Notable graduates
Actors and performers, before they were famous
They were seniors like everyone else in these yearbooks. Each is matched to the person they became on evidence we show below — a birth date, a nickname, a team.
New England Aviators, 1914-1918 · Class of 1919
William A. Wellman
American director, actor (1896-1975). In the yearbook: William Augustus Wellman.
How we know: Birth date printed in the book (Feb. 29, 1896) matches Wikidata exactly, and the name matches William A. Wellman. Wikipedia
Somerville High School · Class of 1924
Howard Petrie
Actor. In the yearbook: Howard A. Petrie.
How we know: Wikipedia: “After he graduated from Somerville High School in 1924, Petrie worked briefly as a bank clerk and a securities salesman.” The yearbook name, school and class year (1924) fit the Wikidata birth year (1906). Wikipedia
Boston Latin School · Class of 1926
Ralph B. Rogers
American businessman (1909-1997).
How we know: Name matches Ralph B. Rogers (born 1909); their Wikipedia article names Boston Latin School, and the age fits the class of 1926. Wikipedia
Melrose High School · Class of 1926
Philip Bourneuf
American actor. In the yearbook: Philip Hilaire Bourneuf.
How we know: Wikipedia: “He grew up in Melrose, Massachusetts. As a high school student, he performed in vaudeville and with local stock theater companies.” The yearbook name, school and class year (1926) fit the Wikidata birth year (1908). Wikipedia