Lincoln University - Lion Yearbook (Lincoln University, PA)

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Here and there in this gathering strange faces could be seen, the coun- tenances of which would suggest to an intelligent observer that the owners had not always been in close contact with the refining traits of civilization, but, being isolated from society, had lived in obscurity the better part of their existence. To this class the epithet “ Prep.” was applied, and although the oppro- brium was obnoxious to us, yet it was not until we had crawled up out of the “Slough of Despond,” marched through the “Dark Valley,” crossed the “ Rubicon,” and scaled the “ Delectable Mountains,” that the stench “ Prep.” was removed from our nostrils and we were received into the University as full-fledged college students. At the conclusion of the president’s speech he announced that examina- tions would be conducted in the recitation building on the following day and all students not having been assigned to classes would be expected to attend these examinations, in order that they might be classified. He then dismissed the assembly and we were off to supper. The next morning at nine o’clock examinations began, and they were continued for several days, as new students were continually arriving. There were present at these examinations an indescribable variety of human beings eager to have the honor of becoming college students. After demonstrating to the faculty that we possessed those qualifications which are absolutely essential to matriculation, they admitted us to the “ Prep.” department, which is the Freshman class. We now considered ourselves to be honorable college students, and pro- ceeded to effect a class organization, which was perfected, after much haranguing, on the 16th of October. Here our career began, with a mem- bership of 51. Preparations for the annual Freshman-Sophomore foot-ball game next en- gaged our attention. Under the generalship of “Czar” James, a fair team was soon developed out of our crude material, and after diligent practice we met the “ Sophs.” on the gridiron on the nth of November. The game was 20

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IMstory of tbc Class of 1901 frcebman ON the 29th of September, 1897, late in the afternoon, when Old Sol was just beginning to close his eyes behind the western hills and the evening shades to gather over the campus of Lincoln, there pealed forth from the belfry of Mary Dodd Brown Chapel a call, summoning to the oratory all stu- dents expecting to prosecute a course of training in Lincoln, to hear the pres- ident’s message. In response to that call those who had anxiously awaited the time of free falling “ manna ” immediately poured out of the dormitories, rushed down the boulevard, and were soon seated in the prayer hall, where the president proceeded to deliver his opening address. «9

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an exciting contest. At one time it looked as if the decree of the gods, which declares that lower students shall never score a victory over higher ones, would be annulled. But our captain, in his momentary elation and exalta- tion because of such glorious prospects, forgot his signals. Then our hopes were frustrated, our lines were annihilated, the decree of the gods was per- petuated, and we were defeated. Score, io-o. Being ambitious for honor, and not discouraged by defeat, we forthwith organized a base-ball team, with “Tutsy” Coxe captain, and challenged every class in the University for a game, but none dared to contest with us. We therefore declared ourselves to be the champions, and settled down to study. But before the dust, which accumulated over some of our books during the foot-ball season, had been entirely removed, examinations were announced, and some were not prepared for them. They have not been heard from since. After examinations came recess, and we separated for a short period of rec- reation. Seemingly, time flies when you are released from study. Some of us had scarcely gotten off the campus when the chapel bell rang out the opening of the spring session. Brisco, Brown and Wilson did not return, thus reducing our number to 49. But their absence was neutralized by the ap- pearance of “Evil” Mintess, a “scapegoat” from St. Augustine. We had not advanced far in this session when a deep gloom was cast over the class by the death of Willis T. Walker, who died on the 22d of February. Walker was a conscientious Christian gentleman, and the influence of his ex- emplary life has ever remained with 11s. His body was delivered to his rela- tives in Georgia, where it received due funeral rites. We held memorial exercises in honor of him in the oratory in March. From now until after April recess college life was dull, most of our time being spent in conjugating luo constructing the Tabernacle and trying to understand the cognate accussative. When recess had expired and we were gathered in school, base-ball and tennis were the leading games. In tennis, as double players, Coxe and Rendall 21