This school year marks the 100th anniversary of St. Xavier’s first-ever yearbook, The Tiger. Published after the 1924-1925 school year, it offers a great way to look back at what our school was like way back in the day.
The first significant part of the yearbook introduces St. Xavier’s College, featuring a picture of the school at the time on West Broadway, as well as historical information about its previous location on Fourth Street, and details about the Brothers involved with the school.
The faculty is mentioned, and a large picture of Brother Placidus, the principal at the time, is included. A portrait is shown of every faculty member on the faculty page. At the time this yearbook was published, every faculty member was a brother, except for one female teacher, Miss Driscoll.
When the seniors are honored, each senior is pictured, and has a senior quote, as well as information on where they went to school before St. Xavier and their involvement while in school. A photograph of the senior class president, Edward Langan, is included. Additionally, a two-page Senior Class History and a Class Oration are included. As well as a Class Ode written by class member Edward Shaughnessy.
For the underclassman, all students are listed by class, with the class president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer pictured, along with a full class photo.
Another important aspect of the yearbook is the artwork, which was provided by John Denvey, a member of the class of 1925. Artwork is featured at the beginning of each section.
As each club is mentioned, a group photo is included along with a description of the club’s activities what throughout the year. Many clubs from 1925 have connections to those of today; for example, the Debate Club in 1925 is similar to the current Debate Team.
The yearbook then covers the sports section, and each sport played in 1925 is broken down with photos, descriptions of accomplishments, as well as information on coaches and important players. The sports mentioned in the yearbook are football, basketball, track, tennis, and baseball.
The yearbook concludes with several advertisements showcasing companies in the community at the time.
The 1925 edition of The Tiger is a great way to look at how far St. Xavier has come to get to where it is today. Anyone can view this yearbook, along with other editions of The Tiger, which are located on the bookshelf next to the entrance of Horton Hall. I recommend that everyone gives this yearbook a look.
