All through our high school years we proudly sported the colors of red and black. It was such an ingrained tradition, I doubt if anyone ever gave any thought to the origination of that choice. So I read with interest in the January 24, 1908 issue of The Sheldon Progress just when and how it occurred: "Several combinations of school colors were voted upon for our school colors last Friday. Red and black received the most votes and were the colors adopted." Then, in a May issue, the following story appeared: "The first commencement exercises of the Sheldon High School were held on last Monday evening in the opera house. The background of the stage was a large U.S. flag, draped with red and black, the colors of SHS."
Someone was having grandiose dreams about the future of the school: "Small beginnings frequently have large endings and many of our greatest educational institutions started with very few scholars. Harvard University started upon its career with but three students on its rolls." This statement was a reflection upon the size of Sheldon's graduating class having just one student: "C. G. Bangert, president of the school board, presented the first diploma granted to a Sheldon High School graduate - John Wilson Goodman." The story went on to say: "Next year it is thought several more would be eligible."
A story related to another school carried a Fergus Falls, Mn byline with its headline blaring: "Boy Is Eaten By Wolves." It seems he was kept after school and had to walk home alone without his usual companions. When he never showed up at home his father took a lantern and began to search for him. He came upon a scene where he found two wolves feasting on his half-eaten son.
As I wrote yesterday the horse culture ruled and another interesting story found was: "The old bay mare owned by Mrs. Eastman ... took a notion to be bad the other day. All went well 'til the man driving her stopped and laid down the reins. The old mare looked around and said to herself, 'Well, if these old fools don't know enough to hang on to me, I won't have to hang on to myself.' She immediately dug out and turning short upset the buggy. After this she kicked out the dash board and then once more settled down to the quiet line of conduct which she has been following for the last twenty years."
To be continued ...
