Butler High School - Tropaeum Yearbook (Butler, IN)

Page 29 text:

singer, I was told that this man was Ora Blaker and that lie was considered the world’s greatest evangelistic singer. It was unusual for him to come to cities even the size of Butler but for the sake of his former connection with the town he had condescended to come and let the people of Butler enjoy the beauty of his voice. After the services were over 1 managed to have a little talk with Ora. 1 asked him what had become of Kermit Oberlin, and he said that Kermit who was then traveling with a renowned Chautuaqua, was specializing in minstrel work in which he was very successful. A few days later, hearing that Madge McClellan was residing in Auburn I decided to go there aand learn what she had been doing since leaving high school. Upon arriving in the city, I inquired concerning her whereabouts but no one seemed to know anything about Madge McClellan. I had almost de- cided to give up the search when I noticed a lady going up the steps of a beau- tiful dwelling. I instantly recognized this lady as Dorothy Ilavertsoek. and after telling her my name I inquired what she had done since leaving school. She told me that after laving school she had married a farmer near B------and was now enjoying the pleasures of a happy farm life. She said she had come to the city to deliver some fresh farm produce to an old school friend. Before I had time to inquire who this school friend might be the lady herself appear- ed at the door. Madge recognized me. for it was no other than Madge Mc- Clellan. also immediately. She invited me into the house and commenced tell- ing me what she had been do’ng s nee leaving dear old B. II. S. She had spent two years teaching school after which she decided to enter the dressmaking profession. However soon becoming dissatisfied with this work she was mar- ried to the man whom all her classmates knew had been her choice, during the last year of her high school career. After spending a few delightful hours with Madge, T decided to return to Butler again as my mission to Auburn had been fulfilled. As I passed down the street my attention was drawn to two boys one tall and rather dark com- plexioned the other much shorter and of slightly lighter complexion. The boys seemed to be between eighteen and twenty years of age. As I observed the lads more closely, 1 thought that they surely must be Otis and Edson the pals inseparable. Then 1 remembered that thirty years must have made great changes in the appearances of my former classmates. I decided, however, to learn more corncerning these boys and followed them until they were about to enter a beautiful home, when I called to them and asked the taller of the fellows where bis father worked. He told me very politely that he would es- cort me to his fathers office if I wished him to do so. I gave my consent and after a short walk we came to a large building, over the entrance to which the words, Fisher Klinkel, Attorneys at Law, were written. I walked in boldly now fully determined that my suspicions had been correct. After a short

Page 28 text:

drew my attention. The person was evidently a farmer and upon closer ob- servation I recognized him as Loren Jennings. He seemed to recognize me and after inquiring my name, asked me to go home and spend the evening with him. As I was very anxious to renew friendship with my old acquaintances I readily consented to his plan and we were on our way. After we had ridden about four miles, he drew rein in front of a beautiful country home which he told me belonged to him. As 1 followed Loren to the house, I noticed a lady in the yard feeding chickens, whom I judged was about fifty years of age. T asked who this lady might be and he told me that, as I would probably remem- ber, he had always considered the Violet to be the sweetest flower that grew, and at last he had found and kept this one for his own. I spent the evening with Violet and Loren and in the course of the evening their children, three in num- ber, came trooping home from school. I asked them questions concerning their teacher, whom they said was Hazel Dohner and from their praise of her merits I decided that she must have made great success in her chosen profes- sion. Feeling happy to find Violet and Loren so happily situated, the next morning I started back to the city. I decided to walk to Butler as the air was so fresh and pure I thought it would help me to regain my former good health. I had gone several miles, when I observed in the distance two farm houses, which were facing one another. As I came nearer 1 noticed two ladies stand- ing near a gate of the house on the right side of the road, conversing with one another. As I passed I heard a familiar voice and upon looking more closely at the lady who was then talking, I recognized Mildred Arford. Immediately I thought of Miriam Bryant and upon looking at the other lady I recognized Miriam. Both the ladies had very beautiful homes and seemed very happy in their home life. After having a short but pleasant visit with them I again resumed my walk to the city. I had gone perhaps a half of a mile when I came to a large garage. Thinking I needed a little rest I decided to stop here. As soon as I entered the building I noticed a man whom I supposed was the manager of the establishment. As I watched his movements I soon recognized him as Leland Alwood and upon discovering this I immediately made known my identity. He seemed very much pleased to see me and gave me a portion of his invalu- able time, in which he told me his life’s history. After leaving high school he had decided to specialize in mechanics and had become prosperous enough to own and operate this fine garage. I asked Leland concerning Gilbert Boyd and found that he was now a very successful farmer, having a fine farm with all the modern improvements. After leaving Leland I soon arrived in Butler. As the next day was Sunday I determined to go to church. As I entered the church a man was singing. I was attracted by his beautiful voice and inquiring the name of the

Page 30 text:

parley with an office boy I was admitted to the main office. As I entered the room I saw approaching me Edson Klinkel, not as I had known him in school but still bearing close resemblance to his former self. Seeing that he did not recognize me I told him my name, and while we were enjoying a happy re- union talking over old times, Otis, the other member of the firm entered. The boys then told me that after leaving high school they had studied law and had been very successful in their chosen profession. Edson said if I would go home with him he still had a wonderful surprise in store for me. 1, happy to be with my old friends readily consented to go home with him. At the close of the afternoon we went immediately to Edson’s home where I met his smiling wife no other than Elizabeth Mondhank. While we three were busy talking of days gone by, guests were announced and presently Otis entered with bis surprise, Anna Ball. I learned that the lives of both ladies had been well and usefully spent in caring for their families, and 1 could see by the happy faces of all concerned that their duty had been well performed. As I have now told you of the prosperity of all of my other classmates and seeing you and your husband carrying on such a great work in capacity of physicians, I would like to ask your advice concerning whether or not I shall return to my wife and resume my former life or just continue in the way that I have been going until my days shall be ended.” I advised him to by all means follow the former course and in a few days I learned by a letter from him that he had followed my advice and was again a happy contented man. R. 0. P. ’20 o o