Armour Institute of Technology - Cycle Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

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 THE CYCLE FACULTY CLUB Comes the time for relaxation. Nu- merous individuals, styled in-bloc ‘‘the faculty,” having divested them- selves of their cloaks of office, their professional airs, or what have you, emerge individually or in small groups from their various dens of iniquity, sniff the atmosphere of freedom, take on a new lease of life, and betake themselves to a common destination. ‘‘Long John” lumbers down the stairs entirely oblivious of his arduous du- ties just laid aside, and meditates over the most recent addition to his reper- toire that he may be prepared, should the occasion become propitious. “John, the Baptist,” slinks unsuspect- ingly forth to possibly change his role to that of “Daniel in the Lions’ Den.” Machinery Hall heaves a sigh of relief when it becomes relieved of the many weighty characters who now venture forth, including none other than that august gentleman, the “General” and the redoubtable Pete, the politician. Others, no less prepossessing, pass in review. But— a blast of trumpets; the doors of Main Building open, and the Officers of Administration make their appear- ance: With measured tread and stately mien, They venture forth upon the scene. Not a single action must belie The college, they personal; Their present state, one would not think Could be transferred in just a wink. All are arrived. They become dis- persed, individually and severally. Some seek entertainment through the medium of the radio, or through read- ing or perusing the periodicals avail- able. Others are seated around the billiard table witnessing a contest that is replete with skillful, daring and safe plays. The players are ridiculed, criticized, admonished, directed and Tu tuty-eight

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 f iCl L t y

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OF 19 3 1 ► FACULTY CLUB applauded by the onlookers at any or all times. Otherwise conversation, discussion, or argumentation waxes supreme. Subjects, political, eco- nomic, social, historical, or technical are brought before those assembled generally by some insidious charac- ter, and are discussed by both those informed and those uninformed. One subject gives way to another in rapid succession. You can help yourself to any or all of them either audibly or silently. Yours is an unfettered, a free state or existence in a very be- clouded atmosphere, however. But there is a villain in every story. He enters the room, casts a furtive glance at those present. A peculiar grin comes over his face. It bespeaks evil. He moves stealthily over to a steel cabinet and procures several en- velopes, which he deftly fingers. Oh, yes; he is the collector of internal revenue, R. V. P., and this is the first of the month, his accounts are pre- pared, and he is setting forth to exact tribute from the unsuspecting vic- tims for the tobacco and billiards which they have enjoyed during the previous month. He moves slyly around the room, eyeing his prey, lest he try to escape. But little or no chance of that. He is upon him, and presently Eighty-seven cents, please.” Having relieved him of a goodly share of his worldly posses- sions, he passes on to further appease his appetite through the discomfiture of another of his brethren. The magazines are tossed back to the table. The radio is turned off. The conversation dies down. The congregation dwindles away. They are returning to their various duties according to their schedules. Few re- main in the Faculty Club. T ucuty-nine