Rome Free Academy - De O Wain Sta Yearbook (Rome, NY)

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THE 1917 SENIOR ANNUAL SENIOR HALLOWE’EN Hallowe'en parties may come and go, but the Hallowe'en party staged by the Class of ‘17 will live forever. And why shouldn't it live? When, in the bright years to come, will another class have the ingenuity to originate a party to rival that memorable one on that bright October evening? What night of extreme pleasure and enjoyment will ever surpass the one spent by the happy Seniors when, accompanied by their fair maidens, they rambled to the distant suburb of Westernville, where in Liberty Hall they held a dance unequaled by any held by any previous class. Who will ever forget the glad times, the glorious hours, the entrancing emotions that were visible on that delightful occasion? Who can not recall to mind that eventful ride, snugly and comfortably seated in spacious lumber wagons, made luxurious by new-mown hay? What gay visions will rise before those who remember the scampering rush for the door, the warm welcome accorded each and every one by the committee, the expectant walk to the dance hall, the entrancing strains of delightful music, the smooth transition from envious onlookers to interested participants ? Perhaps we have said enough. It would be wise to close our chronicle now, inas- much as we excited a feeling of envy in those who were unfortunate not to attend, and a pang of regret, yet one of fond remembrances, in the minds of the happy couples whe adorned the dreamy village of Westernville with their inspiring presence. Farewell to you, O coming Seniors, profit by the worthy model set you by the Class of 17 and you will never end your thanks to us. —F. J. L., “17. SENIOR SLEIGHRIDE A short interview with the weather man. The magic name “‘Seniors”’ is mentioned. and the finest night in February is placed at the disposal of the class of 17. Thus it was on this memorable night in February occurred the festive Senior Sleighride. As I ponder deeply for a moment it faintly comes to me that the Junior Class strongly desired, not to say intended, to have the contemplated scene of our festivities. But, as usual, while some people talked, 17 acted, and Liberty Hall was placed in their hands for the evening. To say that the prospects for the long ride were fine is to put it mildly. The night air was crisp, and the snow crackled’ merrily under foot as the happy couples flocked to the meeting place, R. F. A. The moon, which had been veiled for nights past, loomed gloriously into full radiance and enlivened the scene. As the clock indicated that the time was 7:25, the sleighs arrived, much to the delight of the prospective riders. Again the far-seeing Seniors submitted a plan of campaign which demonstrated their ingenuity. A sleigh was provided exclusively for the Juniors and the Chaperones, all of them. Croesus cracked his whip and we were off in a cloud of snow. The ride was per- fect. Everybody was happy and contented. An investigation conducted by the Com- mittee to ascertain whether or not the Chaperones were comfortable was abandoned as a certainty, for the sight of one of them above the heavy blankets was a rare occurrence. At length we arrived—length 13 miles—and everybody helped to wake the little town up from their peaceful slumbers. The piling out process was a hurried affair, and a general rush was made for the Hall. The gate tender, ticket seller, bouncer and card index started business, and he was kept busy. 29

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THE 1917 SENIOR ANNUAL — Eee loyalty to our school can best be shown in service to our country. Earnestly believing this we have given what ordinarily would be our memorial fund to Patriotism is very strong in this class. One of our classmates, John McGarty, is now in the navy. One-fourth of the boys in the class are in the farm service. Almost all of the girls of the class are helping in the making of Red Cross supplies. To leave R. F. A. without a word of appreciation to the faculty would stamp our class with unpardonable ingratitude. Our debt to them is greater than mere words can ever repay. We are bound to them by ties which passing years can not destroy, the unchange- able bonds of affection, which have been growing stronger through each of our four years together. The ties which have joined us to our fellow students will long be strong, but, in the heart of each one of us, there will ever be treasured the grateful memory of the able instructors who have guided us through these four critical years of our lives. We are now at the end of our days in R. F. A. Before long we shall take our places in the various walks of life, some to the actual work of life, some to preparation for greater service and some to higher education. Whatever brightness R. F. A. has received from the class of ’|7 is simply a sign of the future illumination that will be hers when the members of this class shall have taken their places in the every day world. Upon the arrival of that day, R. F. A., resplendent in the deeds of her illustrious sons, will stand high in the educational roll of honor. —L. W. G., “17. ACADEMIC HONORS. CLASS OF 1917 Class Examination Final Average Average Average First Honor (Valedictory) Janet Gregg MacAdam = 92.85 90.80 92.17 Second Honor (Salutatory) Clayson Wheeler Aldridge. 90.44 87.28 89.39 Third Honor Tom Holden Barnard Si ee 86.21 88.60 Fourth Honor Harry Louis Segal 89.14 81.94 86.74 Fifth Honor Thelma Frances Foote 88.52 82.35 86.46 Sixth Honor Albert Robert Reese 86.31 81.11 84.57 Oratorical Honor Tom Holden Barnard 2 ent 93.25 Recitation Honor Janet Gregg MacAdam. 93.75 WINNERS IN SCHOOL CONTESTS Gretchen E.. Dillenbeck a First Prize Girls’ Slingerland Margaret L. Wallis ew a Ts ousmeecond Prize Girls’ Slingerland Thomas Francis Wheeler ut ist Prize Boys’ Slingerland emia Tx Tne Pik pail. y= a Second Prize Boys’ Slingerland Clayson W. Aldridge First Prize Davis Essay Contest, 1916

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THE 1917 SENIOR ANNUAL The soft strains of music sounded sweetly on the ears of light-footed artists as they assembled in the second story of the Hall, and soon everyone, or everytwo, were skipping gaily about to the fine music provided by the Misses Russell and Wallis. At twelve o'clock, the first call for supper sounded cheerfully through the building. A second call was not needed. Breaking all precedents, the Food Committee of the Class of °17 had fully and sympathetically appreciated its responsibility, and had pro- vided a delicious and completely adequate repast to resuscitate the weary gliders. In con- nection with the excellent menu, a little cabaret, featuring Mr. Art. Murphy, was enjoyed by the diners. At one o'clock dancing was resumed with renewed spirit. “‘Spec’’ Spel- licy, heretofore unknown, won the admiration of the ladies, and the envy of the gentlemen by his game endeavors in the Terpsichorean art. Finally, at three o'clock, all realized that an evening of such enjoyment and pleasure as that one could not last forever, and it was with pangs of regret that they bustled into their coats and wraps and tore wildly for the sleighs. The ride home was uneventful, that is, the Editor has been unable to find anyone who would impart even the slightest in- formation of what occurred during the homeward journey. Peg Wallis said she was hungry, but then Peg is usually in that condition, so it was all right. The silent company gradually disbanded until shortly the conveyances were empty, and the driver dared look around. So passed the last and best of the Senior Sleighrides, staged by the Class of '17. =: RAs 14. JUNIOR PROM 1916 Thoughts of the Junior Prom given to the Class of 16 by the Class of °17 still bring pleasant memories to those who were fortunate enough to attend this social function. The sentiments expressed on that evening that the Class of '17’s prom was the best in the history of this precedent have persevered till now, and will endure for all time as one of the gayest social events in the annals of R. F. A. The memorable event occurred April 28, 1916, and Seegar’s spacious Academy was tastefully decorated for the occasion in the class colors, Green and White. The stage was banked with palms and ferns, and as an added feature, a large electric sign “1917” in green and white bulbs adorned this end of the hall. The Grand March was led by the President of the Senior Class, Harry Beach, and Miss Florence Roberts. This proved to be a most charming and pretty scene, and made a profound impression on the large coterie of parents and friends who witnessed the reception from the gallery. The small hours of the morning found the gliders still enjoying themselves. As yet no one had suggested a departure, but prudence required that the Prom must end some time, and it was with reluctance that the happy couples left the hall on that evening. The thought of an evening’s pleasure that could never occur again was sufficient to dismay anyone. And I am sure that when the delightful memories of that evening fill the minds of the lucky ones, a sense of deep appreciation to the Class of ’17 will be renewed. M. A. B., 17. 30