Young County, TX - 1944 The Victory Steer, Yearbook of Graham High School, Graham, Texas ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Dorman Holub USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** 1944 The Victory Steer, Yearbook of Graham High School, Graham, Texas The following students and faculty from Graham High School are pictured in the 1944 The Victory Steer Corral. For additional yearbook information, you are welcome to contact: 1944 The Victory Steer Graham High School Sponsored by Business Training and Vocational Departments Senior Class of 1944 "Let us honor those who have gone before, for they lead but where we follow." Dedication This Victory Steer is lovingly dedicated to those Graham High School Students whose names appeared on the honorary plaque whose names appear on the honorary plaque on the facing page. Students of Graham Senior High School 1944 I.T. Gilmer, Superintendent O.B. Rose, Principal Mrs. Eugenia Howell, Dean SCHOOL BOARD J.T. Rickman, president George Newton, Sec'y W.G. Mobley J.W. Matthews M.W. Larmour G.H. Fore Faculty Garth Baker, Vocational Agriculture Miss Jean Baxter, Commercial Miss Otella Baxter, Spanish and English Miss Evelyn Boone, Homemaking Miss Harriett Boone, Science Mrs. James Bowron, Mathematics Miss Vena Mae Brantley, Mathemtics Miss Asia Brown, Mathematics Miss Mildred Butler, English Pat Clifford, Coach and Band Miss Fay Cooper, English Miss Mary Lee Cooper, Science Miss Lorene Ellington, Latin and World History Miss Mary Hess, Physical Education Mrs. Eugenia D. Howell, Dean of Students Miss Lenora Hudson, Speech and English Miss Frances Maxwell, Commercial Miss Lucille Moore, Librarian Miss Sabra Parsons, English O.B Rose, Principal of High School Miss Bennie Lee Smith, American History and Civics Miss Izetta Sparks, Mathematics Miss Sara St. Clair, Orchestra and Glee Club George Wrenn, Diversified Occupations H.E. Wischard, Coach I.T. Gilmer, Superintendent of Schools Class Officers Seniors Billy Holder, President Dean Taylor, Vice president Margaret Ann Turner, secretary - treasurer Peggy Loving, reporter Juniors Allen McCleskey, president Spencer Street, vice president Elizabeth Deats, secretary Bert Allen Mann, treasurer Charles Walsh, sargeant at arms Sophomores W.C. Orr, president Betty Jane Royce, vice president Sarah Beth Mayes, secretary-treasurer Freshmen Dan Wilde, president Russell Brooks, vice president Pat Griffin, secretary - treasurer Class Sponsors Seniors Mrs. Eugenia Howell Miss Fay Cooper Juniors Miss Otella Baxter Miss Fay Cooper Sophomores Miss Mary Lee Cooper Mr. H.E. Wishard Freshmen Miss Harriett Boone Miss Jean Baxter Senior Girls first row, L-R: Marilyn Hamil, Virginia Helene Lundy, Joan Falkinburg, Doris Bryant, Nadine Cole, Elizabeth Hays, Dolores Smart, Betty Jo Burke, Lois Foley, Ruth Jane Knox; 2nd row: Betty Beckham, Pearl Faye Corley, Charlotte Milam, Margaret Millican, Dorothy Pickrell, Louise Roberts, Lucille Petty, Winnie Snodgrass, Lois Marie Creager; 3rd row: Margaret Ann Turner, Venus Raper, Doris Willis, Pattie Lee Bryan, Ophelia Armstrong, Ethel Jeffreys, Leota Byrd; 4th row: Jean Jeffries, Glee Clements, Annie Louise Bates, Peggy Loving, Mary King, Mary Ella Spurlock, Alice Lemons, Florence Long, Fay Young, Flo Ann Singleton, Not pictured Wanda Oliver. Senior boys. 1st row, L-R: Billy Holder, James Matkin, Wilford Fultz, Leslie Rousseau, Dean Taylor, W.C. Snodgrass, Harry McNeely, Jim Baker; 2nd row: Bill McFarlane, Jon Bloodworth, Gordon Forehand, Leonard Gathings, Kenneth McGee, Reeves Moren, Wayne Roye; 3rd row: Homer Haberthur, Jimmie Griffin, John Petty, William Lyles, W.A. Norred, William Paul Guinn, Francis Lee Milburn, William O'Dell Howard; 4th row: Pate Simms, Clyde Henry Baker, Bobbie Joe Shepard, Henry Garrett, Earl Dooley, Robert Ford, John T. Reed; 5th row: Johnny McClellan, Garner Wilde, Hugh Blevins, Weldon Spivey, Everette Vanarsdall, Not pictured Bobby Shahan Donald Orr. Junior Girls first row Audrenelle Smith Nanette Winstead "P.J." Henley Mary Hal Nance Jo Hawkins Gabie Sue Martin "Dot" Ragland Doris Dixon Doris Reedy Betty Thomas Oleta Mae Cox 2nd row Joanne Pittman Frances Sumrell Mary Stella Deeb Jean Downing Pinkney Varble Pat Scroggins Lois Evelyn Gachter Bertha Pearl Harlan Claudie Helen Carter Alpha Faye Colley 3rd row Anita Ford Myrtle Faye Stroud Jimmie Burk Mary Frances Harlan Mary Bob Turner Peggy Conklin Lib Deats Bobbie Willis Claudia Lennington Jackie Phinney Clydean Lewis 4th row Virginia Barrow Glyndon Van Horne Ann V Moren Betty Bullard Kathleen Adkins Wanda Eldridge El Wanda McGee Frances Wheat Hazel Byers 5th row Joyce Shepard Shirley Ann Cook Dorothy Jean Fletcher Mary Helen Spurlin June Singleton Margaret Gibbs Winnie Barnhart Winona Ball Mary Louise Rousseau Mary Louise "Dink" Guinn Not pictured Betty Thomas Frances Chapin Ruthana Griffin Junior Boys first row Billy C. "Boney" Orr Spencer Street Pat Tims Edwin Smith Bert Allen Mann Charles Walsh Billy Joe Leach J Glyn Loftin 2nd row Harold Blevins R A Fisher Kyle Kerbow Billy Easter John Hockaday Kenneth Mobley William "Bubber" Atwood David Newman Billy J Holland 3rd row Jimmy Jennings Joe Norris Eugene Horton Allen McCleskey Reno Clayton Monroe Robertson Lynn Loftin Ray Downey 4th row T Clyde Hefner, Jr Harold Robertson Lloyd Morton Grady Ware Weymon Box Alva Lee Hawkins Vernon Hamm Jerry Butler Kenneth Segars 5th row Don Carol Choate Charles B Walker Robert McCluskey, Jr Billy Pankey Jimmie Larmour James Norred Robert T Martin Bobby Oatman Benny Wickham not pictured Earl Mahoney Bob Cunningham School History, 1943-44 This is a war year, and this is a war book dedicated to students of Graham Senior High School who have gone to the defense of their home and country. But to those of us, students and teachers, who are still in school this year has been doubly important in both doing what we could to help the war effort here at home, and in preparing to do our share when school is over. This school year is doubly important to all, therefore, and this Victory Steer will, it is hoped, help us remember for years to come some of the things we shared and worked toward during the 1943-44 school season. For this is the year, more than any other, when the Allied cause swung from doubt to certain victory. One of the first things that was done when the school year opened and all the greetings and congratulations had been done with and the new students welcomed to the school, was to elect class officers. In looking back over the year it can now be siad that the selection of these officers was wise in every case for they have helped in many instances by putting forth every effort to bring success to their class enterprises. The officers selected are listed on another page so they will not be given again here. Suffice it to say, they have all done a good job and their respective classes should be proud of them. The football season opened when the Steers tangled with "Poly" and lost to them 19-0. The Steers then trounced Paschal 7-0. Mineral Wells took a one-sided licking at the hands of the Steers when we rolled up a score of 33-0 against them. Wichita Falls upset the Graham Steers' winning streak with a victory over us of 7-0. This was a clean, hard-fought game and a tough one to lose. Childress and Electra both managed to win over the Steers in succession and it was not until after the Vernon game that the Steers got back in stride by defeating Olney and Burk. Two of the Graham boys, W.C. and Donald Orr, made the All District second team and Claude Davis received honorable mention. Eighteen Steers lettered during the season's play and and of these all but four will be with us during the coming year. The four men the team loses are: Donald Orr, Hugh Blevins, Harold Ward and Pate Simms. The lettermen who will return to play next year are: Billy Pankey, Norman Stovall, Billy L Ribble, Claude Davis, Wayne Roye, W C Orr, Reeves Moren, Jasper Nunley, Charles Walsh, Garner Wilde, Bobby Tyler, Donald Sanders, Johnnie McClelland and Jerry Butler. The Quarterback club, which had enthusiastically backed the Steers all during the season, wound up the football year with a big barbecue supper and dance for the football boys, band members and the members of the Quarterback Club. It was really a good affair and ranks high among the year's social events. The Quarterback Club had previously given a smaller barbecue for players only. The plays say they enjoyed this one a great deal too. One unusual event occurred during the year which the students were glad to have happen but were sorry at the same time for the reason it happened. A mild "flu" epidemic lengthened the Christmas Holidays an extra week, and although the students hated to have people sick, they did welcome the holidays. The Graham Steers had a very successful year in basketball under Mr. Clifford's coaching. The Steers only lost five games out of a total of 13 and it seemed for a while they had a good chance of going on up in the district. At the last moment they were nudged out by Childress, one of the finalists in later State tournaments. The squad lettermen were: Pate Simms, Donald Orr, Harold Ward, Jerry Butler, Lynn Loftin, Glyn Loftin, Johnny McClellan, Ray Downey, Wayland Oatman and Garner Wilde. Four managers were also lettered from a staff of seven. One thing the Graham Steers had all during the year that no other high school could compete with was the solid backing of the student body. The Steers, in defeat or victory, could always be sure the Graham High School students were pulling for them. A big reason for the enthusiasm and support the students showed their teams was the highly successful work of the cheer leaders. These students, Margaret Ann Turner, Mary Bob Turner, Pat Griffin, Ann Bates, Kenneth Mobley and Peggy June Henley, were always in there working for the success of their teams and doing all they could to keep the student body pepped up and working with them the entire season. A colorful and "earful" part of the games was the school band. Oddly enough, the band, the basketball team and the football team were all Mr. Clifford's responsibility. Mr. Clifford came to Graham as assistant coach and probably never expected to have to show so much versatility, but as the need arose Mr. Clifford arose to it, and it can be truly said that he did an excellent job in all he undertook. He was popular with the students, took an interest in all their activities, and generally made himself an indispensable part of the school system. Everyone was truly sorry to see him go and we'll all be glad to welcome him back when he has helped the Navy lick the Japs and is ready to come back to Graham to help the Steers lick some of their traditional enemies. One of the most successful undertakings of the student body during the entire year was their first big bond rally. This bond campaign was conducted in the form of a contest with each class striving to elect its candidate as Queen. A great deal of fun and enthusiasm developed and the students really sold bonds. Over $50,000 worth was the total chalked up when the contest closed with the Senior Class as the winner. Miss Jean Jeffries was crowned Bond Queen. Another activity the students took part in very successfully was the harvest assistance program. A number of students picked cotton during the fall and worked to aid the farmers during the labor shortage period. Although they got sore fingers and stiff backs the students made a material contribution in helping get in the cotton. Every year the Junior Class gives the Seniors a banquet. This year the Junior Class and their sponsors, Miss Otella Baker and Mr. Garth Baker, put on one of the most outstanding Junior - Senior banquets in school memory. And to cap it off, the banquet was followed by a dance down at the Memorial Auditorium which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Senior Class was very appreciative and thanked the Juniors for one of the most enjoyable affairs of the whole season. The students put on a very successful Red Cross Drive, collected over $275 and had a second bond campaign wich netted another $13,000. In the Red Cross drive Mary Bob Turner and Bob Cunningham were class winners. Mr. H.E. Wishard, formerly coach at Weatherford, joined the faculty this spring to take Mr. Clifford's work over. Mr. Wishard has already shown interest and enthusiasm in joining into the school work and numerous students have already found him to be a throughly likable fellow. There are many other school activities which lack of space prevents mentioning, splendid programs where everyone had an uproarous good time and more serious activities such as recitals and plays. The Senior Play, "Seventeen," directed by Miss Cooper, was a great success. Miss St. Clair's recital was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed. The Junior play, directed by Miss Baxter, drew a large enthusiastic audience. One outstanding fact must be commented on in conclusion. The Graham High School Student Body, as a whole and individually, has risen to every occasion and met every call made on it this year for patriotic work of all kinds. The students have cooperated whole- heartedly and completely, and their teachers have done all they could to aid and lead them in this work. All in all, this war year of 1943-1944 has found the students of Graham High School willing and eager to serve and do their part, and they have earned the respect and praise of their teachers and all the townspeople who are acquainted with their spirt and work. And that is the greatest success the year has brought to us. Sophomore Girls 1st row Billie Pickard Luella Daves Imogene Hill Inel Choate Bobbye Clarke Charlene Harman Veda Bryant Doris Jean Miller Vernell Collins 2nd row Velma Jo Ford Velda Thomas Hazel Poindexter Virginia Spivey Juanita Bourland Ina Dell Brown Ila Mae Wright Joy Schoolcraft June Ford Maxine Aston 3rd row Annie Lou “Freck” Lyles Faye Edwards Mattie Lou Bingham Ruby Lois Barnhart Vera Bryant Jean Padgett Naomi Ruth Hedges Mattie Lee “Pug” Parrish not pictured Pollyanna Casburn Louise Brownlow Sophomore Girls 1st row Bobby Ruth Crawford Donna Bell Smith Patsy Krause Peggy Groves Marilyn Sumrell Emma Lee Brown Louise Byrd 2nd row Betty June Roye Virginia McCluskey Estelle Cusenbary Dorothy Martin Betty Ragland Ninetta Mayes Jo Frances Clark Dorothy Forehand Sally Mayes 3rd row Betty Petty Betty Trantham Ruth Barnette Joan Stratton Reba Reed Wanda Brown Margie Joplin Bettie Hayes Sophomore Boys 1st row Jerry Marchman Sherry Nall Harry “Jug” Cain Armand Smart Joe Bill Jones Bobby “Ish” Tyler Don Parks 2nd row Frank Wilson Sam Goldwater John Robinson James Winstead Laymance Gene Griffin Richard Layfield Eugene Schlittler 3rd row Minton Farmer Wayland Oatman James Browder Reginald Colley Gene Carter Norman Stovall John Dowdle Robert Fore John Riggs Sophomore Boys 1st row George Gray J R Foster Don Casey Bruce Spivey W C Orr Edward Harrell Magil Arroyo Willie Mayo 2nd row Jack Smith Bobby Downey Ed Johnson Bobby Williams Tommy Joe Fowler Ben McCluskey Gus E “Lee” Roper Carl Burleson 3rd row Charles Braddock Dick Hall Claud Davis Jack Burkett Clyde Eaton Jim Dooley Freshman girls Betty Sanders Ruth Marie Brown Wanda Hull Betty McGehee Valera Cook Alicia Grimes Louise Nored Betty Funchess Mather Catherine Martin Margaret Jane Tims Martha Bruce Janis Luker Janet Hinson Clifford Damron Betty Marie Mahan Lila Rose Newby Frankie Jobe Maxine Prater Peggy Holt Mary Jennings Martha McCluskey Jean Chesnut Monty Goode Ruba McCallister Betty Butler Betty Carey Marjorie Bates Betty Pickard Charlene McGee Lina Lee Imogene Gachter Mary Ann Watkins “Babe” Wisdom Joanne Garvey Merelene Reynolds Eulelia Ragland Virginia Petty Eloise White Lily Belyeu Mary L King Evelyn Burkett Mary Helene Orrell Jewel Sweeney Maxine Reedy Mary Ella Braddock Frances Reger Buena Wright Gracie Copeland Jimmie Lee Eaton Zelma Gibbs Christine McLaren Betty Jo Nantz Erna Huff Pat Griffin Pat Hamill Frances Morrison Mary Grace Fore Frances Young Almeta Murphy Juanda Mavis Perry Zoe Harlan Freshman boys Bobby Lee Williams Harold Glenn Barnhart Gerald Ferguson Pete Nicolett Garvin Parker Roy Boling Marvin Lehr Carl Birdwell Billy Chambers Billy Dan Wadley Guy Rodden Donald Gene Lewis Bernard Garrett Clenton Shepard James Young Don Sanders Dan Wilde Roy Pitcock Mack Hibbits Marvin Dalton Tommy Monsey Weldon Logan Howard McClanahan Frank Elliott Tommy Cave Jim Bob Walker Duart Bass Wayne Bethel Russell Brooks John Lee Webb Lewis Brownlow Travis White Weldon Wheat Eugene Tiffin Gene Singleton Bobby Brandon John Samuel Hockley Bob Moren Jack Byerly Kenneth Shepherd Tommy Wright Billy Denny Don Cunningham Byron Thompson Robert Ligon J B Upham Bud Jeffries Ray Boling Winifred “Red” Segars Carlas Holcomb Junior Lackey Clinton Holder Truman Hawkins Richard Buchalla Winstead Rogers Otis Gene Mosley Malcolm Bennett J W Thomas not pictured Leonard Boyd John Harlan Kenneth Hays Wilbur Lee Pickrell