Plainfield High School - Milestone Yearbook (Plainfield, NJ)

Text from Pages 1 - 60 of the 1907 volume:

6 =| (3) es) | i) jf es} ire 13) Irs | x 1 a a NW ah Ht wee iA; Ay l iy i) ‘ We have EXPERT WORKMEN DOANE FINE WATCHES AND FRENCH CLOCKS REPAIRED 115 PARK AVENUE Rensselaer Di Che Recorder Press x 4s Polytechnic? | (Babcock Building) Nagfla, Institute, % pins The ORACLE “Gp Ie . Wt i Sea EE TE Vy not let Eee, naa FOY N.Y. do VOUT i NENG? @ Everything in the Dairy LI N DSAY DAI RY Line of the best quality, and = the best delivery service in Telephone 273- L e B27) warchune Avenue the city ESTABLISHED 1818 ESTABLISHED 1818 BROOKS BROTHERS Broadway, cor. 22nd St., New York We make a specialty of ready-made suits and overcoats for young men, and for boys of eight years and upward. Our materials are of best imported manufacture, our workmanship of high grade; and our suits, we believe, have the distinctive appear- ance which marks the correctly dressed. Our prices are no higher than are frequently asked for so-called cheap clothing. Catalogue with Illustrations, prices and directions for ordering by mail, eent on request. V A] JE VE EER (AND: OR miClAIN WN 103 PARK AVENUE These are “LOW SHOE” Days See Van Arsdale No. 127 East Front Street In patronizing advertisers please mention the “ORAcLE.” Wholesale and Retail ooo GLOCRIS ... j. AH. Smith Brother 151 to 153 West Front St., Plainfield, N. J. Telephone Connections. ; ; 2 Specialties: Fruits and Ucgeates A fine showing of Paintings, Carbons, Etch- ings and Picture Frames. ARTISTS’ MATERIALS PAINTINGS CLEANED and RESTORED Regilding, Rare Engravings, Etc. ALL THE LATEST POPULAR Sep Wat ee a a Sa 19c PER COPY Large Stock Always on Hand Agent for famous lL. F. Teaching Edition GAAR EB Sa Maso etal 144 EK. Fourth St. Tel. con. Near Depot be % Swain’s 317 WEST FRONT ST., PLAINFIELD, N. J. PYROGRAPHY MATERIALS GAR D ENED aND Be AnWwW NwekOo Of 6 Uegetable and Flower Seeds A FIRST CLASS LINE Cawn Seed and Fertilizers Front St. and Park Ave. GAYLE HARDWARE CoO. Sind Book Base Ball Goods, Lawn Ten- Tel. 891-R MULFORD ESTIL Bookseller and Stationer {11 PARK AVE., PLAINFIELD, N. J. st nis Rackets, Balls and Nets. All athletic goods not in stock ordered. Woolston Buckle | 145 North Avenue FULL LINE, OF Glass for Passe Partout GREER GREENWOOD 135 EAST FRONT STREET MEN’S FURNISHERS | EUGENE DIETZGEN CO. 119-121 West 23rd St., New York | Chicago San Francisco New Orleans | Manufacturers and Importers of | Drawing Materials and Surveying | Instruments Our Gem UnionInstruments are the best | ROBERT GARDNER Merchant Tailor Cleaning, Pressing and Repairing a Specialty 325 Watchung Avenue A. C. BLAIR Livery and Boarding Stables 114 West Sixth Street TELEPHONE 152 W...L. SMALLEY - CO Native Cattle, Southdown Sheep and Lambs Park Ave. and Fourth St., Plainfield, N. J. Telephone 58 Everything Guaranteed First-Class BS BM aay Nai The Best Service in Town TONSORIBAEZARTISs -+-+J44 North Avenue, PLAINFIELD, N. J. In patronizing advertisers please mention the “ORACLE.” Guns Bicycle ammunition FT] ARR RY DREIER euiisg SPORTSMEN’S HEADQUARTERS A. G, SPALDING, BASE BALL GOODS AND SUPPLIES. 261-263 WEST FRONT STREET, PLAINFIELD, N. VJ. Stationery and School Supplies a 4W Park Avenue, Plainfield, Nn. Barper’s Ss W. W. WARNOCK CATERING Baker and Confectioner ICE CREAM Graduation GUrar : FOR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN Complete attire and accessories in every detail ee L.-S;.PLAUT CO. 707 to 721 Broad St., Newark JOHN J. PRAED _| meto : Tailor _Langhorne’s 314 Park Avenue, Plainfield, N. J. for Finé Custom Tailoring. Cleaning, Pressing, Altering and Repairing a Specialty. | Photographs Good Work and Fair Prices. We Call for and Deliver Goods. | Some NeW Styles Special Summer Membership Privileges, —= $3800 == Swimming Pool, Shower Baths, Etc. Enquirat Y..M.C. A. In patronizing advertisers please mention the “ORAcuE.” AvLIV Ey SGH@OL TIN ASLAV baer i The Coleman Business College will give you a more thorough course, in less time, and at less expense than at any other school. If you want the best obtainable in the way of a business education and a position of the better sort, when you graduate attend the COLEMAN fsixess COLLEGE ESTABLISHED 1862. _ COR. ACADEMY AND HALSEY STS., NEWARK, N. J. J. KUGLER, JR., PRINCIPAL. Beoyleie ow. C@leyey, Merchant Tailor SERSYS IONE OF SViINSeS 1S as UES i4o0rosl bibs LE REET New Haven Normal School of Gymnastics See 307 York St., New Haven, Conn, SES Prepares teachers of Physical Training. A new and profitable profession for young men and women. Send for catalogue. In patronizing advertisers please mention the “ORACLE” [ZO OMAONSSVel® aaa ee etree omen ) Hie ORACLE |® ““7T am Sir Oracle, and when I ope my lips, let no dog bark.” BOARD OF EDITORS Editor-in-Chief, Wirt1am T. LAMmBert, ’08., Literary Editor, SApvIE BROUWER, ’09 Exchange Editor, ELEANOR VAN TUuYL, ’08. School Editor, Wa ter KNow ton, ’09. Cor. Editor, Marcaret V. LEccetv. ’I0. Associate Editors, Mr. Linpsey Best, Miss Mary Lock. Business Manager, Asst. Bus, Manager. CHarLes FE, LomzEaux, 00. RussELL P, Morris, og. REPORTERS Senior, Junior, DELANcY FERGUSON, CHARLES LINE. HELEN JOHNSON, JULIA FITZGERALD. Sophomore, Freshman, RICHARD HARRIGAN. JAMES MAUGER. GRACE WEEKS. ELEANOR DEGRAFF. STANLEY Ropsins, 709, P.H.S. A.A. EstHer B. Crampton, ’08, G. A.A. IsiporE RotTrserc, 08, P.H.S.D.S. Entered as Second-class Matter November 17, 1904, at the Post Office at Plainfield, N. J., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Published on the first Wednesday of every month during the school year, by the students of the Plainfield (N. J.) High School, Printed by THE RECORDER PRESS, Babcock Building, Plainfield. 25 CENTS THE COPY 75 CENTS THE YEAR VOLUME 5 JUNE, 1907. NUMBER 7 The past year has been a notable one in that it marks the last year of Miss Niles’ presence among us. We shall miss her greatly when we reassemble next fall. As a school we give her our earnest, hearty thanks for what she has done for us while in our midst, and we send with her our sincere wishes for every good and blessing in the future. It is with sincere regret that we learn of Mr. Matthewson’s resig- nation for next year. He has made himself a place among us both in school work, and in athletics, and we shall miss him. Miss Titsworth, too, who has been taking Miss Bass’s place, will be missed next year by the host of friends she has made among the students. The coming school year, while it takes from us three of our valued teachers, brings back to us two whom we shall welcome—Miss� Bass and Miss Benedict. 2 DHE: ORAGLE. A Glou’ster Tale Awarded First Prize in the George H. Babcock Competition in English Composition. JOHN DELANCEY FERGUSON. The tale is old,—as old as death, As old as the curse of Cain; Old as sorrow and parting and woe, Old as grief and pain. Old indeed, but ever new To those who watch in vain, To the Glou’ster women who wait for those Who'll ne’er return again. Upon the Banks of Newfoundland, where the shrouding fog lies thick, The fishermen hear the siren’s shriek and the screw’s pulse beating quick, And they ring their bells and blow their horns as the liner rushes past, Heedless of the fishers’ lives, and deaf to their fog-horn’s blast. Because the cabin passengers are driv’n by money-greed, Because our letters may not wait, she never slackens speed. The liner gains an hour,—who cares if the fishers drown? Who cares for the tears of the women in far-off Glou’ster town? When the Polar Star from Glou’ster stood out to open sea, The skipper saw his wife and child stand watching on the quay ; And that was the last sight that he saw as Glou’ster dropt astern, A memory to cheer his heart until his home-return. Three months went by. Her salt all wet, the Polar Star turned south. In one week more her men would see the lights of the harbor mouth. That afternoon a wall of fog closed on them, fold by fold, A creeping, crawling bank of white, clammy and damp and cold. And through the fog they heard a throb, like the throb of a tired heart, And then a piercing siren-wail; to the bell the fishers dart, And the bell clangs out and the fog-horn brays, as the throbbing mounts and grows,— The steady, relentless steamer-pulse that every banker knows. Then out of the fog there leapt a shape,—a tall, black, knife-sharp stem; For a single second, that seemed an age, it towered over them. THE ORACLE 3 A splint’ring crash, a rush of foam in the wake of the grinding screw, A shattered wreck that drifts astern as the liner fades from view. Cries and curses and prayers ring out from the schooner’s drowning crew. “Heave to, heave to, in the name of God! You've cut ‘us clean in two!” But the steamer never slowed nor turned; the engine-throbbing passed. Our mail and business cannot wait,—the ship must travel fast. Behind her, tossing in her wake, lay half the sinking wreck ; The skipper staggered to his feet upon the reeling deck: “God’s curse on you for a murderer,—you've left us here to drown! You wouldn’t stop to send a boat after you ran us down. Damn you! and damn your owners that make you speed each run, And damn the cabin passengers that stand and see it done! But judgment’s waiting for you all. You're able to forget. But if there’s a God in Heaven you'll answer for it yet!” A plunge, a rush of bubbles, and the circling whirlpools close, Then out of the eddying waters a single swimmer rose. Some feeble strokes,—then o’er his head the curling wave-tops hissed, And the naked sea lay empty beneath the shrouding mist. The tale is old,—as old as death, As old as the curse of Cain; Old as sorrow and parting and woe, Old as grief and pain. Old indeed, but ever new To those who watch in vain, To the Glou’ster women who wait for those Who'll ne’er return again. = —_—_ 4 THE ORACLE. A Mother’s Cares Awarded Second Prize in the George H. Babcock Competition in English Composition. (Taken from real life) GRACE SRAGER. Mrs. McCarthy lived in a small block overflowing with children, large, small, and middle-sized, to which her own contribution was by no means small. She had been left a widow with the poor man’s usual legacy, many small children, and no means to support them, so that the little woman toiled from sunrise till sunset to keep her children from the public home, and to make decent men and women out of them. At five o’clock in the morning, there was a great stir in the McCarthy apartments of three rooms. Dishes rattled, and dust flew, while the fragrance of newly made coffee was sturdily elbowed out by the more energetic savor of fried onions. Then, when dinner had been prepared, the children dressed for school, and the house put in a sanitary condition, Mrs. McCarthy trudged off to her washing, sewing, or nursing. At stx o’clock, if no one required her services for the night, she would drag herself wearily homeward. Between showers of kisses Mamie was sure to gulp out: “Ma, Willie hit me and took my ball away from me.” “T did not, you fibber. It was my ball what Brick Top gi’ me.” “Ma, what’s for supper? The cat ate up the milk.” “Ma,” chimes in baby Helen, “Ma, Jack bwoke Mrs. Wosse’s window, he did. He was fiwin’ stones at Pwince, he was.” Mrs. McCarthy heard similar complaints lodged very often, but with patience born of experience she settled these matters by a kiss, a whipping, or an air-clearing scolding, sighing with relief when she had her wild flock safe in bed. However, it was not only the mischievous side that these waifs showed to their mother, for the rosiest apple, the plumpest cherries were carefully picked out, stored on the top shelf of the closet, and lovingly cherished for mother. As Old Father Time paced slowly along for the widow of Preston Avenue, his track left little physical change on the strength and size of the McCarthy children. The youngsters inherited their father’s physique and were mere dwarfs; but although Mrs. McCarthy knew that they would be debarred from work because of their youthful appearance, yet she thought that a better or finer group of children could not be found anywhere. Were ¢ THE ORACLE 5 they not the very image of their father? Were they not as pretty as pictures and as good-hearted as saints? To the great joy of the mother, Jack, at sixteen, was given light employment in a factory. Mrs. Mc- Carthy then looked out upon the world with a smiling face. In her heart blossomed that rosy little creature, Hope. She thought that by “taking in sewing” now and then and with the five dollars which Jack would earn, she would be able to make a living. The first and second weeks all her rose-colored visions came true. She had time to look after her children, to sew, cook and mend for her own benefit, and to -cultivate the acquaintance of her neighbors. A new life was dawning for her. . “Mrs. Rosse,’ she said to the woman at the grocery corner, “my life has become so pleasant, and Jack is getting such a responsible man. I used to be afraid that he would stick to nothing but mischief, and now he is all that I could wish.” Poor woman! She little knew that happiness is like a morning-glory, short lived. On the third pay day after Jack had begun to work, he did not come home as usual. A vague, unaccountable fear oppressed the mother’s heart. Where was her boy? She dispatched all the children to search for him, then went out herself. In a pool room half a block away, she found her son and many other mothers’ sons wasting the money for which they had toiled an entire week. They were all flushed and excited and during every pause in the game re- freshed themselves with bottles of soda, apparently, but having a strong odor of beer. Into this throng Mrs. McCarthy pushed. Her face blazing with pain and anger, she begged Jack to leave the vile den and come home. “Yah! Yah!’’ mocked the negro proprietor, “Jack mah son, go home to ma and go to bed. Little boys mustn’t be out at night. Bogey Man cotch him. Yah! Yah!—Eh fellers?” “Ha! Ha! Ha! O Jack, g’long an’ mind the baby.” “Shut-up, you—you—dog. Let me take my boy and go home. You have no right letting minors play, anyhow.” “Git out ob heah dis minute. I won't have anybody ’sturbin’ mah busi- ness. Git out ob heah, I tells yo’. I doesn’t know how old dese fellers is, I weren't at dere christening. Now, Jack, be yo’ a baby or be yo’ a man, big nuff to take care ob yourself, without a female trottin’ after yo’?” 6 CoE Gre Ces As Jack hesitated and drew back a little, Mrs. McCarthy’s Irish blood boiled. For a few minutes dire confusion reigned in the pool room. The balls flew out of the broken windows; the soda bottles sputtered in the street gutter, and Mrs. McCarthy emerged escorting Jack by the coat collar—from the midst of a hooting crowd. fe BR ER dk dk de de It was the day before election when the case of assault upon a peaceful citizen of Stapleton was called. The court room was bordered by a band of black, the sole break in the monotony being effected by a munificent show of white ivory. A few women nodded their heads encouragingly towards Mrs. McCarthy, while that woman, her hands tightly clasped and resting in her lap, and her finger nails almost digging into the meager flesh, sat quietly, and listened to an account of her behavior. She had assaulted a peaceful citizen of Stapleton; she had been de- stroying private property, and had disgraced her sex. “Five dollars fine, and damages.” The Lunch Hour Between the morning and evening When the sun is beginning to glower, Comes a pause in the day’s occupation Which is known as the feeding hour. A sudden rush for the hallway, A sudden range for the stair ; And I know by their eager faces They are hustling to get there. But woe to the lagging pupil Who haps to be last in line, For he finds to his infinite sorrow There is naught w herewith to dine. CLARA HALLARD. Titk= OR ACI W Chirty-Sixth Conunenrcement SPEAIGE RVORSGHE SEV ENING-...:...semeee REV. JAMES I. VANCE, D.D. HONOR STUDENTS WITH EQUAL RANK. EDGAR WELLS FREEMAN ROSE SIEGAL FRED MARTIN SMITH SALUTATION BY ROSE SIEGAL. Mr. President and Members of the Board of Education; Mr. Super- intendent; Mr. Principal; Mr. Speaker of the evening; Citizens of Plain- field; to all of you, who are gathered here tonight we extend our heartiest greetings. We appreciate greatly the fact that you have come here tonight. You have always taken an interest in us, and your interest has helped us to do our best, and for this we thank you. To you, the Members of the Board of Education, we especially give our thanks for your splendid work. Despite the fact that you are all business men, whose every hour is actively engaged, you have willingly sacrificed valuable time for our good. You have given us teachers whose helpful influence will cling to us throughout the future. Our teachers have taught us the broader side of life and have done away with some of our narrow-minded ideas and petty prejudices. For instance, we no longer think of the British as tyrants, who were always wrong, while the Americans were heroes who were always in the right. Such fair judgment is largely due to them. Dr. Maxson, we scarcely know what to say to you. You know our feelings toward you. You know that when you appear before us on the platform, there is no one whom we welcome so heartily, and no one to whom we listen so eagerly as to you. Your words have always done us good, and we shall remember them. You have watched our progress with such thoughtful interest, that we have come to consider you as the father of our great family. 8 THE ORAGEE Mr. Travell, you especially have helped us, both as a class and as individuals. Everything you have done for us has been done for our good, and what you have denied us (even if it were dancing after the Senior Play) we now believe was for the best. Throughout our high school course we have found in you a faithful friend and a most helpful adviser. It is impossible for us to express how sincere and heartfelt is the gratitude which we feel toward you. Mr. Speaker of the evening, in the name of the class of 1907 I wish to welcome you and to say that we greatly appreciate your presence with us on this occasion, when we are saying farewell to our school life; we shall highly value whatever helpful thoughts you may have to give us, as we stand at this “parting of the ways.” To you, the citizens of Plainfield, to. whom we are first of all in- debted, we wish to say a few words of gratitude for your liberality toward our schools. Especially helpful has been your interest in the high school and your hearty co-operation with our teachers. In all cases of discipline or difference of opinion the monarchy at home has upheld the dignitaries at school, and we are the better for it. In the years to come, we will strive not to destroy vour confidence in us. We hope that we shall have courage and patience and strength to live up to your hopes for us and to be worthy of them. THE ORACLE 9 SAEU PATORY ESSAY PAP PROPEE IpisAbAH AT eA PEACE CONFERENCE, BY ROSE SIEGAL. About three thousand years ago, the Prophet Isaiah had predicted that a time would come when there would not be any war among the people of the land. He said, “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning knives; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and they shall not learn any more war.” However, as matters appear now, his word has not vet been fulfilled. But who knows what will happen after the Hague Conference, which is to meet in June? Perhaps then Isaiah’s. prophecy will come true and all strife on this great, wild world will end. One day a number of men met at the Czar’s palace in St. Petersburg to discuss the Hague Conference and Isaiah, the originator of the problem of peace, resolved to come there to hear what they would say regarding the question which had been so dear to him three thousand years ago. He took with him an angel, who understood all languages and all secrets. They both stole into the apartment, took their places somewhere in the air, and prepared to hear what would happen. In the large, spacious chamber, where the delegation met, hundreds of electric lights were burning and winking joyfully at each other. A sea of light, mingling with the halo surrounding the angel, poured down upon the people present. Isaiah closed his eyes. “Too bright, too bright,” he murmured. “God knows whether the hearts of all these men are not filled with darkness and guilt.” At that moment a burst of applause resounded through the chamber. “What are they doing?” Isaiah asked the angel. “They are paying honor to this man (pointing to the Czar) who sits at the head of the table. He is the man whose father brought together the first Hague Conference and who tried so hard to establish a good consti- tution for his country. This man, too, is working for a Hague Conference, but he himself is the first to bring about war, and in his own land people are condemned to death without trial, blood is shed wantonly, and riots and revolts prevai l. He does not listen to the voice of his own heart, but to those who with fluttering words and smiling speeches steal away his own views of justice, and deceive him, in order that they may the more easily gain their desires.” te) a Eh ORACLE Isaiah’s face took on a bitter expression. “Oh, ambition, evil am- bition,’ he moaned, ‘what dost thou not force mortal hearts to do!” Just then some one began to speak. ‘Who is he?” Isaiah asked. “He is a very rich man, who has mines of money,” the angel replied. “How did he get it?” asked the prophet. “By fair means and foul. First he dealt with iron and other manu- factures. Then he watered his stock in order to deceive the multitude and to benefit himself.” “T do not understand why the people should allow this,” muttered Isaiah. “The people themselves do not understand and so are deceived,” con- tinued the angel. “But there are a number of wise men who can obtain money by means of watered stock, and this man is simply one of the wisest among them.” “But what has he to do with peace?” “He has nothing else to do. Money flows to him from every side. He is also very anxious to satisfy the voice of. his conscience and desirous of homage and he obtains it by preaching the gospel of peace.” At these words a cloud appeared on the forehead of the great prophet and an expression of sadness stole into his eyes. “Who is that?” he asked again, as a third man began to speak. “That is an ambassador sent by a great ruler.” “What is he saying?” “He is praising his master, the Kaiser of Germany, and declaring that he is the only man who can establish peace on earth. The Kaiser himself is continually boasting of having won great glory in war, although he is not a great warrior. The ambassador says that peace would be a good thing, if it could only be brought about.” Heavier and heavier grew the cloud on the forehead of Isaiah. “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” his lips murmured. “And what does that man say?” he asked, pointing to a tall military- looking man, who had just risen. “He is a general and praises the life of a soldier. He claims that a camp is the best school in which to learn love for one’s native land. It strengthens the body and the heart, he says. Moreov er, he cries that his nation is the finest, and his king the best.” “And who are those men, with the rows of raedaticd: and orders on their breasts?” Isaiah now asked his companion. THE ORAGLE II “They are the leaders of riots, of court-martials and inquisitions, which have been shedding blood for the last century. They are those who preach that if a man slaps you on one cheek, you should turn to him the other. However, it is strange that they always wish to be the ones who strike and desire others to turn their cheeks to them.” The expression on Isaiah’s face changed. His countenance flamed, his eyes shot fire, and with scorn he cried, “Liars and hypocrites rule the people. Their tongues are smooth, but their hearts are black.” When the peace conference went to rest and refresh themselves after the noble work which they prided themselves on having done for mankind, the voice of the great Isaiah could be heard far in the sky, saying, “Oh, wicked people, people overburdened by sin, when will you learn the gospel of peace!” But the delegation kept on drinking champagne and paying compli- ments to one another, and heard not a word, VALEDICTORY ORATION PH SPIRIE OF MODERN CHARITY. BY FREDERICK MARTIN SMITH. The advent of Christianity marks the beginning of real charity in its modern sense. Before the Christian era, poverty was alleviated somewhat for economic reasons, but the followers of Christ infused a spirit of love into all attempts to relieve suffering. In the dark days of the early Roman empire, the Church and her emissaries furnished the only means of relief. Help was given generously, even lavishly, and without discrimination. “Give to every one that asketh of thee,’ expresses the characteristic spirit of the age. Until the ninth century, when hospitals were founded, no special institutions of charity existed, and the sick were cared for in their own homes. In the middle ages, the monks, and later, the orders of religious knights ministered to the needs of the poor, and with the growth of the idea that charity had an atoning efficacy, funds were liberally supplied. Such was the beginning in the Christian Church of the spirit of help- fulness which has now assumed such a variety of forms in its course of development. The 19th century has seen remarkable changes in the growth of all kinds of charitable work. The spirit of modern charity is scientific: 12 THE ORACLE it has probed causes; has provided legislative measures; has touched all kinds of need, and has a far-reaching, inestimable influence upon modern society. It will be possible to touch upon only a few of these phases as they are exemplified in our own country. In the United States alone, it has been estimated that over 3,000,000 people are dependent upon charity. The immense sum of $200,000,000 expended annually for the support of these persons, may convey an idea of the magnitude of this work. A portion of this fund is distributed through official sources for the maintenance of almshouses and suitable homes for the blind, the insane, the feeble minded, and the morally imperilled. A large amount, however, the importance of which can never be fully known, is contributed by individuals and private organizations. Through all ages the Church, in the spirit of its Founder, has been the real source of charity distribution. It forms a dramatic contrast to note the differences between the methods of the early and medizval church and the church of today. The scientific spirit of the age is nowhere shown to better advantage than in the development of the so-called “institutional church.” It is the chief aim of such an organization to meet all the needs of its members an d to develop all sides of their natures. A most striking illustration of this modern method of church work is furnished by St. George’s Episcopal Church of New York City. This organization is veri- tably a huge plant, for, exclusive of the church edifice, there exist several large buildings where the various activities are carried on. Under the superintendence of the rector and his large corps of assistants, are main- tained many secular activities which formerly were considered foreign to church work. Instruction is given in sewing, tailoring, millinery, and other trades. A military battalion, gymnasium classes, debating societies, and numerous social clubs furnish recreation. From a membership of ‘8,000, there are in this church 5,000 tenement dwellers, and the workers strive always to unite both rich and poor, and to satisfy the intense craving of the poor for so¢ial opportunities. Side by side with the Church, often ministering to other classes and different needs, works the Salvation Army. Frequently the popular idea of this organization does not extend beyond that of a band of noise-makers congregated on the street curb. This apparently senseless demonstration 1s but a very small portion of their work. The aid furnished through their ministrations consisting of food, clothing and shelter, is enormous and far- reaching. What a power for good are those blue-bonneted “lassies,” pass- ing in and out through the congested districts of the great cities! How in- THE ORACLE 13 spiring and encouraging it would be to follow one of them through her day’s labors as she goes into the tenement homes and teaches the people how to live! The same line of work is carried on by the Volunteers of America, an outgrowth of the old organization. Under the leadership of Ballington and Mrs. Booth, prison reform has become one of its principal aims. “The little mother,” for by that name Mrs. Booth is known among the convicts, is loved and admired by every poor fellow whom she has visited, and through the influence of her gentle nature, many have once again started life aright. In these days of revolutionized ideas, more attention is paid to the medical relief of the poor. The sick were formerly huddled together in filthy buildings. Now, each disease is treated in a separate institution or in separate wards of hospitals. In years past, poor-houses or shelter homes were never visited by physicians, but now, each institution has its own medical examiner. In medical relief, one of the most powerful organiza- tions is the Red Cross Society. Not only do its members perform noble work on the battle field, but they give assistance at all national disasters. A most prominent phase of medical relief is the warfare against tuber- culosis. Medical societies are accomplishing much toward preventing the spread of the disease by popularizing the causes and remedies of the ‘‘white plague.” Formerly, all classes of defectives were thrust into alms-houses, irre- spective of their several maladies. From this resulted great confusion and little benefit. Now, each class of defectives is placed in a separate institu- tion, and more rapid progress is made toward their cure. There now exist separate institutions for the blind, the deaf, the mute, the insane, the feeble minded, the epileptics and inebriates, each with its respective treatments. One of the most interesting and at the same time most worthy branches of charity work is the treatment of children. How changed it is from the old Spartan method! Then, defective and ill formed children were exposed on barren rocks, a prey to the storms and wintry blasts. As in the course of human progress men saw the cruelty of this practice, they took steps, crude and rough enough at first, to save the children. Even but a century ago, little diseased, misshapen tots were crowded into alms- houses and allowed to fare as best they could. Modern ideas have changed these conditions still more. Homes and institutions have now been established at points of greatest need, and these are always filled to their limit. At Sea Breeze, near New York City, there exists a home for children afflicted with tuberculosis. During the summer 14 THE ORACLE months, this institution is always crowded with little sufferers, and many a life has been saved through the kind ministrations of the able corps of workers. In certain districts of large cities, day nurseries and kinder- gartens serve to brighten the little ones’ lives. Clubs and societies have been formed for older children, to create interest in things formerly foreign to them. Summer outings are given to as many as possible and play grounds aid in keeping the younger children from the streets. As exper- ience has been gained from these various methods, the tendency has been to make the institutional method but an intermediate step in the develop- ment of the child. Indigents and orphans are placed in institutions for only a short time, and as quickly as possible, they are established in re- spectable families. This method has been found more adventageous for making good citizens from this class of children. The indigent youth of our cities are more carefully watched than in former times. If allowed to develop alone, they often make dangerous criminals and obnoxious citi- zens. Juvenile courts are now organized with special jurisdiction over children criminally inclined. Each child is given sympathetic assistance and a fair chance to improve his life. Probation officers are appointed to keep watch over each one, to study his case, and to make due report to the court. How changed this is from the former brutal treatment when such children were thrust into prisons in company with hardened criminals! Now, industrial schools exist where the useful arts are taught. For the incorrigible youth, reformatories have been’ established where the same training that is furnished in the industrial schools is given. The trend of modern charity methods during the last generation has been toward organization and co-operation. Keeping this aim in view, charity workers are now usually trained for their labors by special courses in social science. Modern charity methods have become preventative rather than corrective. It has been possible to cover but a few of the means and organizations by which an effort is being made to meet the great need of modern times. As some one has said, “The problem is most difficult and the help inade- quate, and yet there can be no more effectual way to banish a gloomy pessimism than by studying the methods by which our country is caring for its dependents, trying to reform the criminally minded, and helping the ‘Under Dog.’ There is an awakening sense of responsibility among the more prosperous to the ‘Other Half,’ and to the old question of where rests this responsibility, the spirit embodied in modern charity would reply, ‘I am my brother’s keeper.’ ”’ THE ORACLE 1s VALEDICTORY ADDRESS TOSTHE “GEASS. BY EDGAR WELLS FREEMAN. Classmates—As we stand together at the close of these our commence- ment exercises, | know no words that can fully express my feelings. But there runs in my mind the story of an ancient Greek myth, that seems best suited to describe my thoughts. There was once a sculptor, poor and unrecognized and not far from starvation’s door. He was an artist, how- ever, and one day there came to his shop a wealthy lover of art, who ad- mired his work, and ordered to be executed a piece of sculpture which must be of exceptional merit, no matter what the cost. The poor workman, eager for an opportunity to display the talent which he was sure he pos- sesst, undertook the task. He procured a huge block of ivory white marble, quarried from the heart of Mt. Pentelicus, and unceasingly he made the blows of his hammer and chisel to resound thru the little village. Grad- ually, as the dim outline of a beautiful female figure shaped itself in the gleaming marble, the sculptor worked more and more eagerly, for he felt his whole heart and soul drawn toward the wonderful work he was pro- ducing. The vague outline became daily more definite, the figure more apparent, and the humble creator marveled at the superb glory that smiled before him. Soon the figure stood out complete, and as the beauty and loveliness of this perfect human form shone out in a divine radiance, the master-workman’s admiration and love for his splendid creation surpassed all bounds. He had watched his idol throughout its formation, until he had grown to love it as a human being; and now that it was finisht, it was to be his no longer. How could he part with it, his hope, his life, his all? The same conflict of emotions possesses us tonight. During the four years that we have been together, we have grown in stature, and, I trust, in grace and understanding; certainly in love for our Alma Mater. We have knit together ties of friendship with each other, with our fellow- students, with our teachers, that shall last as long as life. But tonight, the stern voice of destiny calls us apart. As we go, let us not fail to cherish the happy memories and friendships formed during these years of fellow- ship, and let each one of us put into his work, heart and soul and that fine spirit, that the sculptor devoted to his greatest achievement. And now, until we meet again, my class-mates, I bid you farewell. 16 ELE. SR AGISE Award of Prizes, 1907 ENGLISH COMPOSITION. I. The George H. Babcock Prize, given by Mrs. George H. Babcock. First Prize, John DeLancey Ferguson. Second Prize, Grace Srager. Honorable Mention, Louise Townsend Nicholl. Eleanor Van Tuyl. II. A Prize offered by the Continental Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Prize, Five Dollars in Gold, Awarded to Lillian Reed Cronkite. Honorable Mention, Laura May Baker. III. The Daily Press Prize for the best essay written by a member of the Senior Class on a topic relating to municipal affairs. Prize, Ten Dollars in Gold. Awarded to William Hicks Osgood. Honorable Mention, Francis Rollin Williams. MATHEMATICS. The Dr. C. H. Stillman Prize, given by Mrs. J. K. Myers and Mr. William M. Stillman. First Prize, $15.00 in Gold, Carola Edna Hart. Second Prize, $10.00 in Gold, Leroy Clifton Whitall. Honorable Mention, Percy Le Barre Mygrant. TRANSLATION PRIZES. For the best translation of assigned passages, a first prize of three dollars and a second of two dollars, to be expended in books chosen by the receiver of the prizes. Modern Languages. Given by Mr. Ernest R. Ackerman. Senior French. First Prize, Frederick Martin Smith. Second Prize, Helen Johnson. Honorable Mention, Miriam Crittenden Carman. Gertrude Prince Abbott. THE ORACLE L7, Junior French. First Prize, Percy Le Barre Mygrant. Second Prize, John Adelbert van Brakle. Honorable Mention, Sallo Mortimer Kahn. Senior German. First Prize, William Hicks Osgood. Second Prize, Edgar Wells Freeman. Honorable Mention, Rose Siegal. Junior German. First Prize, Esther Barton Crampton. Second Prize, Roy C. Whitall. Honorable Mention, Robert L. Kyte. Latin Prizes. Given by Mr. Alexander Gilbert. Vergil. First Prize, Rose Siegal. Second Prize, Queena May Tillotson. Honorable Mention, John DeLancey Ferguson. Cicero, First Prize, Gertrude Prince Abbott. Second Prize, Esther Barton Crampton. Honorable Mention, Wa shington McIntyre. Caesar. First Prize, Sarah A. Brouwer. Second Prize, Charles E. Prior. Honorable Mention, George Stanley Robins. COMMERCIAL PRIZES. Given by Mr. Ernest R. Ackerman. A first prize of three dollars and a second prize of two dollars, to be expended in books. Bookkeeping (First Year.) Bisst, Prize, Marty Brick Second Prize, Sidney Howell Karr. Honorable Mention, Florence Cecelia Brown. 18 DoE ORACLE Typewriting (First Year.) First Prize, Helen May Dorthy. Second Prize, Leslie Nolty Leland. Honorable Mention, Bertha Rose Brick. Stenography (First Year.) First Prize, Leslie Nolty Leland. Second Prize, Hedwig Grotman. Honorable Mention, Helen May Dorthy. Advanced Stenography and Typewriting. First Prize, Clara Evelyn Hallard. Second Prize, Donald Cameron Mortimer. Honorable Mention, Charles Henry Line. AMERICAN HISTORY. Given by Dr. J. B. Probasco. Prize, Joseph Wilbur Tovell. Honorable Mention, Charles Earl Moran. he Yales Cup The Plainfield Yale Club has adopted a resolution whereby it annually offers “to that student of the Plainfield High School who shows the greatest proficiency in both scholarship and athletics, a cup to be known as the Yale Cup to be awarded by the Executive Committee of the Club upon th e recommendation of the principal of the school.” The restriction is made that the cup shall go to a member of the graduating class. In accordance with the recommendation of Principal Travell, the cup was awarded at the morning exercises on June 19th to William C. Douglass. The presentation was made by Thomas M. Day, president of the Plainfield Yale Club. At the same time a large photograph of the Yale Campus was presented to the school. S— “MY MASTERS, ARE YOU MAD?’—TWELFTH NIGHT. THE ORACLE 19 YEAR BOOK Class of 1907 Cet AeS SrA COMMIT TEE WILLIAM H. OsGooD, Chairman. FREDERICK M. SMITH HELEN JOHNSON WESTON GAVETT GERTRUDE ABBOTT ALICE BROWN All Whame Doughty Douglass Led All whame doughty Douglass led, All wha’ve loved the Blue and Red, All wha’ve joined in raising Ned, All wha hope for heaven! All come here and join our song, We'll nae be here vara long, We're the class that did nae wrong, We're auld Naughty Seven! We've been here for four lang years, We're the class that has nae peers, We hae had our joys and tears, We hae gotten leaven! Noo the last day soon will pass, Noo let every lad and lass Sing a song for our dear class, Guid aud Naughty Seven! J. De Lancey FERGusOoN, ’07. We've been working on our Exams— All the livelong day We've been working on our Exams— To pass the time away? Spoken (1 guess not!) Can’t you see our cheeks are hollow, And we're growing thin? Can’t you see the awful effort It cost ’07 to win? 20 HE ORACLE Class History This class of 1907, which you see before you, is so well known and of such famous repute that it is almost unnecessary to go into details of its achievements. However, we make this small summary to bring back memories of some of the successes and pleasures we have experienced during our high school career. When we entered the school some four years ago we were timid and scared� , (like all Freshmen) but under the baleful taunts of the upper classes, ’06 especially, we soon began to assert ourselves, and show the real nature of the class. In the Freshman year, three members of the class—Douglass, Williams and Srager—made the football team, and Douglass made the hockey team; and a 1907 girl—May Cogan—won the Girls’ Tennis Champion- ship. The only fault in the freshman year was that we were too much above the average. The wise and aspiring faculty gained such a high opinion of our ability that they tried to make us do two years of algebra in one. This misfortune considerably reduced the size of the class. Following the standards set in the Freshman year we have continued to partake in the school activities with characteristic spirit and success. Big Chief Douglass has three years captained the football team, and was also captain of the baseball nine. Without the class of 1907, all the teams would have been dismal failures. The Girls’ Basketball team acquired a valuable member in Miss Gertrude Moodey, who has been one of their swiftest and surest homes. 1907 has never received last place in the track meets and this year easily won the championship. Under four years of ’07 influence the ORACLE has grown in size, wealth and quality, and it was never more successful than when under the able management of Weston Gavett and Will Osgood, with Rollin Williams as Editor-in-Chief. During the past year most of the editorial staff has come from the ranks of ’o7. The Musical Clubs will also suffer an irreparable loss by the gradua- tion of this class. The instrumental clubs will lose six members and the Glee Club will lose eight, including the star soprano soloist, Miss Queena Tillotson. There was but one class that did not at first have a proper respect for our worth and valor. This was ‘06. In our Junior year one night about Hk ORACLE 21 Christmas time this conceited class located themselves in the school thinking they could thus keep out their rivals. This illusion was soon shattered, for we got in the front door and rushed into the hall. For a while a rough house reigned supreme, but when the noise finally subsided 1907 was still in the building. The remainder of the night rapidly passed, with amateur vaudeville, eraser fights and a midnight feast. At the Christmas festivities of that year, the Seniors presented us with gifts, accompanied by appropriate and complimentary verses, and in re- turn we gave them an appetizing banquet. In the middle of our Junior year we moved to this new school, an event of which we had almost despaired, although we were sorry to leave the old school and its time-honored associations. Our first day in the new build- ing we made memorable by presenting to the school a fine photograph of Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria. Our last days in the old building are lurid with red and green paint and we must pass hastily onward lest we dwell too long on these glorious and at the same time painful happenings. We gave our first dramatic performance in this hall in our Junior Play, “A Proposal Under Difficulties.” This was one of the most entertain- ing and successful plays ever given by a Junior Class. At the end of the year, we bade our old friends of 1906 farewell and stepped into their places as Seniors. This year we have kept up our high standard of merit, without, however, sacrificing any of our usual enjoyment in life. At Christmas, according to the ancient custom, we had the agreeable task of roasting the members of the Junior Class. We did it well and no poor Junior escaped his fate. The great event of the year, however, was the Senior Play, “Twelfth Night.” This scored another huge success for the class. Only lack of space prevents us from enthusing upon the worth of the cast and thanking Miss Goddard more at length for her excellent coaching. So through these four years we have tried to bring honor to the name of the Plainfield High School, and now in saying good-bye we resolve to continue the good record of the class and with love in our hearts for our Alma Mater, uphold her dearest traditions. THE ‘ORACUE The Two Teachers To the Music of the Two Grenadiers. In High School were weeping two instructors, Two noble teachers together, And as they wept in the empty room It seemed like rainy weather. For they had just heard the sorrowful news, Naught-seven the school was leaving. That valiant class would disperséd be— No wonder the teachers were grieving! Then sorrowed together those teachers twain, Such doleful news to be learning. And one spoke out with language plain, ) “The last day now is nearing. The other said: “’Tis all too true. Would that I forth were hieing, But there’s the freshmen and junior class On me for instruction relying.” “T care not a whoop for the junior class, For the sophs my heart’s not grieving. Let them all go to hang for aught I care— Naught-seven, naught-seven is leaving! O grant me this last prayer of mine, When my last day I must number, My body place near the school house walk, At the school door let me slumber. My class-room record with its E’s Lay close beside my hand, My pencil place within its leaves And about it a rubber band. é Pivae ee Yn) . “GOOD MADONNA, GIVE ME LEAVE TO PROVE YOU A FOOL.”—TWELFTH NIGHT. THE ORACLE 23 Thus will I listen within the tomb, A watcher calm and unhustling, Till the steps of a senior resound thru the gloom, His exam papers rustling. Then over my grave shall that senior stride And then from the tomb I shall plunk him, For armed with my book I shall rise from the grave And once again shall flunk him!” J. DeELANcEY FERGUSON, ’07. Class Prophecy BY WESTON GAVETT. Mr. J. W. Tarbell (A. van Brakle) representing a principal of the school in the year 1924, made a bright and interesting speech introducing the speaker of the day, Mr. Joseph Van Deventer, President of the New York Stock Exchange and an honorable graduate of the class of 1907. Mr. Van Deventer then gave a charming address, telling of the good old days when he attended the Plainfield High School. After displaying a number of interesting steropticon slides, taken by Mr. J. O. Osgood, Jr., a was-once member of 1907, showing the members of the class, the faculty garbed as baseball heroes, and numerous other interesting scenes about the school, he told us what the members of his class had done after grad- uating from High School. His talk was a great inspiration to those for- tunate enough to be present. This part of his speech is recorded as follows: A large part of the girls now bear different names. Alice Brown apparently did not fancy the plain, ordinary name of Brown and was the first of the class to take on another. Gertrude Moodey is now in China, on a trip around the world with her gallant sailor husband, in his ship the “Splinter.” Before deciding to take up the sailor life she completed a course at Smith and taught school “successfully for three years. Miss Florence Prior, after leaving the High School, accepted a posi- tion as a model for wax dolls at Siegel Cooper’s, where she could be always near the fountain. She still lives near the Fountain, I under- stand, although not at Siegel Cooper’s. 24 THE ORACLE Mildred Berry was forced to leave college owing to ill health. She was undecided which would be better for her, the climate of Dunellen or Colorado. She did not go to either place, however, but is now living in New York where she is surrounded by a large group of admirers. With Miss Prior should also be mentioned her sister-in-law, formerly Mabelle Cubberley, who also had a great attraction for Fountains. She at first planned an artistic career, but decided that making home happy for her carpenter friend was preferable to wielding the brush and palette. Ethan Rogers, who was one of the most unobtrusive members of the class, figured in a terrible explosion at Alfred University where he was studying. Altho he narrowly escaped death, it had the good effect of waking him up to some extent. He is now a prosperous farmer and the Mayor of Spudville, New York. The Kanen twins, I think, are now running a dress-making establish- ment. After leaving school they appeared in Todd’s Hippodrome at Fan- wood, as the Siamese Twins. Unfortunately, however, life lost all pleasure for them as one grew quite tall and the other very stout, so they co uld no longer be mistaken. Victor Todd, the owner and manager of the Fanwood Hippodrome, is also a High School graduate of ‘07. He exhibits himself there as. the human ostrich who can eat a dozen tin cans, two plates of sawdust and a live rabbit in the short time of five minutes. Stanley Fisher, a prominent electrical engineer, received his training, after leaving the High School, at Rutgers. He was once forced to leave Rutgers owing to pecuniary difficulties caused by spending his tuition money to send candy to girls at boarding-schools. He cut down his candy bills, however, finished his course, and they still love him in the same old way. Clara Hallard disappeared from sight a few years ago, so I suppose she is married. When I last heard of her she was designing costumes for the Kanenite Dress Making Establishment. Rose Siegal, one of the valedictorians of the class of 1907, now holds a responsible position as principal of the Oak Tree High School. The instructor of English at this famous school is Miss Miriam Car- man, also from ’o7. She was married, but her poetic soul could not wing its celestial flights in the prosaic life of the kitchen, so she secured a divorce. Besides teaching she also writes little gems of poetry for the Frogtown Monthly Outlook. UE ORACLE 25 One of the principal contributors to this magazine is Miss Helen Johnson. She has published a number of books, the most noted of which are, “Popular Class-room Pastimes for Young Children,” “How to grow Fat,” and “The Noble Art of Being on Time.” Still another pedagogue from 1907, Gertrude Abbott, is now teaching in the Plainfield Kindergarten, where she is doing a noble work in in- structing the infants on the evils of fussing. Marion Sachar is now a settlement worker in New York City, where she is accomplishing wonders in molding future presidents out of the little Ikey’s and Mike’s of the Bowery. Miss Ethel Van Zandt, of ’07, the well known artist, took a course in art at Cooper Institute and later studied in France. Her first master- piece, which brought forth the applause of the nations, was a landscape, showing the wooded glades of the Plainfield City Park and is called, “Keep off the grass.” She now has the contract to paint a large portrait of your principal, Mr. Tarbell, to preserve in the school for the benefit of future admiring generations. Not only is 1907 represented in art, but the theatre also is proud of a star who first discovered his talent in the class production of “Twelfth Night,’ Mr. John Adelbert van Brakle. He was at first too modest of his talents and started to take a scientific course at Stevens. He was discovered, however, and forced into the limelight by his admiring friends. He now is taking the principal part in the drama of “The Murder of Bloody Gulch,” or, “Who threw the cat in the soup.” Queena Tillotson, after graduating from Barnard, also tried a little acting with phenomenal success. Mr. Oliver P. Astorbilt, however, once heard her sing at.a society reception, and was so enraptured by her celestial voice, that now I understand there will soon be a Mrs. Q. M. Astorbilt. Mr. John De Lancey Ferguson needs no introduction I think, as all of you must have read some of his charming poems. He pursued his higher education at Rutgers, where he spent a quiet but studious four years. He then retired to a small farm where he lived in study and communion with Nature for a number of years, before giving to the world his first great poem, “The Ode to the Potato Bug.” Only two members of the class have passed away. Miss Cornelia Lounsbury, one whom the class loved dearly, went to Swarthmore after graduating from High School, to prepare for teaching. The call of the heathen was too much for her kind soul, however, and she sailed for the far shores of Netherwood. Here she did much good for 26 THE ORACLE the semi-barbarous natives, and was greatly loved by them. But it chanced one fatal day the chief’s hunger got the better of his religion and she was served, garnished with onions, as plump missionary aa fricasee. Another who met a sad death is our lately lamented Mr. Bertram Leggett. He did not go to college but accepted a fine position in New York. Altho he was only the office boy, the firm would have soon failed without his valuable services and advice. He married, but one day while instruct- ing his better half in the art of cooking, she resented the information, and with an arm well trained in basketball, launched a frying-pan at his head. The impact caused him to lose his power of speech, and that misfortune so preyed upon him that he soon wasted away and died. The most successful in the field of learning is President Frederick Smith, A. M., L.L.D., of Rutgers College. He has made his life work the advancement of that noted institution of learning, and has succeeded in making it co-educational and a worthy rival of the big six. Miss Eleanore Stutsman has also achieved some note in the world of letters by her stupendous work, “The Value of Going to Bed at Eight O'clock.” This is a theory of life which has been supported by many notable educators, the greatest of whom was Mr. Tarbell, a former prin- cipal of the Plainfield High School. 1907 is nowhere better represented than in business. One of the fore- most of the successful business men from the class is Mr. Robert Kyte, President of the largest automobile concern in New York. He worked some time after leaving High School in the Standard Oil Co., when he made his fortune inventing the Kyte Bangamobile, a marvelous machine which travels both on land and on water. Rollin Williams, I think, has led the most checkered career of the class. After graduating he spent five years in deciding what vocation to honor with his talents. He then went to a school of dentistry, but this not being to his liking, he wandered around the country as a tramp in order to study the psychological attitude of the tramp toward manual labor. He published the results of his work in ten huge volumes, with an intro- duction by Mr. Tarbell. The work made him a millionaire and he is now singing baritone in the opera as a pastime. Another noted business man is Mr. William D. Taylor, whom you have probably heard of as the famous electrician and owner of fine horses. He studied for his profession at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. Here he had numerous encounters with the sophs in his freshman year, in which he broke about two dozen pairs of glasses. The disagreements, I under- AE © Rane et Py stand, were always disastrous to the sophs. The college began to recog- nize his sterling qualities however, and he soon became the most popular man in the college and a great athlete. But one member of the class chose the doctor’s profession, Dr. Edgar Freeman. He prepared for his vocation at Yale, where he received high honors in athletics, scholarships, and raising the deuce. He now takes great delight in his profession, and especially enjoys operations. With a contented smile he attacks his helpless victims and examines their interior with such expressions as “gurgle, gurgle,” “ain’t this gu-lor-ious.” In the coming election I know you will all vote for Mr. William Osgood for Mayor of this prosperous metropolis. He is a man of fine character, as well as a powerful speaker and a shrewd business man. During the past few years he has been quite successful in selling warming pans to the inhabitants of the infernal regions. Owing to his winning smile and persuasive speech his wares have sold like the lunch counter strawberry short-cake, and he has amassed a large fortune. The most famous of the class is the Rt. Hon. William Crawford Douglass, governor of Colorado, and owner of the Indian Valley Gold mine. After graduating from the High School he finally succeeded in tearing him- self away from his numerous female admirers and departed for Colorado. He graduated from the Colorado School of Mines with high honors and worked in the mines, advancing to his present enviable position. He is the same good natured, big-hearted Bill however, and I think I am the first to announce his $2,000 remembrance to the Athletic Association of the Plainfield High School. Alma Mater Gone the years of joy and pleasure, Passing all too soon, Fleeting as the care-free hours Of a day in June. Still shall mem’ry, fondly kindling With affection true, Turn our hearts, dear Alma Mater, To the Red and Blue. Still farewell, dear Alma Mater, Ere thy sons depart ; 28 ALE, © REXGICE Love for thee shall linger ever Deep within each heart. Sound again the strains of music, Soft the chorus swell. Give again our Alma Mater Still one last farewell. WiLii1am H. Oscoop. Senior Class Statistics ADOPTED BY VODRE OME CEASS: Most Popular, Helen Johnson, William Douglass. Most Executive Ability, Helen Johnson, Weston Gavett. Class Fatty, Helen Johnson, J. DeLancey Ferguson. Class Skinny, Cornelia Lounsbury, Bertram Leggett. Sportiest, Florence Prior, Gertrude Abbott, Edgar Freeman. Best Poet, Miriam Carman, J. DeLancey Ferguson. Biggest Eater, Helen Johnson, Victor Todd. Best Singer, Queena Tillotson, Stanley Fisher. Most Athletic, Gertrude Moodey, William Douglass. Prettiest Girl, Florence Prior. Handsomest Boy, William Osgood. Best Actress, Queena Tillotson, Best Actor, Adelbert van Brakle. Joseph Van Deventer. Best Artist, Ethel Van Zandt. Weston Gavett. Most Bashful, Ethel Van Zandt. Ethan Rogers. Teacher’s Curse, The Kanen Twins, Joseph Van Deventer. Edgar Freeman. Done Most for P. H. S., Gertrude Moodey, William Douglas. Best Natured, Cornelia Lounsbury, William Douglass. Biggest Feet, Gertrude Moodey, William Osgood. Most Soulful Expression, Gertrude Moodey, Rollin Williams. Done Most for 1907. Helen Johnson, William Douglass. Most Class Spirit, Queena Tillotson, William Taylor. 1 u ae 3 : , wy ; CAST OF TWELETH NIGHT. THE ORACLE | 20 Biggest Fusser, Most Scholarly, Florence Prior, Rose Siegal, Victor Todd. Frederick Smith, Most Likely to Marry Quietest, Mildred Elizabeth Berry, Mabelle Cubberley, William Crawford Douglass. Ethan Rogers. The Senior Play “Twelfth Night,” the Senior play, was produced on May.29. For all round excellence it was without a peer among school plays. The principal parts were played with all the polish and finish of dramatic stars of the first magnitude, and were nobly supported by the rest of the company. It was truly an “all-star” performance. A Havard graduate, Mr. Fullerton Waldo, said in a letter to the Courier-News that it “would put to the blush most college theatricals.” We were glad to have our private opinion confirmed by one competent to judge. The class owes the success of the play very largely to the kind and untiring efforts of Miss Goddard. The cast was as follows: DRAMATIS PERSONAE. ORSINO MIO Ukewo be lilly samemer. goes eats ckatels: «0: «a poletehenerovsh vanal omealoena acini ¢ William Osgood. SEBAS DENN ID LOUl ei tO Oliceber, cles tenn eove cos, a etmleveitaese Ciara chorea eens 6 Helen Johnson. NN TONTOMAESCARCADLAITINNT HICH detOuSebastiall . .areaqemerari iio deierers William Douglass. Ne Seam Capi nied ORM Olamecanes on. 5..eeetaneimr ios cee esc NV eSton oGavett: VALENTINE, _ : ieee ee Frederick Smith. Curto, a Caine On he eee aie es William Taylor, SinphoBpyeBELGHriincle atom @liviaieecct oc .ccrgamiberscves oasis eae Joseph Van Deventer. STRAEANTDREW alee AGU CELEB ame sp orate Ser ons o, afc tas, SOMMERS eso eeer ne trees ous.e ove leroy ak eesne Robert Kyte. IME ROGOK SiN eseGl) oy LOUNGE, cnosaeeetee eo Sou 0 odemdraacaas J. Adelbert van Brakle. FaBIAN, oo Ol rorkc ak cman Edgar Freeman. FEsTE, a clown, een to Olivia. ........ 2... i Oe ea Bertram Leggett. QUAY WAS Rome ec ater een Geren TR cs. a et a ee oh edith, sanatord. WHO WAM Unrate nremelen tray ctarser lel rerenet or Wo ch etemisecs oh EERE OR re eae RE Bt oe Queena Tillotson. NARIANE Olliviagsmiy Onna Tieits eer ercettn aoe Rot ccsetee eer a m3) oe ne Amanda Loughren. ICS Lamy etree wtislini Noted scents oars thie are t's 0 AO orenmameee oie noe Rollin Williams. Races rOm WO UKCMer rater seit ie cetecssehn arc ee eae Misses Clara and Florence Kanen. ENT ETOCS ches VG) TONING Gago oma Saab peewee vlc Mises Carmen, Moodey and Cubberley. INEST CIA TI Steaeer Eee tacrs aorta conte ton ari aes Messrs. Howe, Leggett, Smith and Gavett. Once Spereree ee Met em tIre: EOP a, Ret cs one Messrs. Gavett and Smith. Sougs by, Joseph, Addison, sune by +......5 eee eae Miss Tillotson and Mr. Leggett. 30 THRE GRACLE Miss Tillotson took the difficult part of Viola with an artistic skill that showed true histrionic talent. One could fully understand how Olivia came to fall in love with her. °07 was fortunate, in that the most important part fell to the member of the class who had the most talent in the needed line. The usually calm and intellectual Van Brakle forgot his customary character and gave a convincing portrayal of the conceited Malvolio. Could that stuck-up, pompous prig be our Van, the mathematics shark ? His hollow and despairing accents in the dungeon scene had a most har- rowing effect upon his hearers. A decided talent for acting lurks within Adelbert’s “bulging brain.” It seems scarcely possible that the artistic “lethargy” of Sir Toby could have been acquired by mere training and imitation. It was altogether too natural for that, altho the identity of slender Joe was completely lost behind the strongly accented “middle syllable” and ruddy complexion of Sir Toby. No one would have connected the squeaky-voiced, effeminate Sir An- drew with explosion-making, lab-wrecking Bob Kyte. Skinniness was the only characteristic in which they resembled each other. Miss Hanaford displayed unusual elocutionary powers in her render- ing of the character of Olivia. Amanda Loughren acted to perfection the part of the mischievous and boisterous Maria. One had good reason to pity Malvolio when she began to plot against him. William Osgood was excellent as the Duke, and made an immense hit with the “Matinee girls” in the audience. It was the general opinion that he was “just too nice for anything.” Miss Johnson made an admirable twin brother to Viola, and Bill Douglass upbraided the latter very realistically for her supposed treachery to him. Bert Leggett was perfectly natural as Feste, the fool, and it was really a shame the way Fabian forced poor Viola to fight Sir Andrew. The minor parts were equally well done. Rollin Williams was well fitted for the part of the gray-haired, studious priest; the musicians, like Sir Toby, “did keep time in their catches;’ and certain spectators were heard to declare that the Kanen twins were “just dear.” The net proceeds of the play amounted to $125. This money will be expended in the purchase of a work of art to be presented by the class to the school. -Jo61 ‘WVAL TIVadaSva Tie ORAECEE 31 The kaseball season this year has been one of the most unsuccessful in the history of the school. The team was in many ways an improvement over last year’s combination, but the games played certainly were not, for nearly. every scheduled game was cancelled by our opponents. Out of nine games played, our team won four and tied one. Great credit is due to the battery, Murphey, Loizeaux and Van Zandt, but the first named was the surprise of the season. From almost nothing, he developed into a star box professor and his quick drop puzzled nearly every batter that faced him. Capt. Douglass was far below his last year’s standard, but he was greatly handicapped at the first of the season by rheumatism. “Jce” Van De- venter played second, way above his last year’s average; he took nearly every hot liner and grounder that came anywhere near him. “Mo” Rubenstein was always reliable on short-stop; hardly a grounder went through him and he handled the willow in great shape. Third base was well covered, Van Zandt and Murphy holding down this position like veterans. One of the main reasons for Murphey’s good pitching was the steadiness of Loizeaux, his plucky catcher. ‘Zcozoo,”’ as he is nicknamed, was in the game every minute and more than one fellow was caught at second by his quick throw. Dodwell was the lone-star in the outfield. He shin ed brightly during the whole season and turned out to be one of our cracker-jacks. The little boy, John Dutcher, covered his garden well; while Wilcox, in right, was noted for his one hand grand-stand plays. Snyder and Doane, the subs, played well, but unsteadily. _ Mr. Mathewson, of the faculty, coached the team with untiring patience, and from a lot of raw recruits he turned out a bunch of scientific ball tossers. His loss next year will be greatly felt. 32 THE ORACEE The individual averages are as follows: AVERAGES. ce Games. ; A. B. ide Ow Ne E. Batting. Fielding. Murphey G.:| SGnn roms 4 54,0] 950) 2806 Loizeaux O-| 37qeGa| OO NLA.) 3-1-2435 O70 Douglass 7s. | 2EAO nas vale ete. AO as 5 3 Dutcher S.5|'2 Fal Om Otc Lees a OA ani ia, Rubenstein OS | 22a An Eos LO pani 727, Van Deventer S| 2 EeRmnO Is PA geo TOT 260s Dodwell | 3 gem leie 2 ATOl | tk©Oo Snyder 7 | ZONE aletol Sl 22) 150 846 Doane © | 2OeseeOnke ss Or 1277) ever Van Zandt ©. | 2a ehhh Woh 3O eo Wilcox O)| 23anez eee HN | Nom Tah ReOO Base Ball Rutgers’ Prep team’ defeated Paso. o.-0n (Crescent: Oval, A prile27in, by a score of 7-1. Our team had a general off day, and the score might have been worse had it not been for the steady work of the battery, Murphey and Loizeaux. The first team journeyed to Morristown, May 14th, where they were defeated by the Morris Academy nine, with a score of 7-1. On account of a wet field, our team went down to defeat at the hands of Rutgers’ “Prep.” at New Brunswick, by a score of 7-4. P. H. 5S. held the college boys down for eight innings. In a close and exciting game, P. H. S. defeated Leal’s School by a score of 5-2. Our boys were a little too confident of victory, and were greatly surprised when Leal’s scored two runs in the third inning. Van Zandt pitched his first game for P. H. S. and did well, but was taken out of the box in the third because the team was “up in the air.” Leal’s were shut out, 9-0, at the hands of P. H. S. Our boys batted Howard of Leal’s all over and scored runs at will. Loizeaux pasted out three screeching hits, while Van Zandt and Doane each added two to the swat-feast. Murphey, Van Zandt and Loizeaux were there at every minute of the game. P. H. S. closed its season June 10, by defeating Pingry School, at Elizabeth, 19-3. Douglass made a home run by knocking the ball over the fence. The game was one-sided thruout. Our boys were especially good at the bat, and did some quick work in the field. THE ORACLE 33 The Faculty Won In an exciting ninth inning batting rally and finish, the mighty P. H. S. Faculty defeated the all-glorious Seniors, 12-11. Never in the history of the school was there such a perfect game played and the boys of naughty seven were shown a couple of things about the national game by their learned schoolmasters. When the curtain rose and the umpire shouted “Play Ball,’ the Faculty rooters, led by the Misses Ferry and Gilbert, inspired the educated ball tossers, while Miss Queena Tillotson, accompanied by a quartet of ’07 girls, cheered lustily for their team. We will not give a detailed account of the game by innings but will mention the individual players and stars. Mr. Best, the Faculty slab-artist, simply cartooned the Senior batsmen, a-la-Rube Waddel style. They were no more able to solve his curves and twisters than his puzzling physics problems and even “Big Chief” Douglass struck out. Mr. Travell covered first to the “Height” of perfection. He took everything that came his way and more too. He lost his eagle eye at the bat however, and every time that “Our Principal’ stepped up to the plate he vainly fanned the beautiful Plainfield atmosphere three times. “Ben” Evans, on second, (being of Hope Chapel fame), looked down with scorn upon his fellow players, not unmingled with sarcasm. Third baseman Howe showed the Senior boys how (Howe) to bat for he in- serted a little hit over short-stop and circled the diamond while the band played “Uncle Sammy.” It would take a year to tell about Captain Mat- thewson’s good plays at short-stop and three years for the bad ones. Still he played well and (thinking of stocking up the Biology lab.) he took all the flies that came his way. The Faculty outfield was in great shape and one member of this combination caught a fly. Dr. Maxson, in gauntlet gloves, played in left garden. Not a fly went by him for the simple reason that none were batted near him. Charles R. Bostwick was on duty in center-field. When this man got base, even a fire department couldn’t put him out. This was shown to the Senio rs in the ninth inning when he came in from second by hard sprinting, in style rivalling that of Duffy, the world’s champion. Mr. Chas. L. Lewis, clothed in a coat of many colors, made his debut in fandom and the baseball world. He surprised the gallery gods by stopping a ball with his foot. Least and last of all comes the little insignificant Sophomore catcher, who played his usual star game—but we will not mention names. 34 THE CRACLE For all causes of defeat and detailed plays, we would refer you to “Bill” Douglass, who captained the Spartanic Seniors, but for the shining star's benefit, we will mention some facts about them. The Senior battery was perfect and we might say this also about the veterans on first and second bases and the new find in center field. “Bert” Leggett was the “real noise” on short-stop, 3rd base, and left field. AlI- though he had an off day, he was put in these positions on account of his all-round ability. Van Brakle, in left garden, acted his part well, while Fisher and Freeman upheld their reputations by fanning out. The batting honors were carried off by Messrs. Best, Mathewson, the Sophomore, and Evans, for the Faculty, and by Van Deventer, Douglass, and Leggett, for the ’07 bunch. There was never a more surprised set of fellows than the Seniors were, when the dust of Mr. Bostwick’s slide had cleared away and the game had been won by their teachers. Which is Which “Which is Which,” a one act comedy by S. Theyre Smith, and a mis- cellaneous entertainment were given by the Junior class before one of the largest audiences ever gathered in our auditorium on the evening of May fourth. Two pleasing cornet solos were given by Percy Mygrant. A piano duet by the Misses Bertha Jones and Elsie Knowlton was well received, as was also a difficult piano solo by Elsie Knowlton. The Ballad of Mary Jane was then given. Those who took part were, Julia Fitzgerald, Orlando Louns- bury, Wallace Pearce and Ray Dutcher. “Which is Which” proved to be one of the most successful Junior plays ever given in our school. As Capper, an artist much in debt, Walter Cald- well distinguished himself. He took the part simply and well. Uncle Gordon was excellently portrayed by Percy Mygrant, while Arthur Tits- worth typified to perfection a tradesman trying to collect a bad bill. Helen Dorthy took the part of Mrs. Mills, an old domestic, with much ability. Several amusing situations were enhanced by the cleverness of Elea- nor Van Tuyl and Esther B. Crampton, as Helen and Louise, two charming young women. Candy was sold by a committee composed of Corola Hart, Catherine Gray, Elizabeth Randall and Mary Mortimer. Sallo M. Kahn was stage manager and George H. Fisher, Jr., stage director. Ninety dollars was cleared by the play. THE ORACLE 35 On Friday morning, June the 7th, Mr. John M. Whiton gave the school an illustrated lecture on Sicily. Mr. Whiton had recently traveled hrough Sicily and he described the scenery, the architecture of its buildings and its people with such color and feeling as to charm the school. The one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the great scientist Louis Agassiz was remembered on May 28th in the High School by an illustrated lecture given by Mr. Franklin S. Smith. Mr. Smith-was at one time presi- dent of the Agassiz Association in the High School. A beautiful photograph of the campus at Princeton was presented to the school recently at the morning exercises by Mr. Edward J. Patterson, an alumnus of the school and also a representative of the Plainfield Prince- ton Club. , Alumni 1874. The Rev. Mr. E. Moffet of Central Bridge, N. Y., recently visited our school. ’°o2. Willams, ’06. Erwin B. Leland, and Miss Edith Cook of Brook- lyn were married on May 4. ‘03. Charles N. Doolittle has done a great deal at Rutgers College where he graduates this month. He has won third classical honors and will deliver an oration on Commencement day. , 03. Helen C. Moodey graduates this month from Smith College. by 03. Frederick Van Auken will spend one more year at Annapolis. 04. Elizabeth Wilson graduated in May from the Nurses’ Training School of Muhlenberg Hospital. 04. Jessie K. Stevens and Walter Cahoone were married, May 28. ‘06 « The Barnard Bulletin contains some interesting facts concerning Gertrude Hunter and Christella MacMurray, our P. H. S. students who are studying there. The former is president of her class, the secretary of all the undergraduates, a member of the Bible committee of the Y. W. C. A., and took an excellent part in the undergraduate play. Miss MacMurray is on the devotional committee of the Y. W. C. A., and won first place in quoit- throwing in the Greek games held annually at Barnard; while Miss Hunter read the first epic in the same games. Fire and Burglar Proof Vaults located in a Fire Proof Building that is used for banking and safe deposit purposes, makes a com- bination for security that is absolute. Such is the security afforded by the vaults of The Plainfield Trust Company. Boxes for rent at $5.00 per year and upwards, according to size. An inspection of both the building and the vaults is cordially Invited. THE; PLAINETEL DVeR Uv Sil (CO Miran Ny Clark College Worcester, Massachusetts Carroll D. Wright, Ph. D.,-LL. D., President A college for students devoted to work Three year course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Tuition, $50a year, and no extra fees. Living expenses low— rooms, $1.50—$2.00 a week; board,$3.75 up. Well-equipped gymnasium, with a com- petent director; medical inspection with- out charge; athletics heartily supported, but no intercollegiatic athletic contests. Prizes in public speaking; public debates last year with Bowdoin and Tufts. No formal entrance examinations required; the di- ploma of your school, accompanied by the indorsement of your principal, will admit you to the class of 1910. For information, kindly mention this paper and address R. C. BENTLEY, Dean. a a RRR a | NEW YORK SCHOOL % INDUSTRIAL ART 343 W. 57th St., New York. Incorporated under the Regents of the University of the State of New York. Co- educational. Purely Professional. Aca- demic Training. Architecture and Interior Decoration. Life and Illustration Classes. Advertisement Writing. Textile, Costume and Book Cover Design. Applied Arts. Art and Manual Training Courses for Teachers. Students entering in September for the full winter session receive one month’s tuition free. Winter Session, October to June. Summer Session, June to October. Pros- pectus upon application. Address ELISA A. SARGENT, President. PLAINFIELD’S LEADING MILLINER In patronizing advertisers please mention the “ORACLE” We make a special study of out-fitting college men and | school boys With clothing, furnishings, hats and shoes ROGE Roger oc CO. 258—842—1260 Broadway (3. Stores ) NEW YORK | W. Seventh St. and In patronizing advertisers please mention the “ORACLE.” American Steam Laundry 122 East Kront Street H. W. MARSHALL, Proprietor The Domestic Finish and Press System (something new) on Shirts Che Warren Gompany 489 Fifth Ave. New York City MAKERS OF Fine Emblematic Jewelry Department of Stationery offers all that is best in High School and College En= graving, Class Day Invitations, Pro= grams, Dance Orders, Etc. Correspondence Solicied. MAZE EDWARDS Lessee and Manager Engagements for CONCERTS LECTURES READINGS RECITALS DANCES REHEARSALS RECEPTIONS Casino AND BOWLING ALLEYS, can be arranged on ap- Arlington Ave. plication. GOODE CULEERY Knives, Scissors and ‘Razors Our Specialty Cutlery Sent to New York Daily for Sharpening. A. M. GRIFFEN JAMES C. HANSEN | Decorator, Painter and Paper Hanger Dealer in all Paper, Paints, Oils, Glass, etc. 141 E. Front St., Plainfield. Telephone 470-R Send your name to SPALDING Mention what sport you are interested in and ask for a list of college and school supplies. Che Spalding HAthbletic Library Text Books on every athletic sport 10 cents per copy. Send for Complete List. Mail Order Dept. IM (je SHS NVNIDING Kh IBWOS), 126 NASSAU ST., NEW YORK. 149 WABASH AVE., CHICAGO. SEikGey ca@RNs@In Carpets, Furniture and Bedding Awnings and Window Shades BABCOCK BUILDING, PLAINFIELD, N. J. Poe ilnll® 6 6 . . . “ it h Plainfield Business College povjn 5 26 ens Martin Building. The new quarters embrace everything that makes for the comfort and advancement of students. The spirit of PRODUCING NOTHING BUT THE BEST per- vades this institution, and it is having its effect upon the character and work of the students who go out into the business world. Never in the history of the world has the demand for high grade workers been so great as today, and this college is meeting the demand. From June to September the coaching of public school pupils from the eighth grade up- ward will be a special feature. Write for particulars. VISITORS ARE WELCOME AT ANY TIME. PROF. A. S. HERR, Principal and Owner Note Chis Why not have the most reliable and up-to-date Laun= dry call for your Shirts, Collars, Cuffs, Curtains, Dyeing and Cleaning, or anything in the Laundry line. City Steam and Hand Laundry 221 €. Fourh St., Plaintield Mm. J. The MOREY-LA RUE CO. SUPERIOR ME Kee ASN DD: = GaR Be Ag DE DIGIOU S Kem Gh ksA Wier CUM SP ee re ere pe A PRAARAARAAARARAAAANA KRNAMN AAKRR ARAKRAAKAARNAMNRANANA NC Marchant Bros., porth Avenue. In patronizing advertisers plea.e mention the “ORACLE.” J. D. LOIZEAUX LUMBER COMPANY Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Lumber, Mill Work and Mason’s Materials We have Three Yards, one situated at each end of Plainfield, and one at Fanwood, each in charge of competent managers. WEST END YARD Corner South Second Street and Rock Avenue. Our Rock Avenue Yard can furnish you with Sash, Blinds and Doors ; also Mould- ings of all descrip- tions and designs. We can also give you one of the largest assortments in all grades and widths from Hemlock to Ma- hogany that can be found in this part of the State. EAST END YARD Corner Berckman and No:th Avenues Here’s the hore office of the concern where we also carry a full line of lumber, also a complete line of the finest domestic and imported mason Shingles of every description materials. are to be had here besides a large assort- ment of Terra Cotta pipe. Call 218. w WE SOLICIT YOUR PATRONAGE In patromzing advertisers please mention «ee “ORACLE” The FANWOOD BRANCH South Avenue, Fanwood Our manager, Mr. C2 vee Omith will give you satisfaction if you are in need of any Coal or Lumber material. We han- dle Red Ash and Le- high Coals, also the best Coke for your open fire place; so call up 409-J, and give your order with the knowledge that you will get perfect weight and satisfac- tion. F. L. C. MARTIN AUTOMOBILE Co. 304-312 PARK AVE., PLAINFIELD, N. J. i Thomas Flyers, Thomas Forty Horse, Stevens-Duryea, Franklin Indian Motocycle—Yale Bicycles — OUR $25.22 BICYCLE IS A WINNER=—— Demonstrations Cheerfully Given As Good as the Best 4 Cylinder 20 5. P, Ruvcabout = $1000.22 M F [| 3 4 Cylinder 30 5. P. Touring Car, 18900, 99 C [_ | 4 Cylinder 35 5. P. Touring Car, 20900, 2° PLAINFIELD MOTOR CAR CO. 214 PARK AVENUE PLAINFIELD, N. J. ey By Ue a Mod ny ,