Barringer High School - Athenaeum Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

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6 TREASURES FOUND IN SCAVENGER BOXES. BY IDA r. KINSEY. There is no one on our streets more jeered at than those miserable persons, who, with the emblem of their profession, a hooked stick, search pcrseveringly our refuse boxes. The terrible “small boy laughs loudly and openly, and older people pass by with a look of compassion or contempt on their faces, for it is not a sightly heap, this one consisting of old food, rags and shoes, which others liafo thrown away as useless. But truly royal treasures have l ccn gath- ered from sources which promised no more. At just such a heap as this, the busy bee, whom it is impossible not to associate with cleanliness, reaps a rich harvest, finding sweets where others find but refuse; even from the worst of carrion securing reward for labor. But revolting as tho carrion, and poisonous as the gases that rise from it, wo are con- stantly giving out the same poisonous car- bonic acid from our lungs, and even this is turned to use. We enter a concert room. Some of the finest talent is engaged for us to-night, Tho song begins, filling the air with music and making every nook vibrate with melody; now rising, now fall- ing, like waves on the bench; now the notes arc deep, rich, and wondrously sweet; now rising higher, gaining in strength and sweet- ness and thrilling us like the joyous notes of a bird. Yet higher tho notes rise, until they seem to find an echo in the songs of the an- gels: but again they fall, down, down, sadly and mournfully, like the wail of a soul that has knocked at the gates of pearl but has not found admittance. Again the song is joy- ous, rippling, and dancing, and sparkling like a brook in the sunlight, and ,thcn, with a burst of glory such as the sun throws back, the song is finished. The breath expelled from the lungs as re- fuse matter, poisonous to the body, required only a skillful use of the vocal chords to give us this rich treasure of song. But this refuse breath is of still further use. We open the window and away it flics to the plants, for to them it is life-giving. It forms itself Into delicate blossoms of the fuchsia, the graceful bells of the modest white lily, and the glossy petals of the rose. In the fields we find it transformed into the daisy and the yellow butter-cup, and in the wood it assumes the form of the delicate fern and the blue wood-violet. Indeed, this vile gas is the origin of all those beautiful features with which nature smiles upon the world. Again and again we find treasures under a rough exterior. In California we are shown a handful of what appears to be common soil, but when washed it discloses gold. The diamond when found is enclosed in a hard HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL. earthy coating, which is broken in search of the gem; but even then it does not disclose its beauty, but appears like a piece of ground glass, until it returns from the hands of the skillful diamond cutter. We have all seen and admired the bcauti- ful aniline dyes, with their brilliant and lasting colors; the brilliant blue reminding us of the open sea, and the deep green of the pleasant shades of the forest; the rich purple and yellow, true royal colors, and the red suggestive of fircsido warmth and comfort; but we may not all have known that these gorgeous colors are mado from the refuse left after making coal gas. Of n and often the roughest exterior covers a gem of rarest beauty or of highest use; within the rough shell of the pearl oyster lies the purest of gems and under a thread bare coat wisdom is often found. Over many of her most precious gifts nature has thrown a veil devoid of beauty, and under it these treasures are unappre- ciated and trampled under foot. Patiently they wait under their homely covering until the moment comes when they spring Into light, dazzling the world with their fresh beauty. BLOTS. BY JULIA A. NICHOLS. Before me lies an open copy-book. At the top of its once pure and glossy pages, is a printed copy. A child's hand, a careless little hand, slowly guiding a pen over the paper, trying to imitate the line above, has made an ugly blot upon the page, And left the whole disfigured. Had the most elegant penman written there instead of the child, and the blot been made just the same, the page would have been spoiled. In winter, when the carpet of glistening snow is spread over the earth, wc can most easily discover blots and blemishes; for men trample the delicAte crystals under foot until we can hardly realize that the mud-stained covering was once white and spotless. But tho ugliest blots are those which wrong doing leaves upon the lives of men. A man’s faults, among which are idleness, selfishness and profanity, are all blots on his character. Intemperance is one of the most unsightly blots on the face of our land. The women of our country are now trying to check this great evil; and slowly, but surely are succeeding, where the men have failed. If the young ladies do not wish to visit the various saloons of our cities, they may. at least, banish wine from their tables on the first day of the year, when all thould make good resolutions. If they did cease to offer the poison to their friends, there would be a decrease in the number of our jail occupants throuj the year, and thus one page of our natioi record would be less blotted and disfigure The world was created fair and bcautif but the first man, by his sin, made a blot the page which was never erased until “G sent Ilia only begotten son into the wor! that whosoever bclieveth in him, should r perish, but have everlasting life. Wc may erase the blots on our vario copy-books, but we cannot help seeing th they have been there. The page never loo as perfect as at first. Tho biota on our chi actcrs—our sins—we cannot erase. The blood of Christ only can do this p, felly; and Christ alono is able to prtto us before God “ without spot or wrinkle any such thing.” OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND SHUT YOUR EYES. BY IDA J. MOKKISON. They were two little gills, I heard sajin 1“ Open your mouth and shut your eyes. And I’ll give you something to make you wise.' The one addressed did not hesitate moment, but did as she wns requested, wi so much faith and confidence expressed her face, that it would have seemed qu heartless to disappoint that expectant lot What she received was something good, ai she looked as if she thought it was just it should be. This little incident made me think, tl in childhood wc almost always befleVc tl things arc just what they should be. have faith in all around us, and never thi that the world is half as artful as in af life we find it to be. Childhood to me seems as sweet, and pu and trustful, as the opening bud in t spring time. The bud, as it grows day day. does not question, “ nad I letter gro’ If I do, perhaps cold winds and hard rai will come; then what shall I do? t grows on and opens farther each day, that may drink in the sparkling dews, soft ra and gentle sunshine, which the good G has sent it. Thus it grows and oxp r.ds a soon ! ecomea a beautiful blossom. The child, like the bud, grows and dev opes as the days pass on, but she has h some of the graces of childhood, much the sweet simplicity which was so udmir is gone, and she does not trust every one she used to. She lias learned that she ci not go through the world, opening her moi and shutting her eyes, for sometimes would be filled with very bitter things. But though the world may seem to very deceitful, at times, and wc may feel tl we cannot have faith in any human boil there is One al ovc and over all. who can trusted by any one, from childhood to age. When He says to us, Open y mouth and I will fill it, we may be sure tl He will give us only that which is best.

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of periodicals, “Appletou’» Art Journal,” and the “ International Review.” Surely wc are not too enthusiastic when we recognize in the “ Montagu” one of the best friends, one of the greatest aids to the culture for which wo are striving. TUB llKSPBItlAJt. This 8ocicty is still procuring under the plan of “self-government” commenced but two years ago, and which, this year, has been continued with increased popularity. Al- though the numlicr of names on the roll is not much greater than last year, yet in the character of the exercises there is a marked improvement; but in no other manner is the Society’s prosperity shown in a stronger light, than in the interest which each indi- vidual member feels in its welfare. Up to the present time, the Society has had no library connected with it, but toward the close of tho last school-year, a fund was appropriated for that purpose, and with this addition, tho Society will l c more than ever an aid and incstinnble help to the scholars of the Senior anti Junior Classes. We wish it a prosperous future, and may it be an increasing means of usefulness—an aid to its members, and an honor to the School. A CHRISTMAS ODE. BY T. W. I.AUTBKBOKN. A Merry Chri»cmas. joyful lime». To school-mates, ®,,c d : May Same help me wnic «hc»c line» And to his Jcrvioc call. For merry Ohri»tma now is here. And warms each loving heart. To sing his praises loud and clear Around the blazing hearth. O'er hill and stream and highland snow. The merry chimes arc borne. Till rich and poor, the high and low. With gladness welcome morn. Tho day has come, the joyful day. That gave this world a king; Oh I may wc all. each in our way. His name with praises ring. The houses of the rich «re filled With children bright and gay. Who little know or feel the chill Of those across the way. And when the sun beneath the sea. Concealed its dazzling rays. The cosily presents on the tree. Each one of them surveys. They did not think, they did not care. Of those across the way: With noisy mirth they, filled the air. Because they were so gay. The poor without, that hitter night. Did rich folks never move; They Hd not think that “ God is might, And never would approve. Thus every Christmas passes by. The poor there arc to feed ; But up in Heaven there is an eye, Which marks cadi kindly deed. Then let us now. dear school-mates all. Divide our bounteous stores, With those who do upon us call, And open wide our doors. HIGH SC H OOL A N N U A L. CIRCLES. PRIZE ESSAY, CLASS OF ’70. BY MINNIK b. LYOX. Tho circlo is of all ligures most beautiful. Its symmetry and completeness suggests thoughts of beauty and perfection, which lead us away from the Unite to that which it symfmlizcs, the infinite. Nature everywhere tells of the circle, from the beautiful lino in which the sky descends to greet the earth, to the endless curve in leaf anti flower, in ocean shell, anti waving smoke. The round of sunrises and sunsets, of twilight and starlight, give us the days, and the revolving tlaya make up the week. The months, in their turn, are but the embodiment of the circling weeks. The great full years with one hand grasp tho months, and with the other, touch the un- born days. And so, as the sunset of the year touching the sunrise of the day, bounds the circumfer- ence of nature’s rounds, wo learn that “ there is no end, but every end is a login- ning,” that the finite is but a portion of the infinite. To men, the home circle is more lieautiful than all others. The literary, the scientific, and the social circles dwindle into insignifi- cance, beside tho one in which love forms the centre, and the blending of hopes, hearts and aims, the sacred circumference. Our nation, for one hundred years, has been describing its circle. To day we are proud of its expanse, as around thecentre,— independence,—a circumference has been drawn, within whose enclosure the whole world is glad to step. As circles are large or small, according to the amount of space which their circumfer- ences enclose, so are men's minds considered broad or narrow, os the comprehensiveness of their intellects is far-reaching or limited. Every man lives in a circle of his own, which is varying each day, either widening as his knowledge increases, or growing smaller as he allows the range of Lis thought to become contracted. Shakespeare’s writ- ings reveal the immensity of the circle in which mentally, he must have lived. Dryden says of him: “ But Shakespeare’ magic could not copied bo; Within that circlo nono duret walk but ho.” The circle of Milton’s life seems almost boundless, so far-reaching was his imagina- tion. Our range of thought may seem small and limited; yet out of the world’s fullness of knowledge, wc may gather new ideas every day, and thus breaking away from old limitations, the circles of our learning may become greater and broader. Our lives may bo a scries of circles. Wc may think we have drawn our bounding curves, .when lo! a new thought looms up 6 before us, aud what was the circumference, now gives centres for other circles. Emer- son says. “ There is no thought so sublime, but it may lie trivial to-morrow, in the light of our thojghta ” Anti again, “ There is no outside, no enclosing wall, no circum- ference to us.” Some day, when we can no longer widen our earthly circles, while the world may consider them mere circlets, God will judge of them by their completeness. If the curves are even anti true, if every point of the circumference is equally distant from, that is, equally near the centre, God will give to our lives, thus rounded out and complete, greater development in the life beyond, greater thoughts, which will serve as centres, around which circumferences may l o drawn to infinity. Every day we hear of men, who, tired of the hurry and bustle of the world, long again and again for the simplicity of their childhood. They forget, that as they walk life’s broad circles, they are to gather knowl- edge and wisdom which shall teach them simplicity in its highest sense. It is the thought of a noted writer, that V the higher men rise, tho simpler they becomeand a wiser than man has said, “ Except ye become as little children, yeean in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” Little children in their play, as they join hand with hand, joyously (lancing around the chosen one in their centre, ever ready to enlarge their circle for each new comer, beautifully typify the most perfect human life. For that life is most pe:fcCt in which men, dropping all discord and contentions, in a touch that signifies unity of heart, thought and aspiration, join their bauds around the centre of centres—God. As we ;isscmbled in September, to c6m- mcnce another year of study, wc saw many familiar faces, and were glad to find so few wautiug. But among the friends vve missed was one in particular, Mr J. L. Johnson, Professor of Mathematics, whose hearty grasp and cheerful voice always-welcomed aud encouraged us. Mr. Johnson is a man of sterling integrity, great executive abilities, and a gentleman. Ho labored hard for the benefit of his pupils aud for the good of the school generally. He has left the city and adopted the profes- sion of Law; but although he is not with us iu person, lie will always occupy a prominent place in the hearts of the scholars. “ Such wm his worth, our loss is such, Wc cannot lovo too well, or grioro too much.” C. L Docoukrty. It has been three years sinco death has entered our midst; but In October one of our school-mates. Jennie Church, who entered our school in September last, was called up to that Higher School, whore “wo shall know as wc are known.”

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HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL. 7 NATURE AND ART. BY n. B. WAGONER. These two agents, the one relating to life, the other to its comforts, conveniences and luxu- ries, widely differ. Nature as the producer of the means employed by art, is, of course, the most important; but art should not for this reason l c despised. Both are greatly useful in their proper spheres, but nature is the most needful and in some cases the letter of the two. For nature is able to produce results unattainable by art, and the same to a degree is true of art in respect to nature. In illustration of the first point, let us take the process of germination, seemingly very simple, but altogether unattainable by art, for all that art is able to do towards this process is to place the seed in such a position that nature may perform her part. In illustration of the second, art is able to build railroads and steamboats, results en- tirely out of the reach of nature, although it is she who furnishes the material. Nature and art arc often very beneficial when used together, so that in manufactures nature and art go hand in hand, each doing its own part and each assisting the other. Nature, though often slower than art, is the surer of the two; she is all the more intri- cate, it being a part of the business of art to study nature. Many of the operations of the latter are performed secretly and out of sight, while most of the operations of art are performed openly and are understood. Nature is the creation of God, and is pro- portionally more beautiful and wonderful; while art, being the creation of man, is not as wonderful, although still very interesting, and both should teach us to direct our attention to the study of the beauties and wonders which surround us on all sides. SILENT INFLUENCE. BY IDA A. BROWN. It is truly a grave thought that each one, t Tiowever insignificant, exerts an influence, almost imperceptible in some cases, more evident in others, but always for good or f evil. We can hardly appreciate the power of the wordless language of actions, the net work of silent influences, acting and re-act- ing among us; and the fact that we may Ire unconsciously helping to mould the destiny of another, shows with what jealous care we should guard our actions. It is impossible for us to know what is passing in the minds of those with whom we arc associated, and of course we can not tell what impression our actions may pro- duce; and thus, though innocent of evil iutention, we may exert a bad influence. Perhaps some friend or acquaintance has been led into error by false friends. We may, by an unjudicious manifestation of that coldness which we feel his action deserves, instead of making hint feel his wrong con- duct, drive him into the very companionship from which we would have him withdrawn. Thoughtlessness is a very fertile soil for misconceptions and unintentionally bad influence. No doubt, many of us have, by a thoughtless act, lost true friends, who might have exerted a good influence over our entire lives. Many whom we sought to benefit by our influence, have been driven from us with bitter feelings, through mere thought- lessness on our part. Books may be classed with silent workers, and they form a most powerful agent in the world. A person may be spoiled by reading light, ill-written and questionable literature, while on the other hand a really good book is fruitful in wholesome influences. In conclusion, I would say that as we can- not always judge what influence our conduct may exert, nor how wide-spread that influ- ence may be, it is our duty not only to govern our conduct in relation to the wilful wrong wo may inflict upon others, but with reference to that which may result from our example. MEMORY. BY KATIE MORE. Webster defines memory as “ The faculty of the mind by which it retains the know- ledge of previous thoughts or events; ” and how thankful we should be that this fac- ulty has been given to tho mind. What a dreary world this would be to some if it were not for memory ! Their present lives may be those of care and sadness, still, by the aid of this friend, .they arc enabled to live again that .portion of their lives that was the most happy and joyous. Memory is one of our best friends, rejoicing when we rejoice, and grieving when we are sad. The poet Rogers calls memory the sister of solitude, and how appropriately. It is when we are alone that memory gen- erally exerts her most powerful sway; at sonic times .bringing before our minds the events of years ago, and again recalling those which happened a few days since. Memory has its pleasures and its sorrows. With what gratification do we go back to the years of our childhood; although our hair may be gray, our sight dim, and we may be fcebled with age, yet, under memory’s power wo are again young, as the sports and games of our youth return to us one by one; the faces of youthful companions revisit us, the intervening years are forgotten, and wc imagine that wc are again children. Soon reality makes known her presence, calling us back to this life of care and action; but only for a time. As soon as opportunity affords we depart with memory on another tour. It may seem strange to some that memory should ever bring sadness; but nearly all of us have in our lives performed actions which wc afterward regret. As these misdeeds are brought before us by memory, wc feel almost angry that we allow ourselves to think of them ; then, in order to break the unpleasant spell memory has cast about us, wc engage in some active employment. As our actions arc the instruments upon which memory is dependent for its lights and shadows, wc Bhould be careful that our deeds are such as will render our memory of them pleasant. We send forth our souls on the wings of day dreams to try and unlock the doors of the future, and although tlicy cannot open its inner doors they may unlock the outer ones, and make us content to trust the future to our Maker. Carrie Corr. Any back numbers of the Annual, from its publication in 1857 to 1872, will be grate- fully received by the editors, at the High J School. FACULTY. E. O. HOVEY, A. M., Principal. JAS. M. QUINLAN, A. M., Vice-Principal. A. BAXTER MKR AIN, A. M. J. L. HUFF RON, A. M. ARTHUR B. GRIFFEN, A. B.. RICHARD C. NEWTON. A. B. FRMAI.F. DEPARTMENT. Miss EMMA PARKE SMITH,Vice-Principal. Miss MARIE A. MARCHER, Miss LENA A. BOSWORTH, Miss LAURA P. IIILL, Miss ISADORE M. WIN A NS, Mis MILLIE A. FORSTER, Miss ELLA O. BROWN. OFFICERS. IIRSPERIAN literary association. President, E. O. Hovey. Vice-President, C. W. Connell. Recording Secretary, F. W. Canfield. Corresponding Secretary, H. M. Hall. Treasurer, Wu. A. Dougall. montago literary association. President. Miss Emma Parke Smith. ., . t Miss Marie A. Marcher, Vice-Presidents } Ml(t LlWA A B worth. Recording Secretary, Miss Mklbib E. Hall. Corresponding Sec., Miss Eva S. Brooks. Treasurer, Miss Lillie Adams. Librarian, Miss Ella U. Van Kburrn. PRIZES OF THE CLASS OF 1876. Prize Oration, Cyrus E. V. Pool. Prize Essay, Miss Minnie L. Lyon. “Tichcnor Medal.” Miss Emma Donning. Highest per cent, in final examination, Miss Mary H. Richards. “ Hovey Medal,” George V. Rockwell.