Louisiana Polytechnic Institute - Lagniappe Yearbook (Ruston, LA)

Page 33 text:

Senior II. Class History ® E ARE only twenty-six in number—but we are “The Twenty-six.” Four long years ago, when we were Fresbics and were preparing for the first round of the long ladder, with a determination to go to the top, we realized that long and hard was the way that led from Freshmandom to Seniordom—but we have at last, by hard toil, reached our goal. We now look back on the path that we strove so hard to climb and, oh, what a change has taken place. When we took our first view of the path, as Freshics, the way was rugged, so rugged that we could only see a short dis¬ tance, but now, as we look backward, the path is clear and no obstacles obstruct our view. At first we think it is strange, but when we remember the hard work that it took to remove these obstacles, we readily see the reason. We arc not onty excellent class workers, but make vigorous efforts to succeed in everything we undertake, for we all realize the saying, “Anything that is worth doing at all is worth doing well,” is true, and we try to live up to it. But we have already shown this by the number of stars our class has pro¬ duced. We have among us ones who have starred on the athletic field, in the gymnastic work, in the society halls and as orators. We are also proud of our musicians, artists, domestic science and business members. In fact, we think we arc the best class the dear old L. I. I. has ever produced. We realize that our commencement is near and that our fourth milestone will soon be reached. We are weary and footsore after our long journey past three of our milestones, but when we think of how near our fourth one is at hand, we forget our weariness and work with a greater vim than before. When we are handed our diplomas and are able to say, “It is finished,” our hearts will be filled with both a feeling of joy and of sorrow; with joy because we feel that we have at last received the reward for which we have worked so long and so faithfully, and with sorrow because we know that class¬ mates that have shared both work and pleasure together will then part forever and take different ways toward the fifth milestone of their lives. Farewell, dear Alma Mater, we each and every one love you, and our sin¬ cere wish is that the future shall add many laurels to the wreath that now crowns vour brow. 29

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Luther Works, Huston, La. Entered school, session 1907-08. ness Course. Thesis Subject, Shoe Industry.” “Perseverance is a Roman virtue.” Alice Myrtle Thompson, Huston, La. Entered school, session 1908-09. Busi¬ ness Course. Thesis Subject, “The American Girl.” “There is none like her—none.” Busi- “The Susie Estelle Washburn, Huston, La. Entered school, session 1908-09. Art Course. Art Editor Lagniappe 1912. Thesis Subject, “China.” “Whatever happens, I will not speak, Xo, not a word.” 28 «

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Senior Class Phophecy © Y THE weird light of the witch-fire, I saw a little, old witch, shaking her head and crooning strange incantations, as she stirred a steaming caldron. It was an uncanny sight, and frightened me; but before I could run, I felt myself being drawn irresistibly toward her. I shut my eyes in terror, but found relief in unconsciousness. Awakening suddenly, I found myself in the witch’s place, calmly stirring the witch’s brew with a long ladle. As I stirred, I watched with fascination the steam rise from the kettle and gradually take definite shape. Imagine my surprise as I watched it gradually grow toward perfection, to see the figure of Lillian Broadwell lecturing with grave dignity on Domestic Science. As she faded from view, the image of Honor Calcote, teaching the heathen in India, took her place. I stirred steadily on, watching with interest the figure of Jay Coburn, as a statesman in the House of Representatives. The next to appear was Ela Gill, as a second Dorcas, industriously sewing for the poor. Then the steam took the form of Allen Smith, trampling an athletic career under foot, as he offered his heart and hand to a face in a star. Following him came the apparitions of Hettie Tucker, as a prima donna, and Laurie Lawhon as her accomplished accompanist. Corrie Lee Mason came next as editor of a matrimonial paper. Then appeared Joe Doxey as a handsome idol of the matinee girls. As the steam rose a star formed and in its center appeared Ludic Hart¬ man’s face. Alma Pollock then came to view as a charming society belle. After her appeared Grady Holloway, in the form of a lawyer, profound and deep. The young lady who followed, executing marvels on a huge canvas, was none other than Susie Washburn. The steam still rose as I stirred and stirred, and in it appeared Mattie Thomas, busily engaged in looking for the “one love.” Her more successful sister, Mary Lee Thomas, took form in the steam, marching slowly down the aisle of a church, to meet her “affinity” at the altar. 30 .