Our Past Is Present October 23, 2017

October 23, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Leona Garrison, who along with her husband Don, have worked in our Museum’s Research Center for many years.  She shared some copies of “The Blue and White,” which was a monthly newspaper published at Junction City High School and written by the Journalism class.  The copies used in this and future stories were published in 1917 and 1918. 

            Here is a further explanation written in the April 1918 edition about the purpose of the paper.  “The Blue and White strives to portray the student life of the Junction City High School – not merely to print the news, but to support the ideals of the school; to have no pet; to be truthful; to be sunny; to be courteous; to hurt no one; to dare to stand for the right and to serve to the best of the ability the students of the school.”

            The student writers wrote articles in an editorial style about what was going on in Junction City High School.  Here is an example which is timely even today.  It was titled “Our Flag.”  “Students in JCHS have become too thoughtless with respect to showing the proper feeling toward our flag.  The flag is our national emblem and is symbolical of every noble thing our country stands for.  When the flag is displayed in theaters, one should applaud with the hands only, instead of giving shrieks and whistles.  If the flag passes in a parade on procession, one should uncover, that is remove his hat, until it has gone past.  It is often hard to think of doing these tributes at the right time, but saluting the flag is a habit easily acquired and is worthwhile.”  The article was written by Arthur Carlyle. 

            Keep reading this week for more information from “The Blue And White” on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.