The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-10-04
REyIVING OLD TINES.
The Reunion OF Seminary Boys with Their
Revered Principal of Long Ago.

An unusual spectacle might nave oeen VIII
messed yesterday afternoon by any one who
chanced to obtain q view of the Exposi-
ton grounds. Such a person would have seen a
number of gray-haired men engaged in playing
Shiny town ball, foot ball and games of that
character, with a degree Of zeal that would do
credit to q twelve-year-old. 1t was the occasion
of the tenth annual reunion of the Old Seminary
Boys, a society composed of the members Of one
OF the city's pioneer schools. It was known as
the Marion County Seminary, aud was located in
the southwest corner OF what IS now University
Park. The building was torn down about
1854, but there is q little stoue about two feet in
height which represents the middle OF the place
where the building stood. The institution
turned out of its halls. during the ten years OF
its prosperity. many men who have since be-
come noted all over the State, and some over
the country. The Society of Old Seminary
Boys was established ten years ago, and has
been holding annual reunions. Yesterday was
made particularly interesting by the presence of
DR.. Kempsr. the only surviving superintendent
OF the school, and who served in that capacity
from 1888 to 1916. DIR. Kemper was q man OF
great force of character and exceptional infu-
ence over young men. at the time he was a
resident OF this city he was one OF the best
known men in it, sharing honor with Henry
Ward Beecher. who then lived here, and who
was q warm friend OF the Doctor. Early yes
terday morning the members Of the soci-
ETY. to the number of about fifty, DR.. Kemper
among them, went to the Exposition Building.
accompanied by their families. From a distance
were DR.. Philip Gillette. superintendent or the
Illinois Insulation for the Deaf and Dumb, and
DR.. Calvin Fletcher, of Spencer, Ind. The TWO
hours preceding dinner were spent in an ex-
change OF greetings. some of those present hav-
ing not seen one another for many years. There
were many amusing and interesting reminis-
cences, which occupied the time until 1890.
when all present sat down TO q splendid dinner,
which had been prepared by the wives and
daughters of the members. 1t was a sumpt-
uous and highly sayory repast, notwithstand-
Ing tn e rather dubious bill Of fare which went
With /. The menu was rs as follows:
Leap Frog, Cat.
Bull Pen, Town Ball,
Hand Up. Antony Over,
Foot Ball, humble Peg.
Hat Ball. Roly Poly.
Hop Scotch. Prisoners Base,
Shiny, Crack Whip.
After dinner every one went into the room OF
the superintendent OF the Exposition grounds
and listened to songs and addresses. After the
singing of the Doxoloey DIR. Kemper led IN
prayer. Other hymns were sung, and then the
president OF the association, Col. Samuel Mer-
rill. arose and said:
Long ago we used to hear the big boys read
from Graca Maiora' something of tnis kind:
Once upon a time, ia old Athens, it was
Socrates's birthday. aud the boys of his school
brought him gifts. One poor fellow, whose sole
worldly possession WAS the robe that he wore,
hung back To the last; then sprane forward
with hueshsd face, excl.iniug: Socrates, I
have nothing to give you but myself DR..
Kemper, a half century ago We gave ourselves
TO yon Fifty years have wroughs no
change. You still retain our pro-
fouudest reverence and our rndying love-
n f---l -aA - Il
dress. in which be referred 20 his youth and TO
his connection with the Old Seminary. When
Is took charge of the institution some OF the
scholars were only six years younger than him.
! Coburn and Berry Sulerove, then had a wider
knowledge OF literature than himself. The Doc.
cor has always been a strong advocate for sports
for the children. When he had charge OF the
Old Seminary he found most OF the boys very
enthusiasric in their love for playing Shiny"
One day he noticed that some of the boys re-
NAMED by the stove at recess while the re-
m,ndsr went out to play, aud after
should occur vito England over this Northwest
boundary question the boys who ara gong to
have a hand in is are the ones who are the most
active on the playground After that the boys
all played shiny. AS one OF th-m expressed il,
I'm play ehinny II il kills me-" DR.. Kemper
also referred with pride to the careers Of some
Of the men, who, when boys, were under his
tutilsge In the Old Seminary. In conclusion. be
4 EDOkc u kU6 pEOkrSslOu ne Uhu AOOpteQ 8tter
leaving here-that of the ministry. he being now
pastor of the Presbyterian Church at South
Charleston, O.-and said that ii had been his
observation that every investigation made by
science had resulted only in extending the
Knowledge contained in the Bible, aud confirm
ing the truths uttered bv IL.
Brief addresses then followed py DIR. Gillette,
J-dee Taylor. Gen. Coburn. Austin ii. Brown,
Z .lvin Fletcher. Col. John W. Ray, Berry r..
Sulgrove. Samuel V. Morris. George w. Pitts,
Mrs. Kate Billiard, Mrs. Martin isos and Mrs.
Julia n. Moores. The slection Of officers for the
ensuing year then resulted as follows:
President-Joseph X. English.
Vicepresident-Bishop Osborne.
Secretary-Georgs z. Anderson.
Treasurer-Beni. F. Haugh.
Necroiogisr-Berry 4. Sulgrove.
The executive and finance committees and
the committee on fuance we're continued the
same as las: year. This concluded the indoors
meeting, and after the benediction had been
pronounced by DR.. kemper adjournment was
taken to thu athletic ground. where the old
boys contested with the Young boys in such old
time games Is shiny, football and the like.
About 3 o'clock the members scattered to their
homes, testifyine that the meeting had been the
most enjoyable ever held by the society. In the
evening DR.. Kemper received r number Of his
Indianapolis friends at the New Denison Hotel.
A Thief and AN IDcendiary.