Kutztown University - Keystonia Yearbook (Kutztown, PA)

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Class tyistorp ♦ ON September 5, 1911, a number of earnest young men and women, the class of 1915, entered the Keystone State Normal School as first-year students. First, all was new and strange about us, but we soon learned to adapt ourselves to our new environment. The kind hospitality of both teachers and schoolmates soon made us feel at home. On the first Friday evening a reception was given under the auspices of the V. M. and Y. W. C. A.'s. This was another step toward friendship. For students as diligent as we were time passed rapidly. We stood irresolute in our determination to guide our course most successfully over all stormy waves that might arise in our life at Normal and tried to keep up as high a standard of scholarship in our class work as possible. Almost sooner than we could realize, three years were claimed by the past. At the end of our third year we were confronted by examinations—Faculty and State. These we all passed successfully and consequently received the garb of seniority. When we returned in the fall of 1914 we were 107 in number. Since we were now quiet and dignified seniors we had greater duties and responsibilities. Pre- viously we had looked to the seniors for examples, but now it was our duty to assume those responsibilities and to Ik true models and leaders of our successors. The reception, as usual, held on the first Friday evening, was a success. A musical and literary program had been specially prepared for the occasion. The supreme event of the fall term was the Philomathcan anniversary. The general theme was that of the centenary of peace between the United States and Great Britain. The speakers—members of the class of 1915—must be credited with rendering one of the most successful and interesting programs ever rendered on a similar occasion. A beautiful photograph of the painting, The Signing of the Declaration of Independence,” was given to the School. Equal honor was added to the class at the end of the winter term when the Keystones had their anniversary. Their theme was ” Literature in Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania in Literature. They presented to the School Edwin A. Abbey’s Reading of the Declaration of Independence.” Since our course in public speaking demanded each member of the class to appear in public, various public programs were rendered. These were all very interesting. But the class dare not assume all credit for the success of the pro- grams, because a large part was due to the untiring efforts of our instructor, Miss Stier. The theme of the first of these programs was the celebration of Columbus Day. The second was on Mrs. Kate Langley Bosher and her newest book, “How it Happened.” Other programs were rendered on Chivalry,” “Berks County,” Animals and Questions of the Day.” There were also two public debates. Recitations or readings were given in chapel on some important anniversaries. 1.1

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Class £ong (Tune: Tenting Tonight) Wc arc parting today from this our school Faint-hearted, sad and lone. Our hearts sadly beat as wc stand here today Facing the great unknown. Chorus Often have wc heard that knowledge is power Through which men attain to success. Lofty ambitions within us rise Urging us toward it strive. Parting today, in this sad hour From Alma Mater dear. Wc arc parting today, from scenes wc love And from our classmates dear. Dcducimcr; sed quo tendimus” Upon life’s rugged sea. Chorus Here with our teachers, long did wc dwell. Here were our classmates, too. Sadly wc bid our last farewell To friendships both tried and true. Sighing farewell, sighing farewell. To classmates and teachers dear. Sighing farewell, sighing farewell. To Alma Mater dear. —Luua May Brown, To.

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As seniors we were also the leading spirit in the Christian work. Y. M. and Y. W. C. A. had separate weekly meetings besides the joint meetings held every Sunday. In addition to these associations there were Mission Bands and Bible Bands. The time will soon be at hand when the class of 1915 will be ushered into active life. If we glance back through four years many interesting things manifest themselves. How short the four years spent in these halls seemed! During the course of years we feel that we took a very creditable part in all school activities. In athletics, studies, societies, religious organizations and other student interests did the members of the class of 1915 manifest great interest. The class expresses the hope that at some future time it may give the school a return for what she has done for it. The historian, in behalf of 1915, wishes the best farewell possible to Dear Old Normal and all its teachers who have done so much in making her members what they hope to be in the future. Farewell. John V. Shankwkilkr.