Lumberjack Log Past And Present

R. A. Long High School did technically have a graduating class of 1928, however classes officially started in 1929 due to the building being unfinished. However, prior to this, high school students attended the Kessler School where pupils of all grades studied.

In that period of time, the first Longview school newspaper commenced.

The third issue of the first volume of then called The Lumberjack circulated on January 14, 1924 and can be found in the Library archives. The issues of that school year were released monthly and started sometime in the fall of 1923. Issues one and two are unavailable so the exact date cannot be determined at this time.

When reading the early editions of the school newspaper, one notices a drastic change in “news.” Articles big and small were written about topics unimportant to public knowledge today. In 1924, however, it was relevant to write an article about the football team getting their picture taken or about the lettering participants in a sport.       

Nearly all of the articles in the infant newspaper were about the school and its students. As the paper grew, it started expanding its topics to the erection of new Longview buildings, affairs in other states, and more however, the main focus was student life – who had small pox, who was going on vacation, jokes about individual students, favorite sayings, sports, and assemblies.

Other changes happened in the early history of our newspaper including the dimensions and type of paper used for each issue. During the first years of circulations, The Lumberjack used a thicker semi-glossy 8×11 paper. Editions printed on this paper are very sturdy and originals are still in mint condition.

As the economy soured, they switched to a brown, very thin 8×11 paper. In these issues, the names of the papers were hand drawn and different time. Also, these issues were assembled with a variety of staples – all in a different place every time.

At the end of several school years, the newspaper printed a large issue on 17×23 paper with the same consistency of a regular newspaper of that time.

Another key improvement from the 20s to the 30s is the quality and amount of pictures, cartoons, and illustrations inserted for the articles. In the first volume, one would be lucky to find even one photograph. Peering into issues of 1932, there is an illustration or cartoon on every page.

What we know now as The Lumberjack Log has had at least two other names. The title names found on the issues in the Library archives include The Lumberjack and The Lumberjack Chips. When coming up with the current name, in 1935, it is apparent that the creators tried to keep a subtle pun in the name to accompany our mascot as well as make sense for a name of a newspaper just as The Lumberjack Chips had done.

This year, The Lumberjack Log has gone online. Starting with the May issue, all of the issues will available for view at www.thelumberjacklog.com. Included on the website are the feature articles, top stories, sports articles, student life, and more. In addition, there is a space to write comments and vote on the reader survey.

 

“Only recently, a second fire drill was held, and according to Mr. Berry, we did a little better than last time. The bell rang right in the midst of a shower and some of us were undecided whether we would rather be burned or soaked.” – Volume 2 NO. 3 of The Lumberjack.

 

“Friday, Jan. 5, a picture was taken of the High School Foot ball Team. The picture was taken with just a small camera since there was no definite purpose in taking the picture, except just to have one. However, if possible, the picture may appear in the ‘Lumberjack.’” – Volume 1 NO. 3 of The Lumberjack.

 

FOR SALE

A car by a man with four cylinders.

An Overland by a boy with gears stripped.

A wagon by a man with a long tongue.

A boat by a man fifteen feet long.

An engine by a man that runs on alcohol.

A house by a man with upper story unfurnished.

A pair of shoes by a woman with no sole.

            – Volume1 NO. 4 of The Lumberjack.

 

“A course in auto mechanics will be added to the high school curriculum next fall. Any sophomore, junior, or senior boy may enroll in this class, which will meet every day for two periods giving the student two full credits.” – Volume 1 NO. 16 of Lumberjack Chips.

 

“About forty persons from the cafeteria staffs of both the high school and the Kessler school enjoyed a picnic yesterday afternoon.” – Volume 1 NO. 16 of Lumberjack Chips.

 

“Coffin Rock turned picnic grounds for the Honor Society after school last Thursday. Miss Bransator and nine members of the club enjoyed the weenie roast and picnic.” – Volume 1 NO. 15 of Lumberjack Chips.