Finlandia University - Yearbook (Hancock, MI)

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CHOIR 1, IX C MMEIT Q4 n

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under it were the words, HY. W. Nelson , author of Life , the most popular modern book of America. In addition to this, there was a short sketch of the author's life from which we learned that it was the Nelson that we had known at school. 1 I wonder how many more of our famous schoolmates we shall - - Tickets, please , the conductor was saying. Here was another - the typical stout conductor, but in whom we recognized the well known features of Jalmar Hendrickson. We had not expected to see him here and asked him how he happened to have such a position. Well, being an old schoolmate of the President of this railroad, Mr. Alfred Honka, I didn't find it hard to get a position several years ago and have worked up to where I am now . And. then we talked of olden times till he quite forgot to collect the tickets. The brakeman announced the next station and this broke up our party. Arriving in Washington D. C., we visited the Federal Buildings. Congress was having a special session. A hot debate was taking place in which Harold Ruottinen, repre- sentative for the 13th district of Michigan, seemed to be the leading man. He had introduced a bill giving the govern- ment the power to take over all the railroads in the United States. We wished to see the White House if only from a distance, so we walked toward it. Wonder upon wonder - a familiar figure was approaching us -- one who-m we had most desired to see - Ina Olson. Her position? A very honorable one - chief cook at the White House. When we left Washington she furnished us with delicious sandwiches, which were intended for the President of the U. S. From Washington we went to Chicago. Luck favored us, for again we met a former schoolmate. Although perfect strangers in this large city, we felt safe in seeing its sights, having for our guide, the renowned Chief of Police of Chicago, Edward Porhola. He, with his assistants, had done very much for the city, the number of crimes having de- creased 35 W since his appointment. The first night of our stay he took us to a grand concert given by a famous Italian singer. She was accompanied on the piano by Miss Ida Hendrickson. Wondering whether any of the other members of our class had won fame and fortune, we learned through inquiry that Arthur Nikula had distinguished himself in a channel most unexpected. He was now termed, THE Lawyer of the North West . He had handled some of the most intricate cases ever tried in the higher courts of the U. S. While continuing our journey to the Copper Country, we saw an old friend lying on one of the seats in the train. It 56

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was The Gregg Writer . Delighted, We eagerly read through the entire copy. The most interesting thing in it was a picture under which were the Words, Miss Mayme Nori, Cham- pion Typist of the World, 155 Words a minute with- out a mistake. Time, 1 hour? Our chief point of in- terest and our real desti- Q nation in the Copper Country was our Alma Mater, Suomi College. W Upon arriving in Hancock H We found gigantic strides had been taken in its de- velopment. The student- body numbered about 500, instructed by half a hun- dred teachers. Among the faculty we found Misses Helmi Heikkinen and Lil- lian Tapper, holding very prominent places. Having visited to our hearts' content, We decided to return to Georgia by Way of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal. We traveled toward the West on the Northern Pacific stopping at intervals at points of interest. During our entire journey thru the West all conversation of the passengers seemed to be centered on one man, a detective. Aroused by curiosity, We inquired into the matter and foundgout that this popular detective Was George Pulkas. One night We stopped at a little village in Montana to visit with some relatives. While going from the station, We were attracted by a large crowd huddled around a little boy, who had been injured by an automobile. Call for Dr. George Lehto , someone shouted. Soon a short, stubby man Was approaching the scene, Whom We at once recognized. He was a man of actions not Words, as We had already learned at school. From Montana We proceeded to Washington. While Wait- ing at Spokane to make our connections We saw the Presi- dent of the Y. W. C. A. at the station, together with her private secretary, Margaret Martimo. What a glad surprise! We talked as long as possible, but soon We had to take our train to Portland, Ore., from whence We took a steamer, 58