History of the Westby High School

from 1912-1914,

author unknown

When school opened in September of the year 1912, we marked many changes. Principal L.E. Weiland had come to take the place of Mr. Godrey who left us at the end of the preceding school year. Mr. Weiland had visited us in May of the same year, so we felt more or less acquainted with him; and work started off the first day without a hitch. Miss. Hildur Schreiner was added to the teaching force of the high school after two weeks had passed. This divided the work in such a way that we were enabled to devote more time and energy to activities which are as valuable to high school students as are the lessons learned from books.

The seventh and eighth grades were moved from the assembly room, and each of the fifty-three high school students could proudly say, as he looked about him, “I am monarch of all I survey.” The spirit exhibited by this band of young people would have done justice to persons much older and far wiser than they. “They work like Trojans” was a favorite expression that went around among those who watched them day in and day out. We would not have you think, however, that they were book-worms or grinds They threw themselves into other activities with as much vigor as they displayed in the class room.

Many things had been done which had resulted in greater possibilities for the boys and girls. I am thinking particularly of the purchasing of the piano. The piano fund was started under the instigation of Miss. Polley and had gradually been increased until with a little financial aid from the board we were enabled to buy the long-hoped-for instrument. The wheezy organ, which had done faithful service for so long, was removed, and the new piano was dedicated on the Monday morning following its arrival. On that occasion we displayed what musical talent we had, and tried to make the stranger understand how much we appreciated its presence.

The piano was not the only improvement which graced our school. It was no more necessary to summon classes from their visitations and violate their privacy by opening their class-room doors and giving a signal that meant, “it is time to call a halt; another class needs this room.” A new electric bell had banished that uncouth method; and trivial as it may seem, the bell was hailed as an object of adoration.

Our library was increased and the number and character of the book added greatly to the efficiency and pleasure of the students. Perhaps I am going into detail when I mention the new clock, new chairs and other pieces of furniture which to some would seem of small value, but to us were so gratifying.

continued next week

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