Walstonburg High School - Talisman Yearbook (Walstonburg, NC)

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PROPHECY It was five o’clock, and for wo hours I had been sitting at the grand piano. I had played through waltzes, marches, yea, and even-scales. But, somehow, I always drifted back to The Flight of the Bumblebee.” Again, I played slowly the first braces, and on I went, until I drifted into the melancholy mo . So absorbed was I, that thoughts of graduation, of leaving my classmates filled my head. Soon we, the Class of ' 49, would be leaving Walstonburg High School Leaving, yes, but tvhere and to what? I became very disturbed. I longed deeply to know what was in store for the Cltss of ’49. And at the same time I reached the height of the flight of the bumblebee. The climax of the flight was near at hand, and as I glanced up, much to my amazement, a beautiful, golden- wing bumblebee alighted upon the top of the grand. With graceful movements, he motioned me to keep playing; thus following his flight. Still startled I obeyed. His gold dust wings rose and dipped so smoothly and grace fully that soon I became lost in his musical flight. Faintly in the distance I heard jazz. A quick run down the ivories and I saw among an oak grove, a lovely little youth recre- ation center. And who did I see as proprietor? Why, Ralph Beaman, of course. The young and old have had wholesome fun here. As Ralph always said, You are only as old as you feel.” An fff chord ' and on with the flight again. Then, three groups of triplets and we were directly over the gym- nasium. There seemed to be a stirring inside. Sure enough, the Red Devil Side-Shooters were practicing for the season game of attraction. I could see by Coach Ruthe Gay’s expression that this was one game that Farmville would lose. It was very interesting to watch the Side-Shooters, so the prophet bumblebee and I tarried temporarily. As a raindrop, dropping in a puddle of water, the balls one by one dropped in the net. John Allen was there, but just watching this time. John never did miss girls’ bas- ketbal practice! But John now played for State; no more of those Woke Forest upsets for State to fear. With arpeggios in 3 4 time to start our flight once more, I glanced through the newspaper. On the sports page, my eye was attracted to the byline — By Jimmy T. Beaman. True to his abilities, Jimmy was using his un- usual knack for writing to describe the Red Devil Side- Shooters and the big four. Those wisecracks were now paying off and not with demerits, either. Taking a long allegro buzz flight, we found ourselves in New York. To be exaa, at Carnegie Hall where Jane Kittrell, the famous concert artist was to give a perform- ance. Amid the flashes of society and opera glasses, Jane sang the immortal Ave Maria. Jane, with a miraculous voice, and Mrs. Walston’s training, had attained her highest goal. I noticed a very familiar face in a balcony near mine. She, also, was enraptured by the inspirational concert. She, too, had been proclaimed a great artist. Who was she? Gail Tugwell, who quietly developing her talent at school, was now a great landscape artist of depth and ' breadth. The exquisite gold bee, buzzing o’er me as in a waltz, indicated we were to take a long largo flight. True to His word, we began the ditty. This flight on the grand progressed slowly and turned south. The greenery passed beneath, along with the many landscapes and landmarks. I noticed a shrieking noise which focused my attention below. That offensive shrill came from highway patrol- man Alvin Dildy’s speedy Chevrolet. Doing his duty, Alvin checked a fast driver. Greatly surprised, I recognized the charming driver as Anne Hicks. Anne’s foot pushed heavily as she realized those glorious high school dreams were materializing. Patrolman Dildy made a grant and Canada became even more enticing. In order to make a thorough find of my classmates, ,we glided to the west, taking in Arizona and ' California. ' •Near Salt Lake City, I found a group of history students gathered close ' , to the Mormon Temple. Their teacher, in terse, complete sentences, explained the growth of our Unitd States. Together with her many years’ collections, Janie Dildy has provided variety and everliving facts for her attentive students. From Janie I learned that Evelyn was still in school, going into advanced work in Europe. During . youth Evelyn heeded the call of the inner self and now, after years of hard, industrious work, her dreams woulcf be realized when she entered her chosen field .of mission work. As a jump from treble to bass, we sprang to southern Texas. Much to my amazement, I found Roland Moye in a group of Mexicans. The conversation was strictly Span- ish. Miss Jones would be happy to know that Roland has become a very successful ranch owner and has learned CO speak Spanish fluently. To make a weil-rounaed nimble journey, we buzzed 6ver Miami Beach. Astounded, I recognized lifeguard J. C. Parker blushing as much as always, surrounded by several golden beauties. Those muscles and that crimson blush were always very attractive in high school too. A wonderful sunny climate in Florida seemed to wit- ness that J. C. was not the only member of the class of ’49 in that fair land. For not far away, I found Myrtle Hardison and Frances Craft, the twosome of our class. Both were just as jolly as ever, but more industrious i ' n their work. Though a very young nurse. Myrtle was superintendent of nurses. She walked around with an air of distinction, and who had more right than she, a chipper young superintendent. And Frances, using her experience under Mrs. Lassiter, now was chief dietitian for this large hospital. The food was wonderful and especially the way it was served by dietitian Frances. Also, in the same hospital I saw receptionist, Verna Stepps. A very warm greeting I receiv from Verna when we perchance met in the hall. As I was leaving, Verna and I exchanged a few informative words, i learned that she was doing quite a good job of welcom- ing the sick patients with her winning smile and per- sonality. Verna was built for success. While talking, who should walk up, but Doris Whitley, a very neat little secretary. Doris, voted the neatest and best dressed girl in the Senior Class of ’49, was doing a very efficient job as secretary to the head doaor. Each set of files was kept exaedy according to the bookkeeping Doris learned under the strict guidance of Mrs. Peeler. Swiftly changing scenes, the prophet and I moved nearer home to complete the round of prophecies, satisfying my longings. A sudden gay ditty broke our smooth sail — and an anticipated scene came into view. But wait, all these litde boys and girls just couldn’t belong to Joyce. Then things became dearer., in Joyce and Henry Grey’s cozy little nest, she was giving a spring party for her Ettle beginners class at Sunday School? Things were just divine, after one year of college, and th , fh ' dse everlasting vows. Next, I saw their adorable country home sitting up on ' a tiny hill coveted in green swaying grass. Just to look our the window while cooking dinner an ' see Henry plowing each row of corn with a tune of superb happi- ness on his lips was a true sign that all high school romances are not folly. Close by I saw another white bungalow with green shutters and a spacious lawn. In the yard lined with flowers, I glimpsed the figure of an ideal housewife. Not only doing the duties of the house, but raking a great deal of pride in the lawn, also. The gay daffodils danced to the peaceful tune of the wind as it swept their arms breezily. This little love nest beloinged to Zelda and John, another high school love couple. Around tlie corner playing with his fuzzy dog was Johnny who was now five years old. Just like his mother, Johnny was a born genius. Already he could count, read and write. Next year, he would begin school, and in twelve short years would graduate with scholastic honors just as Mommy did. This musical journey, straining much my mind and fingers, slowly came to an end. The afidante changed to largo and from loud to soft. Suddenly, the prophet bee appeared as if to prophesy more, and my heart flut- tetred wildly as I desperately hoped he would tell just snatches of what was in store for me. But just as quickly, he disappeared and my fingers fell limply from the black and whites of the expressive grand, as I realized that the bumble bee was a kind, wise, golden prophet. JEANNE REDICK, Class ' Prophet

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LAST WILL AND Wc are tlic Seniors, These things we offer. The class of forty-nine; To Juniors left behind. Janie leaves Arlcta Her smile so nice Use it most often TJiat is our advice. Study liall in the library Is what J. C. likes most. To Tommy goes his priority On the Saturday Evening Post. Jeanne thinks that Peggy Is the one to fill her shoes. So next year she’ll edit Our Pack-O-News. If any of you Juniors Feel rom.antically inclined Henry Grey and Joyce Leave that feeling sublime. And to Zadock Cobb Billy and Ralph wish to convey All their old sweethearts; May he love them as they From Zelda to Albert A worthy gift indeed! , She gives her thirst for knowledgc- Though it’s nothing he needs. Some aite little ways Offered bj7 Verna Stepps We re sure that Alyce Will be glad to accept To Elizabeth Norman What a joyous day! We leave the figure Of who but Ruthe Gay. Henry, we almost forger Bur with no intention to slight. What could you use most? We decided on Evelyn’s height. On exploding her chewing gum Myrtle is an expert. Anne Cox receives this ability Here’s hoping she won ' t get hurt Did you know that Anne Hicks Has boy friends by the score? So help yourself, Mariblaire, We’re sure she has plenty more. TESTAMENT Tane is the girl who can really sing! Aided by her talent Chubby can be just like Bing. English is the subject In which Jimmy is so grand. Who wants his C minus? Cekada is the man. Alv in and John Allen Play ball wdth such grace They w ant Dick and Ray Bailey To carry on in their place. So now we come to Frances, The biggest of us all! Her size she leaves to Margaret Who is so very small. Roland leaves his School Bus, A most prized possession. He’ll even teach Johnnie to drive it, In just one easy lesson. Doris is a good student One of the best in our class We hope her fine grades Help Rachel to pass. Gail’s good conduct To all the Juniors we give. Always keep it in practice As long as you live. We leave our heartaches and memories Our laughter and our tears To those who w ' ili graduate In the foUow ' ing years. When our studies got boring And our lessons we’d shirk, Thence came the lecture That put us to work? And who piled on the homework? Mi ss Wright, you are the one; But there is this about you Your job was certainly well done. You were there when w’e faltered, To give us our shove, Yet we have only to offer Our gratitude and love. JIMMY BEAMAN, Class Testator

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Roland Moye Wittiest Zelda Wainwright Most Intellectual John Allen Corbett Most Athletic Ruth Gay Most Athletic Dorothy Murphy Most Original Ralph Beaman Most Handsome 1 W ' I-