Yearbook memories

Four annuals from Flathead County High School in Kalispell were interesting to read.

Yearbooks from 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934 were given to Jane Barnes. I did not hesitate when she offered them to me. Jane grew up in Whitefish and lived there until moving to Columbia Falls.

Seemed the well-preserved volumes were very old until recalling I was a member of FCHS Class of 1946. That was just 15 years later.

Graduates in 1931 included my aunt, Edith Lewis, and her friend, Sylvia Everett. Edith, my mother's sister, lived with us while attending high school. Sylvia's son, Rex Linstead, is married to my niece, Marlene Van.

Staff members in 1931 included Gussie Gilliland, Ann Pederson, Mildred Grawe and Edward Flottman. They were still there in the 1940s. Trustees with names still familiar in the Flathead were H. B. Henricksen, chairman; W. H. Bally, vice chairman; Dr. A. H. Burch, secretary; with Rue Carr, Mrs. Lillian Peterson, Mr. Myre and Mr. Rockwood. First names for these gentlemen were not given.

Last names of students in FCHS years ago included Allison, King, Lapp, Caswell, Wendt, Melton, Fry, Chrisinger, Reimer, Odenwald, Spink, Voelker, Jordan, Noble, Perry, Lee, Torgerson, Roe, Calbick, Elliott, Ordish, Baldwin, Moen, Monk , Kirkpatrick, Pauline, Cusick, Clark, Wilson.

The F Club was organized in 1920 with original purpose of fostering athletic events only. In 1928, the club was reorganized to include winners in forensics. I had wondered why girls were pictured with the athletes.

Looking through the 1930s yearbooks brought back memories.

Jean Jordet was editor of our 1946 annual. Marian Bell and I were assistant editors with Patricia Morton, business manager, and Della Ve Carr, faculty advisor. We also worked on The Arrow, FCHS newspaper.

I looked up a photo of the F Club in my 1946 annual. The 23 pictured were described as boys who carried the torch for Flathead in the field of athletics. Girls were not included.

Athletes pictured in our 1946 annual were Duane Bitney, Art Burch, Ralph Handford, Harold Holden, Don Lawrence, Bob Zanon, Ivan O'Neil, Bob Bullman, Arnie Carruthers, Philip Bertelsen, Neil Leitch, Irving Nelson, Buck Swennes, Hollister Eastlund, Erick Fehlberg, Pat Gyrion, Kevin Johnson, Bob Turner, Duane Grob, Frank Bolton, Ray Arnold, Jack King and Dan MacDonald.

You will note names of familiar businessmen in the Flathead today. Don Lawrence is active as a retired teacher, still continuing musical interests.

We also have our own second and third generations as residents.

Our Class of 1946 meets for luncheons every two months. Next one is scheduled for Friday, July 10, at Famous Dave's, starting at 11:30 a.m.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.