Autograph Books

We have my mother-in-law's autograph book from high school. I was reading through it the other day and was amazed at how the times have changed. The dates and comments took me back to a time when there weren't any TVs or computers for entertainment. She lived in a rural part of Oklahoma in a town named Bearden. I've only been there once and hope to have some trips there in the fall to poke around and experience it for myself.

The first page shows ownership: Maxine Deatherage, School Day Memories of Bearden Hight School, Class of Freshmen. (That's not a typo on the Hight.) The page for Social Activities, Clubs, Dramatics, Music was left blank. The Class Officers are: Maxine Deatherage, President. and the VP, Secretary and Reporter are listed as well. The school colors are Blue and Gold.

I read in one of the posts that Maxine got this Autograph Book as a Christmas present. I can only imagine how thrilled she was to receive it and the thoughts that were running through her mind about her friends writing in it. It amazed me at the formality of the remarks. Such as: It gives me great pleasure to write in your Autograph Book. I wish you success through your many years to come. Remember me early, Remember me late, Remember e as a schoolmate. I do not write for beauty, I do not write for fame, I write to be remembered, So here I sign my name. Your Classmate, Ruby George (Okemah, Oklahoma January 3, 1939).

Dear Maxine, Remember well and bear in mind a rooster's tail sticks out behind. My wish for you is: As you slide down the banister of life may you never strike a splinter. Yours till the ocean wears rubber pants to keep its bottom dry. A Friend and Schoolmate, Lucy Brumfield, Jan 3, 1938. (Not sure if Lucy got the date right after the new year.)

FOR-GET-ME-NOT

Dearest Maxine, It's an honor to write in your memory book and please remember me by this poem: As sure as the rat runs up the rafter, You are the girl I am after. Your friend, Nevylen Lambdin, F.G.M.N.

The colors of paper are ecru, pastel blue, pink and green. One friend signed their name and added their nickname - "or Tator". How would you like to go through high school being called Tator?

I remember having a long white wiener autograph dog myself and of course we wrote in each other's yearbooks. But, I don't think we'll ever see the day again when a young 15 year girl would be excited to receive such a present at Christmas; something without a set of keys attached to it.


CIAO!