The Oread.
JULY, 1895.
F.A.W. SHIMER ADELIA C. JOY
Publishers and Proprietors
The chameleon takes on the color of its surroundings and is partially hid by assuming the shades of that on which it rests and feeds. The "new woman" is not only many hued but has various proportions and qualities as seen by different beholders. It is not that she changes but the prejudiced eye sees her according to his idea of what these latter days have, or ought to have, produced. Whatever her color, she is likely to be visible. To one she is the most perfect product of modern progress, while to another she is the outgrowth of "these degenerate times." The latter class grow hysterical over this "uneasy woman " who persists in not walking according to the ways of her grandmother; while the former see the dawn of a brighter day in her development. Between the two extremes, others place her, and praise or censure with different degrees of zeal. The new woman, as she sees her, was introduced by our friend, Mrs. Sawyer, at Reunion and now, in the columns of the OREAD, is presented to a larger circle. It is quite evident that this later day woman has found her way into the ranks of our alumnae, for Mrs. Sawyer herself is a striking example of that class who find that the present furnishes all the opportunities and privileges they desire and who makes good use of those offered. A home keeper with abundant hospitality, a student of language, history and literature, a lawyer by profession though not in practice, a speaker on occasions when the voice of a representative woman is to be heard, she rejoices in woman's progress and asks for no more than is now given. If it should happen that others are a little less optimistic in their views of present conditions, it will not prevent them from taking pleasure in making the acquaintance of the modern woman presented by our gifted friend.
Among the pleasant things in school-life this year has been the spirit of harmony that has existed among all. The faculty have been united and mutually helpful. Each one cared for the interests of the other, and this exerted a good influence over the students. It was gratifying to note the warm personal friendship betwen the teachers, and sympathy between them and the young women of the school. The senior class, too, was free from the petty strife that often manifests itself during the last year. The members of the class were upright and earnest, and helpful to the faculty in many ways. The senior class should be a strong force for good in a school, and next to the faculty, exert the greatest influence, and the class of '95 came near to this ideal. They were studious, too, as were also all the other students. In fact, the earnestness and studiousness of the pupils was noted throughout the year. Each one seemed to have a definite purpose, and to pursue it with zeal. On the whole, the year has been one of the pleasantest in the history of the school.
In December, Mrs. Shimer left for Florida, to spend the winter. All regretted to see her go, yet they knew it was best as her health demands a more genial winter clime than ours. Although she was away, her interests were here, and, from time to time, kind messages came from her to teachers and pupils. These were always appreciated. In May, her return was eagerly awaited, and it was with sadness that the news of her inability to return in time for Commencement was received. Only once before in all the forty-two years of the school's life had she been absent from the closing exercises, and then she was at the Seminary, but not able to be out. This seems a remarkable record. However, she returned on the seventh and was warmly welcomed by the twelve or fifteen teachers and friends who remained. Although late at night, part went to meet her and bore her in triumph from the car; the rest were ready to greet her when she drove up to the Seminary. Long may our "General" live! A. M.
One feature of the Art Department is the Saturday Sketch Class. This is free to all art pupils, and while the weather will permit is held out-of-doors; during the winter the members pose for each other in the studio.
During the winter an Art Club is held one evening a week to read of and discuss work that is going on in the Art world at large.
A branch of the Central Art Association of Chicago, which has at its head such men as Hamlin Garland, Lorado Taft and William French, has been established in Mt. Carroll and all Art Students will find it very helpful to join this. The club has regular meetings for study, and hopes to furnish occasional exhibitions or lecture courses sent out from the Central Association.
Letters from former students are always gladly and gratefully received by the Principals, though they find it impossible to reply to each. It is hoped that the OREAD will be received as an answer carrying with it the good wishes of Alma Mater for each of her daughters.
