Meriden High School - Annual Yearbook (Meriden, CT)

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lntroductory. None of our more important transactions escape record in some one of many forms-if not in great biographies and archives, yet, at least, in our own memories and the memories ofthose around us. Statisticians are disturbed, not only by want of data, but by want of accessible data, and scattered records are often worthless because their existence is not known to those in need of them, and it is not so much for the purpose of pre- senting originality as for a compilation, aggregation and preservation of illustrated matters of interest to members, graduates and friends of the Meriden High School, that the ANNUAL appears, asking kindly co-opera- tion, and dares to hope for a life prolonged beyond the time of its first appearance. While, as already stated, the ANNUAL does not boast of originality, yet it is only fair to state that all its illustrations, drawings and negatives have been made expressly for this occasion. Many difficulties have attended the publication of the initial number, and we trust that a kindly forbear- ance from too severe criticism will be extended, and those noticing errors in names, addresses, clubs, etc., are requested to ,make such corrections in a volume kept at the Young Men's Christian Association for that purpose. We gratefully acknowledge the kindly co-operation of the Faculty, Acting School Visitor, Mr. james P. Breese, Mr. Sherman F. Johnson and Mr. C. C. W. Peck. The assistance of the Meriden Gravure Co., who have done the entire engraving and printing of the book, and their wide experience in illus- trated school and college publications have made the Meriden High School ANNUAL a realized possibility. - The skill of Mr. Voorhees, the photographer, has given fine negatives, despite the restlessness of school students and the wind at this season. But notwithstanding our own efforts and the co-operation of friends, had not the many advertisers taken so liberal a stand for our ANNUAL it would never have brought even its simple introduction to your notice, and we will all, if we take any pleasure in the ANNUAL, do ourselves a favor and our advertisers justice by patronizing them, and let us occasionally men- tion to them that we have seen their cards in the Meriden High School ANNUAL. '

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Qnward and Upward. VV. ARTHUR STORM. Po THE CLASS OF '92. r There is a thought that comes to thpse who pause Amid the quiet hours when work is done, To ponder o'er the reason and the cause ' . Of failure in the enterprise begun, , That if more energy had been among The many careless feelings that had led Them on this zeal and earnestness to shun, - Success and riches might have been instead,- For naught is gained by idle ways is truly said. But ah! the foresight having come too late, Now mocks them in its taunting. scofling way, As on their shattered hopes they meditate, And long for prospects of a brighter day. They see now plainly .wherefthe causes lay Of failure, since reflex has filled the mind, And know too well that careless doings may At last bring loss to them, and they will find That idlers in this busy world are left behind. v Perhaps they think all business but a fraud, And life a care and puzzle at the best, Since all their toil has reaped no just reward On which their idle fancies once did rest. As all their pluck and zeal have had the test, As all their hopes have left them like a dream, They feel themselves with desperate thought possessed, For now to them in 'truth the way doth seem A blank whereby their sad mistake they can redeem. And now these words from anxious friends they hear:-- 'fls this the way to recompense your loss Ur cast aside your foolish, groundless fear, That ills, you now with anguish and remorse, And keeps you from that wiser, better course? Oh! Onward! Upward! till the goal you gain. Ah! learn with patience here to bear your cross, And trust whatever trifle you may fain By help of zeal, for that you ne'er will wish in vain.

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We all re-member' how Demostherres Once, after his first speech, which caused him shame, Stole sadly home in silence to appease His wounded spi-rits and his bitter pain. T hen forming new resolves to try again And overcome those faults which mar address, He persevered, until at last became An orator, and that is why Success His efforts crowned, and Fortune helped him to progress Those works of music, whose harmonious strains Delight the ear and ,bid the soul rejoice, Are but the echoes of untiring pains. And constancy repaid by Fame's sweet voice, Those works of art We hold so rare, so choice, Created perfect by a master's skill, Bespeak endeavor, also that the source Attainment has, its energy and will Which never fail one's ardent wishes to fulfill. From such as these a lesson we may take And learn the worth ot zeal and constancy, Rememb'ring a beginning will not make An ending worthy, without fervency. As life seemed full of play in infancy, So in our riper years we feel 'tis true, And know that one must have persistency To prosper in the things which he would do, For without this results are valueless and few. Then'0nward! Upward! let our motto be, Let all the breezes waft it's merits o'er Q The distant lands and far outstretching sea. .Let every tongue resound its praises, for s worthy of them. Forget it not, nor Let it fall into oblivion. But keep it living fresh and new the more, Until the coming of that golden dawn Wdose shining light shall give it everlasting morn. 'Ti