The late thirties and early forties showcased the firsts of our school and how World War Two impacted our town. As the community transitioned to the postwar environment in the late 40s and 50s, new events and wacky traditions emerged. Let’s take a look!
1945: The Scoreboard Stomp.
When LFHS installed a new scoreboard at West Campus last fall, it was a big upgrade. The biggest improvement, however, occurred in 1945 when students raised money to install the first-ever scoreboard. 72 couples attended the Scoreboard Stomp, although no money was spent on music or decorations. Music was played by a local band, and flowers were hung around the gym. The high turnout raised nearly all the money to purchase the $100 scoreboard.
1946: The First Guidance Counselor.
John C. Maloney, director of Band, Chorus, and Orchestra, became the school’s first guidance counselor in hopes of fixing issues around the school. His dedication to preventing problems earned him the nickname “J. C. Pussyfoots,” as he always happened to suddenly creep up when rules were being broken.
Later, Maloney began the Student Personnel Center, an early version of the Student Services Department in the school today. In the 1960s, he became Assistant to the Superintendent, where he continued his mission of serving students.
1947: Learn to Drive!
Shockingly, LFHS students could learn how to fly in 1942 before they could learn to drive. In 1947, Caspersen and Swarthout Motor Sales donated a 1948 Ford Sedan to the high school; this prompted the installation of a driver’s education course. Imagine learning how to drive in this car (left)!
The course was open to all students aged 15 or older, and much like today, students who completed the course could receive their license without taking the state test.
1948: The Forest Scout Promise.
Have you ever had your name misspelled in The Forest Scout? If so, I offer you a sincere apology. If it occurred in 1948, however, I’d also offer you a free can of malted milk.
Malted milk—a powder made of barley, milk powder, and flour—was a key ingredient in a popular drink of the time period: malted milkshakes. Knowing the offer was enticing, The Forest Scout editors instilled the policy, hoping it would motivate them to reduce the errors in their editions. To the extent it worked, I can’t say, but I’m sure students didn’t mind a misspelling if they received a free milkshake out of it.
1949: Students Join the Circus.
When the circus came to town in late February, many students took part in session stunts—performances they wrote for class and performed for the town to view. A senior girls’ interpretation of 1946’s “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Annie’s Get Your Guns,” told the story of female sharpshooters. Also set in the wild west, the senior boys’ “Forty-Niners” performance included a dance with the sharpshooting girls.
1950: The First Homecoming Queen.
As homecoming court is announced today at the pep rally, think back to where it all started 75 years ago. The first queen, Lenore Crowley, was accompanied by her two attendants: Pat Merrell and Virginia Johansen. While not much else can be said about the dance, it surely left a legacy of homecoming royalty that is still practiced today.
1951: Jesse Owens Speaks at Father-Son Banquet.
While LFHS is blessed to have guest speakers present to the school a few times a year, it’s not often that the guest is an Olympic gold medalist. Attending the 1936 games held in Berlin, Germany, Owens made history as the first track and field athlete to win four gold medals in one Olympic game. A trailblazer for African American athletes, Owens and his success directly discredited Adolf Hitler’s—the host country’s leader—claims of white superiority.
At the Father-Son Banquet, main speaker Owens shared his experiences and insights in the auditorium. Following his speech, coaches of the basketball teams presented awards to lettermen of the teams.
1952: “Under the Sea” with the Synchronized Swim Team.
We have a swim and diving team, but what about synchronized swimming? In 1952, the Guppies were just that. Composed of female swimmers, the Guppies were a club team that tirelessly practiced for their annual end-of-the-year performance. This year’s fitting under the sea theme featured beautiful performances, arrangements, and background songs such as “The Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns that played as the star (left) was formed.
1953: Edgar “Lindy” Lindenmeyer Retires.
Every Friday in the fall, most students head to Varsity Field to watch the football game. What most don’t know, though, is that the field is dedicated to Edgar Lindenmeyer, former Director of Athletics, Head of the Boys P.E. Department, and beloved football coach. He coached the football team to win the conference title in 1942, 1944, 1946, where he also led the team to an undefeated season, 1947, and 1951.
That last year, Lindenmeyer fell sick and was not able to restore his strength needed to coach. After finishing the year as a study hall advisor, he took a break from teaching to undergo health operations. In 1953, he pursued one last ride at LFHS as a study hall advisor before retiring. Lindenmeyer, known affectionately as Lindy, was respected by students and faculty alike for his dedication toward his profession and students.
1954: Welcome to Cellar!
After numerous debates whether to open up a teen center in the community, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Quinlan opened “Cellar” in the Gorton School basement. Once the Boys Basketball Team concluded their first 1954 home game, 282 students rushed over to explore the new space.
The center was decorated with a record player and a smoking lounge. While a fun place to hang out, the Cellar’s Constitution was strictly enforced: member drives occurred in the
fall, guests had to maintain passes, and privileges could be revoked for the slightest infraction. Nonetheless, members made sure to follow the rules so they could attend their beloved hangout spot!
In honor of the 1950s event, happy homecoming, and be sure to check out The Forest Scout in two weeks for the intel on what happened during the late fifties and early sixties!
