Bennett High School - Beacon Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

Page 26 text:

24 The BEACON P PRIZE ESSAY A first prize of Fifty dollars was awarded to Esther Lawrence for this essay written for the contest sponsored by the Bajalo Evening News. A Gallant Frigate . Last night Mr. Martin brought home a mysterious package. Billy and Jean unwrapped a beautiful picture of a sailing vessel on a clear blue sea. After surprised exclamations, Mr. Martin said, This is the gallant old frigate, 'Constitutionf often called 'Old Ironsidesf These prints are being sold at twenty-five cents each to raise money for reconditioning her. Tell us about her, asked Jean. Why was she named 'Old Ironsides ?' Why is she going to be preserved ? She received that name, said Mr. Martin, because of the hardness of the planking and timbers. She was practically invin- cible, for she was never defeated. She was added to our navy in 1798. When pirates from Tripoli captured ships and demanded tribute, the United States sent several vessels to Tripoli. 'Old Iron- sides' was of great service in putting a stop to the piracy. However, her most notable victories were in the War of 1812, he went on. She gloriously defeated the 'Guerriere', the 'Java,' the 'Cyane,' and the 'Levantf These decisive victories restored America's confidence and courage, and also secured her rights on the sea and respect abroad. The hitherto invincible British navy was humbled by America, fighting to avenge her outraged rights and insulted Hag. The 'Constitution' was saved from destruction by Holmes poem, 'Old Ironsides', continued Mr. Martin. The frigate, now in the Boston Navy Yard, is a fitting monument to the brave men who have at any time served in our navy. Because of the ship's invaluable service, I think it is proper and fitting to preserve it to show how America respects and honors these men. I think every American should want to have her preserved, said Billy. I'm going to earn a quarter for a print. -Esther M. Lawrence C1233 1930 553 X .it ,gf iiiy 5' :Fl

Page 25 text:

The BEACON za DAD 'S REVELATION The Board of strategy of Jimtown village was gathered around the log fire in Lem Brown's general store, as was cus- tomary on Saturday night. Dad Mullen was perched in a precarious position atop the numerous bolts of muslins and vari-colored ginghams on the prin- cipal counter. As usual, he said little but thought plenty, being the butt of numerous attempts to kid him because of his continued silence. Just now, however, he was besieged by several others to explain the cause of a long standing feud between him and Joe Simmons, who acted as general publicity agent for the village while making the rounds as sole agent of Duncan's horse liniment. Dad hesitated for awhile, but seeing that he would eventually have to say something, began with, Well, it was like thisg away back in the 80's, Joe an' me was acting up purty well on the ball field aroun here an' it was'nt long afore we got a real reputation for playing the old game. 'Bout that time the manager of the ole White Sox sent up a. scout to snoop aroun' a little and see whut he could see. Two weeks later found us atop a horse-drawn bus in the stock yard district of Chicago, lookin' for a boardin' house that would'n be too steep for our pocket books. The next day we reported out at the ball park, and after lookin' us over in our new uniforms, the manager told us to come on out and meet the gang. They, of course, gave us a queer once- over and made a lot of wise cracks about what would happen to us when we first saw big time pitchin'. I did'n say nothin', but Joe, he got purty durn sore an' ef it had'n been for me would a taken a punch at somebody. Well, we did'n git a chance to show whut we could do for about two weeks, but one day the boss sent in Joe to bat for the pitcher. 'Speed' Mullen was pitchin' for the other crowd, and boy, whut speed that guy had. Joe got a squint at the first ball and right away dropped to his knees and let out a squawk to the um- pire that the ball was too close to his head to call a strike. The crowd roared and the umpire told him to git up and act like a man. Well, he did better the nex time and was finally throwed out at first base. That night at the supper table, where we was seated with a few other boarders, I seen Joe acted up to a purty durn good looking gal, Lizzie Jones by name. However, I did'n say nothing. But during the nex two weeks a real change come over Joe. He even shaved every day and begun to twist his mustache with wax. He was wearin' a fresh shirt and collar to every supperg too much Continued on page 49

Page 27 text:

The BEACON 25 OLD DREAMS AND NEW Adown the thoroughfare of life A stranger, grey and old, Walked 'midst the toil of earthly strife And cried the wares he sold. A seller of dreams-the old man was, Of dreams for the world of men, Come buy, come buy, has quav'r1ng cry Rang shrill through the air again. A seller of dreams am I, am I, Of wondrous dreams and fair. O come to me, ye people all, And buy the wares I bear. Come bring your old dreams, tattered and torn,- Soiled with the tears of sin, And I'll give ye back new dreams so pure With treasures of gems within. Come buy, ye all, col-fe buy, come buy- Here are new dreams for old, Dreams of adventure, dreams of fame, Dreams of strange things untold. What will ye have, oh what will ye have? Sweet dreams of love and faith? Or mystic dreams of dark allure, Of a phantom, wood sprite. Wraith? I bear great dreams of glory bold, Its North Star burning bright, Dreams of king's palaces of old Far back through the ages of night. I have dreams which tell of the secrets of gods, Random whispers of days long past, O bring me your old dreams of sorrow and crime And I'll give ye youth's dreams that last. Then come buy my wares, come buy, come buy, All ye multitudes of men, They will never grow old who hold in their hearts The dreams that I sell to them. -Rhoda Goehle 11235 1930