The history of education in Mount Ayr dates back almost three quarters of a century. As early as 1856 a young lady organized and taught for a while a "select" school.

     The first public school was taught here in the fall of 1856 by Ith S. Beall, then a young man from Ohio. He taught in the little log school building located where the Catholic church now stands. He began his term in October and taught for one hundred days. Soon Miss Charlotte Sawn (Mrs. Lottie Beall) of Maine, entered upon the then Wild West and took up the work of guiding the intellectual progress of the Mount Ayr youth where Mr. Beall had discontinued his school. Miss Swan taught for three months, when Reverend Samuel Weeks, a young man from New York, who was working for the intellectual as well as the spiritual good of this western community, entered the Mount Ayr school in the capacity of "master." Miss Swan then taught again, being followed by a Mr. Duth, of Lawrence, Kansas, who taught in the winter of 1858.

     Erastus Thomas then assumed the authority of schoolmaster and taught a very successful spring term in 1858. He was followed by W. J. Buck, who taught in 1859 and who was accordingly followed by Belle Buck, who taught two terms, one in the winter of 1862 and the other in 1863. She was the first woman teacher to teach a winter term when the larger boys who prided themselves so much on "running out the teacher" were in school. She was also the first teacher to occupy the new school building.

     The first school building mentioned above served very well for a time, but when the young people of Ringgold County learned the value and need of an education, the enrollment was soon so large as to demand a new building, which was accordingly built. This new frame building was situated across the street from the log building and in the middle of the block. At the close of the term taught by Bert Beall in 1864 and 1865, the "kitchen," a separate building, was built in response to a demand for the separation of the school into grammar and primary grades. Mr. Thomas taught another term and he was followed by Mr. Mount, who taught in 1868. Among those teaching in the two rooms after Mr. Mount were W. J. Buck for a second time, S. R. McGill, E. J. Turner, Mrs. M. B. Harvey, James Askren, George R. Stephens, Mrs. Rose, Miss Martha Stranahan (Mrs. Bullock), Miss Elizabeth Wilson (Mrs. Kinsell), Amanda Johnston (Mrs. Wheeler), and others.

     The yearly attendance had been gradually growing larger until in 1876 a new four-room brick building was erected on the present site. Among the first to act in the capacity of principal in the new building was G. A. Slentz, and he held the title for three years, though not in succession. It was about this time that the high school was distinguished from the grades. Among those teaching in the high school and the grades in the later seventies and the early eighties were Miss Mary Ellis (Mrs. Reger), Miss Julia Merrill (Mrs. S. Bailey), Mr. Eastman, of Vermont, Samuel Maxwell, now a professor in the State University of California, Mrs. Ellington and Robert Williams. In the early part of the eighties two more rooms were added to the building. Among those teaching after the addition of the rooms were Miss Lucy Plantz, who was high school assistant, and also Mrs. Vina Sullivan, who taught for years in the grades.

     In spite of additions the building was gradually growing inadequate in many ways until in 1896 bonds were voted for the erection of a fine, large building, which was built some months later. This building, it was then thought, would be large enough for years to come. It contained nine lower grade rooms, each supplied with cloak rooms, and for the high school it contained an assembly room supplied with three class rooms and a laboratory used for the same purpose. Then with the exception of an occasional "students' parade," or an interclass scrap, all was peaceful and quiet in the Mount Ayr schools. Each year a large class of young men and women was graduated from the high school, prepared at least partially for life's battles.

     In 1910 and 1911 the subject of a new school building was again agitated. Different alarms were spread over town about the old building being in a dangerous condition, some of which were true and others were not. Finally a special election was called for the purpose of voting for a bond issue not to exceed $45,000 for the erection of a new, strictly modern, fireproof building for Mount Ayr.

     The result: The issue carried by a large majority, the bonds were sold, the money spent, the building erected, and equipped, and then occupied. This building is so arranged that it will meet the requirements for years to come. In those years we hope that every class that leaves its doors will go with a feeling of respect and reverence, a feeling of kindness and thankfulness, and a feeling of love and gratitude for all that pertains to the dear old Mount Ayr High School.

     The Auditorium or Assembly Room is fronted by a well lighted stage, which is large enough for all ordinary occasions. This room will seat over six hundred persons, but seats are kept arranged for only about one hundred fifty persons, the rest being neatly stacked in one end of the room. Some three hundred of the most important reference books from the library are kept in the assembly room for the convenience of the students.

     Until recently the Mount Ayr churches had to open their doors for all public gatherings such as commencement exercises, lectures, etc.; but now besides serving as an assembly for our one hundred forty students the auditorium is the town coliseum.

     Our Library has formerly been in a poor condition. Last year when the new school building was being erected many of the books were soiled and some entirely destroyed. But even now we have a collection of almost one thousand volumes besides one hundred fifty congressional records.

     The books are all catalogued and a complete record of each book is kept by the librarian. Two tables are kept in the room, on which are to be found all the leading school publications and several literary magazines for the benefit of those wishing to inform themselves on topics of the day.

     Although we have no chemistry class, we have a finely equipped laboratory. Besides keeping always on hand a large supply of chemicals, it contains all the apparatus necessary for the study of physics, a wireless outfit, a supply of electrical instruments, dynamos, motors, etc., new vacuum and a fine set of geisler tubes and rotators. It is also fully equipped with charts, microscopes and specimens for the study of Botany and Agriculture. The chemical room is separate from the main room.

     As with Manual Training this is the first time that Domestic Science has been taught in our school. Several of the high school girls have taken up the work and are making excellent progress. The cooking class meets three times each week in the cooking room in the southwest part of the basement. This room is completely equipped for the work. It contains an artificial gas outfit, several large sanitary tables, plenty of storage room, crockery, plates, knives and forks and all the necessary cooking utensils. The sewing room, located in the northwest part of the basement, is nicely furnished with tables, chairs, rugs and wall decorations.

     Prior to this year visitors may have remarked about our lack of a gymnasium; but that deficiency in our athletic equipment has been eliminated. In previous seasons the boys had played ball in the opera house, but that system was uncertain as well as expensive. And then last year as school was held in the opera house, the season was closed with the coming of cold weather. Hereafter the gymnasium will be an ever ready court. By the time the "AYRIAN" is issued it will have been completely equipped with traveling rings, trapeze, horizontal bars and other physical culture apparatus.

Top row: (Left to right) Maurice Tennant, Cloyd Drake, X. Prentis.

Middle row: Gladys Thompson, Elva Hoover, Belle Stranahan, Marie Laird, Grace Darrow, Marie Stephenson

Bottom row: Loren Laughlin, Mona Shroyer, Troy Holloway, Edna Wright, Mel Hickerson, Eva Beasley.

     Domestic science, music, drawing and manual training will be given in all high school grades.

     Pupils who have been attending other high schools and desire to make a change, will be admitted to our high school without an examination. All credits made in other high schools will be accepted.

     Mount Ayr has one of the best schools in the State. Mount Ayr has no saloon, pool hall, or other institution which tends to weaken the morals of her people. Mount Ayr has four fine churches. Mount Ayr homes are open to the non-resident pupils. Mount Ayr offers the best environment in this part of the State.

     For further information write to the City Superintendent of Schools,

GEORGE A. ALLYN, President of the Board.

It will be the first class to graduate from the new building.

It has made an excellent record in scholarship.

It has been a leader in athletics.

It has furnished many loyal rooters.

The honor of winning first place in Iowa in Normal Training work in 1913.

     In September, 1910, the class of 1914 entered the Mount Ayr High School, under very pleasing and favorable circumstances. That Freshman year in the old schoolhouse was filled with many happy times. The class organized and elected officers. During the year they enjoyed several class parties and picnics. An important event was the debate with the Sophomores in which the Freshman were defeated after a valiant struggle.

     When the class assembled at the opening of the Sophomore year they found some old members gone, some new ones entered. The Sophomores spent a very eventful time during the year 1911-'12. They had their share of social meetings as well as displaying their ability in both athletics and scholarship. They faithfully assisted the other classes in initiating the new faculty and were careful overseers of the Freshman class.

     With the end of the Sophomore days came the end of the days spent in the old schoolhouse. The old building was torn down to make room for the elegant present structure. For lack of a better home in the fall of 1912 high school assembled in the old opera house. Classes were held upstairs in the Simpson building. The class of 1914 had dwindled to only about half its former number, which at the end of the year was sixteen. The Normal Training Course was introduced into the school for the first time and the Juniors were the first class to take up the new work. The eleven members who entered the course made an excellent record during the year. The class passed a very enjoyable year in spite of adverse conditions. They selected orange and purple as their colors and showed their spirit by wearing arm bands. The Juniors were able assistants to the graduating class during the busy commencement week, and besides, entertained them at a very successful reception.

     As dignified and learned Seniors the class of 1914 began the present school year, being the first Senior class to attend school in the new building. Several changes were made in the class membership. Throughout the year the class members have enjoyed their school life thoroughly and have endeavored to present a worthy example of what a class may be to the lower classes. They have bettered their excellent class record in various ways. In basketball their boys' team defeated the rest of the high school. The class has taken a leading part in the literary, scholastic and musical movements of the school.

     The class of 1914 will leave their high school days with a friendly spirit toward the coming classes, and a spirit of reverence and have for the dear old Mount Ayr High.

     We, the Senior class of 1914 of Mount Ayr High School, town of Mount Ayr, State of Iowa, having completed our primary and secondary education, according to the laws of the State of Iowa, and being now fortified and prepared to depart from this school life, have deemed it advisable and necessary that we should make and declare our last will and testament in which are set forth the bequest we make concerning our worldly good. We now do this, being in our right mind, memory and understanding, and according to the high school register, thoroughly competent to make such will and testament.

     Items. -- Personal.

     Beulah Bastow hereby bestows the "gift of gab" with which she has been blessed, to Gladys Thompson, whom she knows will make good use of it.

     Gladys Merritt, bequeaths her office of "elocutionary defender of the high school honor" to the promising Freshman, Stella Wright and Irene Williams.

     Glen Stoher leaves his position of high school joker to Raymond Hickerson, the Freshman joy maker.

     Clara Wyler leaves her spirit of endeavor to anyone who will make good and efficient use of it.

     Dee Johnston bequeaths the chief assistant janitorship to Everett Galloway, his present right hand helper.

     Zelma Kirby bestows her place as high school champion alto singer to Minnie Stroble.

Rou Curry rewards Maurice Tennant with a position of "Senior Cuteness" and also gives him his high standing with the faculty.

     Bernice Bevington and Alice Maxwell leave their steady fellow habit to Lucy Kidney and Elva Hoover, who have made a good beginning.

     Ebon McAninch bestows upon Ernest Tennant his reputation as "Athletic Big-Bug."

     Loren Laughlin bequeaths his high salaried position as "Chief Librarian" to Mel Hickerson.

     Maude Greenman gives her spirit of meekness to Francis Bennett.

     Porter Havely leaves to Cloyd Drake his office of "Class Giggler."

     Faye McAninch bestows her interest in athletics upon Belle Stranahan.

     Floyd Davis bequeaths his reputation for being a good fellow to whoever can lay the best claim to it.

     Gladys Gleason leaves her doctrine of the intellectual superiority of women to Grace Darrow and Eva Beasley.

     Beatrice Lorimer gives her reputation for swiftness of action to Grace Richards, Ona Rush, Alice Wyler, Ned Irving, Sammie Rhoades, and whoever else is deserving.

     William Kelley leaves his undisputed high school championship in height to Harry Spurrier.

     Items. -- Class.

     To the Junior class we bequeath the front seats in chapel, and that noble instinct, the Senor spirit.

     Upon the Sophomore class we bestow the athletic championship of the school.

     To the high school we leave our class pennant as a reminder of the class of 1914.

     To the various faculties, both past and present, we give our eternal thanks and best regards.

     We leave our best wishes for success to the coming classes.

     Our requests are few in number and can be easily complied with.

     When our pennant is removed from its present position, please place in a prominent position on the auditorium walls.

     As a token of admiration attend our services of departure about the last of May, when we will leave the realm of school life and enter the vast life beyond.

     Signed, sealed and delivered by said Senior class as a last will and testament, witnessed by the following:

     It was in the fall of 1911 that some fifty bashful and backward boys and girls entered the doors of the Mount Ayr High School, known by the common name of Freshman. But soon they became accustomed to high school methods and were considered a part of the school. That year went fast, and before we realized it the school year was drawing to a close. In our Freshman year we took only a fair interest in athletics but in literary work we were as much to be relied upon as were any of the other classmen.

     When school convened the first of September, 1912, many had left our ranks. But we still had a good class both in size and in social and intellectual accomplishments. This year was marked by several class parties, picnics and other social affairs.

     But when we assembled as Juniors in the new school building we were the experienced ones and the other classes could look up to us. The junior year had not progressed far until the subject of issuing an annual was brought to our minds by some of the progressive members of the class. The proposition carried and the work was soon started. We can rightfully take much praise upon ourselves for being the first class to attempt to issue an annual in the Mount Ayr schools. This year has been further marked by several social affairs, one in particular, with the Sophomores held in the Timbly club rooms on the evening of February 12.

     Soon school will be dismissed for the summer vacation after which we will assemble once more, then, as Seniors. And when that year is drawing to a close we shall begin for the first time to think seriously of the fact that we shall soon be out on life's highway or "Out of the Harbor into the Sea."

     In the fall of 1912 a bunch of some fifty intelligent, industrious and enthusiastic boys and girls became known as Freshman in the history of the Mount Ayr High School. As you know, dear reader, all Freshman classes have their own peculiar characteristics. Many Freshmen are very fresh, some are rather fresh, and a few aren't fresh at all but bear themselves as long accustomed to High School life. But in a general way the class was very similar to all other Freshman classes. They made satisfactory grades and also had their share of social times. Various parties and social gatherings were held during the year, one of which was a valentine party at the Timbly hall and which was indeed a grand affair.

     At the beginning of the present school year, the class, thirty in number, had become wise Sophomores, and took upon themselves the duty of protecting the Freshman class. The class still maintains its high standing, and its ability along lines of scholarship, literary and athletics is by no means lacking. Their prospects are bright and they will mean much to the future of Mount Ayr High. We hope that during the remaining two years of their high school life their numbers will not be decreased but rather enlarged, and that M. A. H. S. will become dearer to them as it has to others.

     The Freshman class of '13-'14 entered the high school fifty-eight strong, a large class as far as quantity was concerned.

     Our first encounter occurred when we entered the assembly room where those dreaded upper classmen chapped their hands so loudly and shouted "Oh you Freshies," making us feel so insignificant as to wish we had never heard of a high school. It is the same way on the street or anywhere in public when one asks, "Who is that?" The listener replies with a sarcastic smile, "Only a Freshman." Perhaps we are only Freshman but who know but what that cord which binds us together as a class may contain a whole bundle of possibilities, which, when aroused by the magnet of class spirit and put to action by the guidance of our teachers may result with benefit to the world and glory to ourselves.

     The first year of our high school life is passing away and we have been able to show our ability as students for eighty-two per cent of the grades for the first semester were passing. We have also been able to make an excellent showing in a social way for we have had several enjoyable parties, especially the Halloween masquerade in which the faculty took an interesting part, helping the pupils to get better acquainted and to enjoy themselves.

     We Freshman are aiming at a great many targets, all of them mounted in the most attractive style, but we can tell later how near each one of us comes to the bull's-eye. Whether we win or lose in these different phases of life, it is better to aim at a thing and miss it than to aim at nothing and hit the mark.

     Masters of music, oratory, literature and athletics have proclaimed that "Perseverance is the price of success" but we as Freshman of the Mount Ayr High have chosen a motto which has a more lofty aim, and if carried out will bring success to each one of us, viz, "Excelsior."

Top row: (Left to right) Clemons, Ketch, Denny, Sullivan.
Middle row: Long, Jagger, Timby, Duncan.
Bottom row: McCandless, Goodwin, Sconce, Williams, Poor.

Top row: (Left to right) Dille, Tennant, Keating, Holden, Moore.
Middle row: Main, Williams, Trimble, Buck, Rhoades.
Bottom row: Irving, Haley, Spencer, Main, Gleason, Moore.

Top row: (Left to right) Carson, Wooster, Galloway.
Middle row: Schlapia, Lamphere, Birnley, Tracy.
Bottom row: Carter, Saltzman, Chance, Reynard, Roberts.

Top row: (Left to right) Stephenson, Darrow, Stroble.
Middle row: Camp, Shafer, Hickerson, Smith.
Bottom row: Rogers, Main, Sawyer, Wright, Prentis.

     The members of the Mount Ayr high school alumni may be found in all parts of the United States, in almost every know occupation and in all the walks of life. But they are all "making good" in the world. They are a credit to the community in which they secured their preliminary education.

     We hope that when this book, the first volume of the AYRIAN, falls into their hands they will think for one short moment over the now gone but not forgotten past and live again the happiest days of their life, their high school days.

     Gaining information concerning so many people was a difficult task, but we give below as correctly as possible the names, addresses, and occupations of the people graduated from the high school since the very beginning. Those whose addresses could not be found receive mention anyway.

     The history of organized literary in our school dates back to the fall of 1909. That fall two societies were organized, the Lowell and Longfellow. Although these societies were well supported and their value recognized no societies were organized the following fall. But the next fall the idea was again carried out. The societies then organized were called the Kallonian and the Kappa Theta. It was in these societies that the graduating class of '14 received their first high school literary training. Both societies were very successful, well supported and well managed, but they were not reorganized the next year owing to the unfavorable conditions, the school being held in the different empty buildings around the square while the new building was being constructed.

     But this year shortly after school convened in the fall the subject of organizing literary societies was brought up before the school and received such support that two societies were organized and named the Montrose and the Orio. Each society contained, on organizing, forty-seven members, but several have joined since then.

     The first program was given by the Orio society. This program was well attended as have been all the other programs. The next program was, of course, given by the Montrose society. It was at this program that the mock debate mentioned in another place was given.

     Programs are given every two weeks and are varied and highly entertaining. They are made up of declamations, debates, book reviews, recitations, various musical features, and papers on interesting and instructive subjects of the day. Both societies united in giving the "Joint Debate and Literary Program," given the evening of the twentieth of March for the benefit of the AYRIAN.

Top row: Galloway, Horne, Maxwell, Johnston, Denny, Ketch.
Second row: Hickerson, Long, Jagger, Darrow, Goodwin, Dille, Lamphaere, Gleason.
Third row: Keating, Carter, Bennett, Clemons, Laughlin, Gleason.
Bottom row: Moore, Holden, Kirby.

Top row: Rhoades, Smith, Simpson, Spurrier, Holloway.
Second row: Trimble, Shafer, Poore, Reger, Hoover, Tracy, Wright, Moore.
Third row: Reger, Irving, Stranahan, Stoher, Hannelly, Wood.
Bottom row: Wright, Wyler, Shroyer.

Top row: Stuck, Stephenson, Main, Tennant, Prentis, Wyler.
Second row: Tennant, Stephenson, Stroble, Williams, Robinson, Stedman.
Third row: Rogers, Tennant, Timby, Thompson, White, Roberts, Sawyer.
Bottom row: Williams, Stuck, Spence, Sconce.

Top row: Darrow, Drake, Kelley, Harrold, Keating.
Second row: Haley, Beasley, Chance, Kelsey, Merritt, Ballew, Moore, Kidney, Hickerson.
Third row: Buck, Greenman, Havely, Bevington, McAninch, Lorimer, Garard..
Bottom row: Main, Chance, Johnston, Buck.

     Miss Gladys Merritt won the highest honor of the year in the line of public reading or speaking when she won the first place in the county high school declamatory contest. Miss Merritt recited the piece, "Poe's Raven in an Elevator." There were three other contestants in the contest which was held in the high school auditorium Saturday evening, December 19, 1913.

Top Row --- Timby, Teale, Hart, Stoher.
Bottom Roe -- Hickerson, Hoover, White.

     The Choruses of the Mount Ayr High School have been making fine progress since the beginning of the school term. Last year on account of the crowded condition of the schools, owing to the construction of the new building, a music class was not organized. This fact made it rather difficult to take up the usual work of the classes at once. The students who enrolled for music at the beginning of the term were divided into two divisions, one reciting in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Mixed choruses, part songs, codas, and familiar songs are sung. However, singing is not the only thing that the class does, for about one day of each week is devoted to theory work. Thus the pupils who come from the country are given a chance to learn about the theory work. Out of the hundred and forty pupils enrolled in the high school about sixty-five of them take the music course. A credit is awarded the student who takes two full years' work and two of these credits are allowed to make up the thirty-two points necessary for graduation. The music classes of the Mount Ayr High School have always been good and this year's classes are fully up to the standard.

     In the near future we hope to have more in the way of musical organizations. Possibly a high school band, or more certainly a boys' and girls' glee club, quartets or other progressive organizations. And we can and will have these marks of refinement if everyone will do his part, if all concerned will boost.

Ebon McAninch
     William Kelley
          Floyd Davis
               Roe Main
                    Harry Spurrier
                         Ernest Tennant
                              Gladys Thompson
                                   Grace Darrow
                                        Georgia Reger
                                             Miss Anderson, Coach (girls)
                                                  N. E. Schupbach, Coach (boys)
                                                       Glen Stoher

   :  Owing to the fact that no Seniors were allowed to hold any office the second semester, William Kelley was not reelected secretary. Harry Spurrier was elected in his place. With this exception the officers for the second semester are the same as for the first.

   :  The Mount Ayr High was very fortunate in securing the services of Mr. N. E. Schupbach as instructor in Science and Athletics in the school. Mr. Schupbach began his athletic career in Hiawatha, Kansas, Academy and for four years was active in football, basketball, and baseball in the Ottawa University. He came to us thoroughly equipped for his position, and to his efficient coaching we largely owe our success on floor and field during the season 1913-1914. He was a friend to all and positions on the team were awarded to the best men without favoritism. The Athletic Association extends to him much gratitude for his untiring labor and although it was his first year among us we hope it will not be his last.

Havely, Main Stoher, E. Tennant, Davis, McAninch, M. Tennant, Spurrier, Kelley, Schpbach (Coach).

   :  "Crack," a player of experience and ability, speedy, a hard fighter and a sure shot at the goal. Inclined to star and plays a spectacular game. He has played basketball for three years and is largely responsible for the high scores and many victories won by the blue and black.

   :  "Fat," although his first year in basketball, he showed exceptional qualifications, as being able to shake a guard and get a goal at a critical point. He will undoubtedly be one of our strong men next year.

   :  "Bill," is another veteran in basketball and he is right there wherever he is placed. The coach finally settled him as guard, where his six foot two seldom failed to completely cover the opposing forward. His size and strength have been an asset to the team which will be seriously missed next year.

   :  "Brick," had the misfortune early in the season to get his shoulder dislocated. However, when in the game nothing daunted him. Was always on the move and always did his part in the games. Had particular ability when his "pep" was aroused.

   :  "Slim" started the season as guard and was one of the fastest men on the floor. Paternal objection and ill health caused him to drop basketball during the greater part of the season.

   :  "Heck" played center when somebody else didn't. He held them all from "Big Pete" down. Well over six feet tall he is seldom out jumped. He is a good fellow and in the remaining two years of his high school career will make a name for himself in athletics.

   :  "Main" played guard the entire season. One of the hardest scraps on the team. He wouldn't let the ball stay in his territory and his man seldom connected with the coveted basket. Our guards have probably done as much toward making a successful season as have our goal getters.

   :  "Tacky," while a good player, "couldn't keep up with the crowd." He played the first part of the season, but had to yield his position to "Fat." Was a quick mover and did good work at the goals. Kept the team in good spirits.

   :  "Porter" never saw a basketball until this year. From the very first showed exceptional ability and by faithful practicing soon made the team. But he was destined to lose his position for others, "pushed ahead" of him. Was a good guard and a skilled forward.

   :  There are many who sit on the side lines or in the bleachers and applaud and praise the varsity team. But those who praise the scrubs, who give the best of their time and energy that the varsity team may bring victory and glory to the school are "few and far between." Often almost forgotten in the excitement and at best ill rewarded, they are worthy of the sincerest thanks and deepest gratitude. But remember you fellows with visions of basketball fame before you, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Darrow, Stuck, Reger, Miss Anderson, R. Beasley, Thompson, E. Beasley.

   :  Basketball takes the lead in girls' athletics in Mount Ayr, but since the gymnasium has been equipped there is a class in gymnastics and as soon as the weather permits the girls will play tennis. The basketball girls have always entered the game with a determination to win and the rooters have always stood behind them. This year the team has been a light one and some of the girls are new players, but due to the excellent training of our coach, Miss Anderson, and to the practice obtained with the other girls, the team has gained the reputation of being a fast one. On account of bad weather and unfavorable circumstances games with visiting teams have been few. However several good interclass games have been played. Chief among these were the High School-Alumni game, where the high school girls were victorious, and the Junior-High School game, in which the Juniors carried off the honors. Only two outside games were played, one with Grant City, Missouri, and one with Afton. In both games our girls were defeated, but nevertheless they held their opponents down so that the winning score was very small.

   :  All credit is not due to those who constitute the team, for they could not have become skilled players were it not for the faithful work of those who have not yet made the first team. Some of these are working well and will furnish excellent material for another year. M.E.B.

   :  LATER - The girls practiced indoor baseball in the gymnasium under the instruction of their coach, Miss Anderson. Many of the girls took part in the game new to the Mount Ayr girls.

   :  This page would not be complete without a mention of our coach, Miss Anderson, for without her we can truly say there would be no girls' athletics in Mount Ayr. She has been our directress for two years and has proved a most faithful, patient and efficient one and is honored and respected by all the girls.

   :  As the copy for the AYRIAN will go to the printer before the baseball season is hardly started, it is impossible to give more than a partial write-up on the subject. After a very successful basketball season most of the boys were in good condition physically, but felt the need of a rest, which owing to the unfavorable weather was granted them. Even then they were at noon along the "shady places" loosening up their arms. Finally a meeting of all those interested in baseball was called by the coach and about twenty-five boys signed up as willing to "try out" for the team. And as to who will play and where: Porter, that wonderful pitcher from Kellerton, will pitch; catcher lies between Homer Main and Troy Holloway. "Bill" will easily hold down the initial bag. Second is closely contested, but Spurrier has a good show for that place. Third base will without opposition go to Mac. Barney Horne will just as easily get to play short stop. In the field there are several good men trying for positions. Among there Carson, Main, Stoher, and Galloway are considered to be the most likely ones. But the truth concerning the baseball season this year we will leave for the 1916 AYRIAN to describe. Only this, "As good luck to them as the black and blue won in basketball, and better if possible."

1967 Ayrian courtesy of Shaun Hayse Kniep's 2016 Publications Class, Mount Ayr Community High School

Transcriptions by Sharon R. Becker, April of 2017