Momence High School - Monesse Yearbook (Momence, IL)

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THE JUNIOR YEAR BOOK. HIGH SCHOOL ORATORICAL CONTEST. The Momence High School Oratorical and Declamatory Contest was held in the M. E. Church, Friday evening, March 20, 1908. There were present a large number of Momence citizens and besides these were one hundred repre¬ sentatives of the Kankakee High School and a few people from St. Anne. Before the beginning of the program, Rev. J. B. Howard, of Peotone ; offered a prayer. A piano solo was skillfully rendered by Miss Bessie Bennett. The High School Glee Club sang a very pretty song which was greatly appre¬ ciated by all present. The orations were delivered first, and Will Parish spoke first, his subject being, “A True Ruler.” This was delivered with a very good voice and cer¬ tainly Alfred the Great, of England, was not without praise. Then Miss Meryl E. Boyd spoke on “ The Italians in America. ” Miss Boyd showed much originality of thought and praised the Italian immigrant’s ability as a laborer and artist. “The Evolution of Man,” was the subject of a well prepared oration by James Crosby. He treated the economic problems and the influences which lead to the development of man. Axel Hanson spoke on the “Civic Spirit.” He spoke of the patriotism of of Americans and delivered his oration in a very good manner. His delivery was among the best of the evening. “Our Flag,” was Miss Margaret Nelson’s subject. Miss Nelson showed her ability as a speaker in the praise of “Old Glory” and showed a true patriotic spirit to her ' country. A vocal solo by Miss Eaton followed the oratory. She is a well qualified soloist and her voice a sweet soprano. The piano duet by the Misses Bigelow was played splendidly. The declamatory contest then began. Chas. Forburger delivered the first declamation, entitled “The Legend of the Organ Builder,” and as lie has a very strong voicq this selection was spoken well. Grace Porter spoke “Mary’s Night Ride.” She showed much training and good ability. “The Swan’s Song” was then spoken by Miss Marie Jackson, whose charm¬ ing voice and pathetic selection held the interest of the audience. “Cherokee Roses” was recited by Miss Eva Lilly, who showed much ability as a speaker and her story was told to a sympathetic audience. Then with much earnestness and in a manner that won the highest praise, George Grabe recited “The Honor of the Woods.” He spoke with the voice of a true orator and his gestures were excellent. The judges on delivery were Rev. J. B. Howard, of Peotone; Supt. F. A. Gilbreath, of Watseka; Supt. E. E. Vance, of Brook. The judges on manu¬ script, were, Prin. E. Sargeant, of Chicago Heights; Supt. W. H. Hawks, of Minonk; and Supt. L. W. Shaw, of Rushville. Each judge handed his number of points for each contestant to Professor Selby, who counted the points and gave the decision as follows: First in oratory, Meryl Boyd and Margaret Nelson, a tie; second in oratory, Axel Hanson and James Crosby, a tie. First in declamation, George Grabe; and second in declamation, Miss Marie Jackson.

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THE JUNIOR YEAR BOOK. JUST AN INCIDENT. BY FLORENCE H. SMITH. ‘•Shine, sah?” The child’s soft voice broke into the man’s musings as he talked aimlessly down the crowded street of the metropolis. He turned and w at his elbow a smiling little bit of humanity, black as ebony, but very heerful about it. He showed between his parted lips, two rows of shining white teeth, his eyes danced, his kinky head was bare. ••Shine?” repeated the small merchant, persistently. The man stepped up into the chair, and returned, “All right, Snowball;” at wdiich the little fellow i.ined appreciatively. He brushed away for a few moments in silence, but soon remarked, “Nice, mu Idy day, sah.” •‘Good for your trade, isn’t it?” smiled the gentleman. Yes, sah, and dat’s what ah need. When a fellow has a fambly ‘pendin’ . him he needs some of dose shines, I can tell youse.” A family?” questioningly. Yes, sah.” He smiled again. “Three daugs, sah, and a parrot. Dey’s a.i mah’n to take keer of.” His customer laughed with him, and slipping a coin into the small hand of lad. went on his way. For many days the gentleman passed the smiling L::le fellow, who always saluted him with “Mornin’ sah,” and some times related a:; incident pertaining to his fambly.” A couple weeks after this, the little boot-black’s friend turned a corner to - . large crowd, such a crowd as only can collect in a twinkling in a city, f - ied about an automobile. What is it?” he asked. Only a little darkey killed,” answered one man roughly. But another -1 ' ' Y to explain. There was a wee tot of a girl nearly run down by that machine. It seems 1 run away from her mother and tried to cross alone. The auto turned tit : mer swiftly; there was a cry, and that little fellow there had pushed her ■» - just in time for her safety, but not for his. I’m afraid he’s done for.” They were tenderly carrying the little form to the ambulance now, and the ism leeding and bruised was scarcely recognizable. Why. Snowball!” The exclamation broke forth from the lips of the man with bared head. A faint smile shown on the boy’s face. Lx k out for mah fambly, sah, will you?” pleadingly. Tine man nodded solemnly, and the wooly, tired little head sank peacefully ImcL

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MANUAL TRAINING GROURS