Bethel University - Spire Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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THE BETHEL HERALD 17 present at the reunion, but who sent their congratulations and greetings were from: Alfred Nelson, judge of the court in his district in -Florida, who was detained by special session of the court.—dtagnhild Johnson now a prominent writer in Sweden, noted for her wonderful contributions to Swedish Literature, and Mary Johnson, traveling in Europe for the National Welfare League, visiting both Northern and Southern countries. A poem was then read, in honor of the occasion and after a thorough investigation it was found that Elsie Larson, now prominent short story writer for the largest and best magazines, was the author and who told of the start she got in her line of work, while serving in the capacity of secretary of the class. A banquet by far exceeding any ever given at Bethel was arranged under the supervision of iMary Peterson, now Mrs....... and president of the Home Workers Club; Mabel Peterson, who now is teacher in the Business College connected with Bethel, and Naomi Tornblom, a prosperous and happy leader in society circles but more renowned for her splendid cooking. At the table the request is given for toasts and a number of members respond.—Ragnar Wall, now I.D. head of the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Elmer Palm, wealthy banker in Buffalo, N. Y.,—Albin Norling, now Gov- ernor of Minnesota, and Gordon Bodien. world-known photographer, made famous by the new invention, the lens-less camera, recently placed on the market. Naomi Larson, officer in the International Sunday School Association, told us many striking incidents of her experiences as organizer of the Kindergarten Dept., and Edythe Bjorklund, entirely satisfied with her career as teacher, gave an interesting account of her work at iMacalaster College. Last though by no means least, there is also present, Amy Peterson, modest as usual, who has chosen the quiet walk of life, is not denied the happiness of life, Lut is probably more fortunate than her classmates. The entire banquet and reunion was proclaimed by all a great success. The meeting closed by singing the class sor.g led by our chapel leader Edwin Omark, and the memory of those happy times they have spent together as a class, the remembrances of which can never be erased. The memories of old acquaintance will remain to brighten the way of life and to lead, though sometimes through apparent failures but at last to complete victory when guided by Him who knows the way. May we follow in His footsteps and remain true and loyal to Him, to our ideals, our school, and to our friends in life. HISTORY OF CLASS OF 1921 By WALFRED JOHNSON Assisted by NAOMT LARSON And it came to pass in the year 1917, on the 26th day of September, that there came to the halls of Bethel Academy forfy-five new students who were termed, according to the language of school life. Freshmen. Thus it happened that the largest class in the history of Bethel Academy entered the corridors thereof on that day. As time passed and day was added unto day and night unto night we began to realize that some form of government was necessary in order that we might maintain our individuality and develop to a higher degree of civilization. The class therefore, organized with Arthur Peterson as President. Now in that day a proclamation was made throughout the school that all Freshmen were to he officially received into the school. Thereupon, on a certain Saturday evening, all were assembled together in the school auditorium, where we were royally entertained and thereafter wholesomely fed on oatmeal gruel and condensed milk, which will also be remembered as being part of the repast of the four Hebrew boys in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar. We arc greatly indebted to our predecessors for their kind

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16 THE BETHEL HERALD instructor, and has had the pleasure of leading many souls to Christ. Vernon Berg who in the part as soloist in an evangelistic party brings the gospel to thousands by his song is also present. A most delightful evening is spent and no one realizes how quickly the time has flown until the tall hall clock tells the lateness of the hour. The next day the missionaries and others gather at the Aeroplane station, where the “Queen of the Air,” is waiting to take them to the Twin Cities, where, within a week the Student Volunteer Convention is to he hold. The plane with its capacity of 50, is making its “maiden” trip and is beautifully fitted out for the occasion. A stalwart middle-aged man, seemingly more interested than the rest, watches with eagerness the preparation for the departure. As he comes toward them they recognize him as Elmer Johnson better known as “Jasper” who explains the reason for his special interest, this is the 15th of his planes.—14 of which have made successful trips to various parts of the U. S. It is both new and enjoyable for these returned missionaries to feel themselves lifted slowly upward into the air, until they reach the proper height, and at a distance at which the rivers, lakes, buildings, trees, and all seem but toys in a miniature garden. The journey is made successfully, with great delight to the passengers and they are safely brought to Minneapolis and alight at the Aviation Station a short distance outside the city. To their surprise they are met, not by the stern and cold face of a 'Stranger but by the smiling face of Milton Ward now an influential pastor, and as they afterward learn, the head of the Student Volunteer committee. He invites them to his home, having planned a most enjoyable time for his visitors. In the evening Edith Nelson, well-known society woman and church worker; Oliver Olson, prominent business man of the Twin Cities, Clarence Moberg, returned from a Scientific Research in Brazil and now lecturer in colleges and universities throughout the country; and Esther Duf-strom, head of the English Dept, in Bethel College, gather at the home of Rev. Ward and together they spend a delightful eve- ning. The next day the convention was scheduled to open and thousands of students, professors, and missionaries gather at the Bethel college auditorium, a beautiful new marble structure and might be said to have been erected by Carl Palm, a wealthy farmer in South Dakota whose large contribution made it possible to build this building, where the convention is now to be held. The meeting is opened by the leading character and chairman Edwin Omark, renowned 'for his oratorical ability and Christian influence. Dr. Berg, as he is introduced and steps forward to take his place before the audience is surprised to see so many familiar faces, among which are a number of his former classmates, Ellen Hedlund whom he learns is acting as traveling secretary for the Students Volunteer Movement, Goldie Putnam, an active and industrious Y.W.C.A. worker in the state of Minnesota, and Genevieve Has-selblad, who has many interesting incidents to relate to her classmates of her interesting experiences in the Native Woman’s Training School in Africa. This meeting as well as those that follow is one of great inspiration and influence leading those present to greater service. Immediately after the convention, the members of the class of '21 get together, according to the arrangement, for the class reunion. There is a hum as the students meet to renew their former class acquaintance and after exhibiting the usual class spirit in giving the B-E-T-H-E-L led by our influential Yell leader, Barthel Jacobson, now Senator for the state of Illinois, the 'President is finally able to call the class to order. After a short business session, we listen with pleasure and enjoyment to the words of welcome and confidence of our former English IV. teacher, Prof. H. C. Wingblade, now President of the Bethel College. We recall the days spent in the classrom while he instructed us, when he impressed upon our minds, great truths that are never to be forgotten and bis Christian influence which inspired us on to greater victories and service. Telegrams which were then read by the President from those who could not be

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18 THE BETHEL HERALD consideration in having given us this brain food for from that day to this have we increased in knowledge and stature until now we have ranked as the most intelligent class graduated from Bethel Academy. Now after these days, it came to pass, on November the 5th in the same year, we had our first class meeting. While we were discussing important questions of the day, for we were all born politicians, the hungry and ill-fed Sophomores robbed us of our refreshments. In those days it came to pass throughout the length and breadth of our land there arose a great call for men to aid their country and the world in the cause of honour and justice. Unto this call eight of our number responded and were gathered in the ranks that marched beneath the American flag. The lives of all were spared. Three returned to our dear old class. In athletics our class was not the least noted,—two of our number being able to capture places on the second team in basketball. Then upon the annual field day. before a great host of witnesses, one of our number came out first in the mile run. Other things such as these, were characteristic of our class. In showing the school spirit our class was far in advance in that they contributed to the school department drive, the sum of $225.00. Thus ends the Freshmen year of the class of 1921. There being little of importance in the Sophomore year beyond the ordinary it will be sufficient to mention that Edmund Luff was chosen president of this year’s class. The most important social event of this year was the weiner-roast which was given in honor of the Juniors. Having much more to write unto you regarding later events we will not burden our readers with a lengthier account of this year’s proceedings. Ilowbcit when we had come thus far we met others who were toiling toward the same goal, and thinking us congenial company, they joined themselves to our number, and thus we began the famous Junior Class. Straightway we elected Ernest Has-selblad as our president and desiring to lose no time we immediately set about to show forth the quality of our class. From time to time, during the year, we assembled ourselves together for the purpose of transacting our business as well as for the purpose of maintaining a “party” spirit in the class. The most enjoyable social event of the year was the sleighride party which was held on a pleasant evening in February. On this memorable night, there was nothing to mar our joy save the loss of a goodly supply of doughnuts which were confiscated in a raid made by our worthy brethren, the Seniors, for which they paid dearly at a later date. Now there were certain young men in our class who were deemed worthy of holding the presidency of two of the most important religious organizations of our school,—namely, the 0. J. M. M. M. and the Missionary Band. These men were Bengt Anderson and August Berg. Our class has always shown intense interest in religious work as evidenced by the number who have applied themselves to active service of various kinds. In athletics our class has shone brightly. Barthel Jacobson was elected Yell Leader of the school. Four of our boys were decorated with B’s as a reward for their special merit in basketball. And it came to pass on a certain day in the month of May, that Bethel met Minnehaha for the annual field meet. The talent of the Junior class was displayed in the fact that Bengt Anderson came out first in the mile run and a certain young man named Omark came out first in the standing broad jump, while another designated by the name of Ragnar Wall carried off honors in the throwing of the shot-put. Again it came to pass on another day in May that the various classes were called upon to arrange for a special Bethel Boos-er program and low and behold! the platform in the auditorium was suddenly transformed into a clinic by the Juniors. There were doctors, nurses and attendants who administered to the various and strange ills of the patients. All that heard and beheld were amazed and astonished, when they learned that these ills were curable by entering some department or taking some course in Bethel Academy. Now when all this had been accomplished the starring event of the year took place in