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VOLUME XLII MoHENRY, ILLINOIS. THURSDAY. JUNK 7, 1917 NO, 51 COMMENCEMENT EXHtCISES !' nm.ii AT - SCHOOL AUDITORIUM fjATUIUHY NIGHT . , A ' ' TffffMonwo Crowd Turns Out to Greet Class and Speaker--Excellent Pro- _ *ram Is Appreciated Commencement exercises, given by ' lSi class of 1917 of the McHenry high school, were held at the school audi­ torium on Saturday evening last, June 2, and the class 'was greeted with a larger audience than the auditorium '1 !-jbr3S|- CLASS OF '17 could comfortably accommodate. The stage was decorated with* the class colors, coral and green, and the class flower, Aaron Ward rose, adorned each graduate. Their motto, Do it or bust, in class colors was con­ spicuous and the American flag, not •s a decoration, but as a national em­ blem, was foremost in the arrange* Bent of decorating. When the curtain was raised a class of fifteen graduates, Supt. A. Edgar Nye and Prof. Paul Voelker were seat- ad on the stage, presenting a most gratifying and ennobling appearance. , Miss Irene Harruff, with a fine piano •election, gave the opening number, Which was well received. Prof. A. E. Nye then gave the in­ troductory, after which the Glee club entertained with two musical selec- heartily given. Miss Flossie way acted as accompanist. ll̂ ASS STATISTIC!® Average Age of Class Is 18; Weight, 125 Pounds In spite of the easy access to sta­ tistics there are many items about this class of *17 which have never been brought to light. Therefore by a sys­ tem of our own we have succeeded in collecting these items to put on rec­ ord. A list of1 questions was given to each member of the class and this re­ port was prepared from the answers. The report is as follows: Class enrollment, 15; average age,, 18, and weight about 125 pounds. Ancestry In order to understand the brilliancy of this class it will be well to mention something of our ancestry. Among the most noted are Washington, Lin­ coln, Napoleon, Alexander and St. Pat­ rick. Nellie claims Virgil for one of her remote grandfathers, which no doubt accounts for her skill in trans­ lating "The Aeneid." Marriages and Engagements No marriages are reported and so far only one engagement. However, we are living in hopes except Ed. Buss, who regards a mother-in-law as a dangerous personage. Societies The girls of our class belong to the "•Royal Order of Take Your Time," while the boys belong to the "Do Nothing" society. General Statistics Class beauty, Mame; wittiest, Sarah; handsomest, Paul; most likely to succeed, Margaret; laziest, Ed. Buss; greatest social light, Nellie; greatest favorite, Lillian; freshest, Ed­ ward; best athlete, Lesterbest danc­ er among girls, Mame; best dancer among boys, Paul; slowest, Aileen and Winifred; nerviest, Helena; fairest of them al!, Lillian; least studious, Vera; best natured, Verena and Florence. ' Amusements The boys of the class of '17 are in­ terested in basket ball and foot ball, but the day which they enjoy most is field day. The girls, too, have an in­ terest in basket ball and have had a team for two years. * Education Reasons for attending high* school. There were many reasons for attend­ ing high school, namely, to get out of work at home or to have a good time. Sad to say there are a few Who do not know why they attended. There hi a great variety in the choice of future schools. Ed. Buss will continue his education at the kindergarten next winter. Lester Page will take a course at Sugar Rum grammar school and Florence will tafct a course in do­ mestic science in her mother's kitchen. Aileen expects to learn more in the schoqJUof experience. Next to music the seniors perfer eat­ ing. Lester, a dish of sauerkraut; Paul, a turkey platter; Vera, a platter of fish; Aileen, lemon pie; Eddie, a dish of potatoe salad with plenty of pepper; Helena, a bunch of onionsi Florence, a bon bon dish; Margaret, an. ice cream soda; Sarah, a dish of beans; Verena, a dish of cabbage; Lil­ lian, a dish of spaghetti; Nellie, Dutch cheese; Winifred, a dish of potatoes; Mame, chop suey. Most of us have a good opin^n of ourselves, which accounts for our self Con-' possessed manner. Indeed Lester says the is the only bright and intelligent Miss Aileen O'Reilly then stepped I one in the ciass. paul is too modest to the front of the stage and delighted give his opinion of himself, the audience with her class prophesy, j Likes and Dislikes It was both witty and wise and deliv- ^ Mame perfers a little from the right eted with perfection and ease. She one> but does not say who the right took her seat amid rounds of ap- one is g|rah likes gum, but she hates ftause and laughter. boys. But you must take Aileen the Miss Nellie Doherty, as valedic- I contrary what she says. Paul likes tarian, gave proof of the honors sl\e t a go(Mj square meal and dislikes Kt richly deserved -and the mejnory | g<)Sgjp All that Lester wants is a W her address of appreciation will - ' , fling to members of her ciass, the jKhool faculty and members of the school board as well as parents who •lade many sacrifices that these fifteen students might finish the course pre- jtared by M. H. S. Her address was delivered perfectly and she, too, mer­ ited much applause. Two of McHenry's talented must? cfens, Misses Edna Phalin and Dor* othy Knox, gave a piano duet, in which they Ipst none of their fame fa musicians. , The commencement address was given by Prof. Paul Voelker of the 'Wisconsin Universiy. His subject was "The Mastery of Destiny" and *Wll9t »» reported by many of the school faculty, who had heard him in the million dollars and a little spending money so as n°t to be compelled to work. Limited time and space prevents me from giving any more facts in re­ gard to our class. And when our his­ tory' has become a milestone in Mc­ Henry high school may the future classes follow our example and leave behind as good a record. Eleanor Conway Concert by Choral July 3 A preliminary concert will be given by the members of the Choral society on the evening of July 3. It will be an open air concert, taking place on the banks of Fox river. The precise spot will be announced Jater. The Mc- javuivj, Henry Military band will assist the teachers' institute at Crystal Lake last i Choral. Those attending will March, wonderful. He was a speaker who holds his audience every minute, who omits advice and never argues, hot a leader of thought for the for­ mation of character and habits, backed by example. He was a wonderful elocutionist and lecturer. "A Night in May" was the song se­ lected by Miss Harruff, director of the Glee club, and was sweetly appro- ; Mate, winning great approval. ; • The honor of presenting the di- ^"flomas to the class was conferred up- 5> Prof. Voelker and thus the class of 1917 passes into history. '• Tha audince, at the request of Supt. fE. Nye, joined* with the Glee club the singing of the Star Spangled fitting conclusion. CLASS PROPHECY OF 1917 AS PRESENTED BY MISS AILEEN --iv'*.. O'REILLY • if"*" Scientific Discovery {She Is Able to Foretell the Futures of Class Members Ladies and gentlemen and fellow- classmates: For some time past I have been carrying on an. extensive study of phernology. I have, found it very interesting and recently discovered a new science which I have christened spotology. Spotology is based on the same principles as phrenology, but not only reveals character, but also foretells the future. Looking around for specimens up on which to experi­ ment, it was only natural that I should select the members of my class, whose peculiarities I have studied for four years. Now, my dear friends, if you will £ivt me a few moments of your time I wilf try and demonstrajte to you the system and workings of spotology and you can see for yourself what wonderful success I have attained on the science. First I wish to impress upon you that what I am about to ex­ pound is absolutely true--the result of deep study and research, and the events of the next few years will prove the truth of my assertions. For my first subjec? I. will choose the illustrious president of the class of 17, Paul Richard Stephenson. If you look closely at the young gentleman in question you will notice a* slight curvature of his nasal organ. This indicates that he is possessed of an artistic temperament and ia fond of a gay social life. I can see a brilliant career in New York,society for him. This tiny curl in his correct pompa­ dour tells me that Paul will not re­ main a bachelor very long. V Vera N. Hutson.' One will not have to look very closely to observe that this young lady is blessed with a Titian . crown of glory, commonly known as red hair. After many years of study I have found that this same red hair is indicative of a brave, generous heart and that .its possessor is given to helping the suffering of others. Vera will take a medical course an$ in time will become one of McHenry's leading doctors. About the year 1925 she and old "Jerry" go­ ing the rounds of her suffering pa­ tients will be a common sight. Verena Brefeld. This young woman is possessed of that one charm si de? sired by many. To ordinary people it only serves to enhance her beauty, but to me this innocent looking dimple holds the whole secret of Verena's fu­ ture life. This dimple tells me that Verena's life will be one ling round of gay times, money, beaus and finally domestic happiness. Verena will try many things as far apart as the poles, hairdressing, bookkeeping, etc., and finally settle down to the reformation of just one man. Lillian Angela Stilling. * Gazing up- m CLASS OF '17 tagged, as the event will be given to enable the society to secure four of the best known soloists and an orches­ tra from Chicago, who will assist them in giving Rossini's Stabat Mater the following week. This is one of the great master pieces in music and will be given up to the standard under the direction of Rev. M. J. McEvoy. This concert is seldom heard in small tpwns in its entirety because of its difficulty in being produced up to the standard. More particulars will be given in regard to the Stabat Mater in a later issue. In the meantime bear in mind the concert to be given as, a preliminary July 3. Advertise with Th^ Plaimtealwr on this fair countenance it would seem impossible that it could bear a blem­ ish, but if you subject said physiogo- my to a careful scruting you will no­ tice a tiny mole under the fair one's chin. It seems very insignificant, but its being there is a very momentous incident. According to my version of spotology it signifies a life of leisure and social leadership. Lilian will at­ tend school, where she wilf astonish her teacher .by her proficiency in French1 and music. On her return home she will continue to lead the younger social set of McHenry. How­ ever, wedding bells will soon be ring­ ing for the fair Lillian. We can trust Lillian's good taste in picking out her lifemate, as she has always been an authority on etiquette while in high school. « Sarah Jane Dodge, t̂he aouth- east quarter of section thirteen of this young lady's cranium reposes a tiny bump. It does not become apparent at a casual glance, but having sat be­ hind Sarah Jane and studied said head for four years it soon became appar­ ent to me. It tells me that Sarah is a flirt and a heartbreaker. Probably you think you can't see that without knowing tlfkt the bump is there, but it does reveal something that only I can foresee, Sarah, by some twist of fate, will be converted to the idea that quiet farm life will be the best after all and will retire thither after grada­ tion. Here she will live happily enough until one day in the course of her wanderings she will come across the object of her heart's desire and farm life, previous ideas, etc., will be immediately blotted out and as the train bears Sarah and her beloved iaway from dear old Ringwood, the little blind God will have the hear^- breaker's own heart added to his col­ lection. Margaret Harrison. This individ­ ual, who bears the distinction of being one of the most brilliant members of the,class of '17, bears upon her fair visage a mark of capability, which must have descended from her Napol­ eonic ancestors. It is this tiny wrinkle between the fair one's organs of vis­ ion. Its meaning is as clear as print to me and tells the following: Mar­ garet will successfully pass the teach­ ers' examination and in the fall of 1918 will be installed with all due ceremony as presiding officer of the Ringwood school. She will work her way up as she will not believe in stay­ ing in the same old track year after year. A few years hence she will be known as the Ella Flagg Young of the coming generations. Lester James Page. To look at Lester Page one would think that he had ordinary green eyes, but after a minute's study of Lester's optics I found black spots surrounding the pupils. These spots tell me that Les­ ter is of a mathematical turn of mind and will make his way in the world. He will take a course in mathematics and at the resignation of our dear pro­ fessor, Mr. Nye, will succeed to the vacancy. It is needless to say that Pagey will fill the bill, as all are acquainted with his stick-to-itiveness and his immense popularity will be a large factor in helping him to retain his position. Winifred Alice . Bradley. Some time ago Miss firadley was tempted to expose her befreckled face to a treatment of lemon juice and butter­ milk, but by so doing would have spoiled the access to the secrets of her future. However, at my earnest entreaties she desisted. My friends, cast your eyes on that tiny freckle on the end of Jimmy's nose. It tells me that Winifred will take a course in law and, after holding various gov­ ernment positions, will eventually be sent to Washington as the first Illinois congresswoman. In congress she will be be rated for her brilliant orations in behalf of woman suffrage and when the oppressed sex does secure the ballet it will be thru her noble efforts alone. There will be talk of electing a woman president and Jimmy--but who knows ? Nellie Doherty. If you observe the raven tresses of this specimen you will notice that they are possessed of a peculiar wave or curl. According to first hand spotology, page 14, this peculiar wave is indicative of a stu­ dious and intelligent brain. Nellie, the brightest member of the class of '17 (but don't tell the class I said so) will astonish the inmates of Vassar by her general all aroung good schol­ arship. On her return home she will be offered the chair left vacant by P. J. Dorr, her former teacher, who will gallantly give his services to his country in the German-American war. Here, in company with her former classmate, Lester Page, she will con­ duct this fair institution of learning with a wisdom we do not now give her Credit for. Florence Harrison. Have you ever noticed the peculiar shape of Flor­ ence's eyes ? Probably not, as at a casual - glance they do not strike you as extraordinary, but when you take trouble to study them you will notice that they are of a peculiarly slanting shape, given very much to the feline. These same eyes, which I have studied, disclose Florence's future. She will retire to the Nippersink cr.eek, where she will erect a massive white build­ ing and here carry out a wish long dear to her--the raising of cats. She will specialize in angoras and the prosperity of her business will be at­ tested by the good appearance of her farm. Edward J. Buss. Let me call at­ tention to the square jaw of this young im»», Its definiteness of outline has been maintained by a continuous use of Sen Sen, juicy fruit and other fa­ mous chewing gums. This square jaw indicates a life of success for the pos­ sessor. "Busse" will become a New York Tribune reporter, where with his former experience on the Plaindea'er and his extensive knowledge of short­ hand he will soon become prominent. He will be sent to France with the boys in khiki and his. contributiohs (Continued on page four) WOMAN'S PLACE IN WAR MUST FILL VACANCIES LEFT BY MEN One Thousand Two Hundred jDenver Women Are Ready to Take' Places at the Front The womentof the world have never before held the positions of promi­ nence that are given them today. The idea has been growing for many years and seems now to have reached a cli­ max that the women can do a great many things which they never before have attempted. In offering them­ selves to the government they are set­ ting excellent examples for the men. Ruth Law proffered her services with her aeroplane to the government and altho her offer was refused it served to arouse patriotism in others. It is said that , in Denver, Colorado, a regi­ ment of one thousand two hundred women, in regulation army uniforms, wearing trousers and carrying rifles, is planned to fight for America. These are the types of women that will in­ cite true patriotism in the men. But more important services are within the reach of the modern woman. It is the women of Europe who sup­ ply the soldiers with food and cloth­ ing. In their service to their coun­ try they are carrying on the farming and other business. They are filling the positions left vacant by the men as blacksmiths, street car conductors, millers and munition workers. Now the time has come for the American women to show the world that they, too, can make sacrifices and carry on the usual work of the country while the men protect the nation's rights. There are women able and willing to fill the positions which the men who are taking up arms have vacated. The American women should • carefully study present conditions in Europe, especially in England, and in their new activities they should profit by the experience of their sisters across the water. The first and most prominent occu­ pation to which women are called to devote their time is the Red Cross ser­ vice. In Chicago the women, who for­ merly spent long hours playing bridge, who divided their days between shop­ ping trips in the morning, luncheons with friends, cards o\c idle gossip over the tea cups in the afternoon, dinners, dances and late suppers in the even­ ing, are now found in the Red Cross classes. Here they are*learning wire­ less telegraphy, how to run ambulance trucks or some other practical work. Many of them spend their time in the war relief shops. In these activities no one works harder than Mrs. Ham­ ilton McCormick, who superintends different bureaus from early morning till late at night Mrs. McCormick has two brothers in the allied army in Europe and three sons in the United States army. But however valuable may be the services of these wealthy women, it is from the great middle class that the ranks in this form of service to the government must be filled. Many women are needed. Do you know that the United States has a smaller Red Cross organization than any other country ? In Japan today this organization can boast of 1,800,- 000 members, while the United States has only 250,000. In the famous cam­ paign of the Red Cross society in the eastern states over 150,000 new mem­ bers were added to the ranks, but a million more are needed. The mem­ bers of this society in our country take up many different lines of activities. Their main work is to supply nurses to care for the sick and wounded. They also have to see that the hopitals are supplied with clothing) bandages, medicine and food for those under their charge. They are at work now superintending the making of uni­ forms for the soldiers at the frpnt. The schools of Chicago have offered their kitchens to the Red Cross and they in turn have agreed to teach the girls of the schools first aid work. # But it would be foolish for all the women to offer themselves to the gov­ ernment. There are comparatively few fitted to do any immediate practi- tical work; many are not able to per­ form active duties in the Red Cross, altho all should render that organiza­ tion the support of their sympathy and money. But at the present time every woman has one fundamental duty which she owes to herself, her fam­ ily, her country and the world. This duty is food economy. American ex­ travagance wastes millions of dollars every year. Government officials say that enough money is thrown away yearly in the household by careless buying and foolish use of foodstuffs to pay the entire expense of running the government: In Chicago alone enough bread is thrown into the gar­ bage can in one day to feed 5000 chickens. This item would go a long way towards feeding the soldiers at the front There is also a large amount of grease wasted by throw ing away small scraps of meat and greasy water. One French woman said that she saw enough food wasted while she was in America to feed all the people in France and Belgium. Another critic, Miss Elsie Routh of Hainee school, »ay» that tha people are buying three-fourths water., Dried fruits and vegetables are obtainable at less cost than fresh ones and con­ tain more nourishment Dried peas and beans cost one-third the price of navy beans. Skimmed milk also has much food value and is excellent for puddings and cakes. Many of the less expensive cuts of meat have as much food value as the high priced and fancy cuts. It is suggested that if each person in the United States would save one pound of meat a month this would amount to 100,000,00 pounds per month or, 1,200,000,000 pounds per year. Think how many hungry mouths in Europe this would feed.. The raising of food products on the farm will play an important part in our country's condition during the' war. This work will be at least part­ ly shifted to the shoulders of the women, if the American soldiers are called to the battle front The grain fields as well as the gardens will be under their care. In order to relieve the nation's food shortage the women of the United States are already com­ peting with those in Europe in filling the positions left vacant by the men on the farms. There are many pieces of land in the town: and cities that are now either devoted to flowers or left un­ cultivated and weed grown that can be profitably used as garden plots. The garden vegetables may be preserved and they will help materially in low­ ering the high cost of living. In view of these facts no loyal and patriotic woman need fear that she has no part in serving her country. Everybody knows that a woman can do anything upon which she sets her mind and heart. Lloyd George well sumrr^ed up her place in the present war when he said, "Without the women the war could not be carried Vera Hutson. GIFTORIAlt ADDRESS 1917 MISS LLILIAN STILLING PRB» SENTS GIFTS*, * " »J •' * . Uses Novel Way of Member of Class With Gift as a Remembrance Ladies and gentlemen, members of the faculty, classmates, any pas. and mas present, greetings. Well 'tis certainly laughable to stand here and look your organization straight in the eye. I never saw such Key Orotion In behalf of the class of 1917 it is my privilege to bestow this very val­ uable key upon the next senior class. I take great pleasure in doing this, more than I can tell. This key has been of the greatest help to us; indeed it, has always aided us when we have consulted it. Of the numerous tasks it has performed for us and the many ideas it has given us it would be useless to mention all, but one thing I can say and it is this, that whenever the class of 1917 had any important discussions to make we always in secret sessions consulted this key and thus it was that we always decided wisely and acted well. To this key we owe our reputation for never making mistakes. I therefore earnestly advise the seniors to be to consult this key upon every possible occasion which involves mystery or difficulty. Juniors, we have set a standard which will be hard for you to attain; we know that without this key you could not do it with this key you may do much; use it carefully. It will save sSS3 vsS'-* 'A-mSi ml te-WiSS CLASS OF '17 CLASS OF '17 --si. • 'V s , ' ?•< you many tears and gain for you much commendation, almost as much per­ haps at it has for us. Guard, treasure and keep this key spotless during the year to come as we have done during the year past and at the end of your senior year you may find, even as we have, your names printed in the halls of fame. Verena Brefeld. * Join the Infantry Geo. Stoffel and Lester Bacon, two of McHenry's young volunteers, went to Chicago Saturday morning, where a satisfactory examination was passed. T.he young men enlisted and are now stationed at Jefferson Barracks, St Louis, Mo., in the infantry class. Give us your next order for en­ graved calling cards and see what a neat JA ** 5*'- f" a mess. Everyone looks seared*.; Don't look so down hearted, I'll g#; easy with your checkered career. Now classmates, I have a real treat here for you, something nice for tha dear litle boys and girls who have been so good these four years. But I am not a Santa Claus, I wouldn't fill Paul's stocking for a dollar a day. Remember, dear parents, any gifta I may bestow upon your sons mat daughters have nothing to do with their character. I have merely put certain names and gifts together and drawn them out, making a chow chow out of the whole thing. So don't be­ lieve all you hear in this speech. Now, classmates, that we may ha. understood, I don't want anyone t» think I have been severe with hi* or made up stuff about him for per­ sonal reasons. I hope that all will be taken as it is meant, in simple jest and not earnest May the spirit of fink rule (this afternoon and may the good old class love bind us together. The first gift drawn is for Misa Sarah Dodge. You always were fond of meeting nice boys. Right now yo» have the biggest chance in the world to meet "Captain So and So" and "Major General Somebody Else." Juat think of the thousands of brave lad* going to the front. I would advise yo« to join the Red Cross and it wouldn't be long before you would pick yo* ideal. But until you get across to tha trenches I present you this tin soldier. Keep him next to your aching heart, Sarah Jane, and some day soon yon shall have a real honest to goodneei «oldier boy. We have in our midst the heavy weight champion, Miss Aileen O'Reil­ ly Poor gii1!, you certinly have had the sympathy of your classmates these ' four long years. Even the measles did not budge a bit of that superfluous Besh. I hate to see you reach the three hundred mark. So if you follow my instructions by taking one and* a fourth soup spoons of this anti-fat redijcer every second day at fou* reducer every second day at fortt- thirty o'clock p. ni. I assure you w ̂ will all notice wonderful effects with-* in the next four years. We have what is called a day dreamer in our school. I am goinff to ask Mr. Edward Buss to step for- ward. Notice, friends, these drooping eyes, these dreamy, sleepy eyes? Why at one time, in fact several times, thin boy was found sleeping in class. Tha benches in M. H. S. are hard to slwfll on, however, so I have secured for yvm a soft, comfortable pillow. Take It aad carry it with you wherever you go and if you should again feel inclined, to sleep in broad day light stop* acid lean heavily on this soft, pH*ow Continued on hut • pCl b# i iii'% #5 • m fMJT: