Lion Tales

1940s

1942:

October 2, 1942 October 9, 1942 October 30, 1942 November 6, 1942 November 20, 1942 December 4, 1942 December 18, 1942

1943:

January 8, 1943 January 15, 1943 January 22, 1943 February 5, 1943 February 19, 1943 April 9, 1943 November 5, 1943

1944:

February 25, 1944 October 13, 1944 December 15, 1944

1945:

January 19, 1945 February 2, 1945 February 9, 1945 May 18, 1945 October 6, 1945 October 12, 1945 October 19, 1945 October 26, 1945 November 21, 1945

1949:

January 14, 1949 October 21, 1949 November 4, 1949 December 16, 1949

 

 

The front page
The humble start of Lincoln Lion Tales

The Lincoln News’ first staff had a real challenge ahead of them: to produce a four page newspaper to be distributed to students on the first Friday of the school year, October 2, 1942. The several articles transcribed on this page capture the spirit of that inaugural newspaper, and those exciting first days of Lincoln.

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“Sounding Off”

By:  Wes Payton, September 30, 1942

The Shape of Things To Come
As a publication, the Lincoln News is new. It is as new as the building that houses it. In keeping, the editorial board, consisting of the editor, and associate editor, announce a new type of editorial presentation. Informality will be the keynote. The ed. board will try to replace the front page editor’s column so popular on the San Jose High School Herald, as well as the not so popular editorials.

Main building
Principal Frederick Shipp views corridor with students George Murphy and Betty Satain

Writing of the ed. board will alternate. The editor will handle it one week and the associate editor the next.

Hands Across First Street
Friday is a magic day in the school week, and so this first Friday of the school year, fall 1942, from the staff of the Lincoln News and the entire student body of Abraham Lincoln High School to the staff of the San Jose High School Herald and the entire student body of San Jose High School, goes a hearty “Hi Brother!” (Hope the Bulldogs have a more successful season this year.)

“School Days, School Days”
As Mr. Shipp so aptly put it, we are all freshmen here at Lincoln, and already there have been some amusing incidents to illustrate this. Program cards have been marked incorrectly in some cases leading even seniors to sit almost a whole period in the wrong class before discovering the mistake. Others have had such foreign subjects as Journalism and senior social studies in chemistry laboratories. One senior was even heard to comment that he wasn’t sure whether 3A was his Spanish classroom or his draft classification.

Continental Style
The very first day we gathered on the “terrace” for the welcoming address, we were informed that Abraham Lincoln High School did not have a basement. Mr. Shipp prefers it referred to as a ground floor. In the opinion of the editorial board, a much more suitable name would be simply, “the tombs.” Think so?

 

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“Sophomores Become Kings, While Seniors Become Lost”

A cartoon printed in the original paper
Original Lincoln Lion Tales cartoon.

With the beginning of school this year as every year, we have our low sophomore. The definition of an entering sophomore takes on an added significance this semester, though, as it can no longer be said that a sophomore is a small, scared looking individual who sneaks through the halls looking for unheard of rooms and searching in vain for unthought of elevators because that description fits juniors and seniors as well. Yes, sophomores, this is your year to get even for all the pranks played on your brothers before you. This year you know as much and maybe more about the school than your upper classmen. Dear sophomore, this semester you can tell the poor junior who can’t find the right room the wrong room to go to. You might even get by with selling non-existent reserved seats to the basketball games to unsuspecting seniors. Yes, indeed, this is the chance of a life time.

 

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“Victory Gardeners At It Again”

From the December 18, 1942 edition of “Lion Tales.” 

Students hard at work in the Victory Garden, December 1942.  The front of the main building can be seen in the background.
Students hard at work in the Victory Garden, December 1942. The front of the main building can be seen in the background.

 

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1943 Lion Tales Masthead

Lion Tales Masthead from 1943
Lion Tales Masthead from 1943

 

 

 

 

 

Owned and published by the Associated Students of Abraham Lincoln High School, San Jose, California. Issues every Friday of the school year

 

 

 

 

 

CO-EDITORS…………………………….BEVERLY GUNTER, RICHARD JONES

Associate Editor…………………………………….Barbara Edes

News Editor ………………………………………….Aldo Fontana

Feature Editor ……………………………………….Janet McDonald

Boys’ Sports Editor …………………………………Claude Smart

Girls’ Sports Editor………………………………….Ruth Roy

Exchange Editor…………………………………….Barbara Sullivan

Photographer…………………………………………Dick Jones

Artist………………………………………………… Jim Veteran

Proofreader…………………………………………. Betty Eipp

 

BUSINESS MANAGER……………………….. LILLIAN SISNEY

Adviser……………………………………………………….. Miss Ruth Byers

Principal………………………………………………………. Frederic T. Shipp

 

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February 26th, 1943

Lincolnite in the service February 26th 1943
Lincolnites in the Service
February 26th 1943

LINCOLNITES IN THE SERVICE

Hats off to Bill Leal, former ALHS student, who topped 150 enlistees in a signal corps test given at the Monterey Army Reception Center Bill, a high junior when he left, played the halfback spot for the lions this fall. previously he attended Los Gatos High where he also starred in football.

Although he expects to be transferred this week, his present address is as follows:

Private Bill Leal

Company C

Camp Kohler,

First Signal Training Battalion

Sacramento, California

Word also comes from Allan Chaboya, former 11B left halfback, who is stationed at Farragut, Idaho, Navy bootcamp. Al says that he is scrubbing decks, freezing to death, and plenty lonesome.

He added that Neal Benson, also of Lincoln, had visited him. Al wants all his friends to write; so here is the address:

Allan Chaboya, A/S V-6

Co. 63 Reg. 5

Camp Scott

U.S. N. T. S.

Farragut, Idaho.

Jim Wallace, a 10B student, sent a card to Miss Linton’s reg. class dated February 2, which reads as follows: “Well, I’ve been in the Army a week and six days, that makes me almost a veteran. I was in Monterey a while, and now they’re shipping us back east. We are going through New Mexico now, and I never saw so much desert in my life. I’ll write you again as soon as I get to my permanent station.

P.S. Excuse the writing, this train won’t stay still.”

Here is a start, now the rest of you students who have addresses or have heard from a Lincolnite in the Service- Wake UP! Get off the dime, and share this information with the press.

Thanks to you students who have.

 

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March 26, 1943

Taken from the March 26, 1943 edition of Lion tales.
Taken from the March 26, 1943 edition of Lion tales.

 

Most Disliked Dish in Cafeteria Rich in Vitamins

Do you need vitamin B1? Then you haven’t been eating the vegetables prepared for you in the cafeteria. Those vegetables brought to you through the cafeteria were first raised by you in the victory garden. We are not doing our part in the war effort, if we grow it only to waste it. Records show that vegetables are the most disliked dish in the cafeteria. Although 200 or more hot dishes are sold each day, the most popular food are ice cream and candy when they are obtainable. This shows that most Lincolnites are not eating enough of good old-fashioned vegetables such as carrots, spinach, beets, lettuce, chard, rhubarb, and tomatoes. Come on, students, you are being patriotic by growing the vegetables. Now be more patriotic than ever by eating the vegetables you grow. We are not helping the government any if we grow it only tothrow it away.

 

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April 30, 1943

Taken from the April 30, 1943 edition of Lion Tales.
Taken from the April 30, 1943 edition of Lion Tales.

“How Do You Doodle?”

“What do you do when you doodle?” This was the question of the week, fired at a number of Lincolnites by a roving reporter. Everybody knows what doodling is. You’re sitting at the telephone talking to the girlfriend, or you’re in English class, trying to think of something to write for your next comp, or you’re stumped in the middle of a tough geometry problem. You absentmindedly start to scribble on any little scrap of paper that happens to be around (or the wall or the table if there doesn’t happen to be any paper) with any little stub of a pencil that’s lying around. That’s doodling. Judging by the response of Lincolnites, the fair sex is the more addicted to this practice. A great many of the boys quizzed replied that they were non-doodlers. It may be that the right boys were not contacted. Anyway, here are some of the answers received.

Bev Latta-“Oh, I write names and black in the letters like o’s and a’s-you know-and draw circles and triangles, and everything.”

Carl Dysinger-“I write a name-just one name.” (On further questioning, specifically, what name, the reply was, “That’s a secret.”)

Neva Trett-“I write telephone numbers.” (Any particular ones?)

Melba Maggini-“I just write ‘Los Gatos, Los Gatos, Los Gatos’.”

Lorraine Eichenberger-“I draw B’s.”

Nancy Shoup-“I start out with circles and end up with everything.”

Pat Schommer-“Oh, I draw a straight one way and a curved line another way- you know what I mean.”

 

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Friday, June 11th, 1943

First Graduation  June 11th 1943
First Graduation
June 11th 1943

 

FIRST ALHS SENIOR CLASS GRADUATES AT IMPRESSIVE EXERCISES SUNDAY

Highlighted by a patriotic pageant, “We Hear America Calling”, and talks by Walter L. Bachrodt, superintendent of schools; Frederic T. Shipp, ALHS principal; and Richard Arthur, senior class president, Abraham Lincoln High’s first graduation exercises were held at the Municipal Rose Garden Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock.

The pageant consisted of a narration describing the American Freedoms which was supported by the choir and the graduates. Jim Burroughs and Jim Jefferson were the narrators and the Evelyn Joakim were the pianist. Mrs. Shirley Willis, author of program, directed. Superintendent Bachrodt in his talk stressed the point that although the school board and superintendent build the school, it is the students that make it. He also expressed the hope that the graduates would make a name for Lincoln High in their future occupations no matter what or where and urged them to return home after the war.

Mr. Bachrodt’s talk was in answer to that of Class President Dick Arthur who pointed out the growth Lincoln seniors had made since their entrance into the school last fall.

Last address of the afternoon was that of Principal Frederic T. Shipp and in it he reviewed Lincoln’s first year, pointing out the advancements that have been made. He also pointed out that ALHS students are Able, Loyal, Honest, and give Service, also stressing students’ adherence to the rule, “Do Right”.

The diplomas were then presented to the graduates and those of seniors who have entered the service were received by their respective parents.

 

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Friday, February 18,1944

Wanted: More Social Hopes With San Jose High School Friday, Feb. 18,1944
Wanted: More Social Hops With San Jose High School Friday, Feb. 18,1944

WANTED: MORE SOCIAL HOPS WITH SAN JOSE HIGH SCHOOL

Last Friday Night at the Civic Auditorium San Jose and Lincoln High School forgot their individual rivalries and joined hands to enjoy themselves for an evening. No one could have asked for better music, entertainment, or relations between the students of the two schools.

Before the dance students felt that they  would not have a pleasant time because there would be so much competition; but as it progressed new ideas sprung up among the groups of students from both schools.

The most popular suggestion was that of having combined dances once a month or every two months with SJHS instead of regular school dances.

This editorial is not only the opinion of the writer but rather of the portion of the student body attending the  dance. Because such an issue was once brought up in the senate and dropped, all students are urged to support this idea in other to bind friendly relations with the Bulldogs -not sever them- Not all for one but one for all.

                                                                                      -Ruth Roy

 

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Friday February 25 1944

Lion Fight Song, Feb. 25, 1944
Lion Fight Song, Feb. 25, 1944

Lion Fight  Song

Fighting lions, We

On to victory

We’re behind our Gold and Blue

Loyal through and through  Rah-

Come on, Lions, fight

Show them all our might

Come on, team, let’s fight fight fight

For Lions always will come thru

Rah Rah Rah

Keep our Banners high in the sky

Bulldogs shake with fear

When we raise our mighty  cheer

Rah-

So fight for Lincoln high

Our alma mater do or die

Fighting spirit true

Forever loyal Gold and Blue

 

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Friday March 3,1944

Friday, March 3, 1944 Wrong Door, Girls, Wrong Door
Friday, March 3, 1944 Wrong Door, Girls, Wrong Door

Wrong door, Girls, Wrong Door

“Gee, let’s get out of here. I have to be home early.”

“Come on, let’s go out this way; there’s not such a crowd.’

“Okay! Hey, are you sure this door leads out … Oh help!”

Approximately two seconds after these words were uttered, three blushing girls were ushered out of the boys’ locker room in the San Jose State gym. Amid laughter and general confusion on the part of the basketball team, a stuttering, stammering, blushing a secret

 

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“Dedication of the 1944 Yearbook:”

Students in the Main Building Staircase, 1944
Students in the Main Building Staircase, 1944

“To the young people of high school age in the war-torn countries of the world we, the staff of the 1944 Monarch, dedicate our year book.  We deeply and honestly appreciate the priceless privilege we are enjoying – the opportunity to continue our education in these troubled days. Abraham Lincoln High School is an excellent example of a typical democracy at work.  Our student body seeks to govern itself with the friendly cooperation and advice of the administration and faculty.  Assisted by tactful guidance when needed, we plan our programs from a wide selection of offerings which are taught by a faculty that is sympathetic to the young person of today. Countless opportunities for fun, recreation, and social life are open to all.  The thrill of having Lincoln’s team win, of entering in preppy yells, or of joining in our beautiful hymn is inspiring.  Programs, dances, sports of all kinds, pictures, plays, concerts, assemblies, and drives to help the community’s war effort – all these are a vital part of our life.  Through our active school citizenship we train to become leaders in the future in some larger fields. May God grant that you high school students of other nations may soon again enjoy happy, normal life in your own land.”

 

 

 

 

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“What Other Highans are Smiling About”

From Lion Tales, 1946

Original article from Lion Tales, 1946
Original article from Lion Tales, 1946

Teacher: “In what battle was General Custer killed?” Student: “In his last.” When a young girl wants to become an actress it;s not her family tree that counts, its her limbs. To all Romeos: Don’t keep telling the lady you are unworthy of her. Let it be a complete surprise. People will gamble on anything. Now they’re beginning to save money on the chance it may again be valuable. The Red ‘N’ White, San Rafael Voter:  “Why I wouldn’t vote for you if you were St. Peter himself” Candidate: ” If I were St. Peter, you couldn’t vote for me. You wouldn’t be in my district” Aunt Hessie: “Tommy, I  am ashamed of you. When I was no bigger than you, I could reel off all the Presidents in order without hesitation.” Tommy: “Yeah, but there were only two or three of them back then.” A little boy was hurrying to school. He kept saying: “Please, God, don’t let me be late.” Suddenly he stumbled and fell he got up dusted himself off and muttered: “All right you needn’t push me.”

 

 

 

 

 

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June 6, 1947

Story of An Idea 6 June, 1947
Story of An Idea
6 June, 1947

Story of An Idea

When “Con” Mendler offered to give Abraham Lincoln High School $10,000 toward a westside swimming pool, he started a fast moving and steadily growing snowball rolling. There was no time to waste because there were definite strings to that gift-strings which involved immediate action by the Board of Education as well as by Abraham Lincoln.

The proposition was simply this: that the $10,000 gift was Lincoln’s- if the balance were forthcoming within the immediate future. A check up on current building costs revealed that a total of $50,000 would have to be raised in order to take the pool off the designer’s drawing table and establish it on the Lincoln school grounds.

After brief deliberation, the School Board revealed that $25,000 of the building fund might be made available at this time for such a project. That left a $15,000 challenge which was immediately accepted by the ALHS Dad’s Club. The student senate met to discuss the part to be played by the student body in this drive and came out of their meeting with a promise to raise one third of the amount pledged by the Dad’s Club. The outcome of the Dad’s Club drive, under the direction of President Don W. Parker and Pool Drive Chairman Edward L. Shepard is a credit to the group and to the long list of donors.

The pledge made the student group is being met by its production of “The Big Splash,” your entertainment for tonight.

You will witness the result of weeks of work by students, by members of the faculty and by guest artists who volunteered their services to make our part of this drive a success. It is important to note that not one cent was paid for any of the evening’s entertainment, and cost of properties and costumes was cut to a minimum. Such a goal could not have been approached without sacrifice of time and effort by those involved in producing the show and cooperation of you who have supported the performance through your attendance.

While the generosity of all concerned cannot be lauded too highly, we believe that tonight’s show is worth the money you spent to see it. We were anxious to sell tickets to a show and then to produce entertainment even better than the price of the ticket might indicate. We believe we have done that!

Enjoy yourselves tonight! That which has been our show through the weeks of planning and anticipation is your show tonight, and it is with pride that we offer “The Big Splash!”

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1940s