Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1915-12-21

IL CONTESTANTS TAKE PART
Miss Louise swanson, daughter .

Miss Louise Swanson, daughter Of
Mr.. and Mrs. Albert Swanson, re
ceived first place Friday night in
the home declamatory contest held
in Lincoln high school building
Miss Maude Melvin, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. j. s. Melvin, received sec.
ond place and Miss Myrtle Gustuson
daughter OF Mr.. and Mrs. C. G. Gus.
tYson, tied with Harley Monroe, son
olNMr. and Mrs. w. J. Monroe, who
reside southwest of this city, for
third place. This tie was dissolved
by the judges taking the averages OF
these two contestants, in which Miss
Gustuson was one point higher than
Harley Monroe.
The contest was probably the most
closely contested and the most even.
ly balanced Of any ever held in this
CITY,. Twelve contestants in the
three classes oratorical, dramatis
and humorous gave their readings
with ability, no hint Of rawness
which lis usually SO apparent in
such contests, being shown. The
judges were Prof. w. H. Brindley.
teacher or public speaking in the #.
Dodge high school; Supt. Robt.
smylie, superintendent Of the Lu-
verne schools, and Prof David H.
Munson. Of the department Of ora
tory in Ellsworth College, Iowa
Falls.
The comment was freely heard up
on all sides at the conclusion of the
program that the audience was glad.
individually. not to be compelled to
act as judges In such contest of real
merit.
The averages OF Harley Monroe ap-
peared upon the judges papers as
follows: SS, 80, 94.5; total--272.5.
Those OF Miss Gustuson were 91,s1,
91.5; total--273.5. The difference Of
1 point decided the question.
The program opened with two vio-
lin solos by Miss Audrey Johnstone,
accompanied on the piano by Miss
Helen Alexander, each receiving
hearty applause.
Manley Sweazey then gave his or
ation-"The Vengeance of the Flag
which was the only number in
this class. The lad has fine stage
presence and gave his selection very
well, considering the fact that he
was suffering with severe cold. as
were several other contestants also,
The Boys Glee club at this point
on the program gave a selection
which was heartily encored.
Miss Helen Hoyt opened the dra-
matte class with the difficult selec-
ton" "Hagar"--which is full of
dramatic possibilities, all of which
were finely interpreted by the talent
ed young reader.
"How the LeRue Stakes were
Lost''-perhaps the most dramatic
selection OF the evening. was given
by Miss Louise Swanson in fault
less manner. Many in the audience
accorded this selection in the win
ming class at the end of the reading,
for the clear voice, the capital enun-
citation and the forgetfulness of self
'evinced by the speaker.
Miss Lucille McCollough's inter-
pretation of "The Soul of the Violin"
was smooth and pleasant, and con-
sidering that It was the speakers
first appearance in contest, was
very we'll done, indeed.
MRS. Mavor's Story" was given by
Miss Ruth Maxon, who in her rem
dition displayed latent dramatic
ability which will grow by the us
ing. This was one Of the excellent
numbers.
The dramatic class was divided
from the humorous by a vocal solo
by Miss Faith Baber, accompanied on
the piano by Miss Mildred Hoot. This
number was also one of those which
elected an encore.
Harley Monroe opened the seven