Ilion High School - Class of 1884

Source pdf file is here Illion NY Citizen 1890-189 - 0419.pdf on fultonhistory.com

Ilion Academy

Anniversary Exercises - Floral Tribulation- Speeches – Essays

Launching of '84

Though by no means a prior ...for flowers the demand has almost exceeded the supply for the needs of the present June and many fine blossom beds have had their products engaged for weeks ahead, for the use of the academy's graduating class of '84 and their friends. The mentioned night of a crowded house greeted the participants, while late comers wholly lost sight of the fact there was such an article as a chair in the house. Fans fluttered, bouquets shook their fragrance upon the air and as usual the graduating class separated "never to meet again an unbroken band." The stage was handsomely decorated, the motto and year of the call appeared in large letters and everything breathed the fragrance of a genuine graduating day in June.

Upon the platform were seated Professor Poland with one or two others, including ..., who exercises by prayer, followed by the singing of the class song by the class. Take over, the participants began to feel that they were fairly "in lor it" and that their time would very soon come.

The display of flowers was equal, if not superior to that of any preceding anniversary, and all were bountifully remembered. So profuse, indeed, was the display of rare bouquets and designs that it would be an endless task to mention them.

The salutatory oration was delivered by William W. Kirley, who chose the subject "Manual instruction in our public schools." He showed the present system of education a development and claimed it to be superior to that of the past generations; still weak in that while educating the mind, it fails to provide instruction for the hands. The perfect system of education should educate the head, the heart and the hand; should fit boys to gain a livelihood. In manner the speaker was rather cool but earnest, argumentative and self-possessed. His effort was well received.

Miss Lizzie M. Russell, the class poet, next drew upon her knowledge of imaginative history by picturing to her audience the ruins of two successive and magnificent cities once standing upon the site of the now public spirited and hospitable village of Ilion. These ancient cities, now beneath the ruins and debris of many centuries were models of beauty and grandeur and fit forerunners of the beautiful civilized village in which we now live. Miss Russell, having an agreeable manner, distinct enunciation and possessing a clear voice makes a very good reader.

The question which sooner or later comes to every young American, "the choice of a business" was discussed by F. Bert Rasbach. The speaker touched upon the importance of this vital question to every young man, and spoke of the many who at this point make the great mistake of their lives. There taking no fixed rules to govern this choice the speaker held that the young men should have first a correct idea of what constitutes success in life; must not be afraid of work, must not feel that riches or fame constitute success. Labor is honorable and a respectable competence all that is necessary. Mr. Rasbach has a pleasing address, smooth, agreeable voice, earnest manner and is a thoughtful operator.

The piano duet by Misses Bates and Kendall was admirably performed and likewise well received by the audience. This indicated that the first section of the class had been launched upon the ocean of life and Miss Grace A. Avery, being the next to appear gave us one of the best written essays of the evening upon the very lofty subject "Mountains." Their variety in form and color characterized the work of nature. The essayist referred to the influence they exerted in drawing the lines between nations also their influence upon the nature and habits of men. Spoke of William Tell, the mountaineer, the Green … voice was light, musical and not unpleasing.

Miss Carrie V. Goo, in speaking of the trials of great scholars drew a very ... picture for her tried classmates. She cited the special trials of many great scholastics who had ac1uitted historic fame through severe struggles and under intense difficulties. Not that they became great because of, but in spite of, their environments. By inimitable courage and zeal they persevered to the end. Miss Goo has a sweet and very attractive manner though her voice was rather too low to make her thoroughly understood.

Martin Luther, the great reformer, was taken up and handled, figuratively, by Edwin Caswell. He vividly described the life and work of Luther and worded a very neat and unique description of this truly great man previous to the famous council at Worms. The oration was well written and was delivered in a clean ringing, forcible voice and in good manner. The oration was well received by an appreciative audience. With this oration closed the first part of the program and one half of the class extended sympathetic hands to the other half.

In an easy and self-possessed manner, Fred P. Tuthill opened ... by paying a magnificent tribute to self-made men. Energy, perseverance, honesty of purpose, etc., made successful business men. A moderate amount of poetry is said to be a ... inheritance. The speaker explained Benjamin Franklin and urged young men to strive to possess the qualities that made him great. Mr. Tuthill is earnest in delivery, persuasive in manner, and has a slow and clear enunciation.

Miss Phoebe Bates came next and under the subject "The Progress of knowledge," traced its growth by leading discoveries in science and art. The world each generation is coming to know more than the last. Many investigators are constantly at work, enlarging the bounds of knowledge. The subject chosen was of course too limitless a one for a ten minute competition; but the essayist endeavored to condense her thoughts into the required limit. Her production was well written. Upon the stage Miss Bates was not as much at home as some of her class mates.

The class history was next read by Lynn Zimmerman in a clear and distinct voice and with good inflection. He neatly apologized for the presumption of offering the history of a race of people whose lives afforded so little of interest. The statistics given were as follows:

Eight of us have taken the entire ... years course. Our class was then lax strong so advanced primary department; we marched 24 to the Junior department; we went with 20. In '78 numbering 20 we marched into the lowest ... the senior department ... another five more were gone.

To the first year of the academic department we went with 24. Only five of these are here to graduate tonight. It would difficult to name our course in the past two years (full as much truth as primary. Ed.)

The first step toward perfection a claim ... was taken March 31 when the class officers were elected. At a subsequent meeting the honors were awarded.

The ... ited years of the class was 2-3, 7 mon. Oldest ? years 11 mon, youngest 16 yrs. Our aggreagate ... average weight 127 lbs. 9 oz. Total height, 71 feet 6 in., averages, 5 ft., 6 inches, in politics we are: kickers, boos, prohibitionist, none, green backers, none, democrat 1, republican 2 …. Religion preference we are: Dutch Reform 1, Universalist 1, Episcopalian 1 Baptist 1, Presbyterian 3, Methodist 6.

Having consulted the best phrenological authority we find a university of prominent beings; then in all thirteen we find the stamp of self esteem fairly well developed. Twelve of the class were born in this state and six in Ilion. One was born in England.

Miss Ella K. Lewis next broke in upon the say stifling with fragrance of the flowers, by giving a piano conclusion in "Bubbling Spring." It was well rendered and duly appreciated.

The essay "Voices from St. Ileiros," by Miss Addie Kendall came next, and was justly considered one of the best efforts of the evening. She briefly contrasted the lives of Napoleon and Mrs. Jad???, both of which died in the island of St. Helena; the former a ... warrior, the latter a devotee to her missionary homeland who was put off upon the island left to die. The essay was well written and delivered in a beautiful manner.

Under the subject "The Nebular Hypothesis," Perley G. Howe next described, in an easy and flowery style, the origin of worlds. In manner the speaker was a little uneasy, owing to the fact that he is accustomed to the stage, but he ... a possession of the qualities which makes an easy and effective speaker.

The prophecy which never fails to list one person , in a class, of course, the drawing of the veil which … by the Olympian deities allowed for a vehicle ... individual, was read by Miss Elia K. Lewis. While reading the ... "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" also falls under the weird influence of the personages led by a little elf made a gorgeously carved and decorated cave. Here she beholds a stage and the notion of after years are enacted thereon. Tuthill she discerns as a successful city physician, Miss Goo his wife; Miss Russell is a poet; Caswell a missionary to the South Sea Islands, Miss Kendall accompanies him to watch over him and be his help mate; Miss Bates becomes the preceptress of a popular seminary; Zimmerman hails from New York as a United States senator; Kirley becomes a New York broker; Rasbach is the keeper of an extensive poultry farm; Howe the inventor of a flying machine and his wife, Miss Angell becomes a prima donna soprano. The prophecy was beautifully written and elegantly read. The style of reader was pleasing and graceful in the extreme and well pleased the audience.

The valedictory addresses were given by Miss Clara Angell. In referring to men which have achieved greatness by their deeds she correlated beautifully the lives of those who by ... greatness were renown, had built empires to crumble; and the life of Christ, who established an empire which is consistently enlarging. Our good deeds, ...live after we are dead and gone. In her addresses to the patrons, teachers, trustees, school mates and classmates, the valedictorian spoke in good taste and with a pleasant and easy manner. Her voice was musical and delivery good.

The valedictory addresses were given by Miss Clara Angell. In referring to men which have achieved greatness by their deeds she correlated beautifully the lives of those who by ... greatness were renown, had built empires to crumble; and the life of Christ, who established an empire which is consistently enlarging. Our good deeds, ...live after we are dead and gone. In her addresses to the patrons, teachers, trustees, school mates and classmates, the valedictorian spoke in good taste and with a pleasant and easy manner. Her voice was musical and delivery good.

At the close of the valedictory addresses, the class arranged itself in a semi circle upon the platform and received their farewell words from the principal of the school and their diplomas. This done they joined in the class song which, considering the fact that the class professes the possession of no great singers, was very well rendered.

At the close of the exercises a magnificent clock was brought in by two youths and presented in behalf of the class to Prof. Poland by Fred Tuthill. A neat response was given by the professor.

So far as we can learn no one of the class anticipate a college course but nearly all will remain at home. After the benediction the crowd wended homeward satisfied. Many stopped to get a dish of cream at the St. Augustine church parlors.