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Ocean Springs Schools
20th SCHOOL TEACHERS and SUPERINTENDENTS
1899-1900
Q.D.
Sauls, principal; Florence Morrow, Clara Robbins, and Lelia May
Smith of Hattiesburg.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 6,
1899)
1900-1901
Q.D.
Sauls, principal;
Faculty
Clara Robbins, Kate Robbins, and Leila May Smith.(The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, April 13, 1900) In late June, Miss Robbins
withdrew her name for reappointment by the school board. She found
employment in the Biloxi School system.(The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, June 29, 1900, p. 3 and September 21, 1900, p. 3)
The fourth session of the Ocean Springs High School
began in early September. Enrollment was about the same as the
1899-1900 session. Some boarders are attending school and more are
expected. The Public School opens in October?.(The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, September 7, 1900, p. 3)
Miss Leila Mae Smith, an assistant at the Ocean Springs
High School, returned to town from Bolton, Mississippi where she had
spent her summer holiday.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September
28, 1900, p. 3)
The school term began with 151 students in attendance.
Board of trustees adopted Johnson’s series of readers, histories,
and spellers. By late November it was nearly 200.(The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, October 5, 1900, p. 3 and November 30, 1900, p. 3)
Miss Anna McDowell will continue her elocution class at
the High School.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 26, 1900,
p. 3)
Dr. William C. West (1848-1915) and wife, Harriett
Newell Day (1851-1931), proposed to the school board that they would
outfit the new library room as a memorial to their recently deceased
daughter, Laura T. West (1882-1900). Proposal accepted.(The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 26, 1900, p. 3)
1901-1902
Professor Lackey, princiapl
Mr.
Lackey was principal of the school in the 1901-1902 school session.
He came to Ocean Springs from Crystal Springs, Copiah County,
Mississippi. Lackey was lauded as an educator. (The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, November 1, 1901, p. 3 and May 30, 1902, p. 3)
Faculty
Lee Smythe, Susie Vaughan, and Mary Lee Woodruff.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 30, 1902, p. 3)
Commencement exercises at the Ocean Springs Public School were held
in late May 1902. Superintendent Cowan spoke to the attendees at
the morning program. The evening festivities were highlighted by an
opera, Little Red Riding Hood. Relatives, friends, and
interested parties filled the large school hall.(The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 30, 1902, p. 3)
1902-1903
Hamilton
G. McCowan, principal
The new school principal, Hamilton Gordon McGowan (1876-1918+), and wife,
May Gilmore McGowan (1879-1918+) arrived in Ocean
Springs, in late September. They found temporary quarters in the
Dunn Cottage on Rayburn Avenue. In October, they will maintain
their residence in the Dr. Ross A. Switzer home on Porter. The McGowans were from
Shubuta near Quitman, Clarke County, Mississippi and had a small daughter,
Mary Ellen McGowan.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September 26,
1902, p. 3 and June 2, 1905, p. 3)
Faculty
The 1902-1903 school term began on October 6,
1902. The faculty consisted of the principal and his three
assistants: Florence Morrow, Leila May Smith, and Susie Vaughan.
Miss Smith from New Orleans stayed at the Shanahan House.(The
Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September 19, 1902, p. 3 and October 10,
1902, p. 3)
On the first day of school, there were one hundred
eighteen pupils in attendance.
The
school had been furnished with new desks and the floral decorations
added a uniqueness and pulchritude to the interior of the
structure.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 10, 1902, p. 3)
1903-1904
H.G. McGowan, principal
The 1903-1904 school term began tragically when
widow, Olive Keith (1873-1903), who had come from Chicago to
teach at Ocean Springs expired. She had been in the classroom for
only two months.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 27, 1903,
p. 3)
In mid-January 1904, near the end of the first term,
Alice Martin, Frances and Brownlee Hubble, and Katie Starks enrolled
in class. Professor McGowan thanked those of the Ocean Springs who
assisted with the art exhibit. Although not a financial success,
McGowan felt the venue was important to the community.(The
Progress, January 16, 1904, p. 4)
The second school term commenced on January 25, 1904. After about
one month the enrollment at The OS Public School was 157 pupils.
Three students, Paul and Ruth Randall and Lowell Ferguson, of Benton
Harbor, Michigan returned to their Midwestern home. Charcoal
sketching was taught in grades seven through nine. A display of the
finest drawing were to be exhibited at the close of the school
term. Although some manual training had been planned for all grades
this school year, no materials had been acquired for instruction as
funding had not been procured.(The Progress, February 20, 1904,
p. 1)
Professor McGowan’s prophetic words applicable today:
We would urge all parents having boys and girls in
the advanced grades to make them do some homework in their studies.
It keeps them employed and it tells in their daily grade work.
Pupils who study regularly at home are always doing creditable
work. The lack of interest of parents about the school work of
their children is one of the greatest obstacles in our way in
keeping boys and girls toward a higher life, morally and mentally.(The
Progress, February 20, 1904, p. 1)
Professor McGowan’s winter term class of 1903-1904, consisted of
thirty-three pupils, twelve males and twenty-one females, ranging in
age from seventeen to fourteen. Willie Pabst had the best
attendance record. He changed the curriculum which proved of great
interest to his students.(Register of enrollment 1903-1904, JXCO,
Ms. Archives, Pascagoula, Ms. and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star,
April 14, 1905)
School closed on May 27, 1904. The 7th through 9th
grade classes gave a garden party, which was well attended. Mrs.
McGowan will not teach next year.(The
Progress, May 28, 1904, p. 4)
Faculty
Faculty, Professor H.G. McGowan, Alva McGowan, Olive Keith,
1904-1905
H.G. McGowan, principal
Enrollment for 1904-1905 was 161 pupils. The High
School department had an acute need for laboratory apparatus for the
Botany, Zoology, and Physics courses. David Fairchild, a visitor
from the USDA at Washington D.C., commented that the scholastic work
in Botany and Zoology was satisfactory and that schools such as this
sent great men into the world. Professor McGowan changed the
curriculum which proved of great interest to his students. (The
Progress, October 1, 1904, p. 1 and The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, April 14, 1905, p. 3)
Faculty
Alva McGowan, Florence Morrow, and Ethel Gordon. Miss
Alva McGowan (b. 1878) was the sister of Principal McGowan. In April 1905,
she and H.G. McGowan went to Pascagoula to sit for the agriculture
examination given by Superintendent D.D. Cowan.(The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, April 28, 1905, p. 3)
Miss Annie Eglin of Ocean Springs, passed the teachers examination
at Scranton and will teach school this winter.(The Progress,
September 3, 1904, p. 5)
Class of 1905
(only identified: top row-Professor H.G. McGowan, fourth from left;
bottow row-Etta Clark, eleventh from left)
(Courtesy of Lurline Schrieber Clark of Letohatchie, Alabama)
Class of 1905
Mamie Ramsay Vickery, valedictorian; Etta Clark
Schrieber (1888-1978), salutatorian. Irene Bland, Carrie
Cowan, Alberta Dick, William Pabst, and Hazel Russell Robinson
(1890-1920).
Gulf Coast School of
Railroad Telegraphy School
J.C. Tucker opened a railroad telegraphy school at Ocean Springs in
December 1904.(The Progress, December 3, 1904)
1905-1906
H.G. McGowan, principal
H.G.
McGowan of Quitman was principal. The 1905-1906 school session
commenced in mid-September 1905, with an enrollment of 120
students. Miss Alva McGowan returned from Quitman with her brother,
Thomas Talmadge McGowan (b. 1888), who became a student in the high school
this fall.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September 22, 1905, p.3)
Sister, Susie McGowan, of Quitman here for visit in May
1906.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 11, 1906, p. 3)
In January 1906, the High School library was the
recipient of a new four volume encyclopedia. Although donor
remained anonymous, there is a high degree of certitude that it was
Martha Lyon Holcomb.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 26,
1906, p. 3)
Faculty
Alva McGowan, Florence Morrow, and Ethel Gordon.(The Pascagoula
Democrat-Star, September 22, 1905, p.3)
Class
Jack Verhoeff, Maggie Ramsay (Vickery) (1887-1976),
Rosalie LeCand (Collins), George Davis Maxwell (1888-1951), Lissie
Clement (1893-1923+), and Bessie Bland.(The Ocean Springs Record,
November 7, 1968, p. 4)
1906-1907
H.G. McGowan, principal
1907-1908
H.G. McGowan, principal
1908-1909
H.G. McGowan, principal
Professor Hamilton G. McGowan left Ocean Springs after the 1908-1909
school year for Woodville, Wilkinson County, Mississippi where he
was also the principal. In the summer of 1910, H.G. McGowan
was appointed a professor in the agriculture and horticulture
department at Mississippi A&M, now Mississippi State University, at
Starkville, Mississippi. By 1918, the McGowans had relocated
to Columbus, Mississippi where he made his livelihood as a farmer
and operating a private business.(The Ocean Springs News, July16,
1910)
McGowan Oaks
At some
time during his tenure of the Ocean Springs Public School, Professor
McGowan planted eight oak trees on Dewey Avenue, which at the time
was called Goos Avenue.
The trees were a tribute to the first graduation class of the school
and each student had a tree named in their honor.(Norton C.
Haviland (1891-1982) in The Ocean Springs Record, October 16, 1975,
p. 9)
1909-1910
Otho T. Harper, principal
Professor
Otho T. Harper (1876-pre-1930) was elected by Board of School Trustees
for the 1909-1910 school year. Mr. Harper was an efficient educator and
the school system prospered under his management.(The Ocean
Springs News, May 15, 1909, p. 1)
Otho T. Harper was born at Scott County, Mississippi to Hiram H.
Harper (1852-1880+), a Blacksmith, and Lizzie Harper (1851-1880+), a
native of South Carolina. Circa 1905, he married Mary E. Foster
(1880-1930+). They were the parents of five children: Mary E.
Harper (1906-1920+); Hiram H. Harper (1909-1930+); James Harper
(1916-1930+); Nell Harper (1918-1930+); and O.T. Harper
(1922-1930+). It appears that the Harpers left
Ocean Springs circa 1911 for Daleville, Lauderdale County,
Mississippi. He was awarded $1000 in damages by the Circuit
Court of Hancock County, Mississippi in the spring of 1911.
Professor Harper had sued the L&N Railroad for the injuries that he
had allegedly incurred while boarding their train at Fontainebleau
in the fall of 1910.(The Ocean Springs News, April 1, 1911)
In August 1916, O.T. Harper became involved in a criminal action at
Lauderdale County, Mississippi. He had several indictments against
him in the trial of John R. Ellis, former School Superintendent of
Lauderdale County. Professor Harper was an educator in the
Daleville School. He was accused of cashing school warrants made
out to teachers that never existed.(The Jackson County Times,
September 2, 1916, p. 5)
By 1920, Professor Harper was back in the classroom at Quitman,
Clarke County, Mississippi. He and his spouse were both
teaching in the public school system. Prior to Professor O.T.
Harper had expired. A son, Otho T. Harper Jr. was born circa
1922. In 1930, Mrs. O.T. Harper and children were residing at
Quitman with William H. Foster, her brother. They were both
school teachers. Mary E. Foster taught music. No further
information.(1920 and 1930 Clarke County, Mississippi Federal Census
T625_872, p. 7A, ED2 and R1141, p. 1B, ED 2)
1908-1909
Gulf Coast Basketball Champions
(Only positive identification is
Elizabeth "Queenie" Barbara Joachim Potin (1891-1932),
the young lady on the right end of the image. Other probable
members of the basketball squad were: Rosa Green, Ada Wasson, Louise
Wasson, and Manelle Dibble. The gentlemen is probably
Professor O.T. Harper with his child and the image was probably made
by Roy L. Bland)
Class 1909
Ada Wasson, valedictorian; Louise Wasson,
salutatorian; Queenie Joachim, historian; Manelle Dibble, poet; Rosa
Green, prophet; and George Steele, orator; (The Ocean Springs
News, May 15, 1909, p. 1)
1909-1910
J.S. Vandiver, principal
Mr. Vandiver was from Ackerman, Mississippi: Florence Morrow, Alicia
W. Dickson, Rosalie LeCand, Mrs. J.S. Vandiver.(The Ocean Springs
News, June 25, 1910, p. 1)
1910-1911
John W. Loch
John W. Loch (1885-1911+), the principal, was from Magnolia, Pike
County, Mississippi.
He was the son of Daniel H. Loch (1858-1920+) and Mary Loch
(1866-pre-1920). Daniel H. Loch was a cobbler at Magnolia.
His parents were German immigrants. Daniel's mother, Elizabeth
Loch (1830-1910+), lived with this family at Magnolia. By
1910, John W. Loch was teaching in the public school at Magnolia
with his sister, Bessie Loch (1888-1910+). Prior to entering
the education field, he helped his father in the shoe shop.(1900,
1910, and 1920 Pike County, Mississippi Federal Census T623 825, p.
20B, ED 115; T624_755, p. 11B, ED 109; and T625_891, p. &A, ED 103)
John W. Loch resigned as principal of the Ocean Springs public
school after the 1910-1911 school year and matriculated to the
University of Mississippi to study Law.(The Ocean Springs News,
June 17, 1911, p. 5 and September 23, 1911, p. 5)
In mid-April 1911, the Civic Federation Public
hosted an Easter Egg hunt and spelling bee at the Ocean Springs
Public School. Miss Beryl Bailey was the champion speller followed
by Miss Ruth Dick.(The Ocean Springs News, April 19, 1911, p. 5)
Theo Bechtel donated a flag pole for the school.(The
Ocean Springs News, May 20, 1911)
Faculty
Alicia W. Dickson, Florence Morrow, and Ida Ober?
Class of 1911
At the graduation of the Ocean Springs High School
on May 29, 1911, the following were awarded diplomas: Agnes “Missy”
Bland Beh (1895-1975), valedictorian, Mary Leigh Bransford
(1892-1978), Eula Catchot Simpson (1892-1982), Lloyd Netto
(1895-1980), Earl Robinson, Blance von Rosambeau (1892-1982), Robert
Rupp (1894-1958), Mamie Starks, Mary Starks (1895-), and Orey Young
(1892-1986).(The Ocean Springs News, June 10, 1911, p. 1)
Parties for the class were given by Miss Blanche von
Rosambeau, a surprise party was given for Miss Mary Lee Bransford at
her family home on Porter, and Miss Agnes Bland hosted an assembly
of classmates at her father’s New Beach Hotel.(The Ocean Springs
News, June 10, 1911, p. 5)
Three male graduates of this class, Lloyd Netto, Earl
Robinson, and Orey Young, enrolled at Mississippi A&M College at
Starkville in the fall of 1911.(The Ocean Springs News, September
23, 1911, p. 5)
1911-1912
W.H. Wood, principal.
In late August 1911, Professor W.N. Wood of Bond,
Mississippi spent several days at Ocean Springs with his brother,
W.H. Wood.(The Ocean Springs News, September 2, 1911, p. 5)
Mrs. Woods had a baby girl, which she delivered at their home on in
early October 1911.(The Ocean Springs News, October 7, 1911, p.
5)
In August 1915, W.H. Wood was elected Superintendent of
Education of Harrison County, Mississippi.(The Ocean Springs
News, August 12, 1915, p.3)
Elected State Senator from Harrison County. In May 1920, arrested
for alleged stealing about $2500 from the State common school fund
while Superintendent of Education of Harrison County, Mississippi.(The
Jackson County Times, May 8, 1920, p. 1)
The schoolteachers and parents of the pupils organized The Mother’s
Club, a precursor to a PTA. The salient objective of this
organization was the welfare of the Ocean Springs Public School and
the learning environment for the students and their instructors.
Elected officers were: May B. Ames (1886-1926), president; Jessica
W. Bechtel, (1869-1946) vice-president; Emma J. Illing (1869-1958),
treasurer; and Miss Ida Ober, secretary.(The Ocean Springs News,
October 11, 1911, p. 5)
Ida Ober and A.W. Dickson attended summer classes for
school teachers at Wiggins, Mississippi.(The Ocean Springs News,
August 26, 1911, p. 5)
Rushton H. Field memorial sanitary drinking fountain installed.
First to be set up in south Mississippi.(The Ocean Springs News,
September 16, 1911)
Faculty
Ida Ober.
1912-1913
1913-1914
T.F. Crowley, principal.
Class of 1914
L. Gladys Davis, valedictorian, and Thelma
Reel, salutatorian, were the only graduates the Class of 1914, from
the Ocean Springs Public School. At the ceremonies held on June 15,
1914, perfect attendance medals were awarded to Leo Dale, Victor
Collier, and Alphonse Abraham. Local jeweler, J.L. Raines, provided
the awards. Judge James H. Neville of Gulfport spoke to the
audience about Education.(The Ocean Springs News, May 30, 1914,
p. 5 and June 20, 1914, p. 5)
Miss L. Gladys Davis, the daughter of E.S. Davis, left
Ocean Springs and entered Soule’s Business College at New Orleans.
She studied shorthand and typewriting. In July 1915, Miss Davis
graduated first in her class of sixty students. Her father had a
position for her in his mercantile store on Washington Avenue.(The
Ocean Springs News, July 8, 1915, p. 1)
1914-1915
Luther F. Sumrall
(from The Ocean Springs News, May 30, 1914, p. 1)
Luther Franklin Sumrall (1885-1920+), the son of John H.
Sumrall (1850-1900+) and India A. Sumrall (1850-1900+), was born on
June 27, 1885 in Jones County, Mississippi. By 1910, he was
teaching public school in his native Jones County. On July 12,
1912, Professor Sumrall married Annie May Denson (1891-1981) in
George County, Mississippi. She was also born at Jones County,
Mississippi.(1900 and 1910 Jones Co., Mississippi Federal Census
T623 813, p. 14 A, and ED 60 and T624_745, p. 5B, ED 74)
L.F. Sumrall came to Ocean Springs as school superintendent with his wife
and baby, LaVerne Sumrall (b. 1914) from Wiggins, Mississippi. He had been at the high school
there since 1912. Professor Sumrall’s salary was budgeted at $1000
per year, while his five teachers, Florence Morrow, Zoe L. Hann of
Biloxi, Lillian Miles of Newton, Maud James of Decatur, Norma J.
Lowey of Terry, made $450 per year. All were new teachers to the
Ocean Springs School District with the exception of Miss Morrow.(The
Ocean Springs News, May 30, 1914, p. 5 and September 5, 1914, p. 1)
Faculty
Zoe L. Hann, Norma J. Lowey, Maud James, Lillian Miles
Russell, and Florence Morrow.
Class 1915
Professor Sumrall when interviewed by the local journal after the
completion of the school year related that he was enthusiastic about
the progress at the school. He said that "the attendance
has been larger than ever; with students interested in the work; and
finances in splendid condition. The weakness of the system is
the yearly change of teachers, rendering consistent and uniform
grading and advancement impossible; the lack of home study;
and irrelevant criticism; which he thinks has done more to hinder
than benefit. L.F. Sumrall concluded his statement
with a request for a course in Domestic Science.(The Ocean
Springs News, May 6, 1915, p. 1)
Class
of 1915
(bottom row, l-r: Professor L.F.
Sumrall)
Class of 1915
The Class of 1915 had the distinction of being the
largest ever to graduate from the Ocean Springs Public School.
Principal Sumrall journeyed to Gulfport in early April 1915, to
arrange for Congressman Pat Harrison to address the class. In
mid-May, Harrison spoke to the class at their commencement
exercises. Diplomas were awarded to: Bemis Oscar Bailey
(1898-1969), Richard Mason Baker, Gertrude Louise Dick, Martha Bolling Hicks, Malcolm Hodges (1899-1932), Atley Horne, Violet Ann
Horton, Marion Emma Illing Moran (1899-1993), Mark Enos Lee
(1898-1990), Ouida Lucille Lowry, Timothy Vincent Regan, Jesse
Walton Roberts, Ethel Virginia Russell Moran (1899-1957),
Mary Aline Tillman, Hattie Adele Westbrook (1898-1919). The
valedictorian of the 1915 Class was Malcolm Hodges while Richard M.
Baker took salutatorian honors. (The Ocean Springs News, May 13,
1915, p. 1)
Class Honors: Valedictorian-Malcolm Hodges
(1899-1932); Salutatorian-Richard M. Baker; Class
Historian-Violet Horton; Class Essay-Ethel Russell;
Class Prophet-Timothy Regan; Class Poem-Hattie Westbrook;
Class Will-Bemis O. Bailey; and Class Orator-Jesse
Roberts.(The Ocean Springs News, May 6, 1915, p. 1)
Class Officers: Richard Mason Baker, president; Mark E. Lee
(1898-1990), vice president; Ethel V. Russell Moran
(1899-1957), secretary; Bemis O. Bailey (1898-1969), treasurer.(The
Ocean Springs Record, May 6, 1915, p. 1)
Class Play: 'A Strenuous Life'.(The Ocean Springs
Record, May 6, 1915, p. 1)
1915 Graduation
In early April 1915, Luther F. Sumrall went to Gulfport to request
Representative Pat Harrison to address the graduating class of 1915.
Graduation was held in the school house on April 30th at 8:00 p.m.
with Pat Harrison delivering the commencement address.(The Ocean
Springs Record, April 8m 1915, p. 1 and p. 3)
According to Professor Sumrall, the Class of 1915 had
the highest scholastic average that he had ever seen. It
outperformed his Wiggins class, which had broken records for that
institution. For the 1914-1915 school session, Atley Horne recorded
a 98 for the highest average while the lowest was only 81 2/7th.(The
Ocean Springs Record, May 13, 1915, p. 1)
Miss Norma Lowry and Miss Ouida Lowry attended college
at Columbus, Mississippi in June 1915.(The Ocean Springs Record,
June 17, 1915, p. 3)
Post-Ocean Springs
Luther F. Sumrall and family left Ocean Springs and in 1918 were
at Senatobia, Tate County, Mississippi where he taught in the public
school. By 1920, Professor Sumrall was teaching at the Oak
Grove Consolidated School, Beat 2, Perry County, Mississippi.
Annie May Denson Sumrall expired at Ellisville, Jones County,
Mississippi in May 1981 at the age of ninety. No further
information.(1920 Perry Co., Mississippi Federal Census, T625_889,
p. 12A, ED 130)
1915-1916
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Principal Benjamin H. Ashman (1892-1983) and Mildred D. Ashman
(1890-1975), Asst. Principal
Benjamin Hamlin Ashman, principal-
The 1915-1916 school year began at Ocean Springs with a new
principal. Benjamin Hamlin Ashman (1892-1983) and his spouse,
Mildred D. Ashman (1890-1975), who had just joined the faculty of
the Ocean Springs Public School. Benjamin H. Ashman was born at
Pennsylvania the son of George H. Ashman (1858-1930+), a native of
Three Springs, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and Mary “May”
Hamlin Ashman (1861-1945), also from Pennsylvania. Circa 1917,
Professor Ashman married Mildred D. Ashman, a native of Indiana.
They were the parents of: Helen Ashman (1918-1930+); Marian Ashman
(1920-1930+); Stephen Ashman (1922-1930+); Margaret Ashman
(1924-1930+); and Thomas Ashman (1925-1930+). With the exception of
Helen who was born in Indiana, the other Ashman children were born
in either Kenosha or Dane County, Wisconsin.(1920 Kenosha Co.,
Wisconsin Federal Census T625_1991, p. 3A, ED 3 and 1930 Dane Co.,
Wisconsin Federal Census R2566, p. 27A, Ed 6)
Ocean Springs
Dr. George H. Ashman and spouse arrived at Ocean Springs in April
1914. They relocated here from Sanford, Seminole County, Florida
and acquired a farm near town. The Ashman farm was situated in the
W/2 of the NE/4 Section 1, T7S-R8W.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 56, p.
341 and The Ocean Springs News, April 14, 1914)
In 1900, before arriving at Ocean Springs, the Ashman family had
lived in the Samuel Mills District of Albemarle County, Virginia.
Here George H. Ashman farmed and with May H. Ashman reared their two
sons: Richard Ashman (1890-1970) and Benjamin H. Ashman
(1892-1983). They had married in 1887.(1900 Albemarle Co., Virginia
Federal Census T623 1698, p. 1A, Ed 8)
In 1910, before Benjamin H. Ashman had married, he resided on Hicks
Street at Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York. Here he made his
livelihood as an auditor.(1910 Kings Co., New York, Federal Census
624_955, p. 23A, ED 4)
Shearwater
In September 1914, May Hamlin Ashman acquired the DePass place on
Biloxi Bay at Ocean Springs from Hattie DePass Hall (1882-1926+), of
Chicago for $4500. It had been owned by New Orleans denizens, Ada
Weeks DePass (1851-1909) and spouse, David Albert DePass
(1850-1926). Several years after the demise Mrs. Ada Weeks DePass,
Hattie Depass Hall (1882-1926+), her daughter, sued her father for a
forced heirship sale.(Jackson County, Ms. Chancery Court, Cause No.
3280-March 1914).
Hattie
D. Hall bought the Biloxi Bay front property from the court
appointed commissioner and conveyed it to May Hamlin Ashman
(1861-1945) in September 1914 for $4500. Mrs. Hall was residing at
Chicago when the conveyance was made.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 40,
pp. 591-592)
The Ashman family remained here until they sold their
estate to Annette McConnell Anderson (1867-1964) in May 1918. Mrs.
McConnell called her Ocean Springs tract “Fairhaven”. After her
son, Peter Anderson (1903-1984), commenced his Shearwater Pottery
here in 1928, this property has become ubiquitously known as “Shearwater”.(JXCO,
Ms. Land Deed Bk. 45, pp. 528-529)
New Orleans
In 1930, George H. Ashman and spouse were residing on Joliet Street
in the Crescent City with their son, Richard Ashman (1890-1970) and
his wife, Cora Ashman (1891-1984), a native of New York, and their
four sons: Hubert C. Ashman (1918-1930+), Richard C. Ashman
(1922-1930+), Lawrence Ashman (1924-1930+), and Teddy Ashman
(1927-1930+). All the Ashman children with the exception of Hubert
C. Ashman were New Orleans natives. Hubert was born at Illinois.
Richard Ashman had come to New Orleans before 1920 probably from
Illinois to work as a University Professor. They resided on Calhoun
Street at this time. By 1930, Richard Ashman was an assistant
professor at a medical school in New Orleans. His mother expired
there in April 1945.
Richard Ashman died at New Orleans in February 1970. Cora Ashman
expired there in April 1984.(SSDI)
Public School
Professor Ashman must have been a recent college graduate before
taking the position as Principal in the Ocean Springs Public School,
as he and Richard Ashman, his brother, were at college in the fall
of 1914.(The Ocean Springs News, September 12, 1914)
Professor Ashman found the school building with many new
improvements and large classes. It was anticipated that this year’s
graduates would be able to enter the State university without taking
an examination because of its affiliation with the institution of
higher learning.(The Ocean Springs News, September 9, 1915, p. 1)
Principal Ashman’s salary for the 1915-1916 school year was $111.11
per month and his wife, Mildred D. Ashman, assistant principal
received $66.67 per month. The remainder of Professor Ashman’s
instructors were paid $55.00 per month.(Town of Ocean Springs,
Mississippi Minute Bk. December 3, 1907 to January 4, 1915, p. 295)
The Board of School Trustees submitted their 1915-1916 Ocean Springs
Public School budget to Aldermen Frank E. Schmidt (1877-1954), Tom
N. Murphy (1892-1966), George L. Friar (1869-1924), and John Duncan
Minor (1863-1920) and Mayor W.T. Ames (1864-1954) in September 1915
as follows:
White School
Principal’s salary-$1000; Five assistant’s salaries-$2670; Janitor’s
salary-$90; Coal-$50; Fat wood-$6; Incidentals-$200. Total $4016.
Colored School
Principal’s salary-$450; Assistant’s salaries-$225; Coal-$10; and
Incidentals-$10. Total-$695.
Alderman Friar motioned that the school budget be
received and filed. All present approved the motion.(The Ocean
Springs News, September 16, 1915, p. 4)
Benjamin H. Ashman supervised the education of his students with the
precept that: school is an opportunity and education is the
present employment of the student that must be performed in a
business-like manner as any future occupation. At this
time, the curriculum in the High School consisted of courses in
mathematics, science, English, Latin, and history. The small school
library operated on the regular card system. The primary grades
followed the state guidelines and included raffia basket-weaving.
Cultural aspects of the public school included music in the form of
a school chorus and a drama play. The school was a member of the
Jackson County Athletic association.(The Ocean Springs News,
November 25, 1915, p. 3)
Professor Ashman may have been the first to have
night classes in Ocean Springs. Many of the after hours students
were adults learning to read and write, although grades from primer
and higher were taught. No fee was imposed upon the learners and
the regular day teachers from the high school assisted in the
classes held on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week.(The
Jackson County Times, November 4, 1916, p. 5)
Another Ashman achievement was to create an 11th
grade curriculum, which allowed graduates to matriculate to a
college without conditions or entrance examinations.
In addition, he added a Physics class and advanced studies in Latin,
English, and Mathematics were introduced.(The Ocean Springs News,
March 16, 1916, p. 1)
The Ashmans were given a surprise Halloween Part at their home by
their students. A large number in attendance and appropriate games
were played.(The Jackson County Times, November 4, 1916, p. 5)
1981 Letter to Ocean Springs
In December 1981, Benjamin H. Ashman in his ninetieth
year wrote a letter from Madison, Wisconsin addressed to the
Postmaster of Ocean Springs. A copy survives today and reads as
follows:
2107 Waunona Way
Madison Wisconsin 53713
December 18, 1981
Postmaster Ocean Springs.
Dear Sir:
During the school years 1915-1916 and 1916-1917 my wife
and I taught the High School classes in Ocean Springs. That first
year the school had been only a 3 year H.S. and we suggested that it
should be a regular 4 years H.S. so the graduates could get into
college if they wanted to go.
Dr. Bailey was the town doctor and operated the drug
store. “Gottsches” was the only grocery store. The second
(1916-1917) period a Miss Bland (I think) took over the Latin and
some other subjects and I started a class in Physics.
During the summer of 1916 my wife and I were at Columbia
University N.Y. City. While there, I made arrangements to get two
or three hundred children’s books. During the school year 1916-1917
Rebecca McEwen or her sister became our Librarian. A number of
people in the town give novels etc. for our little library. Rebecca
lived 2 or 3 miles out in the country and walked to town two
or three times a week to open the library.
All of this started when, I recently found the
enclosed photograph and thought you could post this card where
people could see themselves as they were 50 years again or maybe
post it in the library and let the present city Librarian (Rebecca I
hope) have it on display.
Professor Benjamin H. Ashman expired at Madison, Wisconsin in
January 1983. Mildred D. Ashman preceded him in death expiring
there in February 1975.(SSDI)
Father Irwin planned to open a Catholic school in September 1915.
Under the care of the Sisters of the Holy Cross of New Orleans.
Owned Beltran property at the foot of Jackson Avenue.(The Ocean
Springs News, July 29, 1915, p. 1)
Class 1916
Top Row l-r: Otis F. Smith (1902-1977), Walter B. Holloway
(1900-1965), John Hyman, Charles J. Faure (1900-1956), W. Sheppard
Van Cleave (1899-1947), Robert Morris (1902-1970), A. Lynd Gottsche
(1902-1974), Willie F. Dale (1899-1990) m. Ethel Sophia Endt
(1900-1978), S. Chester Davis
(1900-1973); and Edward A. Bellande (1897-1976) m. Mollie
Lamont (1911-2000).
Middle Row l-r: Mildred Ashman (1890-1975); Elizabeth Regan; Mary Irvine; Clothilde Bailey (1901-1995) m. Dr. Edward S. Campbell; Lorena
Mitchell, Rebecca McEwen (1898-1968) m. Leslie B. Clark (1898-1979);
and Benjamin H. Ashman (1892-1983).
Bottom Row l-r: Lizzie McKay, Margaret Sears, Cecelia Wieder
(1902-1956) m. Oscar T. Davis (1894-1963), Pearl Larson,
Mildred Bland (1902-1987) m. Harry Lucas (1901-1951); Salome
Bailey (1902-1962) m. Mr. Watkins, Henrietta McEwen (1900-1978)
m. Horace Gladney (1894-1975), and Lucille McKay
"No graduates this year."(The Ocean Springs News, March 16,
1916, p. 1)
1916-1917
Benjamin
Hamlin Ashman, principal-
Faculty
Mildred D. Ashman
(1890-1975), Agnes Bland
(1895-1979), Lenora M. Hann,
Florence Morrow, Shell Phillips, and Marjorie Watkins.(The
Jackson County Times, November 18, 1916, p. 1)
Agnes Bland (1902-1987) was called "Missy" was the
daughter of Dr. Jasper J. Bland (1850-1932),
) a
native of Deasonville in Yazoo County, Mississippi, and
Agnes
Elizabeth Edwards (1868-1936) of New Orleans. The Bland
family
moved to Ocean Springs from New Orleans in 1906. In addition
to his medical practice at Ocean Springs, Dr. Bland was the
proprietor of the Beach-New Beach Hotel from 1899 to 1918. He
also became
active in the social and political affairs of the community. In
1909, Dr. Bland endorsed a municipal bond issue for the benefit of the
schools and improvement of streets and sidewalks. Dr. Bland was
appointed to the School Board for one term in April 1910. He ran
for Alderman from Ward 4 in 1914 losing to former mayor, John Duncan
Minor (1863-1920).
"Missy"
Bland taught Latin and other higher grades at the Ocean
Springs High School during the 1916-1917 school term. She was
admired by her students and rated excellent by her peers. During
the summer of 1917 she studied Spanish and advanced Latin at Tulane
University in New Orleans. Agnes Bland married Urban Beh
(1899-1990) in 1923. They resided at Los Angeles. Their children
are: Jean Beh Beek (b. 1925) and Richard Beh (b. 1927).
1917-1918
Principal
Homer E. Warren, principal, was born at Thaxton, Mississippi. He
attended the University of Mississippi, and came to Ocean Springs
from Mississippi City where he was also the principal and teacher.
Warren had nine years experience as an educator. (The Jackson
County Times, May 12, 1917, p. 5 and September 15, 1917)
Faculty
Agnes Bland (1895-1979) married Urban Beh (1899-1990), asst. high school; Mrs. F.A. Murphy, asst. high school;
Ida Ober, grades 7 and 8; Shell Phillips, grades 5 and 6; Mable
Tardy, grades 3 and 4; and Florence Morrow, primary. Mrs. Murphy
had been teaching at Logtown while Miss Tardy had been teaching in
the country schools. Misses Bland, Morrow, Ober, and Phillips had
taught previously at Ocean Springs.(The Jackson County Times,
September 15, 1917, p. 1)
Class of 1918
The Senior Class consisted of: Mary Harmer Irvine, Rebecca Ellen
McEwen Clark (189-1968), Samuel Chester Davis (1900-1973), Albert Lynd Gottsche
(1902-1974), and Robert Ernest Morris (1902-1970). Graduation was
held in the school auditorium on the evening of May 31, 1918. The
Class of 1918 chose the following themes: Motto- “Launched but
not anchored” . Color-Old Gold and Purple.
Flower-Rose.(The Jackson County
Times, June 8, 1918, p. 5 and Class of 1918 invitation)
1918-1919
A.H. Shannon, principal-before becoming principal at
Ocean Springs Public School, Professor Shannon had taught English at
Mississippi A.&M. College (now MSU).(The Jackson County Times,
September 9,1916, p. 5)
Faculty
Caroline Gilbert [high school]; Ida Ober [high school]; Mable Tardy
[6th and 7th grades]; Iris Johnson [4th and 5th grades]; Irene
Dickson [2nd and 3rd grades]; and Florence Morrow [primary].(The Jackson County Times, July 13,
1918, p. 5)
Class of 1919
Salome Bailey, Henrietta McEwen, and Cecelia Wieder.(The Jackson
County Times, May 24, 1919, p. 5)
1919-1920
A.H. Shannon, principal
Class of 1920
Eleanor May Baker, Isabelle Hodges, and Ethelyn Phelps.(The
Jackson County Times, May 29, 1920, p. 5)
1920-1921
W.H. Lewis, principal
Faculty
Carolyn
Gilbert, Ida C. Ober, Mabel Tardy, Beatrice McEwen, Alicia Dickson,
and Florence Morrow.(The
Jackson County Times, May 29, 1920, p. 5)
1921-1922
C.R. Talbot, principal; Father of Arlete Talbot and V.G.
Talbot of New Orleans.(The Daily Herald, May 13, 1922, p. 5)
Mrs. Talbot of Algiers, Louisiana at the Nill Cottage on Porter in
July 1899.(The PD-S, July 7, 1899, p. 3)
Future Ocean Springs Teachers awaiting train at Gulfport? for
Hattiesburg, Mississippi and the Normal School
[L-R: Mabel Tardy, Beatrice McEwen (1891-1984), Mr. Goff, and
Rebecca E. McEwen Clark (1898-1968). Courtesy of
Rebecca Clark Bishop, Forts Lake, Mississippi]
In May 1921, the local school board met and elected the
following teachers for the 1921-1922 scholastic year: Professor
Campbell of Blackshire, Alabama, principal; Ida Ober; Miss Wilkerson
of Pelahatchie, Mississippi; Alicia Dickson; Henrietta McEwen
Gladney (1900-1978);
Beatrice McEwen (1891-1984); Leah Jermyn of Handsboro, Mississippi; and Florence
Morrow.(The Jackson County Times, May 7, 1921, p. 3)
Kreutz Medals
At the commencement of the school year, local jeweler,
Phillip N. Kreutz (1869-1934) donated two silver medals to the
scholars posting the highest marks in the Ocean Springs public high
school and grammar school. For the 1921-1922 school term, Donald
Benefield had an average of 96, while Stanford Williams with an 86
was the leader in the lower grades.(The Daily Herald, June 5,
1922)
1922-1923
Professor T.A. Sewell, principal
Faculty
Florence Morrow, Mary Irvine, Alicia Dickson, Henrietta
McEwen, Beatrice McEwen, Ida Ober, and Beryl Bailey. Elizabeth
Smith Keys was elected principal of the colored school and Doris
Paige, assistant.(The Jackson County Times, June 24, 1922, p. 5
and The Jackson County Times, May 5, 1923, p. 5)
Class: The graduating class was composed of only two students,
George McEwen, and Curtis Wright. Dr. S.P. Powell of Long Beach,
Mississippi addressed the Class of 1923.
There
were sixteen pupils who graduated into high school from the eighth
grade.(The Jackson County Times, May 26, 1923, p. 5)
1923-1924
Professor T.A. Sewell,
principal
The $65,000 bond issue for new school failed at a special election
held in late September 1923. Light turnout of voters 129 against
and only 68 for the project.(The Jackson County Times, October 6,
1923, p. 5)
Senior class officers: Arlene White, president, Rebecca Danenhower,
v.p., and John P. Edwards II, secretary.(The Jackson County
Times, September 29, 1923, p. 5)
Class of 1924
Five graduates: Rebecca Danenhower, John P. Edwards II,
Bernard “Bennie” P. Seymour (1907-1969), Ellen Scharr Clarke Easton
(1906-1996), and Arlene White (1907-2000). Class flower-the
rose; Class colors-pink and green.(The Jackson County Times, June
14, 1924, p. 5)
Rebecca Danenhower and Arlene White both finished their fine
academic careers with identical scholastic averages and were dually
awarded gold medals for their efforts. Phil Kreutz, local jeweler,
provided one and the public school gave the other. Miss Danenhower
also received the Lincoln medal. John Edwards earned two medals-one
for the most organized English notebook, and the other as a prize
presented to him at the Coast field meet where he received the
highest honors in Current History. Stanford Williams was presented
a gold medal given by the Ocean Springs State Bank for the best
scholastic average in the grammar school.(The Daily Herald, May
27, 1924, p. 2)
Shortly after graduation, Miss Ellen Scharr left for the Normal
School at Hattiesburg, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, June 7,
1924, p. 5)
1924-1925
Miss Inell Orrell left the faculty at the end of the
1924-1925 school term and returned to her home at Holly Springs,
Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, June 16, 1925, p. 7)
Students from Ocean Springs who graduated from Biloxi
High School in May 1925: Lucretia Money, Roger Holloway, James
Garrard, and John Edwards. Miss Money and James Garrard had parts
in the class play.(The Jackson County Times, May 30, 1925, p. 3)
1925-1926
S.A. Chandler, principal
S.A. Chandler was from West Point, Mississippi.
Faculty
Elizabeth Barbee, Eva Croft, Belle Gough, Mary Gough, Frances Jolly,
W.H. Lewis, Florence Morrow, Mable Oakes, Amy Quick, Bertie
Swearengen, and Virginia Thompson. Salaries-principal, $175 per
month. Teachers, $75 -$100 per month. Black principal-Ruth
Keys-$75 per month; black teacher-Rosalie Bethea-$45 per month.(The
Jackson County Times, November 7, 1925, p. 3)
In the
summer of 1926, Amy Quick and Elizabeth Barbee attended Tulane.
Belle Gough, Mary Gough, and May Belle Oaks retuned to their homes
in Arkansas, while Virginia Thompson and Francis Jolly went to
Batesville and Holly Springs respectively.(The
Jackson County Times, June 12, 1926, p. 3)
Basketball
Boys
team composed of: Dudley Brumfield, Tony Catchot, Henry Endt,
Ambrose Fayard, and Bernard VanCourt. The girls’ squad was made up
of: Edna Green, Emily Ryan, Sarah Stuart, and Georgine Voivedich.(The
Jackson County Times, November 21, 1925, p. 5)
Class
of 1926-Arlene
M. White (1907-2000) and Margaret Heath Schmidt (1908-1983).
Stanley Armstrong, Alfretta Newcomb (1904-1932), and Marion
Westbrook graduated from Biloxi High School. George Lemon and
Gordon Van Cleave finished at Harrison-Stone-Jackson A.H.S. while
Amelia Seymour graduated from the Sisters Convent at Biloxi.(The
Jackson County Times, June 5, 1926, p. 5)
Alforetta Newcomb (1904-1932) was a member of the 1926 Class of
Biloxi High School where she carried the moniker “Tattletale”. The
“Oracle of Delphi”, the 1926 graduating class prophet, related that,
“Alforetta would resign her position as lady Mayor of Ocean
Springs and become the first woman president of the United States.”
Alforetta Newcomb married Leo B. Dale (1905-1954).
1926-1927
S.A. Chandler, principal; Florence Morrow, asst. principal.
Faculty
Elizabeth Barbee, Eva Croft, Mary Gough, Frances Jolly,
W.H. Lewis, Florence Morrow, May Belle Oakes, Amy Quick, Bertie
Swearengen, Virginia Thompson, and Fanny Wise (Yazoo City).(The
Jackson County Times, September 11, 1926, p. 3)
Professor Chandler was remunerated $250 per month while
teachers salaries ranged from $112 to $75 per month.(TOS Minute Bk.
Jan. 4, 1916 to December 27, 1928, p. 420)
1927-1928
S.A. Chandler, Superintendent;
Faculty
Salome Bailey, Elizabeth Barbee, Cora Belle Cole, W.H. Cole,
Margaret Dunshie, Catherine Hadley, Irene Hunter, Frances Jolly,
Virginia T. Lee, W.H. Lewis, Corrine McClure, Florence Morrow, Mary
C. O’Keefe, Amy Quick, and Fannie Wise. Mrs. Stockard was in charge
of the cafeteria.(The JXCOT, September 10, 1927, p. 1 and March
17, 1928, p. 1)
Miss Mary C. O'Keefe
(image
made circa 1924 when Miss O'Keefe was Chair of Modern Languages at
the Biloxi Public High School. From The Beacon Glow, 1924,
p. 17. The Beacon Glow was the Biloxi High School Annual)
The
first faculty
Professor S.A. Chandler, a native of West Point, Mississippi, was
the first principal of the new school. His faculty consisted of the
following educators: W.H. Lewis, Miss Barbee, Miss Amy Quick, Miss
Margaret Dunshie, Miss Francis Jolly, Miss Mary Cahill O' Keefe
(1893-1980), Miss Salome Bailey (Watkins), Miss Florence Morrow
(1877-1936), Miss Irene Hunter, Mrs. Virginia T. Lee (1901-1986),
Miss Hadley, and Miss Fannie Wise. Miss Corrine McClure (1887-1961)
was the music teacher and Mrs. Stockard ran the cafeteria.(The
Jackson County Times, September 10, 1927, p. 1, c. 3)
Girls basketball team
Dale,
Davida Davidson, Meyers, Sarah Stuart (sic), M. Small, and I. Small.
Class of 1928
Sarah Stewart, Leroy White, Seth McEwen, Theodore Bechtel Jr., and
Frank Buehler. Frank Buehler was the class valedictorian and Sarah
Stewart, the salutatorian.(The Jackson County Times, June 2,
1928, p. 3)
The
first graduation class-May 1928
On May 31, 1928, the following graduates were awarded
diplomas from the Ocean Springs High School by School Board member,
Louis Jean-Baptisite Mestier: Theodore Bechtel Jr. (1909-2003), Frank C. Beuhler
(1909-1985), Seth McEwen (1909-1986), Sarah Stewart, and Leroy
White.(The Jackson County Times, June 2, 1928, p. 3, c. 3)
Although two others students in the 1928 graduation class had the
same scholastic average as Frank C. Beuhler, he was named
Valedictorian of the class since he had a better attendance record.
Local jeweler, Phil N. Kreutz (1869-1934), donated two gold medals
to the public school. One was awarded to Beuhler as Valedictorian
and the other to Catherine Carver, a third grader, for her perfect
attendance record.(The Jackson County Times, May 26, 1928, p. 2,
c. 4)
In April 1928, several members of the Senior Class had
distinguished themselves at the Literary Field Meet in Biloxi. Theo
Bechtel Jr. won second place in Biology and Frank Beuhler was
awarded forth place in English and Rhetoric. Ocean Springs High
School placed third among the competing educational institutions of
the Gulf Coast. Lower classmen, Francesca Spencer (1912-1963) and
Schuyler Poitevent (1911-1978), won gold medals for their knowledge
of American History and Current History.(The Jackson County
Times, April 28, 1928, p. 2)
1928-1929
Faculty: Salome Bailey, Amy Quick
Class of 1929
Top L-R: Richard A. Hrabe (1910-1979), Davida Davidson Hrabe
(1911-1996),
Tressie Hudson, Lillie Mae Van Court Fayard, Rachel Schrieber
Wright Pettus (1911-1968),
and
Schuyler Poitevent
(1911-1978).
Botton L-R: Louise Ladner Blackmon, Lillian Ryan, Lucille
Amy Scharr Webb (1910-2001), Bernadette Armstrong Cavanah
(b. 1909), and Francesca Spencer
Howard (1911-1973).
[from The Ocean Springs Record, August 7, 1980]
Class of 1929
The 1929 Senior Class consisted of: Davida Davidson, Francesca
Spencer, Lillie Mae Van Court, Bernadette Armstrong, Tressie Hutson
(sic),
Louise Ladnier, Rachel Schrieber, Schuyler Poitevent, Lucille Scharr,
Lillian Ryan, and Richard Hrabe. Davida Davidson, was valedictorian
and Francesca Spencer, salutatorian. Class officers-Lucille Scharr,
president; Davida Davidson, vice-president; Richard Hrabe,
secretary-treasurer.(The Daily Herald, June 3, 1929, p. 2 and The
Jackson County Times, May 25, 1929, p. 3)
1929-1930
Mary
Cahill O’Keefe (1893-1980), principal-$225 per month; Gerald Hause,
asst. principal-$150 per month;
Faculty
Amy Quick-$130 per month; W.H. Lewis-$128.63 per month;
Florence Morrow-$115 per month; Lucretia Money-$115 per
month; Annie F. Jones-$115 per month; Marie Arndt-$115 per month;
Mildred van Kamp-$115 per month; Frances Jolly-$86. 25 per month;
Mary Irvine-$80 per month; Mary Joachim-$76.66; Floy Watson-$74.75;
Dorothy B. Manning-$40.25; and Elizabeth Barbee-$38.35.
Colored School-Elizabeth Keys-$70 per month and Nellie
Thompson-$50 per month. Helen Granitz-$60 per month.(TOS,
Ms. Minute Book (11-1-1929 to 11-6-1934), p. 48)
Faculty
Mary C. O’Keefe , principal and French teacher; Lucretia
Money, English; Amy Quick, History; Annie Fay Jones, Latin; Mildred
von (sic) Kamp, Commercial subjects; Gerald Hause, General Science
and Coach; Marie Arndt, Junior High English; Frances Jolly, 4th
Grade; Elizabeth Barbee, 1st and 2nd Grades;
Mary Irvine, 3rd Grade; Florence Morrow, Primary; and W.H.
Lewis, Junior High Mathematics.(The Jackson County Times, August
17, 1929, p. 3)
In June 1929, Dewitt Pendleton of Vernon, Alabama was
elected as coach of Ocean Springs High School for the 1929-1930
school term. Pendleton was expected to use the Wade System of
Coaching, which was developed at the University of Alabama.(The
Daily Herald, June 13, 1929, p. 2)
1930 Class
Class:
Katie May Cox Bolton, Henry Joseph Endt (1910-1989), Hilda Elizabeth
Friar (191-1987), Judlin H. Girot (1912-1970), James Frederic
“Boots” Hoffman (1912-1937), George Herman Granitz (1909-1981), Sara
Kirkpatrick Lemon (b.1910), Frank Jefferson Lundy, Inez Camille
Ryan, and Ila Rae Small. Hilda Friar was the valedictorian and Ila
Rae Small, the salutatorian. George H. Granitz received the
Interstate Bank & Trust Company Medal for his essay,
“Navigation on the Mississippi River and Its Tributaries”,
which was deemed the best.(The Daily Herald, May 31, 1930, p.
2)
1930-1931
Mary
Cahill O’Keefe (1893-1980), principal-$225 per month; Gerald Hause,
asst. principal-$150 per month;
Faculty
On September 6, 1930, a general meeting of the faculty was held at
the OSHS. The faculty at this time consisted of: Mary C.
O'Keefe, Superintendent; Marie Arndt Alexander (1905-1994);
Elizabeth Barbee; Irene
Hunter; Mary Irvine; Annie Fay Jones; Frances Jolly; Florence
Morrow; Amy Quick; Mildred von Kamp; Gerald Hause; Joe M. Rash, and
Wilma Huntley.(The Daily Herald, September 1, 1930, p. 2)
Amy Quick-$130 per month; Marie Alexander-$115 per month; Irene
Hunter-$115 per month; Wilma Huntley-$115 per month; Annie F.
Jones-$115 per month; Florence Morrow-$115 per month.(Town of Ocean
Springs, Ms.
Minute Book (11-1-1929 to 11-6-1934), p. 106)
In December 1930-January 1931, Amy Quick spent the
Christmas holidays at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.N.
Quick, of Collins, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald,
January 6, 1931, p. 20
Katherine Boyette of Slidell, Louisiana joined the faculty in March
1931 to replace Marie Arndt Alexander.(The Daily Herald, March 21,
1931, p. 2)
In the fall and winter of 1951 and 1953 respectively, Miss Amy Quick
visited at Ocean Springs with Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Jordan. She was
assistant principal at Bogalusa High School.(The Gulf Coast
Times, October 18, 1951, p. 2 and December 31, 1953, p. 3)
1931 Class
Class:
Elizabeth Bradford, Clifton Lee Davis (1912-1976), Carl H. “Mexi”
Dick (1909-2000), Myrle “Sally” Girot Williams Staley
(1913-1961), Flossie Heath, Jessie Hoffman Williams
(1912-1989), Rita Brown Honor Friar (1913-1985), Margaret
Lewis Lemon Halstead (1913-1999), Bernice Pabst Mitchel Esche
(b. 1913), Ralph Siebert, William Richards, and Elinor Wright
Scharr (1913-1953). The Junior-Senior banquet was held at the
French Hotel.(The Daily Herald, May 27, 1931, p. 2)
In January 1931, the following Ocean Springs students
were attending college: Morris Baker, Clarence Williams, and Harry
Schmidt-Tulane; Clista Newcomb, Elwin Friar, Frank Buehler, and
Bernard VanCourt-Perkinston; Francesca Spencer-Randolph-Mason;
Davida Davidson-Virginia Intermont; Hilda Friar-Whitworth; Tim
Simpson-GCMA; and Jim Garrard-Michigan.(The Daily Herald, January
6, 1931, p. 2)
1931-1932
Mary
Cahill O’Keefe (1893-1980), principal.
Faculty
A.O. Gaar, Nettie E. Akin, Katharine Boyett, Nash K. Burger, Dorothy
Daspit, Ethel Goodman, Mary Irvine, Frances Jolly, Ruth McAulliffe,
Ruth McCullough, Florence Morrow, and Mildred von Kamp.(TOS, Ms.
Minute Book (11-1-1929 to 11-6-1934), p. 194)
In September 1931, Miss O’Keefe announced that the school faculty
for the coming year was composed of: Florence Morrow, who has taken
Extension work with the University of Chicago during the past
summer; Miss Ruth McAuliffe, B.A. Agnes Scott; Miss Mary Irvine, who
has been attending Detroit Teachers’ College; Miss Frances Jolly;
Miss Katherine Boyett, B.A. MSCW; Miss Ruth McCullough, B.A. Woman’s
College; Miss Nettie Elizabeth Aiken, B.A. Peabody College, who has
attended Peabody during the summer; Miss Mildred von Kamp; A.O.
Garr, B.A. Louisiana College; N.K. Buyer, B.A. Sewanee University;
Miss Dorothy Daspit, B.A. Newcomb College; Miss Ethel Goodman, B.A.
MSCW, summer work at the University of Virginia.(The Daily
Herald, September 9, 1931, p. 3)
The commencement of the 1931-1932 school year saw seven new teachers
join the faculty of Miss O’Keefe. They were: Ruth McCullough,
English; Nettie E. Aiken, history; Dorothy Daspit, mathematics;
Ethel Goodman, Latin; Ruth McAuliffe, 2nd grade; A.O.
Gaar, coach and science; Nash K. Burger, Junior High English and
history. In addition a group of students from the St. Martin
community were attending the school.(The Daily Herald, September
26, 1931, p. 5)
In April 1932, Ocean Springs competed academically against other
Class B schools in the Gulf Coast Field, Track, Literary, and
Platform meet. Winners were: Katherine Snyder, first place
in 1st Year Algebra; Joyce Davidson, second place
Ancient History; Virginia Bradley, first place in American
History; Winifred Carver, first place in Chemistry;
Katherine Lundy, first place in Typewriting.(The Daily
Herald, April 18, 1932, p. 5)
A.O. Garr (1909-1981) was also the football coach. In 1950, he was
residing at Atlanta, Georgia where he was employed by the Carroll
Dunham Smith Pharmaceutical Co. of New Brunswick, New Jersey. His
son, C. Gaar (1932-1988), was born at Ocean Springs on July 6, 1932
and entered college in the fall of 1950.(The Gulf Coast Times,
October 6, 1950, p. 1)
Eleanor Bradford Lemon relates that Lucretia Money taught her
English in her senior year.(Lemon, January 7, 2002)
Class of 1932
(standing: l-r: George
"Fritz" VanCourt; Orwin Scharr; Oscar Seymour; Charles L. Snyder;
Henry Parlin; and J.K. Lemon.
(sitting: l-r: Evelyn
Ramsay; Della Bare; Eleanor Coates; Bernice VanCourt; Dorothy
Pearce; Laura Zettel; Eleanor Bradford Lemon; and Katheryn
Lundy.
1932 Class
The Class of 1932 was composed of Della Bare, Eleanor
Bradford Lemon, Elinor Coates, J.K. Lemon (1914-1998), Kathryn Lundy
Howland (1914-1978),
Henry Parlin (1912-1984), Dorothy Pearce, Evelyn Ramsay Seymour
(1915-1974), Orwin Scharr (1914-2002), Oscar L. Seymour (1912-1964),
Charles L. Snyder (1914-2000), Bernice VanCourt Williams, George Van Court
(1913-1984), and
Laura Zettel.(The Daily Herald, April 26, 1932, p. 2)
Katheryn Lundy was the valedictorian. In the fall of 1931, Beryl Girot and Andrew Westbrook
were elected cheerleaders for the year.
1932-1933
Faculty
1933 Class
The Class of 1933 was made up of Wilford Beaugez
(1913-1994),
Margaret Benton, Standish J. Bradford (1914-1992), Winifred Carver, Iris Cobb,
Dolores “Bobby” Davidson Smith (1916-1997), Beryl Girot
Riviere, Pauline Hoffman, Elizabeth Parlin,
Elizabeth Ryan, Ruth Ryan, Louise Van Court, and Andrew
Westbrook.(Beryl Girot Riviere, March 16, 2002)
In their Junior year, Billie Hrabe was elected class
president. Mary Louise Brander served as v-p, while Bobbie Davidson
was selected as sec.-treasurer of the class.(The Daily Herald,
September 26, 1931, p. 5)
1933-1934
Mary
C. O’Keefe, superintendent,
Faculty
Nettie E. “Polly” Akin (New Hampshire?, Tennessee);
Kathryn Boyett (Slidell, Louisiana); Dorothy Daspit (Houma,
Louisiana); Mary Elizabeth Eley (Moss Point); Ethel Goodman (Ocean
Springs); Mary Irvine (Ocean Springs); Frances Jolley (Batesville,
Mississippi); Mildred von Kamp (Atlanta, Georgia); Coach L.M. LeCroy
(Collins, Alabama); and Ruth McCullough (Florence, Mississippi).
New teachers were: Mary Elizabeth Eley and Coach L.M. LaCroix.
Misses Goodman, Akin, Jolley, McCullough, and Coach LeCroy were in
residence at the French Hotel, while Misses Boyett, Daspit, and von
Kamp found quarters in the Eglin House on Washington Avenue.(The
Daily Hrald, September 13, 1933, p. 8)
In December 1933, Coach LeCroy, teacher and coach, at
the Public School resigned to take a job to work in the research
department of the Standard Oil Company at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.(The
Jackson County Times, December 9, 1933, p. 3)
In June 1934, Miss Nettie E. Akin of Havenshire,
Tennessee who taught history since the 1931-1932 school year,
resigned her position to return home.(The Jackson County Times,
June 2, 1934, p. 3)
Also in June 1934, Katherine Boyett married John
Baltar of Biloxi in the home of Lawrence Fabacher at Biloxi. She
was the daughter of R.B. Boyett of Slidell, Louisiana. He was the
son of Mrs. W.W. Baltar.(The Jackson County Times, June 9, 1934,
p. 3)
1934 Class
The 1934 Class had their commencement ceremonies on May
24, 1934. Members o f this class were: Edna Asher, Anna Mae Beaugez,
Ernest Busbee, Albert Holmes, Mary Alice “Billie” Hrabe
Rehage, J.K. Ladnier, Louis Mestier (1916-1994), Edna Pierce,
Harry John Rehage (1914-1999), Henry Weyerstall (1913-1987),
and Audrey Young Sterken (b. 1917). Audrey Young was the
Valedictorian and Anna Mae Beaugez, the Salutatorian. Miss Young
received a four-year scholarship to L.S.U. at Baton Rouge and Louis
Mestier was awarded the Tulane scholarship.(The Daily Herald,
June 1, 1934, p. 3)
In the 1934 state literary examinations, three of the
six honors won by the schools of the Gulf Coast Region were awarded
to students of the Ocean Springs public school. Katherine Snyder
place 1st in American History; Bl |
By
Ray L. Bellande
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