Wapakoneta High School - Retrospect Yearbook (Wapakoneta, OH)

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CLASS HISTORY O O O By IDA BROWN. A history of the class of ’08. Where should I begin? Memories of a time gone forever stirred my heart; echoes upon echoes came rolling back to me, every echo bringing with it a picture of bygone days, every picture re- calling to my mind a thousand others until so many rushed upon me that I closed my eyes to shut them out. When I opened them the room was wrapped in darkness, a mysterious darkness, and to my great .surprise the guardian spirit of the class of nineteen hundred and eight stood before me. She gazed at me with a sad expression, then her musical voice broke the silence. “Lassie thou art not capable of writing a history of such a remarkable class, cease your worrying, come with me, not a moment is to be lost, come, and I will lead you to the beautiful realms of Father Time who in his book of years has recorded the wonderful achievements of your classmates. To every class historian is given the honor of visiting his kingdom, and when you ar- rive you will be only one of a vast throng.’ The Kingdom of Father Time! What a wonderful place it was! Students from all parts of the globe were there, all waiting patiently until Father Time should beckon them to his throne. Would my turn never come? One by one 1 saw historian after historian depart and .'•till I was not summon- ed. Yes, at last, with throbbing heart I glided silently up to Old Father Time longing to hear him review the history of a class that has had no equal, long- ing to hear what had been recorded concerning that brilliant class of ’08, and this is what he read from his wonderful book of years. “When the class of nineteen hundred and eight began their illustrious career in the W. H. S. they were green, they were bashful. With downcast looks and blushing countenances they glided through the halls dreading to encounter the gaze of an impertinent Sophomore, a know-it-all Junior, or even the rude stare of a haughty Senior. But they were destined to be a great class, a class that would become famous in the future years and as such they soon began to display their extraordinary talents. On Friday afternoons their melodious voices could be heard filling the assembly room with the sweetest of music and the audience was never satisfied until they had appeared a second time (?). This intelligent Freshmen class was composed of forty-five mem- bers but Latin and Algebra conquered twenty-two and thus only about half were destined to become Sophomores. “As Sophomores the members of the class of ’08 were the most mis- chievious in High School. Whispering was one of their worst habits, but Miss C. soon made it plain that this was strictly prohibited. Then they took note writing, but alas! this also was forbidden. They were about to give up in despair and settle down to good hard work when they found another way to break the monotony of school life, this was ridiculing the Freshmen, hut again Miss C. interposed and they were put in mind of the fact that not so many months ago they were Freshmen themselves. This was the last act of

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SENIOR RETROSPECT LESLIE NICHOLS, Editor in-Chief Lutie Butcher, Blanche Jack, The editorial staff desires to express to the public in general its sin- cere thanks for the interest and assistance they have given the students in this Senior Retrospect. W e desire to thank thus publicly our advertisers. The enterprising citizens of Wapakoneta whose advertisements arc to be found in these pages have indeed been more than generous. Their liberal patronage was cheerfully given and the staff and class realize that without their aid this publication would have been impossible. The Seniors arc therefore sincerely grateful for their kind support. The entire school also desires to thank the public for the kind patron- age, support, and encouragement it has given to the athletics, especially the basketball. The athletic association of course had heavy expenses but thanks to the liberal patronage was well able to meet them. The basketball boys intend to use this Retrospect as a medium for thanking the members of the council for their kindness. When asked by the association for the city hall as a basketball hall, the council most generously gave the use of it free, including the lighting, heating, etc. It was only after visiting other towns that we appreciated our gift. Some towns had poor lights, poor heating, and a rent charge of from $10 to $15 a night. Finally the editorial staff on behalf of the Seniors and entire school wishes to extend the deepest sense of appreciation to the superintend- ent, the corps of teachers and board of education whose earnest efforts for our intellectual improvements have placed us under an indebtedness which we can never repay. Words fail to convey our appreciation and we can- not say more than that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Ida Brown, Reuben Wisener Nettie Taylor - Associate Editors EDITORIAL O O O

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mischief, and they then immediately set to work with a zeal unequaled. Their conduct became perfect, they soon developed into a model class, an example to others, the shining star of the W. H. S. But time flew rapidly by, and lo! they were Sophomores no longer. “Juniors! Juniors they really were, and they soon began to realize to what great heights they had been raised. Praise was showered upon them by all. Never in the history of the Wapakoneta High School was there such a wonderful class. Each member tried with all his might to make the third year of his High School life a grand success, and truly it was. Their Junior reception was one of the greatest social events of the season and all who were guests will never forget how royally they were entertained. Day by day their knowledge increased, step by step they were striving to reach the much longed for goal, the Senior class. And they had not long to wait for such rapid progress was made, that soon all tasks were completed. Who does not re- member how eagerly those promotion cards were grasped on which was writ- ten in large letters, ‘Senior.’ Yes at last they had attained the highest honor that can fall to any student, they were Seniors. “Now class meetings became their hobby, every day it became neces- sary to discuss some all important subject, every day brought some new question to be decided until finally the supply was exhausted and class meet- ings ceased to be held. Such a Senior class! Never was there a greater! Their dignified mien, their great talents and serious manner have won the admiration and respect of all. They are the first class that dared to break old established customs, and decide to appear on graduation night in caps and gowns. They are one of the largest classes that ever graduated from the W. H. S. They were the first Senior class to honor the Blume High School Building with their presence. Who has ever had such a record as that? The Senior class is composed of nineteen members. Pauline Nichols and Myrtle Bowsher are two modest little lassies whose sweet smiles and winning ways have won them a place in the hearts of all. Mayme Buchanan and Alma Ramge will forever be remembered as kind hearted and gentle and two more lovable girls never lived. Edith Hick a tall graceful blonde is the class poet, her masterpiece will appear in the Senior Retrospect. Blanche Jack whose dreamy blue eyes see far into the future has been declared the class prophet and as such foretells many wonderful things. Nettie Taylor’s talents lie in the realms of elocution and she has made the class famous by her wonderful productions. Anna Wiss and Lutie Butcher have gained world wide fame on account of their beautiful singing. Edwin Timmermeister, the president of the class, is a rather talkative laddie and has achieved great success in entertaining the scholars, when teach- ers have left the room. Leslie Nichols, a tall manly chap, has completed the High School course in three years, truly the class of ’08 should be proud of him. Eugene Stinebaugh, Wilson Kellar and Harry Dobie are boys that mind their own business and three more studious fellows never lived. Fred Wentz and Walter Anderson are small but mighty. They never disappoint their teachers, for every day their lessons are perfect. Reuben Wisencr and Urfe White are famous basket ball players and through their efforts the W. H. S. team has always proved victorious.” Then Old Father Time looked up. “This ends the history of your class, but let me reveal to you one thing before the book of years vanishes forever from your sight. Never was there recorded the history of a greater class; never before has this book contained the tale of such wonderful accomplish- ments. What is in store for you 1 know not, but surely the world will be kind io the members ot the class of nineteen hundred and eight.”