About Us

The Susquehanna Township High School Alumni Association was established in 1922 when a group of graduates met on November 17, 1922. The officers of the newly formed association were George Cain, President; Earl Henry, Vice-President; Sue Bitterman, Secretary; and Sara Beck, Treasurer. Association members in attendance were Mrs. Duey Briner, Grace Keiser, Mrs. Walter Wevodau, Sara Beck, Susan Stoner, Daisy Bickel, Marie Berhart, Irene Mark, Sue Bitterman, Mary VanDyke, George Gruber, Stephen Gruber, George Solada, Allen Solada, George Cain, Early Henry, Jeremiah Long, Earle Lingle, William Baker, John Shoop, Abram Fry, William Miller, Wesley Garland, Norman Snyder, and Professor F.O. Smith.

The Organization was re-established in the mid 1980’s by Albert Richwine and Charles Eslinger after the earlier effort in 1922 was not fully sustained. Initially the Organization was a social entity but in recent years, school district and community based endeavors have been in the forefront. In conjunction with school and community fundraising efforts, the Alumni Association obtained an IRS 501(c)(3) public charity designation in June of 2013.

The Alma Mater

Dear Old Susquehanna was written in September of 1924. During an assembly, Mr. Joseph F. Hilbush, District Supervisory Principal, made an announcement that Mr. James D. Wallace, High School Principal, would be distributing an important message. Students dispersed throughout the auditorium to hand out copies of the Alma Mater. Senior Mildred Zimmerman played the piano while Jimmy Wallace led the singing.

The original tune which became the basis for our Alma Mater was called “Dear Old Harrisburg” and was inspired and written for the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce Good Fellowship Cruise by Thomas E. Francis (music) and H.S. Webster (lyrics). Jimmy and Thomas were lifelong friends and joined the 1924 cruise. It was on the cruise where Thomas pulled out sheet music and led the group in singing. He explained that the sheet music was his latest song and was just off the press. Later that evening while still humming the song, Jimmy said “I wish I could steal that music.” Tom asks “What would you do with it?” “Our school does not have an alma mater.” Jimmy said. “What a school song that tune of yours would make!” “It’s yours.” Tom said. “I don’t know if the song will hold in Harrisburg, but as an Alma Mater…Gee it could live on forever. Take it…it is yours.”

Live on forever it has…

1st Verse

Best of High Schools, loud rings her cry.
Proud of her students is the Susquehanna High.
We’ll all stand by you ever the same,
We’ll always love you and honor thy name.

Refrain

Dear old Susquehanna, we’re all for you,
Dear old Susquehanna, with a heart that’s true.
Where ‘ere our paths may lead.
We’ll ever cherish, honor you in word and deed,
So good old, dear old Susquehanna, we’re all for you.

2nd Verse

When we shall leave you for worlds of fame.
Oft to our minds will come thoughts of thy dear name.
Then we’ll remember times that are gone,
Of dear, old, S.T.H.S. and of this song.

Refrain

Dear old Susquehanna, we’re all for you,
Dear old Susquehanna, with a heart that’s true.
Where ‘ere our paths may lead.
We’ll ever cherish, honor you in word and deed,
So good old, dear old Susquehanna, we’re all for you.

The STHS words are by an unknown person while Mildred Zimmerman authored the following four lines:

“When we shall leave you for worlds of fame.

Oft to our minds will come thoughts of thy dear name.

Then we’ll remember times that are gone.

Of dear, old, S.T.H.S. and of this song.”

Thank you to Ed Grubb, Class of 1957, for the amazing history lesson!