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

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Commerce Jraditions “Landmarks that we seniors never saw; people and tradi- tions quite unknown.” The traditions former graduates made and loved are those every Commerce student has lived with—not realizing their significance, nor knowing what they were. Yet we, our- selves, have been a living part of each—have, in fact, made them exist. STONY MIMICS High above our third-floor windows, the facial contortions of fifty-eight gargoyles reflect the amusement, disgust, and anger of the thousands of people who have passed the school. While some of these little figures drowsily close their eyes in sleep, Many alert students recall these masonry mimics. a few resemble wide-eyed vigilantes defending their bastions. Others remind passersby of the stony-faced teachers who grotesquely scowl over the edge of a book. The most pathetic faces are the melancholy gargoyles who seem to say, “What's the use?” ever-changing chronicle of life, Yet despite their proximity to this the gargoyles remain indom- itable, their expressions preserved in stone. THE FATHER OF COMMERCE To present-day Commerce pupils, Carlos B. Ellis is merely a traditional figure: a portrait displayed in the Assembly Hall; a name spoken often in Springfield. To those who knew him, Mr. Ellis is a vibrant, living personality. They have cherished incidents that reveal with poignant clarity his vast sympathy and understanding. They refer, for instance, to his open office door: “So that nothing can separate me from my students,” he would explain. They remember his very real grief whenever a student was suspended: “The pupil has not failed; we have failed.” The passage of time should not permit this beloved man to die: surely in Commerce he still lives!

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Science and Physical Education Charles lol Grose. Oswald, Barbara Hollister, Alleen Hills, Otto Wulff, Harold W. Jones, Edmee Robert, Dr. Charles R. Gadaire. ABSEXT FROM PICTURE—Nancy Health Brings. Wealth — Scintillating. Discovenios. A laugh sounding like the tinkle of many high-pitched bells, a faintly crinkled mouth that invariably relates funny stories, and a favorite stance of folded arms and straddled legs: can’t you see our tall, blond physical education in- structor, Miss Barbara Hollister? . . . . Not only did a tree grow in Brooklyn, but also did our boys’ physical education instructor. As much as the twittering girls hoped he would live up to his name, our Otto Wulff remains true to one girl, his wife, a former Commerce graduate. .... Sampson’s strength lay in his hair, but such is not the case with our physical education instructor, Miss Edmee Robert. Although her black hair is clipped short, she possesses an unbounded reserve of energy and fortitude, which she uses to advantage in her gym. and First Aid classes... . . With her left eye- brow slightly raised, and her dancing green eyes peering impishly from a deeply tanned face, physical education instructor Nancy Grose can be seen sitting erectly on the corner of a front desk. Although one foot remains firmly on the floor, the other swings in an endless, pendulum-like motion suggestive of her energy that must constantly find an outlet. [13 ] Mr. Oswald, science teacher, often smooths his white hair in perplexity while trying to form a completely unbiased opinion. His tolerant nature shines in his friendly eyes and beams from his pleasant smile when he addresses his numer- ous classes. . . Automatically, the hand of Miss Alleen Hills reaches up to her hair, pulls out a smooth brown ‘curl, twists and twirls it idly; then allows it to snap back into place. This habit, together with twinkling eyes behind round-rimmed glasses, distinguishes our little biology pro- fessor. . . Although Hal Jones levels penetrating glances at tardy offenders, he more often flashes a broad smile at his ever-enlarging circle of friends, found in both 125 and in his biology classes. This infectious grin, indicative of a prankish nature, manifests itself in the many jokes and antics which he displays to any interested audience. Beneath Dr. Gadaire’s nose nestles a distinguished moustache, which compensates for the scarcity of hair on his crown. This outstanding decoration, combined with the inscrutable, dental grins that he flashes at his. delighted chemistry and biology students, renders his face unforgettable.

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NORTHWEST PASSAGE Of the many pupils who have come down the steps oppo- site 226, few have realized that this stairway is known as The Northwest Passage. The Commerce Lewis-and-Clarks may not have experienced the excitement felt by pioneer travelers; however, our modern explorers have blazed many trails on these steps. The most inquisitive adventurers have been the Freshmen, who yearly have revealed their unlimited curiosity by playing Baby Snooks for the amusement of any obliging upper-class Daddy. around the bend in the stairs to investigate strange occur- The little newcomers poke their impudent noses rences., speed to Just before the period bell rings, they increase their an illegal run, thus leaving the time-worn stairway virtually gasping for breath. Junior girls traditionally gossip as they slowly descend the On the other hand, Junior boys gleefully sprint at a velocity that frightens the lingering girls into instant action. Such sudden bursts of energy usually herald the approach of June and a last care- free vacation. stairs beside the famous iron railings. The most impressive tourists of the Northwest Passage are the Seniors. These upperclassmen, although not forgetful of former pleasures, always show a more businesslike attitude than do their younger schoolmates. A few tread more se- dately, sobriety at times concealing the prominent twinkle of amusement in their eyes. Even the boys occasionally carry books of an outstanding variety and size. Although this atmosphere has penetrated every staircase, Northwest Passage stakes its claim on the largest portion of friendliness that is diffused in the Commerce Halls. A COMMERCE EXPLORER Among the graduates who traveled our stairways was James Facos, °42, still well remembered for his talented writing. Now, as an Army Air Corps sergeant, he wears the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, While in England, he recorded in verse his impressions of countries visited during combat duty. Sergeant James F, Facos [15 } Travelers Dorothy Sherwin, Arnold Christianson, Edwin Goodrich, Charles Lynes. THOUGHTS OF ENGLAND This poem was written between missions over Germany, the author being a ball turreteer of a Flying Fortress crew. Here lie the silences of ancient days, Forgotten by the years, unchanged and still: Here lie the hours when Milton wrote his lays — And Wordsworth knew the quiet of this hill. And here the royal dreams of Raleigh grew, Of silver lands and gold beyond the sea: And for a sight to mark a rendezvous Queen Mary chose this vine-entangled tree. And here the foreign winds of warmer seas Reecho faintly roars of Nelson’s fight, And crows fling high in arcs above the leas Though there’s a timeless glory to their flight, For here the ceaseless roll of centuries Appears the passing of a single night. —JaMEs Facos.