Lincoln High School - Flambeau Yearbook (Manitowoc, WI)

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as yet, and all its world rejoiced at this good fortune. Prosperity was on its way. The fight for life was worth this endless begging. A tiny flower blossomed from a bud that had absorbed from earth and air, every atom it possibly could. Butit was not meant to stay. Sad Fortune remained with it, so a final attempt, which proved successful, was made. It seemed as though every season brought some plague to re- tard the growth a little. The plant got through three years, but not without a struggle. Then thefourth yeardrewnear. All the previous efforts would count to make these flowers full of richer bloom and fragrance than ever before These four vears were to give to the outer world, all the fruit, to do with as it wished. The chances given the plant this final year were glorious; the sun, earth, and air seemed to outdo each other trying to replenish the necessary food, for the development which would surely bring flowers. All went with careless, happy-go-lucky spirit until the leaves began to droop for need of attention. Then the urgent call for help was at hand. Everything possible to keep up the life to aid the little plant was given, and the short struggle began. As whena high fever lowers—so did this energy produce re- sults, so great that the fear of a less perfect flower than the aim had been, need never have had a dawn. Kind words and gentle touches trained the little tendrils and yellow buds into easy, graceful positions. The year was closing and the time when the plant would begin its strife with life unassist- ed, was near. The plant had been growing downwards as well as upwards, its roots were growing deeper to establish a firm founda- tion, just as well as the leaves were using the sunlight to develop the size and beauty of the bush. One morning early, our plant, now full grown, was covered with buds. Asthe sun came up, they started to unfold, and soon the bush was covered with beautiful yellow roses, that nodded their heads at each other and at all who passed by them. And like this plant blossoming, so is our class of 1914 graduat- ing. There are near three score graduates; call them flowers if you will. They, like the roses, had many trials during their school life. Like blown roses, some daintier, some ruddier, some fairer and some the color of the golden moon; yellow roses are most beau- tiful of all. Our class was the first Freshman class at the Central High School, and had to bear a lot of teasing and ridicule from upper class men. Little, the Freshmen realized what they were there for. But when the second year came they worked harder, and moved

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Class History Now, after four years of sunshine and shadow, these yellow roses are blossoming, in the dawn of theirsummer. They were not always as large and beautiful as they are to-day, unfolding to the warmth and sunshine. There were almost two hundred buds. Their gardener trained - them carefully. In the early morning he taught them to whisper words of love and kindness, and as the days passed and shadows grew, a new lesson was pressed upon them. Each was trained in its individual line and finally every sprig and Jeaf had a frame upon which to build its life. Then our plant, withits many tiny buds, was transplanted. It looked stout and sturdy although harsh winds attacked it at the very start. Tiny shoots pushed and pulled their way, in spite of the pitiless, cold wind. Bright balmy days gave it new energy to continue its struggles. Often during a storm, the littlestems would bend to their utmost; and in summer the little leaves became very withered and drooped low before the hot sun. Only to hide seem- ed happiness at such times. The little plant bravely passed the test of endurance, when the first great crisis came. It had but little faith left, for the large blooming plants with all their flowers and foliage, seemed to laugh mockingly in its face and to scorn even this little lift in life. Signs of happier days made the fight for life and coming beauty easier to bear. The next year our little plant gave to nature forms, unexcelled, —21—

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one story toward the ground floor, instead of remaining in the Freshman rooms under the eaves. With their coming, also came field day, and they did their share of boosting and yelling for the class. But as Juniors they were unexcelled. A Junior girl carried off the honors at the De- clamatory contest, and the Junior class won the pennant at the Field and Track Meet. As Seniors they did not have many troubles. Everyone was kind to them, and respected them for their knowledge. They now sat on the first floor—quite a privilege, for it was next the open door, leading to success. This year was marked by the Christmas Story Contest—of course a Senior boy won the gold medal. And so after years of careful training and good influence about them, they are ready for graduation. This class has a clear idea of what it is going to accomplish; it is sincere, and with the God- speed of the Manitowoc High School, the class of 1914 is blossom- ing in the Dawn of its Summer! Marion Pankratz Belle Terens