5th Avenue Life

Fifth Avenue Life

June 1927

Published by the

Students of the Fifth Avenue High School

Pittsburgh, Pa.

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Section VI. Clubs and Activities

Abe Gordon, Editor. Carl Cataio, Assistant Editor

OUTSTANDING - ATHLETES - AT - FIFTH

Carl Cataio, who graduates in June, is the first outstanding athlete in Fifth. He is a versatile all-round athlete and stars in Track, Baseball, Basketball and Football.

"Tut" Melman, one of the smallest athletes in scholastic circles, has played stellar ball in all sports. He has been selected as the All-Scholastic quarter-back in football.

Ben Rothman is a football player of much repute. He has been our star tackle for three years.
Fred Freedel has played brilliantly in his first season on the basketball team.

William "Bill" Harris, a sophomore, played a prominent role on Fifth's basketball team.
Sam Gelman, who plugged along with the second team for three years, was finally given a chance to show his wares in the Schenley game, to Schenley's regret.

George Connors, our baseball pitcher was the mainstay of our mediocre baseball team.

BASKETBALL - RESUME'

When Coach Briggs issued the call for basketball candidates, only two regulars from last year's team turned up, Captain Cataio and Ricketts. With these two men as a nucleus, he molded together a team that was invincible. Throughout the basketball campaign our team was known as the "Mystery Five" because of its peculiar style of play.

BASKETBALL CAMPAIGNS

Our "Mystery Five" tied Peabody in the first game of the season 24-24. This game was marred by the absence of an official referee. In our second game, Fifth the underdogs, defeated the strong Westinghouse team on Westinghouse's floor by the score of 26-24. In its third game, the "Mystery Team," after outplaying Schenley and by hard luck tosses for the basket, lost its first game to the Schenley team by the

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score of 30-31 in the Fifth gymnasium. Schenley, last year's champs, had the "luck" to emerge victorious by one point. Fifth closed the first half by easily defeating South at the Southside Market House by the score of 22-15.

Fifth in the second half was strengthened by two players, Slutsky and Harris. Fifth then traveled to Peabody's floor and defeated her to the tune of 36-33 after a heartbreaking struggle. The "Mystery Five" in their next game easily defeated Westinghouse on Fifth's floor, the score being 30-26. The "Mystery Five", led by Captain Cataio, traveled to Schenley and eased its conscious by defeating her 24-21. Schenley's quintet was unable to cope with the "Mystery Five." Flashing dashes down the floor by every member of the "Mystery Five" soon "mystified" Schenley. The game was one that was worth seeing. Fifth's airtight defense and accurate shooting proved too much for Schenley. Fifth closed its most successful basketball season in years, by defeating South in a rather slow game on Fifth's floor by the score of 43-21.

FIFTH'S STARS MAKE ALL-SCHOLASTIC

Captain Cataio was the only man on Fifth's team selected on the first five. He has been awarded a place on the All-Scholastic basketball team for two successive years. Cataio has compiled an enviable athletic record during the last two years.

"Tut" Melman was also honored with a forward position on the second All-Scholastic team.
The following men have received letters in Basketball: Varsity---C. Cataio, captain, H. Melma, W. Harris, F. Freedel, H. Glick, manager; Frosh---M. Bochner, I. Brenner, H. Cofsky, manager, M. Reiter, S. Singer, I. Skeegan, captain.

GYMNASTICS

The first gymnastic team in the history of the school made a fair record, all things considered. Fifth could not be expected to make an excellent showing in gymnastics, because of the small number that tried out for the team. We must support our gymnastic team if we want to have one. Let's have more candidates for the team next semester. We have the best apparatus gym in the city, and even if you can't do mnay tricks, try out for the team, because you can learn in a very short time. The future of our gymnastic team lies in the hands of the students.

Gymnastic Letter Awards have been given to: Varsity Gymnastics---Ben Tolch, Harry Levy, Mortimer Nusbaum, manager; Junior Gymnastics---Louis Levine, Max Silverman, Emanuel Rosen.

GIRLS' ATHLETICS

BASKETBALL

The basketball season started off with a boom. The girls were full of enthusiasm and they went into the games with good natured rivalry, determined to win. Our freshie girls succeeded in carrying away the City Championship, which, if won again next year, will entitle us to keep the cup. The Varsity team, however, did not fare so well. It came in at the foot of the list. Nevertheless, we are hoping for better luck next year, since the freshie girls will then be eligible to join the Varsity Team.
The girls who earned the right to wear the red letter "F" are: Lois McGregor, Tressa Quinn, Sarah Levine, Theora Knott, Miriam Singer, Rose Chotiner, Eva Wulchak, Anne Avery, Marie Mielke, Josephine Mineo. The girls who earned the white letter "F", which is given to Freshmen are: Carrie Bell Harris, Helen Calinsky, Ida Tisherman, Anna Hoffman, Aida Childress, Selma Levy, Bertah Reed, Linda Del Boca, Grace Claypole, Lillian Andrist.
---Mildred Cohen

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Social Activities

SENIOR---FRESHMAN SOCIAL

Giggling and merriment could be heard as the stately seniors and shy freshmen entered the famous "400" to hold a party which would bring both to the Senior and Freshman a feeling of comradeship and brotherhood.

Was it to be a party, a gay festival or perhaps an affair given by a fairy queen? So wondered the Freshman. What could it be all about? The Seniors acted as hosts to the Freshmen. The program was a delightful one. Several vocal and piano selections were rendered. To make this entertainment one of perfection it was necessary to have not only an enjoyable program but an instructive one as well.
Several speeches were given by members of the Senior class explaining various activities in our school.
At the close of the program each freshie was presented with a chocolate egg---each Freshman leaving with a more friendly feeling toward the school and each Senior wending his way homeward where he might re-live in dreams this "glorious social."

CLASS DAY

As I pen this event of Class Day I am still in the happy and jolly mood of this gay affair which implanted itself within my memory. It happened just a few days ago! Yes...their number might be counted on a handful of fingers...when we who are now entering life's avenues of responsibility and better understanding have once more---this time for one day---donned our childhood attires and have for a short while forgotten the tremendous task before us, and acted in our childhood ways. No. It is not a bit nonsensical; on the contrary, it is essential for one's mind and body---but let's not philosophize but tell some of the fun we had.

You ought to have seen...what's his name?...Yes! Oh well...I'd rather not mention names...Gosh, how funny he looked in his short pants and all-day sucker (Now, if you feel yourself guilty...well then, it applies to you also). Then that big fellow who took his curls out of an old trunk and put them on to show you he had 'em when he was a kid...and all of 'em, God Bless Them, must have been the "cutest babies" when they really were kids.

After a wonderful program in our auditorium, and a sumptuous repast in the lunch room---with toasts and speeches of course---we went home with thoughts of a happy class day.

THE BOAT RIDE

For four long years (years that seem so short to us now) after eagerly dreaming and anticipating this gala event of the Senior Boat Ride, we suddenly emerge from the trance and find ourselves experiencing this in reality.

Isn't this wonderful? Isn't it great? Oh! how thrilling! These were a few of the ah-a-a-s that could be heard everywhere as the boat cut its path through the avenues of glittering waters in which were reflected the blue sky and the beams of the dazzling sun, making a most picturesque background for the merriment and joy staged within.

Entertainments and refreshments were the diversions of the day to the utmost delight of all present.
It was seven o'clock (or around that time, anyhow) in the evening amidst a most beautiful and striking sunset when we saw the front of the boat turning homeward. We had a most enjoyable and pleasant trip. A day not soon to be forgotten! We reached home a little tired---and we lay down to rest---and in our dreams we lived over again the happenings of this one day.
---Frances Rice, Editor.

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Class Play

On Thursday, May 19th, and Friday, May 20th, "Pomander Walk" was received enthusiastically by the audiences. "Pomander Walk" was a great success not only dramatically but also financially. A fair house witnessed both brilliant performances. The play is a three-act comedy of English country life in the days of George III.

Sir Peter Antrobus, a retired admiral, is head of Pomander Walk, which has five houses. His neighbor of No. 2 is one Mrs. Poskett, widow of the renowned Alderman Poskett. Mrs. Poskett has set her cap for Sir Peter but cannot make him propose.

Previous to this, a French widow, Madame Lachinais, has moved into No. 5 with her daughter, Marjolaine, and her maid, Nanette.

Jack Otford, son of Lord Otford, who is Sir Peter's friend, comes to Ponmander Walk in order to discuss Jack's proposed marriage with the Hon. Caroline Thring. He meets Marjolaine, and both fall in love with each other. He promises to return on the second day but fails to do so because of a promise extracted from him by his father.

In a talk with her mother, Marjolaine proclaims her decision for Jack, who, she learns, is the son of an old sweetheart of her mother.

About this time Lord Otford has received an anonymous letter from Brooke-Hoskyn of No. 3. Brooke-Hoskyn had formerly been a butler to Lord Otford. Lord Otford comes to Pomander Walk to investigate and he meets Madame Lachenais.

He does not recognize her at first, but after having done so, he aske her to marry him as he still loves her. She accepts his proposal.

Meanwhile, Jack has been hiding in Dr. Sternroyd's rooms in No. 3 for a few days. Marjolaine and Jack have procured a special marriage license through him. By a mistake, the license falls into the hands of Lord Otford and Madame Lachenais.

Finally, both couples are brought together and peace reigns once more on Pomander Walk.
Each student performed his part perfectly. Everyone believes that "Pomander Walk" was the best Class Play ever produced in the school.

Marjolaine (Freda Cazen) was portrayed exceptionally well. She showed all the innocence of a young girl in 1803. Jack (Jerome Kimball and Hymen Bennett, understudy) made himself loved by the forceful methods he employed. Lord Otford (Nathan Weisman) was received with praise by a delighted audience. Madame Lachenais (Blanche Zweig) was reviewed understandingly by the sympathizing mother of the audience. The audience was very much pleased by the jovial, plethoric Sir Peter (Ben Sufrin). Mrs. Poskett (Eleanor Frank and Beatrice Miller) received bursts of laughter throughout the play. Barbara (Hazel Carey) and Basil (Joseph Ripp) taught the audience quite a bit about lovemaking. Ruth (Harriet Manning) remained a spinster unto the end. Brooke-Hoskyn (Jack Bernstein) played his part admirably. Jim (Hyman Solomon), the Hon. Caroline Thring (Sadie Topel), Jane (Fannie Cohen), Dr. Jacob Sternroyd (Irwin Schultz) and the Lamplighter (Saul Zeidenschneider) completed the excellent cast.

The success of the Class Play was due not only to the members of the cast but also to Mr. Chester B. Story and Miss Erma C. Jones, the coaches, to the Stage Crew, and to the attentive audience. The music was furnished through the courtesy of the Fifth Avenue High School orchestra under the able direction of Mr. Oscar W. Demmler.

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Musical Activities
ASSEMBLIES

In our dedicatory assemblies, both Senior and Junior, the Chorus and Orchestra appeared in numbers fitting to the solemnity of the occasion.

Then on Class Day, for our departing Seniors, the Orchestra accompanied the Seniors in songs and dances on the stage. Some of the boys from the Chorus sang a quartet number.

In a St. Patrick's Day program, for the Junior Assembly, a delightful feature was presented in the form of a double quartet from the Chorus, who gave several Irish songs. Charles Simon, a member of the Orchestra, played a violin solo, "The Last Rose of Summer."

In a commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of Beethoven's death, a Beethoven program was given for a Senior Assembly. At this assembly, the Orchestra played four selections, the Chorus sang four numbers, Beatrice Miller sang a soprano solo, Bernard Siegal played a violin solo, and Freda Cazen a piano solo.

At the German Club program in the Junior Assembly, a quartet from the Chorus sang a German Song.
The Junior Assembly held two meetings devoted to singing by the whole group. Songs that will never be forgotten were thrown on the screen and, while the accompaniment was being played, the students were led by Mr. Demmler in singing. These assemblies have been varied by solo numbers by the "Ampico, " the reproducing piano. At one of the Senior assemblies, Mrs. Nichol led a group of Freshman girls in a group of songs.

ACTIVITIES OF THE ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS
OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL HOURS

At the Mid-Year Senior Play, which was given for two different audiences, the Orchestra furnished the music before and between the acts.

At the Mid-Year Commencement in Carnegie Hall, the orchestra played several selections. Miss Jeanette Wald, a member of the class and former member of the Orchestra played a violin solo.

A concert for the Freshmen was held in the Auditorium. The Chorus and the Orchestra appeared in separate numbers. A group of original compositions by members of the Harmony Class was sung by a double quartet from the Chorus.

Concert for the Men's League of Bellevue. This concert was given in the Bellevue Episcopal Church. Mr. Wilson had invited the orchestra last year and again this year. On this occasion several of last year's Orchestra members assisted in the program. Miss Eva Young, of the June '26 class, played several violin solos.

At a program given by the Household Economy Club of Pittsburgh, the Orchestra assisted by giving a group of numbers at the beginning of the program.

Drama Week Performance. The Orchestra played at one of the performances of the week. Fifth Avenue High Shcool gave the played called "The Finger of God, " and Olliver gave "Mrs. Pat and the Law." The Orchestra and the actors perfromed in Kaufmann's Auditorium.

At the Night School Commencement the orchestra supplied the music.

The Orchestra also supplied the music for the open meeting of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America.

Extra.---From time to time individual members or groups of players from Fifth Avenue High have responded to the call of clubs and organizations in the city and have performed solo and ensemble numbers for them. Anna Burns, Bernard Siegal, Charles Simon, MIlton Caplan, and others have given their services.

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Traffic Squad

Student Senate

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HOMEMAKERS CLUB

At the first meeting of the Homemaker's Club, the former President, Sarah Hughes, presided and the election of officers for this semester took place. The rest of the meeting was taken up with diversions. A Tea was served to the girls while Sarah Hughes was hostess. A combination meeting of the Textile and Cooking Club met in the Auditorium to hear a very interesting talk on "The Home Budget Plan." The woman who spoke represented Kaufmann's Home Budget Plan.

The Club is planning to further its meetings with some fine educational as well as social programs.
The officers of the Club are:

President.........................................................Alice Zerelstein
Vice President...................................................Fanny Orlanksy
Secretary........................................................Ruth Gordon
Treasurer........................................................Pearl Singer
Reporter.........................................................Belrose Marcus
Social Chairman................................................Sarah Hughes
Program Chairman............................................Annette Schultz

Naturalists Club

NATURALISTS CLUB
The Naturalists Club has done much for the school this semester. It has furnished flowers for the library and also two beautiful ferns for the trophy cases on the first floor. These things have helped to beautify the school to a great extent. The Club is also planning to present a gift to the school. The officers for this semester are as follows:

President..................................................... Eleanor Frank
Vice President...............................................Jacob Bernstein
Secretary.....................................................Frank Pollack
Treasurer.....................................................Harry Kalson
Reporter.......................................................Edward Benson

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Home Makers Club

Junior Math Club

President............................................................Sam Goldberg
Vice President.....................................................Frances LaMantia
Reporter.......................................................... ..Ellen Slifkin
Secretary...................................................... ... ..Ellen Slifkin
Treasurer........................................................ ..Alex Cohen

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German Club

THE GERMAN CLUB

The German Club, or der Deutsche Verein, like many other of the language clubs, has just been organized this year. The advisor is Miss Eggers. All those who have taken German and all those who are now taking it are eligible. The object of the Club is to further the interests of those who know the German language.

The present officers are: President, Edward Benson; Vice President, Howard Cohen; Secretary, Anne Dickman; Treasurer, Anna Burns; Reporter, Rose Kushner.

The meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays in Room 204. Here very interesting dramatic, literary, and musical programs are given. Just recently the German Club entertained the Junior Assembly with a program which was given entirely in German.

The German Club hopes to be as successful in the future as it has been in the past.

"NEWSETTE" STAFF

The monthly newspaper of the Fifth Avenue High School, "The Newsette", has been innovated in our school this semester. This semester's publication has shown an improvement in style, material, and general make-up over the past publications, and is indicative of future improvement to be carried on by the succeeding staff. It is the earnest wish of the present staff that "The Newsette" be more patronage next year, making it the best high school paper in Pennsylvania and one of the best in the East.

The Staff consisted of the following: Editor-in-Chief, Jack Stone; Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Glass; Business Manager, Nathan Kart; Assistant Business Manager, Blanche Zweig; Editor of School News and Exchanges, Ben Sufrin; Editor of Literary, Howard Cohen; Editor of Clubs and Activities, Edythe Abrams; Editor of All Sorts, Louis Katz; Editor of Girls' Athletics, Mildred Cohen; Editor of Boys' Athletics, Jacob Bernstein; Literary Advisor, Dr. Bonham; Business Advisor, Mr. Atkinson.

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French Club

LE CERCLE FRANCAIS

The officers of the French Club are: Nine Klieger, President; Sylvie Aronson, Vice President; Isabelle Sundlick, Secretary; Fannie Morris, Program Chairman; Elisabeth Bell, Treasurer. The purpose of the Cercle Francais is to offer those students who really love the French language an opportunity to live the beautiful ideals of France.

Student Co-operative Government

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Student Co-Operative Government

June, 1927, finds another illustrious half year of activities added to the long established Student Co-Operative Government. Aside from the routine activities such as tardy record reports and home room interests, much new work has been accomplished. An important amendment was added to the constitution. It provided for the election of 9B senators after the first report period. Thus a better choice of freshman senators is expected since time is given to the pupils to acquaint themselves with their strange roommates. A new committee has been established to meet the needs that arose when assembly classes were begun. It is called the Assembly Committee for its duties will consist in watching the conduct of the pupils in and out of the assembly. Another committee, called the Courtesy Committee, has operated in conjunction with the former by attending to the problem of keeping hats off in the building. The major problems of this semester were the "Halls Project" and the "Clean-Up" Campaign. In the former, many rooms volunteered to take care of the halls for a day. As a result, a better spirit and morale has arisen within the students to do their level best for the appearance of the school. It was a medium for the transferring of responsibilities from a few in the Halls Committee to the hundreds in the school.

The Clean-Up Campaign accomplished so much that it seems impossible to believe that it was only of two weeks' duration. Many report rooms co-operated in this civic movement to clean up the dirty spots of our district. The work was directed by the Executive Committee, composed of various clubs' and activities' representatives, presided over by the president of the Student Senate, and by the Senators in their rooms. Miss Cook directed the faculty division of the campaign.

These fine achievements, noteworthy for their importance, are characteristic of the Student Government's ability. A pace has been set this semester; the outgoing officers and members of the Student Co-Operative Government earnestly hope for a continuance of this trend in school management.

The officers of this semester were:

Harry R. Hinkes...........................................................President
Leon T. Rubenstein......................................................Vice-President
Ruben Gold.................................................................Secretary
Ruth Kopleman............................................................Treasurer
Jullus Cohen................................................................Reporter

F.A.H.S. Clean-Up Committee

H. Hinkes..................................................................Chairman
F. Rice..................................................................... Secretary
L. Katz.....................................................................Art
S. Abramvitz.............................................................Bird
J. Nathan..................................................................Camera
B. Harris...................................................................Draftsman
I. Schultz..................................................................Halls
E. Abrams................................................................Health
E. Frank...................................................................Naturalist
J. Stone................................................................... .News
D. Silverman.............................................................Textile
A. Page.....................................................................Shops
Isabel Sundlick...........................................................Scrapbook

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Debating Club

Orchestra

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Leader's Club

GIRLS' LEADER'S CLUB

The Leader's Club, under the excellent supervision of its guardian, Miss Mercer, has had an enjoyable and worth-while semester. The Club has had very interesting meetings during the semester. The members were invited to a party given in their honor by the Leader's Club of Gladstone, on May 3. Meeting every Tuesday afternoon, we have had weekly programs consisting of dancing, swimming, and both apparatus and recreational gym work.

On April 12 we held our initiation. A good time was enjoyed by all. A swimming party was held after school as part of the initiation. Many a new member was ducked in the water.

We feel that we have accomplished something this semester and hope to carry on the good work next semester. The officers of the club are:

President....................................................Sarah Segall
Vice Presdient.............................................Sara Levine
Secretary....................................................Sylvia Lewis
Treasurer...................................................Florence Bennett
Social Chairman..........................................Harriet Manning

SPANISH CLUB
Officers

President....................................................Nathan Kart
Vice President..............................................Charles Borella
Secretary....................................................Grace Holmes
Treasurer....................................................William McElroy

The Spanish Club had several meetings this semester in which each member reported on something of Spanish interest.

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Journalist Club

JOURNALIST CLUB

Although only organized one year, the Journalist Club has established a remarkable record in the school. Material for the "Handbooks" that were issued this semester was prepared by the members of this club. This is the first booklet of its kind that was ever published for Fifth. The work for the semester ending in June was largely that of reporting. Each member was appointed to act as a reporter for each of the school activities. This practice of reporting served a twofold purpose; first it trained the members in Journalism; second, each club was able to be represented in our city newspapers when reports were written.

The entire program was arranged for the semester by the Program Chairmen. Each member appeared at least once on the program. Certain days were reserved for speakers. Added to the list of speakers were Mr. Duvall, President of the Pittsburgh Press Club, who spoke about the famous newspaper men; Mr. Hughes, Feature Writer of the Pittsburgh Press, who also spoke to the members of the Club about reporters and news gathering.

It is the sincere wish of the officers of the Journalist Club of the last semester that the Club should continue to do the good work it has done for the school in the past.

Advisers---------Miss Young and Dr. Bonham

Abe Gordon.............................................................President
Jack Stone..............................................................Vice President
Blanche Zweig..........................................................Secretary
Fannie Bastacky.......................................................Treasurer
Ben Hoffman...........................................................Reporter
Ben Sufrin----Ben Hoffman..........................................Program Chairmen

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Dramatic Club

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HEALTH CLUB

This semester the Health Club has had many notable speakers. Coach Briggs gave a very interesting talk at one meeting. Discussions on health problems have been very beneficial. The McCoy Theory was discussed at one of the meetings. The officers of the Club are:

President.....................................................Edythe Abrams
Vice President...............................................Nathan Meyers
Secretary.....................................................Ruben Gold
Treasurer....................................................Martin Rosenberg
Reporter.....................................................Harry Sanes
Program Chairman.......................................Esther Singer

Math Club

THE TEXTILE CLUB

The Textile Section of the Home Economics Club of Fifth Avenue High School has had the pleasure of hearing many interesting speakers. Among them were Miss Van Steenberg, who spoke on "Tapestries", and Mrs. G. Fisher, who spoke on "Budgets." Our semester has been successful as a whole. The officers of the Club are as follows:

President............................................Grace Battaglia
Vice President.....................................Jeanette Khalik
Secretary............................................Julia Madison
Treasurer........................................... Edith Miller
Reporter............................................ Dorothy Silverman

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Textile Club

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Tech Club

THE TECH CLUB

The Tech Club has finished one of its most successful seasons. Many interesting subjects were discussed. The meetings were beneficial to everyone present. During the course of the semester Mr. Thompson, our guardian, gave us many interesting facts on the various subjects. Dr. Ogden gave us a few facts about the manufacture and use of Synthetic Rubber.

The officers of the Club are:

President.........................................Lawrence Reznick
Vice President..................................Ben Harris
Secretary.........................................Harry Schlesinger
Treasurer....................................... .Bernard Barnett
Reporter......................................... Francis Fisher

FRIENDSHIP CLUB

The Friendship Club has had two outstanding parties this semester and both were for the Freshmen. The first was the initiation or recognition service and the second was a party for the Freshmen. At both affairs the girls were delightfully entertained. The club has also had a few discussional meetings which were both interesting and valuable. The Candy Sales have been quite successful this semester. Fifth also sent six girls to Bellevue for a conference on which the girls later reported.

This interesting program for the semester was accomplished through the work of the officers who are:

President...........................................Sara Shapiro
Vice-President....................................Mary Kodinsky
Secretary...........................................Frances Rice
Treasurer.................................... ......Freda Hirschfield
Reporter............................................Eleanor Frank

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Friendship Club