University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

Page 27 text:

With this general sketch and a more specific account of each member, we will bring this history to a close, and make our retiring bow as Juniors and Editors of The Grist. W. A. Bolster F. J. Carley R. G. Clarke G. F. Grinnell E. S. Hayes K. M. Hoxsie Former Members J. M. McDonald B. A. Merriam J. L. Murray P. M. Patterson J. F. Schofield Frank Storey 19

Page 26 text:

1905 Our Junior year, with its trials and pleasures, its course of studies and its congenial, although responsible task of editing The Grist, has come — and is gone. We have tried to bear our trials patiently, to enjoy our pleas- ures moderately, to do justice to our course of studies, and to make The Grist a credit to our Alma Mater. The memory of our trials and pleasures will remain with us as long as life lasts; our degree of success with our studies is on the college records; The Grist lies open before you. At the beginning of the year Mr. Brett of the Massachusetts Agricultural College joined our class, so that there are still five of us. Let us hope that from now on we may exemplify the theory that there is luck in odd numbers. Mr. Brett is also an oddity in his course, as he is our only agricultural member. The other two boys are students of highway engineering. They will be the first highway engineers graduated, a case of two being, if not odd, at least a little singular. After graduating, each of the latter, Messrs. Dow and Gilman, may do his diploma up in a red bandana, tie it and a second-hand lobster can to a stick and, at his leisure, inspect the walk- ing facilities of our highways; while Mr. Brett with his framed diploma hanging in the best room over the piano, may do “The man with the hoe” act, as they “Weary Willie” it past his estate. The girls are still enlisted under General Science’s banner. General Science is quite a lady-killer, by the way; sooner or later he seems certain to capture the affections of all our young lady students. Even our honorary member, we are sorry to say, has succumbed to his blandishments, and allows him to spend evening after evening, wholly unquestioned, at Wat- son House. We boys do not consider this a square deal and some would even like to see the General expelled, or at least put on pro bation, and denied the right to visit the girls’ dormitory. But enough of General Science; it is useless to rail against fate, no damage can be done to a stone wall by butting your head against it. We must perforce leave the General in full control by right of eminent domain, and beat as dignified a retreat as possible. We do not know what Miss Champlin and Miss Harrall will do after graduating. It is a toss-up whether they will wield a ruler over inquisitive Young America, wield a gavel at woman’s rights conventions, or wield the maternal slipper at their own firesides. Wield something, however, they surely will; Time, the great tattler, alone can tell what.

Page 28 text:

CLARENCE ELMER BRETT One morning in early Spring a great commotion was heard in a certain house at Brockton, Mass. Upon inquiry it was found to have been caused by the arrival of Clarence Elmer Brett, whose later bent toward physical culture was already presaged by the promptness with which he proceeded to try his lung capacity, and the amount of soul and feeling he put into the effort. From this time on he was well known for his good conduct and quiet ( ?) demeanor. A mere sample of common-school education convinced Brett that he could find use for something more. Accordingly, he entered the Brockton High School. By the sufferance of his teachers he stayed at that interesting place for four years, and on the strength of his promise to leave, was given a pass into the Massachusetts Agricultural College. After staying there two years he decided to seek “green fields and pastures new,” so he took the cars for Kingston and the Rhode Island College. From there, if he has good luck and escapes breaking his neck, he expects to graduate with the class of 1905. 20