Pembroke High School - Mattakeesett Yearbook (Pembroke, MA)

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THROUGH THE TOWN Mary sat by the frosty window in the corner and stared out listlessly at the gleaming white snow on the road. She heard Tom get up and go to the stove, but she made no move to help him. All this lonely tired woman could think about on this Christmas Eve was her only son, jim, whom she had loved more than anything else in the world, and whose life had been taken in the last war. She kept asking herself how could Tom possibly go to church without jim, jim who was now lying under a gravestone in the cold desolate snow. Tom had pleaded with her all day long to go to church, saying that-jim would have liked to have her there on Christmas Eve, but she just couldn't hear him. No, she just couldn't make herself go to church to face the inquisitive eyes of all her friends. She had tried to tell Tom how apart she felt from all the people in town and how like a stranger she must seem to them. Mary sat up in the rocker as Clara Williams and some fool young man went by. Clara had beenjim's sweetheart before he went away. Mary had never liked her and had always told jim that he could not possibly have any future happiness with her. As Mary was sitting in the chair she cringed with jealousy. That girl had had her son's affections! More ofjim's former friends went by laughingg none seemed to notice the forlorn woman sitting lonely in a window. Mary heard. the door slam as Tom went out, and she saw his heavy, hunched figure drag slowly down the street. Suddenly her heart was filled with pity for her husband that he should, in his awkward way, still want to understand and comfort her. But her compassionate mood left her quickly and again she was feeling sorry for herself. She had to live in a world so full of unhappiness. She little realized that in order for anyone to be happy he must, himself, make things right. Suddenly the room seemed to stifle Mary and she hurried to be out in the cool brisk air. She walked through the street gazing at the cheerful homes whose gay lights seemed to wink at her. She walked toward the small cemetery, passed through the creaking gate and sat down on a marble seat, so cold that she shivered. She sat, sat and stared at her son's gravestone until tears so long pent up inside, were released and slowly trickled down her wrinkled face. She heard the gate click. A step approached her, but she couldn't stop her weeping. A man's voice was saying, Go ahead and have it out, honey! It will do you good! Tom put his arm around her. 'jim wouldn't have liked to see you this way. You've been think- ing too much and blaming yourrself for something for which you weren't responsible. Mary raised her face, Oh! Tom, I see it all so clearly now. I have been letting my love for-Jim consume me and have shut my eyes to you and all the comfort and happiness you have given me. But, I see now, Tom, and I'll never shut my eyes again! Mary, we will be happy, you and I, and our lives are just starting. Come to church, won't you? I'm coming, Tom! Mary put her willing hand into the big one of her husband and together they walked out of the cemetery on their happy Christmas Eve. ANN BAIRD, '53 'l-56 l'

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SCHOL AR SHI PS Where else but in America do students have a chance to get a college education free? Only in a democracy such as the one in which we live. Pembroke is certainly lucky to be a part of such a democracy, for qualified students here have opportunities to receive scholarships and additional financial aid through loans. First and foremost of the scholarships available to Pembroke students is that given by the Parent Teachers Association. In 1935, for the first time, one hundred dollars was pre- sented to the student whose scholastic standing, depth of intellectual interest, and leadership was outstanding. At the present time the organization gives two hundred dollars annually. In june of 1948 a fifty dollar scholarsh'p was presented for the first time by the Pembroke Teachers' Club. The scholarship was awarded on the basis of character, citizenship, participation in extra-curricular activities, scholarship and need. This award need not be spent for tuition, nor is it necessary to enroll at a four year college in order to receive it. Two years ago the Pembroke Grange presented a sum of money which was to be awarded to that student who had excelled in the literary field in school. This year The House and Community Service Committee of the Grange plans again to make a scholarship award to a deserving senior who plans to continue his education and has been accepted at a college. One other scholarship was given at graduation june, 1949, but the donors wished to remain anonymous. The recipient of this was one who exemplified the best in all phases of academic achievement and extra-curricular activities during his entire school career. Injune, 1948, that graduation class laid the ground work for the organization of an Alumni Association which would annually sponsor a scholarship by giving from its class funds the sum of fifty dollars toward that project. This beginning was continued by the class of 1949 which also left a sum of money toward a permanent scholarship fund. These humble beginnings are the foundation upon which the present energetic Alumni Association is building-and plans are to make the award an annual graduation event so that a worthy, needy student may have the necessary help to further his education. In 1889 Edward Y. Perry of Hanson, in his will, made a bequest of money to be maintained perpetually as a loan fund for the aged needing assistance. The provision was also made that financial aid be made available to students who are to go on to higher educational institutions from Hanson, Hanover, and Pembroke. The amount which any one student may receive in one school year is limited to one hundred dollars, but he may receive this help during his college career, providing he needs the aid and is worthy of it. And so ends the story of scholarships in our little town of Pembroke. Who knows but what another year more will become available! A college education free? Where else but in these United States of America! JACK WATSON, '52 WHEN JOYCIE WIPES THE DISHES Joyce dances and sings, It takes her hours, And sighs and wishes, Then when she's through, Does everything else, It's almost time Except-the dishes! To start anew! DIANE BISHOP, '55 -i55 I

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LETTERS TO SANTA Letters to Santa in black and white, Written in bed with much delight, Crossed out words and blotches of ink, Asking for baby dolls all dressed in pink, Cowboy suits, spurs, boots and a gun, And candy enough for everyone! Letters to Santa of Yuletide joys, From adolescent girls and boys, Watches, rings, and a ball point pen, To be under the Christmas tree in the den, Everyone happy that joyous day, Those letters urge Santa Claus to ride their way. CHARLOTTE MATHEWS, '53 RETURN OF CHRISTMAS When holly wreaths hang on our door And lights are everywhere, It seems we could not ask for more Such joy, for goodwill is here and there. When Christmas trees are set aglow In each and every home We thrill anew for well we know This season we'll not roam. When this bright time comes back again We have the joy of giving Peace fills our hearts and we find then We've learned the way of living! AND NOT A VIOLIN When I was just a tiny girl I thought I'd like a fiddle, But Mother said they were so large And I was just too little! But two more years I grew to be A youngster, just turned ten My Dad gave me, on my birthday, A lovely violin! I pulled the bow across the strings To see if it would play- From off-key sounds that did come forth Soon learned I-that's not the way! Oh well, I tugged and tugged and toyed with it, Pulling bow 'cross strings and then I realized that I wanted fun, And not a violin! BARBARA STYRON, '54 WINTER The leaves have fallen off the trees, The shrubs are turning brown, And soon the snow will gently fall, To cover the ground. All the birds are flying south All the trees are bare And all the flowers have gone to bed, To spend the winter there. PRISCILLA WAGNER, '54 JANET WHITAKER, '54 4571