Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

Text from Pages 1 - 76 of the 1921 volume:

WHAT NICER FOR A GIFT THAN A Kodak We have them as low as $1.25 and up to $34.75. We are the AUTHORIZED Kodak Dealer. Let us do your PRINTING AND DEVELOPING. City Drug Store Your Jewelers 380 years ago De Sota discovered the Mississippi River. Many have discovered our store as a place for permanent satisfaction. JOHNSON JEWELRY CO. Jewelers Watchmakers Opticians Engravers John P. Ryberg Anna K. Forstrom 'jJa.xtmt Community Jiigl] $cluml lu'flcdnr 1921 Reflector Staff Kathryn Jane Dunnan, '22.................... Frames Watts, ’21!.......................... Marjorie Strong and Florence SI.inker....... Paul Nelson and Grace Larson ............... Everett Swenson and Elizabeth Kemp Leroy Johnson and Ressie Steward............ Raymond Johnson. '20........................ Miss Josephine Wade and Prin. O. .1. Bainnnv .............Euitor in filter ............Assistant Ed.tor Senior Class Reporters ...Junior Class Reporters Sophomore Class Reporters ..Freshman Class Reporters Business Manager ............Faculty Advisers lu'ttiu iaujltsh •Number PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Volume XVI Paxton, Illinois, April, 1921 Number 1 2 Paxton High School Reflector FOREWORD “BETTER ENGLISH REFLECTOR’—This is what we have been pleased to call it, but no, because those who have prepared it wish to proclaim a better quality of English than other numbers of the Reflector have contained. Never, thelcs , a consisten, effort has been made to see that no provincialisms, no slang, no unauthorized abbreviations or contractions, and no other gioss violations of gccd usage appear, except where quotsd as the language of persons other than the writers. This can no. be said of the content of many previous numbers of the Reflector. In general, grammatical correctness, propriety and precis.on of diction, sente: .3 concord, and pioper paragraph unity and conerence have been insisted upon or encouraged within the limns of tne training, ab.lity, and experience ot die student wr.tors. The chief justification for calling this issue a “Better Eng.ish Number,’’ is found in the fact that thi; is “Better English Year,’’ a year set apart for a special and united effort to eradicate common eriois in the use of our language, and otherwise to improve both the spoken and written Eng.ish 01 students. A very definite campaign has been organ.zed and is being carried foiward in this school to achieve .ne des red aims of tiie better English movement. and thi3 number of the Reflector uas been designated as a better English number, because much of its content is intended to reflect this special phase of the work of this school year. Ar.icles that definitely reflect the better English work have been grouped together in the first part of the hook. In this group vvi.l be found an original “Better English Play.” written by Miss Emily Johnson of tue Junior Chass. It was presented as the leading feature ot tne ”Bct.er k.iSlisn Entertainment,” recently g.vcn and it w’as most favorably received. The better English motif will be evident to the reader, al.bough the gioss 1 ar-barisms frequently induiged in as a rort cf dramatic toil, may appear ia;hsr prominent, it was, cf course, written for vocal utterance, and action: nevertheless. it w'ill be found interesting to read. With minor exceptions, the content of this number of .he Reflector is the independent and original woi k of st.1der.t3. In some cases topics were suggested by the faculty adviseis and several students were asked to write on them. Only tne best cf those prcpaicd were given a place. One or two of the longer articles were re-written from the mater.ais gat.iered to-gether by twe or more students to whom related topics were assigned. The preparation of manuscript in correct and acceptable form for publication involves a care and thoughtfulness that it is often difficult to se-ure in the every day rout ne work of the class room. It is, therefore, believed tliut the manuscript preparation for this ‘‘Better English number of the Reflector is one of the most- helpful means thus far made use of in the “Better English Campaign” of the Paxton Community High Scncol. —FACULTY ADVISERS 3 Paxton High School Reflector Miss Josephine Wade English Hrpartmrnt 1919-21 Qai IfliSB JliiBfpliittr IHabf uho has enthusiastically worked with the students of the English department — and especially with the Junior and Sophomore English Classes — to make our Better English Campaign worth while (This Bolmitc of the ijJaxton Community Higl] School Reflector is Affectionately Behicateh —THE STAFF. 4 Paxton High School Reflector OFFICIAL DIRECTORY OF THE PAXTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION ALBERT FROYD, President CARL HEN GTS ON, Secretary Y. H. WESTBROOK J. T. C. STRONG JOHN CARSON O. J. BAIN CM'...... HARRY A. CUNNINGHAM MERRIL T. EATON CHARLOTTE WIGH T MA N JOSEPHINE WADE ..... ANGIE LATEER........ GLADYS CORBLY HELEN L. HUMMEL .... •HELEN DOOLEY ...... .MILDRED BA HR...... FACULTY ................................Principal Assistant Principal ard Science Instructor Manual Training and Athletic Director ......................Commercial Subjects .......................i..........English ..Domestic Science and American History ..................Mathematics and French ..................................History .........................Latin and Algebra ...................Pedagogy and Reviews OFFICERS OF ATHENAEUM LITERARY SOCIETY President, Kathryn Dunnan Vice-Presiden., Edmund Ludlow Secretary, Frances Watts OFFICERS OF PLATON I AN LITERARY SOCIETY President, Everett Given Vice-President, Emily Johnson Secretary, Irene Bear SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS President, Claire McKnight Vice-President, Florence Shinker Secretary, Marjorie Strong JUNIOR CLASS OFFICERS President. Edmund Ludlow Vice-President, Earline Nees Secretary, Mary Wampler SOPHOMORE CLASS OFFICERS President, Elizabeth Kemp Vice-President Robert Moffett Secretary, Helen Pass waters FRESHMAN CLASS OFFICERS President, Carl Campbell Vice-President, Rachael Thompson Secretary, Arline Carlsten Paxton High School Reflector 5 XI By Their Speech Ye Shall Know Them 6 Paxton High School Reflector An 3ntrrrfitinu anb Unatrurtiur S’rrirr. of (Ja'.Ua mi Un'ttrr teiutlisli (6iuni luj IttfinbriB nf Ihr Jfcirulti]—©tlirrs tn Jfollmu BETTER ENGLISH TALKS IN THE ASSEMBLY HALL In order to keep the “Better English” movement i.i our high school constantly and prominently in the minds of Ua hers and students, Mr. Bainum called upon the members of t:ie facu.ty to present with soni detail assigned phases of the subject in a series of special talks in the assembly. MISS WADES TALK The first of these talks was given by Miss Wade of the department ()t English on Monday morning, Feb. 14th. The topic assigned her was. “The I’se and the Misuse of Personal and Relative Pronouns.” She first spoke of the difficulties and dangers encountered in selecting the correct case forms of these pronouns, and emphasized the fact that habit or a choice made by the ear is never a safe guide, but that a definite and clear know.edge of English grammar is essential. Many striking, though very common, errors were given as illustrations—such as “It is him,” “He told you and 1 ” “Who did you see?” and many like errors. She then urged upon all, the prime necessity of knowing the following three rules, and particularly of knowin- how to apply them: 1. A pronoun used as the object of a preposition or of a transitive verb is in the objective case; and therefore, the objective forms, me, him, whom, etc., should always be used instead of the nominative forms I, he, who, etc. 2. The verb “to be” in all of its forms, (is, was, etc I except the infinitive should be followed by the nominat've case forms. 3. Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in person, gender and number. In discussing the third rule, the emphasis was placed upon th. importance of the number agreement of pronouns with their antecedents. Miss Wade’s presentation of the subject was clear, forceful and interesting. MISS LATEER’S TALK The second talk of the series was given a week later by Miss Angie I ateer. The topic assigned to her was, “The Proper Pronunciation of Words.” She gave notice at the very beginning of her talk that she would not present any very definite rules fer pronunciation, although a few may be found in text bocks. These, however, have so many exceptions that their value is quite limited. She emphasized the fact that the standards adopted by orthoepists are intended to reflect the established usage of the most cultured and scholarly people. It is the business of dictionary makers to indicate by proper markings, the standards thus obtained. Two ways of learning the proper pronunciation of words were suggested; the first, the use of a good dictionary, and the second, the careful observance of the way words Paxton High School Reflector 7 .are pronounced by the niost scholarly and cultivated teachers and speakers. An Interesting list of common words, which are frequently mispronounced. was presented, and the proper pronunciations given. The following are a few of these words. If you have forgotten how to pronounce them correctly, or never knew, follow Miss Lateer’s advice and consult your dictionary. By the way. Miss Lateer urgently advised all high school students to choose for one of their clcsest and best friends, a good dictionary. These are � he words: Illinois, automobile, advertisement, equation, exponent, dis- course. laboratory, extraordinary, municipal, almond, hospitable, regime, illi trate, finance, February, Italian, abdomen, attacked. Attention was also directed to the errors so oiten made by students (?) who may be described as intellectually languid. For example some sort of mental languor can only account for the condition of the high school student who, in reading, pronounced the word “congressional,’’ “congrega-Loral.” or the word ‘legends,” legions.” Oral speech errors, due to slovenly articulation and indistinct enunciation. were net over looked in Miss Lateer’s talk. These are generally due to complex of mental and physical laziness. MISS WIGHTMAN’S TALK On Monday, Feb. 28. Miss Wlghtmar, of the Commercial department, talked upon the subject, “Business English.” Miss Wightman knows all about this subject, and presented selected phases of it with clearness, den-niteness and force. Sue emphasized the business letter, presenting in detail. the various rules applicable, the principles and conventions that have become recognized and established—whether in relation to content or form, salutation or subscription, or in the envelope address. Her discussion of the great variety of formal and complimentary salutations and closings was t specially interesting and Instructive. MISS CORBLY’S TALK On Wednesday. March 9, Miss Corbly, instructor in French, gave a ■carefully prepared talk on the general subject. “Diction.” Your reporter, finding it rather difficult to reflect its content adequately, prevailed upon Miss Corblv to reproduce it in form for publication. We are sure that it will be read with increased interest by all who heard it. and will be appreciated by either Reflector readers, who may have been absent or who are not members cf the school. Here it is: Two patriarchs of German descent stood on the street corner, conversing. One of them called to his son. Johnny, who was loitering near by, “‘Shonny! Run the alley down and bring home some meat for dinner.” “Shonny” did as directed and upon his return interrupted his fond parent’s speech. Tiien he received this German volley on the subject of good manner'-, “Shonny, when two gentlemens is talking, you must not conversation in!” This is the same man who reported that he had a new “Buck auty-mobile from St. Louis, with a chiffonier to run it.” Words are the expressions of ideas, and as long as the speaker makes 8 Paxton High School Reflector clear his emotions, desires and interests by means of them, words have fulfilled their original purpose. “Shor.ny” and all or us, no doubt, comprehend the venerable German’s meaning, but the effect of his choice of words, was anything but pleasing. Gur purpose in our “Better English Campaign is a clear expression of ideas by means of good choice of words. Good diction is a worthy aim. Our friends—or rather enemies—who use slang and shift the responsibility of “better English” to us, may ask, Why did ‘rihonny's lather use poor diction? He got his ideas across!” And we gladly explain, Gcod usage regulates our choice of words.” Language is a growing thing—the language of our fathers may be defective in some respects now, for some words come and go. National acceptance and usage give us our power to permit one word in our vocabulary and cast out another. There are two forces which, today, tend to weaken the legitimate and refined power of good diction. One is the daily newspaper—great as is its value in scores of ways. Its purpose is to educate the people with the latest news of the day. and it often takes glaring means of attaining this end. The striking sentence, the statement, condensed at the price of good English.” are ever present in our daily editions. Such words as enthuse” and “donate.” have been coined without respect for the standard which says— aronse enthusiasm, ar.d make a donation. A second type of poor diction is provincialisms. The people of southern Illino's use the word, “kin to mean relative, yet that sense of the word is ro longer permissible as gcod English. Our neighbors from eastern I’nited States, add. er, to many words ending in vowels, saying “plazzer.” “verander. etc. A young woman, a graduate of Kadcliffe College was even heard to say. “Oh dear! I must not forget my umbrclier.’ Hut we can not always criticize, for these people think our choice of words equally peculiar. They think unusual our use of “sack” for “bag,” “bucket for “pail.” and s«ch expressions as ornery,” and “I reckon.” Most of 11s allow such words t creep into our daily speech and must admit that “by their speech, ye shall know them.” There are three types of people whose expressions we do rot wish to copy 1st. the man who speaks in general terms. He may deliver a lecture, yet upon leaving his presence, we say, “That man could not talk.” Probably it is because he talks about pleasant days and pleasant parties and pleasant people and does rot know how to put the right word in the right place. He does not knew—and probably does not care—that each word in the English language has a meaning and a purpose different from every other word. , The man who leads his speech with superlatives, we are not apt to1 follow—for he is very boresome. He wearies 11s with descriptions of awful, horrid, terrible, frightful things; and he disgusts us by their contrasts— elegant, fine, lovely, nice and splendid. His brother, the bookish talker, may attract more admirers. For even some modern Americans still seem to enjoy sitting open-eyed and hear- Paxton High School Reflector 9 ng a torrent of words poured forth, the meaning of which they can not even guess. Micawber liked to make an impression, so Dickens makes him say: “Circumstances beyond my individual control have, for a considerable lapse of time, effected a severance of that intimacy which, in the l'mited opportunities conceded to me in the midst of my professional duties • has ever afforded me. as it even mus. continue to afford, gratifying emotions of no common description.” Micawber doubtless made an impression on his hearer —and we still smile at him today. In these days when good English” is one of the signs of culture, refinement. and good taste, let us make car motto, “Correct grammar first— then, the right word in the right place.” a « tt It is believed that the recognition cf the importance or the “Better English” movement indicated by these assembly talks is doing much 10 reenforce and dignify the more specific and detailed work that is being done, incidentally and otherwise, in the class rooms. Morever, the conviction is becoming more general among teachers and students that the responsibility for effective training in the ar. of using good English can not be wholly placed upon the teachers of the grades and the high school instructors in the department of English, but that all other teachers must share in that responsibility. A mastery of good English can only he acquired as a result of many fences. These forces must be Kept active in every department of school work, until correct speech habits are formed, and ur.til in the student mind the highest ideals of good English become sufficiently permanent and attractive to take the place of all school room Instruction and training as incentives for each individual to work out for himself some worthy degrees of facility and propriety, of grace atd effectiveness in the use of our beloved English language. Only some small, though very essential beginnings may ne reasonably expected from elementary and secondary school instruction. The larger possibilities of a mastery of its treasures of wisdom and of its most skillful and effective use. may only be attained by long years of reflection and study, and of literary labor and toil.—O. J. B. OTHER “BETTER SPEECH TALKS TO BE GIVEN Other talks on the better use of English will he given before the close of the year. Among those already provided for are the following: “Wrong Use and Correct Cse of Verts”—.Miss Hummel. “Adjectives. Adverbs and Prepositions to Watch”—Mis3 Dooley. “Vocational English”—Mr. Eator. The Relation of ‘Better Speech- to ‘Better Thinking1 -Mr. Cunningham. “Beauty and Power of the English Language when Correctly W ritten or Spoken”—Mr. Bainum. 10 Paxton High School Reflector OUR BETTER ENGLISH ENTERTAINMENT (By Grace Larson, ’22) The “Better English Campaign” which is being observed all over the Cr ited States, has aroused a great deal of interest in the schools. Our own school has taken upon itself the task of improving .he English of the community. Fosters were placed in the shop windows to remind us of our faulty diction, and a ‘ Better English” entertainment was given in the High School assembly. January 11th. This entertainment consisted ot two short plays which were given under the direction of Miss Wade. The first—given by a Sophomore English class—was a modern version of the mythological story ‘Fandom's Box.” Th s play was secured from Prof. H. G. Paul of the Department of Er gl.sh a. the University of Illinois. It was written by Miss Nila Banton Smith, and published by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English. The following is a short synopsis of the play: “Pandora (Phyllis Ncrdgren) receives a strangely carved box from Epimelheus (Howard Hill) but is cautioned not to open it. However, overcome by curiosity to discover what it contained, Pandora unloosens the cord with which the hex is tied, and gazes eagerly into it. But instead of disclosing a beautiful gift, a great many imps rush out. representing such menaces as “Harsh Voice, “Small Vocabulary.” Indistinct Speech” and “Unpleasant Oral Reading.” These imps are followed by a multitude of slang and dialect “Pests. Pandora is thoroughly frightened at what she sees and quickly closes the lid. Soon a sweet voice within the box is Heard, but she hesitates before opening it again. When she does sc, Hope” (Frances Watts) appears. followed by the staunch soldiers, “Good Grammar,” ‘ Distinct Speech, and “Large Vocabulary,” and by their aid the imps and “pests ’ are overcome and forced to return to the box.” The second part of the entertainment was a comedy entitled, “Rosie Reforms the Rollisters.” This was presented by members of the Junior class. The sketch was especially enjoyable, because it was written by Emily Johnson, our Junior authoress. The characters were well chosen and the “Better English” theme was cleverly woven into the plot. Emily deserves much credit. The play, in addition to the entertainment it furnished, proved tc be highly effective in emphasizing the hateful character of incorrect English. It appears in full in another part of this issue. The cast «r characters was as follows: Rosie Hollister....................Kathryn Jane Dunnan Angeline Rollister.....................................Emily Johnson Mrs. Rollister.......................................Emeline Kollman Mr. Rollister................................Francis Henry Dick Van Replen..............................Kenneth Larson Jack Rollister...............................Sherman Olson Professor Doodle...............................Herbert Gee Aunt Priscilla Patterson...................Elizabeth Patton Katie G’Haligan.........................Elizabeth .VlcDevitt Paxton High School Reflector I 1 A TRIBUTE TO GOOD SPEECH. In an article written by Olive N. Bear of the Decatur, Illinois Mich School, upon the general topic, “Eradicating Speech Errors,” the tollowing splendid tribute to “Good Speech” is given: “Good speech is one of the most valuable cf mans attainment-. It is his means of securing a better job; his capital with which to do business; his most paying investment. Through it. as his evidence of culture, he secures his ticket of admission into the best society. It is his source of influence; his scepter of power; his wand to remove all obstacles; his open sesame to unlock all doors. Indeed, there is no other accomplishment that does so much for him as the ability to speak correctly. Good speech is music to the ear. It arouses the inattentive, it disarms the antagonistic, it charms the connoisseur. It makes one forget the plain man's plainness, and without it the pretty face and rich apparel have no power. The correctly spoken word is the most direct, the most effective, the most sure means of accomplishing one’s end. It moulds the life of today. By it our wisest deliberating bodies, as they sit in council over questions of great moment, as they gather er masse to hear the spoken word, form tlie judgments and make the decisions that determine the policies of a nation. No president of the United States dares trust to the people his pet theories until he has. by the most effective use of the human voice cf which he is capable, impressed and convinced and won them over to his way of tninklng. And during the late World War. was not the vast army of four minute men second only in importance to that other army aercss the seas? No drive could be launched and successfully carried through without the backing ot that most potent factor of influence—the spoken word.” OTHER STRIKING QUOTATIONS FROM OLIVE N. BEAR’S ARTICLE ON “ERADICATING SPEECH ERRORS.” Training for speech is train ng for life. It is fundamental ir all Education.’’ ••• •• “Not only from an educational standpoint, but from a social one as well, is (good) speech fundamental. It mul.iplies many times the rienress of life. “Not cnly is society enriched by the verbal expression of the individual, but the individual himself frees his own soul, and so misses the tragedy of soul imprisonment.” How famMiar to teachers and supervisors is the following picture drawn by tile same author: “Mary stands and recites in a high-pitched toneless voice scarcely to be heard by the pupil sitting next tc her. John stands with bent knees and with motionless lower jaw, clenched teeth, and ceiling-ward gazing eyes, mumbles something, nobody knows what, about 'having saw.' what fur.' ‘it was jist like this.’ and ’I did not git it.’ ” 12 Paxton High School Reflector BETTER ENGLISH SENTIMENTS OBTAINED By Our “Inquiring Reporter.1' A Reflector reporter was assigned the special duty of calling upon a few representative citizens of Paxton and asking them for an expression ot opinion concerning the value of our “Better English” campaign in the schools. The following are some of the replies received by the inquiring Reporter”: O. H. WYLIE—ATTORNEY AT LAW Better English—A motto or slogan that should appeal alike to young and old, student and scholar, business man, and those of the professions. Every one should be interested. As these present times in the commercial and business world differ from the prosperity of the years that are past, so do the custom, manners and language of the present differ from the past. The prevalence of slang is but a sign of the times. Our Puritan ancestors, with their old fashioned elegance of custom and manners, would be shocked with the up-to-date progressiveness of young America. The Stately Minuet is supplanted by the Toddle and Fox Trot. Instead of the Sabbath Worship, is the Sunday Baseball. The Moving Picture has usurped the place of Art and the legitimate drama. The Courtesy and Chivalry of the past are los,. by the entrance of the fair sex into business and professional competition. It is our duty to take an inventory and note wherein deficient. Compare the present efficiency with past accomplishment. The elegant diction and better English of Washington Irving, Oliver Wendell Holmes, James Fen-nimore Cooper, Bulwer Lytton, Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, and Victor Hugo are often times pushed aside for the light trashy novels of the present day. It is a hopeful sign that the youth of our schools are pushing the propaganda of “Better English.” The High School and Grades of today are the well educated, bright, up-to-date citizens of tomorrow. The Youth are the hope of our country—and in their hands, if enthusiastic tor Better English, rests the safety of the future success and universal use of Correct Speech. REV. W. ROY COLUMBUS—PASTOR CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Language is the means of expression. Good language indicates good thinking. So when we are endeavoring to use “Good English.” at the same time we seek to show good thinking. While the English language has not the art of the Hebrew nor the verb of the Greek, its mood, tense and case are adequate to good expression. Slang is only a weak substitute of studied expression, and profanity a disgusting exchange for argument. A mind well trained, and a will applied, are the parents of “Good English” and clear expression. S. LUDLOW—COUNTY JUDGE Many of the things that we have and enjoy every day are never appreciated Our lovely English language is one of them, and is a heritage that Paxton High School Reflector 13 few appreciate. There is no polish that will assist a person to become great in this world more than good English. This is not true of bad English. • TONGUE OF Ol'R FATHERS (Contributed by Rogers.) Tongue cf our fathers living still In spite of nation wide abuse. For shame that folks will treat so ill Their native speech without excuse. Oh why will people s.ill insist In telling us that something bust,” And why will mortals say “I jist’? Instead of saying that they “just ' Today I heard a fellow say. “I ain’t seen his’n folks nor her n And said it in a serious way, (Oh well, a freshman has to learn.) Tongue of our fathers we are glad That this is “Better English Year,’’ The cruel treatment you have had Has caused us many a briny tear. We’re done with saying “ain’t” and “got” We ll ne’er again use ‘‘just becuz,” Nor ever utter “wot” for what.’’ For “was” we’ll nevermore use “wuz.” Tongue of our fathers hear us now. In penitence we bend the knee. Seniors in dust with freshies bow Confessing all their sins to thee. « « REV. O. B. HESS—PASTOR M. E. CHURCH The Better English Movement of the Paxton High School is an effort on the part of the students to eliminate the common errors in using ttie English language. They have gone about it in a very clever and etfective manner by the use cf placards, cartoons, plays and friendly criticism. The results nave been good and have reached beyond the class room into the business transactions and social intercourse of the entire town. A merchant corrected the English of a customer by simply calling attention to one of the placards placed in his store by the students. This is a splendid thing, as our use of English gives us our status in the community. Words are tools with which we carve out the history of the human race. To use these tools correctly requires a skill that is not acquired in a day but through years of earnest, patient study and practice. To use words 14 Paxton High School Reflector correctly and weave them into a language is not the work of one generation but of multiplied generations working through the centuries, each bringing its contribution of new words and placing them upon the altar of intellectual progress. But without a correct use of the old, there can be no progress in the development of the new. The Better English Movement has done much to teach the correct use of words which we now have and prepare the way for the coinage of new words. WHAT WE HAVE DONE AND EXPECT TO DO IN REGARD TO BETTER ENGLISH (By Everett Swenson, ’23.) The “Better English Campaign’’ was first made known to us by our Superintendent. Mr. O. J. Bainum. The first constructive work towards putting on such a campaign in Paxton, was done in our English classes, under the supervision of our English instructor. Miss Josephine Wade. As part ot cur daily routine. Miss Wade asked us to use our ingenuity and make Better English Fosters. A few samples may be seen elsewhere in this number of the Reflector. Some of the posters brought forth the Better English element in a more or less humorous way. Some of the other good ones were placed in the show windows of some of our leading stores, and were seen by towns, people. Two “Better English” plays were given in behalf of the campaign, which helped portray before the public, the spirit of the school. One of these plays was written by a Junior, Miss Emily Johnson, and reflects great credit upon the young writer and our school. This play was given by the Junior English Class. The other play, adopted for this campaign by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English, was given by both sections of the Sophomore English class. Later, talks were given, from time to time, in the assembly, by teachers in regard to the proper use of personal pronouns, the correct pronunciation of words, business English and better diction. In the class rooms pupils will be held strictly accountable for what they cnce learned in regard to better speech, written composition and the proper way of punctuating manuscripts. Teachers will suppress the use of slang a:, much as possible; they will enforce the use of correct English, and set an example by using the best possible English themselves. To further carry out our Better English Campaign, we. as students, are publishing this Reflector to reflect to you what we have done to improve our speech. We are learning much about how to use the best English by working on, and trying to complete this book. Experience is the best teacher.” and we are hereby putting our teaching into practice. But as a school, alone, we can accomplish little. It is up to the public, as well as the school, to determine whether it will prove successful or not. Good speech is a highly desired goal, but it is only through incessant watch-fullness that we can reach it. Paxton High School Reflector 15 “ACCURACY NOT SPEED. This motto, in a somewhat different sense, may he applied to English students generally, as well as to typewriting students. If, before speaking. we would always take time to consider the grammar we are about to use. the resul would be the forming of better English speaking habits, and the acquisition of a larger ar.d richer vocabulary. John Locke, one of the great teachers in Europe during the seven teenth century, among his other doctrines, taught that the, 'native language should receive special attention ; for, as he said, “Is it not a greater disgrace to use tlie native language incorrectly than to blunder in a foreign tongue? —M. H ’21 PUBLIC OPINION A certain newspaper reporter on the Chicago Tribune staff, known as the Inquiring Reporter,” received the following answers to this question: Do you approve of County Superintendent Tobin's decision permitting the use of “It is me” and He didn't in the county schools? The following answers were received from various people picked at random: “I am not in favor of accepting slang and grammatical errors in our written speech. It is all right in quoting spoken language, but it is decidedly out of place in the body matter of supposedly good English. The fact that many persons speak ungrammatically does r.ot make such speaking right. “Undoubtedly Supt. Tobin's ruling is good. Just as many slang phrases have been accepted for general use, so will, “It is me” and “He don't,” be eventually accepted as good form. This tendency is noticeable in new American fiction by the best authors. “No, I certainly do not approve. I think it is poor judgment. We are all s' king to go forward with the English language instead of backward. Precedents of this kind ofTer all sorts of openings for the general acceptance of slarg expressions and ungrammatical utterances. There were two other people who answered negatively. Therefore, out of the five persons consulted, only one was in favor of adopting Mr. Tobin's decis’on. I think this is a convincing proof that the American people are for good English and against all slangy and ungrammatical ! hrase .— M. Me. '21. THE CLOSING PART OF THE SCHOOL CALENDAR APRIL 7th 8th—Mid-Semester Examinations. APRIL 29th —Literary Society Contest. MAY 22nd —Baccalaureate Address. MAY 27th —Senior Class Play. MAY 30th —Senior Reflector (comes from the press.) .JUNE lst-2nd —Final Examinations. JUNE 3rd —Commencement. Paxton High School Reflector 16 Host? lu'fnruts the Spoken tngltsh of the Ixollisters AN ORIGINAL TWO-ACT FARCE-COMEDY WRITTEN BY EMILY JOHNSON, ’22, ESPECIALLY FOR THE PAXTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL “BETTER ENGLISH” ENTERTAINMENT GIVEN JANUARY 11, 1921—A LOCAL HIT—(ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.) CAST OF CHARACTERS. Rosie Rollister, the elder daughter. .Mr. Rollister (William Jeremiah) Editor of the ‘Avondale Advance.' Mrs. Rollister, a good old fashioned mother. Angeline Rollister. who is anything but what her name implies. Jack Rollister, a real boy. Dick Van Replen in love with Rosie. Aunt Priscilla Patterson, a southern maiden lady. Professor Samuel T. Doodle, who finds his soul mate. Katie O'Halligar., the Irish maid. TIME—Present. SCENE—Diving room in the Rollister home. Rosie is seated in a large chair holding a magazine. ACT I. ROSIE: Oh, I’m so glad that Hazel lent me her magazine with this splendid article on better English. Yes, I really must begin immediately. ENTER MRS. R: Begin what darlin’? Here, you’ve worked like a little trooper all day, ar.' now you jist sit right where you are. I’ll git ona little snack for Dad an’ the kids an’— ROSIE: (Jumping up and catching her mother by the shoulder.) Why Mother Dear! I'm not speaking of that kind of work, I’m talking of English. You know this is “Better English Year”— MRS. R: Yes. so tis. ROSIE: Well, and I have decided that our family should speak more grammatically. Now to 1 egin with. Mamma, how many times must I remind you not to leave off your “gs,” not to say jist” and “git,” and above all things not to say “snack?” MRS. R: Yes I know it. Rosie, my grammar is somethin’ fierce but you must remember, dearie, I'm git—getting old. ROSIE: Never too old to learn. Mamma. MRS R: Well. I will try ’cause you wish it honey, but now I must be join’ to the club. It’s diction day today an’ I wouldn’t miss it ter nothin'. We re also genta start, but as I was sayin,’ I'll be home in time to—to prepare dinner. (Rosie, the while, looks dismayed until her mother's last statement. then she gives a delighted little laugh, saying—) ROSIE: Ch, Mother, you are trying aren’t you? And as to reforms, why don't you bring up the subject of “Better English” at the Club? I really think that the mothers of the village should speak well not only on their families’ account tut for their own good as well. MRS. R: That’s a fine idey. Of course. 1 ain't much on this speech given, but I might mention it. 17 Paxton High School Reflector ROSIE: Well, I certainly would. Now have a nice time and don't hurry home. (Turning to the audience.) It almost seems an impossible task to improve Mother’s English, but I’m sure success will crown my efforts in the end. (Picks up her magazine and continues reading.) (Loud banging is heard outside. Angeline skips into the room, books and papers in her hand. Slams them down on the library table.) ANGELINE: Gee. Sis! We girls saw a pip cf a kid tonight after school. He sure was some sport. You tell ’em. Babs met him last summer at some kind of a spiffy affair up at the Baxter s. She was so tickled to see him she almost shimmied. An' talking of dances. Sis. they have a bear of a new one called “The Tottle”—it sure is—Good night. Sis. whatza-matter. you goin ta faint? (Rosie leans back with a sign of distraction, closing her eyes. Suddenly she sits upright stamping her foot on the floor exclaiming! ) ROSIE: Angeline Rollister! Such English! ard after mother and daddy have deprived themselves of so mary things to send you to school, and we're all so proud of you when you do well. Why, such language is outrageous spoken by anyone and especially I y a junior in high school. Aren't you’ashamed! (with another sigh.) I never seemed to notice it so much until now. ANGELINE (tearfully:) We—well, you don't have to sit there ard preach. I guess everybody uses it! Why. this morning PrcT. Cunningham said “I seen, and the oilier day Mr. Bainum ever said “cuts. ROSIE (smiPng in upite of herseif): Really? Well I know it's hard dear, when you hear such talk all around you but you just make up your mind you aren't going to be “everybody. You know this is “Better Ei glish Year. and— ANGELINE (disgustedly): Yes, I know it is! We have tc make s me posters for English, and you know, Sis, how rip-ping-ly—Oh. I mean how artisticly—I draw. ROSIE: Well 1 hope you do start a better English movement in high chool. I'll help you’with your posters. Angel. ANGELINE (embracing her sister): Oh. you're a perfect dear. Sis! ROSIE (assuming a diexMied a‘r): I think it would be a very good idea, young lady, if you used some of your abundant energy in straigntentng your room. It looks as if the four winds of heaven had held a political meeting there. ANGELINE: Yes'm (makes a playful curtsy before her sifter and skips out of the rcom.) RCSIE: Well I thot reforming Mother's English would be a task but Angeline—(sourd of a motor is heard without.) Surely that isn't Daddy Why it's only five thirty. (Arranging her hair.) I wonder who it can be. (Doorbell is heard. Rosie gees into the hall.) (Heard from the hall.) ROSIE: Why Dick Van Replen—of all people. I'm so glad to see you. (Rosi? and Dick Enter.) But how did you find your way to Avondale today? DICK: Well, you see I ran out to see the estate this afternoon and thot I’d drop around to see my old Fal. ROSIE: Oh we’ll all be so delighted to have you. Of course you’ll stav for dinner. DICK: Thanks! I’d like to. but I'm afraid Rosie— ROSIE: What? Then you can't stay? DICK: Well, you see Mother's having guests for dinner this evening and I’m late already. I'm awfully sorry. Rosalind. But I thot I must stop as there is something very important I have to tell you. 18 Paxton High School Reflector ROSIE (nervously): Yes, what is it? DICK: Well, getting down to plain facts, I can't go on like, this any longer I’ve got to know. Rosie, you remember the night of my cousin Helen's dance, when we were just college kids, I told you—Oh well, you know what 1 told you, and you said you were too young? ROSIE: Yes—yes 1 remember. DICK: And the summer at the seashore when I again told you how much I cared for you, and again you said that you must finish college when your father had been so kind in educating yon. ROSIE: Yes. Dick, yes; but why speak of all this now? Can't we let bygones be bygones? DICK: No, Rosie it will never be bygcnes to me. I have waited for you ever since college days but surely now there is no excuse. I nless— unles.; there is someone else. ROSIE (distractedly): Oh why must you mention that subject again. Of course there is no one else. Oh don't you understand? I must stay here. I’m—I'm— DICK (patiently): Yes? ROSIE: I’m reforming the family. DICK: You're what? ROSIE: Yes, I’m improving their English. DICK: Well I'll be--------! Of all things. But if any one needs reforming it's me. And besides they have had you long enough. Really. Rosie, won't you? ROSIE: No. Dick, I have made my promise and I must keep it. DICK: Very Well, Rosie. ROSIE: Oh Dick, I haven't offended you! Surely, we can part just as friends? DICK: Certainly, Rosalind. I would not have it otherwise and you have my sircerest wishes fcr success in what you have just undertaken. Goodbye. ROSIE: Thank you Dick. Good-lye. (Turning to the audience.) Oh. he doesn’t understand and I’m afraid he is angry. Still, how could I have done otherwise for I so wanted to carry my little plan through. Oh, why, there’s Daddy. (Mr. Rollister steps thru the doorway as Rosie runs forth to meet him.) ROSIE: Why, hello Dad. I was just thinking it was time for you. MR. R. (holding up a warnirg finger): Sh-h-h-h! Where’s Mother? ROSIE: She has gone to the club. Why? MR. R.: Good! I have a little surprise for her and for you too my pet. ROSIE (clasping her father’s hands): Oh what is it? MR. R. (unbuttoning his ccat): Well, you know, Rosalind, how hard your mother has worked all these years. Oh, of course, of course, I know you’ve helped her all you could. Rosie. (Noticing the troubled expression on iiis daughter's face and laying his hard affect’onately on her shoulder.) But still. I always kinda thot she’d maybe like to have a maid. 'Specially after Mrs. Hamilton brought that girl home from the city and you told her how-many servants the Van Replens had when you was visitin' there. So I decided that now you are through school and Jackie has a fair job. and Angeline is getting along so well, we ought to be able tc afford— (Katie stamps into the room hands on hips—Rosie draws back with a gasp of amazement. Mr. R. locks uneasy.) KATIE (pointing to the hall): Faith, and it’s meself that would be (razin' to death in the likes cf sich a hall. MR. R.: Oh—er—Miss Katie. I beg— KATIE (paying not the slightest attention): Indade, Sor, the place I just left was Bke summer, so well hated was the house, Sor. 19 Paxton High School Reflector MR. R.: Yes, our furnace is defective. But now, Miss Ka.ie, I want you to meet my daughter, Rosalind. KATIE (promptly extending her hand): Sure it's pla .ed to meet yez, 1 am Miss Rode, and indade it’s meself was thinkin’ ’twouli be great to work in the home of so foine a lady. ROSIE (smiling): 1 know mother will be delighted to have so pleas- ant a maid. Oh! Why, -good evening Professor Dood.e. (Prof. Doodle has been standing the while in .he doorway arrang.rg his tie and brushing imaginary dust from his coat. He now advances gingerly and, with a precise bow, says.) PROF. D.: Ah! Good evening, Miss Rosie. MR. R. (offering the Prof a chair): To be sure, to be sure, I forgot to tell you, Rosie. To celeorate the occasion, l brought the professor home to dinner. ROSIE (murmurs sweetly): So glad to have you. Professor. PROF. D. (addressing Rone aside): A most remarkable woman! my dear Miss Rosalind most remarkable! 1 assure you my attempts to keep her in the hall were futile. But you. Ah. you will pardon me for speaking thus, but you know I never understood the daughters of Eve, especially those of old Erin. KATIE (turning upon him): Sure, an’ it’s mcsalf that never under- stood the sons of Adam, especially those of old An gland, an' indade if it wasn't that I had so many cousins depindin' on me ter a l.v.ng I’d be over there now fightin’ for the blissed country. (Picks up her basket and marches toward the kitchen.) (Prof. Doodle looks both surprised and mot tiffed, swallows, arranges his tie. crosses his feet twice saying): ‘‘Pooh, Pooh, Pooh, Pooh. ENTER JACK (tosses his cap to the ceding exclaiming): Darn it all. I'm fired! ALL: Fired? Jack! JACK: Yes! That old nut down at the office thinks I use entirely too much slang. ROSIE: Oh Jack I always said— JACK: Oh Gee, Sis! den’t begin to lecture. I've had enough of that for one day. Did you ever hear anything so dinged crazy. Thu. oid ga ook's been figerin’ on puttin’ one over on the office bunch for a coon’s age. toddling around the office with the face of a bear. Well, today he gave me the cold stare and seme hot gab. and I grabbed my lid, said, ‘ so long, old top. and beat it. MR. R. (rising and patting his son's shoulder): Well, that’s a shame son. That reminds me, today 1 heard the bunch at the office saying something about English. ROSIE: Why Daddy, don't you know this is better English Year? JACK: Well, what in the deuce is that for? ROSIE: Why. a year in which we should try to improve our English and try to omit the use of so much slang. And Daddy? MR. R.: Yes, dear? ROSIE: I have just thot of a little plan. Why couldn't I write an arti- cle for “The Advance.” MR. R : Great idea, girlie. The old paper needs a little boosting. I'll be glad to have it as scon as it’s written. (Angeline enters.) ANGELINE: Hi, Kid! Lost your job? Well, I'll be dinged! Why didn't you crack the old crank's bean? MR. R.: Children! ! PROF. I).: Most remarkable, most remarkable. The vocabulary of the younger generation is indeed an overdrawn extravaganza of the Anglo- 20 Paxton High School Reflector Saxon language. The exuberent use of slang is unexcelled by any other country of the t niverse. Why in iny native land, God bless her, such language would be considered indecorous, inelegant, uncouth, unclement, even vulgar. You must remember, my dear young people, that on you rests the responsibility of making your nation the noblest, and les., nor can yon do this without the aid of good English; for you know, as the old saying is, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” (Turning to Rosie.) Po vou r.ot agree with me Miss Rosalind? ROSIE: Indeed, I do, Professor: Their s ang is remarkable. ANGEIdNE: Now Professor Doodley Oodley, you told me once you thought I had temarkahle ideas fer one so yrung. But say, won't you help me write this English theme and give poor little tne a chance to answer this letter that should have gone ages ago? PROF. D. (smiling); Avec plaisir. Madamoiselle Angeline. MR. R.: Well, speaking cf letters, that reminds me, here’s a letter for you Rcs’e, postmarked Tennessee. (Mr. R. hands the letter to Rosie who breaks the seal immediately, while all look up interested.) ROSIE: Oh the perfect dear! What a surprise! How we’ll enjoy having her. ANGELINE: Havin’ who? ’Suprised at what? JACK: Great governor! Spill the beans! ROSIE (holding the letter close): Net until you ask me in the proper way. JACK: Ah. my fair sister, allow me to know the contents of your epistle. ROSIE: Well, it’s from Aunt Priscilla Patterson, and she’s coming to visit us. Isn’t that lovely? ANGELINE: Honest? May I read the letter Rcsie? Site's a picnic all in herself. (Jack whistles, kicks his foct in the air.) JACK: Picnic is tight! Say Professor, you wanta make a mash on her. That old bird sur as got the dough. PROF. D. (figgiting about as usual): Tut, tut. John, tut. tut. Bless my soul! what strarge ideas you have. You know, as 1 was just saying, I never understood the— (Mrs. R. enters.) MRS. R.: All home already? Why, howdy do. Professor. Well I must have been gone longer than I figgered I would be. But we certainly had a tine time. As Angeline says, we all brought our “pep” along and I did make quite a talk on “Better English.” It wasn't so hard after I once got started ar’ I jist—just—mentioned a hundred reasons why we ought to talk better. An’ sakes alive! you can’t imagine who's been ’licted president. ROSIE: Not you Mother! MRS. R.: An' why not me? Ain’. I jist as good for president as Sarie Matthews or Amanthis Warren or even that Mrs. Baxter, who thinks she’s a notch bettern’ the rest of us? Still, I can’t say I deserve the credit—Rosie there, first put the idea in my head. MR. R.: You never knew what you can do. Nettie, until you really try. ROSIE: Oh, it makes me so happy Mother to think that my little plan isn't in vain. JACK: Yes. I’m thinkin’ Sis, you’re O. K. after all. KATIE: An it's meself that’s thinkin' you had better be rattling your bones 'ere the dinner gits cold. (Mrs. R. looks bewildered—confronts her husband exclaiming!) MRS. R.: William Jeremiah Rollister! What have you gone an' did? JACK: “Did” is right. Ha! Ha! Paxton High School Reflector 21 (Angeline looks aghast, turns toward the audience, winks and giggles.) MR. R.: Why—er—er my dear Nettie, 1 thought after so many years of toil you deserved a little rest. I’m sure she'll he satisfactory. PROF. D.: Yes I assure you. Mrs. Rollister, she is a most remarkable womar. most remarkable. ROSIE: Yes, Mother, and that’s not the only pleasant little surprise we h ve for you. MRS. R.: Well, what next? ROSIE: Why, Aunt Priscilla is coming to visit us. Daddy just gave me her lei ter a few minutes ago. MRS. R.: You don't mean it child? ANGELINE: Yes and Jack has— (All turn toward Angeline with warning looks.) ANGELINE (nervously clasps her hands): Why, all I was gointa say was that Jack is nearly starvin’ an' so am 1. Come on shake a foot to the dinin' room. (All rise and follow Angeline . Mr. R. placing an arm about his w'fe.) CURTAIN ACT II SCENE—Same as Act I. TIME—Perhaps two weeks later. (Mrs. Rollister and Aunt Priscilla are seated talking earnestly. Aunt Priscilla is holding a large cat.) MRS. R.: It seems so good to have you with us again.- Priscilla, just like old times. I so wish you could live nearer us. AUNT P.: My deah Sistah! I wouldn't live nawth with you Republi- cans foah anything. The climate sutainlv doesn't agree with me, and as foah James Cox heah. I'm suaii lie’s lost at least foah pounds. MRS. R.: What do you call that cat? AUNT P.: Janie:, Cox. one of the 1 est names I know. You see a friend gave h!m to me just befoali she sailed foah Europe: and as he had nevali iiad ary name befoah. poah deah. I straightway named him aftaii my favorite candidate. Since I’ve had him. he has defeated nine dogs five of them belonging to strong Republican families. MRS. R. (laughing heartily): Well, as the Professor might say, he cer- tainly must be a remarkable cat. (Mr. It. enters.) MR. R.: Nettie, could I have your attention just a minute please? MRS. R.: Certainly dear, what is it? MR. R.: Well, here's that article Rosie wrote for my paper, and it s one of the best I've read on the subject for some time. Too good, in fact, for the old Advance, so I had thought of sending it away. What do you think of the idea? MRS. R.: Of course, the very thing. It will be such a pleasant little surprise. Just where were you intending to send it? MR. R.: Why really. I hadn’t decided. Where would you suggest? MRS. R.: Let me see. Say. why not to Dick Van Replen's paper, The Literary Era”? She's always been friendly with Dick, and besides it might boost his magazine. AUNT P.: That is one of my favor.te magazines. I've taken it moah than twenty yeahs. MR. R.: The very one. I'll take it down immediately. Now don’t let it leak out. remember it’s to be a surprise. (Enter Katie.) KATIE: Professor Sam-u-el T. Doodle is calling. MRS. R.: Show him in immediately. Katie and hereafter please bring the card to me. 22 Paxton High School Reflector KATIE: Yis mom. (aside.) An' faith it's meself that's thinkin' :hat plagued Anglishmon is hangin’ aroun’ this jaint mighty often of lat 3. (Coes to the door and calls): ‘Step right in Professor.” (The Professor advances in his usual way hclding behind him a very prim bouquet.) PROF. I), (bowing): Good afternoon, ladies. 1 tri:s: I'm not inter- rupting a pleasant little tete-a-tete. MRS. R.: Not at all. Professor. You know you are always welcome. Won't yen be seated? PROP. D.: 1 assure you. Mrs. Rollister. your hospitality is unpreced- ented. (Turning to Aunt P. he offers her the flowers with a low bow placing a hand on his heart.) Are you fond of forget-me-nots. Miss Patterson? AUNT P. (beaming): Oh. 1 simply adcah them, and so does James Cox, heah. (Holds the bouquet to her nose and then to the cat's.) And that reminds me, Sistah. Its high time he was liavng h's sattcah of milk. Professor, would you excuse me foah just an instant, as 1 nevah can intrust the feeding of my deah pet to that imprudent maid? PROF. I).: Most assuredly, most assuredly. (Exit Ar.ntP. and Mrs. R.) (The Prof, marches up and down the stage murmuring) — Bless my soul, bless my soul—a most remarkable woman—most remarkable. I wish I knew the Lest way to win her heart Oh, I wish— (Angeline jumps into the room grasps the professor and dances him around the room.) ANGELINE: Oh! Professor Docdley, Oodley—the most wonderful thing has happened! You can't imagine! It’s almost too good to be true! Why don’t you look interested? Sit down and I'll tell you all about it. (Half shoves the Professor into a chair and seats herself on a stool by his feet.) PROF. D. (greatly agitated): My dear child, my dear child, allow me to get my breath before you tell me that the lost tribe of Israel has been discovered, the Moriscos have returned to Spain or Capt. Reed has reached Mars. ANGELINE (shrugging her shoulders): Why rone of those begin to compare with this. PROF. D.: Bless my soul, surely the Phoenician— ANGELINE (stamping her foot): Keep still and I’ll tell you all about it. You know the other day, Rosie gave me a pip of an idea when she mentioned that we start a better English movement in school. Well, I wrote a theme on Better English” and used bigger words than Webster ever dreamed of. PROF. D.: Indeed my dear young lady, I always said you were a most remark— ANGELINE: Yes. yes, but that isn't near the best part of it. The Prof, tbot it was peachy, gave me a beamin' grin and politely asked me to read it at the next literary entertainment. I could have kissed the dear old � ird from sheer joy. Now isn't that just rippin' news Professor? An don't you 'spose the family will be tickled? An’ don’t you think Rosie is the darl-ingest sister? ' PROF. D.: Yes_ she is a most remarkable woman, most remarkable. I think she greatly favors your Aunt Priscilla, don't you my dear? ANGELINE (disgustedly): No. I don’t! She’s a whole lot nicer than any old Rollister or Patterscn that ever lived, so there! Why. she’s always helpin' a fella out when he gits in a tight place. Say, you know I wish T could help somebody out or.ee in a while. (Places her head in her hands with a mournful little sigh.) PROF. D. Graying a hand on Angeline’s shoulder) (aside): Ah! surely this is my opportunity. (To Angeline with a deep sigh.) Child, there is a great problem on my mind and I wish to discuss it with you. But—first—this Is just OUR little secret and you must promise never to tell. Paxton High School Reflector 23 ANtiELINE: Lay myself down an’ cut me in two. I’ll never tell. PROF. D.: Well, I’m in love. AXGELINB (greatly surprised): In love? ? ? Not you. Professor? ? ? PROF. I), (gazing heavenward): Yes, Miss Angeline, I've found my soulmate. ANGELINE: Say. how does it feel anyway, and who’s the lucky lady? (Makes a question-mark with her finger.) PROF. D.: To he sure. To be sure. ANGELINE (winking): Why I haven’t the faintest idea. PROF. 1).: Tut, tut. my dear young lady, surely you must have noticed my daily increasing admiration for your aunt. (Angeline appears greatly astonished.) PROF. D.: But my dear, here-in lies the difficulty. I scarcely know how best to broach the delicate subject of matrimony to one whose judgment is so superior and discriminating. You see modem methods of proposing •differ so greatly from those of my unfledged youth. A NO KLINE: Oh, so you had a little experience in your younger days Professor? PROF. D.: Tut tut. my child, tut tut. you know, as I have often said. I never understood-------------. ANOKLINE: Yes, of course, but what about my advice? PROF. I).: To be sure, to be sure now what mode of conveying my sentiment would it be best to employ in asking her for her heart and hand? ANGELINE (seriously): Well, of course I’ve never had much exper- ience. but my motto has always been “Pop the question suddenly.” That's what I want my man to do when he comes along and. will I fall in? I’ll say so. I'm sure that’s the only tli’ng that will work with Aunt Priscilla. ’Cause you know a faint heart never won fair lady! PROF. I).: Quite so. my dear, quite so. Now you’re absolutely sure it will work? ANGELINE: Well if it doesn’t. I’ll kick the bucket. (Exit.) PROF. I . (rising and walking up and down the stage): Most remarkable. most remarkable. “Pop the question suddenly, pop the question suddenly, pop the question suddenly, pop— (Enter Aunt Priscilla.) AI N'T P.: Why. Professor what in the world are you talking about? PROF. I) : Ahem! Ahem! Indeed, indeed Miss Angeline, and 1 were just saying how pop—hcvv popular you had become in our little village. It is to be regretted that you cannot establish yourself in a home of your own with a sympathising companion. AI N'T P.: I cannot say that I agree with you. Professor. I have lived foah fc.ihty-eight yeahs, nine months and thirteen days without a husband, and I feel quits capable of living 48 yeahs, 9 months and 1” days moah without one. (Prof. I), nervously moves about, brushes his coat arranges his tie— swallows at least four times. Then kneels, places a hand on his heart and one toward her.) PROF. I).: Priscilla, will you marry me? AI N'T P.: Oh! Oh Samuel, this is sc sudden. (Clasps her hands and faints half on the davenport, half in the Professors arms.) (Paces from davenport to door, frantically calling.) PROF. D.: Katie! Katie! water quick! (Angeline who has been hiding behind a large chair and the table now jumps up.) ANGELINE (yelling): Oh Ma. come quick! Aunt Prisy’as fainted! (Enter Rosie, Mrs. R. and Katie.) 24 Paxton High School Reflector (Katie is carrying a large dipper of water in one hand and a dictionary ir. the other. She offers the water to Aunt Priscilla.) MRS. R. (excitedly): Why how did it happen? PROP. D.: Oh—er—Oh—er Ahem! Ahem! (Rosie whispers some- thing to Angeline and smiles.) KATIE: Faith an' wasn't it meself that was telling yez that Anglish- man had more than one bird in the bush when lie bring around pretlndin' to help Miss Rosie with that pace fer her father's paper? (Aunt Priscilla gradually revives and takes the Professor's hand (Enter Mr. R. and Jack.) MR. R.: Why, what's all the confusion about? JACK: Same as I say? ANGELINE (winking wickedly): He popped it and it worked! MR. R.: Such a surprise, why—Professor I tliot you never under- stood— JACK: Ah. be a sport Dad, you know we never know what we're going to do next. PROF. 1).: Quite so. quite so. ROSIE: Do tell me Jackie what kind of luck you had. JACK: Excellent! I got the position with Burdinson and etc., alright. ROSIE: Oh. I’m so glad you always wanted it, didn’t you? MR. R. (patting his shoulder): I always thought you’d make good. son. ANGELINE: Hurrah for you kid! But how did you do it? I thought you had to be an A No. 1 before that old bear would consider at all. JACK (putting an arm around Rosie): Well, 1 took tile advice of my little Sis. speeled off my best English, melted his icy heart and got the job. Why, he said he believed I was the only kid in a hundred who knew that there was such a thing as an English language and that Webster wasn't a myth. MRS. R.: Seems that following Rosie’s advice always brings us out successfully. Here 1 am president of the M. A. C. club, and Jack has his position—an’ Angeline—why what was yours dear? ANGELINE: Oh, mine's a secret yet. KATIE: Yi , an thanks to this blissed lamb learning or I mean taeh- ing me ivery noight. I've been able to write the first love letter to mine Patrick. (Holds up a large bright colored envelope.) PROF. I).: Though MY success may not have dealt with our most re- nowned Anglo-Saxon language, still I feel that it is ever, more marvelous that I have won the heart of so remarkable a woman. (Smiles and turns toward .Aunt Priscilla.) MR. R.: But the best surprise of all is yet to come. (Draws a maga- zine from his pocket and hands it to Rosie.) (All eagerly gaze at it.) ROSIE (opening the magazine and noticing her article): Oh, but I don't understand. I wrote this for your paper. Daddy, for I so wanted to boost the Advance (looks at the magazine) why, this is Dick's paper. (Drops the magazine with' a sigh.) Oh, what made you do it father?—but of course you didn’t know . MRS. R.: Why. what is it pet? We all tliot you'd be so pleased and you have plenty of time to write for the old Advance and this article was so well written we thought we’d surprise you. (Sound of motor is heard outside. Everyone turns toward door and Ros:e picks up the magazine and makes her escape.) (Enter Dick.) DICK: Hello everybody. What's all the excitement about? ALL: BETTER ENGLISH. DICK: Strange how such a seemingly small subject can cause so much disturbance, that’s just what’s disturbing me, but say, where is she? MRS. R.: Why, she was just here a minute ago. Rosier Paxton High School Reflector 25 MRS. R.: Perhaps she has gone to her room—Ansel run up and rail her. ANGELINE: Gee, this is getting excitin' wonder how it will turn out. (Exit Angeline.) JACK: I believe she’s out on the piazza. (Exit Dick and Jack), Mr. R„ Mrs. R. and Katie start for the kitchen.) PROF. D.: Bless my soul, such a remarkable oecurance. Come Pris- c 11a my dear, let us join the search. AUNT I : Very well, Samuel, you carry James Cox. (Gives the cat to the Prof.) (Enter Rosie.) ROSIE (wrapping a scarf about her shoulders): Ch. I’m so glad they’ve gone. I can’t see him after our last talk, perhaps he just printed that to ridicule my little plan. I'll rur over to Hazel s until he has gone. (Enter Dick.) DICK: Oh! Ha! running away from me—are—you? ROSIE: Well, yes—Oh no, of course net. DICK: Rosie. I know I've acted like a silly kid, but you know I'm sorty- can't you forgive me? ROSIE: Why of course, Dick I know you didn't mean it and— DICK (interrupting): But that’s the deuce of it: I DID mean K Oh Rosie won’t you come? ROSIE: Oh yes—no. but you see I'm— DICK: Oh you little Dickens. I could turn you over my knee. You’ve been cookin’ it up pretty raw for me for a heck of a while, but I’m beginning to get next and your time’s cornin’ kid! ROSIE: Dick! SUCH English (after a pause) MAYBE YOU DO NEED REFORMING after all. (Etc. ? ? ? ? ) (Angeline rises from the back of the davenport. She raises her finger with a warring, Sh-hh-h.”) CURTAIN DICTION. The student who would improve his diction (the selection and right use of words), should recognize the most important qualities of good diction. These are Purity, Propriety, and Precision. Purity consists in using such werds only as are at present used by the best writers and speakers. A Barbarism is a violation of purity. T.ie use of “singist” for “singer” is an illustration. Propriety consists in choosing such words as properly express the intended meaning. The use of ‘bring” for “take”, or “borrow” for ‘loan’’ is a violation of purity of diction. Precision of Diction consist in choosing from synonymous terms those which best express the ideas to be conveyed. “Aged,” “ancient,” “obsolete,” “antiquated,” and “old” are called synonyms. We may. in obedience to precision of diction, say “an ancient temple,” “an aged man, “an obsolete word”; but not an antiquated temple, an anc'int hat. or an aged word. Other groups of synonyms that require care in their use are abandon, desert, forsake; absolve, exorerate, acquit; avow, acknowledge, confess, admit; discover, find, invent; pale, pallid, wan. Illustration: “M ss Z. were a charming costume of wan green.” Some Examples of Schooi-girl Hyperbola. I am “tired to death : “t'ckled to pieces”; “cold a; ice”: “crazy with the toothache ; ‘awful glad”; “a perfe tly magnificent time’; ‘a lovely pug dog”: “a div nc moustache.” BLOW Yourself to a dictionary and UBE GOOD ENGLISH. IP s The Bird : Gee,but Dial fellow, Uses fowl language! I Lasc, me Use Qood English. JIST 1492-1920 May Kj � usi in Peace t V '4 ‘iU.u V i 'p w 7 iu' W, o o 6 C A • • .. . Lookinq jU I V ¥ for BETTER ENGLISH: Paxton High School Reflector 27 THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD The Might of the Pen Is Correct ENGLISH 28 Paxton High School Reflector BETTER SPOKEN ENGLISH The better speech phase of the general better English program that is being carried out in this school is not being neglected. It is no less important than the written phase. Indeed, any improvement in the one will he rejected in the ether. As special incentives, the following definite objectives for the better speech phase of the work have been set up—first, distinct articulation; second, proper pronunciation of words; third, the elimination of gross errors in the grammatical forms and use cf inflected words; fourth, better organization of thought materials into sentences; fifth, larger and richer vocabularies: sixth, greater propriety, purity and piecision cf diction. By substituting for the first and second of these objectives, correct spelling, punctuation, use of capital letters, and the general rules governing manuscript form, these objectives answer very well as the practical objectives of training in better written English. Prominent among the means that are being made use cf to improve the spoken English of students, may be mentioned the oral composition of the (lasses in English; specially prepared student talks in other class work; talks given by student; before the assembly on special occasions, and all phases of the work done by the literary societies—especially (hat in the debating contests. This better English movement taken up by so many schools this year .is a much needed one, and can not fail to yield good results in both of its phases—the written and spoken. The objectives set up are worthy and highly practical, and abundantly justify the effort that is being put forth to approximate their consummation. But the writer ventures the suggestion of a far higher objective cr aim—an aim that transcends but also recognizes and includes all of the lower objectives. It is to create, or in some measure develop a more appreciative attitude of mind toward the higher standards of thought content and expression in gcod literature--the best literature— the literature produced by the great masters of “English undefiled.” In moments of appreciative exultation great scholars have exclaimed, “Literature is life!” The ult'mate goal therefore, that all students of literature—even English literature—should steadily set before them is the ability to interpret and appreciate life, and to acquire some facility, g:aee and power with tongue or pen in the re-interpretation and express’on of that life; and this to the end that others may share in life’s higher knowledge, wisdom, and worth— that ethers shall see and feel somewhat of its possibilities of beauty, richness and power—thrill wi;h its noblest aspirations and loves and ■ topes, and catch some gleams of “that light that never was on land cr sea. the consecration ant the poet’s dream.”—O. J. B. A FEW MIXED METAPHORS “We thank thee. Lord, for this spark cf grace; and we ask thee to water it.” “Mr. Speaker. I smell a rat I see it floating in the air; but mark me, s-r. I will nip it in the bud.” ‘ We must keep the hall rolling until it becomes a taorn in the side of Congress.” ’ Opposite :'n the blue vault stood .he moon like a silver shield, raining her bright arrows on the sea.” Paxton High School Reflector 29 SOME QUOTATIONS YOU SHOULD KNOW OR RECOGNIZE The quality of mercy is net strained.” “Truth crushed to earth will rise again.” ‘Sink or swin. live or die, survive or perish, 1 give my hand and heart to this vote. None knew thee but to love thee. None named thee but to praise.” May there be no moaning at the bar. When I put cut to sea.” “Here (Concord) once the embattled farmers stood. And fired the shot heard round the world.” “Build thee more stately mansions, O, my soul. As the swift seasons roll!” They have left unstained what there they found— Freedom to worship God.” For of all sad words of tongue or pen. The saddest are there: ‘It might have been!’” Paxton High School Reflector 30 feaintc (ftkmral Sdjnoi Jnfnnuatuut aittt lUtrteh Comments wHERE the TEACHERS OF P. C. H. S. ARE USUALLY FOUND: Ur. Bainum—Looking after troubles of the different pupils and teachers. Mr. Cunningham—In the assembly between periods—“Only one in a seat there.” Miss Lateer—Consumer’s Supply Co. Miss Wade—Music Shop. Misses Hummel and Dooley—Most anywhere on the street wearing galoshes. Miss Bahr—First National Bank. Mr. Eaton—Wheeling M. T.. Jr. Miss Wightman—Going thru the assembly at a 2-40 rate. Miss Corbly—Assigning long French lessons the seventh period. —Kemp Carson. BEHIND THE SCENE AT THE BOYS’ ENTERTAINMENT “Who in the thunder swiped my beard?” “Lovey quit putting on so much rouge.” “Hey, you guys in there dry up, someone is making a speech.” “Say, I can’t get this tie on straight.” “Where’s my hor----se?” “Gee! but I wish my speech was over, my knees are so weak 1 ran t walk. ’ There goes the orchestra and I haven’t got my tie on.” Say. if system were dynamite we wouldn’t have enough to blow up a cootie.” PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION HELD AT PAXTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL. (Reported by Lloyd Peile, ’21.) On Wednesday, November 2. 1920, an election was held at the Paxton • Community High School. In the forenoon the students were instructed by the faculty as to the legalized methods of holding state and national elections —also as to the offices to be filled. The ballots were printed in regulation style, with columns for the two leading parties, and one blank column to be filled if anyone should so desire. On the ballots were the names of three Paxton High School Reflector 31 Illinois presidential electors for each party with a note stating tnat there were twenty-six others. The leading candidates for state offices were printed under the proper party headings. For the local officers the names of the members of the Senior class were drawn for each party. The following names were thus drawn and voted upon: Congressman-at-Large Clerk of the Appellate Court Representative in Congress State Senator State Representatives Clerk of Circuit Court States Attorney County Surveyor Coroner Republican Everett Given Mary LaBarre Stine Smith Esther Carlson Paul Carlson Pauline Pearson Mae Hanson Walter Young Beth Newman Florence Shinker Ecssie Schneiter Democratic Hazel Hancock Kemp Carson Albert Engdahl Lucille Goodwin Lowell N'ees Marjorie Strong Lloyd Peile Edita Burklund Claire McKnight Alice Pollock The Republicans won the elect on by an overwhelming majority, the leaders of the paities running 1C1 (Rep.) to 19 (Dem.); but all of the Democratic student candidates ran ahead of their tickets a ; indicated by the smaller vote for presidential electors. The school was theoretically divided into three districts with seperatu rooms for voting places and each had two judges and two clerks selected from the American History Class. They were: Class Freshman Voting Place Laboratory Judges Bttu Newman Licyd Peile Clerks Marjorie Strong Lowell Nees Sophomore Room 10 Paul Carlson Mary LaBarre Everett Given Pauline Pearson Junior and Senior Office Bessie Schneiter Marguerite Apland Catherine Lochenmyer Kemp Carson Ths idea of this election originated in Miss Lateer’s American History-class. and was planned to be a class affair: but, when the consent of Mr. Bainum was sought, he heartily agreed and suggested tuat it be made an election in which the whole school might participate. It is needless to say that party sp rit ran high, and that considerable ■ electioneer ing was done for favorite local school candidates. Those who • wc cairied down to defect, accepted it with good grace. The preliminary instructions on how to vo.e uad bee;) so carefully Liven, the. r.o ballots were spoiled—ail were therefore counted. Few voting ; rc. ii.cts it real elections are able to make so faverab.e a showing. 32 Paxton High School Reflector CLASS OF 1920—WHERE THEY ARE AND WHAT DOING. There were twenty-seven graduates in the class of 1920. Cf this number, seven begar teaching school in September. Agnes Barne8f Genevieve Carl-sten and Helen Johnson are teaching southwest of Paxton. Hazel Horner is teaching in the Moffett school. Bessie Shinker in the Burbank school, and Sylvia Funk is teaching east of Loda. Mamie Prestin is teaching in South Dakota. Three of the other girls took the teachers' course also, but being too young last year, they did not take the teachers’ examinations until last November. These three girls are: Lois Moffett, Ethel Swanson, and Flor- ence Hanson. Lois is now teaching near Rankin, and Florence, near Elliott. Ethel is staying at home, and so is Fannie Watson. Fannie expects to take the teachers’ examinations in March. We see by this that over one-third of the class are now teaching or will teach in the near future. The class is represented at many universities. Frances Culver, Catharine Thompson. Florence Bear, Maurine Schneider, Mary Currie, Francis Wenger. Nobel Johnson, Charles Jensen, Dean Ireland and Kenneth Smith ere attending some college or university. Frances and Catharine are at Wlard Belmont. Nashville, Tennessee; Florence is at Goucher, Baltimore, Maryland; Maurine is at Ferry Hall. Lake Foirest, Illinois; Mary is at Normal University, Normal. Illinois; Francis is at the University of Chicago; Nobel, at George Washington University, Washington, D. C.; Charles, at Blackburn College, Carlinville, Illinois; Dean, at Northwestern, and Kenneth at the University cf Illinois. • Only two members of the class ertered the business world after graduating. Ruby Weberg holds a stenographic position at Attorney Swanson's office, and Pauline Berquist at Doctor Kelsheimer’s office. Fred LaBarre is employed at the Consumer's Supply Company. Vernon Moore has been working at the Stafford Furniture Factory; but now he and Lawrence Sackett are at home. Maurice Levin is also staying at home. —Esther Carlson. ’21. LITERARY EVENTS OF P. C. H. S. Much enthusiasm is being shown this year in regard to the Literary Societies—the Platonian and the Athenaeum. One reason for the rivalry between them is that a silver loving cup, wnich the Athenaeums now hold, will he presented to the winning Society in the final contest. This is to b given Friday evening, April 29th. The first program was given by the Platonian Society. December 21. ir. the High School auditorium. It was well planned and well given. The main feature of the program was the debate. The subject was “Resolved That Capital Punishment Shall Be Abolished in Illinois.” The students argu-ing the affirmative were Irene Bear and Everett Given—the latter a Senior— while those upholding the negative were Elizabeth Kemp and Paul Nelson. Each presented his or her arguments with force and conviction. However, it was decided that the affirmative won. Following this. Miss Wade gave two vocal selections; Kemp Carson, a cornet solo; Marjcrie Strong and Pauline Paxton High School Reflector 33 i'earson, a piano duet, and the orchestra, several selections. A play entitled, Margain Day at Bloomsteins, was then given under the management of Mis« Hummel. It was a popular number, well presented, and made a hit with the audience. The second preliminary program was given March 1st. by the Athe neaum Society. The subject of the debate was, “Kesolved That The President Shall Be Elected For a Single Term of Six Years, and Shall Be Ineligibl e For Re-election At Any Future Time, Constitutionality Granted.” Mae Hanson, who is another Senior and Raymond Johnson were on the affirmative side, while Kathryn Jane Dunnan and Edmund Ludlow took the negative. Both sides had very good arguments and were so well matched that it was difficult for the judges to come to any decision, but they finally decided in favor of the negative. The little two-act farce, presented by members of the Society, was most entertaining. All the parts were well acted and showed tile capable manage ment of Miss Dooley. The High School Orchestra played several selections, both before the program and between the debate and play.—F. S. ’21. LITERARY WORK AT PAXTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL. For many, a high school education should be a training for leadership. Leadership implies the ability of effective expression. Few are able to reaen high positions of leadership without some knowldge of. and training in. the best methods of conveying their thoughts and feelings to others. The Atha-neaum and Platonian literary societies of the Paxton Community High School exist for the purpose of giving this needed training to the high school pupils. Both the Platonians and the Athenaeums have given very excellent programs this year. All of the work which has been done by these societies thus far has been done for the purpose of finding material and securing train, ing for the ir.ter society contest which is to come later in the year. A beautiful loving cup, which is now in possession of the Athenaeum society, will go to the winning society. If the contest is carried out as planned at present, it w.’ll be made up of the following parts: A debate, an oratorical declamation, a comic declamation, a dramatic declamation, and instrumental music. Interest in society work this year has been gcod and the interest increases as the time for the inter-society contest draws near. The management of the Reflector wish to express their appreciation of the loyal support of the business and professional men as evidenced by their liberality in making use of the pages of the Reflector as an advertising medium. Without the financial support thus given by them it would be impossible to publish a school paper. It is hoped that Reflector readers will look over all of the advertisements and repay our advertisers, so far as they can, by giving them their patronage; and then, to whatever extent they may find it possible, make up any deficiency in the Reflector obligations by their personal good will and by speaking a word in their favor whenever and wherever opportunity may offer. CICERO CLASS COMMENTS. There are six girls studying “Cicero this year. Four of them are Juniors, and two are Seniors—the Juniors are Kathryn Jane Dunnan, Emily Johnson, El'zabeth McDevitt and Rachael Tweet, and the Seniors are Pauline Pearson and Marjorie Strong. One day at the beginning of the year, the class took the front page of the Chicago Tribune and marked all the words there that were derived from Latin. The number of words found was unbelievable to anyone not having examined the derivation of our English words. Practicallv 50 percent of the words used could be traced to the Latin. The class will have finished all the translations required for the year's work by the mid-semester examinations. A special theme, “The Value of Latin, has been assigned to the class. The teacher Miss Dooley, is making arrangements for some work outside of the translation to be done by the class. The study of the Latin language is a great help to ary student of the English language. The two Seniors in the Lat'n class have discovered this to be true, since they are studying Burke’s “Speech on Conciliation of the American Colonies. Burke uses so many Lat'n words—e. g. obstinate, ob, the prefix, means against: sti. the stem, taken from the Latin verb, sto, 1 stand, has the meaning of standing, and ate, the suffix—characterized by. Therefore, the literal meaning is characterized by star ding against. The accepted meaning is, one who is stubborn or opposing. No one can make a mistake by studying the Latin language, although it is a dead language. The number of students who take more than one year of Latin is small, too small. This will be keenly felt by students who carry their studies beyond the h gh school into the literary and scientific courses of some college or university. Indeed, even in the more advanced high school courses, we find daily use for the little Latin, which wc have learned in the study of Caesar, Cicero and Virgil.—S- ’21. Paxton High School Reflector 35 SENIOR PARTY. The members of the Senior Class, with Superintend! at and Mrs. Ba num. were entertained by the Misses Florence Shlnker, Pauline Pearson and Marjorie Fttcrg, at the home of Mils Strong on Friday evening, Dec. 31. The house was decorated in holly and bells, in keep ng with the holiday season. The evening was spent in games and music. The name of each mem-Ler of the class was represented by pictures. These were placed on the wall and each was to guess the name that applied to the picture wh'ch represented it. Paul Carlson was successful in completing this contest first. During the evening, many other games were played. At twelve o’clock Mr. Strcng, representing “Old Father Time” came in and spoke tc all present and then departed. ATter him came Miss Marjorie, representing the New Year. She gave each guest a card requesting that a New Year’s resolution be written upon it. This being completed, these resolution! were read to the amusement of all. Delicious refreshments were served. The guests then departed, assuring the hostesses that they had I ten loyally entertained.—Alice P. ’21. A SCHOOL TEACHER RARE There once was a school teacher rare, Whom a fever had robbed of his hair. The thought of his loss. Made him peevish and cross, To the kids who were under his care. PSo they bought him a bottle or two. Of a hair tonic, famous and new. Then his hair grew so fast That the teacher at last, Had to braid it all up ir a queue.—B. N. ’21. BEST SINGERS The very best singers in High School, Came jauntily out in a line. Not a man was afraid For t’was dress parade. And the showing was certainly fine. And when they had finished their nonsense. The people all rose with a shout. And with a loud roar. They clamored for more. But the boys made their bewg and went out. —B. N. '21 36 Paxton High School Reflector THE AMERICAN LITERATURE CLASS. This year there were twenty-two members of tlie A.net' ran Literature class. Perhaps this number may seem small, but the class made up n intellect what it lacked in number. Of the number in the -las', eighteen per cent were not Seniors, but they have been able to keep up with the rest of us, you can be sure. At the beginning of the term, we took up tile study of Painter's American Literature.” After studying the life of an author, we usually studied on . or more of his works and committed to memory some of his poetry, if ha was a poet. This part of our work was especially interesting us Mr. Bainum is so well versed in American Literature and is able to explain the meaning of so many literary references. In November. w� begun to write book reports, and subjec ts were chosen for oral reports to be given sometime before Christmas. Our written ones were to be on Emerson, Hawthorne, Cooper, Irving and Poe. So. for a while, everyone worked hard and faithfully. 1 think, and I'm sure the rest of the class will agree w tli me, that our hard study in American Literature has been worth while. At the present time, we are studying Burke's “Speech on Conciliation with the American Colonies.” This, though not written by an American, is upon an Amer.can theme, and very appropriately follows a study of American literature. — Pauline Pearson. '21 THE OUTLOOK OF THE GRADUATING CLASS. The graduating class of 1921 will be the first class to have graduated from the Paxton Community High School. The class is not very large the number being twenty-two—fourteen grls and eight beys; but this is not a matter of worry, because the quality 's what counts instead of the quantity. The class contemplate presertmg a play, in the place of Class Night, which will probably be given the first of May. The play has not been de-c'ded upon, sc our plans may only be visionary.—M. S. TOO LATE. When the Latin hating Seniors entered P. C. H. S. and Mr. Bainum suggested Latin I to them as one subject, they objected very much. This was the one great errer of their H. S. career. Now they realize what a mistake they made, for when the semester eram'nations were over, Mr. Bainum started them on Burke's Speech on Conciliation. This speech cor tains a very fine collection of words derived from the Latin language. These words are so used as tc bring out the exact meaning of the speech. When a student fails to give the correct meaning of one of these words, Mr. Bainum says “Have you had Latin?” and when he receives NO for an answer, he will smile and say. “I told you you would be sorry.” A person cannot realise how much he needs Latin until the study of this splendid Speech of Burke’s is begun. Then it is toe late.— L. Nees. Paxton High School Reflector 37 “INCREASING YOUR VOCABULARY.” The initial capital letters in the following words, selected front “Burke's Speech on Conciliation.” spell the “Better English” slogan of the Sen or Class. A critical study of this masterpiece or argumentative discourse must inevitably result in a larger and richer vocabulary. Universal Set utinize Erudition Gesticulation Opulence Obloquy Dexterous Equity Novice Garrulous Lexicographer Intrude Sagacity Huckster This is good English year you know So we must speak correctly tc make it grow. Then we will feel quite honored and brave To th’nk we could put old “siang” in his grave. —Edith Burklund. WE SENIORS. We may be dense in Chemistry In Civics we may be slow. But when it comes to pep meetings. We're already to go. We can Yell like everything We make more noise than the rest. And the freshmen gap like fishes. When we do our beat. Importance of Punctuation. Bead the following, then make two copies and punctuate them so as to express two different meanings. The result ought to convince any one of the importance of a working kLowledge of the rules for punetuat.on. Mr. W. then entered on bis head a white hat upon his feet large but well polished boots open bis brow a durk cloud in his hand a faithful walking stick in his eye a menacing glare saying nothing. 38 Paxton High School Reflector FAVORITE SAVINGS AND DUlNGS OF THE DAY Opening Exercises. Mr. Cunningham: Miss Wade will lead 11s in a song or two.” First Period—Assembly Mr. Raton: If you haven't anything to do I'll give you something.' Second period—Assembly. Miss Wade: “Stop wispering.” ‘This period ends at 10:40. Third period—American History. Miss Ijiteer: I do all the talking. Fourth peiiod—Commercial Arithmetic. Miss Bahr: “I say things only once. Fifth period—French III. Miss Corbly: Do you all understand this ? Sixth period—Assembly. Miss l.ateer: “Raymound quit entertaining the Freshman g rls. Seventh period—Assembly. Miss Pabr: ‘All those who are lats must account for it. Kighth period—Everyone is restless. Miss Wade: “Paul and Donald, if you don’t behave, you may Ku across the hall to English IV class. —D. V. B. OUR WIRELESS LUNDEEN We've a bright young Junior, Lundeen— And with wireless, he’s shown himself keen. True he is rather small But size is not all— For we're proud of our Junior, Lundeen. Paxton High School Reflector 39 WHAT WOULD HAPPEN? What would happen If Shermy Olson wouldn't look so nurd? If Nelson would calm down? If Cork wasn't chewing gum? If Herbert wasn’t griming? If .1. Wade went mad? If Juniors were not happy? If they would build a new school? If we would win a B. B. tournament? If Tory Larson would keep eligible during the basketball season? If M. Apland would think more of P. H. S. and less of Drummer H. S..' If Albert Engdahl would not read a paper in the assembly? If you could not hear Elizabeth McL’evitt’s melodious vo ce above all others? If Vivian Gentry was not studying? If Rachel Tweet and Hazel Carlson were separated? If Miss Hummel would not go to Chicago over the week-end? If Miss Wiglitman would smile? If some poor soul would dare wlrsper. Tth hour? If Chester L. would fail to fall asleep Cth hour? If the students of P. C. H. S. would be given a long looked-for holiday.' If some Senior forgot to act cute? If “Billy” Patton would be absent from a basketball game? If Faye Sypult would forget to wear a spit-curl? BETTER ENGLISH COMMENTS By Vivian Gentry, ’22. The transformation of good English to slang may be compared with a piece of white writing paper which has become blotted with ink. No matter how many pror esses it goes through to remove the ink, it can rever be restored to its former whiteness. Apparit ons are needed during this “Better Speech Campaign.” If one holding a “Better English Poster would appear before a person every time a grammatical error is made, I think that by Jan. 1. H 22. not a single high school student would be guilty of longer using many faulty expiessions that are now common. You cannot enter Heaven with “Slang on your lips. so. throw it away befrre it is too late. THE JUNIORS By One ot Them. The Juniors of P. C. H. S. are bright They work all day. and play all night They endure their woik, and enjoy their play They work at both, and make both pay. Thirteen girls play Basketball May sound unlucky, but it isn't at all. And as for pep. watch Billy and Dot They'll raise class spirit right on the spot. Look at the boys in athletics, too They sure stand true for the “Gold and Blue,” 40 Paxton High School Reflector Herbert, Paul, Shennie, Dick and Tory They sure ran play and tight like fury. Then there i§ Emily, another Junior She writes better than any Senior She wrote one play which brought her fame. And now everyone knows her name. We have a cartoonist in our class, Phillip draws pictures that make you laugh And .our of the Juniors are musicians, too And they hold our orchestra fair and true. In work, in fun, in everything The Juniorg all bright laurels bring They’ve been true to the High School in the past. And they’ll stand for Paxton first and last. “JUNIORS” Oh. you’re lucky if you’re a Junior, And misfortunate if you’re not; But of course you can not help it If you’re r.ot in the lucky lot. But. Oh n«w, don’t yon envy us, That Junior class of ours? And don’t you wish that you were in -“That Junior Class Of Ours? —P. N. ’22. “THE SCHOOL FOR ME” Paxton High is the school for me They say it’s easy, but wait and see. Co we study? Well I guess— Better not play in P. H. S. Paxton High is the school for me It's just where you ought to be If out of school you do stay, Better be careful where you play. —L. V. ’22. FIGHTING FOR THE “GOLD AND BLUE” We have in Paxton High School Some very bright Junior lasses. Who play or, the basketball team And best all the other classes. Led by Dorothy, our captain, We keep them on t.ie run; But. nevertheless, you must confess We just have “piles” of fun. The g rls are not the only ones. Our boys are right there, too; They’re right on the spot 'til the whistle blows Fighting for the “Gold and Blue.” There, Sherman bravely leads the fray With Tory and Paul close by ‘ Herb’’ and “Dick” and “Bill” help, too How they do play! Ch, my!! Fight.ng for the “Gold and Blue.” —E. Patton, ’22. WHO IS IT? OR WHO'S WHO? By Florence Fretty, '22 Who is it, weary, sad and sore, Climbs the steps, twenty or more, And without haste, opens the door? P. C. H. S. Students Who is it burns the midnight oil. And paper by the tons do spoil, Receiving credits for their toil? Studious Pupils. Who raises trouble by the peck. The teacher’s neives they almost wreck, And later get it in the neck? Truant Pupils. Whom do we talk of tremblingly. With bated breath, and dread that she May fail to pass us in Geometry? Miss Corbly. Paxton High School Reflector 41 Who gets into most awful scrapes Sends notes in many hundred shapes, Which from the teacher’s eye escapes? Freshmen. (Verbs should agree with their subjects in number. IJoes “escapes?” —Ed.) WHAT IF? By Inez Thompson, ’22 What if: Lowell was a Niece? Teddy was a Bear? .Marie was a Parson? Anna was a Dale? Bertha was a Turner? Billy was a Fatton? Jessie was a Button? Claude was a Martin? Howard was a Hill? Katharvn was a Campbell? Pauline was a Holly? Winona was a Gardner? Lloyd was a Peile? Stine was a Smith? Harriet wab a Caine? Bernice was a Brown? Doris was Breesy? Marjorie was Strong? Lucile was a Good-one? Emeline was a Coal-man? Francis was Glad? Merle as a Kettle? SOME QUIPS PICKED UP HERE AND THERE By Elizabeth Patton. Miss Corbly: “Who invented the first Geometry proposition?” Walter Young: Noah.” Miss Corbly: “You’re guessing.” Walter: Well, he constructed the Ark, B. C.” The potatoe’s eyes were full of tears, The cabbage hung its head Oh! there was grief in the kitchen that night The vinegar’s mother was dead “Did you say you graduated from a Barber's College? What was your college yell?” “Cut his lip, cut his jaw, leave his face raw, raw, raw!” Inquisitive Freshman: “Mr Eaton, why do you want me to whitewash the inside of this chicken coop?” Mr. Eaton replied, with a broad grin on his countenance: “To keep the hens from picking the grain out of the wood, of course.” DIGNIFIED ED.” A dignified Junior is Ed. He never is oil in his head He studies right ahead Till his lessons are said— This dignified Junior called EU. —P. X. ’22. SCIENTIFIC EXAMPLES AND REFLECTIONS By the Philosopher. Edmund Ludlow. Examples of Generation, Conduction, Radiation and Convection. 1. Generation of heat—Due to friction between goloshes and shoes. 2. Conduction—Thru the body. Radiation—Caused by roughened surface of said goloshes. 4. Convection—Due to the “rise of warm air.” 5. Result—Head is kept warm without the wearing of a hat. C. Theory—Title may be the result of the constant flow of hot air from those of the opposite sex. 42 Paxton High School Reflector WIRELESS Wireless telegraphy and telephony is interesting and instructive, as well as an untiring pastime. More people ought to make it the object or study and investigation. A wireless receiving set is capable not only of picking up wireless telegraph, but even wireless telephone messages. In time, if certain hindrances can he overcome, the wireless te.ephone will excell the telegraph and tiie telepnone of the present day. There are many improvements that can be made, even though it seems that the wireless is already perfected. It might, in time, be possible to talk arour.d the earth, by the power consumed by an ordinary electric iron. By wireless, telephone concerts, readings. etc., can he heard in a hundred cities by large crowds simultaneously. Tliete is not an evening when a concert is not being flung into space. Or, if you are no_ inclined to go to church, you can hear a complete churcn service, including the sermon, on Sunday evenings. A certain paper recently published an article stating that the musicians unicn in California are raising a protest against the w.reless telephone, saying that a concert given by an orchestra has many time3 been sent by Radiophone and thus private dances can be held in a hundred places at one time. Their protest was that the w.reless telephone was causing a great deal cf unemployment among the musicians. (This at tide was written for the “Refle tor by Clarence Lundeen, '22. Wireless” Lundeen has a private wireless station, and has achieved much local fame tor his unusual work.—Ed.) IN THE WAKE OF THE NEWS Our little “Drummer Junior” is loyal to P. C. H. S., but we do wish she could have yelled a little louder (for us, of course) at the Gibson game. It might have changed the score. If you look out of your w.ndow some sun-shiny night, you may see our Junior adviser riding madly by. 1 wonder if Miss Wade finds that “Henry as hard to manage as the one in her first hour English class. In the Legion Auxiliary play, Occupation None,” which was given on Fiiday, Match 18. two of the most prominent parts were taken by our High School Juniors, Evelyn Swanson and Evelyn Pierce. They both proved themselves exceptionally good at this sort of work. Our “clas; authoress,” Emily Johnson, has rerentiy written another delightful comedy, “Twin Ir.n.” This will be given by the American Legion sometune in the near future. The Junior Class has the distinction of furnishing five of our basket ball .tars—Paul Nelson, Sherman Olson, “Tory” Larson, D:ck Corbly and Herbert Gee. Paxton High School Heflector 43 Sop homore Department SOPHOMORES REACH THE GOAL One day I, a worthy Sophomore, had a wonderful dream, j was hard at work in the assembly when Mr. Haintim called me to tne door. When 1 reached him, he told me 1 was wanted a: the entrance by a lady. And reaching the foct of the stairs, 1 i saw a strange lady who greeted me not, but beckoned nie to follow her. As I stepped out of the door, we seemed to be transported to a beautiful wood. We followed a narrow path some distance, when we suddenly came into an open space. At the farther side of this, was a reeky incline - A great number of boys and girls seemed to be trying to climb this. When I looked closer, I saw all the members of P. H. S. either climbing or watching. My companion said. “What do you see?” All at once 1 saw the members of the Sophomore Class reach the top and plant a (lag on the summit. On that Hag were the words, “Good Knglish.” —Mary Carson, '23 MOTTOES ADOPTED BY THE SOPHOMORE CLASS 1— Return good for evil. 2— Do unto ethers as you would have them do unto you. 3— Never start anything you can't finish. 4—All stand together for our dear old P. C. H. S. 5— Never be “Snobs.” 6— Handle the Seniors with care for they are delicate. 7— Make our class the leader of the school. 8— Monopolize every bed-post, broom stick and flag-pole in the country for Sophomore colors. 9—If the Seniors smite you on one check, turn unto them the other also; then stop, turn around, take off your coat and give ’em something for “dessert.” 0—Work hard—get all your Latin— hand it to the Senior Hunker, and thus help to gct rid of the bunch in June. —Lucile Belton, '23 THE SOPHOMORE PICNIC The Sophomores of P. C. H. S. with the teachers. Miss Corbly, Miss Wigb.tman and Mr. Cunningham, had a picnic last fall out at Kemp's timber cne evening after school. They went out in cars. As scon as they reached the timber, the boys made a large bon-fire. Then everyone hunted for a long stick on which to roast weenies. Whtn the weenies were roasted, the Sophomores ate their picnic lunch. When the lunch was finished, they played a few games. While playing ! “Three Deep, it began to rain. They stepped the game at once, hastily put out t.ie fire, rushed to the cars, and hurried back to town. It is hoped that the Sophomores will have better weather when they have their next picnic. —O. M. ’23. MY HISTORY (With Apologies to “The Rosary”) The time I spend with you. old book. Is very leng, it seems to me I read over every line apart My history! My history! 44 Paxton High School Reflector Tea words a line, ten lines a paragraph To learn them i an awful grind 1 learn eaca sentence nnto the end, and there— borne more 1 find. Oh. toll that is so poorly paid l?) Oh. a.story forgotten as soon as read! 1 study each line and try to find a way To K.ep it in my head— My history! To keep it in my head! —Howard Hill, ’23 WISHES OF SOME P. C. H. S. BOYS 1 WISH— That 1 had not played aookey— Claude M. That I could get Algebra I—Doc. C. That I was a girl—Lovey. That the baseball season would start. That I did not have the lazy blues jamas. But it was only Raymond taking his morning exercise. —S. A. ’23. SOPHOMORE LIMERICKS There is a Sophomore called Helen, Who can do a lot of yellin’. Now this pretty little girl Hasn't a single tiny curl, But she's a laughing Soph, this Helen. —Elizabeth Kemp. In Paxton High, 'tis said. Things are anything but dead In Basketball we surely have the pep At track we're bound to win some ‘rep.'’ —Phillis Nordgren. Words corrected daily A dictionary at hand Will make better English And a wiser land. —Irene Bear. —Lloyd P. a a a a That the girls would not tea.se me —George W. That M. J. would write me a note —Walter S. That I was taller and not so fat —Teddy L. That they would take my stories more seriously—Sara H. That I had studied Mod. Hist, at the beginning of this semester. —Abby E. —Vernon Strayer, ’23 A pen, a penc.l or some chalk A piece of paper on the walk I know—I’ll put it on my shoe For I have an inspiration For Reflector notes are due. —Mae Swanson. SOPHOMORE JOKES Kenneth Stanford says that it is no; every one who can beast of a ‘halo about ais head all of the time ------- A Freshie at a game: ‘‘Just look PAJAMA COMEDY how dirty those players get. Will The neighborhood of South Wash- they ever get clean?” ington Street was greatly aroused one Another Freshie: “What do you morning when Raymond Johnson was think we get a scrub team for?” running for track. J It was about six o’clock in the Teacher: “Johnnie, describe the morning, and. when a lady saw him. Yeliow race.” she thought he was an insane man Johnnie: “Excuse me, hut I went running down the street in his pa-1 to the ball game instead.” Paxton High School Reflector First Boy: “My father can change JUST SUPPOSE a laughing face ir.to a sorrowful one If all the students of P. C. H. S. with one stroke of the pen. should remember for a day. Second Boy: “So can mine, but To do taeir lessons and their tasks lie uses a stick. Seve:al members of the Women’s Club were chatting with a little daughter of the hostess. “1 suppose ycu are a great help to your mamma,” said one. “Oh, yes, replied :he little miss, “and so is Ethel, but it’s my turn to count the spoons today after the company is gone.” Wonder Who Has It? .Miss Dooley had just assigned 35 lines in Caesar. Howard: “Have a heart, Miss Dot ley. .Miss Doo'.ey: ‘ I haven’t any, mine nas been gone for a long time.” We Wonder Why Raymond Auklund (in Med. Hist.): “Miss Hummel, are you going to give any dates in our quiz tomorrow? Miss Hummel: “No, I am not giv- ing dates any more—mine is an everlasting one.” Tis wrong for any maid to be Abroad at night alone. A chaperon she needs till she Can call some chap-cr-on. —Marie Parsons. Here's to “Old Slang,” may he never grow rich. But scratch and scratch with the seven-year-itch. May the pupils all hit him with a long-handled hammer. And make him whistle, “The Star Spangled Banner.” as surely as their play. Should drop their ain’ts and can’ts and put away their toys, Remember P. C. H. S. is r.ot the place for noise. The teachers would enjoy themselves and every one would see What a very, very, pleasant place P. C. H. S. would be!—G. W. ’23. WHY DO THEY LIKE THESE BEST? Lovey Olson—‘ Whispering.” Shorty Pierce—“Oh, Helen.” Spencer Anderson “Oh, what a Pal was Mary.” Edita Camp—“Last Night.” Mack McKnight — “Avelon.” (Evelyn.) Clive Johnson—“Sweet and Low.” Sarah Hyde—“Jane waiting for Tomorrow to come.” Miss Hummel—“Illinois Loyalty.” Miss Wade—“Drifting.” Howard Hill—“I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.” Deacon Given—“I’m In Heaven When I'm in my Mother's Arms. SOME PARTY In Modern History, while discussing the parties of the English Rebellion of 1C40, the teacher said, “Can any one tell me what the names of the two parties were? A hand was immediately raised and a loud voice answered. “Cavaliers and Ironheads.” Miss Wade in English II: “Ever- ett. you act as the minister.” Everett, stretching: “I don’t qual- ify.” 46 Paxton High School Reflector FRESHMAN I)EPARTMEN'J1 “JUST FRESHMEN We are just some little “Freshies Scarcely through the “Primer Book But say, we want to tell you We’re not as green as we look. We’ve beer, here mcst a year now And say! we're going some We know a senior from a teacher And we don't (eel quite so glum. Yet we’re awfully scared when in Room Kleven Because the teacher looks so stern, And we stay up rather late at night That our lessons we may learn. But still as we go on through school They’ll not treat us quite so mean For( again we say, We'll show them We are not so green as we seem. —Walter Nees, ’24 THE TRIALS OF A FRESHMAN It made me feel so very sad When told that 1 must write An article that was not bad And I’ve tried with all my might. I watched the team play basketball. And thus sought inspiration But no thoughts came to me at all That could bring approbation. So, if this freshie you’ll excuse I’d rather not say more I'd surely hate my grade to lose But my writing’s awful poor. —I. M. ’24. “OH! YE FRESHMEN.” We, the little green Freshmen Have just come in And I guess some of our teachers Think we’re pretty full of sin. But after you gc.. ucqua.nted with us You’ll find .t isn t true Because its o..ly mischief And we’ve got it thiu ar.d thru. And now that we have ttait.d To dear old P. H. S. We’re go ng to keep right at L, Until we reach success. —B. S. ’24. “We FRESHIES” I'm only a Freshman, so you see— You can't expect so much from me But I will try to do my best For that’s Miss Wade’s kindly request. Perhaps we Freshies were quite green When we first saw the Assembly scene— With Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, too. We hardly knew just what to do. —F. L. ’24. CAN YOU IMAGINE: — Evelyn Pierce at school a half hour early in the morning? Kenneth Meyers studying’: Teddy Lind in a hurry? Miss Hummel remaining in Paxton over the week-end? Harold Hagens wearing long pants? George Ward full of pep? Harold Goodwin as tall as Harriet Caine? Lloyd Peile as a noted singer? Miss Hummel as being a fat chubby person? Nina Mullinax without a smile? Arnold Carlsten without a dimple? Rachel Thompson sitting still? Viola Gylander flunking a quiz9 Paxton High School Reflector 47 POOR ENGLISH (Tune of “My Bonnie.) Pcor English Hies over the ocean, Poor English hies over the sea, Pcor English hies over the ocean O'er theie let Poor English be. CHORUS— Farewell, farewell, Farewell, Poor English, farewell to thee Farewell, farewell, Oh. farewell Poor English, to thee. —V. G. '24. FRESHMAN JOTTINGS ON REFLECTOR DAY Teacher in Physiology class: “Wha; are motor nerves?” Pupil: ‘ .Nerves mat motor around.” ft a ft Freshies We are the Freshies of P. H. S. We try very hard to do our best. But it seems though we never would succeed So the Juniors and Seniors advise, “More Speed.” Miss Lateer (in Hist.): “Where did Thomas Jefferson sign the Declaration of Independence?” Albert Engdahl: “At the bottom.” Mr. Eaton: “Did you take a shower hath after ball practice tonight, Kenneth? Kenneth: “No, is one missing?” £ £ £ Miss Hummel (in Eng.): “What is a renowned suitor?” Wise Freshie: “One who has loved many.” Emily Wylie; “Have you read ‘Freckles'?” Pauline Given: “No, mine are brown. In English I: “Roy, please read beginning the sentence ‘And lie blessed them unaware.’ ”. Roy (very calmly): “And he bless- ed them underwear.” « ft « Miss Hummel: “Roy, you may spell the word ‘neighbor.’” Roy: “N-e-i-g-h-b-o-r.” Miss H.: “That’s right. Now give a good definition for it.” Roy: “It's a woman that borrows things.” ft Paul: “What are them things?” Helen H.: “Those are Reflector notes.” Freshman Boy: “Who teaches ‘Physical Arithmetic?’ ’ Senior Girl (smothering a giggle): Miss Wightman.” HIGH SCHOOLS A FRIGHT I sit here thinking hard Of something 1 could write The first thing I'm going to tell you Is that High School is a fright. We come at nine in the morning And stay till four at night And everything done between those times Must be exactly right. —F. L. ’24. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF: — Pauline was Given more? Marie didn’t work? Evelyn turned over? Dorcas had a new man? Vernon wasn't a strayer? Paul wasn't a western-burg? (West-erberg.) Edmund went to Ludlow? Sarah didn't hide? (Hyde.) 48 Paxton High School Reflector ATHlSr iiTICS BASE BALL Paxton Community High School athletics started off with a boom. The first week of school, it seemed impractical to attempt to put a football squad In the field, so a call was made for baseball players, and a score or more answered the summons. A baseball schedule was quickly arranged, and Dick” Corbly was elected captain. So many men answered the call that it seemed as though some way should be devised so that they would get the benefit of the outdoor exercise. An inter-class league was formed of four teams -Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior—the winner of the league to receive a pennant. Each team played five games, and a strong, friendly class rivalry sprang up. The series was close all the way through, with the Juniors winning by a bare game. These games gave the varsity team some excellent practice and they showed a rare amount of skill in their games. Five varsity games were played: Fisher here, Kantoul there, Ludlow here. Rantoul here, Ludlow there. The scores were as follows: Paxton 20.................„................Fisher 10 Paxton 1...................................Kantoul -4 Paxton 11...................................Ludlow 7 Paxton 8.................................. Rantoul 1 THE VARSITY LINE I P S. Smith, SS P. Nelson, CF K. Larsen, C Capt. Corbly. 313 H. Gee. 2B C. Martin. P S. Olson, IB V. Strayer, LF F. Henry. RF R. Moffett D. Odell O. Fierce P. Corbly C. Lindgren “Dick Corbly made an excellent captain and was well liked by all of the fellows. In the spring we hope to clean up on all the surrounding towns in baseball—Gibson City included—as we have been intormed that they intend to put a baseball team in the field this year. 49 Paxton High School Reflector FRESHMAN LINE UP M. Keltle, CF D. Irving, RF R. Johnson, 2B C. Campbell. SS W. Nordgren. 3B I). Corbly, IB R. Benjamin. CF B. Stites, P O. Pierce, C JUNIOR LINE UP Martin. P (lee, 2B Larson. C Corbly, 3B Nelson, CF Lundeen, SS Olson, IB Henry, LF Nordgren, RF The games were all peppy, the terested in them. SOPHOMORE LINE UP R. Moffett, C V. Strayer. P R. Odell, IB C. Lir.dgren, 2B L. Pierson, 3B F‘. Rasmussen, SS H. Hodam, CF C. Brunton, LF Anderson, RF SENIOR LINE UP Corbly, P Smith, S3 MoKiiight, 3B Carson, RF Carlson, 2B Engdahl, LF Henry, CF Flora, C Givens, IB school and the public being much in- BASKET BALL Basket ball started off with lots of pep, and a full varsity schedule was arranged including several freshman and second team games. Varsity Oct. 29th, Fisher at Fisher. Nov. 5th, Fisher at Paxton. Nov. 19th, Melvin at Paxton. Dec. 3rd, Hoopeston at Hoopeston. Dec. 11th, Roberts at Paxton Dec. 17th, Champaign at Champaign. Dec. 28th, Rantcul at Rantoul. Jan. 7th, Onarga M. A. at Onarga. Jan. 8th, Champaign at Paxton Jan. 14th, Onarga H. S. at Paxton Jan. 15th, East Lynn at Paxton Jan. 21st, Rankin at Paxton. Schedule Jan. 22nd. Roberts at Roberts. Jar. 23rd. Gibson City at Gibson City. Jan. 24th, Rantoul at Paxton. Feb. 4th, Hoopeston at Paxton. Feb. 5th, East Lynn at East Lynn. Feb. 11th, Melvin at Melvin. Feb. 12th. Onarga H. S. at Paxton. Feb. 18th, Rankin at Rankin. Feb. 19th, Onarga M. A. at Paxton Feb. 25th, Gibson City at Paxton. Feb. 2 th, Gilman at Gilman. March 4th. Gilman at Paxton. Sherman Olson was elected captain, and when it came to pep ar.d tight, he was right there. Much credit must be given him for the efficient way in which he handled the squad during the games. The basketball squad was large, but the men. as a whole, were small and none of them had had very much experience in basketball; but what they lacked in size and in exper- 50 Paxton High School Reflector ience, they made up in determination and pep—a dner bunch of clean, fair athletes can not be found in any school. As the schedule shows, we played Fisher at Fisher for our first game. We had been practicing one week and met an old experienced team on a Hcor that wasn't iarge enough for ten players and the officials; so. of course, we come out with the small end of the score. We played so many games, and had so much pep and enthusiasm .hat it is not possible to go into detail, but it must be said that the students and the faculty certainly have supported the basketball team this year. The Team For forwards, this year we had four good men- smith, Nelson, Pierce and .Moffett; for centers—Larson and Strayei ; floor guards—Capt. Olson and Gee: back guards—McKnight and Corbiy. Out of the twelve games played on our home floor, we won six, including Roberts, Champaign, Hoopeston. Ea t Lynn, Onarga and Rankin. Two games were lost by one point—Onarga Mil.tary Academy and Gilman; one game lost by one basket—Fisher; and the remaining games were all close scores. The games and scores are as follows: — Paxton —Opp. Roberts, there 1 5 FI her. there 27 Gibson, there 8 13 Fisher, here 14 10 Rantoul, here 10 13 Melvin, here 11 18 Hocpaston. here 17 12 Hoopeston. there 2 23 Melvin, there 12 29 Roberts, here 10 13 Onargo, here 19 12 Champaign, there 25 35 Rankin, there 2 12 Rantoul, there 9 Onarga M A., here. 14 15 Onarga M. A., there 11 2G Gibson, here 12 17 Champaign, here 19 10 Gilman, there 23 25 Onarga. here 21 12 Gilnton, here 24 25 East Lynn, here 29 12 Rankin, here 31 5 Total Points 333 393 We loose two good men front our basketball squad this year, Smith and McKnight, and we sure regret to lose them, but our best wishes go with them. A stronger team is expected next year, as the fellows will be older and stronger, and will have had more experience. Next year we are going to beat Gibson—sure thing! Although we lost several games most of them were by a small margin— while our opponents were scoring 393 points, we scored 303; so after all we weren't so far behind. Captain Sherman Olson has spent ail three of his high school years at Paxton High. He played running guard on both thii and last year's team. He will be back with the team next year; and, with h's two seasons experience. will prove a valuable guard. Stine Smith, right forward, came here this year from Morocco. Ind.. Paxton High School Rcfcctor PAXTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL BASKET BALL PLAYERS Standing (left to right): Corbly, Pierce, Smith, M Knight, Strayer. Larson. Olson, Moffett. Kneeling: Stites. Stanford, Gee. Rasmussen. Johnson. Sitting: Nordgren. Campbell, Stites. Platt, Moffett. Coach, M. T. Eaton; Manager, H. A. Cunningham. where he played on the team last year. Stine attended school at Faxton High in his Freshman year and then moved away. He returned to finish his sen.or year at Paxton. Stine is a valuable scoring machine, and he as responsible for a great many of the point- made tills season. Smith will graduate this year and intends to continue his schooling at some Indiana or Illinois college. He intends to try to make his place in athletics there. Mack McKnight, back guard, came to Paxton High School trom Areola, where he spent his first three years in high school. He played on the Areola varsity team the year before coming to Paxton. Mc-Knight has the record of playing two seasons of basketball and never making a basket, although he has made five points at free throws. Mack intends to go to Purdue University at Lafayette, Ind. There he intends to continue in athletics. Larson, center, was a Junior this past season, and will be back on the squad again next year. Larson played the latter part of the 19-20 season and all of this season. He will, therefore, begin next year with a valuable bit of experience. Paul Nelson, left forward, was a Junior this past season. This was 52 Paxton High School Reflector GIRLS’ BASKET BALL TEAM. PAXTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL Upper Row: (lef. to right) Arline Carlsten. Pauline Holly. Marjorie Johnson. Dorothy Von Brethorst, Elizabeth Patton. Second Row: Faye Sypult. Mildred Kirkpatrick, Eme ine Kcllman, Luci’.e Belton. Phy.lis Nordgren. Gertrude Pollock, Emily Johnson. Hazel Carlson. Third Row: Grace Larson. Evelyn Swanson. Kathryn Dunnan, Louvawn Burkard. Rachel Thompson, Frances Watts, Martha Belle Dunnan. Wynona Gardner. Coaches: M. T. Eaten. Miss Helen Dooley, Miss Helen Hummel. Nelson’s first year at basketball, and he developed very quickly into a good ficor man. Nelson will make a valuable asset to next year s team. Oren Pierce, left forward, made the varsity this yea -, while only a Freshman. He came from Henning, 111. He played on the Henning eighth grade team last year. He was a little light for the first squad, but by next year he should be able to line up with any of them. Ray Corbly, guard, was a Junior this season. This was “Dick s first year at basketball, but he has shown that he has the stuff in him to make a real guard. Robert Moffett, guard, was a Sophomore this past season. This was “Bob’s” second year at basketball. He played on the Freshman team last season. Toward the latter part of this season, “Bob began to develop a Paxton High School Reflector 53 good eye for the basket, so that by next year he should make a good forward. Vernon Strayer, center, was a Sophomore this past year. He was a second string man last year and this year he played in a number of varsity games. Strayer has the build for a center and should be able to make the first team next year. Herbert Gee, forward,w as a Junior this past year. Gee had a little experience on class teams last season, and this season he was a valuable .second string man. Coach Eaton came to Paxton High from Wingate, Indiana, where he coached the U. S. Championship team for the season 19-20. Mr. Eaton has done a great deal for athletics in Paxton, and a great deal of credit is due him for his efficient handling of the team and for the way he has revived the old basketball spirit in Paxton. Mr. Eaton is by far one of the best coaches that has ever been employed in the Paxton High School. GIRLS’ BASKET BALL For the first time in the history of P. C. H. S., girls' athletics have come into prominence. The girls have always taken part in school athletics, and have shown a very loyal spirit, giving the boys their enthusiastic support. However, this year has been one of ur.usual school spirit, and the girls felt as though they would like to take an even more active part in athletics. Basket Ball especially seemed very attractive, and with the help of our coach, Mr. Eaton, an inter-class league was formed. This consisted of three teams—Freshman, Sophomore and Junior. We were given two nights every week fer practice and the boys, by their helpful suggestions and generous support, helped us work up our team. A great many girls came out for practice: Freshman team—Wynona Gardner, Rachel Thompson, Arline Carlsten. Martha Belle Dunnan. Mildred Kirkpatiick, Myrle Rardin and Xira Mullinax: Sophomore team—Phyllis Xorderen, Lucile Belton, Sarah Hyde. Frances Watts, Dorothy Given, Irene Bear Dorcas Newman, Opal Mcudy; Junior team—Dorothy Von Brethorst, Elizabeth Patton, Louvawn Burkard, Evelyn Swanson, Kathryn Jane Dun-nan. Grace Larson. Emily Johnson. Faye Sypult, Hazel Carlson, Gertrude Pollock, Elizabeth McDevitt and Emeline Kollman. The Senior class was rot. represented. A great deal of practicing was done under the coaching of Miss Dooley and Miss Hummel, and a number of games were played. There was a great deal of rivalry, especially between the. Junior and Freshman teams, which were particularly well matched. However, of the three teams, the hrnor3 must be given to the Freshman players who won the majority of the games. TRACK At a recent meeting of the Athletic Board of Control, it was unanimously decided to make 4 track one of the major sports. Coach Eaton immediately issued a call for track men and about thirty 54 Paxton High School Reflector men answered the call. Y’ernon Strayer was elected captain, and he Is sure to make good. New track equipment has been ordered and a successful season is expected, in that all track teams are successful in making healthy boys and girls. The events which will he indulged in are: 2-mile relay; 1-mile relay; Yfc-mile relay; Y4-mile relay: 100-yard dash; GO-yard dash; GO-yard low-hurdles; high jump: broad jump; shot put; pole valut and discus. FINANCIAL STATEMENT ATHLETIC FUND Balance from last year..................................... 1120.08 Association Membership Fees................................ I 82.00 Tag Day collections........................................ I 07.20 Total ......................................................... J2G9.44 Door and gate receipts at home games.................................... 1627.87 Total resources .......................................... $897.31 Total expenses paid............................ $393.24 Probable bills unpaid.......................... $ oO.OO $44...24 Approximate Bal. (at close of Basketball season) $454. 7 This is a very satisfactory shewing, especially as the expenses of the fall baseball were considerably in excess of the gate receipts. The popularity of the basketball games, due to the hard work done by the team under the good trainirg of Coach Baton, and to the effective work done by Mr. Cunningham in arranging the schedule of games, has been notable. Omitting the items of balance on hand at the beginning of the year, the “Tag Day receipts ard the Association Dues collected (totaling $149.36), it is evident that the athletic interests thus far this year have been more than self-3ustain’ng. They thus show a net profit of nearly $200. If the Tag Day and Associat'on Merbership receipts are taken into consideration, the gain abeve expenses would be about $350. It is r.ot expected that the balance at the end of the year will be so large, as receipts from track athletics, indeed, if there be any at all—will he negligible, though there will be expnses. Since Decoration Day ball Lamps were discontinued, spring baseball has usually resulted in'a deficit. Under these circumstances the Association is fortunate in having a good balance at the close of the basketball season. The cross country track events are creating considerable interest in the high school. The girls say they are coming out for track. The girls sure were peppy basket ball boosters this year. The Paxton quintet played a very creditable game of baseball at the Paxton-Roberts game at the Roberts gynn The batteries on both teams were in good pitching form as the score was 1-5. Paxton High School Reflector 55 ittisrcllaucints SIXTEENTH VOLUME This is the issue N’o. 1 of Volume XVI of the Paxton High School Reflector; or, if you please, it is No. 1 of Volume 1 of the Paxton Community High School Reflector. The numbers issued in any school year are designated as a volume. Volume XVI will be composed of but two numbers, this better English number and the Senior number which is to follow. l sist year but one number was published, and it will be permanently bound with the two numbers of this year. Fcr a number of years past, the yearly volumes as completed have been bound—one copy for the school library and one for the Paxton Carnegie library. Copies of all of the earlier numbers have been kept in the school library properly grouped by years in paste board folders or covers. These volumes in the school library are a never-failing source of interest to high school students, and some of them have been so popular that they are nearly worn out. Two of them have mysteriously disappeared. It is hoped that they may, in the near future, re-appear. Under these circumstances. it is fortunate that duplicate copies have been placed in the Carnegie library, where the conditions are such that they can be better cared for. There are probably only two persons who have been directly connected with the bringing out of all of these numbers or volumes. One or them is the foreman and compositor in the Register office, Mr. Albert Carlsten; ar.d the other is Superintendent Bainum. They both take a justifiable pride in their joint connection with the work of bringing out the Reflector through so many consecutive years. THE NUMBER OF WORDS IN THE REFLECTOR AND A RESEARCH PROBLEM It has been estimated that there are at least thirty thousand words n this issue of the Reflector. It would be interesting to know how many different words are used, and also what words are used most frequently. Here is an opportunity for a simple problem in research work for the classes in English. Interesting and valuable facts as to the extent of high school students’ vocabularies could be easily and quickly obtained by dividing the work out among the more than 150 students in the English classes. The work of the individual students could be summarized by committees. An alphabetical list of all of the different words used could thus be made, and their number in relation to the total number of words including repetifers. Tile final record should show the number of times each word has been used, and the average number of times words are repeated. The assertion is here ventured that the total number of different words u-ed :n the Reflector does not reach two thousand. It may fall as low as lot; . .Make your own guess, and then let us solve the problem and know the truth. PAXTON COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT Tile arrangements for the Paxton Community High School Commencement have not yet been completed. The plans, as they are now being worked out, indicate that the exercises will be held at the Coliseum on Friday evening. June 3rd, and that a speaker of some ability and note will be secured to deliver the commencement address. The class play will b® given at the Coliseum a week before the date of commencement. What Knowing How Means to ou Into the Exide Battery made for your oar is built the experience gained in making baiteriis for a majority of the worlds submarines, the Bell telephone system, central power stations, and every industrial use. The first commercially successful automob.le start.ng and lighting battery was an Exide. The result of knowing hew is a battery that will give you long-lasting power and care-tree service. We know how to repair every make of battery and make it last as long as possible, until you are ready to replace it with an Exide. Call today. STAR GARAGE T. E. LARSON, Proprietor Telephone 400 Storage Repairing Accessories •: • ❖ ❖ + ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ • • • • ❖ • • 5 ❖ ❖ •:• � - ❖ • • • - •: ❖ •!• • ♦ ♦ ♦ ❖ ❖ ♦I f ❖ i •J If you intend to build a home call and get a ❖ Book of Plans which you can have for the asking ❖ ❖ Andrews Lumber Mill Co. v ❖ f ❖ f + North Market St. Paxton, 111. � ♦ «J !• 5 • 4 4 5 5 H !« •! v 4 v •5 v v 5 v v 4 v 1' v • v 1 v ! v v v vv 4 v 4 v v ♦ 4 G. J. Johnson Res. Phone 91 JOHNSON THOMPSON LAND MERCHANTS PHONE 17 PAXTON, ILLINOIS Res. Phone luumlA JVICTROLAS I1U I PAXTON. ILL. Papineau Building, N. Market St. Telephone 119 M. L. ROD Plumbing and heating Duro Electric Water Systems AGENT FOB MAHONING FURNACE PAXTON, ILL. The Points of Wear Are All Strongly Reinforced in Wayne Knit Pony Stockings for Children We carry many styles—school, rom]) and dress hosiery. E. F. Johnson PAXTON I. D. Kelsheimer, M. D. PHYSICIAN and SURGEON OFFICE OVER POSTOFFICE Phone 100 Paxton, III. FRANK L1NDLEY Geo. P. Button Attorney at Law PAXTON, ILLINOIS DEN LIST 0 Commandery Bldg. PAXTON I Fancy Groceries Claude M. Swanson WE CARRY A COMPLETE LINE OF FANCY AND STAPLE GROCERIES Attorney at Law RICHELIEU BRAND FOOD PRODUCTS A SPECIALTY QJtf E. Sandstedt Phone 69 Delivery Free PAXTON. ILLINOIS Farmers 5c Merchants State Bank F. M. Thompson Attorney at Law H. E. DUFFIELD, Cashier STENOGRAPHER IN OFFICE North Market St. PAXTON Phone 6 First National Bank Bldg. !• !■ • • !• •!• •!' • • i ••• fr - • • •; • Soctctv ;!Sran Clotbes Boys--See Them! Our high school models are here. Better pick your suit while our display is at its height. Models, fabrics, colors are the latest. The style is there—style has made these clothes famous. And they are hand-tailored. Thos. T. Lttnde CLOTHING AND SHOES ...v • ❖ • • • ♦ ] f 1 i mm t................................................................ • •—• •- ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••%•� — GKO. K. FOX HOUSE WIRING, ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES ELTCTRICAL REPAIR Phone No. 351 ' PAXTON Electric Washers, Sewing Machines, Irons, Vacuum Cleaners, Toasters, Vibrators, Table Lamps, Fixtures on display any time. My prices are right. Everything Electrical AT RULISON’S ELECTRIC SHOP AND Battery Service Station luT mait’s ChiKulatt' §bop 7 fye Best in Everything ICE CREAM CANDIES CIGARS FRESH FRUITS Come in — Always glad to see you We make Deliveries too Paxton State Bank CAPITAL AX I) SCRPLUS, $li;i,000.00 W. J. LATEER, President W. 1 . RAX KIN, Vice-President (). J.‘ EG NELL, Cashier X. V. LATEER, Assistant Cashier WE PAY THREE PER VEST INTEREST OX SAVINGS ACCOUNTS ?. Peterson Plum bine] and Heating SHEET METAL WORK 112 W. Pells St. PAXTON Licensed under State of Illinois. Insured under Workmen’s Compensation Act. THE NEW MAJESTIC DIRECTION ALCRI CmcriT Is the finest theatre in any town in Illinois the size of Paxton. The kind of Entertainment you - —want to see PAXTON AUTO IMPLEMENT CO. PAIGE STUDEBAKER and DODGE CARS INTERNATIONAL and MOLINE Universal Tractors Rimes Motor Co. Ford Pr SALES AND SERVICE STATION WEST STATE STREET PHONE 482 WE USE GENUINE FORD PARTS ONLY POWER FARMING EQUIPMENT Liberty Dayton and DeLuxe Bicycles Oscar Olson First National Bank CASr $135,000.00 Call and get a Home Bank and start a saving Consumers Supply Co. THE WHITE FRONT STORE Buy your Groceries Here Paxton Dry Goods Co. Dry Goods Notions rn7cehiid”n’sses Ready-to-Wear Garments aAn Invitation to come in and see our new store so that you can fully realize the size of our establishment, the completeness of our stocks, the wide variety of drug store lines carried and the fairness of our prices in every line. 'Ll Lundbeic] Buy vout cjioceties t 1 rJ --from- 11 . ’I). Fortnei sorril KNl) GHorKH GOODS DELIVERED Phone 31 PAXTON Let your conscience be your guide in buying clothes. Have your next suit tailored to your measure from exclusive Bruner Woolens. HERE! For your inspection are hundreds of the season’s latest creations in suitings. A style just what you want and up to the minute. The prices are less than ready-mades. G. R. SWANSON SON PHONE 291 So. Market St., PAXTON NEW SPRING WEARING APPAREL VOR LADIES, MISSES AM) CHILDREN For the High School and College Girls we are showing a very smart line of Peggy Paris Coats and Suits. A. H. NE GRAND LEADER Paxton’s Leading Ready to Wear Store SAMVEL LUDLOW Attorney at Law Paxton, III. MALCOLM L. McQUlSTOX Attorney at Law Paxton, III. See us for your Commencement Presents Diamonds, Bracelet Watches, Boys’ Thin Model Watches, Kings, Pins, Chains, Fountain Pens, Ivory, Etc. EVERS HARP PENCILS with their name on it makes a nice gift for a hoy or girl. You ran find what you want here. EES OVERSTREET SON, Jewelers Paxton 111. GALLAGHER MUSIC HOUSE, Paxton no: BEST PLACE TO BUY PHOTO SUPPLIES A competent druggist is by nature and training careful regarding the quality of everything he sells. Buy your Photo Supplies at STEWART’S and you’ll lie sure as to quality and freshness of every item. WE ARE AGENTS FOR EASTMAN UAMEKAS AND SUPPLIES Let us develop and print your vacation snap-shots. FILMS DEVELOPED. STEWART DRUG CO. “THEHEX ALL STORE (Die JHcCaslmn Hotel V L U CLEAN, NEAT ANI) HI CUT GEORGE McUASKRIX, Proprietor PAXTON. ILL. RANTOUL. ILL. W. C. Thompson HARDWARE AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS BUGGIES. WAGONS, STEEL TANKS CREAM SEPARATORS I. X. L. WIND MILLS AUTOMOBILE TIRES West State Street Paxton, 111 Dr. Chas. E. Shine Other Practitioner Plione, Office, 357 Residence 531) 'JR Laurence Bldg. Paxton, III. M. D. E. Peterson, M. D. Over Stewart’s Drug Store Paxton, 111. Wayne Hamm DENTIST X-Ray, Nitrous Oxid and Oxygen. Phone 237 Given Bldg. Paxton, 111. Dr. A. A. Hanson DENTIST Nitrous Oxide Administered Laurance Bldg. Phone 202 Paxton, 111. 4 |Caurence 3°ns Established 1875 zAppaielfot Ladies and Children =HOUSE FURNISH1NGS= HA YN BUCK cMartin Eddy DEALERS 35 Years of Service in the Photographing profession has made me especially capable of attending to your nee.Is in all kinds of portrait work. P. A. RASMUS Caraer Studio PAXTON The Arcade Cafe ■ Bakerv Goods, Lunches, Etc. Students’ 30c Dinners a Specialty PAXTON, ILL. C. Edwin Johnson INSURANCE Clark’s Block Paxton, III. Phone 300 Geo. Brnjamin Son ALL KINDS OF FRESH MEATS North End Meat Market PHONE 62 PAXTON HARSCH’S Furniture Shop 77 r IIoine of Good Furniture a. r. HARSCH Funeral Director Quality Service W. T. Beatty Shelf and Builders’ Hardware A Full Line of Stoves. Harness and Horse Furnishing Goods. Tires and Automobile Accessories Commandery Bldg., PAXTON SHOES FOR EXPERT SHOE I REPAIRING GO TO CARL LIND Cp-to-date Machinery-Practical Experience Opposite'City Hall, PAXTON AND OXFORDS Campbell Swanson 4 v What the right clothing store should do for you It should give you good merchandise; quality should be the chief consideration; such clothes as Hart Schaffner Marx make. It should give you the lowest possible price for good quality. It should give you pleasant, willing service. It should be more eager to give than to get; a service that seeks your best interest. It should give your money back if you’re uot satisfied. WE'UK DOING THESE THINGS P. LARSON CO. •:•+++ ' ❖ +❖+❖• •: • •!• :.+ +❖ • ♦ =Bread MADE IN PAXTON MADE FOB PAXTON ASK YOUR GROCER TO HANDLE CARNATION BREAD AND BOOST FOR PAXTON PHONE 36 A Full Line of Spaulding Sporting Goods Little need be said on this line except to state that we have everything you could wish for. Even if you do not have any intention of purchasing at the present time, we would be very glad to have you call and examine the assortment. Newman Hardware Co, Hardware, Houseware, Harness, Paints, Oils PHONE 3 PAXTON, ILL. RybergCafe PAXTON'S NEW RESTAURANT IS NOW READY FOR BUSINESS. NEWLY DECORATED AND REFINISHED UP-TO-DATE EQUIPMENT COURTEOUS AND EFFICIENT SERVICE E. W. and 0. F. Ryberg, Proprietors Lunch Counter Service Confectionery—Box and Bulk Candy Cigars, Cigarettes and Tobaccos Complete Soda Fountain Menu ICE CREAM DELIVERED TO ALL PARTS OF THE CITY. QUALITY CLEANLINESS SERVICE PHONE 161 PAXTON