University of California Berkeley - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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THE BLUE AND GOLD te. To begin at the beginning, the class of : 83 came to Berkeley at a time of turmoil and confusion. The celebrated Bogus trouble was at its height. The barometer which indicated the Faculty ' s state of mind was most fickle and uncertain in its movements ; signs of discontent and threats of change were ominous. In those days many things which have since be- come stale were novelties ; and many things which have since sprung into life were then undreamt of. In those days the Gymnasium was new and fascinating ; the Bacon Library and Art Gallery had not entered even the dim background of futurity ; the Berkeley hotel stood prosperously un- suspicious of the auctioneer ; Herr Bachman drove a thriving trade, obliv- ious of courts and constables ; the peaceful Olive Branch, protected from the ravages of the fiery element by an abundance of the watery, held out the temperate allurements of billiards and cheap lunch. But all these things are changed now for better or for worse ? However that may be, the members of ' 83 are conscious, individually and as a body, of having done the best they could to improve the condition of their college. It is our proudest boast that no act of ours has ever call- ed upon our University the indignation of the world. Our course through- out has been conservative but brave. We have never flinched in main- taining our rights, and yet have never presumed to overstep the bounds which college etiquette prescribes. As Freshmen we were respectful, as Sophomores we were jolly, as Juniors we were lazy, as Seniors we are per- fection. This is a very simple formula which ' 83 has practiced and would therefore recommend to others for climbing successfully the rickety ladder called college life. Our Freshman year was not remarkable for anything except, perhaps, an unusual amount of toleration for Sophomores in the matter of canes and mortars. We invented no class hats, introduced no new customs, and abolished one old one. We were industrious at our books, and active on the campus. Our base-ball nine was the most extraordinary array of tal- ent ever assembled on the diamond. It was victorious in every game, and easily won the meed of championship. In the sophomore year our interest in books rapidly increased, and that in athletics slightly diminished. The hand of the Faculty had been among us, and had plucked out the bravest and the strongest ;,so that we were com-

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA o ol ' 83. Class of ' 83 is soon to pass forever from the scene of college life. The cry that first rang out in triumph from the dust and tumult of our Freshman rush will no longer find an echo on the campus. The name of ' 83 will gradually pass into oblivion as the years roll by, and the old chairs and benches are revarnished. But although our name may go down to posterity unwept, thanks to the BLUE AND GOLD we have an opportunity to prevent it from passing down unhonored or unsung. With eagerness we sieze the opportunity ; and in our gratitude we shall not devote all the allotted space to praise of our own virtues though to praise them ade- quately would require as many pages as we have lines but shall scatter broadcast a few grains of that choice wisdom which the valuable experi- ence of four years has enabled us to garner up.

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA pelled to see our proud position on the campus usurped by other and less worthy bands. But let it be remembered to our credit, that, although we ceased to take an active part, we never failed to give athletics our whole moral and intellectual support. Junior year that season when we commence to reap the fruits of form- er toil, and electives first adorn the schedule brought to us in full meas- ure its comforts and its glories. Our Junior Day was a success, and our BLUE AND GOLD was the greatest marvel in the history of this college. So remarkable, indeed, was this production that the most extravagant bless ing we could invoke upon the present Junior class would be to wish their BLUE AND GOLD one half the success that ours had. As for Senior year, it would be premature as yet to recite its triumphs ; for the most important part of Senior year is yet to come. But of a few things we can speak with pride. We were shrewd enough to steer clear of the fatal party. We have been foremost in every scheme for the advantage of the students. We have been ardent supporters of the college papers. We have founded a society for the advancement of political science. W T e have taken a lively interest in the literary societies. It was chiefly through the energy of ' 83 that the superb volume of college poetry, bound in a style that would do credit to any university, was sent forth into the world. Last, but by no means least, we have presented to the University a valuable col- lection of books as a nucleus around which to gather an extensive library. On this munificent gift, the crowning act of a good life, we base our claim upon posterity. Let posterity emulate us by bringing to glorious perfect- ion the good work we have instituted. With a proud and a kindly feeling then we say farewell to Berkeley. Farewell to Berkeley, and a blessing on it ! Four sudden happy years have slipped away from us, but they have not passed in vain. Four sudden years ! and in that space many and great are the changes it has been our sorrow or our pleasure to behold. But change is the inevitable accompani- ment of time ; and doubtless, when the present Freshman class comes to write its farewell history, there will be change s just as many and as great to chronicle. But may their history sound a sweeter note than ours. May it tell of good hopes grown to full fruition, of a University large and prosperous, of new buildings on the campus, of old hotels filled to over- 3fr