I’ve been a long-time enjoyer of history, and working in the archives lets me see anew the storied halls of IHS straight from the students who have come before us. They allow us to experience the world as they did, through their minds and ideas that survive long after they have graduated. Please, above all else, enjoy!
January 2009
State Theatre Turns 80
By MICHELA SCHICKEL
For many people, celebrating their eightieth birthday means many things, specifically dentures, hearing aids, drooping breasts, acceptance that death is near, and an incredible number of cake candles. The State Theatre of Ithaca, which celebrated its eightieth anniversary on December 6, however, welcomed this birthday as a time to honor its recent success in the past years and admire continued longevity. The State Theatre opened its doors in 1928
with sixteen other theatre competitors. Now, the theatre remains the sole historic cinema. The Tattler’s Michela Schickel interviewed Dan Smalls, the executive director of the State Theatre about the recent two-day fiesta involving a show by the Squirrel Nut Zippers, much food and toasting, and the screening of the silent movie Speedy.
Michela Schickel: Recently, the theatre celebrated its anniversary with 1920s-themed weekend events. What do you think about the progress that the theatre has made?
Dan Smalls: The last few years have marked tremendous success for the State. Its rebirth has been recognized throughout the region and the level of talent we have been able to secure has risen with the continued progress we have made. It’s so important to keep the State [Theatre] viable—it’s the anchor of downtown Ithaca.
MS: What similarities and differences can you see between the focus of the State Theatre today versus when it opened its doors on December 6, 1928?
DS: It’s actually quite similar: The theatre was formed to be Ithaca’s community theatre. That’s still our focus today: to provide quality entertainment for all segments of the population.
MS: How many people attended the Squirrel Nut Zippers show? And what do you believe was the general feedback?
DS: There were over 900 people at that show. That included all paid guests and the community partners we have supported the theatre over the past few years. The feedback was that we threw the party of the year. The “speakeasy” party beforehand was complete with a secret entrance and fabulous food from Simply Red Bistro, Ithaca Beer, and wine from Sheldrake Point. The band played two phenomenal sets that couldn’t be more apropos for an eightieth birthday party. The street fair ended the show with a champagne toast—it was an amazing and unforgettable night. We received dozens of emails and thank you notes.
MS: What was your hope for the December 7 Film and Family Fare? Did it meet expectations?
DS: This event tied to the original opening night. We tried to recreate that and I believe the public enjoyed it. We heard great things about this event as well.
MS: Has the State Theatre ever celebrated other anniversaries? What was your motivator for celebrating this particular birthday?
DS: I am not aware of any other celebrations personally.
MS: What is your opinion about the importance of local theatres in Ithaca, NY?
DS: Being the last of the seventeen original theaters, the State is crucial. It’s our tie to the past and our link to the future. The State Theatre is the place for the community to gather and celebrate its diversity, and it’s the best place to see big-name entertainment.
MS: When did planning for this anniversary begin?
DS: In concept, six months or more ago. In earnest over the past few months. There was a great committee who gave tirelessly to the event.
MS: How were the Squirrel Nut Zippers chosen? And why were they chosen to perform during this important celebration?
DS: I wanted a band whose sound could have been on stage in
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
any of the 80 years since the theatre opened. There was no other band that came to mind. Plus, my ties to them from previous work together made securing them at an affordable price more attainable.
High School Musical 3 Is Yet More Disney Fun
By CARRIE PENEPENT
Do you love watching musicals? If you do, High School Musical 3 is a must-see. The millions of dollars made in ticket sales say it all—I have to say that’s pretty good for a G-rated movie.
Throughout the whole movie I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting to see what was going to happen next. The music was phenomenal and the choreography spectacular. The movie was over the top, with many surprises; although the evil diva-wannabe Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) tries to steal the spotlight as always, some new faces were also revealed during the movie. The teenage love story was a good twist—I can sadly say that all the girls in the movie theater would have done anything to be in Gabriella’s shoes when Troy gives his heart to her once again.
What’s so great about this movie is that people of all ages can go see it and would enjoy it just as much as any little kid would. Sure, some spots in the movie are pretty corny, because after all, in the real world no one in their right mind would burst out singing about their feelings. But that’s what makes it so great to see; that’s really what the whole movie is about. I can proudly say that High School Musical 3 would have to be the best High School Musical movie so far.
What’s different about this High School Musical is that Troy (Zac Effron), Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), and the whole gang from the recent movies are all getting ready to graduate, attend prom, and spend their last moments together before the school year ends. And what would be more perfect for spending their last moments together than everyone being in the school musical right before they graduate?
During these last times together, everyone finds out what they want to do after high school. But will Sharpay finally come to her senses and learn that not everything has to be about her? Will there be enough time for the whole cast of friends to say their goodbyes?
January 1968
Mermen Succeed Despite Handicaps; Swimmers Object to Foreign Pools
Late in December the IHS swim team faced a problem. The high school pool suffered a crack and had to be drained for repairs. The swim team then found it necessary to seek other quarters for their practices and meets. These other quarters became the two Cornell pools: Teagle and Helen Newman, for practices and Ithaca College for the meet vs. Vestal.
Coach Charles Baxter explained that the two major problems
that arose from the move were the difficulty in transportation and the adverse psychological effects of swimming in strange pools. The swimmers found it uncomfortable swimming in “foreign” pools. It was necessary to travel and constantly carry their equipment from place to place. Practices were held in Teagle Hall in the morning and Helen Newman after school. The swimmers were all “anxious to get back” to the IHS pool. The high school is graced with a good pool and the mermen like it.
Fortunately Ithaca had to host only one meet outside of the IHS pool. The meet was lost to Vestal in a close meet at Ithaca College. The I.C. pool exactly like the Vestal one which put Ithaca at a disadvantage. The mermen have now returned to their own pool.
February 10, the IHS mermen will travel to New Hartford for one of the toughest meets of the season. During the month of February, IHS will be meeting Binghamton Central, Union Endicott and Maine Endwell for the first time this year.
Coach Baxter commented, “The boys should reach their peaks in the next few weeks.” They usually reach their peaks in early March when they start sprinting and getting their best times. Baxter expects Doug Bolgiano to break the minute mark in the 100 yard butterfly, and Doug Markwardt to break the 50 yard mark in the freestyle. During the next few months the swimmers will be doing more work in a shorter period of time with fewer rest periods.
When asked to comment on the chances for a championship this year, Baxter said, “Vestal, Maine Endwell and Ithaca are the three teams in contention for the championship.” He then added that they weren’t necessarily in that order.
December 1948
Hallucinations and Alliterations
By GORDON DENNIS
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
The party progressed, sans proverbial mouse
The rug was rolled back and the couples were swaying
To the rhythm of music a victrola was playing.
The only lights shone from a large Christmas tree
Which stood in the corner, quite something to see;
It was covered with trimmings, icicles, and snow,
And gaily wrapped packages nestled below—
It sparkled and dazzled like moonlight on water,
As I gazed at this marvel,—no word could I utter.
The wild, wicked wind which was roaring outside
Made the kids very glad of their fireside yuletide,
Upstairs were ma in her curlers and cream
And pa on the road to a “Christmas Eve” dream,
And old maid Aunt Molly with nightcap on head
Had long been asleep in her four poster bed.
Then all of a sudden the couples did stop
When they head on the stairway a heavy clip-clop.
And what to their fear-stricken eyes should appear
But the man of the household in full sleeping gear.
The calm, sedate manner he usually had
Was gone from his features; I thought he was mad!
For his eyes were puffed up and the lids nearly closed,
He looked ever so much like the summer’s last rose.
His hair (what was left) stood straight up on his head;
He squinted at us, shook his fist, while he said,
“You kids are still young but I’m growing old fast,
I need nine hours of sleep or I fear I won’t last.
So I heard it strike midnight two hours ago,
So put on your coats and get out in the snow!
Don’t take half an hour just saying goodnight
Be quick about it! Get out of my sight!”
Then he turned on his heel and went straight up the steps
While the kids solemnly put on their wraps.
When he got to the top, he turned slowly around
And he smiled, then beamed, as he said looking down,
“Be careful, the pavement is covered with ice.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
December 1919
Units of Government
The American people, in order to form
A more perfect union to keep us from wrong,
Securing for us a land of the free,
For ourselves and our posterity,
Formed a new Constitution, the law of the land,
All other laws it has in its hand.
The next highest laws are the laws of the state,
Which guarantees freedom of speech and debate.
Then comes the counties, in all sixty-two,
Each having its special duties to do,
From recording of deeds and filing of wills,
To the levying of taxes and making of bills.
The next smallest unit is known as the town,
Through the care of its highways it wins its renown.
Last the school district, ‘tis small but ‘tis great,
It cares for the schools throughout the whole state.
The boys and girls of the old U.S.A.
Should be the proudest on earth today,
Living in this, the land of the free,