Chicora College for Women - Nods and Becks Yearbook (Columbia, SC)

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E P E L WE I S S Class ;Prop1)tcp June 7, 1920. Dear Sue: Once more the Class of '15 gathered around the table in the dining-room of our old Alma Mater, and it hardly seemed the same place, for instead of the rolls and syrup that we used to have, a very elaborate luncheon was served, and we were the guests of honor. You can never imagine what a great pleasure it was to see those dear old girls again after five years of separation, and the only thing that marred our happiness was that you, our beloved president, could not be there and preside over us as usual. However, we talked of your work in far-away China, thinking how truly fortunate were those little Chinese. Although five years seem short, yet you must hear of the many changes which have taken place. “Miss Newton, as we will always call her, although of course you know she’s “Miss Newton no longer, was seated at the head of the table as master of ceremonies. In her sweet way she welcomed us and suggested that each tell what these years had brought forth. First, Mary Carson, blushing as she used to do, told of her romantic marriage to a prominent New York banker, and how extremely happy she was. Then Ashbv, her face showing signs of study, spoke very interestingly of her surgical work at Johns Hopkins. For two years Mary Yorke had been star in popular plays, but had found more happiness in making the hard life of a country doctor easier. You, like all the rest, would scarcely have known the next: Gowned in a most stylish and handsome attire was Kate, now a designer of fashions for Vogue. Katherine, so used to standing when speaking—now a lecturer for the cause of Woman Suffrage—was very anxious to make us a “stump speech. However, Evelyn, being a more persistent talker, insisted on telling us that she was teaching Economics— would you believe it?—in Agnes Scott College. Martha, all rosy and fat, came rushing in at this time and insisted on apologizing for her tardiness caused by a breakdown of her brand-new Ford. She lives about three miles from the city and seems utterly absorbed in her farmer, chickens, and Ford. Mary Sanders has become quite famous as a writer of scenarios. I also

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E P E L WEI S S ceding one. It was now our turn to help initiate the new girls into the experiences of sea life, and of course this year was most enjoyable to us, for we felt that we were getting revenge for what we had suffered the year before. Nothing of great importance happened, however, until a few of our number left The Knowledge Seeker for Pleasure's Quest, attending for several days the exercises given by the Junior ('lass of Davidson College. On their return wonderful tales of adventure were told. The remainder of the year proved uneventful until the ship dropped anchor at a port called “Commencement. A very enjoyable summer was spent in this town, and all too soon the news was spread abroad that 'The Knowledge Seeker was about to set sail. Once again we were almost overwhelmed by the wave of homesickness, but our courage was renewed by the report that our voyage was halfway over. In the distance we could see the flying pennants of the Senior ('lass waving over their ship, which was nearing the goal. A wireless was sent to them by the pilot of The Knowledge Seeker inviting them to stop with us at the next port to see Henrietta Crossman in “The Tongues of Men. A prompt reply was received, and a very pleasant evening was spent at the port “Theater.” It was quite necessary after this dissipation for every one to seek “Study most earnestly, for exams must be passed if the voyage were to he continued. However, the monotony was soon broken by visits to us of both the Davidson and Carolina Glee Clubs. Several parties for our own amusement were given on board the ship, but hard work was the pre- dominant feature for the remainder of the time. At length the boat in front of us was seen to have reached its destination, and our vessel, with flying colors, was borne rapidly onward over a calm sea. We had at last reached the much-longed-for port, “Seniorland, and here we obtained the caps and gowns which every one wears upon reaching this port. The rough places in the sea were by no means all crossed, but we had become so used to them that we could pass them with ease. The end and aim of our ambitions was in sight, and ere long the goal will have been reached. It was not long until every one of us had become accustomed to her place of honor and dignity, and a greater feeling of responsibility was realized than ever before. And now as the vessel is nearing its destination, joy and sorrow intermingle, for with the fulfilment of hope comes also the sadness of approaching farewells. So time brings the storm-tossed ship over the sea of learning to the harbor “Safety amid many good wishes and congratulations. M. S. H., Historian.

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E P E L WE I S S hear she has made quite a success financially. Turning in that quick way so characteristic of her, she seized Ella by the hand and introduced her as heroine of her stories. Of course we all recognized Ella as the “Venus of the Movies.” In a very Frenchy gown, Vashti laughingly told how, while studying French in Paris, her heart had been won by a marquis. Flora as yet has not been persuaded to give up the gaiety of social life, but is still in the whirl and looks as young as ever. Maggie Yorke told of her study of music and of her experiences in concert tours. I suppose you’ve heard of her wonderful success. As for Anne, she was the greatest surprise of all. Dressed in “widow's weeds,” but with a countenance not corresponding with the same, she said, in that funny way, that her good looks had got her one husband, and that she firmly believed that they could get her another. Jane frowned very disapprovingly at Anne and told in a serious and earnest way of her great work in social service in Chicago. Louise, whom we all expected to have such a splendid career, two years ago gave up all thoughts of that and is now the busy wife of a Presbyterian minister. Most interestingly, Margaret gave some points on the Y. W. C. A. work to which she devotes her entire time. Hester, much to our surprise, married the year after leaving school, and has been leading a most strenuous life since. We could guess, when our eyes turned to Ethel, what she had been doing these five years. In a white dress and cap, she rose and said that she was now very busy as head nurse of the Charlotte Sanatorium. And will you be surprised when 1 tell you that I am exactly what I told you I was going to he five years ago—an old-maid school-teacher ? We had a wonderful time reminiscing, and wandered over the buildings, seeking familiar haunts. Every spot brought up old memories, and all too soon the time came to say good-bye. However, we resolved to have a reunion again next year, and we sincerely hope you’ll be with us then. The girls join me in love. With best wishes for success in your work From your old classmate, Julia Harris. 31