Ilion High School - Class of 1899Ilion Citizen - June 23, 1899Graduation of Class of '99 Ilion High SchoolArticle 3Source pdf file is here Illion NY Citizen 1898-1900 - 0747.pdf on fultonhistory.com
Olive and Gold Graduation of Class of '99 Ilion High School A class of High Attainment --- Eloquent Orations --- Polished Essays --- Diplomas Awarded and Prizes Presented. Tuesday was an eventful day in the lives of the graduating students o the Ilion high school, class of '99, as they made their debut at the opera house that evening and joined the alumni of the school of which we are all very proud. The opera house was made very attractive for the occasion with palms, ferns, daises and other flowers. From the ceiling was suspended the class motto "18 Duty, Honor, Loyalty, 99" in olive and gold, the class colors. The class occupied seats on the right of the stage and remained there during the exercises which was a pleasant change from former years. The members of the class were: President, Raymond R. Whitmore; vice president, Antoinette R. Pierce; secretary, Grace Skinner; treasurer, Charles a. Weisbecker; valedictorian, A. May Couchman; salutatorian, Emma E. Chismore; historian, Bertha E. Irons; prophet, Myra Trowbridge; class poet, Carrie Tefft; Flora Avery, Mabelle E. Hammond, Mabel S. Burkhart, Zillah Daly, Clara Illig, William J. Lewis, D. Harry McGuinnes, Lucy A. O'Brien, Elizabeth Reilly, Albert Robson, Josephine E. Steber, Elizabeth Doyle. The faculty of the high school, Prof. Wood, Misses Douglas, Stewart, Reynolds, McCann, Capron and Brown were on the left and at the rear were the board of education, John Duckworth, Dr. J. I. Rasbach and A. H. Sumner, also Rev. W. C. Taylor, of the Presbyterian church. In front of the stage Thompson's orchestra was stationed. Members of the class of 1900 occupied seats in the front row of the balcony and were conspicuous with their class canes, colors, etc. Long before eight o'clock a large audience filled the house and listened attentively to the program The first number was a delightful selection by the orchestra, after which Rev. W. C. Taylor offered a beautiful and earnest prayer for the continued success in life of the members of the class. Miss Emma E. Chismore, the salutatorian of the class, gave a hearty welcome to the alumni o the school and audience, paying a graceful tribute to the class of 1900 and pointed to the class motto as something that should be lived up to by the graduates; also that the class had not finished their education but had only been promoted to a higher grade. "Our High School Piano," by Lucy O'Brien, was the subject of a well-written essay in which the old piano was supposed to revive the memories of the past twenty-four years in which the piano has been in service. Miss O'Brien said that a new piano would be hailed with delight by the high school pupils. After a clarionet duet "Labelle Creole" by Messrs. Thompson and Davis, Miss Mabel Burkhart described the various birds o the forest and their songs, as they might be heard in a grand opera. The idea was a clever one and the essay was well written, the subject "A Forest Opera Troupe." The president of the class, Raymond Whitmore, was the next speaker, taking for his subject, "Should Examinations be Abolished." He very thoroughly discussed both sides of the question, making many good points, among other things he said: "This topic has furnished much thought for teachers and all agree that the person who would furnish a new method in place of the old examinations, would confer a great boon upon the educators of the day." "Girls in Athletics," was thoroughly advocated by Miss Zillah Daly in a particularly pleasing and well delivered essay. The subject abounded in good points in favor of athletic training for girls. One important thought which the speaker made was that a well-developed body accompanied a well-developed mind. The orchestra rendered "La Zarina Mazurka" following which Miss Clara F. Illig read an admirable essay "Queen Elizabeth as Portrayed in Kenilworth" which showed a thorough knowledge of Scott's beautiful novel and the strong character of England's queen. Albert N. Robson delivered a fine oration "Ought the High School Course to be lengthened." This is a subject of great importance and the speaker handled it in an able manner, giving much good advice to the coming students as to how they might frame their course and not be in too much of a hurry to graduate. They should realize that these are the happiest days of their lives. Miss Josephine E. Steber's essay was a description of "Her Term in Chemistry" relating how entertaining as well as instructive the subject had been and reviewed some of the amusing experiences which the class had been through. Messrs. Stickles and Thompson followed with a flute and saxophone duet. "A Trip Through the Gulph" was the theme chosen by Miss Elizabeth Doyle which was a very pretty description of a drive from Cedarville to Ilion returning by moonlight. The subject was of interest to all as most of the audience were familiar with the beautiful scenery lying between the two villages. Charles A. Weisbecker pleased the audience with a very able oration "Are We Less Courteous than our Forefathers." His subject contained many facts which would be well for the coming generation to remember, reminding us of the truth that our forefathers excelled us in politeness. A very unique presentation by Miss Elizabeth Reilly "My Experience in Gardening" was next given. Miss Reilly was easy in her manner and related in an amusing way her experience in farming taking of a tragedy in four acts. Zenda waltz was rendered by the orchestra after which Miss Mabelle E. Hammond described "Some Characteristics of the 20th Century Woman," prophesying great, things for the coming woman in the public as well as at home. "What the Remington Typewriter has done for Ilion" is a subject that is dear to the hearts of all Ilionites. It was the subject of an interesting oration by William J. Lewis, who gave due credit to the manufacturers for that they had done toward the advancement and prosperity of this community. Antinette R. Pierce did not make a mistake when she selected for the topic of her essay "At the photographer's." She gave an interesting and amusing description o fa half day spent in a studio, portraying the realistic study of human nature. The next number on the program was a selection by the orchestra, after which D. Harry McGuinness delivered his oration on "Should advanced schools be maintained at public expense?" which was very practical and to the point. He compared the schools of the olden times with those of the present day, and drew some good conclusions. The valedictorian of the class, Miss A. Ma Couchman, took for the subject of her essay "What is the value of experience to me?" Miss Couchman's essay was one of the best of the evening and showed that she had given careful thought and deep study to the subject, which was greatly appreciated by the audience. Her parting words to the faculty, class, and words of encouragement to the undergraduates were very well chosen and could not help but leave a good impression with those she addressed. After Miss Couchman had finished the class came forward and sang the class ode and Superintendent Wood presented the diplomas, which he prefaced with words of advice to the graduates. Prof. Wood then thanked the teachers and scholars in a feeling manner for the beautiful presents with which they had presented him during the afternoon. He also spoke at some length about his kindly relations during his stay in Ilion and of the many pleasant things he would have to remember about them. He also paid a high tribute to the board of education and the teachers, saying that to them the credit was due for the high standing of the school more than to him. The judges for the evening Hone. E. LaGrange Smith and Commissioner S. Lincoln Fish of Frankfort then handed in their decision as to the four who had the best orations and essays. The prizes represented tuition at the Eastman business college and were presented to the school by D. D. Monsell. They were awarded as follows. First prize, $35 – Miss A. May Couchman. During the afternoon the teachers and pupils of the high school presented Prof. Wood with a handsome solid silver salad set and the teachers below the high school and janitors gave him a beautiful solid silver coffee set which were greatly appreciated and shows the feelings which exists between Prof. Wood and those under him. He will leave today for his new home in Gardner, Mass. CLASS DAY EXERCISES The class day exercises were held at Royal Arcanum ball Wednesday evening. Only the members of the faculty, the class and their near relatives were present. Thompson's orchestra furnished delightful music. The following arranged program was carried out:
Program After the banquet Miss Flora Avery officiated as toast mistress. Toasts were responded to as follows: "Alma Mater," Aninette Pierce; "Our Public Library, " Elizabeth Reilly; "Our Teachers," Mabelle Hammond; "Class of '99," Miss Francis Stewart. At the close the teachers and parents were escorted to the carriages and the young people indulged in dancing. The occasion was thoroughly enjoyed throughout.
(note - Antoinette R. Pierce appears in the newspaper article as Antinette but was listed in the 1925 Alumni book list for 1899 as Antoinette)
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