Norwell High School - Shipbuilder Yearbook (Norwell, MA)

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30 THE SHIPBUILDER LI T ERART NlORW'ELL-TODAY AND TOMORROW' VVashington-the man, the leader, the genius, the father of his country, was also the designer of the magnifi- cent city that is now the capital of our nation. It is in his memory that the people of this country rise up as one in commemoration and observance of the bicentennial of his birth. lt is the pur- pose of our teachers and community leaders to have the youth of America realize the ability and strength of this great man, and it seems appropriate to them that we indulge in deep thought and meditation in an endeavor to put forth a plan, as did XYashington. that will represent our town as it may be one hundred years hence. Norwell is said by many to be the most picturesque and inspiring beauty spot in New England. lts rolling, grassy hillsides, its quiet river, old churches and large colonial homesteads, all join in making it truly enviable in the eyes of both visitors and neighbors. Through the center of the town winds the main street, well cared for and arched over by tall, swaying elms. From this main road the less import' ant thoroughfares branch out, until they become small, gravclled, woody trails, that, although not in the best of condition, present a very attractive pic- ture to the eye. The business districts of the town are three in number and are typical comnumity centers, with one store and a small, but nevertheless well equipped garage. Norwell Center, the largest village, is, we might say, more advanc- ed, in that it contains a Savings llank and the offices of the town officials. The entire population of the town is approximately sixteen hundred, and only this last year was included in the census as part of Metropolitan Boston. Thus we have a picture of Norwell, a quaint village, rich in early American history: but let us imagine that a cloud passes over the earth, and that before we are again greeted by the warm rays of the sun, a hundred years have passed revealing the unknown of the future, a new world and new people. Norwell, 2032, but what a change has come to pass! No more of the quietness, peace, and solitude that was once so sought for, is now to be found. ln its place is a scene of unending motion, noise, and disturbance. The town is no longer an old New England village, but a bustling up and coming suburb of Boston. It no longer has its central store, where men gather on quiet summer evenings, and discuss topics of general interest. Everything has been revolutionized. The main street is now of hard pavement, bor- dered by cement sidewalks and large buildings, all the products of skilled masons and contractors. There are sev- eral beautiful theaters along the street. and the large public library, surround- ed by an expansive green lawn is an attraction in itself. Norwell has indeed improved. ln place of its farms we find an airport and many large playgrounds. This town has always shown an interest in the more perfect physical development of its children as shown by the prima- tive clinics held at the local high school in 1032. Now. however. we find the youthful members of the community subject to daily examination at a large hospital. and the change in the appear-

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THE SHIPBUILDER 29 :HMM NORWELL HIGH SCHOOL W 1 rf X 7 XXX x Q M ERS offs ,lg RI 0 ff ZE SPEAK 'VOQ44 Afv M644 o XGA, 437' ' i 4 I ANNUAL .SCHOOL 1DLAY 7'0NS OF l fONEY I PICTURESQUE REVIEW OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

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THE SHIPBUILDER 31 ance of the children is marked indeed. The elms, which, one hundred years ago were the pride of the old New Eng- lander, have vanished, but we still see several large estates owned, possibly, by our own more fortunate descend- ants where they have been carefully preserved. Imagine all this, or is it something more than mere imagination that gives us these thoughts and inspirations for the future? W'as it imagination that led VX'ashington on to even higher levels than have yet been attained by any other American? Let us all strive to come closer to the goal reached by the father of our country, in morals, originality, and citizenship. Norman Robbins '32 574510 ESSAY -LEISURE Today as never before in the history of civilization, man has made it pos- sible by his endeavors to enjoy life more, and to have added hours for re- creation. His inventions have made it possible for him to rest, whereas in years gone by he would have been working-hard. Yet this has bro-ught him face to face with a very vital prob' lem-how is he going to use his leisure hours to the best advantage? Most everyone's leisure is occupied by something that appeals to him per- sonally. Some call them hobbiesg others call them avocationsi but no matter what the name, they include all 'pursuits which may interest one. For example, learning to play a violin is as much a hobby as collecting stamps or buttertiies. Everyone chooses as his hobby something that interests him, that will bring him happiness, and de- velops his mind. To be specific: Sports, whether en- joyed from the fields or from the side- lines, is one of the most universal and perhaps the most beneficial ways to use leisure hours. For those participating it develops co-operation, fair play, and, most important of all, a keen mind. For those on the sidelines it develops the power of observation, so necessary for life today. For some, reading heads the list of worthy uses of leisure. There are good books to interest everyone, for articles have been written by people of all nations, of every occupation and field of interest. But whether a subject is of particular interest to the reader or not, it is always valuable to learn what someone else has said or thought about it. It is in this way that reading en- ables one to form his own conclusions, in a more satisfactory manner. Travelling is a very good way for one, particularly a business man, to oc' cupy his leisure hours, for it rests as well as educates him. It is also an ex' cellent means of preparing one for pleasant memories in the future, of filling the mind with pictures delightful to recall-pictures of experiences amus- ing or sorrowful, of people of the wealthy or poor class in a happy or sad -mood, or of scenes beautiful and joy- ous such as iVordsworth mentions when in referring to the field of daffo- dils he saw along the margin of a bay when a youth, he says, And oft when on my couch I lie, ln vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye iYhich is the bliss of Solitudef, ln addition to this, travel educates one. it is evident that if one actually