Bridgewater State University - Alpha Yearbook (Bridgewater, MA)

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FRILL G. BECKWITH

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TO FRILL GERTRUDE BECKWITH Teacher of Handicrafts at Bridgewater from 1914 to 1935 and HARLAN PAGE SHAW Teacher of Physiography and Science at Bridgewater from 1890 to 1936 The Class of 1936 affectionately dedicates this book in appre- ciation of their years of enthusiastic service to the finest ideals of this college.

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FRILL GERTRUDE BECKWITH Artist and Teacher of Art Frill Gertrude Beckwith was born in Bay City, Michigan, where she lived until she prepared for college in Ann Arbor. In college she did not brag of taking Art for fear of being accused of looking for snaps. She took all courses offered in Art, however, having studied it privately since childhood. At the end of her second col- lege year she was offered an opportunity to go to an Art School in the East, provided she proved that she could teach. She was very successful in teaching both Art and Manual Training, but was influenced to choose the latter through her study with Miss Osterholm, a graduate of Finland ' s finest school, Sweden ' s finest school, and Colum- bia as well. Miss Beckwith says, Out of a clear sky I decided on Boston. Some one told me of Agassiz ' s daughter (Mrs. Shaw) and all she was doing. I do not know what good fairy guided me. Not alone the school but the influence of Mrs. Shaw was something that cannot be expressed in mere words. While studying in Boston, Miss Beckwith taught in a number of Settlement Houses, and at Chestnut Hill Private School. Then back to Michigan, to supervise Manual Training (cooking, sewing, wood- work, and craft work) in Lansing, with the special problem of keeping over-age boys in school. So skillfully did she solve this problem that she was called to Yakima, Washington, to do the same thing. After another year of study, Miss Beckwith re- ceived calls from Los Angeles and from Bridgewater. This account is finished in Miss Beckwith ' s own words. I accepted Bridgewater, where I spent twenty-one delightful years. Any one who knows anything of Dr. Boyden knows that means getting the best and giving the best. While at Bridgewater I had a wonderful experience — ' My trip abroad. ' I went to the International Art Congress at Prague with Dr. Henry Turner Bailey. I consider that I have been very fortunate. First Dr. Angell of Michigan University; second, Dr. Boyden,- and third, Dr. Bailey — all masters of the Art of Living. I am sorry I had so short a time with Dr. Scott. During the time I was with him I felt his enthusiasm, and his appreciation of what I tried to do. I felt his courage, under- standing, and sympathy. I start in once more studying Art in Detroit next week. Wish me luck. I think I have found another wonderful teacher.