Vergennes Union High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Vergennes, VT)

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BLUE AND WHITE 31 THE BLUE AND WHITE SIXTY-ONE YEARS AGO The first issue of what is now called theBlue and White was published in 1890 under the title of the V. G. S. Progress. It was edited by members ...of the senior class. The editor-in-chief was A. Bush Willmarth. Other members of the staff whose names may be familiar to our readers are: Ada B. Crosby, Arthur Kingman, Ruth C. B. Fisher, William and Gertrude Jackman, Harry H. Booth and Benjamin Dubuke. Principal ot the Vergennes Graded School, as it was called, was Alfred B. Morrill. There was a staff of four instructors and the Prudential Committee consisted of Thomas Mack, M. T. Bristol and F. M. Moulton. The lengthy editorial told of the problems of editing a school paper, about commuting tuition students and the increase in the parents’ interest in the school. One fact mentioned in the editorial was the lack of a school flag, and its importance to the school and its pupils. It asked why no one had volunteered to purchase a flag for the school—their patriotism would surely get a lift with such an addition. There were several good literary selections. The titles of some of the prose contributions were: “Schools of Vergennes” by Ada Crosby; “Otter Creek; Its Navigation and Water Power” by Arthur Kingman; “Our Nation’s Banner” by Ruth C. B. Fisher, and “Gettysburg Battleground at the Present Time” by Will Jackman. In the article by Ada Crosby entitled “Schools of Vergennes” she included an excerpt from the resolutions of the meeting on the discussion of the building of a new school. This states in part “—such sums of money as may be required to erect, finish and furnish said schoolhouse, and build the neces-sarv fences and outhouses for the same, and neither the cost of erecting, finishing or furnishing such houses and fences, nor the amount of money shall exceed the said sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500). and said committees are hereby authorized to sell on the best terms they can. the brick schoolhouse and the premises.” In 1863, eighty-eight years ago, the main part of our present schoolhouse was erected at a cost of thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000.) The poetry selections were named “A Lesson In Astronomy” by Mary Johnson and A Token for Heaven” by Ruth C. B. Fisher. These poems indicated that the education of the pupils then was much more formal than today, tending towards the classics. In a full-page ad in the back of the book the length of terms, faculty and tuition are listed so that parents would be encouraged to send their children to the Vergennes Graded School. The school year was made up of three terms: fall, winter and spring. The tuition rates for one term were $4.00 for pri-marv grades, $5.C0 for intermediate, $6.00 for high school if taking the English course and $6.50 if the classical or Latin course. There was a total of 43 students in the high school. Here are a few school notes and jokes which we found to be enjoyable and entertaining reading. “The school is talking of getting a drum and of having Arthur Kingman for drummer. This young man has a natural talent for music and no doubt will make a good one.” “When do girls talk least? When they are asleep.” “The park is getting to be a dangerous place, for one of the senior girls lost her way in it going home. Hap-pib' she was rescued by a noted young man of ’89.” “All the scholars should patronize those who have advertisements in our paper.” “Scholars that do not sing are requested not to select pieces mornings,

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30 VERGENNES HIGH SCHOOL eznship Girl by the V.H.S. seniors and faculty. Helen was also a candidate to Girls’ State last June and a school delegate to the U. N. Spring recess was held from April 13th to 23rd. Prize-speaking was held April 27th at the V.H.S. gym. Seven students participated. The winners were: 1st place. Jack Stebbins; 2nd Richard Royer; and 3rd James McNulla. Others participating were: Gwen McGrath, Sally Bristol Joyce LeBeau, and Barbara Clark. The seniors journeyed to Brandon and Windsor May 3rd, accompanied by-Mr. Berry. This trip was in connection with their American History class. The Spring concert was held May 3rd at the VHS gym. All the choruses under the direction of Mrs. Sherer participated. The hand also played, under the direction of Mr. Wm. Andrews, Sr. The program was varied and especially enjoyable. There were four senior soloists: Francis Hoose, Alan Russett, Dorothy Jaquith and John Stebbins. During the instrumental part of the program there were two duets: A flute duet by Ann Berry and Dorothy Jaquith. and a trombone duet by Joyce Larrow and Dorothy Jaquith. The annual Music Festival in Burlington was held May 10. 11 and 12th. The representatives to the All-State Chorus were: Carolyn Cowles, Francis Hoose, Jack Stebbins, Alan Russett, Helen Looby. Helen Hawkins and Dorothy Jaquith. All-State Band candidates were: James McNulla, James Hanna and Joyce Larrow. All State orchestra choice was Alma Danyow. The Vergennes High School Band also appeared in the Music Festival parade on Saturday. Two state School Safety Patrol Field Days were held this year at which the Drill Team were asked to give marching demonstrations. These Field Days were held at Essex Jet. and Rutland on May 19th and 26th respectively. Mr. Stanley Grandfield is in charge of the patrol and drill team this year. The annual Junior Prom was held on June 1st, with a reception from 8:00 to 8:30 P. M. for the seniors. Dancing followed with music by the “Ambassadors.” The members of the junior class who will attend Girls’ State and Boys’ State as representatives of V.H.S. were chosen by the faculty with additional choices for alternates. Delegates for Girls’ State were Helen Looby and Alice Tucker with Lucy Case and Joyce Larrow as alternates. For Boys’ State, John Stephens, John Fisher and Harold Char-bonneau were chosen with Raymond Bodette to serve as alternate. Commencement Week activities for 1951 are as follows: Baccalaureate — Sunday evening, June 10th. Eighth Grade Promotion Exercises— Wednesday morning, June 13th. Class Day Exercises—Wednesday afternoon, June 13th. Alumni Banquet and Ball—Wednes-dav evening, June 13th. Graduation Exercises—Thursday eve ning. lune 14th. Commencement Speaker. Dr. John Huden. UVM. This summarizes the school activities for 1950-51. It has been a very busy and enjovable year for the students of V.H.S. Colleen Bargfrede, Class of ’52 OUR STATE Our state is so pretty With its rocks and rills, Its moss covered stones. And tree grown hills. The rivers are large The towns are small But we Vermonters Love them all. And those of us Who have wandered away Hope to return To it, some day. Helen Hawkins ’51

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32 VERGENNES HIGH SCHOOL but to let those who sing do the selecting.” “Two of the senior boys have commenced to take double-entry bookkeeping on November 17. There is also to be a class in single entry at the beginning of the winter term.” “Notice: All loafers must keep off the school grounds. Any who are seen disturbing the scholars in any way are liable to a fine.” “Following is a few lines of poetry well-adapted to the school: All good boys love their sisters; So good have I grown, That I love other boys’ sisters As well as my own.” The advertisements in the V. G. S. Progress also indicated that a lapse of many years have changed the city of Vergennes and the customs of its people. NO INSTRUCTION NEEDED This typewriter requires no teacher, and speed is easily attained with but little practice. IT IS THE ONLY PRACTICAL LOW-PRICED TYPEWRITER WORLD $15 WRITES 77 TYPEWRITER CHARACTERS POPE MFG. CO., NEW YORK SMITH KETCHAM Manufacturers and Dealers in all kinds of FURNITURE, WINDOW SHADES, ETC. Also Undertakers Vergennes. Vermont The Public Are Cordially Invited to C. H. CAISSE’S TONSORIAL PARLOR AND BATHROOMS Cor. Main and Green Sts. Opposite Stevens House W. H. PATNO Practical Hair Cutter and Shaver A Clean Towel For Every One Opposite Stevens House in McCuen Block- Give Him A Call Island Mills N. G. NORTON SONS Dealers In Grain, Flour, Meal, Feed, Mova Scotia Plaster, Spruce Lumber, Shingles, Seate Coarse and Dairy Salt Custom Grinding Done To Order We realize how very successful this first Vergennes school magazine must have been and what pride the students took in its publication. We may only-hope that 60 years from now our edition of the Blue and White may be read and approved by other editors and that they, too, will feel that we have made progress in our paper. Marilla Place, Class of ’52.