Ilion High School - Class of 1882

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Ilion Academy

Eighth Anniversary Commencement Exercises - '82 Graduates the Largest Class Yet - Evening Balmy - A Crowded House Orations, Essays, Music and Flowers

It has now been undeniably demonstrated that it will require more than a driving rain to keep people away from one of our academy commencements; as at the last one, which occurred a week ago this evening at the opera house, a square inch of standing room was at a premium, many indeed being turned away because they could not gain admission. Those who were fortunate enough to get a seat in the hall passed a most delightful and predicable evening, there being nothing through the entire evening's progress to mar the evenness of a successful launching of the class of '82 out into the stream of life.

The hall itself was tastefully decorated; there being a large crescent of evergreen spanning the large overhead bearing the class motto "We forge our own Fortunes," and depending therefrom the large figures '82. The stage and boxes were also neatly trimmed with flowers and drapery, the whole presenting a most pleasing appearance to the dyes. On the platform was seated Professor Poland, to whose arching efforts and good management are due, to a great extent, the successful conducting of our school and the turning out of such a "well ranked" class of pupils, and by him were Rev's Hubbs and Reader.

Part first was opened with prayer by Rev. Mr. Hubbs, after which came the greeting song by the class, which was happily received. Principal Poland then announced an orator by Fred B. shepherd, who delivered the class salutatory in a clear, forcible and eloquent style, he choosing for his subject "Sculptors of Life." He spoke of the great achievements of men in the different departments of human effort, of their aims and results. The great question which every youth should ponder "What can I make of Myself." Physical culture should not be neglected. We are all sculptors, our minds the blocks of marble, our education the art training. We may make ourselves, within certain limits, what we will. The speaker was exceedingly self possessed and evidently used to speaking. His voice was pleasant and well managed.

Miss Nellie T. Irlam next appeared and read an essay. subject, "Longfellow is dead." this proved to be a tender eulogy of the life and character of the great poet. Miss Irlam evinced careful study and a keen appreciation of the works of America's laureate. Her choice of quotations showed much poetical taste and discernment; her style was graceful, tender and full of feeling, while her manner was refined, cultivated and ladylike. Miss Irlam's voice was characterized by its sweetness and her elocution by clearness of utterance.

A duet, "Yet Once Again," was at this point rendered by Miss Carrie Hoefler and Gilbert B. Pelton which was heartily received by the audience. "The American Puritans," by L. Fred Bellinger, followed, the speaker taking his audience back to the landing of the pilgrims, the first settlements at Plymouth, the hardships of the early colonists, their indomitable energy, deep religious fervor, unbounded love for liberty, and the final wonderful success of the colony. Mr. Bellinger has a thoughtful and scholarly style, sober, sincere an dignified manner, added to a plain ... and deliberate expression.

The audience was next pleased with a beautiful description of a midsummer sunset on Lake Erie, by Miss Larua Kinne, the essayist drawing therefrom thoughtful reflections on the countless wonders and unsolved mysteries of creation. Miss Kinne is easy, graceful and unaffected upon the stage, her style being ornate, flowery ... and unrestrained.

Gilbert B. Pelton then delivered an oration on the death of Napoleon, it being a brilliant description of the last days of the great warrior at his Island of banishment, St. Helena. Mr. Pelton is possessed of a deep musical voice which is capable of a variety of inflection. His gestures were easy and graceful, and his style of delivery was graphic, picturesque and florid. Misses Hoefler, Ostrander and Williams then very gracefully rendered a most difficult piano trio, much to the delight of the audience.

Fred M. Caswell delivered an oration on "Glimpses at America." He spoke of the great progress of America, her wonderful political history and the common school system as the great question of the future, the bulwark of the republic. all efforts to overthrow the same should be resisted. The speaker has a clear, ringing voice and a forcible, yet easy and graceful manner of speaking. In style he was eloquent, impassioned and impressive.

After a short interval part second was opened by a beautiful piano solo, "Bonnie Doon," by Miss Nellie Irlam, who was quite as graceful at the piano as on the stage. A star at the next name on the program indicated that Arleigh D. Richardson was absent, attending examinations at Yale college,, which we since learn he has creditably passed. As Mr. Richardson is a good speaker and singer he was much missed by his class. Miss Annie R. Chattaway in an assertive manner and almost faultless concentration read the class history, part of which we herewith give. This young lady showed a nice judgment in choice of matter and decision.

In 1874, our class then numbering 35, entered the senior department. During the following year the number of the class decreased by 22 and in the B class numbered only 13. But time rushed forward and among other changes we found ourselves in the A Class. In this year the excitement of regent's examinations caused the year to pass even more quickly than had the two preceding ones and almost before we realized it we were called upon to try the examination which was to decide who should enter the academy department. Twenty five were to take this examination, and even now 21 shall ... of the hopeful ... to be seen on this occasion. However, only 17 entered the C ... class of 1879, many having left for various reasons and some of course did not pass in the ...our class then academic, numbered 11, and we looked hopefully forward to the time when we should be A academics. But the year moved swiftly and in ..... of highest class in school. It was February before any steps were taken toward organization, but in the early part of that month our first meeting was held and officers were elected to serve provisionally until the regular class officers were elected. Later in the month another meeting was held at which the class honorees were selected. During the early part of the year our class received an addition in the form of a brown-eyed, brown-haired youth of considerable mental ability. Later in the year our class gained another addition, a youth rather short in stature, and young in years, but possessed of a clear and precocious head. A few facts descriptive of our class may be given: Greatest age 18 years, least age 14 years, average age 17 years. Concerning our occupations: Number of lawyers, 1; number of doctors none; number of ministers 1, number of farmers, 1; number of business men, 3; number going to college, 3, number who will stay at home, 8. As to our religious preferences: Number of Methodists ,; number of Episcopalians, 1; number of Baptists, 1; number of Universalists, 1; number in the class married, none; number who expect to be, 10; number who are doubtful, 1; number of girls engaged, none; l number of boys engaged, none; number wish they were, 11; number who expect to marry rich, 12; ... will not be ... for all our friends here assembled can easily see that, of all the classes that ever welcomed them to graduating exercises, we are ....intellectual.

Gilbert B. Pelton followed the historian with a fine vocal solo part of which he was compelled to repeat by the urgent demands of the audience. In singing as in speaking Mr. Pelton displayed ... voice, and this was well appreciated. The question "What is poetry" was then answered in an essay by Miss Emily D. Williams. Poetry was defined and divided into two schools, the ... and artificial, and the differences of the two given. The essayist gave ... keen ... on sham criticism and ... worship. The essay was critical and coextensive. The reader showed an appreciative style while her manner was agreeable and pleasant.

Probably the most logical and argumentative exposition of the evening was the oration which followed on "Free Trade vs. Protection." The speaker, Eugene S. Lamberson, ... in a clear and vigorous manner sated and opined the principles of the free trade party, showing the advantages of the system over a system of predictive tarrif and although he took the weak side of the question for a young country like America, he did well in his endeavor to sustain it. Mr. Lamberson's delivery was rather rapid though his utterance was insistence, and with good drill he should make a good speaker.

Carrie M. Hoefler at this .... opened the book of fates and revealed to each classmate his future years, which rendered was as follows. Fred Shepherd was to be a lawyer - Miss Irlam, a governess - Fred Bellinger, a grocery man - Gilbert Pelton, a minister - Eugene Lamberson, a United States judge - Miss Ruddy, Lamberson's wife - Fred Caswell, a herdsman - Arleigh Richardson, a newspaper man - Miss Williams, an artist - Miss Chattaway, an elocutionist - Miss Ostrander, a nun. The reader was dignified and graceful in hearing and in manner simple, modest and unaffected. She read the prophecy in a clear distinct voice with careful enunciation and pronunciation, and many were the smiles of appreciation on each learned his most interesting and eventful future.

The valedictorian of the class was Miss Genevieve Ostrander, of Mohawk. She chose for her subject "Questions" "Ever since the dawn of creation there has been room for questions". She spoke of th spirit of investigation which has led man to discover the secrets of nature, an the great good that has come from the inborn spirit of inquiry. The future, she contended, will disclose many mysteries and secrets not now considered possible of interpretation. she then dwelt upon the pleasant associations of their school life which now must end, and paid graceful tributes to the patrons of the school, and teachers, and made them all, with the classmates, an affectionate adieu. Miss Ostrander presented a graceful, prepossessing appearance upon the state, while in manner she was easy and natural, and spoke with clear and dist inc accent.

The class then filed upon the platform, standing in a semi-circle, when Principal Poland came forward with an armful of diplomas, one of which each member of the class received with a graceful bow. While all were waiting for the farewell song, Gilbert Pelton stepped out from the ranks, behind the scenes, and re-appeared with a life size crayon portrait of Professor Poland, handsomely framed, which he in fitting words presented tot the Principal as a memento from the class of '82. The professor was taken completely by surprise, and accepted it thankfully, paying a high tribute to the class for their ability in keeping a secret. He closed his remarks with " again throatily thanking the class for this beautiful frame." The class then sang the farewell song, after which the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Mr. Reader. We have purposely omitted speaking of the flowers showered upon each member of the class, sincy they were so profuse it was simply impossible. Never do we remember seeing more gorgeous or more bountiful supply of choice flowers, baskets and unique floral designs bestowed upon a class of graduates in any institution. No one, we should say, was able to carry the receipts in this line home alone, many coming with horses and carriages, the next day, to claim them. The new and novel designs quite baffled the ingenuity of the boys who gathered them from the stage, they not knowing exactly where to grapple them. One design received by Gilbert Pelton was a ship, fully rigged from stem to stern, the hull was standard being built up of flowers. All were bountifully remembered.

The class, as has been before stated, was the largest one ever graduated from the academy, it consisting of six gentlemen and seven ladies ... Of their immediate future we may say: Arleigh D. Richardson will enter Yale University in the fall; Gilbert B. Pelton will probably go to Cornell, and Eugene Lamberson to Syracuse University: Miss Genevieve Ostrander will enter Syracuse University in September, and Miss Carrie Hoefler expects to go to Wellesly College; Misses Kinne, Irlam and Williams, intend entering normal schools. The remainder are undecided, but all the members of the class go forth with the best wishes of their many friends, some to begin battling, in real life, some to further prosecute their studies, all we trust to further usefulness, not to be forgotten or disgraced.