Evening star., 1936-04-26
REUNION IS HELD
BY CLASS Of 1886
Graduates of Washington
High School Celebrate
Semi-centenniaI.

Memories of a commencement day
half century ago we're revived last
night as the class of 1886 OF old WASH
ington High School met in the Raleigh
Hotel for its f1ftieth annual reunion
and semi-centennial celebration.
Presiding despite complications fol-
lowing a severe fracture of his right
leg, was Charles H. Bates, prominent
attorney, who sat in the presidents
chair at the first reunion in 1887.
Mr. Bates, who has been confined
to Emergency Hospital since he fell
and injured anew an old fracture, was
brought to the hotel in an ambu-
lance, attended by DR.. Jacques Mi
trani, chief resident physician at
Emergency. and an orderly.
In his address following the an
nual banquet, he reviewed briefly the
history of the organization, stress
ing the benefits its members have
derived during their close association
since the day they received their
diplomas.
Tells of Difficulties.
Mr.. Bates told of the difficulties en-
countered by many members of the
class in getting started in their chosen
professions but expressed the convlc-
ton that their usefulness as citizens
was increased rather than diminished
by early struggles.
The program opened with the in
vocation by Rev. Charles H. Butler.
The class then joined in singing
Meeting Tonight" led by Mrs. Will
lard E Buell. at the piano.
Allan Davis. president of Roosevelt
High School, sang greeting to the
president" after Mr.. Bates had deliv-
cred his address.
A number of guests were then in
troduced by Mr.. Bates. These inc2;d-
ed DR.. Elmer S. Newton, princips! OF
Western High School, and DR.. Harvey
A. Smith, principal of Central High
School. both of whom made short
talks. Wives and children of active
members of the class organization also
were introduced.
Letters Are Read.
Following a piano solo by Helen
Ayd
members and invited guests who were
unable to attend were read by George
Francis Williams, secretary-treasurer.
Mr.. Williams then read the minutes
of last years meeting. and Ruth Do"l-
ing Halstead sang two solos, accom-
panied by Miss Williams.
Mrs James Henry Harper, class his
had died during the past year than
in any corresponding period. Follow
ing her report, the class stood in
silent tribute to the deceased men,
bers. The mems chorus, Fulton Lewis,
Mr.. Davis, Harry W. Dowling, VIII
lard E. Buell., Rev. Mr.. Butler and
DR.. Frederick O. Roman, sang Softly
Now the Light Of Day"
Tew Gives Talk.
The next item on the program was
a talk by George E. Tew. who told OF
his own visions as graduate so years
ago and speculated on those OF some
of his classmates for the entertain
ment of the members and guests. The
mems quartet responded with a rendl-
ton of The Flying Trapeze."
Mr.. Bates then proposed several
toasts and the chorus sang When !
Grow Too Old to Dream" Mrs. Fred
erick o. Roman read the class poem
and the mems quartet sang Katie"
The program closed with all present
Joining in the singing of Aud Lang
Syne."
The following officers were elected
for the ensuing year: Mrs. J. Ramsay
Nevitt, president Mrs. Charles H. But
ler first vice president; Gen. Jay NJ.
Shindel, second vice president; Mr..
williams. secretary treasurer; Mrs.
Harper, historian; Mr.. Lewis, orator,
and Thomas C. Barr, poet.