Each June as another school year ends, Senior Class members reflect on their high school years. The Gagashoan they receive illustrates not only their daily lives, but also the history of our country at the time. This is especially true of the Class of 1944. This spring, I had the chance to talk with Tom Conners and Nick Verzella, two members of the ER Class of ’44. I thank them for providing insight into high school life during a time of war.
As Freshmen in the fall of 1940, the class had over 200 students—the largest class our school had seen up to that time. During their high school years that number would dwindle with the events of the time. Their high school building was on East Avenue, and is what is now called the T.L.R. Morgan Middle School. Mr. Morgan was the ER School District Superintendent from 1932-1944. During their Sophomore year, their world was turned upside down when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Thus began the students’ part in the war effort on the home front as the United States entered World War II on December 8th. News from the battlefront would be a constant for the rest of their high school years as classmates and friends enlisted in the armed forces. In order to keep the bond between service men and the school as close as possible, an artistic roster was erected on the walls of the main hall in school. A special bulletin board was set up for photos, letters, news items, and souvenirs from those serving their country. Home front activities and fundraisers would be part of their daily lives.
During their Junior year, a number of tea dances were held leading up to the Junior Prom. War Stamp sales set an example for the school with 100% participation. Class members also served on committees to salvage paper and tin. Several athletes excelled, with Art Gebhard and Sam Urzetta making All-County teams, and David Potter winning the sectional singles tennis tournament. Four members of the class left as Juniors, and graduated in 1943 in order to enlist in the armed forces—Art Engert, Mike Martello, Art Dimassimo, and David Potter.
As Seniors, the class had over 100 students. Students and teachers continued to find ways to support the war effort, and yet still take part in the usual school activities. Outstanding athletes included: Eugene Little, Jack Erwin, Bud Parish, Wayne Harris, Art Gebhard, Sam Urzetta, Nick Verzella, Nate Calabrese, John Celentano, and Joe Capriotti. Outstanding cheerleaders, Lily Jean Howard, Mary Ellen Trescott, and “Red” Speca helped provide much morale to the teams. The Harvest Ball at the beginning of the year was a big success. Coronation Day’s activities in the spring revolved around the theme of “tolerance.” Activities such as band and the school newspaper, The Brown and White, had many members. War Stamp sales and Red Cross projects were also part of the year’s activities, as were collecting newspapers, books for the camps, and warm clothing for Greek refugees. The Junior Red Cross made toys and clothing for children, afghans, and hospital supplies for the wounded and sick soldiers. Most students also had jobs in various businesses in town to help support their families. Some students chose to leave for military service, including: Donald Ginegaw, John Celentano, Fred Robinson, Peter Pallini, Robert Henri, Dan Hyland, Jack Lane, Charles Switzer, Leonard Fulmer, Fred Fuller, Richard Melious, Dominic Dezio, and David Mellen. At Commencement ceremonies in June a few of those already serving in the War came home to graduate with their class wearing their military uniforms. Families of several of those men who could not be there in person were able to accept diplomas for their sons.
The 1944 Gagashoan ended with these words: “Thus, the covers of this yearbook close on another year—a year successful in educational and patriotic endeavor. Upon looking through this Gagashoan, we hope you will remember it not as a yearbook, but as our treasure chest of memories.”
The attached photo is from the first page of the 1944 Gagashoan. It was the first time a color photo appeared in the yearbook. It truly illustrates the patriotism and honor of the time.