University of Wisconsin Oshkosh - Quiver Yearbook (Oshkosh, WI)

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Opposite we have the picture of our beloved President, Mr. Rufus H. Halsey, to whose careful guidance and permeating influence we are indebted for the constant advancement of our Normal and the wholesome sentiment pervading the student IkmI We are extremely proud of our President, and doubt if there Ik such another the states over. Succeeding to the presidency in 1800. he has proved himself eminently capable of managing the affairs of this institution, and his hand has never failed to point to a successful issue in the effort to surmount the difficulties which have from time to time beset us. He has been deeply concerned in the welfare of the students, encouraging those things which he felt were for their betterment, and yet ever vigilant for the little evils that are prone to creep in among them. Xor has his interest stopped here: it has extended to every graduate who goes out into the teaching world. Mr. Halsey’s courtesy and kindness and unfailing good cheer have won for him a way into the hearts of each and all. There is no one who has had occasion to stand before him to answer charges of misdemeanor who can complain of hasty or unjust treatment. In short, such has been his conduct that he has won the deepest respect and reverence front the students and the highest esteem from the faculty. Hut look at him. There has been nothing said that you cannot read in his face, expressed in a grander, fuller way. Words are inadequate to give a conception of the noble soul that lies behind that strong, earnest face. There are some faces that are Itcyond the skill of the photographer to reproduce. They require the sculptor or the painter: one who can sec and feel the invisible spirit and interpret it visibly. Mr. Halsey’s face is one of those. For it is only when you see him talking that his face light up with the fascinating smile wc know so well, and the like of those eyes. dark, searching, that seem to read you thru and thru, was never seen on the graven plate. Then here's to our President, upon whom devolves the task of keeping peace among the thirty and -ix other gods and goddesses whom we herewith present to you. To satisfy the curiosity of the uninitiated and to serve as a memento to those who have been ushered thru the mazes of the lesson plan, the criticism, and red ink. by her guiding hand, wc present to you the likeness of Miss Rose C. Swart, ottr much esteemed supervisor of practice. Who has not felt stronger and more able to cope with difficulties after a few moments of inspiring conversation with her? No one could he more just and considerate, yet she is all this under a stress of work that would discourage a less indomitable spirit. Yes. engrave those features on your memory, and some day. as you face a mob of unruly youngsters, the image of that strong, commanding face will return to you. and you will say. “God bless Miss Swart. Yes. follow her teachings well, for the time will come, in spite of her oft-repeated assertions, when it will be impossible to see her. It is she. Miss Emily F. Webster, head of the Department of Mathematics. who upon her door has placed the sign. Enter ye not except ye conn-at the appointed hour.” for she i business-like in all her ways. You may find her at almost any hour in her room, struggling with some class who arc desperately endeavoring to compute the area of the little red hen.” Her kindly face and the merry twinkle in her eye lnrspcak truly the warm heart she has for all and how deeply she i' interested in the welfare of the students and the Normal. When a few years have elapsed and you think back on those things which have aided the most in making you what you are. you will all have reason to bless Mt s Webster for the training received during these years, and will appreciate, as you never can now. how much she is doing for us all. Herewith we present to you the portrait of Mr. I.ydon W. Briggs, our Treasurer, anti Instructor in Civics and School 1-aw. Mr. Brigg- is the oldest member of the faculty and yet, if perchance, on a day, feeling lonesome, you scat yourself near his desk and list to his mild and heating joshing, and watch the play of smiles and the merry twinkle of his eye. you will concur with me in saying that he is old in years only. It is reported, upon good authority, that Mr. Briggs has resigned his position to accept a position as principal of a school for boys in South Africa. As is well known. Mr. Briggs is a woman-hater. and we wish him success in his new work, a work for which he has been longing for years. 13

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Prksidknt K. H. Hai.skv.

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Calliope is out of date, and in her stead Miss Harriet E. Clark presides over dramatic poetry here at Oshkosh. The poor mortal who offends her bv being late with a declamation must offer up a message to Garcia.” In complete statements she trains ns to read, and in complete statements to declaim. She occasionally teaches a class in penmanship for a quarter, when she feels there is need of it. She is a much-traveled lady, and has delighted ib with many tales of foreign lands. Oshkosh proudly | oint$ to her and declares, “She is one of my alumna-. Here you see the familiar features of one whose favorite exhortation is, “When translating Latin, do come down to twentieth century English.” I don't know her nationality, but. judging from her appearance and her speech. I should say that she is Norwegian. Her name would seem to indicate that my surmises are correct. Everyone acknowledges that she is the wittiest of our faculty. Now. if you have any extra cats which you wish to be treated kindly, pray .don’t send them to Mr. Fling by mistake, but ship them to Miss Mary I'. Apthorp, Latin Department. Oshkosh Normal. 7 would were a pointer for the soke of her who led. A feeling guide, with referential tread ' Miss Harriet Cecil Magee, a wee little lady with a gentle, sweet smile, presides over the dominions of Normal art. Into her territory come the district school pupil who has never had drawing, the training department gradttale who has had it all his life, and the ex-school teacher who has taught drawing but has never had it.” Yet. with grace and confidence, the instructor meets all itt one class, and all arc willing to strive that they may follow with the dainty little guide who leads them cheerfully thru the paths of art. There is no profession in which enthusiasm is so much in demand as in teaching. Of inestimable value is that man who can instill into us zeal and love for our work. Therefore, to Walter C. Hewitt, our Conductor of Institutes and Instructor in School Management, be honor and reverence for ever and ever. Forty-five minutes under his instruction suffices to imbue us with such a love for teaching that we can but marvel at the man. No wonder that his fame as an institute conductor has gone abroad into every corner f ibis state. How the inspiring personality of a teacher urges a class to greater exef tion is daily demonstrated by Miss Josephine Henderson in the Department of Rhetoric. Each recitation the members of the rhetoric class receive inspiration for a new installment.” by forty-five minutes in the presence of their instructor. With her calm, stately grace and subdued enthusiasm she makes the students of her classes strive to bring themselves to the standard of her excellence. Truly, a noble woman hath a great influence; but if she be handsome, too, she worketh wonders.” 14 14 .