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

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THE GRIST J 8 Robert Winthrop Cummings Notice the angelic expression? That’s Patsy’s” most useful mask. He came by it honestly though ; he was born on Sunday, December 25, ’87. His cards bear the imposing legend, “R. Winthrop Cummings,” but he is widely known by the more classic name of “Patsy. ’ ’ As a Freshman he was noticeable at first by his meek air and genial manner: but more especially for the extremes of modishness to which he drove his tailor. Large coats, heavily padded on the shoulders, and trousers “pegged” till they looked “Dutch,” made him resemble the caricatures of college sports. He shed these fads as he outgrew the effects of those last years at “Orange High.” At the end of his first year at R. I. C., in attempting to merit the term, “sport, ” he imbibed the true spirit to such an extent that he threw ' away his dandy togs, even to his shoes, and dejectedly accepted the advice and guidance of those who have since become his best friends. Among us he is noted for his happy-go-lucky readiness for any and all projects that don’t sound like work, being oblivious to con- sequences. He has been of much value to athletics by his devotion to scrub teams, and his ability to originate new pla 3 ' s has kept football men studying signals overtime. Since his Freshmen j ' ear w ' as so effective in sophisticating him, he has even considered it his special duty to initiate all Freshies, and to guide them safely(?) through the intricate ways that puzzle new ' men. His versatile powers are in demand w ' hether it be as coach for class teams, in which position he is in his glory, or as guide on the broad “ Patsy ” smooth road to Wakefield, where he is most popular among the children (girls preferred,) for even a wank has been known to attract him. As an inmate of the dormitory his time was so completely taken up with affairs of under-class men, such as “bathing expeditions,” trips to Wakefield or Thirty-Acre, or just general rough-house, that his more important duties were neglected, and on the advice of higher authorities, he now resides at “Slack’s Retreat. ’ ’ He has some- how found time to establish a lively line of correspondence, as is attested by the weighty volumes received bearing the Orange postmark. “Patsy” has numerous philanthropic projects and ambitions, which few r even of his intimate friends suspect. As a side line with his other activities, he is taking the mechanical course, which he desires to master with the least possible amount of study, and he bids fair to break all records for obtaining good marks by his shrewdly assimilated knowledge. Some day he will renovate the industries of his state, and settle down to enjoy life with a certain Orange bud that has always been associated W ' ith his dreams of orange-blossoms. 26

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Dress rehearsal for Stalag 1 7 is halted by director for change in stage business. The Barter ' s summer program varies from week to week — recent Broadway hits, Shakespeare, tryouts of new plays, even opera. AT BARTER THEATER Old Opera House in Abingdon is summer home of Barter, which carries on year-round activities, including touring companies. Miniature Stage set for new play is checked by designer Mack Statbam. From this model, full-scale scenery will be built. Resident company, composed of budding actors gaining experi- ence. rehearses in outdoor studio with highland backdrop. 20

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THE GRIST Harold Arnold Easterbrooks Where, when, and exactly how it happened, we don’t know, but anyway it came about that “Biff ” appeared one pleasant sunny morning in Bristol many years ago; and following the custom of the Herreshoffs, he was launched into the troubles of life with a bottle. “Biff’s” inborn genius early became apparent, and in his innate desire to satisfy his “hankerings” for science, he used to frequent the seashore and look for crabs, lobsters, and other interesting examples of marine life. His interesting research work along these lines will soon be made public in a bulletin entitled, “Wild Lobsters I Have Known, their Haunts and How to Get ’em. ’ ’ “ Biff’s” interest in such tilings, however, faded in a marked degree when he reached the high-school age and simultaneously the long-pants era. to be surely but slowly superseded by a fondness for the gentler sex, which he fostered till he was specializing in the latter subject. Although he came home each evening with high marks in this specialty , it was thought by larger and wiser heads that a change of scenery was desirable. He was accordingly shipped to Washington, I). C., where he completed his high-school course and graduated with attendant honors. From here he went back to Bristol to bone up for entrance at R. I. C. and spruce up in his high-school specialty. When “Biff” reached R. I. C.. he experienced a change in name without the customary bottle, and was disappointed, being hailed as “Helen” without the Miss in front. “Biff” was recognized as a decorator by his grass-grown countenance, which has resulted in a large number of dull razors in the dormitory. The latest heard from him shows that he again yearns or a “specialty” to study; accordingly he has been trying to find a substitute for Good Ale in Westerly. He has found both the much looked for substitute for ale as well as Good Ale, and seems to be doing well in the new industry, both at Kingston and Westerly. “Biff” is now making good in biology and zoology in a way that assures us that he will be the “ Bugologist ” of MC3VIX, and necessarily a successful one. As a further reference on the life of “Biff.” we would refer by special permission to “In Old Narragansett ” (Pier).