Higgins Junior High School - Tatler Yearbook (Thompsonville, CT)

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A. D. Higgins Junior High School “Wflrk fnr Valedictory F OR our motto we have selected “Work for Freedom.” We hope this motto will help us in our future lives as we work to establish freedom for all people throughout the world. This motto is par- ticularly appropriate for these times in view of the work to be done to extend our own freedom and bring it to the conquered countries. On January 6, 1941, President Roose- velt in his annual message to Congress, laid the foundations for future peace when he proclaimed the historic Four Freedoms as follows: “In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human free- doms. “The first is freedom of speech and expression — everywhere in the world. “The second is freedom of every per- son to worship God in his own way — everywhere in the world. “The third is freedom from want, which translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will se- cure to every nation a healthy peace- time life for its inhabitants — everywhere in the world. “The fourth is freedom from fear, which translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of arma- ments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor — any- where.” This message inspired America. As soon as an artist named Norman Rock- well heard it, he decided to portray the meaning of President Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms so that all people might un- derstand them through his pictures. In a small studio in Vermont Norman Rock- well painted his original masterpieces which President Roosevelt called “su- perb.” The people who posed for these pictures were his friends and neighbors who lived in his home town. The picture Norman Rockwell painted of Freedom of Speech is of a rich glori- ous color. It shows a man standing up- right, with his head raised high, firm, and free from fear. As Lowell Thomas said, “He is speaking his mind. That is his American right. He stands up to express himself at the Town Meeting in some little hamlet that might be any- where in this land. He may be voicing one of a hundred arguments on subjects affecting his community. The cause for which he speaks matters little. What does matter is that all those other faces in the picture, his neighbors, young and old, are turned upward to him in rapt attention. And you know that here is America speaking, here is a man enjoy- ing the right of all free men to speak his thoughts.” The picture of American folk with their hands folded in prayer is Norman Rockwell’s idea of Freedom of Worship. Young men and women, children, and old people are shown, each worshiping in accordance with his own conscience. If you look intently you might imagine that you hear the church bells tolling, so reverently has the artist portrayed the spirit of worship. To portray Freedom from Want Nor- man Rockwell painted a picture of a great feast. Of this modest family sit- ting down to Thanksgiving dinner Lowell Thomas said, “These are happy faces for they know no want.” By the look on their faces you can see that grace has been said. They have given thanks not only for their food, but for the right of sitting together in peace. We hope that this nation shall never know the fear of want. The fourth and last freedom which Norman Rockwell illustrates is Freedom from Fear. It is a picture of a home — a home without fear. You can see a mother leaning over her children as she puts them to bed. The faces on both the husband and wife show a calm and rever- ent feeling which comes to those free from fear. They don’t have to worry about being bombed. They look forward contentedly to the next day when the father will go to his work, the children to school, and the mother to her house- hold duties. Such is the happy home where people live in freedom and peace. The Four Freedoms are thus our chal- lenge to the Axis — our promise of a bet- ter world. Before leaving the A. D. Higgins School we want to thank the members of the Board of Education, Mr. Lee, Super- intendent of Schools, Mr. White, our principal, and all our teachers for their splendid cooperation in guiding us through Junior High School. We shall always remember their kindness toward us. Let us try to repay them for their efforts in our behalf by remembering what they have taught us. We will do our best to make the most of our train- ing and to continue our good work in high school.

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The Tatler new Student Council and elect officers for the 1943 Graduating Class who are President, John Fleming; Vice-President, Francis Robinson; Secretary, Dorothy Allen. February brought Valentine’s Day and each class made attractive boxes, in which to drop our cards. The boxes were jammed full with a variety of cards. What fun we had reading one another’s cards filled with inspiring love. We saw our first rationing of the war which brought changes to our schools. Our teachers were busy and of necessity we had a few days oif to accommodate both teachers and our townspeople. I think this year will go down in his- tory as the coldest winter for years. Even some of the old timers don’t re- member such a cold snap. Due to fuel shortage and extreme cold, one day, we were forced to go to the auditorium and dance to keep warm. Other schools were closed during the coldest days. Our class colors being Red, White, and Blue are right and fitting to the times. I think, we, as a whole, of A. D. Higgins Junior High have done our patriotic duty in helping in this war effort. We led in the purchase of War Bonds and Stamps and during the month of April we par- ticipated in the Second War Loan Drive. A Minuteman Flag was presented to our school as a result of 90 per cent of the pupils in the school purchasing War Bonds and Stamps. We also collected scrap, silk stockings, and fats for explo- sives. Four plays were presented during the year which were all inspiring. They are as follows: “Book Week” directed by Miss Marie C. Shea. “For Want of a Nail” and “You Can Count On Us” directed by Miss B. Eliza- beth White. “A D ay in a Roman School” directed by Miss Mary F. Clancy. “Jefferson Lives Today” directed by Miss Winifred M. Stewart. It has been the custom every year to present a gift to the school from the Graduating Class. This year, however, we have left money to the school, in order that they might buy pictures to help redecorate the rooms. Our saddest event during the year of 1943 was the death of Miss Anna M. Sullivan whom we mourn deeply. Miss Augustine C. Fisher was substituting for her as nurse and now has become our regular nurse, whom we have learned to love devotedly. During April we had a busy time. Dis- cussions started about Graduation and our class pictures were taken. After Easter vacation we had to fill out cards stating what course we were expecting to take in High School. That was the busi- est time of the year in preparation for Graduation. Everyone was on pins and needles and rushing around trying to have things done. All the work had to be done, in order to have the Tatler printed. Miss Eileen V. Smith had her annual Fashion Show featuring made-over gar- ments by her sewing classes. We held our Graduation Dance in the auditorium which was quite a gala event, the girls in their hues of rainbow colors and the boys quite proper in their suits. Instead of a picnic or a trip we had a banquet at the Mountain Laurel. The food was delightful and no one worried about ration books. Then came Graduation Day and more excitement. The contrast was striking on the stage, the girls all in white and boys in their dark suits, all with serious faces as they were each handed their diploma. Our hearts were filled with joy on receiving this parting gift, but we felt downhearted at parting with the teach- ers and our classmates. Yet all things must progress, and so must we, as we go on to Enfield High to continue the good work taught us by the A. D. Hig- gins Junior High. We thank Mr. White and the teachers of the A. D. Higgins School who have given to us their guidance and under- standing in preparing us for the future. And now with the deepest regrets in our hearts we say farewell to our dearly beloved Alma Mater. Helen Kubic, Frances Ambrosini, Class Historians. Class tattstirs Prettiest Girl Barbara Reinhardt Handsomest Boy George Mumblo Vainest Girl Marie O’Brien Vainest Boy George Mumblo Most Popular Girl Micheline Scavatto Most Popular Boy Francis Robinson Quietest Girl Shirley Piper Quietest Boy Stanley Siminoko Most Talkative Girl Mary Radosti Most Talkative Boy Clare Warzyski Class Artist Helen Kubic Class Athlete Matthew Pliszka Class Pet Frances Ambrosini Class Sheik Francis Robinson Wittiest Girl Joyce Dineen Wittiest Boy Jack Fleming Class Poet Helen Barszcz Smartest Girl Shirley Raissi Smartest Boy Philip Pare

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The Tatler 19fi3 Whn’a Uljn nf tljp fflkaa nf ’43 (Compiled from News Bulletins) Dorothy Allen is now working as secretary to Taylor Gable, famous movie star. She makes a hobby of writing quaint bits of poetry in praise of her favorite movie hero. “To Europe by Cattle Boat,” the new- est book by Philip Pare , famed journal- ist and author, has just been published by the Fiore and Reino Publishing Com- pany, established fifteen years ago by Ralph Fiore and Frank Reino. Dr. Alice Krusinski , working in col- laboration with Dr. Gloria Carroll and two prominent nurses, Ann Frangiamore and Jean Field, are trying to find out what causes “Jitterbugs.” They are carrying on their research in the Su-Z-Q Building owned by Charles Graham. George Mumblo, Enfield’s famed clari- net player, announced last week the grand opening of the Club 55%. A spe- cial feature of the club is his Corny Clarinet Clowners. The club opened with a grand dedication by Mayor Charles Dedonis. Edward Kot, great center of the Original Celtics, scored twelve baskets from the floor last night. Ed has been hailed the greatest basketball player of all time. Along highway No. 9, you may visit li Leland Goodale ' s Poultry Farm.” Le- land has succeeded in breeding hens that lay multi-colored eggs. He will not dis- close his process and we hear that he is now experimenting in breeding hens that will lay eggs with initials on them. Last night at Carnegie Hall, John Members of the graduating class, con- sider how we may “Work for Freedom.” Are we doing our part in helping to win the war by participating in all activities open to boys and girls? Are we keeping ourselves in the best of health so that we may work and study efficiently? Do we try to learn all we can about our priv- ileges and duties as American citizens? Are we willing to work diligently to pre- pare ourselves to serve our country in some useful vocation? Are we inter- ested in studying plans for peaceful co- operation among all nations after the war to insure justice and freedom for all people? If we concentrate our interests and our efforts on these questions, we shall be carrying out our motto, “Work for Freedom.” — Shirley Raissi. Brigada, world famous singer, made his debut. He packed the theater with Cafe Society’s most prominent people. His debut was a great success and we pre- dict a great future for this former son of Thompsonville. James (Rembrandt) Pumiglio is now exhibiting his famous “Waterloo Ham- let” at the National Museum Art Gal- lery. Among those recently returned from duty overseas are Ensign Francis Rob- inson and Captain Joseph Cerrato. They have both received awards for bravery. That new coach at Suffield Academy is really a wonder. His name is Joseph Cimino. He has taught his students many good plays and they have been very successful in their games against other schools. Well, finally, we have our first modern all refrigerated grocery store. Yes, you guessed it, the owner is Benny Alaimo. Some of the girls working for him are Lillian Allegro and Dorothy Duda. He has a booming business and we wish him luck. Frances Ambrosini and June Cowles have opened their “Twin Apparel Shop.” The opening was a grand success. Good luck, Frances and June. Recent visitors in town were Brown- islaw Yuodis, Raymond Pohorylo, and Charles Halbwachs, all members of the United States Marines. Miss Betty Bean, jolly jelly bean heiress, is now vacationing in Miami. It has recently been announced that Mario Di Franco, the symphony con- ductor, will present a concert in the new Town Music Hall. The proceeds will go to the fund for mice for alley cats. Our well known “lady of the press,” Miss Adela Skipton, having suffered a nervous breakdown, left yesterday for Miami, Florida, where she will stay un- til she regains her health. Wanda Bednardski and Charlotte Clark have opened an Antique Shop and are advertising for antiques of any kind, genuine or otherwise. Madam BuDarry, otherwise known as Barbara Reinhardt, has announced the opening of her School of Charm on Fifth Avenue, New York City. Her staff of charming charmers are Helen Kubic, in- structor of voice, Micheline Scavotto, in- structor of ballroom dancing, Jennie Por- cello, instructor in correct dress, and