Rockford College - Recensio / Cupola Yearbook (Rockford, IL)

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--I rf- W 191 1 was the first to pay homage and usher IQI3 into her social career, and here she gave promise of becoming a star. She entertained the juniors with quite a superior card party at the Nelson, and from the Iunior's report we have inferred that the first venture of 1913 into the social world was a great success. Only one thing happened that first year to shake IQI3,S composure. Although she did, for a moment, become bewildered, she easily surmounted the difhculty and sailed 011 all the more smoothly, having left the ruffled waters far in her wake. The Sophomores were jealous of her acknowledged prestige, her pronounced ability, and her many successes, and tried to humil- iate her. 1913, being on the heights, resented the attempt to pull her down and acted as her decisive nature prompted. In history, the Freshman Rush will not be forgotten, nor did the Sophomores forget it as they added dignity to their years, and forever after they rendered to 1913 that which was due her. We hear of no other instance when all respect was not paid her, and when June came she tur11ed her face homeward, with the satisfaction of hav- ing carried out a worthy policy. This same idea was uppermost when she returned in September. Hav- ing the well-earned respect of her upper classmen she had no fears that homage from the Freshmen would be lacking. And certalnly all was paid in the Baby Party when she took her seat upon the platform and impressed the Babies with her tolerance and justice. To direct her policy, she chose Peg, who had proven her ability the year before, and 'fArt for her assistant. Her opinion as to the honesty of Jeannette, whom she chose for treasurer, was so valued by the others that they immediately decided that Jeannette must be on House Committee, too. 1913 had now taken her rightful place. Young as she was, she had her represen- tatives in the principal executive affairs, while her advice was necessary for the administrative. In athletics she proved her fiber as much in the manner in which she met her defeat in hockey as well as in her victory in baseball. She entertained her sister class, the Seniors, with proper formality, at the Climax and wisely forbore to mention it afterwards. The Seniors in return, took 1913 bobbing-and even 1913 could enjoy a bob-ride. She entertained herself, later in the year with a banquet at the Nelson. The Freshmen, hoping to mar the pleasure, hid all the best dresses but IQI3 proved her superiority over clothes and the occasion was most brilliant. But when IQI3 became junior, she felt that the true scope for her abili- ties had arrived. She fitted into the niche labelled 'fUpper-classmen as if it were made for her. She was magnanimous, yea, even kind to the Freshmen. Tactfully she welcomed them to their college with a brilliant German, she learned their songs and even cheered for them on Field Day with no thought 23

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gurlz'- I9 1 3--The Incomparable F the class of 1913 was somewhat young in years when she first ventured timidly within the imposing walls of her chosen Alma Mater, she never- theless bore the distinction of being the largest class which had yet entered. Perhaps there was safety in numbers, for we hear of no in- stance when she was undaunted, but rather, that she fearlessly and nobly pursued her even way, sometimes, it is true, stopping to impress her worth upon others, sometimes battling for supremacy, but, always serene and un- ruffled, she was generally on top. The oldest inhabitants combined to thwart the rising hopes of the young- stersg perhaps to teach them their own importance, or to wreak vengeance upon some one, even though innocent, for previous injuries-who knows? But certain it is that 1913 had the same trials to face and she came out of them unscathecl, with the same fixed purpose of revenge which had embittered the spirits of her sisters. She gathered together the discarded clothes of her small sister in pre- paration for the much advertised Baby Party, calm despite the premoni- tions which she may have gathered from the too frequent glimpses of gig- gling Sophoniores, or pitying glances from sisterly juniors. If she had to wear short skirts and fluffy bows, and eat bread and milk, she kept her poise, and the school still speaks of the dignified way in which Maie VValler sang, I Love You Truly, and the cahn, self-possession of Frances Oliver in her five-minute discourse on Things in General. Since the tormentors were always firmly determined to test the young- sters well, the next ordeal was Tolo initation. IQI3, thinking that her Alma Mater was perhaps a little too rollicking, and keeping always before her her own dignity, decided to give the club a rare intellectual treat. Julius Caesar was played in a way most flattering to Shakespeare. I'ortia's hair and Caesar's voice will descend to posterity. Since precocious 1913 was already making a place for herself, the doors to that coveted position, Old-girlship were opened to her. But her head was not turned, instead, she straightway chose her leaders in order to prove her business ability as she had already shown her intellectual. Frank was her president, with Lovey to substitute, for 1913 was wise enough to for- see all emergencies. Bowman took care of the finances, and 1913, fully equipped, began her incomparable career receiving all due respect from the upper classes. 22

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of her own defeat. To marshall her on her way she chose Ollie and Brandy, with Rhodsey to bank the project, for 1913 was at her height. She furnished her room with pillows, she held Junior Tea every other week to promote sociabilityg but above all, she produced the Annual. This Her- culean feat she accomplished with no flaw in her outward serenity. Although busier than ever before, owing to renewed responsibilities, she was able to play with her small sister class and to guide her steps aright. Perhaps her greatest pleasure was the theater party at Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary'--at which the Freshmen were hostesses. IQI3 will continue on her sweet, untroubled way. In her senior year she will tread her difliculties under foot in the undaunted manner of her Freshman days, and when she turns her face to the world, that same indomi- table purpose will bear her to pinnacles much higher than those she has as yet attained. Success to von- lncoinparable 1913! .XX N sf ,M F rg- Y s -0lAfx1i.: Y iv' -4 g-,,.. 24