The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1918-05-20
OCALA SOCIAL AFFAIRS
Continued from Third Page)
Graduation Exercises of the Eighth
Grade

There is often a disposition to
write lightly of eighth grade grad
yates and ironically comment on their
plans to regulate the affairs of life.
Those who have grown old, whose en-
thusiasm has grown weak, seem often
inclined to resent the optimism of the
young, but down in our hearts we
know we would give much of our hard
earned wisdom for their bright, clear
minds, which know not near so many
problems, but solve those that come
much easier and quicker than our
tirne-worn brains. And we also know
that not for anything would we take
away their happy optimism and force
upon them in their young and happy
days the pessimism that is apt to
come later. And this mornings ex-
ercises at the Temple showed most
fully that time, talent and much en-
thusiasm had been expended, and
splendid results realized. The program
was carried out almost perfectly by
the Al graduates, the stage being
most artistically decorated for the oc-
casion. The scenes were taken en-
tirely from American history, the
first representing Columbus at the
Court of Spain" Lawson Cassels as
Columbus looked his part so perfectly
that it was hard to realize we had not
in reality stepped back to the year
1892. King Ferdinand, represented by
Walter Troxler, received hearty ap-
plause, and Ruth Warner in royal
purple made perfect Queen Isabelle.
The ladies in waiting were perfectly
gowned and were Olive Whaley, Nan
ME Lou Watson and Maudie Marshall.
The courtiers were Harry Holcomb,
Earl Bryce, Harold Smith and Robert
Blowers.
The trial of John Smith was most
exciting, John Smith being represent
ed by Frank Cotton. Elizabeth Weth-
erbee made beautiful little Poca-
hontas as she pied for his life before
her father, Powhatan. Then followed
a scene of intense interest, which was
perfectly carried out. Frank Rentz
taking the part of Miles Standish ana
William Ruff as John Alden pied his
case with fine effect Miss Edith Ed
wards as Priscilla in her Puritan cap
and gown, brought down the house as
she uttered the quaint words, "Why
don't you speak for yourself, John ?"
The House of Burgesses was rep
resented by Harry Holcomb as Pat
rick Henry, Guy Lane as the pres1-
dent and the members of the house.
Harry Holcomb made a splendid pat
riotic speech. This was followed by
duet played by Elizabeth Wetherbee
and Olive Whaley. The scenes of the
revolutionary perior to the forgotten
scene of beauty was enacted when the
thirteen colonies with their represen.
tatives encircled the colonial danes as
they gave in perfect time a charming
colonial dance.
Olive Whaley as Betsy Ross en-
veloped in the U. S. flag recited with
splendid enunciation and most grace
fully ''Your Flag and My Flag" ana
Maud Lillian Little also recited in 3.
charming manner the sweet old
verses, "The Ride of Jennie McNeal.'
An exciting scene from the close of
the civil war followed, which was one
of the best of the whole play, and the
scenes of today representing Column
bia, Uncle Sam, President Wilson, the
states, army, navy, Allies and Red
Cross nurses were acted out with per-
feet taste and precision.
The song, "The Hope of the World, -
was very pretty, followed by a reci-
tation by Wilfred Harold, and the
program closed with the lovely and
patriotic song, ga Prayer for Peace.
Mrs. Moorhead is very neat
speech presented to Alma Priest, an
eighth grade pupil. a prize of a gold
watch offered by the Painter Ferti-
lizer Company for faithful work in
the canning club.
Mrs. William Hooker presented the
diplomas and made beautiful talk.
Miss Caroline Peyser played the
accompaniment in a very graceful
manner.
Miss Gertie Brigance is here from
Jacksonville for visit to friends.
Miss Merris Carroll arrived this
afternoon from ST. Petersburg to pay
visit to Miss Rose Wolff.
On account of the commencement
exercises, the Rebekahs will not hold
any meeting this evening.
Mrs. Allie Van Davis is here from
Crystal River, for a few days visit to
her mother, Mrs. Julian.
Rev. Bunyan Stephens, after a busy
but pleasant visit to Ocala, will re-
turn to his work at Camp Johnston
tomorrow.
Mrs. Ed Carmichael will spend the
summer at Manitou, Colo. While
missing her greatly, her friends sin
cerely hope she will have a pleasant
vacation.
The Temple devotees are looking
forward with pleasant anticipation to
tomorrow evening, when Theda Bara
in ''The Rose of Blood" famous Fox
production, will appear on the screen.
Mr.. Barney Spencer's wife and chill