PRINT ADS

History of the Westby High School

from 1912-1914

Author unknown, continued from last week.

With expectation we awaited the arrival of September 1913. This year we knew would be different from any other school year that had ever been experienced in Westby. We were a full-fledged high school and cold hold up our heads as proudly as any one. I believe that every pupil thrilled with pride to think that we had at least reached our year of maturity. There was a Senior row, Senior dignity and Senior everything-else which we had never had before.

During vacation the assembly room had been filled with rows of seats which were nearly as long as the room itself. A rostrum from which the “powers that be” could made their influence felt to the most remote corner of the room had been built. Miss. Larkin from Ripon College and Mr. Petersen from the University of Wisconsin had come to swell the ranks of the teachers. A laboratory, with necessary equipment, had been fitted up in the basement. Physics had been an unheard of science in this school, but it was not long before we all began to learn of its mysteries. Fumes, strange musical sounds and explosions from that region below informed us that the Seniors were being lead along the fascinating road of science.

A subscription list had been passed about and a fund was raised for the purchasing of magazines and newspapers. These periodicals have served their purpose and have been valuable sources of knowledge for almost all departments of the school.

Much progress has been made in music this year. The good work received its start last year and has been continued with great success. Chorus singing by the high school has been under the able direction of Mr. Weiland who has taught the pupils to know and appreciate many pieces of good classical music. The orchestra was organized with Miss. Norris as director. The marked progress which it has made can be best appreciated by those who heard it all its first rehearsal last fall. The orchestra made its first appearance at a literary program. And those who were there will remember that the first selection was followed by of shower of bouquets.

In addition to the literary society which was still in a flourishing conditions. A German society was formed for the benefit of the Seniors. Of its operations and functions I am quite ignorant; but we all know that it must have proved a success because the members of the society always followed any remark incident to the program with a satisfied and equally mystifying grin.

Basketball claimed it usual amount of attention this year also. Mr. Petersen ably coached both teams and insisted upon creditable work and clean habits as requisite qualifications of candidates for the team. Several boys who, previous to this year, had not been conspicuous in athletics, came out to practice and made good. Although our teams have not made quite as brilliant a showing as they did last year we were not unloyal to them one minute because we felt that they were “stickers” and true sportsmen from the word “go.”

Send all inquires, letters, questions or answers, and photos to Hans c/o the Westby Times or Hans at westby.times@gmail. com.