Bethel University - Spire Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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- ■»:{ 1930 H E THANNUAL 1930 £♦- Chapter III. From 15th to 19th Century. Following: the middle ages a great awakening took place. Some of the outstanding men of the past ages soared to heights of fame in this era. but today they are almost forgotten. Miss Nelson undertook the responsible position of adviser in this prosperous and progressive age. She not only exerted a great influence over the students while in the class rooms, but it is evident from reports concerning the student activities that her influence was strong in this direction. Leonard Johnson, whose name was prominent in the past two ages was elected president of the Student Association. Lillian Peterson was treasurer. Not much was said of her previous to this time, but it is obvious from information gleaned from various sources that she became prominent. This is also true of several others. Ruth IVeiser had the most comprehensive sense of humor of any of the world’s great writers. She wrote several satires in which she held up to ridicule her contemporaries who possessed ingenuity in ideas but lacked ability to pass from an idea to its suggested action. Astrid Johanson, whose influence was felt in all Scandinavian countries centuries ago, came to America sometime during the 11th century. She became famous when she won first place in the Swedish Declamatory Contest held under the auspices of the Svea Literary Society. Ruby Frisk was likewise successful in the English Declamatory Contest held about the same time. Lydia Johnson was the efficient secretary of the Svea Literary Society in this era. Marjorie Hampton is mentioned as one of the world’s most promising journalists. Wc find the name Pcarlc Rold among a list of officers connected with a religious organization called the Missionary Band. This organization was extremely active, which fact speaks well for the character of the student body in general. Richard Harding, of whom we hear very little until he joined this intellectual group during the Elizabethan Age, did not enter the front ranks until the next age. Edward Rieft', a powerful speaker and a man possessing remarkable executive ability, is several times referred to in the foremost periodicals of his day. Walter Watkin, one of Europe’s most progressive men, after years of travel, which far exceed that of Mandcvillc’s, drifted into the midst of this group of learned men and women. He left Wales during the early centuries and after spending a few years in England went to Canada and finally to America. A remarkable feature of this age is the progress and success achieved by a few of these men in the athletic world. Herbert Kallman ranks among the foremost athletes of his day. Paul Dahlen and Ralph Gcbhard were steadily climbing the ladder of success during this period of revival in the athletic world. One other man T iventy-ninc

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-4 1930 B E T HANNUA L 1930 Chronicles of America, Sweden, and Wales The ideal, aim, and purpose of this history is to show to the world that the eminent men and women of today have lived throughout the past ages. As you carefully study the progress of civilization, you have marvelled at the achievements of great men and women that have been leaders in the steady march upward and forward through the ages, men and women that have been pioneers in all branches of learning. You will marvel still more when you have read this brief history, for it reveals to you the identity of these seemingly mythical characters. For convenience their names will be given in modern English. Chapter I. 1st Century to 11th Century. In the days prior to the 12th century there dwelt a certain Miss Anderson, a woman who possessed outstanding linguistic ability, and who was also a great mathematician. She was appointed adviser to a band of intelligent students. Several of them had previously only received a meager education. Consequently, history says very little concerning the majority of them. However, a few of them possessed rare gifts. Ivar Anderson, who in the 18th century became famous, was elected leader of the students. I quote a list of names recorded in old manuscripts. These you will recognize as persons living today. The following are women worthy of mention: May Bernstcn, Ebba Anderson, Martha Starika, Amy Anlund, Lydia Johnson, Astrid Johanson, Helen Florin, Lcttic Jorgenson, Ruth Robertson, Margaret Robertson, Violet Hclandcr, Marjorie Hampton, Ruth Weiscr and Ruby Frisk. Men of note arc Gust Anderson, Christopher Westlund, Robert Marsh, and Leonard Johnson. Other great leaders of this group who rose to fame during the 18th century but who have long since faded into oblivion are William Backlund, William Tapper, and Clarence Gilbert. Chapter II. From 11th Century to 15th Century. From the 11th century onward until the dawn of the 15th century great changes took place. The position of adviser fell into the hands of Miss Jacobson, a great historian, who was highly esteemed by all the students. The leaders during this period were: Clarence Gilbert, Ivar Anderson, William Backlund and William Tapper. While searching in the archives of this great institution, 1 found an invaluable document called the B Book. The names of two persons who are still living arc mentioned. Amy Anlund is spoken of as the secretary of the Student Council during this era. Leonard Johnson was active in literary circles. He was treasurer of the famous Alpha Beta literary society, and he also was sergeant-at-arms in the renowned Svca literary society. Ttvtniy-eight

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» { 1930 BETHANNUAL 1930 } - worthy of mention is Donald Tanquist; he performed great feats in the track meets held annually. There arc many names of which history says hut very little, yet the future will reveal the greatness of many of these. In the next chapter I shall endeavor to give an honest and a just account of all persons and activities of interest and importance. Chapter IV. The 19th and 20th Centuries. The past age was a period of expansion in knowledge, commerce, religious freedom, and human opportunities. The great men of that age were noted for their resourcefulness, their initiative, and their desire to realize the utmost out of life. Hut they were highly imaginative and their achievements were comparatively small when we think of the development and the practicability of this age. Professor H. C. Wingbladc, one who has influenced, helped, and instructed hundreds of the most scholarly persons the world has ever known, was appointed adviser. He was a master in English. His pupils, especially those of the present day. speak of the invaluable information, the learned interpretation, and the store of general knowledge that they received from him. His generosity, an outstanding trait in his character, was manifested when on one memorable evening the group of students were invited to bis home where they were royally entertained. Richard Harding, today a well known railroad magnate, was president. The efficient management of all affairs, which was duly and conscientiously carried out by his staff, was due to intelligent and sound leadership. It was said that he had the interest and welfare of his fellow students at heart. On one occasion he graciously entertained them at his own home. Walter Watkin served as vice-president. He was active in religious work. Evangelistic singing is said to have been his special field. Evelyn Skooglun, an able pianist, was secretary. Russell Johnson, an upright and jus: man was treasurer. Ruth VVeiscr, a great writer of the past age. but now considered a genius in the literary world, was reporter. Her present important position in literary circles is based on her originality and fearlessness of thought, and the unfailing sprightliness of her conversation. Gust Anderson, a serious, thoughful. and goodly man, was active in religious work. Astrid Johanson retained her high position in her own field during this era. Lillian Peterson and Amy Anlund have always served faithfully in the interest of the many activities connected with this great institution. While relating the facts concerning those who have been leaders and officers, I shall mention those who were responsible for the publication of the school’s monthly paper the Clarion—and the Hcthannual. The editor of the Clarion retired, because of ill-health, so Frances Lodicn, who rose rapidly in journalistic work, was then appointed editor. Marjorie Hampton was assistant editor. Without her suggestive Thirl y