The Portsmouth Daily Times
May 23, 1924, page 10
HISTORY OF 1924 MINFORD CLASS
Following is the history of the Senior Class, Minford High School, '24, recently written by Miss Ruth Coles.
Back in 1920, it seems only a short time ago, thirteen girls with frightened faces and palpitating hearts took their next step on the road which leads to a broader knowledge and higher education.
Our high school career began over in the little gray two-room grade school of Minford. The principal, Mr. Eckhart, was our sole teacher besides administering to the intellectual needs of a few of the grade classes.
After heartily welcoming us and commending our ambitions, the principal laid before our bewildered eyes the course of study which we were to pursue. We had begun to recover some of our self possession and dignity of position when, to give no idea of what was in store for us, the professor placed some very simple problems in algebra on the blackboard. Our temperature instantly fell several degrees so to speak, and we stared at each other in helpless astonishment. The mystery was carefully explained and in the days that followed, we learned to perform what seemed miracles to us in the beginning.
Unlike in most schools, we as freshmen had the advantage of being the highest class in the school. There were no Sophomores to torment us, no Juniors to gaze on us with superior scorn, and no lofty haughty Seniors to bestow upon us condescending or pitying glances.
Mischief and daring played their part in our school life that year, and many were the times we were in fear of an introduction to the means of preserving discipline. Somehow we usually escaped severe punishment and did better for a few days.
As Freshmen we selected Old Rose and Gold as our class colors and for our motto we chose the epoch-making command of Columbus, "Sail On."
At the end of our first year we proudly displayed some of our literary talent with which we felt it the size of our heads had inevitably increased. Having each relieved our systems of some sort of a speech, oration, or recitation, we were presented with credit slips tied in Old Rose and Gold, which made us thirteen Sophomores.
The following or Sophomore year found us scattered among four different schools. It was a pleasure to know that twelve of the thirteen girls continued in the way that leads to preparation for life. The other one succumbed to the supposedly alluring appeal of matrimony. Three were enrolled in the Sciotoville High School. Three more were included on the rolls of Portsmouth, Wheelersburg, and South Webster respectively. The little Madison Grange Hall was converted into a knowledge box and six of our class spent our foolishly wise year there. This school was an extension of the temporary High School at Minford of the year before and we were favored by having the same Principal and teacher, Mr. Eckhart. Three Sophomores of other schools joined us and we had a class of nine.
It was rather sad to have a class broken up and scattered as our had been when we remembered that, had a previous bond issue carried we could have had a new high school building of our own. We could have then all been together, nevertheless, we must have charity as all cannot see alike.
There was a class of Freshmen at the Grange Hall school and we spend a happy year together despite the hard lessons and difficult problems we were required to master.
The one event of paramount importance during that year was the success of a bond issue which promised us this school, which we are so highly appreciate and are immensely proud of. Loud were the shouts that went up from our small place of learning as the good news was broadcasted.
As the ultimate result of our efforts during that year, every one passed on to the junior year.
The school year of 1922 and 1923 saw the work begun on our new high school, but no temporary school was maintained at Minford for the Junior class. Our number had decreased considerably. Five entered Sciotoville, two at Portsmouth, one at South Webster, and two at Stockdale High schools. Two of our original number forsook the class to enter normal training and are now teachers. Two others were forced to give up their high school training on account of misfortune at home.
Our sunny path was overshadowed by a great cloud of sadness at the death of one of our beloved classmates, Garnett Eckhart. She was attending Portsmouth High School her Junior year.
As Seniors we were permitted to gather back at dear old Minford for the last lap of our journey. Though the path had oftentimes been rough and difficult and we had all been more or less the victims of circumstances, we resolved to make our last year our best. Twas quite a task to adjust the course of study to our needs after having attended so many different brain developers, but with joy unbounded we looked forward to the completion of our own new high school.
Three of our number have distinguished themselves on the basketball court during the past season. We did our best to dig deep ino the priceless mine of learning and at times it seemed as though our brains would never recover from the severe rackings they were subject to, not to mention the tests which made us shudder for days prior to them.
After Christmas vacation we moved into the new building and after a short time affairs settled down to routine and we managed to bring our conduct grades to a high level. Other grades, too, began to show an improvement as the result of the untiring efforts of Mr. Jones, our principal, and a natural pride in our school and class.
Although as might be said, "These are those who have come up through great trial and tribulation," we feel it an honor to appear before you tonight as the first graduating class of Minford High School.
For twelve years we have eaten the fruit of the tree of knowledge and now comes the time for us to make our own decision--to take our places in the ranks of those who are doing the useful things in life. Let us not weary in well doing, for in due time, we shall reap our reward.