Quincy High School - Goldenrod Yearbook (Quincy, MA)

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cTIt.£ Qoaen.non.-Qenen.a A at One Prize Award Story by FRANCES STEEVES A feeling of unrest was in the air. Dr. Rolfe sensed it as he leaned wearily over some drab, uninteresting-looking papers. Something was definitely going to happen! As the young doctor sat at his desk thinking, he compiled these facts. Two years previous he had been sent to China to a new hospital. At that time all things looked bright, but since then the money from America had stopped, the hospital had run down, anci the facilities were not good enough to accommodate all the sick that really needed help. But there was one hope. If the Chinese government could be convinced that they should construct a hospital, all would be well. That would, however, take a lot of convincing. Doctor Rolfe knew that if he could arrange an interview with the governor-general of the province he might stand a chance of getting his hospital. The governor-general was a snarling old man who did not grant much of his time to anyone. However, he finally consented to see Rolfe. providing Rolfe be at the residence at exactly one o’clock. If the doctor did not appear at the specified time he would forfeit all chance of getting an interview or a hospital. He could not fail to be there. Doctor.” spoke a wavering Chinese voice from the doorway, you are not forgetting that you have an appointment at one with Governor-general Meng San?” 'No, I m not forgetting,” came the listless response. Koa, the faithful old Chinese woman, who had been staunch and loyal to the hospital despite the lack of money and medicine and the prevalence of sickness, threw a questioning glance at the doctor. She left the room slowly, remarking as she went that she would have the doctor’s coat ready for him when he went. Elizabeth Rolfe, coming in the door at the same precise moment, nearly col- lided with Koa. Elizabeth was the doctor’s older sister. She was a capable woman and now she came in with a cheery smile and a rousing call to her brother. Lizzie,” Gordon Rolfe began, do you feel that torturing sensation that some- thing is about to happen? Thirteen

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 eanA o|j Qa£cJen (Rad! By FRANCIS SALTUS (A section from an essay submitted for the contest judged worthy of honorable mention for its human interest.) Three generations of pupils of Quincy High School have been contributors to the Golden Rod, members of the classes of 1897, 1917 and 1936. Twenty years have intervened between each contribution. Grace Cain, class of 1897, the author s grandmother, attended the old high school on High School Avenue. In the Golden Rod for March, 1894, is a contribution of hers entitled “The Bell.” The author s mother. Doris Condon, class of 1917, attended the high school on Hancock Street, now the Central Junior High School. In the January. 1916 issue of the Golden Rod is a story by her entitled “Biscuits.” And now. in the anniversary number of Golden Rod, is the author s contribution to keep the Golden Rod tradition in the family. In order to give the reader some idea of the Golden Rod of forty years ago some of the highlights of the March, 1894 issue will be given. The copies were five cents apiece and were published once a month. In the column titled Locals” were the following: «— ” I he young men ought to know better than to pull the duster to pieces in order to get a button-hole bouquet. Are they trying to be Oscar Wildes? A remarkable incident: Once upon a time a pupil subscribed to the Golden Rod and paid his subscription without being asked for it! — “We wish to remind the young ladies that the oven in the Hall is not a radiator. Please refrain from giving it any more friendly kicks.” In the same issue in the prize contest, four dollars was given for the best translation of Vergil's “Aeneid and Caesar s “Commentaries on the Gallic Wars” which were written in Latin. Prizes were given for the best essays on “A Day in Merrymount Park,” “The Practical Value of Schools to a City and “Why I Wish to Take a High School Course.” To illustrate the value of the Golden Rod as an advertising medium, Williams’ Jewelry Store, Pettengill s Jewelry Store and the Granite Shoe Store, which have advertisements in the March, 1894 issue of the Golden Rod, also have ads in the latest issues of Golden Rod. 1 he “ ads” of I albot and Foy, to mention two, that appeared in the 191 3 issues of the Golden Rod also appear in the latest issues. 4 4 The Golden Rod staff is deeply indebted to Miss Coulman, who gave so much of her time in helping students gather the material to incorporate in their essays. We thank you. Miss Coulman. The judges for the essay and short story contest were Mrs. John Mahoney, Constance Viner, Amelia Acebo and Fanny Szathmary. The staff wishes to thank Mrs. Mahoney for the services which she so kindly rendered in judging the material for the contests. — The Editor. Twelve

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 To tell you the truth, I am almost positive that something is about to start. As I came through the courtyard all the young boys and hospital help were standing in groups whispering. They looked very sheepish when they saw me coming,’ con- cluded Lizzie. Sis, nothing must happen today to prevent me from seeing Meng San. I just got the old fellow to consent to see me. You’ll be there, Gordie, at one, if I have to carry you myself. At that minute Koa re-entered the room and in a sarcastic voice stated. “There is one who calls himself Mr. Chang who wishes — at that point in her speech a young man pushed himself into the room. He was a dark, slight person of Chinese birth, but he carried none of the Chi- nese characteristics about him. Ah, you are here, Doctor Rolfe. Oh, 1 did not see that you were not alone. This is your sister, 1 believe.” Yes, this is my sister Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is Mr. Chang.” If your sister would be so kind as to leave us alone, I should like to speak to you,” the young man spoke abruptly. Miss Rolfe left the room, but declared her intentions of returning. Well, Doctor, began Chang, “I suppose a visit from me is not the most wel- come thing you could expect?” I wouldn’t say that, Chang. Anyone is welcome at the hospital.” Doctor Rolfe, my mission here today is not a pleasant one. You must have realized that there has been an unseen presence pervading this settlement of late. The time has come for this movement to be revealed. An army of rebels from the mountains, of which I am one of the leaders, will advance on the city today at twelve o’clock.” But why are you telling me all this, Chang?” You see. Doctor, this hospital will be occupied as our headquarters. All the citizens will be taken captive. I like you because you always mind your own busi- ness. There is yet time for you to leave the city and take your sister with you.” But, when these rebels come there will be wounded. Don’t you think it would be more sensible for me to remain here to see if I can help in any way?” asked Gordon. “You will run the risk of being captured and even killed. Doctor,” warned young Chang. I will take that chancel” Outside in the courtyard were groups of people talking in low tones or even whispering. Doctor Rolfe stood and watched them for a moment. Then his thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Chang. Fourteen