Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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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:

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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-

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26 NORMAL OFFERING Hail to Normal! hail to Normal! Safe for aye in mem'ry's shrine, Hail to Normal! dear old Normal! Praise and love be ever thine. Thence they proceeded to Woodward Hall Where, forming a horseshoe, they planted the ivy and then gave the spade into the keeping of the next class. The last farewell was sung. The grad- uates stood still for a moment, and then they parted-hopeful, expectant and eager to do not only their bit but their all, C. W., '17. l l