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

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Senior Legend Thrice the summer sun has journeyed northward toward the frozen regions, southward toward the land of sunshine; thrice and once again has journeyed since these Seniors came among us. Some there were who knew the pitfalls, knew the dangers threatening Freshmen, for had they not tarried lately in the Training Schools? But those other ones who entered from the forests and the prairies, wrestled with examinations; tresh were they, aye. fresh and verdant to the ways of this, our nation. But. alas, for all these Freshmen! Little could sophistication or the lack of it avail them! Chieftain, sachems, upper classmen failed alike to understand them, withheld from them the great homage due their age and vast importance; treated them like mere papooses, teaching them much needed lessons in the way of speech and manners. And the Freshmen hearts were bitter, and they prayed to the Great Spirit for the sure and speedy dawning of the day of their deliverance, of the day that made them Sophomores. As when in the early springtime, from the bare and lifeless branches bursts the fresh and lovely verdure, so our Freshmen blossomed quickly into buoyant Sophomores. Gone was then the timid-fawn-look, gone the awkward rustic manner. And the scornful, haughty glances they bestowed upon all Freshmen, showed how deep and wide a chasm they had crossed in one brief season. Lest as Juniors in the national they esteem themselves too highly; lest they grow too proud and boastful, and become a public nuisance, the Great Spirit sent to join them youths and maidens without number. Graduates these were of High Schools, and they came from many nations. Many tongues and many customs were thus introduced among us. and our little band of Juniors, by these others far outnumbered. yielded, not without reluctance, to the law of strength through union, and became most loyal members of the mighty class of Juniors. Not like towering pines in stature, nor like boulders by the seashore; but like oaken trees these Juniors, reaching high enough toward heaven to receive its air and sunshine; stout enough in bark and fiber to withstand its storms and tempests; clear in grain, and fine and perfect without knot or sign of weakness. And their chosen work of teaching may be likened to the oak tree, in the shade and the protection which it gives to weary travellers. Well they loved the council chamber and the social joys it offered; well they loved the spreads and picnics and the trips on lake and river. They are now no longer Juniors. Seniors are they, awe-inspiring, full of dignity and purpose. Now remains no slightest vestige of the verdant youth or maiden,-types so evident aforetime but instead we see a body of young Braves and Maidens earnest, working side by side harmoniously, filled with what we call school spirit, setting to the other students an example strong of union and of dignity and labor. A few more moons, and this great nation, disbanded will be for a season; no more to this council chamber will return these well-loved Seniors. Forth they go from Oshkosh nation, some to distant tribes and peoples, each to win his place of honor in the records of our nation. Gitchee Manitou the Mighty, whisper to them words of wisdom, fill their hearts with understanding that success may crown their efforts. jo

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Frances Burke Simble-F infers X«nr t» «• Chief dwell Nlinbli-Plngrni. Maiden with the eye that twinkle, with the hair of Jet-like Mnrkm-x : and they named her from her power, from the Klft the gods Rave to her. “Nlmble-FIngers. the obliging • -Much revered by all the tribesmen wax this aentle Xlrnhle-Fingers; -he the best of all swift writer , she the Rontlest of all eterks, quiet as a gentle rain drop, pleasant as a ray of sunshine. For her gentleness they loved her. and the magic of her finger . Ivan Vincent “Wieldcr-of-the-Big-Key” l ong, long ago. near I he shores of Winnebago, dwelt a tribe renowned lor learning. Hither, then. • aim- youths and maidens from the Fast Wind and the West Wind, from the North Wind and the South Wind.—eame to listen and to learn of the knowledge of this people. All the tribe gave wisdom to them— wisdom gained through year of study—all the braves save The -Wlelder-ofethe-HIg -Key. And this short but sturdy warrior held the key which closed the wigwam. when the sun hid all Its glory.---closed It to tin-many students, until the sun should rouse them for another day of study. Then did ”Wielder-of-the-Itlg-Key open wide the wigwam, and the youths and all the maidens, entering, brought the sunshine and the gladness of their youthful, happy hearts. Thus. long, long ago did the ’■Wkdder-of-the-BIg-Koy ' ever keep the key that closed the wigwam of that tribe of learned people living near the shore of Winnebago. “Keeper-of-thc-Council-Fire” Far to the westward near the shining Blg-ttea wall rs rose up a great volcano. For rains upon rains the spirit that dwelt therein had sent up his smoke continually. One day he neglected his fluty and so that day no smoke arose from the huge mouth of the mountains. The Great Spirit was very angry at this and he sahl to the spirit of the volcano. “'Sit more may you live here In peace. You shall go among the restless Northern Nation and there you shall have long and troublesome labttr In keeping the Council fires burning. This Oshkosh Nation will call you Kcepor-of-the-Council-Fire. The spirit of the volcano left his quiet home with sadness. Now no more does he neglect his fluty. Tin- smoke from his fires Is seen to rise slowly up, up until It gradually vanishes from the sight. »)

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