Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

Page 23 text:

NORMAL OFFERING 19 Cfrahuatinn. UNE seventeenth, nineteen hundred thirteen, presented itself fresh and radiant with sunlight to the eyes of the many expectant folk who had looked forward so long to that day. It was kind of Nature to smile on us so sweetly and the beauty of the Campus and familiar Normal surroundings harmonized with the love in our hearts. This, our Graduation Day, brought us nearer than ever before to our teachers, classmates, friends and school, which we were to leave so soon. The early part of the morning passed swiftly. The Seniors were busy happily greeting fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and freinds, each gay group expressive of the happiness of the day. Yet there was a strange blending of tears and laughter in the smiles of class- mates as they met, as there is always when the past has been dear, and the future is so near at hand. Finally we gathered together in Assembly Hall and a sudden hush fell upon us as we united for the last time in the devotional exercises led by our principal emeritus, Mr. Albert G. Boyden. We thought of our juniors who would be privileged to meet them another year-and envied them. r The school Glee Club sang, after which we were introduced to Dr. George A. Gordon, of Boston. Dr. Gordon gave a splendid address and with inspiring ideas urged us to be true to our very best. Mr. Harold Blake, president of the Class A, then expressed the sincere loveof our class as a whole and presented the gifts of the graduates to the school. After this with a few well chosen words Dr. Fred A. Hamilton, of Boston, presented the diplomas to the one hundred and thirty-five graduates. Rising we sang America together and passed out into the sun- light as - graduates. M. C. S., '13, Uhr ling illlarrh. GAIN we gather in the dear Normal School, but it is for the last time. At the call of the bugle we march out and under the oaken boughs upheld by the Juniors. A moment more and we have left the school behind. Slowly we wend our way down to the Campus

Page 22 text:

18 NORMAL OFFERING the merry evening was hardly started before the signal came to unite in our Alma Mater. Some sang, others thought while the singing was going on, and then, if not before, came the realization of the true worth and value of true teachers, our teachers, who thought for us, each one individually, and who tonight cheer us up with words of encouragement as we are about to take up our work, the product of their work. The evening ended, we departed each with nobler thoughts, each with higher ambitions and each with the hope that some day it may be said of him as it must be said of them: , No nobler thought can man observe, Than that which He did give, 'to serve For service to God's poorest thing, Does make the lowliest a king. y W. J. MCC., '14. Ifarralaurratv Hvnpvrn. EPARTING from the old custom of attending church in a body on the morning of graduation Sunday, the classes of 1913 advanced a step by holding their religious exercises Sunday afternoon in the Assembly Hall of the school. The vespers were of a very simple nature, marked with a quiet solemnity that was truly impressive. The music was furnished by the Normal Glee Club who gave two delightful selections, The Lord is my Shepherd, and Hark, Hark, my Soul. Miss Mildred Brownell sang in her usual pleasing manner. The speaking of the afternoon took the form of a farewell address by Mr. A. C. Boyden. Choosing for his subject, The Call of Today, he showed to his listeners that as never before the world wants men and women of character to fight its battles. Mr. Boyden's talk from first to last had a ring of sincerity which could not help but convince his audience of the increasing demand of the present day for character. Expressions of delight in the straightforward talk and general approval of the change in the nature of the exercises were heard on every side, so that it is now probable that Baccalaureate Vespers are a permanent part of graduation week. H. R B., '13.

Page 24 text:

20 NORMAL OFFERING and around the pond. With hands and hearts united we sing our sweet Alma Mater and pass on. Again thoughts of the past intermingle with those of the future as we listen to our History and Prophecy. Beautiful thoughts which will mean much to us as the years go by, come to us from the Oration and Poem. The line of march is resumed and then-we plant our ivy. May we, too, grow upward, stronger and broader, ever clinging to those things which stand for right and might. Hearts join with voices while we sing our own class song, and all is over. But there is something left in our hearts which will not be forgotten, though our paths may ever be wide apart. A. E. L., '13. Svvrtinn ifivrrptinn. T was late in the afternoon of the seventeenth of June, nineteen hundred and thirteen. The Seniors and Juniors had just escorted the advanced classes from the quadrangle, where they had planted their tree, to the entrance of the Bridgewater Normal School. From there, the members of the three and four year classes, and their guests adjourned to Assembly Hall for the class exercises. After several selections by the orchestra, Mr. Blake, president of the class, gave a warm welcome to all. A Miss Knowles then read an interesting poem of her own composi- tion. T The history of the class was reviewed by Miss King. Almost for- gotten episodes were again brought to mind, and all enjoyed a good laugh. A Everyone was eager to hear about the future. The prophets, Misses Tower, Arden, and Howard presented a scene, the time of which was years hence. What they hadn't foreseen wasn't worth thinking about. p Each member of the class was given an appropriate gift, the receiving of which caused many to blush. Miss Paine, Miss Wilkes, and Miss Garrity surely deserved the hearty applause they received for distributing these gifts.