Vermilion School of Agriculture - Yearbook (Vermilion, Alberta Canada)

Page 29 text:

SOCIAL COMMITTEE T. Boyer e, Miss I. Moulder, Mis Arthur, B. Seale LITERARY COMMITTEE Miss B. Henderson, Miss M. McLean Gilpin, Miss B. George J. Rigby, H. Schultz STUDENTS’ COUNCIL Standing: W. Tennant, B. Flaade, Principal Elliott, T. Boyer, E. Smith. Seated: J. Rigby, Miss C. Mackey, L. Severson (President), Miss It. Cummings, A. Jeffrey . i 1 ■ f mm.nil .. ■ ' ' v . Jggj GLEE CLUB SCHOOL ORCHESTRA E. W. C ' ormack, G. Smith, S. Brimacombe, G. Wilson, M. Brimacombe, Miss B. Henderson, F. Rogich, R. Jones. [ Page twenty-five ]

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V ISITORS to the School, other than those invited by the Versatile Club, were not so numerous as in previous years. However, we were pleased to welcome one or two old friends as well as several we had not met before. Among the latter, Dr. Dyde of Edmonton, will be remembered for his scholarly yet entertaining address, early in the term. A very remarkable picture on Bees was brought to Vermilion by S. O. Hilerud, Provincial Apiarist, and a special showing arranged at the local theatre. Mr. H. A. Craig, Deputy Minister, visited the school early in the term and again later at the time of the Little Royal. Early in the New Year Mrs. Haynes spent an all too short evening with the Dramatic Club. Dr. P. Talbot, Provincial Veterinarian, called down to lecture at the school several times, and on one occasion was accompanied by Mr. Colin Groff who showed several delightful moving pictures on Animal Life and Mountain Scenery. We have still to look forward to a visit from our Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Grisdale, and possibly one or two others. T HE VERSATILE CLUB was again reorganized shortly after the com¬ mencement of term with a membership of one hundred and seventy- five, practically every student becoming a member. The first speaker to address the club was Rev. P. C. Lindsay of Mannville, who gave us a lecture on his three years as missionary in Tristian de Cuhna, a small island in the South Atlantic. As we listened, we sensed the com¬ plete isolation of this tiny isle and the absolute content in which the people lived. Mr. Donald Cameron, of the University, was our next speaker and he, too, gave a lantern lecture, his subject being, The Danish Folk Schools. Mr. Cameron held his audience most closely for the entire evening and impressed us with the part these schools have played in the building up of a strong national and community spirit, in that small but progressive nation. Later in the term Mr. J. Edgar, former instructor on the staff, kindly con¬ sented to give an evening lecture on the subject of Life Insurance.” On February 19th Mr. R. E. Ruff of Vermilion entertained us with his his magical powers, creating a good deal of laughter and much conjecture as to where everything disappeared. At the time of going to press, the club is looking forward to the possible visit of other speakers, including our old friend Mr. Corbett. In closing, the executive wish to thank all members for their support, and to express the hope that those returning will carry on the good work. [ Page twenty-four ] J IG, jog! jig, jog! jig-a-jog-jee! Thus did our newest club of the V.S.A. start its interesting career in the fall of ' 34. Linder the able direction of Mr. W. Elford this friendly little group of some thirty members met together nearly every Sunday afternoon to pass a pleasant hour in song. Such songs as The Three Merry Travellers, I Want Someone to Give Me a Pony, A Merry Life,” not to forget the old favorites, Good King Wenceslas” and Drink to Me Only” will long be remembered with pleasure by those who attended. May the Glee Club flourish, and may others in the future express through it the “joie de vivre. N EVER before has the V.S.A. had such an orchestra. Take this any way you wish. Most of us will always associate such tunes as In the Valley of the Moon” and A Voice in the Old Village Choir with tender memories of the V.S.A. moonlight waltzes, and the orchestra which provided the music for so many of our informal dances. A curious feature was the fact that they often played better without a practice, and then got stage fright when they plunged into the actual dances after practising assidiously. To the whole orchestra personnel, and to Beth Henderson and Stewart Brimacombe in particular, the thanks of the whole student body is due. T HE histrionic ability of the students was well above average. Students of 1934-35 will long remember the delightful singing of Mary Kinase- wich and Lena Shandro,—to mention only two out of many,—the darky songs with banjo and violin accompaniments of Bill Palmer, Sam Wirth, and Elwyn Gilpin,- the squeeze-box selections of the popular Lester Severson, and the dramatic French-Canadian recitations of Frank Bruce, Harold Schultz and other capable students could give pointers to many in the efficient and smooth conducting of a meeting, while the performances of Beth Henderson as accompanist will be remembered with gratitude and appreciation by artists and audiences alike. During the spring term the usual series of Competitive Lits” was held, and after a series of first-class entertainments, the X Division of the first year boys, under the chairmanship of Charlie Kallal, emerged as winners. We all join in congratualting them on winning the coveted shield. C ONGRATULATIONS to Lester Severson and his Council on their able work, which has been appreciated by students and staff alike.

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FIELD DAY CHAMPIONS E. Smith, Miss M. Rodash, .1 Lazaruk VERSATILE CLUB EXECUTIVE J. Higba ' , 8. Brimacombe, C. Kittle, H. Schultz (Continued from Page IS) portion of the whole number. In Canada the Club membership is ap¬ proximately 30,000, and is srowing every year. I believe it is the finest piece of work which is being done in connection with the improvement of rural life. Its progress is determined at the present time, not by the money available, but definitely by the extent to which leadership can be secured. Last year, in Alberta, there were 109 Grain Clubs with a membership of 1,500, and 79 Livestock Clubs with a membership of 1,600. This number could have been materially increased, and the Clubs operated could have been made much more effective, had there been competent local leadership. Some of these Clubs failed entirely because leadership was lacking. May I say that this is a challenge to the young men and young women who have attended the Schools of Agriculture and who are in a position to give some time and attention to a work that will not only benefit themselves, but which will supply a need, that up to the present time the Department has not been able to meet. The Provincial Department of Agriculture is proposing to develop along a new line in connection with The Women’s Home Bureau Service. Here again it has not been possible to meet the demand for demonstrations in Home Economics by expert demonstrators. The cost has been too great. It has been decided to try out a new system of Local Leadership Courses, through which local leaders will be trained in special schools, or Short Courses held throughout the country. At these school centres a number of of local leaders will be invited to attend from various districts. Experts in some particular line will be present, to give demonstrations and present an outline of the course. In turn these local leaders will be asked to conduct a similar course in their respective local districts. This system has been tried out elsewhere with excellent results. Finally, let me say that the future holds a splendid challenge to the young man and young woman of this country. Many of the old systems that served so well in the past, are fast becoming obsolete. We need the assistance of younger minds with the enthusiasm, energy and activity provided by youth, to join with those of adult years, with all that maturity gives in poise, balance and experience. This will help to bring about happier and more prosperous times. In that great task I feel confident that you will take your place creditably as ex-students of the Schools of Agriculture. —H. A. CRAIG. [ Page twenty-six }