefferson Compliments of Virginia Lens Company PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA MARK E. HOLT Optometrist and Jeweler 218 NORTH SYCAMORE STREET Petersburg, Virginia RE 2-3551 One of Petersburg’s Optometrists Since 1915 R. S. TERRIE CO. INSURANCE 9 W. Tabb St. RE 2-7517 Petersburg, Virginia John H. Cato, Jr. Wm. W. Cato Manager Asst. Manager Sp€BOS‘ “The Store of Fashion” UniuerHitg nf Strt|monh Richmond College, Raymond B. Pinchbeck, Ph.D., Dean Westhampton College, Marguerite Roberts, Ph.D., Dean The T. C. Williams School of Law, William T. Muse, S.J.D., Dean Graduate School, B. C, Holtzclaw, Ph.D., Dean School of Business Administration, F. Byers Miller, Ph.D., Dean Summer School, Edward F. Overton, Ph.D., Dean Summer Session opens June 13; Winter Session September 12, 1955 George M. Modlin, President - VISIT - Goins Barber Shop TO LOOK YOUR BEST Colonial Heights 636 Boulevard Winfield Aldridge Insurance Agency Telephone RE 3-9831 Complete Insurance Service 25 Wythe Street Petersburg, Va. Phone RE 2-3981 HOWERTON WILLOUGHBY Preston Howerton Willie Willoughby Opticians and Jewelers Eyeglasses - Watches - Diamonds Jewelry 7 N. Sycamore St. Petersburg, Va. Jordan Motors, Inc. Chrysler - Plymouth Dealers 130-132-134-136 Boffingbrook St. Phone RE 2-8441 Petersburg, Va. PIANOS - New and Used CONN and BUESCHER BAND INSTRUMENTS YOUNG - HARRISON WURLITZER ORGANS CLOTHIERS OF DISTINCTION Bristow Music Co. 22 North Sycamore St. 14 Franklin Street RE 2-7132 Compliments of POOLE’S ELLERSLIE DAIRY, Inc. Your Choice for over Quarter Century” PHONE RE 2-7342 413 PORTERVILLE STREET THE GLOBE DEPARTMENT STORE, Inc. EXCLUSIVE READY-TO-WEAR “The Old Reliable Established 1887 FLOWER MART Petersburg Furniture Telegraph Service Company, Inc. 27 S. Sycamore St. Phone RE 3-4028 HOME FURNISHINGS PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA Your Credit Is Good 100 N. Sycamore St. RE 3-4402 BEN HILL, Florist mCORPOBATED FLOWERS AND GIFTS 12 North Union Street Near Corner of Washington Street Phone RE 3-3617 Petersburg, Va. Blue Ribbon Super Market G. M. and J. W. KVASNICKA Props. 26 Halifax St. Phone RE 2-8851 For the best in Prescriptions and Drugs . . . ROSE’S Rexall Drugs Telephone RE 2-3535 PROMPT DELIVERY Sycamore and Washington Sts. Petersburg, Va. LUBM AN’ S Ladies’ — Men’s — Boys’ Wear 231-233 North Sycamore St. Phone RE 3-9731 Petersburg, Va. The Monument Mobilgas Station Henry Brigstock, Prop. S. Sycamore St. and Crater Road Phones: RE 2-3961 and RE 2-9831 Cars called for and delivered AGENT’S Furniture (Company INCORPORATED “Dependable Fubniture Since 1897” PHONE RE 2-8821 Petersburg Virginia SEALTEST ICE CREAM DULANY FROZEN FOODS Shorty’s Home Delivery Phone RE 3-7171 The FASHION Ladies’ Wearing Apparel Coats, Suits, Dresses, Sweaters, Skirts, Millinery, Hosiery, Lingerie Phone RE 2-6518 312 N. Sycamore St. Petersbiurg, Va. Compliments of BROWN WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORPORATION PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA Compliments of ii4Viriiig 148 North Sycamore Street Powell-Cole Stationery Co., Inc. Engraving Wedding Invitations and Announcements Visiting Cards Books and Stationery 11 NORTH SYCAMORE ST. Phone RE 3-6571 Petersburg, Va. ASTER CHEVROLET SALES, Inc. chevrolet 4 Chevrolet — Cadillac Compliments of JORDAN BROS. JEWELERS AND OPTICIANS Fine Diamonds Sylvia Hat Shop Corham - Alvin International Silver HAMILTON - ELGIN - BULOVA GRUEN WATCHES 123y2 N. Sycamore Street Compliments of MOLLOCK’S Scoggin Appliance Co. Better Men’s Wear” Inc. FRIGIDAIRE APPLIANCES PHONE RE 2-3041 24 South Sycamore Street 139 N. Sycamore St. Petersburg, Va. PHONE RE 3-4652 HERFF-JONES COMPANY Manufacturers of Petersburg High School Class Rings Furnished through Mark E. Holt, Jeweler Virginia Representative JAMES L. DECK 300 E. Main Street Richmond, Virginia STATIONERY AND PHOTOGRAPHIC SUPPLIES- )hc. Open Evenings Till 9 P. M. 15 North Sycamore Street Petersburg, Virginia RUCKER’S, INC. 2017 South Sycamore Street Telephone RE 2-7321 Petersburg’s Most Distinctive Furniture Store SPECIALIZING IN INTERIORS J. C. Penney Company INCORPORATED Where Southside Virginia Shops and Saves Compliments of SANDLER’S 113 N. SYCAMORE ST. A P Bakery W. W. PRITCHETT, Prop. 35 South Sycamore Street J. R. GARLICK CERTIFIED WATCHMAKER All Work Guaranteed 22 N. Sycamore St. Petersburg, Va. Stevens Maclin Hess- Jeweler “The Record Shop” “The Best for Less” 31 West Washington Street WATCHES AND DIAMONDS Largest Stock of Records in Southside Virginia 208 N. Sycamore Street Phone RE 2-8131 Petersburg, Va. Story’s Beauty Shop BLUMENTHAL’S Soda Cigars — Cigarettes 222 Suffolk Ave. NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES COLONIAL HEIGHTS Novelties Phone RE 3-7835 Phone RE 2-6541 lOlVz N. Sycamore St. Petersburg, Va. Bentz Paint Wall Paper Corporation BRUSHES - GLASS - OILS “Smart Mens Wear Acme Quality Paints and Varnishes PHONE RE gent 2-5431 Phone RE 3-9412 23 West Washington Street 107 N. Sycamore St. Petersburg, Va. Compliments of THE OAK- Walnut Hill Food Service Sells Everything’’ R. A. CONDREY, Prop. 400 NORTH SYCAMORE ST. Petersburg, Va. RE 3-5758 RE 3-9031 IRVIN L. DORSK, Owner Compliments of PETERSBURG’S FORD DEALER New Ford Cars — Trucks Farm Tractors and Implements Esso Products — General Tires PETERSBURG MOTOR COMPANY, INC. 31 Years Your Friendly Ford Dealer Sljp Jprngrpao-Jinipx ' Southside Virginia’s Daily Newspaper” FURNITURE of DISTINCTION HOTPOINT APPLIANCES HAROLD’S PASTRY LOVE-HUDGINS, INC. 405 Blvd. Colonial Heights, Va. Phone RE 2-3289 19 N. Sycamore St. RE 3-7102 BLACKWELL SMITH DRUG COMPANY ‘‘Prescription Specialists Corner Washington and South Streets Telephone RE 3-4242 Petersburg, — Virginia 1830 1955 SanJiDlplf-liarDn fflnllegp Ashland, Virginia An accredited liberal arts college for men with a national reputation for the suceess of its graduates. Blackwell Auditorium Information may be secured from William Alexander Mabry, Dean of Men and Director of Admissions RADIO STATION wssv . . . 1240 On Your Dial Compare PET With Any Other Ice Cream I PET ICECREAM I 0 a Taste The Fresh Cream in PET Ice Cream FLOWERS SCATTER SUNSHINE- Downtown OflFice— 32 E. Washington Street Flowerphone RE 2-6111 DRINK IN BOTTLES Petersburg Coca-Cola Bottling Works, Inc. 1417 West Washington Street Petersburg, Virginia Road Service Pick-Up and Delivery Service Muffler and Tailpipe Installed Engine Tune-Up — Brake Work Williams Bros. ClatifrB Gulf Station Samuel and Charles Williams 106 N. Sycamore St. PHONE RE 2-9455 Suits, Slacks, and Sport Coats 1924 South Sycamore Street Petersburg, Virginia of everything j programs stationery calendars newspapers brochures fraternal proceedings catalogues business forms o PLUMMER PRINTING COMPANY, Inc. 122 W. Tabb St. REgent 3-7373 Petersburg, Va. GOOD GAS SERVICE MAKES WARM FRIEND S CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES! Although now, you are graduates, you can do a great service for the rest of us, if you never cease to be students — looking for opportunities and ways to cherish the American system of free enterprise and to im- prove the American way of life. You can be thankful for free schools in a country where you are free to worship and work and think and talk as you please. This is your heritage from the people who built America. THE FUTURE is pretty largely in your hands — you must be vigilant and active to combat the evils of socialism, government domination of private industry, and all the “isms” that destroy democracy. We de- pend upon you to do a good job. GOOD LUCK! The Petersburg and Hopewell Gas Company Francis K. Godwin, President GOOD GAS SERVICE MAKES WARM FRIENDS PETEKbBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY PETEPSaURG. VIRGINIt r V N- J � t i. i -. S ' i ..f v. ' .V ■ ' . ' Tl, ' V 4? f? ■ t .0 V se- ' ■S . i � vA 4 ' . !■ ■ )