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The Birch Rod
OF THE EDINBOUO STATE NORMAL SCHOOL
Volume II
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1912
THANKSGIVING HYMN.
(Tune—“Old Hundred”)
^
O Thou great Life enfolding ours, •
Eternal Father, Love Divine,
We would, throughout these festal hours
Give Thee the homage that is Thine.
For home and those who love us there.
For time of toil and joy of play.
For friends and kindred everywhere.
Our gratitude be Thine alway.
For peace, for comfort, and for cheer.
For every strife of conscience won.
For courage and contentment here.
For dreams achieved and duty done ;
For discipline in failure found.
For blessing born of bitter tears.
The grace that grows from error owned.
The steadfast faith to face our fears;
For souls that daily wiser grow.
For all that makes us glad and strong.
For all we have, and are, and know,
Our voices rise in thankful song.
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER AT
HAVEN HALL.
Many Alumni Present.
The dinner that was served on Thanks
giving day was the very best ever served in
Haven Hall, not only in variety, quantity and
quality, but in the pleasant atmosphere of good
will and fellowship that seemed to prevade the
air. No dinner is a success without these two
qualities. The former without the latter would
be no dinner at all, but with both blended in
due proportion each is in harmony . with the
other. Of the two the latter is even more
gratifying than the former, so with both these
qualities in abundance any dinner would be a
success, and especially so was ours.
Full credit may be given to our steward,
Mr. Dundon, and his assistants for doing their
part well. But the alumni, faculty and students
are responsible for adding the other essential
quality, that quality that can be compared
only with the joy of eating Thanksgiving
dinner at home with mother.
It will not be necessary for me to paint a
a word picture of the beautiful decorations and
artistic aurrangement of the tables which was
different from and surpassed anything of previous
years. The many alumni who were here
know, and those who were not can only be
sorry, with us, that they missed it.
One of the most pleasant features of the
hour was the after dinner speeches. Harry
Weaver, ’ll, was toastmaster and those who
responded were: Mr. Baker, Mr. and Mrs.
Swift, ’95; Floyd Bathurst, ’10; Roy Blair,
11; Ray Bradshaw, ’ll; Arthur Johnson,
’13; Esther Averill, ’14; John Harbaugh, ’15;
Helen Jackson, ’16; Miss Roberts, Mr.
Sackett, Mr. Siddell, Mr. Barnes, Miss
Powell, Miss Sturgeon, Mr. Snyder, Mr.
Gleason, Miss Hauser and Mrs. Baker.
Many school songs were sung. We were
pleased to have so many alumni take dinner
with us. We only wish that it may be
possible for you all to come back to your Alma
Mater next Thanksgiving.
Varsity Wins from Titusville.
The local eleven showed real team work
when they went into the game November 23,
and defeated Titusville High School 5 to 0.
The Normal boys received the kick-off and
quickly carried the ball by a series of line bucks
and end runs to Titusville’s twenty yard line,
when, on the fourth down, DeRemer kicked a
field goal.
Titusville rallied from this sudden surprise
and played a stiff game. It was indeed clever
to see their right end take the ball bn a’ fake
forward pass and try for a wide end run. Gra
ham invariably broke through their interference
and got the man with the ball.
Shriver also
played a star game at left end. The ball was
carried or punted back and forth across the
field, but nearly always within thirty yards of
the center until the first half ended.
At the beginning of the second half Titus
ville lost the ball on downs.
Edinboro again
made good gains and tried another field goal,
but the ball hit the crossbar and bounded
back.
The boys in red and white kept the
ball in their opponents’ territory most of the
time, but could not score.
The fourth quarter started with the ball near
the center of the field.
Both teams were de
termined to win.
DeArment, Richey and
Harbaugh played havoc on their opponents’
line, breaking up play after play. Green play
ed a good thinking game. Hood, Leach and
Matthews did splendid team work in the back
field.
Leach punted across Titusville’s goal.
As a Titusville man was endeavoring to carry
the ball back Green tackled him behind the
goal line just as the whistle blew, time up.
Both teams played a good fair game.
No. 6
ALUMNI-NORMAL BASKETBALL.
Normal Boys Play Good Game but
Alumni Wins by One Point.
At a quarter past four on November 29, the
gymnasium was crowded with spectators to see
the first basket ball game of the season be
tween the Alumni and Normal boys.
Harry Weaver,’1 1, and Charles White,
1 3, captains of the respective teams, assigned
the players to their positions and the ball was
put in play. For several minutes the crowd
watched with interest as the ball was passed
from player to player, and many attempts to
shoot goal resulted in failure. The silence was
broken when Obert shot a foul basket.
The boys, although not in practice, showed
that they remembered the game and were de
termined to win it.
A deafening shout for
Hood told that he had shot a basket. And in
a few moments Gillaspie returned the compli
ment. White and Hood each shot a foul
basket and the first half ended with the Nor
mal three points ahead.
Shortly after the second half started Weaver
dropped the ball through the ring. The
alumni boys took on new courage and the
game increased in vigor. The passing was
very good on both sides. White shot a bas
ket from near the center of the field and de
feat for the alumni seemed certain. In the
last few minutes of the game Blair and Stead
man each shot a basket. When the whistle
blew time up the score board showed Normal
7—Alumni 8.
The line up was:
Alumni
Normal
Blair, ’ll------------------ R, F----------------- Obert-Miller
Gillaspie, ’12L. FHood
Piggott - - ----------- ------ C-------- ------------------ White
Steadman, ’09, )
t>r
i Matthews
Whipple ’10, )
..................
( Shriver
Weaver’ ’H--------------L. G.Leach-Graham
The Football Team Banquet.
Saturday evening, November 30, a banquet
was arranged by the male members of the
faculty for the football team. The team, ac
companied by Mr. Baker, Mr. Hayes and
Mr. Snyder, was supposed to leave on the
five forty-five car, but as the car was an hour
late the company had to wait at the station.
It was rather cold waiting, but several
sympathized with Obert in his view that he
could eat more when once he got a chance.
After reaching Cambridge the members of
^Concluded on page seven.)
Page Two
THE BIRCH ROD
Literary Societies
POTTER LITERARY SOCIETY.
suggest that they win the annual contest, which
should be held every fall term, and prove to
the students that they are entitled to it. So
what are you going to do about it a-n-y w-a-y?
THE EDITORS.
Philo-Everett Society.
A Protest.
"Impartial readers of the Birch Rod have
noticed and commented on the fact that the
editorship of The Birch Rod is in the hands of
persons whose partiality is all too apparent. It
is a fact that on the published list of the
editorial staff of The Birch Rod four of the
editors who are in school are members of the
Philo society and the other two are not society
members. This may account for the fact that
the biased comments upon society affairs are
spoken of so openly among the students. This
attitude of partiality is indicated in the very
first issue and has been consistently maintained
since. The Potter society is the oldest society
of the school and in the first issue, instead of
having the first place to which its age entitled
it, a secondary place was given it. The sub
sequent issue contained little (slams) without
sufficient foundation and continued unfavorable
comments upon the bias of the editors resulted
in a half apology inconspicuously placed. The
writer further protests that the editors have not
hewed to the straight line of truth, in reporting
society news, as a single illustration note what
was said concerning the challenge for the recent
contest.
The edition of October 14 states that Potter
was challenged but conveys the impression
that Potter was loath to accept the challenge.
As to a matter of fact the challenge was ac
cepted within one-half hour after being re
ceived, hence is easy to see no time was lost
in deciding to accept it.
The result of the contest is known. It was
ah excellent one and neither society has reason
to be ashamed of its representatives. The
fact that Potter won three events to Philo two
and Philo six points to Potter five shows how
close the contest was. In the light of these
facts and others that might be cited Potter
claims the right of fair treatment editlonally at
the hands of the Philo editors of The Birch
Rod.
Visitors have been very kind in their com
ments concerning the excellence of programs
and have expressed their approval of Potter’s
quiet and effective mode of work, and of the
becoming modesty which characterizes the
society as a whole compared with the spirit of
bragodocio which is wont to characterize
literary societies that feel the necessity of patting
themselves on the back."
We take pleasure in publishing the above
protest. If Potter wishes to hold first place we
We are more than pleased with the pro
gress that Philo is making this year. The
orchestra is doing exceptionally well, although
organized only last month. They have played
at the Methodist church and chapel hall on
special occasions, besides providing excellent
music for the society.
On November 30, Philo held a special
social hour after the regular program for the
benefit of the alumni. The important features
of the social hour were talks by Mr. Gillaspie,
’ 1 2; Misses Huff, ’ 1 2; Perry, ’12; Babcock,
’12; Magnuson, ’12; White, ’ll. Special
music by
the orchestra.
Refreshments.
Games. It was the best social hour of the
term.
The regular program for the evening was as
follows:
Roll call answered by short stories.
Music_______________________________ Orchestra
Recitation._________________ _____ _ Marjorie Fisher
Quartet•__..Mable Morton, Esther Averill
Leo Amagost, Leonard White
Recitation_________________________ Joseph Tucker
Piano DuetRuth Proudfit, Lois Williams
Dialogue, “Matrimonial Advertisement”
Gladys McIntosh, Ruth Kidder, Edna Seavy,
Jerome Rusterholtz, Vincent Hayes
PoUer Society.
especially delighted to meet so many of their
former members. They are very loyal mem
bers, all, and graphically describe the former
honors and achievements of "our society." In
order to try to show them the good fellowship
now existing in the society, and the quality
and kind of work we are doing, we invited
them to a regular meeting held on Saturday,
November 31. The regular program con
sisted of quotations and readings from Edgar
Allan Poe with additional numbers of music.
Then ah informal party was held and it was
discovered that Edward is most clever in guess
ing charades. It was hard work to make him
stop playing long enough to eat a sandwich.
How long Floyd’s face was when he heard
some one mention "going home" and also heard
the "retiring bell."
n
NORMAL LECTURE COURSE
FALL TERM
1 Nov. 11-..............-.............- - Hon. Frank J. Cannon 1
I Dec. 7--------------- ;--------------------------Dixie Chorus i
I
WINTER TERM
|
I Jan. 18-------- ------------ --------Seumas MacManus |
I February 19................................ ........ Aida Quartette j
♦ March I---------------— ----------------Byron J. Piatt |
j
SPRING TERM
j
I April 14------------------------------------ Edward Reno ;
The Magician
.
May 2------------------------------Edward Amherst Ott J
Every one was glad to see so many alumni
here for Thanksgiving. The Potters were
Last number to be filled later.
Edinboro State Normal School
;
|
Sept. 28--------------------------- ----------- Haig Arklin |:
Art and Art Interpretation.
|
IZ STANDS FOR
'
'
ZI
A HIGH STANDARD OF SCHOLARSHIP
THE AMATEUR SPIRIT IN ATHLETICS
WHOLESOME SOCIAL ASSOCIATIONS
...... ...............rZZIlT ALSO
BELIEVES IN AND SUPPORTS
' The Birch Rod
Address the Principal
Edinboro, Pa.
J
i
THE BIRCH ROD
Page Three
Alumni of Society Gives Program.
The Alumni, under the efficient management
of Floyd Bathurst, gave a very interesting pro
gram in Normal Hall Friday evening, Novem
ber 29, from 6 to 7:30.
The program was as follows:
Piano Duet________________ _____ ____ Misses Mills
Elssay----------------------------- ------------ Jennie Magunson
Cornet Solo..John Rusterholtz
Reading----------------------------------------- Myrtle Norman
Oration--------------------------------- ---- -----Arzie Gillespie
Vocal Solo------------------------------- ------ Hazel Duggan
The program was of unusual excellence
and interest, not only because it was conducted
by the Alumni but because the ones taking
part were leaders in society work while at
school and were especially tactful in the
particular part they took.
Greater Erie’s Greater Store—Boston Store
■J
■
Wade Frat.
The following is an account of the happen
ings at the Wade house, published for the
benefit of all who are interested:
First one up best one dressed at the Wade
frat.
All members of our house are highly elated
over an additional membership, by name,
Hiram Wayne Cummings, who joined our
ranks, for better or worse, on November 1 st.
Hiram is energetic and courageous in all
his school duties. Although he does possess
some very peculiar characteristics such as
enormous outbursts of laughter and frequent
excursions, suck as night mare and chasing rats.
■
If
We are very thankful for the recovery of
our two members, Rby and Silvan, who were
victims of the epidemic of our school.
Every Department
At the present time we are showing New Fall
Goods in everg department and are glad to have our
out-of-town customers inspect the showings to their
hearts'' content
MILLINERY DEPARTMENT is a charming
place for the women and girls. The hats this season
are nobbier than ever, the stgles being most practical
and wearable. No difpcultg whatever for ang one to
be suited with a hat from our varied assortments.
Then, too, we execute orders to the minutest detail.
Just give us an idea of what gou want—or we will
Supplg the idea, too, if gou choose.
DRESS GOODS and SILKS Departments are
particularlg interesting just now, and the CLOAK and
SUIT Department, 2nd floor, is the nucleus of interest.
Coats and Suits for Fall are here in wide assortment
and the prices, as usual, are the lowest possible.
SHOES, perhaps the first essential in the fall ap
parelling, are here in the new lasts and stgles of
leather—both tan and black. Suedes, etc. Walking
Shoes, Dress Shoes, Semi-dress Shoes and partg slip
pers to suit everg taste.
While we mention the above departments particu
larlg, we do not mean that theg should overshadow the
mang other departments in the store which are show
ing equallg as interesting Fall Merchandise—Men's
and Women’s Underwear, Hosierg, Blankets, Flannels,
Corsets and Gloves, Upholsterg and Curtain Dept., 2nd
floor. Shirt Waists and Muslin Underwear—all con
tribute their quota to the fall displag.
John, although not a victim of the measles,
has suffered intensely because of the sympathy
he extended to the one whom he feared would
never again possess so WHITE a complexion.
One night not long ago while Don was tak
ing one of his extended excursions to Slumberland, Nevin and Scottie entered his sleeping
chamber with the plan of a tragedy on their
minds.
Nevin produced the goods while
Scottie administered the same on the pillow
close to Don’s nose.
"First a whiff and then a K-whoo,
Then came an enormous cha-choo,
And oh! how the snuff flew."
The villains lay stretched upon the floor
with laughter holding both their sides. Later
the gas being lighted, Don was found in the
center of the bed on his hands and knees still
continuing the process of ejecting air through
his nose.
Percy D. Haughton, ’99, has been re
engaged as head coach of Harvard football
teams at an increase over his present salary,
which is $7,000 a year. The appointment is
for another five-year period.
New Fall Goods in
ERIE DRY GOODS CO.,
State Street, Erie, Pa.'
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Page Four
THE BIRCH
THE BIRCH ROD
A fortnightly newspaper edited by the stu
dents of The Edinboro State Normal
School, and published at the print
shop of the Edinboro
Independent.
TERMS—This newspaper will be supplied for the
school year, 1912-13, for the sum of fifty cents, or
five cents a copy.
This.paper is entered as second-class mail matter at
the postoffice at Edinboro, Pa.
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Marsh: Donald Richey
Athletic Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hubert Bentley
News Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice Walker
Alumni Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DavidS. McGuire
Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William T. McKelvey
Assistant Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Harbaugh
The Young Men’s Christian Association.
The Thanksgiving lesson taught by Mr.
Siddell was very practical and the boys were
inspired by the ideals of "the reason why we
should be thankful." Many comments were
given such as: "That was the best Thanks
giving lesson I ever heard." "I did not know
that we had so many things to be thankful for."
The thoughts gained by Mr. Baker on the
effects of a clear conscience the following Sun
day were a source of strength and spiritual
development to all present.
The Bible class, organized this term by the
association, is meeting with success. Mr. Sid
dell is teacher. The boys assemble in Mr.
Snyder’s parlor at 9:30 on Sunday morning.
They are now studying the book of Genesis.
All the boys are cordially invited to join the
class.
Dixie Chorus.
The Dixie Chorus, which appears in Nor
mal Hall Saturday evening December 7, com
prises eight people trained by Mr. Ralph Dun
bar of the famous Dunbar Quartet. The com
pany carries a thousand dollars’ worth of cos
tumes and scenery and presents the story of
300 years of the negro race. ’ The entertciinment is known as "The Epic of the Negro,"
and much of it is rendered in the pleasing form
of song and cantillation. Much of humor and
light sentiment are woven into the stately move
ROD
ment. The voice character in this rendition
will take the part of the old time colored
preacher and other familiar characters of the
southland.
The scenes begin with life in tropical
Africa. The second part shows slavery in
America.
Then comes the old plantation
songs and scenery. In conclusion the eman
cipation of the negro from slavery is presented,
followed in turn by his emancipation from ig
norance.
This entertainment is also presented as an
effort to do justice without extravagance and to
voice an appreciation of the heroic efforts of
that Moses of his people, Booker T. Wash
ington, and the Tuskegee Institute, which has
become the Canaan to which he is leading a
singing race.
Stradivarius
“
Watch Us Grow.
Cor. 11th and State, Erie, Pa.
t
Fall and Winter
♦
Osborne - Norman Co. I
Ready - to - Wear
is readg for rout in
spection.
Quartet Company in
Normal Hall.
The people of Edinboro were given a rare
treat November 29, when they listened to
selections played by skilled musicians on the
most famous violins in the world.
The musicians were Newton D. Hawkins,
solo violin; Georgia Price Hawkins, violin;
David Caughey, viola; Walter Caughey, cello;
assisted by Mrs. Walter Schleicher, soprano;
Gertrude Sechrist Relnecke, contralto; Georgia
Price Hawkins, harp; Otto ■ Ebisch, ac
companist.
The violins were made by Antonius Stradi
varius, greatest of all violin makers. He did
his work so well that, although more than a
century has elapsed since he became famous
as "The Master Luthier," no one has since
been able to duplicate the excellence of his
art. The greatest of poets and writers have
paid tribute to his genius. He thought him
self divinely commissioned and labored at his
profession until past four score years and ten.
His violins now find a ready market at ten
thousand dollars each. The program through
out was excellent. The quartet was exceptional,
with only one other of its kind in the world.
It stands almost without a rival. The solos did
not take second place in the minds of many.
Doubtless it was the best musical number ever
given on the lecture course.
Wellesley has inaugurated an innovation—
an official to be known as the "visiting
councilor" whose duty is to keep in touch
with Wellesley clubs and graduates all over
the country and effect as large as possible a
measure of co-operation between the college
and her graduates.
Yale this week dedicated Wright Hall, its
finest freshman dormitory, built by alumni con
tributions as a memorial to former Dean Henry
P. Wright.
The most complete assort■ I
ment in sizes, stples and
materials to be found
at this busp store.
X
Osborne - Norman Co. !
............................
THE BIRCH ROD
A Comedy in Three Acts
Young men who wear
T. & L. Shoes fairlg
glide through
life.
The best dressed goung
men select
T. &
‘
l:s”
Thais one reason whp
they are the best dressed.
$3.50
$4.00
$4.50
$5.00
TROST & LACEY
Home of Good Goods
828 STATE ST, ERIE, PA.
"Mrs. Briggs of the Poultry Yard," given
Thanksgiving evening, under the auspices of
Young Women’s Christian Association, was a
splendid success. The cast of characters was
well chosen and under the instruction of Miss
Hauser they did nearly as well as professional
actors.
Verna Markel, acting the part of Mrs.
Briggs, was indeed a woman of business abil
ity. Her family—Ralph, Jimmy, Alvira and
Melissa — were represented respectively by
Ward DeRemer, Marley Leach, Ethel Case
and Ethel Williamson, and were her only care,
except her chickens and her goat.
Adlla
Dickey, acting the part of Silas Green, a near
relative, showed talent on the stage.
John
Harbaugh represented the character of Mr.
Lee and Lois Williams was his daughter, Vir
ginia.
Nina Swift was Daisy Thornton,
Virginia’s friend.
Ora Hasbrouck was Mrs.
O’Connor, who had a mania for goats. Helen
Bathurst took the character of Mandy Bates
and proved her ability as an all around helper.
By the vote of all it was absolutely the very
best play that has been given so far this term.
And we doubt if it will be surpassed this year.
The proceeds, clear of all expenses, are
$70.40.
____ ______
Sudden Uprising on Third Floor—In
ternational Complications Nar
rowly Averted.
Room 35, Nov. 22.
A report hzis just reached here saying that
international warfare between Venezuela and
Brazil has been but narrowly avoided. It ap
pears that a very linguistic citizen of Venezuela
contracted a serious case of "grouchitis" and
began reviling things in general, and a quiet,
unobtrusive Brazilian in particular.
This set
up a simple idea in the mind of the Brazilian,
which in turn caused internal disturbances.
Thus by reacting upon the mind these distur
bances created a feeling which gave rise to ex
ternal demonstrations, and now the warlike cit
izen of Venezuela scratches his head six inch
es nearer its center of gravity than ever be
fore.
The matron has been busy gathering up
stray fragments of such words as "carramba,"
"pendejo," and "carajo," but no serious damage
has been done.
The two insulted South American citizens
laid their case before their floor teacher and
Mr. LaBounty in his mild way reminded them
that Thanksgiving would soon be here.
The
boys were so enraptured at the thoughts of a
turkey dinner that they forgot their disagree
ments and for the present, at least, their re
spective countries will not be plunged into the
horrors of South American warfare.
Page Five
Everything
THAT IS NEW
IN UP-TO-DATE
Headwear
Popular Prices
$3.00
$1.50
$2.00
We make a special effort to
cater io the young men
The Derbp Hat Co.
908 State Street
ERIE, PA.
Holmquist Photo Co.
EXPERT DEVELOPING
AND FINISHING
Columbia Graphophones and Records
622 State Street, 0pp. Postoffice
ERIE, PENNA.
THE BIRCH
Page Six
Haven Hall Notes.
Lois Williams has been radiant with smiles
this week because her mother came to visit her.
Cynthia’s sister, Lillian Frame, came to visit
her over Thanksgiving.
Mrs. Baker entertained the "slang girls"
Tuesday afternoon and made herself so popular
with them that it is feared her English
may be contaminated. Let’s have another
contest!
If any one has missed Marian Judd in the
dining room lately just lay it to that box from
home.
Miss Ham had a party Monday afternoon.
Oh the joys of a chafing dish and Miss Heun
for a hostess!
Okie Cline visited us last week and she is
as cheery and smiling as ever.
Helena Jackson and Elizabeth Fowler spent
Sunday in Oil City at Helena’s home.
Verna: "Yes, and you have no style for
beauty." Verna is worse than ever since she
impersonated Mrs. Briggs.
Flora Dawley hurriedly looked us over Sun
day, decided that we were much improved
and really made quite good seniors. Thanks.
Yens: (thinking about a song) "Do you
know "Calvary?"'
Alice: "No; what’s his first name?"
We certainly were glad to see Jennie Perry,
Irene Crouch, Helen Loomis, Allein Babcock
and Alice Huff here this week. They all had
good 1912 toasts written even if the toast
master did say he couldn’t find any one to
represent the class.
In the middle of all our Thanksgiving
frivolity six poor girls had to be locked up in the
hospital ward at the north end of the hall.
Aren’t measles the measliest things anyway!
We are glad to see most of them back at
classes again now.
Esther Averill took her sister Margaret to
church Sunday morning.
Myrtle Norman made her first visit as an
alumnus last week. She would like to come
back to school again and we would like to
have her.
The slang banquet was a gorgeous exquiligent success. The losers proved themselves
no mean caterers and the winners feel almost
repaid for the agony endured during two long
weeks of Noah Webster. Although the place
cards had for-get-me-nots on them and were
voted unnecessary if not positively unkind, and
all the worst expressions of the winning six
were read aloud in glee by the others, they
were forgiven all this on account of the ex
cellency of the salad.
The cleverest toast: Three weeks and two
ROD
days ago these girls brought forth in Room
Seven an anti-slang league, conceived by the
brilliant------ , and dedicated to the proposition
that one day we should attain a state so near
angelic that we could hold converse with a
Shakespeare. Now we are in the last final
agonies of our struggle, trusting whether our
stomachs or any stomachs so crammed and so
loaded can longer endure. We are met on
one of the battlefields of that struggle; we have
come to dedicate a portion of our grateful
thanks to those who sacrificed good English
words that this bounteous banquet might be
possible. It is altogether fitting and proper
that they should do this for us, but in a larger
sense we cannot blamecate, we cannot condemnicate; we cannot criticize their slang since
we ourselves have been guilty of so many
similar offences. Our brave banqueters, living
and half dead, who eat here have done all in
their power to add and detract from our bill
of fare. The world will little note nor long
remember what we say here, but we can never
forget what we ate here. It is rather for us,
the winning side, to be here dedicated to the
task of consoling those unfortunates who kept
not their tongues from evil nor their lips from
speaking guile; that from these honored friends
we take increased devotion to that cause of
speaking our native language minus slang; that
we highly resolve that' this contest shall not
have been in vain; that these people under
Haven Hall shall no more murder the English
language and that cultivation of slang, for slang,
by slang, shall henceforth perish from these
halls.
Reeder Hall Notes.
Acker, Hummer,
Dickey, Daley and
Blakeslee are sick with the measles.
Harry Weaver, Roy Blair, Raymond Brad
shaw and Floyd Bathurst were here over
Thanksgiving.
Harold Hood went to Erie on Thanksgiving
to see the football game between Erie High
and Tonawanda.
Harold Miller and Joseph Trejchel spent
Thanksgiving day in Erie.
Miss Markel smashed a door glass.
Paul Webb injured his arm while playing
basketball.
The story of J. A. Bums and his achieve
ment in founding and maintaining a college—
Oneida Institute—among the
Kentucky
mountaineers in the feud counties of that state,
published in the December American, is of
striking interest and well worth reading.
The Harvard Employment Bureau found
opyortunities for self help during term time last
year for 45 1 students of the Universily.
The Active
Man
If Dou go in for football or ang
other sports gou realize the necessitg for having a handg slip-on
garment to wear. The verg gar
ment gou can wear at such a
time is a
Pennsglvania
Knit Coat
with unbreakable Mohair button
holes. We have them in mang
weights, models and colors, with
collars in various stgles. Everg
coat is fitted with the wonderful,
unbreakable Mohair button holes
that guarantee shape retention
and long life. Priced reasonablg.
Drop in and look them over.
H. G. GILLASPIE
EDINBORO, PA.
Home of Gold Seal Rubbers.
Page Seven
THE BIRCH ROD
The Football Team Banquet.
(Continued from page one.)
the team w^ent directly to the Riverside Hotel,
w^here supper was served at seven o’clock. A
large table beautifully decorated was arranged
for the team. During dinner Mr. Baker re
ceived by long distance telephone the follow
ing: "Message of congratulation to Mr. Hayes
and his team, who put the spirit of sport above
victory and have both."—Morgan Barnes.
After and excellent dinner, when every one,
even Leach, had eaten all he could, Howard
Green was elected captain of the football
team for next year. Then after giving a yell
for the new captain the boys spent the even
ing playing games, and were royally enter
tained as guests of the hotel.
At ten-thirty the team started for home,
arriving at Edinboro about eleven o’clock.
The most wonderful thing that happened dur
ing the whole evening was that everyone got
back, even Mr. Snyder.
The Return of Jamie Green.
(The following is a story written by one of the Model
School students.)
Mr. emd Mrs. Green lived in the mountains.
They wanted to see something of the city.
One day in August they started for New York
with their little boy Jamie, who was four years
old.
Mr. and Mrs. Green had nearly reached
New York when there was a terrible crash
and the car turned over on its side. A large
freight train had crashed into the passenger
train. The engineer, fireman, and all the peo
ple in the front of the train were killed. A
great many other people were injured. Every
body was excited, and in the rush and jam Mr.
and Mrs. Green lost Jamie. In a little while
they looked for him, but he could not be found.
There were some bodies that were so badly
bruised that people could not tell who they
were. It was supposed that Jamie was one of
these. Mr. and Mrs. Green felt very badly,
as Jamie was their only child. They, ho\vever, went on to the city, but their visit was
not as enjoyable as they thought it was going
to be. On Monday morning they started back
home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Green were very
sad when they returned, as they could think of
nothing but their Jamie.
Eighteen years had passed. Thanksgiving
time had come once more. Mrs. Green had
prepared a very delicious dinner, consisting of
turkey, cranberries, mince pie, cake with candies
on it, plum pudding, and many other goodies.
Just as Mr. and Mrs. Green were ready to sit
down to their Thanksgiving dinner there came
a rap at the door. Mr. Green answered the
call. He found that it was a young man who
wished to take dinner at some farm house.
Mr. Green went in and spoke to his wife
about sharing their Thanksgiving dinner with
the stranger. She was more than willing, and
soon the table was set for another person. The
stranger seemed to enjoy the dinner very much.
While talking with him Mr. and Mrs. Green
learned that he was attending a college, and
that the doctors had told him that he must have
rest and fresh air. He chose to come to the
mountains to regain his health.
Finally the young man said that when he
was a young boy he had been in a wreck, and
a family by the name of Graham had taken
and now they were educating him. Mr. and
Mrs. Green were very much interested in this.
They then asked him his name. He said that
it was Jamie Graham, but that his name used
to be Jamie Green. Then Mr. Green told
Jamie how he and Mrs. Green had been in a
wreck and they had lost their little boy and
supposed him to be dead all of these years.
It is impossible to relate the pleasure of the
father, mother and son.
Jamie said that his greatest regret was that
he had had to miss so many Thanksgiving
dinners.
________ BELLE SMITH.
Raymond B. Sanford, of Cornell, is at
present the "champion cheap dieter of the
college world." Since last July he has lived
on eighty-five cents a week. All of which '
goes to show, Eis Howells said of Thoreau’s
Walden Pond experiment, that "a man can
live like a woodchuck if he cares to."
Grove City has recently received a gift of
$30,000 from a Pittsburg member of the
Board of Trustees, Mr. Buhl, and a bequest
of $30,000 from the estate of the late J. N.
Pew, Edinboro, ’68.
Harris Thompson
The Best
Millinery Stales
Are Here
Nothing the
Least Bit
Ordinary
The woman wishing to
make the selection of her
hat a pleasure will welcome
the opportunitp which our
collection of choice fashions
grants.
%
All the Leading
Stples are Here
We will not attempt to
I describe them, but rather
emphasise our established
reputation oF‘making good’'
in the originalitp of the
stgles, qualitg of materials
and workmanship. We must
also mention that the prices
asked are far less than
others'. We specialise on
hats at
$3.75, $5, $7.50
9 E. 9th ST, ERIE, PA.
and $10.
See our line of Fire Arms,
Fishing Tackle, Cutlerg,
Athletic Goods, Mechani
cal and Electrical Togs, &c
•
.......................... .............
HENRY J. SEVIN
9th and State Streets
ERIE, PA.
Choice Pictures and Picture Frames
Artists^ Materials
15 W. 7th St.
iH»-.
ERIE, PA.
................ -.........
Trask
Prescott Richardson Co.
rfti
;:J
•-^JTHE
P age Eight
■
Ifs a store that was founded
in 1852 on such principles f
that have built for Erie
a great store.
THESE
PRINCIPLES
ARE:
Recommending nothing which is
not a true value; if found other
wise, a return of goods and re
fund of moneg.
Alwags on the lookout for the new
things, and when such things
are created in the fashion cen
ters of the world that co-operate
with good stgle and good judg
ment, theg're brought forth arid
recommended to gou, and noth*
ing that represents an exhorbitant profit
force of intelligent sales peopl<^
striving to be of service to gou.
store where visitors are welcome
the same as customers to stroll
about and feel at the same ease
as theg would in their own
homes.
\ J
WARNER BROS.;
ERIE, PENN’A
f
'
Philo-Potter Contest.
Although we are living in the twentieth
centuiy still we find that The Birch Rod is
very effective in stimulating action when ap
plied at the psychological moment. The
literary societies were the victim of such an ap
plication a few weeks ago. Philo, being the
youngest, felt the sting most keenly. They
acted accordingly and challenged their sister
society to a literary contest which was held in
Normal hajl November 1 6.
Said contest consisted of five numbers valued
as the following: Debate, four points; oration,
three points; recitation, two points; vocal solo,
one point; piano solo, one point, making a
total of eleven points.
The music judges were: Miss Berst, Erie;
Mr. Moses; Cambridge Springs; Mr. Culbert
son, Erie. The literary judges were: Mr.
Laverly, Edinboro; Mr. W. E. Dimoriei,
Erie; Rev. Bruce S. Wright, Erie.
The hall was beautifully decorated with
yellow chrysanthemums and white roses. Philo
and Potter banners were artistically arranged
above the rostrum. A large appreciative
audience assembled early in the evening, each
person anxious that his or her society should
win.
Verna Markel, Potter, opened the program
with the recitation ”As the Moon Rose."
Geneva Babcock
gave the recitation
"Robert of Sicily."
Esther Averill, Philo, sang the beautiful
song, "Rosalie." Nina Swift sweetly sang
"Dainty Dorothea."
*
Arthur Johnson’s oration, "A Plea for the
Forests," was followed by Philo oration, "Edu
cation Lessens Crime," by Charles White.
Madaline Scott, Philo, played "Dance of
the Demons." Vera Steadman played "La
Regata Veneziana."
The debate—"Resolved, that immigration
should be further restricted by an illiteracy
test.” Affirmative, Walt Whitman, Quincy
Vincent, Potter: Negative, Charles Marsh,
Hubert Bentley.
All who heard the contest said it was the
evenest contest that they ever heard. Mr.
Baker, chairman, said that every one did so
well it would be difficult to tell who won. But
the judges decided that Philo won the reci
tation and debate. Potter won the oration
and music, making a total of Philo, six points;
Potter, five.
The Birch Rod would be in favor of the
societies challenging some High School or
Normal to a literary contest next term. We
think it would be as feasible to meet these
schools in literary as well as athletic contests.
Mr. Bames will occupy the pulpit of Rev.
Dr. Thomas Byrnes, at Erie, on December
1 5, both morning and evening.
chluraff Floral Co.
Leave all orders for
flowers with The Birch
Rod. We order them
free of charge bp tele
phone.
\
MASONIC TEMPLE
ERIE, PA.
People’s Barber Shop
J. H. BENNETT, Prop.
shaving
Hair Cutting
I
Shampooing
NWWS DEPOT.
DAILY and SUNDAY
PAPERS
Students alwags welcome
; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
SCHOOL of
ENGINEERING
fstablished
1824
*
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
TROY. N.Y.
^end for a Catalogue.
DANNY SULLIVAN
■■I
Ladies' and Gents'
TAILOR
luits Cleaned and Pressed
—----- 50c ................
Edinboro Hotel
E. J. SWANSON, Prop’r
Mfals and Lunches at all
*i
Hours.
41
id^ CREAM
OYSTERS
John V. Laver
FLORIST
.T
ii
-
Greenhouses: E. 6th St.
f Store: 704 State St, Erie.
PHONE YOUR ORDERS.
' j,.-■>■' ■■
The Birch Rod
OF THE EDINBOUO STATE NORMAL SCHOOL
Volume II
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1912
THANKSGIVING HYMN.
(Tune—“Old Hundred”)
^
O Thou great Life enfolding ours, •
Eternal Father, Love Divine,
We would, throughout these festal hours
Give Thee the homage that is Thine.
For home and those who love us there.
For time of toil and joy of play.
For friends and kindred everywhere.
Our gratitude be Thine alway.
For peace, for comfort, and for cheer.
For every strife of conscience won.
For courage and contentment here.
For dreams achieved and duty done ;
For discipline in failure found.
For blessing born of bitter tears.
The grace that grows from error owned.
The steadfast faith to face our fears;
For souls that daily wiser grow.
For all that makes us glad and strong.
For all we have, and are, and know,
Our voices rise in thankful song.
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER AT
HAVEN HALL.
Many Alumni Present.
The dinner that was served on Thanks
giving day was the very best ever served in
Haven Hall, not only in variety, quantity and
quality, but in the pleasant atmosphere of good
will and fellowship that seemed to prevade the
air. No dinner is a success without these two
qualities. The former without the latter would
be no dinner at all, but with both blended in
due proportion each is in harmony . with the
other. Of the two the latter is even more
gratifying than the former, so with both these
qualities in abundance any dinner would be a
success, and especially so was ours.
Full credit may be given to our steward,
Mr. Dundon, and his assistants for doing their
part well. But the alumni, faculty and students
are responsible for adding the other essential
quality, that quality that can be compared
only with the joy of eating Thanksgiving
dinner at home with mother.
It will not be necessary for me to paint a
a word picture of the beautiful decorations and
artistic aurrangement of the tables which was
different from and surpassed anything of previous
years. The many alumni who were here
know, and those who were not can only be
sorry, with us, that they missed it.
One of the most pleasant features of the
hour was the after dinner speeches. Harry
Weaver, ’ll, was toastmaster and those who
responded were: Mr. Baker, Mr. and Mrs.
Swift, ’95; Floyd Bathurst, ’10; Roy Blair,
11; Ray Bradshaw, ’ll; Arthur Johnson,
’13; Esther Averill, ’14; John Harbaugh, ’15;
Helen Jackson, ’16; Miss Roberts, Mr.
Sackett, Mr. Siddell, Mr. Barnes, Miss
Powell, Miss Sturgeon, Mr. Snyder, Mr.
Gleason, Miss Hauser and Mrs. Baker.
Many school songs were sung. We were
pleased to have so many alumni take dinner
with us. We only wish that it may be
possible for you all to come back to your Alma
Mater next Thanksgiving.
Varsity Wins from Titusville.
The local eleven showed real team work
when they went into the game November 23,
and defeated Titusville High School 5 to 0.
The Normal boys received the kick-off and
quickly carried the ball by a series of line bucks
and end runs to Titusville’s twenty yard line,
when, on the fourth down, DeRemer kicked a
field goal.
Titusville rallied from this sudden surprise
and played a stiff game. It was indeed clever
to see their right end take the ball bn a’ fake
forward pass and try for a wide end run. Gra
ham invariably broke through their interference
and got the man with the ball.
Shriver also
played a star game at left end. The ball was
carried or punted back and forth across the
field, but nearly always within thirty yards of
the center until the first half ended.
At the beginning of the second half Titus
ville lost the ball on downs.
Edinboro again
made good gains and tried another field goal,
but the ball hit the crossbar and bounded
back.
The boys in red and white kept the
ball in their opponents’ territory most of the
time, but could not score.
The fourth quarter started with the ball near
the center of the field.
Both teams were de
termined to win.
DeArment, Richey and
Harbaugh played havoc on their opponents’
line, breaking up play after play. Green play
ed a good thinking game. Hood, Leach and
Matthews did splendid team work in the back
field.
Leach punted across Titusville’s goal.
As a Titusville man was endeavoring to carry
the ball back Green tackled him behind the
goal line just as the whistle blew, time up.
Both teams played a good fair game.
No. 6
ALUMNI-NORMAL BASKETBALL.
Normal Boys Play Good Game but
Alumni Wins by One Point.
At a quarter past four on November 29, the
gymnasium was crowded with spectators to see
the first basket ball game of the season be
tween the Alumni and Normal boys.
Harry Weaver,’1 1, and Charles White,
1 3, captains of the respective teams, assigned
the players to their positions and the ball was
put in play. For several minutes the crowd
watched with interest as the ball was passed
from player to player, and many attempts to
shoot goal resulted in failure. The silence was
broken when Obert shot a foul basket.
The boys, although not in practice, showed
that they remembered the game and were de
termined to win it.
A deafening shout for
Hood told that he had shot a basket. And in
a few moments Gillaspie returned the compli
ment. White and Hood each shot a foul
basket and the first half ended with the Nor
mal three points ahead.
Shortly after the second half started Weaver
dropped the ball through the ring. The
alumni boys took on new courage and the
game increased in vigor. The passing was
very good on both sides. White shot a bas
ket from near the center of the field and de
feat for the alumni seemed certain. In the
last few minutes of the game Blair and Stead
man each shot a basket. When the whistle
blew time up the score board showed Normal
7—Alumni 8.
The line up was:
Alumni
Normal
Blair, ’ll------------------ R, F----------------- Obert-Miller
Gillaspie, ’12L. FHood
Piggott - - ----------- ------ C-------- ------------------ White
Steadman, ’09, )
t>r
i Matthews
Whipple ’10, )
..................
( Shriver
Weaver’ ’H--------------L. G.Leach-Graham
The Football Team Banquet.
Saturday evening, November 30, a banquet
was arranged by the male members of the
faculty for the football team. The team, ac
companied by Mr. Baker, Mr. Hayes and
Mr. Snyder, was supposed to leave on the
five forty-five car, but as the car was an hour
late the company had to wait at the station.
It was rather cold waiting, but several
sympathized with Obert in his view that he
could eat more when once he got a chance.
After reaching Cambridge the members of
^Concluded on page seven.)
Page Two
THE BIRCH ROD
Literary Societies
POTTER LITERARY SOCIETY.
suggest that they win the annual contest, which
should be held every fall term, and prove to
the students that they are entitled to it. So
what are you going to do about it a-n-y w-a-y?
THE EDITORS.
Philo-Everett Society.
A Protest.
"Impartial readers of the Birch Rod have
noticed and commented on the fact that the
editorship of The Birch Rod is in the hands of
persons whose partiality is all too apparent. It
is a fact that on the published list of the
editorial staff of The Birch Rod four of the
editors who are in school are members of the
Philo society and the other two are not society
members. This may account for the fact that
the biased comments upon society affairs are
spoken of so openly among the students. This
attitude of partiality is indicated in the very
first issue and has been consistently maintained
since. The Potter society is the oldest society
of the school and in the first issue, instead of
having the first place to which its age entitled
it, a secondary place was given it. The sub
sequent issue contained little (slams) without
sufficient foundation and continued unfavorable
comments upon the bias of the editors resulted
in a half apology inconspicuously placed. The
writer further protests that the editors have not
hewed to the straight line of truth, in reporting
society news, as a single illustration note what
was said concerning the challenge for the recent
contest.
The edition of October 14 states that Potter
was challenged but conveys the impression
that Potter was loath to accept the challenge.
As to a matter of fact the challenge was ac
cepted within one-half hour after being re
ceived, hence is easy to see no time was lost
in deciding to accept it.
The result of the contest is known. It was
ah excellent one and neither society has reason
to be ashamed of its representatives. The
fact that Potter won three events to Philo two
and Philo six points to Potter five shows how
close the contest was. In the light of these
facts and others that might be cited Potter
claims the right of fair treatment editlonally at
the hands of the Philo editors of The Birch
Rod.
Visitors have been very kind in their com
ments concerning the excellence of programs
and have expressed their approval of Potter’s
quiet and effective mode of work, and of the
becoming modesty which characterizes the
society as a whole compared with the spirit of
bragodocio which is wont to characterize
literary societies that feel the necessity of patting
themselves on the back."
We take pleasure in publishing the above
protest. If Potter wishes to hold first place we
We are more than pleased with the pro
gress that Philo is making this year. The
orchestra is doing exceptionally well, although
organized only last month. They have played
at the Methodist church and chapel hall on
special occasions, besides providing excellent
music for the society.
On November 30, Philo held a special
social hour after the regular program for the
benefit of the alumni. The important features
of the social hour were talks by Mr. Gillaspie,
’ 1 2; Misses Huff, ’ 1 2; Perry, ’12; Babcock,
’12; Magnuson, ’12; White, ’ll. Special
music by
the orchestra.
Refreshments.
Games. It was the best social hour of the
term.
The regular program for the evening was as
follows:
Roll call answered by short stories.
Music_______________________________ Orchestra
Recitation._________________ _____ _ Marjorie Fisher
Quartet•__..Mable Morton, Esther Averill
Leo Amagost, Leonard White
Recitation_________________________ Joseph Tucker
Piano DuetRuth Proudfit, Lois Williams
Dialogue, “Matrimonial Advertisement”
Gladys McIntosh, Ruth Kidder, Edna Seavy,
Jerome Rusterholtz, Vincent Hayes
PoUer Society.
especially delighted to meet so many of their
former members. They are very loyal mem
bers, all, and graphically describe the former
honors and achievements of "our society." In
order to try to show them the good fellowship
now existing in the society, and the quality
and kind of work we are doing, we invited
them to a regular meeting held on Saturday,
November 31. The regular program con
sisted of quotations and readings from Edgar
Allan Poe with additional numbers of music.
Then ah informal party was held and it was
discovered that Edward is most clever in guess
ing charades. It was hard work to make him
stop playing long enough to eat a sandwich.
How long Floyd’s face was when he heard
some one mention "going home" and also heard
the "retiring bell."
n
NORMAL LECTURE COURSE
FALL TERM
1 Nov. 11-..............-.............- - Hon. Frank J. Cannon 1
I Dec. 7--------------- ;--------------------------Dixie Chorus i
I
WINTER TERM
|
I Jan. 18-------- ------------ --------Seumas MacManus |
I February 19................................ ........ Aida Quartette j
♦ March I---------------— ----------------Byron J. Piatt |
j
SPRING TERM
j
I April 14------------------------------------ Edward Reno ;
The Magician
.
May 2------------------------------Edward Amherst Ott J
Every one was glad to see so many alumni
here for Thanksgiving. The Potters were
Last number to be filled later.
Edinboro State Normal School
;
|
Sept. 28--------------------------- ----------- Haig Arklin |:
Art and Art Interpretation.
|
IZ STANDS FOR
'
'
ZI
A HIGH STANDARD OF SCHOLARSHIP
THE AMATEUR SPIRIT IN ATHLETICS
WHOLESOME SOCIAL ASSOCIATIONS
...... ...............rZZIlT ALSO
BELIEVES IN AND SUPPORTS
' The Birch Rod
Address the Principal
Edinboro, Pa.
J
i
THE BIRCH ROD
Page Three
Alumni of Society Gives Program.
The Alumni, under the efficient management
of Floyd Bathurst, gave a very interesting pro
gram in Normal Hall Friday evening, Novem
ber 29, from 6 to 7:30.
The program was as follows:
Piano Duet________________ _____ ____ Misses Mills
Elssay----------------------------- ------------ Jennie Magunson
Cornet Solo..John Rusterholtz
Reading----------------------------------------- Myrtle Norman
Oration--------------------------------- ---- -----Arzie Gillespie
Vocal Solo------------------------------- ------ Hazel Duggan
The program was of unusual excellence
and interest, not only because it was conducted
by the Alumni but because the ones taking
part were leaders in society work while at
school and were especially tactful in the
particular part they took.
Greater Erie’s Greater Store—Boston Store
■J
■
Wade Frat.
The following is an account of the happen
ings at the Wade house, published for the
benefit of all who are interested:
First one up best one dressed at the Wade
frat.
All members of our house are highly elated
over an additional membership, by name,
Hiram Wayne Cummings, who joined our
ranks, for better or worse, on November 1 st.
Hiram is energetic and courageous in all
his school duties. Although he does possess
some very peculiar characteristics such as
enormous outbursts of laughter and frequent
excursions, suck as night mare and chasing rats.
■
If
We are very thankful for the recovery of
our two members, Rby and Silvan, who were
victims of the epidemic of our school.
Every Department
At the present time we are showing New Fall
Goods in everg department and are glad to have our
out-of-town customers inspect the showings to their
hearts'' content
MILLINERY DEPARTMENT is a charming
place for the women and girls. The hats this season
are nobbier than ever, the stgles being most practical
and wearable. No difpcultg whatever for ang one to
be suited with a hat from our varied assortments.
Then, too, we execute orders to the minutest detail.
Just give us an idea of what gou want—or we will
Supplg the idea, too, if gou choose.
DRESS GOODS and SILKS Departments are
particularlg interesting just now, and the CLOAK and
SUIT Department, 2nd floor, is the nucleus of interest.
Coats and Suits for Fall are here in wide assortment
and the prices, as usual, are the lowest possible.
SHOES, perhaps the first essential in the fall ap
parelling, are here in the new lasts and stgles of
leather—both tan and black. Suedes, etc. Walking
Shoes, Dress Shoes, Semi-dress Shoes and partg slip
pers to suit everg taste.
While we mention the above departments particu
larlg, we do not mean that theg should overshadow the
mang other departments in the store which are show
ing equallg as interesting Fall Merchandise—Men's
and Women’s Underwear, Hosierg, Blankets, Flannels,
Corsets and Gloves, Upholsterg and Curtain Dept., 2nd
floor. Shirt Waists and Muslin Underwear—all con
tribute their quota to the fall displag.
John, although not a victim of the measles,
has suffered intensely because of the sympathy
he extended to the one whom he feared would
never again possess so WHITE a complexion.
One night not long ago while Don was tak
ing one of his extended excursions to Slumberland, Nevin and Scottie entered his sleeping
chamber with the plan of a tragedy on their
minds.
Nevin produced the goods while
Scottie administered the same on the pillow
close to Don’s nose.
"First a whiff and then a K-whoo,
Then came an enormous cha-choo,
And oh! how the snuff flew."
The villains lay stretched upon the floor
with laughter holding both their sides. Later
the gas being lighted, Don was found in the
center of the bed on his hands and knees still
continuing the process of ejecting air through
his nose.
Percy D. Haughton, ’99, has been re
engaged as head coach of Harvard football
teams at an increase over his present salary,
which is $7,000 a year. The appointment is
for another five-year period.
New Fall Goods in
ERIE DRY GOODS CO.,
State Street, Erie, Pa.'
■
■
\
Page Four
THE BIRCH
THE BIRCH ROD
A fortnightly newspaper edited by the stu
dents of The Edinboro State Normal
School, and published at the print
shop of the Edinboro
Independent.
TERMS—This newspaper will be supplied for the
school year, 1912-13, for the sum of fifty cents, or
five cents a copy.
This.paper is entered as second-class mail matter at
the postoffice at Edinboro, Pa.
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles Marsh: Donald Richey
Athletic Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hubert Bentley
News Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice Walker
Alumni Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DavidS. McGuire
Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William T. McKelvey
Assistant Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Harbaugh
The Young Men’s Christian Association.
The Thanksgiving lesson taught by Mr.
Siddell was very practical and the boys were
inspired by the ideals of "the reason why we
should be thankful." Many comments were
given such as: "That was the best Thanks
giving lesson I ever heard." "I did not know
that we had so many things to be thankful for."
The thoughts gained by Mr. Baker on the
effects of a clear conscience the following Sun
day were a source of strength and spiritual
development to all present.
The Bible class, organized this term by the
association, is meeting with success. Mr. Sid
dell is teacher. The boys assemble in Mr.
Snyder’s parlor at 9:30 on Sunday morning.
They are now studying the book of Genesis.
All the boys are cordially invited to join the
class.
Dixie Chorus.
The Dixie Chorus, which appears in Nor
mal Hall Saturday evening December 7, com
prises eight people trained by Mr. Ralph Dun
bar of the famous Dunbar Quartet. The com
pany carries a thousand dollars’ worth of cos
tumes and scenery and presents the story of
300 years of the negro race. ’ The entertciinment is known as "The Epic of the Negro,"
and much of it is rendered in the pleasing form
of song and cantillation. Much of humor and
light sentiment are woven into the stately move
ROD
ment. The voice character in this rendition
will take the part of the old time colored
preacher and other familiar characters of the
southland.
The scenes begin with life in tropical
Africa. The second part shows slavery in
America.
Then comes the old plantation
songs and scenery. In conclusion the eman
cipation of the negro from slavery is presented,
followed in turn by his emancipation from ig
norance.
This entertainment is also presented as an
effort to do justice without extravagance and to
voice an appreciation of the heroic efforts of
that Moses of his people, Booker T. Wash
ington, and the Tuskegee Institute, which has
become the Canaan to which he is leading a
singing race.
Stradivarius
“
Watch Us Grow.
Cor. 11th and State, Erie, Pa.
t
Fall and Winter
♦
Osborne - Norman Co. I
Ready - to - Wear
is readg for rout in
spection.
Quartet Company in
Normal Hall.
The people of Edinboro were given a rare
treat November 29, when they listened to
selections played by skilled musicians on the
most famous violins in the world.
The musicians were Newton D. Hawkins,
solo violin; Georgia Price Hawkins, violin;
David Caughey, viola; Walter Caughey, cello;
assisted by Mrs. Walter Schleicher, soprano;
Gertrude Sechrist Relnecke, contralto; Georgia
Price Hawkins, harp; Otto ■ Ebisch, ac
companist.
The violins were made by Antonius Stradi
varius, greatest of all violin makers. He did
his work so well that, although more than a
century has elapsed since he became famous
as "The Master Luthier," no one has since
been able to duplicate the excellence of his
art. The greatest of poets and writers have
paid tribute to his genius. He thought him
self divinely commissioned and labored at his
profession until past four score years and ten.
His violins now find a ready market at ten
thousand dollars each. The program through
out was excellent. The quartet was exceptional,
with only one other of its kind in the world.
It stands almost without a rival. The solos did
not take second place in the minds of many.
Doubtless it was the best musical number ever
given on the lecture course.
Wellesley has inaugurated an innovation—
an official to be known as the "visiting
councilor" whose duty is to keep in touch
with Wellesley clubs and graduates all over
the country and effect as large as possible a
measure of co-operation between the college
and her graduates.
Yale this week dedicated Wright Hall, its
finest freshman dormitory, built by alumni con
tributions as a memorial to former Dean Henry
P. Wright.
The most complete assort■ I
ment in sizes, stples and
materials to be found
at this busp store.
X
Osborne - Norman Co. !
............................
THE BIRCH ROD
A Comedy in Three Acts
Young men who wear
T. & L. Shoes fairlg
glide through
life.
The best dressed goung
men select
T. &
‘
l:s”
Thais one reason whp
they are the best dressed.
$3.50
$4.00
$4.50
$5.00
TROST & LACEY
Home of Good Goods
828 STATE ST, ERIE, PA.
"Mrs. Briggs of the Poultry Yard," given
Thanksgiving evening, under the auspices of
Young Women’s Christian Association, was a
splendid success. The cast of characters was
well chosen and under the instruction of Miss
Hauser they did nearly as well as professional
actors.
Verna Markel, acting the part of Mrs.
Briggs, was indeed a woman of business abil
ity. Her family—Ralph, Jimmy, Alvira and
Melissa — were represented respectively by
Ward DeRemer, Marley Leach, Ethel Case
and Ethel Williamson, and were her only care,
except her chickens and her goat.
Adlla
Dickey, acting the part of Silas Green, a near
relative, showed talent on the stage.
John
Harbaugh represented the character of Mr.
Lee and Lois Williams was his daughter, Vir
ginia.
Nina Swift was Daisy Thornton,
Virginia’s friend.
Ora Hasbrouck was Mrs.
O’Connor, who had a mania for goats. Helen
Bathurst took the character of Mandy Bates
and proved her ability as an all around helper.
By the vote of all it was absolutely the very
best play that has been given so far this term.
And we doubt if it will be surpassed this year.
The proceeds, clear of all expenses, are
$70.40.
____ ______
Sudden Uprising on Third Floor—In
ternational Complications Nar
rowly Averted.
Room 35, Nov. 22.
A report hzis just reached here saying that
international warfare between Venezuela and
Brazil has been but narrowly avoided. It ap
pears that a very linguistic citizen of Venezuela
contracted a serious case of "grouchitis" and
began reviling things in general, and a quiet,
unobtrusive Brazilian in particular.
This set
up a simple idea in the mind of the Brazilian,
which in turn caused internal disturbances.
Thus by reacting upon the mind these distur
bances created a feeling which gave rise to ex
ternal demonstrations, and now the warlike cit
izen of Venezuela scratches his head six inch
es nearer its center of gravity than ever be
fore.
The matron has been busy gathering up
stray fragments of such words as "carramba,"
"pendejo," and "carajo," but no serious damage
has been done.
The two insulted South American citizens
laid their case before their floor teacher and
Mr. LaBounty in his mild way reminded them
that Thanksgiving would soon be here.
The
boys were so enraptured at the thoughts of a
turkey dinner that they forgot their disagree
ments and for the present, at least, their re
spective countries will not be plunged into the
horrors of South American warfare.
Page Five
Everything
THAT IS NEW
IN UP-TO-DATE
Headwear
Popular Prices
$3.00
$1.50
$2.00
We make a special effort to
cater io the young men
The Derbp Hat Co.
908 State Street
ERIE, PA.
Holmquist Photo Co.
EXPERT DEVELOPING
AND FINISHING
Columbia Graphophones and Records
622 State Street, 0pp. Postoffice
ERIE, PENNA.
THE BIRCH
Page Six
Haven Hall Notes.
Lois Williams has been radiant with smiles
this week because her mother came to visit her.
Cynthia’s sister, Lillian Frame, came to visit
her over Thanksgiving.
Mrs. Baker entertained the "slang girls"
Tuesday afternoon and made herself so popular
with them that it is feared her English
may be contaminated. Let’s have another
contest!
If any one has missed Marian Judd in the
dining room lately just lay it to that box from
home.
Miss Ham had a party Monday afternoon.
Oh the joys of a chafing dish and Miss Heun
for a hostess!
Okie Cline visited us last week and she is
as cheery and smiling as ever.
Helena Jackson and Elizabeth Fowler spent
Sunday in Oil City at Helena’s home.
Verna: "Yes, and you have no style for
beauty." Verna is worse than ever since she
impersonated Mrs. Briggs.
Flora Dawley hurriedly looked us over Sun
day, decided that we were much improved
and really made quite good seniors. Thanks.
Yens: (thinking about a song) "Do you
know "Calvary?"'
Alice: "No; what’s his first name?"
We certainly were glad to see Jennie Perry,
Irene Crouch, Helen Loomis, Allein Babcock
and Alice Huff here this week. They all had
good 1912 toasts written even if the toast
master did say he couldn’t find any one to
represent the class.
In the middle of all our Thanksgiving
frivolity six poor girls had to be locked up in the
hospital ward at the north end of the hall.
Aren’t measles the measliest things anyway!
We are glad to see most of them back at
classes again now.
Esther Averill took her sister Margaret to
church Sunday morning.
Myrtle Norman made her first visit as an
alumnus last week. She would like to come
back to school again and we would like to
have her.
The slang banquet was a gorgeous exquiligent success. The losers proved themselves
no mean caterers and the winners feel almost
repaid for the agony endured during two long
weeks of Noah Webster. Although the place
cards had for-get-me-nots on them and were
voted unnecessary if not positively unkind, and
all the worst expressions of the winning six
were read aloud in glee by the others, they
were forgiven all this on account of the ex
cellency of the salad.
The cleverest toast: Three weeks and two
ROD
days ago these girls brought forth in Room
Seven an anti-slang league, conceived by the
brilliant------ , and dedicated to the proposition
that one day we should attain a state so near
angelic that we could hold converse with a
Shakespeare. Now we are in the last final
agonies of our struggle, trusting whether our
stomachs or any stomachs so crammed and so
loaded can longer endure. We are met on
one of the battlefields of that struggle; we have
come to dedicate a portion of our grateful
thanks to those who sacrificed good English
words that this bounteous banquet might be
possible. It is altogether fitting and proper
that they should do this for us, but in a larger
sense we cannot blamecate, we cannot condemnicate; we cannot criticize their slang since
we ourselves have been guilty of so many
similar offences. Our brave banqueters, living
and half dead, who eat here have done all in
their power to add and detract from our bill
of fare. The world will little note nor long
remember what we say here, but we can never
forget what we ate here. It is rather for us,
the winning side, to be here dedicated to the
task of consoling those unfortunates who kept
not their tongues from evil nor their lips from
speaking guile; that from these honored friends
we take increased devotion to that cause of
speaking our native language minus slang; that
we highly resolve that' this contest shall not
have been in vain; that these people under
Haven Hall shall no more murder the English
language and that cultivation of slang, for slang,
by slang, shall henceforth perish from these
halls.
Reeder Hall Notes.
Acker, Hummer,
Dickey, Daley and
Blakeslee are sick with the measles.
Harry Weaver, Roy Blair, Raymond Brad
shaw and Floyd Bathurst were here over
Thanksgiving.
Harold Hood went to Erie on Thanksgiving
to see the football game between Erie High
and Tonawanda.
Harold Miller and Joseph Trejchel spent
Thanksgiving day in Erie.
Miss Markel smashed a door glass.
Paul Webb injured his arm while playing
basketball.
The story of J. A. Bums and his achieve
ment in founding and maintaining a college—
Oneida Institute—among the
Kentucky
mountaineers in the feud counties of that state,
published in the December American, is of
striking interest and well worth reading.
The Harvard Employment Bureau found
opyortunities for self help during term time last
year for 45 1 students of the Universily.
The Active
Man
If Dou go in for football or ang
other sports gou realize the necessitg for having a handg slip-on
garment to wear. The verg gar
ment gou can wear at such a
time is a
Pennsglvania
Knit Coat
with unbreakable Mohair button
holes. We have them in mang
weights, models and colors, with
collars in various stgles. Everg
coat is fitted with the wonderful,
unbreakable Mohair button holes
that guarantee shape retention
and long life. Priced reasonablg.
Drop in and look them over.
H. G. GILLASPIE
EDINBORO, PA.
Home of Gold Seal Rubbers.
Page Seven
THE BIRCH ROD
The Football Team Banquet.
(Continued from page one.)
the team w^ent directly to the Riverside Hotel,
w^here supper was served at seven o’clock. A
large table beautifully decorated was arranged
for the team. During dinner Mr. Baker re
ceived by long distance telephone the follow
ing: "Message of congratulation to Mr. Hayes
and his team, who put the spirit of sport above
victory and have both."—Morgan Barnes.
After and excellent dinner, when every one,
even Leach, had eaten all he could, Howard
Green was elected captain of the football
team for next year. Then after giving a yell
for the new captain the boys spent the even
ing playing games, and were royally enter
tained as guests of the hotel.
At ten-thirty the team started for home,
arriving at Edinboro about eleven o’clock.
The most wonderful thing that happened dur
ing the whole evening was that everyone got
back, even Mr. Snyder.
The Return of Jamie Green.
(The following is a story written by one of the Model
School students.)
Mr. emd Mrs. Green lived in the mountains.
They wanted to see something of the city.
One day in August they started for New York
with their little boy Jamie, who was four years
old.
Mr. and Mrs. Green had nearly reached
New York when there was a terrible crash
and the car turned over on its side. A large
freight train had crashed into the passenger
train. The engineer, fireman, and all the peo
ple in the front of the train were killed. A
great many other people were injured. Every
body was excited, and in the rush and jam Mr.
and Mrs. Green lost Jamie. In a little while
they looked for him, but he could not be found.
There were some bodies that were so badly
bruised that people could not tell who they
were. It was supposed that Jamie was one of
these. Mr. and Mrs. Green felt very badly,
as Jamie was their only child. They, ho\vever, went on to the city, but their visit was
not as enjoyable as they thought it was going
to be. On Monday morning they started back
home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Green were very
sad when they returned, as they could think of
nothing but their Jamie.
Eighteen years had passed. Thanksgiving
time had come once more. Mrs. Green had
prepared a very delicious dinner, consisting of
turkey, cranberries, mince pie, cake with candies
on it, plum pudding, and many other goodies.
Just as Mr. and Mrs. Green were ready to sit
down to their Thanksgiving dinner there came
a rap at the door. Mr. Green answered the
call. He found that it was a young man who
wished to take dinner at some farm house.
Mr. Green went in and spoke to his wife
about sharing their Thanksgiving dinner with
the stranger. She was more than willing, and
soon the table was set for another person. The
stranger seemed to enjoy the dinner very much.
While talking with him Mr. and Mrs. Green
learned that he was attending a college, and
that the doctors had told him that he must have
rest and fresh air. He chose to come to the
mountains to regain his health.
Finally the young man said that when he
was a young boy he had been in a wreck, and
a family by the name of Graham had taken
and now they were educating him. Mr. and
Mrs. Green were very much interested in this.
They then asked him his name. He said that
it was Jamie Graham, but that his name used
to be Jamie Green. Then Mr. Green told
Jamie how he and Mrs. Green had been in a
wreck and they had lost their little boy and
supposed him to be dead all of these years.
It is impossible to relate the pleasure of the
father, mother and son.
Jamie said that his greatest regret was that
he had had to miss so many Thanksgiving
dinners.
________ BELLE SMITH.
Raymond B. Sanford, of Cornell, is at
present the "champion cheap dieter of the
college world." Since last July he has lived
on eighty-five cents a week. All of which '
goes to show, Eis Howells said of Thoreau’s
Walden Pond experiment, that "a man can
live like a woodchuck if he cares to."
Grove City has recently received a gift of
$30,000 from a Pittsburg member of the
Board of Trustees, Mr. Buhl, and a bequest
of $30,000 from the estate of the late J. N.
Pew, Edinboro, ’68.
Harris Thompson
The Best
Millinery Stales
Are Here
Nothing the
Least Bit
Ordinary
The woman wishing to
make the selection of her
hat a pleasure will welcome
the opportunitp which our
collection of choice fashions
grants.
%
All the Leading
Stples are Here
We will not attempt to
I describe them, but rather
emphasise our established
reputation oF‘making good’'
in the originalitp of the
stgles, qualitg of materials
and workmanship. We must
also mention that the prices
asked are far less than
others'. We specialise on
hats at
$3.75, $5, $7.50
9 E. 9th ST, ERIE, PA.
and $10.
See our line of Fire Arms,
Fishing Tackle, Cutlerg,
Athletic Goods, Mechani
cal and Electrical Togs, &c
•
.......................... .............
HENRY J. SEVIN
9th and State Streets
ERIE, PA.
Choice Pictures and Picture Frames
Artists^ Materials
15 W. 7th St.
iH»-.
ERIE, PA.
................ -.........
Trask
Prescott Richardson Co.
rfti
;:J
•-^JTHE
P age Eight
■
Ifs a store that was founded
in 1852 on such principles f
that have built for Erie
a great store.
THESE
PRINCIPLES
ARE:
Recommending nothing which is
not a true value; if found other
wise, a return of goods and re
fund of moneg.
Alwags on the lookout for the new
things, and when such things
are created in the fashion cen
ters of the world that co-operate
with good stgle and good judg
ment, theg're brought forth arid
recommended to gou, and noth*
ing that represents an exhorbitant profit
force of intelligent sales peopl<^
striving to be of service to gou.
store where visitors are welcome
the same as customers to stroll
about and feel at the same ease
as theg would in their own
homes.
\ J
WARNER BROS.;
ERIE, PENN’A
f
'
Philo-Potter Contest.
Although we are living in the twentieth
centuiy still we find that The Birch Rod is
very effective in stimulating action when ap
plied at the psychological moment. The
literary societies were the victim of such an ap
plication a few weeks ago. Philo, being the
youngest, felt the sting most keenly. They
acted accordingly and challenged their sister
society to a literary contest which was held in
Normal hajl November 1 6.
Said contest consisted of five numbers valued
as the following: Debate, four points; oration,
three points; recitation, two points; vocal solo,
one point; piano solo, one point, making a
total of eleven points.
The music judges were: Miss Berst, Erie;
Mr. Moses; Cambridge Springs; Mr. Culbert
son, Erie. The literary judges were: Mr.
Laverly, Edinboro; Mr. W. E. Dimoriei,
Erie; Rev. Bruce S. Wright, Erie.
The hall was beautifully decorated with
yellow chrysanthemums and white roses. Philo
and Potter banners were artistically arranged
above the rostrum. A large appreciative
audience assembled early in the evening, each
person anxious that his or her society should
win.
Verna Markel, Potter, opened the program
with the recitation ”As the Moon Rose."
Geneva Babcock
gave the recitation
"Robert of Sicily."
Esther Averill, Philo, sang the beautiful
song, "Rosalie." Nina Swift sweetly sang
"Dainty Dorothea."
*
Arthur Johnson’s oration, "A Plea for the
Forests," was followed by Philo oration, "Edu
cation Lessens Crime," by Charles White.
Madaline Scott, Philo, played "Dance of
the Demons." Vera Steadman played "La
Regata Veneziana."
The debate—"Resolved, that immigration
should be further restricted by an illiteracy
test.” Affirmative, Walt Whitman, Quincy
Vincent, Potter: Negative, Charles Marsh,
Hubert Bentley.
All who heard the contest said it was the
evenest contest that they ever heard. Mr.
Baker, chairman, said that every one did so
well it would be difficult to tell who won. But
the judges decided that Philo won the reci
tation and debate. Potter won the oration
and music, making a total of Philo, six points;
Potter, five.
The Birch Rod would be in favor of the
societies challenging some High School or
Normal to a literary contest next term. We
think it would be as feasible to meet these
schools in literary as well as athletic contests.
Mr. Bames will occupy the pulpit of Rev.
Dr. Thomas Byrnes, at Erie, on December
1 5, both morning and evening.
chluraff Floral Co.
Leave all orders for
flowers with The Birch
Rod. We order them
free of charge bp tele
phone.
\
MASONIC TEMPLE
ERIE, PA.
People’s Barber Shop
J. H. BENNETT, Prop.
shaving
Hair Cutting
I
Shampooing
NWWS DEPOT.
DAILY and SUNDAY
PAPERS
Students alwags welcome
; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
SCHOOL of
ENGINEERING
fstablished
1824
*
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical
TROY. N.Y.
^end for a Catalogue.
DANNY SULLIVAN
■■I
Ladies' and Gents'
TAILOR
luits Cleaned and Pressed
—----- 50c ................
Edinboro Hotel
E. J. SWANSON, Prop’r
Mfals and Lunches at all
*i
Hours.
41
id^ CREAM
OYSTERS
John V. Laver
FLORIST
.T
ii
-
Greenhouses: E. 6th St.
f Store: 704 State St, Erie.
PHONE YOUR ORDERS.
Media of