Concordia University Chicago - Pillars Yearbook (River Forest, IL)

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River Foresi,111inois I3 they had traveled before! lndeed, that Addison dummy certainly afforded Johnnie much pleasure. He soon forgot his surroundings, and the boys seated themselves in such a manner that they might easily have an opportunity to view the great city of Chicago as they passed through it. Johnnie gave vent to his amazement and wonder at the sight of skyscrapers and automobiles. He had been accustomed only to rude farm-houses and green pastures, and the city presented to him things in reality, of which he had before only read and seen pictures. Such, no doubt, must have been the thoughts and feelings of admiration of the greater number of Class I9 I 5, when they first sighted city life. It was on the train, that l, also a Ugreen one, made the acquaintance of Johnnie and of the rest of the boys. When we had arrived at Addison, the burg of desolation, we were immediately ushered to the presence of the honor- able director of the institution, who extended us a cordial welcome. Next, we young foxes, for such was the term applied to all newcomers, were as- signed to our rooms. After the unpacking of suitcases had been completed -the trunks had not as yet arrived-We heard the most welcome supper bell. We were really hungry after so long a trip. It is needless to relate everything that occurred at the table. When supper was finished, we boys took a walk through the beautiful village-for it was beautiful. Night soon superseded day, and we, with other quickly-made friends, took to a room, and related some of our past experi- ences. Plans were laid for the future six years. There were onions to be borrowed, neighboring barracks to be bombarded, and many other pleasant Abenteuer to be brought into existence. At nine oiclock that evening devotional exercises were held in the chapel. lmmediately afterwards We retired to our sleeping apartments. Oh, for the first night in a strange bed under a strange roof! Who can describe the yearning for the paternal mansion so far away? Luckily, we were very tired, and we soon fell into a deep sleep. At five o'clock the next morning we were out of our beds, and having nothing whatever to do, we went for a long stroll until breakfast time. That day was spent unpacking trunks, and skinning to lVlarquardt's and Treich- ler's for uround-squares, 3 in. meat augurs, paper-stretchersf' Hpigeon- milk, uliquified electricity, invisible post cards, and numerous other non- sensical articles. Those were the happy hours! We had been in Addison two days, when the Sem-buck made the an- nouncement at the dinner table that all newcomers were to report in the chapel. What was the object? We heard others talking about the bones they made when they made their entering exams. It was clear to us soon! There were many things, such as customs and various terms and expressions which at first were like a shadow, but We soon learned to understand and use

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I2 Concoraza Teacfiefs College his wardrobe in readiness, baking some cookies for him to be eaten in his new home, and, in fact, doing everything possible to please the young traveler. So Johnnie is to travel! Where to, if We may ask? To reveal the secret, he is to enter the Lutheran Normal College at Addison. Everything was in readiness, and it was time for Johnnie to bid his mother, brothers, and sisters good-bye. Father had hitched the horses to the buggy, placed Johnnie's trunk upon it, and was ready to drive his dear son to the railroad station. The door of the house opened, and Johnnie crossed the threshold followed by sobbing mother and sisters, who there embraced him, and took leave of him, not to see him again within a year. Johnnie, who was only too eager to leave home for college, where he expected sports and good times, sprightly stepped into the carriage, and the horses swiftly carried the occupants from home. As the boy purposely gazed towards a certain house, a tiny handkerchief made its last appearance, betraying, as it were, some amorous play-mate. He cast one lingering look in that direction, and it seemed to him at that moment as though he were leaving his best friend. Not one Word was exchanged between father and son during the entire ride. They soon arrived at the quaint old railroad station where the train was stopping for a short time to take water for the engine. Several friends had assembled at the station to say farewell to Johnnie. Father at the last moment admonished his boy to remain a dutiful, loving son, and, after a short embrace, the lad boarded the train which was soon under full steam on its way to Chicago. During the entire trip, Johnnie, who before had been eager to leave home for college-life, felt the pangs of absence from his paternal home and of all that was so dear to him. After several hours of riding, during which he had fallen asleep, he was aroused by the call of Chicago! Chee-caw-go! next stop! He quickly gathered his belongings, and, after the train had stopped, it was unloaded of its human baggage. The trip was not completed, however, for it was another twenty-four miles to Addison. Just as Johnnie was inquiring at the informa- tion bureau about the next train, someone tapped him on the shoulder. When he looked up, he met two friends from near his native town, who were bound for the same college as he. They were surprised but also glad to meet their little friend so many miles from home. With several hours at their disposal, the three Walked through the loop district of the metropolis of the West to gaze at some of the wonders which pleased their curiosity. At train- time the boys returned to the station, where a short, well-built, robust, and gray-haired gentleman, evidently of Irish birth, with a sonorous voice shouted: Addison Cannon-ball, train for the West! The words of the old man fell like the clear strokes of a bell, laden with pathos and a certain rude poetry which seemed elemental. With feet as Heet as those of a deer the three entered the train. Some difference between this udinky and the Pullman on which

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oncordia Tcacherfs Colle Auditorium