Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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each battered hero sought to win his ribbon. Miss Kimball applauded the modest youths who, unlike the H. M. A., had no pretty uniforms to soil and who were not afraid to take a good time when it presented itself. Excitement reigned intense for twenty minutes. Each man stabbed his bonnet with great vigor, at the same time endeavoring to get the most likely young lady. At the expiration of twenty minutes the girls submitted to being decorated, and then from the lips of most impartial judges came the decree that A. H. Smith had won first prize, while Needham was presented with—second prize {?). At least eighteen different men are fully satisfied that the judges were bribed, and Smith may expect to receive a challenge any day for the championship of the class. Of course Needham is more than positive that he has been deliberately swindled out of a basket of candy. He unfortunately forgot his prize, but it turned up all right next day. This party was a great success, and the ne.xt day a committee was appointed to arrange for a sleigh-ride the following Wednesday evening. A meeting was called at 12 M. on Wednesday and the details of the prospective sleigh-ride were outlined. At first there was a question whether it would be advisable for Miss Kimball to invite all her friends or simply the whole neighborhood. Then some forgot this was a Socialist affair and proposed taking in the entire class of ’92, T. E. and all. We presume it was understood that in the event of such a calamity. Dr. Fuller would chaperone the crowd. 20

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' N the following Tuesday evening a goodly company of Socialists attended Robert Mantell’s performance of the “Corsican Brothers,’’ at the Theatre. It has always been very evident that the Socialists of ’92 prefer comedy to high tragedy, and for this reason their magnanimous spirit on this occasion was something remarkable. Had Mr. Mantell known to whom he was indebted for being brought before the curtain he would probably have furnished bo.xes for the Socialists at the succeeding performance; but it was impossible for a party of long-haired champions of justice to let such fencing and knife-flying go on without d ue appreciation. Affairs were now very quiet till Feb. 13, when the already famous Socialists received invitations to amuse the Home-School. After being receiveci by Miss Kimball and the young ladies piesiding, the evening’s fun began. Hats were passed around, a basket of ribbons was placed in the centre of the floor, and the signal was given to the young and pretty milliners. Of course, the other young ladies thought each one would walk up very respectfully, select ribbons and betake himself to a corner. But, no; scarcely had the basket been left alone when there followed a scene that must have forcibly reminded the spectators of a foot-ball game. First there was an instant’s silence, then the basket began to shiver, immediately afterward the house shook as the Socialists tripped gaily across the floor. Talk about a cane-rush, why it was nothing to this one. All the great charges of history, the charge of Balaklava, the plumber’s charge, in fact everything sinks into comparative insignificance when compared to this onset. The young ladies stood aghast, then almost screamed with laughter as 19

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OON after eight the ’bus left the Bay State and soon arrived at the Home School, where the young ladies were in waiting with wraps on and only too happy to have some one appear and allow them woman’s blessed privilege of exercising her conversational powers. The girls tried to give a so-called “yell,” aided by their male escorts; then the “Polly Wolly” was given in grand style with the termination, “Home School.” “Now won’t you always put that on to ‘Polly Wolly ”—Oh! yes. Arriving at the hotel, a general introduction thawed out the icicles that were tending to form all around. Those who had been entertained the Friday before managed to pick out the same partners—that is, if they were pickable. Collier went around assigning toasts, while Clark luxuriated on an easy chair and-distributed himself and his attentions among three of the other sex. Howard picked out his affinity and for the next two hours was lost to the world. True to nature, when the supper hour came, the boys offered themselves to the girls, which action was justly reproved by Miss Kimball. The dining room reached, it was seen at once that the tables were groaning beneath the weight of age and crockery. However, since crockery is not recommended as a steady article of diet by the doctors, we began on hot oyster stew and ended with a gelatinous substance containing lumps of frozen snow, hence called ice-cream. We 21