Athens State College - Columns Yearbook (Athens, AL)

Page 25 text:

watched their games in basketball, and rejoiced in their victories. I noticed that their many and amusing pranks did not prevent their names from heading the honor roll. The following year I was delighted to see that they were allowed to wander at their will without those great earth beings who had previously accompanied them. I think that must have been a glorious year with them, they took such delight in their studies, and seemed to enjoy their long rambles so much. Now, I know you are wondering why I am writing all this to you, and why I am telling you things you know better than I. But I have long wished to express my appreciation of Class ' 12 to the world, and have not been able to secure a messenger. However, I found out a short time ago that Skygack was contemplating a visit to Athens and would be my letter carrier. There are many strange things about the earth, many wonderful things which I have long desired to know, and I doubt not that you could ask numerous questions about my kingdom. For many years I have been looking for someone whom I thought capable to answer my questions, and often I have almost despaired. But during these years I have been convinced that the class of ' 12 is fully capable of such an undertaking. This Senior year has assured me of this fact. Their calm dignity and self-possession, their scientific knowledge and practical wis- dom please me greatly. If it should happen that a student of Athens College should find this letter, I hope she will deliver it to the Senior class. And if it should chance that one of this class should discover the letter, I hope they will endeavor to answer it! If they will only hitch their wagon to a star I may be able soon to converse with them at will. To this class I would say that the past few years have been very gratifying to me, but that I am expecting much greater things in the years to come. As I have watched over them during their life in college, so will I con- tinue to shine upon them wherever their lots may be cast, and I hope that the lessons learned at Athens will be of lasting benefit, that the friendships formed there will be unbroken, and that the ideals by which they have been in- spired will be realized as they go on building more stately mansions. Your ever watchful friend, The Man in the Moon. Historian ' 12. (2S)

Page 24 text:

History T was a glorious day. The call of the oatdoor world was irresistible. Bright and merry girls skipped over the campus. But how could I be care free? Class history was to be written, and such a short time before Class Day! Now the trouble with me was not that I had nothing to write, but that I must select only a few of the deeds of our illustrious class. Strolling along in deep thought, I came upon a strange rock with a letter attached. At first it seemed to be written in some unknown language, but finally I discovered that it was only a peculiar script. And what do you suppose it was? Nothing less than a let- ter from the Man in the Moon, and written about the Senior class, too! Imagine my surprise and delight at find- ing such a treasure, and the joy with which my classmates received it. Now, since anything such an illustrious personage might say about our class would be far more interesting than a prosaic history, I am going to read you this letter: The Moon. De. r Earthbeings: Perhaps you will be surprised to receive this letter, and wonder Iiow I came to have particular information about your college. You didn ' t know that the Moon had his eyes on you, did you? Now of course all know that old story of the cow who jumped over the moon, but few are acquainted with the fact that she came from Athens, and belonged to the college dairy. We became fast friends in that short time, and ever since I have been particularly fond of my friend ' s home. I have grown to love the old college, and have watched it in its varying vicissitudes. When eight years ago your honored President began her reign, I felt that great things were going to happen, that wonderful work was to be done. I have not been disappointed. The new classes each year were always interesting, but when in the fall of 1908 Class ' 12 entered the his- toric old walls, I knew that there was a class which would faithfully perform its duties; a class which could be depended upon no matter what happened ; a class that would do honor to any college. Nor was I mistaken in this either. You may wonder how a person who rules only by night can know so much of the life of a people. But al- though my face is pale, when the great sun is in the heavens, my eyes are not dimmed. But really it is by night that I see most. Need I say that the moon shines upon the midnight feaster as well as upon the student in her room ? But I am not telling tales. As I was saying, I watched the Class of ' 12 with great interest during that first year. Everything went on smoothly, though I remember no especially great deed. The next year I was convinced that this was an all-round class. They took a great interest in athletics. I (24)

Page 26 text:

Poem ' Twas the nineteenth century, and with a stern nod. To his council hall, Jove summoned each god. The work of creation haJ been done with care. But he felt there was something stil! lacking there. Quoth he: On the earth there should be placed Nine muses whose memory will ne ' er be effaced ; Who possess Love, Beauty and Wisdom profound. Where, can you tell, may these Muses be found? The gods searched the earth both far and near. And in 1908, on a day most drear, They saw Athens College grow bright and gay, For there came nine girls in proud array ; And all the world shouted with glee, For they were a wonderful sight to see. The gods cried out: Now things will hum, For the class of 1912 has come. Jupiter smiled down upon this class Which Minerva, in wisdom did not surpass ; Juno was not more free from care. Nor even Venus was not more fair. At last, cried the gods, the Muses are found. And the world will be startled by their renown. So, the Muses found, Jove from his high seat Pronounced the creation quite complete. Class Poet ' 12. (26)