1944-45 Owen High School Senior Class History     < next page >

As school opened in 1941, it found us as a group of shy “freshies” very bewildered by the newness of high school ways, and too willing to be the slaves of our superiors. However, time changes, and we soon adjusted ourselves to the routine of school life. In no time at all many of our members were active in extra-curricular activities. The first important event of our high school lives was the initiation party, at which time we green Freshman were put in our places. We soon overcame our fear of the Sophomores an sponsored a return party

which gave us an opportunity to show our ability as entertainers.

By the Sophomore year we had gained more confidence in ourselves, and now could get the longed-for revenge by plotting an initiation for unsuspecting Freshman.

As Juniors, our responsibilities deepened. We were very proud to have one of our members, Grayce Scheel, elected Homecoming Queen. Shortly after, another of our number, Vernon Hansen, enlisted in the Marines. The greatest social event of the year, the Promenade, was of our making. The theme was “Frenesi” and the guests danced to the sentimental music of Jack Pingel and his orchestra. During the Grand March, led by Edwin Autio and his queen Sylvia Cizik, patriotic numbers were played.

This year as Seniors we are putting out greatest efforts into making a success of the Clover Leaf, which we believe is our greatest undertaking this far. We are anxious for graduation, but will also regret to leave the O.H.S. and the friends we have made in the past four years, for they have been happy, carefree ones. It is our hope that we will not soon be forgotten here in High School.

Kenneth Alexander > “Don’t wait to be cranked - be a self starter”

Edwin Autio > “At the bottom of mischief, but who’d know it?”

Bonniebelle Awe > “She aims high and hits the mark”

Ilene Awe > “A smile is the same in any language”

Robert Bucholz > “A man of silence, a man of sense”

Betty Lou Bulgrin > “Life is a serious proposition”

Robert Carter > “Why is it that these little fellows are so brainy?”

William Devine > “My hero - - me!”

Betty Ellenshon > “So wise, so young, she cannot live long - - single”

Norman Erickson > “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the best of men”

Douglas Graham > “All great men are dying and I don’t feel so well myself”

Ruth Hill > “Quiet and unassuming but always on the job”

Marjorie Johnson > “Do your best and leave the rest, what’s the use of worry”

Imogene Knaack > “She puts her worries on the bottom of her heart, sits on the lid, and smiles”

Vernetta Laabs > “I don’t say much, but I do alot of thinking”

Edna Laube > “Life is what we make it”

Agnes Lehnen > “You may know her by the noise she does not make”

Mary Ann Liberty > “Modest, quiet and sweet, would there were more like her”

Donna Jean Marsh > “No man is worth the salt of my tears”

Dale Matthias > “When joy and duty clash, let duty go to smash”

Margaret Nelson > “Sober, but not serious”

Miriam Puro > “The hand that made you fair, has also made you good”

Throvald Rasmussen > “His noblest ambition of earth is to live as a man”

James Riley > “Sometimes idle, sometimes wise; always brilliant for one of his size”

Caroline Rogalski > “Laugh and the world laughs with you”

Alice Schafer > “Loved by all who really know her”

Marilyn Sommer > “A wee little lass with a big heart”

Walter Spencer > “He has a quite nature, but mischief lurks underneath”

Charles Taylor > “His high ideals and good intentions will place him high among men”

Donald Teclaw > “I’m not as shy as I look”

Mildred Thompson > “Almost to all things could she turn her hands”

Gloria Wolfram > “There’s a wicked little flicker in her eye”

Jean Walkama > “There’s a little bit of bad in every good girl”

Almost three years full of happy memories are now left behind this high-aiming class. Those three short years ago when they entered Owen High’s doors, they were a sizable class of thirty-six students, each of whom was puzzled with the school activities. That inevitable initiation day found many of them “in the red” and even smiling at their own ridiculous costumes. Another important occasion that year was their return party for the sophomores.

The next fall marked the time for the event so dear to the heart of each true-blooded sophomore - - the Freshman Initiation. Careful planning made the day a delightful success, even for the poor Freshies!

Time swiftly sped by and soon the class returned as Juniors. Arraignments for the high-light of the season, the Promenade, were begun early in the winter, and are now making plans for the closing chapter in their high school careers.

After a somewhat confusing but happily remembered Freshman year, the Sophomore class eagerly returned to high school. The were no longer shy, but able and willing to get ahead and to rank high among the classes in good marks and participation in extra-curricular activities.

During the fall, the members of the class took full advantage of their Sophomore privilege and gave the trembling Freshies and initiation not soon forgotten. The also took an active part in the Curtis magazine selling campaign.

Each Sophomore is looking forward to the big events in their two remaining years in high school and each hopes to have attained his goad by the end of his senior year.

In the fall of ‘44, approximately fifty Freshmen timidly entered the halls of Owen High. However, they quickly adapted themselves to the school life and good-naturedly accepted the so called “tortures” of initiation. Later, proving their ability, the held a Return Party for their Sophomore tormentors.

These active and talented Freshies entered into almost every extra- curricular activity available to them. In addition, they participated in the Curtis magazine selling campaign, held sleigh rides and dances, and helped

to maintain the school spirit at all times.

Truly each Freshman is eagerly looking forward to his future years here in high school.

The first week of practice found 28 boys reporting. Our initial performance with Neillsville was played at Owen; the final score was 6 - 0. This game set off a series of injuries that handicapped us throughout the entire season. Rasmussen, our regular right guard, was injured and was unable to play for the rest of the season. The next game was played with Stanley, ended 19 - 0 in their favor. We then journeyed to Medford to play an unsuccessful game in the rain. This was followed by rough and tumble game with the eventual conference champions Mosinee, who came out on the long end.

We played out homecoming game with Neillsville. It ended in a scoreless tie. At the end of the season, we played a non-conference game with our traditional rivals, Withee, and after a few exciting moments emerged

victorious by a score of 19-12.

Next year should find Owen High with a strong football team, as there will be many veterans returning. Eight players, however, Autio, Carter, Erickson, Graham, Rasmussen, Riley, Taylor and Teclaw will graduate.

Non-conference games:

Neillsville 6 <> Owen 0 - Withee 12 <> Owen 19

Conference games:

Stanley 19 <> Owen 0 - Medford 13 <> Owen 0 - Mosinee 12 <> Owen 0 - Neillsville 0 <> Owen 0

Center <> Edwin Autio “Finn”.....Senior.....Captain.....A better center was never made, tough on offensive and defensive lines......will be missed next year.

Center <> Bob Mattson.....A big Freshman....proved he had what it takes.

Center <> Martin Autio........Sophomore.....Good prospect for the line next year...Has the size.

End <> Henry Mauel....”Hank”.......Junior.....Big and tough.....few plays went around end when he was in the game.

End <> Kenneth Clifton.....”Kenny”.....An all American....this year few plays got around his end....a vicious tackler.

End <> Howard Erickson.... Freshman.... Has the size to develop into a star....

Guard <> Douglas Graham.....”Doug”.....Senior.....A mighty good tackler.....will be missed in the line next year.

Guard <> Richard Needham....”Dick”......Junior....A power house in the line.....Should be a whirlwind on the offensive and defensive next year.

Guard <> Thorvald Rasmussen.....”Rats”......Broke his collar bone on first play...was badly missed.....excellent punter.

Guard <> Galen Parkinson.....Was always in the pileups, despite his size.

Guard <> Bill Maurina.....Sophomore.....They make them no tougher....Will be much tougher next year.

Tackle <> Louis Maurina....”Louie”....Loves them tough....a swell tackle....Will be lost to Uncle Sam next year.

Tackle <> Charles Taylor....”Chuck”....A tough tackle...and a good player...will be missed next year.

Tackle <> Donald Teclaw....”Donnie”....gave all he had....is another Senior to be missed next year.

Tackle <> Russell Garfield....Sophomore....Began to show his colors this year...Should develop into a first rate tackle next year.

Quarterback <> James Riley....”Jim”....Small but fast...full of dynamite, he tackles for keeps.

Quarterback <> Eugene Johnson....A fast a clever runner....will be a good ball player.

Halfback <> Bob Carter.... Always gave his best...a hard runner...one of the best tacklers on the team....lots of drive.

Halfback <> Frank Hoeper....Freshman.....played blocking half and did a fine job. Will be powerful next year.

Halfback <> Bob Devine....Freshman....Proved by action that he has what it takes....excellent passer.

Halfback <> Allen Fritz....Sophomore....Received the pounding of the first string...Always gave as much as he received.

Halfback <> Ernest Gay....Freshman....Knows how to follow his interference.

Halfback <> LeRoy Parve....Sophomore....Filled in at various positions...should develop in the next two years.

Fullback <> Peter McMillan....”Pete”....Has lots of drive....should rip the opponent line open next year.

Fullback <> Norman Erickson....Senior....developed into a good player...was good for yards.

Although handicapped from the first of the season with injuries the Owen boys came through to tie Thorp for second place, only then to lose it by flipping a coin. This then gave them 3rd place in the Cloverbelt league.

The boys played good ball throughout the season, and were the only team to win from the strong Stanley team. This was one of the outstanding games of the year. Another was the Owen - Withee game at Withee. Owen came out on the short end in a very close game 23 - 30. Still another exciting game this season was Thorp at Owen, Owen being the victors by a margin of 4 points.

The players who will be lost through graduation are: Edwin Autio, Jim Riley, Doug Graham and Bob Carter. All in all it was a triumphant season.

Forward <> Edwin Autio, Eugene Johnson, James Riley and Earl Johnson

Center <> Henry Mauel and Douglas Graham

Guard <> Robert Carter and Eldon Cantura

Non Conference Games

Owen 18 - Greenwood 25 <> Owen 24 - Marathon 33 <> Owen 19 - Withee 24 Owen 23 - Withee 30

Owen 19 - Neillsville 15 <> Owen 29 - Abbotsford 27 <> Owen 26 - Marathon 37 <> Owen 31 - Neillsville 23 Owen 27 - Greenwood 41 <> Owen 34 - Abbotsford 28

Conference Games

Owen 27 - Thorp 37 <> Owen 30 - Stanley 25 <> Owen 29 - Withee 21 Owen 31 - Thorp 27

Owen 21 - Stanley 36 <> Owen 30 - Withee 32

Cloverbelt Basketball Tournament

Owen 40 - Boyd 13

State District Basketball Tournament

Owen 34 - Athens 23 <> Owen 26 - Marathon 44

The high school band, directed by Mr. Stamstad, has had another outstanding year. In the fall football fans enjoyed the skillful maneuvering of the marching ban, whose appearances was accented by the red and white costumes of the twirlers.

At Christmas time the Owen band, combine with that of Withee, presented a very impressive program in an artistically decorated gymnasium. At this time “The Messiah” and “Christmas March” were among the numbers played.

After endless hours of practice, the band again made its appearance at a March Concert, when arrangements of “American Youth” - - overture, and “King John” - - tone poem, were rendered, as were several instrumental solos. More and more practice followed, to prepare the group for the spring music festival, which this year was a small local contest.

The Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Stamstad, consisted of forty-four students this year. Two concerts were presented before the listening audience. The first, together with the Mixed Chorus, was given at the Thanksgiving Carnival. Beautiful renditions of “Now Thank We All Our God” and “Now Let Every Tongue Adore Thee” filled the gymnasium.

The students worked diligently through-out the winter months in preparation for the local contest and the May concert, when selections by the well-known composers Tschaikowsky and Schubert were played.

Besides its regular concerts, the Orchestra also contributed several other numbers on Rural Day and at the Commencement Exercises.

This year a Mixed Chorus of eighty musically talented young students composed the largest group of its kind in the history of Owen High. Their voices blended skillfully under the direction of Mr. Stamstad.

At the Thanksgiving Carnival, the chorus made its appearance before the public for the first time. High light of the evening was the harmonious music by both this group and the Orchestra. Chorus numbers included “I Will

Thank Thee, Oh Lord” - - F. L. Moir and “To Thee We Sing” - - Tkach.

As the holiday season drew near, the combined choruses of the Withee and Owen High Schools raised their voices in glad praise, singing “Christmas Morn” by Gaines and numerous other Christmas songs. The beautifully decorated gymnasiums added to the effect of the holiday spirit created by the group.

Mendelssohn’s “God the Lord is Gracious” and Dayspring of Enternity” - - F. Melius Christiansen, were among the selections presented at the Easter Concert early in the spring.

As in former years the ensemble was enthusiastically received by its audience at the Orchestra concert in May. At that time Largo, composed by Dvorak, was presented. Chorales, Folk Songs, Minuets, and Waltzes from a new edition by C. J. Roberts and Dr. Edwin J. Stringham of the Teacher’s College, Columbia University were also rehearsed.

In addition to entertaining, the members of the organization also received additional musical training and pleasure.

The String Ensemble, a Musical Organization which has long since become a tradition of the O.H.S., is a group of eight Musicians, under the direction of Mr. Stamstad. This years work was handicapped by having difficulty finding time to practice, but because they played for the love of it, managed to spend some time together after school, once a week.

Owen has always had the reputation of having one of the peppiest and best pep bands in this locality. This year, under the direction of Mr. Stamstad and Norman Erickson, it has indeed retained this honor.

All the home basketball games were enlivened by this dynamic group of musicians who also entertained at pep meetings. Besides, it appeared at the Abbotsford tournament where it seemed to steal the show. At this time Betty Ellenshohn, a very able drum majorette, entertained with her baton.

Probably the most popular numbers this year were “The Star Spangled Banner” and “The Purple and Gold”. The marches and novelties were also well-liked.

There is always a question as to who received the most enjoyment from this band - - the audience or the students participating.

As a new organization headed by the Cheerleaders, Gloria Wolfram, Betty Lou Bulgrin, Eunice Marking and Shirley Weaver, the Pep Club has had a very successful year. The purpose of the club was to learn new yells, add spirit to pep-meetings, and provide extra “zip” at games, especially at the darkest moments. In this way the morale of the team was boosted. Some very clever new cheers were worked up.

All classes in high school were represented. There were five Seniors, four Juniors, six Sophomores and four Freshman. It is the hope of all the school that the pep-club remains active in years to come.

In preparing this year’s annual the Senior Class has carried on for the sixth year a custom of the Owen High School. The purpose of the yearbook is to give to each student a lasting remembrance of his schoolmates and the various activities in which they participated.

It is only through the close cooperation of the staff and their advisors that the difficult task of compiling an annual can be accomplished. The Seniors are proud of their edition of the Clover Leaf and it is hoped that it will be enjoyed by those who read it.

Under the guidance of Miss Boyington, the Cloverblossom staff has again successfully presented a weekly account of school activities and progress. This was accomplished by having either an editorial or feature story, an interesting and very informative series of autobiographies of our students, a section of flashes, a new column added this year, and humor. In addition news from the grades was printed once a month and the honor rolls at the end of each six weeks period.

To carry on this work, the editor, Junior correspondent, assistant editor and the two Freshman correspondents met every Thursday during the noon hour. This active group, with the assistance of the typists, provided an opportunity for the student body, alumni, and the parents to gain accurate information about school life in general. All will certainly agree that “twas a worthy task well done.

The Owen Chapter of the Future Homemakers Association was reorganized this year in December. The first activity was the sponsoring of the annual Christmas Tea. A candle circle initiation was held in March. New members were then officially admitted to the organization.

In March the F.H.A. sponsored an assembly program, in the form of skits. One related to table manners, and had in the cast Loretta Smith, Betty Ellenshohn, Dorothy Thompson and Gloria Wolfram. Judy Wollum and Shirley Weaver were in the other, on date etiquette, which was narrated by Miss Lloyd. Through this work the importance of etiquette was stressed and the students were greatly benefited by it.

The highlight of the season was the Sadie Hawkins Dance in April. For this party, Sadie Hawkins (the girls)

“ups” and ask Lil Abner (the boys) to the dance, even if it wasn’t leap year. This ended a very busy year for the

F.H.A.

The Future Farmers is a world-wide organization of farm boys enrolled in vocational agriculture. We reorganized this year with the beginning of the school term.

Three judging teams represented out chapter at the County Dairy, Fatstock, and Grain Judging contest, and received Future Farmers emblems for their fine work.

November 16th was a memorable day for the Future Farmers, for it was the night of our F.F.A. Banquet. With the F.H.A. girls serving an excellent meal, and with talks provided by a magician and a talk by Mr. C. H. Bonsack, Executive Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of Future Farmers, the banquet was a successful one.

Our officers attended the officers training school at Medford, to better fit them for their jobs, also they came back with new ideas as to conducting of meetings. The selling of garden seeds was the final project of a highly profitable year for the Owen Chapter of the F.F.A.

A large number of young people took an active part in forensics this year, but because of the war, the acute shortage of paper presented difficulties and no sample copies were sent by any company for their preference. Nevertheless, six students selected dramatic and six humorous declamations, one an oration, and one an extemporaneous speaking and four extemporaneous reading.

Under the capable guidance of Miss Boyington preparations were begun early in March. Among the contestants were several who had appeared before in such meets together and the new students had to be initiated into this interesting type of work. Elimination contests were held; but this publication went to press too

early to announce the results.

Sylvia Citzik (Prom Queen) and Edwin Autio (Prom King) photographs. The Junior Prom of ‘44 was a gala event sponsored by our class. We danced to the strains of the music of Jack Pingel’s Orchestra in a gaudily decorated gym. An eight by thirty - three foot mural of dancing Spanish girls with handsome Señors singing heartily at their sides was displayed on the West end of the gym. Vines were clinging to the sides of the arches which were extended the full length of the South side. Much of the credit for our successful prom should be given to Donna Jean Marsh, whose artistic ability made it one of the outstanding promenades of many years.

September: 5, Owen High School doors reopen to an enrollment of 150. 11, Class meeting held. Purpose - - election of officers. 18, F.F.A. once again organized. 22, Freshman initiation. Girls appear in overalls, and boys in dresses. Neillsville victorious in football game. Dance in evening. 29, Stanley beats Owen. Return party in honor of Sophomores.

October: 4, Annual staff chosen. 11, Colorful floats parade the streets and the team is well backed by school’s pep. Nevertheless, we lose in Homecoming game with Mosinee. 12, Vacation!! Teachers convention in Eau Claire. 16, Band Orchestra and Chorus elect officers. 20, We tie with Neillsville ! 23, Curtiss Magazine sale begins. 25, Cal Cosshaul sets students to laughing with stories of Paul Bunyan.

November: 3, Seniors journey to Wausau to have their class pictures taken. 6, Class meeting time changed to 3:40. Committees elected for entertainment. 7, George Demott, famous juggler, performs wonders. 9, Lo and behold! What are those sparkling gems we see on the Seniors fingers? No, they aren’t diamonds, but merely class rings. 10, End of Magazine sale. We did very well. 18, Come one, come all! Orchestra and Chorus present Thanksgiving Carnival. 23, Thanksgiving vacation! Oh boy! Turkey and pumpkin pie. 27, Shucks! Back to school and vacation was such fun!! Father Ortmayer talks about recreation center. Mr. Don Johnson and bride visit school.

December: 1, Greenwood upsets us in first basketball game of season. Losers in magazine campaign sponsor dance. Dick Roberts here from Great Lakes! 8, We bow to Marathon! 11, Withee wins - - too bad boys. Better luck next time. 15, Another game with the Blue and gold. Tough luck again. 18, Election of F.H.A. Officers - - Gloria takes over gavel. Seniors are happy. Why? Pictures arrived. 23, Christmas party given by faculty - - games, dancing, and ice cream. Better yet - - vacation begins! Hurrah!!

January: 3, Students resume classed for the new year. Mr. Olsen back but only for a visit. 5, Hurrah! We win Neillsville. 9, Owen romps over Abbotsford. Good going boys and keep it up. 11, Semester tests. We trudge home weary and worn-out. 19, $23.00 donated for March of Dimes. Yippee! Our third game with Withee is in our favor. 22, Marathon is here - - more trouble. 24, Sophomores make merry - - peppy sleigh ride party. 25, Mr. Wyman comes to take pictures for the annual. 26, Smiles and more smiles! Our team is tied for first place. 30, Neillsville’s beaten by three points. 31, Juniors select class rings.

February: 2, Mr. Jones presents dancing electrons.......students watch in awe. 6, Greenwood swamps the Owenites. 9, Not again! Well, it’s true - - Withee wins. 12 Flag flys at half mast as honor is paid to Cleve, janitor of grade school. 14, What’s the reason for all the smiles today? It could be valentines. 17, Tournament at Thorp. We beat Boyd. 20, Forensics meeting held. Come one kids, we’d like another look at the cup. 21, Abbotsford tournament begins. Owen defeats Athens by a large margin. 22, James Elliot, liquid air demonstrator, entertains. We lose to Marathon.

March: How were the steaks, boys? Lucky team! 7, Band members present concert. 9, Hard Times Party given by Ag students. 14, Students pile out in 59 seconds flat as fire bell summons them from the building. 23, Senior Ball - - music by the Solid Seven.

April: 4, Combined Chorus concert with Withee. 6, Boys watch out! This is the day of the Sadie Hawkins dance. 14, Impressive Home Ec. skits sponsored by the girls in the main room.

May: 2, Orchestra concert. 4, High light of the season - - Junior Prom. 13, Baccalaureate. 16, Commencement exercises take place. 17, Seniors turn to entertain as they present their hilarious class night. < next page >