Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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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

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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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Page so NORMAL OFFERING ' voiume Xi near. The singing of the Glee Club in the midst of the proceedings was delightful. The Alumni gatherings are much indebted to Miss Prince and to her group of student singers for their gift of song. It seems native to Alma Mater, so free is it from studied effects of training, yet long and patient is the art that reaches such high attainment. A happy period of Class-reu nion followed the hour of business, the ample class rooms providing for many groups of classes to renew acquaint- ance. At the appointed time, all returned to Assembly Hall, and formed in procession,-Mr. john P. Billings, the chief-marshall, leading the way to the Albert Gardner Boyden Gymnasium where a bountiful feast was spread. . The perfect appointments of the buildings, the cheerful decorations, the attractive tables called forth many expressions of praise, as at every hand appeared the evidences of personal thought for the home-coming Alumni. The inviting luncheon prepared under the supervision of the Matron and served by the students brought a cordial vote of appreciation. An item of business preceded the after-luncheon speaking. The Nominating Committee reported the following names for the officers of the Bridgewater Normal Association for the two years ensuing : For President, Frank P. Taylor. For Vice Presidents, Alonzo Meserve, Arthur Stanley, Allen P, Keith, Clara B. Beatley, Flora P. Little. For Secretary, Myra E. Hunt. For Treasurer, Charles P. Sinnot, These officers were unanimously elected. Mr. Prince, after a brief word of greeting, called upon Principal Arthur C. Boyden for the speech of welcome. The spontaneous outburst of enthusiasm with which Mr. Boyden was received bore testimony to the high esteem and loyalty of pupils past and present. The heavy responsi- bility of his task must be greatly cheered by the knowledge that his position at the head of the Bridgewater School fulfils to o'erHowing the desires of all whohave the interests of Alma Mater at heart. With Mr. Boyden, progress is the law of life. The school will move steadily forward as it realizes his ideals. His welcome rang true with a note of good will and courage.