Bulkeley High School - Class Yearbook (Hartford, CT)

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PREFACE Graduation is a time when people pause to review the past and to look toward the future. For us, June is the month when we shall look back over the last few years to see what they have done for us and what they have meant to us. When we entered Bulkeley, many of us were insignificant—at least to the seniors—little freshmen, but because we had just come from the top of the lower grade levels, we considered our¬ selves kings of all we surveyed! That was the year we made our first new friendships— some of which will last a lifetime—and also the period during which many dropped that pre-teen shyness. Yes, by June 1953, most of the boys had repeated the fateful words, W-W-Would y-y-you li-li-like to go t-t-to the mo-mo-vies Friday ni-night?” However, they couldn’t be blamed much because the girls had, by carefully observing the veteran seniors, learned to flash a continually warm and alluring smile whenever any unsuspecting male was in the vicinity. The following September, our ranks were swelled by the incoming class from Burr. The old hands among us went around flippantly mixing up those poor insignificant” freshmen while the newcomers had to struggle to find room 169 and also to discover that no one did any bowling in freshman alley (except during classes). In those first two years some of us took that hard path called the Honor Roll Trail” right from the start, but many others took a trail” somewhat easier. No matter which path we took, right now we wish that we had tried at least a branch of the other. We held our breath cautiously as June 1954 approached and could hardly believe that our junior year was actually here. When September came, a few more of us— with a somewhat frightened but prudent glance toward the future—began to buckle down to those irksome studies. Early in 1955, we became the first junior class to be organized when Joe Crowe and Judy Gallagher took the top spots in class voting. The fabulous Junior Prom, which we had awaited so long, came and went. It was really great to be an upper classman, but the time passed so quickly that June seemed to merge into September. This was it—our last year at Bulkeley. For some strange reason the fall of 1955 brought many a determined, “I’ll get an ' A’ if it kills me,” look. The last of those who were going to, had bowed to the yoke of learning. Amid a flurry of ever-increasing social activities, the class of 1956 elected its officers and moved rapidly through the fall and winter months. In the spring those wonderful senior activities, which, we had dreamed about for four years, began. The Senior Banquet, Senior Night, the Senior Reception, Class Night, and Graduation all hold special memories for each one of us. In the title of a song popularized during our senior year, they are our Moments to Remember.” What now of the future? While at Bulkeley, we have been given an opportunity to learn the lessons which will prepare us for that future. These lessons in maturity, in integrity, in brotherhood, and many others, along with a fervent trust in God, will assure honor for the thirtieth Graduating Class of the Morgan Gardner Bulkeley High School. It is the hope of the Classbook Editorial Board that this edition of Maple Leaves will bring back many pleasant memories and thoughts of good times, friendships, and accomplishments that have occurred during the past few years. We should like to extend our personal thanks to those people whose help has been invaluable in publishing the 1956 edition of Maple Leaves: to our faculty advisors, Miss Shea and Mrs. Doerschuck; to Mr. McElney and the Business Board; to Miss Safford and her talented Art Board; to the Typing Staff and their unfailing patience; and to the members of the Editorial Board (and their parents who put up with our frequent and boisterous meetings) who gave so freely of their time. Also of utmost importance was the generous cooperation of Mr. Mackimmie, Mr. Bashour, and the entire office staff, all of whom greatly facilitated our work. Lastly we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Little of Loring Studios, whose coverage of school events was certainly above and beyond an already liberal contract, and also to Mr. Brown of O’Toole Printers who gave us much valuable advice. At this point it is time for an introduction. On the following page and on all dividers you will notice a figure with a 56” on his sweater. We have named him the Spirit of Bulkeley,” and we hope that he will symbolize to you the true spirit of our school as he conducts you through this 1956 edition of Maple Leaves. 4

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ADMINISTRATION MR. MACKIMMIE Principal We feel especially privileged to have such an outstanding person for our prin¬ cipal at Bulkeley. Throughout our four years Mr. Mackimmie’s fair judgment and genuine interest in his students have been very apparent. The Editorial Board of the 1956 MAPLE LEAVES has seen fit to revive the custom of including a Prin¬ cipal’s message in the class book. I appreciate the op¬ portunity that this gives me for a last brief talk with you as members of the student body. Throughout your four years at Bulkeley High School I have had the privilege and pleasure of dis¬ cussing a wide variety of topics and problems with you at assemblies, class meetings, student council meetings, committee meetings, and in individual con¬ ferences. I have been grateful to you for your will¬ ingness to listen, your respectful attention, and your openmindedness. In these comments I should like to point up two of the many points of view and at¬ titudes that Bulkeley has tried to give you. I hope each one of you carries them with him as he leaves his Alma Mater to take his place in the adult world. I remind you first that, while you differ in abilities and talents, each of you in his own way has much to contribute to society. We have tried to show you the importance of using all of the potentialities that have been given you. You have made progress in varying degrees in accomplishing this fundamental objective of education. There is no easy way to attain this goal, it can be reached only through self-dis¬ cipline and hard work. While this process involves drudgery and denial, these elements are far over¬ shadowed by the pleasure, satisfaction, and feeling of self-respect that are the rewards of accomplishment. It is now most important that you continue to rec¬ ognize your obligation to achieve to the limit of your capacities. Next, I commend to you again the ideal of service to your fellows. Many of you have taken advantage of the opportunities that the school and community have given you for working with and for others. You have come to recognize that the followers of the what is there in it for me” philosophy are in reality short changing themselves. I assure you that this willingness to give unselfishly of yourselves is a basic ingredient to the realization of a rich, rewarding, and full life. In saying farewell, I should like to express to each of you my appreciation of your many fine contribu¬ tions to Bulkeley High School. You have been a good class and have furnished the school with strong and cooperative leadership. Like other able groups that have preceded you, your influence will continue to be felt and something of your personality will re¬ main as a permanent part of our school. As you be¬ come Alumni, always bear in mind that we are fol¬ lowing your careers with interest and that we stand ready to serve you in any way that we can. I wish you Godspeed, confident that you will bring credit to your parents, your teachers, and to Bulkeley High School. Alexander A. Mackimmie, Jr. Principal April 18,1956 6