Plymouth State University - Conning Tower Yearbook (Plymouth, NH)

Text from Pages 1 - 174 of the 1933 volume:

The President's House Hull Dormitory Social Room of Hall Dormitory Library j y m Russell House “Twelfth Night”, (Annual Commencement Play) Sunken Garden “The Conning Tower” From which the life of P. N. S. is observed 1933 Plymouth Normal School otto “Uiurit qui sr imicit” “ Hir rouqurrs lului rottqurrs himself” Ar rN 0 JiTsi'ln'ranrc in effort -g m 5 IS • v |£oyaItg to ibeals -g -g a IS X beaming for serbirc -g a IS % ifflemories that bless anb hunt v_ m 5 IS (Opportunity for self-expression IS m % Unity faith humanity -g £ (trust in dob -g g IS %. IS %. Honor to roitutry anb self D IS 7 h c Cunning Tower of 19 3 3 ‘Table of Contents Dedication Dr. Silver’s Message Faculty Seniors Classes Training Schools Class Ode Student Government Pan-Athenaeum Social—Dormitories Athletics Music Forensic Forum Latin Club Commencement 1932 Literature Jokes Advertisements Foreword “Books are men of higher stature, And the only men who speak aloud for future times to hear” Browning When this Conning Tower of 1933 “speaks aloud for future times to hear”, we hope that it will give a fair interpretation of a student’s life at Plymouth Normal School. Although it is not so complete as we should like to have it, we feel that it does portray all phases of our school life. We hope that you will place the Conning Tower with your other reference books, that you may refer to it in the future to refresh your memories of Plymouth Normal School. The Editor 1101 The C o n n i n g Tower of 19 3 3 Class Book Staff Editor-In-Chief Estelle E. Winkley Assistant Editor Margaret H. Bedell Louise R. O’Brien Business Managers Helen A. Cushing Louise E. Farrand Ruth S. Colby Art Mabel E. Cushing Ellen G. Smith Elma Holt Advertising Beatrice F. Wheeler Hilda L. Orr Alta V. Fitzpatrick Jokes Marion F. Diemond Associate Editors Jessie P. Morganstern Lillian C. Milotte Mary R. Tobin Dorothy E. White Photograph Committee Dorothy Sherry Elizabeth Stevens Geraldine Gould The Senior Class wishes to extend its appreciation to Mrs. Furlong for her unceasing efforts to make our Year Book a success. [Ill Ruth Olive Bozarth the Senior Class ot 1933, in sincere appreciation of your willingness and constant patience in inspiring and directing us toward higher ideals, dedi-this Conning I ozver to von who have taught us the value ot service. he Tower Ernest Leroy Silver The Conning Tower of 1933 “With all thy wisdom get understanding. In man’s distressful world today, who can point out with certainty the place of wisdom and the fruits of its possession? What is wise, and what is vain? There is no consensus of opinion to-day whether much of the long accepted learning is wisdom or fatuity. The thinkers and the actors of your generation, moved by the shocks of our economic times, will be responsible for the next step upward in social living, economic stability, and national safety. Wisdom of the past has been insufficient for our present. Perhaps we have lacked understanding to make full use of our wisdom. It is obvious that you must know your times better than times have been understood in the past: that you must use your wisdom to interpret your times to your pupils; that Americans of the twentieth century must be taught to know life here and now; that ideals of democracy be understood by children who are soon to be voters. Learning is not enough. We must have the understanding mind with the heart of gold. Ernest L. Silver (151 The Tower in Winter T he Co n ni n g Tower of 19 3 3 Ernest Leroy Silver President Dartmouth College, B. L.; Ph. D., Harvard Summer School. Guy Edwin Spcarc Superintendent of Schools and Director of Training Dartmouth College, A. B.; Harvard University, Ed. M. Eva Earll Furlong English Cornell University, Ph. B.; A. M. Herbert Huntington Lamson Natural Sciences Dartmouth Medical College, M. D. Beatrice Ella Hodgdon Physical Education Plymouth Normal School; Posse Normal School; Harvard University, Summer Term; Columbia University, B. S.; Plymouth Summer School. Geneva May Smith Mathematics Farmington State Normal School, Maine; Boston University, B. S. in Ed.; University of Maine, Summer School; (Leave of absence first semester, 1931-1932). Laura Bell McLean Art Massachusetts Normal Art School; Harvard University Summer School. Harry Preble Swett History and Social Science Amherst College, A. B.; Harvard University, A. M.; Harvard University, Summer School; Columbia University, Summer School. William Freemont Skelton Training School Supervisor Plymouth Normal School; Boston University, B. S. in Ed; A. M. [18] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Ruth Olive Bozarth Geography Illinois State Normal Uni versity, B. Ed.; Columbia Teachers College, A. M. Bertha Elizabeth Farrell French; Latin Middlcbury College, A. B.; graduate student, Middlcbury College; Summer School, Middlcbury College; (Leave of absence first semester, 1931-1932). Robert John Ernst Commerce Iowa State Teachers’ College, A. B.; State University of Iowa, A. M. Frances L. Litchman Librarian Boston University of Liberal Arts. A. B.; University extension courses for librarians. Evelyn Marguerite Waugh History Farmington Normal School; University of Maine, Ph. B.. A. B.; graduate work. University of Washington; University of California, A. M. Charles Mack Abbott Mathematics; Science University of New Hampshire, B. S.; Teachers’ College, Columbia University, A. M.; Summer Session, Harvard University. Luther John Pollard Education Lawrence College, A. B.; University of Wisconsin, A. M.; Harvard University, Graduate School; Professor of Education and Philosophy, Lombard College, University of Maine. Mildred Eva Doherty Home Economics University of New Hampshire, B. S.; Teachers’ College, Columbia University, Summer Sessions; Massachusetts General Hospital, Diploma Dietitian; teacher, Jun. High and High Schools. Ruth Janet McGregor Music Mount Holyoke College, A. B.; Teachers’ College, Columbia University, A. M.; student several years with private teachers of voice, organ, 'cello. 119] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Beatrice Mary Witham Commerce Tufts College, B. S.; Boston University, Ed. M.; Bryant and Stratton Business School, Summer Session and evening session. Gladys Pearl Twitchcll Critic and Headmaster Orford High School Farmington Normal School; Colby College, A. B.; Summer Sessions, Columbia University; Columbia University, A. M. John H. Frye Assistant Headmaster Hampstead High School; Keene Normal School. Waldo J. Perkins Manual Arts Keene Normal School, B. S. Marie Adelia Taylor Critic and Headmaster Dalton High School Boston University, A. B.; Middlebury College, A. M. Louis Ramsay Assistant Headmaster Orford High School; Keene Normal School. Isabel R. Waterhouse Health and Nursing Mt. Holyoke College. A.B.; Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, New York, R. N.; Ass’t Instructor, Yale University School of Nursing; Instructor, Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing. Augusta Matilda Nichols Critic and Headmaster Hampstead High School Plymouth Normal School; Bates College, S u m m e r School; University of Vermont, Summer School; Boston University, B. S. in Ed. Anna Bean Brown Critic Simmons College; University of Maine, B. S.; Summer School, University of New Hampshire; Summer School, Plymouth Normal School. 120! The Conning Tower of 1933 Evelyn Wcrme Critic State Normal School, Worcester, B. S. in Ed. Esther Bozarth Critic Illinois State Normal University; University of Chicago, Ph. B. Marion Katherine Seavey Principal of Training School Plymouth Normal School; Rhode Island College of Education, Summer; University of New Hampshire; Boston University, B. S. in Ed. Hazel Corson Critic Plymouth Normal School; student at University of New Hampshire; Summer School, University of New I Hampshire. Marion Edith Giles Critic Plymouth Normal School, B. of Ed.; Summer School, Boston University. Dorothy Mach Davis Critic Plymouth Normal School, B. of Ed.. 1930. Ncllicmac Connor Plymouth Normal School, B. of Ed., 1931. Marguerite Waegencerc Critic Plymouth Normal School, B. of Ed., 1932. Gertrude Ida Shaw Registrar and Secretary to President f 211 The Conning Tower of 1933 Mrs. Mabel Haigh Matron Mrs. Minnie Lcathcrbury Matron Samuel Read Hall Dormitory Mrs. Edith A. Beal Dietitian Mary Lyon Hall Revelation A voice crying in the wilderness, a prophet stoned, The ages pass. The undiscovered truth yet unrevealed Lies hidden in the hearts and minds of men. God does not seek the guise of miracle To show His truth. His medium is man, whose gift of creativity Discovers revelation. Each modicum of truth reveals His law. The dreams, the accumulated strivings of forgotten ones Prepared the changing order of our day. He has not spoken all to ages past. The racial vision widens through the years And through the aeons. Goodwill and peace were promised when the Christ was born. Man must achieve it, deny the childish hope of magic, face reality. God rules that man himself must find the way To higher things. Must struggle and evolve to loftier planes. The meaning of each life is contribution Intelligence, forbearance, courtesy, Man’s greatest hope. His surest promise is his own potentiality. [22] Elsie E. W. Davis Robert John Ernst The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 To the Graduates of the Four Year Commerce Curriculum In these days of shattered theories and uncertain policies it is more necessary than ever before that the teachers of the public schools of this country have a clear conception of the purpose of education. It seems to me that you, who are concerned with Commercial Education, have an unusual opportunity for helping to instill sane ideas, philosophies, and habits into the minds of those who are soon to be the business men and women of this country. Unemployment conditions to-day have resulted in keen competition for even the small and unimportant positions. Those who are fortunate enough to have jobs are, generally, those who have had some special training or ability. As Commercial teachers you will be charged with the responsibility of training your students more diligently than ever. As an outgrowth of the depression there will undoubtedly be many changes in the business curricula of the future. A nation whose citizens are trained in some particular skill and who have at the same time the ability to comprehend political as well as economic situations, cannot help but grow greater. Let us hope that the Commercial Education of the future will play its part well. Robert J. Ernst 1251 The Conning Tower o j 19 3 3 VEA E. ANDREWS Ossipee, N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Basketball (1) (2) (3); Speed ball (1); Volley Ball Tournament (3) (4); Forum (3) (4); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Forensic (1) (2) (3); Representative (1). “The talent of success is nothing more than doing well •whatever you do, without thought of fame. In Vea we have always found a good, all-round sport. Her ready wit, cheerful companionship, and sincerity have won. and will win for her. many true friends. VIVIAN HODGES BROWN North Hampton, N. H. “Viv” Athletic Association (I) (2) (3) (4); Basketball (1) (3) (4); Bowling (1) (2) (3); Pool (1) (2) (3); Spccdball (I) (3); Tennis (2) (3); Volleyball (1) (3); Forum (3) (4); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3) (4); Forensic (I) (2) (3); Secretary (2); Councilor (1); Representative (1) (2); Clerk of House (3); Glee Club (1) (2) (3) (4); Special Glee Club (3). “A face with gladness overspread. Soft smiles by human hindness bred. Viv and her smiles keep each other pretty constant company. An understanding nature and a ready friendliness have characterized her sojourn here at P.N.S. HELEN A. CUSHING Charlestown. N. H. “Cushy”; Cush” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Baseball, Class Team (3); Class Team Basketball (4); Bowling (I) (2) (3); Pool (1) (2) (3); Tennis (1) (2) (3); Assistant Business Editor Class Book (4); Secretary-Treasurer Class (2); Secretary-Treasurer of Forum (3); President of Forum (4); Forensic (1) (2); Representative (1) (2); Associate Justice (2); Chief Justice (3); Governor’s Council (3); Glee Club (1) (2) (3) (4); Special Glee Club (3); Russell House Councilor (3); Chief Councilor Russell House (4); Social Club Council (3). “She, with bright eyes and soul-bewitching voice. Wins us to smile, inspires us to rejoice. Could we Find anything to describe Helen more accurately than this quotation. It has been a real pleasure to have her as a classmate and friend these four years. Because she has displayed so many fine qualities, we all agree, that Helen is one, who is just “naturally nice”. [26] T b e C o 7i 7i i; £ T ower o f 19 3 3 MARION FRANCES DIEMOND Bennington, N. H. Brownie” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Basketball, Class Team (2) (3) (4); Bowling (2) (3); Pool (2) (3); Speed-ball, Class Team (2) (3); Volleyball Tournament (3); Joke Editor, Class Book (4); Class Treasurer (2); Class President (3) (4); Forum (3) (4); Representative (2); Secretary of State (3); Sheriff, A County (3); Forum Committee (3) (4). Tis the greatest folly Not to be jolly; That's what I think! Whenever any mischief was up, Brownie was sure to be in the midst of it. But aside from being jolly, she is serious, dependable, and an all-round good sport. Can you imagine the Parsonage or Sigma Tau without Brownie? 1 should say not! ALTA FITZPATRICK Concord, N. H. Fitzie” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Baseball (1) (2) (3); Baseball Leader (3); Basketball, Class Team (2) (3); Bowling (I) (2); Pool (1) (2); Pool Leader (2); Speed-ball. Class Team (3); Tennis (1) (2) (3); Volleyball. Class Team (3); Joke Editor. Class Book (4); Vice-President Class (2); Forum (3); Representative (2) (3); Speaker of House (3); Chief Councilor. Russell House (4). Where Wit, and Mirth, and Friendship twine Their varied gifts, I offer mine.” Wherever Fitzie is, fun is sure to follow. Sigma Tau would not have been complete without Fitzie, any more than the Parsonage would have been complete without the Parson. Oh! Can she referee? She surely can! MILDRED EM I LIE HARVEY Portsmouth, N. H. “Milly”; Mud” Athletic Association (I) (2) (3) (4); Basketball (3) (4); Bowling Tournament (1) (2); Pool (2); Specdball (1) (2) (3); Volleyball (1) (2) (3); Class Treasurer (2); Class Vice-President (3); Forum (3); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3) (4); June Pageant (1); Representative (1) (2) (3); Glee Club (3); Treasurer of Social Club (3); Class Secretary (4). He thine with airy steps to trace Some bright and sunny way. Dorm life without Milly’s cheery laugh! One can’t imagine it. Are you down in the dumps? Listen to Milly. It’s a sure cure. If personality is an indication of success, we’ll hear about Milly in the future. Here’s to Mud”. [271 The Conning Tower of 1 9 3 J DORIS CLARA MARTIN Lancaster, N. H. “Dot” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Bowling (1) (2); Basketball (3); Pool (1); Class Secretary (3); Forum (3) (4); Forum Executive Committee (3) (4); Forum President (4); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Scouts (1) (2). “Thus will thy life he here. Not marked by noise, hut hy success alone. Not known hy hustle, hut by useful deeds’’ Indeed, Doris’ success will be marked by useful deeds. Who of us has not been aided by her thoughtfulness? During these four years, Doris has proved to be a helpful classmate and a fine friend to all. We arc sure that success will always be with her. MYRTLE L. NOLEN Whiteficld, N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Baseball, Class Team (3); Bowling (1) (2) (3); Pool (3); Forum (3) (4); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Representative (2); Associate Justice (3); Scouts (1) (2). What is Myrtle like? Quiet? Perhaps, but if this is so, it is that quiet which carries with it that strength and determination which knows no resistance. Now let us sec another side of her nature. Yes. she’s certainly a good sport. Studious? Yes, and a dozen more adjectives couldn’t tell what a good friend and classmate Myrtle has been. LOUISE RITA O’BRIEN Dover, N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Business Manager of Class Book (4); Class President (2); Class Vice-President (2); Forum (3) (4); President (3); Vice-President (3); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Representative (2); Secretary of State (3); Governor (3); Glee Club (1) (2) (3) (4); Russell House Councilor (3); Scouts (1). “Good actions crown themselves with lasting hay. Who well deserves, needs not another’s praise.” From Representative to Governor, Louise has pursued her pleasing way. One of the leaders in school, well earned praise must be given for her beautiful voice, gracious manner, thoughtfulness, kindness, and her executive ability. Louise will be long remembered by those who have been fortunate enough to know her. 1281 French Room Reading Room Harry Preble Swett The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 To the Graduates of the Four Year History Curriculum Our people have conquered a continent—the picturesque frontiers are no more; physicists by disconvcrting electrons, protons, and quanta have given us knowledge of the unimaginably small; by discovering the cosmic rays and thousands of galaxies they have turned out thoughts to the unimaginably large. Still the world is unhappy. There is an intellectual lag that disturbs our culture and needs removal. There is doubt as to the underlying principles of our civilization. Many have been experiencing disillusionment. But, as always happens in history, disillusionment itself is becoming disillusioned. There is need of greater assurance in a philosophy that will satisfactorily support our civilization. There are two possible philosophies; the numerous types are forms of one or the other, or combinations of the two. The universe is fundamentally materialistic or spiritualistic. That is, the universe is of the nature of matter, and human interests are transitory accidents; or, it is of the nature of our minds, and human interests touch the heart of the world. These remarks are not academic. Those who are attempting to direct the destinies of the millions of souls in Russia are applying in their atheism the materialistic philosophy. This earthly life for each one is all and all. Our own culture cherishes as of inestimable worth, individuality, religion, education, democracy. But we waver in our beliefs. We should have a more vigorous conviction that these concepts of individuality, religion, and democracy are true insights into the ultimate nature of reality. If we do not hold such convictions, we are in fact like the Russian leaders but, intellectually and morally, more cowardly. In more technical language, human interests, beliefs, and convictions are termed values. The problem is whether human values are merely temporal or have eternal significance. Of the two possible philosophies the one I am urging is summed up in this sentence: Human values have cosmic value. Enlightenment for this problem is now sought through numerous schools of thought as through naturalism, organism, instrumentalism, dualism, realism, intuitionism, pragmatism, mysticism, and idealism. The best way to acquire a fixed and confident conviction of the truth of this cosmic philosophy is to apply in the daily life of thought and action the comprehensive values of goodness, truth, and beauty. H. P. Swett [31] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 • MARGARET HELEN BEDELL Monroe, N. H. “Peg” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); President (3); Baseball, Class Team (1) (2) (3); Basketball, Class Team (1) (2) (4); Varsity (1) (2) (3) (4); Bowling (1); Camp Committee (1) (2) (3) (4); Pool (2); Speedball, Class Team (1) (2) (3); Tennis (2); Volleyball, Class Team (1) (2) (3); Assistant Editor of Class Book (4); Class Vice-President (4); June Pageant (1); Forensic (1) (2) (3) (4); President (4); Varsity Debating Team (2) (3) (4); High Sheriff (1); Solicitor (1); Representative (2) ; Associate Justice (2); Chief Justice (3); President Social Club (3); Russell House Councilor (4). You have friends and kindred, and a thousand pleasant hopes to fill your heart with happiness.” P—Pleasantness E—Earnestness G—Generosity To know her is to like her. Peg will go far, she will reach new heights of success. A good sport a true friend—Peg. LOUISE ELIZABETH COLLINS Laconia, N. H. Athletic Association (2) (3) (4); Basketball (2) (3); Class Team (3) (4); Bowling (3); Tennis (2) (3); Latin Club (4); Pan-Athenaeum (3) (4); Forensic (2) (3) (4); Varsity Debating Team (3) (4); Scouts (2); Glee Club (2) (3); Special Glee Club (3); Social Club Council (3) ; Class Treasurer (4). To strive, to seek, to win” This is Louise’s aim. As a student she is unsurpassed. She has also shown her executive ability in dramatics and debate. Surely much success lies ahead of her. HELEN SANBORN FOSS Portsmouth, N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Pan Athenaeum (2) (3) (4); Forensic (1) (2); Representative (1) (2); Glee Club (1) (2) (3) (4); President (3); Special Glee Club (2) (3); Orchestra (I) (2) (3) (4); Dance Orchestra 0) (2) (3). We arc the music makers; We are the dreamers of dreams.” Wherever Helen is, there is music. She has always helped provide music for dancing and entertainments of all kinds willingly and cheerfully. She is one of the girls who make Plymouth famous and we’re proud to have her in our class. [32] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 GERALDINE D. GOULD West Rumney, N. H. “Gerry” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Basketball (3); Volleyball (3); Class Secretary-Treasurer (3); Class President (3); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3) (4); Forensic (2) (3) (4); Councilor (3); Social Club Council (4). A kind deed and a kind word, A pleasant smile and a pleasant way As we pass along our road. Will help to brighten the darkest way. Is this Gerry’s motto? We think it must be for she certainly lives up to it. She’s been a jolly classmate and a good friend. EMILY M. GREGORY Pike. N. H. “Emmy” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Basketball. Class Team (1) (2) (3); Bowling (1); Pool (I); Specdball (1) (2) (3); Tennis (2) (3); Volleyball. Class Team (1) (2); Tournament (3); Latin Club (4); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3) ; Forensic (3) (4); Scouts (I). And join with thee calm peace and quiet And add to these retired leisure. Precious things come in small packages. Emily may not be very big but she’s just full of helpfulness and thoughtfulness that make her one of the nicest members of the senior class. The best of everything to you, Emily. MARION HUTCHINSON Williamstown, Vt. Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Basketball (1) (2) (3); Bowling (2); Volleyball Tournament (3); Class Vice-President (4); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3) (4); Forensic (1); Representative (2) (3); Russell House Councilor (4); Scouts (1). “Deem it not an idle thing A pleasant word to speak.” Marion has been an extremely busy and active member of our class. Her quick sympathy and helpfulness have endeared her to all of us. What if she lets work pile up and makes queer-shaped letters. Marion is our class artist and her efforts adorn many a notebook. She is a Sigma Tau. too. [33] T he Conning Tower of 19 3 3 GEORGINA PALMER Williamstown, Vt. Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Bowling (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Scouts (1) (2). Every little mite. Every little measure. Helps to spread the light, Helps to swell the treasure.” Georgina is one of the brightest girls in our class. She is always ready and willing “to do a good turn daily”. She has a tenacity of purpose and will probably rise high in her profession. Anyway, that is what we wish for her. ANNETTE PROVOST Enfield, N. H. “Annettic” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3) (4); Basketball, Class Team (2) (3); Bowling (1) (2); Specdball (2) (3) (4); Volleyball, Class Team (2) (3); Tournament (3) (4); Class Secretary-Treasurer (4); Latin Club (4); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Representative (2); Orchestra (3) (4); Glee Club (2) (3) (4); Special Glee Club (3) (4); Dance Orchestra (3) (4). I have case, and I have health. And I have spirits light as air; And more than wisdom, more than wealth, A merry heart that laughs at care.” It would take more than one volume to tell of all Annette’s virtues. She has so many it is hard to decide which we admire most, but we do know she is an important part of the C4H4 class. ESTELLE E. WINK LEY Rochester, N. H. “Winkic” Athletic Association (I) (2) (3) (4); Basketball, Class Team (3); Bowling (3); Volleyball Tournament (3); Editor-in-Chicf of Year Book (4); Class President (4); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3) (4); Group Leader (4); Deputy Secretary of State (3). She performs her duties with quiet case, It seems, her aim is always to please, But when her work is all well done. Then she knows it's time for fun.” So we have always found Winkie, and we have enjoyed knowing her. She has proved her worth in classes and been a good friend and companion. We’ll never forget her as one of the merry “Parsonage Gang” and a member of Sigma Tau. [34] Russell House in Silhouette Fire Place in Library Charles Mack Abbott The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 To the Graduates of the Three Year Junior High School Curriculum Have confidence in yourself and faith in the goodness of life. Be open-minded, fair, and unselfish. One of the most desirable of characteristics is a wholesome mental attitude and philosophy of life. Preserve in yourself the balance of mind and thought. See things in their relation to one another. Don’t let the dust cast in your eye obscure the distant mountain. Get a mile away and see the true value of things as you study the situation. A well-rounded education is necessary for ability to see all sides of a problem. Remember, a wholesome mental attitude is never a gift. It is always won. Why worry? Worrying is one of the abilities we have developed along with others in rising from the lower animal level and one of the least desirable of accomplishments. We worry about our health, what we have done, what we may be, and what others think of us. Worrying about your health ruins it. Worrying about a mistake becomes a stumbling block. Use the experience as a stepping stone, instead. Worrying about whether or not you will succeed kills success. As a teacher, you will probably receive an undue amount of criticism. Dwelling on it will do you more harm than the criticism. If it is justified, accept it with thanks. If it is inconsequential, forget it. Again, why worry? Training in citizenship is the essential duty of education. A healthy state of mind is satisfaction with life. Lead your pupils to meet situations without expecting a helping hand. Cultivate and hold in yourself and in youth an unemotional, sane attitude, and you will be building constructive citizenship with faith and ideals. Charles M. Abbott [371 T be Conning Tower of 19 3 3 DOROTHY BRUNELLE Haverhill, N. H. “Dot” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Baseball (1) (2); Basketball (1) (2); Bowling (1) (2); Pool (2); Speedball (1) (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Forensic (2). “When duty says, 'Thou must’. The youth replies, 7 can’.” Who knows a determined, willing, little girl in our class? I do. It’s Dot. Dot has been a willing, helpful classmate. 1 wonder if we all enjoy dancing and basketball as much as Dot does? JOSEPHINE ELIZABETH CRATON Hillsboro, N. H. “Jo” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Pool (1); Representative (2); Social Club Council (2). “A smile for all, a welcome glad, A jovial, coaxing way she had.” Jo is an all-round student and certainly kept our class a happy bunch with her wit and laughter. C. ELIZABETH FLAGG Plymouth, N. H. “Betty” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Glee Club (2) (3). “By the zvork, one knows the worker.” B—right E—fficient T—actful T—rust wor thy Y—O—U. [38] The Con n i n g Tower of 19 3 3 ALBERTA ESTHER GILMAN Woodstock, N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Bowling (1); Pool (1); Tennis (1); Forensic (1). “Happy am I, from care I am free Why can’t they all be contented like me?” Whenever a good time was being planned, Al was always there. Arguing is her favorite pastime, and she is never at loss for words to express her thoughts. We arc sure she will be a successful teacher. TERESA MARY JENNESS Plymouth, N. H. “Tcss” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3). “Amicus certus in re incerta ccrnilur.” “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Here’s to one of the J3’s. Tess is always ready to help, be it work or play. We certainly appreciate a true friend. MARGARET McKENZIE Laconia, N. H. “Dolly” Athletic Association (I) (2) (3); Forensic (I) (2) (3); Scouts (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3). “Her gestures, motions, and her smile. Her wit, her voice my heart beguile.” If there’s ever an argument going on, Dolly’s sure to be in the midst of it. She is sympathetic, cheerful, light-hearted, and noted for her wit. Being intensely interested in psychological complexes and “sociological recitations” we are sure that she will make a successful arid progressive teacher. [39] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 DOLORES MAE MILNE Manchester, N. H. “Dodo” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Class Treasurer (3); Bowling (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Forensic (2) (3); Representative (2); Russell House Councilor (3). “Discretion of speech is more thati eloquence. Our “Dodo” may not be a great talker, but what she says is certainly worthy of careful consideration. What she doesn’t know about mathematics, history, or F'rcnch isn’t knowledge. She’s quite a humorist, too. We expect great things of “Dodo”. LILLIAN C. MI LOTTE Tilton. N. H. “Lill” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Pool (1); Associate Editor Year-Book (3); Class President (3); Glee Club (3); Social Club Council (3). “Other friends may come and go, And we may like them heaps. But somehow you're the kind of friend We like to have for keeps. What more could we say about our Lill? Those who really know her will agree that she is a steadfast friend and a true sport. PATRICE O’CONNOR Berlin, N. H. “Pat” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Bowling (2) (3); Pool (2). “7 he way to gain a friend is to he one. Pat was one of the girls who joined us our sophomore year coming to us from Regis College. Although we have known her only a short time it has been a great pleasure, and through her quiet manner and good work she has won many friends. THELMA LUCII.E ROLFE Nashua, N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Representative (2) (3); High Cop (3); Pool (1) (2); Bowling (2); Pan-Athenaeum (3); Class Treasurer (2). “With such a comrade, such a friend, I fain would walk to journey's end. Thelma has made many friends during her three years at P.N.S. who will remember her as a true friend and jolly companion. We wish you the best of luck always. Tel. [40] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 ALICE ELIZABETH STEVENS Alton Bay, N. H. “Stevie” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Baseball (I); Bowling (1) (2); Specdball (1) (2); Volley Ball (1) (2); Class Secretary (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Forensic (1); Representative (1) (2); Clerk of Court (2). Wherever there's fun, there's Stevie; Wherever Stevie is, there’s sure to he fun. Stevie's willingness is well known; when there is anything to be done she is always ready with a helping hand. Best of luck. Stevie. KATHRYN MARY TEBBETTS “Nashua. N. H. “Kay” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Class Treasurer (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Representative (1). “Sing away sorrows; cast away cares Didn’t Kay have a witty remark ready at any time? That’s why she was always welcomed everywhere, by everyone. The best is in store for you. Kay. BEATRICE F. WHEELER Marblehead. Massachusetts B” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Baseball (1) (2); Basketball (1) (2) (3); Bowling (1) (2); Pool (1); Speedball (1); Tennis (I) (2); Volley Ball (1) (2); Advertising Manager (3); Pan-Athenaeum Leader (2) (3); June Pageant (1); Representative (1); Class Vice-President (3); Glee Club (1) (2) (3). “Life is too short for troubles and cares. Not many of us arc fortunate enough to have B’s disposition, or that manner of making one forget worries. She doesn’t have to fret, for with her capability, one knows from the start that success is waiting for her in all her undertakings. No wonder the students and faculty hold the highest esteem for her. DOROTHY ELIZABETH WHITE Fairlee, Vermont Dot” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Baseball (1); Speedball (1); Volley Ball (I); Tennis (I) (2) (3); Pool (1) (2); Bowling (1) (2); Forensic (1) (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); High Sheriff (2); Class President (2); Class Book Staff. “Her friends who knew her well The sweetness of her heart could tell. Dorothy is one of our loyal Vermonters, who has won many friends here at P.N.S. Besides being a good student she always found time for playing tennis and reading books. We wish you success always, Dot. [41] « Eva Earll Furlong T h e Conning Tower o j 1933 To the Graduates of the Three Year Elementary Curriculum Wc were gratified last fall to welcome you back as our pioneer group to graduate in the three year curriculum for elementary teachers. You returned because you realized that in these days when many new theories and practices are being adopted in progressive education, it is expedient for you to become as well equipped as possible to interpret these current movements. You wish to be able to accept or reject these innovations on your own initiative; to analyze, weigh, and evaluate them according to your own knowledge and experience, in order that time and effort may not be wasted in dangerous “playing at the work of education” as so often happens with experienced teachers. We hope that the year has strengthened you in a knowledge of the underlying principles of curricular subjects, that you are better able to see their large possibilities and to realize the dangers of wrongly, as well as the incalculable advantages of rightly adapting them to newer procedures and practices. Aside from establishing progressive curricular activities, it is for you to create for your pupils, a vision of a nobler, happier country than ours is today. You can help to do this only through developing in them, individually, social and spiritual values which will lift them out of the depths of the moral indifference and struggle for material success which characterize our age. During this year you have broadened your own vision. You have, through reading and discussion, come in contact with great personalities of thinkers of the past and present who have given to you an inspirational interpretation of life. Through your contacts within your own group, and the larger groups, in your sharing of experiences, in your reading and discussing outside of, as well as in the classrooms, you have become more tolerant, friendly, and spontaneous, all of which will carry over in your relationships with your pupils and the members of the community in which you will live. Our wish is that you may go forth to taste of life abundantly and to fight the good fight fearlessly. I know of no truer expression of our faith in you than you will find in the following lines: “I will not say to you: ‘This is the Way, Walk in it.’ For I do not know your way, Or when the Spirit may call you. “I know for very truth, there is a way For each to walk, A right for each to choose, a truth to use, Anti though you wander far, your soul will know That true Path when you find it. I will not grieve at all because your light Is called by some new name; It matters not to call it star or sun; All light, all truth is one.” F.va Furlong The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 MARGARET ELIZABETH BROWN North Hampton, N. H. “Margo” Athletic Association (2) (3); Handball (3); Bowling (3); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3). “Let me but do my work from day to day.” Has anyone that hard problem in math done yet? Ask Margo. Who can teach an A number 1 lesson in literature? Answer: Margo. Also if there is any fun going on, Margo is always on hand. Best of success to you, Margo, in your teaching and in the years to come! MARGARET E. HAZEN Canaan, N. H. Athletic Association. “A quiet exterior conceals much.” Margaret came back to spend another year at P. N. S. after several years of successful teaching. We hear that story telling is one of her specialities. She possesses a rare sense of humor and a hearty laugh. The best of luck to you, Margaret. MARY VICTORINE HORAN Manchester. N. H. “Vic” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Bowling (1) (2) (3); Pool (1) (2) (3); Tennis (I) (2); Volley Ball (1) (2) (3); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3); Representative (2) (3); Scouts (1); Basketball, Class Team (2) (3); Baseball (I) (2); Glee Club (3); Last Chapel Committee (2); Graduation Committee (2); Hand Ball (3). “As good a companion and as firm a friend.” Mary certainly is a fine student and all-round good sport. Although she appears to be a quiet individual, behind that indifferent look, there is plenty of humor and good nature. Her friendly attitude will always bring her many friends. Here’s for the best ever, Mary. [44] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 ANNA MAE HUSSEY Tilton. N. H. “Ann” Athletic Association; Tennis (I) (2) (3); June Pageant (I); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Sergeant-at-Arms (2); Representative (1) (2). To know her is to like her.” j No one is endowed with a more charming personality than Ann. She is a real friend and pal to all who are fortunate enough to know her. We wish you success, Ann. MARY T. JAMROG Manchester, N. H. Athletic Association. Mary’s unobtrusive ways belie her true personality until something strikes her funny bone, and then all dignity and control are forgotten. Rut a person couldn’t ask a better friend, or a better companion. ETHEI. GERTRUDE LYNCH Windham, N. H. “Buddie” Athletic Association. Quiet, dignified, hut always ready for fun. Buddie possesses a fund of knowledge which blends with her youthful spirit in a most delightful way. She has a pleasing make-up of sense and nonsense which is sometimes hidden by a sophisticated manner. Success will always be hers. DONNA MARTIN Salem, N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Pan-Athenaeum (2) (3). Donna has won our admiration in the time that she has been with us. Her seeming quietness is not without fun and laughter to balance it. [45] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 To the Sophomore-Seniors Be assured that the members of the faculty take a lively interest in your future work and wish for you all the success which you can hope for. If you lack ideals, you would better seek some other vocation as quickly as you can. Teaching is not for you. You have an asset of which we older people envy you the possession— Youth. Possessing that and ideals, you have the key to great achievement. No one may set a limit to your development. I am going to suggest three things for your consideration: First, the attitude toward your job; Second, the possibilities of your job; and Third, good measure in the performance of your job. I think it was United States Commissioner of Education Cooper, who in his address to us last fall, stressed the idea that teachers should learn to appreciate the dignity of their vocation and to uphold that dignity. He developed the idea that teaching is not to be considered as a trade or an industry, but as a profession. A man is proud to be known as a minister, a lawyer, or a doctor, and to write before or after his name the appropriate designation or title. A teacher should learn to consider her vocation as a profession—a profession second to none in its usefulness to Society and should be proud to write after her name, Teacher. The day of the School Ma’am and the School Mistress is passing. Think about it. Work without ceasing, as a minister or a lawyer would work, to perfect yourself in your chosen profession. Did you ever think that you would like to be an artist? A teacher must have knowledge and skill, but she can also acquire something which goes beyond skill and may truly be called art. It is something hard to define. It is doing a thing supremely well, with a sense of what is fitting, appropriate, and harmonious. It is a thing of the spirit rather than of the hands and brain. In the parable the good Samaritan did all that he could to make the man who fell among thieves comfortable. He did all that could have been expected of him, and then he gave two extra pennies. Don’t be afraid to give in your work the extra pennies. Learn not to grouch if you arc asked to do more than you think you are paid for. Do cheerfully a little more than could reasonably be expected of you. You will grow with the effort to do the little more. H. H. Lamson 1471 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 VF.RNA JEANETTE ALLARD Conway, N. H. “Trcsslcy” Athletic Association (1) (2); June Pageant (1); Bowling (1). Not too serious and not too gay, A very fine girl in every way. A winning personality, perseverance, scholarlincss, and friendliness have endeared Verna to all her classmates, especially those of Angel Alley and Perkins House. Those who know her well agree that she is a wonderful pal. Lucky are her future pupils. ALMA EVELYN BACON Pittsburg, N. H. “Al” Athletic Association (1) (2); Baseball (1); Bowling (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2). Good things come in small packages. A—Amiable L—Lively M—Masterful A—Ambitious “Al” is small but she’ll get there just the same. She looks like a quiet, demure miss at first sight, but if you ask her friends at Perkins House, how your opinion will change! Best of luck, Al”. BEATRICE IRENE CHAPPELL Pittsburg, N. H. “Bee”; “Bcczic” Athletic Association (1) (2); June Pageant (1); Bowling (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2). Happy I am, from worry I flee. Quiet? That’s what some say. But to Perkins House she is known by her dimpled smile and never ceasing conversations. Bee’s greatest hobby is hiking. Remember those early morning walks? DONALD LINWOOD CHASE Freedom, N. H. Don” Athletic Association (1) (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Representative (2). He needs no eulogy— He speaks for himself. Allow me to present our distinguished classmate, Donald. His hobby is Chasing the horizon.” We arc informed that he intends to teach in the far West after graduation. It is rumored that he will make the journey on foot! [48| The Conning Tower of 1933 DOROTHY GRACE CHEEVERS Laconia, N. H. “Dot” Athletic Association (1) (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2). “She if the completest Of girls, and the neatest The nicest and the sweetest.’’ Dot is little, but oh, my! To all she presents a likeable personality, but to us who know her, she is the consummation of all the virtues which make up a pal. EVELYN CLING Concord. N. H. “Billie” Athletic Association (1) (2); Bowling (1); Pool (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Tennis (1). “Kind, joyful, and true. Are virtues found in you.” Although Billie is quiet, very studious, and conscientious. she is nevertheless, a real sport and a true friend. We wish you luck, Billie. RUTH SMITH COLBY Litchfield, N. H. “Professor”; Ruthie” Athletic Association (1) (2); Bowling (2); Pool (1) (2); June Pageant (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); High Sheriff (2). “Is it to one, called Minerva Your gift of wisdom is due?” Ruth has won her classmates over by her jovial and pleasant personality. She amuses us with her dry humor, but above all she has proved herself a real student, one of whom P. N. S. is proud. ROSINA MAY CUMMINGS Orford, N. H. “Zinic” Baseball (I); Bowling (1); Spccdball (1); Volleyball (I); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Representative (I). She’s very petite Hut she can’t he heat, Our little pal called, Zinic. She’s not very big, but she’s one of those lively individuals whom you miss when they’re absent. May you never cease to think it’s a great life, Zinic. [49] The Conning Tower o j 19 3 3 MABEL CUSHING Littleton, N. H. “Mabie” Athletic Association (1) (2); Representative (1). “Cheerful and gay, she passes each day. Masterful Artistic Bright Energetic Likeable All these summed up portray a true picture of Mabie”. May good luck be hers, always. DOROTHY FOWLER Franklin, N. H. “Dot” Athletic Association (1) (2); Pool (1). Dot the little girl with the big voice and the guiding spirit of the Perkins House Harmoni ers. She is an excellent teacher and her discipline leaves nothing to be desired, but she is afraid of mice. When she gets her rural school we want to be there to see her empty the waste baskets! CATHERINE EMERENCE DUBE Gorham, N. H. “Kay” Athletic Association; Bowling (1); Pool (1); Tennis (1); Class Treasurer (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); June Pageant (I). Smiling Kay is one of those ever changing Gorham girls, even to changing the room around. P. N. S. will always remember her as Sebastian in the June Pageant. Best of luck, Kay. LOUISE ELIZABETH FARR AND Concord, N. H. “Lou” Athletic Association (1) (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); June Pageant (1); Glee Club (1) (2); Social Club Council (1). “By different methods different ones excel. But here is one who can do all things well. Louise is one of our good matured girls, a true and dependable friend, and one who always greets you with a smile. Her hobby is drawing, and can she wield a paint brush! [50] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 DOROTHY GIBB East Barrington, N. H. “Dot” With such a comrade, such a friend, I fain would walk till journey's end.” Clear headed, a true friend, a loyal classmate, this is you, Dorothy. Although you have been with us only this year, we have all enjoyed and been benefited by your many contributions to our class. GERTRUDE GILMAN Warren, N. H. “Gert” Athletic Association (1) (2). Gert is our cheery little commuter with artistic and musical ability. She can always be depended upon for a cheerful smile and a merry quip. When the 4:40 pulls out for Warren, a little bit of our sunshine goes too. GENEVA NATHALIE GRAY Colcbrook, N. H. “Geva” Athletic Association (1) (2) (3); Representative (1); Bowling (1); Pool (1); June Pageant (1); Basket Ball (1). The girl with the wavy hair and the pretty smile, that’s Geva. And it is Geva, too, who is always on hand to cheer you when you arc blue. May you be as successful in life, Geva. as you have been at P. N. S. ELIZABETH GARDNER Plymouth, N. H. “Betty” Athletic Association (I) (2). Betty is one of us who is fortunate enough to have a home here in town. Surely some of us who lived in dormitories won’t forget her delicious fudge and the doughnuts her mother made. 1511 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 MILDRED HARRINGTON Manchester, N. H. “Milly” Baseball (1); Bowling (1); Tennis (1); June Pageant (1); Representative (1) (2); Glee Club (1) (2). Milly is one of a few with red hair and a sunny disposition. Her witty remarks have won her way into many a lively party. Oh, well, Milly, it isn’t such a bad world after all even though the mail man did forget to leave a letter every day. HARRIETT ELIZABETH HILL Danbury, N. H. “Hat”; “Harric” Athletic Association (1) (2); Basketball (1) (2); Bowling (1); Pool (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Representative (1). Hat” always will be remembered for that melodious laugh that is so characteristic of her. She has made many friends among the students of P. N. S. Best of luck to you, “Hat”. ELM A LYDIA HOLT Wilton. N. H. “Elmic”; Al”; “Elm” Athletic Association (1) (2); Representative (1) (2); June Pageant (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2). We shall always remember Elm as a studious girl, never forgetting she is a corking sport and a loyal friend. The best of luck and success is due to you. MARGUERITE ELLEN HUGHES Colcbrook. N. H. “Rusty” Athletic Association (1) (2); Representative (1); Class President (1); Varsity Basketball (1); Hiking Leader (2); Volley Ball (1). ’ Chuck full of life. Just as chuck full of fun Rusty is our best bet A hundred to one. Red hair and freckles—there you have a description of Rust. However, her name does not typify her disposition although, at times, she docs get a little fiery— in speech. Don’t forget your “ings”. Rusty. [52] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 LAI LA JOHNSON Milford, N. H. Athletic Association (I) (2); Basketball. Class Team (1); Bowling (1); Pool (1); Representative (1). Good deeds immortal are—they cannot die. When you get the blues, just call on Laila, and she will soon dispel them. In fact she has a remedy for almost any catastrophe. Is there a better test of friendship? NELLA LUCE Manchester, N. H. Class President (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Forensic (1) (2); June Pageant (I); Athletic Association; Scouts (I); Baseball (1); Basketball (1); Volleyball, Captain (1); Bowling (1); Tennis (1) (2); Cheer Leader (1) (2). Why take life seriously? You’ll never get out of it alive.'” Meet the President of the Sophomore-Seniors, Nella Luce. Talented, versatile, athletic, popular -these typify her personality. Many of us will remember her as “Sir Andrew” in “Twelfth Night” and as a dancing coon” in our Minstrel Show. HAZEL MERRILL A loyal friend, one kind and true. Hazel, here’s good luck to you.” Here’s to Hazel, the standby of our class. It was always to her that we went for help, sympathy, and advice. Her encouraging words and happy ways surely can cheer the bluest of blue. JESSIE P. MORGANSTERN Manchester, N. H. Jess” Athletic Association (1) (2); Bowling (1); Volley Ball (I); Associate Editor of Class Book (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); June Pageant (1); Representative (1); High Sheriff (I); Sport Leader (I). Jess” has a friendly smile for all. She proved her dramatic ability in her interpretation of the part of “Olivia” in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”. And Jessie is one of our best dancers, too. For didn’t she win the prize waltz at the Valentine party last year? [531 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 HILDA LILLIAN ORR Manchester, N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2); Representative (I) (2); Bowling (1) (2); Pool (1) (2); Volley Ball (1); Baseball (1); Class Vice-President (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Advertising Editor of Year Book (2); Hand Ball (2). Whenever you sec a social circle in Hall Dorm and hear a loud voice coming from within; you may be sure it's Tilly. Happy, witty, full of fun, a good friend and a good sport, that's Hil. MARY AGNES REILLY Littleton, N. H. “Molly” Athletic Association (1) (2); Bowling (1); Pool (1); Speedball (1); Representative (1) (2). “Precious things are done up in small bundles.” Modesty, originality, loyalty, lightheartedness and youthfulncss = Molly. Molly is a friend in need. A modest exterior conceals much. ALICE PAYNE Plymouth. N. H. “Al” Athletic Association (1) (2); Bowling (1) (2); Pool (2); June Pageant (1). “A sunny disposition is the very soul of success.” “Al”, although living outside the school, has made many friendships. She has also entered into many activities being especially fond of sports. Her fondness for long walks we already know, as her journeys from Bailey Avenue to Hall are taken nearly every night in the year. DOROTHY MADELINE REIDY Manchester, N. H. “Dot”; “Dottic” Forensic (1) (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Athletic Association (1) (2); Representative (1); Volley Ball (1) (2); Speedball (1); Bowling Tournament (1) (2); Class Basketball (1) Tennis Tournament (2); Baseball (I). “A cheery smile bespeaks a happy mind.” Being a cheerful person herself, Dot enjoys seeing everyone else so, and spreads sunshine with her smiles. She enjoys sports, and is always ready for a good time. Good luck. Dot. and may your future be happy and [541 The Conning Tower of 1933 LAURF.TTA ARLENE SHOVAN Enfield, N. H. Rect” Athletic Association (1) (2); Bowling (2); Tennis (2); Volley Ball (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Representative (1) (2). Laugh away sorrow, here I come. Here’s to a girl with a personality all her own. We all love to hear Lauretta tell stories. She’s true blue and can’t evade success. ELLEN GENEVIEVE SMITH Laconia, N. H. “El” Athletic Association (1) (2); Baseball (I); I ennis (2); Volley Ball (1) (2); Representative (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Forensic (1) (2). A dependable friend. A pleasant and cheerful co-worker. A conscientious girl. A good-natured companion. All these qualities are found in the girl whose name is Ellen Smith. DOROTHY MARY SHERRY Manchester, N. H. Dot” Bowling (I); Specdball (1); Tennis (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); June Pageant (1); Representative (2); Social Club (2). We wondered and our wonder grew, that one small head could carry all she knew Dot, one of the smallest members of our class, has taken part in many of the school activities. Her carefree manner and contagious laugh have not let her overcome her love for studying. PEARL ARLENE SHIRLEY Manchester. N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2); Baseball (1); Bowling (I); Volley Ball (1); Class Secretary (I) (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2). Just a girl you can’t forget.” Silence— then a giggle! We don’t need to look up to find out that Pearl and Nella have discovered something funny. We hope your future will always have a sunny side, Pearl, and that you will never forget to smile. F55] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 RUTH ESTA SPEARMAN Concord, N. H. “Ruthie” Athletic Association (1) (2); Basketball (1); Bowling (1); Tennis (1); Volley Ball (1) (2); Pan-Athenaeum (1) ; June Pageant (1); Forensic (1); Representative (I) (2) ; Cheer Leader (1) (2). Why it is that L)r, Lammy misses Ruthie first of anyone? It’s that grin or her ready wit. We’ve all enjoyed Ruthie and many dreary nights turned bright and cheery when she appeared. Here's lots more luck and happiness to you, Ruthie! DOROTHY MARY STEVENS Whiteficld, N. H. “Dot” Athletic Association (1) (2); Baseball (1); Bowling (1); Pool (1); Speed Ball (1); Tennis (1); Class Vice-President (1); Pageant (1); Forensic (1); Treasurer (1); Councilor (1); Vice-President Social Club (1); Representative (2); Speaker of the House (2). Have you ever heard of Dot being a pessimist? Not much! Dot loves to cheer people when they are sad. and she surely can do it. P. N. S. will certainly miss a little Miss who delights in making merry. PAULINE DAISY STEWART Berlin, N. H. “Polly” Athletic Association (1) (2); Baseball (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Bowling (I); Pool (1); Tennis (1). Whether in work, or Whether in play, You will find Polly, Cheerful and gay.” In Polly we find a good all-around sport, who finds a place in any circle. With such a combination as studiousness and fun—what can we expect but success. MARY HONORA STONE Hanover, N. H. “Terry” Athletic Association (1) (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); June Pageant (1); Representative (1); Orchestra (1) (2). “Her very tone is music's own. Like those of morning birds. Mary is one of our number who delights in making merry. Her charming personality has won her many friends at P. N. S. May you have the success you truly deserve. [56] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 MARY ROSALIE TOBIN Manchester, N. H. “Tobey Athletic Association (I) (2); Bowling (1); Speedball (2); Tennis (I); Associate Editor of Year Book (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); June Pageant (1); Representative (1) (2); Cheer Leader (1) (2). Oh, Mary, be careful with those eyes! Mary is full of spirit and that explains her popularity. She intends to make herself famous as a teacher. Aren’t her “pupils-to-be” lucky? HALL IE. WILLARD SWEATT Colebrook, N. H. “Hal” Athletic Association (1) (2); Bowling (1) (2); Pool (1) (2); June Pageant (I); Representative (1). Many girls have fled to their rooms when hearing Hallic’s voice. Whose did it sound like? Hallie is a real friend. Although rather quiet her giggle was often heard on Tuff Alley as well as in Hall Dormitory. LUCY ANN TSAR IDES Concord, N. H. Athletic Association (1) (2); Glee Club (I). Maiden with the dark brown eyes, In whose orbs a shadow lies. And what that shadow is—few know. I wonder if her scrapbook would divulge any secrets! Also the many Antrim letters. All these things never interfere with Lucy’s school work, though, and she is one of our best students. IMOGENE RUTH WHITCOMB Manchester, N. H. “Emmy” Athletic Association (1) (2); Baseball (I); Basketball (1) (2); Bowling (1); Speedball (1); Volley Ball (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Forensic (1) (2). “7 0 know her is to like her. Imogene is a very quiet girl and one would hardly know she was around, but take her out to camp and you will soon change your mind. No doubt the next time we hear of Imogene she will be a successful teacher. [57] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 E. LUCILLE WILLIAMSON Bristol, N. H. “Lu” Athletic Association (1) (2); Tennis (1); Class Treasurer (2); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Scrgeant-at-Arms (1); Glee Club (1). Lu is one of our Tuff Alley girls who did her duty by occasionally saying “Quiet, girls!” She is known to her classmates as an ever ready friend and helper, especially when girls haven’t a way to go home week-ends. We hope the “cameo” brings happiness and success with your many abilities. ALICE ZOLNERCYK Berlin, N. H. “Chick” Athletic Association (1) (2); Baseball (I); Tennis (2); Glee Club (1); Pan-Athenaeum (2); Representative (2). Objective: To introduce a lovable, ambitious and conscientious girl. Learning Activity: A. Facts to be impressed on reader’s mind: 1. Here is a true friend. 2. She is a willing helper. 3. She has a fine sense of humor. 4. She is one you can depend upon. Diary: You know by this time that the girl is Alice Zolnercyk. Evening Star Last vestige of sunset tingeing heaven high, Sunset colors flowing neath my feet, Solitary evening star studding dusky sky, Summer night’s blue black curtains. Dip and lift of supple diving board, Starward flight,—arms up flung,— Before downward I soared. Splash of liquid crystal fading into silence. Realm of black liquid, cool and caressing, Gradual rising motion and I floated In the mirror of the evening, Sensing nature’s perfection and solitary star. [581 Harriett Harmon ---;u The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Four Year Seniors I take two pencils, sit on two chairs before two tables and poise my hand over two papers. I’m not a lunatic, and if you wish scientific proof for the above, see Mr. Swett. And now that I’m properly introduced will you come with me and let me show you the trials and tribulations, as well as the joys of the seniors for the year ’33, throughout their development of P. N. S. Our first view of P. N. S. was a wet one. The tears of nostalgic freshmen mingled with the downpour of Jupiter Pluvius. Yet the days rushed by during which our I.Q.’s were unearthed by the authorities, and we patronized the Plymouth stores for bargains in blotters and cretonne. Then the upperclassmen arrived. If we found them too short, too plump, too tall, or too slim, it made them all the more interesting. Some of the friendships made then will be treasured always as happy memories of freshmen days at P. N. S. If they told us exaggerations, we magnanimously forgave. The long dreaded chapel speeches caused cheeks to grow pale and eyes to grow haggard in spite of Dr. Silver’s assurances. We heard the usual round of Washington trip accounts and rhapsodies over the weather and the coloring of the trees. The summer vacations found us ready, tired but happy. The next fall we were back as sophomores. We dispensed advice left and right and managed to appear a bit more intelligent than usual. It was a pleasure to meet old acquaintances once more and sit in those battle scarred chairs facing professors who, somehow didn’t seem quite as formidable as last year. We learned when not to use “quite” and how to pronounce America and history. Our ability to distinguish protoplasm from plaster of Paris earned us a trip to Warren. On the way we acquired some knowledge of the fish hatchery. Mail decreased a bit that year; according to Winkie she received only six letters a week instead of seven. As a class, we did nothing startling that year except perhaps our performance of the Vineyard Dance before an assembled multitude on Scholarship Day. All our faculties remaining unimpaired, we came back as juniors. Seeing our maturity looming up in the distance had a calming effect upon our friskiness. Soon we would be buffeted and battered by the cold world, so we girded ourselves for the fray. The relative merits of the Parsonage and Russell House were discussed and no conclusion reached. We were the masterminds behind Field Day and Scholarship Day programs. Fitzie and Brownie did their best to marshal the unwieldy and hard-to-get-together group of juniors into committees. It was no easy task. After ushering the seniors out into the world we breathed a sigh of relief and left once more for the vacation. September and an eighteen weeks stretch. We were Seniors. Especially pleasant has been this half year. Of course we’ve missed those who were away training. Their letters helped somewhat. Those of us here were all Russellites [60] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 who enjoyed the coziness of our House immensely. Coffee and toast made in our basement kitchenette taste so much better than anybody elsc’s. The week-end at camp! Shall we forget it? Little Aubrey’s tragic end and the ghost upstairs! We attempted to realize our literary and dramatic propensities by adapting and presenting a play based on the House Boat on the Styx in Chapel. Was it successful? I refuse to commit myself. We’ve practically achieved our goal. We’ve developed ideals and attitudes befitting future teachers. It is up to us to live up to what we’ve been taught. We’ve worked and played, and enjoyed both. P. N. S. ideals and memories will be with us always, undimmed. Annette Provost Junior Seniors At last our goal is attained! We fully realized that our days at P. N. S. were soon to end when we returned for this, our last year. Why? Because we left our former classmates, the Commercial and History students and became a separate class. The J3’s have co-operated remarkably, and we feel that our three years in developing our vocations have not been in vain. It was logical for the class to be called J’s, and now that we have achieved our ambition in a conscientious manner, rather than being J3’s we shall try to be 3J’s, by exercising good judgment, justice, and some jollity in our undertakings. These few lines express our truest emotions as we leave our Alma Mater: Dear Alma Mater, so staunch and true, We pledge ourselves this day to you. And we will always loyal be, With fondest memories of thee. Kind thoughts we’ll cherish, e’er in our hearts, Of friends and teachers, from whom we must part. And from their teachings, our lives we’ll mold; With cherished mem’ries ever hold. Lillian Milotte [61] The Conning Tower of 1933 Three Year Elementary Seniors The Three Year Elementary curriculum raises Plymouth one place higher among Normal schools. To us who are so fortunate as to be able to enroll in the senior class of this curriculum it means in all cases a head start—a seldom encountered opportunity. To those who follow, it means a broader background-more time to gather and assimilate the knowledge so necessary even in the smallest school. The time has passed when the minimum of normal school training will be considered adequate for the teacher of the elementary school. The realization has come that this teacher must have a broad intellectual background and a firm foundation of the principles of teaching. Therefore the period of preparation has been lengthened and the standards raised once more. There arc only seven of us—the “Lucky Seven”. Why lucky? Well, for one thing we were given the opportunity to graduate in a brand new curriculum—the first year it was introduced. Then, too, for many of us it meant renewed hope and companionship. Six of us are returned grads. Our other member comes from Keene. Being such a small class we quickly became acquainted, and though we share our classes with El’s and E2’s we do not lose our self importance. If some of us possess an ability to walk the straight and narrow path and avoid fascinating pitfalls when we enter the teaching field, we owe it to our best friends and severest critics, Mary and Margaret. Many nights wasted in seemingly idle chatter were really devoted to absorbing good advice from those who knew—for instance, “What should the teacher do when the village idiot comes to call?” Margaret Brown is the fair-haired girl of our Current Lit. class. When the words, “Who would like to take this lesson?” hang like a black cloud over the heads of a class deeply absorbed in appearing unenthusiastic, when the silence brooded and finally shrieked in utter despair, Margaret would rise to the occasion bravely and unfalteringly. The crisis had passed—life could go on—at least until Friday morning. Then there were Ann and Mary better known as Hussey and Horan. On the third floor these names could be heard above all the rest. They too, often did their bit in class to avert tragedy. Donna joined us later in the year, but she soon joined the seekers after knowledge in Room 110. You can sec for yourself that the E3’s are a serious minded lot—with plenty of initiative and capable of carrying off the honor of trail blazers. Ethel Lynch [62] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Sophomore-Seniors Monday, September 12 Dear Diary: Back again! Old friends crowding around, hugs being given out in big bundles, everyone talking at once and still not saying anything. What does it all mean? Another year at Plymouth is beginning. How old we all seem to feel; we arc Sophomore-Seniors, you know. Tuesday, September 13 Dear Diary: Still rushing around trying to get settled. We Sophomore-Seniors met in Livermore Hall to receive the eagerly awaited answer to the question, ‘‘Who is going in training first quarter?” Mr. Speare, the judge, meted out the answer to us, one by one. Half the Sophomore-Seniors entered class today, but the other half will wait until to-morrow to go in training. The suspense is awful! Saturday, October 29 Dear Diary: You will think life for a Sophomore-Senior is all work and no play, but tonight we are going to the Hallowe’en Banquet. ’Member, Diary, the little green hats we had to wear last year? That is all over now and we arc sporting orange ones with black feathers to-night. Thursday, November 10 Dear Diary: Out of training and into classes for nine weeks for half our classes, and vice versa for the other half. How we had to rush these last few days to have a clean slate and a clear conscience with regard to back work, with which we might enter either classes or training. It is with just a tiny bit of regret that we leave our children in the training school—but we arc going back. Wednesday, November 23 Dear Diary: Can’t you just smell the old turkey roasting in the oven and the pies cooling on the shelf? Yes, Diary, how did you guess it? Thanksgiving Vacation! Wednesday, December 14 Dear Diary: Tying up packages, composing verses, trimming the Gym! After the banquet, waiting for Santa. Then, “Oh, look what I got.” “What did Santa bring you?” “May I have this dance?” And we arc off on the Christmas Party. [631 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Thursday, December 15 Dear Diary: “The Coming of the Prince.” We, the Sophomore-Seniors, deserve praise and credit for this artistic little play taken from Eugene Field’s story of the same name. Friday, December 16 Dear Diary: Two weeks vacation! Christmas is a lovely time, isn’t it, Diary? Packing, rushing, saying good-bye, a whir of the engine, and we arc gone. Monday, January 29 Dear Diary: The third quarter is beginning. Out of classes and into training, into classes and out of training; it all depends upon which half of the class you arc in. A half year gone never to return. I feel so old tonight. We Sophomore-Seniors are rapidly growing up. It is getting late, Dear Diary, and I can’t see or think very well so I will close you up and tuck you away, but be good to the Sophomore-Seniors and help us to carry on in the future as well as we have in the past. Mabel Cushing Proserpina April! Sweet as breath of kine In the summer clover, Back from Pluto’s treasure mine Now the winter’s over. Richly verdant springs the sward In thy footsteps, maiden, And each humble cottage yard Deep with gold is laden. Here, the yellow buttercup, There, the dandelion. Maiden, lift thy tresses up— What! And thou arc crying? [64] Elsie E. W. Davis The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Middlers Picture a room in Hall dorm, Grafton House, or Russell House. There a group of girls is crowded about a large, much worn scrap book. They do not look up as you quietly stand in the doorway, so absorbed are they in this book. One of the girls holds the book up in order to see more clearly and there on the back, printed in large gold letters is the title, “The Life of the Middlers.” It must be a biography of some great order or society. Your curiosity has now gotten the better of you and you make your presence known, eagerly asking if you may take the book. The girls are very willing, so you make yourself comfortable and open the book. The first chapter is titled, “Who are Middlers?” As you scan the pages you discover that they arc the girls in Plymouth Normal School who are neither Freshmen nor Seniors They arc the Middle. Next you see a large picture. You are not sure what the picture is all about but it seems to represent activity to the highest degree. Under the picture are these words—“What the Middlers Do.” On close inspection you sec girls playing basketball, tennis, speed ball, volley ball, and baseball; some are making speeches while others arc studying. Some carry the dignity of an official in the Student Government. But you must hurry on for there is much more to see. Here are pages and pages of pictures each representing incidents in the lives of the Middlers. They arc too numerous to examine closely so you look further. At last the end of this interesting book is reached. You know now that the Middlers are jolly, lively, and studious, that they enjoy every day at Plymouth Normal School and treasure the many experiences they have had there. Eunice Ephlin 167] Livermore Hall The Conning Tower of 1933 The Freshmen “To cry or not to cry” was the first question which met approximately seventy-five blond, brunette, or Titian mothers daughters wandering around Mary Lyon Hall; some at first, just a little lonesome in a strange place; others used to schools but not quite over the first day tempest attacks; some trying to be happy and gay despite the depression; others untouched by first day sadness, smiling a welcome and eager to start school. A question—the first thing! how very appropriate—because, it seems on thinking about it, the year is one immense question mark,—life’s a question mark! Strange enough, and yet perhaps (when one would question the fact) not so strange, this first interrogation was aptly settled thusly: “What’s your name? Where are you from? Oh! Do you happen to know so and so?”—and arm in arm two maidens would stroll off to question more girls and discover that, “It’s a small world after all, isn’t it?” Questions, questions, and questions! The welcoming committee would take up the game with, “Would you like to do this or that?” Langdon Park, Loon Lake, parties, the theatre would result. Then—of all things an intelligence test—more questions! The seventy-five mothers’ daughters sadly bowed their heads and reverently agreed that “ignorance is not always bliss”— After two or three somnolent days, “Who are you?” “Where from?” and “Do you know?” stirred and confronted the upperclassmen, who much to the chagrin of the questioners, seemed to have brought classes and hard work with them. And so the questioning continues, the faculty climaxing with, “Who, what, why, when, and where?” followed by “Write, and elaborate.” Exams! One question remained unasked these seventy-five mothers’ daughters merely raised quizzical eyebrows and wondered—“Do they know, I wonder if they know—‘The quality of mercy is not strained’—and better still -‘It blesseth him that gives and him that takes!’ ” Now 1 suppose you are asking—“Who, where, mothers’ daughters?” -I ask—“Don’t you know—can’t you guess?” Why they are the Plymouth Normal freshmen of 1932,-----Freshmen, touching again the heart strings of Plymouth, who reaches her arms out to be their alma mater. Freshmen, eager to make new acquaintances, grasp new opinions, new ideas; to ask new questions; each anxious to start up the road of her chosen profession. As days go by, despite any faults she may find, despite clouds that seem liningless, each one is unconsciously drawn nearer and becomes entangled in the heart strings of Plymouth. Perhaps years from now Plymouth will ask a question—“Do they remember?” and the walls that once heard every word will seem to sigh because [711 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 they know—and can’t tell. The walls then ask a question, “Do they remember? Can they forget?” while far away these same mothers’ daughters, laugh and arc happy when they ask, “Do you remember?” Even now the freshmen have scores of memories, pleasantries however small are hard to forget. The “Who, where, and do you know?” questions are laid away until next year, and even now, I’m sure the very walls sigh and say, “How can they forget, when at such an early age they have learned to say “Do you remember?” Patricia Cahill A Goal As we dream, have we so acted? As we think, have we so spoken? No? Then have we Courage? In sacrifice, have we once suffered? In loving kindness, do we understand? Then, Friendship is our joy and pleasure. In our strength, are we protectors? In righteousness, can we still forgive? If so, then Charity is ours, a blessing. To knowledge are we ever adding? In ideals, are we building high? Then, Education shines, a goal to gain. If together we multiply these factors, Adding to them, Goodness, Hope and Faith Then, Beautiful Life is ours, Example. M. H. Bedell [72] “Le Faint est un Grand Inventeur The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Plymouth Training Schools Dalton High School “Are you scared? How do you begin?” Those were the general questions to be heard as we walked down the road to school on September 6. We looked the same, and contrary to custom, we had all eaten a good breakfast, but we were wondering what it would be like to face our first class. The bell rang, the pupils filed in, and we were introduced to Dalton High School. As the days went on we grew to feel more and more like teachers—and acted accordingly—except when we forgot. At the end of two weeks we lost Elizabeth Aldrich and gained two new members, Sally Griswold and Marion Pike. Several days later the teachers were asked to go outside and were put on their honor not to peek while important business was transacted inside. When wc were allowed to re-enter, we were told that Myrtle had been chosen as Sponsor of the Athletic Club and Dot Brunelle as Sponsor of the Social Club. We have not been without visitors. One week was especially noteworthy as Commissioner Pringle, Dr. Silver, Mr. Skelton, and Mr. Morrison were our guests. Mr. Leavitt also arrived on the first of November and remained with us all day. A period of great excitement followed the announcement that we were going to Plymouth to see “The Merchant of Venice.” It was a big event as we were to see all the girls and the changes which had been made during the summer. Soon after this Marion Pike was replaced by Helen Connolly. The pupils gave Marion a farewell party, keeping their secret so well that it was a surprise to us as well as to her. As Thanksgiving drew near, basketball was begun, the girls being coached by Dot. The first game was played December 6 with Lancaster High, and resulted in a victory for both teams, causing us to look forward to a most successful season. To help defray the expenses of basketball a whist party was given by the Athletic Club. This proved very successful—in spite of the coffee. Nearly every form of recreation may be found in Dalton. Our favorite one seems to be walking—every afternoon, rain or shine. Skating also has interest for some, and although we are not experts, it certainly is fun. Grange Dances and Box Parties arc also a part of our social life. Owing to a conflict with a basketball game, our Christmas party was held on Tuesday evening in the Grange Hall. Carols were sung by the school, and a play, “The Troublesome Christmas Present”, was given. In spite of the fact that it was two weeks before Christmas, our jolly Santa Claus—in the person of Paul Brooks—was here with a beautiful tree and presents for all. In keeping with the Christmas Spirit we decorated a small Christmas tree [741 The Conning Tower o j 19 3 3 for one of the shut-ins. As we were going out the door Miss Taylor, who was carrying the tree, told us to watch to see that she didn’t drop anything. Hardly had she finished speaking when out went the Christmas tree, decorations and all, and Miss Taylor was left with an empty flower pot in her hands. We brushed the snow off, straightened the decorations, and watching the icy top step carefully this time, proceeded on our way without further mishap. Although training at Dalton is not all play, and problems often arise, yet we who have trained here would not exchange places with anyone. The pupils are very co-operative—and you just can’t help but like them. Miss Taylor, our critic, is always ready to help, no matter what the problem may be. We have certainly enjoyed our training at D. H. S. and are sure that those who follow us will also. Dalton is the place for us! Myrtle Nolen Georgina Palmer Or ford High School Orford never had a high school until 1926. In the fall of that year, due to the efforts of Dr. Butterfield and Dr. Silver, a high school was established as the first secondary training school for Plymouth cadets. Miss Twitchell was headmaster and critic then as she is to-day. Under her guidance the school has grown from fourteen to sixty pupils; from a school of freshmen and sophomores to an approved four year high school, offering standard courses and conforming to state regulations. This year there have been five cadet teachers besides the sub-master, Mr. Ramsay. The building we call Orford High School also includes rooms for the grade children of the town. The rooms upstairs are used for this purpose. On the third floor one finds numerous empty rooms used for dormitory purposes years ago by pupils of the old academy. Improvements have been made from time to time by the state and town in the equipment and building. The enrollment now is so large as to almost prohibit further increase. The main room and the four class rooms are used at all times. Chairs recently given us by the Normal School add a great deal to the convenience and appearance of the class rooms, while the repainted desks brighten up the main room. Last spring a new water system was installed, enabling a steady and pure source of water at all times. Drinking fountains and new lavatories were much appreciated by the pupils. Other improvements have been made by the pupils themselves. As a science project, the freshmen boys installed a new bell system, to their own satisfaction and that of the teachers. They were typifying Orford spirit when (751 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 they worked long periods outside of school hours to accomplish something worth while. Successive graduating classes have added to the appearance of the main room by leaving pictures (one of Dr. Butterfield) and an electric clock. Orford High School has done much for itself. It is a pleasure to be a cadet in such a school. Never were pupils more willing, never better workers, never more co-operative when given the opportunity. Every cadet who ever worked with pupils in this school will join with us when we say, “Orford, long may she live!” Helen Cushing Margaret Bedell Hampstead High School All summer we worried! Just what did the term “training” signify? We were soon to find out. September 4 saw seven of us, five from P. N. S. and two from K. N. S., seated around the supper table in the new established home of Mr. and Mrs. Frye. For us seven, Labor Day has double meaning. Three guesses, Cadets! Tuesday came—and went. The memory of that first day will always linger with us. Our fear of facing the pupils in classes vanished—and why not? We may truthfully say that there cannot be found a more co-operative, school-spirited group of students anywhere. This co-operative spirit may easily be seen by their working together to build a sidewalk from the shop to the school. The boys spent many hours digging a trench, and with the aid of one of the town’s people, the cement was laid. Only those connected with the school can appreciate the full benefit of this sidewalk. There are many things for which we shall remember Hampstead High School, the Freshman Reception, the Hallowe’en Party, the very successful operetta, “The Maid and the Middy,” which was presented under the direction of Mrs. Thompson, and the Christmas Party. The Hampstead High School Orchestra under the direction of Helen Foss added much to the enjoyment of the parties. No system can be efficiently managed without wise leadership. Hampstead looks to the excellent leadership of Miss Nichols for its progress. How short eighteen weeks really are when one works under such enjoyable surroundings. You can readily see that life at Hampstead is not wholly devoted to work. We frequently manage trips to Haverhill, Manchester, and Derry, and one, which we shall not soon forget, to Plymouth to see the Merchant of Venice reproduced by the Guild Players. We all learned a very-profitable lesson that night—it is much wiser, we all agreed, to leave the keys on the outside of a car when locking the door. These are only a few of the very many happy times which we have had [76] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 here. The only unhappy thought of Hampstead which we carry away is that of our leaving, for who would not regret leaving a place which he has grown to love? Vivian Brown Mildred Harvey Hancock High School To appreciate what the word Hancock signifies one needs only to spend eighteen weeks training in the high school, under the able guidance of Miss Bertha Manchester, the critic. Although Hancock is a Keene Training school, this year the teachers for the commercial work were supplied by Plymouth. Labor day of ’32 is a day never to be forgotten by the six frightened future student teachers assembled in the main room of Hancock High School. After much endeavor the schedule was completed, and we settled down to our first real task of lesson plans, and of collecting the necessary books and materials for classes. The next day we found ourselves, at eight o’clock, prepared to meet whatever might come. The first excitement was the arrival of the school busses, and the hasty glances of teachers and pupils, both wondering what the future had in store. Another hour and we were facing our first classes and having none of the dreaded events that we had anticipated, happening. As days ran into weeks we were becoming as old inhabitants of the town, frequenting the post-office every night for mail, and the library on Saturday evenings. Then began the scries of dinners given by the Ladies’ Society, which we were sure not to miss. Before September had ended, the first of our outdoor picnics took place, and the faculty proved its ability to row a boat and cat broiled steak. Education Week might well be called “Get together week”. During this week every high school child’s home was visited by cither two or three of the teachers. In this manner the school and community met and became more understanding of each other. The end of the ninth week was marked by the return of the Keene teachers and the arrival of those who were to take their places. All our time was divided between work and entertainments. The second nine weeks basketball was started, and much time was given to practices. At Christmas a program was given by various pupils of the school, and was repeated for the community Christmas tree. As the last week approached there was much excitement and enthusiasm caused by the coming faculty basketball game. At last the game was over, and those of us who had completed our eighteen weeks of training realized it was really time to leave. Training had shown us the enjoyment of teaching, and with reluctance we left, but glad to have others able to enjoy the work for the remainder of the year. [771 Marion F. Diemond Dining Room Kitchenette of Hall Dormitory The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Plymouth Model School The Primary Grades Those of us who trained in the primary grades think these are the best to be found—but no doubt those who trained in higher grades would dispute this fact. Rather than start any serious discussion we’ll simply say how much we enjoyed our training in the lower grades. When we entered the training school we were mere students and were allowed to observe teachers handling these little people in such an expert way that our goals certainly seemed far away. After a while we were given a chance to teach, and we certainly found ourselves far from perfect teachers. We were given little groups of our own, and before long we could sec that these children were actually advancing under our guidance. How happy we were to feel that they were actually learning to read, write, and do their arithmetic and handwork, as we had taught them. Though we may become real teachers with schools of our own, probably we shall never experience the same feeling of satisfaction that we had when we saw what we had accomplished in those nine weeks in the training school. Perhaps they are right who say “I'irst impressions last longest.” If so, we shall take with us memories of friendly critic teachers, lovely children, and happy times which we enjoyed while training in primary grades. F.. Lucille Williamson Intermediate Grades Friday afternoon is a good time to visit the intermediate grades if you wish for entertainment and want to see co-operation between leaders and followers. You may enjoy a play, listen to a radio program, or find in session a business meeting of some club, such as the Y. P. C. A. The president is before the class, and the other officers perform their respective duties. All goes smoothly and very formally. Everything is carried on by the students themselves, with the teachers in the background, looking forward to an enjoyable afternoon as much as the pupils are. During the rest of the week the same pleasant atmosphere and cordial relations prevail in the classroom. Proctors arc chosen from the students to have charge of the room, cupboard, basements, and stairs. Everyone learns to respect the rights of his 179] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 neighbor, and no one shirks his duty. The morning exercises arc also conducted by the pupils. The children of the intermediate grades are old enough to depend upon their own originality rather than upon imitation, which is common in the lower grades. The soap carvings, clay modelling, booklets, and contracts which arc made by them are examples of this. Competition between groups urges them to do better work. They not only take the part of the willing pupils, eager to learn, but at a moment’s notice can fill the place of the teacher and conduct the class in a dignified and creditable manner. What can better develop responsibility? Beatrice Chappell Junior High School “Junior high school students are we -”. Very often the day begins with this, the junior high school song. The junior high school is made up of the seventh and eighth grades. It is a connecting link between the grammar school and the senior high school. When you first see these children you are much surprised at their air of sophistication. Their program is similar to the one they will have when they are in the senior high school. Here an attempt is made to give the child a chance to do the things he likes to do. This year the last period on Thursday was devoted to club work. Each of the cadets had charge of one club. The clubs were, (not in order of importance because to each child his club was the most important, but in alphabetical order) Camera, Dramatic, Handicraft, Orchestra. Many fine things were done in these clubs, and I think they have proved their worth and will be continued in years to come. In junior high responsibility is developed. Every Wednesday afternoon the first period is set aside for “Junior Citizens’ Club” meeting. The president chooses the pupils who are to do the Routine Duties listed. Then if there is any business to come before the students it is taken up then. The latter part of the program is left to the entertainment committee. It is certainly a joy to work with these children who arc in the stage of acquiring grown up habits but as yet haven’t left all their childish ones behind. Dorothy Sherry Salem Depot School “Salem, N. H.” printed in black on a big silver-colored water tank, which towered above the trees, was the first glimpse we received of Salem. Oh, what a desolate feeling, and yet such a queer impression those letters gave us. It didn’t seem true that we were actually going to make our home in this quaint little town, and going to teach in its school for nine whole weeks. On Monday morning, Nov. 14, Miss McGary, our critic teacher, intro- 1801 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 duccd us to our little class rooms. In these little rooms, which we could arrange as we pleased, we were to carry on our classes. This was our first experience in planning a school room. So great was our delight in drawing borders for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, and displaying pictures, which would be appropriate to the grades using the rooms, that we practically forgot Plymouth Normal School. Our nine weeks of training were weeks of gaining great knowledge in our chosen profession, and weeks of pleasure and interest. Never before had we realized that by actually teaching a special appreciation or presentation lesson could we have such command over pupils. Most of the pupils were very cooperative and easy to manage, but there were a few exceptions, as in any school, who tried, but did not succeed, to “put something over on us.” The knowledge and experience we received were great and our home life, as well as our school life, was made a great deal more enjoyable by our friend and critic, Miss McGary, who saw to it that loneliness was never on our daily program. Mildred Harrington Laila Johnson Unanswered There’s something it’s trying to tell me, That lonely plaintive cry. Is it deadness and pain of living? Or the fear of those who die? How it calls and calls for an answer, So lonesome, weird, and wild. Like a panther on the prairie, Like a lost and frightened child. Oh, wanderer Wind, all over the world You take your unhappy talc. To each you come for an answer, And we, must we always fail? E. Ephlin [82] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 CLASS SOOOGc ’33 ijjovAt. by Oodcva-Vo C a.r o-vtrt- H-Oc eU TP 1 p s i 1 : u ft a H 4 '■ ■ -« ■ s -5- ■P— M H � ■ M- o- i5 1 rM ■M mm m m p= P- .--US- -4 m M ry id m M f= r ML - - G - 3 r H 3 -7 —Xs P --Mr— ■' M _p =t MM 5 = :±= M MM We’re leaving now our Alma Mater; We’re leaving and our hearts are sad. May Plymouth find us always ready, Grateful for those days we’ve had; Days of work and days of pleasure, Broadening of purpose true, It is here we’ve learned allegiance Plymouth Normal, here with you. We owe to you that idealism That guides and keeps us unified; A love and honor for profession, Strength to do the things we’ve tried. Bless, oh, God, our humble efforts, Aid us in new work to come, Keep us always true to Plymouth, We will love her as our home. [84] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 ------«——■———-------------- Louise O’Brien Beryl Adams Romina Howard Retiring Governor, ’32 Retiring Governor, ’33 Governor, ’33 Inauguration Speech—October , 1932 Commissioner Cooper, Dr. Silver, Dr. Lamson, Friends, and Fellow-citizens: Two distinct educational ideals have influenced the growth of our American colleges; one, the ideal of discipline; the other, that of freedom. Personal discipline, social discipline, individual freedom and social freedom are different phases of these ideals. As we know the military schools are distinctly schools of discipline based on the traditions of army service: personal discipline is the key note. In most of our Liberal Arts Colleges today, individual freedom is becoming more and more pronounced. One familiar with the ideals of the Teacher’s College would realize that a combination of the two is necessary. As students of a Teacher’s College, we are not working directly for self-cultural values. Subject matter for us has not only background values but also psychological and sociological values because we have chosen as our profession to develop human material, the citizen of tomorrow. We desire that he shall have a sound mind in a sound body, a command of the fundamental processes of knowledge, and a vocation in life. We wish him to be a worthy member of the family, capable of assuming the privileges and the responsibilities of citizenship, to be a person of high ethical standards who knows how to use well his leisure time. The Teacher College student believes that character grows only through conduct and action. Toward this end we are trained to think accurately at first hand, to discriminate, and to judge without prejudice. Such self-determination and self-expression demand again freedom with professional re- [861 The Conning Tower of 1933 straints, not only in our classes, but in our dormitory life, in our system of self-government, and in all our activities. Therefore, it is well for us as citizens of Plymouth Normal School State to accustom ourselves to that larger freedom which in the spirit of service gladly recognizes its own necessary restraints. Fellow-citizens: 1 appreciate the honor you have bestowed upon me in electing me to the office of governor of Plymouth Normal School State. I accept the trust and relying upon the co-operation and support of each citizen, will do my utmost to make this administration a worthy one. Beryl Adams Governor's Speech—February 16, 1933 President Silver, Dr. Lamson, and Friends:— In the course of human events there may be observed in group activity a certain conformity to rule. Regardless of its location or its composition a group will develop by stages in a certain sequence: First, there is the peaceful uneventful period when life goes on smoothly. Next, sooner or later, a note of restlessness creeps into the group. They sense a lack of sufficient achievement, and they desire to construct higher levels of progress. The third period is the time for action, which, to insure constructive development, must be a result of open-minded discussion and unprejudiced thinking. As it is with the group, so it is with the individual; and so it is with us of the Plymouth Normal School State. During the thirty-two successful years of student government, this cycle has recurred. Our present desire for readjustment is a natural outgrowth of this age of unrest and rapidly changing conditions. Since our interests are those of Plymouth Normal School State, we will consider carefully any course of action before entering upon it. We must not destroy the very foundation of our law or discard anything which has proved constructive. We recognize the potentialities of student government. Our one common desire is to develop them to the fullest possible extent for our own and for future good. This can be accomplished only through a sensible attitude, constructive criticism, and use of those constitutional rights provided for that very purpose. 1 thank you for the honor which you have conferred upon me at this time in choosing me to be your governor. [871 Romina Howard Art Committee The Conni n g Tower of 19 3 3 Pan-Athenaeum President—Beryl Adams Vice President—Annette Loiselle Secretary-Treasurer—Mary Hynes Pan-Athenaeum is Plymouth Normal School’s dramatic club. It is under the able sponsorship of Mrs. Furlong, and its members are all upper classmen. At the first meeting of Pan-Athenaeum last fall, its members were divided by lot into groups of ten. There were eight such groups this year. Each chose a leader who selected the play that the group was to give and assigned the parts. The first group then went to work on their play, and with a final polishing given by Mrs. Furlong, the play was ready to present. The audience certainly enjoyed “Station Y.Y.Y.Y.”—How they sympathized with the little boy who did not want to go to a boys' camp during vacation. The clever radio program was greatly appreciated, even to the static. When at last peace was restored, the good advice given over the radio heeded by the father, we find all the characters happy and the audience delighted with this play. The cast was as follows: Virginia Lamson, Inez Fox, Beryl Adams, Geraldine Willey, Priscilla Patenaude, Dorothy McDonough, Dorothy White. The next play presented was “A Little Mistake”.—The play was really a “huge success”—and again we spent a pleasant half hour watching the progress of a little mistake that turned out to be a “little” Miss Take. The action of the poor cook,—who was mistaken for a count, sent the audience into peals of 190| The C o n n i 71 g Tower of 19 3 3 laughter. The cast was as follows: Mary Hynes, Jessie Morganstern, Marie Gauthier, Ada Tait, Vivienne Beaudry, Harriett Ward. During the hurried week before our spring vacation we took “time out” one evening to see another talented group present “Oh Helpless Man”--Not only the man was helpless in this play but the young lady seemed to need assistance rather frequently and the man controlled the situation entirely at the close of the play. The wit and humor, the human elements, and the excellent portrayal of both make this play stand out as one of the best plays of the year. The cast was as follows: Annette Loiselle, Beatrice Wheeler, Romina Howard, Mary Puglisi. Several groups are working on plays to be presented later in the spring “Neighbors”, and “Three Pills in a Bottle” are plays that we are looking forward to in the next two months. Sometimes special groups present plays for certain occasions. One that will soon be given is “Heart’s to Mend”, a delightful, touching little fantasy. The Pan-Athenaeum puts forth all its ability and strength to present its plays in the best possible manner. The girls in each group take the responsibility of coaching the play until the parts arc completely learned. Then the final touches arc made under the direction of Mrs. Furlong, bach play presented represents many hours of practice and hard work for never is a play-only “half given”. Every girl in the group does not have a part in the play itself, but each has her part to perform, in other ways. Plymouth Normal School looks forward to the future plays to be presented by Pan-Athenaeum. With the added membership of this year’s Freshmen, next year we have reason to expect many more entertaining performances in Livermore Hall by the Pan-Athenaeum. The stage is set, The lights are low, The orchestra is playing. The curtains part, A girl steps forth, Just list’ to what she’s saying: “A group presents To you to-night, A play of tears and laughter. And, what they say You’ll take away, To be remembered after—” The play begins, We weep and smile, The players we commend. And thus we watch With quickened pulse— 1911 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 The play unto the end— The curtains close, We rise to go, And to each other say. We must be sure To see the next Pan-Athenaeum play— E. Ephlin Heard by The Tower “Write a eugoly” “Use an ethipet” “It deponds upen’ “Mailray wilage” “Phomonenon” “Declapation of Indercnce” “Coeffocient of correlition” “Thorn of crowns” “Spooniza” “Monkey and banging” “Keep the glass cuessing” “Hilden—Tayes controversy” “Smiss bell ringers” “Treed Wing” “Take two shoots” “Teaper chypc of puzzles” Speaking of spoon-fed pupils, someone asked absent-mindedly, “What is the disadvantage of spooning?” Another “professor” when asked, “What day is to-day?” replied vaguely, “To-morrow.” “Bust thou art and to busted thou returnest” “Charged in any strate with teason” I92| SOCIAL The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 The Social Calendar September— Campfire at Langdon Park. Sunday night hike to camp. Freshman Tea. Freshman Reception. October— Governor’s Inauguration. Entertainment by “The Country Fiddler”. Hallowe’en banquet. Home-coming for Alumni. November— “The Merchant of Venice” The Guild Players. “Station Y Y Y Y” -Pan-Athenaeum, Group I. Volleyball tournament. December— Dedication of Library. N. H. S. Legislators. Christmas banquet. Freshman Radio Program. Entertainment by The Boy Soprano. January— Entertainment by The Russian Cathedral Singers. Moving pictures of New Hampshire Scenes—Mr. Warwick. “Just a Little Mistake”—Pan-Athenaeum, Group II. Skating party. February— Masquerade party. Governor’s Inauguration. March— Alumni basketball game. Basketball game—Plymouth vs. Keene at Plymouth. Return game at Keene. Entertainment. “Oh! Helpless Man” Pan-Athenaeum, Group 111. April— May— May supper and party. Glee Club concert. Baseball. Scholarship Day. Field Day. Debate—Keene and Plymouth. June— Commencement. Baccalaureate. Last Campfire. Pageant. Commencement reception and ball. Class Day. Graduation. 1941 The Conning Tower of 1933 Social Club President—Louise Paige Vice President—Patricia Willey Secretary Doris Baker Treasurer—Annette Loiselle Curtain! And the stage of to-night’s performance is hidden from our view. But the memory of the play lingers on, and always following are other plays—more successful plays that rise to the heights in achievement. And may the critics always say, “The play was of extraordinary brilliancy”, until, down through the years, will go a blaze of glory that our predecessors foresaw when they first organized the Social Club. The play has, to us, been beautiful. All of us have worked and played while here at school, but the saying that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (or Jill a dull girl)” has proved itself true. It certainly is true that the golden moments of our careers here at dear old P. N. S. are those moments spent in play. Few indeed are the girls who will forget those first parties for the benefits of the freshmen—and incidentally, the pleasure of the upperclassmen; for, 1 am sure, none have enjoyed the freshmen parties more than they. Closely following these early parties came the joyful time of the Hallowe’en party. No ghosts here—for never was a happier group assembled. With the exception of the “gloom” cast on the proceedings by the “Witch of Ceremonies”, this act was delightfully human in all respects. The songs sung 1951 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 that night to our visitors from Vermont and our faculty and ex-faculty, although energetic to the nth degree, we hope made them feel “one of us”. With scarcely a breathing space, Christmas was upon us, and the hustle of shopping had nothing on the gay bevy of girls that struggled to make the gym a work of art for the loveliest party of all. The sweet solemnity of the old custom of singing the carols in the soft glow of candle light will remain an indelible memory. On this evening, great was our delight when we found that the Freshmen had arranged to take us to the studios of BX, BY, BZ, and C1H1J1 for the express purpose of watching them broadcast a radio program. To our amazement, we found that we had many celebrities in our midst. And then our delight knew no bounds when the announcer told us that none other than Santa himself was to be with us. Wild excitement ensued, and when after a cordial visit, the giver of gifts had departed, we found that there were gifts for all, and although they ranged from salt cellars to baby carriages, no one felt injured. Then, contrariwise, because we were not a bit backwards, we had a Backwards’ Party. This party was characterized by the unique performance of everything in reverse. Primarily a get-together, this party accomplished more than its original purpose, and furnished us with enough money to contribute generously to the fund for rolls for the player piano. These rolls are used nightly for the benefit of those girls who believe in dancing as an aid to digestion. The gym with its lovely decorations indicated that we had turned the corner of prosperity when the time came for our annual Valentine masquerade. The room looked like a fantastic bit of fairyland—for characters of all kinds were present. Three gorgeous butterflies poised in their flight long enough to capture first prize and our hearts. But relentlessly pursuing them came the Three Fates who took second prize. The prize for the funniest costume was certainly richly deserved by those three inimitable comedians, Colby, Shirley, and Luce. But to describe the characters present that night would take the powers of description possessed by the few, of which group your correspondent is not a part. If you were not there, no amount of writing could make you visualize the gayety of the scene; while if you were, every word would be inadequate. The May party was all its name suggests. From the event of the strawberry shortcake to the last minute of dancing, each second possessed a never-to-be forgotten memory. And all too soon comes the parting—sad, even to us who arc to return, because of the separation of friends. But a new year will soon begin, and with it will come similar experiences. May they always be as enjoyable as those for the years of 1932-1933. Louise Paige [961 Grafton House Belknap House Domestic Arts House Dining Room, Mary Lyon Hall The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Russell House Bushy Squirrel raced across the lawn in front of Russell House and dashed madly up the tree; nor did he slow down until he reached his home on one of the topmost limbs. “Oh, my dear,” he exclaimed to Mrs. Squirrel, as he gasped for breath. “I do believe Plummer’s dog will be the death of me one of these days.” “There, there,” said Mrs. Squirrel soothingly, “Amos doesn’t really mean any harm. Sit down and rest a few minutes. This is one of June’s laziest days, and you have been working hard.” Her eyes twinkled as she added, “But 1 suspect the main reason for your apparent grouch is that you miss our girls more than you are willing to admit. School closed just last week, but you have had a long face ever since the last girl climbed into a car and drove out of the yard.” “1 guess you are right,” said Bushy a bit sheepishly, “But such a jolly group as they were. And I ask you as squirrel to squirrel if it doesn’t seem terribly lonesome now they are gone?” It was Mrs. Squirrel’s turn to pause and look wistfully toward the dormitory; stately, ah, yes—far too dignified for one to have the least hope that the door would burst open for a few stragglers hurrying to classes at the last moment. “Yes,” said Mrs. Squirrel, sighing softly, “It seems like an altogether different place without them.” “And that isn’t the worst,” added Bushy, “It is going to be a long time— about three months—before the old house is opened again.” “Well, don’t fret,” said Mrs. Squirrel, briskly. “You need a good summer’s rest after all the nosing around you have done in the past year gathering material for your book.” “Yes, I do,” said Bushy, reluctantly. “And now to get busy on that mem book.” So saying, he opened a closet door, and there on the very bottom shelf, behind stacks and stacks of nuts, he found the “Loose Leaves” notebook in which he wrote each year an account of the life in Russell House. Since the book was his most treasured possession, he always kept it hidden. Just peep over his shoulder as he writes and sec the many interesting things he has to record. “School was scheduled to open September 12. Winkie, who is noted for her punctuality, started the year in her usual manner by being the first to arrive. She came Sunday and finding Russell House all locked, she went back home for another day. Soon other girls appeared on the scene, and with many shouts of greetings they proceeded to unpack and arrange their rooms. “Attempts were made to settle down to work immediately, but not much progress was made until after the schedule was permanently arranged. Andy strolled leisurely around the first two weeks, while the program of studies for the physical education class was in the process of development. “The first week-end was a particularly merry one. The girls all went to [99] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 camp, and from what I heard I should say that many and varied were the events which happened there. Everything—from organizing a True Society, to making apple sauce by the bushel, and going for a boat ride from which it was necessary to walk home. For full particulars I refer you to the girl whose special delight is punching her fist through window panes. “The mania for organizing societies manifested itself again a few weeks later, and a hilarious evening was spent initiating would-be members to the honorable order of Adruhoes. “Drastic results would have occurred had not Andy been ever present to diagnose all ailments and then to apply the treatment. The knowledge which she absorbed in anatomy class and later transmitted to her many friends earned her the name of Anna Tomical. “Had a vote been taken we may be fairly sure that Marion’s and Annette’s room would have been chosen the most popular. It was appropriately called “The Half-way House”. Perhaps its convenient location is the reason for that particular section of the corridor being a favorite of the midnight debaters. “Anyone suffering from insomnia could apply to Dottie O’Neil, who was right there when it came to telling bed time stories. A great favorite was about the bee, the bear, and the bull. “Winkic very faithfully rang the bell each morning to get the girls to breakfast on time. “Speaking of bells reminds one of the Christmas party held in the reception room and the lighted tree on the balcony. “The second week after Christmas, Doris received an invitation to practise her commercial arts in the Laconia High School. Previous to her departure she was surrounded by a group of girls who supposedly gathered to help her pack but actually to offer sage advice. As the crowd gathered, the noise increased until its volume equalled and then surpassed the bedlam in the matron’s room on the afternoon of the Army-Navy football game. “Just let anyone mention the Navy, and the thought which logically follows is of a Midshipman from Annapolis who has a so-called “little sister” in this institution. You would naturally expect her to go around singing ‘Maryland, My Maryland,’ but instead she seems to fancy the French National anthem.” At this point, Bushy paused in his writing and looking up at Mrs. Squirrel he asked, “And now what shall 1 say about Miss McGregor to make people understand just how much the girls thought of her?” Mrs. Squirrel’s eyes shone as she replied, “There seems to be a shortage of words when it comes to doing that. I have often heard the girls say that words failed them. They all know, however, that not a better matron could be found.” “That’s true,” said Bushy, “And I’m glad we can count on her coming back next year. And now I’m going to climb a few trees and stretch my legs.” With that he was off, frisking merrily down the tree, thereby bringing to an end the chapter entitled, “Russell House 1932-33.” [100! G. Gould The Conning Tower of 1933 Samuel Read Hall Dormitory “Oh, Mary, where do you suppose the egg-beater is?” “I don’t know! Is there one?” “Imagine having to whip cream with a tea spoon!” suggested the ever pessimistic Dot. “Why, here it is! We might have known that there would be one. In such a new and well equipped kitchen surely an egg-beater couldn’t be lacking!” What is this? Where are we? Are we peeping in the window of some modern domestic science room? No, we are merely listening to a conversation which is issuing from the new kitchen on the first floor of the old wing of Hall Dormitory. Adjoining the kitchen is a similarly well-furnished dining room. Both provide a place for birthday parties and special celebrations. Small groups of girls take this opportunity to display their culinary abilities. Glassware, silver, cooking utensils, tea wagon—all have been provided so that the girls may enjoy these rooms to the utmost. The new wing, which was opened this fall, consists of both single and double rooms, the library, reading room, and living-room. The furnishing of each presents a practical, yet artistic, appearance. Let us look into the living-room. Strains of music may be heard coming from one corner. The tones of the beautiful Haines piano are blended with those of violins and the harmonizing voices of the girls. Nearby others, comfortably seated on divans, are reading current magazines and newspapers. In the farther end of the room are arranged two or three card tables at which those who are competing in the bridge tournament are earnestly trying to increase their scores. Soft shaded lamps lend an atmosphere of contentment to this happy group. This glimpse into our dormitory life affords you an idea of our appreciation and gratitude for our facilities. Mrs. Leatherbury, our house mother, has always been eager to assist the girls with her helpful suggestions. We know that students who live here in after years will recall Hall Dorm as a place of pleasant memories. Eileen M. Collins Mary K. Booth Grafton House Away from the scurrying bustling life of the school, encircled by generous green lawns and guardian trees which seem to say, “Let him who would pass within, cast aside all worry and trouble,” stands “Grafton House, Our campus home.” Within can be heard the merry, enthusiastic, and sometimes shrill voices of eleven girls; the soothing, placating voice of a housemother, and the deep, husky voices of three boys. A great controversy is ensuing—our menu for f 101] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 the first party. Dorothy wants sandwiches, Dot wants salad, and Roland craves steak. Spitz, Frank, and Donald immediately side with Roland, while the others divide evenly. Ah—but our financial status—down with the steak and salad. Grafton House feasts royally on sandwiches and ice cream,—and lest we forget it, the coffee which Spitz made. Soon all of us are caught in the eddying swirl of school life. Some are busy in training; some are trying their luck at the bat; others are nursing bruised limbs—the result of speedball. The house as a whole voices harmless threats to take the championship in volley ball. We make good our boast until we meet the faculty. Republicans, Democrats, and Socialists take part actively and passively, inside the house and out, in discussing the merits of the various presidential candidates. We await breathlessly the returns of the election, wondering if we will have “to fork over” our bets. Debates and chapel speeches take up the time of some, while others devote their energies to keeping harmonious relations between houses. In spite of our busy schedule we are the first to greet the Yuletide with Christmas decorations. Rumors of our coming house party quickly become a reality. Heated discussions and hasty preparations are all forgotten as we assemble in the living room. The soft light of candles and sprigs of evergreen lend a special charm to this occasion. Snowy linen, sparkling glassware, shining silver, all reflect in the light of the red candles. In hidden recesses of the place cards are found promises of a feast fit for a queen and her court, and truly that night we dined as such. And when it came time to sing carols we were surprised to find how well our voices harmonized. Our revelry reaches its height and is sated only by playing “Murder.” Even Mrs. Furlong is prevailed upon to join us in our orgies. What an excellent murderer Roland is, and how clever is Ruth as a modern Sherlock Holmes. It is not only on occasions like these related above that we are conscious of a homey atmosphere. For Mrs. Furlong is constantly doing those little kindnesses for us which mean so much in one’s everyday life, and we grow to realize more, each day, that without this center of warmth and friendship, we could never attain the spirit of Grafton House. Romina Howard Dorothea Graves Mary Lyon Hall It is the year 5000 A. D. There are now great airways to Mars, an industrial revolution of the world, and television is being replaced by more scientific projects. But where is Plymouth? Look! It is a great city with spacious parks and wide boulevards. Where is the Normal School campus? Dear me, I am behind the ages. Why, of course, the campus has been moved. Great excavations are still going on where the original one was. The ruins of several buildings have been found—but one especially—it is so prehistoric [1021 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 looking, so stately that Plymouth College decreed that it should be restored to the likeness of its original state, to be an inspiration for the students. And this is Mary Lyon Hall. Whether this above paragraph will be true or not, we do not know nor are we worrying. We only know that as Freshmen we appreciate it. To us it symbolizes friendship, study, advancement, and good times. A broad cement walk leads up to many stone steps and impressive Ionic pillars. The homelike atmosphere within greets all who enter and is instilled in their minds as they leave. The cheerful lobby with its inviting fireplaces, lounges, and reading lamps, the music room, where we gather to play and sing our favorite songs, the long halls and adjoining rooms arc familiar to us all. The adjoining rooms—here is where 1 should pause, for here is where we are introduced to real school life and where life-long friendships are made. Each girl is queen over her own little realm. Her own room expresses her personality and originality for it is her home. Br-r-r rings the bell. It is now study hour. Sh-sh, the girls are deeply engrossed in their studies—x:,+4x 4y, the causes of the seasons, what the Greeks did for civilization and “Where Do We Get Our Prejudices?” Everyone knows what sh-shing means for it is the cops carrying out our Student Government. Br-r-r rings the bell again. The girls emerge from their rooms to congregate in some favorite room to carry on a lively chatter for fifteen minutes. Soon the ten-minutes to ten bell will ring warning us that we had better prepare for bed. The girls know that rest adds to their intelligence but paper-curlers to their beauty. The dining-room, of course, has its place and on gala occasions is the chief center of attraction. Can we forget the gym, the basketball games, dances, and merry laughter? It is now evening. The great building is outlined against the deep blue and silver-studded sky. Tranquility reigns. And this is Mary Lyon Hall: “Tranquility! thou better name Than all the Family of fame— And while within myself I trace The greatness of some future race, Aloof with hermit-eye I scan The present works of present man.” Samuel Taylor Coleridge Patricia Willky (1031 The Conning Tower of 1933 New Russia Vast, unlovely fields, Dark and sullen chunks of sod, Ploughed and torn, uncouth and rough. Long, too long thy years of silence, Silence ominous and pregnant, Broken oft with cries of anguish Wrung from tortured lips, and bitter! Land of mystery, Inarticulate, inthrall, Hopelessness, privation, strife— All are thine; from farflung borders Bowed the laboring forms of peasants Held in bondage to thy challenge, Eking pitiful substitute! Birth in suffering, Mighty labor, long travail Deep in horror, sinking down To the very depth of shade; Sweet would be oblivion, darkness, But the call for fresh endeavor Gives thee still a magic courage! Ah! The miracle! Out of agony, a life! High the lark resumes its song Singing of a social order New to earth, unique and daring. O’er the fields a touch of beauty Wave on wave of living color. Covers ugly wounds, Pushes sunward to the blue! And the weary peasant sees. All amazed, with growing vision Dares to straighten toilworn shoulders, Lifts his tired, humble head, Watches, dreams of a new freedom! [ 104 J The Conning Tower of 1933 Patiently, he learns; Deep within him runs the thrill, The awakening of the soul. How his spirit stirs and flutters! As he seeks to find expression For the new bewildering urges As his dream of glory quickens! Soars his dream at last! Dares to plan and work and follow Those who lead in realms of wonder, Fresh to him who knew not hoping Wondrous realms of light and beauty Realms of the imagination! Dares to dream a glorious future. For those yet unborn! Knows himself to be a builder Of a struggling, growing nation. For his glimpse of the new order Gladly reassumes his burdens Knowing now he serves no master— Shares the making of New Russia! Time marches steadily on With even and unhurrying measure. I walk equally so far a pace; 1 rest by the roadside, And doubly hasten my gait. Yet Time’s steady pace, I never will be able to equal. Elsie E. W. Davis Mary Booth [105! Sport Leaders Officers of the A thletic A ssociation President—Anna Collins Secretary-Treasurer- Regis Horace The Conning Tower o j 19 3 3 Basketball Basketball practice this year was started soon after the volley ball season ended. About ninety girls came out for the first group practices. Members of the class taking the coaching elective in physical education helped to coach these first groups under the supervision of Miss Hodgdon. Games were played between the groups in tournament fashion. Class teams were chosen from the group players, and in the final play-offs, the three and four year team won from the faculty, and the freshmen team won from all other teams. The varsity squad was chosen by February 17th. It included the following players: Hogan Gray Adams Oski Collin Stafford Tait Beaudry Bedell Booth Boudle Dicmond Hurd Dow Banner Ashford Horace Puglisi The use of the new two-court rules made the game much faster this year. It gave opportunity for greater variety of plays and added to the enjoyment of basketball. The squad felt an improvement in playing ability and went out to prove it. The Alumnae was defeated by a double score on March 4. A week later, after three weeks’ varsity practice, Plymouth won from Keene here by a score of 39-31. The following week, at Keene, Plymouth won with a vengeance, 50-30. The season has been altogether successful. Credit certainly is due the squad, and above all, to Miss Hodgdon for her excellent coaching. Pauline Simtznkr Volley Ball It is raining again! No spccdball! Where is everyone? The halls of Mary Lyon and Hall Dormitory are deserted. “Volley ball practice,” some one tells you. Why of course! The gym is the center of attraction. “Where does this seemingly endless trend of civilization lead to?” “Let’s follow!” Down the halls of Mary Lyon and then a scream is heard. It is Peg De-vine standing in the middle of the floor yelling for Mary to throw her down a pillow. Why all the excitement? The Freshmen and Middlcr Game is on. Everyone is anxious for her side to win. The Middlers’ luck was with them for they won again this year. “What is the pillow for Peg? Going to do your evening exercises? Of course not! A volley ball game. Don’t you know?” 1109J The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Following the plan of last year, house teams were chosen, and a team of faculty members entered the tournament. After the teams had been drawn and the games arranged, everyone was wondering which team was best. Both the Faculty and the “Co-eds” stood a good chance. However, the Faculty were unable to keep up their good record of last year, and our masculine element won the tournament. Harriet Ward Speedball Through an acquaintance, a Plymouth Normal School student, I had the pleasure of seeing the annual Speedball game of 1932 between the Middlers and Freshmen, at the P. N. S. Athletic Field. The day of the game was clear and cold, and enthusiastic followers of the teams hurried to the game. We arrived at the field a little early so we found good seats near the center line. The players were gathered in groups working out their plays and passes. My friend pointed out several different players, among them were Andy Collin, captain of the Middlcr’s Team, and Helen Hurd, Captain of the Freshmen Team. The Middlers soon ran out and took their assigned positions. As they did, a great cheer came from their followers—“Middlers, Rah! Middlers, Rah! Rah, Rah, Middlers! With a cheer of encouragement the Freshmen appeared in their positions, opposite the Middlers, and every one awaited the referee’s signal. “Ready Middlers? Ready Freshmen? Timer?” She blew the whistle and the game began amid the lusty cheering. Horace kicked the ball back to Collin, Collin stopped it and punt kicked it toward her own forward line. Hurd caught the ball, and passed it up to Ashford; Ephlin stopped the play and kicked the ball down the field. Morin caught it and threw it to Spitzner, who was in the goal area; Oski ran out of bounds, caught the ball, touched it to the ground, and scored two points for the Middlers. A great cheer rose from their followers. As the game continued the Freshmen put up a good fight as they battled stubbornly against the Middlers, mostly at mid-field. Suddenly a great cheer came from the side lines,—the Freshmen team had made a goal scoring three points. As the sun settled behind the lofty mountains surrounding Plymouth, a most thrilling game came to a close, with a score 21-3 in favor of the Middlers. [110] R. Stafford The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Baseball Baseball is one of the chief spring sports of Plymouth Normal School. If you don’t believe it, just ask any of the P. N. S. girls. As soon as the field back of Russell House dries up, the girls rush there from classes. Even before the field is ready to play on, one may see them practising in the drive-way between Mary Lyon and Hall Dorm. At last the class teams are chosen; then the topic of conversation is— who’s going to win this year? No need to ask who won last year for we all remember the trimming the Freshmen gave the Middlers. From the beginning to the end of the game, one could hear the Freshmen shouting, “Come on Spitzie, pitch another like the last one, you have them all scared now.” Those that were watching the game know whether that was true or not! Too bad the Sophomore-Seniors couldn’t have given the Freshmen a little competition. Well, better luck this year, girls. Some one asks if the faculty play baseball? Remember how they played at Last Camp Fire! It is a great game and everyone is sorry when the baseball season is over. Ada E. Tait Tennis Tennis is enjoyed by practically every member of Plymouth Normal School—teachers as well as students. Till late in the fall, and beginning early in spring, our four tennis-courts arc continually occupied by tennis amateurs and quasi-professionals. The idea of having a tournament in the fall and one again in the spring has proved very successful. Many tennis enthusiasts sign up for these tournaments every year. For the past two years, however, only the first round of our fall tournament has been played off, due to the many rainy days. In spring the tennis tournament is always a success. When the weather is favorable, tennis is played at all times of the day— before breakfast, during study periods, before and after dinner, and before and after supper. Viviane Beaudry What is more enjoyable than a walk in from camp on a clear, moonlight night? The hike out is less appreciated because provisions have to be carried and the hikers begin talking about supper before they get to Ward’s hill! After a few games of “Patent Medicine” or “Pig”, the hikers are ready to start for home. Such bedtime stories as are related along the way! The cemetery and the covered bridge give special inspiration for hair-raising ghost [111] The Conning lower of 19 3 3 stories. Some groups sing songs for entertainment, both new songs and old ones. Some of the more gifted people harmonize—at least, that is what they call it. Whether you sing, or talk, or merely listen, before you know it, you’re home. Maybe you arc a little tired and your feet arc a trifle damp, but it is surely worth it. What a pleasure it will be to recall these always eventful Saturday night hikes to camp—perhaps even when your bones are too old to stand such a jaunt. The beautiful view of Lake Winnipcsaukec and Lake Newfound to the south and the White Mountains to the north is incentive enough to draw hikers up Mount Prospect. Every year, groups hike along the country road, through the cow pastures, until finally the stake marking the peak is reached. One feels so insignificant standing on the top of a mountain where many miles may be seen from all sides. The impression remains even after effects of the climb have disappeared. Sometime, a group is going to climb Mount Bridgewater, if it can be found! Hiking is good exercise but more than that, it is great sport—a sport which inspires a love of the great out-of-doors. Regis Horace Camp Just going to school day after day after day would become monotonous, even to conscientious knowledge seekers. We must have some diversion, some excitement. This problem is solved for many of us by “camp.” There is something magnetic about camp, perhaps that same type of magnetism that is attached to a comfortable bed at the end of a strenuous day. Let us pretend that the Fates were with us and we have drawn a weekend early in the fall. With provisions—too much, we just know!—piled high in the front and girls on blanket-roll cushions in the back, the truck speeds off over the hills and far away. Before we know it, we’re rumbling over the wooden bridge and while we are still trying to decide just what kind of surface we arc going over, we arc unloaded on the front porch. The veterans disappear inconspicuously and it isn’t until retiring time that their destination is revealed. They have learned which beds are the softest, and at camp there is an unrecorded but respected maxim, “First come, first served.” Each group manages to have at least one good cook present. It’s queer, too, that at camp a young girl’s first fancy always turns to thoughts of eating! While the meal is in the process of preparation, the ladies of leisure enjoy the beauty and solitude to be had for the asking. From the slope which leads down to the lake, they watch the tired sun sink slowly in the west giving most beautiful hues to the sky. The calm, tranquil lake reflects these lovely colors [112] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 as in imitative praise. Firm, sturdy Stinson, remaining the same in spite of the changing world, transmits a feeling of security to us. It is soon too dark to see more. Everyone gathers around the festive board. No, there arc no napkins and the tablecloth is oilcloth; but meals served on the finest linen with genuine silver are relished or appreciated no more than meals at camp. Many willing helpers make little work of washing the dishes, and then the fun begins. First, we’ll find out those who can’t seem to find their noses quickly and thus become “pigs”. And certain girls invariably become “hogs” first! Even the poorest of us—the most “depressed”—can enjoy imaginary trips to Europe. All of us go for the first few rounds, but after that “Hcxylrcsor-cinol”, “caviar”, “moccasins”, etc., just sink into our subconscious minds. Some of us are then left stranded on shore while the rest go on until, finally, the majority arc back in the good old United States. “Brother I’m Hit” is a most entertaining game, at least for the audience. It is practically impossible for a trusting person to guess who is wielding the pan with which he is hit not too gently. It wouldn’t even dawn on you that Brother Hodgdon would do such a thing! At twelve o’clock, all are in bed, sorry that the evening had to end so soon. After a few minutes of discussion, everything quiets down—except for an occasional “whip-poor-will” or a “hoot”. Sunday is a quiet, restful day. Everyone manages to get a ride in the camp yacht. The swift sloop, which has never been known to turn over or sink, makes many trips across the lake. Monday is the last day, so as much as is possible is crowded into it. Games are played, boating is enjoyed, and a fine meal is prepared. The provisions have diminished considerably by this time! After the floor has been mopped, and everything is in order, everyone waits for the familiar sound of the truck. The return journey is not so pleasant as the one going out was. It has been such fun that we just hate to leave. We are all bringing home something, though, something that we shall always keep—memories. We could not leave them behind! Regis Horace 1113] Loon side Camp The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Glee Club President—Helen Oski Vice-President—Eunice Ephlin Sccrctary-Trcasurer—Regis Horace Librarians—Melba Stevenson Shirley Morse Pianist—Melba Stevenson Soon after the opening of the school year, the Glee Club begins its activities. If we should hear strains of music in Livermore Hall and trace them to their source, we should find that new members were trying out for Glee Club. Miss McGregor listens carefully to the performance of the anxious individuals. After the selection of members, the Glee Club holds its first business meeting. At this meeting officers for the ensuing year are elected. During the year the members willingly assist at many functions. The Glee Club is heard at Pan-Athenaeum presentations, at the Governor’s Inaugural, and at chapel exercises. This year, at the Christmas season the Glee Club gave a Carol Concert which allowed for participation on the part of the audience when the more familiar carols were sung. We hope this was the beginning of a new and beautiful custom. At a chosen time just before the Christmas vacation the Glee Club members meet in Mary Lyon Hall and soon after their voices may be heard on the corner of a village street, or in the shadows of someone’s [116] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 porch. The wind carries the message of the carols far and many can hear. Just a flicker of a light of recognition rewards us, and there is much satisfaction in the thought of pleasing others. A goal to work for during the year is a formal Spring concert which is presented annually in May. In the numbers used we find a bit of fantasy as well as reality. The program for 1932 was: 1. Prelude No. 1 and No. 8.........................................Chopin Orchestra 2. (a) Where’er You Walk ......................................... Handel (b) Turn Ye To Me..................................Old Highland Tune (c) Aye Waukin O......................................... Scottish Air 3. Londonderry Air...................................... Old Irish Melody Orchestra 4. Come To The Fair...................................... Easthope-Martin 5. (a) Waltz in A ................................................ Brahms (b) Hungarian Dance No. V..................................... Brahms Orchestra 6. (a) Cradle Song...............................................Kreisler (b) The Old Refrain ........................................ Kreisler (c) Allah’s Holiday ................................... Friml-Riegger 7. Serenade .................................................... Schubert Orchestra 8. The Bells of Saint Mary’s....................................... Adams Glee Club and Orchestra At the close of a musical year the Glee Club performs at the baccalaureate and graduation exercises. We hope that its success may always continue. Helen Oski [1171 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Orchestra The Orchestra is considered as one of the most important of our many different organizations, and any student who plays a musical instrument is not only eligible to join but is urged to become a member. As members of the orchestra we acquire a knowledge of the best music, and later when we go out into the field as teachers, we shall be better able to teach our pupils to appreciate good music and perhaps influence them to become orchestra members. We find the orchestra starting in the kindergarten as a simple rhythm orchestra. As the pupils pass from grade to grade, they become more interested, and those who have the privilege learn to play real instruments so that when we see them in the junior and senior high schools they are mmbers of a growing, popular organization. No school function is complete without at least a few selections from the orchestra. No matter how small or simple the orchestra may be, it finds its important position in school life. There is no doubt that Plymouth Normal School’s orchestra has found its place in our school life, and most certainly would be very much missed if taken from our activities. Our club has furnished music for many outside entertainments as well as doing all that is in its power to make school functions successful. With its Spanish rhythm, Irish airs, American marches, and numerous other favorite selections, P. N. S.’s orchestra has furnished music for the Pan- [1181 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Athenaeum plays, Governor’s Inaugural, and entertainments of the Methodist Church, Pemigcwassct Woman’s Club, Plymouth High School, and the Eastern Star. The orchestra adds variety to our chapel exercises and is enjoyed by the student body. So far this practice has been very successful and we hope that it will continue in the future. Melba Stevenson The Dance Orchestra There is one organization at P. N. S. which is indispensable, which would, if taken away, prevent our dances, and a rollicking good time at our delightful socials that are held throughout the year. This is the dance orchestra. What would our Valentine dance, our Hallowe’en banquet, and our Christmas party be without the final dance strains and lively rhythm of the ensemble in the far corner of the gym? This is one organization that brings immediate joy and satisfaction to the student body, when each student forgets his daily problems, and like the rest of the group, relaxes, enjoys the party, and lets the dreamy melodies absorb his whole being. The dance orchestra is a recreation in itself. Each new member knows the joy and satisfaction of playing with the group, and of giving enjoyment to others. We arc very grateful to the Social Club for being able to obtain for us new selections now and then. We are ever increasing in numbers and believe that there is a large and hopeful future in this organization. Music has its charms. We hope others will also find this to be true by joining us. Beryl Adams 1119] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Forgiveness, While I sit here in pensive mood, I review—not what 1 shall do— But what I have already done. “Oh, God, I did not mean to be heedless, For I really tried to do my best.” And while I sit here meditating, The music of my soul Rises as a prayer for forgiveness. M. Booth Insomnia Snow gently falling Peaceful, lazy flakes. All the world is sleeping but one. She wakes. Dreams sounding warnings, Conscience, on tiptoe, Stealing up to tell this one, “Tomorrow Don’t forget the deed. Apologize, you must. For you’ve said unkind things, betrayed Your trust.” M. H. Bedell 11201 The Conning Tower o 19 3 3 Forensic President—Margaret Bedell Vice-President—Isabel Twombly Recording Secretary—Jean Knowles (D. Graves) Corresponding Secretary—Eunice Ephlin Of the many benefits derived from our new building there are none more appreciated than the advantages the Little Theatre presents to the Forensic. The object of this society is to acquaint its members with the fundamentals of good debating and to aid them in speaking before audiences with confidence. It furnishes extra-curricular activity which is both educational and entertaining. The bi-monthly meetings, this year, have been held in the Little Theater which provides a pleasing atmosphere for the informal practice debates. At each meeting a chairman presides and four speakers, previously chosen, debate. Each year a team is chosen by committee to participate in a “school debate”. This affords the experience necessary for more advanced work in this line. Due to the advent of Chapel programs the “school debate” will become the feature of the society’s chapel hour. [122] T h e C o h n i 7i g Tower of 19 3 3 Not only the Forensic but the entire school looks forward with anticipation to the annual debate with the University of Vermont boys. In addition to this headliner, we had the pleasure of holding an informal, no decision debate with them early in the fall. The subject for this debate was— Resolved that: Intercollegiate Athletics as now conducted are detrimental. The Plymouth Normal participants were Aileen Collins, Dorothea Graves, and Eunice Ephlin. On May 20, 1932, the double-headed feature of the Forensic program was held. Plymouth Normal versus Keene Normal. Subject, Resolved: “that New Hampshire should adopt a policy of compulsory unemployment insurance.” The affirmative was upheld by Bernice Carleton, Francis Ephlin, Dorothy Whitcly, and Louise Collins. Charlotte Floyd, Margaret Bedell, Dorothy Ephlin, and Jeannette Paquin supported the negative. The Judges were very compromising and gave one decision to each school. June means the end of the school year and graduation. Some hearts are gay and some are sad, but the heart of all Forensic members were rejoicing on the evening of June 8, as they gathered around the tables for their banquet at the Traveller’s Inn. What merry making and what fun! Faculty members and students entertained us with after-dinner speeches. Next on the program was dancing and after this the ride back to our respective dormitories to dream of another perfect evening at P. N. S. To some the Forensic society means work, dry debates, study, but to [123] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 those who belong, it means knowledge, fun, and the satisfaction of improving their poise in public speaking. The benefits derived from the Forensic society are many. Its success in past years and promise of greater success in the future is due to the instruction and infinite patience of the faculty adviser, Mr. Swett. Isabel Twombly Lillian Henault There’s autumn in the air, There’s beauty clear and bright, There’s everything I love in the world around tonight. Stars are up above, there’s a half moon in the sky, A wind of frost and falling leaves is swishing boldly by. Another fall is here with its crisp and tingling call. Its biting touch of fresh new strength, sweeping, thrilling all. Emily Collins [124| The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 The Business Education Forum President—Helen Cushing Vice-President—Louise Paige Secrctary-Treasurer—Vivian Beaudry Senior Program Chairman—Marion Dicmond Junior Program Chairman—Regis Horace Sophomore Program Chairman—Margaret McLean The commerce students of P. N. S. realized last year that the teacher who can successfully organize and conduct an extra-curricular club or association has an advantage over one who cannot. Determined to be just the best teachers possible, we organized with the aid of Mr. Ernst, the Business Education Forum, as a laboratory for our experiments in club organization and club administration. The business parts of our meetings are conducted according to parliamentary procedure as it is adapted for use by organizations of this type. Every teacher and every student of business should be familiar with such procedure, since it is in common use today. Our programs arc varied with the idea of trying out all types suitable for high school use. These have included outside speakers, informal discussions, [125] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 and reports on worthwhile topics, social meetings, plays, and typewriting contest. It was the intention of the founders to increase interest in scholarship here at Normal School by placing scholastic requirements upon membership in the Forum. The standards were set as follows: A grade of 709 in all credit subjects, and a grade of 75' in all commercial subjects. Because of small membership, it was voted this year to remove the requirement of 75' in commercial subjects. It is felt by many members, however, that scholastic requirements are desirable for clubs with large memberships and especially valuable for high school clubs. Commercial clubs in high schools can prove very valuable educationally. Much information of a general background nature which does not find a place in classroom work, can be acquired by the students in pleasing surroundings. The teacher who guides this informal learning along worthwhile channels is performing a real service. Doris C. Martin [126] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Latin Club If you happen to pass Room 2 of Hall Dorm on any Tuesday afternoon during the first period and hear such names as Cornelia and Portia being called with a hearty “Adsum” in response, don’t think it’s an asylum where people believe they’re heroes and heroines; it’s only the Inter Nos Club holding another of its weekly meetings with Secretary Marguerita calling the roll. Last year Romina Howard and I, the only members of that large Freshman Latin class, realized that our classical and grammatical background was sadly deficient. Something drastic needed to be done because our class periods were not long enough to remedy it—of course it wasn’t our instructor’s fault, by any means! However, we let the matter drift until this year when we found three slightly intelligent Freshmen joined to our ranks, who after much thought became vaguely interested and helped us form the Inter Nos Club. Our objective is to broaden our cultural and grammatical background that we may become better language teachers. At our first meeting we elected our officers as follows: President, S. Morse; Vice-President, E. Collins; Secretary-Treasurer, M. Shaeffer; Chairman of the Program Committee, R. Howard, and Chairman of the Social Committee, G. Thomas (stop laughing, that is all the members we had for office!). Miss Farrell is our adviser, and she has helped our club a great deal. We hope future classes will be lucky enough to have her for instructor and adviser. Our weekly meetings are held half the class period on a day designated by [127] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 the instructor (providing our work remains up to par. Our meetings have so far been thus held—don’t we do our work well?) These meetings have accomplished much as real background work has been done. We also hold monthly meetings; the first one was held at Miss Farrell’s home. Miss Flint of the Plymouth High School faculty spoke to us of her summer course at Bates. At future meetings we hope to have other speakers. E. Gregory and A. Provost who have specialized in Latin here at Plymouth Normal School were accepted as members as will be H. Foss, L. Collins, and G. Palmer when they return from training. We played Latin games and sang Latin songs; then, yum, yum. Miss Farrell surprised us with delicious refreshments. No future meeting can stamp out memories of our first good time. Our constitution is a very vital part of our club. It was drawn up by a committee with R. Howard as chairman. It was adopted by the club and signed by each member, so as charter members we hold perpetual membership in the club. Our club is the youngest here at Plymouth Normal School and is treading a hazardous path toward its goal. Aims, ideals, and hopes are high; but, if they were not, how could we expect a measurable degree of success? We all want our club to aid future classes as it is already aiding us and to be an honor to Plymouth Normal School. Shirley Anne Morse Sea Wall Man built a wall— A great strong wall To keep the ocean out. And by its side A city built Where men believe or doubt That they arc safe. And from this wall I watch the choppy sea. God’s power is great And man is small— But—there’s eternity— E. Ephlin [128] T h e C o n in g Tower of 19 3 3 Commencement Week 1932 Another year at Plymouth Normal School was coming swiftly and cvcnt-fully to a close. The last term paper was safe with the instructor: the last examination had been weathered. Our campus, for many weeks the scene of work and play, now became one of great social activity. Green lawns and foliage formed the ideal background for the pageant of Commencement week, nineteen hundred thirty-two. With the June moonlight turning the campus into a scene that might have escaped from a poet’s imagination, the first event of Commencement took place. This was the Senior dance, the one formal dance of the Plymouth year. As always the girls who danced through the all-to-bricf June evening pronounced the affair a complete success. The happy memories of that dance would always remain as the beginning of Commencement in the minds of those so soon to leave Plymouth. Baccalaureate Sunday dawned fair. Early in the afternoon the annual throng of capped and gowned faculty and seniors, and white clad undergraduates assembled on the west lawn of Mary Lyon Hall and marched in a long line down over the hill to Baccalaureate Service. The speaker, Professor Thomas of Dartmouth, and the Plymouth Glee Club were so fine that the exercises had the true dignity and carried the philosophical message that only Baccalaureate can give to Commencement. Late Wednesday afternoon the whole school left the campus to pay a parting visit to Langdon Park. It had been there, four short years ago, that the Middler Seniors could remember huddling together as homesick freshmen about the campfire on a cool September evening, trying to sing bravely “Home Sweet Home”. There in Langdon Park some of them had heard the morning calls of the first redwinged blackbirds, had snowshoed in new fallen snow, skiied along the paths that follow the river, seen a pair of wild ducks rise from the river and fly north, and eaten many a merry picnic supper in the company of all their P. N. S. schoolmates. As the evening shadows darkened into June night, they said a silent farewell to Langdon Park, and in quiet friendly groups, returned to the campus. William Shakespeare’s beloved Twelfth Night returned with a new freshman cast to delight us with all its romance and humor through the next evening and became one of the pleasantest memories that seniors and underclassmen will keep as souvenirs of Commencement 1932. Last chapel in Livermore Hall saw the seniors for the last time in that auditorium. It is there that Dr. Silver gives personally to his students, instruction and inspiration, and they look forward to his last chapel talk of the year. Class Day exercises on the west lawn of Mary Lyon and the planting of the ivy completed Friday’s Commencement program. f 1301 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 The long line of seniors and underclassmen filed slowly into the New Plymouth Theatre, June eleventh, at quarter of eleven for Graduation Exercises, the last exercises of Commencement week. Music was furnished by the Plymouth Normal School Glee Club and Orchestra. The graduation address was given by Dr. Lord, president of a teacher training college, of Charleston, Illinois. The degree, Bachelor of Education, was conferred by President Silver, upon graduates of the commerce and history departments, and diplomas were awarded. The guests of the graduates were invited to dinner at Mary Lyon Hall immediately after the graduation. Over a delicious chicken dinner, classmates soon to part for the summer or longer, recalled good times at Plymouth, anticipated reunions there in the future, and made promises to many friends to write often and fully. After a visit to the new library and dormitory and many goodbyes, Plymouth’s students departed for home. Silence reigned over the Plymouth Campus, and Commencement Week, nineteen hundred thirty-two, became a memory. Harriett Harmon Senior Prom June—the month of roses and graduation. The school year was practically over and Commencement week was at hand. At last the moment had arrived! Mary Lyon Hall was buzzing with excitement. Shortly after eight o’clock the guests, representing many of our colleges and universities, assembled in the lobby. The Seniors arrayed in lovely evening gowns were grouped in the upper corridor. They stood in breathless silence as a page ascended the stairs. Then —“Paging Miss Blodgett.” Trembling with excitement Ruthic left the girls to be escorted down the stairway where her guest awaited her. Again, “Paging Miss Powers.” And the process was repeated until all the girls were down in the lobby. After going through the receiving line, the guests were led to the gym, and there a wondrous sight met their eyes. A peculiar hush fell upon the place—a silence that lasted just long enough for them to take in the details of the scene in a sweeping glance. Then they knew. A veritable Sherwood Forest was before them. The fragrance of spruce and balsam scented the room. Rustic benches added to the attractiveness. At the far corner of the room was an old-fashioned well where two pages dressed as Maid Marian and Robin Hood were kept busy serving punch. The lighting effect was unique. The new moon suspended in a myriad of twinkling stars gave a picturesque feature which was in keeping with the forest scene. Six pages flitted to and fro giving assistance to all. Three of them were prettily gowned in quaint costumes as Maid Marians. They were Vea Andrews, Lillian Hcnault, and Ruth Stafford. The other three dressed as Robin [1311 T be Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Hoods were Geraldine Gould, Ramona Smith, and Harriet Ward. The favors, silver cigarette cases, were presented to the guests by two of the pages during the favor dance. The room whirled around in time to the rhythmical waves of music floating out from the great forest beyond. The affair blended in one harmonious whole due to the efforts of Roselyn Gould, Dorothy Whitely, Charlotte Floyd, Dorothy Horne, Bernice Carlcton, Dorothy Veysey, Mary Clark, Dorothy Ochs, and Katherine Kearns. Intermission was held after the eighth dance and everyone strolled to Mary Lyon Hall dining-room. Candles dimly lighted the room which was attractively decorated with evergreen. Refreshments were served by the pages. Dancing was resumed in the gym until quarter of twelve. Soon after that the room was empty, with nothing but the perfume of the spruce and balsam, •and the memory of that perfect evening to haunt it. Ramona Smith, Gerai.dine Gould. Annual Commencement Play “Twelfth Night” was chosen to be presented as the annual commencement play for 1932. It was beautifully given by the freshman class on the calm, lovely evening of June ninth. The cast of characters follows: Orsino, Duke of Illyria .................................................. Madeleine Goebel Sebastian, brother of Viola .............................................. Catherine Dube A Sea Captain, friend to Viola...................................................Ada Tait Valentine, a gentleman .................................................. Dorothea Graves Sir Toby Belch, uncle of Viola ................................................ Ruth Colby Sir Andrew Aguccheek ......................................................... Nella Luce Malvolio, steward to Olivia ................................................ Annette Loiselle Olivia, a rich Countess .............................................. Jessie Morganstern Viola ....................................................................... Eunice Ephlin Maria ......................................................................... Mary Booth Lords:— Verna Allard, Beatrice Chappell Pages:— Mildred Harrington, Mary Stone, Lucille Williamson Sailors:— Florence Fisher, Hallic Sweatt Court Dancers:— Jeanne Adams, Viviane Beaudry, Eileen Collins, Louise Farrand, Geneva Gray, France Grenier, Elnia Holt, Romina Howard, Louise Moran, Doreen Nelson, Eleanor O’Malley, Alice Payne, Dorothy Sherry, Ruth Spearman, Ruth Stafford, Mary Tobin. The Singers:— Mildred Harrington, Mary Stone, Lucille Williamson. Bar Maid Dancers: Mary Booth, Eileen Collins, France Grenier, Louise Morin, Dorothy Sherry, Ruth Spearman, Ruth Stafford, Katherine Stevens, Mary Tobin. Scenes—Garden of the Duke’s Palace; Garden of Olivia’s Home. Arranged by Mrs. Eva Furlong and Miss Beatrice Hodgdon Music Director, Miss Ruth McGregor 11331 'tsr T h e C o n ?i i ti g Tower o j 19 3 3 Dedication of the Library and Samuel Read Hall Dormitory President Silver invited Governor Winant and members of the state legislature of 1931 particularly those from Coos and Grafton Counties to visit Plymouth Normal School December eighth, nineteen hundred thirty-two. On that day the new library and Samuel Read Hall Dormitory were to be formally dedicated. At the last moment news was received that the Governor would be unable to attend. About ten o’clock the guests began to arrive. A bevy of girls met them and escorted them around the various buildings and grounds until eleven o’clock. At this time they assembled with the student body in Livermore Hall for chapel which was conducted in the usual manner. Louise Far-rand and Nella Luce gave their chapel speeches. The dormitory was dedicated during this period. Councilor C. B. Hoyt; Mr. F. E. Thayer, Chairman of the Normal School Committee; and Mr. E. H. Hunter, Chairman of Grafton County Delegation and member of Appropriation Committee, were the speakers of the morning. Dinner was served in Mary Lyon Hall at twelve-thirty, following which all convened in the new library for the dedication. Dr. Silver presided and gave the welcoming address to the visitors. The program was: Invocation Luther J. Pollard, Department of Education “This Library Achieved Is Appreciated for Its Necc$sity,, Orton B. Brown, Chairman State Board of Education “Our Enlarged Opportunities in Service Preparation Are Appreciated” Dorothea Graves, Representative of the Student Body “Thirty Years Hoping or A Dream Come True” Dr. Herbert H. Lamson, Department of Science “Next to the Classes Is the Library of Good Books”—Carlyle Harry P. Swell, Department of History “Personality Through Literature Urges On” Eva E. Furlong, Department of English “An Alumna—Teacher—Legislator Rejoices” Ethel Hawkins Hammond “Culture Is an Outcome of Impressions and Associations” Elizabeth Robertson Elkins—Alumna and Member State Board of Education “New Hampshire Carries on in Education” James N. Pringle, Commissioner of Education In closing the library dedication Dr. Silver asked Miss Litchman, librarian, to turn on the lights as a symbol of the torch of learning and that the legislators might enjoy the lighted beauty of the library. Following these exercises, students guided the guests and legislators throughout the buildings and grounds on a tour of inspection. [1351 Dorothea Graves The Conning Tower of 1933 Chapel Presentations Each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at eleven o’clock finds Plymouth Normal School 0W strong thronging into Livermore Hall for an hour of reverence, entertainment, and instruction. Each chapel hour consists of singing, scriptures reading and speeches, given by members of the Sophomore and Freshmen classes. Although these speeches are informational and entertaining the chapel on Saturday takes on a festive air. On this day group programs are presented by the various societies and classes. When one unfamiliar with this procedure enters on Saturday, he is greeted by the buzzing of expectant voices and as he takes his seat, the inarticulate sounds reaching him finally form themselves into sentences. For instance, on October 29, he would have heard remarks such as these: “Oh, today the Forum gives its chapel program.” “Oh, so it does! It’s a play, isn’t it?” And then “The Slander Case” was presented, a farcical trial filled with humorous incidents which furnished many laughs for the audience and at the same time indicated the legal proceedings of a trial. November! Election time! Plymouth also had its ardent campaigners and during this chapel hour they pointed out the relative merits of their respective candidates. The hour ended in the taking of a straw vote, the results of which were vastly different from those of the nation’s returns! November is also noted for the signing of the Armistice which brought to an end the most destructive war in human history. A series of touching tableaux reproducing the highlights in the life of the American Soldier were most dramatically presented by the members of the C3H3 class. On November 19 the first of the Freshman classes gave its chapel program, and being the children of the school, they carried us back to Fairyland with Cinderella and Snow White. Bachelors can dream, even in Plymouth Normal School, as was proved by the J2’s, J3’s, and Specials’ able presentation. As we neared the end of 1932, the B class presented the outstanding events occurring during each month of the year. And if, on December 15, a newcomer had chanced to stray into Livermore Hall, he would have been greeted by an even greater number of excited voices, for this was the last chapel before the Christmas recess and the Sophomore-Senior class presented Eugene Field’s “The Coming of the Prince”. Both the stage setting and the acting provoked admirable comment and the support of the Glee Club enhanced the charm of the production. As the Angel disappeared and the curtains closed, so ended the Chapel Presentations of 1932. 1933 sounded an entirely new note as the Seniors presented their interpretation of “The Houseboat on the Styx” by Bangs. The program was orig- [136] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 inal to say the least and the dramatic ability displayed by the members of this class causes us to wonder if perhaps they have not missed their vocation. Listen-er-ecoutez! Parlez-vous Francais? For if you do you’re much more fortunate than the two American soldiers portrayed in “Lc Faim Est tin Grand Inventeur” given by the French club. It must be provoking to be served an automobile tire in answer to your arduous pleas for a doughnut and a cup of coffee. This presentation certainly proved the value of the French Club in promoting fluency of speech. What happy surprises do future Chapel hours hold in store for us? Ah! but that is a secret which only those who have yet to perform can divulge. L. Henault I. Twombly To a Worm in a Garden Oh you cunning, little, fuzzy, wuzzy worm See him wiggle, see him wriggle, see him squirm Will you be a butterfly— Or will you up and die? And will the family cry— Little worm? Oh you cute, little green and yellow worm May I pick you up between my fingers firm? If you promise not to bite And promise not to fight— I’ll not hold you very tight. Little worm— E. Ephi.in |137| The Conning Tower of 1933 Disillusioned They told her spring had come, But in her heart cold winter reigned— Nor ever did a sunbeam warm That cold bleak face. They told her love was near, But in return she only stared— Nor did this promise seem to bring But proud distaste— They told her life was good, And then she smiled, a mirthless smile. For once, she, too, blindly believed In God’s kind Grace. E. Ephlin Comparison 1 see the reflection of the sky and the trees, Mirrored on the varnished surface of darkened wood. The design is outside, original. Still, I look down at the dimmed and blurred impression— That caught my eye momentarily— And I miss real beauty. I attempt to relive a faded life-impression, Faded and dimmed as this reflection, Its vividness gone forever. M. B. [138] The Conning Tower o f 1933 The Light That Burned Out in the sun of the mid-August afternoon, the prison guards paced up and down, their eyes attentive to every movement of the weary convicts bending over the long rows of vegetables in the prison garden. One guard, new to the work, was particularly alert, conscientiously taking it upon himself to watch not only his consignment of prisoners, but also some of those assigned to his comrades. For hours, it seemed, he had watched them, steadily, unceasingly, until his head fairly ached with the intensity of it all. He noticed a guard coming toward him from the opposite direction and went forward quickly to meet him. A friendly chat would relieve the monotony and help to speed the afternoon. A young convict looked up at him as he hurried away, then glanced cautiously toward the wall surrounding the garden. Dare he try it? Only a dozen yards away, the wall was hidden from view by a thick clump of bushes. He glanced again toward the guard, and turning darted toward the bushes and out of sight. An older convict followed him. In a moment came the faint sound of rolling pebbles. The two guards parted, continuing their pace up and down. The tired convicts bent wearily over the rows of vegetables lining the huge garden space. The afternoon shadows lengthened as the sun sank lower toward the horizon. From the prison, sounded the gong. The prisoners straightened. Curt commands from the guards whipped them into instant order. Lines were formed. As they marched single file through the gate, the guards checked their numbers. Suddenly a question rang out: “Where is number 45?” The new guard stopped, paralyzed. The voice rang out again; “Where is number 48?” The new guard shivered. Both his men. There was no answer to the question. The remaining prisoners filed into their cells. Sharp orders rang out. Guards hastened off into the fast gathering darkness to begin the search. The wires were kept busy with messages to neighboring towns. Bobby threw himself down on his small stomach in the tall grass, panting with sheer joy of being alive. If you had happened on him just at that moment and asked him why he was so happy, he would merely have stared at you, grinned his boyish grin, and said nothing at all. No, he couldn’t have told, but all the while, inside of him something was singing as loud as loud, just for very happiness. He wriggled his small body closer to the warm, moist earth, making a snug little bed for himself in the midst of the tall grass. The sun beat down on his small form lying relaxed in its rays. It had been only a few hours since he had eaten his breakfast, but Bobby felt sleepy, and warm, and comfortable. He closed his eyes for only half a second. [1401 The Conning Tower o 19 3 3 Bobby opened his eyes and blinked hard to keep the lids apart. He rubbed them vigorously, and stared around him. He looked up at the sun. It was on its downward journey through the sky. It must be afternoon, and Bobby felt hungry. He scrambled to his feet and looked around. Which way had he come? He puzzled a moment, confused. He couldn’t seem to remember, but he knew it must be a long ways. He started off, irresolutely through the grass. With each step he felt more frightened and alone knowing he must be lost. He had never been lost before, and he didn’t know exactly what to do. He stopped again, looking around, his lips trembling. He clinched his teeth tightly against the trembling lips and standing on tip-toe, peered as far as he could see over the tall grass. There was not a single thing in sight that looked like home. Panic flooded over him in a great bewildering wave. “Mummy,” his voice trilled, “Mummy,” he called again, a little startled at the sound of his own voice. Abruptly his courage deserted him. Tears rained down his small checks. He called shrilly once again, “Daddy.” No answer but a distant echo, and Bobby, tired, hungry, and frightened, plunged heedlessly through the tall grass in a blind effort to find someone or something he knew. The sobs came hard and fast, choking and blinding him as he ran along. Suddenly his stumbling feet struck a huge rock sticking up from the ground and Bobby’s small form was thrown headlong into a huge pit overgrown with weeds and grass. It would seem as though in one whole night and practically another whole day, two escaped convicts might put considerable distance between themselves and the place of their former abode. These two had not, deeming it wiser to hide as close as possible to the place of their escape, where the search for them would probably not be so vigorously conducted. Pete, a dark, villainous appearing man of fifty or so, well acquainted with the territory around the prison, had suggested staying at the site of the old burned farm-building that first night and going on across the border into Canada, the following night. Harry, less accustomed to the regular methods employed by escaping convicts, agreed to the plan. He agreed to it, for the present, but decided that the instant the border was crossed their comradeship would be severed. Brother criminals they might be, but Harry had no liking for his companion. Neither was in an agreeable humor. It was twenty-four hours since either had had food, but they dared not attempt to find anything until they had awaited the night and crossed the border into Canada. Crouched sullenly in seclusion within the walls of the half-burned building, they were suddenly startled by a shrill animal-like cry and a dull thud as something hit the ground just outside of the walls. Harry half-leaped to his feet, but Pete pulled him back with a violent curse. Harry pulled away, “Someone’s hurt, can’t you hear them?” “What do you care if they are? Do you want to get caught and hauled back to prison?” (Mil The Co ri n i n g Tower of 19 3 3 Harry started to submit, when a little broken moan reached him again. “Prison, or no prison, I’ve got to find out who that is,” and pulling himself away he vanished around the end of the building. Bobby felt someone pick him up gently from the hard stony ground. He thrust a small grimy hand up to his dizzy head and opened his eyes thinking his Daddy had come to find him. But no, only a dirty, bearded face looked down into his, and suddenly he began to sob in bitter disappointment. “I thought it was my Daddy,” he sobbed, “and my leg hurts me so. It’s all full of prickly needles.” “Don’t cry, Son,” the man said slowly, and Bobby, noting the friendly crinkles around his eyes and the corners of his mouth, choked back a sob. “Did you say your leg hurt you, Sonny?” the man questioned anxiously. Bobby nodded silently, and was about to speak when Pete appeared from around the corner. Pete looked down at the child, and suddenly stumbled back in fright, “Good God, Man, do you know who he is?” “No, I don’t. I haven’t had time to ask him. Why?” Harry asked in surprise. “He’s the Old Man’s kid.” “The Old Man’s kid,”—questioningly. “Yeah, the Warden’s kid.” “The Warden’s kid,” repeated Harry, whitening under his heavy growth of beard. “Yeah, and what’re you goin’ to do wit him?” Harry stared at the frightened child in his arms. “God!” he murmured, “What shall I do?” Pete spoke sharply, “Put him on his feet and send him home, I tell you.” Harry looked up at him, his eyes hunted. “I think his leg is broken,” he said slowly, “I can’t do that.” “Leg broken,” snarled Pete. “Then leave him here, and we’ll light out now for the border.” “I can’t do that. Can’t you think of something else?” “Well, I can,” returned Pete, harshly, suddenly reaching for the child. With a shriek of terror, Bobby twisted his broken little body and clung to the young convict. Harry rose to his feet and backed away, “I tell you, Pete,” he said hastily, “I—I’ll take the kid back home, while you light out for the border. I won’t tell on you. You can get away just the same.” Pete’s face softened, “You’re a good guy, Harry. Wisht you was cornin’ too,” he said gruffly, and turning he disappeared toward freedom. Bobby pulled his tear-stained little face from the protection of the convict’s rough shoulder, “Are you going to take me home to my Daddy?” Harry nodded silently. 1142] The Conning Tower of 1933 Out in the burning sun of the late August day, the prison guards marched up and down. Weary convicts bent over the long rows of vegetables. The shadows lengthened. The sun sank lower toward the horizon. The gong clanged harshly upon the air. The lines formed and single file marched through the gate. They checked each prisoner’s number, one by one. “Number 43, present;” “Number 44, present;” No. 45 walked through the gate with weary, measured tread, his guard beside him. “Number 45, present.” Elizabeth Chase Yellow Flowers A cloud of steam rose as the cover clattered from the kettle. The clump of heavy boots came through the open door from the porch. The small, red-faced woman deftly evaded the first and hottest rush of steam, then speared each hot potato and pared it with three or four knife strokes. Through the window drifted the odor of new-mown hay beneath a scorching sun and mingled with the smell of hot potatoes. Potatoes soon joined roast beef, succotash, home made bread, butter, and two apple pies on the oilcloth covered table. From the porch five men entered. Timeworn chairs scraped almost simultaneously as they seated themselves and silently filled their plates. Without an instant’s pause the woman moved to the pump, filled a heavy pitcher with spring water and hurried to fill the glasses grouped at the farther end of the table. The husband was tall, broad-shouldered, and bent by years of farm work. He was a silent, earnest man with a rugged calm written on his wrinkled face; little escaped his fine blue eyes. He was ready to be the true friend of any honest man or woman, and never too busy to give a child a ride on the broad back of his work horses. His four sons differed in stature and complexion, but each resembled him. “Don’t work all the afternoon, Ma. It’s too hot for ycr in this kitchen a day when it’s ninety in the shade.” Seating herself at the opposite end of the table she managed a smile on her burning face, and said, “I’m all right, John, I’ll bet it ain’t a circumstance to the lower meadow.” “How ’bout potatoes, Ma?” from Joe the oldest son. She sprang to her feet and went to the stove with the emptied dish. “Them clouds look like rain to me,” someone said, and anxious eyes swept the western horizon where barely perceptible clouds were gathering. “I don’t like to hurry you boys, but if that hay in the lower meadow gets wet, I dunno’s we’ll ever get enough hay t’ get the stock through the winter.” “Well, Ma,” grinned young Bob goodnaturedly, “Pa doesn’t intend for any young fellow to hang around his girl long.” Then they finished their pie and were gone. Before her were a table of dirty dishes, and a sink and stove loaded with cooking dishes and kettles. [1431 The Conning Tower of 1933 There were cooler rooms nearby, but she did not think of that. With the clean dishes in orderly array in the closets, the sink scrubbed clean as the plates, and the stove proudly agleam, she paused long enough to smooth back her damp gray hair. Her thoughts were already on the scrub pail and mop in the shed. Water splashed on paint-bare boards, and when wiped away not a spot of grease or dirt remained. Carl Granton was discontented. He was comfortably cool riding through the country in his long, gray roadster. He had had an excellent luncheon at the best hotel in the state a few hours before. Deliberately he had made plans to go to a summer resort where he knew none of his young wife’s set would be rushing through week-end dancing, swimming, golfing, and bridge playing. So it was not exactly loneliness that he felt; it was just depressing impression that there was nothing really worthwhile left in his world. Then he saw the forlorn house. It was like a huge oblong box with a roof set upon it. It occurred to him that it must have been intended for a family with thirteen children. Rain and wind had blackened it; where there should have been a lawn, the arid soil was beaten hard and burned dry by the sun. But in the middle of the drab dooryard was a bed of bright yellow flowers. “That’s reality but if I should paint it, it would be called crazy symbolism. How and why would anyone grow flowers amid such dreariness?” His expensive sport shoe pressed the brake and the gray roadster slowed to a halt beside the yellow flowers. A knock caused the woman on her knees to look up from her scrubbing, then scramble to her feet. She thought, “He’s not a bad looking boy, but dissipated, fine clothes, he must be lost. She waited quietly for Granton to speak and there was a short silence. He had come out of curiosity and did not know just what to ask this grave eyed woman. “May I have a glass of water?” “Of course you can. ’Tis hot ain’t it?” Her face was kindly. “Sit down by the window, it’s coolest there. I’ll get you a drink. Maybe you’d like milk. It’s nice and cold.” “I would like that, but I don’t want to bother you, you were busy.” “ ’Twon’t take a minute; I’ll get the milk from the dairy room.” While she was gone he scanned the big, old fashioned kitchen. There were the barest necessities and more inconveniences than he could count: big wood stove, the pump, uneven board floor, long distances between sink, stove, and pantry, no hot water except in the tank on the stove. And the cleanliness of it. Not a speck of dust visible anywhere. The latch clicked and his hostess returned with a pint pitcher of creamy milk. That and a glass she set before Granton, then went to the pantry and returned with a large piece of apple pie and remarked, “That might taste good with your milk.” She sat down on the adjoining side of the table and folded her hands in her lap. She asked no questions but watched him with a smile deepening in 1144] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 her eyes as he drank the last of the milk and finished the pie. A locust’s cry came from nearby, and the sound of men’s voices and rumble of hay wagon wheels came from the barn. “That tasted better than anything I’ve eaten for years.” It certainly did. But it was not the food alone. It was this proudly neat kitchen with the half washed floor, and the quiet woman giving her best and seeming actually glad to do it. Among his family and his friends there was not one who made him feel so much at home as he did in these novel surroundings. But he mustn’t forget her interrupted work, and he rose reluctantly looking casually around. “When it’s hot I suppose you do many things out on that north porch.” “Well, yes, but it’s kinder hard to fix vegetables and fruit out there where it isn’t screened. But 1 don’t mind the heat in the kitchen—much.” “What do I owe you for all this pie and milk?” “Oh, that’s all right.—You was pretty hungry.” “I think it would be nice for you to have that porch screened,” he said, and standing in front of the table he slipped a bill under his plate without her noticing. She went to the kitchen door with him in the manner of a great lady in her drawing room, real dignity in her manner, and after he had thanked her, she said, “If you ever come this way again, call in and see us, you’re welcome any time, lad.” A curious tightness in his throat prevented his making any answer. He hurried to his car, and turned to wave and smile as he drove away. She washed her floor then picked up the stranger’s dishes. “Well I never! The young man ought not to’vc left any ten dollars. But ’tis lots cooler out on that porch.” For the first time since dawn she took a little time for herself and returned within fifteen minutes in clean gingham dress and apron, with a little crimp in her neatly combed hair and her face shining from soap and water. She whisked out bowls and pans to make a big cake and biscuits for supper. While she worked an elderly man drove into the yard and came straight to the kitchen. “Come in, Parson, it’s as cool over there as any place 1 know. How’re you folks, and everybody down to the village?” “Most of us arc fine, Mrs. Paige. Grandma Layton seems to be minding the heat and didn’t get out to prayer meeting.” “Well, that’s a shame. She’s a dear old lady, and she’d have to be sick not to get out to see the folks Wednesday night.” They chatted for an hour and as the Parson rose to go Mrs. Paige reached into her apron pocket and slowly drew out the ten dollar bill. “Parson I wish you’d take half o’ that for the church. It’s mighty little I’ve had to put in the collection for a long time.” “Five dollars is a lot of money these days,” he meditated, “and I can’t change that now, but if you want to bring two dollars down Sunday, it would be a great help.” [145] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 “I’ll gladly bring that two dollars if you think that’s enough. Good day, Parson, don’t try to do too much this hot weather, and remember me to Maria.” By the time the cake was frosted and the biscuits nicely browned the men came in for supper. As the boys started for the cool of the porch she said, “Joe isn’t this the night they’re having that good moving picture down to the village, the one you said you’d like to take Jane to see.” “Sure, Ma, it’s to-night, but I don’t see the cash.” “I want you to go. You’d like it and Jane’s a nice girl. She ought to have a chance to go to things once in a while. Here, take this.” “Chce, Ma, ten bucks! Wherc’d you get that?” She had to laugh. “Ask me no questions, son. I didn’t steal it.” The dishes were done, the men smoked their pipes contentedly on the porch. Down in the orchard a whip-poor-will called. At the pump Ma Paige filled a bucket then carried it out to water the tiny patch of yellow flowers. As she bent over them in the cool of the evening there was a soft smile on her face and she was singing to herself. Harriett Harmon Soul Mirrors Full-length mirrors, bureau mirrors, hand mirrors, vanity mirrors, pocket mirrors, and even store windows are but a few of the different types of mirrors one uses daily. We all use even our friends as mirrors, meaning that we ask them about our appearance and for advice in its improvement. Why is there this waste of money, labor, effort, and time, just to satisfy our vanity? Do you often stop to think of the many, many times each day you entertain a mirror, or perhaps only glance into it in passing, in proportion to the number of times a day you use a soul mirror? For the benefit of those who think my lauguage is ambiguous, by a soul mirror I mean reflection into one’s inner self or soul. Do not think that I am encouraging untidy appearances, for in this age of enlightenment, few of us could afford to be guilty of that offence very often. I am merely trying to make you see a new kind of mirror. Just as any mirror becomes clouded and dusty from disuse and ill-care, a soul mirror, or one’s power of reflection will become dusty or distorted from disuse. A common mirror is easily broken; one drops it on the floor, and immediately it is gone. A soul mirror is more patient; one’s power of reflection will remain, at least in part, forever. A soul mirror will improve vastly with use; just try it and sec for yourself, which is the best proof of all; but did you ever hear of a common mirror [H61 The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 improving? Docs your mirror make you more beautiful each time you look into it? I’m sure mine doesn’t; in fact. I’m thinking of discarding mine. One cannot buy soul mirrors, but that fact alone renders them more valuable. A few moments spent each day in quiet inquiry and reflection about our good and bad qualities, our habits, the ways in which we can improve, our service, and topmost of all, our ideals, and how far we have progressed towards them, will surely prove as valuable as that same time spent in seeing how much we resemble a new movie actress or how much weight we arc either gaining or losing, which, of course, depends upon us. If I were a modern salesman, I should advertise Soul Mirrors for Vanities, and I should charge but a few moments of scarcely-ever-well-used time. Mary Booth “Why If Noah Webster were living now, and if he were to consult me concerning the compiling of his masterpiece, I should have one suggestion to offer. I should request him to omit from the dictionary one short word, and that word is “why.” Life would be heavenly if I might accomplish this. Why do I want to eliminate “why”? I could ramble on endlessly discussing the why of my desire to get rid of “why”. In the first place imagine that you are in a history class. You have just informed the teacher that Washington crossed the Delaware. She in turn asks, “Why?” Here is where you meet your Waterloo, for you have not even the slightest idea of his reason for undertaking the journey, other than that he wanted to get on the other side. Then, too, it might be a biology class, during which you have amazed your classmates because of your brilliance. You knew that a mushroom is classed as a thallophytc, but the short, three-letter word which follows your expression of knowledge changes your feeling of elation to one of utmost confusion, and just because you do not know the answer to a simple, insignificant, “Why?” Do not think that as soon as vacation comes your worries are over. No, indeed! They are just beginning! Telling your four-year-old brother that grass is always green and never red is comparatively easy, but finding a suitable answer to his ever ready “Why?” is more difficult. Do you not think that I have reason to object to the presence of this word in the English language? I knew you would agree with me, but Webster is dead, and as yet I have not happened to meet anyone who is contemplating a revision of the dictionary, so I must be reconciled to the existence and constant use of the inevitable “why.” [1471 Eileen Collins The Conning Tower o j 1933 Shall We Starve Our Students? A teacher of literature must consider foremost not that which she enjoys, not her personal ideas, and certainly not the easiest course, but—her pupils. She, whether or not conscious of the fact, is shaping their characters and helping them turn the key to open the door of life they shall choose. If the teacher of literature realizes this, perhaps she will be more anxious to aid her young boys and girls to select the right door and fit the key, by keeping a balance of thought, power, and action. This idea can be expressed in a single word—choice. We shall take for granted that this teacher chooses some of every type of literature; let us even give her the forethought and planning for picking the best of these types. Can we now be certain that this teacher has made the best selection for her classes? At first thought we think that she has, but let us consider the problem again. Doubtlessly, she has made this selection from a contemporary list, thinking her pupils will not rebel too vigorously at having to wade through at least modern literature. Is this teacher making the best choice for herself, and, most of all, for her pupils? She must make a choice which includes both the classic and the contemporary, so that a unity and balance will remain. Today we hear much about moderation in diet, exercise, and dress; why can this not prove equally true in literature? And it can be! Many teachers are able to conduct contemporary literature classes, but few receive the results they desire from courses which include the classics, for they are not able to present these works. We, as teachers, must sacrifice our personal desires and laziness to interpret these masterpieces to our students so that they will understand them and gain a fondness for them. A person who has a very great amount of vicarious experience is fortunate indeed. Can we, therefore, afford to starve our students? The classic contains qualities such as—beauty of style, technique, conciseness, and diction which surely must not be left out of the diet of young people. A person cannot feel adequately able to take his place in society without a knowledge of the contemporary, the ability to discuss it, and the desire to read, which invariably follows the study of contemporary literature. Let us not, therefore, take a self-subjective attitude, but prepare our students fairly and generously for a full and beautiful inward life. Mary Booth Antipathies Have you ever taken an inventory of your antipathies? If you have, you probably discovered many instinctive dislikes. Some are of little account, whereas others cause much anxiety. For example, you may have an antipathy against eggs. What difference does it make? You are not obliged to eat them. [148] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Consider yourself fortunate if all your aversions are of this type. On the other hand a child’s antipathy toward spinach causes him much trouble, for all modern parents live up to the latest dietetic law,—“Children must eat spinach.” Well, I don’t mind eating spinach, but my one great antipathy may be compared to this, for it is an intense aversion toward letter-writing! Writing letters is my most difficult task, for 1 never seem to say the right thing in the right way. When writing to mother I invariably include some such incident as my taking a walk in the rain. She immediately pictures me in bed with pneumonia, and her reply is anything but complimentary to my intelligence. Another source of worry is writing to my maiden-aunt, a woman of exacting charactistics. The letter must not be too short, nor must it be too long. If I should happen to make an error in spelling, I should be reminded of it forevermore. She is so particular that all contractions must be omitted, “can’t” being changed to “cannot” and “don’t” being replaced by the more conservative “do not.” Writing to my twelve-year old brother is most tedious, for I must make reference to incidents related in his letter. I must express surprise at his being allowed to stay up until 9:30 one night last month and joy at the fact that his football team is having a successful season. Everything goes along comparatively well until I discover that I do not know just how a certain detail is supposed to affect me. In one letter he informed me that Peggy fell down and broke the strap on her new pocketbook. Peggy is a playmate, but from previous reports she seems to prefer the company of a “sissy from New York.” In such a case, of course, I am supposed to take on the “good enough for her” attitude. There is a possibility, however, that the “sissy” has gone back to New York and all differences have been patched up. If this is true, Peggy’s catastrophe must call forth my utmost expressions of sympathy. The problem is trying to decide how matters stand. As I invariably draw the wrong conclusion in such cases, and as I must make reference to the incident, I pass over it by making some such remark as, “So Peggy broke the strap on her new pocketbook!” Such phrases obviously make the letter uninteresting and but increase my grudge against writing letters. Just as the modern child must eat spinach, so must I write letters. The youngster will soon grow up, however, and if he still dislikes spinach, he need not eat it. Nevertheless, I must write letters and still more letters. My only hope for the future is that within the next fifty years telephones will come into such common use that the art of letter writing will no longer be a necessary accomplishment. Eileen Collins |M9] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Clods Down the field moved the two horses, and down the brown, plow-cut furrow followed a man who gazed straight ahead through the autumn haze toward the waving line of purple mountains shrouded with sun-lit clouds. There was a quietness broken only by the dulled thud of the horses and the occasional chirp of a bird. Once there was a sharp clank of rock against steel; the driver checked the horses and tossed the rock into a pile bordering the long narrow field. “Six generations,” he muttered bitterly, gazing at the long wall of stone which followed the rises and dips, and lay like a great prehistoric snake in the late afternoon. “Two hundred years of throwing stones into that pile.” The horses moved steadily along toward the sunset; the fresh smell of damp earth mingled with the cool smoke-haze. “Tramping up and down these fields for three hundred years; working, drudging. The father dies; the son goes on plowing, planting, plowing. What do we know? Potatoes, corn, cattle. Now it is my turn; I’m the one who is here plowing. It will go on this way always because we are the drabs, the clods without any more realization of life than an animal; and now I’m to choose.” The man stared ahead. “Mountains and work, prison and chains, drink and death—a delightful heritage I must not leave. We are sullen and resentful, strange! ‘Poverty and drink get you people of this region.’ We can’t help it; we’re just part of the soil, that’s all, just clods.” He paced slowly over the ground, golden-brown and cut by shadows. Through the dusk the cricket’s shrill questioning was accompanied by the obligato of the tree toads. In the slanting, rocky pastures below, the cows were grazing, calmly watching the sunset and moving slowly toward the gate. There was such a thing as resignation. He knew that. Happiness wasn’t for the mountain farming people, it seemed. Years ago he remembered looking with questioning wonder at the picture of a slender dark-eyed little girl gazing wistfully and expectantly from the red plush frame. He had cried when he was told the picture was that of his mother. The mother he remembered was gaunt, taciturn, grimly bending over the great sap buckets, pulling off his heavy boots and socks wet from the grey slush of the orchard. Even yet he could see her milking the cows when his father and the three boys had been trapped as they were logging in the mountains in a spring blizzard; pneumonia and death for his father and two brothers had been the result. His faith and conscience shaken to the depth by the dull persistent hurt of loss and bewilderment, he had watched his mother make the arrangements with the same precision she had arranged for the harvest in busy years. It was after the funeral that he remembered her the most vividly. They had returned from the long, bleak drive from the cemetery in the valley. Mechanically she had picked up her work-basket filled with the week’s mending. She stared at the heap of hcelless stockings. The remembrance of the look of desolate loss, [150] T b c Conning Tower of 19 3 3 and hopeless, utter despair had frozen him with fear; it still made him shudder and draw away. He tried to push the memory aside as he glanced down over the greenrolling meadows, now wrapped in a golden sunset haze; even the grey rock against which generations had fought seemed part of a great harmonious whole. Perhaps after all there might be a chance for realizing a dream. Suddenly the sun appeared through the clouds and pierced the golden haze; the rocks stood clear, hard, and grey over brown, smothered fields. Only for a moment it shone clear and sank into a golden ridge bordering the purple-shadowed mountains. The man smiled bitterly. The difference between appearance and reality shown so startlingly clear had thrown him violently back from any hope. There was no disguising what the mountain life did to every one upon whom it placed its blighting and stern hand. Continuous hard work, poverty, and death had snatched the beauty, the love of life, and eager expectancy of anticipation from the women; it seized in a short victorious battle the ambitions and enthusiastic vigor of the men, leaving them grimly, stubbornly fighting for mere existence. He never could, knowing clearly what would happen, bring a merry-hearted girl into the hills. He couldn’t endure watching her smile become bitter and strained, her quick sympathy and love of life turned to hopeless and dreary sense of the futility of struggling. He would be more contemptible than the most brutal murderer because he would be consciously stifling a soul. The man leaned against the plow, tired, curiously at rest because he had reached his decision. Wearily he listened to the crickets and the faint whir of the wind in the grove below. The fields and mountains lay in a twilight silhouette; the golden halo outlining the eastern hills broadened. The jagged and twisted rocks, the ragged glacier-swept valleys, the winding stone walls all lay softened in the enveloping cloak of darkness. The span brightened and suddenly the world was flooded with light; the concealing cloak was pierced; the mountains again shone clear. Silently and intently the man looked down over the clearly-etched tree tops toward the shimmering lake beyond. Gradually he relaxed. “This is real, as real as the sunlight,” he thought with great surprise. “It must be real, and it is beautiful. She loves beauty. ‘As long as there is something lovely, there can never be complete unhappiness, she said.” A feeling of infinite peace and understanding possessed him, rounding and softening the jagged and hardened lines of poverty and hopeless longing. With a new content and a strange happiness he gazed over the light-drenched fields and saw—beauty. Louisi: Coi.lins [151] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 On the Pleasures of the Bypath We all know the joy felt at riding along on a smooth broad highway. There wc meet hundreds of cars filled with gay, jubilant people. However, there are, from time to time, little roadways which creep cautiously and quietly, into the busy “through road”. Perhaps, wishing for a quiet, charming spot for a picnic or for a few moments to ourselves, we leave the much traveled road and follow one of these meandering, winding pathways. Prom a world of whizzing cars, billboards, and blatting horns, we have come into a spot of beauty with stately trees, soft grass, companionable brooks which chat to us as we pass. We find that we are putting less pressure on the accelerator which drives us forward, and are traveling at what would usually seem a snail’s pace. We have forgotten the speed of modern day life, and are content with leisurely movement and an almost forgotten pace. As it is on the state highway, so is it on the highway of life. We hurry along, not knowing always where we are going, but only following that urge to move onward, ever onward. Here too we find gay, jubilant people on all sides, rushing on with us. A moment’s stop, though, will convince us that there are things in life besides speed. We find a pleasant friend, a lonely, elderly person who is cheered by our brief chat, a kitten which pounces joyously on the object which we draw along for it. Later, as we return to the rush and hurry of life, we remember with pleasure, the happiness found in the few brief moments in which we paused and looked about us, and we feel that we have something more than have those who stayed on the broad highway, though they are now some distance ahead of us. After all, who, when life’s coarse is run, shall have received the most from life, the one who hurried unseeingly along life’s highway, or the one who spared moments now and then in order to enjoy the peace and beauty of the bypaths? Miriam Grover Star of The Valley The heavy November snow clouds hung over the Pemigewasset, for winter, with its threat of cold and hunger was coming early to the valley. Presently the snow would fall in a blinding, smothering whirl, and the sturdy log cabins, their walls re-enforced against the elements and the Indians, would be helplessly lost, somewhere in the depth of chill, white mountains of snow. It was storming fiercely that evening when Goodman Wheeler emerged from the woods, leading his hunting party with their spoils. Candle lights, gleaming from the windows afforded a welcome sight to the hungry, weary hunters. “In truth,” quoth Goodman Wheeler to his good wife, as he shook the [152] T b e Conning lower of 1933 snow from his chilled body, “ Tis a terrible night outside. We should thank the good Lord that our last hunting party was successful, for it will keep us from want until the storm is over.” “Yes, 1 am glad, too, but 1 fear an evening like this,” returned the Good-wife. “ ’Tis on such a night that the Indians come to capture and kill.” “Do not fear, Goodwife,” her husband returned easily, rubbing his hands before the blazing logs, “On such a night we are surely safe.” He settled back in his chair, calling as he did so, to his small daughter. “Come, Hetty, my child, climb upon my knee and tell me what you and Patience have been doing in my absence.” Bright-eyed and eager she climbed to his lap, nestling in the curve of his great arm and crying out, “Wait a minute, Father, for Patty. She has gone in to bring little David, who has only now waked up from his nap. She will be back soon.” Her father pressed her to him, his gay little Puritan girl, looking over her dark curls at his elder daughter, now entering the room with the heavy baby in her arms, the image of her mother, quiet, earnest, capable, and sedate. “Well, little woman,” he cried as he took the laughing boy from her arms, “Arc you glad to see me home again?” “Oh, indeed, I am, Father,” she answered quietly, shining eyes belying the calmness of her speech. “We were so afraid of the Indians while you were gone. All but Hetty, I mean. She is never afraid.” “Of course not,” scorned Hetty derisively, “They wouldn’t touch me. And if they did,” she added, shaking her black curls with excitement, her rosy cheeks blazing, “I’d bite and scratch them. They would think me a witch and not dare hurt me.” “Here, here child,” cried Goodman Wheeler, half shocked, half proud of her vehemence, “You must not talk like that. Come, Patty, tell me what you would do, should the Indians attack us.” Patience’s gentle face paled. Like a succession of brilliant pictures, past scenes flashed across her mind’s eye. She shivered as she heard again the din of the howling Indian mob, as she saw again the fiery red tongues of flame from the settlement buildings mounting higher and higher against the cold steel of the winter sky. She smiled quietly, however, almost pensively, as she answered, “I should help Hetty and David to hide, and then I should run to the blockhouse to help the men with the guns.” “I shouldn’t hide,” scorned Hetty indignantly, “I should fight them, too.” “Come, children, stop discussing the Indians and eat your supper.” Goodman Wheeler arose, “Yes, make haste, girls. It has been a long day and I am famished.” Patience, seated at one side of the table, glanced about the spacious living room kitchen, and thought how bright and shining it looked, and how much nicer it was than the old one. Long shelves of shining pewter dishes, a huge open fireplace, with steaming kettle and leaping ruddy flames, small shuttered windows, against which the snow pelted in furious gusts, a well-equipped gun [1531 7 he Conning Tower of 19 3 3 rack, and numerous animal pelts spread over the pine floor, presented a pleasing picture. Breathing a little smothered sigh of happiness, she turned contentedly back to her supper. “Father,” she said—when a sudden noise startled them all. “Indians,” whispered the Goodwife, in consternation, starting to her feet. Her husband sprang from his chair, snatched a gun and powder from the rack, and moved swiftly toward the door; but Hetty was before him, dark curls flying, eyes aglow with excitement, shrieking, “Indians, Father, Indians! I’ll fight ’em.” “Hetty,” shrieked Patience, almost beside herself, “Come back!” And David, thoroughly frightened by the sudden commotion, hid his quivering face against his mother’s shoulder and wept loudly. Hetty had reached the door ahead of all of them, tugged back the heavy bar, flung the door wide, and would have stood there fearlessly, had her father not snatched her back with a stern exclamation. A form, snow-covered and weary, tottered into the circle of light, and silently slumped to the floor, halfway across the threshold. Goodman Wheeler bent lower to pull the inert form within, and to shut the door. As he did so a thin angry wail sounded from within the depth of the blanketed form. “The Lord be merciful,” ejaculated the Goodwife, giving the weeping David to his sister, and pushing her clumsy and astonished husband aside, “A baby! Out in all this storm! Who can they be?” Busily, as she talked, she pulled aside the wet blankets and drew forth a baby’s tiny form, wrapt warmly in skins. Its little brown face screwed into a million angry wrinkles; its tiny fists waving in the air, it did indeed look like a messenger from the evil one himself. Goodwife Wheeler arose, speaking soothing words to the child, while her husband knelt beside the still form on the floor. The old Indian woman was dead. A search of her person gave no clue as to her identification. But wait, Goodwife Wheeler had discovered something. Moved from her usual composure, she spoke excitedly to her husband. “Come, come! See this parchment I have found hidden beneath the child’s clothing.” Together they bent over the parchment. Together they read: “This child, half white and half Indian is sent to the white inhabitants of the Valley of the Pemigewassct, by the chief of this tribe as a guarantee that no further attacks will ever be made upon them unless the child is mistreated by her white friends. Care for her as you would for your own child. Signed, Her White Mother.” “In truth,” quoth Goodman Wheeler perplexedly, “Who is she and from what tribe does she come? The message says nothing at all.” “Indeed,” returned his wife, “I know of no tribe that has held a white girl as captive. Do you?” And her husband confessed he did not. The child cried and Goodwife Wheeler hushed her to sleep with the same tenderness she showed to David. So came little Star to her new home in the Pemigewassct Valley. [154] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 The years flew by on wings of plenty, for the coming of Star had ushered in not only peace and bountiful harvests, but also happiness and prosperity. Star, straight, and tall, dark and fearless, had become a personage, and no one knew it better than she. She was well aware that people regarded her with pronounced respect, mingled with no small element of fear. Star liked it, apparently. It pleased her to talk like a prophetess, to see her listeners regard her with the slightest look of mistrust, yet not daring to accuse her openly. Good treatment of this child had brought so much good; could not ill-treatment accordingly bring as much bad? As for herself, Star did not believe one whit in that essence of magic which they attributed to her. Nevertheless, it was an idea that served to her advantage many a time. With the Wheelers she had chosen to remain, loving them and loved by them as their own child. With them she was a different person. “Mother Wheeler,” she would exclaim, flinging her arms impetuously about that kindly person, “Why can’t they all be like you? They’re afraid of me. I can tell it. I see it in their faces when I talk to them, and I’m so tired of pretending that I can see into the future as they think I can. I don’t want to pretend any longer. I want to be just a common person like the rest, and I know they think I’m a witch.” She stamped her feet passionately on the hard floor, her lips trembling, eyes swimming with tears. Goodwife Wheeler, never having seen her so upset, was startled. “There, there, child. I know how you feel, and so do your father and the girls. We’re not afraid of you. We love you even more than when you first came to us.” But Star could not forget their attitude. It rankled in her heart until one day, an idea sprang into her mind. It was spring of the year. In just two days the town meeting would be held. Star breathed her secret to no one. Town meeting day dawned at last, but the weather was far from desirable. Looking from the window that mid-morning into a world which was nearly as dark as night, Goodman Wheeler spoke, “ ’Tis a terrible day out, wife,” he said, pulling himself into his heavy coat, “much like the night when Star came to us, over eighteen years ago.” He turned to Star, patting her shoulder gently, saying in his kind voice, “Aye, and eighteen happy years have they been, too. You have been a blessing to us, Child.” He strode out into the storming world, and Star, her resolve almost broken, stood irresolute, uncertain whether to go or stay. Then in furious haste, she flung off the apron she wore, pulled on her bonnet and cape, and darted out into the snow. Goodwife Wheeler hastened to the door, “Star, child, where are you going in all this storm?” She waited and listened, but only a broken, incoherent sound came back to her. In a few moments Star’s bravado had returned and she was walking rapidly toward the fort where the meeting was to be held. She entered just as the men began the business of the day. They stared [155] I he Conning Tower of 19 3 3 at her curiously, wondering why she was there. Goodman Benner spoke to her, “What is it that you want, lass? Have you brought us a message?” She looked at him in startled amazement. Again she felt that twinge of compunction. She was in the wrong of course—yet something—maybe the Indian in her, she thought pathetically—drove her on. She felt helplessly at the mercy of a force she could not understand. She looked around again wildly. Could she still escape? No, no, that force was there. It was holding her. She thought frantically that maybe they were right. Maybe she was a witch. Goodman Wheeler took her gently by the arm, “What is it, Star? Tell us what the message is.” But she was not listening to him. Her arms outflung, her voice merely a thin, reedy thread, her eyes experiencing a vision the rest could not perceive, she seemed a figure alone, apart. And when she spoke, it was not herself speaking, but someone—or something else making her say wild things that she had not planned to say, that she had not been aware she knew. “I see this Valley, home of my people and of yours, rising to that position for which the settlers have fought and died. I see the future generations, fighting their way upwards, inspired by the courage, the nobleness that will be their heritage from you. I see the Indians, my own people, vanishing from this fair valley, leaving it to the white man. I see a vision of coming strife and of coming victory. 1 see a long row of noble faces, faint and blurred, yet within my vision. They are your future statesmen, themselves men of courage, faith, and integrity, who will look back and find in your lives and works, the lifework they will perpetuate. I see into a future age, when this valley and these river banks shall be the sites of fertile farms, prosperous mills, and lastly the home of contented people.” The voice stopped. No one broke the silence. Frightened, Star gazed from face to face. They were still, waiting for her to go on. Her face quivered. Turning she appealed to Goodman Wheeler, “Father,” she faltered— “Father Wheeler.” He went to her side, spoke to her kindly, told her to run home and wait for him, that he would be there soon. She nodded, kissed him gravely, and left the room. It was long past the noon hour when Goodman Wheeler returned home to find his goodwife waiting anxiously for him at the door, a cape thrown over her homespun dress. “Don’t tell me,” she said sharply, “that you have not brought her with you!” “Her? Whom do you mean?” he queried, halting. “Star! Star, of course,” she answered excitedly. “Has she not returned yet? She has had plenty of time.” He turned, going back into the whirling snow. “I must find her,” he muttered. So Star disappeared, as she had come, silently, abruptly, leaving no trace of her going. And the people of the Pemigcwasset Valley spoke of her in low tones of wonder, of awe—for a time, then forgot her. It was as though she had never been. No longer a reality, with each passing day their memory of her grew fainter and fainter, but with passing days her prophecy grew brighter and brighter. Elizabeth Chase The Conning Toner of 9 j j Freedom Oh, this Spring! Couples walking, happy talking, Tennis players shouting, “Love!” Hot-fudge sundaes, marbles Mondays, Moonlight medley, stars above. Oh, this Spring! Classes over, I’m a rover, Lilting greetings to you there. World is joyous, can’t annoy us. Spring has taken every care. M. B. A fter a Walk Perhaps you won’t believe me— But I saw God today. Pinkish buds unfolded on a cherry blossom spray— And a robin red-breast whistled to his love, a merry lay. While dandelions nodded on the hill in bright array. The sun laughed at the waters that rippled in the breeze, The winds brought flower fragrance to the busy honey bees. I’m very sure I saw Him, you may question as you please. And I think that He was smiling As He walked beneath the trees. F.. Ephlin [157] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Plymouth, I Love Her We are graduating from Plymouth, Class of 1933. Are you glad? Can you truthfully say you are ready and eager to go? If you can, my ideas won’t interest you. For I am not glad, or eager, or ready, to leave Plymouth. There’s a distinct feeling of sadness and loneliness at the thought of separation from the associations here. Time has gone too swiftly rather than too slowly. I haven’t accomplished the things I might have. 1 haven’t made the most of opportunities. But 1 do know that those opportunities existed; that Plymouth gives her graduates an adequate preparation; that she consistently and persistently typifies high ideals and standards. Class of 1933, if time were to roll back to ’29, or ’30, or ’31, wouldn’t you, too, again choose Plymouth? Our reasons may differ on some points, but they will surely coincide fundamentally. Let’s review them with the idea of a better understanding of the effect our normal school training has had upon us. It will be readily seen that Plymouth has offered us educational opportunities, professional guidance, and practical teaching experience. Plymouth has developed us physically through health supervision, physical education, opportunity in athletics, and encouragement of the love of exercise and the out-of-doors. These things we see because they are obvious in this school as they should be in others. But, in a review of the things Plymouth has given us, we cannot stop here. In contrast with the exterior advantages, I shall try to enumerate some of those things we rarely think of and scarcely take time to understand or appreciate. Once I asked a senior what she would remember most vividly in connection with Plymouth and she answered, “The people I have known here.’’ The same question put to some of the freshman class brought forth the same reply. Isn’t it true? The human beings around us so impress us and so influence us we can’t forget them. They mold us consciously or unconsciously. We imitate them or we are careful not to do as they do. We add to our own mannerisms by traits derived from others. The knowledge we gain is tempered by contact with instructors. Experience is primarily connected with people. Our associates teach us to be adaptable because we expect adaptability from them. Our associates have taught us, in one way or another, the weakness of superficialities, affectedness, and snap-judgments. They have aided us to see the traps set in gossip and prejudice. Our contacts here have given us a deeper appreciation of the values of life. They have shown us what real friendship is. They have demonstrated reliability and loyalty, courage in the face of ridicule and difficulty. They have taught us what consideration for others means. True, disillusionment 1158] The Conning Tower of 19 3 3 has been a part of our lesson, but that, in turn, was all a part of our experience with persons. We have had example set before us of that great word Service. We have known and appreciated those people who work so willingly with us in activities outside of class hours. We have loved and admired people to whom we could go with problems, sure of sympathy and aid. We can never forget that when we have gone one mile, someone has gone with us two. We have had these things, Class of 1933. Are they not precious? Experiences shared with these associates become treasured memories. Plymouth has offered a fund of these during the years, ranging from work to play and through all the lovely things of nature. We see work in clubs and associations, games with groups, and study with our classmates. The pulse quickens as we remember a walk in the freshness of the spring, a sunset from the height of a hill, Mayflowers by the pond, tennis in the still-glistening dew, the moon over the horizon, a supper at camp, a sliding party in the tang of Plymouth winter, the thrill of an unexpected honor— Class of 1933, these are the reasons we are sad at graduation; these are the reasons for saying we’d again choose Plymouth. These are the reasons I say, “Plymouth, I love her.” M. H. B. [159] T he Conning Tower of 19 3 3 Jokes A little boy was saying his go-to-bed prayers in a very low voice. “I can’t hear you, dear,” his mother whispered. “Wasn’t talking to you,” said the small one firmly. Teacher: If I take a potato and divide it into two parts, then into four parts, and each of the four parts into two parts, what would I have? I.ittle Emily: Potato salad! Seen on the bulletin board at Hancock High School after the biology class had made a selection of bones: “All those who wish to see a collection of bones, see Miss Altenau.” Teacher: “If a number of cattle is called a herd, and a number of sheep is called a flock, what is a number of camels called?” Little Johnny: “A carton.” “Well, darling, what did you learn your first day at school?” “Nothing, I guess, mother; I’ve got to go back tomorrow.” Jack: Dad, what are ancestors?” Dad: “Well, my boy. I’m one of your ancestors. Your grandfather is another.” Jack: “Then why do people brag about them?” Mike: “So you’re a salesman, arc you? What do you sell?” Ike: “Salt.” Mike: “I’m a salt seller, too.” Ike: “Shake!” Believe it or not. A man was shingling a house when a sudden fog came up. He kept on shingling. When the fog lifted he found that he had shingled 12 feet beyond the roof. Dear Teacher: Kindly excuse Dan’s ab- sence yesterday. He fell in the mud. By doing the same you will greatly oblige his mother. Rastus: “Yo’ say anything to me, big boy, and Ah’ll make yo’ cat yo’ words!” Sambo: “Chicken dumplins, hot biscuits, an’ watermelon.” Two gentlemen stopped on the street to talk to each other, one wearing a large diamond tie pin. “Isaacs,” said the other, “dot is a fine diamond you have it. Varc you get it?” “Veil,” exclaimed Isaacs, “my brother he died and left $450 for a stone. And dis is de stone.” Teacher: “Who can tell me where dew conics from?” Max: “The earth rotates so rapidly that it perspires.” “Pa, do you say, ‘It is me, or ‘It is I’?” “Always remember the rhyme: “It is I, said the spider to the fly’.” “I sec—but couldn’t you say, ‘It is me, said the spider to the flea’?” He had purchased a parrot which was rather a young bird, and he was trying to teach it to talk. He walked close to the cage and said in a loud, clear voice: “Hello! Hello! Hello! Hello there!” He yelled until tired, the parrot paying no attention to him. But when the man stopped for breath, the parrot opened one eye and said, “Line’s busy.” Miss McGregor (in glee club rehearsal): “Do you know ‘My Lover Is a Fisherman”? V. S.: “No, is he?” In Biology Class: “How can hook worms be killed?” Bright pupil: “Give the person poison.” [160] The ACHBER STUDIO “The Photographer who catches your personality’’ Official Photographer for the class of 1933 539 Main St. Laconia, N. H. PEASLEE The Druggist Soda Fountain Lunches Sheaffer’s Pens Plymouth, N. H. D Sf M Sporting The Lucky Goods Dog Kind THE DRAPER-MAYNARD COMPANY Plymouth N. H. Plymouth Guaranty Savings Bank Behind the happiness of many a home is a savings account Pemigewasset National Bank Alive, Alert, Active ami Safe Dan Volpe Fruit and Provisions, Cigars, Tobacco, Confectionery and Ice Cream Birdseye Frosted Foods Plymouth, N. H. Ernest M. Nichols Florist Greeting Cards for all occasions Gift Shop Fancy Pottery Ayer Insurance Agency (Inc.) SOUND INSURANCE backed by LIBERAL SETTLEMENTS Kidder Building Plymouth, N. IL Compliments of New Hampshire Photo-Engraving Co., Inc. Manchester, N. H. Lew A. Cummings Co. PRINTERS Manchester, New Hampshire Specializing in School Work This Year Book produced in our plant Elmer E. Huckins Plumbing and Heating Stove Repairs and General Jobbing of All Kinds Tel. 169-3 Plymouth, N. H. Compliments of A FRIEND O’BRIEN’S Plymouth’s Department Store Since 1888 GAMMONS CO., Inc. Furniture and Hardware Undertakers PLYMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE Make The Rexall Store Your Headquarters Try Our Soda Fountain, the best of everything served McCrillis Drug Co. MOSES A. BATCHELDER PLYMOUTH, N. H. ‘S? Clothing Furnishings Boots and Shoes EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL Tabic Lamps Curling Irons Sunbowl Heaters Floor Lamps Electric Fans PEMIGEWASSET ELECTRIC CO. 10 Highland Street Plymouth, N. H. We never make a mistake The queer thing about prescription compounding is that you can only make a mistake once. Serious sickness, or even death, attend to the rest of the issue. Prescriptions filled by Registered Pharmacists here. Ethel M. Boyce—Charles L. York YORK’S CORNER DRUG STORE Plymouth, N. H. The store you can patronize with confidence. E. E. FRACHER Barber Shop A n nouncement I am now equipped with the latest apparatus for imparting the FREDERIC METHOD Permanent Waving MRS. E. E. FRACHER Fracher’s Hair Dressing Parlor Plymouth, N. H. Phone 263-2 Bobbing a Specialty FORD “V8” Wonderful New Models PEASE MOTOR SALES PLYMOUTH, N. H. Compliments oj CUMMINGS STORE BENJAMIN DRUG CO. Drugs, Sundaes, Prescriptions, Tobacco and Candy CUT RATE DRUG STORE Plymouth, N. H. Compliments of C. VOLPE SONS Compliments of PLYMOUTH CAFE Compliments of A. M. RAND HARDWARE STORE Compliments of DR. 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