Plainfield High School - Plainsman Yearbook (Plainfield, IL)

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On a warm summer day in 1947, we, the seniors of 1959, began our tour of the Plain- field Schools. Although our trip took twelve years rather than 185 days, we still enjoyed every minute of it. When we began our trip there were fifty-two eager passengers. Of the fifty-two, thirty of the original group finished the journey together. Of course, there were additions and losses to the passenger list all along the way. Our first stop for this tour of learning was the first grade for our initial taste of the three r's, necessary on the menu of a twelve year school tour. We moved on to the second grade and a new environment, the basement of the Public Library. The third grade saw us on the move again to a new atmosphere in the just completed brick grade school. This proved so interesting that we spent the next three years there, with short excursions in the summer, studying language, literature, geography, art, and other fine points of learning. A number of us who were musically minded joined the band. Our class was on the move again this time to the white building and junior high school, where we anticipated moving from room to room for classes as our idolized high school brothers and sisters did. Our guides these next few years were skillfully preparing us for our big trip into high school. Seventy smiling graduates boarded the plane that third day of June 1955, wondering where the flight would take them. Because we were eager to land and become high school ladies and gentlemen, we felt that summer vacation would never end. September finally came, however, and we landed eager, but somewhat scared, to join the sophisticated people already there. After a week of fragrantly scented boys and colorless girls, except for out-of-place smears of lipstick, we settled down to work, for we realized that we could not avoid studying—hard as we tried. Since this was a major stop we elected officers to help guide us through the days. James Nelson was president; Susan Sage, vice-president; and Kay Townill, secretary- treasurer. We learned that our permanent tour guides for the next four years would be Mrs. Leaman and Mr. Groh, our class advisors. Homecoming was the first big event for us freshies because Susan Sage was a nominee for Queen, and our float The Murder of Yorkville” took first place. Soon we were sophomores and our funds from this extended tour were running low, so we began to make money by operating the check room at all school activities. We elected new officer guides. John Berst was president; Ann George, vice-president; Susan Sage, secretary; and Ada George, treasurer. After thinking we were settled, we packed our trunks once more and moved for our junior and busiest year to a brand new high school. Studying somehow seemed easier in the new, modern rooms. Our only objection was the rusty taste of the water, but this was soon eliminated. We managed the concession stand at football and basketball games, and our treasury began to grow by leaps and bounds. Class guides were: Patricia Warner, president; Doris Fleming, vice-president; Audrey Paluck, secretary; and Robert Milligan, treasurer. The dramatic minded in our class starred in our play The Family Nobody Wanted. Finally, the biggest event of the year, our farewell to our friends the seniors came. Softly tinkling wind chimes and a beautiful oriental garden complete with fish pond and green grass added atmosphere to our prom Sayonara.” With this milestone past we anxiously awaited the arrival of our class rings. After a brief, but well-earned summer rest, we returned as seniors to spend our last 185 days of the tour in the halls of P. H. S. At once we launched into Homecoming and crowned our lovely queen, Ann George, with Audrey Paluck as her senior attendant. Our last guides were elected: Earl Petersen, president; Florian Chwasz, vice-president; James Sebby, secretary; Thomas Findlay, treasurer. Under the direction of our officers and advisors, we planned our senior trip to Washington, D. C. Everybody sighed with relief when the play cast was posted, and after many work and fun-filled evenings at rehearsal, Dino was presented. Many attended and were amazed by the composite stage which this play required. As the year came to a close the farewell prom in our honor became the most discussed event. With greater knowledge and many fond memories we waved good-by to Plainfield Schools as we embarked on our journey into life. If you do not think about the future, you cannot have one. —JOHN GALSWORTHY 26

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REPRESENTATIVE STUDENT yfonors Interested in all phases of school life . . . cheerleader four years . . . friendly . . . staff member of the 'Fielder and Plainsman . . . Audrey Paluck was chosen by the student body as their most representative student. AUDREY PALUCK AMERICAN LEGION AWARD and REPRESENTATIVE STUDENT Known to all by his friendly smile and cheerful greeting . . . always ready to co-operate with faculty and fellow students . . . active in band . . . president of the student council . . . John Berst was chosen by the student body as their most representative student and as the recipient of the American Legion Award. JOHN BERST 25

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Left to right: Garrett Johnson, vice-president; Martha Sandberg, president; Brian Wood, treasurer; Mr. Mart Mitchell, Mr. John Scott, Mrs. Pauline Culbertson. adiisors Russell Stenzel, secretary. 27