Emerson High School - Tattler Yearbook (Stevens Point, WI)

Page 16 text:

1:3-...i-..-i TATTLERi.:.i.w ' 11 1-nn-an-I vig? ,t We - FIRST HIGH SCHOOL The exercises were held in McCulloch's Hall on the second floor of the present McCulloch store building with a wide entrance on Main Street where the book depart- ment now is. This was the Grand Opera house for Stevens Point at that time and the location of all the top-notch entertainments. It had a small but real stage and was lighted more or less brilliantly with large chandeliers of kerosene lamps. The stage effects were illuminated with kerosene footlights. There were no gas or electric lights in Stevens Point at that time. As the class of 1881 knew nothing of class plays, class day exercises, Junior Proms, nor the many other activities incidental to modern commencement, all interest was cen- tered in the one festive day. Examinations over and our orations and essays judged satisfactory, we turned our attention to the other inciclentals. Early Saturday morning every one was up and stirring. As there were no greenhouses from which to get flowers and plants for decorations we set abo.ut gathering both wild and garden flowers. Harry- grass, a white lawn flower, very common here at that time, was made the principal feature relieved by a little color from more brilliant cultivated flowers and potted plants. As we gathered at the Hall, full of enthusiasm over the day's doings, we were al- most thrown into a panic by the announcement of the assassination of President Garfield which was flashed over the wires that morning. It was the most tragic event since the Civil War and death of Lincoln and local excitement was intense. This news made it necessary for several members of the class to alter the text of their orations at the last moment. Page I2 X

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17, f4+..i-.:l-.'lI'A'lI ll'lLlElR -ig-:i Top row: Phillips, Gilchrist, VVheeloek, Slutts, Chamberlain. Bottom row: VVade, Clements, Scott, Brown. The First Commencement HE class of 1881, the first class to graduate, extends greetings to the class of 1930, the fiftieth class to graduate from the Stevens Point High School. Incidental to the celebration of the graduation of this fiftieth class there comes to mind a flood of memories of the graduation of that first class on July 2, 1881. In more ways than one it was a momentous occasion in the history of the High School. It was the first in the long train of successive happy occasions which have brought into the Alumni of the High School upwards of two thousand promising young men and women, most of whom have gone onward and upward in the affairs of thc world, making good the fulfillment of the success in life expected of them. In the earlier years students entering High School studied on indefinitely until they felt other duties were more imperative than school work. It was not until the school year of 1879-80 under the direction of Supt. Frank I.. Green that plans were discussed for formal graduation. In 1881 the first class of nine students completed the course of study satisfactorily to the board of education and superintendent and was scheduled to graduate on Saturday evening, july 2. Although nearly fifty years have elapsed siance this little class of nine occupied the spotlight of that first commencement, the events of the days of preparation and the grand finale come to mind as if they had occurred 'but yesterday. Unlike the arrange- ments of today it was necessary to deliver an original oration or essay. This took weeks of strenuous work at that time. In those days the High School had but two instructors, the principal and one assistant, and let me say right here it was our good fortune to be under the leadership and kindly direction of one of the best of principals, Frank L. Green, and his able assistant, Miss Jennie Ferris, who is now Mrs. Emmons Burr of this city. 1 I x '-g- gf1gf g v 1 Page II

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.lhf TATTLIER .::..:. 1 1 FRANK GREEN JENNIE FERRIS Everything in readiness, at 8 P. M., the graduates filed out to take their places on the stage surrounded by members of the Board of Education and teachers. Admission to the hall was free and without reservation and as a result all the available space was immediately taxed to the utmost. It was a hot night even for july and the hall Was soon about as comfortable as a bake oven. We each poured our literary productions to an attentive and appreciative audience and were presented with our diplomas which were to serve as passports into the greater world about us. At the close of the program, the class repaired to Pipe's Restaurant, then located at the corner of Clark and Third Streets where the Chevrolet garage is now located, for the first Alumni Banquet. Of this class of nine, four members have answered the final summons, three mem- bers are living elsewhere and two are at present located in Stevens Point. MARY E. CLEMENTS WING A TRIBUTE TO MR. FRANK GREEN AND MISS FERRIS Much recognition must be given to Frank Green who, acting in the capacity of both principal and superintendent, was instrumental in organizing the high school in Stevens Point on a recognized basis. Mr. Green was assisted by the capable Miss Jennie Ferris, now Mrs. Emmons Burr of this city, who was the first instructor. Members of the first school owe a good deal to the guidance and tutorship of Mr. Green and Miss Ferris who earnestly strove to place our school high among state circles and make it an accredited institution. Every Pointer should feel indebted to these two for the begin- ning of this magnificent establishment. x 1 Page I3