Hartford Public High School - Classbook Yearbook (Hartford, CT)

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THE CHRONICLE 259 the memory of that friendship will always remain, and pleasant mem- ories are among the dearest of possessions. But let no one think that we shall forget our studies altogether among these other remembrances. They are the real purpose of our presence here. Yet, just as in a play, we cannot think of the main plot without remembering the sub-plots and minor episodes, so these frivo- lous affairs of High School life will always intrude on our thoughts when we attempt to consider only our work here. What one of the many studies we have taken can we think of without recalling class- mates and teachers, and these in turn give place to recollections of a more personal character? We do not, of course, think of the temporal annoyances we experienced in doing our tasks, rather our thoughts dwell on the advantages gained from study. NVe can remember, how- ever, the many times we envied the people who were through with the seemingly everlasting tedium of study, who were not troubled with the thoughts of passing almost insurmountable barriers in the way of marks, and those individuals who boasted that they could leave school whenever they wanted to. But now we feel just pride as we com- fortably consider that we have honorably finished all this work and lived up to all requirements so that now nothing stands in the way of our receiving a diploma. If as we are finishing our course in life, our memories shall cor- respond to those we hold today, if we can recall that we have always had enough interest in our fellow creatures to take pleasure in their companionship while at the same time we have held to some serious purpose, conquering all difficulties and working for a reward as We have here, then we may truly believe that we have attained success in life. , VERA NIARIE CRAIG. HISTORY OF THE CLASS OF 1914 T gives us very great pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, to behold Tj such a vast gathering of interested spectators this afternoon in the halls of our revered Alma Mater. No exercise of our powers of intuition is necessary, for your countenances disclose that you are one and all intelligent intelligence-seekers. As has been ad- vertised by word of mouth and of pen, the marvelous accomplishments l

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258 THE CHRONICLE And those of us who were admitted to debating or literary clubs certainly hold distinctly in memory our sensations when 'we were first chosen to give our weighty opinions about some all-important political question, or in the literary club we were given the milder task of preparing a life sketch of some noted author. How, on the appointed day, we stepped boldly for such was the intentionj to the front of the historic Lecture Roomg how we tried to utter our long-practised ar- guments and speeches in decisive, commanding tones. Whether we succeeded or not-well, how little it matters after all. Then the Mock Trials and Public Debates-who of us could ever forget the displays of wisdom we were treated to there! And forever shall we cherish the memory of those social affairs given by the girls' clubs, leaving mingled recollections of Virginia reels, wonderful punch, and plays with fair heroines and gallant though somewhat ladylike heroes. Undoubtedly, however, the thought of the friendships we have formed during these four years is dearest to us today. As we let our eyes wander among our classmates, we notice very few with whom we do not hold some slight acquaintance. And how did acquaintance start? Perhaps in the recitation room where we felt drawn to each other by the' common burden of study. Or maybe it was as we awaited our turn in the office, that dread tribunal room where all troubles and offences are heard, and justice meted out. Again, it may have been in the gymnasium as we jumped blithely around in athletic activities. But of course such instances served merely as starting points. It was at recess, if in school at all, that friendships developed. Then we relieved ourselves of all the conversation which had been pent up during the morning, over sandwiches and cakes in the lunch- room, or in the dressing-rooms as we stood in the long line before the mirror, waiting patiently to prink up a bit fthis applies only to the girls, I supposej, while others of us became very friendly as we sauntered idly up and down the corridors. However it happened, it is sufficient to say that today this friendship does exist, and is about the only one of the pleasures of our life here which is still real and not merely a memory. In a few years this too may have lost its reality, for as our various occupations lead our minds into different channels, the mutual sympathies which formed our friendships must of course wane. Yet even though this may happen, if some time in the future we should by chance meet a former school chum on the street and after some hesitation exchange rather doubtful greetings,

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4 260 THE CHRONICLE of the illustrious Class of 1911 were to have been enumerated to you today. It is due to this publicity, we realize, that this assemblage of distinguished persons is so very extensive, and it is this publicity, we take the liberty to add, which has made the class history the drawing card of today's program. We are conclusively assured that adver- tising pays. The present age is indeed progressive. This fact is presumably being brought nearer home to you as time goes on, and as a statement of fact, needs no statistical confirmation. VVe have said that the age is progressive. We now confront you with the irrefutable assertion that the Class of 1914 is even more lightning-like in its rapid progress than is the age. In order that you may comprehend the verisimilitude of what has been declared, you will doubtless demand weighty proof. We hesitate nary a moment before complying. Therefore, for your edification and the dispelling of whatever vision-obstructing cloud there may be upon the horizon of your mind's eye, we shall proceed in the elucidation of the well-nigh incomprehensible importance of our already celebrious class. I An important illustration of the marvelous progressiveness of our far-famed class is this screen to which I now call your attention. It may be visible only to your imagination, yet upon it will be thrown reproductions of our remarkabledeeds. And so, for one brief half hour-we won't intrude upon your valuable -time further-imagine yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, the audience of a moving picture house. Call it the Empire, if you like, the Hartford, or the Princess. You can all see this immense crowd of girls and boys who throng Hopkins Street, eager to enter this imposing edifice, and you im- mediately conclude that it is September 10, 1910. The multitude seems innumerable, in reality there are six hundred and fifty-eight students, 'constituting a larger class than any one preceding. Since then, however, parents have profited by the example of our parentsg have sent their children to follow as nearly as possible in our footsteps, with the result that succeeding entering classes have surpassed ours in numbers. Across the street from these embryonic geniuses you behold a throng of upper classmen, all interested in our advent. The inevitable police are on hand also, you notice. They have been warned that the cheering by our enthusiastic welcomers must not be so ear- splitting but that the train announcer at Union Station may be heard by transient Hartfordians. 9