Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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THE BRANKSOME SLOGAN 21 THE OPENING OF THE NEW GYMNASIUM The formal opening of the new buildings, comprising the gym- nasium, school-rooms and dining-room, which took place on the even- ing of Friday, November 14th, was the occasion of a pleasant re- union of past and present pupils, teachers, parents and friends of the School. The guests, to the number of about 500, were received in the new gymnasium by Miss Read, assisted by Miss Grant and Miss Auld. The event was one, long to be remembered, as marking- an im- portant milestone in the history and program of Branksome. The spirit of loyalty and affection for the School, manifested by the presence of so many of the Alumnae, was most evident, and Miss Read received warm congratulations upon the successful completion of the beautiful new buildings, which have added so materially to the comfort and equipment of the School. In the early part of the evening, an opportunity was given for the guests, attended by the house-girls, to visit various parts of the main building, all of which was open for inspection. But it was in the new Gymnasium, specially decorated for the occasion, that the chief interest of the entertainment centred. Here seats had been arranged at the sides, leaving space in the middle of the hall for moving about, the music of an orchestra adding much to the enjoyment of the company. At the North end of the hall, the stage was set for the much- anticipated feature of the evening — the presentation by a group of present and former members of the History of Art Classes, of a series of Tableau Vivants, representing a number of well-known pic- torial works from the old masters. The large gilt frame, in which the pictures were arranged, was placed at the back of the platform, contrasting admirably with the rich blue of the stage hangings and producing a charming color effect, which was much enhanced by the new system of stage Hghting. In all, eighteen pictures were presented. Those taking part ac- quitted themselves with credit, calling forth many expressions of appreciation for the beauty and success of the production. At the close of the programme, supper was served in the new dining-room, concluding one of the happiest occasions in the history of the School. Programme I. Portrait of Madame Le Brun and Her Daughter (Le Brun) Lesley Sykes, ' 15 Eleanor Sykes, ' 22 II. The Blue Boy (Gainsborough) - - Dorothy Henry III. The Morning Walk (Gainsborough) - Marv Rowell, ' 18 Isobel Watt, ' 20 IV. Portrait of Lady Hamilton (Romney) - Dorothy Harding, ' 23

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New Buildings

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22 THE BRANKSOME SLOGAN V. Georgianna, Duchess of Devonshire and Child (Reynolds) Mrs. Frank Trethewey, ' 13 VI. The Angeliis (Millet) - - - - Helen Spence Jessie Wright Vn. Portrait of Marie Antoinette (Le Brun) - Mary Wilcock VHI. Equestrian Portrait of Charles I. (Van Dyck) Norah Maclennan, ' 17 IX. Portrait of William of Orange and Mary Stuart (Van Dyck) Ruth Goulding Helen Lawson X. Portrait of Mrs. Mark Currie (Romney) - Mary Duff XL Portrait of My Mother (Sargent) - - Sheila Higgins XII. La Carmencita (Sargent) - - - Margaret Donald XIII. The Song of the Lark (Breton) - - Shirley Stewart XIV. The Patterson Children (Raeburn) - Mary Sutherland Jean W elsh Dorothy Willson XV. The Princes in the Tower (Millais) - Virginia Beaton Katherine Coate XVI. Madonna with St. John and Angel (Botticelli) Ruth Hamilton Lola Miller Kathleen Wilson XVII Portrait of Lavinia, Countess Spencer (Reynolds) Ruth Golding XVIH. The Vigil (Millet) ----- Jean Price V ROBINSON. WINTER TWILIGHT Now fades the farewxll shadowy glow, A whimpering wind begins to blow, The frozen snow-flakes softly fall. And silently sift over all. The scattered people in the street Press swnftl} by w4th numbing feet ; Their footsteps echo sharply cold, And distantly, at last, grow old. With frosty noses, rosy bright. And sharp breath showing hoary w hite ; Through the reluctant-creeping gloom — Each mind is filled with thoughts of home. From out the ever-darkening blue, A pale star glitters, cold in hue. And through the crisp air, tingling clear, A distant sleigh-bell fills the ear. KATHERINE M. SCOTT.