Rockford High School - RHS Yearbook (Rockford, IL)

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clamat: The approach to the R. H. S. is easyg one has only to arm himself with the golden branch, the certificate which shows that one has passed eight grades in the public schools to gain admittance. But to travil the four roads steep and rough with exams and essays, although there is a chance for an occasional pony ride, that is toil, that is difficulty. Those who are not able todo this sadly leave and-go to college. But if tantus amor menti est, I will grant your request. With the Sibly as guide, I approach a series of buildings situated on a hill from which there is a gentle slope to the beautiful stream called the Rock river. No smoke rising from these buildings is visible and I afterwards learn that it is because they are heated with electricity. As I advancel pass innumerable buildings over one of whose doors I read Science Hall, where, I am informed, a Prof. H-y '94, delivers daily lectures on chemistry and phys- ics, and these take the place of former grinds. Young Ladies Gymnasiumt' next meets my eye, and an aching 739 void fills my heart as I realize what I had missed in not deferring for a few years the completion of my High School course! Over the door ofa neat little building is inscribed Mandolin Club House, Memorial to H. Clarke '95, and as the strains oi the Washington Post fioat out to me through an open window, I stagger on and find myself at the Chapel. As I enter, the science impresses me as familiar, though I listen in vain for a strain of Happy Days Gone By, or Johnny Sands, or even Old Grimes is De-ad,', so I conclude he must be. As I gaze, I observe that each pupil stands erect holding a brand new book and singing. But who is the chief of this mighty band? That can't be Mr. -- '96, whose mustache was so much adored of yore! As I scan the faculty I see the familiar face of H. McC. '97, now teacher of Algebra, but formerly the brightest Ui student in the Freshman class. I also listen in vain for the announcement of a Senior essay and discover that in an adjoining room there is a phonograph to which all in- terested may go and hear these essays. Selah. From Chapel the glad throng pass out into the campus, where for a. half hour youths and maidens vie with each other in vigorous sport prior to the celebration of Field Day, which is now an annual occurrence. As I wander through the spacious grounds my mind reverts to former friends and classmates of the R. H. S., and I question the Sibyl as to their fate. Many, she says, are enjoying distinction and renown. There are a few stars in the musical iirmament, notably among which is Miss S--, '97, prima donna in a grand opera company. Some few are distinguished lawyers, at whose head stands Mr. St. Patrick, '95. And some are found even in our senate 11

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1 2 If l ' Rag I 4. I, I ff f tl X llw W I I l ,K 1 f ' 1. 52ffll+1fX7 ll fl E X yy Q ', . f nn. 5. FUTURE. . WN VX X jf V iq X WMCMV 5 fl ' rg f i ll SIBYLLINE LEAVES. ow? i If V, E3 f f ' I Q ll -X WZ, 0 7, UI, I M f iv V If X ll X . fl M Z F:--' ls ' It ' 'Q , ' ll K X sl fl l . 'Mei N a session of the Virgil class, as I sat vainly trying to follow fEneas in If-1 X 1 V ' 'V 1' his descent into the lower world, my mind wandered falas! for the exam- W f f 1 I ple of a Senior,j and I went, in fancy, as a suppliant to the abode of the 15 X , I , Q, K 1 - s-?- Sibyl. I come, O virgo, ego incipio, sent by one who as a. fel- ! ai 55,9 E V low-student hasshared in commonwith the class of '94,the labors ' .X of a. Senior year, and has been working incessantly for weeks to get out an Annual worthy of the R. H. S. I come to seek of thee, kind prophetess, revelations concerning the future fortunes of our Alma mater, and to implore thee to conduct me through her future buildings. Vates con- 10

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hallsf' But whither hastens this rabid and famished throng? We follow and find that they go to partake of lunches prepared for them by the Young Ladies' Cooking Class, who are taught in the culinary art by Mrs. Levy, '94. Nec vera haec sedes sine sorta datat. There are select and superior seats for the Seniors, of course. One of the trials of the Freshmen is the compulsion of eating these lunches. The Seniors are given a liberal bonus. We finally reach the Senior rooms, upon whose walks are emblazoned in imperishable characters, the most elo- quent eulogies on the class of '94, the most noble specimen of intellect known in R H. S. et cezera acl ioginitum. I discover that a Virgil recitation is in progress here by hearing the professor remark in his usual calm tones, Miss Teague, you may continue, and I return from my wanderings to realize that I am still A SENIOR OF '94, . 1 ' ' 5' ' 15. X : .1 , , bf -I is f xll jf-?ff1l' - A' y,.IfQ, f75. ff 12