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"The Latin School of Chicago was indeed, fortunate to be guided by a splendid headmaster, James O. Wood, from 1932 until 1951. "This New Englander with an impressive background in teaching and leadership was an exemplar of the finest qualities in education that influenced so many of us during his tenure. His just discipline and keen understanding of the students' strengths and weaknesses were mixed with a kindly twinkle in his eye when we were certain that some ultimate retribution was imminent. During the years of World War II, it is fair to say that he was a surrogate parent and counselor to some of us whose fathers were serving overseas. Mr. Wood's benevolence and understanding guided all of us through the college interview, and reflected the loyalty and kindness of this exceptional mentor." — submitted by Richard A. Davis '43 and Harland W. Oates '43 for The Latin School Bulletin 48 L AT I N M AGAZINE Background: The Dearborn street school. Certainly, members of the Class of 1944 had a keen awareness of their place in history, as the editor's letter in the 1944 Sigillum reflects: "We are the school's third senior class since Pearl Harbor. The other two classes are in the services, scattered over the globe. Soon we shall be with them. Our story is short. Most of us were born in 1926; just before Lindbergh flew a flimsy crate across the Atlantic. Now 18 years later giant bombers take its place. We were Kindergarteners when we heard our parents talk in low tones of something called a 'Depression.' Today, great crowds throng the shopping districts. We hear the word 'inflation' spoken with equal dread. We were second graders when the world was last at peace. War is now upon us…. Our comrades have led the way, we must stand beside them and build, with bombs and rifles and rivets. Let us make our country worthy of this destiny. When the war is over, we shall be living in a new world, one created on beach-heads, a world dedicated to justice for all men." During these uncertain times, school – the disciplined routine of sports and academics, close friendships and the support of the faculty – appeared to be a comfort to students. "We were an extremely serious class," said Dr. Richard "Digby" Davis '43. (His stepsister Nancy Davis, later Reagan, was a Class of