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

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FIRST TERM LITERARY SOCIETY Back Row — M. Rock, S. Martin, M. Hamil, E. Arscott. Fronf Row--L. Doan, S. Harley ( Vice-Pres.) , Jack Mayberry (Pres.), Olive Smith (Sec), Doris Smith (Treas.) GLEE CLUB Executive— S. Liddle (Sec), M. Robertson (Pres.), Mr. C. E. Wheeler (Director), G. Kerr (Vice-Pres), B. Turnbu 1 ! and G. Shaw (Librarian).

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First Impressions at Home and Abroad London Normal Sch OOl FROM southern Wharncliffe road we caught a fleeting glimpse of its stately tower. By the time our automobile reached Emery Street it had dis- appeared entirely. But as we turned the corner at Elmwood Avenue it sprang into view in its entirety, surrounded by spacious lawns and spreading trees. As we approached it first on that September morning the early autumn sunlight streamed down in golden splendour, making a glittering white way of the sidewalk by which we advanced toward the north entrance. Every blade of grass and leaf of shrub and tree qlistened as its dew-drenched surface caught the darting rays of light. Despite the splendid setting which Nature had provided, however, the building apoeared austere and forbidding. Instead of +he live green foliage of the lawn, we were confronted by the stiffly carved stone of the Roman arches of the entrance. It seemed to repel the brightness of the out-of- doors. Could there be anything to attract us within? With fast-beating hearts we mounted those cold grey steps. A bare white hall and more steps met our eyes; another hall, this time less bare and filled with other young people like ourselves, who quietly followed the crowd; down steps this time and — home! For the assembly hall immediately welcomed us. Some of the sunshine had permeated its very heart. It was reflected in the shining varnished seats. It was held by the brilliant whiteness of the newly scrubbed floor. It was caught in the shy smiles of young people who welcomed their new classmates. And, finally, it was expressed in the faces of the Staff as they filed down the long centre aisle and took their places on the platform. There was wel- come there, and the whole picture of Normal School life, as we have since found it, was revealed to us, that September morning, at our first Assembly. MARJORIE E. HAMIL o o o A Visit to Edinburgh A ULD REEKIE it is often familiarly called, ' Mrom the cloud of smoke which hangs over the low-lying parts, but it is magnificently situated on a group of hills and the valleys between. In the centre is a bold rock, crowned by the castle, and the ravine between it and the new town is covered with the gardens of Princes Street. On the southeast, rising majestically to 800 feet, is the Hill of Arthur ' s Seat. Here King Arthur is supposed to have watched the defeat of the Picts by his followers. To the north lies the Firth of Forth, and to the south, hill after hill curves against the surface. I must confess that I was a little disappointed when I stepped from the train. I had expected to catch my first glimpse of the city in much the same fashion as Waverly and his followers had caught theirs. This old romantic spot is now transformed into a modern metropolis! Years of science and invention have added a variety of beauty, however. The visitors of today may enjoy the glories of the past and present as thev sip tea in one of Princes Street ' s modern roof- narden cafes. Then they may drive through Old Fd inburqh and recall the Scottish History as the coachmen boast of the bravery of their forefathers. Canon Gate itself is a veritable tale of romance and traqedv. In the dirtv row of tenements we see the close where John Knox was born and Lady Stairs Close where Robert Bruce spent his first night with Jeanme Deans. One of those little shops is Lady Haque ' s poppy factory; another is Oueen Mary ' s antique shop. In St. Giles Cathedral we learn the story of old Jenme, who threw her stool at the dean when he attempted to impose a liturqy on the Covenanters. In Market Cross we think of the sad tale of Mary, Oueen of Scots, as we examine the place where she -nenf her last niqht. Our thouqhts then turn to S ' r Walter Scott at the sight of the building in vhich he first practiced law. Then we reach the old castle. No longer is it a defence anainst rebellinq clans and unfriendly ne qhbours. Monuments, buildings, a few old relics a ' ne, tell the old romantic story. As a Canadian student of History and a lover of the Scotch. I shall refer particularly to the Scot- tish National War Memorial. This building stands in the central part of the castle and was built at the expense of Scots of all ranks, at home and abroad. If is indeed a model of modern architec- ture and beaufy. The carved insignia which decorates the entrance arch to the Memorial is typical of that Modern Athens. This huge winged and flaming heart represents Love, Courage and Sacrifice, and bears these words: To the Glory of God, and In Memory of Scots Who Fell,, 1914- 191 8. NANCY SMART

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES First Term Literary Society WE are nearing that period of the school year which is devoted to reflection concerning the events of the past year. Among the most prominent of these are the weekly meetings of the Literary So- ciety. The reason for this prominence is due, likely, to the fact that the hurried moments of preparation as well as the breathless period of expectancy im- mediately before the parting of the curtains have become indelibly printed in the memories of the students. The records of our meetings will go down in the annals as meetings of clever originality and unusual talent. To whom are we indebted for the idea of thematically arranged programmes? To him will go many of the compliments we have re- ceived for our entertaining programmes. When we reflect on the succession of meetings, a glittering array of literary productions pass before our mind ' s eye. We review the programmes dedi- cated to Home, Life in Foreign Lands, the New Year. Who will forget the epic production of The Highwayman ? With the mere mention of this extravaganza we visualize a bevy of dark-haired Besses and gallant guardsmen — and the intelligentsia tore its hair in anguish. Two impressive ceremonies were presented, one in honour of Armistice Day, the other in commemoration of the death of our late King — two ceremonies which bespoke a deep national love and pride. A group of aspiring Thespians entertained the critic teachers one eventful evening with the play, The Dear Departed. This social evening loomed large on the programme of events for the Literary Society (as you doubtless decided at the reading of the treasurer ' s report). The meetings catered to the most fastidious tastes. They were flavoured with the choicest of spices — sage readings and peppery debates (recall the debate on the advisability of Inter-Normal Meets). But all tastes differ. My favourite flavours will not appeal to you. However, like me, you will have memories of delectable treats. JACK MAYBERRY o o o Second Term Literary Society AND then a new secretary called the roll and a new pianist brought forth the strains of O Canada from the auditorium piano, for the second term Literary executive had taken its place. Form I. men, unawed by it all, presented an amateur hour and then, because the highest form of competiti on is with one ' s self, they surpassed their own effort and gave us the play Montcalm. Form II., with the aid of much green paper and its innate Irish guickness, directed our St. Patrick ' s Day celebrations, while Form III., a few weeks later, donned borrowed hats to present the Easter Parade. In the interval, Mr. Humphries took us through the Prairie Provinces and Mr. Burr and Mr. May- berry proved conclusively that the entrance of women into business and professional life has not really helped society. Form IV. served hash rather attractively at the end of April. The last of the forms (in number only) paid tribute to our great Kipling. A party, followed by a surprise program con- ducted by a traveller from an antique land, in the person of Miss Stewart of Victoria Hospital, and the second term executive, regretfully closed the last meeting feeling as A. A. Milne ' s John would put it that that was that. GERTRUDE JONES, President. o o o Glee Club ' ' V HEREVER there is good music there is har- W mony. Wherever there is harmony there are good citizens. Through what more beautiful medium can we attain our ultimate goal, to mould good citizens of those who, in years to come, will grow under our guidance? As active members of the Glee Club, not only have we spent many happy, carefree hours, but we have, in truth, learned much to help us present good music in a proper way to our pupils. Under the supervision of Mr. Wheeler, F.C.C.O., our very capable and patient leader, we have met each Tuesday afternoon at four o ' clock in the auditorium. Splendid training received in this musical workshop has enabled us to assist with music on the evening set aside for entertaining our critic teachers and at a special meeting of the General Science Club. Several singing groups ar- ranged in our Glee Club have also contributed much to programs in the school. The complex activities of this school year have, on some occasions, limited the number of members in attendance at our meetings, but, on the whole, we have enjoyed a happy, prosperous year with the Glee Club. May its followers be as successful! MARGARET ROBERTSON Pag