Stoneham High School - Wildlife Yearbook (Stoneham, MA)

Page 12 text:

THE STONEHAM HIGH SCHOOL AUTHENTIC Class ropljecg Lawrence Buck Homeward bound again! Only one who has traversed the lands of China and India can appreciate my feelings. Eight years — yes, eight long years with only an intermittent letter from my folks. And these letters contained very little news outside the family circle. Homeward bound — to the hand-clasps of ‘‘Nemo,” Freddie, Eddie, Bob, John- nie, and all my old pals of 1930. Business had necessitated my report- ing to the London office of the Orien- tal Importing Company, whose affairs I had been managing in China ancf In- dia. This was my last day in London, then Southampton and home. A good dinner at the Trocadero would be a fit closing for my London visit. As I entered the foyer, the band was playing and people were streaming in. The head waiter showed me to a rather in- conspicuous corner. After ordering my dinner I glanced around to see who might be there. At a table next to me were two ladies apparently alone — one rather young, and the other about thirty. It was the older one who claimed my attention. She was small, dark, almost unattractive. I noticed that she wore glasses that were so strong that her eyes seemed uncannily large. As I gazed — yes, I almost gaped at her — she beckoned for me to come to her table. “She doesn’t interest me so why should I bother,” I thought. Yet her personality and apparent un- derstanding made me go. No sooner had I seated myself when she said, “Give me something that you are wearing.” I was astonished and a little amused. This was an odd request. “What do you want and why?” “I can tell you all about your friends.” she said, “and you seem most anxious to know about them. Let me have your ring.” “What’s all this?” I asked, “magic stuff or something like that? What do you take me for?” “Let me show you,” she said, and held out her hand. So I gave her a ring — a heavy signet, and wondered what she would do with it. She let it lie in her hand for a moment and then overcome by the strain of deep conceniration, placed it between her eyes. “Water,” she exclaimed. “A ship plow- ing on full steam ahead is going to take you home.” “Quite true,” I said, and wondered a little on her strange power. “For many months you have been lonely and you have wondered much about your old classmates of Stoneham High School. Now you shall know.” I knew nothing of clairvoyance and had made it a point to avoid unnatural things all my life. Hence, I was some- what surprised and startled as she con- tinued : “I see at once a strong-willed and of- ficious person, one who was used to run- ning things. I believe his watchword was ‘Let little Charley do it.’ It’s your pal, Freddie Corcoran. He is now run- ning a second hand book store in South Boston. His shop is one of quaint charm and interest. Mary Ferguson is his chief assistant. Mary’s charm and great domestic ability have helped the sale of books tremendously. Just at this time Mary is absorbed in a new book, “A Bill For Every Mary.” Dur- ing the last week, however, Freddie has been pushing forward a book entitled “The World Without Men” by Doris Hunt. Miss Hunt has cited herself with many others as splendid examples of spinsterhood. Her book has been en- dorsed by several prominent women of the time. Among them is Phyllis Pot- ter, ingenious interior decorator and ar- tist. (I always thought Phil to be quite apt in domestic problems.) Lulu Wil- kins, Elizabeth Whitcher, and Mildred Thayer strongly agree with Doris Vir- 1 ginia. These last three ladies are run- ning for clectiin to city offices next fail. “The janitor of the quaint shop is none other than Bob Doherty. Bob is industrious but nothing pleases him more than to settle down in a quiet cor- ner with a funny sheet. “The scene is changing now, my friend,” said my informer. “I see now a large theatre. The Consolidated Stonehamite Stock Company is playing an opening performance of “Hamlet.” Arthur Clark is filling the title role. Ophelia is played by Anna (Squeak) Pickens. It has been said that Miss Pickens does the floating scene very at- tractively. The brutish king is charac- [ 10 ]

Page 11 text:

GRADUATION NUMBER our class officers. Richard Johnston still hold the presidency, while Ed- ward Bugbee was elected Vice Presi- dent; Dora Sheridan, Secretary; Phyllis Potter, Treasurer; and Ruth Brawn, Chairman if the Social Committee. This was our first year in varsity spoi ' ts. Several of our number receiv- ed letters, while others were well start- ed toward success in that direction. Class basketball was organized for girls, and many of the class of ’30 received tlieir numerals. It was during our sophomore year tliat we were pleased to welcome Miss Gladys French to the teaching staff. The longer we knew her, the better we liked her. In case you do not know of wliom I speak let me add that last June she became Mrs. Milton. Two more socials were held that year, and our treasury was swelled to some extent. Another June drew near,and our sopho- more year was over. The Junior year was our next step. Miss Reed and Mr. Al- den were honored with our presence ; or, if they weren’t, they should have been, for we really were something in Stoneham High now. Agai]i changes occurred in our executive board. Fred Corcoran became our President ; Ed- ward Bugbee, our Vice President; Ar- thur Theroux, Secretary; Norman Downes, Treasurer; and Phyllis Potter, Cliairman of the Social Committee. Tlie new football coach was the talk of the school that September. Before many days he had become one of the favorites, for “Doc” Gordon started tilings spinning in Stoneham High. He not only made champion teams and en- thusiastic rooters, but he supervised a winter carnival which, as you know, was a great success. We juniors were hap- py to have a part in carrying out “Doc’s” i)lans. The next important event was the Junior Prom; and, with the exception of our financial problems, this, too, was a great success. The closing of our junior year brought several changes in our faculty. We all regretted to see Mr. Frederick W. Porter, our superintendent, leave, and also our beloved French teacher. Miss Moore. Miss Reed, although she had only been with us a year, v» as also missed that following September. At last we were to occupy these im- portant seats in Room 13 with Mr. Thibodeau, who is an old favorite with seniors. There was not enough room for everyone there, however, so the classical boys went to Room 18 with Mr. Hoyt, while the girls in the business course had Miss Nesbit in Room 12 as their teacher. Fred Corcoran, once more, took the lead as senior class president, with Law- rence Buck serving as Vice President. Gordon Marston was elected Secretary, and Arthur Theroux, Treasurer. Phyl- lis Potter still held the social chairman- ship. We were pleased to welcome Mr. Var- ney as our new superintendent. Al- though our acquaintance has been a short one, it has shown us that Mr. Var- ney is a true friend of Stoneham Sen- iors. We leave him with best wishes for many happy years with other sen- ior classes. Miss Spinney, who filled Miss Moore’s place, has proved to be another favorite in Stoneham. Miss Johnson was also very welcome in Room 8. We mustn’t forget our own latest innovation. Bob Sheehan’s trio. If you haven’t heard them, you have missed some real music. They were publicly introduced at the theatre on High School Pep Night. Another big event of the year was the Senior Hop and shortly after that came the second winter carnival. This one was even better than the first. The seniors felt honored to have Mina Gray elected carnival queen. In the hands of the senior class the “Authentic” has not lost its position as a good school paper. We hope the class of ’31 will find as much pleasure in edit- ing it as we have during the past year. The class voted a change in the style of its rings. A very good looking ring has been selected and, we hope, it will remain as a standard in Stoneham High. In May, much unknown talent was discovered at the presentation of “Ap- ple Blossom Time,” the annual Senior Glass play. The crowning event if the year was our banquet at the Hotel Kenmore. We shall never forget that evening’s pro- gram in the Crystal Ballroom with “Ne- mo” Downes as our efficient toastmas- ter. This graduation and senior reception bring our history to a close. The class if 1930 will make no more history as a group, but each will go his own way so much the wiser and better fitted for life because of these four happy years spent together. [ 9 ]

Page 13 text:

GRADUATION NUMBER torized hy Bob Johnson. Johnnie cer- tainly does his part in true out-of-town fashion. Miss Jane E. Clark takes the part of Gertrude. Jane takes her pois- on Avithout a murmur. Polonius is pic- tured by Sid Ervin, and when Sid falls behind that curtain — O! Hamlet. Laer- tes, the boy with the avengeful spirit, is played by Bill Lister. I find the roles of Eosencrantz and Guildenstern aptly taken by Carl Junkins and An- dreAV May. The audience heaves a pro- found sigh in the last act when Carl and Andy cheerfully give up their heads. The orchestra leader is Dora Sheridan. Dora grows impatient for the curtain it seems. She comes early to every per- formance — she likes to ride in the ele- vator. At last the curtain rises. Chuck Grafton, the stage manager, sees to that. The curtain always rises wheth- er anything else happens or not. The audience seems lost in admira- tion. Even your friend, Mr. Alden, would firmly agree that “Tub” Clark outdoes Barrymore. While the audience is ap- plauding the beautiful fall of Sid Er- vin as Polonius, I will look into the audience for you. I see first a group wliich occupies a white box. There is a banner over the box which bears the words, “Standisii Overdramatic Com- pany.” Lem Standish is the leader of this outfit. He is surrounded by Clare Walker, Kalph Cameron, “Churchie” Newman, Paul Messier, Alonzo Card, and I’auline Devlin, all admirers of Mr. Standish’s dram.atic influence and abili- ty. The whole group seems gripped by the play. Their eyes are riveted on the actors. Truly they are tomorroAv’s dramatists. In the box next to them there is a well dressed man and Avoman avIio are apparently man and wife. I see his name now, Mr. Art Theroux. Art has met AA’ith great success as the silver- throated tenor. The woman Avith him is also the possessor of a charming per- sonality. Her name is coming sloAvly. All, I have it! This Avoman was once Mary Hanley of High Street. Just noAV a third man thrusts his head into the Theroux box. His hair is a glorifying rod. His stately personage is covered Avith lirass buttons. In a very dignified manner, Gordon Marston tells Mr. The- roux that his presence is requested in the lobby. Mary looks alarmed but Art taps lior shoulder reassuringly and gets up to leave. ‘ ' Red” springs aside to let Art pass. (“Eed” always did like to spring (St.). Pll follow them to the lobby. On arriving there, I am greeted by the strange sight of ten orderly police- men in rank before the box office. I see George Dushane, Carlton Davis, Ed Wood, Elmer Rice, “Froggie” D’Entre- mont, and Edgar Martin among them. Even after this lapse of time “Froggie” still has the same Cheshire cat grin. These officers are efficiently ordered about by Len Anderson. An admiring group of ushers are Avatching the scene. Eddie Grunberg and Hac Ringland are convulsed Avith mirth as usual. This irritates Len to a high degree and his face takes on a more furious expression. He is asking Art to identify some stranger. The manager of the theatre, Dick Davis, comes to his rescue and helps Art out of a trying situation. See- ing evudent defeat, Len issues a sharp order and his little squad moves off. Very much relieved, Art rejoins the Mrs. (At this point the lady Avith the glass- es asked for some Avater.) “I see a bright new village now. The first and largest building is the toAvn hall. It is inscribed with gilt letters Willardsburg. The selectmen are at the moment assembled for a conference. “Nemo” Downes is the main spring of Willardsburg. I believe his full name Avas Norman Willard Downes? Well, you see the town carries his name. The other two selectmen are Roger Black- burn and Ralph Jenkins. These three men are noAV debating the matter of an inter-A’illage bus line. Roger argues that the next village is in no condition to support a bus line. “Nemo” replies that as a neighboring village they should bear their neighbor’s infirmities. Ralph agrees Avith both Roger and “Ne- mo.” Oh, yes! Willardsburg is well governed. On leaving the town hall I see prosperous stores and shops. Gor- don Pettengill runs the meat market. He has just hired Ken Pierce as deliv- erj’’ boy. “Pet” sure can sling a meat chopper and “Ken” knows it. Inciden- tally, Ken and “Pet” still drive a smart, brown car ! Dot Downes and Evelyn Clark are in partnership. They run a pin and needle shop and their beaux still come in pairs. The next shop is run by little Mina Gray. She is still petite ! She’s been queen of many car- nivals — but Johnnie Driscoll says she is his queen for life! After leaving Mina’s shop I see the village outskirts. A cozy little cottage holds the point of [ 11 ]