By Julian MITCHELL

The Glendale Public Library made a major addition to its Historical Section last week after acquiring a copy of the 1925 Glendale Union High School yearbook. The yearbook is notable for its inclusion of film legend John Wayne, then a student known as Marion Morrison. The yearbook was the only one from the 1920s that was missing from the library. With it, the library’s set is complete.

“This is the crown jewel,” said Lora Martinolich, the senior supervisor of the Glendale Public Library History Room.

The book was purchased jointly by the Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and Friends of the Glendale Public Library. The book was found on eBay and purchased for $350.

The edition originally belonged to Barbara Kranz who was one year junior to Wayne, according to Michael Morgan of the HSCV. In her sophomore yearbook, Wayne signed his name in two separate spots with his famous nickname, Duke.  According to Morgan, that 1924 yearbook was sold on eBay for $7,000.

Wayne grew up in the Glendale area and developed his famous nickname here, according to Morgan. Wayne’s childhood dog was named Duke and he often dropped the pup off at the local fire station. The firefighters called Wayne “Big Duke” and the dog “Little Duke.” The latter part of the moniker stuck.

The amount of Wayne memorabilia throughout Glendale is scarce, to say the least. The yearbook caps off a collection of old newspaper clippings and pictures with family. Morgan thinks that past residences of Wayne should have been preserved, too.

“[The yearbook] has come home to a place that should honor him,” said Morgan.

Morgan believes that Kranz and Wayne were most likely friends as he signed her 1924 yearbook twice. Kranz also was likely behind the many tabs and markings indicating pages where Wayne is located in the 1925 yearbook.

“I’ve always been interested in the history of the people of Glendale,” said Morgan.

Morgan’s historical interest mainly stems from the old Glendale and Montrose Railway. He also owns a personal collection of many old GUHS yearbooks.

Wayne was very active during his senior year in high school. Not only was he a part of the varsity football team, he was also senior class president and senior dance chairman.

The Historical Room at the Glendale Library, 222 E. Harvard, can be accessed on request, but normally remains locked during library hours.

  Julian MITCHELL