Auburn High School - Trojan / Oracle Yearbook (Auburn, IL)

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Prophecy Taking the steamer “Frank 0. Lowden,” I sailed for Brest France. On my arival there I proceeded immediately to Paris. After being there a few days I was invited by a party of American friends to visit “Smith’s Art Gallary” dedicated by French people to the American soldiers, sailors and marines. I seemed to note something familiar in a dignified lady who was acting as personal conductor for a party of tourists. At the same time she fixed her eyes on me and seemed to be studying me carefully. Recognition flashed upon both of us simultaneously. The two names, Ophemie Smith and my name were uttered almost in unison. Ophemie, I learned, had been appointed jointly by the United States and France as matron of this memorial Gallary. Her selection was prompted by her well remembered dignity and retiring dispo- sition. After a few more days in Paris my mission called me to Belguim. One day as I stopped at a wayside well my attention was attracted by a charming woman approching carrying a water jar on her head. It was Irene Garvey. After talking for a short time, she took me to her home and there I met her Belgian husband. The one with whom she corresponded during the war. Now my labors in France and Belgium were finished. The remainder of my European mission was but a brief service in England. One bright, sunny morning I delved into London and found myself in the largest city in the world. Who would have guessed that even here I was to encounter a member of the Auburn Township class of “1920.” But a sturdy gentleman with a very much at home air seemed nevertheless to touch a cord in my memory. While studying his apparently elusive identity, 1 heard a passer-by hail him as “Clyde.” The mystery was solved. I was standing within arm’s length of Clyde Welch, noted athlete of the 1920 class. Clyde has long been famous as champion heavy-weight boxer and was, at this time, conducting a boxing Academy in London. It was a happy meeting. Me was very much the same “old Clyde.” Back to dear old U. S. A. and on entering the harbor at New York, I stood upon the deck for another look at the Statue of Liberty. I seemed to sense some sort of change, and I was advised by a fellow passenger that Mary Hamilton had been engaged to shine the lights in the Statue, “with a lemon in one hand and the ocean in the other.” My next stop was at Harrisburg, Pa., where Kirby Knox is professor of French in the New World University. I keenly regretted that the urgency of - my trip did not permit me to call on Professor Kirby. From Harrisburg I went to Salisbury, North Carolina, where it was my pleasure to renew my acquaintance with another of the A. T. II. S. class of ’20. Who should it be blit Alda Fraley who won a million dollar prize for her now celebrated essay on “Millinery, Manicuring, and Hairdressing.” Returning to Illinois, I arrived in Chicago just in time to attend the Barnum and Bailey Circus and witness the wonderful performance of Miss Beatrice Allen now the World’s most famous Circus Rider. Her feats are certainly thrilling. Next city I had occasion to visit was Rockford, Illinois, where, who should I meet but Miss Pearl Herron, the leading saleswoman for the “Paul Jones Airplane Co.” I accepted her invitation for a trial flight in one of the 39

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8th. Tom Ilall leaves his Jack Dempsey qualities to Russel Snyder. 9th. Marie who treads the light fantastic toe bequeaths her gracefulness to Mervin Foster. 10th. R Allen bequeaths her shiny nose to Olive Hughes. 11th. To Ruth Plowman we bequeath Thelma’s art of talking. 12th. Maye Knox bequeaths her green waist to Francelia Masterson. 13th. Mary Hamilton bequeaths her stately walk to Louise Van Doren. 14th. To Ruth Davis, Maude Dixon bequeaths her rosy cheeks. Use them with care Ruth. Lastly we do hereby nominate and appoint Miss Gibson, to he executor of this our last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills made by us. In witness thereof we have subscribed our names and affixed our seal, this day of May, in the year of our Lord, 1920. CLASS OF 1920. 18

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Company’s noted machines. She is a finished pilot and informed me that she has already made two voyages across the Atlantic. Continuing my journey 1 found myself before a theatre in Peoria. 1 percieved upon huge posters the announcement of a concert to be given by Miss Maye Knox, famous pianist, and noted violinist. How I craved to tarry awhile and drink in the inspiraton of her music, but my guiding spirit urged me on. At Woodside, Illinois, it was my good fortune to meet Miss Thelma Patton, noted for prejudice against verbal speech, who has founded a system of ‘‘Silent Conversation,” and has established at Woodside a large Institution for the teaching of her new cult. Passing through Lefton, village with a few natives, I saw through the windows of the little village church Rev. Ira Martin, beloved leader of his Hock, pouring over ancient works and preparing an uplifting sermon on “The Modern Women of America.” Nearing home, at Thayer, Illinois—how familiar it sounds—I met Thomas flail, Professor in the new Dancng Academy at this cultured suburb of Auburn. Back to Auburn, the circuit completed. Familiar faces and familiar and among the first we must mention is Miss Maude Dixon, the ticket seller in the new “Auburn Skating Rink,” situated on the boulevard. Naturally at the first opportunity, old time affection turned my steps toward the Auburn Township High School. I was, of course, received with the cordiality accorded to graduates of the Institution and was introduced to the members of the faculty. To one at least the introduction was scarcely necessary. Of course 1 refer to Miss Sarah Hurtle, now an instructor in Short- hand and Music. Since my return, my attention had, many times, been attracted by a modest sign on a Fifth Street, Window, reading “Squire Richie.” Something about the name seemed to call up a haunting memory. I took an early opportunity to plunge into the “Squire’s” office. An effeminate atmosphere wrought the teasing memory into a suspicion. Then I was confronted by the “Squire.” Yes, it was Marie, now grown as fat as “Mammie” in the Black Face Follies of 1920. Her chief distinction that of being the first woman ever elected a -Justice of the Peace in Illinois. Marie explained that “like necessity,” she knows no law, and we recall that she never respected any. But she “gets by” just as in the old days. Not all prophesies are fulfilled. It is probable because prophets are over optimistic, “they aim too high.” It were better if the characters named in this forecast shall in the future say, “How much we have out-stripped the class propheted of 1920,” than to be conscious that they have disappointed the forecaster’s expectations. And we profoundly hope that this happiness may be in store for everyone of our dear associates of the past four years 20