Swarthmore College - Halcyon Yearbook (Swarthmore, PA)

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%03AJ J 898-99. 1898. Ninth Month 21 st, .... Ninth Month 22d, .... Eleventh Month 24TH, Twelfth Month iqth, . Twelfth Month 2sd, . .Examinations for Admission. ....Regular Exercises Begin. Thanksgiving Recess. Shakespeare Evening. Winter Recess Begins. J 899. First Month 3D, First Month 28th, . Second Month 17TH, Students Return. First Semester Ends. .College Oratorical Contest. Third Month 3D, . . . Third Month 25TH, . Fourth Month 3D, . . Fourth Month 8th, Fourth Month iotii, Contest. Fifth Month 22D, . . . Fifth Month 29™, . Announced. Sixth Month sth, . . Sixth Month I2th, . Sixth Month 13TH, , Literaiy Society Contest. Spring Recess Begins. Students Return. Somerville Reunion. .Sophomore-Freshman Oratorical . . . .Senior Examinations Begin. .Results of Senior Examinations .Final Examinations Begin. Class-Day Exercises. Commencement.

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Life of William W. Birdsall. ILLIAM W. BIRDSALL was born in 1854, near Richmond, Indiana, and spent his boyhood days on a typical western farm. He was educated, principally, in the public schools of the neighboring- city, completing his studies at Earlham College, where he was graduated in 1873, the youngest man in his class. After a year or two in business, he taught Mathematics and Physics, for five years in the Richmond High School. His first experience in conducting a school indepen- dently was during three years spent as Principal of the Boys ' High School, in Wilmington, Delaware. A remnant of old-time discipline seems to have been in evidence during his prede- cessor ' s reign here. President Birdsall was visited by the father of one of his boys soon after his installation as the new Principal, and was appealed to by, Indade, Misther Birdsall, you ' ll niver govern Danny unless you whip him ! President Birdsall resigned this position in order to accept that of Professor of Mathematics in Friends ' Cen- tral School, of Philadelphia. After very successful work in this department he was made Principal of the Boys ' Department in the same institution, and filled this position until 1898, when he was offered, and accepted, the Presidency of Swarthmore College. Whiie in Philadelphia, President Birdsall became exceedingly interested in educational work among Friends. He was influential in the organization of the General Conferences of Friends, one of which was held in Swarth- more in 1896, and which have proved so successful. He figured prominently in these as presiding officer of the Educational Conferences. The First-day School, at Fifteenth and Race Streets, owes much to him for its growth and influence. The Young Friends ' Associations, which are now organized in every Yearly Meeting, have also partly owed their existence to his energetic, unfailing aid and practical advice. President Birdsall has brought with him to Swarthmore a keen, active brain, a quick wit, and ready sense of humor, a strong personal magnetism, and above all an earnest, practical interest for the best welfare of the College.

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Part I- COLLEGE. Part II— CLASSES. Part III— LITERARY SOCIETIES. Part IV— FRATERNITIES. Part V— ATHLETICS. Part VI-CLUBS. Part VII-LITERARY DEPARTMENT.