1897

This is my last communication of the college year and I have in mind to sing of the cane of the class of '97. I have wondered if the old custom continues where the members of the senior class exchange autographed canes as a kind of autographed memento.

Examinations had been passed and a leisure time had come to the class of 1897, in the last days of the merry month of May, 66 years ago. We found old umbrellas, broke the ribs into two parts, sharpened one end of the broken part, put a cork on the other end to protect the hand and each member of the class gouged his name, or nickname on other canes.

I presume mine is today the only 1897 cane that still survives the years. If there are other canes that have not been left by the wayside, please let me hear from you.

This wooden autograph album has given through the 66 years a value I cannot express.

Names like "Pa," "Todd," "Hoddie," bring before me people I would not want to forget. The broken ribs of an old umbrella can build an autograph album which will continue to stand as a memorial when ink fades entirely away.

Class Notes Editor REV. 52 Williams St., Rutland, Vt.