Ohio University - Athena Yearbook (Athens, OH)

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You flip the pages of history and the people and places come to life. Out of the past comes the beginning of a future; the formation of the first university in the Northwest territory. These things The Green Adventure accomplishes vividly. Suddenly the bustle and conversation of the audience fades into silence as the Sesqulcentennial Seal appears on a translucent screen. The dim out- line of the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston is seen in the background. It is like a painting coming to life. The final and life-like colors are added when the first words are spoken. Men in bright costumes of the past, with lace at their collars and sleeves, make a decision amid the revelry of the Tavern. There is to be a university in the wilderness. To New York comes the news of the land-grant made by the government. Then the story moves west to Ohio. Marietta, where the new settlers, typified in Dr. Perkins and his family, endure the pains and adventures of pioneering, hiere an Indian uprising occurs, and the death of their child dramatically moves the audience. Then, finally, on to Middletown (later Athens), on the banks of the Hockhocking. And gradually the beginnings of Ohio University: the first building, the three students who enrolled the first year, the first two graduates — just to mention a few firsts. The ploy ends appropriately, looking into the future with its rise of coming generations. Lydia Perkins Dr. Eliphoz Perkins Col. Aaron Burr Gen. Ru(us Putnon THE QREEN ADVENTURE Remew by Ahmed Essa and Kdtfiv Dengter ttHi ' tiit IiH ' i Written specifically for the Sesqulcentennial by Charles Allen Smart at the request of President Baker, the work is on historical panorama, rather than a ploy. Smart has failed to adapt the lucidity of his prose to the presentation of drama. Rather lengthy, it has its dramatic, as well as dull and burlesque moments. The play has its finer moments, too, which effectively present the human side of history. Both the production and direction, however, are almost flawless. The presentation reached the height of realism in the fort scene, vividly presenting the fullness of frontier life. The players must be commended on their fine performances. Daniel Logan, as Dr. Perkins, is convincing and sincere, as is his wife, played by Patience Linker. Christopher Lane, director, excellently handles the difficult job of unifying the production. Much of the impact of the presentation is gained through the sets and special effects of Cosmo Catolano and the cos- tuming of Elizabeth Andersch. The best of compliments go to the children in the play, who stole the show and won their way into the hearts of the audience.

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A pIctu7 ' fe-4hQlwill moke you shrink ' = -Arises if you stopTrt-tiiink How shocked would be ftioKpioneer nnasseh Cutler, the pulpiteeT tnom, the general so respected they cO»kinow be resurrected To view the sndmelul degredation That marks our youn et neration. Tlieyji-stare, , And swear it ill begotten holly rotten Are ll modern educators Who D ray their alma maters And lendSijpport To lorms of 5Bort • That tend to mdise our youth effeminate And ill the fun oncMhought collegiate. How happy were thoseS ays of simple habits When youth found joy in sjntemplating Nature! Two by two they strolled acrb the bridge. Their steps directed toward oui ulfural rival, The state asylum, with its lovely coj npus. Where keen-eyed Nature lovers might discover The bright-eyed daisy or the violet. Or possibly some bloom a bit less modest. Meanwhile some souls much more adventurous Set forth in quest of things more stimulating. Bold hunters, they, who sought with splendid courage That fearsome beost, that match for hunter ' s skill. dangerous White Mule, which hod its lair, days, in secret places in our valley earned for victims It might paralyze. victories the noble hungers won: triumphs must be credited the monster. ,t It was a truly noble fight y not doubt. Or do you think we may? e grumbled. ■ossips mumbled, Why they do It we don ' t know. outh protested, en suggested, ell us, then, where CAN we go? Though they pleaded. No one heeded. Critics who had been so violent And had chlded Now subsided, l und it better to be silent. But the students. Scorning prudence MadST tQld and shrewd suggestion. Build o ploy- A day-and-night spoT! There ' s the answer to our qu Our means are scanty, But we ' ll ante Extra dough at registration Till we ' ve succeeded ri 9 ting the needed Funds to start the excavation. We honor, now, that class of forty-eight. Whose courage launched the project now achieved, Who dreamed a dream and out of it conceived The plan we now are met to celebrate. With heort-felt thanks we now congratulate The planning group who confidently weaved A pattern for the dream so few believed And no one thought so soon to consummate. Deep reverence for those wizards of finance. Our President and treasurer ef al. Than, whom there surely are no competenter. Thank Heaven for the happy circumstance Thot brought together this Inspired cabal To build our beautiful Ohio Center. Prof. C. N. Mackinnon February 18, 1954

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Smart discusses his play ' s premier. The Perkins ' entertain some dignitaries. Dr. Cutler proposes a move to the west. Dr. Perkins treats his first pioneer. First commencement honors two graduates. A :