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.