New Bern High School Newspaper

The oldest school newspaper in the collection online was published May 4, 1928. Page three talks of a New Bern win, as well as a tip of the hat to New Hanover High in Wilmington, North Carolina. The front page speaks on a school play at the Masonic Theatre and what to wear with a cap and gown for graduation. These students from nearly a century ago had the same desires and thoughts that students have today. The only difference is generations apart.(1) 

1) New Bern High School (N.C.), “The Bruin, May 4, 1928,” Craven County Digital History, accessed July 26, 2025, https://kellenberger.mycprl.org/digital/items/show/1007.

This issue of the yearly school newspaper, The Bear Cub, was published May 30, 1947. Included within the paper are advertisements from Bynum's Drug Store to Baxter's Jewelry. Now, these are different businesses, but then they were staples for New Bern. The reader begins their read by the article, "Here's to Looking at You", looking into the argument of "what makes a well dressed young man". Down to the second page, the reader can also ponder the "Definition of a Boy". On the final page, one can read updates on what's going on for eighth and ninth graders as well as where to go for graduation portraits. (1)

(1) New Bern High School (N.C.), “The Bear Cub, May 30, 1947,” Craven County Digital History, accessed July 26, 2025, https://kellenberger.mycprl.org/digital/items/show/1026.

This Bear Cub paper was published in December of 1951. The theme, Homecoming, certainly brought excitement. The homecoming dance was reminisced as well as used for fuel for gossip. Page five collects all of the "dirt" from the weekend before congratulating Louie for falling in love finally and poking at Connie Adams for "certainly getting around". Wonder what to do about the traffic in the hallway? Look to page one where you can learn not only who is appointed to represent you for your class, but also have peace knowing they are working hard to deplete the crowd when going to class. (1)

1) New Bern High School (N.C.), “The Bear Cub, December 1951,” Craven County Digital History, accessed July 26, 2025, https://kellenberger.mycprl.org/digital/items/show/1030.

January 1957, students are planning the Valentine's Day dance, preparing for exams, and raising money to beat polio. Want to know what the movie to watch is this month at the Masonic Theatre? The Bear Cub says that War and Peace with the beautiful Audrey Hepburn is a must see for the weekend for your date. Students at New Bern High are excited to see that the girls basketball team beat Jacksonville 47 to 38. (1)

1)New Bern High School (N.C.), “The Bear Cub, January 1957,” Craven County Digital History, accessed July 26, 2025, https://kellenberger.mycprl.org/digital/items/show/1033.