reception tendered the visiting students, alumni, and friends of the
school at the Woman's College. An address of welcome was made by
Chancellor W. W. Smith. The night was beautiful, the skies being clear
and studded with glittering stars. An immense crowd was present, and the
profound silence that prevailed during the speech evidenced the deep
interest with which it was being received.
"The various trains yesterday brought the students and the visiting
alumni to the city. The Union station on their arrival presented an
animated scene. The young men and young ladies seemed determined to make
of the occasion a delightful excursion, and an experience worth carrying
in their memories for many years to come. Everybody remarked on the
personnel of the students, and their quiet demeanor. They made a fine
impression, and their sojourn in the city promises to be profitable to
all interested.
"Randolph-Macon College is represented by about ninety students; the
Front Royal Academy, by seventy; Bedford City Academy, by about eighty;
the Blackstone Female Institute,* by one hundred and thirty-five; and
the Danville Female Institute, by sixty. As there are at the
Randolph-Macon Woman's College, including the day scholars, two hundred
and twenty young ladies, the total number of students present is between
six and seven hundred.
*Not a school of the system, but present by special invitation.
"To adequately describe the appearance of the College with its elaborate
decorations would be a herculean task. All that artistic taste and
ingenuity of invention could suggest was abundantly in evidence. As the
street-cars moved rapidly over the hill at the base-ball park in the
direction of the College, the first glimpse of the building was
obtained. To the observer it looked like a light glimmering and glowing
in the night. As the car drew nearer it was seen that the large
structure, from one end to the other and all over the front, was alive
with varicolored Chinese and Japanese lanterns, which shed a soft and
pleasant radiance over the scene. On the big campus, hanging to the
branches of the trees and arranged in symmetrical lines on hundreds of
poles, were lanterns without end. Down to the left of the building,
where the ground slopes gently to a ravine, seats were placed in
comfortable positions. Everybody seemed to be there for the purpose of
spending a pleasant time and contributing to his neighbor's happiness.
Callers were received in the large and spacious parlor on the first
floor just to the left of the main entrance. To everyone was extended
such a warm, cordial welcome that he felt at once as if he were
perfectly at home and as if he were just where he ought to be.
TUESDAY.
"While the reception Monday night at the Woman's College may be said to
have opened the exercises of the Randolph-Macon joint commencement, yet
Tuesday morning the first regular programme was carried out in the
auditorium at Moorman's Warehouse, which, long before the time announced
for the first number, was crowded with a happy, well-dressed and
interested audience.
"In the bright sunlight of the pleasant morning the scene presented in
the auditorium was indeed good to look upon. The draping of the entire
edifice was most skillfully carried out; the ceiling covered with blue
and white cloth, while the sides of the building were hidden by artistic
folds of lemon and black.
"A well-built stage, extending the entire width of the spacious
auditorium, and decorated with potted plants and flowers, afforded
plenty of room for the speakers, visitors, and contestants for honors.
Arrangements were made to comfortably seat some two or three thousand
people, fully that many chairs being placed in regular rows, divided by
two aisles extending the length of the hall.
"The pupils of the different schools and colleges being among the first
to arrive, the spare time was utilized for a rehearsal of college songs,
interspersed with the different college yells of the system, some of
which occasioned hearty laughter.
[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON INSTITUTE, DANVILLE, VA.]
"Upon the arrival of Chancellor Smith, the representatives of the
various schools of the system took their places upon the stage, as well
as those pupils who were to contest for the elocution and declaimer's
medals. After music by the band and prayer by Rev. Oscar Littleton, the
first number was announced, it being a contest for the declaimer's medal
of Randolph-Macon Academy, of Bedford City. Mr. J. K. Holman opened with
a humorous selection entitled 'Uncle Peter and the Trolly Car.' He was
followed by Mr. W. E. Wood, who declaimed an historical poem of the
revolutionary period, 'The Black Horse and His Rider.' Between this
contest and the next the pupils of the Bedford school, accompanied by
the band, rendered with much spirit an 'Academy' song, the words of
which were composed by Wirt Holloway, a pupil.
"A contest for the recitation medal of the Randolph-Macon Institute, of
Danville, followed, the first being Miss Janie Howard, who had chosen a
dialect story, 'Rubaiyat of Doc Sifers.' 'The Set of Turquoise' was
delivered by Miss Sue Bethel. The young ladies of the Danville Institute
then closed their part of the programme with their favorite song, 'The
Lemon and Black,' in the course of which they were assisted by the young
men of the system.
"J. William Kight came forward as a representative of the Academy at
Front Royal, and with a humorous description of a New England debating
society, in which he gave practical illustrations of the different
classes of village oratory.
"Mr. J. L. Humphrey, also of the Front Royal Academy, gave a declamation
entitled 'Laska.'
"The contest for the Woman's College medal was introduced by Miss Nellie
Underwood, whose subject was 'The Courtin' of T'Nowhead's Bell.'
"Miss Underwood was followed by Miss Hathryn P. Acree, whose subject was
'Parnassius and the Captive.'
"The rendition of the Woman's College song, 'Merry Girls of R. M. W.
C.,' was followed by the contest for the Woman's College Medal for best
address. The contestants were Miss Addie Taylor and Miss Sadie Jacobs.
Miss Taylor was the first speaker. Her subject was 'The Supremacy of the
Anglo-Saxon.' Miss Jacobs' subject was 'Demands of Our Civilization.'
"The closing exercise was the contest for the Sutherlin orator's medal
of the Randolph-Macon College, Ashland. The contestants were F. Raymond
Hill, B. A. Wise, E. K. Odell, and S. M. Janney.
"Mr. Hill opened the contest with an oration on 'The Price of Progress.'
"Mr. Janney's subject was 'What For?'
"'The Power of a Noble Example' was the subject of Mr. Wise's oration.
"Mr. Odell followed in an oration entitled, 'De Oratoribus.'
The exercises were closed with the singing of the Commencement Chorus.
"A feature of the morning's programme, which was of a decidedly
interesting character, was the calisthenic drill, under the direction of
Miss Alice Hargrove, of a number of young ladies of the Woman's College.
FIELD-DAY EXERCISES.
"Tuesday afternoon was devoted to field day exercises in the Rivermont
base-ball park. A sound mind in a sound body has for a long time been a
leading maxim in the Randolph-Macon system. Each institution has its
well-equipped gymnasium, under the instruction of an efficient
instructor, and during the unseasonable days of winter every student of
the system is required to go through an hour's drill in the gymnasium
three afternoons in the week.
The average man gets his idea of college athletics from the base-ball
and foot-ball teams, which generally tour the State annually.
Randolph-Macon recognizes the fact that base-ball and foot-ball are but
a small part of college athletics, and consequently every student is
encouraged to allot a portion of his time to the general training of his
body, and especially to athletic feats requiring more or less skill and
grace. In early spring, at each school in the system, a day known as
Field-Day is set aside for athletic exercises, for which prizes and
medals are offered as a special inducement, to ensure a large number of
contestants.
THE CONCERT.
"Tuesday night a concert was given at the Opera-House by the young
ladies of the Woman's College and the Danville Female Institute. Of the
character of the music of the programme the highest praise has been
spoken. In the instrumental and the chorus selections the participants
presented music of the highest perfection music that possessed a charm
and inspiration for every listener.
WEDNESDAY.
"About half-past nine o'clock Wednesday morning the students of the
several schools and colleges, together with the alumni, met at old St.
Paul's Church, on Church street, and there, after forming into a
procession and led by the band, marched to the auditorium. Here the
graduating class, in orthodox cap and gown, ascended the stage, where,
with the alumni, they were seated in chairs arranged in semi-circular
lines, forming altogether a pleasing and impressive picture.
"A few minutes were spent in rehearsing college songs. In this
connection it may be well to note that the Randolph-Macon system is rich
with songs suitable for commencement season, and written principally by
those who have studied within its classic halls. After prayer by Rev.
Dr. James A. Duncan, of Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. W. S. Bell, president of
the Class of '98, introduced Miss Blanche E. Cheatham, of Martinsville,
who delivered the salutatory address.
"The history of the Class of '98 and its twenty-nine members was told by
Mr. J. T. Porter, and as each name was called it was greeted with
applause, while the historian made a brief comment upon its owner. The
Class song of '98, composed by Mr. E. T. Adams, Jr., was next sung,
after which Miss Lily G. Egbert, of Atlee, Va., read the class poem, an
original composition entitled 'The Evolution of a Soul.'
"Mr. J. E. McCulloch, of Roanoke, delivered the class oration.
"The Hall song, evidently a favorite with the male students, was sung
with considerable spirit, especially the chorus, which eulogizes as 'the
very best of all' the two halls of the two rival literary societies,
those of Washington and Franklin. The president of the class next
introduced Miss Eloise Richardson, of Richmond, who read a class
prophecy, in which she drew vivid pictures of the bright futures
awaiting many of this year's class.
"Mr. Sydenstricker, of Loudoun, read a paper entitled 'Recommendations.'
In it he indicated, with a prescient knowledge of seemingly remarkable
accuracy, the future employments and professions of the members of the
graduating classes of Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, and the Woman's
College, Lynchburg.
"After singing 'Gaudeamus,' the last will and testament of the
graduating classes of the two institutions was read by Mr. F. C.
Campbell, of Ashland. Again was the audience treated to a series of
'hits' at the expense of certain members of the faculties, pupils, etc.,
of the two schools.
"The valedictory of Mr. F. R. Hill, of West Virginia, the next feature
of the programme, was an eloquent and interesting address, and in its
delivery made a deep impression on the large audience. Mr. Hill, unlike
the majority of college valedictorians, introduced into his composition
much originality of thought and feeling. His manner was marked by that
simplicity which always distinguishes the true orator, and which
invariably attracts and holds the closest attention of an audience.
MR. TILLETT'S ADDRESS.
"After singing 'The Randolph-Macon Roundelay,'the alumni address was
delivered by Hon. Charles W. Tillett, of North Carolina. This eloquent
speaker dwelt in feeling terms upon the great Randolph-Macon System. The
foundation, he declared, had been laid with enduring material, and
to-day all could unite in applauding the distinguished success of the
master hand. The occasion was one on which a little glorification was
pardonable, and every Randolph-Macon man and woman might well feel
proud of his or her alma mater, and particularly of the joint
commencement, which they all recognized as the grandest and most
successful commencement of Randolph-Macon's career.
"The exercises were brought to a close with the singing of the song,
'Alma Mater, O.'
THE BALL GAME.
"An immense crowd gathered at the park in the afternoon to witness the
ball game between the Bedford and the Front Royal Academies. The boys
from Bedford had the best of the contest from start to finish, and won
out by a score of 13 to 1."
FRANKLIN HALL.
"At night the exercises of the 'Frank' Hall were introduced with prayer
by Rev. W. H. Atwill. The declamations were: 'The Fireman's Prayer,' by
W. W. Wood, of Bedford; 'The Innocent Drummer,' by Miss Bethel, of
Danville, and 'The Village Schoolmaster,' by J. L. Humphrey. W. J.
Gills, of the College, delivered an oration on 'True Patriotism,' and
the exercises closed with an essay by Miss Lula B. Woolridge, of the
Woman's College, on 'Triumphant Life.' The Society medals were awarded
as follows: John Kilby, of Suffolk, for declamation; F. C. Campbell, of
Ashland, for debate, and Marvin E. Smithey, of Brunswick, for
improvement in debate.
THE ALUMNI BANQUET.
"The annual banquet of the Alumni Association was held at the 'Carroll'
Wednesday night from 11 to 2 o'clock. After half an hour's feasting, the
remaining time was devoted to speeches of prominent members of the
Association. The following toasts were responded to: 'Randolph-Macon
College,' Dr. J. A. Kern; 'Randolph-Macon Woman's College,' Dr. N.
Knight; 'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Bedford), Principal E. Sumter Smith;
'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Front Royal), Dr. B. W. Arnold;
'Randolph-Macon Institute' (Danville), Miss Nellie Blackwell;
'Blackstone Female Institute,' Rev. James Cannon, Jr.; 'Board of
Trustees,' Dr. E. B. Prettyman; 'Randolph-Macon of 1898,' J. E.
McCulloch; 'The Alumni,' Charles W. Tillett; 'Glories of the Past,'
Captain Richard Irby; 'Randolph-Macon of the Future,' Dr. W. W. Smith."
[Illustration: EDWARD S. BROWN, A. B.]
The oldest alumnus present was Edward S. Brown (Class 1843), a prominent
and most estimable citizen of Lynchburg, who matriculated in 1837.
Letters were received from the oldest alumnus now living, and one of the
members of the graduating Class of 1839, who, with Thomas H. Garnett, of
Buckingham county, Va., of same class, still survives.
The oldest living alumnus, Dr. Theophilus S. Stewart, of Marietta, Ga.,
graduated in 1836. He accompanied Dr. Olin to Europe, and took his
degree of M. D. in Paris in 1839.
The letters of Dr. Stewart and Rev. James F. Smith, of Spartanburg, S.
C., referred in tenderest terms to the College.
[Illustration: DR. THEOPHILUS S. STEWART, A. B., (Class, 1836.)]
"Thursday. The opening prayer was made by Rev. Dr. Arnold, of North
Carolina, at the conclusion of which the Commencement hymn (No. 1) was
sung by the students to the air of 'America,' all standing. Bishop
Vincent, of Kansas, the speaker of the occasion, was then introduced by
the chancellor. The Bishop, who is a man of fine appearance, with a
pleasant voice, launched forth in these words: 'Notable days to the
individual, to associations, to state and to church, come into all
lives. This is an interesting day to the individual, to families, and to
the institution. It is a day of an ending and a day of a beginning. I
see a picture, as I stand in this place to-day, of closing doors and of
doors ajar, the end of complete or partial course of study and the
beginning of lessons in the great school of life. Here, with the
fragrance and flowers, under the spell of music, beneath these glorious
skies and amid these mountains of Virginia, we need not only to look
backward, but to look forward.'
"He closed his address as follows: 'Above all things, a man wants
character; for if you presented yourself at the gate of heaven without
the quality that would make you worthy to dwell there, you would find
the beauties and glories of the home of God uncongenial to you. Live,
not that you may have your name in Washington with a big pension or
something of that kind, but in order that you may contribute to the
betterment of the environment of those about you.'
"To the students before him he said he would recommend the whole world
and the universe as a university in which to learn and in which to
strive to ascend to the university of the most high God.
HONORS AWARDED.
"After a song, 'Columbia, the Pride of the Nation,' the distinguished
under-graduates were announced by printed sheets. Then followed the
awarding of prizes and medals, the Randolph-Macon Institute, of
Danville, being first, followed in regular order by the Randolph-Macon
Academy, Bedford City; Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal;
Randolph-Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg, and Randolph-Macon College,
Ashland.
"Diplomas in courses were awarded by President Kern, of the Randolph-
Macon College, and Vice-President Knight, of the Randolph-Macon Woman's
College.
THE GRADUATES.
"Degrees were conferred on the following:
RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE.
A. M.
Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia.
A. Judson Chalkley, Virginia.
David Hough Dolly, Virginia.
James C. Dolly, Kentucky.
James T. Porter, Virginia.
Raymond R. Ross, Virginia.
Frank A. Simpson, Virginia.
Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia.
Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia.
A. B.
William Solon Bell, Virginia.
William G. Burch, Virginia.
F. C. Campbell, Virginia.
Merrick Clements, Maryland.
Carl Hall Davis, Virginia.
F. B. Fitzpatrick, Virginia.
Frank R. Hill, West Virginia.
Edward B. Jones, Virginia. H.
Alfred Allen Kern, Virginia.
LeRoy E. Kern, Virginia.
James E. McCulloch, Virginia.
Geo. L. Neville, Jr., Virginia.
Arthur V. Nunnally, Virginia.
Robert H. Sheppe, Virginia.
Hampden H. Smith, Virginia.
H. Sydenstricker, W. Virginia.
James T. Walker, Virginia.
RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE.
A. B.
Lily Garland Egbert, Virginia.
Eloise Richardson, Virginia.
Blanche E. Cheatham, Virginia.
Cornelia Poindexter, Virginia.
MEDALISTS.
Sutherlin Medal. Samuel McPherson Janney, Virginia.
Murray Medals. Proficiency Medal, Thomas Moody Campbell, Virginia;
Scholarship Medal, George Lafayette Bradford, Virginia of
Randolph-Macon College.
Walton Greek Prize. David H. Dolly, Virginia.
Medal for Best Essay. Sadie Jacobs, Virginia of Randolph-Macon Woman's
College.
WASHINGTON SOCIETY.
"With the excellent programme of the annual celebration of the
Washington Literary Society the exercises of the joint commencement of
the Randolph-Macon system of educational institutions were brought to a
close.
"Prayer was offered by Bishop Granbery, after which Edwin B. Jones,
president of the society, welcomed those present, and introduced J. W.
Kight, of Front Royal, who entertained his hearers with a short,
humorous sketch. Miss Swanson, of the Danville Institute, followed with
a dialect recitation, entitled 'Writin' Back to the Home Folks.' 'Flying
Jim's Last Leap' was the declamation given by Mr. Taylor, of the Bedford
City Academy, and the next was an oration by F. Burke Fitzpatrick, of
Randolph-Macon College. His speech was devoted to prophesying as to the
future of Virginia, basing his remarks upon the record of the past.
"Miss Edith Cheatham's address was 'College Men and Women.'
"The programme was brought to a close by an oration, 'A Great Work; Our
Share in It,' delivered by Frank A. Simpson, of Richmond, Va.
"On behalf of the Washington Literary Society, Professor R. B. Smithey
presented three medals one to the best declaimer, D. R. Anderson; to the
best debater, F. R. Hill; to the best orator, S. R. Tyler.
"Dr. E. E. Hoss, of Nashville, the speaker of the evening, was then
introduced. His subject was 'The Forces that Make Character.' He
delivered a strong and thoughtful address, which would have been more
fully appreciated at an earlier hour."
AWARDS OF PRIZES AND MEDALS.
[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the Walton Greek Prize
recipients for each year are listed on the left-hand side of the page,
and the Mathematical Prize recipients on the right. The note
(Discontinued) at the end of the Mathematical Prize column is faithfully
reproduced from the original text.]
WALTON GREEK PRIZE.
1872. R. E. Blackwell, Va.
1873. Robert Sharp, Va.
1874. Wm. A. Frantz, Va.
1875. W. H. Page, N. C.
1876. Cyrus Thompson, N. C.
1877. M. T. Peed, Va.
1878. Clarence Edwards, Va.
1879. J. B. Crenshaw, Va.
1880. R. E. L. Holmes, Va.
1881. D. W. Taylor, Va.
1882. R. E. L. Holmes, Va.
1883. James M. Page, Va.
1884. L. Leitch, Va.
1885. Thos. W. Page, Va.
1886. E. H. Rawlings, Va.
1887. J. H. Riddick, Jr., Va.
1888. J. Jordan Leake, Va.
1889. De La Warre Easter, Va.
1890. C. D. Ragland, Va.
1891. E. C. Armstrong, Md.
1892. Andrew Sledd, Va.
1893. J. E. Wamsley, Va.
1894. E. P. Dahl, Va.
1895. C. E. Armentrout, Va.
1896. Bradford Kilby, Va.
1897. J. W. Lillaston, Va.
1898. David H. Dolly, Va.
MATHEMATICAL PRIZE.
1874. Howard Edwards, Va.
1875. W. F. Tillett, N. C.
1876. M. T. Peed, Va.
1877 M. T. Peed, Va.
1878. J. T. Littleton, Va.
1879. J. B. Crenshaw, Va.
1880. R. E. L. Holmes, Va.
1881. D. W. Taylor, Va.
1882. James H. Moss, Va.
1883. Richard H. Bennett, Va.
1884. James M. Page, Va.
1885. Wm. H. Barley, Va.
1886. George Shipley. Va.
1887. J. Jordan Leake, Va.
1888. A. M. Hughlett, Va.
1889. E. W. Bowen, Md.
1890. Andrew Sledd, Va.
1891. H. H. Sherman, Va.
1892. (Discontinued.)
[Transcribers' note: In the original book, the Washington Literary
Society award-winners and judges for each year are listed on the
left-hand side of the page, and the Franklin Literary Society
award-winners and judges on the right.]
WASHINGTON LITERARY SOCIETY.
1874. A. H. C. Russell, La.
1875. J. B. McCabe, Va.
1876. T.McN. Simpson, N.C.
1877. Gray Carroll, N. C.
1878. Jno. W. Carroll, Va.
1879. W. W. Sawyer, N. C.
1880. D. M. James, W. Va.
1881. E. S. Ruffin, Va.
FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.
1874. J. B. Powell, Ala.
1875. W. F. Tillett, N. C.
1876. [none listed]
1877. W. J. Sebrell, Va.
1878. Chas. W. Tillett, N. C.
1879. H. A. Southall, Va.
1880. Frank Thompson, N. C.
JUDGE.
WASHINGTON LITERARY SOCIETY.
1882. S. M. Garland, Va.
1883. J. H. Light, Va.
1884. C. A. Swanson, Va.
1885. Jas. Cannon, Jr., Md.
1886. T. W. Page, Jr., Va.
1887. C. L. Bane, W. Va.
1888. C. F. Sherrill, N. C.
1889. W. H. H. Joyce, Va.
1890. M. R. Peterson, Va.
1891. I. W. Eason, Va.
1892. J. N. Latham, Va.
1893. D. H. Kern, W. Va.
1894. S. C. Hatcher, Va.
1895. J. H. Hatcher, Va.
1896. B. V. Switzer, Va.
1897. F. R. Hill, W. Va.
1898. S. R. Tyler, Va.
FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY.
1882. Harry L. Stuart, Texas.
1883. John Morris, Ga.
1884. W. M. Lane, Va.
1885. Thos. F. Sherrill, N. C.
1886. E. H. Rawlings, Va.
1887. Sherrard R. Tabb, Va.
1888. A. M. Hughlett, Va.
1889. W. A. Christian, Va.
1890. W. B. Beauchamp, Va.
1891. H. G. Buchanan, Va.
1892. W. Stevens, W. Va.
1893. R. H. Hood, N. C.
1894. Andrew Sledd, Va.
1895. P. H. Williams, N. C.
1896. F. W. Hilbert, Md.
1897. W. M. Blanchard, N. C.
1898. F. C. Campbell, Va.
=======
Transcribers' Notes:
We have corrected "presi-ident" to "president", p. 30.
We have let "Accepe hoc diploma," p. 98, stand as written (it should be
"accipe").
We have corrected "in o near large towns" to "in or near large towns,"
p. 114.
We have removed extraneous punctuation after "Trinity College," p. 121,
and after "Randolph-Macon College," p. 138.
We have corrected "peferred" to "preferred," and "greal" to "great," p.
126.
We have added a period after B. in "A. B." on p. 135.
We have corrected "held it annual session" to "held its annual
session," p. 148.
We have let "Bondfires were kindled," p. 153, stand as written, though
we suspect that "Bonfires" was intended.
We have let the comma after "the bare chimneys only" stand on page 164.
The punctuation is odd, and we suspect it may be an error, but we can
think of reasons Irby might have chosen to use it.
We have let the spelling "eak" stand on p. 166.
We have let "Professor's" stand on p. 166.
We have corrected "compen-pensated" to "compensated" on p. 189.
We have corrected "FROF. W. A. FRANTZ" to "PROF. W. A. FRANTZ" in the
caption on p. 245.