Madison
Public School
1903 Graduating
Exercises
"The graduating exercises of
the class of 1903, of the Madison public school at the Christian church
Tuesday evening, was the most brilliant in the history of the school,
reflecting credit on teachers and pupils alike. There were four boys and
seven girls in the class, as handsome and intelligent as can be found in
the state. The church was full, but
not crowded, all being provided comfortable seats. The rostrum, occupied
by the graduates, was beautifully decorated with pot plants and lilacs,
the fragrance from the latter filling the entire church. On the wall back
of the pulpit was the date 1903 and the class motto, “Neglect Not the
Gift Within Thee”.
The girls in their pretty white dresses, and either carrying or wearing
flowers, gave the finishing touch of beauty to the scene, which will long
be remembered by the class and also by those present; for all felt a
personal interest in the boys and girls, who had finished their studies
and were leaving the quiet and seclusion of the school room to go
forth and battle with the stern realities of life.
The class of 1903 was composed of Misses Essie Pendleton, Mayme Harper,
Ruby Quisenberry, Lulu Lepper, Pauline Davis, Mary Chowning, Ruby Love,
and Messrs. Bert Bloodworth, James and Fred Baker and Shelby Farrell.
Rev. J.W. Kimbrell pronounced the invocation and was followed by a very
brilliant piano duet by Mrs. J. Scott Chowning and Miss Linnie Frank. Miss
Essie Pendleton then read the salutatory in a very pleasing manner,
(chosen as) subject (.unable to read rest of line). She was followed by
Miss Mayme Harper and Bert Bloodworth who handled their subjects well (and
using) careful thought and preparation. Miss Pat Bodine, of Paris, sang a
solo, and with her exquisitely trained voice completely captivated the
audience. Misses Ruby Quisenberry and Lulu Lepper read essays on
“Present Day Needs of Our Public School” and “Politeness Is the Oil
That Lubricates the Wheels of Society”. James Baker delivered an oration
on “The New South”, which for thought and manner of delivery will be
hard to surpass by any future graduate from the Madison school.
Miss Babe Todd and Carrie Mae Brown then sang with much feeling and
sweetness, “The Holy City,” and were followed by essays from Misses
Pauline Davis and Mary Chowning and an oration by Shelby Farrell. Miss
Linnie Frank sang a solo which was very much enjoyed by the audience, her
voice being admirably suited to bring out the pathos of the song. Fred
Baker's oration on “The Sage of Monticello” was very fine and was well
delivered in spite of his memory proving treacherous. Miss Ruby Love's
valedictory was all right, one of the best we ever heard. She chose for
her subject, “Outward Bound” and won the applause of the audience by
her manner of presenting it.
After a charming piano solo by Miss Sadie Chowning, the graduates were
presented their diplomas by J.R. Chowning, and then followed the report of
the judges who decided on what boy and girl was to receive a medal for
best delivering their oration and essay. James Baker was given the medal
for the best oration and Miss Ruby Love for (…unable to read rest of
line…) patrons of the school after which Reverend Kimbrell pronounced
the benediction and the people (went home), highly pleased with the class
of 1903 and our public school."
Source: Untitled, undated article
from unnamed newspaper. Extracted from the collection started in 1879
by Mrs. Nannie Brown of Madison, Missouri; provided by Kathleen Wilham.
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