Westfield State University - Tekoa Yearbook (Westfield, MA)

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20 IVESTFIELD NORMAL. 1909 result, brilliant recitations from our class became more frequent. NYe no longer had Mrs. Knight as a teacher, and in place of zoo- logy with Mr. NYilson, physiology was substituted. It was in this class that one of our members astonished the teacher with some 'interesting facts regarding t'French cooks. The first reception given by the seniors was a most enjoyable social affair. lVe soon returned the compliment by giving them a reception which fairly outclassed anything of-the sort which had ever been given before. The winter term seemed even shorter than the fall term and, with the advent of spring, we were obliged to set ourselves to the grindstone and work harder than ever. In this term we took up the study of physics in which we were introduced to many interesting phenomena. Is it not so? Imagine our surprise to find ourselves presented with shower bouquets in this class. Geography, about which we had heard a great deal, became even a larger thorn in our path than psychology or anything else had ever thought of being. Although already acquainted with Mr. Monroe's methods and customs, it did not help us much. Memory and reason rarely combined in this class. Our sympa- thy was always ready for the poor unfortunates called upon to take the floor, or asked to 'tstep to the map, please, and point out tl1e heat belts, wind belts, or to 'ctrace the migratory heat equator. Then, after a vain attempt to do what was re- quired, we would sink into our seats, only to hear that we could 11ot have done worse if we had been blindfolded. Even though it seemed impossible we survived this first year of work. Commencement time arrived and with it a longing for a. much-needed rest. It was a sad time, too, for now we must say good-bye to the seniors, who would not return again in the fall, as we hoped to. But sad things and glad things are contin- ually coming our way and soon that first year was all over,

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1909 WESTFIELD NORJIAL. 1.0 had made it a custom to honor one member of the faculty in this way. IVe decided to do the same, but when we came to choose. we wished to make every member of the faculty a member of our class and could not be satisfied with only one. Finally we decided upon two, Mr. Monte, who was a new teacher, and Mr. Allyn. Although we had to study very hard to keep our work up. our teachers realized Cthough not any more than we didl that all work and no play was not good for us from a physiological standpoint. Shortly after school opened a house party was held at Dickinson Hall. which proved to be a very enjoyable gather- ing. Dickinson llall was the scene of a number of other good times also, though perhaps some of them are better not spoken of here, since I have heard that many were not strictly in accord- ance with the 'tliules and Regulations of the house. The pike has been noted for a certain surreptitious gathering which was 'fdiscovered there at half-past eleven one night. I cannot- say exactly how it happened. but certain it is that on that same night, one poor junior from the upper story. who had a senior roommate. was almost forced out of her room bv the presence there of a number of her roommate's friends. l'nfort- unately, she wandered down to the pike in search of some of her colleagues, only to find them companions in misery. Not long after the house party a masquerade was held at Dickinson Hall. The same evening a smaller gathering occurred in the school hall. Doubtless of the two, the former was the more enjoyable. but I am certain, from what information I have ac- quired upon this suhject. that the latter was not lacking in amuse- ment. Ask Mr. XVinslow about it if you are in doubt. Almost before we knew it the first term was over and we re- turned home for a short recess at Thanksgiving. The winter term proved to be much easier than the fall term had been and. as a

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1909 WESTFIELD NORMAL. 21 the seniors had gone, never to return again as a class of students, and we were gone, to return again at the close of the summer. Almost before we realized it, summer was gone and we were back again at Dickinson Hall, this time as seniors. It was a pleasure to notice the difference between our class and the poor unsophisticated juniors and to give them as much information as we could upon various subjects. This year the house party took the form of a children's party and was even more successful than last year's had been. Imagine our surprise and delight to find Mr. Monroe as one of the children. Wle had learned that Mr. Monroe would not be with us much longer. Although some of us did not quite appre- ciate Mr. Monroe 's methods, there was not one of us who did not realize what he and his work meant 'to the school, and it was with sorrow that we thought of his departure. XVe fully believed our principal when he said that if another would do half as much for us as Mr. Monroe had done, he would be doing exceedingly well and as much as could be expected. Mr. Monroe liked to make us work. He told us that he tried to keep us busy all the time and he certainly succeeded in so doing. But there was an- other side to his nature also, although some of us were slow in finding it, and did not realize it until the last moment. Mr. Monroe left at the end of the first term. The farewell reception given by the faculty in his honor showed what a host of friends he had made during his stay here. NVe cannot thank Mr. Monroe too much for all he has done for us nor for making our last period with him a happy one. After his departure we awaited with eagerness the arrival of our new teacher, Mr. Hockenberry. XVe were very much pleased with him when he did come, and exceedingly glad to know that he realized we could not do our best work when frightened stiff. .