Cardinal Notes reported on schools and town

 It is fun to read old newspapers, high school annuals, magazines, and history books. It is fun to try to imagine what our city looked like during those days.

Some time ago, Sharon Conner shared the first volume, first edition of the Cardinal Notes published in 1931. What a wonderful piece of history about the school. The publication stated that for a long time “the citizens of Webb City have felt the need of some means by which the school life and the home life of the community could be drawn more closely together. The students of the fifth hour English class will publish a weekly paper in which they will try to print all of the news from the various schools of the city.” The cost of the publication was paid through the advertising of local businesses. They had more offers to advertise than they had room to print in the first copy! That is a dilemma most newspapers would love to have. The cost of an ad was 50 cents!

The Hub, at 1 S. Main St., advertised Nelly Don Frocks for $1.95, and these dresses never wear out! Optometrist Dr. Strain advertised, “See Strain for Eye Strain.” Dancing in the Electric Ball Room at Main and Daugherty streets each Wednesday and Saturday night was advertised by Hubert Surface, manager. The Palmers Orchestra would be the entertaining orchestra. (I think this was on the southeast corner of Main and Daugherty.)

The students felt that their Cardinal Notes publication would not only promote an association between school and home; it would also secure a better understanding between parents and teachers. They were in hopes that it would build and maintain a much higher school spirit among the students. Sharon also had a copy of the third issue, dated Oct. 1, 1931. The issues had belonged to Sharon’s mother. What a treasure.

One of many interesting stories was about the Webb City High School Drum Corps, a popular all-girl organization organized in 1930 that performed during halftime at football games.

Also written about was the WCHS orchestra, which was in high demand at many events. The publication stated that if the orchestra continued with its success a band would be organized to accompany sports teams.

The newspaper also kept track of alumni – their activities in college, when they got married and welcomed and new arrivals. This kept the city involved with the graduates even after they left town.

There as an announcement of a school event called “Sunday School Homecoming Day” with a competition between the various schools based on Sunday School attendance. It was reported 65.5% of the total school enrollment attended that Sunday, but Franklin School was the winner, with 71.8% attending. Then they narrowed it down to highest percentage in classrooms, with freshman home room 13 reaching 82.7%. Webster’s Room 2 had 82.1% attendance. This was a very interesting contest for the students.

The Student Council in 1931 seemed to have a great responsibility. The purpose of the council was to promote the welfare of the school in every way. Members had the power to make and enforce any rules necessary for the betterment of the school: to recommend committee appointments, investigate and report on matters especially referred to it by the faculty or administrators and to assist the faculty in maintaining law and order. The powers of the council were delegated by the principal, thus he had the right to veto any council action. The council was comprised of 10 seniors, 10 juniors, eight sophomores and eight freshmen.

It is fun to go back in time to see how the schools were functioning. It is great to know that our schools were doing great in 1931 and are still doing great in 2025.