Clifton High School - Rotunda Yearbook (Clifton, NJ)

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So it is that when one studies just a little bit of art one begins to realize that it is not a far off subject; rather, it can be brought right home to us. It introduces itself into our own personal possessions, invades our houses and yards, and greets us where we walk if we who have eyes but to see and understand. ISABELL BUCKWELL, Class of 1921. ¥ ¥ Inquiries into the Nature of an Optimist What is an optimist? Many people have an idea that they can answer that question, and yet very few answers agree. Usually our conception of an optimist is the one, seen every day, who says, “Oh, forget it, it’s all right,” or “Don’t worry, cheer up,” or “Remember, the worst is yet to come,” or some other worn-out expression of ag- gravating age; but is that conception correct? Is an optimist one who comforts by comparing the present seemingly bad conditions with the worst troubles that might be, who inspires a feeble feeling of encour- agement by cracking some aged joke, or who consoles you with the thought that you may be luckier “next time?” Far from it. Webster states, as his definition of an optimist, “One who believes that all things are for the good,” and this is a true thought, which, if carried con- tinually, will soon have its effect. By this line of thought, one will continually expand, be strengthened, and will learn to grow and profit by failures. Instead of thinking, “I can’t,” he will consider, “Why”— will try to figure out the causes of the failures, and will finally come to see that it is his own fault, his negligence, his inefficiency, or his inability. He will not wish, or hope, that “next time” he may do better, but by finding out the cause of the mistakes, will remedy them and thus strengthen himself mentally and physically. He will not go to his work with the disheartening thought, “I can’t,” but with the never- defeated feeling, the confidence and trust, that “It rests with me; I can try and shall succeed.” He who has faith in himself, and his methods, but has not over confidence; that man who strives honestly and gains a little each day; who profits by mistakes and knows it; who looks ahead, at brighter conditions; and never dwells in the depths of despair; he is the successful man; he is an Optimist. H. C. B„ ’23. ten

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APPLIED ART “Many have eyes, but few see and understand.” Hence it is that we have a multitude of people who go through life with the impression that art is a subject remote from their interest; a study for only a special few; and even many who do feel an appreciation for it have the idea that art is very far removed from their personal capacity. But therein lies a misconception; for art is everywhere around us, can be introduced into all the walks of life and among all the classes of people. When the knowledge of the fundamental principles and rules of art are taught for practical use in every day things we employ the term “Applied Art.” In an “Applied Art” school one learns the basic colors, the combinations by which other colors are obtained, the colors in a graduated scale, and the colors which may be used together and how to use them harmoniously and artistically. Such knowledge will serve one well when problems of choosing house draperies, rugs, wall paper and other things arise. Clashing, or poorly selected colors are disquieting to the sight and it has often happened that poor work has resulted when performed in unharmonious surroundings; whereas good work was obtained when the same person performed it in carefully selected surroundings. Many judgments of character depend upon the taste shown in se- lecting colors. In clothing, flashing colors used with no moderation are a reflection of poor taste. We find many ways in which good taste, developed by a basic knowledge of colors, shows itself of much importance. When a man is choosing the paint for his house he would be doing well if he had developed good taste. The color of a house cannot be changed on the spur of the moment’s whim, and its relation to its surroundings, if harmonious or otherwise, does much to improve upon or detract from, the appearance of the neighborhood. Other details besides knowledge of color may be learned which one will find of practical, home value. Arrangement of objects in order to obtain a more pleasing effect is another of the fundamentals. When placing furniture in the new house, this knowledge of arrangement will help in securing an attractive and homelike atmosphere. Then, there are the rules of balance and of margin which one can apply every day. For example, in mounting pictures, there are certain rules pertaining to the margins which make a difference in the appear- ance of the picture as it hangs on the wall. Often people notice some- thing odd in the aspect of a picture but do not quite understand what it is. Someone who does will immediately surprise them by correcting the margin widths, thus changing the appearance of the picture. nine

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POURQUOI? Retold from an old Russian legend ELL, Mike, what it is that you want to know?” “Itz dis a way Mister Smith, ya kno’ das I’ma woiken harda to meka de livin’ and yet da clurka. Mister Williams, woika lesa harda dan me an he getza mucha mor’ monies. I vana kno’ how isa dat be.” “That’s true,” said Mr. Smith, “but if you do not see why it is so, I want you to come down to the office tomorrow morning and I will try to show you why.” “Alla rite,” said Mike, “Ise come mover termorrow morin.” “Good night, Mike.” “Sa long, Mister Smith.” A liitle information regarding the characters is due the reader. Mr. Smith was head of one of the lumber camps in Fall River City, Canada. He was a sociable fellow after working hours. During working hours he was very strict with men for he made them earn their wages. Mike Hogan, for that is Mike’s full name, was a common lumber jack in the camp. He had been working for a living ever since he could remember; his future held the same in store, for how would you expect an uneducated person to have any other future? Mike Hogan had recently thought of the question which we find him asking Mr. Smith. The next morning Mike Hogan came to the office of Mr. Smith who told Mike to sit down and wait as he had some important letters to write. Williams was also there. He was writing letters and puffing furiously on a big Havana cigar. Mike envied him greatly, and for that matter what hard working man wouldn’t like to change his posi- tion with Williams? “Say Williams,” said Smith as he put the letters away, I want you to go over to the camp and see what the men are doing.” After Williams left Smith turned to Mike and said, “Won’t you do an errand for me?” Vy satinly,” replied Mike, “vat is it?” “Come over here to the window. Do you see that group of trucks in the distance?” said Smith. eleven