Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades - Mechanic Yearbook (Media, PA)

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20 THE MECHANIC 61112155 Qltlistnrg nf '21 Continued mined and well-pressed suits were so wet, that they reminded us of wet burlap bags. Despite this fact, we made a good showing in the parade and were well applauded. In the latter part of July, we began a summer vacation which ended in Septem- ber. Many of the fellows worked at the trade they were taking up at school and thus gained much valuable experience. On returning from our vacation, a Song Committee was appointed to compose a class song. The editor of the class book was also elected at this time. When Miss Hall. our teacher in Literature, resigned, the class presented her with a-gift in appreciation of all she had done for us during our association with her. At a class meeting held in October, the oHicers for the third term were elected as follows: President, Edwardsg Vice-president, Wood, Secretary, Steelg Treasurer, Shinehouse. Theise oflicers conducted meetings and transacted business in a manner that did them cre it. It was during this period that Mr. Pratt gave us a series of talks dealing with the issues of the World War, Forms of Government, Federal Reserve Banking System, etc. Much valuable information was acquired from these talks and the class- feels deeply indebted to Mr. Pratt for them. An intercottage basketball league was started in December to decide the cottage championship. Our class was well represented. 3d B, one of our class' cottages, won the championship. Graduation Day for the Class of 1920 rapidly approached. Excitement reigned! Hurrah, the day had arrived! We saw the diplomas given out, and then we realized what good friends we had in the class of 1920. A feeling of regret came over us as we realized that we were about to part. The class felt deeply thankful to them for information they had given and wished them success in their endeavors. We now as- sembled on the school campus. In our presence, the emblem of the class of 1920 was hauled down and the emblem of 1921 unfurled. In May, 1920, we gave a reception to the Freshman and Reserve classes. A short entertainment was given, which was followed by a more fitting one in the dining- room. Though not an elaborate affair, it established a feeling of good-will and welcome to these classes. The spirit with which we gave this was the same as that with which we had been received two years beforeya spirit which tended to brighten up our eezer year. The class officers who presided at this affair were: President, Kellyg Vice-president, Richardsg Secretary, Herreg Treasurer, Anders. In the inter-class' track meet, held in June, our class took most of the honors. The support' given the team and the spirit shown was a great factor in our victory. ' After we returned from summer vacation, we elected class oilicers for the last term. Those elected were: President, Grossmang Vice-president, Stewartg Secretary, Herreg Treasurer, Anders. We also discontinued day class on our return. The entire day was then spent in our respective shops and our evenings devoted to class. 'It was then that we were granted late leave, a privilege that made us feel the importance of being a Senior. . During the winter months, a series of lectures and entertainments were presented by artists skilled along these lines. They proved both entertaining and instructive and were helpful in brightening the cold, dull winter evenings. And now We have come to the end of our term, which obviously means the end of the history of the class of 1921. I may not have recorded all the important events that occurred in our three years at Williamson, but I have done my best.. Looking backward, the feeling of regret. of sadness, comes to us, and then the feeling of love, of gratitude to the dear old school to which, with all its association of teachers, in- structors, and classmates, we acknowledge our indebtedness, as the time when life was most enjoyable, when the staunchest friends were made. There is not one of us but feels the deepest regret that on April 30, 1921, we leave this school as a class-. From this time, our paths will divergeg but, wherever they lead us in after life, we s'hall forever cherish the name and fame of Williamson. WALTER J. HERRE, Historian, '21.

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- WILLIAMSON SCHOOL 19 iatnrg nf flllaaa nf '21 .. JW in judging of histories in general, as compared with mine, you must make allowance for such men as Macauly and MacKinnon. They dissipate their energies over too great a surface. The task was hard enoughafor me even when I confined myself to the simple task of setting forth the deeds of the aggregation known as the Class of 1921. Webster delines a historian as a writer of facts and events. To completely state these facts and events would require the ser- vices of one more competent than I. The first fact to record is that, like Caesar, we came, we saw, we conquered. We came on May 15, 1918, sixty-nine in number. We saw that the school was in great need of men, like ourselves. We conquered immediately. There were suggestions off coming greatness on the first day at school. We assembled in the school auditorium, where the daily school routine was outlined to us. The opportunities and possibilities that lay before us were also brought to our attention at that time. After this assem- bly, we partook of our first meal at Williamson. After the meal, we retreated to our respective cottages and acquainted ourselves with them, as they were to be our homes for the next three years. All in bed and lights out at 10 P. M. ended our first day at Williamson. As the daily routine is seldom changed at Williamson, I'll not dwell long on it, except to say that the mornings were devoted to academic work and the afternoons to shop. From the time we entered school until summer vacation, our evenings were spent in clearing away woodland so that larger crops could be raised. In June, we embarked on a vacation that extended over a period of nine weeks, during which time most of the fellows found employment. The compensation received at that time was very high. Due to this fact, most of the fellows returned with a small bankroll and in high spirits. It was after our return from this' vacation that the class organized, electing for the first term the following officers: President, Stewart, Vice-president, Woody Secre- tary, Leggg Treasurer, Bausch. Under these officers, class meetings were held at least once a month until the election in April. During their term of office, the class pin. class flower, class color, skull caps, etc., were selected. The constitution and by- laws of the class were also drawn up and approved during that time. When the draft went into effect, calling for men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, a cadet corps was organized, which progressed very well under the able supervision of Mr. Pratt. In October, the influenza epidemic invaded the school. We went through the epidemic with no deaths among the fellows. For this fact due credit must be given to all those who nursed the fellows back to health. At the same time, We very much regretted to hear of the death of Mr. Collins. instructor in Carpentry. . In November, the signing of the Armistice was the occasion of great rejoicing at the school. The cadet corps participated in a parade in Media to celebrate the occasion. We were also granted our first late leave at that time. , . The next event of importance was the school social, held in March, 1919. This social was brought about by a quarantine which p-revented the fellows from leaving the school. All those present will admit that they had a fine time. It was our last gath- ering with the class of 1919, as they were graduated in April. ' This graduation day was an occasion of great rejoicing. We discarded the- name of Geezer and took the more favorable one of Junior . Having donned our skull caps and participated in a snake dance, we proceeded to the station and gave .the Class of 1919 a rousing send-off. We were granted our Easter leave at the same time and returned with lots of pep to carry us 'through our Junior year. We made a good start by electing new oflicers for the second term. Those elected were: President, Tomlinson g Vice-president, Stewart, Secretary, Grossmang Treasurer, Edwards. In the inter-class track meet held in June, our class was well represented and lots of pep was showng but, as usually is the case, the Senior class took most of the honors. 'We participated in a Peace Jubilee held in Media in June. The march to Media through the pouring rain will long be remembered, as perfectly good straw hats were

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WILLIAMSON SCHOOL 21 he will E, the Class of 1921, being about to leave this world of school life, all in good health, do make and declare this, our last will and testament, hereby re- voking and making void all former wills and inventories concerning our possessions as it has pleased fate and our ambitious nature to give us-. We dispose of the following, viz.: , . I. To the school, we give our appreciation for all it has given us- during our stay at Williamson, but find it utterly impossible to express our deep regret at having to leave our beloved teachers. II. To the chemistry room, we do will and bequeath a new alcohol lamp, as the old one has served us very satisfactorily. III. To Mr. Pratt, we take leave of absence, feeling fully assured that we will not over stay our leave. We also leave him all the cards' of all classes following in our footsteps, as- ours have lost their usefulness and attraction. IV. To Mr. Tobias, we do will and bequeath a bottle of hair tonic to replace the hair lost in trying to make us successful mechanics. V. To the present Junior class, we willingly bequeath our places in the dining- room and auditorium. On account of lack of space, we can only leave this much, but while roaming over our estate We leave you all that you may discover. VI. To Miss Humphreys, we leave a good portion of the incoming rook class, who are to be taught the ways of good housekeeping. VII. To the present Freshman class, we leave our old hats, as they have been duly stretched by us. We also give you the privilege, for the first time, to become expert line men and go home whenever so disposed. VIII. To Mrs. Hill, we, for the first time, willingly sanction you the right to turn out the lights at 193 minutes of 10 P. M., also the right. to direct the poor little geezers by an unlimited How of oratory. IX. To the incoming Freshman class, we leave three years of hard work, but above all we leave you that which we have loved, honored, and respected during our stay at Williamson with the sincere hopes that you will appreciate it and never cause a shadow to fall on the glorious Blue and Gold. X. To Mr. Schisler, we will and bequeath the privilege to ride over the premises in his one-man auto. To Mr. Schisler, we leave a new company to be annexed to the Williamson Cadet Corps.