Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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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

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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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also had cake. That cake had attained its majority years ago and, by reason of age, was probably e.xempt from taxation. Now, Southgate, that was rather too bad of you to “give away’’ our elevators. Why did you not praise them and, perhaps at graduation, you might find two or three girls willing to go up with you to the top story ? Then think of the times you might have on that two hours’ ride. After supper came games of various kinds. Take notice, this did not include the kissing kinds. All hands rounded up for the old-time Virginia Reel; this was followed by a short waltz. At 11.3O ' Miss Kimball called time and the first outing of the Sociali.sts of ’92 was fast coming to an end. Cloaks and overcoats were quickly put on and a wild race was made for the two sleighs, across a character¬ istic country road. Those on the small sleigh gained a point, as it were, on the others, by cooly driving off, leaving those “others’’ to pick up the three teachers. Now, this is what we consider some very small business, in fact, a most contemptible deed which is rightly deserving the strongest condemnation. We were one of the “others.’’ Notwithstanding the presence of the Faculty, things went on quite merrily. Smith and Day, sitting opposite Miss Kimball, were almost willing to stand the crush going on in the front of the sleigh. Unfortunately, the ones up front were just as willing to pose as martyrs for a sacred cause. Paige unfolded portions of his life history, laying particular emphasis upon the “girl he left behind him.’’ The Faculty were visibly affected. Pelton was willing to call it square with the driver, provided the latter would reach Worcester via Pa.xton.