Cass Junior High School (1954)

 

Institutional Profile: Cass Junior High School (1954)

Executive Summary

The following document provides a comprehensive overview of Cass Junior High School in West Virginia, synthesized from the institution's 1954 yearbook records. Established in 1901 alongside the town's industrial founding, the school evolved from a one-room facility with 16 pupils into a multi-grade junior high school. By 1954, the institution featured modern amenities including a 1949-erected gymnasium, a cafeteria program, and a library containing over 3,000 volumes. The school’s culture is characterized by strong community integration, a robust 4-H program, and significant support from local industry, particularly the Mower Lumber Company.

Institutional History and Development

The history of the school is inextricably linked to the industrial development of the town of Cass.

• Foundation (1901): The town began with the construction of a sawmill and pulpmill by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company. The first school building was located on Main Street (now a dwelling), opening in the Fall of 1901 with teacher Miss Emma Burner and approximately 16 students.
• Expansion (1908–1916): Due to population growth driven by the Range Lumber Company (1910) and an Extract Plant (1913), the school required larger facilities. A three-room building was constructed on Spruce Street in 1908. A North wing was added in 1916.
• Transition to Junior High (1920s–1932): During the 1920s, the school attained Junior High status. In 1932, following the improvement of roads and the availability of school buses, high school students were transitioned to Green Bank, while Cass remained a Junior High.
• Modern Era (1949): The most recent major structural addition was the gymnasium, completed in 1949, which serves as a central hub for school activities.

Administrative Leadership (1908–1954)

The school has been led by ten men and one woman as principal.

Tenure	Principal
1908–1912	B. B. Williams
1912–1913	J. C. Bond
1913–1915	John Sydenstricker
1915–1917	Graham LaRue
1917–1919	John Ralston
1919–1921	Edith Pitt
1921–1923	Denver Brown
1923–1924	K. J. Hamrich
1924–1928	T. A. Reed
1928–1937	Mack H. Brooks
1937–Present (1954)	J. K. Arbogast

Faculty and Academic Environment

The 1954 faculty consists of specialized instructors and grade-level teachers:

• J. K. Arbogast: Principal.
• Glen Tracy: Social Studies, English, and 4-H Club Leader.
• Vera Swadley: Mathematics, Music, Art, and Handicraft.
• Wilmer Ruckman: Grades 4 and 5.
• Louise Brown: Grade 3.
• Fern Kerr: Grade 2.
• Ruth Riley: Grade 1.

Specialized Programs

• Art and Handicraft: Directed by Mrs. Swadley, this program focuses on freehand drawing based on literature, basketry, and wood carving.
• Library: Centrally located for Grades 4 through 8, the library houses over 3,000 volumes. It is managed by student librarians from Grades 7 and 8 under faculty supervision.
• School Lunch Program: Sponsored by the PTA, the cafeteria provides balanced daily meals for twenty cents. The facility is staffed by cooks Mrs. Katherine Moss and Mrs. Grace Gaylor.

Student Organizations and Activities

The school maintains several active student groups that focus on community service, skill-building, and school spirit.

Cass Handy-Andy Junior 4-H Club

With the motto "To Make the Best Better," this 33-member club is a cornerstone of student life.

• Officers: John Davis (President), Eugene Davis (Vice President), Gwendolyn Blackhurst (Secretary), Linda Dickenson (Treasurer), Connie Hamrick (Reporter), Louise Barkley (Song Leader), and Barbara Simmons (Game Leader).
• Projects: Students engage in individual projects including livestock, poultry, gardening, cooking, sewing, and electrification.
• Achievements: The club has won ribbons at both County and State Fairs.

Extracurricular Clubs and Teams

• Harmonica Club: Provides musical engagement for students.
• Safety Patrol: Responsible for student safety and order.
• Cheerleaders: Support the athletic teams during gymnasium events.
• Basketball Team: The team utilizes the gymnasium extensively. Over a four-year period, they recorded 22 wins, 24 losses, and 1 tie.

Athletic and Social Facilities

The gymnasium is described as the "center of great activity," hosting basketball, dodgeball, and various games during intermissions.

• Seasonal Sports: Fall is dominated by football for boys. Spring activities include marbles and softball, while girls utilize swings, see-saws, hop-scotch, and rope-skipping.
• Physical Limitations: Official records note that the playground area is "very limited in size."

Graduation of 1954

The Class of 1954 graduation was scheduled for May 18.

• Class President: John Davis.
• Class Flower: Rhododendron.
• Class Colors: Lavender and White.
• Class Motto: "The Master Builder Never Trusts to Luck."

Economic and Community Context

The school is heavily supported by the local community and surrounding businesses in Cass, Marlinton, Durbin, Boyer, and Bartow.

Key Industrial Patron

The Mower Lumber Company is a primary supporter, reflecting the town's origins as a mill site. They specialize in West Virginia Hardwoods, including:

• Cherry, Birch, and Spruce panels.
• Knotty Pine paneling and Spruce framing/sheathing.
• Flooring, treads, and risers.

Local Business Support

The yearbook features "Boosters" and advertisements from various local sectors:

• Automotive/Service: Bledsoe Motor Co., Snyder Chevrolet Co., Sheets Garage, Plyler’s Service Station, and Marlinton Motor Sales (Ford).
• Utilities and Finance: Marlinton Electric Company and The Bank of Marlinton (Member FDIC).
• Consumer Goods: Kane’s Markets (Fresh Meats/Staple Groceries), Philco Appliances, Pocahontas Dairy, and Western Auto Associate Store.
• Services: McNeills Barber Shop and Billiard Parlor, Marlinton Cleaners, and C. J. Richardson (Hardware and Furniture).