London Normal School - Spectrum Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

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Social Activities — Continued Although the weatherman could foresee nothing but rain tor the night of April 27th, Jupiter Pluvius was more lenient and that evening was as pleasant as anyone could wish. Our decoration committee had spent much time and trouble in their work but the artistic effect secured more than repaid them. From the beautifully decorated arch over the auditorium entrance to the artistically shaded lights everything seemed well nigh perfect. Owing to the careful preparations made, all went merry as a marriage bell. Our guests were welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Prendergast representing the staff and by Miss McKaddin and Messrs. Perdue and Lusty representing our Literary Society. At the commencement of the programme our spacious auditorium was well filled. There were parents, brothers, sisters, and best friends of the students as well as many ex-students who came to spend one more happy evening in the good old Normal. Moreover, we were specially honored in having with us representatives from our sister Normal school in Stratford who brought from their staff and fellow students greetings and best wishes. A delightful and much appreciated programme was given bv Miss Thompson and Mr. Barr, vocalists, Miss Petrimoulx, pianist and Miss Roberts, reader. Part II. of the programme consisted of promenades, music for which was well furnished by Williams ' orchestra. During the promenades dainty refreshments were served in the gymnasium. Now that the At Home is past we look back to it as one of the most delightful functions of the year. Looking forward, we see looming in front of us the darkening clouds of final examinations, but we hope to meet in merry-making at least once again before the end of June, whatever be the form of this event. Still further ahead we see visions of a Christmas reunion. At that time we hope to assemble, not as teachers-in-training, although that word has many pleasant associations, but as fellow teachers. Then will we renew old acquaintanceships, relate experiences and while away the early hours in merrymaking. Let us now in retrospective mood look back over our year in the good old school. We see ourselves as High School graduates assembled here from practically every part of Western Ontario. We were ready for a year ' s training and incidentally some pleasure. W T e may now see how all our social activities have performed their two told function of giving pleasure, and social training. We are sure that the former has been accomplished, for we are all natural observes of the old adage with mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come. As to the latter we look forward confidently to the future. Happy to meet, Sorry to part, Happy to meet again. B. Taylor. Expansion is a very good thing, excepting when it goes to the head. When you are down in the mouth Think of Jonah — He came out all right. Fate makes our relatives, choice makes our friends. He that hath knowledge spareth his words. Think twice before you speak, then talk to yourself. Happiness is not a matter of income but of output. CREAM If the outlook is not good — -try the uplook. The world looks not at your faith, but at the kind of life your faith causes you to live. Sacrifice is service forgetting self. There is no cold cream that will keep away the wrinkles — like the milk of human kindness. Respect every man ' s opinion — act on your own. — 9 —

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Social Activities IT is possible that many of us have lost sight of our primary aim in at- tending the L. N. S., and of our responsibilities next year. We are told that the aim of the school is social efficiency; therefore, we, prospective teachers, must shoulder the responsibility of training the future citizens of Canada for social efficiency. Thus the importance ot our social life here, in fitting us tor the future, must at once become evident. In pursuance ot this aim our social activities at the L. N. S. have been on a larger scale than ever before. I am a part of all that I have met might truly be said by each of us respecting our social relationship this year, and we should all be exceedingly grateful to the executives of the Literary Society and to the staff for the efforts put forth on our behalf which have meant so much to us throughout the year. Our first venture in this field was an informal afternoon tea. This was served on the campus on a delightful autumn afternoon soon after our arrival here. Consequently, it served the very necessary purpose of making the students acquainted, and over a friendly cup of tea many new acquaint- anceships were made which have ripened into friendship throughout the year. The student body next met together, this time in sportive attire, on October 27th in honor of the mystic rites of Hallowe ' en. On that evening many were the ghostly figures seen wending their way toward the Normal, for the party took the form ot a masquerade. Within the school the shaded lights cast a mysterious glow over all, while from every corner gleamed the grimming features of the host ot Hallowe ' en. Below, in the dim flickering light, the basement re-echoed to the hollow rattling of the dry skeleton of — ■ — ■ — . With every noise one realized for the first time, perhaps, that one had nerves. The first part of the evening was spent in unmasking; then all assembled in the auditorium tor a short programme, the chief feature of which was a mock trial. At its conclusion everyone repaired to the gymnasium for promenades, and finally the Grand March led by Mr. and Mrs. O ' Brien. Prizes for the two best costumes were awarded to Miss M. Mead and Mr. W. Finlayson. Dainty refreshments were then served and everyone left with the feeling that Normal life was continuously opening up something new and strange. Happy as were all our school functions we must not omit our intertorm parties. These have served a very necessary function, that of linking our forms together. Although they have taken the forms of nut and weiner roasts, sleighing and tobogganning parties, and entertainments in the school, they have all equally served the common purpose of bringing us into our present close relationship with one another. Needless to say these parties were greatly enjoyed by all. Fulfilling a somewhat different function were our form parties. These have brought us into a more close and intimate touch with those with whom we work each day than would otherwise have been possible. Illustrating this, sleighing, tobogganning, theatre and school parties might be mentioned. All were greatly enjoyed and none deserves special mention above the rest, except, perhaps, the discovery of Longwood Inn by Form IV., as an ideal place tor an evening ' s tun. In passing we should not neglect to mention many delightful private parties which have brightened our school life between tests and lesson plans. Doubtless, many of our students have received an excellent training in the management of social functions. Not a few have already shown signs ot considerable natural ability in this line. On the evening of Feb. 23rd we had the honor of entertaining our staff, and our friends ot the model schools. The school was very prettily decorated in red and gold for this occasion. Our guests were first conducted to the auditorium where an interesting programme was given. The special feature of the programme was a short play put on by several of our students with the assistance, as usual, of our able librarian. This was considered an unqualified success, indeed one of the best for several years. Other special features were the selections by our school orchestr a. These were an unlooked for musical treat since few had realized what talent was in our midst. At the conclusion ot the programme everyone repaired to the gymnasium where refreshments were daintily served. These had been prepared in our domestic science classes, and, naturally, had been a source of great interest for some time, the results were not disappointing to our aspirants to domestic tame. Afterwards everyone joined in games and a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close with the singing of Auki Lang Syne. And now comes the climax of our social events. Foremost among the Castles in Spain of the average Normalite stands the AT HOMF, and this year it was an unqualified success. — 8 —

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Biographies EVELYN ADAMS Hang sorrow; care will kill a cat, And therefore let ' s be merry. Ev. hails from Seaforth, Ont. Here in the peace- ful village (?) she acquired an astonishing fund ot knowledge on all subjects, academic and otherwise. In pursuit of higher learning, she entered London Normal, and for the first term, filled the position of vice-pres. of the Lit. in a capable manner. Ev ' s bump ol sociability is well-developed, and no function is complete without her quick wit and irrepressible gaiety. Indeed, if there ' s one thing Ev. enjoys more than one good time, it ' s two! ISABEL BANBURY, A bit of independent mind; a gracious manner sweet and kind. Long dark hair, and deep blue eyes, She ' s not very big, but she ' s very wise. Does she like to skate and dance? Well. I rather guess. She ' d rather do those little things Than sit and cram for tests. Say those who best can see her charm Besides she ' ll make a good school-marm. LELLA BLAKESTON. Sonus mens in sono corpore. Leila received her education in Stratford, and in 1922 was successful in obtaining her Upper School. In the same year she entered London Normal, where she continued to show her ability in studies and the athletic activities of the school. Success as a teacher is the wish of all Leila ' s Normal friends. LUCILLE BRUNER. Whose little body lodged a mighty mind. The prosperous town of Leamington in the Garden of Canada, is the home of our friend Lucille who graduated from the High School there. During her school career she took an active part in athletics and also had high academic standing. Here at Normal we have all found Lucille to be a true friend and helper. FLORENCE BUSBY Gentle of speech, but absolute of ride. Let us add clever, vivacious, lovable. Now we only begin to describe her. In Collegiate circles her good scholarship was worthy of note. Besides this she is a poet, an artist and a clever musician. IDA CLARKE. She is a friend indeed With all a friend ' s best virtues shining bright, It is no broken reed You lean on when you trust her in her might. Ida is a girl of few words but many thoughts and her cheery disposition is portrayed in the merry twinkle of her eye. Ida graduated from Aylmer High School in 1921, securing one of the Carter Scholarships. She is also a very gifted musician and we all wish her great success. THELMA CONNOR Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever. Thelma came to the L. N. S. although she re- ceived a perfectly good Honor Matriculation in Windsor, and earned a scholarship for one year at McGill. After you know Thelma you find that she is a brainy, witty, comfortable sort of girl, who loves sleeping and reading detective stories. We would adore being her pupil next year. IDA DEMPSEY. A friend indeed. Ida came to us from Stratford when ' she at- tended public school and the collegiate institute. Always an athletic enthusiast she played forward on our girls ' basketball team. We know her pleasing and helpful manner will always make her many friends. GLADYS DENNIS. So unaffected, so composed a mind, So firm, so soft, so strong, and yet so kind. Although with an unobstrusive manner, soft voice, and slight reserve, yet Oladys possesses leadership qualities to a marked degree. With her as willing energetic president, the Aylmer H. S. Literary Society had one of its very best years. Her earnest winning personality with occasional touches of humor, gains the respect of all who meet her. BLANCHE DIERLAM. Where ' re she met a stranger There she left a friend. Four score and three miles from London town, from Listowel. comes Blanche. ' Twas there she graduated from High School, winning for herself honors in French. But other gifts far greater has she— cheerfulness, frankness, a refined gracious manner,- yes, to know her better is but to love her more. MILDRED ELLIOTT. To be just and kind and wise, There solid, real enjoyment lies. Mildred was born and lived in Comber. Here she attended the Public and Continuation Schools where she was a member of the Literary Society. She took her Upper School course in Essex, graduat- ing in 1°22 and then registering as a student at London Normal School. — 10 —