The fifth issue of the ‘00

4 The ‘40s: The Start

By Linlin Liu

The first recorded Mirror campaign can be found in the ‘45-‘46 I2 issue.

On November 30, 1945, the most successful Mirror campaign up to date closed with 921 subscriptions. Two teams competed in this sale race: the Parrots and the Penguins.

The Penguins, with a final subscription of 416, lost to the Parrots. But the efforts of both sides were equally applauded and appreciated.

Following the gripping subscription campaign, the sponsors of the Penguins treated the victorious Parrots to a “delightful banquet” at the Dorcas building on the evening of February 17, 1946.

Almost two years later, on October 13, 1947, the Mirror subscription campaign hit its historical high of 1,126 subscriptions.

This time, the Mighty Midgets and the Hot Rods were at a close gap of 36 subscriptions. The Mighty Midgets won with a total of 581.

The history of the Academy is not always filled with flowers and joy. At midnight on March 17, 1947, a fire started at school and burned down the front wing of the Academy building. According to the ‘46-‘47 I6 issue, the total loss was approximately between $90,000 and $100,000.

The origin of the fire instigated much speculation. After a thorough investigation, the investigators agreed that the fire might not have started under natural causes.

Amidst much grief and adjustments, school continued in the upper grade school building. Students were thankful that they were still able to attend classes. Seventeen seniors graduated on May 29, 1947.

Two days later, the rebuilding of the school began on June 1. Both the Board of Education and the builders were pushing to reopen school in September.

Along with the new building, students also received 136 new lockers worth $1,000 on December 19, 1947. In the same year, the school yearbook received its name on December 22 after an Associated Student Body meeting. The name was Quid Nune, a Latin phrase meaning “What’s next?” Although the record cannot be found, it is certain that the yearbook changed its name to Lomasphere by March of 1950.

In January 1950, the Constitution Committee completed the first draft of the Loma Linda Union Academy Associated Student Body Constitution. The new constitution was read to the students during chapel. In March 1950, after making a few minor changes, the Constitution was ratified section by section by the vote of ASB.