Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

Page 28 text:

24 NORMAL OFFERING Eiarralaurvate. T four P. M. on June 17, 1917, the graduating classes met in their Assembly Hall for Bacalaureate Vespers. After the classes were assembled Mr. Boyden offered a prayer, very beautiful and appropriate for the occasion. After musical selections by the Glee Club Mr. Boyden delivered the address. He brought out the five important factors in our modern civili- zation. Cur inheritances as named in order were these: First, the contribution of the Hebrews, the spiritual forces, second, Greek culture, third, the Roman contribution of law, fourth, the freedom and individuality of the Teutonsg and fifth, the keynote of our present generation-social consciousness. Having given us these five factors he showed us not only their application to life in general, but their particular application to our life work. Throughout the address, there was displayed, as there had been throughout the years, our Principal's deep sympathy and personal understanding. The service closed with the Ave Maria, sung by our Glee Club, to whom we wish to express hearty thanks. D. M. 'l7. Cfrahuaiinn. AS it gioing to rain on graduation day as it had been raining for the last few weeks? Ch no! Bridgewater never looked lovelier, to our eyes at least, than on June 19, 1917. 'Twas with mingled emotions of joy and regret that we greeted our rela- tives and friends on that day. When we first gathered in Assembly Hall and were led in devotions by Mr. Boyden it seemed just like chapel. Perhaps we realized as never before what the quiet time at the beginning of each school day had meant to us. After this Dreamland and Spring Song were rendered by the Glee Club. Mr. Boyden introduced as the speaker of the day Dr. James Chalmers, superintendent of schools of Fitchburg and principal- elect of Framingham State Normal School. In his original genial way he told us to enjoy our workg to like the subjects we taught, our pupils, the community, the school committee, our churches, the weather, our health, and the world, above all things not to sour but keep sweet. Dr. Chalmers himself seemed the embodi-

Page 27 text:

NORMAL OFFERING 23 Qlnmmenrvmvnt. Eliarultg illvrmatinn. S a war measure it was decided by the Seniors to give up Prom, and many sighs and groans accompanied the announcement. But, true to the Bridgewater spirit, the tempor- ary disappointment gave way to a certain joy that one of the dear- est pleasures of Commencement could be sacrificed to the needs of the country which makes Normal School possible. Still, there were those new dresses which had providently ap- peared in countless closets! How could they be appreciated? The answer to this query was revealed bythe Faculty Reception. It seemed as though every eiort had been expended by the hosts to make it a joyous affair. Mr. and Mrs. Boyden, with other mem- bers of the Faculty, graciously received all aspiring graduates on Friday evening, June the fifteenth, in the Gymnasium. Ranked with oak leaves, and with pots of trailing spirea suspended from the balcony, made an enchanting setting for the festive gowns. And such a pervasive sense of cordiality! Happy faces and bright smiles shone everywhere, while the orchestra did its bit toward the gladness of the hour. Miss Whitney played delightfully upon the violin, and Miss Hooper's piano solo charmed in equal measure. Upstairs delicious ices were served. Afterward a portion of the time was devoted in a promenade and a huge gymnasium-filling circle singing Alma Mater and The Star Spangled Banner. Reluctant good nights were said and all crossed to the quadrangle to sing and cheer for nearly an hour. Lastly, and late, when everyone was supposed to be in bed, came the jolly Junior serenade in South Field. How those girls did sing! Filled with enthusiasm and inspiringly led, they made the night air fairly resound with their clear, vibrant voices. So closed the happy evening, and on the lives of those who participated was left an ineffaceable impression of good cheer graciously bestowed of sparkling mirth, or whole-hearted loyalty to school and country. R. M. '17

Page 29 text:

NORMAL OFFERING 25 ment of a pleasing personality which he deiined as gratitude and appreciation of joy in life. He spoke of the world struggle and said that the greatest problem of a republican government is edu- cation and the teachers are the leaders in this glorious work. After the singing of Estudiantina by the Glee Club Mrs. Ella Lyman Cabot of the Board of Education spoke briefly and presented diplomas to one hundred and seventy-one graduates. The old halls rang with the singing of America and the exer- cises of the morning were over. H. A. G. '17. Tlhe Jing illilarrh. ND what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days. It was on such a day that the graduates of Bridgewater Nor- mal listened for the call of the bugle. Suddenly it was heard. Slowly, beneath the arch of oaken boughs they passed. What thoughts were in their minds? They seemed happy, yet sad. Ah! they were leaving their Alma Mater, prepared to take their places in the world. Steadily this seemingly endless procession, in un- broken file moved down to the campus. There as if they could no longer restrain their feeling they, of one accord, began the sweet refrain: