On the Playground at Poplar Branch High School, April 1925

A Glimpse at the Playground of Poplar Branch High School

Standing upon the top of the school house in order to get a glimpse of the boys and girls from 11:30 to 12:15, I find a busy group in every direction. I choose this position in order to see each one every few seconds.

Standing upon this building with my face toward south, I let me eyes turn to my right. I find Miss Gurr with a group of eight grade girls playing croquet which was urchased by them a few weeks ago. In watching them I enjoy much laughter. I heard, “It’s my go” and “Have you been through this wicket?”

In front of me, I find Miss Shearer with a group of ninth grade girls, running, jumping and hopping. Frequently, I hear some one say, “Oh me! I’m so tired.”

Hearing a whistle which causes me to turn to my left, I find Mr. Mayo with 15 boys who play basket ball. I see uniforms which have recently been purchased. These boys show they have worked hard to develop the active team which they now have. “That is guarding him, Sawyer.” “That is the stuff Brown,” “Shoot it from here Baum,” “Attaboy,” and other remarks are heard.

Beyond this court I see another group of girls from the seventh grade playing “kick ball” with Miss Quinerly, their home room teacher.

Another whistle causes me to turn my face from west to east. Looking directly in front of me I find that the whistle is blown by Miss Calderwood, the coach of the girls Basket Ball team of which the school will be proud. By the side lines stands their manager, Pearl Gallop, watching the girls do their bit.

On each side of this court are two volley ball courts. With two new balls and nets, the seventh, eighth, and ninth grade boys are struggling for a team. They are encouraged by Mr. Smith.

Glancing upon the old gridiron find Mr. Colonna with a few boys who neither play volley ball nor basket ball. He is drilling these youngsters with a stick on their shoulders as guns and apples in their pockets for ammunition. These boys will no doubt be a benefit to the government some day.

When I glance at all of this, I find that Poplar Branch High School emphasizes organized play.

From page 4 of The Picayune, Moyock, N.C., April 1925

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn97064644/1925-04-01/ed-1/seq-4/