Glassport, Pennsylvania 

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The Crystal Ball 1921

The following material was extracted from the Glassport High School Yearbook of 1921, "The Crystal Ball"

John S. HART, A. B.

Board of Education

A peculiarly difficult task confronts me. I am called upon to write the history of the class of '21. How can I record what we all feel but can scarcely put into words, the memories now grown a little vague of incidents and affairs trivial in themselves, yet together forming all that remains to us of our High School years? How can I transmit to cold black and white the magic of the gossamer web of association that surrounds each little happening? It is impossible to do this, of course. You, dear reader, must color the words I set down with your own understanding. If you have ever attended High School, your recollections will help to interpret ours; but even if you have not, you have been young, and your experiences have been brightened merely by the glow of being young, as ours have been. Therefore, read these records sympathetically.

Our memories of High School life begin with the Freshman Initiation. We went with terrible forebodings which had been heightened daily by the sight of knots of upper classmen whispering darkly together in corners. In reality, nothing very awe-inspiring happened to us, however. The girls of '21 recall that the little dog they were forced to kiss was much more frightened than were they, while the juvenile beauty of the boys, though considerably damaged for the time, recovered its pristine glory when all the flour and water had been removed from their hair and faces. After we had performed for the benefit of the upper classmen, we had a really enjoyable evening.

The year that began with an outburst of blithe fun, swiftly became one of hard work. When we entered High School the World War was at its height. Beside our school work, every one of us engaged in some form of patriotic activity with such success as to make a record in which we take just pride. Under the direction of our Principal, Professor Boggs we achieved an enviable reputation which we have added to every year.

I must not close the records of our Freshman year without mentioning the athletics. Several members of our class were on the Varsity football team of 1917. That year G. H. S. won its usual single victory, lonely amid many defeats. The mention of this unsuccessful season, the last of several of its kind, would be bitter, were it not for the glorious record of the next years, which has almost blotted out the old humiliation.

When we left school in the spring of 1918, we little guessed what changed conditions we would find on our return as Sophomores. An almost entirely new faculty greeted us. Miss Robertson was the only teacher of the previous year who had returned. Mr. Jenkins headed the new teaching corps, which, though it has changed every year, has never contained a member who has not been helpful to us. Another new arrangement had been made also, in this ease in the line of athletics. Barney Morrow and George Reed had been secured to coach our football team. Of them and of their work, I shall say nothing here. The records of our football seasons speak for themselves. In the 1918 season the two coaches had a good football machine ready, and everything pointed to a satisfactory season when the influenza epidemic broke out. Football hopes for that year were swept away when the schools were closed for six weeks in October and November. Only three games were played, but of these two were won. Most of the boys of the class of '21 belonged to the 1918 team which foreshadowed the wonderful organization of the next two seasons.

In spite of the doubtful omens at its beginning our Sophomore year proceeded well but uneventfully. Except for the revival of our defunct literary societies, not a single event of importance happened during the winter. However, I shall mention, for the sake of the pleasant memories it awakes, the dramatization of "The Lady of the Lake," which the class rehearsed in the spring of 1919. The play was withdrawn, owing to the fact that, being home made, it lacked dramatic qualities. But at many a rehearsal the cast was privileged to witness thrilling sword duels, gory with red chalk.

The crowning event of our Sophomore year was the May Field Meet. The class of '21 took all but two events of this contest and the triumph we felt at being champions so early in our High School career may be imagined. After such success, we were eager for our Junior Year to come, bringing with it the duties and responsibilities which would make us a real power in G. H. S.

There is a time in the history of every class when it begins to take on definite character, when the traits of each of its members blend and combine to form an organic whole. Then the class begins to accomplish things. In the case of the class of '21, this point came in the Junior Year. At that time, the roster of members had practically reached its final form, and each one of us had begun to take the place best fitted for him in class councils and activities. At the beginning of the year we organized, electing Ralph Dudley President, Harriet Hart Vice President, Mabel Whirl Secretary, and Joseph Belusar Treasurer. Yet, as a class, we did not seem to be accomplishing a great deal. Except for a number of class parties, nothing tangible was done. But we were really learning valuable lessons in working together and were constantly planning for our Senior Year.

We took a large part in the activities of the school as a whole, however, prominently so in the Athletic Association organized to back the champion football team of 1919, and in the banquet held in honor of the team. The team owed much of its success to players recruited from the class of '21. This superb aggregation won every game but one, and was champion of the teams of its weight in the Monongahela Valley. Of its history, I need say nothing more. Glassport is too proud of its achievements, not to have them well in mind.

Our Senior year began, as had the year before, in a blaze of athletic glory. The football team of 1920, while it did not make quite so dazzling a record as its predecessor, yet put forth a highly satisfactory performance. It played much stronger and heavier teams than did the 1919 team; some of them were entirely out of its class. In almost every case, the odds in weight were in favor of the opposing team, yet always, the Red and Black fought to the end, even when they knew that the issue was hopelessly against them. We are more proud of the true sportsmanship shown by this than of the record of the team, excellent as it is. Not in the victory but in the struggle lies the honor.

It takes money to keep up a football team. The School Board furnished most of what was necessary in the 1919 season, but in 1920, G. H. S. decided to put forth its best efforts toward self-support of its team. Accordingly the Elson Art Exhibit, with two entertainments, were given in Second Ward School for the benefit of the Athletic Association. The Senior Class undertook its first responsibilities when Mr. Jenkins distributed among its members a large part of the work of the affair. It was successful, increasing the funds of the Association so that there were no more financial worries for the season, though many expenses had to be met, the greatest of which were the cost of the football banquet and the purses given the coaches.

The football season was a busy time for a great many of the class. Nevertheless, time was taken to reorganize. The following were the officers chosen: President, Joseph Bubak; Vice President, Joseph Belusar; Secretary and Treasurer, Thelma Snyder. Mr. Jenkins was selected as Faculty Advisor.

For a long time the desire had been increasing to leave some worthwhile legacy to G. H. S., when we should be gone forever. After due consideration we decided that a Year Book was most suited to our purpose. We realized fully the size of our undertaking in publishing such a volume, but we felt that G. H. S. needed it. All year our best thoughts and plans and labors have been given to the book that lies before you. Even the play that you received with such favor was only a means to the end. Now the "Crystal Ball" is finished, and our Senior Year is ended.

We have accomplished much, though by no means all we had planned. But "Not failure, but low aim is crime." That we have been able to do what we have, we lay not so much to our own efforts as to the times and conditions under which we have passed our years in G. H. S. We have only used to the best of our ability, the opportunities given us. Four years ago, or even two, what we have done would have been impossible. But Glassport's attitude toward its High School has changed, and the class of '21 has gone through the transition period. When we entered G. H. S. it was still struggling for existence and popular sentiment was indifferent or actually unfriendly. We leave it a power in the town, backed by hundreds of loyal friends. An even better time is coming. With infinite regret that it can have no part in the bright future of its Alma Mater, the Class of '21 adds the last sad word to its story.

Junior Class of 1921

Junior Class Officers

Class Roll

The class of '22 has been so far singularly fortunate in its march to knowledge. We have had the same principal since our entrance into high school, which, of course, has been a great help to us.

We entered High School as verdant Freshmen whom the upper classmen regarded with disdain. We took this with good grace, knowing that in time we should grow in knowledge and while doing so should grow in our own estimation. During our Freshman year several of us suffered from "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." Algebra and Latin proved to be insurmountable barriers for a number of our members, while a few others sailed on with flying colors.

Several social affairs were held during that year and the Freshman boys earned the reputation of having to be watched when ice cream and cake were concerned. Taken from a Freshman viewpoint our first year in High School was a complete success.

As Sophomores we carne back with a better opinion of ourselves than before. Why shouldn't we"! We had the Freshmen to look down upon. We held our heads higher and no longer took any open rebuke from the upper classmen. If the faculty of that year could be consulted, it would be found that the Sophomore Class did very commendable work. It was during this year that our wonderful football machine did its memorable work, making us the champions of the Valley. Only one game was lost. We are proud to say that the class of '22 had several representatives on that team. In the course of the year the High School had a goodly number of social affairs at which the Sophomores were well represented in both boys and girls. The Sophomore boys were still rather barbarous and the ice cream and cake still had to be carefully guarded. To increase our knowledge during that year we had Domestic Science and Manual Training. The girls derived much benefit from the course in Domestic Science. As for the boys they spent much of their time walking between Third and First Wards with orders to explain their conduct to the professor. During our Sophomore year we had little to complain of. But there did come a day when all our English themes were minus quantities. With truly Sophomoric carelessness we had neglected the instructions to keep them. With many mutterings and murmurings we did them again to the satisfaction of our English teacher. The same can be said of our Sophomore year, that was said of our Freshman year, namely, that it was a successful one.

There have been few social affairs during our Junior year. Committees have come and committees have gone, but still we have had no social meetings of the High School as a whole. The Juniors, on their part, had a marshmallow-weiner roast. The class got on the outside of five pounds of marshmallows and as many wieners. We shall remember this event for a long time to come. At the beginning of our Junior Year we organized our class. We elected a president and other officers. This was in preparation for the day when we should take up our duties as Seniors. Now at the end of our junior year we look forward to the time when the Seniors shall take their departure, leaving to us the honor of being the Senior Class. On our part we know that we shall fill this position with dignity.

Let me end by wishing success to the class of '22. May it carry on and become the biggest and best Senior Class in the history of G. H. S.

-GEORGE S. HART, '22.

Sophomore Class of 1921

Sophomore Class Officers

Class Roll

On September 7, 1919, a crowd of very green Freshies, thirty-nine in all, were found scattered in the fog between Glassport and Otto. At last we were all assembled in front of the Little Red School House. The upper classmen gave advice to us very freely that morning, forgetting for the moment that they were once Freshmen. We, being the largest class that had ever entered G. H. S., were a source of much interest to the other students.

Two weeks after our advent into high school, we were initiated. Though we were frightened thoroughly, we had a very nice time. At least, no one was hurt.

Throughout the year we were invited to many social affairs held by the upper classmen. The second ward school building was given us for many informal gatherings in which we always endeavored to show the upper classmen as good times as they showed us.

By the end of the first semester, five of the class had dropped out. But in spite of the loss of our friends, we began the second semester's work with a vim. Class festivities were resumed and the year was brought to a happy close.

At the beginning of our sophomore year, we treated the incoming freshmen as we had been treated the previous year. Social events this year have been few and far between. In October, the class organized, electing John Hodgson, president, and Amelia Benner, vice president, and Robert Shaw, secretary-treasurer. Our class numbers twenty-seven at present.

In November, the boys of our class organized a football team and challenged the Juniors to a game at the Ninth Street grounds. Both sides played creditably and the final score was 6-6.

In April, a baseball team was organized. David Moscovitz was elected manager, and Robert Bubak, captain. In a game with the Junior boys, we beat them 17-8. The Freshmen boys then challenged the winners and came out a little worse than the Juniors. The game ended with the score 6-1 in favor of the Sophs.

The Juniors and Freshmen, unwilling to give the honors for the year to the Sophomores, picked a team from both classes, but even this game ended with the Sophomores victorious. The Sophomores are proud of their record.

ANNA DAVIS and AMELIA BENNER, '23

Senior Party

Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins and Priscilla Mae entertained the Senior Class at their home on February 18, 1921. Priscilla was the greatest attraction of the evening. Raymond Anater was acclaimed a lucky young man when he obtained a picture of Priscilla as a prize. Last but not least among the proceedings of the evening was the initiation of the members of the Senior Class into the "Ancient Order of the Siams." This was the most important event of the evening for the "Ancient Order of Siams" is a very distinguished Secret Society, including among its members most of the inhabitants of the civilized world.

Mrs. Jenkins served a most excellent supper of which every one partook with a gusto, even the shy little girls -- after the first strangeness of their positions of honor had worn off. This was one of those delightful little affairs of which we were sorry to see the end, and on which we will always look back as one of the sweetest memories of our High School days.

Junior-Senior Reception

The evening of May 20 is one that the Senior Class will never forget, for it is the evening when the Juniors entertained the Seniors with a delightful party. This, to the class of '21, was an evening which excelled all the social events of their school life. It certainly was a happy company with all the Seniors present, of course, and most of the Juniors. Later some of the members of the faculty joined us and a pleasant addition was our principal's wife, Mrs. Jenkins, and Miss Priscilla Mae Jenkins. Priscilla, although not very old, was beyond doubt the greatest attraction of the evening, especially for some of the boys whom she seems to have charmed. The chief diversions of the evening were music and games. Besides much merry chatter there was a great deal of competition between the piano and Victrola.

But I am sure the greatest feature was the bountiful and delightful luncheon, served by the Junior girls. All did justice to it, the boys especially enjoying the punch. At a late hour the guests separated, feeling that this evening would always be a pleasing memory.

Senior Weiner Roast

On the night of May 23, the Seniors and the Junior girls spent a very jolly evening at a weiner roast. The boys had selected a beautiful spot for the occasion with a good spring near at hand and several benches. The company at first feared rain, but after starting all forgot about it. Nearly all the Seniors were present and all the Junior girls, making a very lively crowd. While the boys built a perfectly wonderful fire the Senior girls squeezed lemonade and had quite a time guarding the weiners which had a habit of walking off. While we waited for the fire we sang songs and explored the whole place.

The girls declared that they simply adored out door life and intended to become gypsies. We, indeed, looked like a bunch of gypsies, sitting about the fire, roasting weiners and toasting marshmallows. After the feed we assembled on the other side of the little creek while Mr. Hughes and Mr. James Mort entertained us with ghost stories. When the fire was about out we started over the hill. Our journey home was the most exciting part of the evening.

The Freshman Initiation

The first important affair of the school year, the Freshman Initiation, was field at the school auditorium September 24. The honored guests, the Freshmen, were requested to come in costume, the girls with green hair ribbons and the boys in overalls. The Freshmen entertained the other members of the school by various tricks and comedy acts. After their program there was music and dancing. A delicious luncheon was served by the committee after which the party broke up.

Senior Halloween Party

On the night of October 29, 1920, the Seniors attended a meeting of the Spook delegation at the home of the High-Spookity-Spook, Miss Thelma Snyder. All who entered gave the password, "cabbages," and the meeting began.

Gloom prevailed everywhere. Even the witch was present with her cauldron. The meeting of disembodied spirits was somewhat disturbed by the entrance of Miss Lytle and the Senior boys, making two of the spooks rather talkative. They seemed inclined to answer questions with quotations from Shakespeare.

Another favorite chant was

When the earthly identity of every spook had been guessed, all gathered around the witch's cauldron and were given their fortunes. All gloom was driven away by these prophesies. The spooks disappeared and the witch left her cauldron.

The remainder of the evening was spent in music and games. The party was pretty lively in spite of the 35-0. The boys were much interested in a collection of guns and swords, and Arnold and Philip at once engaged in a duel. The convention closed with music by the great mouth organist, Job Ubak.

Senior New Year Party

On December 30, 1920, the Senior Class held a New Year Party at the home of Harriet Hart. Miss Marie Allen of Amsterdam, Ohio, was the honor guest. The house was appropriately decorated, even to mistletoe, most important of all. A feature of the evening was Ralph Dudley's sad but sweet proposal to Miss Allen. Both seemed to consider the occasion one for weeping. The game of Pit was one of the chief pastimes of the affair.

1920 Football Record

GLASSPORT VS. WEST NEWTON

Glassport High School opened their football season of 1920 by defeating West Newton on September 24. Although the visiting team was heavier than the Glassport eleven, their playing was inferior to Glassport's. With a 144 to 0 score to wipe out and with a team lighter than that of their opponents, it did not seem very hopeful to Glassport. The ball was in West Newton's territory throughout almost the whole game. Glassport scored their first touchdown when West Newton fumbled; the ball was picked up by a Glassport player, running down the field about 70 yards for a touchdown. The second touchdown was made by straight plays which made Glassport unstopable. Glassport made their last two touchdowns by picking up two fumbles, which were carried to the goal. Three goals were kicked successfully making the final score 27 to 0.

GLASSPORT VS. MCKEESPORT RESERVES

On October 1, 1920, Glassport defeated the McKeesport Reserves at Glassport by the score of 28 to 0. The Glassport line made wide holes on offense, showing good co-operation in the line, and also showed a defense that was hard to penetrate. All attempts to gain there were futile. The brilliant playing of the Glassport backfield showed good judgment, scoring four touchdowns. Each goal was kicked, making the final score 28 to 0.

GLASSPORT VS. SOUTH BROWNSVILLE

On October 8, 1920, South Brownsville came down to Glassport for a battle on the gridiron. The game was hard fought throughout causing great suspense among the spectators. Glassport scored two touchdowns before South Brownsville scored their first and only touchdown. South Brownsville kicked their goal successfully while Glassport failed in one of the two attempts. Although Glassport held South Brownsville for downs, a bad break would have meant defeat. But with an impregnable defense Glassport held South Brownsville, 13 to 7.

GLASSPORT VS. SEWICKLEY

October 22, 1920, Glassport High chose the Sewickley High Reserves as their next victims. The teams were evenly matched in weight, but the G. H. S. team proved their superiority by outplaying the opposing team. The cooperation of the line and the sweeping runs of the backfield overcame the Sewickley Reserves in fine style. The G. H. S. team was held only twice for downs by their opponents throughout the entire game. Six touchdowns were scored by the G. H. S., two of which were successfully kicked, totaling the score 38 to 0.

GLASSPORT VS. MCKEES ROCKS

October 29, 1920, the gallant Glassport team met an honorable defeat, the first of the season, at McKees Rocks. With a wet field, uneven slopes, bad treatment and a much heavier team to contend with, made a victory hopeless for Glassport High. At the beginning of the second half, Glassport played with a winning spirit, but the breaks of the game went to the opposing team. some of these due to their own referee and umpire. The game finally ended with a score of 27 to 0, favoring McKees Rooks.

GLASSPORT VS. CLAIRTON

November 5, 1920, Glassport High earned their first victory on their home grounds by defeating Clairton. The first quarter seemed to be a series of penalties against Glassport owing to the Clairton umpire. Glassport gained seven to eight yards on every play but was always brought back by a penalty. Glassport's defense seemed impregnable to the opposing team and forced them to kick on every fourth down. Both teams were held to a deadlock in the first half but beginning with the second half the Clairton team scored a touchdown on the kick off with an 80-yard run. This calamity was surprising but it brought the fighting spirit of the G. H. S. to its height and before the quarter ended the team rallied and scored a touchdown and kicked goal, thus getting the edge on the game with a score of 7 to 6. The game progressed into the last quarter with Glassport going down the field like a house on fire for another touchdown, when another calamity occurred over an unjust argument, and the Clairton team left the field, with only a few minutes to play, ending the game in favor of Glassport High.

GLASSPORT VS. ELIZABETH

On November 12, 1920, the Glassport high Football team was defeated for the second time in the season by Elizabeth High. Although Elizabeth got their touchdown fairly, they did not win the game by any means. It was Glassport's ball on their own one-yard line and fourth down, when the referee gave the ball to Elizabeth, claiming that it was fourth down. Glassport protested, but in vain. Thus the loss of one down meant the loss of a touchdown to Glassport. Although Glassport outplayed Elizabeth, the bad breaks and unfairness were too great odds to subdue, and the game ended with a score of 7 to 0 in favor of Elizabeth.

GLASSPORT VS. WEST NEWTON

On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1920, Glassport High played their last game with West Newton, at West Newton. Neither side could make first down, being forced to kick time and time again on the fourth down until the second quarter when Glassport by a series of successful plays succeeded in scoring a touchdown and kicked goal, giving them the advantage of the game.

In the second half West Newton rallied and through a series of line plunges and a few breaks they scored their first touchdown and tied the game until the last quarter with only a few minutes to play the West Newton team scored another touchdown and ended the game 13 to 7 in favor of West Newton.

CLIOS VS. PHILOS

A game between the two literary societies was staged after the football season ended. The Clios came out ahead by a narrow margin, 7 to 6, in a well played game.

The 1919 football season was the most successful season that Glassport High had seen up to this time. Before this the usual score had been a zero for Glassport and a large score for the opposing team.

Through the earnest work of Professor J. C. Jenkins, principal of the. G. H S., coaches for the team were secured, and the results certainly justified the move. With but four regulars back from the former year, the coaches drilled a small but fast team which came through the season with a record of seven victories, one defeat and one tie game.

A great deal of credit for the team's showing goes to Barney Morrow and "Sox" Reed, the coaches. Both these coaches worked hard with the team and introduced the Pitt style of playing which, by careful study and faithful practice, brought forth the desired results.

A banquet in honor of the team was held December 6th in the Third Ward School building. This was a very fine affair, first in the history of the Varsity team's history.

The results of the season of 1919

SEPTEMBER

7- School opens; two new teachers, Miss Kunkle and Miss McCurdy.

10- Organized Senior class; Joseph Bubak elected president, Mr. Jenkins faculty advisor.

24- Game of football, G. H. S. vs. West Newton; we won, 27-0. Initiated Freshmen.

OCTOBER

5- Decided to have Year Book, first in G. H. S.; Seniors all editors.

7- First debate of year, much excitement on part of Thelma and Arnold; wedding celebration at Big Joe's.

11- New French teacher, Miss Kelso; especially liked by the Senior boys.

16- Salvation Army Day; much to be remembered by high school girls

22- G. H. S. vs. Sewickley; our boys victorious, 38-0.

28- Another debate; Philip and Joseph,

29- G. H. S. vs. McKees Rocks; we lost, 35-0. Senior girls hold Halloween party.

NOVEMBER

5- G. H. S. vs, Clairton H S,; we won, 7-6 They certainly had ambition.

10-13- Art exhibit held by G. H. S. Athletic Association in Second Ward auditorium; bad influence on some; too much excitement.

12- G H. S. vs. Elizabeth H. S.; we lost.

23- Party at Marjorie Pfahl's home for Miss McCurdy who is leaving- By strange coincidence, a party was held at Ralph Dudley's home on same night.

25- G. H. S. vs. West Newton; score 13-7, in their favor.

29- New Math teacher, Mr Hughes, arrives,

30- Harriet spills HNO3 on lab floor; to remedy the evil, she poured NH4OH on the acid and the floor smoked.

DECEMBER

6- Seniors knew their entire Virgil lesson.

23- Beginning of Xmas holidays.

30- Held a Watch Night party at Harriet Hart's home; Ralph shed tears at the party; we wonder why.

JANUARY

1- New Year's Day.

3- Came back to school.

22- Semester exams.

FEBRUARY

8- Made chlorine Las in lab; NH40H in constant use; fear of ammonia (pneumonia). Kip's sister married; Senior boys celebrate. Explosion in lab; made phosphine; what a smell. Mr. Jenkins called phone; Priscilla Mae has a tooth. Gave contract for engravings for Crystal Ball

9- Chlorine again made; l'odeur came through the radiator,

11- Lincoln Day celebrated on Friday.

18- Mr., Mrs., and Priscilla Jenkins entertained Seniors at their home. Philip, Thelma and Mabel joined the Siams.

19- Senior boys blossomed out in their new ties bearing letters S. S. S,

21- The first hard snow storm of season; plenty of snow clots filled the air; we all became somewhat damp,

22- Very stormy meeting of Senior class, it lasted exactly 1 hour and 20 minutes and 15 seconds. At the end of that time, we were all in.

23- Something almost happened; the air register almost fell down and put some poor Freshie out of existence.

24- Meeting of Clios

25-Meeting of Philo program committee. Clios hold first program of year. French II test; marks range from 50 to 95.

28- Miss Robertson declines her election to become a member to the Siams. Select name for Year Book. Mr. Jenkins gives out cast of characters for Prof. Pepp. Measured for caps and gowns.

MARCH

1- March came in like a lamb.

2- Thelma riled; studied composition of soap in chemistry.

3- Read one-act play.

4- Finished reading play; it is a scream; newspaper account of the murder of King Duncan; very real.

7- Meeting of Clios.

8- Test on Shakespeare and Macbeth.

10- Practiced play.

11- Philo Literary; Seniors had pictures taken for Year Book.

14- Got proofs of pictures; they tell no lies.

15- Practiced play.

16- Oral discourse.

18- Arnold cleans windows; he would make a good husband.

19- Teacher's Institute; another model boy, Edmund, cleans porch.

21- At last the Seniors decide upon invitations; some time.

23-Beginning of Easter vacation

29-School begins again; Mr. Jenkins not at school, down with grippe.

31-James Mort nearly loses his sight.

APRIL

1- All Fool's day; no chemistry.

4- Two Senior girls nearly arrested; Thelma, the innocent one, as usual. Miss Bailey visits school.

5- Mr. Jenkins at school, first time since his illness, compliments school on its singing.

7- Another wedding; Cupid is doing a land office business among the sisters of Senior boys.

14- Meeting of Clios.

17- Bumski plastered all over town; curiosity aroused.

18- Got tickets for play from printers.

20- Senior boys fix stage for play.

21-Dress rehearsal of play

22-Great day; our play, Prof. Pepp, a grand success.

28-Second performance of Prof. Pepp.

MAY

2- Mr. Jenkins tells Senior class that they are not working; very true but a hint would have been more polite.

6- Prof. Pepp goes to Dravosburg; big success,

16- Circus Day.

16-18- Senior exams.

17-Crystal Ball goes to press

20- Junior-Senior reception.

24- Senior weiner roast.

26- Final exams begin.

30- Memorial Day; no school.

31- Class Night.

JUNE

1- Commencement.

2- Last day of school

3- School picnic at Olympia Park.

Alumni Register

1908

1909

1910

1911

1912

No class on account of change to four-year course,

1913

1914

1915

1916

1917

1918

1919

1920

Following completed two-year Commercial Course

1916

1920

A large and appreciative audience greeted the Senior Dramatic Club on the night of April 21 when they presented their play Prof. Pepp. The audience was most generous in its appreciation and the hearty applause so freely given encouraged the players. It was, in a large measure, responsible for the successful performance.

Prof. Pepp is a mystery play dealing with college life. The curiosity of the people of Glassport was roused to a high pitch a few days before the play was given by the mysterious word Bumski which was painted in glaring letters over the town. It mystified some, aroused mere curiosity in others and terrified a few who thought it a warning of the coming of the Bolsheviki hordes en masse upon the peaceful town of Glassport, sleeping so quietly on the banks of the Monongahela.

Philip Faix displayed an acting ability, hitherto unsuspected by his friends. He enacted the part of Prof. Pepp, a college professor who had returned from a trip to Russia completely unnerved by a strange experience there and upon whom the word Bumski had a most terrifying effect.

Anna Davis played the role of Petunia, the maid, with striking effect. Her adaptation to this important part gave the audience many hearty laughs She was well supported by Victor Ercole, as Sim Batty, the town constable. Simmy was a swaggering, boastful policeman, who was never visible whenever trouble arose. He delighted the kiddies most of all, by his acting.

Ralph Dudley played the part of C. B. Buttonbuster, a gay young college lad of forty-eight, who developed a case of love sickness every time he saw a pretty girl. "Shorty" had a role that entirely suited him and no one can dispute the fact that he did it well.

As Betty, the professor's niece, Thelma Snyder was exceptionally good. Her daintiness and pleasing way delighted the audience. Words cannot describe the thrill of excitement when she rushed into Howard's outstretched arms.

Joseph Bubak, as Howard, was the young man who was smitten with love for Betty and his time was entirely consumed with plans for winning her.

The role of Aunt Minerva, destroyer of Betty's peace and terror of Buttonbuster's life, was taken by Mabel Whirl. She brought out perfectly the, character of the arch enemy of all men who, however, was perfectly willing to marry one of those despicable creature.

Olga Stopski, played by Harriet Hart, possessed the secret of Pepp's great fear of bombs and Bumski. She did her part very well.

The other members of the cast are to be commended on the way in which they played their parts; also the chorus of students and co-eds come in for their share of praise.

Page last updated April 29, 2001