Nixon Township High School - Nixonia Yearbook (Weldon, IL)

Text from Pages 1 - 54 of the 1918 volume:

r isM sa jvxioczs -SigT ships c hVtnfiirc more, st X cUsm 1o sAdkc! AlZL. BlaeksiiiiUiiiig Woodwork R. W. BERKLEY Horseshoeing ItooNliug for N, T. II. S n Specially W. F. GRAY COUNSELOR-AT-LAW CLINTON. ILLINOIS • M. J. Shinneman Sons Weldon, 111. DR. L. M. MARVEL Agents lor WELDON. ILL. % Reo Cars and Automobile Supplies GENERAL PRACTICE OF Grain Elevators All Steel Frame Pitless Farm Scales MEDICINE AND SURGERY Power Washers, Etc. • FOR Victory Bread CALL ON • E. T. Gray and other good things to eat, made under the rules of the Food Administration during our limitation. Weldon, 111. for Groceries Dry Goods and Gents Furnishings Call on M. E. Moore Weldon, 111. The Store Where quality ranks Supreme Phone 63 Goodyear Tires Ford Service Station Weldon Garage Clemons and McMahon H. H. Nottelman Dealer in L u in her and C o a 1 Always have lots ol lumber on hand Your Patronage Solicited Phone No. 72 The For Sanitary Market Hardware A complete line of fresh and and cured meats at the lowest prices consistent with quality- Furniture Elmer Long. Call on Phone No. 39 Res. No. 84 Geo. W. Baker • Columbus Grammer Get Shaved at The Sanitary Barher Shop Cask Grocery TOM W. NACHOB. Prop. Staple Groceries Fruits, Candies, and Tobacco Cleaning and Pressing Promptly Done Ladies and Gent Suits Made to Order Furnishing - Weldon, Illinois Phone No. 20 ' f Mr. Roy H. Johnson Miss Eunice E. Walkup Mr. Ernest Lightbody Miss Sylvia R. Gibson OUR FACULTY After having gazed for sometime upon the pleasing features of oui faculty (al lowing for the fact that pictures seldom reveal original beauty) you arc no doubt interested in knowing something about the real person. So we will endeavor to appease your curiosity by a diganosis of each case. Mr Johnson, our Principal and Superintendent is rather short, but of sufficient height to enable him to withstand the burdens his position places upon him. He has brown eyes and dark hair and wears glasses. Our debt to hint can hardly be overestimated. He has really been the maker of our school, since it has been only through his unceasing efforts that our School has been changed from a two year High School to a four year accredited township High School. He delights in parties especially when there arc “eats’1 on hand. His favorite hobby is to rush the Seniors of whom he is Faculty Advisor, and to give them frequent (and much needed??) lectures. He is our Mathematics teacher and has also brought us safely through a course in both Commercial Law and Economics. He well understands the principle of drawing circles and is quite apt in drawing them in his grade book. He has a keen sense of humor which frequently bubbles out at some poor student’s expense. In general “alertness” and “practicality” characterize him. Mr. Lightbody proves to be an interesting Science teacher. We arc proud to have had such as he for our pilot through the deep and troublous waters of hydraulic presses, lift pumps, pulleys, ami to guide us safely along the deadly paths of electricity. He is slender, tall and alert. His brown eyes look out from behind a pair of glasses forming a color scheme with his dark hair. For two years he has been with us and has always been willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He is the originator of tile adopted slogan of our School, “ Speeditis. W hereas some people use their mouth to “talk,” lie uses his as a transmitter which transmits a message worth hearing from the brain to the listener. Miss alkup, our History teacher, has pleasant work teaching her American History students to remember their “dates.’ She is tall and slender and has gray eyes. Her stern countenance seldom loses its austere aspect in the class room, however, out on the tennis court after school hours, she is all smiles. Her rule is inexorable—you must have your lesson, or woe to you. She enjoys having callers very much, frequently asking some student to remain after class, for a few minutes. Although she delights in parties, we now understand that she thinks there is a time and place for all things— and school is not the place! Miss Gibson, teaches English and Latin. W’e have always wondered how one small brain can carry all she knows about Caesar, since we remember so little. She is slender, short and small. Her blue eyes beam forth a welcome to everyone. She is jolly and enjoys a bob-sled ride as well as any Freshie. She is well liked by all the students since she is always willing to help in time of dire need. She is the Sophomore Class Advisor and has proved herself to be a wonderful help to them. Now-, have you the diagnosis? Ry a critical and minute scrutiny they have been found to lie a thorough, efficient and tactful force. Summing up. we find that there arc two pairs o� brown eyes, one of gray and one of blue. Of course all have their peculiarities, their hobbies and traits. Mr. Johnson unconsciously speaks very loud, frequently pounding the desk with his fist when waxing enthusiastic in his teaching. He often says Hit the Nail on the Head.” and again we hear him ask some student who is hard at work. “How are you coming?” He has a splendid way of walking on tiptoe through the halls, else how would he catch us unawares. Mr. Eight-body has a polite way ot asking us to be more courteous to one another in class and to please not sit on the tables in the laboratory Miss Walkup winks with both eyes when she wishes us not to laugh at sonic student floundering through a recitation and forever delights in springing something new and unexpected. Miss Gibson laughs witn us and always enjoys a good joke. The Freshies are her chief course of trouble since they persist in talking so loud that she cannot he heard above the noise. Her one pecularity seems to lie that we can not succeed in getting her ruffled, even when the boys are most provoking, for she remains calm and serene through it all. Hail, Faculty, Hail! Despite all hobbies, traits and peculiarities, we admire wc honor you! LOLA A. EMERY. 18. Patience—What the Faculty lost. LOLA EMERY Social Editor Valedictorian Class See. ’i Glee Club 17. ’i8 Minstrel ’i6. ’i8 Orchestra ’17 Annual Play 18 With rosy cheeks and brown eyes, always study ini? so as to be wise. C. C. GRAY Editor in chief Pres, of Athletic Association r8 Glee Club ’17. ’18 Minstrell 18, play t8 A quiet conscientious lad who always attends to Ins own business. WM. H. GRAY I’us. Manager Minstrel ’18 Annual I ’lay ’17, ’18 Glee Club 17, 18 ' ()f me you may write !n the blackest of ink I say what I mean Ami I know what I think.” CLARENCE KEEL Literary Editor Oratory ’ 16. 17 Minstrel ’18 Anneal Play l6. ’17 Glee Club ’17. ’18 “Oh! for a faculty stand-in.” r KARL PETERSON Class Poet Art Editor Minstrel ’15, iS Orchestra 17 Glee Club i8 Every inch a Swede. VERN SHINNEMAN Minstrel 15, ’18 Athletic Editor Glee Club ‘17. ’18. Basket Ball 18. Baseball 15 16. Class Treasurer ’iS. Treasurer of Association 18. Annual Play 16. 17 “lie likes to T s (to Tease) He likes them short and sweet.” FLEET SUMMERS Ass't Bus. Manager Vice Pres. ’i8 Class Orator Basket Ball 'l6, ’17, 18 Base Ball '14. ’ 5. ’� 6 Glee Club 17, ’ 8 Orchestra ’16. ’17 Annual Play ’16. ’17, ’18 Minstrel- 15, 16 Association '16. ’17, ’18 “Nature has formed strange fellows in her time. MILDRED SAYLOR Senior President Salutatorian Joke Editor Glee Club ’17. l8 Vice Pres. Athletic Association ’17 Minstrel ’17. ’18 Annual Play 'i6. ’17 Orchestra t7 “I chatter chatter as I go. 1 love to wind my tongue up and I love to hear it go. Nixon Township High School Class Day Program, 1918 M. E. CHURCH Tuesday, May 7th 8:30 o’clock P. M. Class Song .......................... Salutatory .......................... Solo ................................ Class History ....................... Class Prophecy ...................... Piano Solo ................„......... Class Poem .......................... Class Oration ....................... Song — Class Quartet Class Will ............. Senior Charge........... Junior Response......... Song — Class Male Quartet Valedictory ....... ........By the Class ...M. Mildred Saylor ....K. Fleet Summers .........W. H. Gray ...Yern L. Shinneman ...M. Mildred Saylor .....Karl I4. Peterson ...K. Fleet Summers K. Fleet Summers Yern L- Shinneman i Lola A. Kmerv M. Mildred Saylor ..........C. C. Gray .....Clarence F. Keel .....Rachel Summers ) K. Fleet Summers I Yern I,. Shinneman Clarence F. Keel W. H. Gray ......I.ola A. Emery Never Satisfied— The Freshies SALUTATORIAN ADDRESS Friends, faculty, and parents, in behalf of the Class of 1918, I welcome you to our class night exercises. During our High School career we have endeavored to take advantage of the opportunities offered us and have endeavored to be a credit to the High School which the people of the community have seen fit to offer us. We are grateful to those people who have given us these opportunities. At this time we have a great deal to be thankful for, yet sad thoughts also come with this meeting. Only once more will we be permitted to come before the public as a class and as members of the Nixon Township High School. With tomorrow even-mg our high school career will end and we will then be the alumni of the Nixon Township High school. Our class has taken part in all the activities Of the High School and has tried to do its best and bear its share of the responsibilities. We may or may not have suc- ceeded in this, but we have endeavored to set an example before the other classes that will be proner for them to follow and will be a credit to us in after years. We are grateful to the faculty who have done so much for us during our sojourn in the High School. They have helped us over many obstacles and have aided us as best they could. Especially are we grateful to Mr. Johnson, who has been with us during the greater part of our High School career and has helped to make our High School what it now’ is. We wish to thank our parents who have made it possible for us to attend the school. In some cases it has been a sacrifice, yet it is best for us that we have the education. By having the education we are better fitted to fill our place in life. We also wish to thank our classmates who have aided us in all our undertakings and have supported the High School as well as the Senior class. We have finished our High School career, but we are not really educated so that we may properly fill our place in the throng. ()ur High School has given us proper training but this training is not sufficient. Wemust seek further training elsewhere. When we think of seeking training elsewhere it brings sad thoughts to our minds. We know that we must leave those people with whom we have so long been assoc:a ed and must seek new friends. We shall not forget that those people have done so much for us and in after years will hope to still see a Nixon Township High School greater and better thaji the one w-e are now’ leaving. Our ourposc this evening in giving this entertainment is to come before the community once more as a class. We hope to give a fitting farewell to our classmates -ml friends, a farewell that will long be remembered in our community and by our School. I'o such an entertainment I now bid you a hcartv and sincere welcome. M. MILDRF.D SAYLOR, ’18. FAMOUS STALLS I didn’t get that far. 1 guess I studied the wrong lesson. I didn’t understand that part of the lesson. ! brought the wrong paper to class. I didn’t understand the assignment. I didn’t have time to get over quite all of the lesson. I’ve lost my paper. I don’t recall. 1 don’t know. I tranlatcd all but that. Was that our lesson for today. Juniors are inclined to write “Young Books” on exams. CLASS ORATION THE INDICTMENT AGAINST GERMANY Today it is a common story how this awful war in which wc arc now engaged, was brought about by a hatched up scheme of Austria against Serbia, by claiming a Serbian subject had killed the Crown Prince of Austria. It is also definitely known today that these very acts were carried on under Germany’s supervision, and that she sanctioned the whole proceeding. And when Austria refused to accept Serbia’s submissive reply to her humiliating ultimatum, it was positive proof of but one thing, namely, that Germany and her ally. Austria, meant to engage Europe in war, for the purpose of military expansion and territorial acquisition. The idea for such acts, as justified by such German historians and philosophers as Treitschke, Nietzsche and even in tlu present day by Bernhardt, dates back to ancient Imperialism as expounded by Julius Caesar. Ancient Caesarism and Imperialism arc living forces in Germany today. Imperialism is far older than Rome, but it was in the Roman Empire that Imperialism found that expression that has taken captive the imaginations of later men; in that Empire it found, if anywhere, its justification. Rome’s wonderful progress from insignificance to world-empire has long appealed to German philosonhers as a most conscious example of the Hcgalian Welt-geist’s expression of himself through his chosen nation. I hilosophy and history are living influences in Germany. Philosophers have taught then disciples and readers that the Germans arc now the chosen people of the W elt geist; that it is their mission to take the place of Rome as the great conquering and cwiliz.ng power. Historians have kept alive the memory of the mighty role played by the ancient Germans as champions or as wreckers of the Roman Empire; they have emphasized that link that binds the ancient Imperialism with the modern— the Holy Roman Empire.” Hut while she is very proud to speak of her antiquity, and her association with the Roman Empire, there is one thing she is very careful to sav nothing ‘about The Germans are again m admg northern France and Italy, and the trenches on the west trout are drawn where Caesar threw up his earthworks in the vicinity of the isne 1 be invaders are murdering non-combatants or carrying them into slavery the same as Caesar of old; they are wantonly destroying monuments, priceless in their historical associations, irreplaceable in their beauty. We have seen a race pre-eminent for its technical s ill reverting in its ideas of international morality to its ancestors of the wild German forests, to men like those described by Caesar. who measured their national glory by the extent of wasted country that surrounded their territory. Surely he trmmph of these ideas would mean the return of ages no less dark” because the new barbarians have at their disposal all the resources of modern science. They have summoned the spirit and skill of a scientist’s hell and set it to work without curb of conscience or humanity. , w We see then that Caesarism and Kaiscrism are practically svnonomous Kaiser-ism implies that the State has no conscience— that the State as swayed by the monarch is supreme and is. therefore, by its very nature, relieved from the moral obligations incumbent upon private individuals. Accordingly, if the State — i.e.. the Kaiser and h‘nc,,nicn —aff,rnl anything to be of interest, other considerations even the most sacred, are ohl.terated and. beyond all else, the inviolability of human perVonaHtv whether in an individual Jr a free pcop|c ;s sct at t,augi,t. P fossibly the best idea of what Kaiscrism implies may he had from the Kaiser’s cnishWtordnier2n yAnnC ' mal,cr ‘I’’ col, ,ry- That is I. Who opposes mo. I shall law. and [ViatYs my law.”OU C ° 'y ° C and ,ha' is my wi ’ « • °nc Pen •� a!I unCLW.0t- Gcrnlanv's Plans, how she would rush across Relzium strike Fram e before she had time to prepare, as in 1870. comin suddenly so as to rrush her h?r Hw (Soun,ln on Russia to he slow, turn on that country, and make an end of her But Germany forgot to reckon with the hosts. She was mistaken in Beleium As I '®“,r.w.a8 hanKed to the cross with the nail prints in his hands, and a crown of on his head, in order that the world ntiKht he saved from sin. so did poor, bleed- our thorn Specditis”—Our slogan. :nc Belgium, offer herself as the sacrifice to be hanged on the cross to suffer that the Jn l might lie saved from Prussianism The world can never forget this act on the part of Belgium, and never can t repay Belgium the debt wihich it owes her. You ail know what has happened to Belgium since that fateful day in August over three years and a half ago. The country has been ravished with tire and sword. Old men, women, and children have been deliberately and ruthlessly massacred. War materials and crops have been seized without payments, factories have been destroyed, machinery has been stolen and sent into Germany; and. crowning infamy of centuries, workmen have been torn from their homes and sent into slavery. The Belgian people still stand caged behind steel bars, formed of German bayonets. Those who have escaped fire and sword and nameless evils arc still hungry, famished, and enslaved, ground down beneath the heel of the tyrant. But their courage remains unbroken and unbreakable. . However Germany was not content to stop with Belgium. I housands upon thousands of Armenians have been massacred, starved, and treated as slaves, torn from their homes and all that is dear to them, and sent without food on a long journey across the deserts of Arabia. Poland has been devastated. The people of France who have oeen so unfortunate as to fall into German hands are forced into absolute slavery. These things arc the result of endeavoring to carry out that idea of ancient imperialism and civilization, to spread that Kultur” which was supposed to surpass all civilization, that Kultur which has meant the very highest in Music. Art, Literature. Science and Philosophy; which has given us such men as Wagner, Lenbach, Goethe. Schiller. Nietzsche, and Schultz; that has caused anything German to be considered super-quality. ••Kultur” no longer stands for these things, but rather for murder, devastation, slavery, treachery, broken pledges, rapine, arson, deportation and massacre. German Kultur” no longer stands for civilization, but barbarism, anything vile or contemptible. But why? There is only one answer. Because Kultur,” under the leadership of, and as a background for. the Kaiser and his war lords, has deteriorated, it has degenerated, until today it is as stench in the nostrils of civilization. It is as leprosy to the world. Under this Prussian program, not merely is war inevitably hell,” but it is deliberately the very lowest stratum of hell, and the means of rendering it such are worked out with, scientific precision. The world, then, has the following indictment against Germany; She has betrayed the neutrality of Belgium, murdered Armenia and devastated Poland. She has set the torch of incendiarism to factories, workshops, ships and wharves, and. has laid the bomb of the assassin in munition plants and holds of ships. She has sought to corrupt mankind with a selfish dream of peace when there is no peace. She has willfully butchered innocent men. women, and children, showing no mercy because o circumstance or condition. She has destroyed commerce. She seeks to terrorize us with her devilish policy of frightfulncss. She has violated every canon of international decency, and set at naught every solemn treaty and every precept of international law. She has plunged the world into the maddest orgy of blood, rapine, and murder which history records. She has covered the entire world with spies, assassins, and incendiaries, endangering the life of everyone. She seeks to destroy civilization. A country or government that will stoop to such things should be entirely abolished from the earth. ‘ God is always on the side of the right, and by the grace and help of the Omnipotent, may “Kultur” and militarism he forever wiped from the face of the Earth, and the world for all time made safe for Democracy,” assuring the liberty of all people and that “ Culture.” and not Kultur.” he advanced by “ Govcrn-inmt of the people, by the people, and for the people.” K. FLEET SUMMERS. ’i8. There’s meters of measure, And meters of tone But the best way to meet her Is to meet her alone. Wanted—Good students. CLASS HISTORY At the present time we have the privilege of turning the pages of History which reveal to us the acts and deeds which have been accomplished by men centuries past. Such arc the works of the literary genii, the discoverers, inventors, artists and sculptors, who have advanced the civilization of the world—men, who were brave, bold, courageous and energetic. Not only through the individual efforts of these men— arc we able to trace the rise and fall of nations but through their united efforts and cooperation much more has been accomplished. None of these things arc so important to us at the present time as the Great World War of today, which will require several volumes to record its wonderful History. Along with the History of this great w'ar w'ill be recorded the History of the Senior Class of the N. T. H. S.—1918— the first and only class that has ever graduated from the N. T. Hi. S. The privilege of recording the H;stor of this most noble class has been bestowed upon me this evening. Although not c’aiming to be a Historian 1 feel it an honor to leave a record to our future classmen—a record which has never been excelled by any class preceding this one. Ours is a class which has had more hardships to battle with than any class will have in the luturc. Through the help of a good supervisor and the strenuous efforts of this class the N. T. H. S. has been made what it is today. FRESHMAN August 3., 1914, a class of fourteen. Vern Shinneman, Clarence Keel, Fleet Summers, Lee Pippin, William Gray, Howard Pippin, William Costley, Karl Peterson. Otlia Polston, Martha Collier, Mildred Saylor, Lola Emery, Gertrude Taylor and Iva Emery entered the Weldon High School, which at that time offered a two-year course under one teacher. Professor Roy Baker. These fourteen never knew what stage or epoch of Historv they were passing through when becoming acquainted with the new customs, which occur with any change of habitude. They were never addressed as Freshmen which must have been due to the size o; the school and the lack of class spirit of the higher classmen. After passing through this stage which is dreaded by all Freshmen, no class has since followed our footsteps without bring branded with the proper label. Under the supervision of Mr. Baker to whom we give credit for laying the foundation of our High School education, twelve of the fifteen members of the class were faithful to the end and succeeded in completing the first year of our High School career successfully. These twelve looked into the future a year ahead to the time when they thought that they would graduate. It seemed hut a short distance away: to their disappointment, but for their good, this year was lengthened into three, and instead of graduating from a two-year High School those who stood the storm and tought the battle to a finish arc here before you this evening as $hc first graduates of the N. T. H. S. Very little concerning social progress is supposed to he learned during the hreshman year. But one social event took place which made the history of this class important, the students less ueglrctful and more thoughtful, that was a surprise on Mr. Baker given by the High School at the close of the term. Thoughtlessly the cream, was left sitting just outside the kitchen door. When it came time for it to play its part it was reported missing. After an unsuccessful search all returned to hid Mr. Faker “Good Night, at which time refreshments of cake and coffee were served. At ali parties following ihis one more precaution was taken against thieves. With the intention of leaving Weldon, Mr. Baker gave to the school, on the closing day. a farewell address, which was very much appreciated by all the students SOPHOMORE As the road becomes more difficult to travel, there arc always fewer who go that way. V ith the loss of two students, William Costley. who fell by the wayside and jortrude Taylor, who changed her habitude, the remaining twelve returned to school. Augus 30 191J. to complete the course prescribed by the Weldon High School A tew changes had taken place since our Freshman year. The chief of these changes was a new' I rincipal had taken charge of affairs—a man small in stature, hut mighty m words and deeds. I Ins was no other than Mr. Johnson, our Principal at the present As Sophomores we were given the privileges of Seniors, because we were accomplishing the last years work available in our school. With all such honors as .Seniors deserve being bestowed upon us. our pride and dignity were slightly lowered when we were notified that, by a vote of the people of Nixon Township, a Township High School would tale .the place of the Weldon llieh School the following vcai Ih.s canceled all our plans for craduation but filled our school life with a new spirit. Fach oi'C, giving up the desire to graduate at this time and postponing it for two years went at lus work with mote interest, because he realized that it was the work of this class to lay the foundation upon which would he built a four-year course. After diligent work all reached the goal set by the Weldon High School. No other class in the future can ever accomplish this end, because as wte finished the work the Weldon High School passed out of existence. And the School to he was the T. H. S. which we highly honor today. JUNIOR On September 4, 1916, the class of ’18 assembled as Juniors of the N. T. H. S-again taking the seats of Seniors, because of their being conspicuous by their absence. Losing a classmate, Iva Emery, and being reinforced by two new members, C. C. Gray, a former graduate of the Weldon High School and Walter Marvel, who previously attended the Poland High School, this class had many hardships to battle with in making their acts and deeds examples for those who were to follow. Under the guidance o: the faculty, Mr Johnson, principal; Mr. I.ightbody, science teacher, and Miss Kerr, Latin and English teacher, this class did its duty in laying the foundation o! the N. T« H. S. Every movement taken by them vas carefully considered and carried out to the best ol their ability because they realized that what they did would be the custom in future years. On Sept, s, the first meeting of the class was held at which officers were elected—Howard Pippin, president; Mildred Saylor, vice president; Vcrn Among the events which were of importance this year was a party given by Shinncman, treasurer, and Lola Emery, secretary. the juniors, for the High School at the home of Vern Shinncman. This party was beneficial both socially and educationally. The faculty departed that night with a greater store of knowledge than they ever expected to have bestowed upon them by Juniors. Kefore the first year of the N. T. H. S. was finished its reputation had been established throughout Central Illinois, both in literary work and athletics; but upon the completion of this year, ten of the thirteen members of the class of '18. as Juniors were successlul in obtaining credits which entitled them to the name of Seniors. SENIOR On the third of September, 1917, the class of 18 began to take the last step toward the goal set for them by the N. 'I'. H. S. The membership of this class had now' decreased in number to nine. With the entrance of this class into the N. T. H. S. as Seniors, the four-year course as planned the preceding year was completed. Mr. Johnson, our former principal remained to super.ntend this body. The other members of the faculty were Mr. Lightbody, science teacher, Miss Gibson, occupying Miss Kerr’s place as teacher of English and Latin and Miss Walkup. supervisor of Music and teacher of History. The :lass now prepared to complete the course under these “bestow ers” of knowledge. On the third of September a class meeting was held and new officers were elected—President. Mildred Saylor: Vice President, Fleet Summers; Secretary and Treasurer. Vern Shinncman; “Launched hut not Anchored was chosen for motto; white rose for flower; green and white for colors and rings tor class emblems. Later at another meeting Mr. Johnson v as elected as class advisor. On the morning of April 1. 1,91ft, .the most important event in the history of both the X. T H. S. and of this class took place, a grey haired gentleman visitor made himself conspicuous in the High School, not only in the assembly but also in the class rooms, where he sc med deeply interested in the methods of procedure. After his departure it was learned that he was an inspector from the University of Illinois and had after careful observation and consideration accredited the X. T. If. S. with the University of Illinois The N. T. II. S. can no longer he considered as an inferior organization; bjitl that it has c.jnal standing with any High School in the State and is far superior to many. Several other events took place worthy to mention among which was the several parties held by the Senior Class during the closing months of School. The first 011c was a surprise on Mr. Johnson, which was held at his home. Feb. 6. Later, March 6. the faculty and the members of the class assembled at the home of Lola Emery, where a good social time w as enjoyed by all and again on Mar. 21 the class in the prcsencc of the faculty was entertained at the home of Fleet Summers. The last party of tin- year was the Junior-Senior Reception. May 6, at which the Juniors proved themselves royal entertainers. i n May 8. eight of tin fourteen, who entered the Weldon High School Aug. 3L 1014. are this evening completing their High School career, from the, N. T. 11. S. In looking back over these four years wc are able to comprehend the great deeds which wc have accomplished and that the road which wc traveled, never traveled by any before us is a safe and sure road to success. Highly honoring this Institution, which was born during our High School life and in the closing days of our Senior year recognized as accredited with the State University, wc bid the N. T. H. S. farewell YVM 11. GRAY TS. CLASS POEM Our ship is nearing its journey's end With eight out of thirteen That started in search of commencement land The eight arc the class of “ 'l8. c can see tlie land of our commencement Beyond which lies the land of success; But before we reach our achievement Through the first land wc must pass. Four years ago we sailed on four unknown seas Nearing our goal one sea each year Till r.ow, our sailing will soon cease; For this is the last, the Senior year. Four years have we sailed on that old ship With friends that were kind and true; Soon we must leave our old ship And hid our friends adieu. When wc think of the schoolmates we must leave And we the first class to ride the foam. It nukes one’s chest begin to heave Like a soldier hoy’s when he thinks of home. Our sailing will soon be over Our school day troubles will pass. On the eight of May wc leave forever, N. T. H. S. as the Senior class. Farewell Nixon High forever We leave thee with a sigh For from you we must part forever So now tc you, good-bye.” KARL L. PETERSON ’18. THINGS YOU OFTEN SEE Gladys running from a mouse. Ossie powdering her nose. Charles sleeping in class. .. Everyone so quiet you could hear a pin drop—when the telephone rings. Vern sitring on the legs of the chair. Florence sitting on the table. Latin students frowning. Rain— when there is a “party on.’’ Everyone .sleepy on Monday morning. Charles late to school, cso. on Monday morning. “Fr shies” gazing around the room. Ossie giggling. Florence whispering when the teacher’s hack is turned. Knock! Knock1 Knock!”—Freshies- CLASS PROPHECY • Well, here it is 1928. Ten years have passed since 1 left the old town of Weldon. There is a class graduating. This reminds me of ten years ago when my class graduated from the same High School. I will try to get in touch with some of them.” Oh! Here is a newspaper. I wonder what the news is.” Ah! Ha! One of the greatest Professors of Economics in the world, Miss Mildred Saylor!—and here is a telephone.” (Kings). Hello! Who is this? Iva Emery? Well, when did you become a telephone opcratoi?w Oh! You did? Well saj, this is Yern Shinneman. 1 just came hack to Weldon and while looking at a newspaper I happened tc sec the name. Miss Mildred Saylor, Professor oi Economics at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and 1 would like to buy the Fnc for about half an hour if you don’t mind connecting me up with her.” Hello Hello!”................. Hello is this you Midge?” This is Shinney. Don’t you know me? I am glad to see yon.” Oh, l m ‘jest’ fine.” Sr.y, 1 see your name is still Saylor which is something that I never expected to hear again after graduation.” “What have you beer doing for yourself since we all departed from High School?” You graduated from Columbia University! Well, you did pretty well. I sec in the paper that 011 are holding a very high Professorship. You suiely must have struck it pretty good-” “Oh, 1? I’ve not done much of anything. 1 have been a Jack-of-All Trades just like I used to be. Say, Midge; have you kept in very close touch with any of our other classmates?” Oh, you have? Well, tell me about them?” Oh, VVilie Gray! Well 1 should say I do remember him and how he loved to sit in the class room and look out of one of those south windows of the school building.” Yes, and do you remember that time when he was looking out of one of them and fell out of his chair? Well I suppose she is his wife by now. isn’t she’” What! He is a lawyer. Well, that is right where I had him. Tell me how you know' this? “Oh! You read it in the paper.” Pcalding a case in New N ork for Clarmce Keel. And what is he?” Yes, an insurance agent is right where I thought he would he.” ’Green Ereshics? Well I should say I do remember them. They were ‘some green kids’ wdien thc first entered High School.” One of them is suing Clarence for Insurance!” “What for?” Getting his teeth knocked out by running his automobile into a railroad car?” “Well that is pretty good. Have you heard from any of the rest?” “C. C. Gray? Say, he was some studious boy wasri’t he, especially if he had three or four girls around teasing him. Well, I suppose he is some big automobile agent under Ford. Now didn’t I just about hit it?” You say he is in Ko-Kokomo, Indiana, selling Ford cars? Well, I’ll bet tha bov sells them. He would make the people buy whether they wanted to or not. Well, good luck to him.” Who?” “Gustavius Adolphius!” No. . don’t. Oh, yon mean Karl Peterson, yes I remember him and how he would blush if you teased h:m about some girl. And say he was some experimenter in Physics, too. If no one else would make ’or work he could” Oh. I believe 1 could guess pretty close.” Well let me sec. I will say that he is an Electrician over in Sweden.” ”Oh, • did. Well, 1 am a pretty good prophet then.” “Yes, 1 read in the paper a few years ago where he was the person who in- Lost—An answer hook—Alg. students. vented the electric bomb that they killed the Kaiser with. Say he has some menial ability to figure out a bomb that will travel three hundred miles and then explode.” Have you heard of him lately?” “Another great invention?” “He has invented an electric machine to raise the ships that were sunk during the war! Well that is pretty good.” “Well, any one could tell that he would nlav a great part in the History of the world.” “Well there are ttfo more left foi you to tell me ar out.” W ho?” Oh, Fleet Summers yes I remember him, he played a great pait in our musical department.” “He studied law for a tew years?” “Then went on the stage!” He has appeared in Paris in, “Aida,” well say that is pretty good.” And no one has ever been so successful since Caruso retired from Grand Opera! Well, he was some vocalist when he was in school.” “Who?” Lola Emery. Yes I remember her with those ‘rosey’ cheeks and dimples every five minutes at the greatest. Well tel1 me something about her life.” You say she couldn’t find any one to marry her after Karl Peterson refused?” “Well say that was too bad.” Yes. 1 remember reading about her being a great Suffragette leader and also about her being Senator in the Legislature of the State of New York. But say you wouldn’t have thought that she had that much mental ability.” What, running a beauty parlor now? Well, who for.” “Making a specialty of selling beauty polish for boys faces!” Oh, I see to keep them from bring so hashtul ?nd also to keep other people from seeing them blush when it wasn’t leap year. Ha! Ha! Ha! That is pretty good’ She could not find a more suitable position.” Oh. She is going to run for United States Senator in the next election5 Wei1 good luck to her and she will receive my vote.” „ Well thanks for the information and I hope to meet with all of them some day VV ell good luck to you. Good-bye.” . , Wc,,! W,C,I! well| just to think of the great things that all of my classmates na.e become and myself just bumming around with no particular ideal in mind VERN SHIN NEMAN. THINGS YOU OFTEN HEAR Ira Richardson talking about the wever” (weather). Are we in “Cahoots.” Karl, you’re a hog hut I’m only a “pig.” Hit the Nail on the Head.” ' How are you coming?” I’ve got ‘Spring Fever.' ' You’ve got my sympathy.” ‘ Well. Gus.” Noah perhaps had the first navy, but Jonah had the first submarine.’ ‘ AS WE OBSERVED” ! saw my father land. “My lathe - slipped upon the ice. Because he could not stand. He saw- the glorious Stars and snipes. The Faculty is a necessity.” CLASS WILL � W c, tiie Senior Class of 1918, being possessed of sound mind and memory, but aware o: the uncertainty of life and with due appreciation of the fact, that as a class we shall soon cease to exist, do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be our last will and testament. hirst. To our dearly beloved Alma Mater we bequeath our unceasing love ami loyalty and all the distinction we have gained while there. Second, We bequeath to this community the remembrance of the first and only “All Star Class’ to graduate or that could ever be expected to graduate from such an Institution as ours. Third. We bequeath to the faculty of the High School in return for the many benefits received from them, the remembrance of our w’ondcrful intellectuality and bnlliancy. which has caused the w'orthy title of “starts to bt bestowed upon us, hoping that in days to come, when the many inferior classes shall try their patience and burden their lives, it may cheer and encourage them. We give and bequeath to them our example of a high standard, and ask that it be held before all Seniors who are to follow us. so that it may aid them in their w’ork and keep the School up to the present standard of excellency which we have established- We give and bequeath to the Juniors who will in due course of time endeavor to fill our empty places, our most desirous wishes of success, the many honors and privileges to whicl Seniors are entitled and our section of seats located on the north side of the assembly room. We give and bequeath the first seat in row six to Gladys Hunt, who is thoroughly acquainted with the front of the room, and since 1917 has had few occasions to visit the rear. The remaining seats they may distribute among themselves in the best way they see fit, altho we ask that they remember that they are tiie future Seniors and that the distribution be made in a peaceable manner. Wc give and bequeath to Emil Parker the art of deep, scientific, mathematical study and reasoning now in the possession of Mildred Saylor. We give and bequeath to Ossie Shearer the undying love for study combined with the sunny disposition which Lola Emery holds among her possessions. vVc give and bequeath to Chas. Adams a remedy for sleepiness in class, which Karl Peterson by many hours of electrical and chemical research work has discovered. Sec Mr. Peterson at once and take the prescribed cure according to his directions. We give and bequeath to Kay Olson the eloquent oratorical power which Fleet Summers now’ possesses. We give ar i bequeath to Earl Koben the secret of having a different girl each night without any serious consequences. Clarence Keel has many other secrets along this same line that lie w ill gla-Jly impart to any Junior or Sophomore who will call upon him within the next ten days. We give and bequeath to I.ila Ra’lcnhach the authoritative power in future years which William Gray has exercised during the year of 1918. W c give and bequeath to Harry Goble the artful and diplomatic characterisitcs which Yen; Shinncman now' possesses. To the Sophomores of 18 we give and bequeath the many qualities which are requited to make a remarkable class. We g.ve and bequeath to the Freshman Class a small amount of sympathy, which we think will be greatly needed by them as they pass through the various stages of High School life. All property not herein mentioned wc give and bequeath to the remaining members of the lunior Class for one year only. At the expiration of that stated time this said property becomes the permanent possessions of the Hoard of Education of the Nixon Township High School. We do Iu rely appoint as executrix of this, our last will and testament, the President oi the Junior Class of 18. who wc think can conscientiously attend to the :arrying out of the terms of these, our last requests. itne s oik hand and seal this Seventh day of Mav, � ot8. . D.. Class of Nineteen Eighteen. C. C. GRAY. 't8. Grader arc not c cry thing — Clarence. SENIORS' CHARGE Hoar yc—all under classmen and students who arc about to enter High School —listen, all yc Juniors to that advice which I am about to impart to the class of 1919. It is not my idea this evening, member of the class of 1919, to make startling statements about you nor is it my purpose to hand you any bouquets, but what 1 have planned to do is to give to you those words which you have made necessary because of the fact that you have failed to show that initiative and good judgment which should characterize third year students. A little over a month ago the Junior class secured the services of our Local Hand and immediately advertised that a Junior I lay was going to be given. Look you, they said ‘’Juniors” when over half of those appeared duiing the evening were Seniors. Sophomores or Freshmen. And when 1 say this I do not include the Hand. And Juniors, you do not know how my heart bled for you when you willfully misrepresented the goods you were displaying. I charge you, never again lie to anyone—even the most harmless of the insects will one day point an accusing finger at you, if you do. Do you know' what happens to iittlc folks who stories” to their mammas and especially to Seniors: There is one among you who must be admired for her beauty and splendid physique. Some day the class of 19 will be greatly honored by this young lady. She is going to be commander-in-Chicf of the Temperance forces of the United States, and in latci years 1 am sure that when you read of her shooting up Sony main thorough-fare ot some town or knocking off the head of some policeman, you will say with no little amount of pride: “She was a member of my class in High School.” And then when she becomes real excited and her wonderful temper, of which she is so proud, gains control of her. she will be thrown into the city dungeon. Will that not be a great day for the class of '19? To think that one of your foremost classmates is in Sing-Sing or Joliet on such a disreputable charge. Therefore. I charge you Juniors. Talk to this young lady. Show her the foflly of such a career, whicn she seems intent upon following; point out to her the great dishonor and unasked for notoriety that she will bring upon those who once believed her to possess such intelligence and good judgment as to belong to the class of ’19. And now as to your musical ability and the prospects for the ensuing year. Juniors, it is with much pride that 1 speak of the class of ’18 in regard to its musicians. Has any class leaving this school ever taken with it the number of musicians which the class of ’f8 is so honored? And when I say musicians 1 mean they are proficient along e er line, musicians who make other classes, and in fact the whole community sit up and take notice. In 19 6 Miss Kerr ganizcd the Hoy’s Glee club. Six of the eight members were Seniors and in the two succeeding years the membership has remained the same. Upon these six Seniors has fallen all of the work and responsibility of furnishing the talent. Do you think you will ever be able to appear before the public again in a musical entertainment? In saying this 1 do it not in the spirit of bragging but to bring before you the high standard these me of ’18 have set foi the other classes especially you Juniors. There have been many instances this year, class of 19. in whicn you have proved yourself incapable of bearing the name of Junior, but there is one which stands out among the rest. This occasion has given way to much comment throughout the Other classes and among outside people who are interested in the welfare of the school. The matter to which I refer was the choosing of a vocation by one of the members of ti e Class of 19. Everyone stood amazed and aghast when they saw him standing over a young man whom he was in the act of shaving. Thing ot it ali you who know’ the many horrible gashes which he inflicted upon the poor victim in the chair. Think how: narrowly the class of ’19 escaped having a murderer among its number. Hereafter, you amateur barber, never try to shave anyone except with a safety razor because you must never disgrace your class again. Du.- men have always played a conspicuous part on the Basket Hall Team. They have carried Jne responsibility of the team. When two of our Seniors w'crc removed from the Hasket Hall Team because they moved away, the team was practically broken up. bor a long time it remained in this crippled state, so long that one of our Seniors who had never played basket ball before came to the rescue and starred ai center. It is said there is no person or collection of pcrson but what then is some good trait about them This can be said of the Class of 19. There are two persons worthy of mention. The first has shown that lie is just a trifle above the average member of bis class by winning and holding the love of our distinguished President. You are to he highly complimented on vour choice. You have undoubtedly shown tlial you have a fine .-onccrtion of women. Your classmates have not been blessed with the knowledge you have displayed in your choice of a soulmate. Again, 1 say, you are to be complimented upon your taste which is so conspicuous among the other men of your class because of its absence. The other person, besides being are all around ladies’ man is a singer. His voice is of such a lccp, melodious and divine nature that when lie sings it is hard to discern whether it is tiie voice of a human or the braying of ar. animal nearby. Last v «eek he received a letter troni a prominent farmer who offered him as high as a dollar a day to call the hogs, horses, cows and chickens at feeding time. I do believe this is your chance; accept the position and I believe with actual experience which you would gain this summer, the next year you may come hack and pour such melodious notes as only befits a Senior. lias not this experiment proved successful in the class of ’l8. Look at our own Senioi who has spent all his holidays among those domestics and is now considered one of the best singers that ever left this school. And so 1 charge you, because of your membership in the Class of ’19 to look well to this piece of advice which has been handed to you. Take the position offered you and I am sure that if you apply yourself in the light manner, that you will attain that position in the musical world which I have already mentioned now belongs to a member of the Class of T8. But these young men are not the only ones who have not been blessed with the dignity that is so preminent in the Class of T8. You have several who still act as they did when Freshmen, but as it would be impossible for me to enumerate the many instances of unseemly conduct among you I shall state onfly a few of the worst as an example so the rest may profit by their mistakes There are two young ladies whom I believe everyone in the school has noticed, in fact, it would he impossible to enter the building without having these two creatures attract your eve. They conic as early as they are nermitted and take fifteen minutes for lunch, returning at 12:20. Why? To prance up and down the halls and stairways watching for an opportunity to talk with ♦lie young men wdio happen to arrive early. Next year you girls will be Seniors, perhaps. Are you going to continue in this undignified manner? Let us hope not. If you know’ not the hearing which becomes Senior girls, look at the girls of 18 Notice how they enter the assembly, how they walk about the balls and notice in particular the dignified manner in which they hold conversation with the young men of the School. Do not put jour feet upon the desk in front or 0 the side of von. Do not giggle at every little silly thing that occurs during the dav. ’Twtill he hard to do at first, hut try hard and by degrees you will assume that dignity so prominent among the girls of T8 and which has earned for them the name of being the most sensible class of girls that has ever left this School- 'Poo much cannot be said in praise of th Senior class of T8. for it was enlirelj' through their untiring efforts that thcNixon Township High School was placed on t • e accredited list of the University of lUinois. When the inspector came on the first dav of iast month his first request was to sec the Seniors. You all know the result. When be gazed unon those beaming and intelligent faces, he was speechless. But we could read in his face those words: “It is enough. I am satisfied.” Wi1! the representative of the lunior Class please come up here on the platform? And so. Juniors, it is with no small amount of pride and tenderness that I hand to von this gavel which represents to us all that is near and dear to our Alma Mater, and I charge you. Juniors, to maintain the lofty and serene position which our School has attained and which is here so fittingly represented. It is with you, entirely, whether or not this School will retain this position. And now friends of the Class of T9 I hope you have marked well these words of advice that I have gi en you this afternoon. I hope that you will profit by the many mistakes you have made this vear. Of course. I have named only a few of the greater errors, because it would be impossible to bring to mind the many unsurmisable defects which stood out so strong in your class this year. But by those which I have mentioned I sincerely hope you will profit. And when the time conies next year I believe you will have assumed that dignity, becoming to Seniors, which was nothing short of perfect Throughout the class of this year- Cultivate some literary ability in your class If you do not know how to start doing this, ask the several members of the Class of T8. who have starred on the lit-crarv platform during the past two or three years. The only literary work ever done in this School has been done, by the Class of TR Is it not enough to show their superiority along this line? Could you look to a better example? And so it is ('lass of T9. It would require much time to point out your deficiencies and it would require an equal amount of time to enumerate the good and worthy deeds of the Class of T8. which were necessary because of the fact that it re- quircd something of the sort to offset your deficiencies and childish attitude to keep the School in its high standard. Are you going to take advantage of these high motives, Class of ’iq? Are you going to accept this knowledge which the noble class of ’i8 has so tendered to you and which they have acquired through no little sacrifice of their own? It will remain to he seen next year. And it. closing, my dear schoolmates of the Class of ’iq, I would like to make one more charge. !f at any time, in the next year ou arc doubtful about some little projcci, if you are 'not quite certain about the next move, think of the Class of ’18. Recall to mind the wonderful manner in which they succeeded in every large undertaking, how unique every little detail was worked out; recall to mind their brilliant achievements along the lines of literary work, music, athlcticcs and general school work and that if you follow their footsteps, if you accept their plan of attack of the difficult problems which will confront you; then, I am sure. Class of ’iq. you w'ill leave behind you a name; a name that will go down in history; a name which people will say was excelled by only one class befoie, and that was the work-loving and self- _ _ _ ? I . (I % V I k • • « f % • • ( « • 4 ■ • . V 1 didn’t get that far. 1 guess I studied the wrong lesson. I didn't understand that part of the lesson. ! brought the wrong paper to class. I didn’t understand the assignment. I didn't have time to get over quite all of the lesson. I’ve lost my paper. I don’t recall. I don’t know'. I tranlated all hut that. Was that our lesson for today. sacrificing Class of ’18. CLARENCE KEEL ’i8. FAMOUS STALLS Why docs Willie like “Summers ? JUNIORS' RESPONSE Seniors—In behalf of the Junior Class, I accept this gavel and along with it the well meant advice which you have so k.ndly given to us. Yes, as Hook at it 1 will admit that the Seniors have made one or two marke of achievement upon it but when the Class of 19 passes it on at the end of next year this gavel will be so covered with our achievements that we can never be rivaled by any past or coining Classes. YVc have listened attentively while you have tried to advise us as to how we should act. You have endeavored to show u� vliat few mistakes wc have made, yet they arc so small in comparison with the awful, monstrous and awesome blunders winch the Class of ’18 have committed, that this conclusion might be drawn: The mistakes of the Juniors are to those of the Seniors as the mole-hill is to the mountain. As to the entertainment you have mentioned wc admit that the Juniors secured the help of the Band, but was not the entertainment advertised as one to be given by Barclay’s Military Band and Junior Class? There was only one member in the play from outside the Junior Class and he was a Sophomore — not a Senior. This, entertainment w a an entire success and we wish to express our sincere sympathy for him whose heart bled for us and who needlessly shed such tears for us. litit what of the Senior’s entertainments? You talked and planned giving a Class play, hul had to give up the idea, and why Because of fewness of numbers, inability to act and a complete lack of that initiative necessary in all such thinks. This plan having altogether failed, you proceeded to try another one. but with scarcely any more success. You secured Mr. Kuoncn. a Frenchman, knowing a great deal about the present war, to come and give a lecture under the auspices of the Senior Class. What was the result? Because of poor management and deplorable advertisement it came vcrP ,u ar bcirg a complete failure for the Seniors. Just enough money was made to pay the expenses of the speaker and put something like a dollar and a half or two dollars into your treasury. Art not these brilliant achievements? Dors not this show- wonderful ability, great accomplishments and superior powers for management? Now. as to the scholastic ability of this class of 18. For instance let me give � ou 011c er striking example. One of the Seniors, w'ho has been barely slipping through school the past two years, is supposed to be endeavoring to make up work in whim he dunked last year. During the first semester this dignified Senior was very conspicious because of his frequent periods of absence from school and during the last semester he has caused a great amount of comment by his divine right to cut classes at his owm pleasure. But listen’ Almost on the'eve of commencement, this worthy Senior of whom I am speaking, was actually in the dark as to whether or not he would graduate. Does not this show wonderful scholastic ability combined with that dignity w hich is supposed to belong to Seniors? M | standard bearer, in bis remarkable speech delivered a few moments ago, said: - It was through our own untiring efforts that Nixon Township High School was placed on the r.ccredited list of the University of IP nois. Is this true? Where was the faculty during all this time the Seniors were putting forth such untiring efforts? Was not their teaching ability estimated? Where was the Board of Education? Where w'eie the other classes, and especially the Juniors? Did not the inspector visit the other classes. Was not the apparatus supplied taken into consideration? Presuming from the statement made, all these things were immaterial. YY’e all know better. The very statement itself is inconsistent on the face of it. c . 0 4 , l’t P(;r!,al,s : have already said enough about the short comings of the Class «� t 18 to enable every one here to clearly sec them as they are —- not as they would nave us believe. fl, , , 1 !c A lass ol boast of their athletic ability, of the number of their men on flu basket hall team. But where have they the rignt to boast and feel proud? The Juniors have lar surpassed the? rest of the school in athletics. I would like to ask who in this school has the good judgement necessary to ho manager of the basketball team; i)N 10 1,1 ,t,,IS schoc 1brains and ability it takes to he a captain of the ‘ I?,? COWrsC: Not on!y Jv s th,s Tl,nior bccn captain of the team for the past year, hut for the past two years. hat me n w ere voted honorary positions at the county basketball tournament? Not Seniors, but Juniors. One of the Junior players wa otcd forwaid on the second all star team and another one voted running guard on die second all star team. U this no, enough to make the Seniors, as well a everyone • � se. sit up and take notice of the Class of ’i0? everyone rtll„ ruS u°T t,K ■ tjrarv ah.i,ilv thc tdass °f 9, who can outshine our class? No ho has carried awav the prizes in evry reading contest wc have had i nthe High School? One of the numbers of the Class of ’iq. At the same time that we won the honors in the reading contest one of the members of our Class was awarded the prize for being the best essayist in the High School. Can the Class of ’� 8 boast of like deeds? You have hoard how the Seniors boasted of their musical ability. They have forgotten to mention the fact that in our Literary contest of last year no Senior would compete with a Junior either in a vocol or instrumental solo. Hoes this show the musical ability of which the (’lass of ’18 boasts so much? We all agree that the ( lass of ’|8 is the best that has ever graduated from Nixon High School. No one will dispute that. Why? Because they are the firs! class to graduate from this school, but the Senior Star slowly sinks from view ami above the horizon can be seen the Junior constellation illuminating old N. T. H. S. with a glory which will far surpas that of the Class of 1918. RACHEL SUMMERS. VALEDICTORY Parents, teachers and classmates: 1 his gathering tonight is one of the last in which the class as a unit will he present. After pursuing practically the same course of training for the past four years we are now nearing the close of our scholastic career in the Nixon Township High School. 9 Wc are •‘Launched, hut not Anchored” and from this time on we must “paddle our own canoe, but during these years of friendship, we have been given opportunities which, because we have taken advantage of th.-m. tend to make that paddling much easier. During this time we have had the advantage of having a faculty who could not be surpassed. Last of all, we have had the advantage of having Mr. Johnson, our Principal. who has done all in his power to make this class a success. There is no doubt hut that lie has done so. and will still continue working lor our interests. At this time I take pleasure in expressing on behalf of the class, our sincere appreciation for tiic untiring efforts of our Principal and the members of the faculty. We believe that it is only through their endeavors that we have succeeded in filling the requirements made for ur as graduates of the Nixon Township High School. During this brief term our ambitions have been centered on our desire to raise the standard of our School and to better ourselves, so that we may be safely launched upon Life s sea. Our attitude, when we enter Life’s School, should he similar. Wc ought to have some interests larger than ourselves whereby we may help make the world better. � Our future career, whatever it may be. is'but a phase of the game of Luc as wc have learned to play it here in School except that we arc to put into practice the knowledge we have gained here. W • cannot all be President of the United States nor do wc all wish to he. Con- ?.nn«?l.y MC cann t.,a rca,izc ° r � • � in life. Hut to fail is to succeed if you fail i.ontstlj Honest failure require just as much or probably more effort than does true ward 1 s' in ' fa'lur‘ c°lnf ' have P ayed the game square we know that the re- ward is just as sweet in the end if we can honestly say “I tried. o ,.i, c AS th,S °?5 °f !h.e m?sl P ?� nt evenings of our school career, draws towards a close we arc saddened by the realization that never attain will we he re united in the sldn tuT s hCT a am £? w5 proudly say that wc are a student of the Nixon •f own- tlJu w SvviM e’00 i Ut 'aIS adS?M. ,s .,css.cned by a feeling of joy and determination that wi wil ever he a credit to this institution of which wc are now a part t w i Am nOW’ at prting. we must not forget ’hat the eyes of those whom we leave amhiif 7 cxPcc,antly looking for our success. It should therefore, classmates he our shin no. h° Pr ?,, otc.ourselves to such an extent, that the Nixon Township High School Alumni 1 SotPT ‘° rank 115 as ,hc firM class among the members of its thoTmiv u?.before closing let me present to you the words of George Herbert that lluv may help you in your struggle for success: “Pitch thy behavior low. thy project high. So shall tbous humble and magnanimous be i.ack not in spirit, who aimeth at the sky. Shoots higher much than lie who means a tn c llltf . A,ul .SO ,ct e h °nf “1 f,° his WlM as best he can. remembering that “not failure farewell31 m 18 CnmC' U ,lh thcsc Noughts, on behalf of the Class of 1918. I hid you all LOLA EMERY' ’18. “Monday comes too soon after Sunday night’’—Jake CLASS PECULIARITIES Though wise and learned as you'll see, We all must have peculiarities; For even an All Star Class has tads That will make our dear Nixonia” glad. v • C. C., whose hair is always a sight, Just always says, Oh. I’m alright'” Clarence? Oh, he’s a nice, neat boy And liking the girls is his chief joy! Vern, he's the funny sort, you know'. And as we know, always re dy to go. Mildred will.be a sehoolmarm. perchance. And oh! how she'll make those youngsters dance! Fleet to music is much inclined Hut we really think he'll be a lawyer kind. Onr Karl, who has such winning ways, lias always something witty to say. Next comes dear Willie who often balks, Unless at noon with Her” he talks. Kola, with cheeks so pink and pretty. Is very willful, wise and witty. So here’s our Class of 1918 Most witty, graceful, bright and keen. We’re neither naughty, foolish or loud. Of us Nixonia” may well bo proud. LOLA A. EMERY ’18. WILLIAM H. GRAY ’18. THINGS YOU OFTEN SEE Gladys running from a mouse. Ossie powdering her nose. Charles sleeping in class. .. Everyone so quiet you could hear a pin drop—when the telephone rings. Vern sitting on the legs of the chair. Florence sitting on the table. Latin student frowning. Rain— when there Is a party on. Everyone sleepy on Monday morning. Charles late to school, csd. on Monday morning. Frcshics” gazing around the room. Ossie giggling. Florence whispering when the teacher’s back is turned. A prcambulating personification of Sweden”—Karl. Commencement Program OF The First Annual Commencement Exercises NIXON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL M. P. CHURCH Wednesday, May 8, 1918 8:30 P. M. Selection h ....... Orchestra Invocation .............;...... Selection ....................... Class Address ................... Selection ....................... Presentation of Diplomas......... Benediction .................. ...............................Rev. W. O. Lough ...................-......-....-....... Orchestra —...........-...............Hon. Francis G. Blair.. ..................................... Orchestra ..•'....L M. Marvel. Pres, of Board of Education ....-............................Rev. A. D. Moon SENIOR SOCIAL EVENTS This being their last year of High School life the Seniors held the following parties: . One hr.ght afternoon the Senior Class decided to surprise their Faculty Advisor, Mr. Johnson. After several secret consultations with Mrs. Johnson, all plans were completed, the night decided upon being the following Tuesday. Mr. Johnson was not at home when we arrived hut a plan was soon “framed” which worked well. Mr. Johnson came home to find the members of the Faculty and the Senior Class there. Many games weie played during the evening. Refreshments consisting of peaches and cream, uahiscoes and cocoa were served. An enjoyable evening was spent and all departed at a late hour. On March 6, the Seniors, chaperoned by the members of the Faculty, motored to the home of Lola A. Emery where a most enjoyable evening was spent. A little disturbance occurred in the t veiling as a result of a prow ling Senior who was in search of a bunch of goss.ping Juniors. Our fears were soon abated and the trouble forgotten. Refreshments were seived. Games wfcrc played which required both wit and humor to enjoy. AU departed at a late hour, tired but happy. One of the enjoyable events of the year was given by Fleet Summers at his home on March 2 . Games and music helped us to spend a delightful evening. Refreshments consisting of ice cream, cake and cocoa, were served. At an early (?) hour we sought our homes feeling indebted to our host of the evening. JUNIOR-SENIOR RECEPTION On Monday evening, May 6, the important social event of the school year, the Junior-Senior ReeepFon. was held in the school building when the class of To entertained the Class of T8, the High School Faculty, and the Board of Education, at a banque:. The guests, entering at the wfcst door, were met by Yclda Hunt and Emil Parker and ushered to the cloaK room, where they removed their wraps. They were then directed to the corridor above, where they were received by Lila Bollcnbach and Earl Roben. Many exclamations were heard as the guests entered, for the corridor was indeed a fairyland bower, decorated with so many potted plants, ferns and palms that it seenud as though it were a fairy garden, while streamers of orange and blue (the Junior colors were to br found everywhere. After a short address of welcome by the President of the Juniors Rachel Summers, all made their way to the banquet Hall, to the strains of music played by a Yictrola Here place cards directed each one to his particular place. The banquet hall was indccc beautiful. Soft red lights gave a tinge of beauty to the leafy branches which were everywhere amongst the green and white (Senior colors) streamers. The tables were prettily arranged with bouquets of lovely white roses. Alter all were seated an enjoyable supper was served, consisting of: Lemonade Chicken Sandwiches Potato Salad Radishes Wafers Pickles Pea Salad Ice Cream with Chocolate Syrup • Cake Coffee M ints When the last course was finished a series of clever toasts was given on the subject. “At the Front,” Ray Olson acting as toastmaster. After this, all returned to the corridor where they were entertained with music and games. Later for a short time, everyone enjoyed a social talk with everyone else. As the hour was growing late. M. Mildred Saylor, the Senior President, expressed the Seniors appreciation of the enjoyable occasion, commenting upon the friendly relations existing between the two cla «es. and giving the underclassmen a vision of the aspirations and ideals of Seniors. Then the guests departed, expressing the firm heliei that the class of To were royal entertainers. “Ore of Natures strangest blunders”—Clarence. WHO'S WHO AND WHY? NAME ALIAS AMBITION SLANG FAVORITE STUNT FAVORITE SONG Vcrn Shinncy” None Whatever Now twit” (quit) Feeding Candy to the Girls When 1 Get You Alone Tonight” Mildred Midge” Saylors” Nurse By tater” Talking to Him Let’s Take an Old Fashioned Buggy Hide” Karl Pete” Gtis” Klectrical Engineer Sure Being Sweet” If I Only Had Some One lo Love Me” Fled Grit” Sum” Lawyer Oh, Shoot!” Acting Cute” “Nobody Knows the Troubles I have” I want to Linger a Little Willie -Bill” Chief Justice • Aw, Cut it out !” Sleeping in English Class” Longer” Lola Hylo” Nc-ir Senator Oh. Governor !” Educating Pete A Little Bit of Love” C. C. Feck” Editor Oh, Heavens Bugs” Amusing the Girls Darling Let Me Put My Arm Around You” Clarence Peanut Staves” Gentleman of Leisure Oh. Frost” Having a New Girl Every Nigl t If I Only Had a Check from Home” Adams Olson Parker Roben Shearer Wilson Hunt MoKenbach Summers Hunt Males JUNIOR CLASS CLASS ROLL Gladys Hunt—All the world is a stage and she is the best actress. Earl Koben—Known to the High School and to his friends as “Jake Koben. Rachel Summers—She, who has no music in her soul, is fit foi—nothing. Emil Parker—Quiet, but with laughing blue eyes. Beatrice Bales—1 have been proposed to three times. Lila Bollenback—A gay and laughing girl so full of mirth. We need more like her on this old earth. Harry Goble— Very fond of a sailor (Saylor). Beulah Wilson—Of softest manners, unaffected mind, Lover of peace and human kind. Ossie Shearer—I should think your tongue had broken its chain. Charles Adams—He plays basketball, aint he cuts? Isn't he cunnin in a basketball suit! Velda Hunt—Always ready to lend a helping hand. Ray Olson—A real yell leader. Rachel Summers CLASS OFFICERS President Harry Goble ..........................................................Secretary Clara Phillips ...................................................... Treasurer Ossie—I o you believe the adage that money talks5 Lila—W ell, I’ve often heard of money orders. WITHIN THE LAW Rav—Sec here waiter the ice in this lemonade is melted. Wraiter—Yessah we aint allowed to serve only sof’ drinks sail. . CLASS PLAY One of the dramatic incidents of the season was given by the Junior Class on the night of March the thirtieth. It was given in the form of a short farce entitled “Hans Von Smash.” It pictured the conditions of a German when he first entered this country and the difficulties he had in understanding the American language. It was universally exclaimed a success by all present. The players showed much talent and played their part exceedingly well. Karl Roben in the personage of Hans Von Smash was the star of the evening. The members of the caste were: Hans Von Smash.................................................... Earl Roben .................................................... Ernest Dickey John Prcttyman ................................................... Chas. Adams Henry Dasher ....................................................... Ray Olson Mary Hatch .................................................... Gladys Hunt Susie Batch ........................._......................... Rachel Summers Katie, servant Velda Hunt Barclay s Military Bard furnished part of the progiam of the evening. A few favorite selections were played which were enjoyed by all present. A few miscellaneous numbers were also given by other members of the School. R. W. O.. ’i9. ___ Didn’t I tell you to give vour friend the best part oi the apple? Now. why did you give him the seeds. Rachel—Well, they or the best part. He ran take them home and plant them and nave a whole 01 chard. Earl—Do you think dreams are unlucky. clda— es. I think they arc if they conic in school hours. DIFFICULT FEAT Charles was sitting with his feet stretched far out into the aisle and was busily chewing gum when the teacher espied him. “He thinks too little, and talks too much”—Paul P. Charles! Cried the teacher sharply. Yes ma’am I'akt that gum out of your mouth and put your feet in. “In a pinch use foot case,” remarked a tramp as he threw a package ot powder in the policeman's eyes who was about to arrest him. Beulah—Wtiat makes Gladys squeal so when she secs a little mouse. Beatrice—because she is afraid if she doesn’t scream no one will know it is dose by. Kmil—Don’t patronize that restaurant, they charge ten cents for pie lake—What of it 1 am a picce-at-any price man. CLASS POEM (With Apologies to Henry W’. Longfellow) Tell iis not in mournful numbers, diaries doesn’t like to sleep and dream! I’he mind is dead that slumbers. And tilings arc not what they seem. Ray is real! Ear! is earnest’ And the grade is not their goal. At school they arc, to school returncst 'I o help fill out the Junior roll. Enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is Vclda’s destined end or way. Rachel act9 that each tomorrow Finds her farther than today. School is long, and time is fleeting. And Fmil's heart, though brave and stout. Still, like muffled drum, is beating. For the time when school is out. Trust no future, howe’er pleasant! Let Lila do as she thinks best: Act. Ossie,—in the living present! For the joyous arc the blest. J'he life of Gladys dots remind us That marvels ran make lives sublime. And Beulah, not at all behind us Will leave her footprints on the sands of time. Harry’s footprints, too. may help another. Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, forlorn, disheartened brother. Seeing, may take heart again. Let us, then, he up and doing. With a heart for any fate. Still achieving, still pursuing. Learn to labor and to wait —Beatrice Bales 19. He who rides a pony to exams must expect to fall.” r Montgomery Richardson McKown Emery Dickey Whitaker SOPHOMORES CLASS ROLL Ernest Dickey—“Dickey”—Swift in everything hut spelling. Opal Emery—“O-Pal”—Shy and modest as a violet. Clarence Galloway— Skeenzy”—Three stories high; long, lank and lean. Florence McKown—“Shorty”—Big surprises always come in small packages. William Montgomery—“Bud”—“If you don’t know—Bluff ” Ira Richardson—“Richey”—He’s a quiet chap sometimes. Helen Whitaker— I oily”—Studious to please, yet not ashamed to fail. CLASS OFFICERS President ....................................... - Florence. McKown pee President ............................................... Opal Emery Secretary and Treasurer .......................... -........Ernest Dickey Class Advisor ..................................... Miss Sylvia R. Gihsun ••Hit, Don’t Fan.” Purple and White. CLASS MOTTO CLASS COLORS CLASS POEM We are the Sophomore class of only seven, But we’re as good as forty-eleven; For our school work is the very best. And ’I you don’t believe it. just put us to the test. AH the other classes laugh at us, But what do we care for that stuff; We know their laughs are narinless St) why should that corrupt our business. We ne’er try to shun our work Like the Freshics, who are known to shirk. But we do our best all the time Even if others do fall behind. We are going to graduate some day. Then all the people will say. “'I here is a noble class we look to For the many deeds they will do.” ERNEST DICKEY. JOKES A green Freshman, named Pete, in answering the question, What is the Ttcthod of curing hog cholerareplied. “Give him some scrum and if that doesn’t cure aim death will.” ON THE WALL AT MIDNIGHT I lay in bed at midnight And gazed upon tlu wall. The bed hugs and the roaches Were playing football. The score was six to nothing. The bed hugs were ahead, The game was so exciting That 1 fell out of bed. One Kiss Miss Gibson—“When was the Gcttys-More Kisses burg address delivered?” One Miss Noble hinior—“Eighty-seven years There Mrs. after the Civil War.” Otic ot the bright noble Juniors had the nerve to ask what a “Submarine” was. as she had never heard of such a thing before. Adams Barnett Swc aringcn Mahoney Baker Conn Baker Peterson Roben Montgomery Gray FRESHMAN Colors—Pink and Silver Grey. Motto—Impossible is I n- mencan. President ......... Vire President Secretary ......... Treasurer ......... CLASS OFFICERS Sarah Montgomery ...... Fac Conn ....... Ruby Gray ____ Deane Adams CLASS ROLL Duff Harnett —“I like the girls, but 1 lack the nerve.’ Dean Adams—“Let the earth slide. I should worry. Sarah Montgomery—“PH do just as 1 please Mildred Baker—“One of the musical throng-Fae Conn—“I just hate Arithmetic.” Ruby Gray—“Modest, shy. and quite.” Thelma Mahoney—“Is it free?” Paul Peterson—“Teacher’s pet. Florence Baker— She speaks and behaves just as she ought Wayne Walpole—“Firty-free bushels.” Cora Swearingen— Go to Grass.’ Juanita Clemons—“Short, stout and round about. Fred Colville—“Let’s play hookey.” OFic Koben—“Very small for her size.’ “F” is for the Freshman, Who is not a fool. “S” is for the Sophomore, Who wants to quit school. “I” is for the Junior, Whose work must be judged. ”S” is tor the Senior, Whom the rest of us can’t budge. CLASS JOKES 1. One of our little Freshman in reading about “Argosies Cast.” substituted the words “Angora Cat.” 2. Dean Adams, the chatter box, was nicknamed “Polly Parrot.” He thinks it pays to be a I oily Parrot because be gets such good grades in English. 3. Fac, rushing into Miss Walkup’s room, with a sigh said, “Oh! I wish I was young again.” 4. Wayne finished explaining his problem in Urithmetic, Miss W a'.kup called on Dean for the next problem. Dean said. “I haven’t it.” Wayne passed his Arithmetic paper across to Dean. Referring to the paper Miss Walkup said. “Wayne are you helping Dean, or is Dean helping you? 5. Cora has a path worn to Mr. lohnso.i’s desk asking for help with her Algebra. 6. It precipitates” instead of “rains” for the Freshman now 7. lias Cora ever had the mumps? X. Sarah doesn’t add digits she adds “dig-its.” The Freshman Class presented to the N 'I. H. S the Bust of Lincoln on February 12. Owls at night and then. Owls at day—Flunkcrs. Dickey Goble Shinn email Montgomery Capt. Adams I'rof. Johnson Richardson Summers Coach Stillman ATHELETICS BASKET BALL Only throe short years ago, Basketball was an unknown sport in the old Weldon High School. Within three weeks alter Prof. R. H. Johnson come upon the scene of action the game was being promoted and has progressed rapidly until at the present time the N T. H. S- Basketball Team out classes any team, with the same advantages. in Central Illinois. . , ,. • • n «. o Basketball is bv ar the most important phase of Athletics in N. 1. H. S. GAMES OF THIS SEASON N. T. H. S. Opp. llcyworth at Weldon .........13 20 Wapclla at Wapclla .........30 11 Kenney at Kenney ............ 2 0 Clinton at Weldon ........... 18 17 Maroa at Weldon .............16 14 Argenta at Weldon ..........26 Heyworth at Heyworth .......26 16 Clinton at Weldon ..........33 23 Farmer City at Farmer City...17 23 Heyworth at Weldon .........38 14 Clinton at W’eldon ..........19 52 Wayncsville at Weldon ......32 23 Clinton at Clinton ..........16 27 287 25b Lyman Stillman our Basketball Coac’ although just starting to coach the team last f: 11 has made a great change in the team. He 's a very goo I Coach and has led the team to victory many times. He is a man who is thorcug ly acquainted with every phase of the various branches of Athletics and he imparts his ideas to the boys in such sane and sensible ways that they cannot help but be proficient. The next largest asset be has is bis dominant p rsonality; always admirab’e. his personality is the big factor that wins the fellows over to bis side, so they do their best to win. “Just for Coach ’ as they say. This man deserves a great d'al of cred t that he doesn’t get. He is always active, alert, doing tVugs for the team, assuming the initiative, in fa-t doing dozens of things that cause him great inconvenience just so that the School and the hoys may derive the benefits. Mr. Stillman is the boys’ best friend and always works hard for their interests. The Team ADAMS, FORWARD To Cap. must l c given a great deal of credit • for the success of the team. Level headed, determined and a great fighter, he proved himself a valuable man at the forward position and worthy of the honor of Captain. MONTGOMERY, FORWARD A hard fast player characterized by his gameness. Mis ability to shoot baskets under difficulties was a main cog in the team scoring. SHINNEMAN, CENTER A new man but game to the core. Vern made a valuable man at the pivot position. Ins loss will be sadly felt by the team of ’iH-’iq. GOBLE, GUARD Heady, always fighting and a consistant scorer; Harry developed into an excellent floor guard. DICKEY, GUARD Dickey’s rapid development as a basketball player gives him a high place in the minds of those who saw him play. At back guard his heady work and fight gives him the name of Stonewall Dickey. SUMMERS, SUB-FORWARD Fleet was a very accurate basket shooter and his three years experience in the game made him a very valuable man to the team. RICHARDSON, SUB-GUARD The first man to practice and the last to leave. Ira’s development was rapid, although playing in but two games this year. Much is expected of him on next year’s team. McKOWN, ALL AROUND Becoming a member of the team the second semester, Morris soon became one of tlic swiftest players on the team. Much is expected of him next year. Mr. Johnson showed his appreciation of the splendid work done by ‘hc boys s-r«db Mrs. Johnso - d coach cerUinly appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Johnson s ability to coachaiw'csent,cd, oache'stH ,mam n''bchiilT ssoeiation 'at 'present, :r «•? arsr1 arc i between the bo s, the conch and the principal. CHEATING THE EARBER Old Sampson’s hair was long and straight. And he was wondrous strong; Perhaps that’s why the Basketball men Let their hair grow long. Mother: “If yon do faithful work you’ll be a man.” Little Jloy: “If I don’t will 1 he a woman.' “Nixonia’s cute little boy.”— Tote W. MUSICAL The Girls Glee Chib has done some very good work this year, rendering selections in a way which was far from being amateurish. The Girls have almost always been willing to appear before the public. They assisted in the fall at the High School Play at the Junior entertainment this spring, at the L ncoln program, at a Community sing and at the Minstrel Show where they wi'rc hilled as Dusky Warblers. Left to right Montgomery. Saylor, Emery. Hunt. Bales, Baker. Hunt. McKown The Toys’ Glee Club was organized soon after school had opened in the fall New books were ordered and soon everyone in school was singing It 1 Only Had .1 Check from Home ’ The boys sang at the Annual Play in the fall, at the patriotic program February 12, and at the Ministrel Shov in the spring where they appeared as the “Barber Shop Octette.” Left to right: Olson, Feterson, Gray, Summers, Gray, Keel, Shinneman, Barnett COLORED MINSTRELS JOKES Mr. |.__'those statistics were taken troni some civilized country, witch t they? Lola— thought it was Germany. Miss W.—Don’t laugh. You might make the same mistake. William— I’d expect to get the laugh, too. Fleet—(Latin 11)1 forgot was temptata means. MissO.__Didn’t 1 tell you to put an a-t before that on Saturday?. Miss vV.—You know what I mean by the “carrying trade, don’t you? Vein—I ’sposc you mean what Great Britain has got now. Beatrice—(A noble Junior) Girls! 1 know I have the slickest nose of anybody in DeVVitt county. Gladys—(Jn Latin If) They threw up an embankment. Mildred—They must have had strong stomachs. Mr. L.__How much does an ordinary turkey weigh- They didn t ra.se turkeys where 1 was raised. Miss V.—What sort of career did Garfield have-Vein—Not a very big one. He just grew up in the woods. Karl's favorite date “1492”—What girl has bved that long? Mr. J.—What time does that train leave? Clarence—Which one, the 10 38? Miss VV._I shall want you tc look for biographies of some of our great men; such as J. J. I fill, I. Fieipont Morgan, Jane Adams,— Vein—Jane Adams! Who is “he ? William—Who wrote “Burke’s Speech on conciliation?” Miss W.—Contrast Whittier and Longfellow. Karl—Whittier never got married and Longfellow did Miss W.__O Karl! ! ! ! That wasn’t important. 1 think you’re a hopeless case. Mr. L.—Vcrn, please read that and explain in heavy type. Lola—You don’t belong to the I. D. K., do you? Freshic: What's that, the Idle Dick3 No, I'm idle enough. Mildred—(In English IV) His mother was a. “Let Me See. Karl—You’uns just said he didn’t. Miss W.—What? Karl—(Somewhat louder) You’uns just said he didn’t. Miss W.—Who? Karl—Someone. Miss W.—That’s better. You surely didn't say you’uns. Karl—I sure did. Loia: I can’t remember anything I never read. Miss V.—No Lola, we don’t expect you to !o that. “FAITHFUL TO THE LAST” I ditor-in-Chief... Liteiary Kditor..... Social Kditor....... Art Kdiior.......... Athletic Kditor----- Joke Kditor.. ...... Business Manager Assistant Business Manager.. .........C. C. Gray ....Clarence F. Keel ...Lola A. F.niery ...Karl L. Peterson Ycrn L. Sbinneman ,M. Mildred Saylor ... Yill:ain H. Gray .K. Fleet Summers TO MY SUCCESSOR Here is a toast I want to drink to a fellow I’ll never know: To the follow who is going to take my place when it is time for me to go. i’vc wondered what kind of acliap he’ll l c and I’ve wished 1 could take his hand. Just to whisper, “I wish you well old man, in a way he'll understand. I’d like to gi e him the cheering word that I’ve longed at times to hear. I’d like to give him the warm hand-clasp when never a friend seems near. I've learned my knowledge by sheer haul work, and I wish 1 could pass it on To the fellow who’ll come to take my place the day when I am gone. THE EDI TO K.