Furman University - Bonhomie Yearbook (Greenville, SC)

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Senior Class History HI-, war was on. The armies of the F.ntentc Alliance and ihc armies of imperialism were grappling in a fight to the death. The eyes of the world were turned upon Europe, the stage of this dreadful conflict, and the hearts of men almost ceased to beat as they grew fearful of the outcome of the struggle; for was this not a battle which would settle the destinies of all the nations? Then, in the autumn of 1918, came the telling force in the hour of nred the Bluchcr to the aid of Wellington, as it were.— the Class of 1922 had arrived at Furman University. It is true that the war did not stop just at this point, but just as soon as the news of the S. A. I. C. at Furman had spread across the seas, the Kaiser hastily hoisted the white flag; and the war was over. After having taken a few days' vacation, in order to celebra’e our victory o or the German arms, which we had won without a blow, we came back to Furman with the beginning of the new year determined that mathematics, physics and English should likewise fall victim to our superior prowess. Several men who had dropped out of college the year before in order to enter Uncle Sam's army, and who had been made happy when news of our great S. A. T. C. reached them on Flanders bicldr, rejoined us to begin with us the journey through the land where snows never cover the verdant foliage, the Kingdom of Ratdom. One of the first things we learned was that the sophomores, and not we. were the owners and operators of Furman University. Of course, we had occasional contact with the professors. but they were never able to impress us as did the wise men. It was simply the difference in methods that made the distinction. In fact, the sophomores so dearly loved us that they scarcely ever allowed our books or our studies to interfere with what they termed our college course. In spite of all these impediments, however, toward the close of the session we began to realize that we were in college for a very defmilc purpose; and that purpose was. in our minds, to be sophomores. Ah. bow unfortunate! That day came all too soon. One day in September we awakened to find ourselves in the Sophomoie Class. How we ever got there was as much a mystery to us as to the faculty. But since vve found ourselves in this class of classes we raised no howl to return to our former state of existence. Of course we had no desire to show our superior knc.wlcdgc to the new men. but because of custom we proceeded to uphold the Iradi-lio $ of the Sophomore Classes, which group of men had for ages before been considered wise. Perhaps our role was difficult, but wc did our best. Our financial affairs were in particularly good ccndilicn throughout the year, for we were able to amass a fortune from the sale !o the rats of radiator tickets, skirmish lines, chapel scats, loaded cigars, and sundry other articles. In fact, the only thing wc did not offer for sale was our classification as numbers of such a distinguished body. I oward the close of cur career as sophomores wc began !o realize that our real purpose in college was to prepare ourselves for service to our fellowman. We came to understand that along with the privilege of receiving college training came a great responsibility. It was then that a great determination to make goed welled up within our hearts; and it was then that some of our gicatcst resolutions were made. I hus. with the past at our backs, and with great confidence in the future, wc passed out from the second year of our course. As a class, eager to assume the dignity of upperclassmen, we returned in September of 1920 to begin our thitd year's stay in these beloved balls. Since several of our number bad dropped out. wc were only fifty-two strong. Howe:er, a new man or two joined us, and vve were ready to take up our share ol the burden. 32

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mxm All in all, we arc able lo lay truthfully that our claw made an exceptional record. We were represented on the gridiron by at least one all-state football man and several other men of great ability in the art of carrying the pigskin. Those of us who were not in the game were always right there on the sidelines cheering our team to victory. We are particularly proud of our representatives on the bateball diamond. Two of the greatest pitchers of the state went from our class, and won laurels for themselves and for Furman. These two men showed up well against some of the best teams in the South. We would not forget the literary phase of our work, but rather would we seek to lay great emphasis upon it. Many of our men have won distinction in their respective fields of literary endeavor. Perhaps none of us will develop into Shakcspeares. Wordsworths, or Wcbsters, but we shall count upon many to reach the honor and fame which rest in store only for the men who arc worthy. In the inter-society debate a man of our class won the medal which was offered for the best individual debater. With the end of the session of 1920-21. the first three years of our college life came to a close, and we turned away with a sigh of relief. Three reels had been enacted, and we were ready to begin the fourth. Now. as we come to review the last year, we are joyful; yet through all our joy runs a thread of sadness. We are sod because we must go out from these halls which we have grown to love; because we must separate from the friends we have made here; and because we are to part contact with the noble faculty which has guided us so straight through all difficulties. Wherever our paths may lead, we shall never forget our Alma Mater, but shall always strive to do honor to her name. We would not boast of our accomplishments a» seniors, nor lament our failings: we would only give thanks that we have been able to brave all dangers and to come out victorious. The road at limes has been hard to traverse, but we have faithfully held to our purposes. We note with pride the strides which our Alma Mater is taking towards being the greatest university in the South. One of the finest dormitories anywhere is now complete, and adds much lo the beauty of our campus. A beautiful new refectory Has been erected during the course of the past year, and now holds forth its hospitable arms to the hungry, plodding students. A large and modern central heating plant also fills a long-felt need of students as well as faculty. We shall soon boast of one of the finest gymnasiums in the South. or anywhere else; it is now under process of construction. In brief. Furman is growing so fast that we hope to have, before many yean, a student body of twice the present size. Let us all work and plan for our Alma Mater. We are indeed happy that our class, which had such an auspicious beginning, graduates during the year which marks the dawn of a great new era for Furman. With hearts full of mingled joy and sadness, we take leave of thee, our Alma Mater. May thy name resound with honor throughout the land, and may thy service to mankind be forever as noble and unselfish as in the past. We. the Class of 1922, must go our separate ways into the world, for. “The past is a dream, the future a vision, and our great task is but begun. I IlSTORlAN. 33