North Georgia College - Cyclops Yearbook (Dahlonega, GA)

Page 31 text:

J art III. of Senior Cjfass Exercises For only a few hours was this tree, so sacred to every nieiii1x-r of the g-ra(hiatin.L;- class, to stand unmok ' sied. Certain members of the B Class had conceived the idea that it would he smart to pull this tree up. In their attempts to be ' Smart Aleck they had not exercised enough skill to keep their plans secret. So when the night came on, the Seniors agreed to put some member of their class on guard to save their tree from destruc- tion by boys who do things thoughtlessly and rashl -. While the remainder of the Seniors were eiijoxing a ball immensely, and as their light, fantastic, slippered feet were moving to and fro in the mazes of the dance, their poor brother, who had been posted on guard, chilled by the icy winds of the season and half persuaded that no one would bother around his post that night, crept into the dormitory to warm his frost-bitten toes. After sitting by tlie fire a few minutes, he determined to be a faithful soldier and continue his dutv until re- lieved by fellow class-mates. On reaching the door to make his exit, he found his much-cherished tree stand- ing by the door-way, with its twigs cjuivering in the night wind, wee])ing as it were, that its fond hopes of a few hours before, of becoming the envy of every tree on the campus, hail been so ruthlessh brought to an end. 29

Page 30 text:

Part II. of Senior Ctlass Exercises After exercises in the chapel the Battalion was formed on the campus, while the i radiiating class and fac- ulty assembled around the hole in which was to be set a beautiful Columbia poplar. This little tree was not of an ordinary type but one that bade fair to be the most beautiful tree on the campus. Besides the love the Seniors had for it for other reasons, they were especially proud of it for its beauty. Tnto the hole where this tree was to be set, Seniors were looking with downcast and serious faces, thinking of the days in the distant future when they would visit their dear Alma Mater and parade the campus and take a fond and loving look at their class tree. They expected to note the growth of this tree and compare it with their own growth. Oh, how many pleasant reminiscences tliey expected this tree to present on their arrival at Dahlonega. It would bring forth a thought of Senior ' s serenades, and a recollection of seeing ' 06 painted promiscuously, staring you in the face from every corner. In direct connection with this train of memories would come a thought of a Junior dancing a jig to the music of Peachtree sprouts given for his butting in at one of their meetings. After the liattalion had fired volley after volley in salute, the prcjfessors eacli put shovelfuls of dirt around tlie roots of this tree : then each Senior seriously grasped the shovel and tinislied the planting. Prayer being offered, the audience dispersed. 28

Page 32 text:

Part Iv. of Senior Class Exercises Determined on having a class tree, a night was appointed for the setting out of another tree. In accord- ance with custom, if a tree is not pulled up during the first night after it has been set it won ' t be bothered. Eleven o ' clock was appointed for the planting, and promptly at that hour every Senior reported on the campus with necessary tools. The tree was planted with a little less formality than the former one, but not wholly without ceremony. Before the ceremonial songs had ceased to echo, some B classmen had begun to prowl around and watch for a chance to uproot it. The question to be solved by Seniors was : sit up all night or have no tree? The former was agreed upon. After obtaining plenty of nice food and delicious refreshments, a graet fire was built and encircled by the class. It was a night of feast and fun. On account of being accus- tomed to staying out late in the evenings, i Ir. Burnett left very early in the morning. All others were faithful except ; Ir. Kno.x, who would slip off and go to bed every occasion he found, only to be pulled out by other members and restored to his seat by the fire and tree. Mr. r.arnes was Chief D around the fire, while Big I ' liillips acted the part of Beelzebub creditably. When the day was breaking, and the night dying awa -, the hilarity of the boys ceased, only to be sup- planted bv a peculiar drowsiness called sleep. In the morning, peacefully reclining like the babes in the wood, thev were found asleep at the switch. with their tree standing, unharmed. Later. — At the present writing the tree is just standing, having recently been attacked by the college cow. 30