Abington High School - Abhis Yearbook (Abington, MA)

Text from Pages 1 - 28 of the 1951 volume:

1.7 .N ABINGTON SAVINGS BANK "Your Home Town Bank" INCORPORATED 1853 Banking Hours 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Monday through Friday THE PLACE FOR Your Savings Account Your Christmas Club Account Your Home Mortgage Your Life Insurance BROWNE'S SPORT SHOP QUALITY ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT FOR ALL SPORTS Outfitters of Schools and Clubs Since 1930 'I6 Centre Street Brockton, Mass. Telephone Brockton 8-0201 THE BHIS VOL. XXXI DECEMBER, 1951 N 1 The ABHIS is published twice a year by the students of Abington High School, at 15 cents a copy for the December issue and 51.50 for the june issue. Advertising rates may be had upon request to the Business Man ager. Subscriptions may be sent to the Business Manager. ABHIS STAFF 1951 - 1952 Editor-Charles Nesbitt Literary Editor-Joanne Reynolds Assistants janet Hultman Mary joan Coughlan Cynthia Butters Ruth Swan Patricia LaFerriere Noreen Goody Nancy Slayter Business Manager--Michael Sanna Assistants Bertha Ransom Shirley Hansen Paula Hickey Maryellen Buckley Patricia Benson Art-Margaret Hunter Typist: Shirley Ransom Ruth Smith Margaret Brown joanne Porter Mary Garjian F.xc1Ux.Tx' ,-Xuvtssks literary and Business--Miss Annie A. Chadhourne Typing-Mrs. Carolyn Ferguson STAFF ......,...., .....e., ,,..,. EDITORIALS LITERARY A.H.S. DIARY 1- Arl - Mrs. I-'anna Ashworth TABLE OF CONTENTS CLASS OF :ml ....,......... PO ETRY ...,,..,..,..............,....,...,. CLUB ACTIVITIES SPORTS ..,.....................,.. 9 fl' i' I 'gf if, W1 f Xa X' f' ""!,f- ' r S Wfc of W QR wwf sf so rl X ' , f ti, P !'Qfs 3? XfYlQ5-QWQQQXEI 1,-Aff -xxx-:gk . T T x I . K I N3 rx x , J . I fl is l QF I K ij, 5 Q I 1 .' ,ax X 4ZQiZl"Z?'-4"!X?3X PREPARATION X rl Mm , , I , Clinging to the trees, Q 7 N All russet, red, and gold, X I The leaves withstood the breeze How obstinate and bold. Then came the rains, That last October night, To wash away remains S Of Autumn's keen delight. I l Down to the earth At last the stragglers floated, To sleep on frozen turf XX lg' V I if 51 f 5 4 3 4? ,EY f .J Their predecessors coated. ' I 1 4' ,, T Glistening and bare, , ,K Prepared for X'VllllCl"S strife, f I The trees watched in des air I - . . P . 1 Then' leaves depart trom lite. I kb JANET 1-IULTMAN, '52 ' NVQ Z5 7, "' I fs V7 + N -Hf T' T T 1 C.L.N- ,-I ,- Q- -QL 'dz' .A " ' i --4' . 5 fi Q E T - J -h ff f --""'--f fx 4' - r-,fs 'J ' iq 2. f' gg ,.., ., Q . V C' - .ff R' '-' f 1, ,r ' Z sb- 5 .F :Ls 1 " aff-ff 1 5: f'x "" L: f"" A L""' TA -- --" " 9 f-3, 0- :D I- T -. g I , 4 THE ABHIS 3 EDITORIALS OUR NATIONAL SECURITY A short time ago President Truman ordered all government agencies to adopt the security classification system. This means that certain phases of news which are used by the State and Defense Departments are being barred from the eyes and ears of our citizens. If this is being done, how are the people going to know what is going on in the world today? Eventually, their right to the long-cherished freedom will be gone. Then what? In formulating this classification system, the President has given numerous departments, large as well as small, the right to decide for themselves whether they think that certain information which they possess is vital enough to withhold from the people or all right to send out. The present situation cannot and will not allow this. The world, today, is already in a turmoil and the government is making it worse by not letting the public know its own business. The people have a right to know what is going on! If this so-called secrecy continues long enough, there will be a great deal of bribery and other serious offenses on the part of some people, since they will be trying to find out the state of affairs, which appear to be vitally secret. Of course we need national security, but I think that it is being achieved in the wrong way. If we want to keep "such and such" in- formation in top secret, what is the sense of letting hundreds of thousands of government employees take care of this? Many of our government leaders are not the qualified men they should be. They are not helping our country as they should, but are mistreating it. Many of the leaders of the different depart- ments have entirely different viewpoints on what should be kept secret and what should not! The men for this job are the ones who have a wholesome background and plenty of experience as well as other necessary qualities which would help to make America a better country. In such a critical period as the present one, the people should be better informed of world affairs. If the security classification system should continue, our personal liberties and equal freedom will be in a grave state. We want to know what is going on in order to protect our own national security from Russia and other satellite nations. Thus, we have to do every- thing in our power to keep the United States of America a democratic country. BERTHA RANSONI, '52 BROTHERHOOD A short time ago you, the student .body ol' Abington High School, heard a broadcast on Brotherhood. The program was an interest- ing and beneficial one, but how many of you really gained or retained the knowledge con- tained in it? Ol' course, to many, this idea of "brother- hood" is elementary. Y'Vc've heard its prin- ciples over and over-associated with our home, our school, our community, and our nation. NVQ are all acquainted with the Golden Rule. YVhy, then, are we living in involved and unpeaceful times? Is it not be- cause the people of today do note carry out or truly understand the meaning of "brother- hood" anti all that it signifies? The word "brotherhood" means fraternity, fellowship, or association with regard to com- mon interests. The "hood" part denotes a state, quality, character, or condition. Thus, we see why it is used in our everyday life! Brotherhood starts in the home in connec- tion with the family, then it grows to the outside, to one's neighbors, thus influencing the community. From the community it spreads throughout the-state and nation and its government. It affects our relationship with those ol' foreign countries, of different colors, races, or creeds. "Brotherhood," in the true sense of the word, is not observed by all or else our world would not be in the turmoil in which it now is. If brotherhood were gen- erally the rule rather than the exception, our nation would be a better and safer place in which to live and our children could grow up without the fear of war, and its resultant disaster. YV ith the theory of brotherhood penetrating the hearts of all people, all over the world, there would not be this condition of misun- derstanding between America and the people of other nations. XVouldn't the universe be a fresher place in which to live, if we, as the future citizens of our nation, should begin today to live a life of service, love and brother- hood? Brotherhood of man is essential if we are to survive in the troublesome world of today. After all, what is the sense of "friend against friend and brother against brother?"-"He that hateth his brother is in darkness and walketh in darkness and knoweth not whither he goeth." PATRICIA BENSON, '52 4 THE ABHIS WORLD AFFAIRS r At any time the Third World VVar may erupt. Of all wars Qin respect to the number of participantsj it will probably be the long- est, most mobilized, and largest of all wars. Many things are hindering the attempt of nations to establish World peace. Two things are outstanding: they are the Suez Canal trouble and the Iranian oil dispute. The Suez, first interoceanic canal, is a con- necting point between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. In 1859 a French company began building this great waterway. After ten years of hard work the canal was completed. Seven years after completion, the British bought a controlling one hundred seventy-six thousand shares of the total four hundred thousand shares. A number of years later, the canal was enlarged. After its enlargment there were more than six hundred thousand shares of which more than two hundred sixty thousand belonged to Great Britain. During World YVar II the total income of this great water- way was more than one billion francs. Be- cause of this income the British are trying to keep control of this land. Because the Suez is on Egyptian land it is not rightfully on the land of Great Britain. During the time in which this country was a great power, it de- cided to protect the canal zone. Recently, however, Britain has become a "Great Britain that is no longer great." During its decline in power, Egypt's power has been rising steadily. The British are therefore faced with an imme- diate crisis from which it is possible that the Third World Xvar may erupt. The Iranian situation is one of far more importance than the Suez Canal trouble. In it are involved both the Iranians and the British. The cause of the difficulties is that Iran wants to gain complete control of its oil fields. At present the British are controlling this vast area of oil land. This land brings in a considerable amount of income for the British government. Annually this country's oil fields yield almost all of the oil used in Britain, Mfithout this oil many thousands of British oil workers would be jobbers. Also, the British would have to pay for oil many thousands dollars more per year than they would if they owned it themselves. Because of the oil cost the British have ample reason for trying to hold these resources. They know, too, that, possibly, if they lose this land, the dreaded enemy of peace, communism, may once again benefit by conquering the Iranians, who are still considerably weaker than the British. I firmly. believe that the British will do everything in their power to stop this great catastrophe. CARLETON LUKE, '54 WHAT IS AN AMERICAN? just what is an American? Is he the young businessman who is hurrying down a busy New York avenue or is he the older farmer in the small western town? I-Ie is bothg in fact, he is every citizen in the United States. His ancestors were the forefathers of our country: it was they who built the foundation of America. By fighting for freedom and justice they helped build America. Every person who is interested in the laws, the freedom, the people who run our govern- ment, and the person who fights for our coun- try is truly an American. He may be black or white, rich or poor, doctor or lawyer, farmer or merchant, school teacher or steel worker, minister or priest: regardless of the work he does, he is still one of the iron pillars that support our country. The people who take an active part in our government and help to make new and better laws, the people who are sincerely interested in America are Americans. An American is free to live, to speak, to work, to write, or to worship as he wishes. Aren't you glad you are an American? CHARLOTTE BLAKE, WORLD WAR III It is believed by many that a third world war has been going on for five years during which time Russia has been winning and the United States, losing. The real beginning of this war was on March 12, 1947 when Presi- dent Truman proclaimed the plan to stop the spread of Communism. Joseph Stalin accepted this as a declaration of Mforld War III anti formed his plans accordingly. Russia then took Czechoslovakia and Poland and strength- ened her hold on Rumania and Bulgaria. Now in China it has proved profitable for her in that she has lost no lives but has succeeded in bringing China into the Communist em- pire. In Indo-China and Malaya Communist- inspired guerilla wars are being fought. The preferred Russian procedures are by means of propaganda, for the purpose of gaining control of other countries by changing the people's ideas, and wherever it is necessary inciting them to fight their shooting wars for them. Their propaganda is working in nearly every country in the world. THEABHIS 5 On the part of the United States, the theory that Russia will not fight unless attacked is bound to bring disaster. If this war of the future is fought, its aim is to destroy every- thing and to leave the world in a condition which only a Communist would want to attempt to run. By using modern weapons and modern techniques Stalin would make this pay in peoples, raw materials, and indus- tries brought into his empire. Stalin holds his great power through the control of both the secret police and the army. Only in this way is Russia able to succeed in holding her own. Some people believe that the best way of combating the communist threat to the world would be to encourage the Russian people themselves, who are practically slaves to the Comintern, to revolt against their leaders. They are convinced that the Russian people who have experienced the utter misery that Communism brings to the common people, would be the first to fight it if they could be organized and armed. As the situation now stands, we appear to be losing the cold war all over the world, while Russia is winning with ideas, propa- ganda, and revolutions. I think we should give Russian leaders a dose of their own medicine. 'junrru TAYLOR, '54 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY Are the children of America really the wild monsters they are pictured as being? If so, how many are criminals and what are the causes? The answer to the first question is easy. Only 18.8 per cent of the crimes committed are committed by the people under the age of 21, less than one-fifth of all the crimes in the United States. During the past few years a decrease has appeared in the number of juvenile cases appearing before the courts and also a decrease in the number of commitments to reform schools and correctional institutions. In l950 the total decrease amounted to about 5 per cent. The cause of crime is harder to answer. There are many causes, some of which can be cured, and some which could be cured and yet will not be. Environment including city slums, poverty, and corrupt government are some of the causes of juvenile delinquency. If a child living in the slums section sees dirt and poverty all around him, his natural reaction is to get out of his surroundings in the quickest and easiest way possible. These chil- dren cannot be altogether to blame when, if tl1ey are offered a quick and criminal way, to get the things they have always wanted, they accept. Comics, radio, television, and movies now both give ideas to children and practically plan crime for them. In many of the movies on both screen and television the gangster, while usually caught in the end, their proving that "crime does not pay," often elicits from many of the younger members of the audience pity and a hope that he will "get away." The gang spirit, which does so much van- dalous damage, could be turned to good use instead of delinquency. If the instinct of gre- gariousness can be pllt to worth while ends, it can become of real value to the community. Since the creation of one boys' club, the juve- nile delinquency in that section has been Clll 75 per cent. The Yvickersham Commission appointed by President Hoover to make a study of crime declared: "Despite the difference in character of these cities, their delinquency areas display similar characteristics - poor housing conditions, shifting and decreasing population, great poverty, and dependence, as marked absence of the homeowning class, a largely foreign population of inferior social status, unwhole- some types of recreation and inadequate open- air facilities." The problem of juvenile delinquency, its causes and its cure, is not only the problem of a few, but the problem of all. Everyone can help in some small way not only to discourage but to prevent juvenile delinquency. PATRICIA NTURPHY, '52 LET'S HAVE NO MORE HOMEWORK! The bell rings, school is out, there are no books to take home, and there's a free evening ahead to enjoy! This is a new topic being discussed by the progressive educational ex- perts. Some of the' experts believe that high schools should abolish homework by length- ening the school day: that all learning be done in the classroom under the proper super- vision of a teacher. This suggestion has led to several different arrangements regarding ways in which this improvement may be accomplished. Some reconnnend a study fol- lowing each regular class period. During this time the homework assigned in a particular subject would be done. Another proposal is general lengthened study periods held at inter- vening times during the day between the vari- ous classes. One long period of time given at 6 THE ABHIS the end of the day to accomplish all the assign- ments together is the third popular suggestion. This new plan has many disadvantages that affect the teacher directly and the student indirectly. Under the strain of a longer school day and the need of administering more discipline, the teachers 'would be at a loss. Their enjoy- ment of free time would be limited. Because of the supervision needed in the study rooms the teachers would be unable to correct papers during the school time. In some cases these situations would tend to depress, then weaken their teaching ability. Under these strenuous conditions a teacher would not be as valuable to the educational standing of the school as he is in the present system. Because of an inadequate supply ol' books in school libraries there would be limitations on research work. This would mean either added expense or lack of necessary material. Many of the teenagers now work after school. Because of the added hours in the school day there would not be sufhcient time for work. In many cases this extra spending money is badly needed. Acting as apprentice- ship these various jobs prepare some students for work after graduation. The students planning on going to prep school or college after graduation would not, in one respect, benefit from this system. They would be accustomed to completely supervised study, therefore, because of sudden indepen- dency they would find the methods used by these schools diliicult. On the other hand, if this plan were to be nation-wide and all the high schools were to adopt it, all the students entering higher schools after graduation would be in the same predicament, consequently. these schools would alter their methods of assigning preparatory work and lessen the strain of this new environment. The predominant disadvantage is that sense of responsibility, the necessary resource of dependability, would be decreased. Other social events and entertainments would not be sacrificed for hotnework. Therefore, after graduation the students entering the compli- cated world would not be as capable of carry- ing the heavy burdens of life's responsibilities as they would be if they had previous training for this period of self-dependence. ,In spite of all the disadvantages there are many advantages to be derived from this in- crease in the value of a high school education and greatly benefit the student. Students would have increased free time to enjoy and participate in outside activities. Without the burden of worry because of lack of time, the opportunities open to youth would become widened and therefore prove advantageous to high school students. Because of a time limit in accomplishing assignments the rate of speed in reading, writing and comprehension would be con- siderably increased. There would be available no excuse for incomplete and unaccomplished assignments. If the first plan previously mentioned were to be employed the teachers of the particular subjects would be present during the time of studying of their subjects to help with the work. This would eliminate unnecessary as- signment borrowing among students and thus augment their self-reliance. At home there are many distracting annoy- ances, such as conversation, radio, and tele- vision, that hinder concentration. At school the teacher's supervision would create the quiet atmosphere needed for proper studying. Although the advantages of this proposed plan are fewer in number than the disadvan- tages, they bear more weight on the scale ol' opportunities and America is the support of this balance. Let's give it a try and see if its provisions will not benefit our country. If it proves to be unsuccessful we can then return to the old plan that has educated America since her earliest days. RUTH SYVAN, '52 WHO SAID THAT? l. " You're lighting us!" 2. "Faites-Attention!" Fl. "Theoretically speaking." 4. "Ra-a-a-lph!" "jasonl" ti. "Sickcning!" 7. "The Guards should carry the ball." 8. "Holy Cross NVonl" El. "Hi-i-i-, Dave!" Ill. "I say now." I l. "Mitty" l2. "O-o-oh this locker!" 13. "I'd like to, but I'm going the other way." 14. "YVhat do we have to do that for?" 15. "Wicked embargo!" 16. "I'd rather stay home andread a sports magazine." . "Bill Bailey" . "There's field-hockey tonight!" l9. "Operation formaldehyde!" 20. "Can I have a bite of your apple, soph?" JOANNE REYNOLDS, '52 17 18 THE ABHIS 7 LITERARY THE JOURNEY . I 21:1 '. .I 9, ' ' ' C :" ' . 'yi v:'. ' -S' ' .:gls:?qu,Q.,vu- : 'x 4 , . are . . TNQ. Al o 71.92 9, ' if.. ' 'H S. Q It was late one foggy winter afternoon. A lone Figure, walking down a narrow path, came to a halt and gazed about in wonderment at the gorgeous scene stretching before him. Every blade of grass was a tiny knight sheathed in glittering iceg the once ugly weeds, now transfigured into exquisite glass trees, proudly took their places in this strange new worldg even the rough path covered with a glimmering crust, looked like a magic carpet twisting and turning into eternity: the tops of the domi- neering trees, lost far up in the fog, peered down through their shiny branches at the transformed earth. As if overwhelmed by this magnificence, the figure moved on with bowed head and aimless step. Suddenly, he slipped and fell. After lying still for a while, he clambered to his feet, staggered on, then, regaining confi- dence, hastened forward. VVhen he sighted a fallen tree looming in the path ahead, he became discouraged and almost gave up. Some instinct, however, seemed to guide him and to help to surmount this barrier. Following his ordeal he sat down on a stump to rest, but suddenly realized that he was caught between the tides of day and night. He glanced fur- tively down the path, stretching far behind him, but the fog had covered his passing: he looked ahead, only to see that the future was also obscured by the fog. The traveler hurried onward, until he came to a fork in the path. VVhile he paused pensive and uncertain, night won the battle, and his form was no longer enclosed in dusk but blanketed by darkness. Guided by the same instinct'that had previously helped him, he chose the right way. Then, when it seemed that he must drop from complete exhaustion, he saw a warm and welcoming light ahead. The figure showed no more uncertainty, fatigue, or fear but proceeded with exhilarated step. As he approached the end of the path, a large gold door swung open and a blinding light poured forth. INhen this brilliance touched the air, the fog disappeared and, with the stars and moon, the earth was bright and clear. The traveler stumbled joyously into the embrace of the one he loved most. The journey was overg he had reached home. -IOANNE WRIGHT, '53 A DAY'S SPORT IN NOVA SCOTIA I raised a weary arm and groped blindly through the darkness for the button that would shut from my ears the shrill blast of the alarm. Then, in the silence that followed, I forced myself reluctantly from the warmth and secu- rity of bed, dressed in a hasty, haphazard fashion, and tiptoed downstairs. After con- suming a hearty breakfast, and donning a heavy hunting jacket, I quietly slipped from the house into the nipping air of an early Cape Breton morning. For some curious reason my uncle, sword- hshing in waters off Glace Bay, had estab- lished his home on the tip of a secluded stretch of wooded land which jutted into St. Peter's Bay, at the entrance to the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes. The residence of his nearest neighbor lay at least a mile to the west, the intervening distance being occupied by a sylvan stretch of firs and hemlocks, the lumber of which sup- plied him with one of many means of liveli- hood. I lumbered down through the cow pastures to the shore, clumsily scaling a series of wooden rail fences, being impeded in this by the con- stant interference of my bulky hip rubber boots and the enveloping darkness of an early morning hour. The only noise penetrating the tranquil stillness of before dawn were the methodical clomp of the boots on the beach gravel and the frightened screeching of gulls, curlews, and yellowlegs as they scurried from the direction of my approach. Because of the fog which had rolled in and the obscurity of the hour, only the misty outline of the opposite side of the bay was discernible, which in the brilliant radiance of the midday sun presents a striking illustration of the vivid beauty for which Cape Breton is noted, the landscape being charac- terized bv the symmetrical checkered pattern of multi-hued fields, the seemingly infinite stretches of verdant woodland, the uniform layout of typical country villages and farms, and the shapely contour of rolling hills in every direction. Suddenly, from a small cove in a natural inlet some distance to my right resounded the 8 THE ABHIS remote chug-a-chug of a nIotor. Laboriously quickening my pace, I plodded past the boat house and Fish hut to the end of the point. By this time, the noise had increased in volume to a blatant staccato clatter, and Tom Laf- ford's fishing boat emerged from the conceal- ment of a heavy blanket of fog and pulled up offshore. A large figure behind the cabin cut the engine, and a powerful voice boomed. "Are you there?" I replied in the aflirmative, waded out to the bow of the craft, and hoisted myself .to the deck. Tom immediately maneuvered his boat around the point and headed for the mouth of the bay. Tom Laffortl, tall, middle-aged, sun-bronzed, is a robust fisherman of a healthy six-foot, four. When excited, he is given to excessive Stain- mering. He has a reputation of devouring in one meal as much as an ordinary person con- sumes in a day. The reason for my rising at so premature an hour was to Hsh, of course, but more specifi- cally to jig for mackerel. Consequently, while I held the wheel, Tom ground a number of' salt herring into bits, to be employed in at- tracting a school. He then instructed me in steering by the use of the compass, and I held the boat to course, through the fog, until almost five knots out, we reached the fishing waters off "the Horseheads", sheer rock cliffs of an unusually great height, at the summit of which a solitary lighthouse stands its eternal vigil. There, when Tom had heaved the anchor over the side and scattered a sufficient amount of powder-like remnants of the her- ring, we baited our hooks and CZISI out our lines. XfVe repeated this process, rapid-fire, for approximately twenty minutes. After that, nothing whatsoever hindered the routine of flinging out the line, watching it sink from sight, iigging it for a time, hauling it up, scattering Inore bits of herring, then redupli- rating the process. The sun, high over the horizon, had long since risen and the fog had mysteriously van- ished. It was at this period that I commenced to notice the motion of the boat. The sea rose and fell. The vessel rocked up and down, up and down, amid swirling white-caps. My stomach tossed up and down, turned flip-flops, and then seemed to fall flat on its face, if stom- achs do that sort of thing. I eventually became accustomed to the continual swaying, however, although for the remainder of the trip I felt a sort of dizzy, sickening sensation in the pit of my stomach and hiccoughed regularly. Thus the morning wore on. Finally, when signs of dogfish appeared, we decided that the mackerel had been driven away by these ocean scavengers. IfVe therefore stowed our gear and headed for home. Al- though in the eyes of a seasoned mariner our miserly catch would most probably be labeled a poor one fthe preceding morning many boats had passed well over the four hundred markj, it not only proved for me an interesting and practical experience but provided a number of tempting repasts. WILLIAM GRooM, '53 A DAY WITH THE F.B.I. Three years ago I had a chance to accom- pany my brother, an F.B.I. agent, on his daily chores. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the special police of the United States Gov- ernment. To start any routine day, an agent must report in the morning to a certain headquar- ters building. In this case, my brother had to report to the United States Court House in New York City. Here he found on his desk the agendum for the day. Each special agent is placed on a squad. A squad is made up of a group of men who are assigned to a specific job. Such squads are: the Communist Squad, the Criminal Squad, and the Robbery Squad. It happens that my brother was on the Communist Squad. He and I started off the day by going to the bureau garage, where we obtained a car equipped with a two-way radio and other accessories. The car appears like any common car. My brother's job for the'day was to go to some parts of New York City, mainly Brook- lyn, and look up people who were on the bureau's records as being Communists. I-le had to find out whether they still lived at the address on the records and, if not, where they could be found. This checking is done so that in case of an attack upon the United States all the Communists could be quickly rounded up. Because of the great number of Communists in the United States today, the F.B.I. is on the move both day and night, in order to keep tabs on these anti-American people. I think that this visit with the F.B.I. was most beneficial to me and therefore I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to have such a privilege. Anyone who has not actually seen the bureau in action could not realize how effective it is. - DAVID BRADY, '54 Tl-IEABHIS 9 ALL IN A DAY'S PLAY The morning lay before me, a glorious de- light. There was only a slight breeze rufiling the diamondstudded bay, which awaited my pleasure. The sky was azure blue except for a few cotton thunderheads which added to the mighty panorama surrounding our island nestled in Onset Bay. The question now arose as to whether I should take advantage of the silvery white sand which seemed to defy the foaming breakers or explore the great vastness of the surrounding water. I chose the latter. I nosed my little boat out into the bay, with oars dipping, like galleons of old, disturbing the jewel-clear water. I rounded the southern and more heavily populated end of the isle and set course for the mouth of the bay. As I approached the two guarding peninsulas, two old castles of an empire and age built on paper credit came into view. They had now fallen to decay, as had the fortunes and the people who built them. They looked down upon me silently with an almost foreboding look. They seemed to send out a warning cry from their once proud walls. Directly in view and just across the canal lay some golden rolling bluffs crowned and majestically laced in summer green foliage. Encrusted at the foot of these were innumer- able rocks of greatly varying shapes. These guardians made impossible intrusions by any boat larger than mine. ' I ventured closer. This peculiar rise of land seemed to beckon me like the glowing spectre of a swamp. It sent out a challenge: "Dare you invade my domain?" I asked myself why there were no roads, or people, or homes on this scenic spot. My thirsty curiosity had to be quenched. My hunger for knowledge of this beautiful, yet somehow mysterious place had to be satisfied. The full thrill and exhilaration of adven- ture were upon me like dawn through mist. I could no more have turned back then, than a hound could turn from pursuing the hare. And why not? Everything appeared to favor my expedition. The wind was with me, and I had ample time. I crossed the canal with amazing ease and speed. The bluffs were even more imposing than I had first imagined them to be. I de- cided to explore what I might on the southern side, and drifted with what little current there appeared to be. On rounding the bend, I saw nothing but a sloping hill and trees. Hardly of any interest or value was it to an adven- turer of my talents and imagination! I swung my worthy but somewhat frail craft about. The result was like charging into a stone wall. My boat caught, paused, shivered, quacked, then receded reluctantly from the contest. For the first time I was aware of the speed and strength of the canal currents. Even before the full realization was upon me, I was yards from shore, going faster and faster. Yet pres- ence of mind had not deserted me. I began to pull on the oars with all my strength. Again, again, and still again I pulled. Yet I was getting nowhere. Quite to the contrary, I was slipping back towards open seal I could hardly believe my eyes. Those friendly, gurgling, laughing and sparkling waters were now a black, yeowling torrent of whirlpools and death, yearning for a victim. They were bent on making that victim me. Another boat with a small outboard motor approached. I held the oars with one hand and waved frantically for help. The man in the boat waved back with a rather puzzled smile, no doubt thinking my hardy greeting a bit strange: all is business to anyone crossing the canal. I yelled to him in near hysteria, but the wind was an ally of the currents. As my last hope sped on his way, panic gripped me by the heart like a steel vise. Sweat began to pour down my face. The oars slipped off their locks several times. My shirt ripped and blisters grew on my hands. The sun beat down umnercifully. I paid little heed to these things as I rowed desperately. Thinking back, the incoherent thoughts which flashed through my mind strike me strangely as I recall having thought of Gordon Bates and myself swim- ming and racing at College Pond. I wondered if Mom had got my post card, how Mary Joan was making out with those kids in Maine or somewhere. Little did I realize that none of these things would matter to me if I failed to reach shore. I renewed my effort. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw a cement buoy. I headed for it as best I could. It was 500 feet away, then 300, then l00, and at last I was there. Rest! This feeling of safety was lost in an instant's time. There were hundreds of little whirl- pools and currents around me, grasping and tearing at my position. My boat offered re- sistance. Soon water began to splash in. At once I realized that in a few minutes I should be ankle-deep in water. I must go on. My arms and back ached as I picked up the oars. I had now covered one-half the distance and from now on it was torture e'very inch. The currents became less strong, but the dis- tance covered had taken its toll in strength. I shifted left, then right, as I gradually entered calm waters. 10 THE ABHIS Hot, tired, and sweaty, I looked back at the bluffs. I had answered their challenge and won. They had lost their chance. They were never to have another. They no longer ap- peared majestic, for someone had invaded their domain and escaped their trapl Half-way back across the bay I met a friend to whom I related my experience. He looked at me a moment in wonder and then burst into uproarious laughter. I must confess that the urge to hit him over the head with an oar was strong. Yet I subdued my emotion and heard his remark of, "You fool, why didn't you wait ten minutes for the tide to come in. It would have swept you right back into the bay!" CHARLES NESBITT, '52 THE WORLD I SHOULD LIKE TO SEE The world I should like to see is one in which everybody loves, trusts, and respects his fellow-men, a world where we live closely to each other like brothers, helping one another whenever that is possible. There would be no more lighting between nations or people, no more guns, no Hghting machines. If a dis- agreement does arise let's sit down and think about it, and come to a peaceful settlement. l.et's not get up and start pounding each other over the head like children. God gave us brains to use, not to let FOI. I should like to see people love one another and to live together peaceably, no matter of what race, color, or creed they are. lVouldn't it be a wonderful world to live in if my dream could come true? , Rov ANDERSON, MY VOCATIONAL COURSE I am one of the boys taking the Vocational Course. Ive are having twelve weeks ol' car- pentry and shall have twelve weeks of electrical and automotive repair training. After the first year we choose the one line out of the three that we like best. IfVe are having carpentry now. X'Ve have learned how a house is put together. In car- pentry we have mechanical drawing. I like this, as it is home designing and includes things related to a home. I very much want to be an electrician and do house wiring. If I can't do that I want to do automotive repair work. I don't like car- pentry very well. IfVhen I graduate I should like to go on to further training in an advanced trade school in order to become an expert in my trade. KENNETH Fowtaa, '55 A.H.S. DIARY Sept. 6: They say all good things must come to an end, but why must we end our vaca- tion a week before others end theirs? Sept. 7: Teachers greeted us with grim deter- V mination and a few more gray hairs. Sept. 10: I have received several new books this year, and in my tender care they will TCIIIHIH HGTV. Sept. ll: I decided not to go out for football this year. After all, it ruins my smoking. XSept. 12: I am on the suspension board and also a monitor. VVowl what popularity. Sept. 14: After hearing that the census em- braces 40 million women, Roger Greenough has decided to become a census taker. Sept. 15: Since the june issue of the "ABHIS" I have been besieged by potential Freshmen that "taisez" is spelled with one Par- . donez-me for is it moi?j Sept. lG: I was told that the Freshmen girls will believe anything if it is said quietly enough and that the girls' gym class is pay- ing top prices for rumors on the Resca-P marriage. Sept. l7: Overheard in P. D. Mr. "Moe" . . . "That was when Mr. Tyni was captain of the team, right after the Civil War." Sept. 18: I'd like to wish Mr. Pust-Bustu- "XVheatie" and the football team the best of luck. QP.S. Looks like they didn't need it, Randolph 0-A. H. S. 4l.j Sept. l9: Not verified: One of the cheerlead- ers had to ride home on the team bus. Not finding a seat, she said, "Wish that hand- some hero would give me his seat." QThe K entire team rose to its feet.j Sept. 20: Decided not to Hunk "Trig." this year. QI am not taking it.j Sept. 2l: john Schofield is taking Social Studies this year. QBecause he knows all about girls.j Sept. 24: On the Hrst day of school Mr. "G." asked Bates who the three greatest teachers in history were. Answer: "Socrates, Plato, and I didn't get your name, sir." QGuess who got an "A" that term.j Sept. 25: Ilargent, pecunia, geld, or money. No matter how you spell it, I haven't got . enough. XSept. 26: Overheard in Mental Hygiene: Mr. "B": "Four students are missing." NV. Lindquist enters. C. Nesbitt: "Here comes three of themf' ,X QEnd of a beautiful friendship.j Sept. 27: Recovered from one of those "this won't hurt a bit" operations. X THE ABI-IIS ll XSept. 28: I was told that whistling in study hall was forbidden. QWho feels like whis- tling after that French test?j Oct. l: lfVhen Tom Bowden was asked to give an oral report on the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, he said, "The most beau- tiful thing I have ever seen is too beautiful for words." And sat down. Oct. 2: Girls occupying Joanne Reynold's locker were warned to get all hair curlers, love notes, and diaries Ollt because of a raid on Friday. Oct. 3: Boys, dishes and trays are to be taken to the counter, not shoved under the girls' tables. t Oct. 4: VVe've had an assembly every Friday this year. Everything from juggling to sports announcing. fl'Vasn't that kid terrifliclj Oct. 5: Seniors were warned to step more carefully in the halls. Those aren't ants but X seventh graders. Oct. 6: I got a dirty look from Nancy Tarr when I asked her how she liked being a Freshman. fHow was I to know?j Oct. 7: The theme song of the football team is "Mary had a little lamb." Hmmm! YVon- der why? Oct. 8: If you can go without food and sleep for three days, the UABHISH staff wants you. Flee on feathered foot with sharpened pen- cils to Room 6. Oct. 9: Offering your chemistry homework in Room 7 is like dropping a clean towel in the locker room. Oct. 10: It takes only five detentions to war- rant suspension this year. Hope the teachers hear about this. Oct. ll: I was told Mr. Gianoulis's Latin class is very democratic as long as the Plebs agree with the dictator. Oct. 12: How would we have got a day off if X "Chris" hadn't discovered us? Oct. 14: An irresistable force met an immov- able object when my mother came to see Miss Resca about my marks. The only one injured by the anticipated explosion was "Chas." Oct. 15: A social revolution has occurred. Under-classmen may address seniors by their first name without fear of the inquisition. Oct. 16: Student labor won! YVe had two X four-day weeks. Oct. l7: Had a ticket for the Army-Dartmouth game, but went to see Abington play. Mlhat loyalty! ON'hat prevaricationlj Oct. 18: YVe've had three experiments in chemistry none of which has worked. Looks as though Walter Thomas has been nipping at the carbon tetrachloride again. Oct. 19: The P.D. class has calculated that it takes Ruth Swan twenty minutes longer to say what she hopes is the right answer than what she knows is. Oct. 20: Senior boys who wish an under- classman date are to borrow "Mousey" X Brown's red-hot date book. Oct. 22: Ive have started "Macbeth." Mfhen we came to a certain part, Miss Hart looked right at me: "An idiot full of sound and X fury, signifying nothing." Oct. 23: The "A" Club decided on a paper drive and Dave Sprague volunteered my services. Mrs. Dunbar held a class on "Going Steady." She broke up a SCVEIHGCD-yeal' ro- mance. Myself and I have parted. fSniff.j Oct. 25: YVe had two lire drills after our melo- dious faculty sang. Guess they couldn't make up their minds whether the school was on fire or not. Nov. 1: Certain members of the Atsms Staff accompanied by Miss Chadbourne attended a convention at VVhitman tif you'll pardon the expressionj High School. Nov. 3: By this time the full force of College Boards is taking its toll on certain hopefuls. Nov. 4: After three months' study and experi- ment, the students of the M. H. class have discovered the reason for teachers losing their tempers: they can't count to ten. Nov. 7: Rockland was spared another two weeks. QI hoped XNov. 8: Mother went to Haiti. QThere'll be a hot time at Nesbitts'.j Nov. 9: Looks like Abington High will really be rolling along now with its new car. Nov. 10: I understand Bob Dennis Wants a monkey for Christmas. Gee, Bob, a mirror would be cheaper. Nov. 1 1: Armistice Day - it's hard to tell how we feel, but I am sure we shall all say a prayer. Nov. 12: The "A" Club had a paper drive. Guess Mr. Pastuzak's Civics class will have plenty of comic books to keep them busy. XNOV. 13: The axe has fallen: report cards. I wonder what excuse I can use this year? Nov. 15: By now all class rings have been lent, lost, or pawned. Nov. 16: YV. Lindquist told me that some students have a burning desire for A. H. S. Hmmmm! Nov. 17: The most beautiful class ever to grace A. H. S. had its pictures taken recently. Nov.'l8: With such a scarcity of 'football heroes eligible for the Thanksgiving dance, hair pulling, name calling, eye gouging has begun. l2 THE ABHIS 1 ov. 19: If I don't get this thing in our "be- loved" editor will give me a shot in the head, the d-0-l-1. fVVhat am I sayingPj Nov. 22: History in the making: A. H. S. 14, W.H.S. 6. "Hot Dog!" for should I say "Turkeyl"?j CHARLES Nnssirr, '52 ON FEARING FEAR 1 There are many wrong and unhealthful reactions related to fear. One of the most common reactions is that of escape. Mfhen one fears, one seems to think escaping will settle the problem, but, to face the danger is often wiser than to avoid it. When a person fears facing a difliculty and tries to avoid it, he often becomes increasingly afraid to face the prob- lem as time passes. It does not solve anyone's problem to escapeg it makes things more seri- ous. Self-respect decreases in one's personality when one practices escape. A person will lose self-confidence as he avoids fear and his future will become uncertain and full of fear. Another type of fear is that of failure. Fear of failure is often shown by students in school, for they try to eliminate taking a course be- cause they fear the thought of failing. One will fear failure because someone a little brighter than he has failed. He does not think that with effort he may improve in that par- ticular subject. Escaping an assignment makes the next one more difficult. A third reaction of fear is that of avoiding people, and staying by oneselfg fear ol' others will tend to weaken one's personality and damage one's health. It is always best to face fear at the time it is most feared, so the future will be brighter. NI.-RRY G.-XRjIAN, '52 CLASS OF '51 Richard Berry - 'Williams College David Owen-Burdett Business School Kathleen Reardon - Chandler Business School Claire Devlin - Stonehill College Helen Andrews - Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Co. Donald Angeley - U. S. Air Force Leo Arnold - U. S. Air Force Roger Bolinder - Blue Shield and Blue Cross Charles Butler - Emerson College Peter Chase - Cal's Cat and Dog Food Co. Martha Crane- Framingham State Teachers College William Crook - Colby College ' Orin Cunningham - Blue Shield and Blue Cross Paul D'Amato-Boston Radio Technician School jacquelyn Davis-Boston Insurance Co. Richard Donovan - Burdett Business School Katherine Edson-St. Elizabeth's Hospital Natalie Fulton - Residing at home john Gilbride - Coburn Classical Richard Hathaway - Bates College Margaret Howe - Framingham State Teachers College Janet Hunter - Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Paul Janusyerski - U. S. Navy John Johnson - Boston College Barbara jones - Boston Insurance Co. james Kelly - Wheeler Reflector Co. Ann Kempster - Kents Hill Jr. College Marjorie Kristiansen - Boston University Theresa Lynch - Boston Insurance Co. Henrietta Mackiewicz -D'Amato's Market Robert Mattson- Mattson's Poultry Business Lloyd McLean - Bush's Market Richard Meserve- Bridgewater State Teach- ers College Roy Mosher - Bay State Nursery Cynthia Murray - New England Art Neal North - U. S. Army Air Corps Carol Ouellette - Wilfred Academy W'ayne Paige - Pepperell Mills Chester Payne-North Abington A and P john Peckham - Tufts College Henry Peters-Taunton Citrus Fruit Co. Shirley Pratt-Abington Savings Bank Audrey Reynolds - Bridgewater State Teach- ers College Stanley Stevens - Brown Machine School, Providence Douglas Sullivan - Massachusetts Institute of Technology Marie Sullivan - Radio and T. V. Tube Fac- tory, Quincy Barbara VValton - Pierce Secretarial School Lorraine VVaters- Pierce Secretarial School Cynthia NVhiting - Thayer Academy Josephine X'Vood - Sanderson Brothers Henry Wrightington - University of Massa- chusetts Elizabeth McKenna - Mrs. Robert Schofield james Read - U. S. Army PATRICIA BENSON, '52 BIQRTHA RANSOM, '52 THE ABHIS 13 A PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS The sparkle of a Christmas tree, A child's voice in laughter, A Christmas carol sung in glee, That is all I'm after. The great belief in "Santa Claus," A house that's filled with Christmas cheer, A "Merry Christmas," without pause, That's all I ask each year. A window full of colored lights, The ground bedecked with snow, A land filled with wondrous sights, That's all I want, you know. A time when rich and poor shall meet, And holly's hung to please the eye, And each man will his equal greet, My only wish until I die. The glitter of an Eastern star, The smell of pine upon the air, But most of all, peace, near and far- That is my Christmas Prayer. RICHARD H AMMARs1'RoM, '52 'HAPPIN ESS Happiness is like a crystal, Fair, exquisite, clear, Broken into a million pieces, Shattered, scattered, far and near. Now and then along life's pathway, Lo! some shining fragments fall - But into so many pieces That no one finds them all. One may find a bit of beauty Orian honest share of wealth, X'Vhile another, just beside him, Gathers honor, love, or health. It is vain to choose or grasp unduly: Broken is the perfect ball- Into so many pieces That no one finds them all. Yet, the wise, as on they journey, Treasure all the fragments clear, Fit them, as they may, together, Imaging the shattered sphere, Learning ever to be thankful, Though their shares are small, For it has so many pieces No one ever finds them all. SHIRLEY HANSEN, '53 THE WILL OF GOD Old man winter is on his way In his trailing garments of white. I noticed him the other dayg He stole the flowers from sight. Soon the snow with all her glory NV ill cover hillock and wall. Beauty and Peace will tell the story Of God, who reigns o'er all. lt is His beauty that we seeg - His snow, His stars so brightg He shares His wealth with you and me To teach us what is right. Peace and truth, each must be won, Even if by might: He gave us all his only Son: God's way is always right. A HILDA VVARD, '55 MOTHER NATURE'S WORK The apple tree is a beautiful sight X'Vith its delicate blooms of pink and white. Old West IV ind makes the branches weep, And steals its beauty with many a sweep. The petals fall like Ileecy snow, Then slowly the leaves begin to show. There are apples of golden and rosy hues, Refreshed with September's morning dews. After the fruit the crisp leaves fall, Leaving the framework gaunt and tall. Though by Christmas time the tree is bare, Good Mother Nature still takes care By covering all with crystals white And making of ugliness beauty bright, Adding deft touches to bring us cheer, As she does .throughout the entire year. BEVERLY RICHARDS, '58 la ew R 'z 5 2 ax. .Kill ' 2 .1 alll. I4 THE ABHIS CLUB ACTIVITIES Abington High School has many clubs. Basi- cally each club serves the same purpose, to enrich the life of each student member. The following section contains a brief de- scription of each club with its objectives, advantages, and opportunities. The purpose of this section is to create interest in the extra- curricular activities, which play so important a part in a student's school life. ANN M ERRILL, '52 ABHIS STAFF In 1922, under the direction of joseph M. Murphy, the teacher of history at Abington High School, the Hrst edition of the Ain-ns was published. Since the appearance of its first issue a new edition of the ABI-ns has appeared regularly at least twice a year. One of the many purposes of the ABHIS is to help the student gain greater ease in writ- ing. A student who works on the ABHIS Staff acquires the ability to criticize his own work as well as the work of others. By working on the ABHIS Staff or contribut- ing material regularly, the student gains many advantages. He gains skill through writing on subjects which interest him. He learns to work with others for a common interest. Many students have hidden talents in the Helds of art, dramatics, or poetry. X'Vhile exercising regularly one of these talents a student in- creases his ability. ' The opportunities for leadership are numer- ous for a member of the staff. Every position on the staff is important, for each member has a duty to perform. Every member has the opportunity to oontribute suggestions for the coming issue. New ideas, and the willingness to work to promote those ideas, are always welcome. The main social event of the year for the ABHIS Staff is its annual dance. This year's dance, which was held in October, was a great success. .ANN NIERRILL THE ART CLUB The objective of the Art Club is an in- creased understanding in the Held of art. A member of the Art Club has the advantage of a trip to Boston, to new excellent art displays in the museums, to study the styles of many famous artists through their paintings. During the year the club members are busy at painting trays and glasses in oil. This work is most interesting and beneficial to the par- tlcipant. Each year the Art Club sponsors a dance. This year the dance will be held in February. At different times the Art Club will have pictures on display in the high school audi- torium and at the Abington Public Library. Once every year the students participate in the Globe Contest which offers scholarships for the best works of art done by the high school students of the state. There are many activities that afford un- limited enjoyment in store for any individual who joins the Art Club. RICHARD HAMMARSTROM, '52 THE BAND Like other organizations in the Abington High School the members of the band wish the school to be proud of it. During the past season the band played at the animal Brock- ton Fair in September. It was also invited to the Cranberry Festival in Plymouth and marched in the morning parade. In the after- noon it played in a massed band composed of Plymouth junior and senior high bands. To induce new members to join, it has planned a Parent-Teachers Association meet- ing at which representatives from the various band instrument companies will be present. New uniforms, music, and awards were pur- chased by the many donations of the towns- people and organizations. The officers are: President, George Mfhaleng Vice-President, George Callinaneg Secretary- Treasurer, Helen lfVestburg. GEORGE YVHALEN jk., '53 THE DRAMATIC CLUB In many places throughout the country there are schools of drama or other organiza- tions where boys and girls can train for the stage. One way of learning about the stage and having fun doing it, is to join your school Dramatic Club. .At the present time, radio and television are offering many opportunities for people who can speak effectively. Excellence in speech is becoming more and more important in our way of life. The purposes of this club are to help the students to improve their diction and to gain poise in public appearance. For this purpose different plays or sketches are enacted in the classroom or in assemblies. This dramatic training may improve one's personality in public speaking and may offer an avenue of approach to radio and television speaking in the future. joAN IANDERSEN, '52 Tl-1E ABHIS 15 GIRLS' GLEE CLUB The objective of the Girls' Glee Club is to interest girls of high school age in group sing- ing. Its primary interest is to bring pleasure to those who listen. There is nothing better than music to bring harmony into the hearts of those who sing and enjoy sound life. There are many advantages to be gained by members of the Glee Club. Singing puts one in a mellow mood, and, after a particularly nervewracking day, to sing is to relax and forget one's trou- bles. To those who intend to make a career of music the practice obtained by singing is a valuable asset. On October 19, the Glee Club sang at the Plymouth County Teachers' Convention held in Brockton. Under the able direction of Miss Bernice Gove, Supervisor, the girls did a fine piece of work for which they were highly complimented. The officers elected were Ann Merrill, Presidentg janet Luke, Vice-Presidentg and Peggy Hunter, Secretary-Treasurer. PEGGY HUNTER, '52 THE HOME ECONOMICS CLUB The Home Economics Club was organized to bring together girls interested in all types of home-making projects. The programs are planned to interest girls in various forms of Home Economics work, such as, foods, cloth- ing, interior decorating, flower arrangements, grooming, and party ideas. At least three Field trips a year are taken to such places as public utilities, furniture stores, greenhouses, and food manufacturing kitchens in order to give the girls further information on consumer buying and places employed by business for the purpose of planning better homes. The Home Economics Club has one dance a year, the proceeds of which, along with other ways and means of activities, will be used to provide each year an award to some member of the club interested in furthering her educa- tion in some field of Home Economics. Each year the Home Economics Club sponsors the decoration of the rooms for the Christmas Season. The officers for the 1951-52 school year are: President, Helen I-Vestbergg Vice-President, Hilda YVardg Recording Secretary, Barbara Bailey, Corresponding Secretary, Carrol Villa, Treasurer, Nancy Tisdale. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The National Honor Society is a national high school organization designed to give rec- ognition to outstanding students on the basis of character, scholarship, leadership, and serv- ice, and to encourage the development of these qualities. 'When the society was founded in 1921, the National Council authorized an ofli- cial emblem. It is the keystone and flaming torch, upon which are found the letters C S L S, representing the above mentioned ideals of the society. In 1947, the Abington chapter was organ- ized by Principal Charles M. Frolio for stu- dents who for six consecutive terms have made the honor role. The organization was named Alpha because it was the first chapter in Abington. At present there are twenty mem- bers in the society. The officers are President, Gertrude Spillaneg Vice-President, Janet Hult- mang Secretary, Cordane Curtis, and Treas- urer, Bruce Sanderson. The purpose of this organization is to create throughout the school an enthusiasm for schol- arship, to encourage students to render serv- ice to the school and community, to develop strong character, and to encourage further education. The goal of the society this year is to pub- lish an Abington High School Manual for the purpose of enlightening all students on the rules, regulations, schedules, and activities of the school. -IANET HULTMAN, '52 THE SCIENCE CLUB The main objective of the Science Club is to stimulate an active interest in all the fields of science. The club does this in many inter- esting ways, such as field trips, movies and slides, and small exhibits. A second opportunity is afforded by slides and movies shown by the club. Its strip films shown in class prove interesting and helpful. The small science exhibits set up by students provide a wonderful opportunity for anyone with a scientihc hobby or talent to exhibit, to exercise his particular ability, and explain about it to others who are already or who might, with a little encouragement, become interested. Besides these educational opportunities the club has its annual dance, which is always a most successful social event of the year. JUDY GRIFFIN, '54 THE STUDENT COUNCIL The Student Council organized at the be- ginning of the school year with the following oflicers: President, Gordon Batesg Vice-Presi- dent, john Kelley: Secretary, Mary Lynchg Treasurer, Ray Murphy. ' 16 THE ABHIS The aims of this group are: To coordinate and promote student activity and encourage greater participation on the part of the stu- dents in school managementg to strengthen and develop an appreciation of membership in a democracy by stimulating a healthy school spirit and loyaltyg to maintain high standards of moral conduct and self controlg and to provide opportunities for development of leadership. Through the cooperation of all class repre- sentatives it is hoped that these aims can be accomplished. MARY LYNCH, '54 STRAWBERRY VALLEY TEEN-TIMERS The object of this club is to help boys and girls of Abington to become clean living citi- zens, to give them clean recreation, and to keep them out of trouble. The age for becoming a members is any- where between thirteen and twenty. The member should be willing to help his school, his club, and his community. The officers consist of two presidents, two vice-presidents, and two treasurers, two record- ing secretaries elected annually. The ollicers for the l95l-l952 school year are: Co-Presidents, Janet Soper and Brinton Belyeag Co-Vice-Presidents, Shirley Thayer and George Cullinaneg Treasurers, Helen Yvest- burg and -lack Shanahan: Recording Secre- taries, Susan Gates and Richard McKenna: Corresponding Secretaries, Dorothy Perry and john Mahoney. SHIRLIQY THAYliR, '52 NEW TEACHERS AT ABINGTON HIGH SCHOOL Miss Martha Cummings "Anyone out for field hockey?'l was a' new cry that sounded in the girls' gym classes and echoed through the halls of AHS. Miss Cum- mings, the new gym teacher had spoken. Miss Cummings, nicknamed "Marty", at- tended Bridgewater State Teachers College in Bridgewater, Mass. During her years at Bridgewater she belonged to the YVoman's Athletic Association, the Glee Club, and the Ensemble Club. Her favorite hobbies are driving and sailing. Her favorite food is steak. A comment on our own Abington High, made by her is: "I was very much impressed by the school. It is made up of good students who are neat and friendly." Mr. Robert McCullough Mr. McCullough, a new teacher of driver education must have a great deal of patience, because some of the people taking the driver education course know just about as much concerning a car as nothing, and that is no exaggeration. Mr. McCullough, attended Fitchburg State Teachers College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. XfVhile there he belonged to the Gandelier Club. Besides attending college, he has spent two years in the Navy. His favorite hobby is sleeping, and his favorite food is fried chicken. He has only one remark to make about Abington High and that is, "It's a nice school." Mrs. Helen Seymour Mrs. Seymour, who attended Yvheaton Col- lege, belonged to the German Club, the International Relations Club, the Music Club, and to the Girls Basketball Team. Her hobby, and a good one, is being enter- tained by her daughter, Margaret Elizabeth. Mrs. Seymour likes just about every kind of food, but tripe. In her estimation "the school rates very high and the students are extremely courteous." Mr. Walter Pastuszak Mr. Pastuszak, known better as "VVheatie" to the students of Abington High School, is most welcome as a teacher and coach at Abington High. He attended our fair school, Coburn Classi- cal, and Mfilbraham Academy. At the latter he participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Club. During Mlorld W'ar II he served as an MP in the European Theater of Opera- tionslin both England and France. His favorite food is baked beans and salami and his favorite pastime is sports. Mr. Pas- tuszak's favorite saying is "Anything your little heart desires," which the heroes of the A. H. S. football team will long remember. lfVhen asked what he though of Abington, he replied, 'Tm a local boy myself and I think a lot of it." Mr. Norman Roberts Mr. Roberts, teacher of the Automotive Course, is a new member of the faculty. He attended Fitchburg State Teachers College and while in school was active in many sports, including football, basketball, track, and hockey. THE ABHIS 17 Besides attending school he was in the Army for four years in the Ordinance Corps of the Criminal Identification Department and served in the Pacific. His favorite food is steak and his favorite pastime is spent in raising boxers. VVhen asked what he thought of the school he enthusiastically replied, "The student body is well-behaved and, on the whole, it is a fine school." CYNTHIA BUTTERS, '52 PATRICIA LAFERRETE, '52 TODAYlS ENTERTAINMENT In this age of modern science many advances have been made in the field of entertainment. The radio, the cinema, and the television are received by many more people than did re- ceive the old-time Shakespearean road plays of the city theatrical groups. Unfortunately these new types of entertain- ment have almost outweighed their usefulness with the damage they do. Because the radio and the movies reach more people they have to cater to many new types of interests. It is unfortunate that in the past leaders in the field of entertainment were forced to lower their standards in order to reach the level of this new audience. W'ith time, and much trial and error, the radio and the movies have acquired a more stable basis for the type of entertainment they produce. It is now not too often that a really useless motion picture or radio program reaches the public. The radio and movie magnates now realize that it is going to take more and better entertainment to recapture the waning interest of the public. But in television, that combined gold mine and atom bomb, proper emphasis has not yet been placed on the quality of the programs produced. Most television viewers are like small children with a chestful of strange toys. The child will First play with the simple and easy to understand toy and as he grows older graduate to more complex toys. The only Haw in this theory is that the stage of experimentation has passed, but the type of entertainment has not changed. It is the duty of each of us average television fans to prove that we are ready for more adult and informa- tive entertainment. ANN MERRILL, '52 TELEVISION POLL During the recent month the .ABHIS stall' conducted a TV poll. From this poll came the following results: In first place for the favorite program was the "Colgate Comedy Hour" with 78 votes. "Milton Berle" and "Arthur Godfrey" were tied for second place with 51 votes each. "Your Show of Shows" QSid Caesarj was a close run- ner-up with 42 votes and "I Remember Mama" received 38. The majority of the student body enjoys both boxing and wrestling, but of the two, boxing took 66 votes and wrestling only 34. Although "Milton Berle" was tied for sec- ond top program, he was voted "most objec- tionable by 41 voters. Others highly objec- tionable were the kiddie shows such as "Howdy Doody," "Time for Beany," "Kukla, Fran and Ollie," and other puppet shows. "Gabby Hayes" was voted most historical by 81 votes, while "Living lfVonders" walked away with the title of "Most Scientific" with 54 votes. Through this poll it was determined that 72 students watch television for an average of two hours a night and that 52 watch for three hours a night. As far as the favorite musical program is concerned, it was a land-slide for "Fred Yvar- ing" with 121 votes. The closest to this was the "Hit Parade" with 57 votes. Two hundred fourteen students watched the United Nations video broadcasts while 162 did not. News broadcasts are viewed by 364, while only 13 never watch them. The favorite news commentator proved to be john Cameron Swayze with 362 votes. The closest to him was the commentator for Shawmut with 6 votes. SHIRLEY RANSOBI, '52 ASSEMBLIES This fall we have been very fortunate to have a great many assemblies which have been both entertaining and educational. At the first assembly in September, Mr. john Della- raux gave an interesting talk on manners and explained how good manners distinguish a person from his associates. At the second assembly, Mr. Ernest johnson, a singer, entertained us with some Negro spirituals and southern songs. This was Mr. .Iohnson's second appearance at Abington High School. Mr. lfVilliam I-lauker, a talented concert pianist, provided an interesting and educa- tional program about classical music. Mr. Hauker explained the type of music that he played and told a few facts about composers, Mr. Kenneth 'Wheeler presented a delight- ful program on "The Backstage of Radio and Television" in which several of our senior students took part. Mr. Xvheeler is now with YVBET as an announcer and commentator. 18 THE ABHIS Twice this fall we were fortunate in having Mr. Mfilliam McAlpine who led the student body in singing popular songs and old time favorites. Groups drawn from the student body and the faculty participated in the program. Many of our assemblies consisted of a splen- did job done by the cheerleaders. They led the student body in the cheers for the foot- ball team. "Career Day at AHS" was an educational program of the student body with certain members of the body asking questions of a group of well-educated people from different colleges and occupations. This assembly was planned to help those who expect to enter a certain occupation after leaving school. This fall we were also fortunate to have a car presented to us by Mr. Ronald Colton of the Chevrolet Motors in Scituate. YVe had representatives from organizations which made it possible through the help of our principal, Mr. Frolio, for us to have this car to teach young boys and girls how to become good, capable drivers. Representatives of Registrar King spoke to the assembly about courtesy and carefulness on the highway. SHIRLEY HANSEN, '53 NOREEN Gootw, '53 TREES As I have been walking home from school this fall, I have noticed many trees which bear a card marked "Dutch Elm Disease," and I have seen the tree surgeon at work re- moving some of these diseased trees. I thought how barren the town would look with only houses lining the streets. A town is only as beautiful as the number of shade trees it has to add to its other assets. How hot and glarey it would be in the summer without our trees to rest our eyes and give us a refreshening breeze. Today as I walked along I was glad to find that some tender young maples had been set out to replace the old, sick elms. Though the leaves are nearly gone for this year, I can vis- ualize the bright, cheery foliage that will adorn these new trees along my way home a year from now. By replacing new trees for those which are diseased, the officials of Abington will make their town more attractive to people who are looking for a desirable town in which to live. BARBARA DENNIS, '55 THE TROUBLE WITH HIGH SCHOOL High school is a place with four walls and a roof. There are one too many teachers in every class and the periods are a half hour too long and offer nothing of interest to our social standings, like who's going out with Joe to- night or whose hay stack are we going to burn on Hallowe'en night. There are monitors standing in the corri- dors like dumbies along Union Street in Rockland to make sure we do not break a law. The Student Council should dispose of the monitors and paint a little white line down the corridors and equip us with little tin horns to blow when students are coming out of door- ways which would be in a way like side streets. The passing time for going from one class to another is two minutes. Have you ever tried going from the basement floor to the top floor in two minutes? If you haven't, try it sometime. It is very good for the nerves as well as for leg muscles. Of course there are students coming out of doorways to get into your way, but thatis O.K. just pretend you're a ghost and squeeze by them. XfVhen you are through with the struggle, you are about to put your foot over the threshold and the bell rings and you are given a half hour's detention by some person who just loves to hand them out. DOROTHY PERRY, '55 NATURE'S ASSORTED COLORS The leaves were beautiful in the fall, with red, orange, brown and yellow predominat- ing. To me, outside of spring, fall has always been the most beautiful season of the year. The manual labor of raking these falling friends of ours is never bothersome, because many times after stopping to pick up these beautiful shapes and colors, I remember the forgotten years with their forgotten leaves. This array of color is hidden when the white of the snowflakes sets in. I find myself filled with emotion when I look upon the fall of leaves and think of the sudden arrival of winter. My thoughts are of Nature and Her wonderful power to change at will her coats of many colors. Even though trees and shrub- bery are heavily laden with this new visitor, they seem to change in form with their nat- ural browns still remaining prominent under their branches. It is different nowg in sum- mer their loving arms used to reach for the full glory of the heavens: complete with all the colors of the rainbow, eagerly make their appearance. Vtfinter is over, leaves will not fall again for many months. The cycle of color is never identical through the years, for there are always new, fascinating ideas of blending to be combined with the old. Nature has more than added to her share of loveliness and wid- ened our knowledge and over imagination with her thoughtful color scheming. - . JUDITH GAFNEY, '54 THE ABHIS 19 FOOTBALL FACTS Abington 41 - Randolph 0 Abington won her first game with the sen- sational score of 41 to Rando1ph's 0. The Green 1fVave's outstanding ball carriers in this game were Dick Devlin, who scored two T. D's and accounted for a large yardage gain, Char- lie Soper, who also scored two T. D's, and Bob Peterson, who scored one T. D. Outstand- ing linemen were Captain Gordon Bates, Dave Sprague, X'Vally Lindquist, and Bill Derochea. Ralph Thompson was successful for live straight conversions. Barnstable 14 - Abington 7 A 15-yard penalty - too slow on a punt and too long on a pass - caused the speedy Barn- stable lads to ruin Abington's chances of win- ning or even scoring a tie. Soper sccred the six points and Thompson split the uprights for the extra points. Hingham 13 - Abington 0 Abington owed her second loss to I-lingham, the score being 13-0. Sauna, Soper and Devlin made some good runs, but they were no match for the nifty Hingham team. Dan Lynch, 1'Val1y Lindquist and Gordon Bates were ex- cellent on defense. Stoughton 25 - Abington 0 An exceptionally strong Stoughton team whipped the Green Mlave 25-0. Bob Klim for Stoughton was a star performer. Abington 6 - Plymouth 0 Abington managed to break its losing streak ol' three straight losses with this win ol' 6-0 over Plymouth. Thanks to Fullback Charlie Soper. the 'li points were in Abington's favor. Penalties and fumbles marred the game for any higher gain in score. Outstanding players were Devlin, Soper, Brady, Bates, Greenough, Lindquist and Bowden. Abington 55 -Bridgewater 13 A great game and tremendous score which really swamped Bridgewater 55-13 making Coach Pastuszak really beam with pleasure! T. D's were scored by Dick Devlin QED, Fresh- man "Tony" Mahoney QQQ, Soper 111, Brady flj, and Peterson Qlj. Ralph Thompson made 7 points for splitting the uprights successfully. All turned in a terrific performance. Rockland 18 - Abington 0 Abington really lost a heartbreaker to its old rival Rockland with the score of 18-0. The game was played on a muddy Rockland field. Credit is really due to the terrifically strong Blue and 1'Vhites and the outstanding players: Gerry VValls, Leo Flannery and Fred Wood- bury. For Abington defense Lindquist, Bow- den and Bates were great and although Soper and Devlin tried hard they just couldn't score. Canton 33 - Abington 13 Undefeated Canton rode over the Green 1'Vave '33-13. Canton is one of the top school- boy teams in Eastern Massachusetts. Abington 14 -Whitman 6 The Abington boys came through victorious over their neighbors, 1'Vhitman, 14 to 6, on "Turkey Day." It was a rugged battle from beginning to end, but the Green Wave Enallly toppled the stubborn Red and Blaek to give Coach Pastuszak a last game's win. Lynch and Soper scored the two T. D's and Ralph Thompson kicked the two conversion points. Devlin, Bowden, Bates and Torrey gave ex- cellent performances. Outstanding lor the riv- als were Clark, Derosier, Perron and Nunar. PATRICIA BENSON, '52 KEY TO "WHO SAID THAT?" 1. Mike Sauna tj -. Mr. 51. Mrs. Goodspeed . Cynthia Butters . . Chuck Nesbitt li. Dave Torrey 7. Bill Derochea S. Mary -Ioan Coughlan 9. Danny Lynch 10. Indy Gaffney 11. Bob Dennis 12. -Ioan Anderson 13. Pete Peterson 14. 'Ianis Lane 15. Mary Lynch 16. Coach Pastuszak 17. "Champ" Doughty 18. Miss Cummings 19. Martha DeCosta 20. Pat Benson JOANNE REYNOLDS, '52 li 5 THE ABHIS A FORMULA FOR FOOTBALL I wonder il' you fans ever lend a thought To the endless effort and training that brought An ultimate victory to close the season. lf you have not please listen, for here is the reason. The fact, usually lost, amidst the tumult, Is that you miss the work and see, only, the result, The result of experience, plus youth and Ere, Times courage and staminag divide the entire Equation by pride and subtract the mistakes. The difference, my friends, equals all that it takes. The hardest part isn't a savage block Or vicious tackle, blow, or hard knock. Mlhat really spills you ofl your feet Is the withering brand that spells defeat. For, while muscle or brains play an important ' part, Defeat in anything takes its share of heart. Rickman DEVLIN, '52 THE. ABHIS 21 SCHOOL DAY TRIBULATIONS School! Boy, do I hate that word! I can never get a night's sleep anymore. After watching T. V. 'till midnight, I stagger into my room, banging my shins, tripping over the footstool, and breaking a lamp. Climbing into bed with my clothes on, I am no sooner asleep than I am shaken awake. There, beside my bed stands a gorilla. Yelling, I duck under covers. Upon peeking out, I see that is only my father. My eyes have deceived me again. "Wadda want?" I ask disgustedly. "Get out of bed and get those clothes off!" he roars. "O'kay, O'kay," I yell. "I'm not deaf." "Sometimes I wonder," he says under his breath. Finally I flop into bed for the last time and doze off to sleep. The next morning I awoke to the cheerful voice of my mother quoting an old saying, "Rise and shine." Falling out of bed, I stagger to the kitchen where my mother tells me I have fifteen minutes to get to school. I'm off like a shot. Rounding a corner close to sixty miles an hour, whom should I meet but my dear little brother. There is a loud crunch. As I pick myself up off the floor I reply, "Boy! Has that kid got a hard head!" I get dressed and arrive at school just as the bell rings. During the first two periods I manage to keep myself awake with a struggle. Suddenly I get a brilliant idea and put a package of gum into my mouth and start chewing away. just then the teacher catches sight of my mov- ing jaws and yells, "Hey you, take -an hour detention." Of course I can't be impolite, so I answer, "Thanks," After a little while longer my gum is good and sticky, so taking it out, I stick it on my eyelids to aid in keeping myself awake. After getting three more detentions I end my school day and trot down to detention. After that ordeal is over I thumb a ride home and start all over again. GEORGE FARQUHAR, '55 GETTING INTO ACTIVITIES I think joining activities is very good for a pupil. It helps everyone all round to know one another. It teaches us to get along with our enemies as well as our friends. Belonging to activities helps the shy ones, by drawing them into a group of other young people. It teaches them leadership and helps them to forget to be self-conscious when speak- ing before a group. Being members of various activities teaches the popular pupils to help the shy ones who are slow at standing up and speaking to a group, but who otherwise, probably have just as good ideas as the popular ones. All in all, I think activities are a very nice thing as long as they don't run away with the pupils. ADELAIDE SPENARD, '55 WHAT DOES AMERICA MEAN TO Us? America, the land of opportunity! As chil- dren we take advantage of the freedom we have. How would you like to spend one week behind the Iron Curtain? I am sure you would be glad to come back home and that after returning you would give the oppor- tunities offered here more thought. As citizens of this great country we have the right to vote and to go to Boston or Brockton without first getting a card signed by the Chief of Police in our town. Editors say what they believe about the rackets in the United States and fight with the Police Department. I am sure if the people in the Iron Curtain could vote freely there would be peace in the world. Stalin wants all of Europe anti then the United States and then all the other coun- tries. He isn't getting enough power. Caesar, Napoleon, Mussolini, and Hitler all tried to conquer the world. No one will ever rule the world but the one who made it and that is God. The Stalius and Hitlers and other big time operators will never get enough power to suit them. The communists tried to take over Korea in a sudden attack, but when American troops with spirit and the thought of freedom for all fought and died for our country we knew that they were heroes in the eyes of all Americans. If we take advantage of school and freedom and the right to vote we can stop Stalin and his communist friends. Instead of fooling in school we should study and go on to college and make something of ourselves so that people will look up and follow us. Don't let anyone tell you whom to vote for. You have a mind of your own. IfVhy don't you use it? LEO DoNovAN, '55 THE ABI-IIS COMMERCIAL SPONSORS Menard, jeweler, VVhitman Duval's George H. Tower, Inc. Sanderson Brothers Lynch's Floyd's Hot Dog Stand john XM Coleman F. G. Hale and Sons Carroll Cut Rate, Rockland Bay State Ice Cream Co. Old Town Fish Market Kal's Variety Regal Bowling Alleys M. F. Thayer, Dry Goods Skyway Motors, Inc. Slattery Insurance Agency Skehan's Esso Station john Matheson, Inc. Home Town Cleaners Bickford's Bush's Market Frank's Pastry Shoppe, YVhitman Whit-Bell jewelers, lfVhitman john and Ed Franey Dorothy Ann Specialty Shop Stoddard Oil Service jeanne's Fish and Chips Bemis Drug Co., Inc. Sealtest Ice Cream Damon's Owen's News Leo DeCota Tomniy's Shoe Repair Shop The Golden Slipper Abington Hardware Abington Fruit Company A. C. Freeman, Inc. Five Forty-Four North Abington Public Market E. j. Rourke Coal and Oil Co. Pulver's Taxi - Rockland l9l6 Rockland Hardware and Paint NVee and Teens, Rockland Ann and Gerry Beauty Salon Ferber's, Rockland Allison Beauty Shop Edwin H. Hall, Bernat Yarns Rosen Furniture Company, X'Vh Little New Yorker johnny's Barber Shop XViner's Hardware Store Tanner Brothers George D. Wheatley, Inc. H. Tetreault, jewelers Karl Crook Motor Company Sallyis Dress Shop Reed Lumber and Coal Compa Sunnytield Farms Abington YfVayside Furniture D'.'xlTlHl0yS Market itman nv I Abington Textile Machinery Works PRIVATE SPONSORS Mr. and Mrs. XfVilliam j. Hickey Mr. and Mrs. George E. Goody jennie Mackiewiz Mrs. Louise Reardon Elaine lvelch You Mayo as Well Have the Best! Use . . . W A R E B R 0 S . Homogenized Milk Telephone BROCKTON 9819 the prestige and convenience of YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHECKING ACCOUNT NOW COST LESS THAN AVERAGE MONEY ORDER! postal money order rates BUDGET CHECKING jump almost 7075 N Y x up to 35.00 ...........,......,.,..,... ..,. n ew rate: IOC lor MY AMOUNFI from 55.01-310.00 ,.,....,. new rate: l5c still costs only from 510.01-5850.00 A .....,.. new rate: 250 from 51550.01-3100.00 ........ new l'2ltC2 351: 10C Limit for each Money Order Sl00.00 Plus tiresome waiting in line. No waiting or standing in line. Will: extra time-wastin tri s to th' 'ost Office-when you must gend llnoney qltielkly. You can .send any alflmnlt-' fmvwhfff And those hard-to-find receipts to prove pay- fn any me that Suns your Colwen' ment, or for your record. ICUCC- Sawe Time and Money by Opening Your Budget Checking Account T oday! ABINGTON NATIONAL BANK Abington, Mass. . Member Federal Deposit Insutrance Co1'p0ra.ti0n ' l l l ROBERT w. QUEALY Funeral Home H6 Adams Street North Abington Telephone Rockland 2112 I NON-SECTARIAN NOTARY PUBLIC Your "Q" for Better Quality I Best Wishes to Abington High School FACTGRY RETAIL STORE Quigley Shoe Corporation 41 THE BURKSIDE PRESS Peryomzl Service Printer! 19 PARKVIEW AVENUE STOUGHTON, MASS. CARL SNVANSON, Proprietor TIZLEPHONE 1443 CQ cgmmet Sullivan 6? Son FUNERAL Home EST. 1897 Phone Rockland 920 41 -45 East Water Street Rockland