Florida Agricultural College - Pinakidia Yearbook (Lake City, FL)

Page 64 text:

tonian Society on this occasion by responding to the toast, The Clutoniausf' She said, among other things, that the Society gratefully acknowledged the honor bestowed by the Bema and Forum Societies in being enter- tained in so charming a manner, and also in being received upon au equal footing by societies of larger growth. She said, also, that with the wisdom and breidth of thought lh it comes with time and experience, and the purity of motive, and the strength of purpose, which her society meant to foster together with zeal for usefulness and prosperity, which she hoped would be their good fortune to realize, that the elder brother societies would never have reason to regret the courtesies they had so generously offered their sister society. Many were the pearls of thought that fell from her lips that night. Many were the words of encourage- ment to the honest heart that has good work to do, and a good strong will to do it. All who listened to the soft, full tones of her voice, and felt the thrill of her youthful ambition, will ever remember with admiration the one who has since joined the angelic host in the City beyond the Gates. Many of our members are scattered over this fair land of Florida, and doubtless over many other States, but the inliuence of this lovely character upon her associates will ever linger like a sweet fragrance of the long ago. The bright faces, and the sparkling glances from roguish eyes, have wrought the usual havoc in the hearts of the members of the other societies, as well as in the world at large. Many a brave unfortuuate has been caught at last in the snares of our girls' sweet smiles, and Cupid, with his quiver full of arrows, defies rules and regulations, and slays the unsuspecting victim while on duty bent. Among many former students, Miss Olive Driscoll was the lirst C71zlo2z1'a1z gmdzzzzie that sought with real intent to change her name. That the best wishes of her fellow-Clutonians follow her are none the less sincere because they have found so tardy an expression. The various entertainments given by this energetic society during Connnencement exercises have been most enjoyable. The most popular among the plays were The Mouse-Trap, The Sleeping Car, and Teu- nyson's Princessf' all of which showed the marked ability of the performers and the perseverance that brought these entertainments to a successful close. There is nothing that imparts more pleasure to an audience than instrumental music, song and poetry, and in these have our members not been deficient. We hope that in our new hall there will be a room ntted up expressly for the use of the Clutonians, with piano, library and all other requisites necessary or conducive to the best interests of every enthusiastic woman. thereby making it really a pleasure and a privilege to become a member of our society. 53

Page 63 text:

fr' r ats CR -..S . I HIS very popular Literary Society came into existence in the year 1894. The success with which the two other societies were carried on, and the prominence that their lnembers were acquiring as able speakers, both at home and abroad, became the spark that set aflame the ambitious aspirations of our own girl students: therefore, at the opening term of that year the K Clutonian Society held its first meeting, in which Miss Daisy Rogers. at that time a Junior, was elected its Iirst president. The society was named in honor of Dr. Clute, who was the President of the Col- lege at that time. At these interesting Friday afternoon assemblages, which were oftentimes semi-public, the usual programme was rendered, consisting of debates, recitations, vocal and instrumental music, electing committees for entertain- ments, etc.-business transactions customary in societies of this kind. The Forum and Bema Societies Uracefully recognized the new society by tendering to its members and 6 D friends a banquet, held in the spacious dining hall at the barracks. Miss Gertrude Powers represented the Clu-

Page 65 text:

The present year, now so near its close, has been one of unprecedented success. Our president deserves much credit, and should be congratulated upon the manner in which the society has taken up the work this year. It should be a matter of the utmost importance to each and every I116lllbCI' of an organization to promote its best interests in every line of its peculiar work. Its success depends upon individual effort alone. XYere each member to work energetically, and with the enthusiasm of a leader, no organization i11 the South would achieve more brilliant results than our own Clutonian. The recent reception given by this society to the ladies of the Faculty was characteristic of their entertain- ments, in the delightful manner in which the rooms were arranged and decorated, and the daintily served refresh- ments. Every. one enjoyed the occasion to the fullest extent. The Washington Party, on the 22d of February, brought back with realistic pleasure tl1e good old times of Auld Lang Sync. The powdered wigs, rich embroideries in gold and silver, together with exquisite laces, as worn by gay belles and beaux of ye olden time, truly made us well acquainted with historical characters. The minuet was a trifle too sedate and stately for the present generation to copy faithfully, so gave place to five-minute conversations, which were scored on tablets, after the manner of the most cerenlonious ball-room etiquette. Much more might be Written about our society, which, through long association 3.11Cl hard work, has become endeared to us, and whose future possibilities may mean so much to many others, but enough has been said to reawaken the interest of the old Clutonians, and to enlighten those who in the future may become its members. May our beloved Alma Mater flourish in the ucar future, so that its friends who have labored so zeal- ously for it may see their reward in its increasing numbers, its growth and its prosperity, and may our hall, with its works of art and beauty, its priceless gems of literature, while it offers a home of elegant refinement, become one of the most popular resorts for the earnest and conscientious student. The literary and debating society has been and always will be the stepping stone to future greatness, and we hope that in the building up of our College there will be ample preparation for the literary societies to do their share in the education of its students, both men and women. So let us hope and believe that the Clutonian Hall will some day reap an abundant harvest in the up- building of character, a11d the education of both heart and brain of the hundreds of women that may yet grace this hall of learning, and that the reputation, thus gained by making these lives both noble and good, may be its crowning glory. 54