1968-69 Football Season. An evening with friends. Photo source: Martha Bray Froke, former Arcadia High School Song Girl, pictured in the back row, third from right. By Vicky Hansen, MHM Board Member
What brought these two crosstown rivals together under one roof? Taken during the 1968–69 football season, this remarkable photograph captures something you probably didn’t see very often—members of the Monrovia High School and Arcadia High School pep squads together, not competing on opposite sides of a football field, but simply enjoying an evening as friends.
At a time when so many of us seem to be in our own camps—or alone with our computers and phones—there is something especially appealing about this photograph. For one evening, school colors and rivalries took a back seat to friendship, camaraderie and a good time. But where were they, what brought them together, and which Monrovia family opened their home to everyone that night?
What brought these two crosstown rivals together under one roof? Taken during the 1968–69 football season, this remarkable photograph captures something you probably didn’t see very often—members of the Monrovia High School and Arcadia High School pep squads together, not competing on opposite sides of a football field, but simply enjoying an evening as friends.
At a time when so many of us seem to be in our own camps—or alone with our computers and phones—there is something especially appealing about this photograph. For one evening, school colors and rivalries took a back seat to friendship, camaraderie and a good time. But where were they, what brought them together, and which Monrovia family opened their home to everyone that night?
The photo was recently shared with me by Martha Bray Froke, a former Arcadia High School Song Girl. Martha and her husband, Jeff Froke, both Arcadia High graduates, are longtime friends, members and generous supporters of our Museum.
As a board member of the Monrovia Historical Museum, a proud Monrovian for more than two decades, and an Arcadia High School graduate myself, I was especially surprised and delighted to see a photograph I had never encountered before. The ties between our neighboring communities run deep. Many former Arcadians now call Monrovia home, and our own Oliver Beckwith spent many years teaching history at Arcadia High School. Perhaps that is what makes this photograph so special. It captures a rare moment when two rival schools—and two neighboring communities—simply came together.
Along with the photograph, I’ve included the names of the 1968–69 pep squads from both schools below. Not everyone listed is necessarily pictured here, but perhaps they will stir a few memories—and help us learn more about the story behind this wonderful photograph.
As a board member of the Monrovia Historical Museum, a proud Monrovian for more than two decades, and an Arcadia High School graduate myself, I was especially surprised and delighted to see a photograph I had never encountered before. The ties between our neighboring communities run deep. Many former Arcadians now call Monrovia home, and our own Oliver Beckwith spent many years teaching history at Arcadia High School. Perhaps that is what makes this photograph so special. It captures a rare moment when two rival schools—and two neighboring communities—simply came together.
Along with the photograph, I’ve included the names of the 1968–69 pep squads from both schools below. Not everyone listed is necessarily pictured here, but perhaps they will stir a few memories—and help us learn more about the story behind this wonderful photograph.
| AHS Song Leaders: Martha Bray Cindy Clark Kathy Curry Cindy Haynes Debbie Lamp Linda Sheffer Cheerleaders: Russ Childrey Hector Contreras Sally Guthrie Sue Ragusa Kent Wilson PEP Commissioner: Gail O'Donnell Mascot (Spirit): Charlie Mathews | MHS Song Leaders: Carrie Chittick Debbie Dickerson Peggy Greeno, Head Margie Kelly Linda Richmond Aggie Schaefer Cheerleaders: Greg Churchill Nancy Cull Rich Josenhans Jim Self, Head Nancy Wallace Mascots: Willie & Wilma Wildcats |
And we still have a couple of questions: What prompted this unusual gathering of two crosstown rivals, and which wonderful Monrovia family opened their home and brought everyone together? If you recognize the home or any of the faces—or remember the occasion—we would love to hear from you!
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