EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT OF THE LEON HIGH SCHOOL.
 
Leon Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, May 30, 1895


On Thursday and Friday evenings, May 23 and 24, 1895, the Eighteenth Annual Commencement of the Leon High School took place in Jordan's Opera Hall.

The program consisted of orations by each member of the class, interspersed with music under the management of the musical director, Prof. M. Schoenert.

The exercises were opened by invocation by Rev. Hughes of the M.E. Church followed by an instrumental duet by MISS MAUDE SCHENCK and MR. ALLIE SCHOENERT.

After which:

WILLIAM J. SPRINGER stepped before the audience and in a clear voice told us of the "Growth of Americanism" from the time the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth, finding a wilderness inhabited only by savages, down to the present day. Showing how tyranny and despotism, when arrayed against a people whose very existence is a monument to personal liberty, were overthrown by earnest effort born of principle, and that a government of the people, by the people, for the people, fosters those things which, rightly applied, are a blessing to humanity.

The next on the program was:

MISS HALLIE MOORE who was tastefully attired in a gown of cream Swansdown, decorated with ribbons. MISS MOORE presented her subject "Stepping Stones", in a very pleasing manner, teaching us that we cannot hope to reach the summit of the mountain of success except by earnest and persistent effort. We are to remember that every failure and discouragement we meet and overcome is another step on the upward road, and that we can attain no lasting greatness or power without the harmonious development of both our mental and our physical natures.

MISS HATTIE HASKETT wore a dress of cream colored silk and carried a bouquet of lovely rose buds. Her costume accorded well with her subject, "Adornments". In speaking of the different costumes provided us for different occasions, MISS HASKETT reminded us that we must not judge a man by the clothes he wears as some of our greatest men, both in heart and mind, were those whose ideas of dress were quite primitive. We are not however to neglect the study of nature and art, as all that is beautiful is elevating and ennobling. Many of the rarest gems require patient and careful burnishing to produce the brilliancy that will gladden the eye and heart. So in our lives: "When souls are being tried and ripened. God is hewing out the pillars of his temple."

The next oration was entitled "Clouds Lingering Yet", the speaker was:

MISS GRACE ALBAUGH who was becomingly dressed in pure white mull, so appropriate for the occasion. She interestingly portrayed to us a thunder-storm and the clearing, noticing the clouds lingering near the horizon; then comparing the scene with the human life in which storms of trouble and disappointment break over us and for a season we are hidden by the bitter clouds of darkness and despair, but if faithful and true to our better self we may see the clouds disperse and the sunlight of hope burst through to gladden and cheer us, yet there will be some lingering clouds--trials awaiting us in the future to remind us "that there is only one perfect place where clouds do not linger."

HENRY S. ARNOLD spoke to us concerning "The Mission of the Middle Class", which we can best review by quoting: "The absence of a great middle class is the evidence of national imperfection. Behold the giant form of the Russian Empire! What an example of national decay! How degraded are her masses! Ruled by a despot, inhabited by the uneducated, there she stands locked in the prison cells of degredation (sic). Turn from this scene of turmoil and view the prosperous Republic of America, the United States, with her refined and intelligent masses and her departments of government in harmony with each other." Since early all great reforms spring from the middle class it is our duty as a nation to "look well to the middle class", thus developing intelligent and loyal citizens whose love of country shall be her safeguard to future prosperity.

MISS STELLA ALLEN wore pale blue silk, trimmed with ribbons and lace. Her subject was well presented. She pictured for us some of "Life's Lessons", charging us to be warned and profited by the experience of others, remembering that our lines have a direct influence upon those with whom we are associated, though we may not realize to what extent; therefore let us strive to do all the good we can knowing that our reward is sure. It may be that we will meet with reverses, for "success brings with it a penalty, undeserved, but certain, and a penalty that is oft times cruel in its operations", yet "we shall reap if we faint not".

The next oration was delivered by:

MISS MARY SPRINGER who was looking her best in a handsome toilet of cream silk and tulle. She told us of some of the great achievements of the past which when proposed were pronounced follies by the world, but by the persistent effort of their advocates were proven to be a benefaction to all those who come under their influence. Not only to man are the grand "possibilities" of life open, for woman, since the founding of our great republic has made rapid strides, now being permitted to fill many positions of honor and trust. We have only to reach out into the world and demand recognition, for the world respects those who help themselves.

EDWARD THOMPSON had chosen for his subject "The Value of Emotion", describing some of the uses of man's emotional nature. First, as one of the distinctive elements which separate man from the brute creation. A man is what his emotion makes him, either high and noble or low and groveling. For it is "Emotion that nerves the hand, steadies the eye, stimulates the brain and fills the soul with an enthusiasm that sweeps everything before it", without which we would be unable to appreciate the grandeur of nature or art--The greater the more magnanimous the soul of man, the deeper his emotions and; "He who smothers his emotions smothers his chances for greatness."

MISS CLAUDIE CLAPP was very becomingly dressed in cream albatross, decorated with ribbons and eloquently declared "The Kingdom of Women" to be not only the home, though this is recognized to be her grandest domain where by refining and softening influence she may instill into those around her the love for that which is noble and elevating, but every position in life when nobility of thought, mind and purpose are desired. Ever recognized as man's superior in virtue and morality and by many of our greatest men said to be his intellectual equal, surely she is fitted to become the queen of any station in life, either social, domestic or political.

JOHN OGDEN was the last speaker on Thursday evening, and the opinions he advanced in regard to "The Teacher" were certainly endorsed by all those who heard him. In speaking of our great government and the many nationalities here represented he proved to us that it must be the duty of every teacher, aside from the usual curriculum, to instill into the hearts and minds of the children the love of country and loyalty to her flag, thus enabling them to become fitted for the honorable position every American may hold, that of an intelligent citizen of the United States. In a large measure this education must come from the teacher as so many of the parents, among the working class at least, are of foreign birth and unable to speak our language, their sympathies largely with their mother country. "The whole future condition of the rising generation, their mental, social and moral interests are involved in the character and work of the teacher." But "left alone to work by himself, cheered by no word of approval, encouraged by no friend, the best teacher finds his energies weaken and his spirits grow dull." Then help your children's teachers, encourage them; kind words are an inspiration to us all and no one feels their need more than the weary teacher.

MISS MINNIE SMITH was first on program Friday evening. She wore cream albatross decorated with ribbon and roses, and interested us for a short time by speaking of "The Girls of America", noticing the distinguishing features of the girls of the north and the south, also the advancement of female education from the time girls were grudgingly admitted to the lowest grades of the public schools to the present when not only are the higher institutions of learning open to them but a large majority of the teachers in the public schools are women.

JAMES CONWELL spoke to us of "Patriotism" as the key to national wealth and prosperity, the noblest impulse of man's nature, while false patriotism is the most dangerous calamity that can befall any country. "The patriot, God's greatest gift to a nation is indeed one of nature's noblemen." Then let patriotism be instilled into the hearts and minds of every child both in the home and at school, teaching them to so love their country and honor its starry emblem that no sacrifice will seem too great when the welfare of the nation is at stake.

MISS EDITH JOHNSON wore a dress of pink silk on this occasion. Her oration was entitled "Character". In her discourse she remarked the influence which men of good character have upon the world, showing that all lasting good must eminate from those who, not only pretend to have, but really possess a true and noble character, and that the value of a good character cannot be estimated, neither can it be bought except by the payment of a life devoted to that which will elevate and ennoble.

The next on the program was:

MISS MAUD SCHENCK who was dressed in pea green albatross and chiffon and carried a bouquet of lovely roses. Her subject "What is a Man?" was looked at from several standpoints and answered in as many ways. Some declaring man to be "a gardener", others assuring us that he is "a good-for-nothing-gambler", "an actor" or "a student", while MISS SCHENCK asserts that man is a pilgrim, a sojourner and the earth the inn where he reposes for a season before resuming his way.

ORVILLE HAMILTON had chosen the character of "John Brown". The subject was unique but well discussed, showing that he understood the elements of true courage. MR. HAMILTON admitting that John Brown committed the high crime of treason against his country; showed that it was, in a great measure, condoned for by the holy purpose actuating him--of benefiting humanity and liberating four million people from the bonds of slavery.

MISS PEARL OSBORN was next on the program. She wore a very becoming dress of corn colored Swansdown and presented her subject "The Power of Thought" in a commendable manner. Every person has thoughts, plans and purposes, and as a "man thinketh so is he", therefore it is necessary for us, if we wish our lives to be in harmony with the Divine will, to guard well our thoughts and acts. The way in which this production was worded showed that the author was well acquainted with the subject under discussion.

MISS NANNIE PARIS in her discourse, entitled "Cast Down but not Destroyed" showed us how all great reforms and inventions, when first proposed, meet with the scoffs and jeers of the people and only by indomitable will and courage were the leaders enabled to withstand the discouragements and persecutions, which surely follow. "And if it be necessary for us in this generation to lay down our lives to advance or enlighten the world in any way may we regardless of the frowns and discouragements step upward and onward, and although our ideas may be disbelieved and cast down they will not be destroyed." MISS PARIS wore a very becoming costume of cream Lansdown decorated with ribbons and lace.

EDWARD O. MOORE in his discussion of "Ambition" spoke of its being the power by which men rise to eminence and distinction. Ambition, it is that which stimulates within us the desires for something better and nobler than that already achieved, and by constant and earnest effort--"each individual may accomplish at last some worthy purpose." Beware, however, of vain ambition as it is a means of deceit and leads sooner or later to ignominy and dishonor. "Nothing is pure but Heaven; let that be the ideal of our aspirations."

MISS ETHEL BOWMAN was daintily attired in a pure white gown and brought to our minds some "Voices of the Past" showing us that a little word carelessly spoken or an unconscious act may have an influence for good or evil, to what extent none of us can determine. Our lives influence those around us and this influence will live after us. "Dignity, rank and wealth are worthless, but moral character has an immortality that nothing can destroy; that traverses the universe and leaves an influence."

The last oration, "Brutus" was very well delivered by:

EARNEST HORNER in which he gave an interesting sketch of the public life of Brutus. In a peculiar style he acquits him of the crime of assassinating Caesar because of his desire to benefit the Roman people, by preventing Caesar from becoming king. Although his act hastened the danger he hoped to avert, "even the very enemies of Brutus would say he had no end or aim from first to last but to restore to the Roman people their ancient government." No greater tribute was ever paid to man than that which his arch enemy, Mark Antony, bestowed on Brutus when he said:
 
"This was the noblest Roman of them all;
All the conspirators, save only he,
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar;
He, only, in a generous, honest thought
Of common good to all, made one of them.
His life was gentle; and the elements
So mix'd in him, that nature might stand up,
And say to all the world, "This was a man."
 
FRANK JACKSON was a member of the class of '95 but on account of sickness was unable to prepare an oration. He was however, permitted to graduate with the class.

After a ladies' quartet composed of MISSES AVERY, CARMEAN, PARRISH, and SCHENCK, Prof. SAM L. DARRAH thanked the audience for their courtesy in preserving order during the necessarily lengthy exercises, then made a short but appropriate address to the class urging them to do the best that within them lies and become noble young men and noble young women, thereby receiving the "commendation of men and the reward of Heaven."

MR. S.C. PENNIWELL, President of the School Board in a few words presented to the class their diplomas thus severing their connection with the Leon High School, except as members of the Alumni.


Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Seifert, January 6, 2002
 
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