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

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FRANKLIN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL 9 The Spirit of the Waters and Nature had once had a quarrel, during which Nature had struck the Spirit of the XVaters on the arm. It had hurt him exceedingly and made him weak in this certain place. On this spot alone would the blow of a mortal man have any effect. She would tell them where this weakness was, and as only his left hand held the magic power, they would thus be enabled to save the life of their honored chieftain. They thanked the Spirit of the Mountains very much and were going on, when she said. But listen, the hand will still hold its magic power, so you must take it where it can bring no harm to the people of the land I love so much. Take it with you on your return and throw it into that mighty ocean, of which you speak. They continued their journey and at last came to the Mississippi Valley. Here they soon found the giant. After living here many years watching and waiting for a chance to strike the fatal blow, that chance came. At last the danger was past and they felt that their chieftain's life was safe. But the hand was very heavy and it was a long time before they reached the mountains. It took them many years to bear the hand across them and in spite of all their efforts to reach home, they became worn out and had to lay the hand down. As they had been gone so long, a search party had started out to seek them. Soon they came to the skeleton of the hand. In place of each finger was a beautiful lake. They named them, Seneca, Cayuga, Canandaigua, Keuka and Oneida, after the brave warriors who had saved the life of the Iroquois chieftain. -Margelia Phillips, '23 A Birdseye View of Prattsburgh As one stands upon any of the hillsides surrounding Prattsburgh, a charming view of the peaceful village is obtained. In late spring, the scene in the valley below, is especially pleasing to the eye. Though glistening foliage hides the larger part of the buildings from sight, the spires of several churches are visible. Close beside the highest of these, can be seen the tower of Franklin Academy, one of the oldest schools in the state. It is as if Nature herself were trying to conceal all things except those which stand for that which is highest and best in the community. Across an expanse of beautiful green meadow. on the other side of the valley. a sparkling stream wends its way southward, beneath the over-hanging branches of massive willows.

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8 FRQXNKIJN ACAIJICIXIY HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL I.,IJCGl'c1II tftt I f I, fl . Qiiif3'72iZf3 T if y Q,QQ,, ,, I F. MLD The Legencl of the Finger Lakes Many years ago in the Mississippi Yalley, there lived a giant. He was the spirit of the Great Father of the VI'aters. The Indians were his friends and he loved them, but not as much as he loved his rivers and lakes. So when the Indians sailed their canoes on them and took the fish and birds and fiowers from them, he became angry and pronounced a curse upon the Indians. In order to punish them he decided to use a magic spell. Ifvery time he touched an Indian with his left hand it would cause him to sink into the ground. .-Xfterwards his spirit would come forth in the form of a spring. Now one day the news came to this giant that far toward the land of the Rising Sun. was a mighty ocean which brought people from :mother world to this land. They told him that a certain tribe of Indians, called the Iroquois, were friendly toward these strangers. This made him very angry and he determined to take the life of the chief of the Iroquois. lint the flood lfairies would not allow such a terrible thing to happen. So one of thent flew to the Iroquois and told them of the danger that threat- ened their chieftain. Immediately five of the boldest and best-loved war- riors of the tribe started for the Sunny South to seek this giant and plead with him for their chieftain's life. After traveling a long way they came to a range of mountains. They climbed for many days and finally reached the stunmit. As they started .to descend, a beautiful woman appeared. She said she was the Spirit of the Mountains and consented to help them, providing they would do exactly as she bade during the rest of their journey. They promised and this is what she told them:

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10 FRANKLIN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL There is no smoke to mar the deep blue of the sky or to deprive the leaves of their freshness, here. The occasional passing of a motor-car alone re- minds one of the fact that this tranquil village is really a part of this bustling twentieth century world. Indeed, one can but' think of those quaint New England hamlets, of which one reads, as he takes a last look at the serene landscape. -Catherine Cornell, '23 My Dream 'Twas midnight in Prattsburg, Not a street car was in sight, And the streets were brightly lighted, For we had electric light. The pavement reached from curb to curb, The movie-shows were crowded, The ice-cream shops were full of girls, And not a brow was clouded. The department stores were open wide, It was a bargain rush, Potatoes were three dollars per, And all the farmers flush. 'Twas then that I fell out of bed, And made an awful thud, I opened up my window, And the streets were full of mud. -Ruth C. Munson, '24 A Good Bargain Old Bill Lamson stood by the gate and watched jack Hill come up the long driveway. As jack came along, Bill stood and wondered what he could want, but after a little he suddenly exclaimed, I know what he wants! He wants to buy my horse. I hope I can make a good bargain because Nancy is old and I want to sell her. As Jack came nearer, Bill grinned and said, Good morning, jack! Fine day, eh ? '