Orations from the Pomeroy High School Graduation Class of 1909
Source – Pomeroy Herald, Pomeroy, Iowa, Thurs., June 10, 1909, p.5
Close of School
Enjoyable Program at Commencement Exercises – The Baccalaureate
A lovely program of orations and music made up the exercises which marked the closing of the public school work of the class of ’09 of the Pomeroy schools. A host of friends of the class gathered at the opera house to listen to the program. The stage was beautifully decorated with drapings of the class colors and with many pretty flowers. Seated with the graduates were Prof. Kolb, Miss Montgomery, Miss Potgieter, Dr. Martin, president of the school board, Rev. McGuire, and Jess Parker, the Junior orator.
The program opened with a pretty march played by Miss Nina Davy, to the strains of which the class marched to the room and took seats on the stage, after which Rev. McGuire bespoke a fervent invocation. A delightful musical number was played by Miss Dayhoff on the piano. Her selection was of a class of music seldom heard in Pomeroy and she rendered it in a style that made it enjoyable to the audience.
Ethel A. Freeburg
Miss Ethel Freeburg was the first member of the class to speak. She delivered her oration on the subject “We Can” with a composure which showed her to be much at ease on the stage and with a success that did much to put the other speakers at their ease. Miss Freeburg is a bright scholar and now expects to continue her studies by entering Morning Side College next year.
Dora A. Gutz
Miss Dora Gutz spoke of the “Influence of Environment,” and in the course of her thought expressed the idea that unless the training of a child at home is right his association with outside interests cannot be right. She made a plea for the education of the young in music and good literature for those both uplifting influences. Miss Gutz expects to attend summer school at Cedar Falls and in the autumn will begin teaching school.
John O. Engelbrecht
John O. Engelbrecht gave a highly oratorical production on the subject of the “Citizen-Soldier.” He reviewed the military triumphs of days gone by, but found in the soldiers of the wars of our own country the true type of the “Citizen-Soldier.” Our countrymen were assembled into an army from the rank and file of the common people when duty called, to fight for a common and a humanitarian cause. He spoke with clear enunciation and with vigor and confidence. John will enter Highland Park College in September to study pharmacy.
At this point in the program was intersperced a piano duet by Misses Edna Gutz and Lou Moody. The musical talent of these young ladies is being developed though study with Miss Dayhoff and on this occasion they demonstrated the fact that they are becoming accomplished players. Their number was a very enjoyable part of the program.
Clara E. Ries
Miss Clara Ries elaborated the subject, “The Improvement of Time.” She held that even periods of recreation can be used to some good purpose; that periods of pleasure and rest are not essentially idle time but a change that ought to give those who enjoy it an opportunity for self improvement. Miss Ries is a bright, ambitious girl who will use her talents as a teacher.
Herman H. Hamann
Herman Hamann took the life of Alexander Hamilton, a grand statesman of early days, for his theme. He lauded Hamilton’s constructive statesmanship and contrasted the man to his political opponent, Thomas Jefferson, who sought to build up a party rather than work for the good of the newly organized nation. Mr. Hamann has made a good record and while he does not now expect to continue his studies he is planning to go west to take advantage of some of the golden opportunities.
Joseph E. Tall
In Joseph E. Tall’s treatment of “the Eastern Question” he expressed the belief that the problems of meeting the business competition and the military and naval aggressiveness of the Chinese and Japanese, is the greatest problem that will one day face the nations that are today considered the world’s powers. The other nations are educating these eastern people now, but when they get to the point where they are able to make use of the information that is being taught them, they will be a power to contend with. His subject was of current interest, presented interesting facts and was delivered with a spirit of conviction that aroused the enthusiasm of the audience. Mr. Tall will go to western Dakota this fall to fight the battles of a pioneer.