Strong Vincent High School - Spokesman Yearbook (Erie, PA)

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The Senior Classes of STRONG VINCENT HIGH SCHOOL present the 1936 edition of the SPOKESMAN Vol. IV Introduction Book I Administration Book II Classes Book III Activities Book IV Athletics Book V Features Book VI Business CYcarbookf lvrM' ') Member) Six

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Dedication We reverently dedicate this book to the memory of the man who was the founder of our city- Chevalier Le Mer- rier. In the spring of tlie year 1753 Ibis French pioneer, scouting along Lake Erie for a likely spot on which to ereel a fort, was the first white person to set foot on the soil that is now Erie County. To him belongs the further honor of being the man who formulated and executed plans for the construction of the post. As engineer of his expedition, Le Merrier built a log fort not far from t he mouth of Mill Creek. We little realize what a great debt we owe to this scarcely known and unheralded soldier of the wilderness. It is with a great feeling of sincerity, respect, and thankfulness in our hearts that we pay tribute to Chevalier Le Merrier, founder of Erie.

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“Heritage” () World, when God created You lie made Erie County too. He placed here then a race of men Who called themselves the Eriez when The whitemen came with thoughts of war To dominate this western shore. First came the French with swords of steel And to a cross affixed the seal Of Louis, king of France abroad. Here in New France on foreign sod. Among them was LeMercier W ho had been sent here to survey This land all whitemen envied most. A land the English wished to boast. And when the English envoy came, A man then destained for great fame. Across I he wilds to Fort Le Boeuf. And weathered winter cold and rough. Ho was a spectacle of strength. And LeGradeur then knew at length France could no longer claim these lands. And France must leave Lake Erie’s sands. Now after years of toil and pain Our ancestors have left»a stain Of blood upon this hallowed spot. But it was not spent for naught. They have left a heritage Of virtue, honor to this age. We are strengthened by their error. We can naught but bless the bearer Of the hourglass and the scythe Taking from our midst his tithe. We cannot damn him for his toll For through him we have reached the goal Our fathers w ished us to attain, So to their memory we ordain A city beautiful to see, A happy city, famed and freti. At Presque Isle we have built a park. Our city’s beauteous hierarch. Proud too are we of our fine schools. The most efficient of all tools. Our churches show our inner selves. Our library’s show of crowded shelves Prove we love the finer things The present age’s culture brings. O, thanks ought we not now to give? Thanks for the homes in which we live? Thanks for the blessings of the years Wrought by sweat and salty tears? Leader of French forces at Fort Le Boeuf. William Blair. Jr.