From the February 22, 1973 edition of The Wayne Herald
Allen High girls learning about spark plugs and points
Six girls at Allen High School may be taking part in a unique course at the school, but their major concern right now is learning about what goes on underneath a car.
The girls, all seniors, are enrolled in girls' shop, a new course this semester at Alllen High.
The aim of the course- to teach girls about cars, woodworking and fixing appliances.
Daryl McGhee, a 1972 graduate of the University of Nebraska who is teaching the course, said it offers the girls an opportunity for some basic knowledge in the three fields.
Right now, the six girls- Mary Peters, Julie Tighe, Deb Elllis, LaRaye Lubberstedt, Shelia Book and Kim Hanson are studying automobile mechanics.
During sixth period each day the girls gather at the school's new fine arts and music building, don thier overalls and literally dig in on fixing a car.
McGhee said the girls are learning to change spark plugs and adjust points among other things . They'll also learn how to change the oil, study lubrication system and learn about the car's electrical system.
Although the girls do not agree on the central purpose of taking the course, most point out that they are enrolled because "all boys do is talk about cars -so we want to be able to understand them."
McGhee, in charge of vocational agriculture at Allen High, said the course is for senior girls only.
"After we complete this segment of the course, the class will study about household application."
The third [art] of the segment will be devoted to wood furniture and do upholstery work.
About four years ago, several Allen High girls showed interest in a course such as this, but lack of funds and enough instructors prohibited the school from offering it.
With the addition of McGhee this year, the school's officials decided to offer the course.
"Right now it looks as if the school will continue the program next year," McGhee said.
McGhee is pleased with the way the course is working out. The girls are one of the most enthusiastic groups" of students he has.
"They show a lot of interest.. They especially want to figure out how things work."
