Binghamton Central High School - Panorama Yearbook (Binghamton, NY)

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HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF 1911 A history you would have ? A history of that illustrious class of nineteen hundred and eleven t Hear! while I relate the marvelous works and deeds of those who are now about to depart from the High School for higher duties. Four long years ago, We, a company of eager pupils from the Grammar Schools, thronged toward the massive portals of the building so long known as the High School. As We drew near, the doors were opened to Welcome us and with a certain awe and satisfaction, We entered. Amid confusion and excitement we entered upon the difficulites which now confronted us. We at first experienced the usual trials in finding the rooms where We Were to report for classes. Then oftentimes missing a day, we Would encounter the high monarch and the renowned green card which has the peculiar characteristic of gaining for the pupil admission to class after an absence. We were kindly and wisely led through these many difficulties by Miss Osgood. Many times We met pupils from higher classes who seemed to be wiser and to be allowed more priv- leges than We. These people in a high and mighty manner scorned us who had just come and called us Freshmen. At length at the end of the term we, so called Freshmen, Were told that we had completed our work on the first floor and were now to climb to another floor. Some still cherished the desire to remain under Miss Osgood’s kind care and so lingered another term. Others packed their books and climbed the golden stairs. When we reached the room above, whom should we see but Mr. Coleman. He welcomed us very cordially and expressed his pleasure at being so honored as to have charge over the already renowned class. Here we labored on,being refreshed once in a very great while by a single session on account of an exceed¬ ingly hard shower or perchance a circus parade. After three long and industrious terms We were again ready to move to a still higher point. Again the winding stairs, and we reached the third floor—the highest and most longed for place. Here presided the honorable and honored Professor Knox. 20

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“Here’s to the girl with eyes of blue, Whose heart is kind and love is true.” DOROTHY RUOFF—Our gentle Dorothy is elusive in answering inquiries though smiling and dove like as she evades you. “I am here, but few know it.” ANNA SCHIRM—Quiet Anna softly blushes as you gently hint as to her future but answers naught. “A little nonsense now and then Is relished by the wisest men.” HELENA SHEAR—So quiet and demure. She will stay at home one year and afterwards study music at Syracuse. “Heaven! Were man but constant, he were perfect.” JENNIE SNELL—Smiling graciously one moment and haughtily frowning the next, she said she was not telling. Upon close questioning we learned afterward that she might play the piano for Bud. “The sweetest cordial we receive at last is conscience of our virtuous actions past.” KATHERINE STEBBINS—Katherine heroically pulled through the bill for one white dress for graduation, and to her belongs the thanks of all. She got seventh honor and will take herself and her talents to Cornell for an A. B. (a bachelor). “You’d scarce expect one of my age To speak in public on the stage.” ETHEL RISLEY—has given B. C. H. S. fame by her splendid acting in Friday Club’s plays and on rhetoricals. “Those curious locks so aptly turned Whose every hair a soul doth bind.” HAZEL WHITMARSH—Contrary to her usual custom, Hazel didn’t have much to say. She intends to go to Syracuse and afterwards teach. Needless to say, such a future seems highly improbable.

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Ah! and here are the desks with the convenient covers by whose kind protection many a happy time Was enjoyed. And behold! in the front room was the secluded spot called the rostrum where also is the library and where pupils might go to rest and visit to their heart’s content but not to the teachers. The Weary journey Was often lightened by the new and original jokes which kind Mr. Knox bestowed upon us for he keeps a large supply at his disposal. In October, 1909, Professor Knox made the announcement that the Junior Class Would be formed in Room 35 that night. There We, a merry crowd, met with the new monarch of High School. After having been given a Word of advice because “a word to the wise is sufficient” We prceeeded with our election of officers. Orval Wales was chosen president. A motto was chosen and our class colors, garnet and gold. Soon We Were challenged by our haughty enemies, the class of nineteen hundred and ten, to a game of football. We accepted. We showed our great ability and power by defeating them. They sought revenge , because of their defeat and at length when for a time our class banner was unguarded a number of them escaped with it. The next day members of the nineteen hundred and ten class appeared wearing small pieces of garnet and gold felt, trying to convince us that our banner was destroyed—but at length it was returned. For, fearing they would not be allowed to borrow our banner for decorating at their dance they returned it all safe and sound. After a season of hard work, we decided to have a little recreation and pleasure, and so on the twenty- ninth of April we held our Junior dance at the Monday Afternoon Club House. We invited our school mates, the Seniors. This Was declared by one and all a very successful event. About this time the Seniors decided to put in place a class stone. This Was done with due ceremonies and that night a few of their number Were placed on guard to keep the Juniors away from their beloved stone. These Seniors Watched until the Wee small hours in the morning and then became hungry. They therefore left their positions and Went to get a lunch. When they came back, to their surprise and disgust their stone Was beautifully painted with garnet and gold. 21