McDonogh School - Dragon Yearbook (Owings Mills, MD)

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THE DRAGON, 1919 In Memoriam ILLIANI BALLARD SIVIITH was born in Augusta County, Virginia, on May 27, 1863, and died at the lXflcDonogh School, February 19, 1919. He completed his education in 1887 at the Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va., where he won the degrees of Nlaster of Arts and Civil Engineer. Immediately upon graduating he was selected by Col. VVilliam Allan, then Principal of N1cDonogh, as a member of his staff of instructors. He was then twenty-four years of age. His classes were those in mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanical drawing, and manual training in the wood working shops. This last subject became a passion with him, and he so inspired his workers among the boys that it was often hard to tell which was the more eager for per- fection, the instructor or the pupil. In fact, he entered so earnestly, completely and cheerfully into his work, and was so happily in sympathy with his pupils, that their progress was unusually rapid and sustained. NVithout detracting for a moment from his decided ability as a teacher, it can be said that a great void will be felt at hlellonogh at his loss as a man and a friend. In his presence one felt the sincerity, the clean, pure trueness of the man, and was at ease, knowing there was nothing to fear, nothing to doubt. To be with him gave one such a comfortable, companionable feeling. The young McDonogh boy felt it without perhaps knowing why, the older boy would call it in his boyish vernacular being straightl' or on the level, while the Alumni soon knew it as Nthe soul of honorf' Add to this a charm of manner, enriched by modesty, simplicity, warm-heartedness, and you have a man who drew others unto him and won their respect, admiration and love. And the home life, how beautifull Its hospitality radiated over the entire NleDonogh community and drew the teachers, boys of the school, Alumni and their friends to its flreside, where they were ever welcome. On June 23, 1391, Klr. Smith married Kliss Klary lifmmette Brooks, of Augusta County, Yirginia, and on July 8, 1891, they came to Klcllonogh. She brought with her the charm of manner and the warm hospitalityof a truedaughter of the Yalley of Virginia. For nearly twenty-Five years they lived in what was 5

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PROF. W. B. SMITH

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THE DRAGON, 1919 known as the Old House, the beautiful old colonial home with its spacious porches, wide halls, and large rooms, the original h4cDonogh School. lVhat delightful entertainments were held at the Old I-louse,', so Well adapted for that purpose! hffr. and hflrs. Smith had the school boys in groups to supper, to play games, and the older boys of the school naturally drifted over to enjoy the porches in summer or the open fires in winter whenever they had a spare hour. At these little parties no boy was younger than Nfr. Smith, no boy entered more into the spirit of the evening or fun than he, and no laugh was more cheery than his. It became a custom years ago for them to entertain the grad- uating class each year, and these delightful parties were looked forward to far in advance. As hfliss Nfary Lyle Smith grew to womanhood she ably assisted in this part of the social life at hfIcDonogh which meant so much to the boys and the younger teachers. So much for the lighter and brighter side of their home life. hrlany a boy in need of advice or in boyish trouble knew where to go. Let there be sickness or sorrow, the Smiths were there to help and comfort. VVhen the boys left NfcDonogh they came back to talk things over with lV1r. and Nfrs. Smith, and into their homes they went as dear friends when death or trouble had entered. For some time the Alumni had realized that their admiration for the whole Smith family was too great not to be shown in some appropriate public manner, so it was decided that on Founderls Day, November 21, 1917, it should be done. The committee selected a very handsome hall chime clock. This was secretly taken to hlcDonogh, set up on the platform the night before, curtained from view, and during the exercises was presented. On a silver plate attached to the case is the following engraved inscription: Presented to MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM BALLARD SMITH by the Faculty and Alumni of McDonogh School as a Token Of Appreciation for Thirty Years' Splendid Work Done by Them at McDonogh, 1887-1917 November 21,' 1917 It was a happy occasion. The h'lcDonogh boy gave vent to his feelings for the Smiths, and they in turn were made happy in knowing the richness and satisfaction of appreciation. 6