Bristol High School - Green and White Yearbook (Bristol, RI)

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EDITORIAL STAFF OF “THE GREEN AND WHITE” Front Row—(L. to R.) Mary Shaw, Claire Richards, Palmeida Pinhero, Editor-in-Chief; Marie Schinigoi, Gladys Weaver. Second Row—Anthony Williams, John Church, Angelo Massa, Maynard Shusman. STUDENT COUNCIL Front Row—(L. to R.) Leonard Marino, Marie Schinigoi, Anthony Ramos, president; Louise Ruggiero, Joseph Russo. Second Row—Hilario Moniz, Stephen Burns, Antonio Cabral, Maynard Shusman. 4

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THe Green (EX WKite VOL. 1 JUNE, 1939 NO. 1 ISSUED BY THE STUDENTS OF THE COLT MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL. BRISTOL, R. I. Editor-in-Chief—PALM KID A PINHERO Business Manager JOHN CHURCH Assistant Business Managers ANGELO MASSA CLAIRE RICHARDS MAYNARDSHUSMAN Assistant Circulation Managers MARIE SCHINIGOI MARY SHAW ANTHONY WILLIAMS Alumni Editor MISS A. D. SISSON Circulation Manager Faculty Advisor GLADYS WEAVER MISS S. C. CALLAN FOREWORD One more year has passed and the Class of Thirty-Nine has the pleasant task of publishing Colt Memorial’s annual edition—the “Green and White”. It is not surprising to find that the people of Bristol do not consider themselves apart from the schools, and vve are grateful for their support and interest. We appreciate their whole-hearted cooperation. Thus we take this means to extend our sincere thanks to each and every one who has in any way contributed to make this book a success—a true product of Colt Memorial students. If this book has brought you knowledge and entertainment, it jias served its purpose to you, but it will always be treasured by those whom it represents. “THE EDITOR 3

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GREEN (OAndl WD1DITE- LITERARY 0 0 0 DISSERTATION ON THE LANGUAGE OF TODAY The English language is a composite of many tongues, and written and spoken correctly is perhaps the most beautiful language that is known to mankind. Yet, misused, it is, without doubt, the most unbeautiful. It is a generally quoted fact that the human race is never satisfied, and that seems to be also true about their native tongue. Every age has its own idea of how it should be spoken and accordingly adds and changes words to suit it. Many of these words and phrases are never accepted at all and many arc not permanently accepted but there are a great many new words and phrases coined in every age which are commonly accepted and gradually come to be used universally in conversation. This age of ours has by no means differed from other periods in this matter. We have contributed perhaps more words, phrases and expressions than any previous age, but I doubt if many of the expressions we have coined will be universally accepted as part of our language. I may be very wrong in making this statement, but only time can answer that. There’s no doubt that modern conversation is sadly infected by common slang, and it is generally accepted, or at least not usually rejected. I don’t think it necessary to go into a long dissertation on slang in itself, but perhaps the following definitions will give you an inkling of why most cultured people do not consider it in good taste to use slang in their conversation. Mr. Webster, in his 1853 edition of the unabridged dictionary, defines slang as “low, vulgar, unmeaning language,” and refers to one who uses slang as a “slang-whanger.” Obviously the definition of slang has risen somewhat since that time, for in the 1931 edition it is defined as “language consisting either of new words or phrases, often of the vagrant or illiterate classes or of ordinary words or phrases in arbitrary senses, and having a conventional but vulgar or inelegant use.” Incidentally, in this edition no name is given to one who uses slang. If there were one, however, I’m afraid we all would be called by it. However, proper or improper it may be, I don’t think there’s one person here who can honestly say that he never uses some slang expressions. Yet, we don’t consider ourselves as illiterate or vulgar, and are not the least bit surprised or shocked to hear such expressions as “Oh Yeah! O. K. It‘s lousy! It’s the nuts! Phooey” etc. While our grandparents would probably have turned their heads in disgust. Are people becoming more illiterate or broadminded? You can decide the answer to that question for yourselves, but whatever it may be, it is evident that slang is continually increasing in the English language and nothing is being done to check it. CLAIRE RICHARDS, 39 0 0 0 “HANDSHAKES” If there is anything I detest, it is the slovenly, half-hearted handshake of the so-called genteel type. His hand feels cold and clammy and he hardly ever puts any strength into his shake, but lets you shoulder the burden. Though not as loathsome mentally, but terribly painful is the so-called handcrusher. This type of handshake is usually wielded by tall, muscular men. You know, the robust athletic type who crushes your hand until the cracking of your metacarpus becomes almost audible. As if it isn’t enough he will almost invariably accompany his greeting with a resounding “whack” on the back. By the time you arc through with these ape-like tactics, your hand will be in dire need of a hot soaking to relieve the pain. Then there is the tireless, talkative person who upon greeting you, showers you 5