Every book tells a story. A high school yearbook though, tells many stories; it can be a not only a personal memory book but also a useful tool for genealogists and local historians, plus a fascinating look into a different era.
Come to the Lillian E. Jones Museum June 21 to learn more about Jackson High School’s yearbook, the Osky Wow, from retired teacher Cindy Eubanks who oversaw the production of nearly one-third of the school systems 100 books published to date.
The Osky Wow has been produced every year since 1912, and is still in production carrying a name unique to Jackson, Ohio.
Eubanks’ presentation will begin at 7 p.m. with the museum opening at 6 p.m. for browsing of the current JHS History and Memories exhibit.
“There are many students who got their first taste of work experience through the Osky Wow and the Skeleton,” Eubanks said. “Many went on to college to study journalism and have had careers as writers. With the new yearbooks, I wouldn’t be surprised if some students don’t go on to become graphic designers from their Osky Wow experience.”
Eubanks, a 1970 JHS graduate, retired from the school system in 2006 after teaching 32 years. She was the faculty advisor for the Osky Wow from 1977-2004 and advisor for the school newspaper, the Skeleton, from 1974-2004. Currently Eubanks is an adjunct professor at Ohio University’s Chillicothe branch where she has taught communication courses for 13 years.
“It has been a delight to share the Jones Museum’s Osky Wow collection with visitors during the JHS History and Memories exhibit,” said Director Megan Malone. “It’s so much fun when someone knows when an ancestor graduated from Jackson High School but has never seen a picture. We can find that picture and learn more about the person through the Osky Wow.
“In one case, a woman, who was celebrating a reunion, came to see the 1925 graduation picture of her grandmother and then she read that grandma had played basketball and was in the school play. That was something the granddaughter never knew about the grandmother she’d never met.”
Bring your Osky Wow memories and questions to the Lillian E. Jones Museum June 21 to learn more about that special book!
The JHS History and Memories exhibit continues until June 27 and features rarely seen materials from the JHS Alumni Association and a variety of trophies and photographs on loan from Jackson High School.
The Jones Museum is a historical, cultural and educational museum housed in the former home of Lillian E. Jones. Miss Jones bequeathed the home to the City of Jackson in 1991 to be used as a museum to preserve the history and culture of Jackson County. Admission is free to the Jones Museum. The Jones Museum’s regular hours are Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments outside regular hours, can be arranged for groups by calling 286-2556.