Des Moines Technical High School - Engineer Yearbook (Des Moines, IA)

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1921 COMMENCEMENT NUMBER-THE TATLER 1921 could not help whispering to Percy, Didn't I tell you sheid have amber-rimmed 'specs,' and wasn't she frowning, even when we were in perfect order? Yes, I admit that you were a good prophet, said Percy nodding. Just then the door opened and in came a sweet-faced woman with fluffy brown hair and sparkling brown eyes. My! she exclaimed, I was almost sure I had mistaken the room. It's so quiet here. I thought perhaps this room was vacant this hour, but I looked in to be certain. She did not notice the interested and somewhat bewildered look on the faces before her. I know I'm going to have a pleasant time teaching this class. You all seem to be so earnest. Growing bewilderment on students' faces. I was sorry that I could not be here yesterday, so we could have become acquainted sooner. I suppose you know my name, don't you?', Percy, the self-possessed answered rather weakly, Why-er we are not sure, I believe. Why, it's Miss Prudence Withers, she said sweetly. Whew! exclaimed Ted Knotts, who was now on the road to re- covery. Miss VVithers. I'd like to ask a question please, said Maude Crowley. Certainly, I am always ready to answer sensible questions. Do you know the name of the lady who took your place- yesterday? Yes, she answered graciously. That was Miss Fanny Darling. Ruth Klimpke E6. His First Dance HURSDAY night, Harold Hall had been accepted into the A. E. R, High School Club. He had been told to come the following evening for initiation. Friday had gone much too fast for Harold and in the evening, as he was walking up the club house steps, thinking how he would keep his dignity and grace through the horrible ordeal to come, the door opened and he was handed a large white envelope on which was plainly written: Harold Hall Do not open, until promptly eight-thirty tomorrow evening. On your honor.-A, E. R. Quickly he put the letter into his pocket. It was like a pound of lead. As he reached home, he gave it to his mother to keep until the fateful minute. Eight twenty-five, ,Saturday evening the letter lay before Harold. At exactly eight-thirty he feverishly opened it and read aloud: . ......g..g.....g..g..g........g..g..Q..g..5..g..Q..Q..g..g.....g.....g.....g..g..gag..g..q..,..Q...........,..,........g.-gum.: 0 o 0 30

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1921 COMMENCEMENT NUMBER-THE TATLER 1921 I am afraid you young people are taking life too seriously, said Miss Lorimer. Now I am going to tell you something which I am sure will be of great interest to you. A lady is to fill my position whom I know you will all admire. Her name is Miss Prudence With- ers. I once had the opportunity of meeting her and I know you will enjoy her acquaintance. The Christmas vacation came and went. School opened and Miss Lorimer's pupils, coming into the familiar room, remembered that she would not be there. The Hrst bell rang, and as there was nothing to do they talked in low tones for fear that the new teacher would arrive at any moment and hear them. Miss Prudence Withers! That sounds rather dried up, doesn't it Felix? asked Ted Knotts of a disconsolate looking boy at his right. Uh huh, it does rather, and it sounds rather wise. The Prudence part of it, I mean. Mercy, this suspense is very disconcerting, exclaimed Percy the perfect. But I suppose we must take things as they come. I've just been dreading this day, and I must say the name certainly doesn't improve the outlook. This last from Madge Downs. I sup- pose she'll wear her hair tight back, and it will be straight as an In- dian's, and she will wear large amber-rimmed 'specsf Yes, I mean 'specs,' she added seeing Percy's look of disapproval. And, she continued, she will be continually frowning at our mistakes. Her name certainly gives her away. There was a sound at the door and the boys and girls stopped breathing for a second. The door opened and a stern-faced woman walked primly to the desk. Settled there, she looked them over criti- cally, and at last broke the silence by saying, I suppose now that the holidays are over you will one and all be doubly earnest in continuing your work. V Could it be possible? Yes, she truly was taking some amber-rimmed specs out of a case and was adjusting them on her nose. I have brought a book along with me, which I am sure will be of great benefit to you. It is directly in line with the work I understand you are to take up. Then she opened the book and began to read in a dull, monotonous voice, pronouncing words of amazing length with wondrous ease. Some time was spent thus, and finally the first bell rang. She con- tinued to read, and not till the last bell rang did she close the book. For t0l1l0I'I'0WYS assignment you may write a synopsis of what I have just read. You may pass. The class rose mechanically and tiled out in solemn procession. Little was said by these orderly pupils and it was not until the next day at the same period that there was opportunity to discuss the happenings of the day. Each was armed with a synopsis. Some time passed and as the last bell had rung some time ago, the foremost of the class held a whispered conversation. Madge Downs 5 5 g g g g4..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..5..g..g..g........q..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..q..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..g..g.....g..g..g.

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1921 COMMENCEMENT NUMBER-THE TATLER 1921 Harold Hall At exactly nine o'clock this evening you are expected to be at the Kimble Kross Klub Dance. You are to be dressed as slick as though you had had a twenty-four hour notice. You must dance with at least five strange girls. A. E. R. Now Harold had never been on a dance hall floor in his life. He turned pale and really trembled, then he began to imagine many odd things. lVas he going to be like one of those characters of the foolish dance comedies he had often seen at the movies? Everyone would laugh at him and call him a Hayseed. How could he get a girl to dance with him after they all found out that he could not dance? They would make fun of him. Oh! If he could only escape, be taken suddenly ill or something. But that was impossible. He had to go. At eight forty-five with a red face, shiny oiled hair and his best suit and shoes on, Harold was running for the street car. His overcoat was part way on one arm while the other hand was trying to pull his cap on. ' At thi-ee minutes past nine, Harold entered the door of the dance hall. He checked his overcoat and cap, then managed to slide across the slippery dance hall floor. Finally he found a seat right beside a girl. Harold was not bashful but he did not know how to dance. The orchestra began to play a dreamy waltz. Harold glanced dazedly toward the outer door where he saw two young men from the A. E. R. club. He must be game, but what should he do? What could he do? He had heard some one say, a long time ago, that one could learn quite a little about dancing by watching the dancers' feet. Harold watched every movement. He became very much interested but was interrupted by a voice. It was one of the club men addressing the girl beside him, This is my dance, isn't it Elaine? Then a piece of white paper Hoated to the floor. After the couple had gone, Harold picked up the paper, on it was written: Only seven more dances. He must get busy. Over across the hall sat a blonde girl. Hesitating, he stood, fixed his collor and tie, then walked slowly over in front of her. Pulling down his vest and coat he began. Er-a-This is-er-my dance-isn't it-um- Elaine? Surprise was registered on the girl's countenance. Seeing this, Harold hastened to correct himself by saying, A-o-I want this dance. May I have it?,' The surprising answer came, Certainly. Oh, what a time that was for Harold. Everyone was stepping on his heels or else trying to knock him off his feet. And the poor little girl he was dancing with-what did she think? Looking down at her, Harold saw that she was smiling. That was some encouragement at least, if the smile was meant for him. At any rate, Harold was de- termined to finish. It was becoming almost easyg he had decided that it was great fun-then the music stopped. Forgetting to thank the girl for the dance, he escorted her back to her seat, Then bowing twice very politely, he went over to his old place by the door. ,,.4...........9.....,..g..q..g..g..g..g..g.....g.................g..o1-0-.,..o--Q--g...........,.....,..g.....,..g..,.....g... , , , , -1 01