The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-06-10
M E N, w o M E N
 A ND T HIN c s

highway about a year back began to notice an imposing structure going up. At first many thought it was to be a magnificent country home, but as the walls got higher it was seen that it was to be a modern school
 It's long cry from the little red schoolhouse." or rather the old un- painted one-room affair, to tine truly handsome and commodious building which now houses the Shades Cahaba High school. It evidences the rapid and permanent growth which is talk ing place just the other side of Red mountain.
 For some time the road had been closed which leads to it, but is now open to traffic. and the hundreds and thousands who use it will remark on the beauty of location and the ex- cellence of design which makes the one of the show ones in the whole state. and the pride of Jefferson county.
 have often said, If you don't want to hear me talk. don't ask me-" And I can also say, If you don't want me to dine with you, don't ex- tend the invitation" and to go a bit further, I can say, "If you don't want me to attend a commencement, don't ask me-" for I am sure to respond to any of the three invita- ations which 1 have enumerated. l never extend courtesy without wanting the person to whom it is extended to accept, and ] give those who ask me credit TOT being equally as sincere.
 So. when pr. N. R. Baker. superin- tendent of education in Jefferson county. teiephoned me that he would call by to take me over to the Shades Cahaba commencement to hear Dr. Guy R. Snavely, president of rmingham- Southern college, make the baccalaureate address, l accepted with pleasure, as I wanted to see the new building about which I had heard so much, and then l was anx- ious to hear the million dollar man" talk, as he is not very much given to it.
 I say this on the statement or one of the students of the Birmingham Southern, for when I asked him, How do you all like pr. Snavely?" quick as a flash he replied, Fine. And, why?" I questioned. Because" said he, "he has had two chances to talk at commencement and side- stepped both of them, and by so do- ing endeared himself to the student body" I merely give this little incl dent to show the way the wind blow eth among the boys. I daresay they do suffer much at the hands of or- ators, for president, faculty and even visitors are always orating at them.
 But I have better evidence than that of the student quoted, for whiie for years there has been talk about church union and better feeling be- tween the denominations, it has been slow in coming. but it's on the way Why do say this? I'll give my req son for so thinking, and after I have set it down in black and white, nc one will be able to controvert it, but it. will stand out conspicuousiy as gracious and fraternal deed
 Dr. Snavely actually cut short wonderful address as he said, Tn or der to divide with a brother so that the audience might hear him." I was that brother, and being Baptist. l count it the cleverest thing Meth odist preacher ever did for minis ter of another denomination. I my proachment between the various schools of religion. but I frankly ad- init that have not yet reached that fraternal point which I would be willing to share my time with one of a different faith.
 
 Superintendent Ward and his fac- ulty were most charming in their re- ocption of the patrons and the vis- itors. The rooms were thrown open for inspection. and l really mar yelled that they were so attractive from every standpoint. The building is we'll proportioned, solidly set. splendidly lighted, perfectly venti- lated. comfortably seated, thoroughly equipped. In fact, it is model high school building. for the purposes for which it serves.
 If there is anything sweeter and prettier than southern lassies gowned in white on the day of their grad uation. I have not yet run across it. quartet of them received their di- plomas, "the first who had ever done such a thing in the Shades-Cahaba valley for the past 5000 years" ac- cording to a witticism pulled off by pr. N. R.. Baker. But they won't be the last, for the day is dawning when | in nearly every home there will be sons and daughters who win prouo- lly frame the parchment received at the hands of their alma mater. IL was an inspirational visit, and came back to my desk glad that had wit- ne ssed the first commencement of high school in Shades-Cahaba valley. | eAoxk1MMlAaaseiI