Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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NORMAL OFFERING 25 HE iifty-eighth gathering of the Bridgewater Normal Association was held in Kingsley Hall, Boston, February 3, 1912. Nearly-two hundred of the graduates and their friends had gathered to honor the guest of the afternoon, Dr. George H. Martin. To some he had been a valued and loved teacher during their days at Bridgewater, many had worked under him as Supervisor in the Boston schools, all knew of his notable service in more recent years as Secretary of the State Board of Education. All recognized the fitness of President Meserve's plan to make this, the first gathering since Doctor Martin's resigna- tion, a special tribute to him and his work. The noon hour passed all too quickly in the happy exchange of greetings. What cheer is better than the news of friends? And truly there was much news to be told and heard. The stream of reminiscence flowed steadily on through the luncheon hour and into the welcoming address of President Meserve. We heard with regret that Miss Sarah L. Arnold, Dean of Simmons College, and a member of the State Board, was ill, and therefore unable to address us. The next speaker, Principal Arthur C. Boyden, was greeted with enthusiasm. In his words of appreciation of Doctor Martin's ability and character, he voiced, as perhaps no other present could have done, the cordial feeling of the alumni. Rev. Edward Cummings and Dr. David Snedden followed with keen and interesting discussions of some of the vital educational ques- tions of the day. Each in turn added his tribute to the value of Doctor Martin's work. The last speaker of the afternoon was Doctor Martin himself. He thanked the Association for their expressions of esteem, and then allowed us the rare privilege of sharing some memories connected with his long and varied career as an educator. He touched humorously upon the story of his admission as a student of this school, just fifty years ago, showed us the little book that contained all the notes he took during his entire course, and read extracts from old letters, show- ing his youthful admiration for Mr. Albert G. Boyden. He passed on to remind us of the positions of influence held by many of the gradu- ates. He paid a tribute to those who had left the work of the teacher for that of the home-maker. He recalled the names and achievements

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24 NORMAL OFFERING Nnrmal Glluha. Ellie iirihgwmivr Glluh nf New Burk sinh Hirinitg. President, Arthur Frenchg Vice-President, Miss Edith Abbott: Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Isabel Hathaway. Eauvrliill-'ihihgrmairr Glluh. President, Miss Alice McAllisterg Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Bessie E. Tilton. Svrrtinn ZS, Gllaaa nf 'HIL President, Frank Ellis Gurney, Secretary, Miss Katherine D. Jones. Gllaaa nf IHHH. The Class of 1909 has held a reunion each year since its gradua- tion. At the last reunion on Saturday, December 2, 1911, at 'the Brunswick Hotel, Boston, the class organized with the following officers: President, Miss Louise Monk, Vice-President, Miss Marjorie Daviesg Secretary, Miss Mary E. Bragdong Treasurer, Miss Margaret O'Brien. M. E. L., '09. 'Erihgvmatvr Nnrmal Aaanriatinn. Gprganizvh, 1345. 1 President, . . . . Alonzo Meserve Vice-Presidents, T 1 Luther T. Elliot Mrs. Anna L. Thompson Arthur A. Lincoln Miss Louise M. Fisher Edgar M. Copeland Treasurer, . . ' . . Charles P. Sinnott Secretary, ...... Miss Myra E. Hunt According to the constitution, All past and present pupils of the Normal School shall be considered members of the Association, unless they express a desire to the contrary to the Secretary, and all past and present Teachers shall be considered Honorary Members. The Association holds a summer reunion at Bridgewater biennially, and an inter- mediate winter meeting in Boston.

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26 NORMAL OFFERING of the faithful agents of the Board-some of them Bridgewater gradu- ates-who had been his associates in striving to uplift the common schools of Massachusetts. Thus, in an address full of sparkling wit and shrewd wisdom, he made us partakers for the time in his experience and thought. No wonder that a former pupil, in writing of his remarkable keenness of perception, said, No word ever meant more to a pupil than Mr. Martin's 'Goodl ' I wonder if he knows how much it meant. The absence of Mr. Albert G.. Boyden was a great disappointment to everyone and called forth many expressions of regret. The numbers and unmistakable enthusiasm of those present gave promise of a large and successful Biennial gathering at Bridgewater in June. r MYRA E. HUNT, , Secretary. Uhr 012111 nf Thr Spring. OUT in the fields and the meadows, Away from the lessons and all, Out in the green, grassy places, Where the whip-poor-wills softly call: Down by the clear, sparkling brooklet, With its pebbles still shining below, Down on the soft, mossy banking, Where' the dainty blue violets grow: Under the whispering pine trees, Away from the gentle shower, For no tiny raindrop from cloud-land E'er came to this safe-hidden bower: Up on the far-away hill-top, i Scanning the country around, You feel just a bit lighter hearted For here perfect freedom is found : Out where the April breezes V Right merrily fan your hair, 3 And take, as they gently blow onward, Your hurry, your worry, your care : f Yes, this is the call of the Springtimeg Refreshing, inspiring. -Your creed :- Haste g give of you life to its beauty, And of its first calling take heed. G. B. RANDALL