East Tennessee State University - Buccaneer Yearbook (Johnson City, TN)

Page 23 text:

June 6, 1930 THE CHALK LINE 21 SMOKY MOUNTAIN SCIENCE CLUB During the past two years, the general interest in science among the students of Teachers College has grown with remarkable rapidity. The Smoky Mountain Science Club has been one of the most outstanding organizations on the campus this year. We started out in the fall with a very able leader, J. D. Robinson. He was succeeded by Range Snodgrass, one of our most tireless and ambitious stu¬ dents. Then, Carl Lackey, a man with a purely scien¬ tific mind, stepped into office at the beginning of the spring quarter. Throughout the year, the club has sought to pro¬ mote a vitalizing interest in scientific thought and work. Lectures by visiting scientists, programs given by club members, field trips, motion pictures, contests, and va¬ rious other forms of study and research have character¬ ized our club. We also have a Science Club Question Box. This serves as a stimulus to arouse the members to concentrated work, so that they may be able to answer questions found in the box. Among the most interesting speakers we have had this year were: Dr. Schugt from Bemberg. Dr. Schugt gave us a very faascinating lecture and demonstration on “Glass Blowing.” Dr. Van Brackle, who lectured on “Oral Hygiene.” And Professor Brown, who gave an illustrated lecture on “Spring Flora of this Region.” One of the foremost programs of the year, was the memorial program in honor of the late Professor Roller, who was the guiding light of our science club in its youth. His name shall be lasting to Our Science Club, as one always faithful and generous, who endear¬ ed himself to us all. We feel that our club has an important role to play in the progress of the State Teachers College. We feel an increasing responsibility for keeping abreast of cur¬ rent research in science, and therefore, the necessity for a strong science club organization. We welcome new students, who are of scientific inclinations, into the club at all times. DRAMATIC CLUB No doubt the most entertaining, but the least known and talked about organization upon the campus, is that of the Dramatic Club. Many chapel programs have been made endurable by the members of this organiza¬ tion, who have entertained us. This club has been directed by Miss Irene Bewley at intervals when she has not been on her platform tours. Miss Bewley is a Tennessean who has national fame for her artistic portrayal of mountain characters, who has not yet been added to the Who’s Who list, for some unknown reason. Miss Bewley resides at Greene- ville, when she is not appearing on the lyceum programs, traveling with the Chautauqua, or making tours of vari¬ ous states. The Dramatic Club is exceedingly fortunate in having Miss Bewley to direct its plays, even though she cannot be with it regularly. The Dramatic Club has not only entertained the teachers, but has been to neighboring cities and com¬ munities to present its plays, and has also been heard over station WOPI from Bristol. There is no doubt that every member of this organization shall go far toward success, through their increased understanding of character and human nature. SAMUEL DOAK AND EARLY HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE (This is a brief review of the essay written by Miss Dorothy May, which won the prize offer¬ ed by the Johnson City Rotary Club, offered to students of both Teachers College and Milligan College for the best historical essay). Washington College has the prestige of a long course of usefulness. Begun and nurtured by prayer and self-sacrificing endeavor, it has been a benediction to thousands, far and near, for a century and a half. Whether battling amid the untoward surrounding of frontier life or resisting the raids of Indians, suffering under the destructive hand of war, or sharing in the struggle of the people to regain what was lost, it has gone forward unswervingly, actuated by no incentive other than the high purposes which called it forth. An indigenous growth of this southwestern moun¬ tain country, the interests of the college have ever been indentified with those of the people, as its life has been a part of their life. The people of this section being for the greater part of Scotch-Irish descent, it was most fit¬ ting that the founder of the first institution of learning among them should be of the same lineage. The one to whom, in the Providence of God, this distinguished privi¬ lege belonged was the widely known and revered Samuel Doak, whom Dr. Ramsey in his “Annals of Tennessee” fitly styles “the apostle of learning and religion in the west.” His parents, Samuel and Jane Doak, emigrated from North Ireland early in the eighteenth century and settled in Chester County, Virginia. Here their son Samuel was born on the first day of August, 1749. He commenced the study of Latin when he was sixteen years of age. In 1773 at the age of twenty-four, he entered Princeton College, during the presidency of Dr. Wither¬ spoon, one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde¬ pendence. About this time he married Miss Esther Montgom¬ ery, daughter of the Rev. John Montgomery of Virginia. Having received license from the Presbytery of Han¬ over, in 1777, he soon made his way westward and preached while in Washington County, Virginia, but later in 1780 moved still farther westward to Salem, on the Hominy branch of the Little Limestone, the present site of the college. Tradition relates the following providence as lead¬ ing him to locate at Washington College. “As he was riding through a woods, which then covered that vicinity, he came unexpectedly upon some settlers who were fell¬ ing trees. Learning that he was a minister they re¬ quested him to preach to so many of them as could be assembled immediately. He complied, using his horse for a pulpit and a shady grove for a sanctuary. They were pleased with the sermon and entreated the preacher to tarry longer with them. He yielded to this entreaty, and this lead to a permanent settlement among them.” After teaching privately for more than two or three years, Mr. Doak in 1783, was granted a charter by the Legislature of North Carolina. Two years later the people having separated politically from North Caro¬ lina, he obtained another charter from the assembly of the State of Franklin at its first meeting, held in Jones¬ boro in 1785. The State of Franklin was of short duration, but the school continued to grow and on the eighth of July,

Page 22 text:

20 THE CHALK LINE June 6, 1930 Societies, Clubs, Crgainlzatloins PI SIGMA LITERARY SOCIETY The by-laws and constitution of the Pi Sigma Lit¬ erary Society were rewritten this year, to provide for its changing needs and ever increasing requirements. The society has as many members as it is allowed to have—all these being brought in under a very severe initiation, which is believed to have made them more appreciative of their organization. The most outstanding social event of the society for the year was a progressive dinner party—with plenty to eat and lots of fun. SAPPHONIAN LITERARY SOCIETY The Sapphonians have made marked progress in¬ tellectually, socially, and morally during the year 1929- 30. A large number of new students have been initiated into our society at the beginning of each quarter during the year and have proved to be very useful in the or¬ ganization. We have had a variety of programs, using the tal¬ ent of the society to good advantage. Outings, parties, and other recreational functions have been sponsored by our society, as well as many interesting programs of a higher literary nature. PESTALOZZIAN LITERARY SOCIETY The Pastalozzian Literary Society can boast of no wonderful programs or of hilarious outings. Its recent past has been one of successful dormancy. It has had a complete freedom and relaxation from the grueling problems of active life. Its activities have been limited in direct contrast to the talent, capacity, and ability of its members. The future of this society, however, is promising. It promises to store away the memory of such a society in the archives of our lost endeavors, where the oratori¬ cal philosophy of its proteges can no longer bore any¬ one. Nevertheless, we treasure the memory of this or¬ ganization and trust that providence will forthwith send to its relief such remedial measures as may be deemed necessary to propagate its memory and good name in the minds and hearts of future inmates of Ritter Hall. —R. M. R. F. K. P. This is an organization of the Royal Force of the Kitchen Police, and is composed of those energetic souls who convert their energies to service in the cafeteria. As we think of it, this is a new organization of the college, but yet among the oldest. New from the stand¬ point of recent organization, but old from the stand¬ point that, even students, have always eaten. Each year Mrs. Hodges, the cafeteria manager, takes this Royal Force on a picnic; and judging from all appearances, it is one of the most popular, most active, and most highly hilarious groups on the cam¬ pus. ‘ —H. H. THE HOME ECONOMICS CLUB Our Home Economics Club was organized only last year. At the first meeting of the club this year, several of the old members were back again, and these with a large number of new members, raised the membership of the organization to thirty-two—quite an excellent growth, when we consider its recent organization. Although this club is still in its infancy, it has done some very outstanding research work in the field of Home Economics—studying the life of the founder of Home Economics, Miss Richards; the woman to whom we Home Economics people are so deeply indebted. We have also studied the life and works of other outstand¬ ing leaders in this field. In addition to our studies, we have had the opportunity of hearing several excellent lectures on topics in which we were interested. An outstanding feature of the club during the year was its entertainment by the Science Hill Home Eco¬ nomics Club. This club very graciously entertained us with a lovely Saint Patrick’s Party this year. We hope that our club will entertain the Science Hill Home Eco¬ nomics Club next year. —N. J. R. GIRLS DEBATING Misses Mary Louise Mundy, “Peggy” Pouder, Gladys Presley, and Isabel Guy, who comprised the girls’ debating teams, have completed an almost perfect season. They have met defeat only once this season, though they participated in six debates. Our team composed of “Peggy” and Gladys, was undefeated throughout the entire season. The first debate of the season was a triangular debate with Maryville and Carson-Newman. On March 11, Gladys and “Peggy” won the decision at Emory- Henry, while Isabel and Mary Louise lost here, suffer¬ ing the only defeat of the season. On April 5, Gladys and Peggy won from the State Teachers College at Memphis; and on April 22, Isabel and Mary Louise won the decision from Virginia Intermont, thus, closing the season with an almost perfect record. It is superflous to say how proud Teachers College is of these girls, who have brought such honor to the school. BOYS DEBATING The Boys’ Debating Teams for this season have been more successful than ever before. Approximately twenty debates were held, of which, Teachers College won more than a fair share. A tour of the state was taken, the longest that any organization of the college has ever attempted. Debates were held in practically every college in Tennessee. Despite the unusual success and great interest manifested this year, plans for next season are greater and more ambitious. Almost all the men debaters will return, and with the addition of new material, an even more interesting and successful season is anticipated in 1930-31. —R. H.

Page 24 text:

THE CHALK LINE June 6, 1930 22 1795, was chartered by the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Territory of the United States south of the River Ohio, as Washington College, so-called in honor of the illustrious President of the United States. This was the first real institution of learning west of the Alleghenies. Soon after his settlement at Salem, Mr. Doak had occasion to go some thirty miles toward Abingdon for family supplies. His wife seeing some Cherokee War¬ riors approaching, snatched up her infant son, John Whitfield, and fled to a place of confinement, from which she saw them plundering and burning the cabin. No doubt if the child had awakened and cried, both it and the mother would have been captured and killed; but she escaped to a blockhouse, where she met her hus¬ band on his return. Dr. Doak physically was above the average stature. He was a man of large muscular frame, and his ap¬ pearance was grave and commanding. His voice was stentorian, his eyes deep blue. He was a man of strong intellect and manly good sense, a man of dignity and great firmness. In his classes he often sat with his head bent backward and his eyes closed, but if a student made a mistake in recitation that student soon found out that he was very much awake. He was interested in civic affairs and alwavs voted. He was a great student and thinker. When he was sixty-five years old he mastered Chemistry and Hebrew. He prepared young ministers in Hebrew to take a creditable examination before the Presbytery. His great ambition was to prepare young ministers and missionaries for this great western coun¬ try to which people were fastly migrating. Dr. Doak first started his school with just a few helpers and in a log cabin. The trustees held their first meeting on the twenty- third day of July, 1795, at which were the following members: the Rev. Samuel Doak, President; Rev. Wil¬ liam Holt; Dr. William Chester; David Deaderick; John Wilson; John Waddell; John Sevier, Jr.; and Alexander Mathes. Col. Landon Carter was appointed to sell some land on Doe River, which Col. Waightsill Avery had do¬ nated to Washington College. The proceeds were or¬ dered to be expended for books, and necessary things needed to run the college. In the month of May, 1798, the President left the college and attended the General Assembly, at Phila¬ delphia, as a commissioner from the Presbytery of Abingdon. There he obtained a valuable donation of books, which he carried on horseback across the moun¬ tains, to his college. These formed the nucleus of the college library. A great affliction befell the President in the death of his wife. He married secondly Mrs. Margaretta H. McEwen. Tradition says that on a certain occasion when he was starting to visic his “intended ' a wag of a student placed himself under a tree by the roadside and pretending to be getting out his Latin, he read and translated aloud as follows: “amor omnia vincit. The ready and pertinent reply of the doctor as he passed was “cedamus amori. This tradition may be authentic. Dr. Doak presided over Washington College and preached at Salem Church about thirty-eight years. He resigned and moved to Tusculum in Greene County where he engaged with his son, John, in establishing a classical school, which later became Tusculum Colleg. On the resignation of the first President the trustees immediately elected his eldest son, the Rev. John W. Doak, as his successor. The Civil War came on and the college had to close. The buildings on the campus were turned into forts, and even stables where the soldiers kept their horses. The college suffered extreme injury as the re¬ sult of the war, and the conditions were very saddening when it came to a close. In 1908 the college united with its old “sister col¬ lege, Tusculum. This union proved to be unsatisfac¬ tory, and the colleges were separated leaving Washing¬ ton College of first class high school rank, which today is operating as a self-help academy, where poor boys and girls of these southern hills and mountains, may re¬ ceive an education. Washington College this year is celebrating its sesqui-centennial year. It has enjoyed a century and a half of noble prestige. No student can fail to come un¬ der the spell of its antiquity. The old oaks and beeches are full of it, and every square rod is historic ground. It is not only to make truth-seeking but truth-revering men and women. All through the years it has stood for the highest development possible of its students, who should look back with great admiration, to those old pioneer ancestors of ours who have blazed the trail and established for us such an institution of learning. INFAMOUS SAYINGS FOR FAMOUS PERSONS B. Archer—60 days,—for not feeding a “balanced diet. J. R. Walker—10 days, for being too “dignified. R. McNabb—80 days, for “petting. J. Masterson—90 days, for “automobile riding. E. Howard—2 years, for having too many “dates. T. Dingus—99 days, for “talking too much in room 101. C. Shubert—3 years, for “keeping quiet in Apart¬ ment A. J. Henderson—1 year, for “studying in the li¬ brary ? Mrs. Boren—5 years, for “flunking too many stu¬ dent teachers. N. Robinette—3 years, for abusing social privileges. E. Ellison—30 days, for studying—car. R. Barry—60 days, for attempting to take- ' s giri. E. Coleman—90 days, for “cutting classes. M. Mundy—10 years, for “talking too fast. M. Robertson—5 years, for “making paths on the campus. D. Deakins—60 days, for parking on the grass. J. Miller—30 days, for being tardy to class. E. Choate—90 days, for gathering material for Chalk Line on Sunday. J. Brewer—2 years, for “cutting chapel. LI. Hodges—5 years, for paying too much atten¬ tion to-. E. Stanley—10 years, for “courting too much this term. H. Bowman—90 days, for losing a baseball game. M. Wilson—99 days, for talking in the library. U. Armstrong-—2 years, for talking to “alumni boys. R. Snodgrass—3 years for spending too much time in the chemistry laboratory. M. Lyon—6 years for “sleeping in class.