South High School - Tiger Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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The Auditorium HERE has been considerable agitation of late in South Minneapolis, for increased facilities at South High School. It is not necessary to elaborate upon all of the needs; the total inadequacy of the school to expeditiously handle the large and increasing number of pupils, has often been dwelt upon. The ludicrous aspect of holding classes on stair landings has doubtless caused many a member of the St. Paul School Board to nudge his fellow member in the ribs and chuckle over it. The hardest blow of all, however, was received when South High was officially guillotined by the School Board, who deprived it of its auditorium, by cutting that up into recitation rooms by means of screens. Estimated by Miss Kerr’s “Higher Algebra,” the process of inequalities in particular, it is found that a school without an auditorium is running at about fifty per cent of the efficiency it should have under the present regime, an “esprit de corps'’ is an unknown quantity. Pupils enter the school in the morning, go into their seating rooms, manage to recite four or five periods, then depart for home, naively unconscious that they are members of a vast organization. This process is continued indefinitely, resulting in a listless student body. With a brand new auditorium of ample dimensions and attractive appearance, what a change would take place! Once more could the pupils assemble before football games, practice vigorous yells, and sing songs that make the blood tingle,—such songs as only Harry Collins can write. Then, indeed, would South support its champions on the athletic field, in a manner that would make the other schools turn green with jealousy. Debaters par excellence, such as Nyvall, Kohn, Rauch and Company would have suitable practice for presenting irresistible arguments. Lower classmen would become interested in debate work, enter enthusiastically into it, and South High would soon be the proud possessor of the trophy emblematic of debating superiority. Page Eighteen

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Monsie Harmon and Margaret Anderson on this roll have found a place; Each has culled her tedious lesson, leaving many a pleasant trace. Every day we felt in fervor, on our lips to catch the sign. When our teacher softly whispered, “Slumber, sweet poor 1909.” To our teachers, friends and school board, who have stood so nobly by. While we’ve labored thru our lessons, I will fondly say “good-bye.” I have tried your love and patience by this little rhyme of mine; But you must bestow your censure, in the class of 1909. —M. A. C. Page Seventeen

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The Salmagundi Club, the oasis of the senior English desert, could be made to include the entire school, and the programs be given periodically. Ability to speak with force and ease would be developed, and greater enthusiasm for English work would be felt by all students. No longer would it be necessary to journey across the river to see Miss Fish’s skillfully directed actors present their plays, but they could be given to greater advantage among familiar surroundings. The graduating exercises could be given at home. All the possible benefits are far too numerous to mention. With a new auditorium, now unattainable, improvement would take place among the pupils and be manifested in every department of school activities. If “Minneapolis makes good”; here is an opportunity. Special commendation should be given to Prof. Jorgens for the zeal and energy he has directed to this end. The efforts of the “Alumni Association” are especially gratifying, and it is the duty of every loyal South Sider to give his support to the movement, which will transform this air castle into a tangible one of wood, brick and stone.—R. J. Page Nineteen