Wheeler High School - Wheelerite Yearbook (North Stonington, CT)

Text from Pages 1 - 52 of the 1959 volume:

OLD WHEELER BUILDING NEW WHEELER BUILDING Dedication Five years ago you came to this school to teach. We have studied and struggled, but always you were there beside us to guide and help us. We’ve had an occasional laugh or two, but most important we have learned from you, not only what can be obtained from books, but the knowledge gained from experience. Now it is time for us to leave our school and you, to enter into the world you have nelped prepare us for. We would never be able to thank you enough, but as a token of gratitude, we the class of 1959 wish to dedicate this yearbook. The Leo, to you Mr. Eugene R. DiOrio, Vice-Principal, Counselor, and friend. MR. EMERY C. BLANCHARD, Principal ELEANOR BANKER B.A., University of Massachusetts Home Economics Cheerleaders RUTH BRIGGS B.S., Union College Business Wheeler-ite THOMAS DiCANDIA B. S., Providence College M.A., Boston University Science, Mathematics EUGENE DI ORIO Assistant Principal A. B., Providence College M. A., Boston College Social Studies, English Student Council BARBARA HELVESTON B.A., Milletsville State Teachers College Pennsylvania English ATTILIO GIZZARELLI Ed. M. A. B., Providence College Latin, Spanish, English Senior Class Advisor Washington Club Classical Club HOWARD HELVESTON B.S., Millersville State Teachers College Pennsylvania Industrial Arts JOHN KENYON III ELLERTON WHITNEY B.S., Springfield College Physical Education, History General Math Sports Club, Varsity Club Ed. M. B.S., University of Rhode Island Biology, Agriculture Mathematics Guitar Club Rifle Club yearbook Staff Literary Editor Co-Editor Layout Editor ABSENT ... PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE 15 Subscription Manager , Editor-in-Chief Feature Editor PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE 19 Advertisement Manager Typing Editor Advisor seniors C President BILLIE ANNE PLATT Vice President BARBARA GOULD Secretary ROMELIA BOISSEVAIN Wash. Club Treasurer ELAINE BELANGER Absent from picture JOSEPH MORAN Treasurer Student Council Members FRANCIS SMITH and HAROLD STEDMAN ELAINE L. BELANGER - College - Laine Washington Club Treasurer 4; Home Ec. Club 1, Treasur er 2; Girls' Glee 1,2, Double Quartette 2; Dramatics Club 2,3; Pep Club Treasurer 3; Chorus 1,2,3,4, Secretary 3; Washington Club 4; Softball 2; Varsity Cheerleader 2; School Play 2,3; Basketball 3, Captain; Yearbook Staff, Literary Editor 4; Christmas Program 4; Assistant Librarian 4. Such is life. I CHARLES BLIVEN -College Student Council 2; Sports Club 2,3; Varsity Club 2,3. Chaz Baseball 2; Audio Visual Club 1; Washington Club 4. How about that. ROM ELIA BOISSEVAIN - College - Rommy Student Council 1,2, Treasurer 2, Secretary 3,4; Home Ec. Club 1,2, President 2; Band 1,2,3,4; Girls' Glee 1, 2; Chorus 1,2, 3,4, Vice President 3; Wheeler-ite 1,2, 3; Pep Club 3, Vice President; Washington Club 4; Honor Roll Club 4; JV Cheerleader 1, Varsity 2; Softball 2; Basketball 3, Captain; Drill Team 3; Thanksgiving Pageant 1; Christmas Program 4; Chairman Sophomore Hop 2; School Play 2,3; Yearbook Staff, Layout Editor; Junior Prom Queen 3. I did not! J ‘ C. THURJLOW COATS - College - Perry Vice President 2, President 3; Sports Club 1,2,3; Varsity Club 2,3; Washington Club 4; Chorus 1,2,3, Boys' 4; Band 1,2,3,4; Orchestra 4; Classical Club 2; Dramatics Club 1,2; Baseball 1; Basketball 1,2,3,4; School Play 2; Christmas Program 4; Yearbook Staff, Advertisement Editor 4. Jumpin’ Jenny Wren BARBARA GOULD -College Vice President 4; Pep Club 3; Washington Club 4; Wheeler-ite 4. Barby Transferred 3; Classical Club 3; Chorus 3,4; Year book Staff, Co-Editor 4; Drill Team 3. .. I Do... RAYMOND GOULD - General - Hap Secretary 2; Basketball 1,2,3,4; Sports Club 2,3; Varsity Club 2,3; Washington Club 4; Rifle Club 4; Drivers Education 3; Baseball 1,2. BRIAN HILL - College - Ben President 2; Rifle Club 2; Sports Club 2; Basketball 1,2, 3,4; Baseball 1,2,4; Cross Country 4; Washington Club 4. OOOWEE JOSEPH MORAN - College Class Treasurer 4; Chorus 1.3; Chefs Club 3; Yearbook Feature Editor 4; Guiseppe Classical Club 1,2,3; Driver Education 2; Guitar Club 3; Washington Club 4; Honor Roll Club 4. You're a dilly” ROBERT NAGLE - College - O’Mally Sports Club 1, 2, 3, 4; Basketball 2, 3, 4, Manager 2; Washington Club 4; Yearbook Staff 4; Honor Roll Club 4. I don't day anything more than once. BILLIE ANNE PLATT - Bananas - College President 4; Treasurer 3; Chorus 1,2, 3,4; Wheeler-ite 1, 2, 3; Sports Editor 4; Band 1; Home Ec Club 1, Secretary 2; Pep Club 3; Dramatics Club 2; Secretary 3; JV Cheerleader 1, Varsity 2; JV Captian 4; Softball 2; Basketball 3; Christmas Program 4; Thanksgiving Pageant 1; Double Quartet 2; Yearbook Editor 4; School Play 2, 3; DAR 4; Washington Club 4. HENRY PORTER - Commercial Transfer 4; Washington Club 4; Honor Roll Club 4; Christmas Program 4; Wheeler-ite Editor 4; Yearbook; Typing Editor 4. I'm still going to be an old maid MARTEN SCHOONMAN - Fuzzy - General Sports Club 3, 4; Varsity Club 3; Washington Club 4; Cross Country 3, 4; Basketball 4. You know what I like. HOLLIS SCOTT - General - Scotty” Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 1, 2, 3,4; Football 1; Baseball 2, 3, 4; Varsity Club 2, 3, 4; Sports Club 2, 3, 4; Guitar Club 3, 4; Band lt 2; Washington Club 4; Orchestra 4; Boys' Chorus 4. Where you went? FRANCES SMITH - Com-merical Transfer 3; Washington Club 4. HAROLD STEDMAN - General - Harry Vice President 3; Student Council 4; Band 1, 2, 3; Sports Club 3; Varsity Club 3; Washington Club 4; Basketball 2, 3, 4; Baseball 2; Cross Country 3, 4; Chorus 3; Yearbook Staff 4; Boys' Chorus 4; Orchestra 4; Christmas Concert 4. Go getum, dad. Fran” Yearbook 4; Driver Train-ing 3. THOMAS UMPHLETT - General - Windy Treasurer 2; Chorus 1; Sports Club 2, 3, 4; Varsity Club 2,3; Baseball 1,2; Basketball 1,2, 3,4; Crosscountry 3, 4; Washington Club 4. Let's dodge study. WAYNE WALTER - General - Pork Chops President 1; Student Council 2; Vice President 3; Sports Club 3; Audio Visual 1; Varsity Club 2,3; Baseball 1,2, 3,4; Basketball 1,2,3; Washington Club 4. Let's do away with teachers. Class History Four years ago our class entered the new high school. We were the first of many classes to spend four glorious years there. Entering as freshmen we had much to learn, and much to do. Little did we realize then how short our four years at Wheeler would be. When we were good we were very, very, good; but when we were bad. ..Oh yes, our days at Wheeler were filled with both; any teacher will testify to that. Though we were trying at times, and seemed to stray every which way, when work was to be done and activities to put on we came through with flying colors. Our Sophomore Hop was a smash, and our Junior Prom won admiration and praise from many. We put on food sales, movies, dances, dinners, and set a record at Wheeler for Christmas card sales. Our years at Wheeler have been full of fun and learning. As we leave wc find half our class going on to further education. We are now ready to step out into the world to take our individual places. We, the Senior Class of Wheeler High School of North Stonington, in this year of 1958- 59, being of sound mind and body, do hereby make this, our last will and testament. I, Elaine Belanger, do hereby leave my ability to stuff wallets to Jane Lewis and my unopened bottle of peroxide to Rhonda Seymour. I, Charles Bliven, do hereby leave the hole in the top of my car to Grant Williams and the steering wheel to Biddy” Coats. I, Romelia Boissevain, do hereby leave my pencils with chewed off erasers to Gail Main and my ability to cut classes to anybody who can get away with it as long as I did. I, Thurlow Coats, do hereby leave my persuasive ways to Paul Romano and my wind for blowing a saxophone to George Brown. I, Barbara Gould, do hereby leave.. .for Niagara Falls. I, Raymond Gould, do hereby leave all my flat tires to Harold Teague and my unused Algebra notebook to Peter O. I, Brian Hill, do hereby leave my little black book to Wayne Wilkinson and my basketball uniform and elevator sneakers to Danny Bill. I, Joseph Moran, do hereby leave my heavy foot on the accelerator to whoever can get away with it, and my 6'5$ to George Geer. I, Robert Nagle, do hereby leave my code to deciper the answers in my physics book to whoever gets it next year. I, Billie Platt, do hereby leave my ability to eavesdrop to Carolyn Maine and to Carol Johnson, my poses for Graduation pictures. I, Henry Porter, do hereby leave all that I have to anyone who wants all that I have and can do as much with it as I have. I, Marty Schoonman, do hereby leave the handles from my motor scooter to Susan Gould and my crew cut to Jesse Hill. 1, Hollis Scott, do hereby leave my electric guitar to Phillip Stedman and the cord and plug to Curtis Moussie. I, Frances Smith, do hereby leave my quiet ways to Sanna Kallen. I, Harold Stedman, do hereby leave my drums to Emery Blanchard, and my track shoes to Joe Nagle. I, Thomas Umphlett, do hereby leave my bent up nails from shop to Irene Fortin, and my black hair to Pamela Dubuque. I, Wayne Walter, do hereby leave my love for sports to Dick Williams, and my various nicknames to anyone who wants them. Natural t jest Best Dressed -ancerf Studious Friendliest ijai Teenagers Class Pets : —: Class Clowns Cutest est •‘-'ikea opulsr Athletic Workers Accommodating f.!ost Practical A Day for Keminiscing The year is 1980; the place, Main street, North Stonington, Connecticut; and I’m smack-dab-in-the-middle. My things have changed! Who's that going into the bank? Why, it’s my old friend Romelia Boisse-vain. I hear that she’s an English and French teacher at Wheeler High. I think I'll try to catch her. Hmmm, what an impressive bank. Wasn't here the last time I was in North Stonington. Well, President, Mr. Henry Porter. Guess his business course at Wheeler paid off. Whoosh! What was that? It looks like a motorcycle race ”...and here they come, around the bend, down the stretch with No. 44 in the lead... 13 is slowly catching up...44 leads with a fender, but 13 is pushing up on the inside.. .he's gaining by a handle bar.. .they’re wheel and wheel rounding the bend.. .and.. .No. 13, the winna'! I know that face, it's very familiar. Why, it’s Marty Schoonman. I can still remember his first motor scooter. There’s another new building over there. Let’s see... North Stonington Experimental Laboratory, Prof. Robert Nagle, head. I remember the time he almost blew the physics class up! I wonder how he’s doing now? Business really seems to be booming here. Competition is running high too. If those two garages drop their prices, any lower, they'll be giving things away. I wonder.. .why, it's Wayne Walter and Raymond Gould. If they aren't careful with those monkey wrenches... Oh, officer, could you ...why, Thomas UmphlettJ This town is full of surprises! (I remember that Billie Platt used to say that she was going to be an old maid, and raise her children the same way. That I’ve yet to see!) Officer, could you tell me where I might find Billie Platt? She runs the orphanage? Thank you. I asked for it! I think I'll stop in that malt shoppee for a soda. Bliven’s Milk Bar. Hmmm.. .Charles Bliven, of course. There seems to be an awful lot of children in here, and they all seem to belong to that woman in the corner. Everyone has changed so much, but I'd know Barbara Gould anywhere. I wonder why that crowd of teen-agers is gathering around the bandstand in the park? I THINK that that is music I hear. Why, it's Thurlow Coats, Hollis Scott, and Harold Stedman. I remember when they started their Rock n' Roll group. But that music isn't Rock n' Roll. It doesn't sound like music at all! They just don't write good music anymore. Ah, a skyscraper is going up. Who’s that waving to me? He seems to know me, but I don't know...could it be?. ..Why yes, it’s Joseph Moran. That sign sould explain everything. Yes... Moran Sons, Building Contractors. 'You name it, we build it. The sky is the limit.' Oh, dear, it's almost time for my plane. I hope I make it on time. There it is now. Oh, stewardess, could you help me with the safety belt? Why Frances Smith! How nice to see you again. Now all I need is for the pilot to be.. .Oh,.. .Brian Hill! This day has been one for remembering. I've seen the old town, quite a changed one! I've visited some of my High School haunts, and met some of my old friends again. Yes, indeed, this has been a wonderful day, but it will be good to get home to my family, and to my writing. By Elaine L. Belanger Senior Class FRONT, left to right: F. Smith, E. Belanger, B. Platt. B. Gould, R. Boissevain. SECOND ROW: B. Hill, C. Bliven, H. Stedman, H. Porter, T. Umphlett, R. Nagle. LAST ROW: Mr. Gizzarelli, Advisor; M. Schoonman, W. Walter, T. Coats, and H. Scott. {Junior Class FRONT, left to right: S. Gould, S. Kallen, M. Holman, R. McGuire, J. Lewis, R. Kulas, S. Gould. SECOND ROW: R. Wilkinson, C. Johnson, G. Main, J. Cooper, C. Maine, I. Fortin. THIRD ROW: J. Nagle, P. Oeltgen, J. Hill, J. Lavallee, E. Blanchard, P. Romano, H. Teague. LAST ROW: F. Ellis, J. Mitchell, Mr. Helveston, Advisor; R. Williams, and W. Wilkinson. Sophomore freshman n n n a n Grade Sight Grade Seven organizations Qiris’ Chorus Hand Cross Country Varsity Starters G. Williams, R. Williams, H. Scott, T. Umphlett, D. Bill, Coach Whitney. Varsity Basketball Varsity Cheerleaders Left to right: Coats. Captain - Sanna Kallen - Center: Carol Johnson, Susan Shepard, Pamela Dubuque, Barbara Umphlett, Gail y. V. Cheerleaders w Captain - Billie Platt - Kneeling Center: Left to right: Susan Hayes, Nadeane Coats, Ellen Tough, Eleanor Johnson, Barbara Banning. . Student Council Rifle Club LORING STUDIOS Fine Portraits Best Wishes From THE WASHINGTON TRUST PIOUS HILL CO. DAIRY WM, PLATT St SONS Complete Ranking Service Established in 1$©© Westerly Hope Valley Compliments C d nip lim ents of off DEW DROP INN North Stonington, Conn. WILLARDS HARDWARE Compliments of Compliments of GARY STEWART Class of '65 NEW LONDON and PEGGY STEWART COUNTY NURSERY Class of 68 Good Luck to the Class of '59 EDGERTON’S RESTAURANT Fine Foods and Cabins COMPLIMENTS OF RALPH L MAIN, Manager FIRST NATIONAL STORE 35 High Street Rt. 95 and 2 Westerly, R. L COMPLIMENTS OF Compliments of GENTILES WESTERLY SUPERMARKET, INC. TOOL DYE Slnct ISIS The Cottrell Lumber Company MYSTIC. CONN. For Finest Fuel Oil Use Atlantic For Finest Oil Burner Service Call BUTLER BROS. COAL OIL CO. , INC. For the Best in Lumber Call Our Number Westerly Ly-6-2831 UNITED BUILDERS SUPPLY CO. , INC. 30 Oak Street Compliments of WESTERLY DAIRY AND DAIRY BAR 30 Oak Street Westerly, R. I. Tel. LY 6-2831 CEDAR, b ridge) CUSTOM BUILT HOMES EXMURPHY SON'S,INC. Compliments of Compliments of DOWERS WESTERLY Your favorite fashion store FURNITURE Westerly, Rhode Island Westerly, Rhode Island MAGGS Compliments RADIO TELEVISION SALES SERVICE of LARSON’S More than 20 years experience STORE Post Road Rt. 1 Shop Near Airport Phone Westerly Ly 6-3427 MRS. RUTH FOWLER C ompliments Compliments of of CONSUMER’S DAIRY BROWN STONE Compliments LUPE’S MOTOR SALES of USED CARS NORTH STONINGTON Wholesale Pawcatuck, Conn. Retail Ly 5-5876 Route 84 TOWN GARAGE No. Stonington, Connecticut JOSEPH LUPINACCI HELEN M. BROWN Compliments of EDWIN F. YERRINGTON AND EVERETT WATSON JR. General Repairing - Used Cars Bought and Sold Telephone: Mystic, Jefferson 6-9036 Atlantic Gas and Products Night Service: Norwich, TUrner 7-3171 R. F. D. 1 North Stonington, Connecticut GOUVIN’S TOM’S SUPERETTE OIL SERVICE Groceries - Meats - Provisions - Range and Fuel Oil - North Stonington Road Westerly, Rhode Island Tel. LY 5-5994 North Stonington Road R. F. D. No. 2 Westerly, R. I. Compliments of Compliments of GINGHAM GATE Fabrics and Yarns HOMESTEAD DAIRY Mystic, Connecticut Westerly, R. I. RED STONE CARR'S HILL FILLING STATION FILLING STATION Tires Are Our Business 228 High Street Westerly, R. I. Ashaway Road, R. I. Road Service Gulf Products Tel. Westerly 6-5283 Tel. LY 6-5370 Compliments of Compliments of ERNIE'S ESSO SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CO. P. O. Box 1071, Route 3 18 Broad Street Ashaway, R. I. Westerly, R. I. For Educational trips of any description. Let us quote you. Compliments of JOHN O. MORAN SONS KAPLIN TRAVEL AGENCY Bulldozing - Sand - Loam Gravel - Fill - Excavation 123 State Street New London, Conn. Tel. Gibson 3-4311 R.F. D. 3, Boombridge Road Westerly, R. I. Phone LY 6-5365 Lubrication - Tires - Batteries Compliments CHAMPLIN’S of AUTO SERVICE THE Where Real Sportsmen Meet Tel. FR 7-4440 Ashaway, Rhode Island CLASS OF 1960 INTRA STATE TREE SERVICE, INC. Stonington, Connecticut Telephones Jeff. 6-3614 6-8849 Specialists in Tree Care and Landscaping Visit Our Nursery and Garden Supply Center Route One Between Pawcatuck and Stonington TOMORROW...A NEW CAREER That first pay check can be the foundation of financial independence for millions of graduates. come in and open a savings account with us when you receive your first salary check. Then keep adding to it. Planning and saving ahead will keep you moving ahead. Open Thursday Eves. 6 to 8 P.M. Your Headquarters for Banking Convenience CHELSEA [SAVINGS HANK ■Eiaj:in?i.umn?n NORWICH, CONNECTICUT Postage Paid Both W ays Save-by-Mail Service Best Wishes and Good Luck in the Future to Class of ’59 MAUD PRICE Compliments of ASHA WAY GULF STATION JOHN MORRONE JR. REALTOR Broad Street Ashaway, R. I. Tel. FRanklin 7-2272 North Stonington Compliments of Compliments of ARBOR ACRES STILES STUDIOS WE WISH TO THANK OUR MANY ADVERTISERS FOR THEIR PATRONAGE PATRONS AND PATRONESSES Mr. and Mrs. Boissevain Mr. and Mrs. William A. Platt Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Belanger Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Singer Miss Louise Himes Miss Ruth Briggs Mr. C. Ernest Gray White Oaks Lee's Garage Mr. James W. McCormick McCormic's Department Store Modern Home Supply Bannon's Drug Store USRO Hardware Store Dr. Louis I. Misto Mr. and Mrs. George Stedman Mr. and Mrs. Carl Vacca Mrs. Mildred Fiske Mr. and Mrs. Attilio L. Gizzarelli Nicholas R. Gizzarelli Gail M. Gizzarelli Jean M. Gizzarelli Gary L. Gizzarelli Westerly Jewelers Heather House Leonards Blanchards Nigrelli Jewelers Westerly Tire Co. Payne's Camera Shop Dr. and Mrs. David E. Cohen Reale’s Westerly Cleaners Smith’s Flower Shop Jacqueline Curley Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Palmer Mr. and Mrs. Merle Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Russell Waldo Barbara Hoxie Mr. and Mrs. Eugene DiOrio Mr. and Mrs. John L. Kenyon III Mr. and Mrs. Ellerton P. Whitney Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Helveston Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Porter Mrs. A. Anilowski Janet E. Stedman Sophie K. Barker J. Edgar Homicide TAYLOR PUBLISHING COMPANY IKr W.M i . An