Paris High School - Arena Yearbook (Paris, IL)

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CLASS PROPHECY T was in the autumn of 1911 and Miss Howell, our revered and esteemed Latin teacher, personally con- ducted the ex-Seniors of Paris High School to the cave of the Sibyl. We were anxious to know what was in store for us in future years, so with palpitating hearts and shaking knees we proceeded on our way to the Sibyl’s cave. As we came into an open place ir. the woods, where the gloomy and desolate cave was visible, several of the more cowardly of the Seniors became frightened and with gasping sobs and tearful eyes entreated Miss Howell to permit them to return home to their mothers. Hut our chaperon was obdurate and sternly refused to excuse anyone. Finally after much toil and exertion. Miss Howell succeeded in driving us into the cave. Opening a heavy door, the leaves on the floor rustled and muttered and the bats whizzed about in the semi-darkness. The two Beall sisters became very nervous when they perceived the winged leaves; but their fright was nothing in comparison with the terror of Myrtle Rahcl when the Sybil’s black cat actually began to whistle. “A wonderful man was Caesar.” Then the wonder of wonders! Mysteriously before us stood the Sibyl. We could only stare at her with fascinated eyes while she boxed the cat's ears to make him stop whist- ling. Then she turned her awful glance upon us in a way that reminded us of the ever-seeing eyes of Mr. Jones. We shrank back in affright, but Miss Howell, who is equal to every occasion and is afraid of nothing, addressed the Sibyl with unfaltering voice and stated our reasons for coming to her abode. The Sibyl said nothing in reply, but began to mutter unintelligible words, while she filled a huge cauldron in the most remote corner of the cavern with spiders’ legs, toads, lizards and white mice. Fortunately, the contents of the cauldron were soon hoiling, so there need lx? no delay in learning what the future held for us. But alas! no one was willing to be the first one to hear his fate. In vain Miss Howell urged and entreated us to make haste. At last, after successive punches administered by the hand of our brave president. Walter Bond, Beryl Black succeeded in tottering toward the cauldron The Sibyl immediately burst forth in a prophetic strain. You will win success as a professional ball-player. Your path through the foot-ball field of life will not be with- out bumps and tumbles and you will l»e forced to hobble on crutches most of the time, but otherwise, your career will be free from care. Then Beryl, with a sigh of relief, departed to break the news to his fond parents. After Beryl had vanished from the scene. Elbert Hargis raised his courage to the sticking point and hopped up

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THE STUDENT O’er P. H. S. the sky is blue, The student loafs and lolls about. He’s nothin? in this world to do. And does it fairly well no doubt; For High School students aren’t inclined To honest work of any kind. The wine, class spirit, oft’ he drinks. And fancies it extremely good; And when thru it he cuts high jinks. Before a Faculty he’s stood; I think it must be rather hard To find excuses by the yard. Sometimes an athlete strong is he. And runs a couple of miles or so: While eager watchers yell with glee: 2:59: that’s not so slow;’’ And talk of golden medals fat And loving cups and things like that. The student leads a stirring life And always is a would-be-good And care free youth in eager strife By tutors grim are understood. Then, have your fling for pleasure’s sake. For overwork's a sad mistake. Ira Alie». ’10.

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to the Sibyl, who informed him that he would instruct the next generation in the art of dancing. Elbert received her words with a look of mild surprise in his heavenly blue eyes. Unlike Elbert. Ira Allen, who always had an exalted opinion of his abilities, was not in the least surprised when the Sibyl said to him. You will gain fame and renown as an architect. You will adorn the White House with artistic lightning-rods and Independence Hall will be remodeled by you in a way that would cause William Penn to turn in his grave if he could look down from Heaven and see what was being done on this terrestrial ball. You will also ‘Winn’ fame as a ‘Fisher man.” After Ira had come back to be congratulated. Rose and Ruth Beall, each clinging fast to the protecting hand of Beulah McClain, tremulously crept up to the Sybil, who de- lighted them with the words, “I see before you success as teachers. The school which you will establish will have the highest standing of any American school for young ladies.” The Bealls, as much pleased as Punch, scurried away and the Sibyl, seeing the fair McClain still standing there with an expectant smile on her cherubic countenance, disclosed her future. Miss McClain learned that she would lx? Miss Boyd’s assistant at the library and that eventually she would rise to the position of State Librarian. Then Helen Baber, our leading lady and the star of the Senior class, fearlessly approached the grim prophetess, whose eyes lighted up with interest and approval when she beheld that calm intellectual brow. Then with animation she disclosed the bright future of the listening damsel. “Dear lady, as I look into the future. I am amazed at the talents which will win fame and glory for you. Not only will you de- light the world with classical literature produced by your pen. but as an actress you will gain a world-wide reputation. After hearing this happy prophecy, Silas Moffett thought that some of his lofty ambitions might be realized some day. so he dragged his chum. Roy Bandy, lx?fore the cauldron and listened with a sheepish grin when the Sibyl informed them that they would acquire an enormous fortuns as matrimonial agents. 'I hen Martha Ewing and Helen Green resolved to hear the worst and were somewhat reassured to learn that they would become country school-teachers and give box-suppers every Friday night. Seeing that Martha was a little dissatis- fied. the Sybil looked further into the future and said compas- sionately, Poor child. I per.ei e signs of insanity in your hilarious behavior. Kankaxee must inevitably receive you as a boarder.” Martha began to weep copiously but was somewhat comforted when Hazel Gordon promised to visit her often and to send carnations to cheer her lonely days. Then Hazel saw the wasted hand of the Sibyl beckoning her. so she advanced with a courageous tread. The Prophetess leaned forward and said, in a confidential tone. My dear, his initials are ‘W. B.’ and you will rule him with a rod of iron.” Then Ella Graham who was extremely anxious to know the initials of her affinity, resolved to try her luck. But she was destined to be disappointed for the Sibyl announced in a sepulchral voice that Miss Graham would preside as matron