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1891 1941
Golden Anniversary Staffordonian
Published By the Alumni Association Stafford High School - Stafford, Kansas
OUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS TODAY
Central School Ilouses Six Grades, A Kindergarten, And A Special Room
The Junior High School
The Senior High School
1891 1941
Golden Anniversary Staffordonian
Published By the Alumni Association Stafford High School - Stafford, Kansas
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014
https://archive.org/details/goldenanniversar00staf
DEDICATION
To all of those who have graduated from the Stafford High School into the larger School of Life, this Golden Anniversary edition of the Staffordonian is lovingly dedicated.
FOREWORD
It has been said that the last fifty years have seen more advance- ment and more changes made in all the things affecting our way of life, than the two thousand years before that. If this be true in the realm of science and engineering and such related subjects of invention and research, then it is doubly true of our schools. Fifty years ago we were a pioneer community living on the edge of what was then called the Great American Desert. Today we can be proud of what we have wrought, and our schools are second to none in size or excellence. It is of this advancement and change we would speak in this little book, particularly such changes as affect our alumni under whose sponsor- ship it has been prepared. And we who have worked on it, hope that to each of you who read it, it will bring something of interest or amuse- ment. And may it serve to make us more than ever an integral part of the STAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL.
GREETINGS
I wish to thank the Committee, and all who helped in any way to make this Staffordonian possible. The Alumni members, school authori- ties, and older residents of the community all have furnished valuable information.
We have tried to make the roll as complete and accurate as possible. It has been interesting to work on this history, and as we worked, mem- ories, both golden and sad, have lingered near.
This year, May 22, 1941, just fifty years to the day from the time the first class graduated, the Golden Anniversary Class of the Stafford High School goes forth to put new life and new ideals into the making of a better world in which to live.
Hail! to the Spirit of S. H. S.
H. S. Crawford, President of Stafford High School Alumni Association,
1891-1901 1919-1920 1940-1941
First Superintendent H. J. Bell, 1888-1890
Present Superintendent F. L. Irwin, 1926
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SCHOOL BOARD 1890-1891
President
W. F. Mershon
Secretary
E. S. Hadlock
Treasurer
A. E. Asher
1940-1941
President
F. W. Tretbar
Secretary
P. B. Ardrey
Treasurer
E. E. Boyd
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ALUMNI OFFICERS
1891-1901
President
Harvey Sherman Crawford
Vice-President
John W. Wallace
Secretary
Mattie Phillips
Treasurer
E. Guy Carey
1940-1941
President
Harvey Sherman Crawford, 1891
Vice-President
Harvey Fritzemeier, 1931
Secretary
Amy Russell Kelly, 1913
Treasurer
P. B. Ardrey, 1913
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The original brick school building built in 1887.
In the background can be seen one end of the frame structure which was the first school building erected in Stafford.
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"WE BLAZED THE TRAIL" CLASS OF 1891
The first class to graduate from the Stafford High School graduated in 1891, and was composed of the following members: Geneva Hawley, Mattie Phillips, Anthony Scarlett, Lewis Bradley Hillis, John W. Wal- lace, E. Guy Carey, George Lee Seeley, and Harvey Sherman Crawford.
Prof. C. H. Woodward was the principal at that time, and the school board was Wm. F. Mershon, director, E. S. Hadlock, clerk, and A. E. Asher, treasurer.
The class motto was, "Labor the Secret of Success," and the class colors, lavender and pink. The following program was delivered in the old Methodist church the evening of May 22, 1891, to a crowded house:
Piano Solo, Fra Diavolo (Roeder) Mrs. H. D. McQuade
Invocation Rev. E. P. Nold
Chorus "Hail, All Hail"
Oration and Salutatory, "Well Directed Energies" John W. Wallace
Oration, "A Man's a Man For a' That" Anthony Scarlett
Piano Solo, "Fourth Sonata" (Kohlman) Miss Edna Beals Oration, "Heroism" Mattie Phillips
Quartette, "Beautiful Moonlight"
Messrs. McMurdy, Tyrel, Young, Rippey
Oration, "Labor, the Only True Nobility"
H. S. Crawford
Oration, "Hitch Your Wagon to a Star" Geneva Hawley
Chorus ."Victory Crowns the Day"
Oration, "Power of Failure" Lewis B. Hillis
Oration and Valedictory, "Not Finished But Begun" G. L. Seeley Duet, "Gallop Brilliante" (Spohnoltz) .. Mesdames McQuade and Larabee Presentation of Diplomas Supt. C. H. Woodward
After the program the class members were royally entertained at the home of Prof. Woodward, on North Park avenue, and at this time the "STAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI" was organized, the fol- lowing officers being duly elected:
Harvey Sherman Crawford, president
John Wallace, vice-president Mattie Phillips, secretary
E. Guy Carey, treasurer
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Class of 1891
Top row, left to right: Anthony Scarlett, John W. Wallace, Harvey S. Crawford, George L. Seeley.
Bottom row: E. Guy Carey, Mattie Phillips, Prof. C. H. Woodward, Geneva Hawley, Lewis B. Hillis.
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HISTORY OF STAFFORD SCHOOLS
On May 22, 1891, Stafford High School graduated its first class. Immediately afterward they met at the home of the superintendent, Mr. C. H. Woodward, for a banquet and for the organization of an alumni association. The eight people who were graduated at that time became charter members of the organization that will welcome to its roll the young people who will graduate just fifty years later, on May 22, 1941.
School history, in the city of Stafford, goes back of that graduation date, several years. and shows, from the start, the process of growth and development that characterizes our schools today. The first school was a summer term. taught by a French-Canadian, Jim DeGolly, in the summer of 1878. School sessions were held in a sod house which stood approximately where the city light office now stands, with twelve pupils in attendance. Short terms were held after this in various avail- able buildings and under different teachers. In 1880, a one room frame building was built on the block where the present high school building stands, with W. W. Parks as teacher. It had the usual bell tower and was enlarged by the addition of a second room in 1882, with two teach- ers engaged-J. N. Salmon as principal and instructor for the upper grades, and Miss Mattie Cox. teacher of the lower grades. In 1887, a two story, four room brick building was erected just north of the old two room frame building. This modern building boasted not only the customary bell tower, but a basement and furnace. This was enlarged by the addition of another similar wing in 1901, also containing two stories and four rooms. with cloak rooms and large entrance hall, making an eight room school house.
In 1888, H. J. Bell, who was then serving his second year as prin- cipal, organized the first high school, a three year course from which the class of eight, mentioned previously, graduated in 1891. In the spring of 1890, Mr. Bell left Stafford and Mr. C. H. Woodward gradu- ated the class.
For several years afterward there was no high school graduation, though high school subjects were taught when desired. During this time S. P. Nold was principal one year, 1891-1892, C. L. Hillis one year, 1892-1893, S. T. Bell one year, 1893-1894, Marion A. Draper one year, 1894-1895.
In the autumn of 1895, Edward O'Connor became superintendent and a high school course was again made a part of the course of study. Again it; was a three year course. But serious illness prevented Mr. O'Connor from finishing his third year in the school and his successor, J. M. Colburn, who came early in 1898, probably in January, com- pleted that year and saw Mr. O'Connor's class graduated. Mr. Colburn also headed the school for the next two years of 1898-1899 and 1899- 1900. In each of these years there was a small class graduated.
In 1900, F. T. Reynold came for two years. T. O. Ramsey was superintendent for one year. 1902-1903, and Arthur L. Stickel came in 1903 for four years of work with and in our schools.
It was during the time Mr. Stickel was here that our town and school began to grow. In 1906, a four year high school course was of- fered for the first time. The first class to graduate from the four year school was a class of two, Irl Tubbs and Cleora Roby, in 1908.
The high school faculty reached the unheard of number of five teachers, including a teacher of expression who was not a full time teach- er. Also a commercial course was offered the year of 1907-1908 for the first time. The school at that time had an athletic association, a Literary society, an orchestra or band. girls' and boys' glee clubs, and they pub- lished an annual, the first "Staffordonian."
In 1906-1907 Stafford began sending representatives to the Arkan- sas Valley Inter-Scholastic Track Meet. Some of the first meets were held in Wichita, though later ones were held in Hutchinson. In 1908,
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STAFFORD'S FIRST BRICK SCHOOL BUILDING
Built in 1887 on the present high school grounds, this structure was added to and enlarged and later served as the grade school, when the high school was on the "east side."
ONCE THE HIGH SCHOOL; JUNIOR HIGH TODAY
This building, which has been altered and modernized to accommo- date today's Junior High School, was built in 1908, and in 1909 became the High School. It was used as such until the present High School building was erected.
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Irl Tubbs took first in the mile run for class B. Irwin Stickel won first in oratory and Earl Brownlee won first in reading in their classes. Other second and third prizes were taken in this and preceding years as well as in the following years. Our trophy cases show any number of prizes taken at the old "Ark. Valley" meets in all sorts of track and scholastic events.
The first basketball team was organized in 1908 and played two games with Partridge, losing one and tied one. The basketball team was composed of Irl Tubbs, Earl Bownlee, Chester Magill, Ben Charles, George Fee. Clarence Wesley and Cyril Horn were substitutes.
In 1908, the Commercial Club gave a banquet for the track team at the Brinkman. That custom, followed for several years, has developed into the Football Banquet sponsored each year by the Chamber of Commerce, one of the biggest things the town does for the school.
In 1907, Stafford qualified under the then new Barnes High School law, for state help for our school. Under this law, certain standards are to be maintained, and tuition is to be free to any one living in the county. The state, in turn, gives an appropriation, to help care for the extra expense, this coming from a small tax levied on the entire county.
In 1908, E. C. Kittell came as superintendent and the new "East Side" school building was built. The first year this building was used for a part of the grades, giving more room for the high school in the old house. In the summer of 1909, a north wing was added to the new school building, containing a large assembly room on the second floor and two class rooms on the first floor. In the basement were shower and dressing rooms. This building contained, beside the assembly room, six class rooms and an office, which was used for recitations as well. In the fall of 1909, this became the high school building with the eight grades occupying the eight rooms of the old school house.
In 1910 the Hi-Y was organized, though at that time it was called a high school Y. M. C. A. There were forty-two charter members who elected the following as officers:
President
Rex Lear
Secretary Clarence Peacock
Treasurer
Ben Wilkinson
Membership Chairman Earl Brownlee
Social Chairman
George Fee
Program Chairman
Roy Russell
Finance Chairman Ben Wilkinson
Faculty Advisor E. C. Kittell
In the fall of 1911, the G. R. or Y. W. C. A., as it was called then, was organized with officers as follows:
President
Esther Hillabold
Vice-President Marie Peacock
Secretary Ruth Hagenmaster
Treasurer Leota Jones
Devotional Chairman Oma Karns
Social Chairman
Margaret Akers
Membership Chairman Marie Peacock
Finance Chairman
Leota Jones
Faculty Advisor Miss Nellie M. Congdon
Though there had been a group of musicians playing together for a number of years, it was in 1910 that Clarence Peacock first organized a school orchestra. Early pictures of this organization show many who are still living in or near Stafford. And this orchestra, organized and directed by one who was himself only a school boy, has been one of the most attractive advertisements our town and school have had, for over thirty years.
In 1911, Domestic Science and Agriculture, as it was then called, were first introduced into our school, and manual training added in
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1914. Two basement rooms in the south part of the building were equip- ped to care for these very practical subjects, and the classes were crowded.
In the spring of 1913 the first inter-school debate was held. The English teacher, Miss Clara Tripplett, coached two teams: an affirma- tive team, composed of three girls, Esther Hillabold, Amy Russell, Mary Steele; and the negative team of three boys, Plumb Ardrey, Otis Zenor, and Harry Jolly. The debate was with Kingman, they sending their negative team here, and we sending our negative team there. The de- bates were held simultaneously, and results were 'phoned to the home school. Both negative teams won. Quite a small beginning for what our forensics has become!
Shortly after the close of school in 1913 the high school building was struck by lightning and badly damaged. The repairs necessitated by this were so extensive that several new features were included and the building was brought more completely up to date and made usable for several years longer.
In 1913, Gordon Bailey, who had been high school principal for several years, was elected superintendent and served for four years. During this time there seems to have been no radical changes in courses or methods, but all old courses were enlarged and adapted and the school continued to grow until a new building was again a necessity, to house the pupils and equipment needed for successfully conducting such a large and modern school plant. And so the old eight room brick build- ing, that had replaced the original frame structure, was torn down to make way in turn for a very up-to-the-minute new high school. The building was not completed until some time during the school year of 1916-1917, the move from one building to the other being made at mid- year. The class of 1917 was the first to graduate from the new building.
Courses had been and were being added and more teachers secured to care for the increasingly larger enrollment. The new building was also of brick, two stories above a semi-basement, and class rooms, lockers, laboratories, assembly room, library, office space, music room and gymnasium were all incorporated in a building thought, with its seventeen rooms, to be adequate for a number of years.
In the fall of 1917, M. G. Cleary became our Superintendent and remained until the close of school in the spring of 1926. During his term of office many improvements were made in the school system.
The year of 1919-1920 was the beginning of the Alpha Club. Its members must have grades of two A's and nothing less than B. The purpose is to encourage high scholarship and show honor to ability and industry. The number belonging to the Alpha Club varies, but every- one has a chance to become a member.
In November, 1923, Stafford High School became affiliated with the National Honor Society. Any student, to receive this honor, must be in the upper one-fourth of his class in scholarship, and be chosen for scholarship, character, leadership and service. To be elected to this society is the highest honor the school can give a student. Up until this year of 1941, there have been one hundred thirteen pupils so honored.
In the year of 1920, the Women's Clubs of Stafford began what has become an annual affair. Each fall, shortly after the opening of school, each girl not previously enrolled in Stafford High or Junior High schools, is given a New Testament. Each club sends a representative to meet with the girls and women teachers and quite a ceremony is made, of the presentation.
In 1936, the North Star Community Club began giving Testaments to the boys and has so far, carried on this custom alone.
In 1926, Frank L. Irwin came as superintendent of schools and has been here continuously since that time. During the years since he came the growth of the schools has continued and changes have been made to keep pace with the growth. In 1937, the buildings again became so
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crowded. an expansion was necessary. For some years we had been having what was as nearly as possible a Junior High School. The seventh and eighth grades were given departmental instruction, but due to the lack of room they were forced to remain in the grade school building and the ninth grade in the high school. So bonds were voted for quite extensive changes. A new grade school was built, to be known as Central School. This is built along the latest lines and thoroughly equipped for teaching the first six grades, a kindergarten and a special room, for those children needing special help in one or more studies. It also has a well equipped play ground back of the building and safely away from the street.
The old East Side building was again remodeled and became a mod- ern Junior High School building, with the improvements inside the building equalling those on the outside. Here the seventh, eighth and ninth grades are taught in a group much more consistent with their re- quirements.
At the Senior High School the gymnasium was enlarged and made to do double duty as an auditorium for large school affairs. A stage in one end with dressing rooms, outside entrances, and storage facilities for properties makes it ideal for all school and community plays or en- tertainments. The music rooms are also housed here, far enough away from class rooms as to allow lessons and practise to be conducted at any time without interfering with other classes. The old auditorium was made smaller and is used for G. R. and Hi-Y meetings where a smaller room is adequate. Either of the auditoriums is available for community use by the payment of a small charge.
In 1939, the Federated Women's Clubs of the county sponsored what is known as a "citizenship pilgrimage." Each high school in the county chooses the most outstanding member of the sophomore class and one of these is chosen for a trip to Topeka, with all expenses paid. The first year Stafford's representative, James Priess. won in our county and made the pilgrimage. Roy Dunn was elected the following year and Nathalee Knoche this year. The purpose of the contest, which is state- wide, each county being entitled to one "Pilgrim" if they care to pay the expense, is to teach ideas of good citizenship and let the young people become acquainted with the State Capital and its buildings, and all that it represents.
This year also the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship pilgrimage contest to Washington, D. C., was held here for the first time with Patricia Reiter being chosen from this school, as the girl most representative of the Senior girls. The idea is to promote good citizenship. A drawing is held at Topeka which determines which Senior girl chosen will represent Kansas on the trip. All expenses are paid by the organization sponsoring the trip.
But the end of our growth is not even in sight. A number of years ago when the Vocational Agriculture course was first offered here, a small frame building was erected on the northwest corner of the high school grounds. This housed the shop, laboratory and storage facilities for the young farmers. But they, too, have outgrown their quarters. Bonds have been voted for a new, up to date building. It will be of brick, to correspond with the main building.
In 1907-1908, the school boasted of three courses. They were a Commercial course, College Preparatory, or Classical course, and an English course.
The courses today are almost unlimited. One may major in almost any subject he chooses in the regular electives offered, or choose one of the specialized courses, such as the Business course, Vocational Ag- riculture, or Home Economics. Free music instruction is offered both during the school year and during the summer. The music instructor has a regularly scheduled series of classes for two months of the summer
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vacation and these are open to any pupil of the schools having an instru- ment. The school also owns a number of instruments which the pupils may use.
Athletics has always had a prominent place in the schools of Staf- ford. Thirty-three years ago the prophecy was made in the "Stafford- onian '08" that since athletics had made such progress in its short life that it would forever hold a place in the life of the high school. Today we see this prophecy is being fulfilled, and this is as it should be. There is nothing that gives the individual more poise, grace and self-confidence than a well developed physical body, with trained muscles, controlled nerves and the entire being alert and ready to respond instantly to any reaction.
A few years ago those who engaged in athletics were those who needed it least. Today in Stafford High School, physical training is available to everyone, both boys and girls.
Stafford High School has developed some outstanding athletes.
The greatest progress has been made in the equipment, instruction and finances. Today our teams go on the field in uniforms, well coached and with competent officials secured. Our gymnasium is well equipped. One of the outstanding athletic exhibitions of the past year was given by the gym classes in tumbling and pyramid building. Our school man- agement has endeavored to secure an athletic director, not only of high ability as an instructor but of high moral character.
All will rejoice with us that athletics in Stafford High School is given its rightful place in respect to other school activities.
Neither time nor space will permit mentioning all the advantages offered the youth of today along the lines of practical and cultural edu- cation. And the two, the practical and cultural, are very nicely balanced. And so, in conclusion, we will say,
"ON, STAFFORD, ON!"
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ODDS AND ENDS
Isn't it odd that the first class graduated May 22, 1891, and that the Fiftieth Anniversary Class graduates May 22, 1941?
The smallest class was in 1902 with only one pupil.
The largest class was in 1940 with seventy pupils graduating.
H. S. Crawford attended the first school held in the sod school house in 1878. It was his first term.
J. E. Guyer is the only instructor left who was teaching in the Stafford schools in 1891.
Mrs. J. E. Guyer, a recent bride at that time, baked one of the cakes for the first Alumni Banquet and she and Mr. Guyer attended same.
Irl Tubbs and Cleora Roby were the first graduates of the four year course.
The present school song was composed by Adabelle Bonner in 1933. The Trojan was chosen as our school insignia in 1936.
Our school paper has changed its name three times-Staffi, Staf- ford Ace, Trojan.
Up to the Class of 1941 we have graduated over 1300 pupils.
Red and white have always been our school colors.
We have one family all of whose members have graduated from Stafford High-Will Brown, 1901, Mae Littlefield Brown, 1901, and their three children, Frederick 1925, Wilma (Mrs. Claude Brock) 1927, and Fannie (Mrs. Robert Richardson) 1928.
Three Generations Graduate
1. H. S. Crawford 1891
Lois Harvena Crawford (Mrs. A. L. Reiter) 1920
Lois Patricia Reiter 1941
2. H. S. Crawford 1891
Edith Carey Crawford (Mrs. Marshall Garey) 1921
John Sherman Garey 1939
In 1940, the Lions Club of Stafford first awarded a trophy to the most outstanding student of the graduating class, Donice Louise Schwein receiving the award.
The 1913 Class first introduced the caps and gowns to the Stafford public at the time of their graduation.
There have been fifty-five graduates whose parents have one or both been graduates of the Stafford High School.
One of the unusual features of this year's class is that there are more boys graduating than girls.
When you see the name of Carolyn Coggins signed to articles in national magazines and metropolitan papers, remember it is Alta Simpson of the Class of 1921.
Two of the members of the Class of 1914 consecrated their lives to missionary work. Esther Russell served in Old Mexico, until her death, and Theressa Brownlee is still in active work at Lialkat City, Punjab District, India.
The Class of 1925 also has a representative in the field, Mary Alice Smiley, who is located in the war zone in Shanghai, China.
The Class of 1927 has Mary Stevenson as a missionary in Cairo, Egypt.
John Taylor of Rourke, India, graduated with the Class of 1933 in Stafford, and has returned to mission work in India.
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