Ringgold County IAGenWeb Project ~ Kellerton Independent School ~ 1949

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     Ten years have passed since the Class of 1950 left our company. Do you remember them? They were a swell bunch, but they could cause more commotion than any three classes. If you had been with us yesterday and today in our travels you could have seen and talked to most of them, but since you weren't, here's a short synopsis of what they are doing.

     Foreseeing our lengthy journey and feeling a need for nourishment, we stopped at a likely looking drive-in in Kellerton before starting out. Well, this is a coincidence! The name, painted in nail polish on the window, is "Gib's Drive." You remember Don, don't you? Well, he had his dream come true when Mr. White sold his barber shop and Don now has it fixed up into a fine place of business. Just as we were ready to take our leave, who should drive up beside us, piloting a long sleek foreign model car (the right door was smashed a bit, it seemed to be a habit even yet) but Lucy Reed. I soon found out that she had been writing a book "Conquering the World" and that it had been widely publicized. More power to you, Lucy.

     As I ventured into Minnesota, I met by accident the President of the class, Bob Smith. He is not still President of the class nor President of the United States, but of a large lumber company in St. Paul. As I sat there and listened to him, I couldn't help but enjoy his success, for he had made a fortune in toothpicks. A very efficient looking secretary then entered, and for a moment I didn't recognize her for her up-sweep and horn rimmed glasses -- but -- as soon as she giggled, I KNEW! None other than Esther Doser! She told us she sang on a radio station and worked for R. E. Smith, Lumber Baron, in her spare time. I was remotely surprised when the Lumber King introduced his wife, yes, you've guessed it, the former Cheryl Baker. and three not-so-little-ones for although the oldest one was seven, they had inherited their father's height and the shortest was five feet, nine inches tall.

     In California the bright lights almost blinded me; especially the neon sign on a particular theater. Was it -- Yes! "Starring Duane and Janie, the greatest dance team in history." Backstage they poured out their story from beginning to end. Seems as though after high school Duane had gone to California to sell cars, but had not made a success of it -- he always fell in love with the cars he got and just couldn't part with them. And how had Janie gotten to California? She tells me she rode a MOTORCYCLE from Kellerton following a fellow on another motorcycle - but she had lost him on the salt flats of Utah. So she and Duane had merged their talents to become a great dance team, although Janie liked only to do square dances and hulas. As I could gather it, they have signed a contract with MGM, until death do them part.

     While rumbling along in our '29 Ford which we had chartered for the trip of $863, we came to a gambling casino in Texas, with a familiar name on it -- Rex Payton, owner. I had great difficulty in seeing him as he was so greatly attracted by beautiful girls. They just wouldn't leave our little Rexy alone, so I sat and talked with Rex and Nine luscious girls. It seems as though his late uncle had willed the place to him and from the looks of things, he didn't mind one bit. As I slipped away, he didn't even notice, but, then, how COULD he?

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I noticed a small schoolhouse, the nicest I've ever seen, in the northern part of Mississippi. Outside was a swarm of children with a wonderful teacher. Now you can guess who she was? Why, Doris Wicker, of course! She had been teaching for six years and was engaged. The poor fellow had asked for the hand that held the ruler once each year -- but Doris had wanted to teach just "one year more." By the way, the man is getting just a little grayer each time.

     All through the southern states we noticed signs which we mistook at first for "Burma Shave" signs, but closer scrutiny revealed poems which bore a resemblance to those we remembered from 1950. They had a distinctive touch which could mean but one thing -- "Composed by Theola Green" -- and they were! Theola had made a fortune as a beauty operator, and had returned to devote all her time to her hobby. But, because Theola has always been of the generous nature she wanted to share those melodious lines of poetic beauty with others -- so she had them painted on signs, billboards, and even on the sides of barns and chicken houses. She is known as "the modern Joyce Kilmer."

     Along the wharf in New York harbor I noticed ahead of me a trim little figure in navy blue -- and I couldn't mistake that curly head of hair -- it had to be Shirley Billett. Well, it was, of course, so I walked along behind her trying to catch up and I noticed her enter the Naval Hospital. After my bloodhound nose became accustomed to the ether, iodine and disinfectant I could again trace Shirley's perfume, and I found her taking her place as head nurse. She likes the work and is still interested in sailors -- a taste she acquired in high school.

     In Ohio I saw some men hard at work making houses. They were so experienced I saw a whole house go up before my eyes. One of the workers was Chet Munyon. Was I surprised! He stopped long enough to tell me he was working for the Smith Lumber Company in Minnesota and was living in Iowa -- a bachelor with Kenneth Davenport. With Kenneth's address in my possession, I hurriedly went to Iowa.

     Kenny was selling a car when I saw him. I guess he has really made himself a good reputation as a car salesman. He told me he really enjoyed being a bachelor with swarms of women around him everyday. As I left I really saw what he meant.

     Back again in Kellerton I hadn't quite seen all of the Seniors. The former Sara Clough came walking down the street. I found out she was going to work at the First National Bank here. Never has Kellerton prospered so much. Sara said she was living in a trailer house and her husband was in the Army in Stromboli.

     Well, here I am -- home again. And here is what the Seniors of 1950 are doing now in 1960. We have brought you what we think they will be doing, but it will be purely coincidental if they are.

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FRONT ROW: Left to Right: Nellie Gibson, Marlene Williams, and Bonnie George.

BACK ROW: Keith Sissel, Janice Meadows, Barbara Teale, and Max Higday.

With Mr. Gregory as sponsor we chose Nellie Gibson for President, Janice Meadows for Vice-President, Barbara Teale as Secretary and Treasurer, and Bonnie George as Reporter>

As our small class consists of only seven, we failed to have a successful play. So we had a box supper and music program to raise our funds. During the basketball season we sold eats at all the games here. With this money we hope to make a successful banquet for the Seniors of '50.

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FIRST ROW: Left to Right: Phyllis Meadows, Norma Reed, Janice Heggs, and JoAnn Hanks.

SECOND ROW: Tom Duffield, Paul Stevens, Robert Walker, John White, and Denny Duffield.

     To start our year we first elected class officers. They were as follows: President, Tom Duffield; Vice-President, Norma Reed; Secretary-Treasurer, Janice Heggs; and Reporter, JoAnn Hanks. Mrs. Schneider was chosen as our sponsor.

     Our first party was given to us by the Freshman Class on December 23, at the home of Mrs. Treichler. The first part of the evening was spent attending the move, which the Freshman financed. After this we returned to Mrs. Treichler's home, where we played games and danced. At the close of the party delicious refreshments were served by our hostess.

     In return for this party our class gave the Freshman a party on December 30. The party was held at Phyllis Meadows. Cars were furnished and we attended the movie at Mount Ayr. Later we returned to Phyllis', where we spent a very enjoyable evening playing games and enjoying refreshments.

     As this school year draws to a close, we are all looking forward to our Junior year. We are hoping it will be as much fun as the year of 1949-'50.

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SEATED: Left to Right: Louise Walker, Dorothy Harvey, Betty Wicker, and Rena Laird.

STANDING: Marion Ethington, Max Scott, Arlen Hughes, Ivan Beede, Lyle Corll, and Monte Ballou.

     We elected our class officers the first of the year. They were elected as follows: Sponsor, Mrs. Treichler; President, Ivan Beede; Vice-President, Lyle Corll; Secretary-Treasurer, Marion Ethington; Reporter, Rena Laird.

     On Friday, November 25, the Freshmen were host to the Sophomores at a party held at Mrs. Treichler's house. Mrs. Schneider, the Sophomore sponsor, was also present. To start the evening, each Freshman took a Sophomore to the movie. After this, we returned to Mrs. Treichler's home where we played games, danced the Virginia Reel, played the piano, and played cards. Later in the evening delicious refreshments of Bavarian cream, brownies, and cocoa were served. After more games everyone departed feeling that they had had an enjoyable and successful party.

     The Sophomore Class sponsored a party for the Freshmen Class December 29th. The party was held at the home of Phyllis Meadows. We met at Phyllis' then went to the move at Mount Ayr. We then returned to Phyllis' where we played games and were served delicious chili and popcorn balls. This party was a huge success and we hope to have many more like it before the year is over.

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FRONT ROW: Left to Right: Sharon Brown, Evelyn O'Connell, Helen Crozier, Janice Cox, Caryll Lou Higday, and Charlotte Kneedler.

BACK ROW: Jack Ethington, Jimmie Meadows, Darrell Baker, Marvin Lesan, and Ernest Greene.

NOT SHOWN: Mary Hohneke.

At the beginning of the year the eighth grade had thirteen students. During the year Walter Lipe, Helen Crozier, and Janice Cox moved away. We were very sorry to lose them, but we had nice farewell parties for them. Our officers are: President, Evelyn; Vice-President, Jack; Secretary-Treasurer, Sharon; and Reporter, Verlyn. Our sponsor is Miss Carter. We were very lucky to gain a new member, Mary Hohneke, to our class the last of February.

We have a very good junior high basketball team that has won almost all of their games. On the whole I think the "Eighth Grade of 1950" is a very good class.

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FIRST ROW: Left to Right: Jackie Higday, Lois James, Norma Crozier, William Henderson, Larry Brown.

SECOND ROW: Karen Laird, Ann Meadows, Helen Banks, Larry Campbell, Ronald Taylor.

THIRD ROW: Mrs. Harris, Clara Mae Hogue, Carolyn Davenport, Carolyn Galbraith, Ronald Henderson.

NOT SHOWN: Sandra Virden and Jerry Andrews.

Outstanding of the various activities of the sixth and seventh is the "Citizenship Club." Last semester the officers were: Clara Mae Hogue, President; Ann Meadows, Vice-President; and Carolyn Davenport, Secretary. This semester the officers are: Jerry Andrew, William Henderson, and Sandra Virden in the order above mentioned. The club, meeting once a month has been responsible for the planning of the Armistice Day Program, Christmas Party, and Valentines Day Party. Another duty of the officers is to appoint and assign duties to monitors each week.

And we are proud to say that:
All the girls join in junior high ball practice.
Two of the boys, Bill Henderson and Marvin Corll play on the boys' junior high team.
The boys have a special shop class taught by Mr. Gregory.
Each week we watch the high school assembly program and have taken a turn in sponsoring it.
Of the seventeen pupils in this room, eleven are Band members.

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FIRST ROW: Left to Right: Michael McDowell, Sylvia Ryan, Richard Rainey, Delbert Sissel, Helen Cox, Marcia Hanks, Larry Walters, David Holmes, Stephen Merritt.

SECOND ROW: Sydney Sickels, Joan Meadows, Diane McDowell, Sharon Bierlein, Judy Fugate, Elizabeth Corll, Joan Kneedler, Janice Kneedler, Marilyn Feuring, Karen Akers.

THIRD ROW: Jim Hunt, Gerald Payton, Bobby Baker, Carolyn Scott, Jimmy White, Miss Treichler.

NOT SHOWN: Elaine Hohneke.

     The pupils of this room entertained the P. T. A. members on February 2, All the pupils took part in the choral reading of poems and Jimmy Hunt gave a recitation "A Valentine for My Girl." A play, "Cupid's Mistake," was then given. Sharon Bierlein was the narrator and David Holmes portrayed "Cupid." In the play silly little Cupid very carelessly shot his arrows around -- mis-matching many poor souls, who at the end returned to seek vengenance on "Cupid."

     Halloween, Christmas and Valentine's Day were all celebrated in this room by very enjoyable parties.

     Band members are: Judy Fugate, Sharon Bierlein, Joan Meadows, Sylvia Ryan, Karen Akers, and David Holmes.

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SEATED: Left to Right: Dickie Baker, Janice Bucy, Corlee Sickles, Dorothy Sissel, Kathryn Holmes, Rose Kathryn Turner, Linda Lou Virden, Linda Kay Higday, Larry Peppmeier.

STANDING: Kenneth Herren, A. C. Newton, R. D. Baker, Meredith Morrison, Glenn Payton, Marie Jensen, Eilleen Maloney, Freddie Feuring, Odetta Leeper*, Evelyn Cox, Johnny Meadows.

TEACHER: Pauline Smith.

NOT SHOWN: Jerry Hall, Susan Hoffman, and Billy Hogue.

     October 28 -- Gave folk dance at Carnival.
     October 31 -- Halloween Party.
     December 7 -- Closed our Indian Project and had an Indian Pow-Wow. Invited our parents and friends.
     December 24 -- Christmas Party.
     January 12 -- Took part in P. T. A. Our program included a miniature movie entitled "Little Black Sambo," a drama of "Little Bear's Wish," and some numbers by the mixed chorus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and thanks for the party to:
     January 9 -- Kathryn Holmes, Dickie Baker and Adetta Leeper* -- January 16 -- Billy Hogue -- January 18 -- Freddie Feuring -- March 17 -- Corlee Sickles -- March 23 -- Rose Kathryn Turner -- April 11 -- R. D. Baker -- May 4 -- Meredith Morrison and Larry Peppmeier -- May 5 -- Jerry Hall -- May 11 -- Linda Lou Virden -- November 8 -- Eilleen Maloney -- November 16 -- Dorothy Sissel and Marie Jensen -- December 31 -- Kenneth Herren.

* Transcriber's Note: I'm not sure if the correct spelling is "Adetta" or "Odetta" Leeper. Her name was spelled both ways.

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FIRST ROW: Left to Right: Kenneth Baker, Donna Adams, Jimmy Turner, Sharon Sickels, Eldon McFarland, Suzanne Sissel, David Rainey.

SECOND ROW: Linda Lea Andrews, Connie Schneider, Sherry Beede, Linda Newton, Janet Holmes, Linda Miller, Frances Merritt, Mary Ann Herren, Gerrie Gorman.

THIRD ROW: Jean Baker, John Hutson, Ronny Feuring, Judy O'Dell, Gary McFarland, Don Allen, Raymond Doser, Carolyn Leeper, and Mrs. Murray.

NOT SHOWN: Phyllis Hall, Carol Ethington, Kay Bucy, Florence Cox, Darrell Hall, Ronny Stevens, and Teddy Sickels.

WHAT THEY LIKE AND WHAT THEY DO
     Listen to stories with rapt attention until able to read for themselves, then even more delight in reading to themselves.

     Dramatize the old favorites such as "The Three Bears" and "Billy Goats Gruff."

     Learn new nursery rhymes to add to those which they already know when they entered school

     Learn new poems, the favorite to date being "Christopher Robin Had Wheezles and Sneezles."

     Sing during the hours allotted for this pleasurable activity.

     Play in the rhythm band a task which is enjoyed by one an all. Have made public appearances at Carnival and at P. T. A. meetings in November.

     Learn new folk dances and become more familiar with those they knew.

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FIRST ROW: Left to Right: Marion Ethington, Rex Payton, Monte Ballou.

SECOND ROW: Manager Jack Ethington, Max Scott, Lyle Corll, John White,
Bob Smith, Chet Munyon, Denny Duffield, Tom Duffield, and Coach Simoff.

		SCORES
Kellerton	50	. . . . . .	Delphos	12
Kellerton	52	. . . . . .	Beaconsfield	35
Kellerton	31	. . . . . .	Thayer	25
Kellerton	33	. . . . . .	Afton	43
Kellerton	32	. . . . . .	Redding	51
Kellerton	22	. . . . . .	Maloy	41
Kellerton	20	. . . . . .	Tingley	43
Kellerton	26	. . . . . .	Beaconsfield	34
Kellerton	35	. . . . . .	Garden Grove	46
Kellerton	24	. . . . . .	Maloy	45
Kellerton	23	. . . . . .	Leon	22
Kellerton	34	. . . . . .	Redding	46
Kellerton	26	. . . . . .	Ellston	25
Kellerton	57	. . . . . .	Tingley	56
Kellerton	27	. . . . . .	Thayer	43
Kellerton	70	. . . . . .	Blockton	25
Kellerton	38	. . . . . .	Grand River	47
Kellerton	29	. . . . . .	Lamoni	45
Kellerton	67	. . . . . .	Blockton	19
Kellerton	37	. . . . . .	Ellston	38
Kellerton	45	. . . . . .	Grand River	51
Kellerton	27	County Tournament	Maloy	51
Kellerton	45	Sectional Tournament	Benton	47

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LEFT TO RIGHT: Barbara Teale, Marlene Williams, Bonnie George, Shirley Billett,
Cheryl Baker, Esther Doser, JoAnn Hanks and Nellie Gibson.

		SCORES
Kellerton	40	. . . . . .	Thayer	34
Kellerton	37	. . . . . .	Tingley	50
Kellerton	35	. . . . . .	Ellston	33
Kellerton	21	. . . . . .	Redding	54
Kellerton	18	. . . . . .	Leon	44
Kellerton	30	. . . . . .	Garden Grove	45
Kellerton	34	. . . . . .	Beaconsfield	30
Kellerton	30	. . . . . .	Thayer	39
Kellerton	37	. . . . . .	Redding	55
Kellerton	16	. . . . . .	Afton	49
Kellerton	41	. . . . . .	Beaconsfield	34
Kellerton	28	. . . . . .	Tingley	26
Kellerton	27	. . . . . .	Blockton	42
Kellerton	42	. . . . . .	Grand River	65
Kellerton	29	. . . . . .	Blockton	42
Kellerton	31	. . . . . .	Grand River	45
Kellerton	32	. . . . . .	Ellston	31
Kellerton	28	County Tournament	Benton	43
Kellerton	19	Sectional Tournament	Leon	68

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LEFT TO RIGHT: Marvin Lesan, William Henderson, Jack Ethington, Ronald Henderson,
Ernest Greene, Jimmie Meadows, Darrel Baker and Coach Simoff.

Not Pictured: Verlyn Hoff.

Lack of height did not stop this small, but mighty group of boys which made up the junior high basketball squad of 1949-'50. Winning eight games out of eleven goes to show that they had a very successful season and when tournament time rolls around we're sure they will come home as champions. In a few years they will no longer be junior high players, but will make up the high school team. Lots of luck, boys!

		SCORES
Kellerton	37	. . . . . .	Grand River	12
Kellerton	29	. . . . . .	Maloy	26
Kellerton	22	. . . . . .	Delphos	8
Kellerton	21	. . . . . .	Lamoni	26
Kellerton	25	. . . . . .	Ellston	15
Kellerton	17	. . . . . .	Mt. Ayr	18
Kellerton	16	. . . . . .	Beaconsfield	18
Kellerton	16	. . . . . .	Beaconsfield	8
Kellerton	13	. . . . . .	Leon	7
Kellerton	27	. . . . . .	Mt. Ayr	24
Kellerton	33	. . . . . .	Grand River	29

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FIRST ROW: Left to Right: Bonnie George, Charlotte Kneedler, Caryll Lou Higday, and Evelyn O'Connell.

SECOND ROW: Barbara Teale, Nellie Gibson, Rena Laird, Sharon Brown, Lyle Corll, Marvin Lesan, Montel Ballou, Helen Crozier, Louise Walker, and Theola Greene.

THIRD ROW: Phyllis Meadows, Janice Meadows, JoAnn Hanks, Shirley Billett, Janice Cox, Robert Walker, Arlen Hughes, Paul Stevens, Janice Heggs, Betty Wicker, Esther Doser, and Doris Wicker.

FIRST ROW: Left to Right: Bonnie George, Barbara Teale, Nellie Gibson, Charlotte Kneedler, Rena Laird, Sharon Brown, Helen Crozier, Louise Walker, Caryll Lou Higday, and Evelyn O'Connell.

SECOND ROW: Phyllis Meadows, Janice Meadows, JoAnn Hanks, Shirley Billett, Janice Cox, Janice Heggs, Betty Wicker, Doris Wicker, Esther Doser, and Theola Greene.

NOT SHOWN: Mary Hohneke.

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LEFT TO RIGHT: Barbara Teale, Janice Meadows, Janice Heggs,
Doris Wicker, Theola Greene, and Evelyn O'Connell.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Marvin Lesan, Lyle Corll, Robert Walker,
Arlen Hughes, Paul Stevens, and Monte Ballou.

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Instructor - Mr. Benson

FIRST ROW: Left to Right: Judy Fugate, Rena Laird, Kay Akers, Ann Meadows, Caryll Lou Higday, Carolyn Galbraith, Ronald Henderson, and William Henderson.

SECOND ROW: Joan Meadows, Jimmy Meadows, Larry Brown, David Holmes, Sharon Brown, Carylyn Davenport, Kay Ryan, Sharon Bierlein, Louise Walker, and Barbara Teale.

THIRD ROW: Phyllis Meadows, Helen Banks, Karen Laird, Ronald Taylor, Janice Meadows, Jackie Higday, and Marlene Williams.

     The school Band of '49-'50 began under the instruction of Fred Weddle, of Lamoni. There are twenty-five members participating in this years (sic) Band.

     The ensemble consists of: Baritone section, Trumpet, Bass, Clarinets, and Saxophones.

     Due to the fact that Mr. Weddle had to leave us, as he was called back into the service, we are now under the instruction of Roy Benson, the music instructor of Graceland College.

     Through the patience and teaching of both instructors, our Band has progressed exceptionally well for its size and younger members, who make up more than half the Band.

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      With Mr. Simoff as Office Practice instructor and several enthusiastic students the idea for a school paper budded. By the second month of school he had recruited three other members of the student body and had published the first issue of the "Smoke Signals."

     One of the main principles in the publishing of our students' paper was to give as many of the student body as possible an opportunity to express their views, which is the best way to insure a democratic way of high school life.

     Although this was our first experience with the problems of publication, we feel we have paved the way to an even better paper next year.

     The staff is composed of ten able and enthusiastic students which appear in this order:

     Standing: Left to Right: Doris Wicker, Lucille Reed, Typists; Bob Smith, Editor-in-Chief; Esther Doser, Music Editor; Shirley Billett, Janie Fullerton, Typists; Cheryl Baker, Sports Editor; Sara Clough, Art Editor; Max Higday, Circulation Manager; and Mr. Simoff, Faculty Advisor.

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The following scanned items were tucked among the pages of
Chet Munyon's 1949-1950 Tomahawk yearbook.
These items are now on permanent display at
Kellerton/GV Museum, former schoolgrounds, Kellerton IA.

1949-50 Kellerton Independent School Tomahawk courtesy of Chet Munyon Family and GV Museum
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2018