description:
am gr-.f -. .. gt;:.-. ./ X Top Row M. Kessie, J. Gramlich, M. A. Tynan, R. Carney, C. DeBiase, G. Lennon. Second Row M. Roche, M. C. Schmelzer, M. J. Sullivan, E. Lincoln, C. Allendeh, V. Woods. Third Row D. Barnett, M. Young, V. Carson, A. Kramer, R. Tangney. Bottom Row G. Scanlan, D. Riley, V. Fischer, M. Lally, H. O'Gaha, E. Phibbs. THE STYLUS CLUB When the charter members of the Stylus Club assembled in the publications Office one day last October, the very tables and chairs must have known that great events were astir. And they were. We were discussing with glowing gestures our program for the coming year, and means toward the accomplishment of the aims of the Stylus Club the promotion of interest in creative writing as a means to self-expression, the development of powers of self-criticism, and the maintenance of the high literary standards of the Clepsydra. The first fruit of that discussion was a reception in the formal social rooms for forty or more pledges. They were formally welcomed, urged to write for our official organ, the Clepsydra, and further beguiled by the announcement of a short-story contest with a gold-piece for prize. The year was crowded with activity. An early event in the Stylus Club calendar was an absorbing talk by Whitford Kane, a distinguished Shakespearian actor. John Towner Frederick, a well-known writer, and editor of that valuable literary publication, the Midland, gave an inspiring talk on Why Write? Harry C. Phibbs, a former colleague of W. B. Yeats and his associates in establishing the Celtic Revival, held the rapt attention of the club with his delightful discussion of the movement, interspersed with readings of such exquisite poems as My Dark Rosaleen in James Clarence Mangan's translation. Delta Gamma Sigma, an honorary literary society, was formed with six charter members: Dorothy Riley, Alary Lally, Virginia Fischer, Helen O'Gara, Emer Phibbs, and Gertrude Scanlan. Admittance to this group requires an appreciable output of work of distinctly literary quality, together with the manifestation 74 of genuine and unremittant interest in developing and improving individua technique. The members of this society are privileged to add to their Stylus Club pins triangular guards of dark blue enamel inlaid with the gold letters, Delta, Gamma, and Sigma. The Stylus Club counts itself rich in the possession of many friends who are already well established in the literary world, and who are generous in their encouragement of the young writers. Among the number are T. A. Daly, whose poems have won the hearts alike of the least sophisticated and of litterateurs, and Mr. Kane, Air. Frederick, and Mr. Phibbs, all of whom are honorary members of the club. The climax of the year's work was the publication of Quest, an exquisite volume of gossamer hues, holding within its slender confines the dreams and visions of thirty-six young women. The book, which is dedicated to the mothers of the writers, came from the press just in time for Mother's Day. One is startled on reading Quest to find in it thoughts mature and deep, expressed with sureness and simplicity. There are poems in a lighter vein, too, dancing and bright as the lake on a May morning, but the book, on the whole, reflects characters and trains of thought as different as are the young poets themselves, and as convincingly sincere. Quest Who could resist such a title, printed enticingly in the charming design devised by Olga Alelchione? Even the format of the book captivates one. The cover is of metal rayon in turquoise blue shot with gold, and the paper and type are worthy mediums for poetry. Within, a resolute knight, drawn by Willie Donnersberger, rides in quest upon the sub-title page. There are, in all, one hundred twenty-nine poems in the book, the last section, Illinois Ballads, containing charming versions of legends of Illinois. In addition to its very real literary merits, Quest has to recommend it a quality all its own, best expressed in the foreword written by Mr. Frederick: The volume is most valuable in giving to its young contributors a sense of the value placed upon their work by others. Its publication should result in renewed interest in writing at Alundelein College. It should lead to greater courage and confidence on the part of the young writers there and at the same time to the development of higher and more exacting standards of self-criticism. On Honors Day special honors were awarded by the Stylus Club to the writers of the best essay, the best short story, the best editorial, the best poem, and the best book review. The officers of the club were: Alary Lally, president; Marion Young, vice- president; Virginia Fischer, secretary; and Vera Carson, treasurer. As the activities of the spring drew to a close, preparations were made to carry on the work of the organization next year, in the formal reception of the six Delta Gamma Sigma members and the initiation of fifteen active pledges into the Stylus Club. The final event was the hanging of the photographs of the honorary members of the society. Left to Right H. O'Gara, M. D. Riley, G. Scanlan, V. Lally, E. Phibbs, Fischer. ge 75 W'K T*8? ..? gt;;:.' ' i *W) km
title:
Tower 1932
publisher:
Women and Leadership Archives http://www.luc.edu/wla
creator:
Root Studio
date:
1932
subject:
Women's education
relation:
Mundelein College Yearbooks
type:
text
language:
English
rights:
This image is issued by the Women and Leadership Archives. Use of the image requires written permission from the Director of the Women and Leadership Archives. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with the Director. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Women and Leadership Archives, Loyola University Chicago. Please contact WLArchives@luc.edu with any questions or for ordering information.