Momence High School - Monesse Yearbook (Momence, IL)

Text from Pages 1 - 74 of the 1901 volume:

CLASS OF 1901, MOMENCE HIGH SCHOOL « tu 3 ei)ior ‘5 ' 4’J YEAR BOOK. - • % Y- 1901 . SENIOR YEARBOOK Vol. 1. Momence, Illinois, June 18, 1901. No. 1. EDITORIAL STAFF. , ? WAYNE S. KELSEY, Editor in Chief. L. ETHEL WEAVER, Assistant Editor. ALMA I. DRAYER, Business Manager. GEORGE N. PORTER, Assistant Business Manager. CLARA L. NADOLNI, Literary Editor. SENIOR YEAR BOOK . BOARD OF EDUCATION B. L. TABLER, President. CHARLES HESS, Secretary. A. MELBY. MRS.. B. F. GRAY. F. 0. CLARK. MRS. W. H. BENNETT. GEORGE CHATFIELD. CORPS OF INSTRUCTORS. PROF. H. P. LITTLE, Supt. Momence Union Schools. HIGH SCHOOL. MR. W. H. BONK, Principal. MISS L. EMMA GRIFFIN, Assistant Principal. CENTRAL SCHOOL. MISS MARGARET DUNN, 7th and 8th Grades. MRS. E. St. JOHN, 5th and 6th Grades. MISS BERTHA LAMB, 4th Grade. LORRAINE SCHOOL. MISS MAUD NICHOLS, Prin., 5th and 6th Grades. MISS GERTRUDE HOLMES, 3d and 4th Grades. MISS MAUD WHITMORE, 1st and 2d Grades. MISS EDITH J. HARNEY, Supervisor of Music. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 5 Mil IF TSK mum SMIL -- Q-—— Class of ’77. BEERS, (JEWITT) EVE BRADY (HASLETT) MARY GIFFIN, EVA (deceased.) GRIFFIN, L. EMMA, Teacher, HASLETT, EATON KELLEY, (McKINSTRY) SARAH LITTLE, (SMITHYMAN) IDA THOMPSON, CLARA, Teacher Class HOXIE, KAN. ROSE LAWN, IND. MOMENCE, ILL. LOS ANGELES, CAL MADISON, S. D. GRANT PARK, ILL. VALPARAISO, IND. of ’82. CAREY, (BROWN) MAGGIE MORNE, IOWA. (fitzgerald) ella, Milliner Chicago, ill. McDonough, (hughes) mary avon, s. d. p Class of ’92. HENRY, (CHIPMAN) MATTIE TUSCOLA, ILL. McDaniels, Frances, Teaeher Cairo, ill. MEINZER, (KNIGHTHART) DOlLlE MOMENCE, ILL. PARADIS, (CULVER) NORA MOMENCE, ILL. REINS, (RIKER) FLORENCE MOMENCE, ILL. WATSON, (CLARKE) MATTIE ' - - 2 CHICAGO, ILL. Class of ’93. DU MONTELL, (SHRONTZ) MAUD GRIFFIN, NORMAN, DMryiMtn Ef I. ' uf. I. GRIFFIN, CARRIE Teacher KENRICK, JAY, Book-keeper LAMB, BERTHA, Teacher PATRICK, MAUD, Musician WHITMOReJmAUD, Teacher Class of BUNTAIN, CLAY, Lawyer CULVER, FRANK, Draughtsman , GROVES, BURR, Clerk EINSELE, (NICHOLS) ETHEL KROWS, RALPH, Reporter LONGPRE, ELMER, Physician SIMONDS, MAY, Teacher WILKINSON, (REINS) MINNIE WILKINSON, JOHN, Book-keeper ST. ANNE, ILL. KANKAKEE, ILL. GRANT PARK, ILL. WILLCOTT, IND. MOMENCE, ILL. LOGANSPORT, IND. MOMENCE, ILL. ’94. CHICAGO, ILL. CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILL. CHICAGO, ILL. DANVILLE, ILL. TACOMA, WASH. KLRKSVI-LLE. MQyV MOMENCE, ILL. KANKAKEE, ILL. KANKAKEE. ILL. 6 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. Class of ’95. ELLIS, GERTRUDE, Teacher FREEMAN, HARRY, Dentist KNAUR, (KIOUS) EVA KINNEY, (MELBY) HILMA PATRICK, JESSICA, POGUE, CHARLES, Merchant SAFFORD, EDMUND T., Book-keeper SANSTROM, SAMUEL, (deceased). WILLIS, FRED. Clerk,,,’ v f. Class of ’ 96 . CAMPBELL, MAGDELANE CLARK, ELWYN L., Student CLARKE, FRED O., Clerk CULVER, MAY C., Teacher DRAYER, LENA E., Student GRAY, JESSE M., Student GRIFFIN, ERNEST, Farmer LANDON, CLARA , HOINKE, (BUFFINTON) MARY LANE, GRAYCE r ,C C „ Class of ' gP , CLEARY, WILL J., Student DOWLING, JULIA A., Clerk % DURHAM, BERTHA, Teacher FOUNTAINE, ROSILDA, Student GIBSON, HATTIE MAY, Teacher HANSON, HENRY, Clerk INGRAHAM, HATTIE E., Milliner KELSEY, J. CLARE, , A en-t McCormick Harvester Go, MORGAN, CARRIE, Dressmaker O’CONNELL, (SIMONDS) CORA O’DONNELL, DELIA Clagg of ’ 99 . MOROCCO, IND. GRANT PARK, ILL. STOUTSBERG, IND. MOMENCE, ILL. LOGANSPORT, IND. CRAWFORDSVILLE,IND. WEST SUPERIOR, WIS. CHICAGO, ILL. MOMENCE, ILL. CHAMPAIGN, ILL. MOMENCE, ILL. MOMENCE, ILL. GREENCASTLE, IND. OLIVET, MICH. GRANT PARK, ILL. CHICAGO, ILL. ST. ANNE, ILL. CHICAGO, ILL. BOURBONNAIS- ILL. CHICAGO, ILL. MOMENCE, ILL. NORMAL, ILL. MOMENCE, ILL. CHICAGO, ILL. SPRING VALLEY, MINN. CHICAGO, ILL. MOMENCE, ILL. MOMENCE, ILL. MOMENCE, ILL. BUKOWSKI, MARY DENNIS, HAROLD, Teaeker G. ” PARADIS, EDNA, Student SHAW, NORMAN, Student WAGNER, JOSEPHINE, Clerk TABLER, CLYDE, Book-keeper MOMENCE, ILL. M«e BW GE, ILL. CHICAGO, ILL. EVANSTON, ILL. , CHICAGO, ILL. MOMENCE, ILL. r. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 9 It is possible however, for most high schools to make some advance¬ ment along these lines by its own exertion, and our school, like most others, has done this. We have a regularly organized athletic association iwith its various officers. In the fall, attention is given to foot ball and our team has several times engaged in games with neighboring teams, and has been fairly successful. Last fall the young ladies of the high school organized a basket ball team, but did not enter into any games with other teams. Last year, for the first time, the school board designated a “field day” as a school holiday. The “meet” was held at Kankakee and was witnessed by many spectators. About twelve events were entered into, most of which were closely contested. Our team, altho it did not succeed in gaining the greater number of points, did remarkably well, taking everything into consid¬ eration, in fact, the score indicated a very near approach to the record made by Kankakee. What a splendid thing it would be if we had a well equipped gymnasium, participation in the exercises of which should be compulsory, except in cases of serious physical disability. Such an institution would mean a great deal. It would mean less ab¬ sence from school on account of sickness; it would enliven the interest of those in attendance; it would strengthen the student and thus enable him to put forth the very best efforts of which he was capable. If athletic exercises were universally practiced the tendency would be greatly to strengthen the race, and in the course of time our people would possess qualities embodied in the Greek motto, “A sound mind in a sound body.” Of course all improvement is made as the people gain in resources. At first our forefathers hewed the logs and framed them into rude dwellings and in the same way built schoolhouses, bridges, etc., but soon, with saw mills they put the lumber into such shape that it could be framed into more con¬ venient and tasteful structures. So wonderful have been the conquests of peace that today our country is strewn with the ' most unmistakable evidences of a fast rising and lasting civilization. We appreciate the fact that the building of a gymnasium in our schoql would necessitate the expenditure of money without bringing in any immedi¬ ate compensation. But how would it do not to attempt to accomplish it all at once? Suppose that a fund be created for the purpose, and allowed to accu¬ mulate until there is a sufficient amount on hand to make a considerable pay¬ ment. Many ways might be suggested for starting a fund. For example, let a purely athletic program be given by the school each year, and the pro¬ ceeds go to this fund, or suppose that a certain per cent of the pro¬ ceeds of every entertainment given by the high school be donated for this 10 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. purpose. It might seem rather slow at first, but we should remember that “Slow and steady wins the race.” The needs and results of athletics are being carefully and universally considered, and the people are abandoning many of their frivolous ideas of fashion. They now look upon a weak and puny body in pity, while they for¬ merly regarded it with envy. Theodore Roosevelt has said, “Athletic sports, if followed properlj,, are admirable for developing character.” How glorious a thing it is to be blessed with perfect health and a strong body. In fact, it is only when these conditions do exist that man can right¬ fully be expected to attain to a superior degree of excellence, in virtue of the faculties with which he is endowed. MOMENCE HIGH SCHOOL J Ph_e fl ilonjathiar) Society. BY MISS FRANCES CLARK. The Philomathian Society was organized in 1891 by the members of the Momence High School. The purpose of this organization was to “fill a long felt want.” Before this time the few programs given had been planned and carried out without any very definite system, but the time had now come when the pupils as well as the instructors felt the need of more literary work. This, it was thought, would be of great benefit to all. The offices are as follows: President, Vice-president, Secretary, Corres¬ ponding Secretary, Treasurer and Sergeant-at-arms. These are elected every three months. Following are the officers for the present term: President, Mamie Brady; Vice-president, Hugh Craig; Secretary, Mary Hamilton; Corresponding Sec¬ retary, Helen Gray; Treasurer, H. P. Little; Sergeant-at-arms, Wayne Kelsey. The meetings are conducted according to Roberts’ Rules of Order. To make the meetings more interesting congresses, city councils and courts are organized, the work of these supplementing the regular literary work of the society. One of the most important of the trials was held during the year 1898. In this case one of the young men of the school was accused of having stolen a book from a fellow pupil and actually, after the trial was over, he was almost ready to admit the theft. Another trial is now in progress, one of the young ladies of the school being accused of having attacked and seriously injured one of the teachers, and in this case also the defense will be obliged to present its side of the case very strongly or the prisoner will be compelled to inhale “the dull dungeon’s murky air.” Both of these trials aroused considerable interest among the pupils and rendered them capable of at least keeping track of the proceedings in an ordinary case in a “sure enough” court. It is the earnest wish of the people of Momence that the work of this so¬ ciety should continue. Its beneficial influence can scarcely be over-estimated. It is certainly a matter of vital importance that the American citizen should be able to take an intelligent part in all public proceedings. That’s the way we do things in this country. Ltecfcu.re Course, The Lecture Course was first organized in this city by Miss L. Emma •Griffin, one of the teachers in our High school, in the year 1894. For some time the course was under the supervision of the B. Y. P. U., but later the teachers of the Momence Union school accepted the responsibility of its control. For a long time previous to the organization of the course it had been apparent to our best citizens that there was need of more high class entertain¬ ments, and to meet this demand the course was organized. The first series of lectures and concerts was given during the year 1894 ’5, and this met with so cordial a recepdon that the course became a permanent institution in w ur city. We subjoin a list of the attractions thus far given to the public: 1894, ’95. Dr. P. S. Hensen, D. D. lecture. Rev. Morgan Wood, lecture. Rev. Robert J. Burdette, lecture. Laura Dainty, Reading. Edw. P. Elliott, reading. 1895, ’96. Imperial Quartet, concert. William Hawley Smith, lecture. Tyman B. Sperry, D. D., lecture. Royal Hand-Bell Ringers, concert. Rev. Morgan Wood, lecture. ■Couthwi Concert Co., concert. 1896, ’97. George Kennan, lecture. Rev. Robert J. Burdette, lecture. Couthwi Concert Co., concert. Rev. Anna H. Shaw, lecture. The Harvard Quartet, concert. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 13 1897, ' 98. Kellogg Bird Carnival Concert Co., concert. William Hawley Smith, lecture. W. R. French, lecture. Katharine Ridgeway Co., concert. James Hedley, D. D., lecture. 1898, ’99. Frank Crane, D. D., lecture. Mozart Symphony Club, concert. Prof. H. P. Little, lecture. Rev. Morgan Wood, lecture. George R. Wendling, lecture. 1899, bo. John B. DeMotte, lecture. Garrett P. Serviss, lecture. Temple Quartet, concert. Rev. D. F. Fox, lecture. Slayton Jubilee Singers, concert. 1900, bi. John G. Wooley, lecture. General Sweeney, lecture. Tyrolean Concert Co., concert. Rogers Grilley Concert Co., concert. Katharine Ridgeway Concert Co., concert. Oratorical Contest. On April 25, 1901, the first high school Oratorical and Declamatory Contest was held in Momence. The program was as follows: Invocation, - - - Rev. R. B. Seaman. Music, - High School Quartet. ORATIONS. Influence of Literature, Ready, Aim, Fire! Manual Training in Schools, Twentieth Century Conflict, Vocal Solo, Sarah Hanson. Birdie Smith. Elmer Smith. Phoebe Nelson. Estella Vane. DECLAMATIONS. A Leak in the Dyke, The Fireman’s Prayer, A Sisterly Scheme, Benedict Arnold, Cornet Solo, - - - Trial of Ben Thomas, The Swan’s Song, Kate Shelly, Robert, - MUSIC. Maysie Kious. Blendena Miller. Anna Templeton. Varnum Parish. Carroll Clarke. Alma Drayer. Ina Hess. Blanche Wilson. Ethel Weaver. Vocal Duet, - - - Carrie Spry and Olive MacChesney. Mandolin Solo, - - - Varnum Parish. Piano Solo, - - Esther Gray. HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS. Judges—Mrs. E. A. Wickstrom, Mrs. W. H. Bennett, Mr. P. Harney, Mr. P. J. Cleary, Rev. R. B. Seaman. All the contestants delivered their selections with perfect ease, rendering the entertainment one of instruction as well as pleasure. The orations were entirely original and gave evidence of latent power which, in the future, will be utilized in more rapidly bringing our High school to the front. Phoebe Nelson won first honors in Oration and Sarah Hanson second. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 15 The Declamations were well delivered and doubtles s showed the talent of the high school along this line. Varnum Parish won first honors and Alma Drayer second. The Musical program, one of rare selection, was given solely by members of the high school and no doubt the harmony did touch the hearts even of some of those who did not claim a residence in Momence. We sincerely hope that these contests will continue and that, year after year, the Momence high school will send forth orators and declaimers even as good as these. SENIOR CHARACTEROGRAPHS. J. V. D., “A Maiden never bold of spirit, so still and quiet that her mo¬ tion blushes at itself.” M. A. B., “A flash of her keen, dark eyes, forerunning the thunder.” C. I . E. C. N., “Tall and slender with hair all curled, a typical, stylish Gibson girl.” W. S. K., “ ' Three-fifths of him genius and two-fifths sheer fudge.” O. M. B., “Her fingers shame the ivory keys, they dance so light along.” A. I. D., “A sad, good Christian at her heart.” F. E. C., “She looked up to blush and she looked down to sigh.” L. M. T.y “Faithful, gentle, good, wearing the rose of womanhood.” G. N. P., “His mind his kingdom, and his will his law.” L. E. W., “Like a lovely tree she grows to womanhood, and between whiles rejects several suitors, just to learn how to accept a better in his turn.” I. M. F., “Be to her virtues very kind, be to her faults a little blind.” B. S. S., “She is pretty to walk with and witty to talk with and pleasant too, to think on.” Iijtroduct-ioij. The following sketch is contributed by our Supervisor of Music, Miss Edith I. Harney. This lady comes to us from Oshkosh, Wis., where she has taught in all the grades and subsequently acfecf as assistant principal in the Eleventh Street school, the largest in the City. This position she held for seven years, finally resigning it in order to complete her studies in the Higher Course in the Oshkosh Normal school, and also to finish her musical education at the Detroit Conservatory of Music at Detroit, Michigan. Besides the work at the conservatory she has had a large amount of in¬ struction from Mrs. Jessie L. Gaynor, of Chicago, in the matter of children’s songs, and from Prof. Neidlunger of the same city, in chorus directing. Some persons seem to think that the results she has achieved in our school in a musical way are very wonderful. The fact is, however, that there is nothing wonderful about it. We expected just such results. When one has the energy and the ability to become not only an excel¬ lent musician but to fit herself, both by study and by practice to teach the best of results are naturally expected. Too many of our musicians neglect this most important factor in their education—the ability to impart. We sincerely hope that Miss Harney may be with us again next year, to continue the work so auspiciously begun. [distory of IV[usic. BY MISS EDITH I. HARNEY. The music and musical instruments of the Egyptians have been traced back to about 4000 B. C. Our chief information comes from tombs, which have been discovered and excavated. These are covered with sculpture and hieroglyphics. The oldest of the representations is in the tomb near Thebes. The musical groups usually consist of from two to eight persons. There is a hidden meaning in this, however, as, in hieroglyphics, an army which might mean a thousand persons or more is represented by four figures. So, in music, one harpest in the group might signify any number of harpists and one flute player any number of flutists. Their chief instruments were the harp, pipe, flute, lyre, lute, double pipe and tambourine. Their favorite collocation seemed to be the harp, double pipe, lute, lyre and tambourine. The favorite instrument was evidently the SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 17 double pipe. This gave the treble and bass at once. The harp was the foun¬ dation of the Egyptian orchestra. The origin of Egyptian music is uncertain. The tones were probably discovered accidentally. Egyptian music was purely diatonic. There were no half steps, modern modulation was unknown and every composition, from beginning to end, was played in one key. The compass of the orchestra was about four and a half octaves, or more than half that of our modern or¬ chestra. The long strings gave the lower tones and the short ones the higher ones. Egyptian music was not of a high rythmic order as is shown by the pres¬ ence of conductors. They used no batons but marked the time by clapping the hands. They possessed a system of notation, in the form of hieroglyphics, but not what we would call a musical notation. Small progress was made in music, considering the long period in which the Egyptians enjoyed the art. The cause of this was the slow perception, child-like intelligence, and limited opportunities of the Egyptians. They were also conservative to reaction. Their music was mostly carried on by slaves at the banquets of the Great, for revelry and pleasure, and in the ten ples by the priests. The musicians were placed on a platform at one end of the hall. In the last stages of the Egyptian music every man learned to play the flute or the lyre. Even the King himself, Ptolemy Anletes, was an expert performer. The musicians only knew how to please, astonish and amuse. Their music possessed no harmony, all of it being in unison or in octaves. They gave us the harp. Egypt’s contribution to art w r as the mechanical excellence of its instrument makers. The Hebrew music is second in point of antiquity and first in modern association. The principal instrument, in the olden time, was the harp. Later, they had the shepherd’s pipe. Under this term is included the flute, horn, etc. They also had the timbul or tambourine and the sistra, which served the pur¬ pose of bells. They borrowed their instruments chiefly from the Egyptians but they did not adopt the sensuous ones. The harp, which might better be called the lyre, was a small, portable instrument. The music of the Hebrews was chiefly vocal. They turned from bands and concerts to the minstrel poet, the exponent of religion. This music, sung by the masses had an important place among the people. They used it for praising God. Men were the musicians and the women were pretty generally excluded until later. Women’s charms were considered dangerous. There was no elaborate harmony in the Hebrew music. The enthusiasm centered in the thought and not in the form. There was not much care for 18 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. the aesthetic. The Hebrews were dead to the sensuous and artistic side and exalted in the spiritual side. They despised the art of culture. In this they presented a marked contrast to the Assyrians. The music from the masses inspired motives and noble conceptions. During David’s reign there were signs of a musical renaissance. Music acted as a nerve stimulant. The He¬ brew music was rhythmical, which is shown by the absence of a conductor and in its use for sacred dances. In this it was a contrart to the Egyptian music. The first mention of Hebrew music in the Bible is in the fourth chapter of Genesis. All classes practiced music but did little or nothing to advance it. We do not know the date of its origin. The Assyrians held music in very high esteem and employed it for liturgi¬ cal purposes and in social and private life. Their music was sensuous and martial, with strong, rhythmical effects. They beat time by stamping the foot. Their instruments were harps, banjo-like instruments, drums, trumpets, cymbals, lyres, lutes, dulcimers, flutes and double pipes. All these were smalll, and treble in pitch. In fact, all their music was treble and was in sharp con¬ trast to that of the Egyptians, who were fond of the lower tones. The dulcimer was the favorite instrument and most likely the parent of the piano. They had organized bodies of musicians who played in bands instead of in orchestras, as the Egyptians did. The vocal music was rendered by women and boys. The Chinese seem to have possessed music earlier than any other nation. They have a sensuous delight in tone and excel in the manufacture of instru¬ ments. They recognize eight different sounds in Nature, and their instruments correspond to these. They had drums of skin, cymbals of stone, bells of metal, horns of bak¬ ed earth, castanets and vibrating instruments of wood, flutes of bamboo, mouth organs of gourd and lutes of silk. Two of the principal instruments in modern use are the “kin” and the “ke,” both stringed. The first resembles the guitar. The “ke” is a represen¬ tative of their higher musical culture. The Chinese scale had, at first, five tones, i, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of our scale, but later it was enlarged to seven and they used intervals and small fractions of a step. Their music always has been monodic, or one vaiced. They have made small progress in music because of their principle that, having once found a thing to be satisfactory it is made official and never after¬ wards changed. The origin of Chinese music is attributed to the good and bad spirits. SENIOR YEAE BOOK. 19 Judging from the samples of Chinese music heard in Chicago the bad spirits must be responsible for the whole of it. The Japanese are a very musical nation. Their instruments resemble those of the Chinese but their music is much better. They never understood harmony until it was introduced to them by the European nations. They are adopting modern methods, however, even introducing music into their schools and with their keen musical sense there is hope of the very best results. By music the Greeks meant much more than the tonal art itself. It in¬ cluded much of what they meant by a liberal education. Music itself they called harmony. They were in advance of all the other ancient nations in music, because they very early recognized its rank as a fine art. The characteristic instrument was the lyre. The later form was called the “cithera”, which had six strings and no finger board, and so had as many tones as strings. They also had a flute. Greek music was weak on the tonal side but, for the aesthetic side musi¬ cal theory is indebted to the Greeks. Their notation consisted of the letters of the alphabet placed over the syllables to which the tones indicated were to be sung. The letters represent¬ ed absolute pitch. There were about seventy characters. They used the slur and the staccato in a limited way and divided semitones into quarter tones. Greek history of music may be divided into four great sections, begin¬ ning at about 1000 B. C. with the rhapsodists. These sections, or periods, overlapped each other. The first period lasted two hundred fifty years. The rhapsodists;. chanted the Homeric poems and we find the minstrel an honored guest who- sang the ancient ballads or improvised new ones, as the occasion required.. The heroes sometimes took part, for the Odyssey tells us that Ulysses occas¬ ionally took the lyre and sang a rhapsody of his own adventures. There were regular guilds, or schools of rhapsodists to which only those were admitted as masters who were able to treat the current topics with the light touch of real poetry, and those as apprentices who showed proper talent and promise. It is supposed that the poems were transmitted in this way for more than three centuries before they were written. One of the famous rhapsodists was Terpander. He was the starting point of the later and more elaborate art. First, he separated the prelude from the recital which followed, and thus constituted an independent piece of music. Next he added words to the instrumental part and thus created a new and terse musical form. It contained pleasing melody and was no longer a mere musi¬ cal recitation. His second reform was the regulation of tune. Up to this time tune had 20 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. been a mere extemporization. He wrote two books, one on harmony, the oth¬ er on rhythm. Patriotic and love songs lasted for a period of about two hundred fif¬ ty years. These songs softened the manners of the audience and united them in zeal for excellence and virtue. Terpanderand Sappho were the chief representatives of this period. Sing¬ ing attained its perfection under the Lespian school, followed by Sappho, who was a gifted poetess and the inventor of vocal music. Between 580 B. C., and 570 B. C. Sappho became a leader in Grecian musical culture. She gath¬ ered around her a large and elegant circle, entirely of women and girls, to whom -she taught poetry and music. Her home must have been a musical univer¬ sity. Her career certainly was a wonderful one for, among the ancient Greeks women.were looked down upon, and were regarded as slaves, and only fit for domestic duties. Sappho, apparently, was the only woman in all the realm of the ancient Greek music who was pure, noble and uncontaminated. After her, music as practiced by her sex, was handed over to the most degraded. The period of the drama and chorus lasted for about five hundred years. This was the culmination of Greek musical art, upon the artistic and aesthet¬ ic side. These were the palmy days of Greek music. Songs were sung in unison. There was no part singing, accompanied by the cithara. Every town had its body of singers, who sang and performed the evolutions of the dance appropriate to the services. This lead to the drama. The three great dramatic authors of the period were AEschylus, Sopho¬ cles and Euripides. All were great poets, the first, probably, the greatest. They wrote the music to the plays, as well as the words. About four hundred seventy B. C. the great tragedian made his debut as actor and author and placed three speakers on the stage, instead of one. The principles each rep¬ resented more than one character, making some slight change of costume nec¬ essary, in order to indicate the transformation. The stage was simply an open platform. He lessened the part of the chorus and made dialogs possible without their assistance. He aimed at the terrible and seems usually to have hit it. Sophocles was a fine musician and an elegant poet. He composed what was called the “orchestric”. From this term we get our word “orchestra”. It formed the pantomimic complement of the acting, with the added grace of art in grouping and posturing, mythical dancing and gestures. It will readily be seen that this drama was essentially opera. The music is thought to have been of slight tonal value from the compass of the instruments aud the gener¬ al deficiencies of the Greeks upon this side. This mythical drama, which left so much to the imagination, lasted but a few years. Euripides felt the chorus to be an inconvenience, and yet he could not SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 21 break the custom and do away with it. Euripides was more practical than Aeschylus who aimed at the somber and made things appear worse, and more tragical than they realty were. Sophocles’ works were more light and airy, more of a recreation, more on the operatic style. Immediately after Euripides appeared Aristophenes, about four hun¬ dred twenty B. C. the great comedy writer. He was also a patriot and a philosopher. He satirizes the classical dramas, parodies their effects and pokes fun at them in general. He was a good musician and might have gone on in the steps of his predecessors, had he chosen. The fourth period, or period of the theorists and philosophers, lasted for about three hundred years, or until three hundred A. D. The chief representatives of this period were Socrates, Pythagoras, Euclid, Plato, Aristoxenus and Aristotle. Socrates made words the images of exact concepts and set in opera¬ tion an age of scientific classification and intellectual development into which music could not enter, considering the form so poor on the tonal side as it then was, and ever remained. The earliest musical theorist was Pythagoras. He learned much of his theory, philosophy and musical science of the priests in Egypt. His influence upon music was of a sentimental character. He was probably the first to introduce among the Greeks the theory of the music of the spheres. This he probably got from the Assyrians. Pythagoras united the various modes into one scale and organized Greek music and placed it upon a scientific basis. He organized a brother¬ hood in southern Italy which taught that music was the great means of education and the guide to all the virtues. Then followed Plato and Aristotle, the philosophers. The latter was the father of scientific classification and orderly knowledge. Aristotle raised the question why they did not sing in fourths and fifths, as well as octaves. Plato was particular that only noble harmonies should be allowed in his state. He wanted one warlike, to be uttered in time of danger, the other for time of peace and freedom of action. Aristoxenus was a disciple of Aristotle and to him we are indebted for the first really musical work which has come to us. He made a scientific treatise upon the art, and united into a harmonious whole the best of the elements of his predecessors. These best things the world has never lost, but by a process of evolu¬ tion and selection has grafted upon them the newer and better elements which go to make up the best of the music of the present day. Oer Njongence J locf) IBchule ‘©eut-cher pClub. When a person has so far mastered a foreign language as to be able to speak it, he has accomplished a great deal. It is much easier to learn to read than to speak, but the purpose of the German club is to enable its members to speak fluently in the German tongue. The question may arise as to whether this can be accomplished at a social function. The members of the club have found it to be a very pleas¬ ant means of gaining information. It gives all an equal chance to exhibit their talent in conversing in German. Oftentimes remarkable idiomatic constructions are verbally expressed by the different members, bjit these are readily corrected and all profit, at the expense of some one member. A business meeting is always held some time during the evening, in which no one is allowed to speak except in German. This rule is conform- ed to, as much as possible, during the entire evening. The constitution is as follows: Der name des Vereins soli sein DER MOMENCE HOCH SCHULE DEUTCHER KLUB. ZWECK; Der Zweck des Vereins ist den Gliedern behilflich zu sein die Deutsche Sprache zu bemeistern. Die Englishe Sprache soil verboten sein, wahrend den Versamm- lungen. Beamten; Die Beamten des Vereins sollen sein ein Prasident, Vice-Prasident, Secretar und Correspondierrender-Secretar. Diese sollen bei Ballot erwahlt werden alle Acht Wocben. Ein Program Committee bestehend aus drei Gliedern soil von dem Prasidenten ernant werden. Diese sollen acht Wochen dienen. Pflicht des Committees: Es soli die Pflicht des Program-Committees sein das Program vorzu- bereiten fur die nachste Versammlung sogleich nach ihrer Ernenung. Gliederzahl; SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 23 Der Lehrer und die Glieder der deutschen Klassen des ersten und zweiten Jahres sollen zu diesem Verein gehoren. Pflichten der Glieder; Es soil die Pflicht der Glieder sein williglich und nach ihren Ver- mogen alle Aufgaben die ihnen aufertragen werden zu erfullen. Zeit der Zusammenkunft; Die Versammlungen des Vereins sollen am Dienstag Abend jeder ab- wechselnden Woche gehalten werden. Die Zeit mag durch eine zwei-drittel Stimmen mehrheit verandert werden. Der Prasident soli die Versammlung’ eroffnen in seiner Abwesenheit der Vice-Prasident punklich um halb-acht uhr. Die Versammlungen sollen gehalten werden in den Heimaten der Glieder. Ordnung; Niemand soil lachen anders als in der deutchen Weise. Amendement; Diese Constitution mag verandert werden wenn zv ei drittel der An- wesenden dafur stimmen. (Jlas-s Will. BY WAYNE S. KELSEY. In the name of the Senior Class of igoi, of the Momence High school, we, the undersigned, President and Secretary of the aforenamed class, do hereby invest in Wayne S. Kelsey the “power of attorney” authorizing him to dispose of, by will, all properties belonging to said Class, of 1901. , Signed, this 14th day of March, A. D. 1901. L. Ethel Weaver, President. Ollie M. Burchard, Secretary. Therefore, I, Wayne S. Kelsey, being of a sound mind, acting in ac¬ cordance with my vested right, as the maker of the will of the Senior Class of the Momence High school for the year 1901, do make, ordain, publish and declare this to be the last will and testament of the said class. First: It is directed that the Executor hereinafter named reimburse all claimants who shall have proven themselves to hold just claims against the class and the remainder of the receipts of this evening to be turned over to the Secretary of the School Board. If, however, such receipts shall prove to be insufficient to meet the demands of the creditors, the Executor is hereby empowered to draw upon the aforementioned Secretary of the School Board to the amount of the deficiency. Second: I do hereby give, devise and bequeathe to each and every pupil of the Momence High School, as his or her individual possession, all the knowledge that he or she can glean from jhis or her associates and instructors. Also, to the aforementioned parties, is bequeathed all the pleasant memories which they have retained relating to this illustrious class of 1901; provided that they shall properly cherish and care for the same; which condition is hereby attached to all properties disposed of by this will. Third: To those “Dear Juniors” is given and bequeathed the beauti¬ ful remnants adorning the walls of the North Room, including the paper on the walls, the black-boards and the pictures. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 25 Fourth: To those “Beloved Sophomores”, who have but recently entered the preliminaries to the Geometry text books, the following articles are bequeathed, towit: The geometrical instruments adorning the walls of the west room, the paper black-boards (with their numerous imperfec¬ tions, among these being the many holes, uneven patches, etc.), the afore¬ said slates being designed for a background upon which the hereinbefore described instruments are to be used, in exploring into and propounding theorems in the mystical labyrinths of geometrical construction. Fifth: To all the present and future members of the Momence High School, so long as they shall be such, I do hereby will and bequeath the following described articles, towit: The theorems is Solid Geometry, es¬ pecially the last set, the tables of longarithms and of trigonometrical func¬ tions, particularly those concerning tangents and co-tangents of angles near their limits. Many and much-tabulated statistics in the Physics, al¬ so the problems in the High School Arithmetic and the answers thereto, many of which some ruthless teacher has surrepticiously changed, the af¬ fected quadratics of the Algebra, the more intricate forms of English analysis, the many complicated strata met with in the Physical Geography, the long line of historical celebreties whose principal contributions to the world’s glory seems to be in the fact that we have to learn about them. Lastly, and with tears, I leave to you all those petty “tribbles and trialations” to which the Senior’s soul is heir. Also I do hereby grant to the court in which this will is probated the power to appoint the executor of this, the last will and testament made by me in behalf of the Senior Class of 1901, of the Momence High School, hereby revoking all former wills of the same purpose nd intent. In witness whereof I have hereto subscrib¬ ed my name and affixed my seal this 14th day of March, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred One. Signed, WAYNE S. KELSEY. This instrument was, on the day of the date thereof signed, published and declared by the said Testator The Senior Class of 1901 to be its last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, at its request, have sub¬ scribed our names thereto, as witnesses, in its presence, and in the pres¬ ence of each other. Signed. Witnesses. erjior i(g Bob v pude. The seniors stole forth, one still, clear night And whispered, “now we’ll be ‘out of sight’ And thro the valley and over the height In silence we’ll take our way We’ll start the “bob” as soon as its dark Preparing ourselves for a jolly ‘lark’ And we’ll hie us away to the town of Grant Park And we’ll be as ‘boozy’ as they.” But the frost stole in and they almost froze It grizzled the bangs and reddened the nose But their hearts were light, ’spite of frosted of toes For they had their happiness with ’em. In fact they had a glorious time; The girls all declared that it wat “simply sublime.” (And here is a line that will help out the rhyme And another to balance the rhythm ) And so, when they had reached the town They went to a store of wide renown And proceeded to slip the viands down In a way that was not discreet. And Mr. Ehler did not know And wouldn’t believe when they told him so What a place it was for provisions to go Until he had seen them eat. But on the way home, oh, sad to relate, A youth lost his balance, slipped o’er the end gate And, catching on something, was dragged on his pa In a manner both painful and sad, And his comrades, next day, declared, one and all, When questioned on lessons they couldn ' t recall That they were the ones who had suffered the fall And lost all the sense that they had. Prof. H. P. LITTLE, Supt. Momence Schools Essay. ■a Has Nature or Education the greater Influence on Character? It becomes evident, by observation and experience, that both nature and education have great influence upon the character. But one will, in all probability, have a greater influence than the other. Hence arises the question. It is related in an Arabian story that a Prince of the East once upon a time offered a prize to be given to the loveliest boy in all his kingdom. Many came from the remotest confines of his wide domain and contended for the prize, but popular acclaim awarded it to one of the most surpas¬ sing beauty. Such perfect and angelic loveliness had never before been seen in the gay and wealthy court of the eccentric prince. Some years la¬ ter the caprice of the same prince prompted him to offer a prize for the ug¬ liest man that could be found in his realm. The most diligent search was instituted and many came to compete for the prize. There were all degrees and kinds of ugliness, so that a de¬ cision was difficult, but while the contest was yet undecided a man was. ushered into the presence of the judges whose aspect was so forbidding and utterly hideous as to have lost almost all semblance to humanity,. The spectators shrank from him in disgust. Sin had set its seal on every blotch and in every wrinkle of the seared and bloated face. The prize was awarded him ' ithout a dissenting voice. Inquiry among the neigh¬ bors of the horrible creature revealed the fact that he had been the lovely boy, who years before, had won the prize for beauty. Intemperance, debauchery, sensuality and crime had wrought the fearful change. It was early education that had transformed the boy of perfect beauty and loveliness into the man of hideous and forbidding aspect. How fearful the responsibility of those whose duty it is to educate the young. Here had been wrought a transformation most complete and startling. An innocent boy, of pure and perfect character, whose heart was a holy temple into which only pure thoughts should have been al- 28 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. lowed to enter had been so neglected or perverted by his guardian, so hedged about with temptation, that he was changed to a thing of evil, a besotted wretch, despised of men, a disgrace to his race. But, important as is the office of teacher, it is not the only, nor even the chief influence in the education of the youth. “ Home is the sphere of harmony and peace, the spot where angels find a resting place, when, bearing blessings, they descend to earth.” The most important of all schools yet devised for the formation of an enduring character is the home. Within its sacred precincts every human being acquires his best, or his worst education, because it is there that he receives those impressions that are the most enduring ending only in death. It is a crime, in this age, and country, for a child to grow up without a fair education in the English branches and in the studies necessary to an ordinary business life. Education costs nothing, comparatively, in this country, but the time and effort necessary to acquire it. An ignorant man is an incubus on, and a standing menace to the community. Teach children noble ambitions and lofty purposes and so shape and diirect their minds that they may come instinctively to shun an action that looks alone to mere personal gratification. As Mrs. Jameson says, “Where the vivacity of the intellect and the strength of the passions exceed the development of the moral faculties the character is likely to be embittered or corrupted by extremes either of ad¬ versity or prosperity.” So, the higher the life the higher the character. “The Chicago Trip. On October 20th, 1900, about twenty-two pupils, accompanied by the three High School teachers, visited many interesting places in Chicago. Arriving at the Polk St., depot, the company divided, part going with Prof. Little and Mr. Bonn and the others with Miss Griffin. Prof. Little’s company visited the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company’s works. These factories cover about seventy acres of ground, exclusive of the yards, and are the largest harvesting machine works in the world. Here is plainly manifested the intelligence and ingenuity of the Amer¬ ican workman. Almost nothing seemed to be left for the hands to do. Several engines of more than ten thousand horse power each are made to do practically all that is done. The men seem to be there simply to make sure that the immense forces should be kept under proper control. Here were great masses of melted iron and brass being conveyed to molds by means of traveling carriers and, even pouring of the metal and the subse¬ quent removal of the castings was accomplished by the aid of the good demon, steam. In another part of the works were machines for the making of bolts and screws; here the attendant had only to see that iron and oil did not fail. The finished product was delivered in perfect shape with never a flaw or a break, save in the rare cases where a defect existed in the mater¬ ial used. To have examined all the departments thoroughly would have re¬ quired, at the very least, a week, and as but a few hours could be spared several important branches of the business were entirely neglected. The class, however, eagerly accepted the very cordial invitation from the manager of the firm to visit the works again, at some future time. One of the noted incidents of this trip was the rather remarkable fact that when the party reached the works, one of the principal buildings, the cordage factory, was found to be on fire. Several of the city engines were at work pumping water into the building and this enabled the pupils to watch this very interesting operation. Some of us have since been trying to work 30 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. out, by the theory of probabilities, how many chances there are that we shall find the said factory on fire when we visit it again. Miss Griffin’s company first viewed the immense steel framework of the new postofiice building. From there they passed through some of the largest of the department stores, to see perfected business plans in opera¬ tion. The next point of interest was the new public library, one of the finest in this country. It is built of granite and the inside finish is marble. On the first floor is the G. A. R. memorial hall, where are on exhibition hun¬ dreds of relics from the wars in which the United States has engaged. Among 1 these are found the last telegram sent by Mr. Lincoln and the pen with which he wrote it; Firstfive dollar green back; Southern newspapers; piece of flag that floated over Fort Sumpter in 1861; field map taken from the confederates at Shiloh in 1863; a tree from Chickamauga, in which were buried several ten pound Parrot shells which were fired by the con¬ federates in 1862. On the floor above were found the general delivery, the reading rooms and the several reference departments. At 1 o’clock the two parties met at the Field Museum, Jackson Park, each party visiting such departments as were of special interest in its line of study. At three o’clock the parties again met at the lecture room, where a scientific stereopticon lecture on Wyandotte and Marengo caves was de¬ livered by the curator of the geological cabinet. After visiting the museum the party divided for a second time, a few going directly home while others remained for the entertainments of the evening. After this, things were badly mixed Some returned on the night train, while others, who had friends in the city remained as late as Monday, and some of them even as late as Tuesday. All united in declaring that the trip had been not only highly enter¬ taining but also very instructive and solemnl) ' vowed to go again as soon as an opportunity offered. CLASS SEA NAME. AGE. APPEARANCE. DISPO Mamie Brady. Don’t want to tell. Independent. Quick ten Olive Burchard. Unknown. Village maiden. “Ornary’ Frances Clark. Old enough. Takes life easy. Good nat Josie Dwyer. Who knows? Reserved. Peaceful. Alma Drayer. Doubtful. Graceful. Angelic. Ida Force. Too old. Flaughty. Lightning Wayne Kelsey. Ask his Ma. The whole thing. Contrary. Clara Nadolni. Sunny side of twenty. Stylish. Stubborn George Porter. Ancient. Support for Phaseolus Lunatus. Sensitive. Birdie Smith. So yc ung(?) Shy. Mild. Lucelia Thurber. Would you like to know? Important. Gentle. Ethel Weaver. One year younger than last y ear Last, but not least. Spitfire. RGHLIGHT. 5ITION. OCCUPATION. FAVORITE SONG. AMBITION. pered. Addressing the public. Ambolina Snow. To be a success. • Traveling. If- To meet fame. ned. Making “Goo-goo” eyes. Take Back Your Gold. To find a Jewel. Thinking. Yankee-Doodle. Circumnavigate the globe Strolling. Paradise Alley. To be an angel. Primping. Because. To vote. Arguing. She is the Real Thing. ( ? ) Dreaming. I Want My Chicken. To get her chicken. Whistling. Just One Girl. [Barney. To be President of U. S. Flirting. Gathering Shamrocks With To own a telephone. Lecturing. My Lady Lu. To change her name. Eating bon-bons. Won’t you be my sweetheart? Ask Julian. Valedictory ©ratioiy BY MAMIE A BRADY. ‘‘SINE LABORE NIHIL.” An axiom is a self evident truth, yet we are apt to mistake axioms for demonstrated truths. Statements that to one person are axiomatic, to another need positive and convincing proof. Take, for instance, the Pythagorian Proposition, “The square described on the hypotenuse of a right angled triangle is equal to the sum of the squares described on the other two sides.” This theorem, after being used by mathe¬ maticians for many years comes to be considered, by many of them, as an axiom; and yet, to other people, it needs proof. Great labor produces great results. Historians tell us that, not many hundred years ago, what is now the fertile kingdom of Holland was one broad expanse of water. Has this great change been accomplished without labor ? ' No, it is due to the untiring energy of the Dutch, and today, that country stands one of the richest in Europe, a monument alike to their energy and their perseverance. Compare our own country, at present, with what it was when first dis¬ covered by white men, and tell me if this great change be not due to con¬ tinuous and untiring toil. Constant use causes the arm of the blacksmith to become large and sin¬ ewy. Physical exercise strengthens the body, and, by analogy, we reason that mental exercise necessarily strengthens the mind. An apparent exception to this rule is, that the memory of the child, which has but little exercise, is better than that of the adult. The one moves in the little world of the home and school, and his activities are circumscribed; the other participates in the stir and bustle of the social, political and intellectual world, and the great ocean of knowledge about him is at once limitless and unfathomable. The perception of the child is keen but his reasoning is inaccurate, and 34 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. not continuous; that of the adult is more general, but he reasons to the par¬ ticular. The cause of the inaccuracy of the child’s perception is, that he does not see things in the light of reason. W ith added years, comes not only the broadening of the mind but the ability to concentrate the attention for a con¬ siderable period on one particular subject. Hence the feebleness of the child’s mind evidently comes from a lack of exercise. As the child, for physical growth, needs food and exercise, so, for mental growth he also needs food and exercise, either of which being withheld, further progress would be impossible. The Apostle Paul says “When I was a child I spake as a child, I under¬ stood as a child, I thought as a child. When I became a man I put away -childish things.” Some genius has said “Genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains.” There are men who, apparently, are born geniuses, yet we have the testimony of some of the greatest of them that such is not the case. Daniel Webster seemed to speak without any great effort of preparation and, to one unac¬ quainted with his early life, this would appear to be the case, but it is a known fact that while a young man his entire time was spent in diligent study. Prof. Green, of Harvard, one of the greatest of the modern astronomers, spent, from the time that he was a young man till he was past the age of seventy, eighteen hours a day in study. Longfellow wrote one of his greatest works, “The Wreck of the Hes¬ perus” in a single night, yet it was the production of years, spent in thought along that particular line. One of the friends of Alexander Pope quoted those wonderfully beautiful lines; “The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed today, Had he thy reason, would he skip and play? Pleased to the last, he crops the flow’ry food And licks the hand just raised to shed his blood.” And remarked that Mr. Pope must have been in a particularly happy mood on the day he wrote them. The reply of the author was: “It took me two weeks to write those couplets, and they were weeks of heavy labor.” Lincoln, one of the greatest statesmen, and, next to Washington, best loved by Americans, spent almost his entire life in study, that he might suc¬ cessfully accomplish the great mission of removing a curse from our nation. An intimate friend of Rudyard Kipling declares that he wrote and rewrote his now famous “Recessional” until the rejected manuscript made a pile at least two inches high. That there is no excellence without great labor is ever true, in all the voca- SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 35 tions of life. That there is excellence with great labor has been fully demon¬ strated in the growth and development of our High school. The citizens, keeping ever in view the welfare of the future generation, have elected to the Board of Education men and women of high intellectual standing. The successive school boards have made our school buildings the most comfortable possible, have provided needed books and apparatus to assist us to a better understanding of the studies pursued; have employed instruct¬ ors of no slight ability who, by their untiring patience, faithful perseverance and earnest application of the principles of truth and justice have made our school what it is today—a model of well directed industry. To patrons and citizens who, by their frequent visits and kind words of encouragement have brightened our pathway; to the Board of Education, who have made possible our present—and, we hope, greater future achievement—- we are most grateful. Your example will be followed, and, we trust, that as the reins of government in turn fall into our hands, we shall wisely guide be¬ cause of the influence of your example. To the schoolmates with whom we have been associated so long, we would say: Continue now as you are doing and, with each succeeding year redouble your efforts. Search out great truths for yourselves, fear nothing, attempt great things, remembering that ‘‘He that by the plow would thrive Himself must either hold or drive.” With great pride we say that in few other high schools can be found such a bond of perfect fellowship as that which binds us—Freshman, Sopho¬ more, Junior and Senior, together, and as the years pass our experience will al¬ ways be at your service. Your joys shall be our joys, your sorrows our sor¬ rows. “Lookup! Lift up!” Change is the law of life. To some it brings joy, to others sorrow, and, as we tonight stand upon the threshold of active life, just ready to enter, there would come into our hearts a feeling of sadness at the thought of parting with you, our most faithful instructors, did we not know that your inspiring influ¬ ence will go with us, to shield in time of temptation, to strengthen in time of danger, to cheer in the hour of trial and that, in the future, as in the past, yours are the hearts and the homes to which we can come morning, noon and night, for advice and counsel. Outside of the home no spot will ever be dearer, no memories more sa¬ credly cherished, than those which have bound us together as instructors and pupils. Yours is the noblest of vocations and, as you continue your work from year to year, the “God Speed” of the class of ’oi will be yours. Not one who wields the least influence in the upbuilding of our school would we fail gratefully to remember and may the class of 1901 ever prove the the truth of its motto, “NOTHING WITHOUT LABOR.” Class I ' digtory. BY OLIVE BURCHARD. It must be acknowledged that the distinguishing characteristic of the Class of 1901 is its extreme intellectuality, for, among the many celebrated writers of today our Class Poet takes high rank. She is fair to look upon, which fact, coupled with her remarkable literary talents makes her, to frankly state a condition, the envy of her classmates. A glance of her life’s history will disclose an interesting story. From childhood her thoughts were along literary lines and now, at the tender age of seventeen, she has the honor of having had published two stories and one poem, to which, either thru fear of an unappreciative audience or an un¬ dervaluation of her own talents, she subscribed a fictitious name. To convince one that she possessed a clear and lofty mind it is only necessary to relate that, in public exhibitions, she was always chosen to take the part of an angel or a cupid. Such angelic spirit she has since retained. Her highest ambition is to write a book which will win fame for herself and country. We deem ourselves fortunate from the fact that we have two declaimers. The one who possesses sparkling black eyes and silky, dark tresses, has reached the weary age of nineteen. At the age of six months she began to use her tongue and at the present time she can rattle off words at the rate of three hundred a minute. She is blessed with a sympathetic voice of much beauty which may be likened to a steam caliope. She is also well versed in the art of cookery and at the age of twelve, while living on a ranch in Wyoming she prepared a meal for six ranchmen, all of whom are still living. Our other declaimer, with eyes like those of a weasel, and hair of the pure, spun gold, has an admirable disposition and an attractive manner. Her leading specialty seems to be accidents. The one we shall not soon forget was that which so nearly resulted in the dislocation of an ankle joint while play- SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 37 ing “center” on our basket ball team. So serious was the injur that she was prevented from attending school for several weeks. She has resided near Kankakee, Grant Park and in Momence, the resi¬ dents of all will surely, some day , boast of having been honored by her ac¬ quaintance. Her aim for the coming year is to teach, after which she expects to at¬ tend DePauw University. Our Valedictorian is a sweet young lady, of smiling countenance and pleasant mien. In her babyhood days her lungs were of the strongest and she exercised them morning, noon and night, thus furnishing a high class of en¬ tertainment for her parents. She always has had an uncommon longing to eat and drink and, in her early youth drank fly poison, ate concentrated lye and had a perfect mania for tasting the different medicines. Perhaps this last was fortunate as the medicines evidently counteracted the action of the poisons, and thus prevented the acquisition of a venomous disposition. The greater part of her life has been spent in Momence, tho her summers are occupied in visits to Indiana. Our Essayis , who is a Hoosier, is one of the brightest young women of her class. She has had many thrilling experiences and has narrowly escaped death on several occasions. While living in Fowler, Indiana, she had an ardent desire to have a pho¬ tograph of herself. After visiting the photographer several times, however, and discussing the subject with him she concluded that it would be necessary to abandon the idea, as he informed her that he had but one camera. This young lady has traveled a great deal, having been to Sherburnville many times, and, not even now are her travels o’er, for, soon after her grad¬ uation she will take her departure, which we so much regret, for her new home in Independence, Kansas. Our Orator, a gentle young lady of very fine qualities, was born during Chester A. Arthur’s administration. She has had the good fortune not to have her life filled with accidents and hair breadth escapes. Only once did she almost meet death by being drowned in the Kankakee River. Her shrill shrieks certainly should have attracted some heroic youth, one able and anx¬ ious to swim, but alas, as ill luck would have it no one was within hearing at the time, and so she was obliged to scramble out without assistance. This she did, very wet and very “mad.” She has resided right here in Momence ever since, and will probably continue to do so. Our Salutatorian, a tall, stately young man of twenty, has had a great passion for roaming about fields and woods, and, in fact, for rustic scenes in general. He was the second Philomathian president from our class and boasts that he can “stand more rest” than any other human being of the globe. 38 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. There was a story to the effect that he had been seen running, but this has been stamped as a malicious falsehood. In his younger days he was often engaged in such pranks as climbing trees, jumping from dizzy heights, quietly stealing away to the neighbors and hiding in cornfields and other places of concealment. Notunlike the other boys he frequently disobeyed the teacher and was obliged to suffer for it. This indisposition to remain settled has been over¬ come as this young man is one of the most studious and most reliable of our students. Our class story writer will no doubt be among our best e’er long. She has a winning way and cheerful spirit. In her youth she was exceedingly polite, never failing to say “thank you,” “yes maam” and “no maam.” It is to be feared that she is slightly neglecting these little marks of courtesy as she grows older. There are some indications, however, that she will soon reach her “second childhood” and then all these pretty and desirable things will doubt¬ less return to her. She has attended school here for three years, having en¬ tered the Sophomore class in ’97. She will doubtless return to her paternal roof as soon as the graduating ceremonies are fairly over. The brilliant young lady who has written such a glowing description of some of our latest and most popular books has always attended school in Mo- mence. She has traveled a great deal, spending a month in Canada and the surrounding country. While on this splendid trip she visited the large cathe¬ dral in Montreal, Ansable Chasm, in New York, and crossed the beautiful Lake Champlain to Burlington, Vermont. She possesses beautiful blue eyes and flaxen auburn hair. Some might think it better to characterize her disposition as “flaxen,” rather than her hair, but her sweet diposition has been a notable trait of her character. Our Class Prophet is a tall slender young lady, who, no doubt, will make herself world-renowned by her wonderful prophecies. She has always applied herself very diligently in school, and as a mathe- metician she ranks among the best in the class. About her only failing is a proneness to laughing and giggling. No matter what happens, she is always able to find something about which to manifest her jollity. However, this is not at all discreditable to the young lady. She has attended school here all her life, commencing in the primary and soaring to the final year of the High school. Her future has not, as yet, been definitely decided upon but any one de¬ siring a book keeper or stenographer might find it profitable to confer with her. The young man who has written our class “will” is rather tall, and one might say, bashful. There has been many interesting incidents related about SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 39 him, such as having his head wedged in between the wheel and box of a mov¬ ing wagon, falling from the hay mow and other “lofty” places and, at one time being chased for some distance by an old, blind cow. Years ago, in his youth, he crossed the Iroquois River on a ferry boat, an event of which no other member of the class can boast. He is now the president of our class, which position he fills creditably. C?Or)urjdrun]ettes. When seeking the fashions we follow the. In noting the weather look at the. When we mention the “Morris Chair ’ there are When we have in our class a Mad Anthony. The south room is sober because of the . The most active pupil in school is Miss. Our Class Poet Birdie, sings beautiful. And they do say that when we “Parish’’ we- Mr. Bonn can play ball, he ' s an excellent. The part of the house Joe likes best is the. Perhaps the two L’s may yet make a. ButO’s studies of “Art.” progress not at.. The latest thing out is the Hamilton. The whole Senior class is propelled by a. The “dressing” in which the boys do not . Is Little’s salad dressing. Class i ®Propl]eey. BY MISS CLARA NADOLNI. It is popularly supposed that in the assignment of these class productions the “office seeks the man” so to speak, but the fact is, that the places are dili¬ gently sought, and the highest number of votes counts for quite as much in this case as it does in the “really and truly” elections down town. Therefore when it finally dawned upon me that I had actually succeeded in corralling the Class Prophecy it was with an “Oh be joyful” feeling im¬ possible to describe and next to impossible to experience. This joy was so intense that it produced a most peculiar physical con¬ dition, in fact, I fell into a profound stupor. How long this state of coma continued, it is impossible to tell but my spirit seemed to be suddenly wafted away on waves of ether, (or perhaps chlo¬ roform). After floating about for some time I discovered that I was pro¬ ceeding in a circuitous route and soon came to what seemed to be a very in¬ dustrious and thriving city. Here a wonderful attractive power seemed to draw me slowly earthward. I alighted on a beautiful lawn, Nature’s most magnificent velvet being stretched on the ground and fastened here and there with trees and shrubs of wonderful beauty. In the center of this lawn was a large building which, with the grounds, seemed wonderfully familiar. Upon examining still further, I found a row of class trees, ours among the rest, which revealed to me the cause of the seem¬ ing familiarity. Here Nature, in keeping apace with the intellect of man, had triumphed so far as to write in the little veins of the leaves on these trees the forecasts of the future of the various classes. It is with the future of the class of 1901 that we are most concerned at present, and a careful study of the leaves, revealed the following facts: At the head of the Nicaragua Canal Committee shall be a member of our class who, by dint of the severest labor, and almost inexhaustable energy, will succeed in completing the work thereby convincing the leading powers of earth of the feasibility of the plan. His great argumentative power, which is to bring about this success was early developed, in trying to convince people that neither tuberculosis nor water is to be found in Jersey cream. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 41 Altho not widely known, it is true nevertheless, that in one of the countries of Asia, the locusts are dried and used as an article of food. It is well known that these insects are found in large numbers, in several of our western states, and it is a question how we shall rid the country of them. There is a “Force” in our class that will solve this problem and also produce: competition in this country, by establishing a canning and preserving factory in Kansas. Here the hams of these once dreaded insects will be prepared for table use and will be one of the most delicious dishes, something as yet un¬ equalled by anything on the market. The sale of this article will more than, pay for the grain consumed by these insects, thus providing a handsome in¬ come for the promotor. Among the literary gems of the future may be found some from the pen of our Class Poet. At first her efforts will meet with slight appreciation but, by perseverance, and constant application to her work, she will finally become, one of the greatest writers of the day. Momence will then be a very interesting place to visit because it will be the home of one of the noted poets. The fact is, she has been composing poetry (?) for some time, and reading it to the domestic animals. This was certainly merciful to her friends, but must have been a severe affliction to the animals, judging from the manner in which the productions were received.. The horses stamped, the calves bawled, the geese hissed, the kittens uttered “cat calls” and she had a terrible time in general. But then, Demosthenes carried pebbles in his mouth. On one of the leaves I found a description of the most complete railway system that ever could be dreamed of. The margin of the leaf was covered with the most difficult of the geometrical and trigonometrical propositions, all solved, these being a part of the work to be used in the construction of the. great system. I found also, a number of plans for bridges to span the oceans,, and on everything was inscribed the name of Frances E. Clark. It would ' seem that the wonderful things which she will accomplish are almost miracu¬ lous but all the plans which she will devise may be put to practical use, and so render further progress in science possible. On another leaf I found that, in the near future, women will have equal suffrage with men, and that this condition of affairs will be due very largely toThe. efforts of our fair Orator. Through her enthusiasm and zeal the women of. our Country will be aroused to greater activity in political affairs. “The home:, first, last, and all the time,” will be her platform. Her most noted speeches will always end with one sentence, “Let the good work go on until the women suffer as much as the men.” Among the great teachers of the twentieth century may be found one Lucelia. If, at any time, she wishes to go on any excursion, or pleasure trip and, W. H. BONN, Principal of High School SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 43 Our other Elocutionist, strange to say, will become an inventor and dis¬ coverer. A valve thru which the bad blood in a man’s heart may be in¬ stantly ejected, a drug which will prevent the influence of the hypnotic power and a flying machine, the speed of which will be limited only by the power of the occupants of the car to endure the rapid motion, will only be a few of her numerous inventions and discoveries. Probably the most popular of her in¬ ventions, however, will be the self washing dishes, self weeding garden and self punishable children, at any rate such inventions as these deserve the high¬ est commendation. It is perhaps not generally known that our Valedictorian has had an extra¬ ordinarily good start in matters educational, but such is the fact, nevertheless. Both by inheritance and by environment she has possessed decided advantages over the most of us, being in fact, the first “chicken” of any of our alumni who has taken the full high school course. If one is to climb a tree it is of immense advantage to be lifted to the first, or lowest branches. From this on, the climbing is comparatively easy or, if one is to go on a journey what an immense help it is to be carried for a part of the way, say half of it. This is what has happened to our Valedictorian. She has two high school courses back of her and will doubtless make a very decided advance on anything that has been done before, or anything that any of the rest of us will be able to do. She has manifested very decided talent in the literary line and it has been predicted by her friends that the coming century will see much of her manuscript. Of course, none of it. may ever be printed, but that is a small matter. The main thing is to produce the manu¬ script. The act of printing a thing merely gives it a somewhat wider publici¬ ty, only puts upon it the seal of one man’s opinion, or. at best, the opinions of only a few, and these only editors, so the main thing is the manuscript. Still, in this, as in everything else, there are compensating disadvantages. She will, one day, no doubt, sit down, like the immortal Alexander and weep because there are no more worlds to conquer. . . : After learning all these facts I began to wander about and, feeling a sense of weariness, sat down under a tree. Suddenly, from the distance, came music,, soft and low at first, and then louder and louder, until the very firmament seemed to rock and tremble from the influence of the vibrations. I started up and found that I was seated in the Philomathian Hall, and had just awakened from a gentle slumber. There were the class, just as I had left them, still practicing their class song. The won¬ der is that any one could have fallen into a dose while it was going on. Behold now two deductions from the dream which I had dreamed— “What man has done man can do.” The fields of science, literature, art and invention have seemingly broadened almost beyond the comprehension of man. but still there are foes to conquer, depths to fathom, fields on which has been 44 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. planted no banner of victory. With the truth of these facts so clearly before us, with a desire to be, backed by a desire to do, with a realization of the fact that no great purpose is ever achieved except by a great effort, we shall rise to meet ' the various emergencies and it shall be said of us in the future, not that we disposed of these difficulties as did the Class of 1900, but that we met them like the Class of 1900, and W-O-N. Njamie’s Party. None of the entertainments of the year have “gone to the right spot” so to speak, any more decidedly than that given by Miss Mamie Brady , at her home at South Haslett Place, on the evening of January 16th. The guests were the High School teachers and the Class of ’01. There were games, conundrums, stories and the usual adjuncts to a thoroughly suc¬ cessful function of this sort and at the end one of the most delightful “spreads” of the season. None of your “balancing a cup of hot coffee on one knee and a plate of cake on the other and then sitting around with fingers all sticky,” but a regular feast, such as delights the heart of every male, be he man, boy or baby. In this case it was very evident that neither pains nor expense had been spared in making the occasion one of the most pleasing of the season. That this effort was a decided success is the universal verdict of the class. alufeatory ©ration. “ THE LAUREL CROWN.” BY GEORGE N. PORTER. Excellence is a quality possessed by those who surpass and compara¬ tively few are they who ever attain it. Yet great is their reward. Some persons never seem to have a desire to excel, but content themselves with the merest mediocrity. By some the desire is regarded as an evidence of vanity, while in others it is a part of their very nature, a dominant charac¬ teristic, which leads them into the field of action. As this is a trait in individuals, so, also, it is of nations; for, as is the unit, so will be, in a large measure, the composite whole. It would be as impossible for a nation to rise to preeminence in civilization, when half of its inhabitants are mere idlers, as it would be for a swarm of bees to be successful when half of its members are drones. As a nation is but an aggregation of individuals it behooves Sus very carefully to examine the motives which control the individual life. It is sometimes difficult to as¬ certain what it is that induces one to strive to succeed, whether it is be¬ cause he thinks it a duty or a pleasure. If he considers it a duty the question arises whether he thinks it an obligation to himself, to his fellow men, or to his God, or, if a pleasure, whether pleasing to himself alone or contributive to the universal pleasure. In ancient Greece the victor was rewarded by a laurel crown and few were the Greeks by whom this was not prized as the most desired of all worldly gifts. With pride and admiration the populace saw the successful gladiator wear the crown from the lists; with pride the mother saw her son depart 46 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. for the battle-field, where he was to be crowned with glory. Ah, for them it were better by far to die on the spot than to live through the disgrace of defeat. Thus we see that the ancient Greeks were an ambitious race, but this is only an example, for few are the nations that have risen into prominence in which some of its people, at least, have not been ambitious. Brutus said that Caesar was ambitious. Many are the ways in which men have gained renown; Alexander sought his laurels on the field of battle, Demosthenes was the orator of orators, Christopher Columbus braved the dangers of the deep and found a new continent, Francis Bacon was a profound thinker, George Washing¬ ton, after a long and desperate struggle, secured his country’s freedom and Abraham Lincoln successfully led this nation through a great civil war. The danger is, when we read of such men as these that we will set up a wrong standard for greatness. We are likely to think that one, in order to be great, must do some marvelous thing, that perhaps never has been done before; that he must be a Shakespeare, a Caesar or a Webster. Now this is a very great mistake. If we should descend, for a moment, to the ocean bottom, we should see animal existence in its crudest form. There we should see myriads of objects groping about and merely maintaining an existence in their blind and desolate way, amid the cold, silence and dark¬ ness eternal, while, at the surface, we should find the fauna very highly developed. It is absurd to believe, however, that all the great intervening space is unoccupied, and equally as absurd is it to suppose that the great masses of mankind are on a low and common plane while the few great stand out alone, like the stars. The truth is, that perhaps no two people stand on exactly the same plane. That, if we should commence with the lowest of mankind and gradually ascend the scale, we should pass, by almost imper¬ ceptible shades, to where the very atmosphere is warmed by a celestial glow. Macaulay has said, “The world generally gives its admiration not to the man who does what nobody else even attempts to do, but to the man who does best what the multitudes do well.” From this standpoint, then, it is not necessary that we should climb to the utmost round of the ladder of fame but only that we should do exceedingly well with what we have to do. Now it is not likely that any man who lives today will ever trace the footsteps of Alexander thro his world of conquest. Perhaps none of us will be as fortunate as Demosthenes and wear a name which shall be known to the world as the synonym of eloquence. Who shall be like Christopher Columbus who turned his back toward the rising sun and found such wondrous glory in the splendor of its set- SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 47 ting? Who but a Francis Bacon could remodel the philosophy of Aristotle? Is it to be supposed that any of us will ever be like George Washington and in our declining years be able to tell such a wondrous story of an eight years’ struggle for independence? Will the world ever see another Abraham Lincoln to unlock the cankering fetters from the tortured limbs of four million slaves? Ah, if the lives of these men were taken as a standard of greatness, few there are who would attain it, nor can we conscientiously place that standard so low as to include the masses. But what shall be our type of human life? Who, in our estimation, should wear the laurel crown? Is it the man with the hoards of gold, with the golden touch of Midas, is it he who rules the social world, is it the man who possesses more wisdom than his peers, or is it he who does not live for self alone, but who lives for his fellowmen, who founds his house upon the rock and lives therein, by the golden rule? At any rate, let our way be lighted by the star of truth and our lives will certainly be worth the living. Let us learn to reason with the master mind and to gaze at Nature with an artist’s eye, to be able with the poet, as Blake says: “To see the world in a grain of sand And a heaven in a wild flower To hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour.” Let us not suppose that every path to success has yet been trod by man, but that even this glorious twentieth centu ry sees human progress yet in the gray dawn of its morning. How glorious it would be if one could stand for a thousand years and watch the destiny of mankind as each successive generation played its part in the great drama and, departing, left behind, “Footprints on the sands of time.’’ But only three score years and ten are ours, so let us tread cautiously thro the flowers of youth, however, they may be sprinkled with the dews of hope, and when we reach our noon of life and the dainty flowers have withered, may we have gathered from their midst the lessons they would teach us, and as we tread onward in the path of life, passing thro its sun¬ shine and its shade, may we not regret the way we have come and when, at last, our sun of life is setting, may we feel that we have justly won the laurel crown. Class Poerrj—“V ' ers iss- N ' Jeirj-JMid ' jt.’ ' BY MISS BIRDIE SMITH. Where budding trees were nodding in the forest wild and drear There walked, beneath their branches, a maiden, bright and fair, And, mid the glimmering shadows which decked her lonely path Came glimpses of her beautv, and sounds of joyous laugh. Her voice, sweet as the brooklet’s, hidden in deep ravine Her face was like a fairy’s, seen in a poet’s dream. She trilled a song of valor in the noble, German tongue, A theme the ancient Vikings in revel oft’ had sung. For she had left her country and now a home had found In a wild, unsettled reg-ion, America’s free ground. Her heart was light and happy, as birds upon the wing, .No thought of care or sadness about her life could cling- The great trees in the forest bent low, with stately g-race And e’en the flowers seemed brighter for the sunshine in her face. The katydids and crickets kept time and did their best While the song birds paused to twitter, perched on their lofty nest. And tho the flowers were silent the bluebells tried to ring And Nature’s myriad voices in sweet accord did sing. Thus, lulled by sylvan vespers the maid has nought to fear, But hark, a voice like thunder breaks on her listening ear. Perhaps some rabid monster has fallen upon her path Perchance some wily savage is seeking for her death. But no, ’tis but her lover, Hans Brinker, who has come ' To bring- the Maiden tidings from her erstwhile native home. They greet each other quickly, for there is need of haste And then he tells his story, he has no time to waste. The war so long expected had broken out at last And calls for bi ave young soldiers were coming, thick and fast. Hans, ever true and faithful, paused for an Augenblick Und sagte, “Oh liebe Fraulein, Ich bitte, Vergiss-mein-nicht.’’ SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 49 Hans was a noble lunge, tall, slender, fair of face,. Altho he was not handsome he had a certain grace A certain ease of bearing, conferred by solitude, Heaven ' s brightest benediction, bestowed by field and wood. Gretchen was plump and rosy, with hair of sunset hue, Her eyes were clear as crystals distilled from morning dew. Her hands were broad and handsome, her feet were large and fine Her form erect and sturdy, like the women from the Rhine. Her breath was sweet as apples “from brown October’s wood,” And all the things she thought about were very, very good. Her dress was neat and modest, with colors not a few, But she would insist on aprons, ’cause her mother told her to. In fact, a schoner couple, ’twere hard to find, indeed, The thought of coming sadness caused both their hearts to bleed, Yet, brushing back the “cry juice” they boldly faced their fate Adopting the old maxim, ‘‘Learn to labor and to wait-” And the maiden, sweetly sighing, a tiny blossom picked And as she pinned it to him murmured, ‘‘ Yergiss-mein-nicht.” Months passed away, then tidings, a battle had been fought And thousands of the bravest had given their lives for nought And thousands more were wounded and left to bleed and die Regretting they’d but one life to give to dear old Germany. And one was borne to a hospital, sore, wounded, weak and sick, Who died, while murmuring softly, “Vergiss, Yergiss-mein-nicht.’’ There blooms within our meadows a flower of heavenly blue; Its name is taken from the heart of a Maiden, kind and true. Prized by all loyal nations, all peoples hold it dear; In Germany ’tis “Vergiss-mein-nicht,’’ In France ’tis “Souvenir.” And here, in our own America the name is not forgot, From sea to sea, where e’er it blooms, ’tis called “Forget-me-not. There lives in every heart of the Class of 1901 A purpose firm and steady to gain what lies beyond. Tho humble be our station, or famous and honored we, Thoughts of kind friends and schoolmates will ever cherished be. Tho sad the hour of parting, tho uncertain in our lot Each whispers, as we linger, “Forget—Forget-me-not ’’ f-iisfcory of Iv]orT)ence. The early history ot Momence is comparatively more important than that of any other locality in north-eastern Illinois, outside of Chicago, from the fact that the Kankakee river, at this point, was one of the first places between Danville and Chicago to attract settlers. It was the most eastern point at which the river was fordable and was therefore the gateway for trade and emigration between the settlements in the Wabash Valley and Chicago. Notwithstanding this the history of Momence does not date as far back as some people imagine Although it was settled in 1834 it was not until about the year 1850 that the present town came into existence. When the first settlers came it was nothing but a burned prairie and not a tree or shrub could be seen. The Pottawatomie Indians camped along the river. White Pigeon was their chief. An interesting story is told of White Pigeon. As whis¬ ky was at that time plentiful and cheap he would get intoxicated several times a year. When this occurred, Joe Barbee, who lived several miles from this point, was always sent for to hold White Pigeon in restraint until he became sober. One day Mr, Barbee met Miss Loraine Beebe, who was then the teacher in the first school-house. She told him to tell White Pigeon, for her, that he was not to drink any more whiske} . When she saw him again she asked him whether he had delivered the message. “Yes,” he answered “Well, what did he say,” she asked. “Well, when I told him,” he said, he replied, “ ' White man make ’em, Indian drink ' em, White man no make ’em, Indian no drink ’em ” This bit of philosophy has a much wider range than at first appears. Asher and Enoch Sargeant were the first white settlers. They came in about 1834. They had a double log house with a puncheon floor. Not 51 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. long afterwards they buiit a saw-mill. Enoch Sargeant was the first mer¬ chant. He opened a grocery in a part of the log house. - The principal articles sold were whiskey and tobacco. The next house built was also a log cabin and both the houses were on the north side of the river. Some of the other early settlers were A. S. Vail, Orson and Xewel Beebe and W. W. Parish, Sr. A. S. Vail and Orson Beebe came together in 1836. They bought, for $220. in gold, a piece of ground no v occupied b) the business part of the city. They held it eight years and then lost it by a “float.” The claim had been guaranteed to be free from “floats” but it was afterwards ascer¬ tained that an Indian float had been located on the land. The result was that Mr. Vail and Judge Beebe lost their claims and all the benefit they derived from the transaction was eight years’ use of the land and of the house. The next house was built on the south side of the river. It was a double log house, owned by A. S. Vail and Judge Orson Beebe. It was located near the point where the C. E. I. R. R. crosses the river. At this time Momence was the only place where the river was fordable for many miles, and so, for many years, emigrants continued to cross at this point on their way to the rich farm lands lying to the south and southwest. This made many taverns necessary and Messrs. Vail and Beebe kept the first one in Momence. The first frame house was built some years before the town was organ¬ ized. As far as can be ascertained it stood on the east side of Range street not far from Second. Before the town of Momence was built there was a small village about a mile east of the present city, variously known as “Lorain”, “Westport” and “Upper Crossing”. Ithadseveral stores and settlers for miles around came here to purchase supplies. The first bridge above Kankakee was built at Loraine but it went down in the winter of 1844. A better bridge was built in 1846 but this also was swept away and after that time no more were built there, the town being moved to the present site of Momenee. Hill’s Tavern was located here and was known, far and near. Travelers passing near this point would make a detour of several miles, if necessary, in order to partake of the very excellent meals pro¬ vided by Mrs. Hill. This tavern was maintained for many years, and when the town finally died out the building was moved to Momence. It is at present owned by Mr John Lunstrum and stands at the N. E. corner of River and Market streets. Of course it has been somewhat altered by the repairs made upon 52 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. it during all these years, but in the main, it is the -same .buikling-that was at one time so famous thruout Eastern Illinois. The first survey of Momence was made in the year 1845 and compris¬ ed about twelve blocks within the present limits of the city. In 1853 another survey was made and this survey included an entire square mile of territory, and included that part of the “South Side” north of Indiana street, on both sides of Range. The town was named after an Indian Chief, “Mo-mess” or “Mo-ness.” At first the name was written “Momentz” but the settlers did not like it and so softened it to its present form, “Momence”. Ten years later, when Ganeer township was struck off from Momence, it was thought proper to name the township after Jenier, the squaw of Mo-mess. But when Clark Richards made the survey of the town he spelled it Ganeer and itifound its way into the records in that form. There were many advantages to be had here and the population of the the town would doubtless have increased very rapidly had it not been for the fact that the title to the land was in dispute, so that few strangers cared to invest. After being in litigation for years the matter was finally settled. In 1841 the first post office was established, with A. S. Vail as post master. This was located in Loraine, but was afterwards moved to Mo¬ mence, and has been there ever since, although in several different build¬ ings. As has been said before, the town grew very slowly at first. During the war with the South everything was very expensive Calico cost 25cts per yard, butter 62 cts per lb., flour fifteen dollars per bbl. etc. It was difficult to procure employment of any kind during the earty days and people were ready to work hard all day for 30 cents. Many of the young men went to the war in 1861 and mothers, sisters and younger boys all had to work hard in order to procure the common necessities. In the fifties most of the stores were along River street but the busi¬ ness center, which was on the corner of Locust and River streets has gradually moved northward and westward until now most of the business is transacted on Range and Front streets, although there are still a few stores on River street. There was a hotel where the stone building now stands, at the corner of Range and River streets and another on the site now occupied by the Central House. At this time Mr. John Deerson had a furniture factory situated near where the Paradis carriage factory now stands. Mr. Slocum Wilber had a seed farm occupying much of the ground now included in the residence district. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 53 Pepper, 1 cucumber, water melon and squash seeds were produced in enormous quantities, besides seeds of several of the other garden vegeta¬ bles. In one year fifteen thousand pounds of cucumber seeds alone were shipped from this point, enough, it would seem, to supply nearly the whole of the United States at that time. Many of the prominent business men of the city were employed upon this farm when boys and several of them assert that it was owing to the kindly efforts of Mr. Wilbur in their behalf that they were able to get fair¬ ly on their feet in a commercial way. About 1850 The Momence Bridge Co. was formed, which built bridges across both the channels during the year 1853. Before this time all had to cross in ferry boats during high water, for, since the Loraine bridge had gene down no other had been built. A toll house was built at the north end of the bridges and was kept until 1859. In 1863 these bridges also were swept away and were presently replaced by free bridges. The toll house was occupied as a dwelling for a time, but finally got so badly out of re¬ pair that no one could live in it. The wind, from up the river, used to play mournfully through the deserted rooms, slamming doors and shutters, mak¬ ing strange noises the while, until the story finally got abroad that the house was haunted. Many tales were told of the strange sounds issuing from the building and the stranger sights witnessed there until finally timid people refused to cross the bridges after dark. Finally, some time in the seventies, the house was set on fire by persons unknown and burned to the ground. The bridge now spanning the north channel is the third and the one over the south channel is the fourth and last, so far, having been built in 1886. As nearly all our citizens know, the First Baptist Church was the first: to organize and also the first to build within the present city limits. The church was organized in 1852 and the building erected in 1853. In the year 1893 the church edifice was remodeled and opera chairs substituted for the benches which had been used up to that time. This has added very much to the comfort as well as to the appearance of the auditorium. Subsequently electric fixtures were added, thus making the auditorium one of the most attractive in the city. Following is a complete list of the pastors: William Storrs, J. Sell, Mr. Bemey (initials not set down in the church record), Mr. Cochran, S. A. Estey, W. H. Card, J. N. Williams, S. M. Brown, A. R. Newton, W. L. Palmer, Mr. Davies, J. L. Matthews, B. F. Duncan, W. D. James, S. A. Nelson, W. H. Fuller, F. M. Mitchell, E. A. E. Palmquist. The first Catholic church was built in 1862, by Rev. Father E. La¬ pointe, pastor of St. George. 54 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. In 1885 Father Joseph Lesage, of St. George, organized a bazaar for the purpose of building a new church, the old structure having become too small for the increasing congregation. The new church was built in 1887, under the direction of Father Berard. Since then the congregation has erected a parsonage costing three thousand dollars. Following is a complete list of the pastors: E. Lapointe, Father Paradis, M. LeTellier, Joseph Lesage, Father Berard, George Kertson, A. L. Labrie. The First Methodist church was erected in the fall of 1862. In the year 1892 a fine new brick building was erected on the same site as that occupied by the old church, the stone from the walls of the old structure being used in the foundation of the new. This is certainly a splendid commentary on our river limestone. The chances are that this same stone will serve for another century or two. In fact, it seems to be about the most durable building material that can be found. The new church is by far the largest and finest in the town, and is fitted up with all the modern improvements such as opera chairs, electric light, pipe organ, libraries, etc. There is also a kitchen in the building and a complete outfit of dishes, a most valuable adjunct to the work of the Ep- worth League and the other societies connected with the church. The list of pastors runs back to a time several years prior to the erec¬ tion of the first church edifice. This is because Momence was formerly a part of a circuit. Following is the list of pastors: G. C. Holmes, G. W. Murphy, A. D. Field, A. Wiley, W. R. Irving, J. Coleman, G. Wallace, M. H. Plumb, S. Washburn, T. C. Youngsmith, E. Smith, M. C. Smith, G. W. Hawkes, J. Bush, T. H. Helliwell, G. S. Young, J. Earnzey, W. Clark, J. Roads, G. K. Hoover, G. B. Miller, M. C. Smith, Rev. Mr. Mercer, J. H Robinson, J. Wilkinson, D. S. Mc- Cown and R. B. Seaman. The church of the Good Shepherd, is one of the most flourishing of the smaller of the parishes of the Diocese. Missionary work was begun here in the autumn of 1867, by the Rev. Mr. Phillips, now Dr. Phillips of Kankakee, who continued the work until 1880, when the Rev. Charles R. H odge became rector. The parish was organized in 1870, Mr. Phillips acting as Rector until the accession of Mr. Hodge. The present house of worship was built in 1882. There have been five Rectors since the church was built. Revs. Charles R. Hodge, George Thorpe, George Moore, Albert B. Whitcomb and Arthur W. Higby. The present rector, Mr. Higby, took charge in the year 1896. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 55 All the churches have Sunday schools and the usual parochial organ¬ izations and are doing most excellent work. The Parish Chapel, located on the South side, was erected during the year 1893. This is properly the Second Baptist church, altho at present the pastor of the First church conducts the services. This is a memorial edifice, donated very largely by the Parish family in memory of Carrie and Varnum Parish children of W. W. Parish, Sr. Among the most attractive features of the building is the splendid memorial v indo , probably the finest in the county. An elaborate design is worked out in stained glass, in the style of a mosaic, an immense num¬ ber of pieces being used During the year 1897, the Danish Lutheran church was erected. This is also on the South side. Here the Danish residents have the privilege of listening to excellent discourses in their mother tongue. The healthy growth of this organization is a sufficient proof of the hearty appreciation of the Danish people of this vicinity. Before the war much stealing, drunkenness and debauchery were in¬ dulged in and Sunday can scarcely be said to have been observed at all. This gave the place a hard name. But very soon after the return of the sol¬ diers the town began to show very marked signs of improvement. There can be no doubt that these veterans are very largely responsible for the change. They had been witnessing, for four years, the results of the unbridled license in the South, and had come back imbued with the loftiest ideals of govern¬ ment and of the social relations in general, so they pushed their ideas, in season and out of season, and finally the change was wrought. This was also, no doubt, the experience of most of the other cities and towns of the North. Finally, in the year 1891, the village w r as incorporated as a city. The loyalty of our citizens to the best interests of the town reached its culmination in the erection of two magnificent Hay Palaces, one in 1891 and one in 1892, and, no doubt, one would have been built the next year also, but the establishment of the World’s Columbian Exposition at Chicago, and the hard times immediately succeeding it prevented further effort in this, or any other kindred direction, till the year 1899, w ken a street fair was in¬ augurated. The success of this exhibition was so pronounced that it was re¬ peated during the following year, and now promises to become a permanent feature of the city. Our city has, at present, a population of about 2200, and is situated on both sides of the river. Just now an immense amount of building is going on, in the residence district, on both sides of the river. In fact, carpenters and masons report contracts ahead which will, in many cases, keep them busy all summer. The railroad traffic of the town is carried on over the I. I. and I, the C. 56 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. E. I. and the Chicago and Indiana Coal roads. The I. I. I. has re¬ cently built a large amount of new track and now has its western terminus at Clint on, Iowa. This arrangement has resulted in the addition of a new pas¬ senger train each way, daily, and there is talk of still further improving the service. The repair shops of the C. E. I. R. R. are located here and furnish employment to a goodly number of men. Not far away are the Tiffany Pressed Brick Co. and the Stone Crusher. The bricks manufactured by the Tiffany company are said to be the finest in the world. Much of the material used is imported from Europe. The latest improvement in their product is the introduction of a process by means of which the face of each brick is covered with a coating of porcelain, and as this can be made to take on any shade or any tint of color that has ever been thought of or dreamed of it is possible to work out any design whatever, no matter how complicated or difficult. The most recent order executed by this firm was for the material used in the new Christian Science church in Chicago, the bill calling for three months of work at the fullest capacity of the factory, and the payment of several thousand dollars into their treasury. Much of this money was expended here, the force of workmen varying from sixty to two hundred men, according to the phaze of the work in progress. The stone crusher is located just east of the C. E. I. tracks, on the south side, it is one of the largest in the world, furnishing sixty car loads of crushed stone per ten hour day. With the present machinery, and but little additional effort the output could easily be more than doubled. The Corliss engine, which has recently been installed is one of the larg¬ est in this part of the country, outside of Chicago. After the removal of the top layer of stone there is found a magnificent deposit of dimension limestone and the company has begun to get this out in considerable quantities. It is calculated that the quarry now being operated by this firm will continue to furnish stone at the present rate for about fifty years, after which they will begin the development of another quarry, equally large, adjoining them on the west. After that the works will have to be moved, it is thought. The streets, and most of the stores, are lighted by electricity and, since 1898 the city has had a system of water works. The next public improvement will probably be in the way of underground sewers. In fact, several blocks of sewer pipe have already been laid. Most of the sidewalks are concrete, a continuous line of them extending through the business portion of the city and to each of the R. R. stations. Nothing but concrete is now put in, wooden walks having been laid on the shelf by a regular ordinance. This city is also the southern terminus of one of the famous Chicago bi- SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 57 cycle tracks, the corner of Range and Front streets being exactly fifty miles from the starting point in the city. It is highly probable that this same route will shortly be used as a speed¬ way for automobiles, several having already made the trip and reporting very favorably upon the route. Momence and vicinity is also a prominent summer resort, many persons coming down from Chicago every year and camping along the river. Island Park, tht property of the C. E. I. R. R. is maintained in excellent condi¬ tion throughout the season and many picnics are held here. Occasionally as many as ten thousand persons have come in on such excursions in a single day. Of course this is the exception, but it has occurred, and probably will occur again. The past history of Momence is a sufficient guaranty of its future. The ancestors of the present citizens have seen to it that they should have the very best of advantages jin asocial, educational and religious way and the time is not far distant, nay, now is, when the hopes built upon these foundations shall be realized. With over twenty thousand dollars invested in church edifices and more than forty thousand in school buildings, to say nothing of furniture and ap¬ paratus, with a strong public sentiment in favor of the best of everything which tends to elevate and civilize, regardless of cost, it is difficult to pro¬ phesy what the final outcome will be. That it will be something worthy no sane person will deny. Storiettes. BY MISS LUCELLA THURBER. On a beautiful sunshiny morning in September, several years ago, there could be seen walking down the streets of one of our principal cities a lad six years of age. He was sauntering along with his hands in his pockets, whist¬ ling, and feeling very much like a man because this was to be the day of all days with him—his first day at school. When he entered the school room everything looked as he had expected to find it, with the exception of the teacher. Instead of finding a cross, cranky old maid, as he had supposed all teachers were, a tall and handsome young lady met him at the door with a pleasant word, and a smile on her face. Pre¬ sently school was called to order and the new pupils caused to stand up in a row and give in their names and ages. The first boy in the line, being asked his name, promptly replied, “Jules mum,” whereupon the teacher administered a mild reproof and informed him that he should have said “Julius.” Our hero stood next in the line, and when his turn came he took advan¬ tage of the instruction already received and, instead of responding with his ordinary cognomen, “Bill,” promptly answered, “Billus mum”. Then they all took a recess. Now his school life really began. The first day passed very pleasantly as everything was new to him and he learned a great many facts which he had never dreamed of. However, at the end of the first week the novelty had worn off and he began to wish that he might stay out of school and play with certain other boys who seemed, in some way, to have evaded parental dis¬ cipline. But his father and mother were very strict with him and thought it best to keep him in school. As their arguments proved too strong for him, on account of their excellent “backing” he decided to accept the inevitable and attend the school, but so far to evade the rules as to make life tolerable, HISS L. EMMA GRIFFIN, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL H. S. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 59 even there. Therefore it is not strange that he took but little interest in the work and, as a result, made some very brilliant answers. For example, he defined “Dust” as “Mud with the juice squeezed out”, “Sleeplessness” as “Eyes all the time coming unbuttoned” and “Snow” as “Popped rain.” But in spite of all these blunders, by dint of being able to put on paper all that he knew, and a little more, he managed to pass fairly good examinations and soon became a member of the third grade. The year he entered this department a new teacher was placed in charge, and one who had a very unique method of punishment. On one side of the room was a shelf, which was about seven feet from the floor and one foot in width. When a pupil did not obey instantly the teacher would lift him to this shelf and let him remain there from half an hour to an hopt. As Bill was naturally a stubborn child he found himself “on the shelf” several times dur¬ ing the year. The next teacher he had was a tall, nice looking gentleman who was very highly educated indeed. His manner of punishment was somewhat different from the last. If there was too much whispering, or commotion of any kind, the pupil who was causing the disturbance was surprised by suddenly being struck by a pencil, book, or any other article that happened to come to hand. Not deeming this sufficient, the pupil would be required to return the missile and would receive a sharp rap on the hand, unless quick enough to get out of the way. Bill was now in the fourth room and school was becoming unbearable to him. He began the study of Physiology, and how he did hate it. It seemed as tho he never could remember the names of the bones and nerves, and mus¬ cles, and the thousand and one other things that there were to be committed. He located the right auricle in “the north-east corner of the heart” and on being asked to name the bones of the skull, after thinking for some time said, “Well, I’ve got them all in my head, but I can’t think of them now”. No wonder his mother sent word to the teacher “Not to teach him any more ignorance”. If we could only keep our wits about us it would save us a great many unnecessary trials. Now he was ready to enter the High School and was very much surprised to find no abrupt break between this department and the eighth grade, but that it was the same thing over again, only more advanced. He thought that this would be so easy, having been over the work before, that he did not spend much time in study, consequently he made some very poor recitations. After idling away several months he suddenly came to the conclusion that the work was much more advanced than he had at first sup¬ posed and that if he learned anything he would have to put forth considerably more effort. And study hard he did until his brain was so muddled that he could not tell a quadratic equation from a symphony in E flat. More than 60 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. once he was obliged to remain after school to make up the work. On these oc¬ casions he gave his imagination freest rein, as is indicated by some of the following definitions: ‘Spinster, one who spins”; „ “Blacksmith, one who blacks”, “Miller, one who mills”, “Gardener, one whonguards”, “Teller, one who tells”, “Brake- man, one who breaks”, “Spooney; one who spoons”. It is not surprising- that when examination time came lie did not pass, altho he was much sur¬ prised when he discovered that he had to make up the work. But none who saw his papers were surprised, nor will any be who hear the following: “Dynamo, a dangerous explosive,” “Boyle’s Law, Never trump your partner’s ace,” “A cormis a tuber with the pedicels growing out of the bracts”, “The Tigris is a black and yellow, striped animal,” “Oliver Cromwell was a general in the Mexican war,” and “he couldn’t remember, for the life of him, whether Julius Caesar was a Greek warrior or an American statesman.” But he did not mind such trifling “set backs” as failures in “zams,” and made them up, without any apparent displeasure. That was the last examination that he ever failed in, as it taught him a lesson that he did not forget for the remainder of his school days. The studies that had always seemed so hard for him now became comparatively easy and soon be became, not only the best student in his class but in the school also. His boyish pranks were soon forgotten by those about him and enough could not be said in his praise. He was elected president of his class and valedictorian for commence¬ ment. This was the first really great triumph of his life. The flowers, the presents, the applause, the hearty congratulations of friends and relatives, all united to impress upon him the fact that he had at last “put away childish things and become a man.” Thus, in a halo of glory, his school life came to an end, and, at this point, perhaps this story should cease—and yet, the tale would be incomplete without some reference to those poignant griefs and exquisite joys which so eminently characterize the dawning passions of the young. The fact is, he had not long been out of school when he fell desperately in—earnest. It was no poor, little, half-frozen cupid that assailed him, but a great big red-hot one. Of course his associates derided him; they knew no better. The older ones among his friends poked fun at him; they should have known better. His parents, also, had considerable to say; they DID know better, but the poor little cupid which they had once entertained had grown so chilly during its residence in their icy home that it had flown back to the gods who gave it. They didn’t know it was gone, at first, because, for a long time, it had been so benumbed by the cold that no spark of generous warmth had been manifest in its presence, and even now, when, in the person of their only son SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 61 they saw the divine miracle again enacted they denied that it was genuine and sought, by every means in their power to dissuade him from the pursuit of what they chose to call a phantom. But to him it was no phantom, but one of the most genuine realities of his existence. In fact, it was the only reality for a time that strongly appealed to him. Ah, those were marvelous days. Never before had the flowers taken on such vivid tints or the grass such gorgeous hues. All nature was clad in her most resplendent robes. The song of the lark had in it notes that he never had heard before and when his “Fair Enamorata” was wafted into his pres¬ ence there wasn’t a place as large as a pin-head in all the universe that was not fairly running over with wild, “frabageous” joy. “Ah, sweet, green time in life! Surely the. angels must feel a heavenly sympathy with such as he and pour forth their richest benedictions upon them. At any rate, the poor fellows act as if something “heavenly” had befallen them. And now we can safely let him rest. The cycle of existence has become complete. Baby, urchin, lad, youth, man!-! Let us hope that the good influences which surrounded him during the earlier stages of his life may lead him to become as true a husband as he was ardent a lover—one of Nature’s noblemen. (flash ' Bagquet. One of the most enjoyable social events in the history of the Class of 1901 was a banquet given in + heir honor at the Philomathian Hall by the classes of ’02, ’03 and ’04. Among the guests were the School Board and corps of teachers. Upon arriving at the banquet hall the class imagined that some mysterious hand had conducted them to the realms of Fairy Land. The old hall, former¬ ly so dark and gloomy, had been transformed into a place of rare beauty. Here and there were ferns, palms and cut flowers, but the most pleasing thing of all to the Class of ’01 was to see their colors, green and white, predominat¬ ing. Before they had fully awakened to the fact that they were not in some unknown sphere, where spirits dwell, harmonious strains of music were heard from a heretofore unnoticed recess. This was only the beginning of the de¬ lightful program which was as follows: Instrumental solo. Miss Mary Hamilton Salutatory address. Mr. Lenoir Pifer Recitation. Miss Anna Templeton Mandolin solo... Mr. Varnum Parish Recitation..... Miss Maysie Kious Vocal solo. ...Miss Estelle Vane Recitation. Miss Ina Hess Vocal duet. Misses Blanche Freeman and Laura Gibson Speech before banquet. Miss Bonnie Weaver At the close of this program the guests were conducted to the tables, which were in keeping with the other surroundings. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 63 It was the post prandial portion of the entertainment, however, which— well—to tell the truth—the printer is hurrying us for “copy” and so we have ventured to try writing this article before the events take place, a not unusual proceeding among journalists, we believe. Anyhow, Prof. Little acted as Toastmaster and the toasts, which were all received with loud laughter and great applause were as follows: “The High school of the Future” responded to, in behalf of the School Board by Mrs. B. F. Gray, and “Advice to Seniors” by Mr. Joseph Gibeault, of the Junior Class. The time was so delightfully spent that the hour for leaving arrived be¬ fore any one was aware of its presence. After the feast was over the universal verdict seemed to be that the ban¬ quet was just simply “out of sight.” 04 SENOR YEAR BOOK. TUNE “THE TAIL OF THE KANGAROO.” Oh list to our song for ’twill warn you Of things that you ought not to do For you certainly need our precepts to heed The tales that we tell are true. Remember what we say, for you’ll need it some day When yu’ve reached the rank of a Senior For ’tis hard to get there without work and care Which is far beyond a Junior. Chorus Oh schoolmat3S sad and weary Oh schoolmates tried and true, Pray follow our example That we freely leave for you. Seek not the highest honors For you will seek in vain But take the place we leave you The honors will be our gain. The above lines seem to be very mild and gentle but when the three other stanzas, which refer more particularly to the members of the lower classes, are brought before the public, at commencement time, the chances are that the above criticism, as applied to the song as a whole will have to be with¬ drawn. It is decidedly “spicy.” SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 05 Parody. ’Twas in the recitation room One gloomy winter’s day Two “Sophies’’ tried to study hard But had too much to say. “Ich liebe dich’’ he softly sighed “Ich can’t speak Deutch’’ she said, And then, in sudden reticence She wisely bowed her head. She wore her heart upon a chain And this he wished to take But the very thought of seizing it Made all his bones to quake And so, he sat, and looked, and longed, Nor dared advance at all Till another fellow saw the heart, And took it, girl and all. “Twas ever thus, from childhood’s hour’’ Ilis seat-mate heard him say, “I ne’er could have a good ’right bower’ But it would get away! ” Poor H. thruout his life, we fear He’ll play in woeful luck. This thing he wants, and cannot find P-L-U-C-K PLUCK. Chorus— It was his only chance It was his only chance lie breathed a sigh, To think, in sooth, He was ein ganz gross Cans. C ' hool [-ii story. While viewing the products ot the present school let us turn our minds backward to a time when the early pioneers were struggling to estab¬ lish a school system which should be worthy of the place. The records of the first attempts at regular instruction for the youths show that Miss Lorraine Beebe kept school in Asher Sergeant’s house, in 1837, his two boys being the only pupils. The building was located on what is now Walnut street, between Third and Fourth streets. In the winter of 1838 there was a building on the Metcalf place, just east of the present site of our city, which was used for school purposes. Miss Beebe again had charge of the young people having scholarly ambi¬ tions. As some of the pupils, together with the teacher, lived on the south side of the river she procured a boat, and, acting as oars-woman, conveyed them to and from school. In 1840 a log building was erected, at the corner of Front and Range streets, by A. S. Vail, and rented to the district for school purposes. The seats were slabs, fitted with legs, but were without backs. The regular studies were reading, writing, arithemetic, grammar and spelling, and besides these there were the “extras” ranging from the be¬ ginners in the A B C’s to the more advanced work in mathematics, in some cases the work in mathematics being carried even as high as trigo- mometry. One thing in which the forefathers seem to have prided themselves was their spelling. Noah Webster’s Elementary Speller was then in al¬ most universal use and for this reason it was possible to secure very well balanced spelling contests, the one book serving both as text aud work of reference on all disputed points. In the other branches, as the families represented in the schools came from many different parts of the country the books brought along were SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 67 very frequently of many sorts and because of this, and because new books were very costly, the directors ordered the teacher to use such books as were brought and do the very best that could be done with the material at hand. In 1851 the two story brick schoolhouse on Locust street, in Momence Township was erected and in 1855, in Ganeer Township the frame school building on Market street The residence of Mrs. Blake now occupies this site. The directors of Ganeer Township sold the school section at a very good figure, the interest on the proceeds realized being sufficient to pay the salaries of the teachers for a considerable time. In Momence, how¬ ever, as the school section happened to be marsh land the amount received was very small. Because of this, the teachers, being nothing more than human, (despite their assertions to the contrary,) all flocked to Ganeer. There being no school tax the expenses were divided among the pu¬ pils. Roll was called twice a day and the teachers had to keep an accurate record of the attendance; then, the teacher’s salary, and other school ex¬ penses were apportioned among the parents in accordance with the num¬ ber of days their children had attended. The old brick school house was used about fourteen years, then it was noticed that the walls were spreading. The building was watched and the cracks were soon declared to be widening. The building was then de¬ clared unsafe, after which a committee was appointed by the school board to examine the building and make some recommendation as to what should be done. This committee reported that in its then present condition it was unsafe, but that anchoring would prevent any further spreading. Anchors were applied and the building, although still considered unsafe for school purposes was rented for use as a carpenter shop and remained! standing until the summer of 1900, when it was sold and finally removed. It was then discovered that the anchors had been so well placed, and the building so well braced in every way, that it was almost impossible to tear down the walls, even with jack screws and levers. During the time of the discussion in regard to the safety of the school house the school was held in the Durham building, the corner of Front and Range streets, and was never moved from there until the Central school building was erected. In 1870 the Momence Union School district was incorporated, includ¬ ing in its territory the City of Momence and an irregular portion of the sur¬ rounding territory. The reason for taking in the extra territory was that the extra property would help pay the taxes and so somewhat lighten the burden upon the citizens. After the organization of the district the first question was the provi- 08 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. sion of a proper building. There was considerable discussion as to the amount to be spent upon this building. There was a division among the people as to whether seven thousand or twenty thousand dollars should be expended for this purpose but when the vote was taken a majority voted for the twenty thousand dollar proposition. The contract was let, the agreement being that the building should be ready for the commencement of the school in the fall of 1871 and the pres¬ ent Central School Building was the result. This building is three stories high with a basement for the primary pupils. On the uppermost floor are located the Philomathian Hall, used for literary purposes, and a workshop. The second floor is devoted to the High school, while the first floor is occupied by the pupils of the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades. W. H. Bonn is the principal of the high school and Miss L. E. Grif¬ fin assistant principal, while Mr. Little, as Supt. of the Momence Union schools, puts in most of his time in hearing recitations in the high school. Still another teacher is really needed in the high school, but up to this time funds have been too scarce to make it possible to add this im¬ provement. Miss M. M. Dunn presides over the seventh and eighth grades, Mrs. E. R. St. John over the fifth and sixth and Miss Bertha Lamb over the fourth. Miss Cora Nichols has charge of the third, Miss May Simonds of the second and Miss Mabel Groves of the first. Because of the over crowding of the lower grades another school was needed. At first it was proposed to hold half day sessions m the pri¬ mary grades, one half of the pupils attending during the forenoon and the other in the afternoon, but this created so much adverse criticism that.,a proposition was submitted to a vote to build a four room school house on the south side of the river. The decision was favorable and a six thous¬ and dollar building was erected on lots kindly donated by W. W. Par¬ ish Jr. When it came to choosing a name for this school it was thought that the first teacher m the district should be honored and so the name Lorraine was adopted, this being the given name of Miss Beebe, who ro.ved her pupils across the river; as stated above. Of course the time will come when the people of this vicinity will look upon our present school in much the same light as that in which we regard the schools of the earliest times, effective but limited in many ways. Then, of course, there will be manual training, cooking school, sewing school, drawing, commercial course, etc., but these things cannot come until the country is richer. That it will become richer there can be little doubt. SENIOR YEAR BOOK. 69 ‘‘(Soakletts. ” “A certain Knight was taken ill while on his way to London. Where and when?” (Same answer for both) “In the middle of the (K) night. Miss B. declares that she will go to Evanston if she gets the Price. “I’d die for you,” said the ardent youth, And looked at her with loving glance. “I wish you would’’ she sweetly said, “And give some other man a chance.” Stella has a set of teeth That never gave her pain. The reason is not hard to guess, They’re made of porcelain. Teacher:—“Give the principal parts of the word ‘shoe.’” Pupil:—-“Shoe; shoed, shoed.” And this isn’t a “fairy story,” either. Lost, between the S. W. corner of Front and Walnut and the N. E. cor¬ ner of Third and Locust Streets, a W. H. B. Teacher:—“Name the Tropic which passes thro North America.” Pupil:—“Can’t sir.” Old Maid: — “My family came over in the Mayflower.” Affable Youth: — “Indeed, were you seasick during the voyage?” “Soon the commencement days will come And the graduates, with ease, Will act just like thermometer ' s, They’ll ‘get there by degrees.’ ” Two U. S. Senators fell into a violent quarrel over their respective virtues and one of them declared that it was his belief that the other could not say the Lord’s Prayer thro correctly. Thereupon a bet of a hundred dollars was made, the stakes being held by a third Senator. Then the man whose good¬ ness had been called in question repeated “Now I lay me,” etc., and the Sen¬ ator holding the stakes handed them to him while the defeated one remarked, “Well, I didn’t think you could do it, anyhow.” Some time ago one of our leading citizens decided to move to Chicago. He wished to make an honest living and thought that there would be but little competition there in that line. Just before the family left one of the children, a little girl, slipped no t 70 SENIOR YEAR BOOK. her room to make a farewell prayer and her mother, being of a curious turn, listened at the key-hole. She heard a most fervent appeal which wound up with “And now, good b’ye God, I’m going to Chicago.” “Heaven lies about us in our infancy” and our neighbors all the rest of our lives. ‘ ‘J ojoaks.’’ And now the newspapers of our sister city are trying to explain away the results of the recent field meet and oratorical contest. Why not be strictly honest in the matter and admit that the real reason was that the other contest¬ ants were the better equipped? People generally seem to be losing confidence in the papers on account of their “yellow” tendencies. Many will not sub¬ scribe on this account. Why should not a newspaper be as truthful as the editor who produces it? When do you wash your hands in strong ' soap suds and then put perfum¬ ery upon them? Ans. After handling the Kankakee Sewer Pipe. (Commencement Prodrang. Invocation..Rev. A. W. Higby. Piano Solo.Miss Kate Frederickson. Salutatory Oration, “The Laurel Crown,”.Geo. N. Porter. Recitation, “The Mourning Veil”.. .Alma Drayer. Essay, “The Evolution of Language”.Ida Force. Vocal Solo, “Vainka’s Song”.Edna Norine Paradis. Class History.Olive Burchard. Oration, “Self Government the Basis of Freedom”.. .. Josie Dwyer. Storiette.Lucelia Thurber. Violin Solo.. .. .. May Culver. Book Review.Frances Clark. Class Prophesy.. . Clara Nadolni. Recitation, “In Absolution”...Ethel Weaver. Piano Solo, “Valse Caprice,”.Olive Burchard. Class Poem, “Vergiss-mein-nicht,”...Birdie Smith. Class Will...Wayne S. Kelsey. Valedictory Oration, “Sine Labore Nihil,”..-.Mamie Brady. Class Song. Class of ’oi. Presentation of Diplomas. Benediction..Rev. R. B. Seaman. FIRST YEAR. Physiology. English. Spelling. High School Arithmetic. Algebra. SECOND YEAR. Latin or German. Rhetoric. Gen. History. Geometry. Zoology. THIRD YEAR. Latin or German. Bookkeeping. Word Analysis. Geometry. Botany. Eng. Literature and Composition. FOURTH YEAR. Commercial Arithmetic. Civil Government. Amer. Literature and Composition. Trigonometry. Review of Common Branches.