Reading High School - High Lights Yearbook (Reading, OH)

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HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF '51 On a warm, sunny day in September of l947, Reading High School was blessed with a new addition to its family. Eighty-three timid freshmen, all sizes, shapes, and models were embarking on a great new adventureehigh school, The first day was an ordeal. However, things were running fairly smoothly so elections were held for class officers, To guide the class along through the first year were: Johnny Arand, President; Peg Apking, ViceaPresident; Marlynn Ulland, Secretary; and Dona Hampton, Treasurer. The sponsors were Mr. Singer, MlSS Lang, and Mr. Pritchard. Then something happened that surprised us as well as the rest of the student body, our name was placed on the scholarship plaque, a feat never before accomplished by a Freshman class. Along came the money making schemese-paper drives, bake sales, Blue-Devil emblems, and class nu- merals. On April l4, l947, the class of TH put on 3 one-act plays instead of the usual fulJ-length one, 'JElmer Cleans Up, Tai Chen, and Among the lnvited Ghosts . Actors and actresses blossomed forth and we also discovered great musical talent. The plays were a huge success and were climaxed by a cast party at Johnny Arandis house. in December the class of '51 decided on their class mottoaLabor Omnia VinciteiLabor conquers Alli. Their class colors, blue and silver; and their class flowerethe forget-me-not. On May 21, 1948, the last Freshman activity was held, it was a fitting closing to a successful year ea most unusual dance entitled The Big Splash'l. The gym was decorated to resemble a Circus Big Top and side shows and displays entertained all. -. By this time there were many romances, new friendships, and a wonderful atmosphere of belong- ing to R. H. S. l One chapter of new life had been lived by June, 948 During the summer we all grew in mind, stature, and social development. Our first step as Sophomores was to elect class officers who were: Ed Redwine, President; Verna Schriever, Vice-President; Kaye Wil- lenbrink, Secretary; and Rainie Elfers, Treasurer. Mr. Singer was appointed our permanent sponsor with Miss Hall and Mr, Henderly to aid him, Our big Sophomore activity was the Christmas Dance, held on December 29, 1948. The name of it was the Holiday Hop . Jerry Thole provided the music and a good time was had by all. Through bake sales, another dance, and paper drives the Sophomore class had netted $600 by the end of the yeareestablishing a new record. As we entered our Junior year, the Class of '5l at last began to come into its own. Getting right down to business we elected officers: Don Watson, President; Dick Brune, Vice President; Virgie Whit- worth, Secretary; and Peg Apking, Treasurer. Ken Scott was elected Sergeant of Arms Mr. Singer, Miss Hall, and Miss Runyan were our sponsors. On December 2, the Junior Class Play was held. The title of the play was The Brain Storm . No one will forget Al Luer's performance as Willoughby Ad- ams, nor Virgil Hank as Inner Willy-long under- wear and all. The Juniors gave a dance entitled the Pigskin Trot which was climaxed by the naming of a Senior boy and girl as King and Queen. Upon returning from Christmas vacation we were delighted to receive our Iong-awaited class rings. Some -of the boys had theirs for only a few days, but they didn't seem to mind. activity came near. The Junior Prom was held at Twin Lanterns on May 5, l950. Charlie Lohmueller provided the dreamy music while the Junior-Senior Classes, dates, and faculty made merry. Prom favors were miniature gold photograph-holders. Loretta Grein and Johnny Viox were chosen Prom King and Queen Also in May, the Juniors contributed several members who took the Miami Scholarship Tests at Oxford, the day after the Prom. They were-John Arand, Sharon Anderson, Vivian Brown, and Peg Ap- kin . g The summer passed quickly as did the rest of the year, and when September again rolled around the class of '51 prepared for the final chapter of their high school career. Officers were chosen: Dori Sears, President; Frank Bemmes, Vice-President; Laverne Elfers, Secretary; and Harry Lang, Treasurer. We were very happy to have Mr. Singer, Miss Hall, and Mr. Henderlyethree of the baste-as our class spona sors. We also elected to be our representatives to Student Council, Don Sears, Peg Apking, Vivian Brown, and Eddie Redwine. We sponsored a dance, The Harvest Hop which was a tremendous success and speaking of suc- cesses, remember the Turkey Dinner? Four of our Seniors participated in Junior Town meeting. They were Virgie Whitworth, Virgil Hank, Vivian Brown, and Johnny Arand. Verna Lee Schrie- ver was crowned Annual Queen at the Annual Dance, and Bev. Burk and Harry Lang were crOWned football King and Queen at the Junior Dance. In the spring we gave another very enjoyable play which brought us to the realization that we had just a few more months together in high school. The week of April 22-29 we enjoyed the ultimate goal of our high school social lifeeour Senior class trip. We journeyed to New York and Washington by way of the B. and O. For years, and years, our chil- dren and grand-children will be hearing about the wonderful time we had, On May H, the Junior-Senior Prom was held again at Twin Lanterns. This time in honor of the Class of 'Sl. If you had looked closely, you would have seen many of the same couples there as attended the previous year.After the Prom everyone scurried off to parties, parties and more parties. Some adven; turous souls even stayed up to see the sun rise. The Seniors now began preparing for graduation ethe final activity of the high school. Oddly, the percentage of absences was reduced as each membel of our class began to realize that very soon Weid be leaving Reading High forever. A last flurry of slum- ber parties, hayrides, banquets, and dances was held. Friendships became more closely knit On June ll, in the year of Our Lord Nineteen Hundred and Fifty-One, approximately 58 Seniors re- ceived their final equipment to go forth and conquer new horizonsea wealth of knowledge and an honest liking for our fellow man. Whether or not we all will gather together under one roof again is an unanswer- able question, but there is one thing, we, the Class of '5l will never forgetethat is the miraculous pro- cess by which one group of children, of different re- ligions and different backgrounds was transformed into a group of intelligent, conscientious, young men and women. Our class motto will forever stand as a guide to our livingeLabor Conquers All-our class fIOWer will symbolize our life-long friendshipsaso to the faculty angTstudents of our own Reading HigheFORGET-US- N . All other activities faded as the biggest Junior 20

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SENIUR SPONSGRS MR. HENDERLY Well iiked by both the feHOWS and the girls. Perfect manners, and the model of cour- tesy. Dependable and highly respected, Mr, Henderly is our pride and joy. MISS HALL Though busy about a million things, Miss Hall always has the time to listen to our troubles, give us a helping hand, and a soft shoutder to cry on. MR. SINGER Our first high school sponsor, Mr. Singer has been with us all four years. He has been the guiding hand and the tower of strength we needed.

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THE PRGPHECY The year is 1965. The month is May! All over the world there is peaCka just and lasting peace. The atom bomb has been outlawed, religion is universals The leaders of the world have been made to realize that in war, no one is the victor. No one can explain just how these things came about, but there is one idea held by a majority of peopie, It is a beautiful dream that started as a fantasy and ended up as reality. Let us go back to June of 1958. A class reunion was held to: the class of l95l, but it was no happy occasion. You see ,mOSt of the male members were in the armed Forces somewhere in the worlde- laughing, carefree school boys facing death and disfigurement for a principle. In the course of the conversation held that day, these girls of the class of 151 decided that it someOne would only start the ball rolling-it people would learn tolerance and unselfishness at home, then gradually a craving for peace would Overruie a neces- sity for war throughout the world it was necessary to get offi- ciai sanction for their plan, so a delegation was sent to the Presi- dent who, surprisingly enough had graduated from Reading with them. President John Arand agreed wholeheartedly that some- thing must be done, and quickly, The first stages of Dream Town, U. 5. A., had developed. All of the remaining members of the Class of '5l were eager to contribute their services. Don Bullock, now a famous minister began touring the country giving lectures On unselfishness and brotherhood. Jack Burgdorf and Ronnie Daniels, two Senators from Ohio began to talk it up in Washington. And if anyone didn't listen --well, there was always a filibuster handyt Every occupation was represented. Lorraine Flege, who is now Sister Mary Catherine, headed a convent which sent food, clothing, and letters to Europe, Virgie Whitworth started an orphanage for war children. You see Virgie has three children of her own now, but she's de- voting her free time to unfortunate children who have no parents. Laioie Ray and Lois Waddle are her two capable assistants. A benefit was given for the purpose of gaining funds to aid the cause of peace. Among the noted speakers were Vivian Brown the much traveled woman author, and Virgil Hank, a too government lawyer. Miss Brown's book, A Way To Peace had been read by millions of people and had caused great comment. Many lovely U.S.O. girls were on hand to entertain the guests and to make the boys in service feel more at home. Some of- these were recognized as Sharon Anderson, Lola Tisdale, Audrey Riesenberg, and Mary Jean Reising. Some of the town's business men were eager to help the dream materialize. Don Kretchmar, now the owner of a suoer service station, and AF Luers, a wealthy banker, began passing out leaflets to their customers-leaflets that made them stoo and think Why Are We FightingeTo What Extent Must We Sacrifice For Peace? Meanwhile, overseas, the picture was getting worse. Gen- eral Kenny Scott of the Army, and Admiral Frank Bemmes of the Navy conferred with the Air Force head, Robert Corsmeier. It seemed the boys in their forces were tiring of war. They could see no future in killing other human beings and being killed themselves. it all seemed senseless that man. who had invented newer and better methods of mechanical and scientific warfare, was being destroyed by his own 'Frankenstein. . These opinions had been voiced by Russell Von Bergen, Le-roy Higgins and Chuck Richards, nationally known war correspondents. The Women's Branch of the armed forces was not to be slightedt Joan Morgan and Kathleen Bennett, on leave from the Women's Naval Base in San Diego procured the authority to ask for volunteers to go to Europe to aid the wounded, regardless of whether they were friend or enemy. Shirley Riedinger, Marlynn Ulland, Pat Corbin, and Pauline Avery were among the first to leave. Gradually, people all over the United States began to write letters to the government. They wanted to find out what part they could play in the new peace movement. Don Lucas, now the leading singer of the nation, interviewed 21 several sailors on his broadcast and they turned out to be Pete Luncan, AI Schehr, Gene Wagner, and Bill Tilton. Then suddenly, in the midst of the great campaign a won- dertul thing happened. The guns of the world were silent! The soldiers had refused to fight any longer. They were returning to their homes to help rebuild, it they could, their ruined, depleted, prooerty before it was too Iateebefore there WAS no future to build fort And so it was, that peace was restored to the worid. When men began to think for themselves they came up with some pretty good solutions. You see, THEY were motivated by the desires of survival and not of power. And now, in this year of 1965 Dreamtown, U. 5. A., is completed. It may be any town eeven the town in which you Iive-ewhere there is brotherhood, happiness, and prosperity We see a beautiful country Club and golf course which is owned by Dick Brunei Dick still likes to putter around on Sun- days with his old friend, Don Sears, an up and coming architect. Don specializes in modern, economical homes. Passing by a large bakery we are startled to see the former Arretta Hoop greet- ing Pat Haves who now has three lovely childrene-all girls. Ar- retta's husband owns the thriving establishment. From her we learn that Shirley Meyer now lives in the country on a 200 acre farm Her husband has just invented a new kind of dairy drink A mixture between orange and chocolate, Skip Santel and Ed Hartman have gone into the photography business and from the looks of their offices, they are a great success. Pat Creamer is their private secretary. Judy Willet and Ruth Brossart are co- owners of a women's athletic supply store. Marian York does their art displays. - ' As we stop at a new municipal park to observe a Sunday ball game we are surprised to see the coach of one team, Bob Cutter, and of the other, Harry Lang. The two coaches are glare ing at each other because the game is tied and they've already played 5 extra innings, Watching the game with intense interest and shoutinq at the umpires is Bey Burk, You see, she things her husband's team is getting a raw cleats This town boasts a beautiful national forest. Why-look who's standing there with the head forest ranger. it's Kaye Wil- lenbrink. We hear she's married to him and LOVES the outdoor life. We can't pass this picnic table without saying hello to Lorraine Elters, Sheis married to an engineer and those two sets of twin boys are hers. Also the seven other youngsters having a grand time. We learn from Rainie that LaVerne lives right across the street from her and that when Vernie's 10 kids get tegether with Rainie's, all the other neighbors go away for the days Going through the main part of town we pass a used car dealer and find that Roy Gorsuch is in business with Gerry Go- forths Jim Flege is buying three used Cadillacs, just to kick around in. Ed Redwine is just stopping Millie Evans on the street to in- quire about how she is getting along. Millie was the first of the Ciass of '51 to get married, and Eddie the last, iThat was a big surprisesi Ed's a contractor now As we start to pass a very chic beauty salon, we stop in to chat awhile with Verna Lee Schriever, a very popular hair stylist. Verna is selling her shop this Year to become a full time housewife. She says that four children, a six room home and a successful husband is enough occupation for her. Verna has just had a letter from Peg Apking who now lives out on the coast in the land of sunshine. Peg is very happy with her five chifdren-ethree boys and two girISe-and her handsome husband who is a prominent educator-at U. C. L. A, The last person we see before leaving town is Don Watson, who is just passing thru on his way to buy some more cattle. Don IiVES in Texas on a large rancht We now come to the outskirts of our Dreamtown. As we sit down by a quiet stream and think over the good things we've seen . - - the happy, contented faces-we stop and wonder. Why couldn't these things happen? Maybe some day, all of our dreams and plans for the future will materialize We, the class of '51, sincerely hope so,