El Reno High School - Boomer Yearbook (El Reno, OK)

Page 29 text:

AN INVOICE OF THE JUNIOR CLASS (As Overheard by a Junior.) There was a tap on the superintendent's door. Come in,” was the response. A tall man with slightly stooped shoulders, and eyes that looked one through and through, entered. Is this Mr Howell?” he asked. It is. what can I do for you?” was the reply to his question. “I am Dr. Secord from William and Mary’s college, and am looking for a class of scholars who would accompany me on a trip in search of the moon. I have never been able to find a class with sufficient courage. Recently I was advised to put my request before you. Can you aid me? Well, let me see. I have a class of a dozen pupils here, whom I believe will,— I'll tell you what, I’ll give you an invoice, as it were, of this class, and then you may decide for yourself.” All right, that suits me fine. I am en- couraged already,” responded the visitor. I shall begin with the president of the class, Maude Peters. She is a girl who is not afraid, and w’ill always do her part, unless she should happen to have, what is commonly called a ‘contrary streak,” and in that case, I do not know' what you would do, for at these times she is beyond my control.” And her name is Maude,” thoughtfully murmured Prof. Secord. I’ll be willing to try her though, if that is her only fault.” Another is Ethel Dowell—usually call- ed Tiny, on account of her size. She is one of the most original girls, I believe in the school. Should you ascend so high, that, on account of the lack of oxygen, or other similar reasons, you forget all the languages that you knew here on earth, it would be no difficult task for Tiny to com- pose a language, by which you could freely converse with one another. But Tiny is an aw'ful critic, and this sometimes discourages others.” “Well, I find that nearly all critics are manageable if they are only kept busy, and there will be lots of dishes to wash, you know.” suggested Mr. Secord. Matilda Breuer is a fine girl. Can make beautiful sketches from nature, well, in fact, I think she is able to do all the illustrating that you would require. There is perhaps one drawback to her. I have heard it said that she is very fond of a young man named Duncan—and though the affection between the two concerned is mutual, there is paternal objection.” Oh, well,” interrupted the professor, “if she is only love-sick, the attraction of the moon towards us will soon cure her. In- deed she will be a valuable addition to the party.” Then there is Clara McCreight. She is one of the best in her class. Always punctual and always knows her lessons. She has a great deal of good common sense and is very economical. Well in short, sho would be the very person to manage the affairs of the balloon.” Good,” said Mr. Secord. I have wor- ried a great deal about what we should take for provisions. I suppose crackers and cheese would be good, but if I could leave that all to some one else, oh! what a relief. We must make sure of her!” and he heaved a great sigh. But are there no boys in the class?” Yes, to be sure,” replied Mr. Howell. There are four. First Joe Shell, a nice little boy, would always keep the crowd in good cheer even if sudden death looked you in the face. He is the author of a poem, which, I believe will surpass Long- fellow’s Hiawatha. Indeed, I have great hopes for Joe. as a poet.” We must have him by all means. Who knows. Perhaps the man in the moon is a poet, and we shall want someone who can interest him. Do you suppose there is any danger of his piking?” inquired Prof. Secord eagerly. “Not at all,” was his answer. And there is Daniel Gallegher, a tall, noble looking youth, who could represent to fine advantage the athletic side of High School life. We all have our faults, and Daniel has his. What I now tell you is for his good not mine. Some time ago he was arrested for ‘bootlegging, and although he was cleared, I think ft would be for the benefit of those concerned, to keep all spirits under lock and key. Indeed Mr. Howell I thank you for your suggestion and I assure you that all such 27

Page 28 text:

achievement has been a trip across the Niagara Falls, with her eyes blindfolded. At this point in his narrative, the Blue Jay was seized with a fit of coughing and was obliged to pause until some one brought him a glass of water. After a copius draught or two of the beverage most commonly used in Oklahoma, he resumed his story. You all remember Edith Clark. Well, I had the pleasure of visiting Madam Clark’s dressmaking establishment, in Phila- delphia. She has made her name immortal by the great skill displayed in designing night-caps and pinafores. Ethel McCafferty has established herself at the head of a matrimonial bureau. Al- though she had never found the “Prince Charming for herself, yet she makes, on an average, of twenty matches per day. A foreign missionary is Opal Kelley. She has devoted her life since graduation, to training the natives in the Philippine Is- lands. She lives a life of the strictest economy; dwells in a ‘Shack,’ and has suf- fered many hardships. Zoa Hunt intended to tour the Orient But alas! she was too late. The ship had sailed, and she was forced to satisfy her longing for foreign travel by a steam boat ride on the North Canadian. While sailing down the river, she was ship wrecked on a deserted island. Here she had the good fortune to capture one of the natives as a husband, with whom she returned to her native El Reno, a few days ago. “I suppose you all know that Lura Cook is preparing menues of hash and bologna for the Hotel de Farmer in El Reno. “Garland Leigh is now the leader of the ‘Four Hundred’ in New York City. She entertains lavishly at card parties, aud re- ceptions, and can be seen nearly every afternoon out driving on Fifth Avenue with a French poodle in her lap. The Blue Jay paused and hurriedly glanced at his time-piece. Well friends. I will have to hurry. I have to catch the train for Chickasha, as I am billed to ad- dress the Annual Corn Growers’ Associa- tion there this evening. Let’s see, there are only two remaining members. “Josie Krall has donned a gown of black, and with her face heavily veiled, goes from city to city, peering into people’s faces and frightening little boys and girls. She has won for herself the distinction of being the mysterious ‘Woman in Black.’ “The last, Ellen LaBryer, was early in her career disappointed in her love affairs. A short time ago, she purchased Gerrer’s bakery at El Reno, and one passing by, sees the following advertisement in her window: ‘Hot Cross Buns, Hot Cross Buns, One a penny, two a penny. Hot Cross Buns. If your daughter’s don’t like them, give them to your sons, One a penny, two a penny, Hot Cross Buns.’ The story being completed, and his mis- sion having been fulfilled, the Blue Jay gave a succession of quick bows, grabbed up his derby and suit case, and flew out of the window. RUTH BATES, ’09 ‘26

Page 30 text:

drinks shall be for my benefit alone.” “The other two boys, Harry Blake and Milfred McCreight, are both exceedingly good types of manhood. Harry I believe wishes to practice law, while I am not cer- tain as to Milfred’s intention in life. But I am going to suggest that he prepare for the stage, as he shows in his reading un- mistakable signs of a first class actor. It is possible there would be a good opening for them on the Moon.” “I verily believe,” said the Dr. “it would be the making of both those young men, for I do not doubt that in a few years you should find floating down to Earth, letters and pamphlets which would tell of the homage of the Moon men to these two young men.” “Ruth Bates is a noble girl, with a kind and gentle nature. She would make an ideal nurse in case one should be needed on your journey.” “Just the one we need.” “And of course. Professor Secord, you will want a' reporter. Helena Mutter is one of the finest in El Reno. She has done work for me this year, and her H. S. notes have been a source of great comment among all the pupils. It is with the highest recom- mendations that I suggest her name. “Mr. Howell, how shall I ever thank you enough,” said the visitor, grasping the hand of the superintendent. “Now, if I only had a stenographer, I should feel a young man again.” “Indeed,” responded Mr. Howell, “Your wants are easily fulfilled. Vera Streeter is a genius in this line. Indeed I shall be much disappointed if she does not break the world’s record in accuracy and swift- ness.” “Can it be so?” asked the astonished pro- fessor. Truly this is the greatest class that I have ever heard about, and I have been connected with school life for 40 odd years. But this is only eleven. Mr. Howell, does the twelfth bear up the standard?” “Well, I hardly know how to answer your question, Dr., Bea is a good girl, and has a great big heart, but ever since I have known her she has been troubled with a serious ailment. I speak of an indisposi- tion to work. If she is interested in this exploit, however, she will make an invalu- able member to your party.” “What did you say her name is, pro- fessor?” “Mount; Miss Bea Mount.” “Oh yes, I saw her as I came this morn- ing. She was petting a dirty kitten she had picked up from the sidewalk. Her companion called her Bea and I heard them speak of being Juniors. I think she will do alright. She seems to have a motherly disposition; I think I should like to have her along to wait upon me.” “I shall call the Junior class up here and you may decide upon the final arrange- ments,” said Mr. Howell. Juniors enter. “Children, this is Dr. Secord, president of William and Mary’s college, who is look- ing for a class to join him on a trip to the Moon. You are to make the journey in a balloon. I have just recommended this class on account of its courage, skill and general culture. He is to start on the '10th of June. If the class decides to go, its mem- bers will be given their credits for next year. What do you say?” “Well I’ll not go one step,” answered Matilda, “unless a wireless telegraph sys- tem is installed so that I may talk to—to— well to a person who has recenti ’ moved to Ms farm.” “Certainly, certainly we shall do that voung lady.” “Well, I’m ready to go then.” “But, I’m not,” spoke up Harry, “if I can’t come to see Zi—Miss—or if I can’t come back to El Reno, every Sunday.” “Well,” broke in Joe, “if you are going to do all that I don’t see why you ca 1 accommodate me and take Ethel along.” “I am very sorry young man, answered the Dr., “but we cannot acoramodate more than a dozen, and you will have to be con- tent with the wireless telegraph.” “Well, I guess that will have to do,’ said Joe and Harry, “but you don’t expect to stay forever, do you?” “I am not going unless I can make some fudge at least once a day,” objected Tiny. “Nor I won’t go unless I can flirt all want to,” said Helena. “Let Tiny make the candy and then Helena and I can eat our share while we are flirting,” suggested Milfred, “i’li go on that condition ” “Brilliant! Brilliant!” exclaimed Dr. Secord, “that suits me if others concerned are suited. Well, I see th(. ,,3 are no objec- tions.” “I’ll go if you will take Mr. Thuermer 28