University of Maine - Prism Yearbook (Orono, ME)

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Senior jfcistory. w OUR years ago tliis coming fall the class of ’96 first came into existence. They appeared as minute green creatures,which the professor in natural history, after much study, classified as follows: Animal kingdom. Verte- bratae, Mammal, Primate. Homo sapiens; com- mon name, freshmen. Before the arrival of these green things, Maine State College was unknown beyond a limit of ten miles, but to-day, at the close of their last year, it enjoys a rapidly increasing fame, due entirely to this wonderful and puissant class (so they think.) Like the maple leaf, which changes color at maturity, so these things, which we first encountered in all their vivid greenness, have gradually changed their hue to that of brown and white. They received the hard- ships of Oak Hall life like men, and also received without a murmur the water which came rushing down four stories. In their first year at base ball they were unsuccessful and furnished the peanuts with the few pennies which they had obtained from P. M. labor on the farm. As Sophomores they were very successful, driving the Preshmen at will, and demolishing every door which was barred against them. Their dummies were well made and not infrequently to the point. They defeated the Freshmen in both base ball and foot ball, and 23

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Our tPaecrn. Oh, say can you see by the bright light of morn. As o’er the broad meadows comes sweet breath of corn. Far up on the flag-staff, blown out by the breeze. The ninety-five pennant wave over the trees? With its background of white and its letters of blue. It gleams in the sunlight o’er boys brave and true. Though the battle was short, yet the victory great Which brought us as champions of our Pine Tree State. We did up the others, five games out of six. For we were the ones who had taken the tricks. Some called us farmers and tried to play jest. Hut found in the end we were little the best. In tennis we also show up at the head. Was 1 ley wood the best man? “ Yes,’’ everyone said. Although in field sports we were young in the game. We gained from the contest considerable fame. And hope in the future, with brains and with muscle. To come out ringleader, the first in the tussle. Our training equipments of very poor nature We hope to improve at the next legislature; For they must now know from the work we have done. That for each of our contests we needed some “mon,” And if they but help us to build up a Gym., We'll be in Athletics, and not on the rim. 22

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received the peanuts which were freely given. At a fire drill, one of them discovering smoke issuing from a Freshman, feared for his life and deluged him with water, but curiously enough, the faculty enter- tained a different view of the matter, and saw fit to allow him a visit to the paternal roof-tree. In athletics and in the recitation room the boys of ’9G hold an unbroken record of victories and honors—they have done themselves “proud.” With pride and with veneration we bid adieu to these struggling heroes, whose footsteps will no more resound through the halls of our alma mater, trusting that through life, laurels may be awarded to them as plentifully as they have been in the past four years. 24