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

Text from Pages 1 - 72 of the 1961 volume:

'Dedication It is with deepest gratitude that we, the class of 1961, dedicate our yearbook, The Leo '61, to our senior class advisor, Mr. Howard Helveston. His encouragement has been inspirational; he has given us unfailing support, and his warm friendliness has brightened our memorable days at Wheeler High School. DR. HAROLD A. JACOBSON Bowling Green State Univ., A.B. B.S., M.A. Harvard University. Ed. D. Principal EUGENE R. DiORIO Providence College, A.B. Boston College. Ed. M. Administrative Assistant Social Studies MRS. HILDE BENES University of Bonn, Germany University of Paris, Nancy, France State University of Iowa Latin, Spanish, French MR. EDWARD BUCCI Springfield, B.S. English and Social Studies BARBARA HELVESTON Minersville State Teachers College, B.S. Minersville, Pa. English MR. HOWARD HELVESTON Industrial Arts B. S., Millersville State Teachers College, Pennsylvania MRS. HILDE BENES Languages M.D. University of Bonn, Germany B. A., University of Paris MISS LOUISE HIMES Librarian JOHN KENYON III JOHN LUCEY B.S., Springfield B.S., University of Rhode Island Science, Mathematics College KENNETH PROSSER B.S,, Rhode Island School of Design Providence, R.I. University of Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut Math and Science RUTH PROSSER HOWARD HELVESTON B. S., Minersville State Teachers College Pennsylvania DOROTHY NEELY Texas Southern Univ. B. S., Graduate Work at T.S.U. Industrial Arts MRS. RUTH ROMANO MRS. LORD MRS. STILLMAN BARBARA BANNING Annie' Commercial Chorus 1,2,3; Graduation 1,2,3; Spring Concert 1; Pep Club 1; Drill Team 1; Wheeler-Ite 1, 2, 3,4; Yearbook 4; J. V. Cheerleader 2, Co-Captain 3; Cheerleading Certificates 2, 3. DANIEL BILL Boone” General NANCY CHESBRO Nan Commercial Class Vice President 2; Chefs Club 1; Sports Club 1; Basketball 1,2, 3,4; Baseball 2; Crosscountry 1. Variety Show 2; Pep Club 1; Guitar Club 1,2; Wheeler-Ite Editor 4; Wheeler-Ite 1,2, 3,4; Basketball Team 1; Prom Committee 2, 3; Activities Committee 4. JOAN CLARK Commercial Jonas' Class Treasurer 1; Chorus 1,2, 3; Christmas Concert 1.2; Pep Club 1; Drill Team 1; Typist Wheeler-Ite 4; Artist for Yearbook 4. GAYLE COATS Gayles College Class Treasurer 2; Prom Committe 2, 3; Class Secretary 1; Chorus 1,2,3; Band 1,2; Spring Concert 1; Graduation 1,2,3; Christmas Festival 1,2; Drill Team 1; Classical Club 1, 2; Glee Club 1, 2, 3; Yearbook 4; J.V. Cheerleader 1; Varsity Cheerleader 2,3; Cheerleading Certificates 2, 3; Letters 1. PETER DEVANEY Pete General Basketball 1,2,3; Sports Club 1,2; Gun Club 2; Guitar Club 2; Hewitt Award 3; Varsity Club 2. JOHN EDMOND Johnnie General Rifle Club 1; Chef's Club 1. 2; Basketball 1, 3, 4. SANDRA FOSTER Sandy' College Christmas Festival 2; Chorus 2, 3; Spring Concert 2; Honor Club 2; Yearbook 4. RAYMOND GOULD Hap General Student Council 2,4; Sport Club 3; Gun Club 3; Athletic Club 2; Rifle Club 2; Sports Editor, Yearbook 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3; Cross Country 3. KATHLEEN HILL Kathie1 College Class Treasurer 2, 3; Graduation Chorus 1, 2, 3; Pep Club 1; BARBARA HOXIE Hox Commercial Graduation Chorus 1, 2, 3; Christmas Festival I, 2; Classical Club 1; Pep Club 1; Drill Team 1; Copy Editor Yearbook 4; Wheeler-Ite 4; Magazine Drive Awards 1,2, 3; Prom Committee 2, 3; Spring Concert 1. FREDRICK JOINER Fred' General Gun Club 2; Guitar Club 2; Basketball I, 2.4. ROBERT MacNIEL Bob’ College Class Vice President 3; Class President 4; Student Council 3; Latin Club 1,2; Basketball Manager 3,4; Baseball Manager 3; First Prize in Biology at the Science Fair 2; Basketball Manager Letter 3; Baseball Manager Letter 3. RALPH LECHNER Ralph College Class President 3; Vice President 4; Classical Club 1; Chef’s Club 1; Honor Roll Club 2. LORRAINE LEAYCRAFT Leaky College Class President 1; Class Secretary 2; Chorus 1,2, 3; Band 1,2, 3; Graduation 1, 2, 3; Christmas Festival 1, 2; Spring Concert 1, 2; Classical Club 1,2; Honor Roll Club 1,2; Yearbook Editor 4; Cheerleader 1, 3,4; CAWDC Award 3; Connecticut Award of Women Deans and Counselors; D.A.R. Award 4. GLORIA MAIN ”Glo' College Student Council 2, 3, 4, Secretary 3, President 4; Christmas Festival 1, 2; Chorus 1, 2, 3; Prom Committee 2, 3; Classical Club 1, 2; Glee Club 1,2, 3; Business Manager of Yearbook 4. CAROL MAINE Carol Commercial Chorus 1,2; Graduation 2; Christmas Festival 1; Spring Concert 1; Pep Club 1; Guitar Club 1; Classical Club 1; Dramatics Club 1; Wheeler-Ite Treasurer 4; Wheeler -Ite 3,4. Graduation 1, 2, 3; Christmas Festival 1,2, 3; Chorus 1, 2, 3; Classical Club 1; Pep Club 1; Dance Club 1. L SUSAN MURPHEY Sue” College Class Secretary 3; Christmas Program 1,2; Graduation 1, 2, 3; Chorus 1, 2, 3; Classical Club 1; Home Economics 1. LUCINDA PALMER College Cindy Chorus 1,2, 3; Christmas Club 1, 2; Graduation 1, 2, 3; Classical Club 1; Home Economics Club 1; Honor Club 2. WILFRED ROBERT, JR. General ’Willie Basketball 3,4; Baseball 3,4; Most Valuable Pitcher 3; Most Valuable Player 3. ELLEN TOUGH Bushie Commercial Chorus 1, 2, 3; Spring Concert 1, 2; Christmas Festival 1, 2; Graduation Festival 1, 2, 3; Band 1, 2, 3; Dramatics Club 1,3. Drums of Death 1; Classical Club 1; Wheeler-Ite 1,2,3; Wheeler-Ite Master Typist 4; Feature Editor for Yearbook 4; Cheerleader, J.V. 2; Cheerleading Certificate 2; P.T.A. Band Award 2; Dance Club 1. BARBARA UMPHLETT Barby Jeanne Commercial Class Secretary 1,4;-Chorus 1,2,3; Pep Club 1; Student Council 1; Drill Team 1; Wheeler-Ite 2; Yearbook Treasurer 4; Cheerleader 1,2, 3, Cheerleading Certificates 1,2, 3; Letters for Cheerleading 2,3. RUTH WALLEY Ruthie' College Transfer 4; Class Treasurer 4; Photography Editor Yearbook 4; Cheerleader 4. CLASSES Class Prophecy After twenty years of marriage and working all around the world in the Civil Service, I, Ellen Tough, returned to old North Stonington for a long needed visit. Upon arriving I noticed a few big changes had been made to disguise the little town. Across the street from the Town Hall stood the prosperous Beauty Salon, I knew someday Barbara McGowan would have her own Beauty Salon, and the sign read, Barbara’s House of Beauty. I stopped in for a manicure and we talked about old times. The last thing I expected to see, Barbara Banning as her assistant, had reached my eyes. Getting ready to speak to her, I was interrupted by their bookkeeper, Barbara Hoxie. To my surprise, none of them had changed the least bit. I later learned that Barbara Umphlett and Wilfred Robert, Jr. had been married for eighteen years and had ten children. Wilfred had joined the ranks of The Welders' Union of America. Raymond Gould had captured three mountain lions and was still out roaming the woods for a giant bear that had killed 24 menl I left the girls and headed for the Westerly Hospital to visit my brother. Upon arriving at the hospital, I saw Joan Clark sitting behind the little Information” sign. Little did I know that she would become a telephone operator. She informed me that she was also a housewife and mother of three grown children. It was time for the 3-11 shift to come, and more familiar faces would appear. Down in the Pediatrics department I saw Susan Murphey giving a little boy some pills. She waved to me and I waved back happy to see her again. On the men's floor was none other than Sandra Foster getting all her medicines ready for distribution. We spoke and had a lovely conversation, but I had to leave. I ambled upstairs to visit Kathleen Hill who had just had her sixth boy. The nurse on duty happened to be Gayle Coats. Gayle asked me to look down the corridor, and when I did, 1 saw Gloria Main, R.N., checking all her charts. Dr. Lucinda Palmer was in the Delivery Room, and when I heard a lusty yell, I knew one more person had been added to the population. Ruth Walley had become the Psychologist and had her own office on the ground floor. Everyone had become someone. Peter Devaney and John Edmond were specializing in horticulture and forestry. Nancy Chesbro was with them as a secretary. They opened for business 15 years ago. Right across from my mother's house stood a modern and beautiful farm owned by Danny Bill. He had certainly done a wonderful job on it. Fred Joiner had a used car lot with Carol Maine as his secretary. Lorraine Leaycraft was an English teacher. Bob MacNeil was a Science Professor at Yale. Ralph Lechner was prosperous in his restaurant chain. Indeed, all my former classmates had come a long way. Class Will I, Barbara Banning, do hereby leave to Phyllis Coats my love for fun and laughter. I, Daniel Bill, do hereby will to Gerry Chapman my love for school. I, Nancy Chesbro, do hereby leave to Rhonda Seymour my talent to think fast for a good excuse. I, Joan Clark, do bequeath my small hands to Geraldine Chapman, and my small feet to Elizabeth Coats. I, Gayle Coats, do hereby refuse to will anything to anybody as I need all I have and then some. I, Peter Devaney, do hereby leave happily. I, John Edmond, will not leave Nadeane Coats to the Junior boys. I, Sandra Foster, do hereby bequeath to Joyce Joslin, my very loquacious ways. I, Raymond Gould, do hereby will my spot in Hewitt's lot to Allen Coats. I, Kathleen Hill, do hereby will to dearest Cuz all the trouble I have successfully dodged. I, Barbara Hoxle, do hereby bequeath the privilege of staying in detention hall to those poor unfortunates who have not made it as yet. I, Frederick Joiner, do hereby leave the honor of driving to school with my top down in the middle of winter to one Cliff Lee. I, Lorraine Leaycraft, do gladly and honorably leave my love for athletics to Pat Wilcox. I, Ralph Lechner, of sound mind and body do leave my very bitter disposition to Roy Champagne, my acid burned clothes to Gerry Chapman, and the cigarette butts on the school roof to the principal. I, Gloria Main, do leave to Elizabeth Coats all she wants and needs. I, Carol Maine, do gladly leave my extra pounds to Edith Palmer. I, Barbara McGowan, do bequeath to Jacques Gould, my long eyelashes. I, Robert MacNiel, do hereby leave sadly my skill in making explosions to George Brown. I, Susan Murphey, do gladly leave my position as the Christmas Card Chairman to some unfortunate Junior. I, Lucinda Palmer, do hereby will my little pink dictionary to Mrs. Helveston. I, Wilfred Robert, do hereby leave my brains to Joyce Joslin who needs them. I, Ellen Tough, do tearfully leave my beautiful, old, black Chewy to my sister Velma in hopes that she will not customize it as badly as I did. I, Barbara Umphlett, do hereby will my love for Gym class to Mickey Main. I, Ruth Walley, do hereby bequeath to Eila Wirtenan the many good times in Mr. Prosser's classes. NAME AND SAYING NICKNAME FAMED FOR BANNING, BARBARA Oh, beans! Annie Her nose BILL, DANIEL How do I know ? Boone His flirting CHESBRO, NANCY How come?” Nan Her excuses CLARK, JOAN Don't ask me.” Jonas Her tininess COATS, GAYLE Oh, for Pete's sake!” Gayles Her cackle DEVANEY, PETER Wadaya mean? Pierre His talking EDMOND, JOHN Hiya, Sam. Jacky His hair FOSTER, SANDRA That’s life. Sandy Her sarcasm GOULD, RAYMOND What in the h—? Hap Daydreaming Hill, Kathleen ” So??? Kathie Her cracks HOXIE, BARBARA Come on, kids. Hox Gray hair JOINER, FREDERICK Ain’t that pitiful Fred Being late LEAYCRAFT, LORRAINE Look at it this way.” Leaky Her singing LECHNER, RALPH Go to h— Butch His disposition MAIN, GLORIA ”1 gotta letter. Glo Her eating MAINE, CAROL I dunno. Carol Chewing gum McGOWAN, BARBARA Geeeeeeee!” Quicky Her eyes MacNIEL, ROBERT It's a dud! Bob Chemistry duds MURPHEY, SUSAN Each to his own taste. Sue Being absent PALMER, LUCINDA ”1 don't know.” Cindy Her quietness ROBERT, WILFRED I know, but Willie Storytelling TOUGH, ELLEN. Wooonderfulll!!! Toughie Her clowning UMPHLETT, BARBARA 'member? Barby Jeanne False teeth WALLEY, RUTH Oh, honestly. Twink Weekend dates PET PEEVE MISS MOST Insulting names by Tom Campo Noon Time School The girls Bobby Lonely Nights Gloria Partial teachers Main Bossy People I dunno Girls Being Late Lazy People Chemistry Sexy Girls Shop Clocks 5 th Period Babsie as a nickname Val Tough SCHOOL! ?! My car Bruce Underclassmen People Girls Teachers Coats Teachers Home Ec. Broken Promises Danny Bill Class Meetings The Lab The omission of the 'e' in Murphey Kids People who step on my feet Algebra Homework Electricity People who think I am nuts Mrs. Neely Latin IV Riding to and from School Class Meetings Underclassmen LIKE MOST FAVORITE SONG Luckies Always” Girls ” 16 Candles Tony Special Angel Mr. D. Young Love 5th Period At Last Ummmmm Wonderland By Night Being with Deanie I Don't Know Why” Food Moonlight Sonata Short Skirts I've Forgot More Food If I Didn't Care My Chrysler Jimmy's Girl 1 Underclassman A Thousand Stars WEEDS” Seaman Coffee Calcutta Blues Vacations Wonderland By Night Dick Are You Lonesome Tonight- Weekends It's All in The Game Chemistry Some Enchanted Evening Dancing Fur Elise Mr. P.'s classes Sonata Pathetique Baseball Blue Suede Shoes A certain Someone Blue Tango” Dancing All in my Mind Gym Class Rhapsody in Blue L. Leaycraft D. Bill G. Main J. Edmond E. Tough F. Joiner B. Umphlett R. Gould M. Coats R. MacNiel L. Palmer R. MacNiel N. Chesbro F. Joiner E. Tough R. Gould B. Banning R. Gould B. McGowan D. Bill G. Main P. Devaney B. Banning R. Gould Picture Not Available TARDIEST L. Leaycraft R. Lechner B. Umphlett W. Robert L. Leaycraft R. MacNiel ■ L. Leaycraft R. MacNiel K. Hill R. MacNeil S. Foster R. Lechner R. Walley R. Gould ORGANIZATIONS FIRST ROW: Ellen Tough, Feature Editor; Gloria Main, Business Manager; Lorraine Leaycraft, Editor; Joan Clark, Art Editor; Ruth Walley, Photographer. SECOND ROW: Raymond Gould, Sports Editor; Sandra Foster., Organizational Editor; Barbara Hoxie, Copy Editor; Gayle Coats, Subscriptions Manager; Barbara Umphlett, Treasurer; Barbara Banning, Advertising Manager. ROW 1: R. Walley, B. Banning, E. Tough, B. Hoxie, G. Main, G. Coats, J. Clark, L. Leay-craft, B. McGowan, E. Johnson, N. Coats, E. Coats, D. Stillman, D. Wilkinson, E. Wilkinson, S. Moore, K. Maine, P. Coats. ROW 1: P. Stedman, P. Lord, L. Joiner, N. Wilkinson, L. Arzamarski, R. Swain. ROW 2: J. Kenyon, B. Klewin, J. West, J. Millet, B. Leaycraft, R. Gould. Student Council Wheelerite Chess Club Chef’s Club Drama Club Science Club ATHLETICS o Robert MacDougall FIRST ROW: R. MacDougall, D. Umphlett, A. Latham. W. Taylor. T. Campo. SECOND ROW: John Lucey, Coach; J. Edmond, D. Platt. F. Joiner. D. Bill. Captain. FIRST ROW: M. Dorcey. G. Breg. J. MacNiel, L. Umphlett, R. Shippee. SECOND ROW: John Lucey, Coach; J. Caswell, G. Palmer, W. Roode, J. Sullivan, D. Miner. FIRST ROW: Lorraine Leaycraft. Captain; Nadeane Coats, Co-Captain. SECOND ROW: N. Kallen, R. Walley, P. Porter, G. Chapman, K. Maine, P. Coats. Compliments WESTERLY of TOOL DIE LARSEN’S STORE Molds, Tools, Dies North Stonington North Stonington Connecticut Connecticut Compliments of HARTFORD NATIONAL BANK Mystic, Connecticut Compliments of Painting - Exterior - Interior Interior Decorating Paper Hanging ROBERT P. SCOTT, JR. BROWN STONE FRANK AND CLINT R.F.D. No. 2 Westerly, Rhode Island Tel. LYric 5-5172 Free Estimates Compliments of Complime nts of DEW DROP INN MISS LOUISE HIMES Compliments of Compliments of AL CROFT BILL LOOMIS Compliments of Compliments of B C FURNITURE CO. TOM’S OIL SERVICE Railroad Avenue Westerly, R. I. Route 2 North Stonington Connecticut For the best in the finest furniture, by all means, come and see what we have to offer at B C Furniture Company. Best Wishes From In Westerly It’s SMITH’S FLOWER SHOP TARNEY’S Westerly, R. I. For the Finest in Women's Wear Come to . . . Compliments of JO-ANN’S BOB MEARNS High Street Westerly, R. I. Westerly, R. I. BURDICK’S WONDER DRESS SHOP SPORTING GOODS THOS. J. BURDICK Westerly, R. I. 49 High Street Women's Wear Both Westerly, R. I. for Sports and Dress. BESSO’S TOY HOUSE Located on the Bridge MAIN DUFOUR Between Westerly and Pawcatuck. PLUMBING AND HEATING We Have All Sorts of Toys for All Sorts of People. 14 Liberty Street Westerly, R. I. LAWTON AUTO SUPPLY Compliments of AND FILLING STATION Liberty Street THE WESTERLY SUN COMPANY Westerly, R. I. WESTERLY Compliments JEWELRY COMPANY of 60 High Street BANNON’S DRUG STORE Westerly, R. I. Our Compliments to You Air - Conditioned HOLIDAY BOWL OF GROTON THE COATS BROS. The Family Bowling Center. They Enjoy Driving the Children to School, and They Do It With a Smile. 32 Ten Pin Lanes 17 Kings Hwy. at Center of Rte. 1 Groton, Connecticut Phone: HI 5-6500 Thank You F rom The Senior Class '61. Good Luck to the Seniors. For Fine Service Come to the ASHAWAY GULF STATION Compliments of PFIZER J. J. MORRONE, JR. CHAMPLIN’S Science for the World's AUTO SERVICE W ell-Being. Where Real Sportsmen Meet. Ashaway, R. I. Wallpaper - Paints - Fishing Tackle Phone: FRanklin 7-4440 BURMEISTER WAIN BRULIN AMERICAN CORPORATION COMPANY, INC. Manufacturers of the B W- East Main Street Lathrop Marine Engines. Jewett City, Connecticut Mystic, Connecticut Phone: DRake 6-9068 COURT COLVER, INC. BURDICK’S Est. 1938 THOS. J. BURDICK Authorized Sales Service for Evinrude Motors Sporting Goods U. S. Rte. 1 Groton, Conn. 49 High Street Westerly, R. I. CHAMPLINS MURPHEY CHEVROLET, INC. AUTO SERVICE 106 West Broad Street Ashaway, R. I. Pawcatuck, Conn. Good Euck to the Seniors. Home of the 161 Corvair. Compliments of Compliments of ASHAWAY LINE TWINE SANTIN CHEVROLET CO., INC. Ashaway Lines Land More Fish. Mystic, Conn. Since 1920 Compliments of Compliments of DEW DROP INN LEE’S GARAGE Route 2 North Stonington Route 95 North Stonington For the Best of Food at the Lowest of Prices Join Your Friends at Dew Drop Inn. Compliments Compliments of of NEW LONDON COUNTY NURSERY WESTERLY GLASS CO. North Stonington Westerly, R. I. Best of Luck to You. Good Luck to the Seniors. your move . . . just a word from you, and we'll show you how our Protected College Expense Plan makes it far easier to meet today’s tuition costs and other expenses of higher education. Take up to six years to repay. Life insurance is available to assure completion of education. The Connecticut Bank A NO TRUST COMPANV 30 Offices . . . serving 21 Connecticut Communities THE COTTRELL LUMBER COMPANY Mystic, Conn. RICHMOND SALES CO. 81 Richmond Street Providence 3, Rhode Island GAspee 1-1723 ERNEST E. PALMER Box 27 North Stonington, Conn. Tel. Mystic JEfferson 6-2750 Amplifier Rentals for All Occasions. DICK NEFF’S MYSTIC SPORTING GOODS, INC. 49 West Main Street Mystic, Conn. Specialist to the Sporting Goods Trade. Compliments of THE NORTH STONINGTON GARAGE North Stonington Connecticut Complime nts of THE WESTERLY TIRE CO. 2 Mechanic Street Pawcatuck, Conn. Compliments of LIBERTY STREET BARBER SHOP Westerly, R. I. Phone LYric 6-7791 Almost Everybody in North Stonington Reads THE0 Published by THE UTTER COMPANY Printers SUN The Sun is YOUR newspaper covering the sports and activities of your school and news of your town as well as state, national and world events. Get the Sun habit! Compliments Compliments of of THE BARFIELD MOTEL LONG HILL DRUG STORE Route 95 North Stonington Compliments Compliments of of WHIPPLE WESTERN AUTO PIANO AND ORGAN Route 95 Mystic, Connecticut North Stonington Compliments of WESTERN AUTO Mystic, Connecticut Compliments of WINDSOR MOTEL Compliments of JOHNSON’S HARDWARE PATRONS AND PATRONESSES DAVEY MAXWELL, INC. BILL LOOMIS MR. AND MRS. J. McCUMISKEY MR. AND MRS. RICHARD KAIN MR. AND MRS. KENNETH C. MAIN MR. AND MRS. GUY WINSTON JR. MR. AND MRS. JOHN WELCH MR. AND MRS. EUGENE R. Di ORIO MR. AND MRS. RICHARD BENE'S MR. AND MRS. HOWARD J. HELVESTON MR. AND MRS. JOHN KENYON III MR. AND MRS. KENNETH S. PROSSER MR. AND MRS. ROBERT McGRATH MR. AND MRS. WILSON J. MAINE DUK-INN WESTERLY DAIRY MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM R. MacNEIL MR. AND MRS. JOHN H. LUCEY MR. AND MRS. HOWARD HOXIE WESTERLY GULF STATION A. A. MORRONE Westerly, R. I. MR. AND MRS. AHTI K. LAITINEN MR. AND MRS. FRED HILL MR. AND MRS. 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