INTRODUCTION
In researching our Family History, I have discovered that in years past, news stories traced many events in our lives. My cousin DORIS ADAMS BROGAN's teen and early adult years from 1935 to 1945 were vividly traced in articles in several local newspapers, including the weekly paper in her hometown of Coushatta; in the biweekly paper in the college town of Natchitoches; and in the daily papers of the nearest city, Shreveport.
These news stories about Doris reveal a young woman of exceptional ability, intense focus and dedication. She had high aspirations which led to notable achievements. She was intelligent, beautiful, popular, a natural leader, gifted in public speaking, writing, math, and science. I wanted to share the Doris who is revealed in these articles with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Technical Details -- Editing scanned newspaper files from archives for publication in this Blog has been hampered by some technical challenges. I have done the best I can with current technologies. If I find some articles cannot be read, I will transcribe the content of the articles. I have retained the source information for each article so anyone who wishes to do so can access the original scanned article or the original archived copy.
DORIS ADAMS -- 1935-1945
In Her Senior Year, Doris was Elected President of the Home Economics Club at Coushatta High School
That same Fall of 1935, Doris helped organize a Science Club at CHS, and was Elected Treasurer
As an Historical Note, Girls were not usually elected president of organizations with both male and female members during this Era. Girls were given the jobs that required work but not nessarily "up front" recognition. They were usually secretaries and/or treasurers.
At Christmas that year, Doris was among 10 players in the Dramatics Club Presentation
As an Historical Note, Plays were often presented as "fund raisers" for other school activities. In these three articles, we can begin to see the dimensions of Doris's varied interests and abilities.
Doris wins statewide Essay Contest.
Doris is part of group organizing the first school Newspaper at CHS
As Graduation approached, Doris was announced as the Valedictorian with a perfect 4.0
As an Historical note, in this era, there were no advanced placement or college credit courses that offered additional grade points to boost the GPA. A Perfect 4.0 meant that Doris made an A in every single course she took over her 4 years in high school. She never let down in a single class from PE to Chemistry and Trigonometry. In this picture I see a resemblance to her sister Sara Glenn Adams.
Doris is Valedictorian And Dr. Fredericks will Speak at CHS Graduation
Note From family History: Doris and Dr. Fredericks are both descendants of Mathias Frederick, who came to Louisiana in 1720 as one of the settlers of the "German Coast" of Louisiana. As one of the earliest settlers, the Fredericks are among the First Families of Louisiana. It is not known if Doris and Dr. Fredericks were aware of this connection, but he was definitely impressed with this brilliant young woman.
Photo of Doris with Her Graduating Class at CHS
Two Years later as a Sophomore at Northwestern Normal College (to become Northwestern State University) Doris is named as one of Eleven Demon Sweethearts
Historical Note -- his honor has traditionally been a fusion of popularity and beauty.
As a Recipient of a T.H. Harris Scholarship, Doris is among the Louisiana College Students who, as holders of these prestigious scholarships, will meet.
Historical Note -- T. H. Harris was a 20th Century leader in Education in Louisiana. The scholarships awarded in his name were among the most prestigious, and valuable in the state. Only the best students received these scholarships, and it was presumed that they would become leaders in the state. I am uncertain of the purpose of the statewide meeting of students holding theses scholarships.
Doris is Among Students Representing the NC at Louisiana State Fair
Historical Note: It is difficult today to understand how important the annual State Fair was as a showcase for what was happening in the state. While agriculture was front and center at the Fair; Education was not far behind. High Schools and Universities participated an many events, providing the public with insights into their activities and achievements.
Doris is Among 13 Co-eds Named as Members of the Purple Jackets, THE Honorary Organization at NC
Historical Note: At NC (and NSU), the Purple Jackets was the ultimate honor for women students. You had to dot all the I's and cross all the t's and never make a misstep to be voted in by members and faculty advisors. I didn't make it, but I was proud to see that Doris did.
Doris was Elected President of the Louisiana Home Economics Clubs
Historical Note: Today the term Home Economics has virtually vanished. The studies and majors have been renamed or abandoned. In the days when it flourished in colleges and universities, there was a distinct fear that majors in Home Ec. would be looked down on by other disciplines. Consequently the professors over compensated and created a very difficult curriculum. Many Home Ec. majors had minors in chemistry because of their nutrition and food studies; they had strong backgrounds in math because of their "economics" studies. Their work in child development gave them minors in human development and psychology. Only very smart, hardworking students succeeded in Home Economics. Doris was apparently among the best and clearly a leader among these students. In this picture I see a distinct resemblance to her Mother, my dear Aunt Lizzie.
Doris is named President of the College Home Economics Clubs
I don't know if this is another announcement of the same information in article above, or if there were two different organizations that Doris led, one for both high schools and college clubs and one only for college clubs.
Doris Graduates With Honors from Normal College
I don't think this is a Surprise to Anyone.
Doris Volunteers to Serve in the US Navy on Dec. 17, 1942
Historical Note: Women were not drafted in WWII, and in the beginning the areas in which they were allowed to serve were very limited. However, as more men were needed for front-line duties, women were given more and more options and opportunities. Doris was among those chosen to more upward in the military services of this nation.
Doris Receives Fast Advancement in WAVES
Doris Promoted to Naval Officer Rank
Historical Note: Men with college degrees were routinely given officer rank on enlistment. However, women with equal education had to earn officer rank through military achievement. Doris did.
My Newspaper Searches centered on Louisiana, although I briefly tried California. I am sure there are more articles about Doris, and as I find these I will update this Blog. If you find articles, please share so they can be added here.
