1888: Marcus R. Limb graduate
1894: George S. Limb graduate
1895: Florence K. Limb graduate
1888: June 20.
Marcus R. Limb graduated from Wooster high school. Wooster prided itself on its high school and university. The high school was referred to as “the People’s College.” The graduating ceremonies were an evening attended by the entire town showcasing the graduating students.
Wooster Republican
Wooster, Ohio
Thursday, 31 May, 1888
pg 3
High School Graduating Class.
The following are the young ladies and gentlemen who compose the class of ’88.
Chas. Palmer, Ben F. Tiefenthaler, Birdell Hoffman, Chas. Goodyear, George Carson, Alfred Ormond, Ross Wallace, Morris Ogan, Samuel Boyd, Paul Fletcher, Marcus Limb, Bessie Dunlap, Dale Douglass, Carrie Bates, Cora Bixler, Lizzie Baumgardner, Jennie Darr, Cora Young, Mary Murdock, Nettie Mehl, Katie Lazro, Alice Lucas, Ella Linn, Hattie Jones, Clara Jackson, Lucy Horn, Ella Hoelzel, Cora Goodheart, Alice Potter, Mary Peters, Annie Hunt, Nettie Dausman, Teresa Haettinger.
Wayne County Democrat
Wooster, Ohio
Wednesday, 20 June, 1888
pg 3
Graduating Exercises of Wooster High School.
Fine Orations, Essays and Music.
Large Public Attendance.
Alumni Association Reception.
Every citizen has good reason to feel gratified over the prosperity of the Wooster Public Schools—the People’s College. It certainly is among the very best conducted and successful in Ohio, the course of study unsurpassed, and the harmony existing between the thirteen hundred pupils, their Superintendent and twenty-eight teachers the most cordial and satisfactory.
High School.
The Schools closed another year last Friday evening with the 23d annual Commencement. The interesting exercises were held in the City Hall. The High School had a larger attendance this year than ever before, and its high reputation is steadily increasing, owing to the excellent quality of the instruction and discipline. The superior character of the orations, essays and music show fine training of mind. The members of the class of 1888 is thirty-three, the largest number that ever received diplomas. The following are the
Number of High School Alumni.
Class of….[the entire list is not visible because somebody stuck a label on it]
The attendance of the people by witness the interesting exercises at the City Hall was very large, and it was found that however commodious the City Hall may be it was totally inadequate to accommodate the public on such a popular occasion, for hundreds were unable even to obtain standing room. Over one thousand were present, and were much pleased with the exercises, which lasted from 8 o’clock until midnight.
The curtain rose at eight o’clock, revealing a beautiful scene. The stage was handomely decorated with flowers, and suspended under the proscenium arch was the Class motto “In Veniam Viam Faciam,” suspended from which was a large floral wreath encircling the figures “88”. The state setting was an orbor of flowers, plants and trees, seated in the midst of which were the members of the graduating class, with their instructors—Superintendent Dr. W.S. Eversole, High School teachers, Misses Jennie A. Boyd, jeannette F. Jackson, Jennie B. Flattery, Luthena S. Baugham, Mr. Edward E. Adair and Miss Martha A. Webster, music instructor.
The weather was very warm, but the state and occupants looked so cool and refreshing to the audience that the scene imparted a sense of comfort to those in the packed and hot auditorium.
Programme of Exercises.
We exceedingly regret that on account of lack of space we are unable to give a detailed report of the exercises. All were good and several superior. Every participant was applauded. The class is regarded as one of the very best, and bore themselves with grace and dignity and fine mental ability. The following was the programme:
Prayer – Rev. G.M. Heindel
Anthem “Oh, Come Let Us Worship.” – By Class
Salutatory – Carrie L. Bates
Oration—The Building Builds the Builder – George M. Carson
Essay “Our Horizon” – Lizzie Baumgardner
Oration—Modern Chivalry – Bessie B. Dunlap
Chorus—The Soldier’s Farewell (Soldaten Abschied) – Arr by Drellser
Essay—Thought – Cora E. Bixler
Oration—Ambition Has Its Fall – Charles E. Goodyear
Essay—The Autocrat of the Ballot Box – Jennie L. Darr
Oration—Perseverance Achieves Many Victories – Samuel T. Boyd
Quartette – The Buzzing Bumble Bees
Oration—The Beauties of Nature – Teresa M. Haettinger
Esssay—Falling Chips – Nettie W. Dausman
Oration—The Stepping Stones of Life – Birdell W. Hoffman
Essay—What Is True Criticism – Cora Goodheart
Ladies’ Chorus—Whirl and Twirl (Spinning chorus from “Flying Dutchman”, Wagner)
Oration—The Perpetuity of Nature – Marcus A. Limb
Essay—In Endless Circles All Things Move – Lucy A. Horn
Oration—The Three Metals of Success – Clarissa C. Jackson
Essay—Our Opportunities – Hattie L. Jones
Violin Solo—Brindisi, Alani – Anna E. Hung
Oration—Ohio – Morris L. Ogan
Essay—Education by Observation – Katie S. Lazero
Oration—Aspiration and Effort Measures of Attainment – Jeanette F. Meahl
Essay—Sowing and Reaping – Ella Linn
Chorus and Solo Obligato—Jubilate, Amen, Max Bruch – Solo by Miss Hattie L. Jones
Oration—All Pyramids are not Egyptian – Alfred C. Ormond
Essay—Expression In Art – Anna E. Hunt
Essay—The Ruins of Time – Alice B. Lucas
Oration—Clocks and Watches as Related to Mankind – Charles F. Palmer
Centennial Song—Beautiful Queen of a Hundred Years, H.H. Johnson
Oration—Doth God Feed the Birds? – Mary Maud Murdoch
Essay—Luck and Pluck – Mary C. Peters
Oration—Do Circumstances Make the Man? – Ben P. Tiefenthaler
Chorus—The Hunter’s Farewell, Mendelssohn
Oration—I Forgot – Cora B. Young
Essay—The Mission of Music – Alice Potter
Oration—Vessels That Are Never Full – Ross W. Wallace
Trio—Spring and Love – Misses Jones, Dunlap and Baumgardner
Class History – Paul M. Fletcher
Class Prophecy – Anna Dail Douglass
Choruses (a) Over the Sea; (b) A June Day
Valedictory—First Person Singular – E. Etta Hoetzel
Presentation of Diplomas
was made by Dr. Eversole on behalf of the members of the Board of Education, Messrs. Harry McClarran, Dr. H.A. Hart and James Mullins. The Superintendent’s remarks were able scholarly and practical. It was a pleasing final tableau, a gratifying ceremony, and deeply interesting to audience and graduates.
The exercises closed by singing the Class Song and pronouncing the benediction.
Jacksonian
Wooster, Ohio
Thursday, 21 June, 1888
pg 2
Diploma Day.
High School Commencement Exercises.
Last Friday evening the twenty-third annual commencement exercises of the Wooster High School occurred in the City Hall. Over one thousand persons were present to witness the graduating class of thirty-four young ladies and gentlemen participate in literary exercises and receive diplomas. Several hundred disappointed persons who were anxious to become spectators were unable to find room in the Hall, which was appropriately decorated. The state was attractively arranged with floral decorations.
Rev. G.M. Heindel invoked the Divine blessing, and an anthem by the class followed. The first speaker introduced was Miss Carrie L. Bates, who delivered an ably prepared salutatory in a pleasing manner.
George Carson was the first male member of the class to address the audience. His oration “The Builder Builds the Builder,” was a meritorious effort and was well received.
Miss Lizzie Baumgardner’s essay, “Our Horizon,” was well read and embraced some excellent thoughts.
“Modern Chivalry” was alluded to in a good oration by Miss Bessie Dunlap.
Following the chorus, “A Soldier’s Farewell,” Miss Cora Bixler read an excellent essay on “Thought.”
“Ambition has Its Fall” was the assertion Charles Goodyear proved in a well delivered oration.
“The Autocrat of the Ballot Box” was the title of Miss Jennie Darr’s able essay.
The first colored person to graduate from Wooster High School, Samuel T. Boyd, then came forward and delivered an oration on “Perseverence Achieves Many Victories.” His oration, in material and delivery, was highly commendable.
Vocal music, “The Buzzing Bumble Bees,” by a quartette, came next, and was followed by a fine oration, “The Beauties of Nature” by Miss Teressa M. Haettinger, who spoke her excellent production in good style.
“Falling Chips” were discussed in Miss Nettie Dausman’s meritorious essay.
An oration, “The Stepping Stone of Life,” by Birdell W. Hoffman, was excellent and well received.
“What is True Criticism?” was Miss Cora Goodheart’s query, and in an able manner she answered it in a well read essay.
A chorus followed, and then Marcus A. Limb delivered an oration on “The Perpetuity of Nature.” His oration was good in thought and delivery.
Miss Lucy A. Horn’s essay entitled “In Endless Circles all Things Run,” was heartily applauded.
“The Three Metals of Success” were ably explained by Miss Clarissa C. Jackson to be brass in the face, silver on the tongue, and iron in the heart.
Miss Hattie L. Jones’ name appeared next on the programme, but she was excused from reading her essay on “Our Opportunities” on account of taking part in the musical exercises.
Morris Ogan’s centennial oration of “Ohio” showed considerable research and ability.
He was followed by the youngest member of the class, Miss Katie Lazero, who read, in a clear voice, a good essay on “Education Gained by Observance.”
“Aspiratons and Effort, Measures of Attainment” was the subject of Miss Jeannette Meahl’s oration, which was well delivered.
Miss Ella Linn’s essay of “Sowing and Reaping” was good.
A chorus and solo was given next and was followed by an oration by A.C. Ormand, who claimed that “All Pyramids are Not Egyptian.” His claims were backed by able arguments.
On account of taking part in the musical exercises Miss Anna Hunt was excused from reading her essay on “Expression an Art.”
“The Ruins of Time” were alluded to in an able manner in Miss Alice Lucas’ essay.
Charles F. Palmer came next with an excellent and well delivered oration on “Clocks and Watches as Related to Mankind.”
A centennial song followed, after which Miss Mary M. Murdock pleased the audience with an excellent oration, “Doth God Feed the Birds.”
Miss Murdock was followed by Miss Mary Peters with a very good essay on “Luck and Pluck.”
“Do Circumstances Make the Man?” was ably argued in Ben F. Tiefenthaler’s well delivered oration.
A chorus followed, and Miss Cora B. Young then came forward and greeted the audience with a well prepared oration on “I Forgot.”
“The Mission of Music” was the subject of Miss Alice Potter’s excellent essay, which was well read and well received.
Ross W. Wallace delivered a good oration on “Vessels that are Never Full,” and was followed by a trio, “Spring and Love,” by Misses Hattie Jones, Bessie Dunlap and Lizzie Baumgardner.
The Class History was assigned to Paul E. Fletcher, and was in able hands. He aquitted himself well and delighted the audience and class with his timely hits.
The Prophecy, by Miss Dale Douglass, was one of the gems of the evening and was well prepared.
A chorus preceded the Valedictory, which was delivered by Miss E. Etta Hoelzel, who had a fine production on “First Person Singular.”
Remarks were made by Superintendent Eversole, followed by the presentation of diplomas. The Class Song and Benediction concluded the exercises.
No presents or flowers were permitted, but each graduate received liberal applause from the audience.
Wooster Republican
Wooster, Ohio
Thursday, 21 June, 1888
pg 1
No Flowers
But Plenty of Plaudits For The High School Graduates at
The Twenty-third Annual Graduating Exercises of the Wooster High School.
Full Report of the Proceedings—Class History, Prophesy, Orations, etc. etc.
The twenty-third annual Commencement exercises of Wooster High School at City Hall last Friday night were attended by an audience that filled the spacious auditorium to overflowing, hundreds being unable to obtain admission, all anxious to hear the young ladies and gentlemen give their productions and to enjoy the feast of song arranged for the occasion.
The stage was handsomely decorated for the occasion. Just under the proscenium arch was suspended the class motto, “In Veniam Viam Faciam.” Suspended to this was a mammoth wreath of rare flowers and in the circle the figures “’88.” Just back of the footlights stood a bank of ferns and plants, while on both sides stood an exquisite display of cut flowers, all from the hot houses of Mrs. G.F. Kingsley.
The exercises were opened with a prayer invoking the aid of the All-High on those assembled, the teachers and the class, by Rev. G.M. Heindel.
The anthem, “Oh, Come let us Worship,” was sung by the class, after which came the
Salutatory.
Carrie L. Bates.
Kind friends in behalf of the class of ’88 I thank you for your pleasant greeting to-night, and extend to you a hearty welcome. It is my honor to set this class in motion before you this evening. You shall have our best efforts to please. We come with music with songs and our choicest thoughts. Our class is large, in fact the finest production of beauty grace and intellect, the High School of Wooster has furnished up to date, and I am authorized by ’88 to challenge the future.
Indeed yonder institution, could it speak, our teachers and the Honorable Board of Education must feel an inexpressible ecstacy of delight at our departure and eve in turn thank them for the grand success their efforts have obtained in us, but, they are to be congratulated on the splendid material they had in hand. One by one as the magnificent class files before you, you will perceive that we are a motley crowd. You will notice that the young ladies, with a single exception are positively beautiful, and the young gentlemen without exception noble and manly. Look at us, some you will notice are four feet six, and some are almost six feet four. Some look through black eyes, some through blue, some through gray, and some through glasses. Some of us are light weighed. Almost every shade of hair and complexion will meet your eyes.
While glad of our present success, yet we know that we have but crossed the threshold of scholarly attainment. I point you to the sentiment of our class as indicating our future purpose. “Invenious Viam Aut Laciam” “I will find a way or make one”. Education is the basis of this grand sentiment. By it man has been able to achieve the highest results in the arts, sciences, and all the great professions. If education has done so much for man, then will not a higher education do as much for woman in gaining for her the highest excellence in all avocations in life? Much has been said about Womans Rights can it be denied that the highest possible education is one of her legitimate rights? It is the glory of our progressive country, that in this, as in no other country woman is gaining these rights due to her. One by one the great colleges of free America have opened their doors too often reluctantly to woman. Timidly has she entered but triumphantly has she come forth and these doors will never again be closed against her. Hereafter we hope you may hear of the well deserved success of some of the young ladies of ’88 in the higher fields of thought and learning as well as in the higher and nobler walks of life. In the words of Addison, “Tis not in mortals to command success, But we’ll do more, deserve it.”
George Carson.
Delivered a strong oration with the odd caption, “The Building Builds the builder.”
The strength of man lies not in the dominant faculties of his being, but in those faculties that move freely at the command of the will. The steam of a locomotive that is not under control of the engineer avails nothing on the task of completing a long journey. We increase our powers not by leaving work undone, but by earnestly taking hold of it and doing it with all our might. There can be no great good accomplished without a great effort put forth on the part of the doer, and in so doing he qualifies himself for the accomplishments of greater tasks. It is our constantly encountering and conquering the trials of life that lead to our moral, mental and physical development.
Lizzie Baumgardner.
Read a splendid essay, “Our Horizon.”
“When we speak the word ‘Horizon’ we think not only of the line where the heavens and earth seem to meet, but also of the vast field of vision enclosed by that line. As we rise above the earth’s surface the horizon recedes on all sides and the field of vision is extended. So it is with the mind. As education advanced and the mind became more cultivated, our views became more comprehensive, and we were convinced that, strive as we may, we can never hope to reach the zenith of our ambition. Knowledge is boundless!
“There is one very important lesson in life that is not acquired in a day, or a year. It is simply how little we know, and how much we do not know. Near the close of Newton’s life he said to those about hm: ‘I seem to have been only as a boy playing on the seashore and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble, a prettier shell—whilst the great ocean of truth lay undiscovered before me!’ Having learned this lesson we are wise. We are then ready to travel onward knowing ourselves to be mere beginners in the field of knowledge; and, though we may never become Newtons, we can still hope to be useful and honored members of society.”
Bessie Dunlap.
Created a very favorable impression with her oration on “Modern Chivalry.” She said:
Chivalry first assumed the character of a positive institution during the 11th century. It had its origin among the Gothic races who paid great honor to the profession of arms. Woman were held in such high regard that they were made the objects of their heroic gallantry. The age of chivalry has not passed away. The work our courts and other similar organizations do. The forces that prompt men to organize benevolent societies found and maintained charitable homes and hospitals. The chivalrous spirit in our late war and especially among the female sex as compared with ancient times. In every day life we find frequent occasions to practice and cultivate a chivalrous spirit. The times have changed, but chivalry is still the same generous, manly, justice-loving spirit, purified and ennobled in the general advance of mankind.
The chorus entitled “The Soldier’s Farewell,” was given in a capital manner.
Cora Bixler.
Then read a beautifully worded essay on “Thought.”
How wonderful is thought. It cannot be seen or heard yet its power has been and will be felt through all time. It could be justly …[unfortunately the printing becomes illegible at the bottom of the page, but continues at the top of next column]… application of the mind. Thought has opened the paths of discovery and invention has so marvelously aided the world’s progress. Steam, the application of electricity, and the printing press are the products of thought. It is evident that God has given man a busy mind to work out hidden truths. It is therefore necessary that the mind be rightly applied. Bright and beautiful thoughts vanish the sense of solitude. We find the brightest and best thoughts of the past in books for our instruction. The finest thoughts should be read and continuously guarded for good or bad. Those after which we expect to mold our life should be cherished. These thoughts will be joyful companions and aid in directing our footsteps aright through life’s journey.
Charles E. Goodyear.
Had his oration headed “Ambition has its Fall.”
When we look at the many meanings of the word ambition we find that it applies to every member of the human race. Every one must have some ambition, some object to toil for. Without this we would drag out a dreary existence to which death would be mercy. We see the object of our ambition shining afar in the dim future as a star of the first magnitude. You can tell for what position we were born, for “the life of the boy determines the man.” Should you study the boyhood of any of the great generals you would find that each one engaged in military efforts. The young gentleman illustrated this point by reciting some incidents in the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, concluding by saying “It had been ordained by the fates that no man should rule the entire world. And on the eve of June 26th, 1815, the last sun had set upon the head of the Emperor of the French, and the star flickered feebly with the last effort and sank before the superior light of victory. His course was fun. Ambition had fallen from her throne. Peace and Justice reigned once more.”
Jennie Darr.
Read an essay on “The Autocrat of the Ballot Box.”
It is an indisputable fact that man, not that mysterious quality which includes the weaker vessel, woman, but the masculine sovereign who has honored our race with his name, is the foreordained sole arbiter of political affairs. The magnetic pole toward which incline all crowned powers that be. Long ages have taught us that man is the capital I of the human race, and whether you render him in diamond, or long primer, he is still the inconvertible capital I. It is his nature to assert himself to rule. The lion rules the animal kingdom by the superior force of his muscle. You who think that man shows his selfish nature by excluding woman from the right of casting a ballot, stop and consider. The disastrous calamity that would follow such a change in political affairs. There are bounds beyond which we cannot go. Limitations that forever unfit women for participation in the lordly pleasure of controlling the ballot box. What woman can emulate the hang-dog perseverance with which a man clings to his chance of getting an office or to the office after he has got it? Then, too, woman is woefully deficient in the imaginative requisite to discover rivers and harbors upon which to spend the surplus millions in the public treasury. As a legislator she would undoubtedly do great credit to her sex by her tact and foresight and it is beyond dispute that as speaker of the House she would outrival the most eloquent of her brothers. But no human being can bray unless it be the stump speaker whose unmatched grandiloquence, resounding through public hall and square, swallows up all lesser harmonies in one grand howl of exultation over the down fall of political opponents. In this deafening reverberation of manly discord when an infantile parody would be a timid aye or nay, and how utterly inadequate her virgin intellect to the trying duties of the grand election spree. Oh man, thou unapproachable autocrat of the ballot box.
Samuel T. Boyd
The first colored person to graduate from the High School had a splendid oration on “Perseverance Achieves Many Victories.” He said:
With perseverance the very odds and ends of time may be worked up into results of the greatest value. An hour withdrawn every day from frivolous pursuits, if profitably spent, would make an ignorant man well informed in a few years. We have but to glance at the biographies of great men to find that the most distinguished in all pursuits were men of indefatigable industry and application. The old, old song, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” helped many a man out of the channel of despair. perseverance and self reliance go hand in hand, the one can not be attained without the other. To one climbing the steep mountains of life, the summit may seem a long way off, yet if he clings firmly to these two essential elements of success, he will ere long see stretched out before him smiling meadows, where he can rest in the shade of the tree and enjoy the retrospection of a well spent life. This alone is happiness for the human soul.
A quartette, “The Buzzing Bumble Bees,” was received with hearty applause.
Teresa M. Haettinger.
Daughter of Joseph Haettinger, orated on “The Beauties of Nature,” in substance as follows:
“Beauty refines and elevates the mind, and is a means of æsthetic and moral culture. The humblest and even the most barbarous classes of mankind are not insensible to the charm which is attached to beautiful objects. In the enjoyment of the beautiful there is a calm, quiet pleasure; the mind is at rest, and can at its leisure admire the delicacy and elegance of that which fills it with delight. In Nature we see some curious specimens of workmanship which excite our wonder. There are caverns which one might suppose were the work of giants; mountains with the figures of men’s faces standing out boldly in their rugged sides, and hundreds of other quaint designs. One of the most beautiful objects which Nature presents to us is a landscape. None the less grand, however, is the sight of the solar orb about to sink beneath the horizon.”
Nettie Dausman.
Daughter of Michael Dausman, read an essay on “Falling Chips.”
There is soothing music in falling chips, whittled by one’s own hand. The feeble strains help to unravel the uncomfortable snarls into which thoughts often entangle themselves, driving away the spectral forms of the past, and weaving light hopes for the future. Our actions resemble falling chips and the study of them stores the mind with useful knowledge. Fruits of knowledge have ripened along the way and it is well for the famishing heart at times to turn and gather them. The chips which fall are the deeds we do. As each in a measure is master of his own destiny, we should endeavor to verify the beautiful words of Longfellow:
For the structure that we raise,
Time is with materials filled;
Our to-days and yesterdays
Are the blocks with which we build.
Birdwell W. Hoffman.
Orated upon “The Stepping Stone of Life,” he said:
[again, the printing becomes illegible at the bottom of the page, but continues at the top of next column] …traveler may gain the other side dry shod. So, through life every advance needs stepping stones. What are they? The first one upon which we should step should be knowledge. Knowledge chiefly distinguishes man from brutes, the civilized from the savage, and elevates one man above the other. Ignorance is the curse of God, and knowledge wherewith we fly to heaven. “Knowledge is power.” It is the magic wand that gives us power over nature and shows us the treasures of the universe. God has given man the power of reasoning and a mind capable of exploring the wonders of the earth. Man in every stage of life wants to learn, particularly the youth, who will find it out by diligence if anything is kept from him. The next stepping stone is wealth and the one from which we are most likely to slip. When riches take wings and fly the man is found to be a fool which was unknown in his prosperity. Farther up near the top of the cliff is the broad and safe stone of Christianity. When this is obtained, eyes that are dimmed by sorrow and trials, flash with joy and hope He who plants his foot on the rock of Christianity will never fail.
Cora Goodheart.
Essayed on “What is True Criticism.” Her production contained many good thoughts, briefly outlined as follows:
“Criticism, as all know, is the work of separating. It involves the ability to discern the good and the bad, and to distinguish between the two. It requires far more ability to recognize beauties than to see defects in any object that may be before the mind, whether it be personal character, a work of art, or a creation of nature. Its defects are likely to be noticed by many who are incapable of seeing its real beauties; but only he who is able to point out the merit of that which he criticises is fitted to show its departure from the perfect standard. True criticism has its place and there is need of its recognition, but the mere habit of finding fault has no merit whatever, and should be allowed no place. As all know that nothing is easier than fault-finding; that no talent or special endowment of the mind is required to note every fault or flaw in our fellow-beings or their works. The true critic should be readier to note that which is to be admired than that which is defective, for by this only is he superior to his fellows in his capacity as a critic.”
The difficult “Spinning Chorus,” “Whirl and Twirl” from Wagner’s Opera of the “Flying Dutchman,” was given in an excellent manner and truly merited the hearty applause accorded.
Marcus A. Limb.
Orated on “The Perpetuity of Nature.”
“The great body of Nature is indeed a wonderful study. In its entire realms we can conceive of nothing lost. Complete annihilation is unknown. The smallest entity in creation performs a ceaseless and eternal journey. Its history would form a vast volume. It may enter into the composition of our bodies or other organization, but it is not lost. The forest oak grows up healthy and vigorous, its grand branches spreading far and wide, defying the heavy autumnal gales and the cruel blast of winter; but oxygen the destructive agent soon returns it to the earth only to be utilized by some other bodies. The human body seems to us comparatively stable but it must plunge on through nature’s ceaseless torrent and help to develop other bodies. The grand operations of nature are ever busy working a silent and perpetual change.
“And then the seer
With vision clear
Sees forms appear and disappear
In the perpetual round so strange.”
Clarissa C. Jackson’s
Oration on “The Three Metals of Success,” was to our mind among the best literary productions given. She said:
Success in life is the proper and harmonious development of those faculties which God has given us. three metals are essential to success—Brass in the face, silver on the tongue, and iron in the heart. Egotism and self-conceit are deplorable blemishes in any character; but we perhaps forget that he who is totally destitute of them presents but a sorry figure in the world’s battlefield. Silver on the tongue contributes largely to success. It costs nothing while it vastly facilitates trade and profit. The human heart was formed for sympathy as naturally as the flower for sunshine; and the reason why some succeed where others fail is that they invite strangers to become friends by civility, while others repel even friends by want of courtesy. In the grand aim of life, iron in the heart is one of the metals essential to success. “The weights and wheels are there and the clock strikes according to its motion.” Resolve to be in its true sense successful, and then, if wealth or fame wait on you and men delight to do you honor, these will be but added laurels to your brow—but the gilded frame encasing success.
Hattie L. Jones.
Another member of the class who was excused from reading her production on account of participating in the musical portion of the programme, prepared an essay on “Our Opportunities,” in substance as below:
One’s opportunities are indeed extensive but correspondingly great will be our responsibilities. We must render our account to the giver of every good and perfect gift, for every talent un-used and every hour wasted. It is a pleasure to think that we each have an individual place to fill in the world. One person seems to be overshadowed by vast amount of mind and matter that surrounds him. Is man insignificant in comparison with the rest of God’s creatures? Edward Everett answers, an immoral soul, even while clothed in this muddy vesture of decay, is, in the eye of God and reason, a purer essence than the brightest sun that lights the depths of heaven.
Miss Anna E. Hunt, Wooster’s most excellent young violinist, here played Alard’s solo, “Brindisi,” for violin. She was rapturously applauded for her skillful execution of the difficult selection.
Morris Ogan.
Son of W.H.H. Ogan, delivered a most appropriate Centennial oration, entitled “Ohio.” He said in substance as follows:
Over a century ago a band of savages [again, the printing becomes illegible at the bottom of the page, but continues at the top of next column] … they gazed on the view before them, they forgot all former habitations, and expressed their emulation in the words “Ohie, Ohie.” Thus naming our noble State. he then touched uon the fertility as manifested by the crops. The red men had known of the hunting and fishing, etc. etc. But the red men were predestined to rove farther westward, to make room for the white men who settled at Marietta one hundred years ago, since which to growth has been marvelously grand. He spoke of the three great Generals, Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, as owing homage to Ohio as their birth place; of three Presidents, Harrison, Hayes and Garfield, and last of the manufacturing and educational advantages as of the best in the Union. Closing with a mission of the State as ranking first amount her sisters within the limit of 50 years.
Katie Lazero.
Daughter of Charles Lazero, the youngest member of the class, read an essay on “Education Gained by Observation.”
We start in life unlessoned, unschooled and unpracticed. But happy are we, for we are not so old, but we may learn, then happier that we are not so dull but that we can learn and happiest of all we commit ourselves to others to be directed, and follow them as examples of wisdom, knowledge and truth. But our education, or a portion of it is perfected by observation. Al we advance in life we should gain our education and store our minds with all that is noble, and will add to our happiness and welfare. This can be done if we commence in our earlier years and thus gain all we can spending no time in idleness or anything unworthy of our attention. Thus we can grow in knowledge and in wisdom not only through the use of books (which are very beneficial and instructive) but also by observation. We often meet with things which we pronounce worthless, then in after years we can only say, “It might have been otherwise had I not been so heedless.” We should make our life what it should be, use our time and talents aright gain our education and rejoice at its attainment. Our schools are an important necessity and all should be compelled to derive benefits from them, but at the same time there is much to be gained by observation. Try to be self-made in portions of your knowledge. We see examples of such persons every day. Persons who never had the privilege of attending good schools and yet have made themselves wise by careful observation.
Jeannette Meahl.
Daughter of Mrs. Kate Meahl then delivered an oration on “Aspirations and Effort, Measures of Attainment.” She said:
Cyrus Field, the projector of the Atlantic cable, is a remarkable illustration of the two great qualities, “Aspiration and Effort”. His faithful enthusiasm, endurance and unconquerable will, are worthy of imitation. Edmund Burke was a man of a boundless knowledge, abundant language instantaneous apprehension and undaunted speech. Was it by idleness and indifference that he won his great reputation? No, never for a moment did he trust to his own genius. Capacity and attainment are great factors, but industry is an absolute essential. Many aspire who never attain because they do not persevere. Aspiration and effort go hand in hand, and are the necessary concomitants of success in life. Beyond is the reward for those who remain true to their own great interests.
Ella Linn.
Daughter of Wm. Linn, then read an essay on “Sowing and Reaping.”
If we were to consult our agricultural friend upon the subject of sowing he would ask us what do you intend to sow? Saying the shortness, the variableness of the climate and character of the soil must be taken into consideration with the kind of seed you wish to sow. But the Sowing and Reaping about which we are writing is of a different character. Yet the youthful mind might very aptly be considered in the same light as a field in which is sown the seeds of early training and school education. We may also take into consideration other factors that play no little part in the formation of character. Our capabilities are great or less depending upon our educational advantages. The best seminary of learning that can open its doors to us can do omore than furnish the means of education. To ourselves and our friends there is great satisfaction and enjoyment in the possession of acquired knowledge. We shall the more appreciate its value in after years, that we may make the most of life. That “when departing we may leave behind us foot prints upon the sands of time.” but not such as shall show deformity from the dwarfed and unsteady tread, but as made by the mind in its stately strides. Yielding rich fruits. “For by their fruits ye shall know them”.
“Jubilate, Amen,” a chorus and solo obligato by Max Bruch, was next given in a way that was certainly creditable alike to Miss Martha Webster, who directed it, and to all the participants. Miss Jones’ grand and well trained soprano was heard with good effect in the solo.
A.C. Ormond.
Followed with his oration on “All Pyramids are not Egyptian.” He said:
In every age mighty intellects arise with some God given purpose to achieve. Determined effort, years of labor crown them with success and in awe we look upon the monuments of greatness and bow assent when the world claims them as wonders. In the Great Pyramid, that, far to the east, in the land of Pharohs, stands like a monster on the desert of Egypt, we see the purpose of one man reared in the perfection, grandeur, telling to the ages the greatness of the mind that constructed it. There is no person who may not if he has ordinary ability, perfect some noble purpose and use to what God meant him to be. Let him measure the quarried rock of his character with exactness and perseveringly build. No tool however so insignificant is to be despised. No work however humble is to be despised if it but help us to grow to noble men, if it but helps us lay another stone on our pyramid. Courage endures, effort strengthens and perseverance succeeds, and at length our pyramid lifts its proportions heavenward, while the shadows of its clear influence lengthens the sunset of such a life, it creeps around a motion and enfolds it in its shade.” It points heavenward it beckons us and will stand like the everlasting hills of God.
Anna E. Hunt.
Daughter of Dr. A.H. Hunt, a member of the class was excused from reading her production on account of participating in the musical exercises on the programme. The essay which she handed in was on “Expression in Art.”
In which she said “”Art is the highest form of expression. Through art great minds are revealed to us. The one who expresses his thoughts in the grandest forms is the greatest artist. Another may have a lofty ideas and conceptions, but if he possesses not the power of expressing them, he fails to impress the world. To express desires, longings, ecstacies, prophecies, and passions in form and color; to put love, hope, heroism and triumph in marble, to paint dreams and memories with words; to portray the purity of dawn, [again, the printing becomes illegible at the bottom of the page, but continues at the top of next column] …and mystery of night with sounds; to give the invisible to sight and touch, to enrich the common things of earth with gems and jewels of the mind. This is the mission of art.
Alice Lucas.
Daughter of Josiah Lucas, read an essay on “The Ruins of Time.”
Behold a temple reared by the hands of men, whose pinnacles tower aloft toward the pure ether. What skill and workmanship can do is done to make it strong and durable. But we look about us and see the ravages of time, behold the temple now in all its grandeur and proportion. What now seems power is but a name for weakness, for her new hewn stones shall crumble to the earth, her shapely domes into shapeless ruins. Everywhere we see the marks of time, all material grandeur is subject to decay. We look about and seek for that which does not change. Such indeed are virtue, honor, truth, and all good qualities. In man alone can we expect noble actions. The deeds of men like Washington, Garfield, Luther, Knox and others will last while time endures upon the ladder of fame they reached the top round. O! let us like these great men, seek those things which are lasting, honorable, noble, instead of those which are of time and will soon pass away.
Charles F. Palmer.
Son of Jacob Palmer, spoke in an easy and pleasing manner. He orated on “Clocks and Watches as related to Mankind,” and said:
The kinds of clocks and watches, like the kinds of people, are almost un-numerable. There are clocks that go fast or slow, and never keep correct time. Any person could be convinced of this if he would glance at our town clock. So we have people who go fast and slow. There are kinds of clocks which never strike. So we have men that never strike or do a good act by which they can be remembered. Every city in the country has its strikers. Germany her striker, Martin Luther. American had Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Grant. England had Cromwell and now has Gladstone. We have plenty of strikers, but not the kind we want. A great watch maker said that there were 32 operations in making a watch. Who can tell what makes human life. A watch can never be made right by changing the hands, the machinery must be regulated. We must be regenerated to make our lives successful in the highest truest sense.
A Centennial Song entitled “Beautiful Queen of a Hundred years,” followed this oration.
Mary M. Murdoch
Then came on the stage with a good oration captioned, “Doth God Feed the Birds”
In all the various ? of life no glorious harvest is yielded except as the result of our persistent labor. We cannot mount on eagles wings and alight on the hill … but we must patiently climb from the lowly plain till we reach the summit on Parnassus. Labor alone brings grateful rest, and few occupy … positions of trust and honor… who have reached that … of patient toil and …. Thus labor becomes a blessing in disguise. God neither puts the food on our tables nor builds our houses for us. He rather provides the material and means leaving the work to be done by us. According to the measure of labor thus is the measure of our reward. ..is a system running through all nature and so effects us that we enjoy that which is obtained after most careful endeavor.
Concluded on Fourth Page.
Wooster Republican
Wooster, Ohio
Thursday, 21 June, 1888
pg 4
Continued from First Page.
Mary Peters.
Daughter of Philip Peters, read a splendid essay on “Luck and Pluck.”
Luck and Pluck are the important elements of success. Where there is no pluck there is no luck. Everywhere in human experience as frequently in nature, hardship is the introduction to highest success. Oh how lucky! How often do we hear this expression from a person who has rashly plunged into some successful speculation. There is no such thing as luck, but some people believe that such a spirit exists. It is merely a chance and many have been indebted to this for great advantages. But to suppose that certain persons are favored through life with a frequent recurrence of advantageous chances, while others are exposed to the reverse is inconsistent with the law of events. A man who is possessed with an abundance in the beginning of life and has no pluck is the most unfortunate of beings; he relaxes all his efforts, trusting that good luck will certainly come his way. But strange and capricious as it may appear, luck seldom happens twice in the same place and is always gained by virtue. Shakespeare says: “Better a little peace and with right than much with anxiety and strife.” If we were to examine precisely what appeared solely the result of chance we should probably find in many instances that manly qualities, consciousness of situation, and hard plodding work, accounted of most of the results attained. It is pluck that adorns men with honors and nobilities. Many of our great men were poor boys and gained their position by having pluck. Nothing can be done with success without pluck. Luck is the labor, and labor is the fruit of pluck.
Ben F. Tiefenthaler.
Son of B.S. Tiefenthaler, acquitted himself well in giving his oration, entitled, “Do Circumstances Make the Man.”
He said: “It is a question how much a man’s circumstances have upon his life. Favoring circumstances as wealth, opportunities for education, a good mother and good home influences, may do much to make a young man’s path to success easier; but the most adverse circumstances can be conquered and victory wrested from the most stubborn obstacle. Let the faint-hearted study the lives of George Stevenson, the inventor, Joseph Campbell, the blind musician, yes, even Elihu Burritt, the learned blacksmith, if they would know the way to success. There is a divinity that shapes our ends, but the divinity will not make them smooth if we hew them rough. Man on the river of life is not like the straw carried hither and thither with the eddying current.
Amid all conditions of our lives let us then make our honesty, diligence, truthfulness and perseverance the biggest circumstances.”
“Let us be not like dumb driven cattle, but heroes in the strife.”
Mendelssohn’s Chorus, “The Hunter’s Farewell,” was the next musical number, and was given with good effect.
Cora B. Young.
Daughter of Geo. Young, had a good oration entitled “I Forgot.” We were unable to get a synopsis of it and regret that we cannot give a portion of her production.
Alice Potter.
Daughter of Z. Potter read an essay on “The Mission of Music.”
One of America’s distinguished literary men, J.G. Hollans, has told us that “Music is a creature of the skies.” It is music that brings joy into our life in childhood, it brings peace and happiness and joy into our homes, scarcely any kind of an entertainment or social party can be given without music occupying a large part of the programme. Music by its very nature appeals to our hearts. It exerts a greater influence over the world than any other art. It is the grandest of all arts and has the very highest mission.
Ross W. Wallace.
Came forward next and delivered a meritorious oration, captioned, “Vessels That are Never Full”
The substance is appended: “The greatest vessel in man’s conception is the sea. It receives the streams and rivers and gives back to the earth the life-giving waters. The depths are the homes of Neptune, and of sea nymphs and fishes, which disturb the sea, which is never full. Man, mentally, may be likened to the ocean, but he is vastly greater. His life is disturbed by whirlpools of wicked enticements, and when once this mental bark is seized the utmost exertion seldom avails to rescue it. Within this mental vessel are the dwellings of intellect, emotions and will. They are different, yet by blending they harmonize into the most valuable vessel known. The mind is never empty. It can never be idle. It is a vessel continually receiving and growing. No matter how long the life or how completely the search is carried out, it is one that is never full.
“Spring and Love,” a trio was sung by the Misses Hattie Jones, Bessie Dunlap, and Lizzie Baumgardner.
Class History.
Paul E. Fletcher.
In presenting you this brief and imperfect history of the class of ’88, we come before you, not to display our talents and virtues, for we hope that the future will faithfully reveal them; but we feel that it is our duty to acquaint you with some of the events of our class, and characteristics of its members.
We have the honor, therefore, of introducing to you a class of thirty-three members—twenty-tow girls and eleven boys, which makes it the largest class by three that ever graduated from the Wooster High School. The average age of the class is seventeen years. Miss Lazaro, the youngest, is “sweet sixteen,” while the oldest member is just—somewhat older. Our total weight, without Mary Peters, is estimated at 3,800 pounds. With Mary’s additional weight we add another ton. The height is 175 feet, of which you may get some idea by imagining a column of humanity standing before you as high as the Court House steeple. It is an acknowledged fact that the young ladies of the class are exceedingly “smart,” though equally “modest,” but this does not impair their popularity in the least, for
“If all the girls in this whole town were standing up together,
The girls of ’88 would down them all in every kind of weather;
They do not boast of scholarship, for their modesty would forbear it,
But all the same they’re hard to beat, though I myself declare it.”
The boys of the class are regarded by some as a very “gally” set. Though necessarily inferior to the girls in a few particulars, yet they are, nevertheless, noted for their “long-tailed coats” just at present. The class spirit began to develop shortly after the commencement of the Fall term. The object that occasioned this early development was nothing more or less than Hindspaugh’s Circus. Concluding that t little fresh air would no doubt be beneficial to our health, after having been confined to the schoolroom for one long month, we decided to take a “cut” on that eventful day. We all remained true to our vows with the exception of seven members. It is needless to say they were all girls, who, after sitting up half the night to meditate on such a bold deed, finally decided “that it was very naughty indeed to disobey their teachers,” and hence 9 o’clock the next morning found them in their accustomed places at school. The rest of us really felt dignified and at the same time invigorated after our day’s sport, until the next Monday morning, when some of the class, at least, felt extremely cheap, and could, no doubt, have been purchased at the exceeding low price of “two for a nickel” after the reprimand given them by our worthy Superintendent. We never “cut” again.
It was about this time that we organized our Hawthorne Literary Society, which was successfully carried on for about five months, when we were compelled to abandon it. Had a stranger stepped into the room at times, especially when the boys were discussing whether a woman should not marry for love instead of money, he would have imagined himself in the midst of a gang of prize fighters, so loud and boisterous did they become; though in reality there was nothing about them that would lead a person to insure his life before visiting our Society.
The principal event of the class during the Spring term was a “racket” with the insignificant moss-covered class of ’89. It happened in the following manner: One morning a few weeks before our Spring vacation, we proudly displayed our class colors, composed of copper-red and Nile-green. The B’s decided to express their disapprobation by appearing at school the next morning in gorgeous tissue paper colors. You may rest assured that our indignation was aroused to a white heat, for at recess we quickly made them doff their colors by a rush and after they had received rather a severe rebuke from our noble little Principal—who has always been a great favorite of the A class—they no doubt considered themselves sufficiently decayed, for we were left alone in our glory from that time on to the close of the year.
I had almost forgotten to mention that during the Spring term we were troubled with a had attack of Spring fever on the part of the young ladies, and base ball fever among the boys. The latter disease raged furiously for several months, during which time the University … suffered an ….. defeat. But we were very speedily cured by some of the leading base-ball players of the Freshman class. The former .., however, did re [again, the printing becomes murky at the bottom of the page and illegible at the top of next column]… was I ever so stuck in my life? It was not known at the time whether the young man was stuck on the taffy or on Bees, but by his happy conduct the taffy is evidently out of the question.
It may seem very strange to you, but nevertheless, is true, that Miss Dausman is the pedestrian of the class; but, of course, when going any particular place, she always prefers good roads (Rhodes).
One of our young men, I am sorry to say, has centered his affections on a maiden of the B class; notwithstanding all the warning we have given him. As we part to-night we therefore willingly give this young lady our oarman (Ormond) to row her over the rough sea of life.
Nettie Meahl is, without doubt, the most talkative member of the class; but, unfortunately, she is a very thirsty mortal, and although not addicted to strong drink, is exceedingly fond of “Moxie.”
Mr. Samuel Boyd, who honors the class by being the first colored gentleman that ever graduated from the High School, is the “star” of the class. He has held the responsible position of treasurer of our Society during the entire year, which proves that he is a trust-worthy and honest young man. Had he been otherwise, he would doubtless have taken advantage of the many opportunities which presented themselves of skipping to Canada with the immense amount of “boodle” entrusted to his care.
Another member of the class—this time one of our most talented young ladies—is very much interested in a young stenographer of this city, who, on being invited to go fishing a short time since, made this reply: “I am not a very successful fisherman, but will go along and carry baits.(Carrie Bates).
Charles Goodyear, one of the coming wonders of the age, has lately taken a great fancy to all kinds of musical instruments. It is said that he anticipates joining the Honeytown Band, but he certainly cannot do so until he procures a “Horn.”
Hattie Jones, our noted soloist, who is always ready to display her talent in that direction, takes much delight in admiring the beautiful streets of our city. She has not, however, been fortunate enough to find one that can compare with “Bowman.”
Morris Ogan is acknowledged by the class to be the neatest of living heroes. You would certainly agree with us were I permitted to explain how he so gallantly rescued three of the young ladies—whose names I cannot here mention—who were engaged in the novel sport of coasting down the bannisters without sleds.
George Carson, our rustic orator, has won the admiration of many of the girls of the class by the sweet pathetic passages which he is wont to display in Society, and which, he says, resemble those of his favorite author—Robert Burns.
It is with great pleasure that we call your attention to our trio, i.e., the Misses Lucas, Potter and Bixler, who, owing to their great timidity, have lately become three of the most prominent members of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. They expect to take an extended tour this summer to lecture on that subject. If dumb animals could but speak or weep, how profoundly they would lament the loss of three of their noblest friends. No need of wishing these young ladies success, for, being members of ’88, they will certainly succeed.
Mr. Tiefenthaler, better known as “Bennie,” is a great favority among the young ladies of the class. There is one, however, whom he particularly admires, though it is said he is sometimes compelled to “Hunt” for her.
Charles Palmer, as you can see by the cast of his countenance, is very ambitious. He thought that he could easily attend to the “pretty girl from Orrville” and his “Highland Mary” at the same time. He did not, however, succeed in his plan, and he has finally decided not to meddle with the young ladies of our neighboring towns until he can properly take care of those in his own.
Mr. Limb, our distinguished base-ballist, thought of leaving the class last Spring to join the “Jim Crow” base-ball club of Smithville, but it was noticed by many of the members that “Nettie” was daily pining away, so Moxie, to the great delight of Nettie, was finally persuaded to remain, by one of the Young-est members of the class.
Miss Hoelzel is our honor member, and she may well rejoice over her good fortune, for it has certainly been an exceedingly Good-year for her.
Miss Baumgardner is bound to “Excell” in the study of music and steam engines. It is not at all surprising to hear that she refused to accept the affirmative of the question, “Resolved, That ancient inventions are greater than modern,” when we learn that the steam engine is a modern invention and that “Stephenson” is the inventor.
Mr. Hoffman is by no means so “huffy” as his name signifies; for, with all his defects, he at least has a Good-heart.
The Misses Jackson and Linn indeed deserve to be called the “bright and shining lights” of the class. Both being members of the Astronomy class, they decided one evening last winter to go star-gazing, having previously engaged the use of the telescope on North Grant Street. No doubt they greatly admired the beautiful constellations of the heavens, but it is evident that before reaching home they discovered a dazzling orb which commanded more of their admiration than anything they had yet observed through the telescope, namely, the “star” of the class.
Miss Haettinger’s a girl who says never a word,
And you’d think she was rather tame
By the manner in which she avoids the boys,
But she “gets there all the same”.
Miss Jennie Darr, the pride of the class,
Is nothing but blushes, and smiles
When allowed to converse with our gay young lad
Who lives in the country just two miles.
Miss Douglas is a maiden both gentle and mild,
With the class she has little to do;
But as she can clearly foretell all coming events,
A very good prophetess she’ll make for you.
But there is yet another about whom it is our sad duty to speak,—that one who has gone to the better world. Her dignified presence was sufficient to command the respect of all, for “none knew her but to love her.” Her pleasing manners, fine appreciation of rectitude, her amiable disposition, and her purity of life, were as prominent and impressive as the silvery stars on the evening’s brow. But for reasons known only to Him who gave, Anna Buckley has gone to the home of the blest. Her life, though short, was a grand success, and will continue to impress each and all who knew her that she possessed moral qualities of a higher order, for all who associated with her were elevated in the scale of moral being. Her premature death impresses each with the fact that we may get too old to live, but we are never too young to die.
Let us hope, then, in heaven, as onward we go,
Though life may have seasons of sorrow and woe
The hope of the Christian enlivens the way
Through the valley of tears and the mansions of clay.
And now, kind friends, we have briefly recounted a few of the events of the class, given you some of the characteristics of its members, and allowed you to enter at least the ante-room of our secret chamber; but remember, “the half has not been told.” But I am admonished that this tedious tale must have an end.
To my classmates I would say, our happy school-days are now gone forever, but we will not regret them. May the precious memories of the past inspire us in the future, make us more heroic for its conflicts, and strengthen us as we shall toil on through the life that will now open before us. Thus, having blessed the age in which we lived, with pleasant reflections and sublime anticipations, standing amid the wrecks and failures, smoke of battle and din of the world, we shall be enabled to shout the matchless word “Victory.” Then the swift recording angel will write the inimitable words, “Well Done.”
Class Prophecy.
Miss Dail Douglas.
It was only a reverie. We were transported backward nearly 1800 years. We were suddenly surrounded by a lurid atmosphere. A dense darkness brooded upon the air. For two sulphurous days the sun was obscured in the “City of the Violet Crown.” The seven-hilled metropolis of the Tiber was enveloped in smoke and beyond the Mediterranean shot the rays of a mighty conflagration. Birds died of suffocation, the fishes perished, 250,000 people were convulsed and crushed. The wizard that had enthralled my mind became appalled at the catastrophe, his power was broken. The reverie was ended, consciousness revisited me and I stood again with clear open eyes before the world and in it.
How long, I know not, only, that, in a little less than 17 centuries, a condition of disembodiment possessed me. I was in a sort of spirit-land, and a more ethereal reverie controlled me. A form—a most human form it was—was shown me, on which was a priceless apparel, well preserved. In a pocket of an under vestment was a capsule which a master of the ceremonies handed me, in which was the seed-vessel of a plant. Its owner had been a botanist. My anxiety compelled me to open the capsule, and in it I discovered 45 seeds, which I opened, when lo and behold the mantle of prophecy descended upon me—the wonderful spirit of divination was mine. I became a prophetess—and I saw the destiny of 34 immortals, prefigured in these seeds, and they corresponded to the members of the class of ’88.
A glance at the names of the thirty-four members of the class of ’88 presents a medley of possibilities. The class is an exceptionally brilliant one—it has few idlers—no negations—no reprobates, and Miss Carrie Bates worthily wears the second honor, but she is slightly deficient in orthography as applied to proper names, as, for instance, she spells John with two J’s. Carrie baits her hook well. Her ear for the symphony of sounds is good, as she says there is but one word in the English language that rhymes with Himmel—the German’s name for heaven.
Carrie is of a roving nature—she will probably go to sea (see)—John,
There is but one Baum in the class, and we are happy to say it is not a dynamite bomb, for it is associated with a gardner—a Baumgardner tho, if a fuse were run through the name, and a match set near it, it might explode and this at any time of the year, or any kind of a year whether a bad year or a Goodyear. Lizzie will never marry a Steveadore, or the father of any man named Stephen but what she would do if Stephen’s son came prowling around—is—Well, it isn’t a conundrum.
The next tiny seed disclosed the name of George Carson. His ancestry begins with antiquity. To class them with their proper geologic era, they would belong to the Palezoic period. We, nevertheless, delight in George through all these generations. He has been pronounced the patriarch of the class. If he carried a scythe, we would bow to him as we would to “Old Time” himself. He will make a successful farmer, he has sterling (stir) attributes (boots) and with proper sized boots, he will stir the sod gloriously. O, for a mixer to stir life’s elixer and have Cora Bixler quaff a full quart of it. Cora is too modest, too unassuming, for this keen, cunning, foxy world. She must rise up and strike it full in the face. She must write no more odes to contemplation. We forecast for her a life devoted to astronomy. She will linger with the stars, exchange photographs with the man in the moon, ask him for a ringlet of his hair, and die of a broken heart when he telephones her that he has been bald headed for 300,000 years.
Next was the name of Charles Goodyear.
Charles was patented by his celebrated prototype, the author of the cellaloid fine tooth comb, less than a quarter of a century ago. Charlie’s face has a very spiritual cast, the result of his partiality for preserves, mince pies, and taffy. He would make a good gardner. If he owned a billiard table he could farm it, raise cucumbers and turnips on it, then pool the market and become a capitalist. He is kindhearted and tender. He will become a railroad man—a devoted, sympathizing switch=tender.
On opening the next capsules we see the names of Lucy Horn and Theresa Haettinger.
The eyes of our prophets … will follow them. We now … Lucy chanting the … over the plates, the wife of a cowboy who is yet to be a Congressman and will go to Washington by the way of the Horn, and
[the top of the next column is illegible]
For Nettie Dausman. we predict that is she does not marry before she is ?, she will become an old maid.
Concerning Sam Boyd, we remark that Sam does not wear a wig or pay taxes on celluloid teeth. I may add he belongs to an eminently respectable collateral branch of the human family. He is one of the “lords of creation.” We prophesy a bright future for him, whether in the field of the preacher, teacher or the cotton field. It is not the opinion of many that Sam will wait long—tho he is par excellence a waiter, for he says he will not “finish his journey alone.”
Charles Palmer is his father’s son and is undoubtedly a brick. If his health continues and no accident visits him he will yet become a man. He sings like a mocking bird and warbles like a nightingale. We prophesy that his vocation throughout live will be that of a warbler.
Alice Potter is a popular musician of the class of ’88. She will become a clairvoyant, a prestidigitateur, an interpreter, a solver of enigmas and in the capitals of the Old World, her name will be a household word.
Bessie Dunlap. As I wrote this name, I detected a peculiar hue of the skye—it bore a sort of a dun cast and making this a prophetic color, I drew my picture and now throw in her lap. Bess is a mathematician and we forecast she will illuminate the world. She can adjust all conceivable differences and has been able to demonstrate that one is equal to two. Knowing how to add as she does, she will find little trouble in figuring u the sum of her happiness.
The next disclosure presented the name of Ben Tiefenthaler. Ben became lovesick when he was two years old, since when he has been taking Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup. He subsists largely upon Angel’s Food and the flesh of butterflies. Hence, his airy, lightsome, fancy flying disposition. He has an admiration for electricity and will be an electrician—that is he will travel for a lightning rod company.
Here comes conscientious, industrious Jennie Darr! We predict that she will become a missionary, and that by her winning ways she will capture some Darr-ling Fiji Islander, and thus, either one, by a grand act of affection, prevent the swallowing of the other.
The next capsule unfolds the destiny of Morris Ogan. Morris is an exotic. He will establish a hot house at the North Pole. He will reach this geographical goal that John Franklin and Greely have failed to reach by force of his temper. He will instruct the Esquimaux in sarcasm and give theatrical lessons to Polar Bears and canines. When he returns he will explain how he raised apples on an iceberg. In 127,000 years he will be a head-light on an Arctic glacier.
Alfred Ormond is a kind of cutis vera to Morris. This statement is a 7 removed deviation from the truth, perhaps. There is a mighty future for these two fledgelings, one at the pole, the other at the equator. It is a pity that unpitying fate will separate them so widely, for they are alike. One will be adjusted to the other as perfectly as if he had been sawed by a reversed pattern from the same piece of lumber. One attitudinizing to be seen, the other to show how it is done. Alfred will start an ice-house on the equator where he will put the photographs of his girls.
Then we see Katie Lazara, young and buoyant—Alice Lucas looking at life calmly; Ella Linn tall and graceful; Mary Murdoch consecrated to study and Charles Palmer and Nettie Meahl whose lives will be consecrated to art. With their penetrating eyes, which see everything from a bride’s wardrobe to an apple dumpling, no more inferior product of art than the Greek slave will be chosen as a model.
Clara Jackson’s life opens to her a pleasant pathway. In three years from this day she will sail for Morocco and there wed a Tripolitan captain of a war frigate, but who will turn pirate and be shot. Her life will be spared and his fortune to her, and thenceforth she will become the Grace Darling of the near Bermudas, and some poet of our class will sing
“On a wet and mossy stone,
Shelving from the ocean shore
Sits a classmate still and lone
While around the billows roar.”
Spink Street is a parallel of Broadway, 546 miles west of New York and is by actual measurement 3487 miles north of the equator. It is noted for its boarding houses, and its exquisite young men and among these are none more conspicuous than Burdell Hoffman. Burdell is not very good looking but is beautiful. He will be an anarchist, and when sentenced to be hung, his blandishment will capture some Nina Van Zandt to save him, or, at least marry him in prison.
Cora Goodheart is cheery, vivacious and tuneful as a mocking bird. She is well named, for her heart is great and good. She will become our poetess and every muse will be in love with her. But, poor Cora, bright, sunny and joyful as she is, has a sad future before her. She is about to join the Mormons as the wife of an avenging angel.
It is said that the birds first taught music to mortals, and an angel came straight from heaven to hear Saint Cecilia sing.
We have in Miss Hunt and Miss Jones two musical geniuses, a player and a singer.
“Alas for those who never play
What prize to those who win them!
Alas for those who never sing
And die with all their music in them.”
Anna has the energy to become a member of the international council of female suffragists, but she has too much good sense for that. She has aimed to excel. The piano obeys the touch ofher fingers as the wild rose does the south wind. Indeed she prefers the piano to the jewsharp or a hand organ, or a triangle, or the hotel gong. Hattie is a vivacious intellectual “American girl” and to be a refined high-minded American girl, is better than to be a Princess. She will qualify herself for opera, or star-stage work, but the truth is if there is a villian on the boards, she will fall in love with him, especially if he is a captain of the dragoons and has “eyes in a fine frenzy rolling.” Her voice is a legacy. Had she studied instrumental music she would have succeeded as a violinist. Then she would not have had to lay down her bow to any man—not even a Bowman. Misses Hunt and Jones will spend the last 75 years of their lives in Florida, where, with diamond dust in their hair, they will make music through sighing sea shells to twilight lovers.
Cora Young is by no means the youngest in the class. Turning over the Sybilline leaves of our fatal bookk, we find the record: “Not dead—but married to an officer in the Salvation Army.”
Paul Fletcher’s name is recorded in the Family Bible wrong end foremost. It should have been Fletcher Paul. There is but one royal act recorded of any mortal, having the name of Fletcher. He was a valet to one of the old barons of Normandy, who choked on a filbert. The name of Paul has a history. He is mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, by Shakespeare and is found in “Jack o’the Bean Stalk” and the “Mother Goose Melodies.” Mr. Fletcher, as the Class Historian, has perpetuated himself. His style is brilliant and he is fascinating. Our oracle pronounces for him the future of a politician. But, alack, alas, we predict his failure. He will start half a century behind, for the days of Jackson are no more.
Marcus Limp and Ross Wallace are chips off the same block and would fit in the same crazy quilt. Limp does not have the winning ways of Wallace, but has the advantage in intellect. They look as if they belonged to the same family, but Marcus is audacious and inflated with conceit. Ross is retiring and modest. If Marcus wanted pie he would ask for it, whereas you would have to carry it to Ross on a platter. Mr. W. lacks cheek. He has no social qualities and no desire to talk. He will remain a back-woodsman and will dreamingly waste life away, surrounded by unclassic mosquitos and unscientific fire-flies. We predict that he will perish prematurely. But this is a word of compensation, and O, what compensation could be offered for Ross Wallace. Echo, from her thunder-car shouts “none!” Marcus will preach or drive an omnibus, or become a soldier, or tally sheet forger, for he has a universal capacity.
Etta Hoelzel is the “Maid of the Mist” of our class, facing the Niagara of study, and struggling in the waves of her books. She has climbed the ladder of learning to the top. She has nothing more to learn. Her future is fixed—she will forever indulge in gifts—she has absorbed so much that she can forever give. She will visit the Holy Land and go fishing in the Sea of Galilee. She will write a book on Judea and sell it in Jericho. She will return by way of the Sandwich Islands, stop at Panama, establish kindergartens of monkeys, and import her assistant teachers from the University of Wooster.
Anna Buckley—A tear gathers in our prophetic eye as we see her name. We burst this capsule and it is empty. The mystic rod reverses in our hand and our want inclines the other way. She was of our class but faded from the rolls in a youthful day. But the “edge and temper of our love is sharp and warm for her.” To-night whe will “stoop from spheres of glory, one happy hour with us to stay.”
Our last capsule is now broken, there is a chrysalis in it, it writes, it thinks, it reads. It is a member of the class of ’88—it is a diviner of events—a guager of human destinies, a prophetess, the prophetess of the class of ’88, whose mantle now falls at her feet, and whose visions and illusions disappear before they reveal her Fate.
This was followed by the singing of two choruses, (a) “Over the Sea,” and (b)”a June Day.”
Valedictory.
E. Etta Hoelzel.
Miss Hoelzel, daughter of John Hoelzel, Esq., one of the youngest members of the class, was the Valedictorian. We give her production in full.
“First Person Singular.”
No doubt we all think the First Person Singular is a very important pronoun. But I am afraid we are inclined to think more of its importance than of its value. Each one should strive to make himself valuable. If anything is absolutely necessary to make a person valuable
[the top of the next column is illegible]
… but what he is … and have some ….When he … that what he is he accomplish lies in a … and strives … to apply .. in tha line, he had usually … upon a … and posperous career. It is not the man who emphasizes “I,” but he who, recognizing the importance of “I,” emphasizes “It,” is of the highest value. Any employer prizes a subordinate who makes his employer’s interest his own far above one who thinks of nothing but self, and is always afraid of exerting himself too much. We must not look forward with a greedy eye to the possibility of our becoming a distinguished person, or doing some wonderful thing, but we must search for our own capacity and diligently seek to develop it. “Let every man know his duty and do it, and work at it like Hercules.” If we wish to make ourselves valuable, this is the only way in which we can do it.
How much would I prefer to continue this discourse, than proceed to the task which has devolved upon me! But why do I delay? The great clock of time, which never stops nor goes too fast or slow, warns us that another year is here and that we, the class of ’88, must forever depart as pupils from the High School. We, together, have for years plodded, step by step, along the Path of Knowledge. Now we must separate, each to take a different path. As we look over the past we can see the many pleasures we have had, and but very few unpleasant things. No doubt we would gladly recall much of the past but since we cannot, let us take up the task which lies before us, and strive to reap the best results possible. But is we could peer into the mystical future, what would a class-meeting of ten years hence reveal to us? How great is the change ten years can make! Some of us may have passed beyond the tides of Eternity; some of us may be richer, some poorer; some of us wiser, some sadder, but all of us ten years older.
Now we bid farewell to the Board of Education. We heartily thank you for placing over us the best of teachers. Kind Superintendent and teachers, how great is our gratitude to you for the many lessons of the past! You have earnestly sought that we should set our steps in the right path, although we could not always see that it was to our advantage. If we have not accomplished what we might, we clearly see that it is through no fault of yours. We bid you farewell, hoping that our future excellences may atone for the shortcomings of the past.
Dear classmates, it is my sad duty to bid you farewell. The cords which have bound us as classmates must now be broken asunder. Let us go forward and fulfill the expectations which have been placed in us. We read that there are stars so far distant from the earth that it requires years for their light to reach it. If they should suddenly be extinguished, we should not be aware of the fact, for as many years as it might require for the last rays to reach us. We might behold the starry heavens nightly, see the same old radiance as if nothing had happened. Just so, dear classmates, let us live such worthy lives that when they have gone out in the darkness of death, we may still continue to exert an influence. As we depart from the High School we will fully realize what so many of our predecessors have said, that our school days are our happiest days. Now, to our Superintendent, Teachers, Members of the Board of Education, and friends, we bit a long farewell, farewell,
Superintendent W.S. Eversole here made brief remarks prior to the presentation of the diplomas.
This was followed by the singing of the Class Song, the pronouncing of the benediction, and the exercises were over.
1894: Thursday, June 7.
George S. Limb graduation ceremonies from Wooster High School. George and another graduate, Paul Lee, were both excused from attending the ceremonies as they were serving with Company D.
Wooster Daily Republican
Wooster, Ohio
Friday, 8 June, 1894
pg 3
Novel Commencement.
’94 Wooster High School Do Well.
Some New And Good Features Adding To The Pleasure
The Hall Thronged, the State Handsomely Set, the Idea of a Happy Home Circle Appropriately Carried Out All Around.
Again have the people of Wooster shown their interest in the public schools of the city by filling every inch of space in the City Opera House in their desire to hear the commencement exercises of the class of 1894.
Another class has gone forth from the free education for which our people care so duly and the career of each graduate will be watched with that degree of pride born of a love for home institutions which has long manifested itself among all residents of the city.
The audience present last night was such an one as is always gathered together on such occasions, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, relatives or friends interested in some individual member of the class—those who are yet in school, and citizens generally, who, by their attention and kindly applause showed their love for education and their good wishes for the public schools of Wooster. The class of ’94 in the programme presented, showed that they deserved the magnificent audience which gathered in their honor.
The exercises were opened with prayer by Rev. W.C. Dawson, of the Methodist church, who invoked the divine blessing on the audience, and the class. The programme was then carried out as follows:
Presiding Hostess – Elizabeth McClure
Chorus—Jubelati Deo (Air from B Tours) – By the Class
Salutatory—Fore-Ground and Back-ground – Elizabeth Bechtel
Recitation—Gladys and the Echo – Lotta B. Horn
Ladies Chorus—The Bridal of the Birds – Brindley Richards
Medley – Florence McClure Dunlap
a. Chorus—Wake with a Smile, O, Month of May, Bennett
b. Quartett—Little Jack Horner, Air from Caldicott
Invective—Robespierre – Wm. W. Darr
Eulogy—Wendell Phillips – Lois Irvine Patterson
Physical Culture Exercise
Argument—The Signs of the Times and the
Radical Changes in the Government
– Affirm—William Nold Hoelzel
– Deny—Ben Clide Barnard
Broomsticks – Simon F.M. Harsh
Clubs – Lillian M. Clark
Scorpions – Walter McKackey
Moonshine – Nora A. Buckley
Conciliatory – Olinda Abbot Meeker
a. Chorus—On, on, We Swiftly Glide, Veazie
b. Part Song—Stars of the Summer Night, Smart
Valedictory—Kossuth – Mary Kathryn Belle Marshall
Presentation of Diplomas
Class Song – Words by Sadie Clark
Music “Auld Lang Syne”
Excused from Speaking.
Bessie Baumgardner – Lost Keys
Nora Agnes Buckley – The Knowledge of Religion
Ella E. Bissell – Queens
Sadie Minerva Clark – Modern Language
Mary Lillian Clark – Pandora’s Box
Mary Ethel Dice – The Mission of Poetry
Fannie Brandon Elson – The Power of Observation
Lulu Blanche Frick – The Significance of Commencement
Lottie Belle Horn – Womanly Woman
Julia Holloran – The Influence of Good Literature
Flora Lotta Hessler – The School Girls of the Present Day
Simon Harsh – Astronomy Verses Astrology
Laura Klinger – The Moral Effects of Oratorical Contests
Ada Olive Keehn – Among the Trees
George S. Limb – National Patriotism
Ethel Fay Long – Masks
Lizzie McClure – Self-Confidence—Self-Conceit
Walter McDonald Mackey – Education as a Sign Board
Harry Waldo Mackey – How the Tide Rises and Falls
Frank George Milham – The Veto Power
Jessie Phillips – The Influence of Music in the Public Schools
Elizabeth Reid – Printer’s Ink
Laura Arline Sellers – Individuality
? Young – By-Paths
The stage setting was the prettiest and most novel ever used at graduation exercises in the city. The spacious stage was made to represent a huge drawing-room, filled with the richest of furniture, bric-a-brac, tapestry, rugs, and fancy lamps; the walls of the drawing-room was backed by a large mantle and over which hung the class colors, red, white and blue, as marked in the flag of our nation. The front of the room was embellished with great bouquets of peonies. Seated about the room as though gathered for a reception as the curtain rolled up were Supt. Charles Haupert, Prof. S.S. Milligan, Misses Millicent Woodworth, Martha A. Webster, Jennie Flattery, Luthena Baughman, and Harriett Funck, teachers in the High School, James Mullins and A.W. Blackburn, Members of the Board of Education, Rev. W.C. Dawson, and the members of the class.
The idea of having the exercises appear homelike was nicely carried throughout the programme by the presiding hostess, Miss Elizabeth McClure. The young lady in making the announcements calling out the different performances and giving the performances in turn, did so with considerable grace and dignity and with an earnestness that attracted attention. We have not the space at our command to speak of the merits of each individual performer, suffice it to say that all did excellently. The physical culture exercise, given by 12 of the young ladies was the most pleasing performance of the whole to the vast audience as was attested by the applause. This branch of study in the schools is under the direction of Miss Flora Goodman, who by reason of illness was not able to be present to hear the hearty stamp of approval placed on her work by the audience. The young ladies had been so thoroughly drilled in the exercise, however, that they went through the many different delsarte movements with remarkable precision and demonstrated the importance and value of this branch of instruction.
The music, as has been the case here since Miss Martha Webster has had charge of this branch of instruction, was excellent, and the different numbers were greatly enjoyed.
All was so well arranged and nicely carried out, that the programme, long as it appeared on paper, was finished shortly after 10 o’clock with the singing of the class song of ’94, after the diplomas had been presented to each in person by Prof. S.S. Milligan, with a brief, suggestive, impressive address, this being his last act as principal of the Wooster High School which he leaves after 16 years of service in the city schools, carrying with him to his new field of work at Springfield, near Cedar Rapids, the affection, esteem and best wishes of all.
Paul Wayne Lee was on the programme with an oration on “Guns”, but with George S. Limb, was absent by reason of their membership in Co. D, 8th regiment, O.N.G.
Salutatory—“Fore-Ground and Back-ground,” by Bessie Bechtel.
In the making of a picture, one of the most necessary parts to consider by the artist, is the back-ground. The more perfect he makes it, the more finished will be the picture; for the back-ground makes the objects in the fore-ground stand forth in all their beauty. Much more beautiful is the picture, showing a scene in a meadow on a hot summer’s day, where horses stand beneath the cool shade of a large tree, the back-ground being a clump of trees, or a woods in the distance through which a bit of sky and some fleecy clouds are seen, than the picture, describing a like scene, but lacking the back-ground. The same is true of humanity—between the famous and the common people. The one class depend upon the other—the one, the back=ground, the other, the fore-ground;—and the most perfect the back-ground, the more striking will the figure in the fore-ground become. Many, many times have the famous men and women, both in ancient and modern times, been used as illustrations of power, greatness and influence, but seldom the common people. Why is this, when the latter have been so useful to those who have attained greatness? Think how few famous people there would be, if it were not for the common people.
Charlemagne, one of the greatest generals of the mediaeval period, owed much of his fame to his faithful soldiers. He could not have enlarged his dominions until they extended over the greater part of western Europe, without the aid of his army. In his long campaign against the Saxons, which lasted for more than thirty years, he would have been utterly powerless without his soldiers. If they had not been prompt to obey his orders and had refused at any time to fight for him, the saxons could easily have gained the victories, for they were determined not to be conquered, and it was only through the bravery and hard fighting of his soldiers, that they were finally conquered. Charlemagne had the military genius, and could plan his expeditions, but his army did the work. Indirectly, also, it was through his soldiers that he was made Emperor of Rome, because this was thought to be the only was to reward him for the many services which he had rendered Italy.
Florence Nightingale, called the “Angel of the Crimea,” became well known to the world through the aid which was given by her to the suffering soldiers of the English army, sent to engage in war with Russia. The army suffered intensely from hunger, cold, rain, want of clothing, cholera, and many other thins. Even the beggar, wandering through the streets of London in the rain, was said to lead the life of a prince compared with them. Into the midst of this distress, Florence Nightingale, accompanied by thirty-four other nurses, came. Each of them did what she could to make the poor soldiers comfortable and cheered them with many a smile and kind word, long afterwards remembered. It was this great suffering among the soldiers, enabling Florence Nightingale to do so much more for them in many ways than otherwise would have been required, which made her name shine so brightly in history. The immense English army and its distress are the background of her fame. Just this one act has won for her the admiration of the world. She, no doubt, would have been known and honored in her native country, because of her work among the poor, sick and afflicted; but it is almost certain, that she never would have been known as she now is, except for the distress in the English army. Many people are, perhaps, doing much good in hospitals and other places, as she did before she went to the Crimea; but they are known only to comparatively few.
The art, culture and refinement of the ancient Greeks were the product of slavery. Slaves were employed for almost every kind of work; and it is said they were considered just as necessary in the economy of the family as were cooking utensils. For a house-hold to be without at least a half-dozen slaves was regarded as a very great misfortune, and the number was generally much larger than this. When an Athenian gentleman went out for a walk or a ride, he was always attended by a slave, whose express duty was to tell him the names of persons he was supposed to recognize. The duty of another slave in the household was to care for his master’s sandals. These are only a few of their smallest duties; but it can readily be seen how many different kinds of work they must have done, when they were employed for such trifles. Was it any wonder that the Greeks were so refined and cultured, when none of the drudgery was done by them? They had plenty of time to study art and literature and to become ? in every respect. Although the slaves were considered to be very inferior to them, it is these same slaves who should be regarded as playing the principal part in making the Greeks famous, and they should not be placed so far in the back-ground.
In home and national life, the everyday people are indispensable. Everywhere they are needed to do the work which the wealthy and accomplished will not stoop to do. Who built the beautiful structures which adorn our cities; who cultivates the soil in order that it may bring food for all; and who do all the many other necessary kinds of work, if not the common people? In many instances the father and mother at the home are the back-ground of those who have attained greatness. They have toiled hard both day and night in order that their children might be educated, depriving themselves of the comforts of life to help them, and then they are often thrust so far into the back-ground that they are scarcely known at all. Were it not for the mothers in the land, always ready to help and encourage their children, neither our homes nor our country would be what they are, and many of the most famous characters in history would be unknown to the world.
Then let every one who is in the back-ground be content to do the work he is meant to do. All can not be great. Some one must do the drudgery, and he who does his part well, however humble, will be considered in the eyes of God, if not of the world as great as the famous people.
Dear friends and parents of the Class of ’94, we welcome you this evening and we hope that you may receive as much pleasure from the exercises as we expect to receive. We feel and appreciate the interest you have taken in us, and you give us much encouragement by your presence. For this evening only, the Class of ’94 desires to be considered in the fore-ground, and with such a perfect back-ground we hope to make a finished and beautiful picture.
Valedictory, “Louis Kossuth,” by Mary Marshall.
In the political heavens of every nation is some luminary brighter than all others; some star which, shining out through the political darkness, sends through the nation a ray of hope.
As examples of this truth we have among the Hebrews Moses, whose wonderful tact and ability led the Israelites out of the darkness of servitude, through many years of wandering, and at last brought them safely to the promised land.
America found in her horoscope, among other propitious signs, the radiant luminary George Washington; while Garibaldi’s reckless daring played the important part in the liberation and unification of Italy.
The fairest character in Hungarian history is that of Louis Kossuth. Kossuth was born in the second year of this century. Though descended from an ancient noble family he was not favored by the inheritance of wealth, but had the far more precious legacy of parental piety. He was born a Protestant and all through his life showed ardent devotion to his religion. At a very early age he began to feel in his breast the promptings of a free spirit which he afterward called “something nameless.” He was given the advantages of a careful education, and at the age of 20, having already graduated from college and the law school, he received a governmental appointment of some note. With this his wonderful career in public life began. His public life was marked by his appointment to the Diet, by his publishing a newspaper reporting the proceedings of the Diet and disseminating democratic ideas broadcast throughout the country, by his imprisonment as a result of this step, by his release after two years confinement, by his seeming victory when he obtained the Emperor’s assent to the Hungarian Constitution, drawn up by the Diet, by his grief at his country’s defeat, when Russia allied herself with Austria, and finally by his exile.
The world knows of his wonderful love of freedom, of his repeated efforts to liberate Hungary from the hard yoke of Austria, of his failures and disappointments, and of his marvelous ability to overcome difficulties. It is related of him that when he was imprisoned and allowed only three books, none of which might be political, he chose an English grammar, an Hungarian-English dictionary, and a copy of Shakespeare. There in his lonely cell, with unparalleled perseverance, he mastered the English language. The world knows, too, that Kossuth was a true patriot. His devotion to his fatherland was so great that he placed its interests above all others, even above life itself.
In a country where a word against the ruling power is treason, and treason is death, regardless of life, he went about delivering his powerful invectives against Austrian tyranny. When eventually he failed, he went even so far as to deprive himself of his beloved country, and lived in voluntary exile to show his disapproval of a tyrant’s rule. For this act Kossuth may be charged with fanaticism, but his life was one of true earnestness. Fanaticism is always earnestness but earnestness is not always fanaticism. Only when reason ceases to dominate, does earnestness become fanaticism. In no particular can Kossuth be charged as acting without reason. He was truly earnest in his work for his country’s freedom. He had a lofty purpose—to free his country was his one ambition, and he strove with all his power to gain this end.
As a reformer, he may be likened to Simon De Montfort, to whom the common people of England owe their liberties. Again he may be likened to Sir William Wallace, who ? the brave Scots to throw off the English yoke. Wallace, though not coming from actual nobility, showed such innate nobility that princes, as well as peasants, were willing to serve him; and though he himself failed this memory is now admired as sincerely by the English as it is loved by the Scots. So will it be with Kossuth. In a few years he will be revered by Austrian and Hungarian alike.
As a statesman he was incorruptible—stainless. In this respect he presents a marked contrast to the petty politicians of to-day who say with Ingalls that “Moral law has no place in politics,” inasmuch as the same moral law which guided his private life, controlled his political career, and so leaves his character unmarred by the stains which so often blacken the memory of an otherwise political hero. In Kossuth’s character we find all the requisites of a man truly great.
His heroism, patriotism, purity of life and earnestness, his enthusing oratory in the face of danger, his inspiring eloquence when in exile—these have justly won him a name that can be placed beside any other in history. Let such a character, demonstrated by such a life, be ever honored by a people who do not forget the truly great.
Since Kossuth alone and unaided, in the face of so many difficulties, made his life such a success, shall not we, whose parents, friends, teachers, and Board of Education have made the most strenuous efforts for the furtherance of our good, shall not we at least make our lives something of what they were planned by the Almighty Ruler and shall we not strive so to direct our labors and our lives, as that the results may ultimately satisfy the utmost desires of those who have so faithfully helped us. From these we must now formally separate, formally, because our relations can never end. The influence received from there will ever remain. The personality transmitted from mind to mind will characterize our entire existence.
As classmates, in bidding each other farewell, we realize that tonight marks an era in our lives.
Our schooldays together are finished. Yet we hope we are beginning a life of greater usefulness, even though it be filled with graver realities and responsibilities; lives, that in themselves may be obscure, yet in the final reckoning they will make for the right. Though we may never all meet again here, we hope and trust to have a glorious reunion in that home which is being prepared for us, where we may sit forever and learn at the feet of our great Teacher.
1895: Thursday, June 6.
Florence C. Limb graduation ceremonies from Wooster High School. Florence was George Limb’s twin sister but graduated a year later. Her class was the largest yet at Wooster High School.The newspaper coverage did not include transcripts of the students orations, perhaps for good reason after the previous year.
Wooster Republican
Wooster, Ohio
Wednesday, 29 May, 1895
pg 3
The Names of Those Who Will Graduate From the High School.
The commencement exercises of the Wooster High School will take place in the City Opera House, Thursday, June 6. The class this year numbers 56, as follows:
Jannie Acker, Bertha Auman, Fay Bowman, Mila Branstetter, Eunice Clark, Etta Crabbs, Maud Cummings, Bertha Cunningham, Daisy Derr, Nellie D’Miller, Grace Dunlap, Sadie Eberhart, Flora Elliott, Estella Ellsperman, Maud Ellsperman, Bertha Gasche, Isabelle Graham, Flora Grossenbach, Agatha Hard, Grace Hartman, Zella Hoffman, Anna Kostenbader, Anna Langell, Ethel Lerch, Florence Limb, Nannie McClarran, Jennie McElroy, Lulu Moore, Nina Mower, Blanche Myers, Reba Nachtrieb, Alice Ogen, Carrie Phillips, Gertrude Reed, Erma Rowe, Eva Schuch, Gertrude Shibley, Myrtle Shpley, Mary Stewart, Gipsy Taylor, Birdie Wilhelm, Anna Yoder.
Edward Davidson, Charles Dawson, Thomp. Dowing, Sterling Funk, Harry Hurst, Tracy Leyda, Chas. McKinney, Williard Ohliger, Howard Reed, George Rose, Will Saybolt, Chas. Sang, Wayne Swartz, Edwin Wallace.
Wooster Daily Republican
Wooster, Ohio
Friday, 7 June, 1895
pg 1 & 3
The Largest Class.
Wooster High School’s Thirtieth Leads the State.
No Other Ohio City Compares With It In Proportion.
’95 Numbers 56. Ladies 42, young Gentlemen 14, Whose Commencement Vindicates Their Motto “Aut Vincere Aut Mori.”
Once again have the people of Wooster demonstrated their love for and interest in the schools of the city by their attendance at the thirtiety annual commencement of the High School. It was of course generally known that the seats had all been sold and in addition cards for as many chairs as could be safely placed in the auditorium of the City Opera House, yet several hundred persons besides sought admission and expressed a willingness to stand throughout the exercises. They could not be accommodated and reluctantly turned away.
The audience was slow in gathering but all had evidently read the announcement that the programme would begin promptly at 8 o’clock. The management of the house had anticipated a crush and with an extra force of ushers seated the people as quickly as possible. But still there were many late and some annoyance and confusion was caused by latecomers. Supt. Charles Haupert for his effort to start the exercises promptly and to close the doors during the carrying out of the numbers deserves credit and certainly received it from those who were present last night. The exercises began at almost exactly 8, but the jam was so great at the door that the instructions to close it could not be carried out for a few moments. The order to refuse admission during the performances was carried out to the letter and resulted greatly to the pleasure of those already in their seats.
The class, which numbers 56, is the largest ever sent out from the High School, and it was fitting and right that one of the largest assemblages ever in the house should be present. The decorations were not so elaborate as on many former occasions, but were in harmony and good taste. The class colors, royal purple and lavender, occupied a prominent part in the embellishments. Double folds of the colors were suspended from the main chandelier to the corners of the stage where the ends met a graceful festooning of the colors suspended across the stage. The display of flowers and plants while not large was effective and so deftly arranged as to produce the prettiest effect possible without obscuring the stage to the spectators. Across the front of the platform was spread a profusion of cut flowers, while on the right and left were palms, ferns and blooming plants, so grouped as to form a beautiful setting for the animated picture which presented itself to the auditors when the 56 young ladies and gentlemen who were to receive coveted diplomas and the teachers were in their places on the stage. The long programme was successfully carried out without a hitch, although it was a little after 11 o’clock when the last graduate received his diploma and the class was called for the last time. The performers all did excellently, acquitting themselves with credit to the school and the teachers. The vocal numbers were as usual pleasing, demonstrating the ability and skill of the teacher of music, Miss Martha Webster. The programme was as follows:
Invocation.
Chorus—Prayer from “Dinorah” Meyerberger—Solo—By Miss Alice Ogan.
Class Salutatory Oration—The Mission of America—Grace Hartman.
Salutatory Oration—The Great West—Wayne Swartz.
Vocal Duett—“The Time of Youth”—Pinsute—Misses Cummings and Dunlap.
Oration—Extremes Meet—Jennie Acker
Oration—The Political Woman—Mila Granstetter
Chorus—Gypsy Chorus from Bohemian Girl, Balfe—Solos—Misses Elliott, Eberhart and Lerch.
Oration—Two Sticks—Anna Kostenbader.
Oration—Violins and Violinists—Birdie Wilhelm.
Chorus—Revel of the Leaves, Veazie—Class.
Eulogy—Frederick Douglass—Ethel Lerch.
Exhortation—Ambition—Mary Stewart.
Vocal Trio—Memory, Leslie—Misses Schuch, Hartman and Wilhelm.
Shakespearan Medley—Cast of Characters.
Prologue—Fay Bowman.
King Lear—Edwin Wallace.
Goneril—Sadie Eberhart.
Regan—Zella Huffman.
Cordelia—Reba Nachtrieb.
Hamlet—George Rose.
Ghost—George Rose.
Antonia—George Rose.
Portia—Erma Rowe.
Lady Macbeth—Grace Dunlap.
Macbeth—Howard Reed.
Petruchio—Sterling Funk.
Katherine—Myrtle Shipley.
Romeo—Willard Ohliger.
Juliet—Daisy Darr.
Desdemonia—Isabelle Graham.
Concerto—for two pianos—Gloria—Misses Agatha Hard and Alice Ogan.
Essay—Possibilities of the English Language—Bertha Cunningham.
Class History written and illustrated by Edward Davidson. Reciter, Nettie D. Miller.
Young Ladies Part song—Morning is Nigh—Strauss.
Valedictory—The Almighty Dollar—Chas. Dawson.
Chorus—Good Night, Farewell—Garrett. Solos—Misses Cummings, Taylor and Kostenbader—Class.
Presentation of Diplomas.
Class Song—Words by Miss Gypsy Taylor.
Since only a part of so large a class could participate in the proceedings, we also give the complete class roll, as follows:
Jennie May Acker
Bertha Jesephine Auman
Fay Bowman
Mila Branstetter
Bertha Beall Cunningham
Etta Palmer Crabbs
Maude Mae Cummings
Eunice Alfrina Clark
Nellie D. Miller
Grace Ellen Dunlap
Daisy Darr
Estella may Ellsperman
Maude Ellsperman
Florence Jeannette Elliot
Sadie Cornelia Eberhart
Bertha Gasche
Frances Isabella Graham
Flora Eslie Grossenbach
Zella Oretta Hoffman
Agatha Greer Hard
Anna M. Kostenbader
Florence Catherine Limb
Anna Langell
Etherl Anne Lerch
Lucretia Moore
Nannie McClarran
Blanche Myers
Jennie McElroy
Nina M. Mower
Rebecca Marquis Nachtrieb
Alice Virginia Ogan
Carrie E. Phillips
Erma J. Rowe
Gertrude Irma Reed
Evelene Schuch
Mary Elizabeth Stewart
Gertrude Shibley
Myrtle Elizabeth Shipley
Gypsy J. Taylor
Nina Birdie Wilhelm
Anna Dickinson Yoder
J. Edward Davidson
Charles A. Dawson
Thomas Downing
Sterling Funk
Harry H. Hurst
Tracy C. Leyda
Charles H. McKinney
Willard Ohliger
Howard A. Reed
George H. Rose
Wayne Swartz
Will F. Saybolt
Charles Sang
Chalence E. Wallace
All were present but Miss Bertha Gasche, who was not able to receive her diploma in person owing to illness.
Interesting Exercises.
The first one of the two salutatorians, Grace Hartman, bagan with an uneasy audience, but by her good expression and graceful delivery won it well.
Wayne B. Swartz, the second salutatorian, is of medium size, deliberate in manner and presents an easy appearance on the stage. A careful enunciation was his most marked characteristic.
The vocal duet by Misses Cunningham and Dunlap was pleasingly presented. Jennie Acker gave her oration in a clever voice and with a plain expression that carried well. Some very fine thoughts were fitly put.
Mila Branstetter, as did all other speakers, showed careful training and handled a difficult subject well.
Mose delightful was all the music, and most pleasing the variety presented. Misses Elliott, Everhart and Lerch in their solo were remarkably happy and the class joined in the chorus with harmony and exactness.
When oratory was again the order, Anna Kostenbader, with her easy delivery, gave additional proof of the elocutionary skill which was displayed throughout the whole programme. The “Holy Cross” was given a distinct place and glowingly extolled.
Birdie Wilhelm spoke in a calm but firm conversational style and said many good things well.
The chorus “revel of the leaves” was nicely executed by the class.
The eulogy by Ethel Lerch, which now took sway, held the closest attention and yet biography is the most difficult form of oration.
The parts of the vocal duet by Misses Schuch, Hartmen and Wilhelm were sung with rare skill.
Then the lowering of the curtain announced the Shakespearean Medley with the cast of characters shown elsewhere, and all original in arrangement on the part of the class. The Medley was s skillful combination of passages from Shakespearean plays of King Lear, Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet, Merchant of Venice, Macbeth, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, etc. The parts were so intermixed as to put into the mouths of one character the words that belonged to another. Lovers were made haters, cruel characters mild and so on. Well done was the general comment on the performance as proved by ample applause.
The piano duet by Agatha Hard and Alice Ogan was again good entertainment for the already tired audience.
The only essay on the programme by Bertha Cunningham was full of interest, because finely written and delivered.
Best of all in the entertainment, at least, and a novelty, too, was the class history recited by Nellie D. Miller and cleverly illustrated by chalk drawing on a black board before the audience by its author, Edward Davidson. The representations were decidedly funny and showed the development from the embryo “kid” to the accomplished artist near unto graduation.
The Young Ladies Part Song was sung by about 18 ladies and well sung, too.
The first honor oration, the valedictory by Charles Dawson was pregnant with good thought and plainly delivered. A well-founded custom the parting words to the class, was unkept.
By this time the audience was fully impressed with the skillful singing of the class, and most especially were the solos by Misses Cummings, Taylor and Kostenbader pleasingly sung.
A general comment on the speakers (continued on third page) throughout is that their ease, carefulness of expression and clear enunciation were evidences of good elocutionary training, although in some respects there was too much training, too much precision, too much sameness, that left less of the naturalness in the speakers than is desirable. Yet, taking all into account seldom do High School graduates do so well. In thought the orations were above the average, and it is seen that these students can think well and say good things very cleverly. That bit of current irony on the “sweet girl” graduate solving the problems of the universe and telling of the glory that was Greece and the power that was Rome, has small place here.
Supt. Charles Haupert in his brief address to the audience expressed his appreciation of the interest the general public took in the exercises of commencement. Especial pride is to be felt because there are, according to statistics, very few if any towns in the country that graduate from their High Schools so large a quota of students as Wooster. This is evidence that there is a strong educational sentiment back of the public schools here. The class was complimented for being superior in scholarship and exceptionally good in behavior, not goody goody, however, but possessing self-control. The class was exhorted to care for all their teachers, and none were so important to them as those who taught them the first day in school, 15 of this class having had that start under one teacher now in a Wooster ward school. They were urged too, to consider their parents and how but for them they could not have completed their work so well. And these graduates are specially privileged, for America, said the Professor, is the only country in the world that has free high schools. Because of these advantages these graduates should do their duty well for ere long the world will look to them as leaders and promoters of industry and reform.
The diplomas were then presented to the class. The programme was closed at a very late hour by the singing of the class song, which was happily worded in honor of ’95.
The Girls’ Gowns.
The large number of handsome young ladies looked very pretty. All were neatly and most becomingly gowned as follows:
Jennie Acker, dotted swiss, white slippers.
Bertha Auman, White organdie, white slippers.
Fay Bowman, canary lansdowne, patent leather slippers, carnations.
Mila Branstetter, white swiss, lace tripping, white slippers.
Etta Crabbs., dotted swiss, trimmed with lace, white slippers.
Maud Cummings, white swiss, trimmed with Roman embroidery, white slippers.
Eunice Clark, cream tamese, white slippers.
Nellie D. Miller, white mull, trimmed with artificial flowers, ribbon and lace trimmings.
Grace Dunlap, pink China silk, slippers to match.
Daisy Darr, cream landsowne, white slippers.
Stella Ellsperman, cream China silk, bouquet of pink and white carnations.
Maud Ellsperman, cream China silk, lace trimming, bouquet of white and pink carnations.
Florence Elliott, cream lansdowne, pearl and lace trimming, white slippers.
Sadie Eberhardt, white Swiss, white slippers.
Francis Graham, white dotted Swiss, white slippers.
Flora Grossenbach, cream tamese, natural roses, white slippers.
Zella Hoffman, white Swiss, white carnations, white slippers.
Agatha Hard, white organdie, white slippers.
Anna Kostenbader, white Henrietta, pink roses, white slippers.
Florence Limb, white swiss, pink and white carnations, white slippers.
Anna Langell, white China silk, lace and pearl trimmings, white carnations, white slippers.
Ethel Lerch, white mull, lace trimming, white slippers.
Lucretia Moore, cream albatross, ribbon trimming, bouquet of roses, white slippers.
Nannie McClarran, pink albatross, lace trimming.
Blanche Myers, white mull, ribbon trimming, pink roses at throat, white slippers.
Jennie McElroy, cream China silk, white slippers.
Nina Mower, white dotted Swiss, ribbon trimming, white slippers.
Rebecca Nachtrieb, white Swiss, white slippers.
Alice Ogan, white organdie, carried a bunch of white carnations, white slippers.
Carrie Philips, white Swiss, white slippers.
Erma J. Rowe, cream silk, lace and pearl trimming, white slippers.
Gertrude Read, cream albatross, pearl trimming, white slippers.
Evelene Schuch, white Indian linen, trimmed with embroidery.
Mary Stewart, white roses, white slippers.
Gertrude Shibley, white mull.
Myrtle Shipley, cream tamese, ribbon trimming, white slippers.
Gypsy Taylor, cream China silk, lace trimming, white slippers.
Birdie Wilhelm, pink silk crepe duchessene, white slippers.
Anna Yoder, dotted Swiss, ribbon trimming, bouquet of pink and white carnations, white slippers.
Wayne County Democrat
Wooster, Ohio
Wednesday, 12 June, 1895
pg 3
Wooster High School
It’s 30th Annual Commencement.
Graduates a Class of Fifty-Six—Large Audience Witness the Exercises at City Hall.
The “Peoples’ College,” as Wooster High School is popularly called, held its 30th annual commencement in City Opera House last Thursday evening. Much public interest was felt to witness the proceedings, for the prosperity and everything concerning our schools is nearer the public heart than any other institution. The result was that not half of those who wanted to attend could obtain seats or even standing room in the Opera House, which was filled to its utmost capacity with an audience of over 1,000.
The decorations of the house and stage were neat and appropriate. The display of Class colors, purple and lavender, was prominent in graceful streamers and festooning, and the stage ornamentation of flowers and plants was of beautiful effect. When the curtain rose a handsome scene was presented to the assemblage, consisting of the 56 graduates and Supt. Haupert, teachers and Board of Education amid a bower of flowers and plants and ferns. The following are the
Names of the Graduates:
Girls—Jennie Acker, Bertha Auman, Fay Bowman, Mila Branstetter, Eunice Clark, Etta Crabbs, Maud Cummings, Bertha Cunningham, Daisy Derr, Nellie D’Miler, Grace Dunlap, Sadie Eberhart, Flora Elliot, Estella Ellsperman, Maud Ellsperman, Bertha Gasche, Isabelle Graham, Flora Grossenbach, Agatha Hard, Grace Hartman, Zella Hoffman, Anna Kostenbader, Anna Langell, Ethel Lerch, Florence Limb, Nannie McClarren, Jennie McElroy, Lulu Moore, Nina Mower, Blanche Myers, Reba Nachtrieb, Alice Ogen, Carrie Phillips, Gertrude Reed, Erma Rowe, Eva Schuch, Gertrude Shibley, Myrtle Shipley, Mary Stewart, Gipsy Taylor, Birdie Wilhelm, Anna Yoder.
Boys—Edward Davidson, Charles Dawson, Thomp. Downing, Sterling Funk, Harry Hurst, Tracy Leyda, Chas. McKinney, Williard Ohliger, Howard Reed, George Ross, Will Saybolt, Chas Sang, Wayne Swartz, Edwin Wallace.
Their motto is “aut vincere aut mori” either to conquer or to die. Only a portion of the class took part in the performances, and all participating in the exercises did well, some surpassing others, of course. Their productions are published complete in the High School Annual where they can be read and judged. The music, conducted by Miss martha A. Webster, expressed her ability as a teacher. The following was the
Programme Of Exercises [which is very difficult to read, so I’m skipping it]
It was a late hour when the long list closed but all had been very good and the audience well pleased. The “Shakespearean Medley” was interesting and skillfully mixed up parts of Shakespeare’s plays and was specially well performed. Prof. Haupert, Superintendent of the schools, made a good address to the class and audience. He complimented the class highly, and to citizens expressed his appreciation of the interest the general public took in the public schools. The diplomas were then presented to the graduates, and the exercises closed with all singing the Class Song.