Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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NORMAL OFFERING 23 Dr. Marshall L. Perrin, of Boston University, then gave a helpful address on American Ideals, encouraging us to seek higher ideals for the future and congratulating us on our past success. Other selections were rendered by the Glee Club and, in behalf of the graduating classes, Mr. George Hayes presented several pictures to the School. These are are now in the reception room of the new dormitory. The diplomas were presented by Miss Sarah L. Arnold, a graduate of the Bridgewater Normal School and now Visitor of the Board of Education. The exercises were completed by all uniting in singing America. We, the graduates of the class of nineteen-twelve, must leave dear old Normal and enter alone into strange paths, but never can any of us forget the years of trials and joys under her protecting care. I F. s. W., '12, Ghz Jing illiarrh nf 1912. And what is so rare as a day in Jnne, Then if ever come perfect days. URELY no day could have been more perfect than the twentieth, nineteen hundred twelve. Indeed, it seemed as ifall Nature looked her best, but even she could not remove the feeling of sadness which was in our hearts. Why, -did I hear some one ask? Because we fully realized that the time had come for us to leave our Alma Mater. Hand in hand we marched beneath the arch formed by boughs held by the Juniors. Soon we were gathered about the campus pond singing that song so dear to us all. Shortly afterwards we found ourselves seated in the chestnut grove, where we listened very attentively to the Oration, Poem, Prop- hecy, and History. Ah! how much those inspiring, encouraging words meant to us! Leaving the chestnut grove, we marched two by two to the Gym- nasium, where we planted our ivy, sang our class song, and gave' up our Senior responsibilities to the Juniors. And then we were-Alumni. H. J. W., '12.

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22 NORMAL OFFERING do it heartily as to the'Lord, and not unto men. There was singing by the Normal Glee Club. Ellie Chnrnvg Frizz Behatr. N the evening of June 17, 1912, occured the Fifth Annual Gurney Prize Debate, which was heard by a large and interested audi- ence. A The Question:-Resolved, That the Initiative and Referendum should be generally adopted throughout the American states. Speakers for the Affirmative:-Harold R. Blake, William J. McCarthy, Bernard J. McDonnell-Alternate.' John J. Lane. Speakers for the Negative:WJames E. Murphy, Walter J. McC-reery, J. Stearns Cushing--Alterndw' John J. Lane. The Judges, Edward A. MaclVlaster, Rev. Walter B. Williams, and Edgar A. Grout deciced infavor of the Affirmative. H. R. B., '12, Cnraimatinn. TUESDAY, the eighteenth had arrived, our Graduation Day. The day was cool and pleasant. Very early in the dormitories the hurry and scurry began. Soon all was excitement, and all were active. Breakfast was but aipretense. The eventful day had arrived. Everyone hurried to make ready for it. White dresses were donned. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends arrived until at length the buildings were fairly overflowing with strangers. The time soon came when we must seek our places in the Assembly Hall. In the centre one hundred thirty-eight members of the graduat- ing class massed together. Each wore a red carnation that she might be distinguished from the under-graduates. Friends crowded the remainder of the hall. For years we had looked forwarded to our graduation. The time had arrived. The Class of 1912 had assembled for the last time. We must part from our school and from our school friends. Not a member of the class but felt this parting, and gayety left us. The clock struck ten. As in a dream we listened to the devotional exercises and heard the singing of the Glee Club.

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24 NORMAL OFFERING Svvrtinn Evxrvptinn. HE members of the three and four year classes, together with the members of the Kindergarten Primary course, held their Class Day exercises in the Assembly Hall at four o'clock. Mr. Hayes, presi- dent of Class A, gave the address of welcome, this was followed by the beautiful poem written and read by Miss Lane of Section I. Miss Ross of Section I, read an interesting class history, which told of our disappointments and pleasures, difliculties and successes, during our three and four years' stay at dear old Normal. The prophecy was listened to with much anxiety, for, since it came from the great prophet, Eileen Arnold, we would soon surely know what our fates were to be. Everybody had a chance to laugh while the class will was being read by Miss Hunt. It was original and full of wit. Our exercises closed with the pretty class ode composed and read by Miss Lovell. c Light refreshments were then enjoyed by all. The day of days for us was drawing to a close. G. F. R., '12, . Uhr lgrnmvnahv. HAT Normalite needs a description of Prom.? Ours was much like those before itg yet, because it wasours, it was different. The under-graduates had been working that afternoon until the Gymnasium presented a very festive appearance, and the music of the orchestra in the balcony added to the gala air. The graduates and their guests were received and welcomed by Mr. A. G. Boyden, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Boyden, and the presidents of the graduating classes. Then the Proms. commenced. Some of the Prom. leaders took us out-of-doors, and even ventured as far as the campus or the school building. The last march came before we realized it: cccc Then, with our gayety somewhat sobered, we sang Alma Mater and our Normal School days were finished. E. M. W., '12,