Springfield High School - Capitoline Yearbook (Springfield, IL)

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$ t ry jv-V V r J OS KM T cj Lindsay expresses his desire for further mental stimulus from his former teacher. fiJXcuJfi , Lindsay defines the art of life, describing Miss Wilcox as the perfect source of inspiration. ■ Extracts from heretofore unpublished letters, written by Vachel Lindsay to Miss Susan E. Wilcox. Reproduced through the courtesy of Miss Elizabeth Graham. COMRADE and CONFIDANTE The following are extracts from let- ters of Vachel Lindsay to Miss Susan E. Wilcox, showing how high in his regard Miss Wilcox stood, and how important a part he felt she played in the shaping of his thought and the preserving of the poet ' s faith in his powers. »»■ 8 wkwS j fa tavss tt.j A, rwoW masl. J aSL n imuIiaJC oil . A taX £ cj v n SUJi i Vm Lindsay reveals his sense of gratitude for Miss Wilcox ' s understanding advice. The poet confides his goal in life to his friend, Miss Wilcox. c VjJ S l , vfo cyj Axx OjoJL VLcmj J VmvoJI Ar woaxAr to ' Uuv-V ty Mm |p OAfvAj IWj ) fufCj

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DEDICATIO N Leaving out the members of my own family, Susan E. Wilcox is, without a doubt, both as a person and a teach- er, the noblest and most faithful friend of my life. She stood by me for years when I went through the usual Middle West crucifixion of the artist. Collected Poems — Vachel Lindsay. To her, of whom the poet, whose life and work are the theme of this book, spoke so highly as a noble friend and faithful adviser — to Miss Susan E. Wilcox, is dedicated this, the Vachel Lindsay Edition of the Capitoline of 1936. For us, too, she has ever been a constant guide in developing a desire for the better things in life. By her inspiring leadership, patience, and fore- sight, she has smoothed the path toward the future fulfillment of all our dreams. Like Mr. Lindsay, we owe her everlasting gratitude for the warm, sincere friendship she tendered us, coupled with the keen judgment and advice so graciously and willingly extended; so it is to her we inscribe with pride our tribute to Springfield ' s great poet, and the school ' s most distin- guished student, Nicholas Vachel Lindsay. Reproduced by permission of MacMillan Company, Publishers

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Vachel Lindsay ' s Connection With Springfield High School The mention of a poet usually brings to the high school student ' s mind thoughts of a dreamy, mellow-voiced, q u e e r individual, quite set apart from their own world by his unusual mannerisms and eccentric ideas. The lyrical masters of the old days, perhaps, had these characteristics, but even then it was no doubt ex- aggerated. Absolute as- surance can be offered now, however, that the versifiers of our day are not such individuals. Vachel Lindsay, tow- headed, tall and thin, first came to the attention of Miss Susan E. Wilcox in his sophomore year, start- ing the basis for a friend- ship and influence that led Lindsay to assume an un- compromised place in po- etry ' s Hall of Fame. With Vachel ' s artistic composure, Biology, in one sense, was a snap for him, his talented illus- trations constantly win- ning him praise. English was a favorite subject, as we might expect it to be. He very often disagreed with an author ' s view- point, and vehemently and ably defended his own in- terpretation of the sub- ject. He submitted his poetry to Miss Wilcox during his senior year. Miss Wilcox was instantly aware of her pupil ' s ability to paint rare word-pictures, even at so immature an age. Vachel Lindsay was also of an athletic trend of mind, taking a prominent part on the Springfield High School track team. His versatility was ably displayed here. His relations with high school and high school st udents did not terminate with his own graduation and maturity. He loved nothing better than to lead students in his own poems and those of the masters, and inter- pret them with the groups. This eager desire is amply brought out in some of Lindsay ' s letters. Vachel Lindsay very often read with the English classes of the high school, deriving much enjoyment upon being with the young students. Withal, Vachel Lindsay was a real human being, convincing and humorous, leaving behind a heritage to enrich the mankind that he tried to help.