Bethel University - Spire Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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1922 - Blue Gray - 1922 We all remember our first social gathering, how Russell Palmquist was discovered as a story teller. Ever since, he has kept our class in good humor whenever he is around. At that gathering, Lester MacMillan rendered his first and only piano solo, and long may it wave. Another unique feature of that meeting was that Carol Taylor was there, this being the first and last social she attended during her career at Bethel. The Sophomore year finally came to a close and we parted with a determination to return again in the fall and bring others with us. Canto III September 14, 1920, found the class of ’22 back in the office of the principal signing the registration cards, and renewing old acquaintances, and meeting many new students. Co-operation and system became the characteristics of this new Junior class. Early in the year, the class was organized, electing the necessary officers and committees. One of the many virtues of the Junior class was that it was always sociable. Remembering Sophomore days, we invited that class twice during the year, to have joint meetings with us. Then we surely had some good times. Extemporaneous debates were very popular at our gatherings, and some of the deep, highly elevating, philosophical topics discussed were: “Resolved, That the Swedish language should predominate in Bethel,” and “Resolved, That a chicken has more intelligence than a duck.” Talents had been increasing in our class so that we now had orators, preachers, house-maids, butlers, athletes, poets, evangelists and singers. We would just mention Enoch Johnson’s name and everyone immediately thought of a second Caruso. Toward the close of the year, Russel Palmquist foretold our future positions twenty-five years hence in a class prophecy that caused the Juniors to reel with laughter. The later days were spent preparing for the Junior-Senior banquet under the able direction of our class advisor, Miss Freda Swenson. This banquet has gone down on the pages of history as the greatest ever held in Bethel Academy. Thus closed the happy Junior year. Canto IV In the fall of 1921, just after the great fifty years jubilee celebration of the Swedish Baptists of America had taken place, the class of ’22 again alighted from the Como cars and walked five blocks north to Bethel to finish their academic curriculum. At last we were Seniors and oh, what an exalted feeling crept over us when we walked around the halls and saw so many new Freshmen. The Seniors were to take a prominent place in school affairs this year. In athletics the Seniors took first place, winning the inter-class basket ball tournament. Many class socials with splendid programs were given throughout the year. On Monday evening, April 10th, the class entertained the faculty at a banquet given in the Commodore hotel, St. Paul, the first of its kind ever given by a Senior class. On Saturday evening, April 22nd, the Seniors gave their annual class entertainment, to the largest crowd that ever attended a Senior doings. The auditorium was crowded to the doors. The big features of the entertainment were “Back to the Farm” by Herbert Peterson, and the “Class Reunion Twenty-five Years from Now” given by the entire class. To show our appreciation to good old Bethel the class has decided to install a Radio receiving apparatus to be used in connection with the Science Department, and which we hope to have installed before graduation. At the time of this writing the class is looking forward to graduation, and after that has taken place, all school life at Bethel will be a matter of history, but ever to be remembered with a joy in our hearts by all members of the class of ’22. Archaeologists: (Signed) Herbert L. Peterson, Compiler Carol M. Taylor, Esther Bodien, Russell Palmquist, Willimine Thompson. 22

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1 922 — Blue Gray — 1 922 SENIORS Reuben A. Taxquist President Edward Viren Vice-President Dora E. Wallendorf Secretary Eleanore Bonde......... Treasurer Reuben A. Tanquist........................... Valedictorian Edith L. Larson Salutaiorian Motto—Simplicity, Sincerity, Service Colors—Blue and Gray Class Flosver—Tea Rose SENIOR CLASS HISTORY The history of the class of nineteen hundred and twenty-two of Bethel Academy is peculiarly different from that of a graduating class of a city high school. In securing our academic education we have been surrounded by a Christian atmosphere, which will be of untold benefit to us in life, helping us to live up to our motto: “Simplicity, Sincerity, and Service.” Then, our social activities have been different. The members of the class do not live all in one locality but represent nine different states and one foreign country. In delving into our archives we found volumes of interesting statistics and stories of past glories that we would like to bring to light, but lack of space and time forbids our doing so. Canto I Back in the fall of 1918, when the world had just fairly started to shake itself free from the horrors of the stupendous World War, we started our career as a class. If we remember rightly, “Freshmen,” was the word that the other classes insisted on calling us. And since everybody likes fresh fruit and vegetables, we imagine that the other classes really liked us. Do you remember our first business meeting when it took us all evening just to suggest the candidates for the class offices? One social event of the first month of school, which we as the class of ’22 will never forget, was the initiation given us by the Alpha Beta society, when they served us Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk and soft bread. We certainly appreciated their care for our diet and wish here to thank them for it, if they should chance to read this canto. The big outstanding event of the Freshman year, however, was a banquet given in honor of the Seniors. Never before or after has any Freshman class attempted to do that thing. That the Seniors appreciated it is proven by the fact that they, some weeks later, returned compliments in form of a banquet in honor of the “Frcshies.” Canto II In September 1919. our class found itself transplanted from the forests, plains, and cities, where the summer vacations had been spent, to the school of our choice, ready to begin a new year of search for knowledge. The Sophomore year was really the most tr v ing of the quartette of years we spent in Bethel. The boisterous Freshmen, the busy Juniors and the dignified Seniors generally received so much attention, that the Sophomores almost wondered if they were not relegated behind the stage of school life, to be forgotten. But the class of ’22 as Sophomores were not to be daunted by any neglect on the part of the other classes, so we just quietly but surely went to work and entertained ourselves. 21

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1922 - Blue Gray - 1922 SENIOR CLASS POEM When first we came to Bethel dear, We were but freshies green, I fear, We thought we knew what teachers know And teachers see, And battled every earthly foe But victors we. But time went on. The freshies passed. A year is all those glories last. And Sophomore’s ranks by us were filled A comely class. At Fall we all were really thrilled It came to pass. Of all the years in school we spent No time was more to proud ness lent Than proud and selfish sophomore year With freshies green Who must be taught respect, and fear Our powers keen. As Juniors, classified the third Our minds by Senior thoughts were stirred. We dreamt of one great closing day When toils are past, Next fall would find us, after summer’s stay As Senior’s classed. The year we call our senior year Our school grows very, very dear. Tho’ soon we’ll leave, to toil and care We still arc here And pluck the fruits of Knowledge fair, In Senior year. Hail, Bethel, Alma Mater true, We thank our T.ord, dear one, for you And tho’ we leave, our thoughts will pause A moment stay At sweet melodious time that was, But passed away. Four years, too short a time, but still Tho’ life may give us more of thrill And more of joys but hardships, too, We ne’er regret The joyous time at Bethel true Or her forget. Receive our thanks from hearts sincere May God still bless you, Him you fear, And take our greatest gift, our heartfelt thanks, Our wishes true We’ll fill each one the honor ranks To honor you. 25