Mynderse Academy - Myndersian Yearbook (Seneca Falls, NY)

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g sfc-» 1 Then, in a far corner, I sighted a flash of red hair. I looked again. It was Leon Dutcher! And his companion—Lewis Ireland! As I neared their table, I heard Leon seriously expounding a great ethical problem of the day. Immediately Lewis refuted the argument with profound brilliance. I learned that these gentlemen were the greatest philosophers of the era, and it was with difficulty that I wrenched myself away from their interesting conversation. Through the window 1 happened to catch sight of a brilliantly lighted edifice farther down the street. Curiously, I sauntered along the walk and joined the crowd that seemed to be rapidly filling the building. It was a church, and I learned that a spectacular evening wedding of two celebrated film stars was soon to take place. From far and wide notable persons had flocked to view this novel performance. I slipped excitedly into a seat fortunately vacant, and waited. Just as the great clock in the tower pealed the eighth resounding stroke, the organ, hidden in flowers, began to play softly. Then I sighted the minister’s face in the chancel. I rubbed my eyes frantically; was I dreaming? It was indeed Robert Wilson, with a saintly expression on his familiar face. So surprised was I, that it was not until I received a severe dig in the ribs that I noticed the arrival of the bridal party. As the murmuring music ceased, the bride turned her head and, I saw her lovely face. I gasped in astonishment. Surely it must be Nedra! The bridegroom, slender in conventional black, bowed a head of flaming red. Bill Fuess, of course. But this time I was mistaken. These were mere youngsters! I was desperately puzzled. Someone kindly explained to me that the bride was the daughter of Nedra, who had early married a wealthy Hollywood notable; the groom, the son of Bill Fuess and his lovely wife. And so it happened that Bill. Junior, and Nedrita were married. Breathlessly I watched the age-old ceremony take place, and finally found myself in the open air amid the confetti covered crowd, watching the fast disappearing bridal car. It was not until then that I noticed that Helen Syron had followed me. Helen is now a very distinguished professor of great excellence. This was surprising, for I had never dreamed of Helen’s ability along that line. Weakly, I returned to the hotel. I had had enough surprises for one day. Some time later, I was suddenly aroused from my peaceful slumbers by a piercing scream. I sat up. It seemed to come from the corridor. I looked out. There I beheld a familiar figure. Drawing her into my room I exclaimed, “Virginia! What is the matter?” Virginia had been walking in her sleep, and waking up, had found herself in the hall. I learned that she had been all over the world in her travels, and that she had published many interesting accounts of her experiences. Arlene Bishop, she told me, was now the private secretary of the President of the United States. This indeed surprised me. Think! A member of ’27 in the White House! Next morning as I descended from my room, whom did I see in the elevator but Bee Fegley! Bee told me she had at last attained her goal. She was an operatic singer of the dashing style that we can well appreciate. As Beatrice was also on a sight-seeing tour, she accompanied me on my trip through the studios. We happened to spy a neat little shop nearby, so we entered. We were delighted to find Bertha Van Riper behind the counter. She owned the store, she told us, and received the trac’e of all the best actresses at Hollywood. After a pleasant little chat, we went on our way. As we passed the aeroplane landing, a machine descended from the skies. A begoggled but familiar figure emerged from the pilot’s seat. William Matteson removed his helmet and stepped forth to greet us. We expressed our pleasure at I. Page 26

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 % Class Prophecy I had been practicing medicine in the East and now in 1950 decided to try Hollywood. As I sat reading in the Pullman, the headlines of the daily paper caught my eye. “Smith runs for sixth term. New York’s most popular governor again to be candidate for office,” it read. And there I beheld the well-known face of—not Governor Alfred Smith, but Randall Smith! Of course, this didn’t surprise me, for I knew all about it. In fact 1 had even voted for him. At the next station a young couple entered my car. I started up in amazement; then went forward to greet Kennie Waldorf and Lizzie Soper. Kennie, it seems, was now a famous artist, and Lizzie was his favorite model. Everywhere they go, they are greeted by warm admirers. To be sure, it was because of Lizzie’s capable management that Kennie had amassed his great fortune. The hours sped onward, but nothing very exciting happened, until I had nearly reached my destination. As I descended from the train, I beheld John Or-tino. the “Genesis” of “Seventeen”. He had, I learned, gained much fame from his interpretation of similar roles. I was no less surprised when I encountered Hodge Kelley, a ticket agent of the Grand Central Station in New York. His engaging personality and business-like poise were considered priceless by his employers. I soon reached the Paramount Hotel. I stepped to the desk to register, and I was cordially greeted by William Farrell. Through his great business ability he was able to successfully manage the most popular of Hollywood’s hotels. We talked for a few moments of bygone days, and he informed me that Dorothy Adamy had a room in his hotel. I rushed excitedly to the elevator. I stepped out on the third floor, and easily-found Dorothy’s room. I was astonished to hear that our little “Dot” was now a lion tamer at Wildner’s Circus. She won the admiration of the many audiences by her fearless daring and agility. Yes, she told me, Adolph had been fascinated by circus life, so he had purchased the great Barnum and Bailey’s Circus. Finally, I went to my room and decided to lunch there. Some time later, I heard a familiar, yet peculiar voice. I opened the door, and there stood Johnny Stevenson in a bright red uniform with brass buttons! He was chief detective of the place, he confided, and only masqueraded as bell-boy. After this, I was prepared for anything. At seven, I went down to the dining room in hopes of seeing some of the film celebreties. A tiny blonde lady, exquisitely clad, caught my attention. It was none other than our fair Eloise, now starring in the ever-popular, “What Every Woman Knows.” Her escort, of course, was Henry. There was a short curly'-liaired gentleman with a fair companion at the table next mine. It was Howard Burtless, a playwright very famous for the brilliance of his comedies, with Clara Geb. Howard was now in Hollywood to see his latest and best staged. But who was this languidly smiling young man who seemed to be attracting so much attention? It was none other than Art Burley. “He’s a poet of great eminence,” I heard. “I must really find time someday to read a few of his foremost works.” Page 25 r £ :

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seeing him again, and soon found that another surprise awaited us. We then turned to the passenger who had just alighted. We easily recognized Hamilton White. Hamilton, now known as the world’s richest man, had made famous explorations of unknown regions in his own private plane. We went on shortly, but soon halted. A gold name-plate caught my eye. “Homer S. Kuney, Att’y.” We eagerly climbed the narrow stairs to his neat little office. Homer himself, the most popular and best patronized lawyer of all Hollywood, greeted us. After exchanging pleasantries, he told us that his sister Ellen had gone into business with Ruth Morehouse. They are two very competent directors; Morehouse-Kuney films can be found anywhere in the best theatres. We next visited the abode of Francis Philo and Emelia Recco, who have a lovely home for the tiny stage children. Emelia graciously volunteered to show us the lots. The first thing we heard was a shrill voice saying, “Now, Miss Allen, your lover is in a most precarious position; you are petrified with fear, but you must cling to him with the tenacity of a bulldog. It looks preposterous, but, in reality, can be done with great agility, if you only precipitate yourself unawares on his back. All ready? Now do it rapidly and correctly!” Of course, I knew in a minute that it was Leah Wood, with a megaphone in one hand and her beloved dictionary in the other. The lovers were Margy Allen and Willis Thacker. It was rather difficult for Margy to interpret the role to suit Leah, but she stuck to her alleged lover through thick and thin. They say she does the same in private life. It then chanced that I glanced again at the dictionary. A name caught my eye, I seized the book in both hands, and held it closer to my face. “William Van Arsdale, lexicographer.” I nearly fainted. You remember William’s spelling But he had over come this failing, and now was known as a second dictator of the English language! Wonder will never cease! The next scene was enacted by Betty Burtless, in a black velvet gown that made her look even taller than usual. She was trying to alienate Nettie Burroughs, who sacrificed all for her children, from her husband. It was here that I ran across Inez Kelly. I learned that she was a collector of first editions. She always did have peculiar hobbies. I was struck by the beauty of the next scene. Someone told me it had been designed by clever “Diz” Morrison, a distinguished artist. With this beautiful background as a setting, I discovered Althea Green playing the part of Cleopatra, the wicked temptress. As we were returning to the hotel, we met a passing troupe. Several faces seemed familiar to me. To be sure, they were Amelia Capparelli, Alice Hughes, Maiy Carroll and Alice Hoster. Amelia’s violin, Alice Hughes’ lovely voice. Maiy Carroll’s contralto and Alice Hoster’s ability in playing the piano won applause wherever they chanced to go. Suddenly when the luncheon whistle blew, everyone tore pellmell for a certain attractive restaurant. Of course, it was planned, owned and directed by our own capable Bobby Wilkes. As I ate one of her delicious chicken pies, many pleasant reminiscences of ’27 occupied my mind, and I rejoiced as I thought of the pleasant futures of my dear friends. L. J. A., ’27 Pag' 27