Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Seventy Years

audience. The speaker of the day was Everett J. Lake, '90, who, a few months before, had been elected Governor of Connecticut. A rousing tribute was paid to George 1. Alden, only living member of the original faculty under whom the Class of 1871 had studied, and a similar reception greeted Dr. Henry P. Armsby, '71, when the honorary degree was conferred upon him. Directly after the graduation exercises Professor Coombs organized a procession by classes, which traversed the campus and cheered each of the class trees. Alumni and friends then returned to the gymnasium for lunch in the old S. A. T. C. messhall, then attended the alumni business meeting.

In the afternoon there was an elaborate show on Alumni Field, including class races and other stunts. Reunion classes were arrayed in colorful and unique costumes. When this program was concluded, Professor Coombs again formed a class parade, headed by a band and the Class of 1871, resplendent in gold sashes and hat bands. The long procession marched from the gymnasium to ancient Mechanics Hall for the jubilee dinner. There were over 700 who sat down at the tables, and several hundred spectators were assigned to the gallery.

Albert J. Gifford, '96, was the presiding officer, and Governor Lake served most effectively as toastmaster. The first part of the after-dinner program was assigned to the Class of 1871. Nine of the surviving twelve were present. That all but five of the original group of seventeen had lived for a full half-century beyond graduation was a record that would probably never be equalled. These veterans had prepared a special gift for the occasion, a beautiful silk flag of steel gray and crimson, which combined the seals of the Institute and of Worcester with the shield of Massachusetts, and bore fifteen gold stars in memory of the war dead. It was presented by Edwin H. Whitney, diminutive but vigorous president of the class, the presentation being followed by the singing of a rallying song, written by Mrs. Whitney. William R. Billings

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