Ilion High School - Class of 1882

Source pdf file is here Newspaper Utica NY Morning Herald 1882 - 0317.pdf on fultonhistory.com

Ilion Academy

ILION, July 1 - Last evening witnessed the commencement exercises of the Ilion academy, in the Opera House. Notwithstanding a drizzling rain,the hall was jammed and many had to stand throughout the evening. The interest taken in the school appears to be increasing yearly. Much of this is due to the able principal, A. B. Poland. The graduating class this year numbered 13 [14], the largest yet sent out. The hall was handsomely decorated with evergreens, and the arrangement of flowers was very beautiful. On account of the large number of orations and essays, they were all made short. The salutatory was delivered by Fred B. Shepard, the valedictory by Genevieve Ostrander. The historian of tho class was Annie Chattaway, and the prophetess, Carrie Hoefler. The following are the other members of the class:

Genevieve Ostrander - valedictorian,
Fred B. Shepard - salutatorian,
Annie Chattaway - historian,
Carrie Hoefler - prophetess,

Laura Kinne,
Nellie Irlam,
Emily Williams,
Mary Ruddy,
Fred [Lyle] Bellinger,
Gilbert Pelton,
Fred Shepard,
Fred Caswell,
Arleigh Richardson, and
Eugene Lamberson.

Besides the literary exercises, there was instrumental and vocal music. A bass solo by Gilbert Pelton was heartily encored. The class presented their teacher with a handsome frame, and an India ink portrait of himself.

An Alumni association of the Ilion Academy was organized after the exercises, and B. B. Johnson, class of '78, was chosen as president for the year. A vice president was then elected from each class: Lisette Jones, Maggie Hotaling, W. P. Lewis, Miss M. E. Irlam, Maude Cutler, F. D. Corse, Vira Budlong, and Gilbert Pelton, Nellie Seamans, class of '78, was made treasurer, and I. C. Seamans, class of '80, secretary. Albert Chattaway, '81, was made historian. An executive committee and a committee of arrangements for next year, were also appointed.

* Note - the article stated 13 graduates but then list 14 names. The first name of Fred Bellinger should be Lyle.