What’s in a Name?: Quincy High’s “Goldenrod”

Has any Quincy High School class member wondered how our yearbook acquired the name “Goldenrod”? Well, wonder no longer! I have the answer!!

The Quincy High School Goldenrod was first published in September of 1891 under the editorship of Eva G. Reed and Lelia H. Sprague. It was first published as a class newsletter and was sold for 5 cents a copy, and to subscribers (10 issues) for 50 cents for the full school year. At the end of its first year of publication it had 381 subscribers. Goldenrod reported on the comings and goings of Quincy High School classmates and graduates of former years. It also included a number of opinion articles and dedications to teachers, principals, and school superintendents. Over the years Goldenrod would be published once a year in a compendium fashion with a complete catalogue of student and teacher demographic information. A sample of this information included teacher and student names, nicknames, addresses, personal anecdotes, and photographs; future students’ occupations; college acceptances and attendances; and school extracurricular activities, club activities, and sports team history.

The first issue of September 1891 described the original Quincy High School on High School Avenue, and claimed the building was erected in 1851. However, the 54 foot by 82-foot school building was completed in 1852 with the land and the building costing $6,748.63. The school principal was H. W. Lull and the school had a total of 158 students registered to attend. That building served its students from May 1852 to September 1894.

This first issue had a robust discussion of voting and civil government. The editors foresaw a day when “womanhood will have an equal right to suffrage in civil government.” However, the editors intimated that woman already had the vote at Quincy High. In the school referendum deciding the title of the yearbook, 148 out of 158 students in attendance cast ballots including the women. We are informed that six different titles were initially up for consideration. However, we are not informed of the titled names. On the preliminary ballot 65 votes were the highest received for one of the titles, but that title is not specified. We must assume that it is “Goldenrod”, since on the final ballot “Goldenrod” was chosen by 111 students.

Where did the title “Goldenrod” come from? The editors proclaim that “goldenrod is an emblem of encouragement and precaution”. They also maintain that in that particular moment in time, goldenrod was the national flower. However, this is totally incorrect. Although, goldenrod was several times proposed for the national flower, it was never approved by any legislative or executive body.

Nebraska adopted it as its state flower in 1895, Kentucky in 1926, and Alabama in 1927 until 1959. Goldenrod never achieved unanimity for national recognition.

Goldenrod is not even a flower. It is the plant that produces the Solidago flower, which has become commonly referred to as the goldenrod flower.  It is a perennial which means that it lasts or exists for an infinite time. This is a remarkable claim that is a “solid and admirable reason” for the title of a yearbook. Even though our Goldenrod is in its centennial stage, being a mere 131 years old, it is an excellent title for the history of our demographic cohort.

Let’s talk a little about goldenrod itself. Goldenrod plants are tall, slim, with fluffy golden spikes in various shades of yellow. It presents as a cluster of bright yellow flowers, when in bloom in late summer to fall. The editors made some allusion to the fact that their Goldenrod first presented in the fall, when the school year began and they published their first issue. This seems to be a metaphor they wanted to create.

There are 150 species of goldenrod. It thrives on hills, in fields, woods, and meadows. but the editors point out that it thrives along the American roadside. Therefore, it is always in the eyes of the traveler. This is where goldenrod became commonly known by the populace. At one time it was so popular Thomas Edison made tires for his Model-T Ford (gifted to him by Henry Ford himself) out of rubber from the goldenrod plant.   

Goldenrod is Genus Solidago and Family Asteraceae. It reproduces through its roots, bulbs, stems, and seeds. Ironically, it was once regarded in North America as an invasive green weed, because it is an aggressive spreader and can live indefinitely.

Goldenrod’s mature size is 1 and 1/2 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide. It is very hardy and craves full sun. It can tolerate shade, but this reduces bloom. It is a pollinator plant, but contrary to popular belief goldenrod produces no pollen of its own, because it is pollinated by insects. Therefore, it does not cause allergies. Only wind pollinated plants cause allergic reactions.

Goldenrod has healing properties. It can be used as a dried herb to make a bitter tea, fluid extract, or a tincture. The flowers are edible and can be used for salad garnish. Its leaves can also be cooked like a spinach and added to soups, stews, or casseroles. It can act as an anti-fungal, an astringent antiseptic, an anti-inflammatory expectorant, a diuretic, a diaphoretic, and a carminative. 

I find this description of “being very hardy, thriving anywhere, seeking the sun to bloom, being an aggressive spreader, being a pollinator (particularly of ideas), having healing properties, and living indefinitely” as a complimentary allusion to the legacy, which students of QHS can make on the world. Thus, the name “Goldenrod” — Quincy High School’s yearbook of history.