Bethel University - Spire Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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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

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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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- .1 1930 B E T H A N N U A L 1930 } - originality we might never have had those interesting productions which she extorted from persons of the greatest abilities. Edward Rieff displayed his gifts as an orator when he took part in the great annual debate. But his success as business manager places him among the most eminent business men of his day. The names of others who contributed considerably in the work have already been mentioned. 1 his same group of staff officers collaborated with the chief and assistant editor of the Beth-annual. The fact that the editor, Pearle Rold, possessed both literary and business ability accounts for her remarkable success. Viola Wik, the assistant editor, also possessed similar ability. Judging from comments made by contemporaries, she ranked high scholastically. Donald Tanquist was president of the Alpha Beta Society during the 19th century and Gust Anderson during the 20th century. Elmer Josephson and Hilding Lind distinguished themselves as debaters. Three men were mentioned for their athletic accomplishments during the Elizabethan Age. These men, Herbert Kallman, Paul Dahlcn, and Ralph Gebhard. however, did not win their laurels until the 20th century, when they defeated all competitors. Especially in the most popular game of that day, namely, basket-ball. It would be impossible to relate here the names of those students who today arc prominent figures in all walks of life. You are familiar with the persons mentioned throughout this history because their present day names have been used. Whenever you read of pioneers and leaders in every conceivable branch of learning and every high and noble profession from the early days before the 11th century, you will readily recognize the great men and women who received their training and instruction in this grand institution which is called Bethel. Class Motto: “Tonight we launch, where shall we anchor?” Class Colors: Blue and Maize. Class Flower: Jonquil. RICHARD HARDING.........................................President WALTER WATKIN .....................................Vice-President EVELYN SKOOGLUN.........................................Secretary RUSSELL JOHNSON.........................................Treasurer Thirly-one