Boston Latin School - Liber Actorum Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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FACULTY JOHN HULL, Class of 1635 Born in Boston in 1624, John Hull attended the first session of Boston Latin School, which Schoolmaster Philemon Parmont had undertaken to conduct in his own home. John Hull was the first mint-master of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and the wealth he accumu- lated enabled him to become the business leader of the settlement and a great patron of trade. C OTTON MATHER Flaw of 1669 A freshman at Harvard College at the age of 12 in 16TAl, Cotton Mather prepared to follow the path his father had taken in the ministry. Fully aware of the danger of letting the Royal Government assume un- reasonable powers. Mather was a leader of the revolt against cruel Governor Andros. He was also one of the few calm, compassionate persons who tried to prevent the burning of witches in Salem. JOHN LEVERETT, Class Qf 1669 After completing his education, John Leverett entered the field of politics. His rapid rise to the posi- tion of Speaker of the House in the Massachusetts legislature raised him high in the public esteem. In 1707, he was elected President of Harvard College, where he instituted needed reforms. -l9l

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L9 QIAYQ' IE X 'fs 'J 4 , 'sf r a t r 1 ii , Qu A ui' wx N T- . l 1, O 1 Q A-Y x X XXENX 0 I xx Y I ff, ' 'Q fx E I ' -Q 'wc , ,D RM, CCLGNIAL PERIOD lfrmn lihv lirst pvrnmnvnt Culmlizutioll of Nnrlh :Xnwrivn in thc sixteenth century until the eve of tho Revolution. lhv vuliunl svtllvrs had to contvnd wil,h harsh PIPIIIPIHS of nature' and tho U'02if?il1'I'y of' natives. 890211189 of thvir dvtvrnlinutinn, the-y wvrv uhlv to oslnhlish infant businesses and the beginnings of za prolilalmlv trndv. ln Llwsv dilfirult times. the Colonisls Lurnvd for ndvic'v. c'olnI'orl,. and leadership to the prominent men of Lhv svlillvrnvnls. under whosv Q'llid2lIlCP tho fortunes of thv Colonivs turnvrl fronl hlvalx pruspvvts ol' SlilI'Vi1t-i0ll Lo the rosy futurv of El svlf'-supporting nation. ISP

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CURRICULUM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT The English Department has two related functions in the training of students. The efficient use of the language for the commlniication of information and ideas is essential for success in any desired profession in later life. ln the courses in linglish. therefore, the stall' assists all students to develop skill in written and oral expression. ln writing or speaking, individual assist- ance is available to those who are especially interested. .Nfter a few years, most students can notice the improvement in their speed and elliciency in other subjects, owing to the excellent background which English masters have given them. The second function of English teaching at the Latin School is to contribute to the liberal education of all students through required courses in literature. The purpose of the courses is to teach students how to read for the values which great writers have, in works of lasting worth, contributed toonr way of life. THE LATIN AND GREEK DEPARTMENT llnder the able direct.ion of Mr. Hopkinson, the Latin and Greek Department enjoyed another successful year in carrying on the teaching of the classics. In 1635, when Boston Latin School was founded. the study of Latin and Greek was essential. Then, as now, the knowledge of the humanities was realized as essential to a well-bred rnan. The past year has proved to be no exception. From Ritchie's First Steps to Virgil, and from White's Greek Grammar to Homer, all of the boys at B.L.S. have given their close attention to the language of ancient Rome and Greece. Everybody at the school hopes that the classical language de- partment will reign for many more years as successfully as it has during 1953-5-I. THE FRENCH DEPARTMENT With vivacious Mr. Levine at the helm, another year passed, with the French Department carrying on its wonderful work. From the works of DeMaupassant down to the pronunciation of Ie crayon., the able group of masters have turned out another group of potential ambassadors and interpreters. The brilliant French Department has done an amazing job in training the boys of B.L.S. in a language which is still spoken. Although some may never study the language after secondary school, the romantic French will never be forgotten. Good luck to Mr. Levine and his able corps. 1l10l