History of the Class of 'Nineteen

The great war had been raging for one year, when we started on our career as the largest Freshman Class in the history of Sharon High. After being enrolled, we proceeded to our class room. The teachers stood at the doors giving us a smiling Welcome. Little was done that day except getting acquainted with our new home. 

The next day our real work began. Professor Canon had us under his care for English History and Physical Geography. Then came Miss Welch, who taught us English. Miss [Augusta] Gibbons presided in Latin and German, while Miss [Ella] Boyce exposed us to Mathematics; a few of our number “took” it. 

We soon showed our ability to get our studies and, although genius are rare in high school, we surely surprised our teachers. 

We not only made good in our studies, but also in athletics, the girls having three players on the basket ball team. Many class teams were started during our first year. 

As the days rolled by we began to like our new studies and experiences. We grew to know each other and many “cases” sprang up between the boys and girls of our class. The rest of the year passed uneventfully, with the exception of a few raids on us by the upper classmen. At the end of the school year we held a picnic at Buhl Park and a fine time was experienced by all. When the time for the banquet came around, we had the honor of being the first Freshman Class to be at the Senior reception. This closed the memorable year. 

The second course of our race was undertaken with our numbers greatly decreased but the rest still working hard toward our goal. We felt a little strange over in the “big” building, but, after a little while our shyness wore off and once more we were at home. 

During this year, some of our enthusiastic Sophs decided that the color of our school was not exactly what it ought to be and proceeded to make alterations to that effect. The result can be easily seen about building where the glory of the Class of Nineteen is shown in blazing red numerals.

In athletics our class was still a leader, having our girls still playing a good game, while some of our boys had taken up foot ball training.

Throughout the year many socials and dances were held. We were always out in large delegations to all the foot ball and basket ball games and supported the high school in every way. We had the largest delegation present at the banquet. It was during this year that our Historian [Arthur Davenport] and Prophet entered our ranks.

Our Junior year arrived and we started on our third lap. We were upper classmen now, and how proud we were to have this title We were no longer looked down upon and were no longer green and timid but enthusiastic and active boosters. Our boys started out in earnest and we had many of our boys on the team. Paul Duffee, of the best tackles Sharon High has ever had, started his foot ball career. We also contributed Paul Jones and Ralph Donaldson to the team, We organized as a class and Allan Clark was elected president; Jack Smith, vice president; and Helen Devlin, secretary-treasurer. Juniors were also on the ‘‘Mirror’’ staff. The girls made a good showing in basket ball. Elizabeth McLean, Margaretta Dougherty and Dora Lurie starred during this year, which was one of the most successful basketball seasons in our history. 

During this year our country entered the war and we were called upon to support Uncle Sam. This we did with the same spirit earnestness that has always characterized our class. Vacation time rolled around again and our third year was near at hand. 

The next year we started on our home stretch. We were now full fledged Seniors and took upon ourselves the dignity and responsibility that goes with them. We started in with renewed vigor and determination to make our Senior year the best of all. 

During this year our girls made a good record in athletics, having five players on the team in the persons of Margaretta Dougherty, Dora Lurie, Elizabeth Stewart, Eleanor Baker and Louise Caldwell. Dora was the star player and held a wonderful record. She has been on the team four years and is the best shot. The class is very proud her. Our boys contributed five members to the football squad, consisting of Paul Duffee, Edward McKean, Jack Smith, Lester Bees and George Stanton. 

During this year we elected new officers. Edward McKean was chosen president; Elizabeth Stewart, vice president; and Eleanor Baker, secretary-treasurer. 

With the closing of school comes Class Night and Commencement. The Class of Nineteen must then leave the sacred walls of this building and be thrown out into the world, struggling, but successful, for the tireless perseverance and undying energy of the Nineteeners will characterize them in after life and will also serve to remind the following Seniors that

Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing lives behind us

Footprints, on the sands of time.

ARTHUR DAVENPORT,

Class Historian