James Harvey Bowen High School - Bowenite Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

Page 13 text:

S if . i bf ' , 4 , J, ,ff i l 1 ' ' ' I I i Q +- Z-.Th ri A-ew - - A ' . ' xg' Fi X K -:YW xi'F - i ,fm Ji' - 1,2 L: - :ii - X - .QX g A rw- A HT 4L3v76'f kp- A rl T h V' ffV'l fan do Q., 'T Ang X Ms .. 553 'KX X T 7 f'L 'E,.'..T. The Boston Latin School Today, the Boston Latin School remains, but, of course, the original building has been replaced by new and modern additions. However, much of the old tradition remains attached to the name and the Latin School is considered not as an ordinary high school, but more of a preparatory school for Harvard, and other famous uni- versities. For 300 years, the Boston Latin School has been active in the education of America and many famous men have had their start in that institution as is attested loy the signatures which cover the assembly hall ceiling. The l3th day of the second month of i635 was indeed a fortunate date, well worth remembering, for the youth of today. On the I3th day of the second month of l635 the good people of Boston voted that Philemon Portmant should become schoolmaster of the Publiclc Latin School. Thus was launched the Boston Latin School, first institution of free secondary edu- cation in America. This Latin school was the beginning of one of the greatest educa- tional systems of modern civilization. At first only Latin was taught, English and mathematics not being considered necessary to the Colonial youth. The pupils spent many hours each day on the hard wooden benches poring over their crude texts. School for the youth of those days was much more difficult and tedious than now, for the students had to concentrate on only one subiect for eight or nine hours each day. The child entered at seven and was graduated from the Latin School ready for one of the great eastern colleges of that day such as Yale or Harvard as the age of fourteen. ' Among the later famous Americans who labored over their books and read their declensions for a colonial schoolmaster were Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock. Seven

Page 12 text:

Bowen l-ligh School We have been considering high schools in general. Now may we take our own Bowen and look into its specific good qualities. While Bowen is not one ot the newer high schools, in it are represented nearly all the advantages ot the modern high school. Our library is well-stocked with a special line ot books, useful in high school studies. The classrooms are light and well ventilated and the desks are certainly an improvement over wooden benches. Besides. a lunchroom is provided tor our convenience. The science laboratories are adequately equipped tor experimentation. Bowen's gymnasium provides us the opportunity ot healthful exercise along with our knowledge development. The lockers are also an advantage that would be extremely hard to do without. The teaching statt at Bowen is the equal ot any in the country. Our instructors are highly specialized in their various lines ot teaching. One teacher does not have to carry a great variety ot subjects but may concentrate on one or two studies and thus teach the pupils much more etticiently and thoroughly. At Bowen we may choose trom a wide variety ot courses. For the technical student there is the various shops and 'tor the commercial student there is special rooms in which typing can be taught. Almost every possible high school subiect is available at Bowen. The students are given a chance tor selt expression in the dramatics club, the band, and the glee clubs. The many extra-curricular activities and the many sport 'functions at Bowen provide the pupil's enjoyment and recreation. The next step in the progress ot Bowen individually is the building a much needed addition to the main building where even more modern advantages may be open to the students. b Six

Page 14 text:

Eight