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On a beautiful autumn day in the year 1897 there entered the Atlantic High School a class of Freshmen. This class was not noted for its size, though it was no pigmy--some 70 members---nor for its beauty, yet on this line it was hard to beat. The fact is, in was noted for nothing at all except unadulterated laziness. But this trait made a rapid exit when we came under the supervision of those kind hearted but iron willed teachers.

Because of the physical as well as the moral suasion of these people, we worked. We studied hard and now about to graduate as the class of 1901, are acknowledged by all to be the nicest, the pleasantest and the brightess class ever in this high school.

Reciting in the main room was the one great bug-bear of our freshman year. When we arose before all those great minded people, the higher grades, to air our knowledge, it seemed to be precipitately driven away by our skaking knees and quavering voices. The obliging school board, however, soon fitted up another recitation room and we no longer were compelled to endure this terrible ordeal.

Time in its forward flight moved on and the next year found us Sophmores.

Our natural vivacity was greatly dampened in the latter part of this year by the sad death of our classmate, Willie MINOR Willie's friendship was cherished by his teachers and school mates, and for many a day his face was missed in the school room and on the school grounds. We revere his memory.

The Junior year was the most exciting one in our high school
life. In the first place, cool weather had hardly begun when it was found necessary to close the schools for a week in order to repair the boiler. It was feared that an explosion might take place. One witty boy said however, we were blown up often enough by the teachers to become accustomed to such a catastrophy.

When we had thoroughly settled down after this short and unexpected vacation, the subject of the election of officers came up before the class. This was done in a quiet and business like manner. Some of the class with a tendency for religion, suggested electing a chaplain, but this was strongly opposed by the less saintly members, and the matter was compromised by the election of a "Cop." This person's duties consisted in keeping order and enforcing the laws laid down by the president.

The social life was not neglected this year. Our grade had the honor of giving a farewell party to Mr. WILCOX, who had resigned his position of Superintendent, because of ill health. We gave the annual reception to the Seniors at the same time.

There was something of a controversy between the Junior and Senior classes as to whom should give this party. The Seniors tried to dictate to us what we should do, but we showed them a thing or two and gave the party ourselves, allowing them to present Mr. WILCOX with a gift at our reception. A somewhat bitter spirit existed between the classes for a few days, but this was shortly quelled, and the reception was considered the pleasantest event of the season. The class was also delightfully entertained by Mabel WOODWARD at her charming home.

The Junior program given by our class was only a forerunner of the wonderful and learned things that would come from our pens the next year, when we should write " Orations."

Our grade was well represented on the ball team--some of the best work being done by our boys--the secretary and treasurer also coming from our class.

When we started in as Seniors the number had dwindled until it had reached twenty-five; fifteen pretty girls and ten gallant boys. We were to lose still another member. On account of the removal of her parents to Washington, our class lost one of its brightest girls, Matilda BEHNKE. Shortly before her depature a surprise party in Matilda's honor was given by the class, and the teachers to this day still wonder what happened after they left.

Instead of giving a play as is sometimes done by the Senior class, we decided to publish an Annual, and any one in glancing over this book can see that we have done ourselves justice. We were unable to issue the book on quite as large a scale as we hoped but our friends with their usual kindness, will, we trust take our effort for our deed.

Our school life this year has been entirely harmonious in everything except those class meetings. The honorable president would be raising a din himself in order to stop the noise of the others, and call the class to order, when from several parts of the room would come the cry, " I move we adjourn." This seemed to be the favorite motion of a few of the class.

As the saying is, " We had more business than a cranberry merchant," and as the pros and cons of each question that came up must tediously be debated, and it took a number of class meetings before a question could be decided, you can appreciate how these meetings were enjoyed.

The class emblem question was excitedly contested. The dispute in this case arose as to whether we should have pins or rings. In the end it was decided to get the latter. There the matter was dropped and has not been heard of since. All that work for nothing.

Everybody remembers the cap and gown affair. That was the hardest problem to settle that ever confronted our class. The school board recommended that we should wear caps and gowns. A vigorous protest arose from some of the class; finally the board left it to the class to decide whether this garb should be worn or not. The question was argued and re-argued and then argued again, but no difinite decision could be mader. At last the teachers tired of such wrangling called the class together and said that we should not adjourn until the question was decided. It was decided. We will not wear caps and gowns.

This year has not all been spent in class meetings. Many social events have been enjoyed. The reception by the Juniors was a very elegant affair. The Juniors conducted themselves charmingly as hosts and hostesses. The class was also entertained at the homes of Mabel WOODWARD and Arletta VAIL. At the party given by the latter, several Junior boys tried to make themselves obnoxious by tying gates, throwing corn, and other infantile actions. We forgave them however, knowing that it is hard for children to keep out of mischief.

The leading members of the track team this year are from our class. We captured two offices in the A.H.S.A.A. "1901" controlled all the elections in the Rhetorical Societies, every office going to the Seniors.

And now as a class our history is about finished. We have enjoyed our high school life and are loathe to bring it to an end, yet the day will soon be at hand when we must part for years, perhaps forever. This thought has been well expressed by the poet when he says: