Orations from the Pomeroy High School Graduation Class of 1900

Source – Pomeroy Herald, Pomeroy, Iowa, Thurs., June 14, 1900, p.4

Class of 1900
Speak their Pieces and are Given their Sheep Skins
“Today we launch; where shall we anchor?” And the launching was most auspicious. From the state artificially decorated under the supervision of Miss Wyer, assisted by the other teachers, the class of 1900 made their bow to a large and appreciative audience.  The stage was transformed into a garden bower, flowers, shrubbery, grass, and the usual lawn settings, not omitting the fountain, uniting to make the picture complete.

Bertha M. English
After the invocation by Rev. Hatch a double quartet sang “Italia” in a pleasing manner.  The “Influence of Music” was the subject treated so well by Miss Bertha M. English. The young lady showing how an education was incomplete without the refining influence of music. 

Edward C. Wills
The “Nineteenth Century” gave Edward C. Wills an opportunity to draw on his imagination for a picture of what the inhabitants of the globe will see in the coming century, and his imagination seemed equal to the occasion.

Mearl L. Pecoy
The Pomeroy quartet delighted the audience  with two well chosen selections and was followed by Miss Mearl L. Pecoy in a discussion of “Mormanism.” The young lady told of the origin, growth and development of this social and religious sect and of the election and defeat of Congressman Roberts who is a representative of this church.

Charles P. Frost
Charles P. Frost followed with a convincing argument on “The Dollar, not a measure of success.”  He seemed of the opinion that this line of thought was extremely difficult to impress on a good many people, and well and truly pointed out that although success may mean dollars and cents the reverse is not always true.

Bessie Williams
The mandolin club next favored the audience with a selection and kindly responded to an encore.  Their music was especially well received.  The truths which are predicted upon “The Declaration of Independence” were told with effect by Miss Bessie Williams. 

John Foster
The grand and interesting character of “Lord Byron” was given admirable treatment by John Foster who has evidentially made a careful and intelligent study of this truly great man. 

J. H. Lowrey
After a well executed solo by Mrs. Larmon, the class address was given by Mr. J. H. Lowrey.  The line of thought relevant and well and ably presented and made the address of especial value to the class and audience.  The speaker took for his subject the class motto, and never deviated from the text, showing that after being safely launched from the high school the graduate was obliged to construct and paddle his own canoe to the harbor of success.  He carefully pointed out the snags, shoals and other obstructions to a safe and easy voyage at the same time assuring the voyager that there was a channel wide and deep which intelligent and thoughtful study, combined with a determined effort would be apparent to them all, and this channel leads direct to the coveted harbor.

After a few well chosen remarks by the president of the board of education, Dr. Martin, in which he complimented the corp of teachers as well as the patrons of the school for their united and harmonious efforts to make the school years such a decided success, as well as to give the boys a little encouragement on the side by referring to the illustrious Iowan, J. P. Dolliver, who, as the doctor predicts, he will be our next vice-president, gave the graduates their diplomas.  The remarks about Dolliver were received with great applause, the doctor evidentially touching the right chord by his statement.  Prof. G. W. Randlett in his best vein, gave to the audience and class good, sound advice, to the point and covering the ground thoroughly.  His remarks were especially well chosen and not a sentence was wasted by being obscure or irrelevant.  He said “good-bye” to the class as pupils with evident feeling and expressed the confidence he had in them in a gratifying manner.  This marks the fourth commencement of the Pomeroy High School, nineteen pupils having graduated.  It is to be hoped that an alumni will be formed while the records are in existence and the spirit of the school thus stimulated.  Many places and especially Fonda, Pocahontas, Manson and Fort Dodge were liberally represented in the audience.

Report of school taught in district 3, Center township, for the month ending June 5: No. days taught 20; No. boyes enrolled 17; No. girls enrolled 18; total 35. Average No. belonging 29; average daily attendance 24: No. cases of tardiness 17. Pupils not absent during the month are Willie Thorne and Winnie Kersteter; those not absent more than one day are Ira Gould and Gay Hall. Libbie R. Baker Teacher.