Prattsburgh Central High School - Franklinite Yearbook (Prattsburgh, NY)

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22 FRANKLIN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL who the commander was but was about to give up all hope when finally she turned around, and to my utmost surprise, I recognized Dorothy Stone, the beloved president of the Senior Class. The next scene was that of a jungle in South Africa in which a small group of the natives was shown. In front of one of the huts I saw a tall elderly gentleman, who, while talking to the natives, would scratch his head and then look at his finger nails for inspiration. This action reminded me of a person whom I thought I knew, but could not just remember where I had known him. Turning to my godmother, I asked her who this person was and she willingly told me that it was Park Arnold, the most famous missionary of the time. The moving picture show was followed by a vaudeville performance. I couldn't imagine how this was to affect my wish but that didn't hinder me any from enjoying the performance because I took especial delight in watching the exquisite dancing of the leading actress who was graceful beyond all description. Although rather short and inclined to be fat, she overcame this hindrance by the charm of her personality and the agility of her movements. Suddenly she stopped dancing, came toward the front ofthe stage, held out both hands, opened her mouth and began to sing a most pathetic litte ditty about preserving the walks that lead to the reservoir. As soon asI heard her voice, I jumped up excitedly and exclaimed, Why, thatis Ella McDowell! and almost fell over the balcony railing in my amazement. When the curtain came down on the vaudeville performance, my godmother asked me if I did not wish to see the rest of the Seniors. As that was my desire, I replied that I did. Placing me in her car, she took me down to the poorer section of the city. We stopped in front of an old shanty where we saw a large fleshy woman bending over a wash tub and up to her elbows in soap suds. As she heard us approaching, she looked up so suddenly that her wig, which was insecurely fastened on, fell over to one side, balanced lightly on the side of the tub and then fell into the water. A familiar smile greeted us and my godmother introduced me to Miss Cornelia Pratt. Then we started back to the wealthier part of the city and stopped in front ofa beautiful mansion. My godmother warned me to walk very cautiously and so we went and peeked in at the window. Inside they were holding a grand ball and as I was watching them I saw a distinguished looking lady dressed in silks and diamonds, with extremely high-heeled slippers, which, if truth be told, did make her look a. trifle top-heavy. As she danced a little nearer to the window through which we were looking, I readily recognized my old schoolmate, Erva Wraight, formerly the belle of West Hill, now the belle of this place.

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FRANKLIN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL 21 So, as we leave old Franklin, Bid farewell to the dear old walls, We will take with us the motto, Which we learned within her walls. We will cherish it with the lessons We have learned from day to day, We will profit by its teaching As we go upon our way. Now we say good-bye to Franklin, School of which we're justly proud, And ever, as true Alumni, We will sing her praises loud. Prophecy of the Senior Class of 1917 HEN I was chosen prophetess of the class of 1917 hy the Juniors, I sincerely wished that these were days of old, 'when good fairies, everywhere present, appeared at one's side and fulfilled his desires, for I did so long to know just what the future held in store for each member of the Senior Class. One evening as I was sitting by the iireside, looking intently at the fire, thinking about everything in general, but nothing in particular, I suddenly became lost to the afiairs of this world and seemed to be transported to those of another. Soon my chair was whirling around in space, and I, frightened, called for help. My cry was answered by the appearance of an old woman, who seemed to come from fairyland. Quickly seizing my hand, she drew me on and on, over hills and plains, rivers and seas, until at last we reached a large building which we entered. I at once recognized this building as a theatre. My. godmother, as I will call this strange old woman who had so kindly taken me under her care, led me to a seat, and sitting beside me, told me that my wish would soon he fulfilled for moving pictures were to be the principal event of the evening. I wondered how moving pictures were going to fulfill my wish, but asked nothing, yet eagerly awaited them. The first picture thrown on the canvas was that of an American army being led against the Germans. All the soldiers seemed to be most enthusiastic, for they were waving American fiags and their hats and, judging from the motion of their lips, they were singing, Dixie Landf' At the head of this army rode the commander, a tall, slender girl on a beautiful black horse, whom I thought must he the Joan of Arc of America. On and on they rode, swiftly, eagerly, I was eager to see 2-

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FRANKLIN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL 23 But we were suddenly interrupted by a policeman who came up and grufliy ordered us to move on. That voice had a familiar sound and it seemed to come from his very boots Which, I soon discovered, were about six feet from his mouth. Immediately I remembered, this was Delos Saunders, the eighth wonder of the World. Who would ever have dreamed that he would become a cop ? The next morning was Sunday morning and we started for home. When we arrived at the next town, we decided to go to church. We entered the church and sat down not noticing the preacher. When I did finally look at him,'I could scarcely believe my eyes, for there on the platform sat Ernest Kennedy, who, when he got up to stand behind the pulpit had to push a small foot stool in front of him and stand on it so that people could see him, although they certainly had no diiiiculty in hearing him. After church I turned to inquire how it happened that Ernest had ever calmed down enough to become a minister, but I found myself again alone at my own hearth. I have since wondered whether these events will really occur or if it were justa dream. DOROTHY E. WALKER, '18 Grinds WANTED TO KNOW Why Mr. Carl and Mr. Whittemore interrupted our vacation one Wednesday P. M. in April-by 19 High School Pupils. Why Pete Prosser didn't want to play basket ball the night the girls played against the Infants. Why Marion Clark did not drive the mules to Bl0omer's party? Where Cornelia got her large mouth? How Errol had nerve enough to go home with Marjorie McConnell? Why John could not get in the window ? SENIORS' IDEA OF IT F---ierce lessons L---ate hours U---expected company N---ot prepared K---nowing nothing --ex.