From "The Massillonian 1916" –
Reminiscences of '16
The room is in darkness save for the blazing glow of the embers in the great open fireplace. Long, sparkling glances of light fall upon the form of an old lady, seated before the fire. They disclose a countenance which bears the marks of age, a countenance which has looked upon the sorrow as well as the joys of life; but which still retains the expression of a noble character.
Her hands rest lightly on the arms of her chair and there is a far away look in her wistful but beautiful eyes, for she is carried far into the past by the sudden rush of memories back to the scenes of her school days in M. H. S.
She sees the awe-stricken Freshie, gazing in open mouthed wonder at the Senior with Vergilian [sic.] brow or laughing, care-free and happy at the first party.
Then the all-important Sophomore appears, joking over the newly-arrived Freshies or proudly showing his skill in Geometry to some less brainy classmate.
Half smiling, the joys of Junior days occupy her mind. She remembers the struggle with the eloquent Burke and the reception tendered to the High School. She recalls the sound advice and fatherly solicitude of her old principal, the man well beloved by all the school and to every boy and girl is a friend. Her smile deepens as she thinks of her Junior love affairs. — But presently her look becomes more serious as her final year in dear old M. H. S. speeds on.
Here is the victorious football team, there the assembly of teachers and pupils in the chapel. One after another of the familiar scenes passes before her eyes until the class assembles for the last time in the auditorium. She views through falling tears the rewards of four years of labor, and she feels the same throb in her heart which she experienced when on that memorable night forty years ago, she said goodbye to friends and teachers.
But the fire is almost out, and sends its dying rays out over the silver hair of the musing old lady. The clock strikes twelve. She arises and brushing aside a tear gazes out upon the still night. Through the leafless branches of the trees she sees the chimneys of the old school building, standing out against the starlit sky. With wavering voice she repeats the loyal words of love to her cherished Alma Mater:
Wherever I may wander,
On land or on the sea,
One fond, sweet thought will linger,
The memory of Thee.
— R.G. '161
-------------------------------------------------
Footnotes:
1 - Believed to be Ruth Gesaman, Class of 1916