Chelsea High School - Beacon Yearbook (Chelsea, MA)

Page 24 text:

Progress in the It was not until after 1008. when we were well established in the building on Crescent Avenue that the idea of a girl having a place in the business world was even considered. 1 hrough the years, the commercial course has been so highly developed that a com¬ mercial diploma, which was first given to graduates in June. 1915, is all that is neces- sar to become a stenographer and general “Miss Fix-It around the office. One of the earliest teachers of bookkeeping and other commercial subjects was Miss Berry, a Chelsea girl. It was formerly the assumption that all pupils studying commercial subjects were going to enter the business world. Now three groups ol students in the commercial classes are considered; those who wish to enter the business world and require a knowledge of commercial work for any posi¬ tion they may take, those who intend to study in advance business colleges and wish training preparatory to this course, and those who simply, through one’s daily de¬ pendence on business, wish to acquire an understanding of business. At the start of her sophomore year the prospective secretary is introduced to Book¬ keeping by means of debit and credit. In bookkeeping 2 and 3 Miss Bennett teaches us advance entries, income expense and dis¬ count. Miss Harris — Take a letter, Miss Jones. Miss Bennett — Above all, accuracy. Miss Hope — Write as I dictate.

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for Democracy World history shows us the background of Amer¬ ica and all the reasons for the state of present con¬ ditions in the world. It also shows us how our relations with foreign countries have grown and developed. American history is the story of what man has done. The people of 1847 were able to witness events which shaped our nation and we in l c )47 also view the events which will destine the future of not only the United States but also of the whole world, in order to graduate from the Chelsea High School, history is required of every student. The objective is to create an understanding of our democracy to¬ day in terms of the struggles of great men and women of the past. A knowledge of history and our Constitution makes for more intelligent citizenship, greater tolerance and a rich cultural background. Great statesmen may point out the right paths, but if the majority is not enlightened, there is little hope of progress. Future Americans must train themselves to solve the problems in time of peace as well as in time of war so that there can be no doubt or hesi¬ tation as to the continual leadership of our country among all other nations. Miss Sylvester — Quite a large thing’ the world? Miss Israelite — That’s a world-wide economic difficulty. Miss Stearns — Now study your history!!

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Commercial Field Shorthand offers the bright young lady the opportunity of learning a speedy system of communication, after a thorough study of theory, speed and accuracy are devel¬ oped, along with vocabulary, under the capable directions of Miss Hope. Of course, shorthand is practically use¬ less without its Siamese twin, the mechan¬ ical monster, known as the typewriter. The aspirant typist drills asclf space; lkj space for what seems an eternity. Finally, she begins to transcribe her hieroglyphics into what takes the semblance of business let¬ ters. Office Practice is a subject planned to blend all commercial subjects into a basic course. Here the girls get a chance to de¬ velop office technique while practicing on actual office machine. Special attention is given to vocabulary and efficiency by Mrs. Malone. After three years of training the graduate steps forward, commercial diploma in hand, ready to face the meanest looking type¬ writer or ledger any of her worthy prede¬ cessors ever had to cope with. Mr. White — Is that an ink eraser I see? Miss Sharood — Neatness counts. Mrs. Malone — Requirements for a white-collar girl.