Canastota High School - Toot Yearbook (Canastota, NY)

Page 12 text:

10 THE TOOT who have not yet passed beyond the age of notes and signals. All over my kingdom I see the powder puff used without discretion on many a rosy cheek, and very few ears are visible among the ladies on account of the prevailing fashion in hair dressing. Many of these small beings are evidently interested in the affairs of the nation, for during chapel many a small head is bent indus- triously over the daily papers. You, Jim, seem most interested. Do you expect to become a presidential candidate? Here I see Foster running hither and yon without his pass. Be- ware, my child; some day you will be caught. Cootie, why did you spend so many hours on the piano stool when you might have been squirming comfortably in your own seat? I notice, Mary, that your shoes are as noisy as the wearer. I should advise all those who wish squeaky shoes to patronize your favorite store. I see the Juniors file out each Friday afternoon, watched by the wistful Sophs and Freshies. Rarely the ancient Seniors join this procession. I hear the giggling Mildreds, but looking into their future I see them as dignified teachers punishing small pupils who have chanced to let forth a little mirth. They seem to have forgotten their far away childhood. I hear your noonday attempt, dear Erma, and I certainly admire your pluck. But keep on and perhaps in ten years’ time you may be one of the most renowned chorus girls in Wampsville. Those weird grunts of Marie, are you speaking Sweedish? It certainly doesn't sound like Latin or French. Oh! Mattie, with your rhyming tongue. Does Roger still admire you? Why, Glenn, I no longer see your graceful limp. When did you leave off? My eyes pierce the walls behind me and I view with interest the many events in the drawing room. My hands are tired. My face aches, and . . I. . . . guess....I. . ..must..........be running.............down. “ Here, Robert, you’d better take the baby and let me carry the eggs. I’m afraid you’ll drop them.” Question—“What do you do with your shoes when you wear them out?” Answer—“ I wear them back in the house again.”

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THE TOOT 0 CLOCK TICKS WVYW- —»YWYy I--U-»-yy-K-inr«-ymn— --«-imrnnrt ooooor I am Seth Thomas, the tyrant of the Study Hall. These atoms of humanity seated before me watch every position of my face and each movement of my hands which directs them hither and thither. I am stern and harsh; I am exacting in my commands; I am old, so old. Since the days when your fathers recorded the passing hours with pebbles and stones I have measured the ages to eternity, and long after you have ceased to worry over Miss Kimber’s harsh rule and have passed out of the world of motorcycles and sewing machines, I shall still remain relentless in my powers. So be it. Yes, Darrie, I see those lovelorn glances which you cast upon that girl with the curl over her shoulder, but stop and consider the long years before you shall be an accomplished Jesse James and will wish to ask this little girl for her hand. Oh, Betty, do not become jealous if he looks upon another but remain true and he will return to you. And Charles, with your pretty rosy cheeks, why do you use those kid curlers? You think the girls like you so much more because of your good looks? You tell’em! Avery, my child, why are your jaws in perpetual motion and why do you persist in being teacher’s “pet”? The shaking victims who are awaiting the time when they shall speak before their fellow classmen and enemies need have no fear. I, with my masterful hands, will protect you. Oh Teddy, and Don: why not hasten your footsteps to reach the halls of learning on time. Of course, I see those rare occasions on which you do come in before the last bell, but your teacher does not always see you. Reform and break aWay from your family custom. I see Travis’ mournful glances as he gazes upon his lady love while Susan, with her head held high in her new responsibility, goes to answer the call of the office telephone. I also hear the whispered confidences between several female members of the Junior High School. As the days roll by I see Katie in her front seat with her refractory curl, vamping all the young speakers, and I watch the animated conversations between Dorothy and Peggy. “ Gene,” in his pink shirt and noisy tie, sits near his beloved teachers everywhere he goes, and there in a back seat I see “Dor” using her eyes and other various charms on all her friends. In the back row are the stately Seniors who “seam” always to be studying, and in front of them the society of the “Busy Bees,” mem- bers of the jolly Junior class. Next come the Sophs and Freshies, 1 J

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THE TOOT 11 mnrmni-x-inmnmf ■ )ririr, JOOOOOCX THE MAN ON THE JOB DARWIN CREGG Van Etten tower is stationed at the junction of the Auburn and Seneca division of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. It is not a very large or attractive building, but in it are the knobs that control the electric signals, derails and switches which make the track safe for the trains that pass over from one track to another at a speed of sixty miles per hour. Raymond Shaw is the operator, and any mistake made by him in controlling the signals, derails or switches might cost the lives of many persons and damage much property. It is a simple operation to turn a little knob to throw a switch or clear a signal, but there is great responsibility and a slight error would amount to as much as a big one. One day in mid-winter, as he sat at his desk copying a train order, he heard a sharp crack on the telephone followed by sparks coming from the induction coils that were fastened near on the side of the wall. In another moment a pile of papers near the coils were on fire. As they burned, one of the papers fell into the waste paper basket, setting the entire contents on fire. At that same instant there was a fast freight approaching on the Auburn division. What should Raymond do now. Put out the fire or line up the signals and switches for the train? A speedy decision was imperative. He would first line up the switches and do his duty, then he would put out the fire. He executed his first plan and the train rushed safely by, while the fire in the tower reached a stage beyond control. He rushed down to the ground to get water, but could not find a pail, and by the time he returned the building had filled with smoke and the flames were breaking out all over. The stairway had given way and all hopes of extinguishing it were gone. By this time many people had gathered around and most of them were confused and excited, but Raymond remained calm; every nerve in his body was as steady as the time when he was turning the little knobs that threw the switches. The Black Diamond Express, heavily laden with college men and women on the way back to college after the holidays, was due in thirty minutes, and the wires were burning off one by one and drop- ping to the ground. This cleared every signal, opened every derail and threw some of the switches one way and some another. No flag could stop a flier at this point. Raymond glanced up at the pole where the wires were fastened Continued on page 21