OTSELIC VALLEY heritage series

Part 5: Student Life Beyond the Classroom

Student Activities at Georgetown and South Otselic (1950–1952)

Before the creation of the Otselic Valley Central School District, students in the region attended neighboring schools such as Georgetown Central School and South Otselic Central School. Though the schools were part of separate districts during this time, student life in both communities shared many similarities.

Yearbooks from the early 1950s show that activities beyond the classroom played an important role in school life. From music groups and agricultural organizations to student leadership and school spirit, these programs gave students opportunities to develop friendships, explore their interests, and build a strong sense of community.

This edition features photographs, artwork, and text from the 1950 and 1952 Georgetown (Georgetonian) and the 1950 and 1952 South Otselic (The Centralian) yearbooks.

Covers from the 1950 and 1952 yearbooks of Georgetown Central School (The Georgetonian) and South Otselic Central School (The Centralian), which provided many of the photographs and excerpts featured in this edition.

Note: Excerpts from historical yearbooks are presented with minimal editing to preserve original language and tone. Minor adjustments have been made for readability.

Student Leadership

Student leadership was an important part of school life in both Georgetown and South Otselic. Through groups like Student Council, students helped organize school activities, represent their classmates, and contribute to school spirit.

Artwork from the 1952 South Otselic Yearbook, The Centralian

1950 South Otselic Yearbook

Student Council

Seated: Lawrence Tucker, Treasurer; Doris Atkyns, Secretary; Robert Law, President; Kenneth Sheldon, Vice-President; Mr. Tinker, Adviser; Standing: Delmar Law, Jr.; Leonard Law; Richard L’Hommedieu; Kareen Loomis; Sylvia Pearson; Christine Smith; Elsie Lewis.

1952 South Otselic Yearbook

Row 1—Richard L’Hommedieu, Arlene Armstrong, Leonard Law, Ruth Beckwith, Robert DeForest. Row 2—Hugh Church, Teddy Tinker, William Wehner, Irene Tucker. Row 3—Goldie Thompson, Katherine Martin, Mr. Frederick Tinker.

1952 Georgetown Yearbook

Student Council

Left to Right: Front Row: Dorothy Huntley, Richard Coye, Beverly Davis, Marion Heim. Back Row: Lois Huntley, Betty Clark, Sharon Utter, Mr. Brooks, Marie Anderson. The Student Council plays an important part in school life since it is the governing body of the students. Each grade, seventh through tenth, selects a class member to represent it in the council. Grades eleven and twelve select two members each for the council. This year's officers are: President, Beverly Davis; Vice-President, Richard Coye; Secretary, Betty Clark; Treasurer, Marion Heim; Advisor, Mr. Brooks. Activities planned for this Spring include a dance and the Annual Alumni Sports Evening.

Student leadership continues to be an important part of school life at Otselic Valley today. Students participate in forums and organizations that give them a voice in school activities and community initiatives.

Explore Student Leadership at OV Today

School Spirit

Cheerleaders and pep squads played an important role in supporting athletic teams and energizing school events. These groups helped bring students together and encouraged school pride during games and community gatherings.

Artwork from the 1952 South Otselic Yearbook, The Centralian

1952 Georgetown Yearbook

J.V. Cheerleaders

Left to Right Front Row: Lois Huntley, Lucy Lenning Back Row: Dorothy Heim, Betty Eaton, Marion Heim These Junior Varsity cheerleaders ably furnished both spirit and yells for the Junior Varsity team.

The uniforms: purple and gold satin. Favorite yell: Purple-Gold Purple-gold, Sis boom bah; Georgetown J.V.'s, Rah! Rah! Rah!

Varsity Cheerleaders

Left to Right Front Row: Beverly Davis, Elaine Wilcox Back Row: Faye Eaton, Mary Davie, Dorothy Huntley

These are the girls who led the yells for the Varsity players. New purple jumpers lent color and class to their inspiring cheerleading. Favorite Yell: We're With You We're with you, we're with you, We're with you all the time; Whether you win or whether you lose, You're the boys we always choose; We're with you, we're with you, We're with you all the time

1950 South Otselic Yearbook

Cheerleaders

1st Row: Arlene Brown, Marion Coles, Helen Fostveit, Marilyn Kellogg, Beverly Brown, Wanda Olds; 2nd Row: Charlotte Reit, Arlene Armstrong, Mary Wasilewski, Lavern Miles, Loretta Ryan, Alice Crandall.

T-E-A-M yea-team! T-E-A-M yea-team! T-E-A-M yea-team! team, team, team That is one of the cheers that has given our teams much support in playing basketball. Even when the boys have lost, they have taken their defeats like good sports. At home games, the student body, as well as the cheerleaders, boosted the boys on with much spirit. Many schools have noticed the good sportsmanship displayed by S. O. C. S. For the last two years we have won sportsmanship trophies which you see in the above picture. The entire student body as well as the townspeople can well be proud of these trophies, for to be a good sport should be the aim of every person whether in or out of school. The cheerleaders of S. O. C. S. were chosen by the preferential method of election by grades seven through twelve. The first six chosen became members of the Varsity squad and the next six became Junior Varsity members. Those chosen to lead cheers for our Varsity team this year were Alice Crandall, Mary Wasilewski, Lavern Miles, Loretta Ryan, Charlotte Reit, and Arlene Armstrong. The Junior Varsity squad consisted of: Beverly Brown, Wanda Olds, Marilyn Kellogg, Marion Coles, and Helen Fostveit.

1952 South Otselic Yearbook

J.V. Cheerleaders

Left to right—Miss Alice Jacobson, Arietta Von Hassel, Christine Smith, Delphine Austin, Cora Beckwith, Harriet Smith, Norma Locke, Elinor FitzGerald.

Varsity Cheerleaders

Row 1—Irene Tucker, Jeanne Mettler, Wanda Olds. Row 2—Miss Alice Jacobson, Beverly Brown, Kareen Loomis, Arlene Armstrong, Sybil Cruikshank.

Then and Now: School Spirit Lives On – While these cheerleaders led the cheers for Georgetown and South Otselic teams in the early years, school spirit continues today through OV’s Pep Squad and student supporters who help energize our teams and bring the community together at games.

Photo of Otselic Valley Pep Squad

Music and Performing Arts

Music and performing arts were a vibrant part of student life in both schools. Students participated in band, chorus, and theatrical productions, sharing their talents through concerts and performances. These activities provided opportunities for creativity and collaboration while bringing performances to classmates and the community.

Artwork from the 1952 South Otselic Yearbook, The Centralian

1950 South Otselic Yearbook

Glee Club

Seated: Charlotte Reit, Arlene Brown, Sylvia Pearson, Doris Atkyns, Fannie Lambert, Shirley Mettler, Beverly Brown, Jane DeForest, Wanda Olds, Mary Armstrong; Standing: Mr. Smith, Harriette Wilmot, Elsie Lewis, Ruth Dutton, Eloise Atkyns, Christine Smith, Cora Beckwith, Marilyn Kellogg, Ruth Miles, Alice Crandall, Loretta Ryan, Donna Tytler, Dorothy Wood.

Mixed Chorus

1st Row: Charlotte Reit, Richard L'Hommedieu, Arlene Brown, Donna Tyler, Cora Beckwith, Sylvia Pearson, Doris Atkyns, Fannie Lambert, Shirley Mettler, Florence Lambert, Beverly Brown, Jane DeForest, Wanda Olds, Jeanne Mettler. 2nd Row: Dale Green, Paul FitzGerald, Grant Kenyon, Lavern Miles, Tom Thompson, Robert Law, John Lamb, Ruth Miles, Mike Wilcox, Dorothy Wood, Virginia Poirier, Helen Fostveit, Mary Armstrong; Seated: Mr. Richard Smith.

Band

Seated, left to right: Patricia Upham, Christine Smith, Doris Atkyns, Arlene Armstrong, Fannie Lambert, Lavern Miles, Leonard Law, Harold Maine, Jane DeForest, Dale Green, Helen Fostveit, Dudley Tallett, Kenneth Sheldon, Richard L'Hommedieu, Wanda Olds, Hugh Church, Lawrence Franklin, Charlotte Reit, John Lamb, Stanley Tallett; Standing: Mr. Smith, Alice Crandall, Grant Kenyon, Marilyn Kellogg, Robert Law; Twirlers, kneeling: Clara Wilcox, Linda Ingersoll, Norma Locke, Harriette Wilmot, Kareen Loomis, Laurena Tefft, Harriette Smith, Wilma Fuller.

MUSIC

The Music Department of S. O. C. S. came under new leadership of Mr. Richard Smith this year. Twenty-four instrumental players make up our snappy band. Their first appearance and successful performance was on November 22 when Mr. Smith made his debut to friends of South Otselic by having a Music Concert. Numbers played by the band included peppy marches, an overture, and a specialty, "Down by the Station." Their next performance is at the Christmas program, playing marches, carols, and popular Christmas songs. When spring arrives, Mr. Smith and his ever-ready band will play at a Spring Festival in South Otselic and in Norwich. It is expected that they will journey to Sherburne attending the Spring Festival there. On Memorial Day the band will again march to the cemetery for the usual ceremonies. A Music Concert will be given in the spring with the band doing their part in the program. 4-H Rally night will be another performance night for S. O. C. S. "blowers." Graduation exercises will complete the band activities for this school year. Newly organized is the Mixed Chorus having thirty-six members. Mr. Smith is directing this group of singers with Mrs. Randall at the piano. The first appearance of the chorus was November 22 at the Music Concert. The music sung was enjoyed so the chorus will appear in later activities performing even more extensively. Twenty-two girls make up the Girls Glee Club. This, too, showed its talent for the first time this year at the Music Concert in November. Their activities will also include many entertainment nights in the spring.

1952 South Otselic Yearbook

Glee Club

Row 1—Mr. Richard Smith, Jeanne Mettler, Florence Lambert, Mary Tucker, Eleanor Soule, Doris Rubule, Geraldine Marvin, Ruth Beckwith, Marjorie Lambert, Beverly Brown. Row 2—Sylvia Pearson, Elinor FitzGerald, Harriet Smith, Irene Tucker, Norma Locke, Wanda Olds, Arlene Armstrong, Kareen Loomis, Barbara Johnson, Mrs. Ruth Randall. Row 3—Ruth Miles, Alberta Coler, Helen Fostveit, Eloise Atkyns, Christine Smith, Marjorie Kingsbury, Delphine Austin, Goldie Thompson, Barbara Knapp, Virginia Poirier, Arietta Von Hassel.

Mixed Chorus

Row 1—Mr. Smith, Florence Lambert, Mary Tucker, Eleanor Soule, Doris Ruble, Geraldine Marvin, Ruth Beckwith, Marjory Kingsbury, Delmar Law. Row 2—Jeanne Mettler, Elinor FitzGerald, Harriet Smith, Irene Tucker, Norma Locke, Wanda Olds, Arlene Armstrong, Kareen Loomis, Barbara Johnson, Beatrice Brazee, Mrs. Randall. Row 3—Sylvia Pearson, Wayne Smith, Dorothy Wood, Ruth Miles, Alberta Coler, Helen Fostveit, Eloise Atkyns, Christine Smith, Goldie Thompson, Barbara Knapp, Virginia Poirier, Dudley Tallett, Delphine Austin. Row 4—Rita Hicks, David Humphrey, Leonard Law, Harold Maine, Tom Thompson, Dale Green, Richard L'Hommedieu, John Haggerty, Floyd Vogel, Donald Graves, Reland Smith, Arietta Von Hassel.

Band

Row 1—Norma Locke, Kareen Loomis. Row 2—Stanley Tallett, Raymond Smith, Rita Humphrey, Marjorie Lambert, Joan Smith, Rebecca Stiles, Linda Loomis, Delmar Law. Row 3—Teddy Tinker, Beverly Brown, Irene Tucker, Helen Kroncke, Linda Ingersoll, Katherine Knapp, Arlene Armstrong, Wanda Olds. Row 4—Barbara Knapp, Harold Maine, Virginia Poirier, Delphine Austin, Christine Smith, Eloise Atkyns, Sylvia Pearson, Jimmy Green. Row 5—Chester Schultze, Hugh Church, Tom Thompson, John Lamb, Dudley Tallett, Leonard Law, Dale Green, Richard L'Hommedieu, Helen Fostveit, Mr. Richard Smith.

MUSIC

This year our music department has grown considerably with many members from the grades and the new Freshman class. The Band now has more than thirty players and our director, Mr. Smith, is training many new ones for next year. Glee Club and Mixed Chorus, the latter with many more boys than last year, are working hard for the Music Festival in May. In November we had the first concert of the year and in March we are going to have another one with the whole department, Band, Glee Club, Mixed Chorus, Solos, and the new Girls' Sextet, taking part.

1952 Georgetown Yearbook

Girls Chorus

Left to Right Front Row: Anne Eaton, Elaine Wilcox, Mr. Byer, Marie Anderson, Linda Heath, Nancy Welch, Mary Stradling, Beverly Davis Back Row: Dorothy Huntley, Betty Eaton, Marion Heim, Madeline Crane, Marie Hattain, Dorothy Heim, Barbara Huntley, Sharon Utter, Rosalyn Parkhurst

Chorus officers for this school year are: President ------------- Sharon Utter Vice President ----- Barbara Huntley Secretary-Treasurer -- Elaine Wilcox Barbara Huntley and Beverly Davis represented the chorus at the Madison County Selective Festival at Camden. Chorus activities for the year included a part in the Christmas Program and a complete Spring concert in conjunction with the band.

Band

Left to Right Front Row: Linda Heath, Richard Coye, Lovester Thornington, Richard Kalin, Donald Rasmussen, Janice Hughes, Gary Hughes Back Row: Marie Anderson, Mr. Byer, Neal Trass, Jerry Dale, Betty Eaton, Walter Knasick, Richard Dale, Alan Dale, Clint Stone, Letitia Griffith

Band officers for this school year are: President -------------------- Clint Stone Vice President ---------- Walter Knasick Secretary-Treasurer -- Donald Rasmussen Richard Coye, Alan and Richard Dale represented the band at Camden. Alan and Richard Dale also went to Whitesboro to play in the All-State Band. The band was associated with the chorus in a Spring concert.

1950 Georgetown Yearbook

One Act Play

Left to Right: Mr. Davie, Fred Currier, Barbara Whittaker, Robert Whittaker, Douglas Westcott, Richard Dalo, Lois Davic, Robert Isbell, Beverly Davis, Linda Marks, Mary Davic, Richard Coye.

One-Act Play Late in March each of the six schools in the Chemadon League participated in the annual one-act play contest. Our play, “Genius Unlimited” by C. W. Fortenbacher was enjoyed by all who saw it. Mr. Swarthout, who judged the plays chose Morrisville and DeRuyter winners of first and second place respectively.

Three Act Play

Left to Right: C. Guldy, C. Stone, V. Keane, S. Foster, D. Harvey, L. Davie; L. Marks, D. Westcott, B. Parkhurst, J. Baum, O. Simmons, J. Haskins, M. Lord, C. Powell, R. Isbell, Mr. Trask.

This year the Junior and Senior Classes presented the three-act play, “Wildcat Willie in The Doghouse.” Because Douglas Westcott left school, the actors had to be given different parts from those they originally had.

Tap Dancing

Left to Right: Ellen Griffith, Anne Upham, William Chapin, Anne Guldy, Sherman Trass, Kay Huntley, John Jones, Joanne Poglitsch, Cleon Durham, Linda White, Robert Durham, Sharon Foster, James Rasmussen, Judith Upham, Ronald Eaton, Sylvia Stradling, Alice Trontoski, Anne Utter.

Left to Right: Jeanne Coye, Carol Jones, Linda Heath, Seward Foote Jr., Madeline Crane, Ronald Tillepaugh, Rosemary Andrus, Frank Trontoski, Margaret Foote, Larry Parkhurst, Betty Ann Clark, Neal Trass, Sharon Tollerup, Joyce Darrow, Diane Campbell, Letitia Griffith.

Tap Dancing Classes To show our parents and friends what we have learned during our tap dancing instruction, we participated in a tap dancing demonstration before the beginning of the Grand Old Ball. We enjoyed learning to tap dance and were proud to perform for the entertainment of the public.

Artwork from 1952 South Otselic Yearbook, The Centralian

Agriculture and Rural Life

Agriculture played an important role in the communities surrounding both Georgetown and South Otselic. Organizations such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) allowed students to develop leadership skills while learning about farming, science, and rural life. These programs reflected the strong connection between local schools and the agricultural traditions of the region.

1950 Georgetown Yearbook

Girls 4H

Front Row: L. Griffith, M. Anderson, J. Coye, J. Darrow, V. Johnston, M. Crane, L. Heath, M. Stradling, C. Jones, V. Marshall, J. Hughes. Middle Row: Mrs. Foote, S. Haitain, B. Davis, M. Foote, L. Lenning, A. Eaton, D. Heim, M. Davie, Mrs. Hosmer. Back Row: B. Clark, L. Huntley, N. Welch, R. Andrus, D. Simmons, N. Huntley.

Girls' 4-H The Girls' 4-H is divided into two clubs, the Happy Valley Cloverettes which meets on Saturday, and the Happy Valley Gals which meets on Thursday. The two clubs working together, tied for first place in the tuberculosis Christmas window display contest. The Happy Valley Cloverettes elected the following officers: President-Mary Davie, Vice-President-Margaret Foote, Secretary-Beverly Davis, Treasurer-Mary Ann Stradling, Newsreporter-Rosemary Andrus, Record Clerk-Linda Heath with Mrs. Foote and Mrs. Hosmer as leaders. The Cloverettes took part in the Annual Farm and Home Week, 4-H Roundup, Achievement Day and Dress Revue at Morrisville. Our float in the Georgetown Firemen Field Day parade was awarded second prize. To help finance our activities we have been given permanent agency for the Farm Journal and Pathfinder Magazines. The officers elected by the Happy Valley Gals are as follows: President-Anna Eaton, Vice-President-Vivian Johnston, Secretary-Janice Hughes, Treasurer-Lucy Lenning, Record Clerk-Betty Clark with Mrs. Koster as leader. Dorothy Helm won first prize for her exhibit of decorated eggs at Farm and Home Week in Morrisville. Mrs. Koster has taught us how to bake "quick method and conventional cakes."

Boys 4H

Front Row: F. Harvey, H. Gale, C. Darrow, R. Harvey, W. Lenning, R. Tillepaugh. Middle Row: T. Humiston, R. Jones, C. Goodrich, L. Spicher, R. Billings, J. Dick, J. Dale, J. Gale. Back Row: R. Utter, R. Knasick, D. Rasmussen, A. Haitain, C. Goodrich, A. Chapin, A. Guldy, Mr. Koster.

Boys' 4-H The Junior Boys' 4-H has done many things this year. We have had several movies, learned to tie certain kinds of knots and have taken a hike. On the hike we learned the names of different trees. After the hike we stopped at Mr. Koster's house and had refreshments. We have had an enjoyable time this year and are proud of our club.

1952 Georgetown Yearbook

Girls 4H

Left to Right First Row: Jo Ann Poglitsh, June Champion, Carolyn Vrolyk, Gertrude Massey, Sharon Foster, Marilyn Eaton, Kay Huntley Second Row: Helen Champion, Joanne Coye, Marie Anderson, Nancy Welch, Madeline Crane, Deanna Campbell, Joyce Darrow, Letitia Griffith Third Row: Joan Baum, Glennys Lord, Betty Clark, Carol Jones, Nancy Huntley, Mrs. Griffith, Bernice Berg, Sharon Tollerup, Shirley Chase, Joyce Holcomb

The Happy Valley Cloverettes 4-H officers are: President--Madeline Crane, Vice-President--Joyce Darrow, Secretary--Marie Anderson, Treasurer--Deanna Campbell, Song leader--Bonnie Morris, Pledge leader--Sandra Morris. One meeting each month is devoted to business. During the others we work on our projects. We end the meetings with songs or games.

Boys 4H

Left to Right First Row: Gene Wilcox, Willie Chitty, Sammy Campbell, Gary Hughes, Paul Hosmer, Neal Trass, Jimmy Welch, William Chapin Second Row: John Jones, Clyde Baum, Wayne Marks, Frank Trontoski, Larry Parkhurst, Fred Powell, Cleon Dunham, David Vrolyk, Ralph Davie Third Row: Lynn Manwarren, Arnold Brown, Clark Parkhurst, Woodrow Massey, LaMonte Rosbrook, Pat Benson, Sherman Trass, Walter Malloy Fourth Row: Clair Parkhurst, Jimmy Rasmussen, Raymond Rosbrook, Carmen Goodrich, Mr. Gallup, Roger Utter, Leslie Dick, Harold Gale, Roger Parkhurst

The officers of the Busy Bees are: President--Gary Hughes, Vice-President--Neal Trass, Secretary--Sammy Campbell, Treasurer--Paul Hosmer. The officers of the Beavers are: President--Carmen Goodrich, Vice-President--Roger Utter, Secretary--Harold Gale, Treasurer--Clair Parkhurst. We took trips to local points of interest, sold seeds to raise funds, and played basketball with 4-H teams from this area.

FFA

Front Row: Carl Darrow, Donald Rasmussen, Richard Kalin, Lavester Thornington, Fred Currier, Thomas Chapin, Richard Coye, Roderick Crane Back Row: John Gale, Alfred Chapin, Ronald Knasick, Carl Goodrich, Mr. Gallup, Larry Spiker, William Baum, Arthur Haltian, William Rickard

At the beginning of the school year the Georgetown chapter of the Future Farmers of America was reactivated and the following officers were elected: President; Lavester Thornington; Vice-president, Richard Kalin; Secretary, Robert Alexander*; Treasurer, Richard Coye; Reporter, Thomas Chapin; Sentinel, Donald Rasmussen; Advisor, James Gallup. In the Fall we held a series of successful scrap drives and with the money derived from these drives the chapter was able to help pay for each member's F.F.A. jacket. A banquet was held in South Otselic in October and the Green Hands were initiated. A rat control program was undertaken during the winter months. We were hosts to the Madison County F.F.A. in March. We attended Farm and Home Week at Cornell in March. A Parent-Son Banquet is planned for the Spring.

To the memory of Robert Alexander, sincere, earnest, yet full of laughter and possessing aptitude for making friends. Bob was well liked by all who knew him.

1950 South Otselic Yearbook

4H

Seated, left to right: Mr. Perry Cobb, Eugene Wilmot, Lavern Miles, Robert Law, Kenneth Sheldon, Gerald Lynch, Stanley Tallett, Herman Von Hassel; Standing: Richard FitzGerald, Mike Wilcox, Lawrence Franklin, Robert Moore, Dudley Tallett, Leonard Law, Lawrence Tucker, Hugh Church, Paul FitzGerald, Tom Thompson, Stanley Hartwell, Arthur Brown, Russell Predmore, Lawrence Murphy, Richard L’Hommedieu, LeRoy Predmore.

The smaller 4-H clubs are “Healthy, Handy, Happy, Hustlers” for the girls and “Busy Bees” for the boys. They have several enrolled with Mrs. Pooler, Mary Armstrong, and Mr. Cobb leading them. Beaver Meadow has a 4-H club with the name, “Beaver Meadow Busy Beavers.” They were organized last year and have made much progress. They have elected: President........................Doris Atkyns Secretary.......................Christine Smith Vice-President................Stanley Hartwell Treasurer......................Eloise Atkyns Their leaders are Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Atkyns. “The Country Club” of North Pharsalia is led by Mrs. Fremont Tucker with Mrs. Louisa Brown assisting. They have elected these officers: President........................Irene Tucker Vice-President................Harriette Smith Secretary.......................Melva Smith Treasurer......................Betty Ann Smith All of the 4-H clubs have had a Christmas party and all enjoy working on their 4-H projects. They are awarded pins, ribbons, and money for their achievements at the end of each year. Everyone in Chenango County is proud of Kenneth Sheldon for winning the Chenango County and District Poultry Championship. He received a trip to New York City and a Schaffer’s pen and pencil set. F. F. A. The Future Farmers of America is organized under Mr. Cobb. For their supervising officers they elected: President........................Kenneth Sheldon Vice-President................Robert Law Secretary.......................Lavern Miles Treasurer......................Eugene Wilmot This year the F.F.A. put on a Father and Son Banquet December 5th. They had forty present with a speaker from Cornell University. They had movies afterward and a special music program. The Home Economics girls, under the supervision of Mrs. Olcott, served the dinner.

1952 South Otselic Yearbook

4H Junior Boys

Junior Boys 4-H Row 1—John Schlaefer, Bob Streichert, Raymond Smith, Richard Loomis, Glen Predmore, David Randall, William Thompson, Joe Musarello. Row 2—Patrick Austin, George Streichert, Donald Marvin, Jerry Rogers, Richard Smith, Ronald Harvey, Edward Cruikshank, Edward Johnson. Row 3—William Rogers, Hugh FitzGerald, Alvin Brown, Robert Armstrong, David Green, Donald Johnson, Herbert Upham, David Curtis. Row 4—Richard Thorton, Eric Fostveit, George Levy, Chester Schultz, Lary Cox, Everett Smith.

4H Junior Girls

Junior Girls 4-H Row 1—Nickole D’Agostino, Judy Morse, Peggy Schulze, Jessie Austin, Marie Miles. Row 2—Wanda Wilmot, Janice Marvin, Betty Lynch, Lorna MacDonald, Brenda Greer, Joan Smith. Row 3—Judy Sullivan, Joan Davis, Shirley Franklin, Rebecca Stiles, Barbara Baker, Patricia Upham, Dorothy Wood.

4H Senior Girls

Row 1—Loretta Excell, Linda Loomis, Harriett Broadbrook, Linda Ingersoll, Wilma Fuller, Jeanne Mettler. Row 2—Miss Alice Jacobson, Rita Humphrey, Elinor FitzGerald, Katheryn Knapp, Barbara Knapp, Kareen Loomis. Row 3—Charlotte Brown, Alberta Coler, Arietta Von Hassel, Ruth Miles, Virginia Poirier.

View the latest OV FFA Newsletter

Media

Students also contributed to school communication and publications. Groups such as the publicity department helped share school news and events with the student body and community, demonstrating early examples of student involvement in media and communication.

1950 South Otselic Yearbook

Publicity Department - ORIOLE School Paper

Seated: Jane DeForest, Miss Ruth Post, Rose Ella Hicks, Alice Crandall, Mary Armstrong, Grant Kenyon, Harriette Wilmot; Standing: Kenneth Sheldon, Harold Kenyon, Donna Tytler, Charlotte Reit, Ruth Schnell, Loretta Ryan, Mary Wasilewski, Eloise Atkyns, Vera Schlesinger, Elsie Lewis, Leonard Law, Rodney Auwarter.

Though Georgetown and South Otselic were separate schools during this time, the activities and traditions captured in these yearbooks reflect a shared commitment to participation, leadership, and school pride. When the communities later came together to form the Otselic Valley Central School District, many of these traditions continued to shape the student experience and remain an important part of OV’s story today.

A look back at our roots: South Otselic (left) and Georgetown (right) schools as they stood in the 1950s, each serving their communities before coming together as Otselic Valley.

Looking through these yearbook pages, it’s clear that many students were involved in several activities at once … from band and chorus to cheerleading and other groups. Their enthusiasm and participation helped build the strong sense of school spirit and community that continues to be a tradition at OV today.

BONUS SECTION

A Glimpse into Local Businesses of the 1950s

Yearbooks from the 1950s often included advertisements from local businesses that supported their schools. These ads offer a glimpse into the businesses that served the community during that time and reflect the close connection between local schools and the towns they represented.

1950 Georgetown Yearbook

Local business advertisements featured in the 1950 Georgetown yearbook, highlighting area companies and services.

Additional local business advertisements from the 1950 Georgetown yearbook, featuring area services and merchants.

1952 Georgetown Yearbook

Local business advertisements from the 1952 Georgetown yearbook, showcasing regional services, retailers, and community sponsors.

Additional local business advertisements from the 1952 Georgetown yearbook, showcasing regional services, retailers, and community sponsors.

1950 South Otselic Yearbook

Local business advertisements from the 1950 South Otselic yearbook, featuring area merchants, services, and regional sponsors.

Additional local business advertisements from the 1950 South Otselic yearbook, featuring area merchants, services, and regional sponsors.

1952 South Otselic Yearbook

Advertisements from the 1952 South Otselic yearbook, highlighting local farms, businesses, trades, and community supporters from the surrounding region.

Yearbook advertisements do more than promote local businesses — they help tell the story of the communities that supported their schools. From shops and services to familiar family names, these pages preserve another layer of local history.

Sources for this segment include:

Centralian Yearbooks (1950, 1952), Otselic Valley Central School Archives
Georgetonian Yearbooks (1950, 1952), Otselic Vallley Central School Archives
Significant contributions from local historian Mike Shuman

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