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

Page 30 text:

THE GRIST Bertha Bertha May Heath Way back in the eighties, this genius added her shining light to the world, and from that time on, the world has profited by her presence. She received her grammar and high-schOol education at Lunenburg, and there, she firmly asserts, she was always at the foot of her class; but her work here belies her, for she is the star of her class in chemistry and horticulture. Bertha is very fond of athletics. She was manager of the girl’s basketball team this year, and has been elected captain for next. It is to be feared, however, that her ambitions along this line are not restricted to the gymnasium, but are of a changeable nature. Sometimes the sky seems to be her goal and again the solid ground: but whichever it may be, she gets there just the same, even if she has to use ropes and fire escapes. It is said that a certain tree near the Watson House will bear the impressions made bv Bertha’s shoes for some time to come. Bertha’s one great aim is to make a noise and to keep in per- petual motion: so once upon a time, she produced a melody from a tin pan under a window and — I wonder what one of the members of the faculty meant, when she said: “Bertha, you are not a Christian.’’ These misdemeanors, however, are things of the past, for she has arrived at the dignity becoming a Junior; she no longer jumps down steps two at a time, but goes canoeing, and walks about the campus with M — y, a privilege which no other girl of R. I. C. has ever had or ever hopes to have. Bertha’s good humor and generous nature make her very accept- able as a friend, and during her college course she has gained many. We all expect to visit her farm some day ; and if we can find no other occupation, perhaps she will give us a position in her corn field. 31

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THE GRIST ■§€ John Ira Hardy In theTfall of 1907 when our class had attained the dignified(?) positionloffSophomores, a new face appeared in our midst. The fame of Dr. Leighton and the chemistry course had penetrated far into the wilds of Massachusetts and attracted hither this innocent, who bore the impressive name of John Ira Hardy. With characteristic good sense he at once joined the class of 1910 and never again did we go astray for lack of good advice. We call John our virtuous member, although he has learned not to carry virtue to extremes. Groveland is the particular spot in the northern wilderness where he originated, and there he spent his early life, breathing the puritanical air of that region. Finally the Groveland High School honored him with its diploma, and then little John ventured out into the wide, wicked world. His first stop was at “the city, where he devoted a summer to reforming the Bostonians, and learning machine work at Tech. After becoming an expert in this latter oc- cupation, he transferred the scene of his activities to the shops of Fitchburg, and later, Lynn. It was only for a short time, however, and then a longing for the aroma of the chemical laboratorj’’ and an ambition to smash test tubes, turned his steps toward Kingston and civilization. Upon his arrival at Davis Hall, John immediately made inquiries about V. M. C. A., and followed them up so industriously that he is now president of the association. It was V. M. C. A. business, John solemnly swears, that took him to Peace Dale so regularly last fall, but the wicked cynics would grin. It is altogether certain, however, that Fall River has for him a strange attraction, not connected with the V. M. C. A., although some one has suggested that she might belong to the Y. W. C. U. In spite of this affair, John was smitten with a peculiar disease in his Junior year. He grew absent-minded and preoccupied, and was often seen sitting by the window, gazing longingly up the path toward the village, and whistling a little tune about Dixie land. After the military ball, however, a wonderful improvement set in, and now John declares himself quite “unsophisticated.” This same year John donned a football suit with many misgivings as to whether or not he could make the second team. It soon developed, though, that he was a most strenuous Christian, and he very efficiently performed the grim duties of left tackle throughout the season, and at its close, was awarded his R. I. When John graduates, he intends to take advanced work at a large university, and then attack the chemical problems of the modern manufacturer. We may therefore infer that said problems stand in a most perilous situation. 30

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THE GRIST Warren Henry Who is that tall, lanky fellow over in the corner? Our “Pat.” Who is president of the Engineering Society? Our “Pat.” Who is assistant librarian? Our “ Pat. ” Who fell in love in his Junior year? Our “Pat.” Who learned to climb trees for Uncle Sam and later for other purposes? Our “Pat.” Who showed lots of scrap in the Freshman difficulties? Our “Pat.” Who got an A under Fingal? Our ‘ ‘ Pat. ’ ’ Who was ferried across salt pond on a fisherman’s back? Our “Pat. ” Who has been elected secretary to the Y. M. C. A.? Our “Pat.” Who thoroughly understands automatic screw machines? Our “Pat.” Who put the sign in front of the AVells House Our Co-eds? ? ? This more or less phenomenal wonder originated in Ludlow, Mass., December 9, 18S6. and emigrated to Hopedale at the age of four years, living there until he came to R. I. C. During his first year here, Mr. Henry might have been found, during study hours, anywhere within a radius of fifteen miles of the campus. On one memorable trip, he landed to his great dismay “broke” in Fall River, but with the proper spirit he returned home via “Sole Leather Express.” Later, as he gained the good sense of an upper classman, his walks grew shorter, until finally he does not venture far beyond the village church. Now, my gentle reader, do not think “Pat” is not an energetic student, for he is. Almost any night a light may be seen in his room during the wee morning hours. The product of his hard work is found Pat” has not been prominent in athletics, although he played on “ Pat in this book. the class football team his Freshman year, and on the second team the following season. In future years we expect to see him tackle the problems which confront the civil engineer — probably in New Hampshire. 32