Watkins Glen High School - Senecan Oracle Yearbook (Watkins Glen, NY)

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19 4 7 THE ORACLE---------------------------------------- 1947 The Class Echo In the autumn of ’43 a lively group of Frosh entered the doors of W.G.H.S. After a few exciting days we managed to get acquainted and find our respective classrooms. The great event of this first year in high school ended with the Freshman Field Day. Everyone was positive that it would rain or the pop wouldn't be cold. Both of these fears were soon banished as the sun peeped through the clouds and found our affair a success. Our Sophomore year began with a bang. The first and last topic of conversation was the Sophomore Hop. On Friday the 13th the gym was decorated with pink elephants sailing between the four leaf clovers and the horseshoes. Despite superstition, the Hop was a financial and social success. During our Junior year the two words whispered throughout every class and study hall was class rings. After their arrival we were officially a part of W.G.H.S. Christmas wreaths were another great undertaking. We sold over 500 wreaths. Poor Judy, on the day they arrived, she only had 81 to deliver. Our Sadie Hawkins Day Dance proved to inaugerate a tradition, besides being a cclever money-making scheme. Our Junior year ended with the Junior Prom and Pete Renzi’s Orchestra. The Class of '4 7 had begun their high school career as a large class, but it was doomed for an unhappy fate. One by one our classmates left our ranks and it looked as if we were going to be the smallest Senior Class in many years. Yes. how true this proved to be. Upon entering school in September. 1946. we found ouselves once more in the presence of Mrs. Allen’s homeroom and not in Senior study hall. Oh. how we protested! The Freshman Class had vanquished all our self esteem and superiority, they inhabited our sacred domain. We quietly banded together in our home-room and mourned our loss. Some of the more imaginative girls donned black for one whole day. but to no avail. Class election turned our minds from this sad fate to something far more important. Helen Frost, our candidate to Girls State, was given the reins. Mr. Bailey accepted the position as adviser and we were ready to go. Our first project was the Election Day Dinner. With quaking hearts we arrived at the Jefferson to perform our duties of the day. Could such a small class make anything on it? The question was soon answered by the crowds that thronged their hungry way to the dining room. Every member was kept on his toes checking hats, waiting table and delivering dinners. The latter proved to be a dangerous undertaking. On the first trip Phil reported that the chicken met the salad and that the coffee spilled slightly. After an attempt at more carefll driving, the deliveries were made without further mishap. We were elated, the dinner had been more than successful. Despite this huge success, fate seemed to be working against us. Mr. Perry left our faculty and the poor Seniors without a history teacher. Mrs. Whiting, however, soon took over. Another tragedy was the loss of our beloved English teacher. It seemed as if we were never going to get ahead. Much to our surprise and enjoyment a man was to be our new teacher.His sense of humor and original ideas made him a most welcome member of the faculty. Who else could it be than Mr. Goetchius? Our Senior Ball was held during Christmas vacation. Our decorations evident of the Christmas spirit. The only worry seemed to be — would the Scotch tape hold? After working hard all day the Seniors arrived at the ball in their best bib and tucker, confident that it would be a success. The financial status of the class was growing steadily with each new project that we undertook. The Student Standard production was well filled with Senior talent. Judy in that outmoded bathing suit certainly received a round of applause. Annette. Paul and Bud also added to the performance. As a climax to the program. Albina and Bruce were chosen as the King and Queen of Valentine’s Day. Only one more undertaking and then we would be off for Washington! The Senior Class was now rehearsing the event of the year. “Aunt Tillic Goes to Town.” Mrs. Roberts consented to direct the play, which made the class feel most fortunate and confident of a successful performance. The chicken-pox and laughing at our own jokes disrupted play practice, but we managed

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19 4 7 THE ORACLE 19 4 7 HARRY SUITS. Bud. as he is better known, is one of the Seniors who may be classified as an all-around guy. Being very athletic. Bud has participated in many intramural sports, including basketball, football and volleyball. During his Junior and Senior years he played on the football team and in his Sophomore and Junior years on the baseball team. Bud took part in the Physical Education Demonstration during his Sophomore and Junior years. As Mervin Tucker’’ in the Senior Play, he revealed a great talent for acting. His Senior year brought him more activities in which he participated willingly. These activities were Oracle Staff. Senior Ball committee and delivery boy on the Election Day Dinner. DORA SWITZER. Dorie is another of our quiet Seniors who has made many friends because of her ready smile. We dare say that Dora is one of the first to smile when smiles are wanting. She has been very active in sports through her four years here. What an efficient waitress she is.” could be a statement made by those who saw her working at the Jefferson (Election Day Dinner). She worked to make the Senior Ball a success also. We hope that Dorie will get all that she deserves out of life. PHYLLIS TINKER. Popular with her classmates is our Phyl. She is one of the many who joined our class in the Freshman year. Phyl has been a good worker, never refusing to help. She was class Secretary in our Sophomore year and Assistant Businness Manager in our Senior year. During her Senior year she helped with Election Day Dinner as hat check girl. Phyl did an excellent job as Managing Editor of the Oracle. Her name is one which has been on the honor roll since her Freshman year. Phyl’s future plans are related closely to her high school commercial course as she is going to be a secretary. We know she will succeed as she has always been on top. WALTER WOOD. Woody, another of our returned yets, is a swell guy! He served in the service overseas. He quickly gained new and lasting friendships because of his wonderful personality. His is not one of those come-and-go friendships, once you get to know him you really admire the guy. His athletic ability is exemplified by his work in intramurals. Before and after his service to our country. Woody was especially active in football, basketball and volleyball intramurals. Although with our class only a short time. Woody took interest in all of our activities. When the Senior Ball was in the incubation period. Woody was aways offering his services. We sincerely wish Woody All the Luck in the World.

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19 4 7 THE ORACLE--------------------------------------- 19 4 7 to keep on schedule. Although Dr. Bing was a little too realistic when she hit Bud. the play was enjoyed by all who participated and observed it. We were now on our last stretch home. The Senior trip was now at hand. After frantically studying for exams we boarded the bus Wednesday night. Washington bound Everyone arrived on time and sleep was something unheard of. Boxes of chocolates, corny jokes as the man with the dollar, and barbershop quartets provided entertainment enough. We arrived at Gettsburg at 6:30 the next morning. It was either the earliest we had ever been up or the latest we had gone to bed. We were a bedraggled looking crew as we entered the hotel. Mr. Hertenstein fell asleep in the lobby, but George rather rudely awakened him with some nice cold water trickling down his forehead. A guide was secured, who managed to lull the majority of us asleep for the great fee of five dollars, please. After a strenuous morning of seeing statues and climbing towers we went our merry way to Baltimore. This city was a disappointment and almost the end of some of the Seniors. Traffic conditions should be improved so that visitors aren't caught between trucks and trolley cars. It is too strenuous, isn't it Caroline? At five o'clock we boarded the Old Bay Line where Dora's Easter hat is now reclining under the bed. The boat ride proved to be very enjoyable. The appearance of the Navy lent an additional nautical air. We were now off for Washington, the mecca of our dreams. Our hotel rooms were a delight. but we wonder how Tony, Frank and Rondy rated such an exclusive room. Sightseeing filled our days and parties of all sizes and descriptions filled our night life. After awhile we got used to guards barking at us for climbing up the back ways to memorials and having trolley car doors slammed in our faces. Edith Decker acquired a lovely southern drawl that was accurate enough to scare the occupants of some rooms into thinking she was the maid. Our bus driver. Walt, also impersonated the house dick realistically. Joyce Ann s sudden illness proved to be none other than a large souvenir under her coat. As hardened city slickers of three days it was now time to journey on. Philadelphia was our last stop. The hotel rooms were all different. Everyone had a fine time inspecting the rooms. Four poster beds were even found. The eighth floor was ours for evening. Everyone made the most of this last night. Girls could be found doing forward rolls down the hotel halls and the room service was doing a booming business. The group boarded the bus once again the next morning to tour the historical spots and then we were homeward bound. To everyone it was the end of a perfect week and the climax vo a perfect year. Our trip continues as we near the end of our school year. It goes on through life. I he friends and experiences that we have had at W.G.H.S. are indelible in our book of memories. The Class of '47 travels on to meet the challenges of a fruitful world.