MHS CLASS OF 1941 MEMORIES

Shared by Patricia Kingsbury Damon

Most of our classmates were born in 1923; we considered ourselves “Depression Kids” and learned the value of money “have or have not” at an early age.  I was born at home in Devon and like others my age - more or less - I stayed in my residential neighborhood. Walking to Devon Grammar School and meeting children from other neighborhoods considerably expanded my horizon. But I still was not aware of Milford’s many, many square miles until meeting classmates from places like Woodmont, Morningside, Point Beach, Pond Point, Bayview, Milford Center, Fort Trumbull, and West Shore beaches.   

Entering that HUGE YELLOW BUILDING was awesome! Our principal, Fredric S. Gorham, and Vice Principal, Margaret F. O’Connor were respected leaders and remained in those positions until end of June 1953. 

As freshman, bewildered and green, my friends and I (The Devon Girls) closely bonded and slowly accustomed ourselves to the new rules and regulations. As sophomores, we experienced the hurricane of 1938 and learned to help those whose homes were damaged to remove debris and resume a normal life.  

As June 1938 approached we stressed over exams and looked forward to becoming upper-classmen. Juniors! What an achievement!  We established a Student Council, as well as planned and held an outstanding and long-to-be-remembered Halloween Dance.  Our Junior Prom was a source of great anticipation and enjoyment. 

Senior Advisers Winifred Swift Davidson, Ruth Eleanor Doe, Mary Izette Pollard, Paul E. Krause, Harry Jenson, and William Donald Rice were truly dedicated to our educational and social activities.

Although news from Europe seemed to bother our parents, our class officers:  Charles Kilbey (President), Vincent Green (Vice President), Ernest Piazza (Treasurer), and Betty Carlough (Secretary) served with distinction in leading committees and encouraging classmates to concentrate on studies, participate in social events, pass exams, and graduate. 

As a result, our Senior Prom, Class Night Banquet, etc. will never be forgotten by those attending. We will forever be remembered as the chosen ones to receive Milford High School training during the turbulent years of Depression, disaster and threats of world war.