Ilion High School - Class of 1890

Ilion Citizen - June 27, 1890

Our Graduates - The Class of 1890

Article 2

Eighteenth Annual Commencement of Ilion Academy

Nineteen Ladies and Three Gentlemen

Exercises of a High Order of Merit at the Thomas Opera House

On Tuesday evening of this week at the Thomas' opera house, occurred the graduating exercises of the Academic class of the Ilion union school, a class numbering twenty-two, all but three of whom are members of the gentler sex.

It was necessary on account of the number of graduates, to devote two evenings to the exercises. Long before the opera house was opened on Thursday evening a surging mass of humanity thronged First Street, eager for admission.

Unfortunately the weather was oppressively warm, but the capacity of the house was taxed to the utmost, every seat being taken and many disappointed late-comers being unable to find even standing room. Notwithstanding the discomforts incident to the heat and the over crowded condition of the house, the audience was evidently a happy one, fully appreciating and enjoying the rich intellectual feast. It was composed largely of Ilion's best people, augmented by many from our neighboring towns.

The stage decorations of cut flowers, ferns, reed, etc., were artistic and attractive, evincing the excellent taste of the fair hands which put them in place. Suspended over the stage in graceful form was the class motto "Leave no stone unturned," the letters of which were in white upon a background of green.

The music for the occasion was under the direction of Prof. Raleigh of Utica, an accomplished musician, and added much to the enjoyment of the evening.

Seated upon the stage were Prof. Judson I. Wood, principal, Geo. O. Rasbach, president of the village, the board of trustees, the board of education, Rev. W. C. Taylor and Rev. A. b. Sears.

Promptly at eight o'clock Prof. Wood stepped forward and called the crowded assemblage to order, making brief but appropriate remarks. An impressive prayer was offered by Rev. W. C. Tayor of the Presbyterian church, after which the greeting song, "Commencement March" was rendered by the class, their harmonious voices blending in fine melody.

The first speaker, Miss Kate Joerissen, who had the honor of giving the salutatory address, at once commanded attention by her pleasing appearance and fine voice. Her subject, "Stratum super Stratum" was handled in a scholarly manner, first welcoming all and asking a kindly and lenient criticism for the class. The comparisons of the growth of the human mind with the geological formation of the earth and the historical periods of nations, strata by strata, were original showing more than ordinary thought. Miss Joerissen also pointed out the fact in a telling manner that woman has become an important factor in society and government. The lady possessed a fine voice and perfect self control, qualities which go far toward rendering a speaker attractive.

Miss Flora R. Merry was excused from reading her carefully prepared essay on "Self Knowledge" but took prominent part in the musical parts of the program.

Miss Maud C. Nagle favored the audience with an excellent essay on "The Working Girl" which she gave in a well modulated voice. The condition of woman in the early history of the race was compared with her present position in society and the fact that her lot in these latter days is greatly improved was plainly shown. The numerous occupations and callings now open to women give constantly increasing means of usefulness and independence. While the working girl has her faults she has many noble, redeeming virtues and her generosity, kindness and gentleness make her lovely and estimable. Women are fast becoming leaders in the professions, pushing to the front in the business world, and the working girl is already a most important favor in our social and political systems.

"Unfinished spires," was the theme of Miss Gertrude R. Giblin's essay which was a very interesting production and well presented. Many eminent authors, inventors, builders and artists leave unfinished works --- abundant examples of which are found in history and biography. Renouned warriors and statesmen have often left incomplete their great life work. Alexander the Great and napoleon being mentioned as among the numbers. The highest aim of life should be to compete and round out a symmetrical character making it a beautiful and finished spire.

"Patriotism" furnished Mr. Thomas H. Allston a topic upon which he discoursed in an earnest, forcible manner. The patriotism of the American citizen was strikingly shown when in response to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers, 300,000 came eagerly forward. Mr. Allston was a graceful speaker and paid a glowing tribute to the members of the Grand Army of the republic in whom he truly remarked, we have a living monument securely erected in the hear of the people to the undying memory of the American soldier.

The piano solo by Miss Merry was artistically rendered, the fair performer exhibiting fine taste and rare skill which called forth well deserved applause.

Miss A. Evanelle Duckworth pointed out the fact that Dame fashion rules the world, even the sable daughters of "darkest Africa" not being exempt from her unrelenting sway. In many things American ladies are more independent than their European sisters and refuse to be held so strictly to fashion's decrees. The English fashion of taking abundant hearth-giving exercise is widely being adopted here and it is now quite the style to be possessed of rosy cheeks and vigorous limbs. The poetical portion of Miss Duckworth's essay was particularly fine.

Miss Genevieve C. McCann's essay was in the form of a beautifully worded poem on "The Flower Girl" which proved the author's possession of unquestionable poetic ability. The production was well received.

"Modesty" was the subject of the paper read by Miss Clara Stillman and it proved of more than average interest. Her deliver was excellent and the sentiment of the essay most commendable. The pernicious practice of flirting, so foolishly indulged in by many young ladies was condemned as denoting a lack of modesty, and rudeness in any form also indicates a want of that most becoming virtue. Too much modesty amounting to diffidence and bashfulness, may render its possessor unhappy and the golden mean should be sought.

Miss Lillian E. Pulver founded her essay upon a very appreciative consideration of the subject of "Caste." Monarchical forms of government render caste inevitable but in republics they are not recognized. The advantages and privileges enjoyed b the poorest boy in America make it possible for him, by effort and honesty to attain the most exalted positions. The rapid growth of republicanism in Europe and especially in England was also noticed and commented upon by Miss Pulver in her well written, sensible production, which she read in a handsome manner.

"The Dignity of Labor" was a topic which received at the hands of Miss Mary A. Tourbert an entirely just and able treatment. Her manner was earnest and her voice very pleasing. Labor stirs the life blood of society and "makes the wilderness to bloom as the rose." Miss Tourbert evidently impressed her hearers in a most favorable manner.

Miss Lynette S. Pelton in a polished and thoughtful essay spoke of "Persons I'd liked to have Known." Although the annals of history and biography furnish the names of a host of individuals whose acquaintance might have been desirable and pleasing, Miss Pelton modestly selected but very few. Of these she spoke warmly and feelingly, and her paper could be pronounced a most charming one.

The next speaker upon the stage was the President of the class, Mr. Harry Ackler, who in a clear vice and commanding presence delivered a stirring oration, "Veritas Vincti" forming the foundation of his theme. Mr. Ackler very justly held that the fundamental principal of all virtue is truth. Building upon this solid basis he constructed in an eloquent way, an unanswerable argument and won the most favorable impressions from all present.

Stanley, the renowned African explorer found Miss Tammy R. Bassett a fair and impartial delineator of his life and character. Miss Bassett's essay could only have been written after careful research and thoughtful consideration of the subject. It was given in a manner which at once attracted and held the closest attention of all. In the coming centuries, when Christianity and civilization shall have converted the wilds of Africa into fruitful fields and the savage into the peaceful and industrious men, then, and not till, will the world accord to Stanley the full measure of his usefulness and fame.

Miss Estella H. Duddleston introduced that well known and thoroughly American character the "Yankee" to whose genius, patriotism, true worth and unanswering honesty our country is so largely indebted for its moral growth and material prosperity. Miss Dudleston gave her essay in a deliberate, careful manner, leaving the impression among her bearers that she is, perhaps, the deepest thinker and closest reasoner of the entire class.

The piano duet by Misses McCann and Nagle proved one of the most pleasing features of the program and the young ladies left the stage amid much applause.

Miss Laura M. Flanders had for her subject "Adversity as a Force in Developing Character: and handled it with dignity and … The lives of such men as Lincoln, Grant and Garfield fully illustrated the force of adversity in developing character. In bravely living above their surroundings these noble men attained position and fame. Miss Flanders' manner was graceful and pleasing.

Miss Nellie M. Hayes enjoyed the honor of reading the class poem. Through it she pleasantly twined the names of her classmates, weaving a web and woof of personalities. Many witty hits were made which were fully appreciated by the audience. The poem was very much enjoyed and Miss Hayes has every reason to be proud of her production.

Miss Mabel A. Green found in the subject of "Building" an interesting theme. She may, perhaps, have been somewhat influenced in her choice of a topic by the fact that her father is a practical builder. In the building of character great care should be taken to secure a perfect foundation. The motto should be "perfection" leaving no part, of the structure unfinished. Miss Green gave her essay in a quiet, self-possessed manner with a distinct voice.

Mr. Louis F. Joy took as the subject of his oration that able but unfortunate Emperor Dom Pero II, of Brazil, outlining the life and character of his hero in an interesting and impressive manner. Mr. Joy's style of speaking is smooth but at the same time emphatic without unnecessary gestures and in a voice which shown care and cultivation.

The Piano quartette by Misses Giblin, Wright, Merry and Joerissen was decidedly the musical gem of the evening and called out the warmest applause.

"Mirrors" was a subject pleasingly discoursed upon by Miss Flora E. Steele. Among our friends and acquaintances we find many good reflectors who can be studied with profit and advantage.

Miss Steele read her essay in a charming manner, beginning with that well know quotation from Burns --- "Wad some power the giftie gie us?"

The class history was given by Miss Minnie E. Olney in a very happy manner, pleasantly recalling many little incidents which had occurred in the school room and which are now remembered with mingled pleasure and regret.

The class prophecy as given by Miss Nellie A. Bliss proved a very enjoyable feature as she revealed with prophetic vision the future of each member of the class.

Miss Helen M. Wright, who by her high standing and excellent scholarship, had secured the honor of valedictorian chose for her topic "The last words by Cyrus the Younger." Miss Wright is an accomplished graceful speaker, and her essay evinced much thought and careful preparation. In closing she had kind words for the citizens., board of education, class of '91, teachers, Prof. Wood and fellow classmates.

The presentation of diplomas by Prof. Wood to the members of the class followed. The Professor addressed the graduates in an appropriate and feeling manner, extending to each and all his sincerest wish for their future success in life. The members of the class were presented with many beautiful presents.

The records made by the class of 1890 speaks volumes for the excellent work done by Prof. Wood and his able corps of assistants. We are glad to learn that the Board of Education has secured the services of Prof. Wood for the coming school year. With him as the head we have no fear for the future of Ilion academy.