Rock Island High School - Watchtower Yearbook (Rock Island, IL)

Page 9 text:

Each year Sauk and Fox Indians gather to feast, sing, and dance on the land where Chief Blackhawk once roamed. Here the late John H. Hauberg, area historian and originator of this tradition, visits with women of a returning tribe. Oldest of the Indian traditions are their festival dances. Through these elaborate rituals, Sauk and Fox brothers invoked the gods of sun and rain, celebrated marriages, and re ’oiced over a victorious battle. Through the stirring rhythms of their drums, Sauk and Fox Indians have been able to express their vivid emotions of joy, grief, and hate. 5

Page 8 text:

1 4 nn You e approaching TheWatchTower I 1 he Black. Hawk Museum and the WATCH TOWER HILL This hill known as TheMfhlch Tower was the favorite resort of Black Hawk famed Indian Whr Chief of the United Nations of Sauk and Fox. This localilN was the capital of their holdings which Included p ractical ly all of low. Northern Missouri, this section of Illinois and Soibnofct r.wtaBsin. From a rocky point on Watchtower Hill, Chief Blackhawk could scan the horizon for sijms of an enemy, watch the skies for rain clouds and weathers sifms. He could survey dense forests abundant with Rame, the rippling river waters and the fertile valley below. Blackhawk saw the land of his people — the ground that fed them, supported them, and buried them. Today Blackhawk State Park stands on the site of Chief Blackhawk’s Indian village. Wandering the park’s wooded trails or standing atop Watch- tower Hill looking over the river one thinks of the Sauk and Fox who have gone before. You are reminded of the courage and .spirit which built their nation in the forest wilderness; you think of the wise and watchful ones who defended it. You remember a people who lived each day looking to.the future and the glory of the next sun rising. 4

Page 10 text:

' ‘ Focused through the towering evergreen trees stretches the modern southwest wing of Rock Island Senior High School. Within this wing, and the school itself, are found some of the most modern teaching facilities and capable educators in the state. The autumn leaves drift from the trees as the beautiful Fall season comes to Rocky. Every season brings a change within the school and without. Our lovely campus is cared for throughout the seasons by a capable custodian staff under the direction of Kenneth A. Lowe. We are indebted to these men for the striking campus appearance in fall, winter, spring, and summer.