Brimfield High School - Spectator Yearbook (Brimfield, IL)

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■ --------------- ®jjc Spectator, 1924 .---- to come back after working hours. He came up to my room that night, but he didn’t have much to say. Of course as we remember “Dutch” in ’24, he never did. I did learn, however, that he was one of the many struggling artists, and his “taxi-ing” was merely a means to gather the funds to enable him to take up further study in Italy. June 17. As I was walking down the corridor toward the elevator this morning, whom should I meet but Lavina, with several towels over her arm. Who would ever have thought that Lavina would leave the easy going ways of the farm to take up the gay whirling life of the city? She assured me that she was happy, and expected to be happier still,—a fact emphasized by the large solitaire on her left hand. June 18. Will wonders ever cease? Today the train was delayed by a wreck on the main line, so I had to spend a whole day in Solon, Iowa. Leaving the train, I started to walk down a quiet country road. Way over in a field I saw a man plowing corn. Being lonesome, I decided to wait until he reached the end of the field nearest the road. Imagine to my surprise when a few minutes later “Bill” Catton came dashing down the corn row with a new-fangled plow. We talked over old times, and “Bill” took me to the house where his wife had prepared a real old-fashioned dinner. Boy! I’ll never forget those noodles! It seems “Bill” had taken a course in Scientific Farming, and at the request of his bride’s parents, had bought a farm near them. Owing partly to his native thrift, but mostly to capacity for work, “Bill” is making ahowl-ing success. June 19. We arrived at Denver without further delay. I am stopping at the Hotel Alamo, owned by my old friend Max Hayes. In connection with the hotel, Max is running the largest cabaret in Denver, and personallv directs his own orchestra. He has just signed a contract to play for Columbia records, and is considered the greatest saxophone artist in the United States. Hurrah for Max! June 20. As I walked down the street this afternoon, I happened to notice a rather attractive sign on a window, which read: “Hairdressing and Beauty Parlor—appointments any time—Ruth Slayton, Proprietor.” I hurried in, for I wouldn’t miss seeing Ruth for the world. I found myself in a luxurious up-to-date establishment, and Ruth herself harmonized perfectly with the apartment. She told me that much of her hairdressing and beautifying experience had been acquired at high school. No, she hasn’t married yet; but I understand that she requires three secretaries to care for her correspondence. Still keeping ’em guessing! Upon inquiring about the other girls, I learned to my disappointment that I would not get to see Elise, she had gone abroad to study music. It is rumored that she has acquired an English Duke, who, like a great many of the nobility, formed a singular distaste for labor. Consequently, Elise’s Sixteen

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£f)c Spectator, 1924 §la$$ 39ropf)ecp Ten long years have elapsed since the Class of ’24 completed its high school course. It is pleasant to recall the events of those years. In all this time, however, I have neither seen nor heard from any of my old classmates. My greatest wish is that they might be here to enjoy, with me, my success. After leaving high school, I completed an electrical course and then turned to invention—my greatest ambition. At this work I enjoyed only ordinary success, until I stumbled onto a device, which, when made public, startled the world and made me famous over night. My invention was in the nature of a combination fishing outfit, consisting of a fold-up seat, pole, hook, and worm catcher—all being electrically manipulated. My invention was known as “The Tourists’ Delight.” I immediately had it patented and put on the market, where it proved so popular that I was forced to occupy the largest office building in New York City. Long hours and continual nervous strain wrecked my health, and upon the advice of my physician, I decided to spend three months’ vacation in the west, where I hoped to meet some of my old classmates. June 14. As I sat in my private car on the Twentieth Century Limited today, there fell upon my ears a familiar feminine voice. Upon looking for the owner, I saw a tall, handsome young man dressed in a blue uniform, approaching up the aisle. He was crying in accents wild, “Chocolate bars, apples, oranges, peanuts, chewing gum,” etc. As he drew nearer the resemblence seemed more marked, and at last I recognized him to be none other than Lloyd Wilson. Great was my joy when Lloyd sat down and related the happenings of the past ten years. After leaving high school, he spent two years in a seminary where he starred in all athletic events. But it seems he could not resist doing things unbecoming to a minister, and he was thrown out of school. He returned home, but his parents refused to welcome their prodigal son, so he was forced to shift for himself. It did not prove so great a struggle as might be surmised, for Mrs. Wilson had become sole owner of the Heinz Pickle corporation. She is living in San Francisco where Lloyd spends his week-ends. As my train was nearing the next stop, Chicago, I had to bid Lloyd good-bye, promising to look him up if I ever went to San Francisco. June 16. Here I am back again on the train, after spending two days in the Windy City. Those two days have proved very happy ones for me, for no sooner had I gotten off the train than I was accosted by a taxi driver, and upon scrutinizing his face, to my great joy, I found it to be Ivan Curran. I had him drive me to the Blackstone Hotel, where he left me with the promise FIFTEEN

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:------ Cljc Spectator, 1924 ---- musical career is ended, or yet to come, for at present she is pounding a piano in a 5 and 10 cent store in London. Ain’t love funny? June 20. Arrived in Los Angeles without further delay and have spent several days recovering from my trip. One of the first places I wanted to visit was the Big I and Little You College, where I found Lucille as President of the Institution. She had taught a year in rural schools near Roberts, Illinois, and had proved so successful as a teacher that after her marriage and location in the West, had been offered this high position. June 27. As today is Sunday, Lucille took me around to the Little Church on the Corner. We went in and took our seats quietly. Owing to the sudden change from California sun to the darkness of the church, I couldn’t see at first, not even the face of the minister in the pulpit. But, when a kindly voice boomed out, “Alas! We wilt sing Number 777,” I knew it was Willis Corney. I always knew Willis would make us proud of him some day. June 28. Today I went out to Hollywood where Esther Maher is making a film. She is taking a child’s part, and is the heroine of the film. During the summer season she goes on the Chautauqua platform as a Junior Worker. She is a great favorite with the children because of her lack of seriousness. This, coupled with her speaking ability, makes her an excellent one for the position. June 30. Esther and I motored to Sacramento today to see Florence, who is engaged as private secretary to the Governor of California. Florence came West several years ago with her husband, who is a draftsman by profession. She, too, is happy and successful. July 5. Today I start back to New York. My visits with my old classmates have done me so much good that I feel like a new man, and don’t think it necessary to spend anv more time vacationing. —J. H„ ’24. SEVENTEEN