The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-04-13
THE MICHIGAN CORRESPONDENT
A RETROsPECTION.

Recently was privileged to visit a
home of my early days, Akron, o., and so
much Of the past was made fresh that
cannot refrain from INDUCING in bit
of sentiment respecting early years at
Buchtel College, and the more bravely
incorporate this sentiment into this let
ter in the belief that my words may
reach the eyes of some Of those other
day companions at Akron. 1t is nearly
sixteen years since l was in those "a
miliar places. Then / was boy with
all the world before me. / was an un-
fortunate boy in those days, too, for l
was "Prexy's Boy" and the example to
all the college. l did not like the posi-
ton. 1t was not of my own seeking.
Yet cannot say that ever was willing
to give up my parentage even to get rid
of that misfortune. The position was
made as pleasant as possible for me. and
was the trusted chum with boys and
girls, but nevertheless I was "Prexy's
Son." and lost good deal of the spice
that belonged to the untitled students.
1t was for me not only to keep out of
the harmless jokes in which college
youth work off the surplus of steam, but
to avoid any semblance Of deviation
from the straight and narrow path. Yet
those were happy days, and 1 look back
with loving thought to those free, care
less seasons and the familiar friend
ships. Some of the ties formed then
reach out into more active life, and
from the number that once made pleas
ant that school life, l count many filling
honorable places as clergymen, college
professors, doctors, lawyers. teachers
and journalists. These old students
will go back with me to the days when
we slid down the east hill on contriv-
ances of barrel slaves; when we wal
lowed in the deep mud OF Middlebury
street, now Buchtel Avenue and glorying
10 brick pavement and electric cars; and
when we made up sleighing parties to
distant points, going off in glee on run.
ners and coming home in despair on
wheels. Some will recall tho fierce de-
bates in the Bryant Society, the regu-
lation dances in the big dining hall, and
the vacation candy pulls. Some of the
memories of those days are hung in
mourning now. for the stalwart form of
Mr.. Buchtel, and his CHEEKY voice are
gone. With him are departed many others
who formed part OF those active years
OF work. The city, too, is not what it
used to be. Statistics say it is twice as
large as in those other days; but 1t does
not seem one half as important as it
used to. How experience dwarfs things!
The distances of early life seem exceed
ingly miniature to us when we return
to them after many years. So it is in
everything; the more we learn the less
seems the amount that we have mastered.
In this city now growing more modern,
it is pleasing to note that the college
and the church have grown 10 CORE
spending extent and influence. The
progress of the College shows that its
friends have continued good to it, and
that it's foundation was we'll made. The
large chapel which used to be reserved
for state occasions has now superseded
the smaller chapel for the morning de-
votions, and the library has been forced
into the old chapel. 1t seemed strange
for me to stand on that upper chapel
platform. where l used to see such not
able personages seated on the occasions
OF large gatherings. l was thereby invi-
tation OF President Cone, who said every
clerical visitor must pay toll for his visit
to the college by conducting the morn
ing service. The only other occasions
when was invited to go upon that plat
form were when the chapel was crowded
with interested Pas and Mas to see their
children graduate, and we small boys
we're asked to sit on the edge of the plat
form. SO that the big folks might have
our chairs. l presume the hearers at
that special morning service wondered,
as used to when my father brought in
some stranger, who the visitor might be,
by what right he was invited, and why
he did not do some other way from what
he did. l would not go back again and
be that little boy. but ] am thankful
that while men come and go, and cities
change and grow, the mind can see as
yesterday those pleasures Of long ago
and gain the JOY Of retrospection.
THE AKRON CHURCH.
Ga Sunday l sat in church as a lay
man. My father supplied my own De
troit pulpit, that l might have rest
and l went away with the promise that
would give myself to the needed and
kindly provided rest, and l kept my
word. Added to that peculiar joy of
having no care myself, was the benefit Of
hearing most excellent sermon by the
pastor. Rev. Frank Thompson, on the
moral and spiritual helptulness of the
Universalist Church. IL was a strong
and helpful sermon. good for any one
who is doubtful il the church is good