Susquehanna University - Lanthorn Yearbook (Selinsgrove, PA)

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from the third story windows reached the ears of one of the professors who came and liberated us in a manner rather unsympathetic, as he did not know the particulars of the situation. The following day not one member appeared for recitation. This was known as the Freshman Strike, which, of course, was a rash act on our part, as in all strikes the strikers are the losers. Nevertheless, when Commencement week came the Freshman Ex- hibition passed off successfully, after which a class banquet was held at the Keystone Hotel. On the morning of Commencement Day we all found that we had passed examinations and were promoted to the Sophomore class. At the opening of the next scholastic year, the class missed three of their former number, which was regretted by all. The class, therefore, began the second year of its career with eight members. There were a number of students who, taking only a partial or a select course, recited with us in a few studies. This, moreover, was the case during the whole course. It was the understanding of the class that they would be graduated at the end of the Sophomore year. But Missionary Institute was now expanded into a college and its name changed to Susquehanna University. The granting of a diploma to those who had completed the studies to the Junior year was, therefore, no longer practicable. This caused dissatisfac- tion on the part of some of the class, two of which left on that account during the last term. But the remaining six were faithful to the end of the year. Although our class was not graduated, we agreed, upon request, to have the usual Sophomore Class exercises and as a reward each received a Certificate of Attainment. And now we proceed to the third year of our history. Still the number grows smaller. One of our former class-mates decided to try his hand at teaching public school ; another entered the Junior Class at Wittenberg College. So there were only three members in the class at the opening of the Junior year. Thus far, too, the advantages of co-edu- cation had been experienced, and enjoyed But now this benefit seemed to be at an end as our lady member had not returned. However, after a few weeks had passed we were delighted to find that she had again decided to join the class. At the opening of the second term an ex-member who on account of home-sickness left the classic halls of a sister institu- tion, again cast his lot with us, so that there were now five members in the class. The studies were all new and interesting, especially those pertaining 25

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' 97 CLASS HISTORY. EFORE beginning to write the history of the Class of ' 97 the historian might well exclaim, — O for a muse of fire that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention, in order that, in recording its deeds he might give due honor to the few mem- bers who have stood together to the end of the course, as well as to those who were with them in the first years of college life. As this is the first Annual edited since our institution became a full- fledged college, it may not be out of order to record the progress and achievements of the class from the first year of its college course. When the Class of ' 97 was ushered into college life four years ago, the institution was yet Missionary Institute. Eleven students composed the Freshman class. Together they pursued the studies prescribed in the curriculum and recited them to the full satisfaction of the professors. During the greater part of the year no special event took place to divert the class from its intellectual progress. All was perfectly tranquil. But it was not always so to remain. As in former years, the Freshmen, now for the last time, had their part to play in the approaching commence- ment. The class, therefore, had occasion to have a number of meetings to arrange a program and to assign to each member his or her part. It was at one of these meetings that an incident occurred which we con- sidered as a great indignity. In order to transact the business of this meeting with as much secrecy as possible, the class convened in one of the society halls. We were confident that here we would not be disturbed. But, alas! When the meeting adjourned we found that a band of eaves- droppers composed of upper classmen and undergraduates had secured the door by means of ropes. Realizing our predicament, we made an at- tempt to free ourselves. The conspirators, who were patiently awaiting results, now raised a yell similar to that of a band of Indians on taking a captive. Then there was an exchange of kindly (?) epithets after which they dispersed. Our respect for the three lady members of the class pre- vented us from resorting to violent means or destruction of property to effect an exit. After being shut in for a few hours, their plaintive appeals 24

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to Philosophy and Science. English Oratory and a critical study of Milton and Shakespeare. were added to the curriculum, and we anticipated a ver} - pleasant and highly instructive year, which was fully realized. But one more year of our history remains to be chronicled. As Sen- iors we have at last reached the highest stage of college life. This time, again, one of the former number did not return, so that only four — the faithful few — constitute the Class of ' 97. We found all the studies of the Senior year to be of a much broader scope and of a greater depth of thought than those of previous years. However, with the preparation and discipline previously received, we have been able to pursue them with pleasure and satisfaction. This ends the present history of the class. Its future history we leave to future narrators better qualified, perhaps, to report to generations to come the deeds which will make themselves and the whole number con- spicuous. — Historian. 26