Johnstown High School - Spectator Yearbook (Johnstown, PA)

Page 15 text:

THE SPECTATOR 13 gprswm tjjajl' ,nlnm ' a g .hp K 'nw' y initial K srfsaflliilllltrt at if I .NEW cg., ,,f1'.,.r- - - lf - , all .5 ' X?- LITERARY Uhr Olitg nf Brings Margaret Witt, 'zom Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for youg that the slayer may Hee thither that killeth any man unawaresf'-Numbers 35 :1l. The copper sun shone down upon the narrow, crowded streets of Jerusalem. It was nearly midday and the merchants, venders and peddlers were packing up their wares and moving on to where they could receive food. Mule trains began to stir and passed from the market square. All business had ceased but one, and that the slave auction. In the center of the place stood an old Jew surrounded by a crowd of people. Those with their hands tied behind their backs were the slaves, but the customers wore a rich and wealthy aspect. The old jew called gruffly to one of his asso- ciates and presently a young girl of about Hfteen years was brought to him. He pulled her harshly along and placed her on a high stone. How much do I get for this handsome damsel ? he be- gan in his coarse way. She is of Jewish parentage, knows well how to work in the home and fields. Her name is Esther, a noble name. How much do I get for her? Various petty sums were offered. All the time the maiden

Page 14 text:

12 THE SPECTATOR PRINCIPAL'S PAGE Flhv Euan 3155112 anh High Svrhnnl Manila That opportunities for education may not be cramped for those who may later attend Johnstown High School, let each pupil encourage the success of the bond issue which is designed to permit building expansion. The present high school building has served a noble purpose, and it is with no thought of disparagement that we seek expansion, but rather that the present plant has so justified its construction that it stands itself as the strongest argument for a bigger, better, more modern building, that every opportunity may be available for the development of student activities. As pupils come daily in contact with conditions in the high school, all should inform themselves of circumstances and be prepared to talk to others convincingly in support of a project which is vital to thousands of future citizens of Johnstown. Base your plea on a comparison with building facilities in other communities. Base your plea on a request of selfishness for intellectual development. Base your plea on an altruistic foundation, that those who come after you may have even greater opportunities for an education than you have had. Base your plea on a protest against congested halls, against an auditorium inadequate to accommodate the entire enrollment at one time, against unsanitary, poorly ventilated class rooms, against the limiting of library expan- sion, against inadequate Science laboratory facilities, against cramped gymnasium and locker room accommodation. Con- sider the future of five years hence, and having confidence in the growth of your town and development of your high school, boost vigorously the bond issue which will permit a more healthy environment and a greater high school than we have yet known. By your act, make it easier and more desirable for pupils to attend Johnstown High School in the future. Boost.

Page 16 text:

14 THE SPECTATOR stood with bowed head and flushed cheeks. It was humiliat- ing to her to be placed before the people as an object of scorn. just when the auctioneer was becoming quite earnest in his praises, desirous of receiving a larger sum, a gentleman halted before the market. Besides his own family he had with him a large retinue of slaves. I-Ie glanced at the girl standing so shame-facedly before the people, and as he did so she looked up appealingly, her large brown eyes filled with unhappy tears. The man seemed pleased with the picture he saw. For Esther was of the brunette type and very much fairer of face than the people of that district. Her dark, heavy locks, drawn back from her face, hung in two thick braids down her back. Of an olive tinge was her complexion, with just a tinge of pink in the cheeks. She was very beautiful in her way, and the fact that she wore poor clothing rather enhanced her at- tractiveness. 'fI'll take her for fifty pieces of silver, spoke the gentle- man. The old jew agreed without delay. Esther was placed upon a mule and started on her journey to her new home. A After hours of riding the caravan arrived at a large estate. Here her master sent for her. As she stood waiting without the door she heard voices. But, father, you will never allow her, a slave, to dwell under this roof, will you? Shall I, your daughter, with honor- able heritage, associate with her, a slave-with no parentage at all? Ihope not. Oh! father, please I Listen, daughter Ashca. I have purchased her because she is so young and pitiful. I cannot turn her away. And see she, too, looks for the arrival of the Messiah. Docs not our great Moses decree us to protect and care for such? Now, you understand. After a silence Ashca replied: I understand, but you can at least yield this point. Make her work in the vineyard. Ashca left the room as Esther entered. The interview was not long. Esther was assigned duties in the vineyards. She was told that her master was Merchant Kemuel, the wine maker, renowned throughout Palestine.