Wakefield High School - Oracle Yearbook (Wakefield, MA)

Page 23 text:

approval, for it was lie who, l y his frequent talks to these same boys about the flag, had aroused in them the great respect and love which they showed to the Stars and Stripes. When the long line of marchers had passed and the excitement had subsided, the boys dropped down on the settee beside the Captain with shining faces. lie began as though this pari of the program had been carefully planned beforehand. Well, boys, our flag did look fine waving so proudly, didn ' t it? When you see that bight you feel as though you never could tie the flag in a knot, or festoon it over a door. For that sort of thing bunting can be used just as well. The flag should not be spread over a speaker ' s table at rallies and such, and a pitcher of water or a book laid on it. It is most disrespectful. And there ' s another thing, don ' t ever use a flag that is failed or worn out. That should be burned with all respect. The sky was taking on the golden color and the red sun sank lower toward the purple hills. Now, I want you to watch them take in that flag over there. When they put it up this morning they hoisted it very quickly and they unfurled it first. But see how slowly they are taking it in. It is put up and taken in like that every day. You know that they are only allowed to keep the flag up day and night on three buildings in the country— the east and west fronts of the National Capitol and the House of Representatives and Senate Office Buildings. He had slowly risen to his feet and now he left the boys, knowing still more of their flap than he had hitherto told them. GRACE WEDTFELDT, ' 24. THE GHOST It was the hottest day, of the hottest month of the hottest summer on record. The bay, as smooth as a mirror, reflected the sun in cruel, blinding flashes. The sun-baked rocks were hot as stove lids, the parched lawns fair- ly sizzled under the fierce rays of the sun, and the thermometer climbed ambitiously. On the hotel veranda two young men were wiling away the long, sultry afternoon with the aid of iced drinks, palm leaf fans, and thrilling local ghost stories. There may be such things as spirits and there may not be, declared the first with some heat, but you can ' t tell me that Hob- son ' s woods are haunted. That ' s what I said, answered the second calmly. If it wasn ' t so hot, returned the first lazily, I would make you see the error of your ways, but what ' s the use of arguing in this weather. Are you going to the dance to- night? And the subject of unquiet spirits was dropped. After such a day of heat a thunder storm almost inevitable. As the young man, who had so vehemently declared himself against ghosts, returned homeward late at night, the first approaches of the storm were evident. Thick, black clouds scudding before a fitful breeze, partially veiled the moon, (lashes of heat lightning shed an uncanny radiance on the landscape, and muffled rum blings of thunder could be heard in the (lis tance. Across his path lay Hobson ' s woods. Just a tiny strip of trees; only a few yards of dwarfed willows and alderberry bushes, bor- dering on a swamp. But after the conversa- tion of the afternoon it was just large enough and just shadowy enough to make him feel creepy. He had gone only a few steps into the woods when there seemed to float before his startled eyes a tall (igure clothed from head to foot in a flowing white robe, the con- vent ional ghostly style. Our hero considered himself a brave man, but when the apparition raised a long flowing arm and pointed an accusing finger at him, his hair of its own accord stood at attention on his head, his stomach lay down and died, and his knees rattled merrily together. With a shriek and a bound which would have done credit to an agitated kangaroo, he fled, nor did he stop until he reached the room which he shared with his chum, locked the door and fortified it with an arm chair, and three pairs of shoes. Still trembling, he sank upon the bed, and when his excitement had subsided somewhat, he noticed that something had happened to that prosaic piece of furniture. Whereas, when he had left the room a few hours before, it had stood in white perfection, it now pos- sessed not a single sheet. As he stared in bewilderment a great light dawned upon him, a bright revealing light. Reaching under the bed, he produced a stout pair of boxing gloves. Slipping them on, he crossed the room and crouched in a waiting position near the door. A gleeful expression played across his face. Now, he muttered, ominously, we ' ll lay that ghost! EVALINA IV ANY, ' 24. 13

Page 22 text:

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS The economic conditions of this country will be bettered this year. During the recent pe- riod of depression, business conditions went to about one hundred and fifty points below normal and now they are about fifteen points above and climbing. Whenever business con- ditions go either above or below normal, there is a reaction ; the more acute the prosperity or the depression, the greater the reaction. About all lines of business have shown im- provement, the only thing holding back pros- perity being the coal strike. There is a large consumption of goods and a corresponding increase in production. The borrowing of money has increased, and this, by the way, is one of the reasons for artificia l prosperity Business men, especially in new businesses, borrow money and list it as cash on hand or an asset when it really should be a liabil- ity. This period of prosperity will probably last for several years, but is sure to lie followed by a reaction or a period of depression. This must be guarded against. WESLEY W. PHINNEY, ' 23. HOW IS THE MATERIAL CHOSEN FOR THE DEBATER ? Many persons wonder how the material which is found in the Debater is acquired. It is compulsory in the Senior Class that eve.ry member write sojnething for their school paper. Why not? It is only fair that each individual do his part toward making his paper a success, since the Debater is edited by the Senior Class. The Seniors, however, are greatly aided by the other three classes. A certain day called Debater Day, is set aside by the English Department as the day on which material may be passed in for the Debater . Each divi- sion appoints a division editor, and to him go the papers of his division. He chooses what he believes to be the best, and these are grouped with the best from the other divi- sions. Then all the papers are passed to the editor-in-chief, who selects the best for the Debater . MILDRED FOLEY, ' 23. ness, is melting the snow and making it drip from the houses and trees. Now and then is heard the sound of cracking as the huge ici- cles that have been hanging from the roofs, begin to melt and fall to the ground. Huge piles of snow that have collected on roofs be- gin to slide off and fall with a loud noise. People, walking along through the melting ice and snow, make a lot of noise and soon the clean, white snow forms into a substance that looks almost like sand. Many comments are heard about the beau- tiful weather and many predictions are made about the coming of spring. It is the next day. But, such a difference! During the night the wind began to blow- with fury; the sky was covered with cold gray clouds, and before morning a real blizzard had come up. The melting snow and ice of yes- terday is today frozen hard. Great icicles have again formed on the houses, and the snow :s blowing and drifting everywhere. The few persons who venture out are going along with great difficulty against the wind and snow. At the railroad station is a group of people who are standing around, blowing on their fingers and stamping their feet. Yesterday this same group had commented on the love- ly weather, and had decided that spring would soon arrive. Today, not a person speaks about the coming of spring, as each waits around in the cold for a train which is al- ready many minutes late. What a contrast between two February days, one following the other! MARGARET MURPHY, ' 23. TWO WINTER DAYS It is a bright clear day in the latter part of February. Overhead the sky is a bright blue and the sun, shilling with a dazzling bright- AT SIGHT OF THE FLAG Crowds had gathered on the streets and in the park, waiting for the parade. Finally the band was heard far down the street, and those who had waited until the last minute hur- riedly sought places on the sidelines. Among these were half a dozen boys who, in their excitement, passed by one of their best friends —a Grand Army man whom they knew as Captain. Hello, boys! The cheery old voice rose above the noise and babble. Smiles quickly lighted up their faces for they always wel- comed their friend ' s appearance. They quick- ly took their places beside the Captain and were soon craning their necks to see every part of the parade. As the Hag passed by. Heating proudly in the warm sunlight, the boys stood at attention and saluted. The elderly man noted this witli 12

Page 24 text:

THE STUDENT COUNCIL THE ROBIN ' S SONG There are many who arc curious to know the composition, the advantages, and the duties of the student council. As a member of this council, I will endeavor to answer these ques- tions. As the student council now stands, it has six members, three from the senior class, two from the junior class, and one from the sophomore class. The freshmen are not rep- resented, and I think this is a, serious defect. For why should they abide by the decisions of the council and co-operate with it if they are not represented! The success of the coun- cil depends upon the co-operation of the en- tire student body. The council will have many duties to per- form daily. They will supervise the traffic and take charge of the lunch counter, ap- pointing many helpers if necessary. In addi- tion, they will have charge of the cleanliness of the school, seeing that the desks are not damaged or scratched; that waste paper is put in its proper place, the waste basket. However, these are not the only duties the council will assume in the school. It will maintain harmony among the student body. In the library, the council must see that no books are abused or unnecessary noise is made. As it is readily seen, the student council has many duties to perform within the school. The student council has many duties out- side the school. It will take care of the cheering squads on the athletic field; it will see that there is no conflict of dates of the school ' s events; that (he school is represented by ideal students; also that the athletes con- sider the school first. It is no easy job to be on the student council. The advantages of the student council are many. It will be used as a channel to bring ideas of the student body before the faculty; the faculty will be able easily to obtain the opinion of the student body when needed Above all, the students will take more re- sponsibility on their shoulders abo ' ut the school and its events, for the more responsi bility given to young people, the higher standard they set for themselves. We shall never be able to achieve the highest results without the union and the eo operation of the entire student body. United we stand; divid- ed we fall. ALLEN DRUGAN, ' 24. Oh, tell me a sound in the world so sweet, on a dull and dreary day, When there is gloom outside and gloom with- in, and the earth is far from gay; As the sound of the new-coming Red-breast, singing his cheerful tune, As he flies about from tree to tree, driving away the gloom. Oh, that happy trill of a song as fresh as the drops that clear the air, Brings joy to our hearts, and drives from our souls the gloom that rested there. And, we bless the bird as he cheers us on to study, to work, or play, For the joy and hope, in his cheerful note turns darkness into day. ANNA IIAYDEN, ' 23. THE HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY The music started slowly, with a majestic sort of air, And I could see the crimson grandeur of the sunset over there; I could see the band of gypsies before the gleaming fire, Who were laughing, chatting, singing in their gaudy gay attire, With their dark and passionate faces, and their tawdry tinsel bright, Their graceful haunting witchery all blended with the night. Their song was full of mystery, of mad and fiery passion, It was thrilling and triumphant in a, wild al luring fashion; Thus the pathos and the gaiety of the old Rou- manian Gypsy Was revealed with wondrous beauty in Lis .t ' s Second Hungarian Rhapsody. DORIS FROST, ' 24. A SUMMER NIGHT What is so fair as a sumnier ' s night When all is (piiet and still; When the moon sheds its golden rays of light Over meadows, mountains, and hills; When all human kin are fast asleep And not a sound is heard Except, now and then, the rustle of t Or the hoot of the owl, the wise night DOROTHY IIARNDKN, roes bird. 14