Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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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

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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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A NORMAL OFFERING 27 Elizahprh iamg, 1359--1912. HE Bridgewater Normal School has always been fortunate in the high quality of devoted service of its teachers. It is not too much to say that this has made the school what it is. In September, 1891, there began a long period of such service, when Miss Elizabeth H. Perry became Director of the Manual Arts Department of the school. Miss Perry was educated at Miss Carring- ton's Private School in Richmond, Va., at the Westfield Normal School, and at the Massachusetts Normal Art School, in addition she took many courses of instruction under the best specialists, and was always in touch with the foremost thought of the time concerning her profes- sion. While Supervisor of Drawing in Chelsea, Mass., she was selected by the State Supervisor of Drawing CMr. Henry T. Baileyj to assist in formulating a course in art education for the Normal Schools. While at Bridgewater she was selected by the ten charter members of the Council of Supervisors of Manual Arts for membership in that body, and was among the first to be elected to its active membership. In 1902 she prepared for the Year Book of the Council a bibliography of her profession, called A Working Library for the Supervisor of Manual Arts, which is still the best work of its kind extant. Her wide influence, both in and out of her profession, was of the highest order. She was both student and artist, combining the eager, open mind of the one, with the enthusiasm and lofty ideals of the other. Nothing short of excellence contented her. If exacting in her demands from others, she was more exacting with herself. A task was to her an opportunity for the consecration of all her energies. She counted no amount of time spent in preparation as lost if it made the perfect result more probable. Her teaching was marked by wonderful clarity, penetration, and power. An authority says of her, Miss Perry was one of the most capable supervisors of drawing and handicraft in the United States. For nineteen years she gave to Bridgewater Normal School the very best of her life. ,