Fitchburg State University - Saxifrage Yearbook (Fitchburg, MA)

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foreword WE have endeavored to submit for your approval a yearbook worthy of the title The Saxifrage of Memories . The book ob- tains its name from a little flower which may be seen growing on the campus. This little flower, the Saxifrage, has been selected as the school flower. The theme Memories has been chosen because of its sympathetic appeal to ideals. We have tried, as far as possible, to follow this theme throughout. The colors of the school, which are white and gold were chosen by the first class, and signify wisdom, inspiration, purity and perfection. The school pin is a circle of gold with a con- ventionalized blossom of the early Saxifrage in white in the center and with a golden wreath of the leaves of the same plant, about the circum- ference. Purple and gold are the senior class colors selected because they are symbolic of loyalty and sageness.

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Mr. Arthur C. Harrington

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School history THE year 1895 saw the establishment of a teacher training institution in Fitchburg. This institution, the State Normal School, first held classes in the old high school building which be- longed to the city. The next year, 1896, the Normal building was completed and the school moved into its new quarters. In conjunction with this the state took over the Day Street and the Highland Avenue buildings to be used as schools of observation and practice. Several model schools were later opened in the Normal School building. In 1909 a Practical Arts Department was established. This course proved to be successful in attracting students until at the present time many applicants have to be turned away for lack of quarters for them. The aim of the school is to teach the history and theory of education with observation and practice in the training schools. Associating with this aim is the teaching of child study and psychology and the academic and practical art subjects of grades from the first through the junior high school.