United Township High School - Skyline Yearbook (East Moline, IL)

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VALEDICTORY We, the class of 1917, are leaving behind us the pleasant school days. But here we are not content to pause and drift, but aim to abreast the stern waves. Our political organizations demand the best intellect of the American citizen to carry out strong measures. The average American citizen has only a meager, scattered knowledge of the politics of the country, which condition, no doubt, is due to lack of consistent reading of the questions. The various steps are not closely followed and when the day for voting arrives, he is ignorant of the changes that have taken place and casts a non-intelligent vote. Should we be content to let affairs follow their own course, without having a clear knowledge of them and the inevitable result, while all around us is the literature of the free press giving the topics in an unbiased form for our consideration? The citizens, who suffer most, are the illiterate loreigners. Their American neighbors have not the details of the issue clearly in mind to discuss the problems in their presence, so that the mistakes in voting will be avoided. Too frequently has it occurred, the pocketing of a paltry coin for votes. This is the obvious outcome of the indifferent, disinterested, ignorant voter, not forming his opinions before the poles are thrown open. Let us help to uplift our unfortunate neighbors by enlightening them along these lines, so that, w7hen the time comes for a decision it will not be carelessly given. After meeting the first wave, that of the political condition, another comes dashing against us informing us that, the citizen must not overlook his moral obligations in his desire to advance the best interests of his country. Already large organizations have given manifestations of their ability to uplift the young men, boys, and girls, who coming to the city have no lriends. The modern Y. W. C. A. and Y. M. C. A. have been erected in many of our leading towns and if not already boosted should be. Not only is it a benefit to strangers coming into the city but citizens, who have a permanent residence there. The amusements such as the swimming pool, tennis court, banquets, addresses, and gymnasium are clean and free to every one. Rough language and slovenly habits are not tolerated in these places. Not only are the amusements free of vice, but the food is wholesome; the rooms are kept in the best sanitary condition and governed by regulated rules. A touch of home air entices the youth to take off his hat; drop into a comfortable chair; pick up a book and stay to spend a few quiet hours of uninterrupted pleasure. The acquaintances, which he makes are honorable ones. They entertain high morals and habits with some aim in life rather than that of roving aimlessly about. The influence of such acquaintances cannot long be resisted and he feels a desire to be able to take his place among the great leaders of the world. The conversations, which he overhears and takes part in are instructive, awakening his sleeping mind to the present problems of the day. Many have already begun to appreciate what the efforts of these boards have done and will do for the community, but the strong demand to overcome the opposing forces outside will have to be met by our citizens. Even the nation is taking it into its own hands to put in use a plan similar to that of the Y. M. (J. A. lor the soldiers, now in training. The next wave that surges near to us after we have put the young man in his proper environment is requiring means of training for his chosen occupation. Our country has already provided for compulsory training during his youth, but the laxness of the laws has made it possible for the child to leave school to follow some line of work too heavy for his frail body

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CLASS PROPHECY As Appollo draws back the dark curtain from the Eastern sky and presents the radiant glow of the sun, so also will I draw aside the veil that conceals the future of the class of ’17, and render an account of the illustrious lives of its members. When the first gray locks begin to mingle with the gold, we will sit under the evening lamp and read the latest triumph of oratory, the speech of the Honorable Alta Sarginson before the senate of the United States. Thru diligent labor and untiring efforts we have no doubt that in a few years Leota Aldrich will attain her cherished object in life and obtain the position as choir leader in a country church. Edna Peterson is professor of languages at the Watertown Institute. Thoroughly able to teach ten languages and conversant with six more, she is certainly equipped for her duties. In that condition, she is said to be somewhat talkative, and as a result of this, her husband is reported to be on the verge of insanity. She has been afflicted with paralysis of the tongue, but thru a masterful operation, she has been made entirely well. Loyd Lundquist has been unanimously elected president of the United Brotherhood of Janitors of America. For his services in this capacity he receives fifteen dollars per month, but he does not need it. He has been made wealthy by an inheritanse from an unknown uncle who died in Siberia. Many bad conditions which our school systems are now struggling under will be alleviated thru the efforts of the noted school reformer, Anna Siefken, who will be specially active in the matters of interior decorations. Miss Bernice Woodruff, having perfected every step of the “Bara Dance,” is now teaching it in “The Land of Wooden Shoes,” China. Rouine Vodra and Hazel Buell have not been living in vain, for the East Moline fair sex are justly proud of the weekly pamphlet entitled, “Advice to the Love-lorn,” which they are successfully publishing. LeRoy Freeland is now comfortably located in the flourishing city of Carbon Cliff, where he is efficiently practicing his profession as druggist. Miss Lela Tryon, who attained her knowledge as “Editor-in-Chief,” from the East Moline “Key,” and now known the world over as such, has accepted the position as editor-in-chief of the East Moline Herald. Roy Gallaugher has been sent as ambassador by the United States to some Zulu island, where no doubt, he will make a world-wide reputation. Orville Washburn, a graduate of West Point, who became one of the leading generals of the European War, is now devoting his time to the Freshman class of the East Moline High School for military training. Myrtle Haemer is staging the greatest drama of the day, of which she is author and manager. This shows her ability to go ahead and push a thing without the aid of a man. But her letters, scores of which she receives daily, are addressed, “M. Haemer,” and “Dear Sir,” and in that guise she appears in public. Miss Alice Martin has a lucrative position as curtain-raiser in a high-priced theatre, but does not expect to stay long, as calls from the world of military men are too urgent for her piece of mind and her state of single-blessedness. KARL NODEN, ’17.

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and mind in order to earn immediate smaller wages. Why is so m wh waste and expense tolerated by our country when schools are provided in which special courses are given to train the youths, while in this immature stage. Under special supervision, the work is mapped out and better results are obtained in the least time with the least expense. A fundamental scientific knowledge of the subject enables the scholar to handle the professional work in a greater degree of satisfaction to himself and his fellow-men. He will be counted as an efficient man, worthy of instructing inexperienced men in his department. He is trained in relying on himself and how much can be done by confidence in one’s ability. Thomas Edison, one of America’s most prominent, present day inventors is an example of a self-reliant man. How successfully he moves about managing his force, giving directions, and working out the most carefully devised plans of complicated machinery. Our nation is breathlessly awaiting the outcome of his latest invention. Many of the wealthy citizens have erected libraries, business schools, and so forth, for the use of the public. Along with Benjamin Franklin we have today many enlightened men such as Carnegie, who have done much toward the promotion of the public library. The reading material found on the shelves is of such a variety to satisfy the most fastidious reader. Accounts are found of events that have occurred during the recent years in the magazines, and earl'er events can be found in the many volumes of histories. Consequently information regarding any current topic can be obtained with no expense. In the large cities are the business schools, which the youth may attend and receive a business education with less expense and in less time than he who wishes to enter a more select profession. Along the line of higher schools, we have universities at which any course as farming, domestic science, engineering, pharmacy, dentistry, law. surgery, or theology can be taken and a clear view of the subject obtained. But before these schools were possible, we had men of such sterling quality as Lincoln, wffiose works have stood the test of time and are still living today. But how much more they could have accomplished if they could have had the advantages of the present day system of education to help their crude, unscientific attempts. Another wave tosses us madly. This time moaning what will you do with your acquired wealth? Russia now faces three serious problems, namely: the chaotic condition of her country necessitating home military rule; the education of her illiterate citizens, and the distribution of her hoarded wealth—the last no doubt the most imminent to be settled. Is Russia going to hoard her wealth all for her owrn ends, or is she going to aid the Allies in their struggle? Likewise, the citizens of the United States, who have accumulated great sums, should they invest their money in some enterprise for the benefit of humanity or selfishly refuse and lavish it upon themselves to live in luxury and extravagance? The great food problems and the high cost of living are forcing every one to live as economically as possible, yet the wealthy continue having costly banquets and expending great sums for one evening’s pleasure. More true happiness and pleasure would be derived by giving to the poor the necessities of life, which are so badly needed especially as seen in the large cities of today. The unequal distribution of wealth in this country is the cause of much crime and vice. Shrewd business men get a “corner” as it is called, on some commodity and the price the consumer is forced to pay is outrageous. In reviewing these ponderous movements and what has already been accomplished by our predecessors, we are and will be perplexed at what part we should take in maintaining and elevating them in the future. Sometimes these waves will be too tremendous for us to abreast. We shall have to steer toward you, oh, kind and strong patrons, who have guided us this far, to pilot us, the class of 1917, which is launched, but not anchored. EDNA PETERSON, ’17.