High School of Commerce - Caduceus Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

Page 11 text:

Principal Smiles. Smiles have contributed much to twenty-five years of Commerce history: the smiles of our three principals, father and founder, Carlos B. Ellis; friendly innovator, Jerome Burtt; and sympa- thetic, reigning leader, Stanley O. Smith. Carlos B. Ellis had a vision; with un- tiring devotion and effort he made that vision a reality. Without his inspira- tion, there would have been no smiling through Commerce. In 1915, the twen- ty-cone gun salute of the neighboring United States Armory heralded the opening of the new High School of Commerce. Although Carlos B. Ellis had carried out successfully many en- terprises, none was more wonderful than the founding, twenty-five years ago, of our High School of Commerce. Only a man of vision, courage, and initiative could have done this; and only one who had power as well as wisdom could have directed it so wisely. All of Springfield was saddened at his death on March DOR NOS 3: Mr. Ellis nourished the flame; Mr. Burtt picked up the torch when the older man had been forced to lay it down. In 1931, Jerome Burtt, a kindly, sympathetic man, who delighted every one with his humor, became the new principal. He introduced the Boys’ Pa- trol and the General Organization, both outstanding contributions to Commerce life. Although his years at Commerce were the ones in which the community [7] felt depression, he brought prosperity to Commerce. In 1933 he left Springfield for a better position, but his smiling countenance left indelible memories of his honesty, sincerity, and deep, abiding sense of friendliness. Stanley O. Smith, efficient and force- ful, took the reins in September, 1933. In sympathy with the aims and ideals that have been synonymous with the history of Commerce, Mr. Smith as- sumed the task which had been endeared to him during his relationship with Carlos B. Ellis, when he had been a teacher of bookkeeping, law, and pen- manship at Commerce. That business and pleasure can never be mixed has been contradicted by the cordial friend- liness of “S.0.S. . To those of us who have looked up to him, Mr. Smith is the pattern of sound business-like administra- tion, and the kindly, sincere adviser who has helped many of us to see the benefits of industry and integrity, as we have gone smiling through Commerce. With Mr. Smith, we honor Stillman E. McKerley, who re-entered Commerce as Assistant Principal in May, 1939. Mr. McKerley, with his smiling countenance, his red hair, and his genial personality, has impressed all students with his fine example of intelligent and useful citizen- ship. Carlos B. Ellis, Jerome Burtt, Stanley O. Smith, Stillman E. McKerley: each Cal Smith confer Mr. McKerley and Mr. as Principals Ellis and Burtt has been an undeniable influence in this era of business education; each has pos- sessed that outstanding attribute which the class of 1941 honors, the spirit to go smiling through.

Page 10 text:

DEE ENS Upon the threshold of a silver anniversary, we seniors dedicate the 1941 Caduceus to Miss Grace Bigelow and Miss Bernice Dearborn. Although the cares and worries of a teacher often seemed most trying, their courage and good humor surmounted the problems that frequently interrupt a school day, and for twenty-five years they always found time to smile. Miss Bigelow and Miss Dearborn have contributed much to Commerce, not only by their cheerful manner and conscientious teaching, but by the standards of devotion and service which they inspired. With their retirement Com- merce loses two friends and two fine and respected teachers. They represent twenty-five silver years of education, twenty-five years of smiling through Commerce. The untiring efforts and services of Miss Grace Bigelow generously enriched the Com- merce scene. She was instrumental in the establishment of the modern language depart- ment. Being eager for her students to accent school work with social opportunities, Miss Bigelow organized the Le Foyer club, and acted as adviser for ten years. English and French stu- dents well remember her delightful tales of travel in Europe, her firm manner, and also the humor- ous twinkle in her eye. Even after hearing thousands of pupils mispronounce French words in thousands of incorrect ways, she still was able to retain her good humor and smiles. Until her retirement, Miss Bigelow was a member of the Carlos B. Ellis Scholarship Fund Committee, proof of the high esteem in which she was held. Her presence was sought after in many activi- ties, and she willingly devoted her time to the promotion of various enterprises. Miss Dearborn will be greatly missed by both Bernice V. Dearborn Grace Bigelow the pupils who know her and by her many friends on the faculty. She became a member of the teaching staff of Commerce in 1913, when it consisted of a few rooms in the old Central High School. During those early years, Miss Dearborn came to appreciate the vision of Carlos B. Ellis, founder and principal of our business course, that some day Commerce would have a home of its own. The dream was realized on September 7, 1915, when the new million dollar High School of Commerce was opened. For the following twenty-five years Miss Dear- born gave service, both as a member of the English Department, and as a prominent figure in extracurricular activities. She was a sympa- thetic teacher, one who conscientiously taught her classes, counseled individual pupils, and co- operated not only willingly, but gladly, with her colleagues. Her insight into the educational needs of pupils kept her teaching both inspiring and practical. [6]

Page 12 text:

Pe OTT OFFICES TAEF Miss Alice F. Danforth, Ofhce Supervisor Whenever a pupil’s schedule is so confused that no one can banish the conflicts, to Miss Danforth goes the perplexed teacher. Calmly, and as swiftly as if she had not just completed many hundreds of similar programs, Miss Danforth unravels the puzzle. How does she do it? Ask her—she’ll do it every time! Whenever a pupil, afflicted with that anti-school feeling, conceives of a splendid plan for playing truancy, he is careful to return home at just the expected hour. But he finds his mother awaiting with a grim expres- sion. How does she guess he’s skipped school? Ask Mrs. Moakler—she’ll do it every time! Whenever the secretaries are piled high with work, and Miss Humberston must enter grades, answer the telephone, and write many letters, some teacher requests that she complete some extra task, such as comput- ing the honor averages. Smilingly, Miss Humberston will achieve the impossible. How does she do it? Ask her—she’ll do it every time! Mrs. Florence Moakler, Miss Helen Humberston [8]