Welcome to
Barton County, Missouri
LAMAR HIGH SCHOOLS.
Seventh Annual Commencement Exercises.
Class of 1891.
The graduating exercises of the Class of ‘91 were attended by at least one thousand people, many of them coming from the country for that purpose. The evening was most thoroughly disagreeable and cold; the rain descended in torrents every few minutes, and the people went to the Opera House between the showers. Having gained an entrance to the inside of the house, everything was bright, joyous and beautiful. Above the stage was the class motto: "Thus ends our first lesson;" and it was often referred to in a manner that was calculated to please. When the curtain arose, the scene presented was one full of beauty, hope and promise. The graduates, teachers and the little flower girls were in their places, expectant, bright and full of life. The Lamar orchestra, who have seen service in this line as individuals, but seldom as a body, surprised the immense audience and gave them as the music as was ever given in the Opera House. They are proficient. The music was followed by an invocation by Rev. Hendrix, of the Baptist church, which was eloquent, touching and suitable. This was followed by the salutatory, "On the banks of the Rubicon,: by Miss Edna Bell. There was no studied style about Miss Bell's address; she was at home. She spoke entertainingly, first welcoming the vast audience, and then referring to her theme, gave her views and thoughts. She spoke of the seed time of youth, and the harvest time in the after years of life. Caesar paused on the bank of the Rubicon. This was their Rubicon. They were passing from the school room to another department of life. What would each one do? What course would they pursue? It was indeed a Rubicon, and it was well to pause. Much was to be learned from books; in fact a great deal had been accomplished. The midnight oil had not burned in vain. But honesty, industry and obedience were not learned from text books, but at home. The surroundings of home exercised a great influence. We should master our habits and we have learned a lesson. Miss Bell was at home on the platform and her manner was easy.
"A land without ruins, is a land without memories," by Willie Dunwoody, was the next. We were not prepared to hear such a beautiful discourse from such a little body. He treated his subject in a manner that we did not anticipate. He gave us a beautiful account of the lands with ruins, and in connection therewith he intertwined the grand memories attached to them, but he failed to tell us of the "land without ruins," and hence no memories. What a grand field for thought; for the working of the imagination. The pyramids of Egypt, Babylon, the Garden of Eden, the manger in which our Savior was born, Mount Calvary, Greece the cradle of arts and sciences; and with each he gave us the memories. He used beautiful English, pure and chaste, never at a loss for a word, and at his close we felt with him, though we had not heard the other side, that a land without ruins was a land without memories.
After music by the orchestra, during which bouquets and baskets were sent up to Miss Bell and Mr. Dunwoody, the next essay, "The end is not yet," by Miss Ella S!avens, was presented. Miss Slavens, judging from her essay, does not look always on the bright side of the picture of life. While she does her whole duty she fails to see much, that is intended to make life happy and joyous. "Man never is, but always to be blessed," is a mistake. We are blessed in a thousand ways, but we do not appreciate them; our eyes are shut. Applying herself to the subject, she spoke of the change, graduation from the high school, but the end was not yet. They were in the A. B. C. class of human life, were on the first page, and the book of life was full of pages for many. They had simply laid the foundation as builders of the temple of life. Shall we build onward and upward. We are builders of character, of reputation. We learn lessons as we go on. We must battle with the waves on the sea of life. The end crowns all. Life is what we make it. She quoted the old saw, "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing". It is not true Miss Ella; it should never have been written; better know a little than nothing, and the more we know the better off, if' we apply our knowledge rightfully .
"Egyptian darkness-American light" by Markle Miller was much admired by many of the audience. He drew from the history of Egypt the form of government, the system of slavery, the caste system. His picture was indeed a dark one, and when he spoke of the free institutions of America, our government, our people, where a mill boy and a mule driver on the canal by their own efforts worked their way to the presidency of the United States; he was heartily applauded. Mr. Miller was not embarrassed in the least and gave his views in a manner that pleased.
Music by our quartette, composed of Mrs. Wills, Miss Mallonee, and Messrs. Dye and Avery followed. The song, "Row Boatman Row," was beautifully rendered.
"Write injuries in dust, kindness in marble," by Miss Ella Mallonee. No one can read these words without stopping to think,-without learning a lesson. Have you ever had an injury done you? Have you nourished it, from day to day, hoping and looking forward to the time when you can get even? How much better it is to forget it, to return good for evil. By harboring evil thoughts, we begin to reflect them in our daily lives. Miss Mallonee drew lessons and illustrations from history, applicable and suitable for her views. Aaron Burr lived for revenge, but his life was a failure, while Roger Williams was ready to kiss the hand that smote him. Kindness is more effective than retaliation by reflecting on good deeds and associating with good people, we reflect their nature. Monuments are built to record the good deeds of those whose acts we wished to perpetuate. She selected a few well known monuments of this country. But says the lady, "we are all monument builders." What stones shall we use in our monument? First in favor of the loving Mother, whose tender care and many acts of kindness should never be forgotten. Second, a stone for the Father whose daily toil supplies food and raiment. Third for the Teacher, who guides the young mind from the alphabet of knowledge to the higher branches, and so on to infinity. Miss Mallonee was very deliberate in her address, she didn't hurry through, every word could be heard distinctly, and when she was through, she was heartily cheered.
"Missouri to the front," by Harry Timmonds, was just what we anticipated. It was able, it was eloquent and forcible. Beginning with De Soto, and coming down to this date. Her soil, climate, her mineral wealth, her rivers, churches, schools and colleges, and her bulwark of safety, her public schools, all received attention at his hands, and he spoke it in a masterly manner. Harry has a way of getting at the facts, and not beating around the bush. He was heartily cheered.
His speech was followed by music from the orchestra, and again flowers, cards and presents were sent up, and the stage was banked with flowers. In front of each were beautiful baskets, bouquets and cards.
"We are seven, "by Miss Lizzie Faulkner, the valedictorian of the class, attracted universal attention and favorable criticism. We were informed concerning the number seven; the seven days in the weeks, seven years of plenty, seven years of famine, and then she applied it to the class, one a judge, another a minister; a third a merchant, one lady a musician, another a society belle, and we all hope that there will be a nice corner for Miss Lizzie. Her address to her classmates, citizens, board of education, teachers, and superintendent was eloquent and impressive.
The presentation of diplomas, by A. J. Wray was next in order, and it was a real pleasure to hear his words of wisdom gathered in years of study and experience. He told the class that he felt that he was their grand father, for he had taught the parents of some of the graduating class. He then addressed them on their duties as citizens of the commonwealth of Missouri. Mr. Wray's address was full of chunks of wisdom, and it was given in such a manner that impressed all who heard him.
Music by the quartette followed, "Good Bye, Loved Ones." This was heartily encored.
Prof. Martin, being called on, addressed the audience and complimented the class for their ability and respect for authority.
The benediction by the Rev. Hoffmeister was next in order and then adjournment. There was not a hitch or a break in the exercises from beginning to end.
Fully one-half hour passed before the crowd could pass out the opera house. It is seldom so large an audience is seen in Lamar. The exercises were very entertaining, and were much enjoyed by all present.
HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI.
The Alumni of the Lamar High School met at tile Opera House Friday night, and spent a most pleasant evening. About nine o'cloak, the exercises of the evening began. Mr. Lillard, the president, made the programme as the evening wore on. A piano duett, by Miss Ella Mallonee and Miss Bessie Tamblyn, was the first on the list and it was perfect. This was followed by a solo by Jim Dye, that was greatly enjoyed. Miss Cora Tamblyn’s recitation was next, and her rendition was such as to show that the young lady possessed fine ability in this line. A solo by Bert Avery brought down the house. George Powell, with his flute, accompanied miss Ella Pigall on the piano. He was brought back a second time and favored us with a medley on the ocarina..
In the rear end of the opera house was the supper table in the form of a letter Z. A beautiful pyramid of flowers, and a bowl of living ferus and beautiful bouquets adorned the table, and after the ice cream and the strawberries had been disposed of, President Lillard announced Miss Mamie Smith as toast mistress, and well did she perform the part.
First, "The of Class of ’91," J. B Lillard, in a short address welcome the class, and it was responded to by Harry Timmonds in behalf of the class.
Second, "Friendship." Response by Prof. Markley, who divided friendship, quartered it, consecrated it, segregaled it, and then viewed it from a scientific, next a poetic, and finally a mathematical standpoint. When Prof. Markley fully understands Friendship, he will be wholly unable to explain it. This sounds paradoxical, but it is true.
Third, "Our Brothers." Responded to by Mrs. Thad Wills in a beautiful manner.
Fourth, "Our Sisters." Response in an able manner by W. C. Dixon, who favored woman's rights in every department of life. Mr. Dixon is an earnest speaker, a ready talker and a good listener.
Fifth,, "Twenty Years as School Commissioner." Response by A. J. Wray. He was in his happiest mood and made some fine points, none of which were lost on his audiance.
Then followed an address by Prof. Martin to the Alumni. This was very nice and much enjoyed. Others were called on, but the lateness of the hour prevented any further speaking. Mrs. Grayson deserves the credit largely for the beautiful table.
At the election of officers, Harry Timmonds was elected President and Miss Luella Humphrey, Secretary, after which adjournment was had.
Submitted by Randy Penner on September 15, 2002.
