Portland High School - Totem Yearbook (Portland, ME)

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Dedication Although the complexities of modern civilization, most bewildering at times, often compel us to live as if time were soon to cease, yet occasionally we do find ourselves indulging in retrospection or turning back tl1e pages of history i11 quiet n1editation. In 1632, education was a negligible factor in Aucocisco, now Portland, 1820, however, had witnessed real educational development, which was later climaxed in 1863 by the erection of a coeducational High School, a new departure. So as this year brings to a close seventy-five years of service, we pause to dedicate this, our 1939 To'rEM. We pay homage to those images of the past, fused into one vivid and magnificent entity in which sadness, which only made tl1e happiness sweeter, is intermingled with carefree laughter, serious study, and the pursuit of high ideals. To those seventy-five classes wl1o l1ave passed out of record into renown we give thanks for the splendid traditions, inheritance, and high resolves they have left us, a11d for tl1e noble services they have rendered. To tl1e little building of yesteryear which forms but a small unit of today's mighty educational plant, to tl1e halls and classrooms that have sheltered us and given us so many happy and profitable moments on which to base our ideals and future aspirations, we dedicate our everlasting loyalty. Our highest esteem and sincere respect we tender to our Principal, Artliur YV. Lowe, a11d to our submaster, Lucien P. Libby, wl1o with ope11 hearts and friendly guidance l1ave led us forward in tl1e patl1s of rigl1t and truth that we may go forth well-equipped into tl1e unpredictable world of tomorrow. Wife dedicate our heartfelt gratitude to our Dean, Miss Lehan, and to those capable members of the faculty who through their scholarly training and wise counsel have sincerely tried to give us an insight into the radiant life that we may enjoy a11d understand its meanings, and complexities. To tl1ose members of the underclasses to whom we look for the future, we hand on tl1e torch. May lllffil' works be definite, tl1eir vision clear. May lofty courage enable those classes, who through all the coming years, i11 11ew vigor a11d valor, Ll1'62llTl their splendid dreams, to maintain the traditions and tl1e mental and spiritual aspirations of the past that the scope of achievement may be more worthy with each succeeding year. To the true spirit of Portland High-that spirit of democracy, of friendliiiess, of undying loyalty, we pledge our allegiance, Pl'OIl1lSlI1g to up- hold the traditions of preceding graduates - that of livi11g noble lives. So we dedicate tl1is, our 1939 VIXOTEM, as a reflection of our ideals.

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Foreword And the .scores of loyal hearts Wilh Ihr spirit she imjmris Sing the prai.1'f's of our Porlland High. As this year marks the seventy-hfth anniversary of Portland High School, we have designed our TO1'PllNI to act as a magic mirror which shall reflect in its pages not only the achievements of the class of 1939, but also the spirit of P. H. S. Of the seventy-Hve graduating classes only nineteen have had the priv- ilege of enjoying a TOTEM, but all have seen the history of our country un- folding before them, have witnessed many unforgettable events, and faced seemingly insurmountable problems. In 1863, we were in the midst of a Civil XNar when this school was erected under the guidance of the principal, Xvilliam P. Tucker. It was on the present site, but the prejudice against co-education was so strong that a brick wall divided the building, the girls having classes on one side, the boys on the other, and, although a door was cut through in 1864, boys and girls were not turned loose together, nor allowed to intermingle without restric- tions until l876.H ' Although not destroyed in the Great Fire of 1866,' the building was burned in 1911, but was rebuilt, and, with minor alterations, was used until 1918 when the present building was erected, using the old building as a center wing. This year saw our hearts gladdened by the Armistice ending the VVorld IN7ar. Dedication was in 1919, and in 1920 hre destroyed the old wing, which was then rebuilt to conform with the new architecture. And now 1939 finds war talk again the major interest of the world. But even as this struggle of the world has been continued by citizens who believe in the institutions of democracy, so the struggle for education has been continued in Portland by faculties, parents, and students who believe in the strength of education to combat the forces of danger to our country and homes. In 1794, the founders of our Hrst Academy were brave pioneers who had to fight prejudice. In 1850, higher education for girls was under Hre. Again in 1863 the advocates of coeeducation were faced by disapproval and bitter resentment. Surmounting all these obstacles, the present Portland High School, the largest educational unit in Maine, has risen to a place of respect in the eyes of all as throughout the years- Sht' lz11.1' guided slaps of youlh ln the paths of right and f?'Ilffl.U So with the thousands who have gone before, we too may say: Shine Portlnml High, in thy glory, For the youth of it future clay. '

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wwe Q 1 Nbr' B41 In the Cust the waters play on the shorm oi' Cusco Buy Where giant ships of commerce Come and go.