Girard College - Corinthian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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Glee Club The class was strongly represented in the Glee Club by twenty-five choral members. President George Lambert did a splendid job in keeping order despite the many interruptions which arose throughout the term. We begin to realize the full value of our instructors, Mr. Banks and Dr. Carey, as we review our activities of the past. To their skill and patience in imparting so much to us, we owe the success of the Founder’s Day program we took part in, the praise we received for our annual Christmas Concert; and the novelty of those memorable Activities Night stunts. Thrill surmounted thrill as we were invited to sing on various occasions. A select group of our class was invited to participate in a musical performance at the Fels Planitarium; this, too, was enjoyable. Then there are the Glee Club dances which were so much fun. The success of these dances was made certain by Mrs. Odgers, Miss Harvey, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Sparks—our charming hostesses—and Mr. Campbell and Dr. Carey—our perfect hosts. Yes, it’s a pleasant thing, this looking back. We see that the Glee Club has afforded us a means of putting our talent to good use; that it has helped us better to understand and love music; and it has been a perfect form of enjoyment and relaxation when we needed it most. So you can see why we now exprees our ap¬ preciation to all those who have helped us to help ourselves. Battalion Ours has been a class eager to make rapid strides of advancement in the Bat¬ talion. At the mid-point of our progress through this great organization, Lieu¬ tenant-Colonel Jim” Hamilton succeeded Major-General Robert Brookfield as Commandant of the Battalion. Under their guidance and supervision, we have produced the largest group of commissioned officers that any class has ever had. Johnny” Johnson was Captain-Adjutant while Ark” Straneri, Joe Dever- gilio, Sam Asquith, Bill Miller, and Ed Anderson handled the companies. Dun- mire, Esposito, Menchey, Piasecki, Smith, Fielding, Oberst, Dajnowski, Stonemetz, and Proctor were the keen young lieutenants who helped make the companies the fine drilling units that they have proven themselves to be. Charlie Brown was our quartermaster. We fully appreciate the value af what this organization has done for us. The United States Army needs young men, and when we are called upon to serve our country, our knowledge of military tactics and the discipline taught us will qualify us to serve better. ®ljr (Earmtljian [ 8 ] January

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A Word to the Founder As each class leaves this wonderful school, Girard College, they can’t refrain from expressing their thanks and appreciation for all that has been done for them. One must realize that we aren’t just leaving high school, but our home of the past ten cherished years. Some tackle this pleasurable task of expressing their apprecia¬ tion with long words and eloquent language. They do a fine job. But suppose that we tell you rather informally and confidentially what someone probably said be¬ tween the lines long ago. We’re proud to be “Hummers.” We are grateful for the education that we have received and for the patient instruction given us in preparation for a career. Beauti¬ ful memories of the Chapel, the Library, Founder’s Hall, and the whole campus will never fade from our minds. And so we could carry on—but there is one memory and joy for which we are most thankful. We have lived together for nine or ten years and have grown to know each other as no one else does. We understand each other’s likes and dislikes. We have been as closely bonded together as brothers might be. It is this companionship that we appreciate more than anything else, more than all the money and marble in the College. It is this for which we are most thankful. We were faltering young children when we left our homes to enter this haven. Many of us were removed from the intimate domestic ties that we held so dearly, and were dropped into a mass of 1700 boys, all strange, all new. It was not an easy proposition to adjust ourselves to this rather frightening environment, but when we did, our worries were over and our fears were forgotten. We plugged along to gether, scrapping and arguing, loving and respecting. We confided in each other and conversed with those older than us about our troubles. Each growing day we unconsciously tightened a precious packet of friendship. Now on Commencement Day we realize this perhaps all too late. It is not just a governess or a teacher that is passing from our lives, but a counsellor and an aid in time of need. It is not only another “swell bunch of Hummers” that we will long for, but classmates—real friends and companions. What awaits us after we leave here is doubtful and uncer¬ tain. Perplexing problems will confront us; entangling situations will arise; we may be called to make a great sacrifice. Whatever it is, we will not shirk. And through this turmoil, we, like anyone else, will need the comfort and aid of those whom we can trust, friends who will help us. Yes, it gives one a sense of security to know that there will be those enduring friendships without which life is empty indeed. And so, we say again, thank you, Stephen Girard, for everything, and most of all for the friends we made. 1942 [ 7 ] (Corintljtatt

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In Retrospect By October 30, 1936 the members of our class reached the point where we could appre¬ ciate the twenty-six years of loyal service Dr. Herrick has given to this school. The genuine affability of this dignified gentleman left a deep impression upon all those with whom he came in contact. He is still associated with pleasant memories that would be difficult to forget. Dr. Merle M. Odgers succeeded Dr. Her¬ rick to the presidency of the College and also with ability to fulfil the many duties of that position. His administration has always been marked with a firm but understanding attitude plainly stamped on all the problems with which he deals. Perhaps the highest honor which this class can give these two great leaders is to express the following tribute we have often used. If Stephen Girard could speak, he might look upon these gentlemen and say, “In you my high ideals still live on.” 1942 [ 9 ] Slip (Cnnuthian