A Look Back

Educator honored by school and town in 1937

by Barry Bauer

Taken at the dedication ceremony on a Friday afternoon, the above picture shows Frank P. Buck, in whose honor the new football gridiron at the City Park is named, just as he was thanking students and fellow townsmen for the honor conferred upon him. The idea for naming the football field after Frank Buck was credited to high school senior, Bob Ebert.

Grouped around him are Athletic Queen Phyllis Osgood, and her court ladies, while in the background were city, park, and school officials, along with alumni.

Acting as master of ceremonies was Supt. C. W. Bemer and G. G. Hunter, city attorney, gave the dedication address.

The football field is still known as Frank P. Buck Field and was sold in 2006 by the City of St. Johns to the High School.

Editor’s Note: Frank P. Buck was a hometown boy. His family home was located at 207 Breckenridge Street in Emmonsville. This would later become 507 W. Baldwin in St. Johns.

Frank Buck graduated from the St. Johns High School in 1892 and returned as principal in 1899. Later he was made Superintendent of Schools, an office he filled until 1931. He stayed on as principal of the high school until his retirement in 1939.

In June, 1944 the Library Board sent a bouquet of flowers to Mr. Buck who was ill. A month later he was dead; and the Board Secretary, Miss Winifred Daboll, was named Chairman of the Board in his place.