Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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Page 28 NORMAL OFFERING u Volume XI Alumni Day, 1908. Clara Bancroft Beatley, Class '90, large number of Alumni gathered in Assembly Hall, W' on Saturday, june the twentieth, for the biennial meet- ing of the Bridgewater Normal Association. Special reunions had been planned for pupils of Mr. Tillinghast ,, and Mr. Conant, also for graduates of 1863, and of every fifth class following. This arrangement brought many members of the classes especially invited, while it did not lessen the attendance of others whose frequent return to Bridgewater encourages comradeship with every class from 'earliest to latest. The mercury rose to a high mark that early summer morning, and continued to mount as the train slowly gathered the alumni from the many stations on the way, but its efforts were exceeded by the warmth of the greetings which never fails the returning sons and daughters of dear old Bridgewater. A A Bright flowers in profusion, in the Assembly Hall, delighted the eye, while the ear was greeted by welcome songs of the Glee Club. From hand to hand the greeting Hows, From eye to eye the signals run 5 From heart to heart the bright hope glows, The seekers of the Light are one. Magic is the touch of Alma Mater! It was but the deed of an instant to bring all winds and hearts into the unity of the Spirit. How- ever separated in the past, by space and time, the voices blended spontaneously in one glad voice : It is glad to be here ! Mr. john T. Prince, the President of the Bridgewater Normal Asso- ciation interrupted the busy hum of voices at IO o'clock for the session of business. The secretary, Miss Myra E. Hunt, and the treasurer, Mr. Charles P. Sinnott presented reports. A Principal Emeritus, Albert G. Boyden, as chairman of the committee appointed to honor the pioneers and principals of the Normal School

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Volume XI NORMAL OFFERING Page 27 The School Play 1908: As You Like It. 7DT CTT '47? ' -.px N X 'l'.En als K, fn ' H Hips nfl Q, ' - . 0 - , fs' Ax 'gl gi K - Wa s afp the evening of the nineteenth of June, members of the Senior Class, C085 under the direction of Miss Anna W. ' Brown, teacher of vocal expression, gave a presentation ,fb Q52 l Q of Shakespeare's . As You Like It. The production Sled P--i f 'mtl was in every way a success, the measure of which was made possible by three causes: first, able direction, second, earnest and faithful work on the part of the students 5 third, loyal cooperation of other departments of the school. For months the play had been in preparation. The cast was chosen after preliminary competition before judges for the leading parts. The costumes were chosen with unusual care. The presentation was without scenery and without curtain, yet the play moved along with pleasurable vigor' and completeness. It was enacted before a very large and apprecia- tive audience. Miss Brown was ably assisted by Miss Elizabeth Anthony in the rehearsal work and behind the scenes. The entire cast showed excellent drill and understanding. Lack of space forbids the enumeration of indi- vidual merit, but it should be said in passing that Miss Lester's Rosalind was a characterization of much grace and charm, happily supported by Miss Carr's Orlando, and Miss Leonard's Celia. Many others are worthy of note. While this performance meant much hard work to the participants' its value outlasts the evening's pleasure, and consists not solely in the spell of the master-playwright in this most charming comedy so rich in beautiful lines, but in a permanent gain in power of expression.

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Volume XI NORMAL OFFERING Page 29 movement in America, reported the placing of cast-bronze tablets at each side of the main entrance to the School, the one in honor of the Pioneers, james G. Carter, Rev. Charles Brooks, and Edmund Dwight,-the other, commemorating the work of the first principals of State Normal Schools, QI839-,405 Cyrus Peirce, Rev. Samuel P. Newman, and Nicholas Tilling- hast. The Committee reported- also the publication of a pamphlet contain- ing brief sketches of the lives of those distinguished men,-further, that this printed memorial had been sent to contributors and to other interested persons, and that copies were on hand that day for distribution. From this time onward whoever enters this school-building may read the names of these high--minded, true-hearted men, and may know that Bridgewater honors the work of the fathers for the education of the youth of our land. A vote of appreciation of this achievement, was passed with enthu- siasm. The members of the Memorial Committee were Principal Albert G. Boyden, Hon. George H. Martin, and Mr. Joshua Kendall. Another piece of important business was the presentation of a motion by Principal Arthur C. Boyden, providing for an Alumni Loan Fund for the benefit of promising pupils. With such help the opportunities of the school will reach a larger number of students, and secure for the State a greater efficiency of teaching service. Hon. George I-I. Martin, Mr. Robert C. Metcalf, Mr. john D. Billings, Mrs. Anna Sawyer Cooper, Mrs. Flora Townsend Little, and others spoke in favor of this motion, and it was unanimously carried. Mr. Robert C. Metcalf, Miss Emily C. Fisher, and Mrs. Flora Townsend Little were appointed to serve with the Faculty as a Loan Fund Committee. Mr. Metcalf moved that the fund be started at once, the subscription paper to be passed at luncheon, and it was so voted. All who knew one beloved member of the Association were touched to learn of the immediate gift of KIDO in her memory. The Committee on Necrology reported in print, from july IQO6, to june 1908, forty-tive names of those who have left our earthly company. Some of these were among our best known graduates, others rendered their faithful account in those hidden ways none the less useful because publicly unheeded. Time would not permit a spoken tribute, but tender memories crowded, as certain names on the printed role were silently read, and for a moment the glorious cloud of heavenly witnesses seemed very