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

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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

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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 BOYS’ PROPHESY Time: A Rainy Evening in June, 1930. PLACE: Rome Free Academy Art Gallery, Room of 1917. It has rained, rained all day long, and although it is my first day at home, I just had to slip out and come here to the dear old R. F. A. Art Gallery to see the pictures of my former classmates. The fine new custom of hanging their pictures ten years after their graduation will show me what they have been doing since their triumphant departure from R. F. A. Well, I shall begin here, and go straight around the walls. Yes, of course it is Tom Barnard— ‘Lieutenant Colonel Tom H. Barnard, Military Instructor at R. F. A.” I remember reading such thrilling accounts of his exploits abroad—to think of his being an instructor! But I've heard that his hobby is veterinary surgery. No doubt, the seed planted in his youth has begun to grow. “James E. Bird Jr. Editor of the ‘Gabriel's Trumpet’, Rome’s new journal. One of our most ardent reformers. Inventor of the Wireless Instrument for Reading Minds at a Distance”. Alas, oh Prof. Boyd, how little you knew what genius lay unawakened in your Physics class! Next— The Reverend Clayson Wheeler Aldridge, Curate, assisting the Rev. E. S. Pearce, Rector of Zion Episcopal Church, Rome, N. Y.” Can you imagine it. Listen I'll tell you a secret-—They say that once during the deep silence of Meditation a sudden unaccountable muffled sound was heard, and that the Rev. Aldridge, seized with a fit of violent coughing, had to leave the Church.—How much will you wager that he had the giggles? “Harry Louis Segal, M. A., assistant instructor in Classic Literature, Cornell Uni- versity’. Honors are awarded to this brilliant young student erstwhile shark of our Virgil class. Who can this be? ‘“‘Our Society Man, Thomas F. Wheeler, Man-About-Town- Winner of the Searle Trophy Cup for fancy dancing”. The amorous rascal! Ah! Here we are! ‘Francis J. Lawler, Labor Leader, Orator, whose flow of impassioned eloquence has stilled many a violent heart into quiet’. The training gained in class meetings must have meant much to Choppy. Not that we were a violent mob— oh no! “Anthony John McGarty, Naval efficiency expert. Noted for valuable investiga- tions in Chemistry, also for a few poems’. Effusions dashed off in the midst of battle, ac- companied by the rain of shot and shell. But alas! The frame is vacant, because he is entirely too “occupied’’ to have his picture painted. “Albert R. Reese, successor to Wm. A. Searle of the Chambah of Commerce. Ris- ing young business executive. Inventor of the apparatus by which the Ford car runs equally well with or without the engine’. “‘Rising’” business man—we don’t see how he can rise much farther and still be among us. “Arthur Wetherbee, a trifle moth-eaten but still all there, enthusiastic bug hunter and student of bugology in general”. The general impression of two long legs and a pair of tortoise shell glasses still remains. “James Wallace Ayars, Architect, designer of the expensive hospital for the ‘Re- juvenation of Convalescing Fords’, also of the Insane Asylum run in connection with R. F. A. for the care of overworked students. A man whose business ability bids fair to make him a man of money! No wonder! did he not manage the business of our famous Annual ? “James Wesley Blood, Society editor of the Bingville Warwhoop. An able and ef- ficient news gatherer. He has not been seen since his excellent article on the wedding of 31