Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts - Mohawk Yearbook (North Adams, MA)

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THE AXIS 25 IDYDDDBCP mo. 1 What a coldness clutched my heart! What a shiver in- Vaded my spine as I entered that room, deathlike in its stillness. The single candle sputtering and flickering in the comer doggedly did its duty. On the walls and over the scant furniture, grotesque and awful figures danced in sol- emn, sad succession. A single chair, weary of life, was lean- ing dejectedly against the wall. Suddenly a shrill scream broke the silence. The candle flickered, fiamed, and died. The hush of the room seemed to be broken for a moment and with the return of that ominous quiet I became aware of a presence. A voice, sweet as the song of a thrush, startled my ears by saying, Long, long ago, as far back as '23, you took a trip to Washington with your class. A visit to the Capitol was made. When you were leaving to each one was granted a wish. You deliberated a moment and then wished that you might at some time know what each member of your class was doing. Many years have passed since that day, but we have now decided that the time has come for such a disclosure. I am to reveal the facts to you. Do you remember how skilful Rit Agan was with a bas- ketball? She has increased her efficiency, for today three balls hang outside the little shop she runs. It is conducted exclusively for Normal students and Rit accepts everything from broken down hairnets to a contract for Teachers' Pension. There is an author of great renown, known as Marg. Dadson. Her latest and most popular book is entitled, 'The Faithful Shepherd's Son.' Edith Fobes, after the training she received at North Adams Normal, has taken a position as night-watchwoman on board The Monitor. Here, her duty is light compared to what it was in Normal for everyone observes the 'ten bells' signal. Harriet Hawks, Harriet Hawks! Oh! yes. Many moons ago she was in a tableau at Drury Hall. What a charming bride she made! A certain Archie was present that evening and from that day forth decided that Harriet should be none but his. He is still striving to win her heart by singing hymns to her every Sunday. A sweet and dignified lassie dances before my vision. Yes, it is Gladys Hall. Gladys has taken pity on her less fortunate sisters and, to assist them in the rules of etiquette, she has invented a square knife with a contrivance by which peas may be safely and gracefully conducted from the plate to the mouth. Ah! The column which attracts the women-the only reason for which they buy the Boston Advertiser. You've guessed it, the Lonely Hearts' Column, edited by Florence Mack. Florence has had much experience and is fully qual- ified to answer all questions that bob up. What is that I hear, a song? 'Pat McCarty, hale and hearty! Pat went in for a number of things. She started a barber shop, a second-hand clothing establishment, and finally ended up by inventing a mouse trap, guaranteed to catch all night prowlers without hurting either the trapper or the trapped. It is absolutely noiseless. Edith McCann has gone in for music. She and Irene Messier travel together and conduct, very successful con- certs. As a result the two young ladies are now touring the country in their own Fierce Sparrows. 'Soup' for the first course? Oh, no, we're just chatting about 'Gene' O'Brien. After teaching a few years Gene decided she was equally talented as an artist. From actual observation she has produced a painting which is in great demand by the whole class of '23. The name of it is 'The Blue Boy.' A short history, wr it'ten by the author, accom- panies each copy. Was there a Kathleen McCann in your class? She has developed into a very efiicient business woman. Kathleen is manager of a guide tour in Washington. Occasionally Kat allows her husband to accompany her on her tours about the city, to keep him in practice for special parties. There is another member of the Class in Washington- Louise McDonough, who has taken an office position there. Since Louise's arrival in 'No Man's Land' the name has lost its significance. A frequent visitor to Miss McDonough's abode is Ruth Potter. Ruth is a leading politician and spends quite a bit of her time in the District of Columbia. All letters to Miss Potter may be addressed to the Winston Hotel, Washington, D. C. A married woman is also in your class. You knew her as Joe Mooney. Joe lives in Yonkers with her husband and two children, Henry and Josephine. Have you seen the new screen actress? Yes, it is your own darling 'Marj' Kennedy. Marj has replaced a name- sake of hers, the famous Madge Kennedy. You had in your midst a Salvation Army lass, Jessie Scott. Jessie has done much for the organization, partly because of the fact that she looks so charming in her uniform. Your best all round girl, Madeline Tracy, was always the kind who liked her 'Bills' to come promptly the first of every week and preferred 'Gym' on Wednesdays and Fri- days. She is now attempting to get bills from Jims. From door to door she trudges with her little set of books, in- quiring, 'Have you had one of these'?' She has an able as- sistant in Gladys Wemple, her silent but powerful partner. Ruth Wilder never liked cats but, to strengthen her will and incidentally to put some psychology into practice, Ruth has established a home for these little creatures. Ding, dong, bell! 'Dot' Wheeler heard bells once too often. The last ones were the wedding bells for Dot is the happy wife of a lumber merchant. He has a flourishing trade selling toothpicks. It was once believed that Ruth Nesbit would lose her buttons, but 'Neb' has turned the tables on you. Because of the diligent way in which she used the early hours of her Junior year, after waking her businesslike neighbor, Nebby is now a skilled seamstress. 'Jack of all trades and master of all' is Beth Cooke. Beth has taken up a number of things. VVhile rooming in No. 13 Beth became interested in bees, and as a result spent much time teaching bees to call each other, 'Little bunch 0' honey? Beth also made a success of swimming. Through her efforts everything from stones to ducks make an aesthetic appearance in the water. The last thing this 'peppy person' did was to establish an institution for refugees made home- less through fires. You would never recognize Catherine McCarty. She is traveling as the fat woman in the circus of which Gert Tyei is manager. It happens to be the Barnum and Bailey Circus. What was that I heard-a bell? Not one, but two, no three. It was half past six and these were the rising bells It had all been a dream. Katherine Drennan

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24 THE AXIS vt combination. It was our privilege to have as guests mem- bers of the faculty who joined us most heartily. Full of initiative, they responded with witty speeches and songs. The memory of this feasting will last as will the large map we made. We owe our accomplishment to the careful and untiring work of Miss Sholes and Mr. Eldridge who made such an affair possible. At certain clearly stated intervals of the year beginning in the fall, we ventured upon our social roles. These presented themselves as Man Dances. This year we found that we could not hope to softly glide without interruption within the walls of Taconic Hall. Thus it was that we showed our individuality once more in entertaining at Normal Hall. It was not so normal either that night. What had hap- pened? Had a cyclone struck the place? If so, it was very helpful, for the desks, chairs, and everything suggesting the atmosphere of the assembly were swept away, and the place looked festive and gay. The members of our receiving line appeared to enjoy themselves even though they were out of the way on the Church Street side of the hall. We have now had three of these functions, and Mr. Smith has con- gratulated us on the fine spirit of the evenings spent in this wise. May our last dance on the eve of Class Day be a fitting climax to these pleasant events! All these good times and work still went on. What could we do to earn money? Have a bazaar? Just the thing! So it was that we planned to provide Christmas gifts for everyone, that is-all who cared to help the class by pur- chasing useful articles displayed in the gymnasium. Vari- ous booths were arranged to hold fancy work, candy, a fish- pond, lolly-pops, and fortune tellers. Here, again, the cook- ing department was requisitioned. How quickly our home- made candies disappeared! We seemed to progress much through the correlation of departments. Just think what a fine chance this was to put to test our ability in store arith- metic. A sympathy orchestra Cconsisting of Nukes and the pianoj played for the amusement of the children present, while Pauline Johnson danced and Bessie Barber sang. Now that our secret hope, Washington, seemed clearer to our view, we were glad to acknowledge that prospects were brighter, as we had made seventy-five dollars. Each girl now pledged herself to earn one dollar a month. So it was that we found plenty of candy, good eats, and helpful service. prevailing. It was only a matter of small cost to have a shoe shine, hair curl, manicure, or even a feed This dpmpetition surely laid low old H. C. L. of former times and swelled our treasury. After Christmas we turned our attention to a new enter- tainment. Through the suggestion of Miss Perry, we were to illustrate song poems and the Songs of Seven. This blought back to us many of our sweet Songs that Never Grow Old. To complete the program, there was aesthetic dancing by Beth Cooke and Pauline Johnson and songs by the Glee Club. The eminent success was due to the hard, continuous efforts of Miss Perry. Miss Baright kindly read for us, and Miss Pearson and Mrs. Van lent a willing hand to arrangements. Was not this a fine demonstration of what we as teachers might do another year with our children? A new semester now began. Our new subject was Psy- chology. When we think of all we took for granted before, it makes us thankful to know now that we have reasons to back us up. How glad we were to find that we could adopt th-at phrase that's the psychology of it and really know what we were saying! What a treat it was to go to class and listen to Mr. Smith's stories! Were they not illustrative and to the point? How everyone of us wished she might train her memory to be as acute as his! However, never carry your laws of association so far as to make you think of a certain person when you see a goat in his window. An added feature of our work presented itself as drama- tization. Beginning with the primary stories, we soon ad- vanced to those of the grammar grades. We took up play writing again. This time we had stories from texts for a foundation. We developed our characters, too, all the way from a bench dog to a walking Wolf in Rip Van Winkle. Our inter-class affairs during the winter took the form of stationary basketball which was a source of much compe- tition. The Juniors showed their athletic powers by beat- ing us at this. Our accomplishments in debate demon- strated that Senior I. was more capable than the other sec- tion, but that the Juniors could outwit us on the Japanese question. Now for Washington! Our Captain and President Helen O'Neill, had planned this cruise for us from the be- ginning of the year. Through thick and thin she steered and encouraged every venture. We now elected two splen- did chaperons, Miss McCormack and Mr. Cummings. The last Saturday in April the wished-for day came. Every one of us feels gratified for the effort of earning the money. We think that all citizens of our Nation should, at some time or other, visit the center of our democracy. No place could ever be more inspiring! The lessons with Miss Pearson led to the appreciations for the magnificent buildings, beautiful designs, and sculpturing. We certainly could not have taken a more lovely time of year to be there. The city was ad- vanced into spring and everything was perfect. What a feeling of patriotism was received and with what awe and reverence did we visit the sacred places where Washington and Lincoln had been! We could not help thinking of that quotation: Lives of great men all remind us We can make oul lives sublime. And departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time. We had never realized to such an extent how true this really was. Then there was the heavenly spot at Mt. Vernon, that old colonial bit of beauty. We can never hope to tell of the promptings and emotions furnished by our stay here. Every one of us has carried away a heart full of love for her country and feels a pride made possible by the work of our great and noble countrymen. We cannot help but think, in connection with the trip, of our splendid faculty and Juniors, who had to put up with a great deal while we were preparing to go. The Glee Club, made up of both Seniors and Juniors under the direction of Miss Perry, has accomplished great things. The annual concert given a month ago was most unusual. A fine choice of songs was rendered, and the inter- pretations of artists added greatly to the enjoyment of the program. Along our horizon now rise the thoughts of Commence- ment. Are we so near to the end as this? No, our Ban- quet, Class Day, and Graduation are here, but the end for this class can never be! We wish to tell the Juniors that we shall ever have fond memories of our year together. To teachers ever loyal and true, We owe the praise for all we do. We know not what our fates will beg I But we are content to wait and see. The honor we give you, we cannot rhyme But we hope to show it in future time. Alice Smith

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.LLA4 .A..L.4..L.l.AJ Glass llbtophecp 1Flo. 2 All my heart seemed bent on slumber But though in my bed I nestled, Sleep in vain had sought my eyelids For I lay there, thinking, thinking, While my tired brain went weaving Back and forth and in and outward, As a spider with her tracing Spins a'web of sheerest gossamer. So I lay there in the darkness, Velvet darkness, soft caressing, Lifted, swayed, and touched my forehead, Lulled me into rest and quiet, And I sank into a slumber, Half a dream and half a vision Till I saw in haze before me Days, that in the life of many Dearest are, those days at Normal. Rose and silver, opalescent, Rose and silver, intermingled, Gladsome days in youth's gay springtime. S0 I wandered out through dreamland Wreathed in gauzy mists of slumber. And a sighing led me onward Seeking that of which I knew notg Onward, through the pale green mosses, Dripping with the dew of nightfall, Onward, through the clinging bushes, Through the beds of purple lilies, Through the fleur-de-lis and violets, Till a voice within me murmured, Whispered low, Your search is ended. And I saw a grove about me Cleared of all the under-bushes. There, like guards of Fate, were standing, Tall and stern., like Druid temples, Swishing pines, tha-t moved and murmured Till their murmurs grew to whispers, And their whispers grew to voices, Till they spoke in proclamation: Listen to this tale we tell thee, Listen to our words of wisdom. Prophets of thy future are we. It behooves thee well to listen. Then the voices fell to silence. Still I listened there, in waiting, Held my breath in sobbing silence, Till a wandering breeze set whispering, Druid voices, fate portending, And with startled heart I listened To the words the night breeze brought me. To a certain shop in Paris, Followers of a new cult wander. There to see above the doorway, 'Clarke and Coue-No more illness.' And to hear a voice a-chanting, 'Come and throw away your crutches. See and walk, you blind and lame ones. Day by day, you doubters, scornful, Better and better, grow the faithfulf After pausing in the breezes Again the swishing grew to voices: In from Williamstown each morning Came a girl whom you loved dearly. 'Lil' for short you often called her. Now she lives in Cincinnati. Teaches dancing for beginners, Social dancing, of the latest. Happy there your Lil is living. Teaching in the Normal Art School, Designing raiment as a sideline, There is Alice Smith, our classmate, Clever in all lines of working She at last has found her calling. And this last you soft must whisper Only to your close companions, Alice Smith is really married In spite of all her protestations Fast and furious, made at Normal, The same as in Fate's every card game Hearts were trumps and Al was winner Congratulations to you, Alice! Again a zephyr stirred the pine trees To their customary chatter, In the Old Ladies' Home at Pittsfield Eighty years from now, you'll wander, There to find Peg Shea, Ann Larkin, Two old pals in years at Normal. Now the very instigators Of a plan for civic welfare. They have formed an Anti-Flirt Club. Thus things change, you see. dear classmates N ow the voices in the branches Swelled, and grew to great proportions. Sang and shouted to the breezes: Your Beth Dunphy teaches music In a finishing school for women. Hearken to the song they're singing. Hearken, said the breezes rightly. And I thought my ears deceived me, For swelling out upon the night wind, Came that song, Beth's only favorite, No, the breezes shouted loudly And the air called back in triumph, We have some bananas today. Then a voice as though exhausted, Said in tones soft and pellucid, Out upon the fragrant prairie, Where a rancher lives in comfort, You will find a classmate living. Medbury, is her name no longer But her life long wish is granted For now she looks at Starrs forever. Now all voices joined in chorus As though refreshed at Mabel's story: In a double house are living In a city, fair and beauteous, Classmates two, and living peacefully. One has one side, one the other: One has one child, one the other, Olive Iles and Ruthie Reynolds, Life long pals and boon companions. And the voices fast continued: In that city, fair and beauteous, Happily, lives another couple: Helen O'Neill and our Blanche Olsted, Partners in their life's vocation, Directors in a fine gymnasium. And the night wind gently touched me, To my very skin seemed soothing. And no wonder, for the statement Made by all the breezes solved it. Principal of a school in Pittsfield, Reputation, wins Kay Drennan. And a little side experiment