Kutztown University - Keystonia Yearbook (Kutztown, PA)

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CLASS HISTORY illustrious class of 1916 had its humble but significant origin in the ill preparatory or D class of 1911. On September 5 of that year a number of enterprising young men and women entered the Keystone State Normal School. Though most of 11s felt strange in our unfamiliar environment, we soon learned to recognize the school as our second home. This was, in part, due to the joint efforts of the two Christian Associations, the members of which gave a reception to welcome the new students. Then, too, the assistance of the teach- ers and kindheartedness of schoolmates soon made us feel at home in our new abode. On returning in the fall of 1912 as first year students we found that our number had increased, an augmentation that was repeated the next year. This earlier time passed all too quickly for many of us, though many lectures and entertainments enlivened their passing. At the beginning of the third year we were 154 in number, which, before the close of the year was reduced to 151, three of our members being lost by mishaps of various sorts. At this time we began to consider ourselves of some importance and organized for the first time, electing our officers. Throughout the fall and winter terms class meetings were held at various times whenever important matters were to be considered. Between the seniors and our class there was considerable good natured rivalry as was shown by the number of games of basketball in which representa- tives of the two classes participated. To our delight almost invariably our team walked from the floor victorious. As the spring term came to an end we were terrified by the approach of the June examinations—faculty and state. The faculty examinations were conducted in the classrooms, contrary to the usual custom, and were easily passed. Our terror at facing the State Board was intensified when we heard the unwelcome news that we would have an examination in political geography. Through the strenuous efforts of Miss Myers we practically covered the subject in two weeks. A great weight was lifted from our hearts, however, when we heard the decision of the State Board—that all of 11s had successfully passed the examinations. On the Thursday evening following the final examinations our class gave to the departing seniors a banquet, which proved quite a success, though such a thing had never been tried here before. Another item of history worth noting is that when vacation came, some of the boys of the class went to Xorthficld. Mass., while some of the girls went to Eaglcsmcrc, to attend the national con- ferences of the Christian Associations, sent there as delegates by their respective associations. The rest of us sorrowfully departed for our homes for the summer betore we returned in the autumn for our exercise on the “home stretch.”

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CLASS OFFICERS 1914—19'5 B. BRUCE COSDEN, President HAROLD A. SHOEMAKER. Vice-President ALETHA V. COLE. Secretary KARL W. BOYER, Treasurer I9X5— 9 6 JAMES G. MORGAN, President MARK K. TREXLER. Vice-President MAY M. HECKMAN, Secretary G. GILBERT SNYDER, Treasurer 9 9 CLASS COLORS Cardinal and Steel Grey CLASS MOTTO The past is hut the prelude 9 9 CLASS FLOWER White Rose 9 9 CLASS YELL Bricks, hrax, carpet tacks, Kilakizee, kazang, Keystone Seniors, 1916, Biff! Boom! Bang!

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Returning in the fall of 1915 as seniors, we adopted a quiet and dignified attitude as becomes those who have attained seniority. The reception given by the Christian Associations on the first Friday evening of the school year was a marked success. Strenuous efforts were put forth at this time by both societies in order to obtain as many new members as possible. Our work in the literary societies was supervised by Miss Stier during the year and fine programs were rendered as the result of her efforts. At the beginning of that initial term of the year the new library across the street was opened to the public. This has proved a great opportunity for us and the degree of our appreciation, as well as that of our fellow students, is evidenced by the number who gather in the library from day to day. The crowning event of the fall term was the Philomathean anniversary, held on the evening of Tuesday. November 3. The general theme of the symposium was “America first, or the primacy of the United States.” In this public func- tion a number of our classmates showed marked oratorical ability. The society used this as a fitting occasion to add one hundred dollars to the fund started for a Pennsylvania alcove in the new library. Towards the close of the winter term eight members of our class were vic- tims of the scarlatina germs which invaded our school. This number was aug- mented by members from other classes. Because the school was quarantined for a period of four weeks the Keystone anniversary was postponed until the spring term. On the week following our return to the work of the spring term the Key- stone anniversary was held. The speakers, likewise members of the class of 1916, added honor to the class with their splendid performances. Their theme was “Historical Pennsylvania. They, following the example of their fellow-society, also added one hundred dollars to the fund for a Pennsylvania alcove. On account of the quarantine many public speaking programs were rendered by members of the class during the spring term, since the course demands that each senior must appear in public at least once. Some of the themes of the pro- grams were “Whittier,” “Lincoln, “Temperance,” “Peace, “Flag Day,” and “The European War.” Now the present school year approaches its end and we must prepare to enter upon a new and larger life, a life not under the guardianship of superiors but a life in which we are to guide and direct the steps of others. We bid our Alma Mater farewell, the buildings and grounds which have afforded us days that shall never be forgotten. In leaving we realize too well the words of the poet: There arc gains for all our losses, There are balms for all our pains: But when youth, the dream departs. It takes something from our hearts, And it never comes again. 12