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

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Now again we met in Room 35 not as Juniors this time, but as Seniors, exalted and renowned, looked up to by the entire student body. At this time John Stephenson was chosen president. In the meantime another class had been organized who called themselves Juniors. We extended to them a challenge to a football game and they accepted. We disliked defeating them the first thing and discouraging and disheart¬ ening them at the very outset, so we tied the score. But here again more trouble came—the rhetoricals. One by one, the pupils were consulted by Mr. Greengard who walked around with a knowing smile upon his face. They must mount the lofty platform— for lofty, indeed, it seemed although in reality it was only elevated about two feet—and here with a tremb¬ ling voice and palid face must deliver a well learned selection. But a still greater anixety came one day when Mr. Greengard announced that from that time forth there would be no more prompting. If pupils forgot t heir selections they must take their seats and appear the next week—that was appalling. But, of course, none of the class of nineteen hundred and eleven needed the prompting. Once more we met in Room 35, this time electing officers who should preside at graduation. Aubrey Bowen was elected president. As spring drew near a class ride and Kattelville became an interesting topic. On March 10, at De¬ forest Street bridge a merry company gathered and Went to Kattelville. This proved to be a very enjoyable event with Mr. Green and Miss Ball as chaperons. One day it was decided to consult with the young and inexperienced Juniors concerning the exchang¬ ing of class banners for decorating at the dances. We elected a member of our class to represent us and he started to their class meeting. But alas! as he drew near the door was closed in his face by these poor, ignorant Juniors who feareed our mighty representative. But of course we could pardon such an act in those who knew no better. As the first part of our last term drew near excitement arose among the fair maidens of the class concerning the needless expense of graduation. A suggestion had been offered that the “ferocious dresses” of former years be superceded by more simple ones. After a heated discussion among the young ladies it 22

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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

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was decided to appear at all our graduation exercises in one white dress, decreasing expenses and thereby preventing none from partaking in the exercises. On April twenty-eighth we gave our Senior dance at the Monday Afternoon Club House. This was heartily enjoyed by all. We planted our ivy and dedicated our class stone on Arbor Day, May 5 last. To the surprise and disgust of the Juniors we held our exercises during the twenty minutes period while they, expecting us to have them Saturday, were making elaborate plans to molest us. Much embarassed, the Junior orator Was obliged to shovel the dirt which buried our class records and planted our ivy. Our last event Was the picnic at the Casino. This Was a great success. The time now draws near when we all must part. Some will go one way and some another, but We will always look back with pleasure upon our High School days. As we travel through life may we always be true to our class and by living up to our motto: “Facta Non Verba”—deeds not words—overcome iu the future as we have in the past, the difficulties which confront us. 23