Rensselaer High School - Chaos Yearbook (Rensselaer, IN)

Text from Pages 1 - 60 of the 1934 volume:

■ ' With a thought to the early Greek and Roman classical culture, which has contributed so much to our present civilization, we of the Chaos staff present this annual. We hope that readers will continue to find in it an ever pleasant memory of their high school days. 1 “True to that sacred past, So brief, and yet so great, To whomsoever will, these walls Be henceforth consecrate. Not fortune’s favored child, But on the immortal, all, The sunshine of this sphere of light In constant blessings fall.” — Miss Louisa Simes. - ADMINISTRATION The Greek and Roman eras produced some of the greatest teachers the world has ever known. These great teachers were the intellectual leaders of their day, and their philosophy has been carried down even to the present with the result that we still feel their influence after these many centuries. The greatness of men often is not recognized until time has tested their theories, their philosophy, and their ideals. It is not at all improb- able that this generation, facing as it does a great crisis, will produce edu- cational leaders who in years to come will rank with the great teachers of the past. CHAOS Floyd Meyers Blanche L. Chapman Chas. W. Postill The official board of the Rensselaer School City is elected by the city council. The members serve a term of three years and are responsible for the organization of the schools. The President of the Board is Mrs. Chapman, a former teacher and a leader in the community. Mr. Myers, who formerly served as High School Principal in Rensselaer, is Treas- urer of the Board. Mr. Postill, Secretary of the Board, is serving his second term. Mr. Postill is a retired minister. The ability of our School Board is evidenced by the fact that with the necessary reductions in the budget within the last few years the same high standards of more prosperous times have been maintained. Supei-intendent Gale Smith is serving his fifth year in Rensselaer’s schools. In these five years the system has profited greatly through his executive ability and good management. Aside from being a successful superintendent he is widely known as an author and publisher of workbooks. Mr. Cleaveland, High School Principal, came to us this year from Chalmers. Dur- ing the short time! he has been here he has proved himself to be a very capable prin- cipal and has earned the respect of teachers, students and patrons. Barbara Yeoman has served as office girl for four years and in that time has made more tests than a freshman takes during his first week in college. She is never too busy to be pleasant and her efficiency is the marvel of the entire school. TninniTmTnmrrmHinniimTinmniiiinTiniiiiim i TTn ininn rmmi ininn iiniiniHim i CHAOS Marjory Sprague, A.B. William Jardine, A.B., M.A DePauw University Indiana State Teachers’ College Elizabeth Kresler, B.S. University of Illinois R. S. Bundy, B.S. Purdue University MISS SPRAGUE is the capable dean of girls and sponsor of Sunshine Society. She teaches French and English. MR. JARDINE is sponsor of the Rensselaerien, and has built up a very efficient staff from year to year. He also sponsors our most successful debate team. He is instructor of Civics and History. MISS KRESLER teaches Latin and sponsors our Freshmen. She traveled in Europe and brought back to us many interesting stories concerning the places she visited. MR. BUNDY trains future farmers and sponsors their organization which has done exceptional work this past year. He spends his summers advancing in his profession and in conducting his club work. He sponsors the Freshman Class. MISS MYER coaches dramatics and has brought to the front much talent this year. She sponsors Masque and Wig, our dramatic society and teaches English. She also traveled abroad. MR. SHRODE has taken on new duties this year. He is teach- ing Geometry and Advanced Algebra. He also is sponsor of the Junior Class. MISS MARKLE is our all-around music instructor. She has organized a brass ensemble and a boys’ quartette. Also she had carried on work with the girls’ trio for their second year. She most efficiently sponsored “Betty Lou”, our high school operetta. MR. CLARK has this year taken over the Physics class, besides his duties in Biology and General Science. He is sponsor of the Hi-Y Organization. Margaret Myer, A.B. Indiana University Leroy Shrode, A.B. Evansville College Indiana University Gretchen Markle, B.S. Depauw University Homer Clark, A.B. Central Normal College Wisconsin University l‘age six 19 3 4 CHAOS Elizabeth Neal, A.B. Butler University G. W. Strole, A.B. Butler University Jeanette Murphy, B.S. Indiana University Claude Stokesberry Central Normal MISS NEAL is the upper classmen’s English teacher. She aids Miss Myer in her choice of actors and actresses and sponsors the Junior Class. MR. STROLE is the football coach and sponsor of the Sophomore Class. He instructs in Economics, Civics, and History. MISS MURPHY is the head of the commercial department. She sponsors the Senior Class, Chaos, and Commercial Club. MR. STOKESBERRY teaches in the grades, teaches Physical Education in high school, and coaches basketball. MISS GREENHAM directs the Home Economics Department and sponsors the Sophomore Class. She carries her work into the summer as 4-H Club sponsor. MR. STERRETT, our new teacher, was a former R. H. S. athlete. He teaches Freshman Algebra. MR. HOLT is sponsor of the Senior Class and of the Chaos. He has aided the Seniors to a favorable and creditabl e year. He teaches Algebra and Manual Train- ing. His big feature was “Open Shop”, which brought us in direct contact with the Manual Training classes. MISS STONER has ably cared for the recreational needs of the pupils for the last six years. Irma Greenham, B.S. Morgan Sterrett, Jr., Ph.B. Purdue University Chicago University Wm. J. Holt, B.S. Indiana State Teachers’ College Indiana University Elizabeth Stoner Normal College of American Gymnastic Union Page seven 19 3 4 Education of the youth has been a fundamental part of every great civilization. The subject matter and methods of teaching have varied with the time, the place, and the surrounding conditions, but wherever a civilization has arisen we find some systematic method of instruction. Palatial school buildings and vast financial out lays for equipment backed by stringent education laws testify to the belief of the American people in the education and protection of the youth of the nation. The very destiny of a country depends upon the instruction offered to the younger generation. Educational advancement has kept pace with research in scientific and industrial fields. From kindergarten to university we have developed a system of free education which is generally accepted as the very basis of our democracy. CHAOS WINNIFRED BERRY— Tillie the Toiler (A fast worker). DORIS STRICKLER — Zazu Pitts (Ooooh dear, ooooh dear). JOHN UTSLER — Andrew H. Brown, President. (Hold the phone) . ANNABELLE FRANSCOVIAK— Fay Wray (There’s nothing in a name) . WILLIAM EGER — Primo Camera (Oh, Goodness Gracious). ® • • JOE HARLOW — Oliver Hardy (Now watch me). JANET SIGO — Greta Garbo (Those wicked eyes and . . . shoulders). CHARLES KRYDER — James Cagney (That’s the trouble with you dames) . LOIS FLETEMEYER— Kate Smith (Should I diet?) LYNN JORDAN — Andy Gump (I told you so). Page nine 19 3 4 CHAOS HOWARD BEAVER — Clark Gable (ears how). BARBARA PULLINS — Amelia Earhart (Can she get up in the air?) MAURICE ADAIR — Singin’ Sam (He uses Burma Shave). IRENE COOK — Mollie Goldberg (My franz). THOMAS PARKISON— Jim Poole ( 20,000 hogs; goats are strong today) . BARBARA SANDS — Schumann Heink (Smiling Songstress). LAWRENCE HOEFERLIN — Buffalo Bill (Shuffle Off to Bison). DORIS AXEN — Constance Bennet (CooLKool). EDWIN SHOEMAKER — Joe Brown (Hellllllllpp) . FLORENCE COX — Florence Nightingale ( Good Night, Nurse) . Page ten 19 3 4 CHAOS ELWOOD SAMUEL — King Kong (Boo!). DORIS PUTTS— Barbara Fritchie (So retiring and timid). ROBERT McCOLLY— Hoot Gibson (Clop, Clop, Clop, that’s his horse) . VELMA HERSHBERGER — Mae Tinee (Good Morning). JOE GROOM — Pat Malone (Great cue ball pitcher). VIRGINIA BORNTRAGER— Betty Crocker (Add the whites of two eggs). — hardboiled eggs). HARRIS WARNER— Gracie Allen’s lost brother (WAHOO!) VIRGINIA SUMNER — Janet Gaynor (Age of Innocence . . . too old). WALDO TAYLO— Eddie Tolan (ZIP— That WAS Tolan). MARTHA KRESLER — Lulubelle (Well, let’s go!) m iii mnim n imaimniXl Ilin mmu ' u ' mmTiiiiiiniiimiirrTn illit h li n iiiii mlTTn iliiiiii m 19 3 4 Page eleven CHAOS • ' r ummi ±±±i±±± ROBERT STRAWBRIDGE — Weismueller (He’s a water boy). LORA RHOADES — Charlotte Greenwood (Well?!?) LOUIS HORDEMAN — Sam Insull (I’m glad to be back????) BETH GAINES — Ann Harding (Absolutely 0. K.) FRANCIS POTTS — Wimpy (I’ll have pickle, lettuce, and onion both). ANNE MICHAL — Babe Didrickson (Record Breaker — Victrola records). JAMES REED — Bull Montana (Grrrr!) CLEO ECK — Giggles (A giggling noise is heard). RAY WORTLEY — Joe Penner’s Duck (Quack). JEAN WAGNER — Mary Boland (Remember dear, we must stick together). Page twelve CHAOS RABIN PULLIN — N. R. A. Johnson (I’m right, all right, all right). BEULAH ARNOTT — Jeanie Lang (Just a giggle-o). RAYMOND BEAVER — Bobby Jones (Good approach). JEANETTE ROWEN — Joan Blondell (Moderne, plus). RALPH O’RILEY— Moon Mullins (I’ll be at Kelly’s Pool Hall). DOROTHY CULP — Louise Fazenda (She’s sooooo fussy). ROBERT BRANDENBURG — Bradley Kincaid (I reckon I’ll sing “Red River Gulch”). CATHERINE ZIMMER — Polly Moran (I’ll bet you always say that). RAYMOND SPURGEON— Stalin (The State, the State, etc.) . VIRGINIA THOMPSON — Gracie Allen (Well, I didn’t know) . Page thirteen 19 3 4 CHAOS MARCELLA KANNEY — Madam Queen (Now don’t cry, honey). MARY MORTON — Olive Oyl (Let’s dance). JAY YEOMAN — Dan Beard (Good Scout). KATHRYN ARMOLD — Mae West (Let’s check these fig- ures) . JEAN SMITH — Helen Wills (Ace-Quick Return-Good form) . JANE HAMILTON — Ruth Etting (She’s a wrecking crew — can wreck any crew). GERALDINE ALLEN DAY — Maggie (Now listen, Hiram!). LINNIE BYRD DAUGHERTY— Little Eva (C’mon in boys). MARY HILL — Elissa Landi (blonde because). EVERETT JORDAN — Seth Parker (On the open sea). Page fourteen 19 3 4 CARL BIGGS — Uncle Tom (Ole Marse Tom ain’t done nuthin’). VELMA FENWICK — Voice of Experience (Not a sound). ALICE BROUHARD— Billie Dove (She’s a bird). ROSALIE DYE— Miriam Hopkins (RESERVED— for whom ?) RALPH MERRIMAN— Red Foley (W. L. S. Barn Dance) . 19 3 4 Page fifteen FoMIOlR DIREeTORTf ADAIR, MAURICE Orchestra 1, 2, 3, 4; Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Commercial Club 3; High School Band. ARMOLD, KATHRYN Kentland 1; Brook 2; Sunshine So- ciety 3, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4. ARNOTT, BEULAH Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Masque and Wig 2, 3, 4; Showdown 2; Sunshine Society 2, 3, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4; Debate 1; Operetta 2, 4; Girls’ Basketball 2 - Tennis 2; G. A. A. 1; Play Tournament 4. AXEN, DORIS Girls’ Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; G. A. A. 2, 3; Masque and Wig 3, 4; Sunshine Society 2, 3, 4; Junior Play; Rens- selaerien 4; Chorus 1; Commercial Club 3, 4; Debate 3. BEAVER, HOWARD Football 1, 2, 3, 4; Basketball 1, 4; Hi-Y 1, 2; Commercial Club 4; Junior Play; Chorus 1; County Latin Contest 2; County Geometry Contest 2. BEAVER, RAYMOND Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Football 1, 2, 3; Track 1; Commercial Club 4; Hi-Y 1, 2: Printing Shop 2, 3, 4; Class Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Rensselaerien 4; Junior Play; Senior Play. BERRY, WINNIFRED Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3, 4; G. A. A. 1; Commercial Club 3, 4; Chorus 1, 2; Operetta 2; Girls’ Basketball 1. BIGGS, CARL Spring Football 2, 3; Fall Football 3, 4. V BORNTRAGER, VIRGINIA Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3; Home Eco- nomics Club 3, 4; President 4; Chorus 3, 4; Operetta 4; Commercial Club 3, 4. BRANDENBURG, ROBERT Future Farmers’ Club 1, 2, 3, 4; Presi- dent 4; Hi-Y 2, 3, 4; Class Basketball 2. BROUHARD, ALICE Commercial Club 3. i COOK, IRENE Hanging Grove H. S. 1, 2; Sunshine Society 3; Commercial Club 3, 4. COX, FLORENCE Chorus 1; G. A. A. 3; Commercial Club 3 , 4 . CULP, DOROTHY Hanging Grove H. S. 1, 2; Commercial Club 3, 4; Sunshine Society 3. DAUGHERTY, LINNIE BYRD Operetta 2, 4; Masque and Wig 2, 3, 4; Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3, 4; G, A, A. 1, 2; Rensselaerien 4; Commerc ial Club 3, 4; Chorus 1, 2, 4. DAY, GERALDINE ALLEN Kirkland High School 1, 2, 3; Com- mercial Club 4. DYE, ROSALIE Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3, 4; Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Operetta 2, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4; Girls’ Basketball 1, 2. ECK, CLEO Girls’ Basketball 1, 2; Home Economics Club 2, 3, 4; Vice-President 3; Chorus 2, 3; Operetta 2, 4; Commercial Club 3, ' ' EGER, WILLIAM Football 2, 3, 4; Basketball 2; Hi-Y 1, 2; Commercial Club 3, 4; Chorus 1; Orchestra 1, 2; Band 1, 2, 3, 4. FENWICK, VELMA Brook 1, 2; Sunshine Society 3, 4; Rensselaerien 3, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4; Girls’ Basketball 4; Operetta 4; Yell Leader 3, 4. FLETEMEYER, LOIS Commercial Club 4; Home Economics Club 2, 3, 4; Girls’ Basketball 1, 2, 3. FRANSCOVIAK, ANNABELLE Commercial Club 3, 4; Chorus 1, 2; Operetta 2, 4. GAINES, BETH Home Economics Club 2, 3, 4; Masque and Wig 3, 4; Junior Play; Class Vice- President 2, 3; Rensselaerien 1, 2, 3, 4; Chaos 3, 4; Girls’ Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Capt. 1, 2; Chorus 1, 2, 4; Operetta 4; Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3, 4; Vice-Presi- dent 3; President 4; Convention 3, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4; Showdown 2; G. A. A. 1. GROOM, JOE Hi-Y 3, 4; Commercial Club 4; Rens- selaerien 4; Basketball 1, 2. HAMILTON, MARTHA JANE Jennings Seminary 1, 2; Sunshine So- ciety 3, 4; Chorus 3, 4; Winner District Music Contest 3; State Contest entrant 3; R. M. D. Meet 3 (winner); Junior Play; Debate 3; Masque and Wig 4; Chaos 4; Basketball 3; Operetta 4. HARLOW, JOSEPH Fair Oaks 1; Future Farmers Club 2, 3, 4; Treasurer 3; Corn Judging Team 3; Spring Football 3. HERSHBERGER, VELMA Chorus 1; G. A. A. 3; Commercial Club 3, 4; Girls’ Basketball 1, 2_, 3, 4. j HILL, MARY Ashland, Wisconsin H. S. 1, 2; Com- mercial Club 3, 4; Sunshine Society 3, 4. V HOEFERLIN, LAWRENCE Future Farmers Club 1; Chorus 1, 2; Commercial Club 4; Hi-Y 3, 4. HORDEMAN, LOUIS Class Football 3, 4; Football 4; Com- mercial Club 4; Hi-Y 3, 4. V JORDAN, EVERETT Hanging Grove 1, 2. v JORDAN, LYNN Hanging Grove 1, 2; Future Farmers 3; President 3; Basketball 1, 2, 3; Class President 4; Class Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4. KANNEY, MARCELLA Home Economics Club 2, 3, 4j Com- mercial Club 4. KRYDER, CHARLES Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Football 3; Spring Football 2, 3; Class Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Commercial Club 4; Future Farmers Club 1, 2. KRESLER, MARTHA Operetta 2, 4; Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Masque and Wig 3, 4; Vice-President 4; Rens- selaerien 2, 3, 4; Girls’ Basketball 1, 2; Commercial Club 3, 4; G. A. A. 1, 2; Sun- shine Society 1, 2, 3, 4. McCOLLY, ROBERT Football 2, 3, 4; Junior Play; Chorus 1, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4; Play Tourna- ment 4; Operetta 4; Senior Play. MERR1MAN, RALPH Future Farmers Club 1, 2, 3, 4; Purdue Round Up 2; Livestock Judging: Team 2. MICHAL, ANNE Home Economics 2, 3, 4; Sunshine So- ciety 1, 2, 3, 4; Masque and Wig 3, 4; Girls’ Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4; G. A. A. 1. MORTON, MARY G. A. A. 2, 3; Girls’ Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4; Chorus 4; Operetta 4; Class Treasurer 1. O’RILEY, RALPH Football 1, 2. 3, 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 1; Hi-Y 1, 2; Class President 2; Class Sec.-Treas. 4; Class Basketball 1, 3, 4; Commercial Club 4. PARKISON, THOMAS Purdue Round Up 1, 3; Future Farm- ers Club 1, 2, 3, 4; Secretary 2; Hi-Y 1, 2, 3, 4; Rensselaerien 3, 4; Junior Play, Delegate to F. F. A. Conference; Class Basketball 2, 3; Showdown 2; Jasper Co. Corn Show 1, 2, 3, 4; Secretary 4. POTTS, FRANCIS Football 1, 2, 3, 4; Class Basketball 1, 2; Music 1, 2, 3, 4; Junior Play: Com- mercial Club 4; Operetta 2, 4. n PULLINS, BARBARA Fair Oaks 1, 2; Chaos 4; Commercial Club 3, 4. V PULLIN, RABIN Hi-Y 1, 2, 3, 4; Secretary 2; Treasurer 3; Rensselaerien 3; Chaos 3, 4: Business Manager 4; State Geometry Contest 2; League of Nations’ Contest 3; Debating 3, 4; Capt. 4; Business Manager Junior Play. PUTTS, DORIS Sunshine Society 3, 4; Girls’ Basket- ball 1, 2, 3, 4; G. A. A. 1, 2; Commercial Club 3, 4; Chorus 1, 4; Operetta 1, 4; Senior Play. r REED, JAMES Football 1, 2, 3, 4; Capt. 4; Basket- ball 1; Class Basketball 1, 2, 3; Future Farmers’ Club 1, 2. RHOADES, LORA Masque and Wig 2, 3, 4; Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3, 4; Chorus 1, 2; Operetta 2; Rensselaerien 1, 2, 4; G. A. A. 1; Tennis Tournament 2; Bible 1: Girls’ Basketball 1, 2; Debate 1; Commercial Club 3, 4; Masque and Wig Play; Senior Play., ROWEN, JEANETTE Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3, 4; Sec.-Treas. 2; Convention 2; Class Sec.-Treas. 2; Bible Class 1; Chaos 2, 3, 4; Editor 4; Winner County Latin Contest 1, 2; Chorus 2; Commercial Club 3, 4; Winner Tri-Kappa Prize 1, 2, 3. SAMUEL, ELWOOD Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4. SHOEMAKER, EDWIN Football 1, 2, 3, 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3; Track 1; Vice-Pres. 4; Junior Play; Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Operetta 4; Class Basketball 1, 2, 3; Class Football 2, 3, 4. SANDS, BARBARA Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Trio 3, 4; Operetta 2, 4; Masque and Wig 2, 3, 4; Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3, 4; Commercial Club 4; Rensselaerien 1, 2, 4. SIGO, JANET Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3, 4; Masque and Wig 3, 4; Rensselaerien 4; Chaos 1; Junior Play; Operetta 2; Chorus 1, 2, 4; G. A. A. 1; Commercial Club 4; Girls’ Basketball 2; Play Tournament 4; Oper- etta 4; Senior Play. SMITH, JEAN Rensselaerien 2, 3; Editor 4; Masaue and Wig 2, 3; President 4; Sunshine So- ciety 1, 2, 3, 4; Junior Play; Showdown 2; Operetta 2, 4; State Typing Contest 3: G. A. A. 1; Debate 2, 3; Class Sec.- Treas. 3; Chorus 1, 2, 4; Pianist 4; Com- mercial Club 3, 4; Girls’ Basketball 2, 3; Tennis, 2; Senior Play. V SPURGEON, RAYMOND Future Farmers Club 1, 2, 3, 4; Sec- retary 3; Hi-Y 1, 2, 3, 4; Purdue Round Up 3; Class Basketball 2, 3; Jasper County Corn Show 1, 2, 3, 4; Sup’t. 4; Member State Champion Corn Judging Team 3. STRAWBRIDGE, ROBERT Canton, Ohio H. S. 1, 2; Football 3, 4; Junior Play; Basketball 3; Commercial Club 4; Hi-Y 3, 4; Class President 3; Play Tournament 4; Senior Play. STRICKLER, DORIS Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3. 4; Commer- cial Club 4; Rensselaerien 3, 4; Chaos 3. SUMNER, VIRGINIA Chorus 1, 2; G. A. A. 3: Home Eco- nomics Club 2; Commercial Club 4; Girls’ Basketball 1, 2, 3. TAYLO, WALDO Foosland, Illinois H. S. 1, 2, 3; Foot- ball 4; Basketball 4. THOMPSON. VIRGINIA Llano. Texas H. S. 1; Seward, Nebras- ka H. S. 2; Lincoln, Nebraska H. S. 3; Masque and Wig 4; Sunshine Society 3, 4; Commercial Club 3, 4; Play Tourna- ment 4; Operetta 4; Senior Play. UTSLER, JOHN Yorktown H. S. 1, 2, 3; Commercial Club 4. WAGNER, JEAN Chorus 1, 2; Commercial Club 3, 4. WARNER, HARRIS Hi-Y 1, 2. 3. 4; Vice-Pres. 3; President 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Class Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Masque and Wig 1, 2, 3, 4; Football 2, 3, 4; Rensselaerien 2, 3, 4; Showdown 1, 2, 3; Class President 1; County Latin Contest 1; Commercial Club 4; Play Tournament 4; Chaos 4; Senior Play. WORTLEY, RAY Future Farmers Club 1, 2; Chorus 1, 2; Football 2, 3, 4; Commercial Club 4. YEOMAN, JAY Commercial Club 3, 4; Chorus 2, 4. ZIMMER, CATHERINE Chorus 1; Sunshine Society 1, 2, 3, 4; Commercial Club 4. CHAOS etASS OF 34 On Sept. 2, 1930, seventy-two furtive-eyed Freshmen were admitted into the stately structure of Rensselaer High School. Little “Waddy” Warner was elected president, with Miss Phipps and Miss Hershman as our class sponsors. After much voting, we chose our class colors, gold and black. We gained little recognition in our Freshman year; but when we be- came Sophomores, the class began to show what it was made of. Many of the boys won letters in football and basketball. Some of us even got letters for being such good talkers (debaters, you understand). We won places in the Masque and Wig, Sunshine Society, Hi-Y, Future Farmers, practically all the organizations in the school. Some of the members were in the operetta, “The Count and The Co-ed”. During the first two years the class was outstanding in Latin and Geometry. We sent con- testants to the district Latin contests and to the stat e Geometry contests. Our ranks increased to seventy-seven in the Junior year. Notwith- standing the fact that the class lost its money in the bank, we managed to put over, without any doubt, “the best ever” prom. The Junior play “Diggin’ Up the Dirt” was a huge success. We have come to our last year in our high school career. We look back with pleasure over our past record and feel that we have contributed a great deal to the school and that the school has contributed much more to us. We also have a feeling of regret and sadness when we think of leaving forever the place where, in a great measure, our characters have been molded. Jeanette Rowen re s Page eighteen mu 19 3 4 CHAOS WILL D We, the Senior Class of 1934 of the Rensselaer High School, being still alive, but near the grave, do hereby make our last will and testament as follows: I, Velma Hershberger, will my quiet nature to Harry Bell because I’m sure he needs it. (Comma.) I, Ralph O’Riley, will my interest in Nub Hemphill’s Pool Room to Kent Smith. (He’ll have to come in the back door, too.) I, Mary Hill, will to Wilma Smith my flirtatious ways. I, Thomas Parkinson, will my stature to David Beaver. I, Marcella Kanne, will to Alice Blake my curly hair. (Eat bread crusts.) I, Francis Potts, will my manly physique to Jasper Shaffer. I, Martha Kresler, will my will-o-the-wisp affections to Norval Rockwell. I, Rabin Pullin, will my power to sway an audience any way but my way, to Charlotte Myers. I, Anne Michal, will my athletic ability to Donna Wright. (Don’t overdue.) I, James Reed, will my Henry Ford special to Winifred Burrell. (The automobile is slowly replacing the horse.) I, Mary Morton, will my cigar lighter to Smoky McGee. (Saves matches.) I, Elwood Samuel, will my musical guffaw to Lois Lish. (El Basso.) I, Barbara Pullin, will to Beezie Hayes my artistic aptitude. I, Edwin Shoemaker, will my red thatch to Red Lowman. (That’s the color of a different horse.) I, Doris Putts, will to Frances Murphy my winning way with men and hope that she will profit by it. (P. S. — I didn’t.) 19 3 4 Page nineteen CHAOS I, Raymond Spurgeon, will my way with the hawgs to Herbert Straw- bridge. (Soooo — that is not Ed. Wynn.) I, Lora Elizabeth Rhoades, will my gift-of-gab to George Hawkins. (Be sure to gargle, George.) I, Robe rt Strawbridge, will my dancing career to Glen Toben. (Count to yourself, Toby !) I, Jeanette Rowen, will my studious ability to Frankie Hoover. (How- ever, you can’t have it if you go to English Lake.) I, Janet Sigo, will my WEST-ern ways to Mary Ellen Kirk. (It’s all in knowing how.) I, Harris Warner, will my ability to write good jokes to Tom Hoyes. I, Jean Smith, will RAND-le to Georgianne Daugherty in hopes that she will become one of his fans. I, Ray Wortley, will my place on the football eleven to Ben Edwards. I, Doris Strickler, will my ability to excell in intelligence tests to Bill Thompson. I, Virginia Thompson, will my nick-name “Grade” to Lucyl Beaver. (You can’t be too careful.) I, Jean Wagner, will to Marybelle Phegley my habit of sitting in a coupe by the school house till time for class. (That is; if she can get Kurtz in the car.) I, Catherine Zimmer, will my failing of being late for school to Owen Lutz. I, Waldo Taylo, will my craze for the fair sex to Bud Rhoades. (On second thought, he doesn’t need it.) I, Barbara Sands, will my typing knowledge to Fern Gaines and hope that she may be as successful as I. (More successful, I hope she makes 76.) I, John Utsler, will my bookkeeping ability to next year’s 4th hour class. (Correction: they won’t want it.) Page twenty 19 3 4 CHAOS WHO’S WHO IN 1962 ARMOLD, KATHRYN — U. S. Senator, Texas; b. Pedah, Cal.; m. John Skunkcabbage, father of John Skunkcabbage, Jr., 1940; e. Culver Military Academy; defeated in recent election by John Doe. ARNOTT, BEULAH — undertaker, New Mex. ; b. Whippoorwill, Ark., June 12, 1916; e. Farmer Burn’s School of Wrestling; nominated for County Coroner, 1948; shock was too great — buried with her shoes on. AXEN, DORIS — author, Helena, Mont.; b. Shidepoke, Mo., Nov. 3, 1917; m. Rubinoff, 1938; mother of four — for God and my Country; e. M.A. M.A., Butler; contributes articles to “Spicy” and “La Paree” mag. BERRY, WINNIFRED — taxidermist, Hoboken, N. J. ; b. Haymaker, Ohio. Jan. 1, 1917; e. St. Mai ' y’s In-the-Woods; certainly packs her trunks. ADAIR, MAURICE — dog catcher; b. Posey County, 2 miles north of Po- dunk, Mass.; e. M.A., B.A., Rosepoly Tech; author of thrilling novel, “The Rover Boys at College” or “Once in a Blue Moon”. BEAVER, HOWARD — pastor of M. E. church, Zadoc; b. Possum Hollow, Ky., Apr. 16, 1917; e. L.L.D., B.P.O.E., South Newton; generally ac- cepted as successor of Willie Monday. BEAVER, RAYMOND — Councilman, 4th Ward, Terre Haute; b. Big Toe, Mich., Feb. 14, 1916; e. M.R.S., Stephens College for Girls; voted for himself 12 times in the fall election. BORNTRAGER, VIRGINIA — rail splitter, Hoodoo, Va. ; b. Yankee Sta- dium, Sept. 10, 1916; m. Joseph E. Brown, 1947, it was pretty dark; e. South Barkely High School ; National Champion, 1945. COOK, IRENE — Bridge expert, Pensacola, Utah; b. Red River Gulch, Sept. 27, 1917; m. Firman Thompson, Jr., 1960 — divorced 19601 4 1 e. Kenosha Institute of Rapid Exhilaration, inc. ; accidentally shot after losing a six-spade bid, doubled and redoubled — he got away. BRANDENBURG, ROBERT — stock raiser; b. Nubbin Peak, Colo., June 4, 1916; e. P.H.D., L.L.D., R.O.T.C., Yale; prize hereford steer, Daisy, won International Championship, 1938. GROOM, JOE — traveling salesman; b. Kouts, Ind., Apr. 11, 1916; e. South Bend Business College; sold Frigidaire to an Eskimo. 19 3 4 Page twenty-one i i niiiii nnii iii ii iii nm uiri rn iiiii CHAOS BIGGS, CARL — Side show barker; b. Hog Back, Ohio, November 19, 1916; e. P.H.D., M.A., N.R.A., Wabash U. ; one-time owner of Sol’s Blew Ribbon Shows. COX, FLORENCE — Blacksmith; b. Valley Forge, Ky., Sept. 6, 1917; e. Monnett School for Girls; her best customer wanted his horse shod; she thought he said shot she’s selling linen now. EGER, WILLIAM — Pool room proprietor; b. Flea Ridge, 111.; e. B.A., M.A., P.H.D., L.L.D., Indiana U. ; judge in a beauty contest, English Lake, 1937. HARLOW, JOE — Owner, medicine show; b. Dog Leg, Wash., Oct. 12, 1936; e. B.A., M.A., P.W.A., Topeka Institute; m. Betty Boop, Apr. 1, 1938; cure or kill. GAINES, BETH — Missionary, Peek-In, China, (Just as well take a look) ; b. Walla Walla, Me., May 6, 1916; e. B.T.U., Chicago U. ; Heavenly heathen helper, Yeah man! HAMILTON, JANE — Snake Charmer, Hagenback and Wallace; b. Dirty Shirt, S. Dak., Aug. 8, 1915; m. Ralph O’Riley Jr., Interior decorator; e. Batesville High School ; not only snakes, but other things. HOEFERLIN, LAWRENCE — Explorer; b. Santa Claus, Ind., June 19, 1916; e. Distinguished student, Peoria High School; noted author, “Streets of Paris, and How.” HORDEMAN, LOUIS — Dean of Women, Vassar; b. Kersey City, N. Y., March 14, 1917; m. Kate Smith, October 12, 1937; e. P.H.D., M.A., P.U., Ball State Teachers College; weekly articles on Child Rearing for Atlantic Monthly. CULP, DOROTHY — Columnist, Pottawatomie, Wis. ; b. New Deal, Mich., January 16, 1916; e. Froebel High School, Gary; edits “Advice to Love-lorn,” Tribune, pseudo-name, Dixie Lee. JORDAN, EVERETT — Animal trainer, Barnum and Bailey; b. Peoria, Illinois, March 9, 1917; e. Boone Grove High School; most successful pupil of world renouned Clyde Beatty. (When he took the test, the animals weren’t hungry.) 19 3 4 Page twenty-two DAUGHERTY, LINNIE BYRD— Coal Hauler; b. Mistake, La., March 18, 1917; m. Battling Banes of Medaryville, 1938; e. Saskatchewan Nor- mal, Vincennes, Inch, she soots herself. DAY, GERALDINE ALLEN — Typist; b. Kirklin, Indiana; July 22, 1916; m. Hiram Day, R.H.S., 1933; World’s Speed Champ. DYE, ROSALIE— Taxi driver; b. Flushing-on-the-Hudson, Md.; m. Harry Bell, usher in local movie, 1937; e. DePauw U., 1934-1938; fastest driver since Barney Oldfield. JORDAN, LYNN — Usher, Palace, Chicago; b. White Pigeon, Mich.; m. Evy Fletcher, December 25, 1942; e. Lieut., West Point, 3rd Rear Platoon Sgt., Division 12, Sec. 6, Article 3, Clause 8. ECK, CLEO — Peanut Vendor, World’s Fair — and warmer, 1935; b. Slung- toe, Ark., Nov. 1, 1917; e. Klondike Consolidated Schools, Indiana; sold 357 sacks in 4 hrs. ; new record. KRYDER, CHARLES— Mayor, Round Grove; b. Warm Water, Penn., June 16, 1916; e. expelled, Purdue, Junior, embezzled funds; collector of rare botanical specimens, ops optera et semputitia — and old razor blades. FENWICK, VELMA — Dentist, Montezuma, 111.; b. Downstairs, Tenn., February 27, 1917; m. Elwood Samuel, gas station attendant, 1940; e. Marquette U. ; she pulls fast ones. FLETEMEYER, LOIS — Steel worker, Gary mills; b. Wahoo, Ind.; May 16, 1917; e. Zwieback Technical, Tex.; production worker over four years — practical production. McCOLLY, ROBERT— Streetcleaner, Mt. Ayr ; b. Pussyfoot, Ohio, March 29, 1916; m. Donna Wright, July 4, 1935; e. Distinguished student, Northwestern U. ; author, “Make a Clean Sweep of It.” FRANSCOVIAK, ANNABELLE — Bus boy, Meeker Hotel, Indpls. ; b. near Lincoln Park Zoo, N. Mex. ; January 23, 1917; m. Elmer Caterwauler, adagio dancer, 1943; e. M.A., B.A., V.A., Vanderbilt; wrestles a steamer trunk like nobody’s biz MERRIMAN, RALPH — Gigolo, Wheatfield; b. Close to Aix, Nov. 28, 1915; e. M.A., R.F.C., P.D.Q., Hangover College; Founded Police- man’s Ball. ri rnniTininmum mumiii 19 3 4 Page twenty-three CHAOS OF ’35 Three years ago, sixty-four self-inflated personalities presented themselves at the gates of the alma mater, and, with a flourish, signed their names as the class of ’35. To guide this wobbly crate, Frances Murphy was elected official pilot. On the next inevitable September 6, these more polished, slightly sub- dued, and much wiser students took their places as sophomores, and it was now their turn to look down upon the freshies. This year the class became ambitious and prom ptly joined all organizations and even went in for sports. The officers were Granville Hall, president; Delos Kanne, vice- president; Evelyn Fletcher, secretary-treasurer. One member of the class was a yell leader. This, the third year, has been no less exciting. At the annual brawl Ed Randle was elected president; Glen Toben, vice-president; and Herbert Strawbridge, secretary-treasurer. In December the class presented the play “Here Comes Patricia.” This year the class was represented by sev- eral members on the debate team and by two members on the yell team. In the play tournament they proved their dramatic ability by presenting the tragedy, “The Valiant”, which won first place. The annual prom staged by the Juniors was the social high-light of the school year. — Evelyn Fletcher. 19 3 4 Page twenty -four CHAOS Upper: G. Lashbrook, D. Cain, R. Hayes, L. Keith, R. Hile, A. Prouty, E. Randle, G. Daugherty H. Wikstrom F. Murphy. G. Hawkins, J. Eilts, W. Jacks, M. Lockard, E. Fletcher, A. Stokes- berry, H. Bishop, D. Beaver, E. Bristow. Lower : G. Vaughn, D. Kanne; J. Mannan, D. McDonald, E. Wiles, L. Lish, G. Duggins, E. Lesh, H. Bell, C. Myers, G. Hall, G. Barkley, D. Turfler. L. Baker, M. Hasty, D. Wood, F. Thompson, H. Grant, V. Linback, W. Smith, J. Cook, G. Platt, R. Lowman, D. Schultz, T. Hoyes, V. Green. J. Marlatt, L. Halstead, D. Kanne, F. Hardesty, I. Hohnstreiter, M. Courtright, G. Toben, A. Hess, F. Rhoades, J. Chapman, H. Strawbridge, I. Blaze, J. Hilliard. 19 3 4 mmTTTmiiimiriiirimiiiiiiimiiiiniiiniliiiniiilniUJ Page twenty-jive CHAOS eisASS OF ’30 In the fall of 1932, there entered Rensselaer High the most remark- able class that ever tramped down the hall of the old building. This class was composed of one hundred eleven members, the largest ever to enroll. Under the guidance of Miss Greenham and Mr. Strole, with Ed Kurtz as class president, they entered into the various school activities and passed a most successful year. At the beginning of the second year Russel Rowen was chosen presi- dent of the class. His chief aid was Maurice Karnowsky as vice-president. Miss Greenham and Mr. Strole were chosen class sponsors. Again this year much fame has been attained by the sophomores. They usually had more names on the Honor Roll than any other class. Sev- eral members of the class joined the Rensselaerien staff, Debate team, Chaos staff, and Masque and Wig. Several boys in the class played in the school orchestra. Many of the girls joined the Sunshine Society and a large number of the boys joined the Hi-Y and the Future Farmers Club. The sophomore class also took part in the Play Tournament. They gave the play entitled “The Romancers”. The class was also well represented in athletics, both football and basketball. Probably the most notable achievement in this respect was the winning of the inter-class basketball tourney. From all indications, one of the most successful classes in her history will leave R. H. S. in 1936. — Marcia McColly. 19 3 4 Paye tiventy-six upper. W. Toben, H. Mills, R. McGee, H. Hoeferlin, D. Cromer, V. Day, H. Hill, V. Cox, R. Mills, U. Harvey, W. Zea, F. Shumaker, W. Daniels. A. Gosnell, C. Janssen, E. Kruzan, P. Hordeman, D. Maher, H. Marlin, S. Simons, C. Pullin, E. Spurgeon, F. Neville, D. Cromer, G. Kryder, L. Bauman. T. Hanniford, D. Hasty, R. Anderson, M. Reed, D. Bertsch, D. Grant, F. Eshleman, W. Ritchie, J. Ballinger, R. Ford, M. Karnowsky, B. Smith, R. Rowen. D. Wright, R. Mannan, M. Salyer, R. Byrd, M. Parkinson, G. Todd, H. Biggs, R. Taylo, A. Moosemiller, E. Malone, A. Woodworth, M. Baker, F. Gains. Lower: E. Scheidler, L. Walters, R. Groom, D. Bachelder, R. Wilcox, L. Beaver, L. Brenne- man, A. Blake, J. Horton, M. Brusnahan, R. Shumaker. M. Malone, M. Hooker, E. Malone, R. Jones, J. Rowen, C. Moelhman, R. Morton, M. Nesius, D. Schafer, M. Parks, D. Luers. T. Wynegar, M. Postill, M. Stowers, H. Smith, A. Kanne, M. Jordan, D. Bristow, M. Tanner, C. Trudeau, N. Kirk, E. Robinson. R. Johnston, M. Lane, M. Daugherty, L. Waymire, E. Kurtz, M. Phegley, J. Larsh, S. Maines, P. Hall, M. McColly, T. Kirk. CHAOS CIFASS OF 32 On September the eleventh, nineteen thirty-three, sixty-four fresh- men entered Rensselaer High School. This class was one of the smallest in recent years, but it made up for its smallness by being very active. Soon after school started, a class meeting was held with the class sponsoi s, Mr. Bundy and Miss Kresler. Hank Hoover was elected class president, Maltha Halstead, vice-president; and Wayne Comer, treasurer. Gold and black were chosen as class colors. The freshmen showed fine spirit in making a class flag and giving a party in the high school gym. Several boys went out for football, and three received minor letters. A freshman basketball squad was organized with Mr. Terrel as coach. This team played five games, two of which were out of town. The freshmen were represented in the Hi-Y, Rensselaerien Staff, Sunshine Society, Home Ec. Club, Chaos Staff, Masque and Wig, and Future Farmers Club. The freshmen are proud of the large percentage of their members who have won places on the honor roll. — David Yeoman 19 3 4 Page twenty-eight QH CHAOS Upper: J. Milner, G. Long, C. Eldridge, N. Rockwell, E. Birdsall, C. Marlin, K. Warner, P. Jordan, M. Smith, J. Scheurich, M. Work, W. Comer, M. Ramp. R. Kanney, 0. Martin, S. Hoyes, K. Smith, H. Gratner, M. Gwin, L. Hall, N. Sanders, M. Nagel, 0. Hayes, M. Halstead, F. Stath, A. Barker. Lower : M. Cromer, M. Fenwick, R. Smith, E. Cavendish, C. Epler, I. Brown, E. Robinson V. McFadden, J. Warne, R. Salyers, D. Yeoman, M. Hill, W. Arnott. R. Abbott, D. Porter, M. Rowen, R. Messman, C. Baker, N. Michal, E. Westphal, D. Shumaker, M. Schultz, F. Hoover, E. Swartzell, W. Horton, A. Shultz. R. Shirer, M. Baker, R. Yeoman, J. Krohn, R. Ames, M. Ramey, E. Mills, V. Shields, C. Halsema, B. Bishop, R. Conley, G. Shaw, H. Stoner. 19 3 4 Page twenty-nine CHAOS MD MALONE WIN POPUP ITT CONTEST The results of the popularity con- test sponsored by the Chaos staff left no doubt as to which students were most popular in Rensselaer High School. Beth Gaines, a senior girl and assistant editor of the Chaos, received an over-whelming plurality in the girls’ contest. Beth has figured prom- inently in activities and organizations, and has consistently given her best effort for the interests of the school. During her senior year she served as president of the Sunshine Society which is generally recognized as one of the major extra-curricular organizations. Elbert (Bon) Malone, a Sophomore, sailed through the contest to take the winning place as the most popular boy in school. Bon has dis- tinguished himself as an outstanding athlete in both football and basketball. His performance on the gridiron in his freshman year won him a place on the first eleven and a major letter, two honors very seldom awarded to first year students. This year he has gained more recognition as an athlete than any other boy in the school. 19 3 4 Page thirty DEAR DIARY: September 11. That fateful day has come! I started to school today. Not a bad set of teachers and how green those fresh- men act! Capt. Smith is back at the helm with a new first mate, Mr. Cleaveland. Bonne Voix. (German). September 15. Was I excited? Went to Lowell football game and we won. Coach Strole was there with bells on ; the yell lead- ers didn’t need bells — we can always hear them anyhow. September 30. Another football game. Did Old Red and Black skin Rochester! I ask you? Mary Ellen Holt was as interested as any two people there. October 3. This is a picture of me the day I was elected editor of the 1934 Chaos. I will look worse than this when it’s done. October 6. I hear Hi-Y boys had initia- tion. Prof. Bill Arnott made his debut as a speaker. “The Relation of the Earth Worm to the World Series.” What a sub- ject! What a speaker! What a man! What do you think? October 14. Sophs had a big party but I didn’t get invited. I hear everyone had a grand time? October 19-20-21. Teachers have gone to Institute. I wonder if they won’t need a chaperon or something. Anyway, three days of bliss for us’ns. October 27. Another party. The fresh- men this time. Another football game, too. Did we squelch Kentland? 0-0 in our favor. They can’t take it — or maybe they won’t. November 7. How I wish I were a son ! Fathers and sons always get in on all the eats. November 17. What a day! What a day! I went to the “Barndoor and Bailhay Cicus,” — Bud Rhoades, ring-master. I don’t see why they wouldn’t let me in the parade. They certainly needed another monkey. November 23, 24, 25. We are going to have some pretty good farmers in Jasper county. I went to the Corn Show tonight— almost suffocated. Too many people wanted to see the show. Cromer captured corn cup, comma, congratulations, Cromer. November 29. We played our first bas- ketball game tonight and won. Not a bad beginning — not a good one either. Poor Fair Oaks sort of come down a notch right along with Alma mamma. December 13. Went to Junior Play, “Here Comes Patricia.” Play was swell and so was leading lady if you could hear her. Lois was a little hoarse (colt). December 22 — January 2. Christmas comes but once a year, but when it comes that’s ’nuf. January 8. Was his face red? Mr. Smith fell off his chair today. (Nobody laughed — it wasn’t even funny.) January 12. Stokesberry made speech today. Told students they should be asham- ed of themselves for not knowing the good old loyalty song. Tsk-Tsk. January 13. What do you know about this? Rensselaer won the Senior and Junior tourneys in the county tournament. Two cups came back to Rensselaer. The team must be waking up. January 19. End of first semester. This is one week when Barb Yeoman won’t be my pal. She is the one who helps to type those awe-inspiring tests (I mean awful perspir- ing!) January 20. Four-way tourney at Good- land. At least Remington was our consola- tion (Faint cheers) . January 26. Tommy Parkinson has won a scholarship to good old Purdue. Battle, kid! January 27. West Side beat us 4 points; best game of the year. (“Oh death, where is thy sting?”) January 29. State School Inspector in- specting today : we couldn’t take it. February 3. Glad tidings from the State Inspector. Oh ! that we could have forseen the writing on the wall -yeah, the basement wall. Mr. Cleaveland was irked, in fact, he was ired. February 13. Play Tournament- — lat- est thing in dramatics. The Juniors were “Valiant. ” Gin Thompson and Bud Rhoades received individual honors. February 27. Manual Training boys had opeh house today. Mamma came and saw Willie’s breadboard. March 2, 3. Sectional Tournament — Nuts. March 9. Interclass Tourney — more nuts. (Sophies.) March 17. Debaters went to Terry Hut; beat Bosse, lost to Wiley— Karnow- sky’s pants shrunk (pocketbook, too). March 23. Operetta “Betty Lou.” O. K. Miss Markle. Martha Jane and Bob Wil- cox had leads. Janie makes such a cute child. March 30. Latin notebooks ! Grr — how the Vergil class loves them. We improve (?) on each one, however. April 2. Track again this year. The boys act like rabbits running and hopping about all the time, but I guess that is called good form. April 3. Sunshine Society threw a big party. Eats ’n’ everything. The evening was spent in playing after which the guests departed at a very late hour, et cetera, et cetera. April 11. Miss Murphy has trotted out her commercial students again for the an- nual contest. Happy landings, all you little stenographers — and things. April 13. Athletic dance. I never saw an athlete yet who could dance. April 14. Mmmmmm. Home Ec girls gave a tea for Ladies Home Economics Club and Literary Society. Too bad someone couldn’t do a little stunt like that for the student body. I’m hungry. April 27. “The Youngest”. It was a wow (yeah, a bow-wow). Miss Myer is 0. K. as a director. May 11. Junior Prom — some hug. Couldn’t even rate with last year’s brawl. May 25. Class Night. Handed the key to Juniors tonight. Good luck, Jrs., wish you all the success in the world, (question mark) . May 27. Baccalaureate. Rev. Griest delivered splendid address. Seniors on grand behavior for a change — small change. May 29. Commencement! Just think, we might have all looked like this — and stuff. — Jeanette Rowen. CHAOS NATIONAL HONOR 8QOIRTT Students elected to the National Honor Society are chosen for character, scholarship, leadership, and service. Their scholarship standing is judged for their whole high school career. They are elected by the fac- ulty. The Rensselaer Chapter of the National Honor Society was or- ganized in 1922 in Rensselaer High School. It emphasizes scholarship and creates the desire for the development of those qualities which go to make splendid citizens in the school and in the community. The Society corresponds to the national honor society of Phi Beta Kappa in colleges and universities. It was introduced to high schools by J. S. Masters, principal of Central High School, Omaha. Its purpose as defined by the constitution is “to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of American secondary schools.” Those who are elected into these ranks should be exceedingly proud, for this is indeed an Honor Society. The following students were elected to the society this year : Ray- mond Beaver, Howard Beaver, Everett Jordan, Thomas Parkison, Rabin Pullin, Jean Smith, Velma Fenwick, Doris Strickler, and Jeanette Rowen. 19 3 4 Page thirty-four ORGANIZATION, Student organizations and extra-curricular activities have come to play an important part in our educational system. They provide a certain type of training necessary to the full development of young people which is not to be found in any department of instruction in the school. The activities of these organizations have helped to make school a pleasant experience and have relieved what otherwise might have become a monotonous round of classes. They have helped students to become bet- ter acquainted with their teachers and with each other, and have provided social contacts which will always be pleasant to remember. mijim CHAOS Upper: Murphy, Hamilton, Pullin, Rowen, Gaines, Pullins, Holt. Lower: Lish, Toben, Chapman, Fletcher, Yeoman, McColly. Absent: Warner. In publishing this book the Chaos staff has faithfully endeavored to uphold the traditions of the school and to render a complete record of its life and activities in this past year. They have kept in mind the fact that the tone of a year book should be in line with the general atmosphere of extra-curricular school life. At the same t ime they have remembered that it should be kept dignified enough to be lasting in its appeal to those who in later years will turn through its pages. With this purpose as a guide, the members of the staff have lavished their ability and have toiled dili- gently. Most of them were inexperienced, but in every case, lack of ex- perience proved to be only an incentive to greater effort. The staff wishes to express its thanks to the students and teachers who have helped to produce this volume. Editor-in-Chief Jeanette Rowen Assistant Editors .... .... Beth Gaines, Harris Warner, Jeanette Chapman Business Manager Rabin Pullin Assistant Business Managers Jane Hamilton, Glen Toben Art Editors Barbara Pullins, Lois Lish Junior Editor Evelyn Fletcher Sophomore Editor Marcia McColly Freshman Editor David Yeoman Sponsors Jeannette Murphy, William Holt 19 3 4 Page thirty-seven CHAOS Mr. Jardine, J. Smith, J. Chapman, M. McColly, M. Brusnahan, H. Bell. H. Warner, F. Murphy, M. Parks, S. Maines, M. Karnowsky, J. Groom. RENS8RRARRIRN prrrishrr RI-WRRKRT The Rensselaerien staff and sponsor, Mr. Jardine, set for their goal this year, a bi-weekly publication at a reduced cost. This pace was kept until the latter part of the second semester, when, due to unforeseen cir- cumstances, it became necessary to curtail the original program by length- ening the time between issues. Due to a small subscription list and re- duced advertising space financial support was lacking. There were 41 members on the staff. Due to the efforts of a few, various activities within the school were successfully reported. Leaders within the staff realized the importance of a school paper and attempted to produce a worthwhile sheet. The school feels that this aim was achieved. Several members of the staff gained the honor of membership in the Quill and Scroll Society, a national honorary society for students of high school journalism. This achievement is truly an honor which keeps the standards of The Rensselaerien on a high level. Page thirty-eight 19 3 4 CHAOS y8 B ' hl “ mm Miss Myer, J. Smith, E. Fletcher, F. Rhoades, S. Hoyes, H. Strawbridge, M. Parks, M. Kresler, B. Arnott. J. Sigo, H. Wikstrom, B. Gaines, L. Rhoades, L. Halstead, M. Postill, J. Hamilton, E. Randle, D. Axen. F. Murphy, L. Daugherty, H. Warner, V. Thompson, A. Michal, M. Karnowsky, D. Kanne, B. Sands. MASQUE, AMD WIG SPONSORS PRAT TOURNAMENT Masque and Wig was founded in Rensselaer High School in 1926 for the purpose of studying the drama. High School pupils who give credit- able performances in high school plays are elected to membership. Meet- ings are held on alternate Wednesdays at which programs are presented by members. On February 13, Masque and Wig sponsored a play tournament. The freshmen presented “Elmer”; the sophomores, Rostand’s “The Romanc- er’s”; the seniors, “Who Says Can’t?”; and the juniors won the tourna- ment with “The Valiant”. Virginia Thompson and Fred Rhoades won awards for the best individual per- formances. On February 28, the club pre- sented a one-act play at the Chris- tian Church for the Ladies’ Literary Club. Members of Masque and Wig have taken prominent parts in the Junior and Senior plays and in the Operetta. “The valiant taste of death but once.” 19 3 4 nnnnniimiTiiiinimi Page thirty-nine CHAO S Sprague, Sponsor; Gaines, Pres.; Chapman, Vice-Pres.; Maines, Sec.-Treas. MISS SPRAGUE) SPONSORS SUNSHINE The Sunshine Society was organized in Rensselaer High School by Miss Grace Norris in April, 1922. The purpose of the society is to spread happiness and cheer in the school and community. During the past year, under the sponsorship of Miss Sprague, the organization strove to uphold the customs and traditions of the past. At Christmas time the society sent baskets to several unfortunate families, and also sent small gifts to the inmates of the county farm. The girls be- lieve that they derived as much pleasure from the preparation of these baskets and gifts as was experienced by those who received them. Regular meetings were held every two weeks. Outstanding social functions of the year were the initiation party early in the first semester for new members, and a pot-luck supper early in April. The Sunshine scrap book was compiled by the members and sent to the state convention. SQUIETP 19 3 4 Page forty Upper: H. Clark, H. Warner, G. Toben, H. Bell, H. Kirk, G. Long, L. Hoeferlin, W. Horton, R. Conley, R. Strawbridge, R. Mills, D. Yeoman. Middle: G. Hall, R. Brandenburg, D. Bertsch, D. Turfler, J. Rowen, W. Arnott, K. Smith, R. Pullin, R. Rowen, E. Randle, C. Pullin, F. Rhoades. Lower: J. Broom, E. Mills, B. Johnston, L. Hordeman, R. Spurgeon, F. Hoover, T. Park- ison, T. Hoyes, M. Daugherty, W. Comer, E. Robinson, R. Taylo. HMf ClaTLIIx) SJbTND BlbloIbGATTIbS TO MICHIGAN CITTT The Hi-Y Club, under the sponsorship of Homer T. Clark, had a very successful year during the past school term. The officers of the club were: Harris Warner, president; Glen Toben, vice-president; Harry Bell, secre- tary ; and Paul Hall, treasurer. The club had an enrollment of about forty boys. The activities of the club were numerous, and represented about every field of endeavor that could be attempted by such an organization. The club was represented at the Older Boys’ Conference at Michigan City, Indiana, by Mr. Clark, Glen Toben, and Paul Hall. This conference was for the purpose of teaching the older members and leaders of the organi- zation new ideas for conducting a club. The organization gave a party for the members of the club and their guests at Wright’s Restaurant, in Jan- uary. Miss Sprague and Mr. Jardine were the chaperones for the affair, which proved to be very successful. Some of the members of the club studied the Bible course offered by the state organization, in the form of a contest, and held during the Lenten season preceding Easter. The climax of the activities of the organization came when it spon- sored the show given by the magician, Phillip Foxwell, of South Bend. 19 3 4 Page forty-one CHAOS Upper: Miss Greenham, V. Borntrager, E. Swartzell, D. Kanney, F. Gaines, A. Michal, C. Eck, L. Fletemeyer, S. Simons, M. Halstead. Middle: E. Spurgeon, B. Gaines, G. Shaw, L. Walters, M. Rowen, L. Lish, H. Biggs A. Moosmiller, M. Nagel, M. Lane. Lower: D. Cain, M. Kanney, J. Milner, L. Waymire, M. Hill, M. Baker, J. Krohn M. Schultz, H. Mills, M. Parkinson. HOME ECONOMICS CEUE HAS INTERESTING TEAR The Dolly Madison Home Economics Club was organized by Miss Helen Hershman in October, 1931. Its purpose is to further an interest in the home and community activities. This year the club had about thirty members. Initiation was held for all new girls in October. After initiation a “flea” party was enjoyed by all the members. A very interesting event of the year was a tea given by the Dolly Madison club in honor of the adult Home Economics club of Rensselaer. Special guests at the tea besides the Rensselaer Home Economics club were Mrs. Ernest Lamson, county girls 4-H club leader, and Mrs. Sadie Court- right, County Home Economics club leader. The State Home Economics Student Club Convention was held in Indianapolis in October. Miss Greenham and two delegates, Virginia Borntrager and Lois Fletemeyer, attended the convention. The meeting was a very helpful and inspiring one. Officers for the year were: Virginia Borntrager, president; Edith Lesh, vice-president; Esther Swartzell, secretary; and Fern Gaines, treas- urer. Page forty- two 19 3 4 CHAOS Upper: R. Bundy, R. Brandenburg, T. Parkison, R. Spurgeon, M. Gwin, J. Eilts, M. Cromer, F. Stath, H. Stoner, N. Rockwell, O. Hayes, L. Brenneman. Middle: G. Todd, A. Kanne, J. Shafer, O. Martin, H. Hill, R. Messman, J. Harlow, C. Epler, P. Hordeman, D. Bristow, P. Jordan, L. Jordan. Lower: E. Bristow, N. Sanders, D. Cromer, D. Luers, W. Toben, E. Jordan, G. Lash- brook, J. Scheurich, J. Cook, R. Merriman. FUTURE FARMERS AFFIRIATE WITH NAHTONAR ORGANIZATION The local Future Farmers Club became affiliated with the national organization this year. The Future Farmers Club enjoyed a very success- ful year and accomplished several worthwhile projects which were set up in the program of work. Officers for the first semester were as follows : Robert Brandenburg, president; George Lashbrook, vice-president; Delos Luers, secretary ; and Glenn Todd, treasurer. The officers for the second semester were : George Lashbrook, president ; Everett Bristow, vice-presi- dent; DeVere Schaefer, secretary; and Donald Cromer, treasurer. The Jasper County Corn Show of 1933, which was sponsored by the Future Farmers Club, was a greater success than ever before. The offi- cers of the show were: Thomas Parkison, secretary; Raymond Spurgeon, superintendent; and Robert Brandenburg, toastmaster. The show was judged by C. E. Troyer. A capacity house of 2200 attended the “corn frolic” which was held on the last night of the corn show. Thomas Parkison and George Lashbrook attended the State Future Farmers Conference January 11 to 13, as delegates from the local chapter. They brought back many new ideas on Future Farmers Club work. 19 3 4 Page forty-three CHAOS First Row Standing: Operetta Cast — V. Sumner, H. Stoner, E. Mil ls, J. Chapman, B. Gaines, F. Rhoades, J. Hamilton, L. Daugherty, R. Wilcox, M. Kresler, J. Rowen, E. Shoemaker, B. Sands, S. Maines, M. Phegley. Others in the picture are mem- bers of the chorus. OPRRRTTA ATTRACTS RARCR CROWD The clever three-act operetta, “Betty Lou”, written by Lida Larri- mare Turner and R. M. Stults and sponsored by the department of music, was one of the most successful entertainments of its kind that the people of Rensselaer have been privileged to see for several years. The setting of the opera was “Castle Heaven”, the mortgaged estate of the Pendletons. The part of Betty Lou, the “Dream Girl”, and the idol of all her friends, was acted by Martha Jane Hamilton. Beth Gaines portrayed Mrs. Anthony Pendleton, the extravagant, feather-brained step-mother of Betty Lou and Tony. The roles of Tony and Lola Pendleton, a married couple living under the parental roof were sung by Fred Rhoades and Linnie Byrd Daugherty. Ed Shoemaker played the part of Worthington Brooks, a clever crook. His accomplice, Annie, was portrayed by Barbara Sands. The part of Robert Sherwood, a shy young man in love with Betty Lou. was sung by Robert Wilcox. Francis Potts acted the part of Mr. Lane, the man who played Santa Claus to the Pendletons. Four friends of Betty Lou, Bee, Bob, Jack, and Joe were portrayed by Martha Kresler, Jeanette Chap- man, Joe Rowen, and Edward Mills, respectively. A mixed chorus sang as guests at a party in the Pendleton home. Miss Gretchen Markle, head of the department of music, directed the production. Miss Margaret Myer assisted in the dramatic interpretation and Miss Elizabeth Stoner of the physical education department had charge of the dancing. Miss Irma Greenham of the home economics de- partment planned the costumes and Miss Helen King, art teacher, was re- sponsible for the stage setting. 19 3 4 Paye forty-four J. Rowen, E. Mills, W. Daniels, J. Horton, R. Mills, H. Hartman MUSIC DEPARTMENT HAS ACTIVE TEAR The brass ensemble, composed of a group of boys who were willing to practice regularly, has furnished instrumental music for various school functions such as the class plays, Commencement, play tournament, and corn show. The girls’ trio has had a very busy year. They have furnished special music for the Primary Circus, Literary Club, Home Talent Day, and Com- mencement, and have added much to the concerts given by the high school chorus. The boys’ quartet is a comparatively new addition to the music de- partment. For this reason they have not appeared in as many activities as the other music groups but we hope to see more of them in the future. CHAOS Upper: E. Mills, M. Karnowsky, J. Rowen, E. Samuel, W. Daniels, Mr. Rowen, B. John- ston, J. Horton, R. Mills, H. Hartman. Lower: H. Wikstrom, E. Randle, W. Eger, G. Toben, J. Mannan, M. Adair, W. Horton. mmd furnished music for home GAMES The band this year has been a high school band in membership as well as in name. Under the capable leadership of Professor Tonner the band gave a concert every Wednesday evening during the summer. The programs consisted of marches, classics, and popular music. In the face of a crisis brought about by lack of financial support Mr Cleaveland re-organized the band at the beginning of the school year, and Mr. Ross Rowen, one of Rensselaer’s public-spirited musicians, graciously offered his services as leader. Under Mr. Rowen’s direction the band has furnished music for all the home basketball games. This service for which the school and community are very grateful was entirely voluntary. imrminnmmnmnT m i mn irTnTiTri Page forty-six 19 3 4 CHAOS H. Bell, G. Toben, C. Myers, Mr. Jardine, L. Halstead, R. Pullin, M. Karnowsky DEBATE TEAM DEFEATS FOSSE OF EVANSVIEEE Four experienced debaters answered the 1934 call, with two other speakers being drafted for positions. The Indiana State Debating League topic, “Resolved, That the United States Should Adopt a System of Radio Control Similar to That of Great Britain” was used this season. The subject happened to be an interesting one which brought about several enthusiastic arguments as the season progressed. The affirmative side of the question was supported by Maurice Kar- nowsky, Loeva Halstead, Rabin Pullin, captain, and Glen Toben, alternate. This team won three victories with no losses. Those falling before the affirmative were Delphi, Idaville, and North Judson. The negative side composed of Loeva Halstead, Harry Bell, Glen Toben, captain, and Rabin Pullin, alternate, experienced more difficulty. The team won two victories and registered three losses. They defeated Idaville and Bosse of Evansville, but lost to Delphi, North Judson, and Wiley of Terre Haute. The standing of victories for the squad stood at sixty-three per cent. To wind up the season, two teams were entered in the Wheaton Col- lege tournament. The results were not received before the Chaos was sent to the printer. Next year Mr. Jardine hopes to enter the teams in district compe- tition. A lack of finances has curtailed debating activities for the past two years. As only one member of this year’s squad, Rabin Pullin, grad- uates, the coming year has every prospect of being a successful one. 19 3 4 Page forty-seven Physical stamina and endurance were considered so essential by the early Greeks that the development of these qualities through organized games was given a place in their social program akin to religion. In time of war it was the strongest and fleetest who could best serve the needs of the country. Correct physical development is no less important to our civilization than it was to theirs. With the increase of leisure time brought about by the machine age the importance of play has greatly increased. We are becoming more and more aware of the fact that to enjoy life to the fullest we must know how to play and be able to play well. The spirit of friendly competition sponsored by inter-scholastic ath- letics encourages participation by all who are outstanding in any particu- lar field, while inter-class contests provide a place for those with less ability. CHAOS First Row: A. Kanne, E. Mills, G. Long, M. Malone, T. Wynegar, E. Robinson, J. Larsh. Second Row: D. Turfler, R. Strawbridge, E. Shoemaker, J. Reed, H. Warner, F. Potts, R. Morton. Third Row: E. Malone, R. Wortley, H. Beaver, R. O’Riley, I. Hohnstreiter, E. Malone, R. McColly, L. Hordeman. Fourth Row: Mr. Cleaveland, W. Eger, E. Kurtz, H. Marlin, T. Haniford, J. Fletcher, W. Taylo, C. Biggs, Mr. Strole. Fifth Row: J. Ballinger, R. Conley, F. Rhoades, H. Strawbridge, G. Hall, M. Hasty, B. Johnston. FOOTBALL SQUAB BREAKS BVBM The football squad closed a successful season with a 0-0 tie with Kentland in the flashy home coming game which featured brilliant offen- sive and defensive plays by both teams, and which offered the crowd plenty of thrills insofar as gridiron skill was concerned. The squad won games from Lowell, Morocco, and Rochester, and was defeated by Val- paraiso, Crown Point, and Hobart. The latter game was played in an ex- tremely wet field where the element of chance was so great that the re- sulting score was not a fair basis of comparison of the ability of the two teams. James Reed, first string tackle, was elected captain for the season, and Ralph O’Riley, first string quarter-back, acted as field general. This season was the last for many of the grid men, although Coach Strole hopes to have suitable material to fill the shoes of the graduating players in the coming season. Page forty-nine 19 3 4 CHAOS Upper: Mr. Cleaveland, Principal, E. Wiles, H. Warner, I. Hohnstreiter, E. Malone, Mr. Stokesberry, Coach. Lower: M. Hasty, R. Beaver, R. O’Riley, W. Taylo, C. Kryder, E. Kurtz, M. Malone, Manager. A” AMD TEAMS WIN CGDMTTf TOURMAMEMT R. H. S. completed a rather unfortunate basketball season this year. The team always gave their opponents plenty of competition, but seemed to be unable to come out with the long end of the score. The “B” team made a creditable showing. The high-light of the season was the victory of both “A” and “B” teams in the Jasper County tourney. Both teams displayed an excellent brand of ball playing to win this coveted honor. Remington gave Rensse- laer its greatest competition. Indications point to plenty of promising material arising from the Freshman and Sophomore ranks. Page fifty 19 3 4 AUTOGRAPHS CHAOS The Staff of the 1934 CHAOS wishes to express its appreciation to the following companies and individuals for their valuable aid and coop- eration in preparing this volume: Engraving — The Fort Wayne Engraving Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana Mr. L. Lounsbury Printing — The Benton Review Shop of Fowler, Indiana Mr. George L. Roby Mr. Tom McConnell Photography — Smith Studio of Attica, Indiana Mr. Russell Smith 19 3 4 Page fifty-two