Pennell Institute - Whirlpool Yearbook (Gray, ME)

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‘The Whirlpool 7 In 1899 the present science laboratory was erected, a brick building to replace a former somewhat makeshift wooden structure. The old building was sold and moved from the campus in 1903 to the residence of J. W. Stevens, where it was used to house an acetylene gas plant. The courses gradually changed, being adapted little by little to the needs and demands of the students. In the early 'teen years, a teachers’ course was introduced, in the place of the so-called English course, which had somewhat overlapped the general course in usefulness. The new course, offered to Juniors and Seniors, gave training in psychology and teaching methods, and provided an opportunity for practice teaching for several weeks in town schools, under competent supervision. About this time the first school orchestra of four pieces was formed, under the leader- ship of Gardner Morrill, who played the clarinet, with Aldine Osgood, pianist; Evelyn Bishop, cellist; and an outside member. This orchestra was short-lived as a school group, tho' effective. During these years and as late as 1920, no dancing was permitted at school functions, so that class events ( most of which were held at Memorial Hall) were inevitably followed by a social of marching games. Then came the war, and many of Pennell’s graduates were among the more than 40 young men from Gray who served their country here and in France in the American army. One alumnus, LeRoy А. Fogg, of the class of 1911, met his death in service at Fort Williams in the fall of 1918. It is both signifi- cant and interesting that Major J. D. Anderson, trustee of Pennell Institute, welcomed on these school grounds the homecoming boys in 1919. For Major Anderson, when an officer in the Union Army, trained recruits on this same campus, then a muster grounds, for service in the Civil War. In the early '20's a period of change and readjustment took place at Pennell: Study hours were repealed, dancing was permitted, and the school took on a new lease of life. An increasing number of students continued their education after graduating; later the preparatory class was abolished. Musical groups including glee clubs and a school orchestra were formed; the WHIRLPOOL was launched. The teachers’ course was dropped, owing to new State requirements in teacher training. and an agricultural course was instituted. This was popular until supplanted a few years ago by a manual arts course for boys and a household arts course for girls. The scope of athletics has been increased with a consequently greater school spirit. Inter- scholastic prize speaking has been a great advantage. [= Not the least post- war change was the discovery and new application of the meaning of psychology in student and teacher relationships. Form- erly unguessed qualities of leadership are being developed until the present Sophomore student possesses as much assurance and initiative as the Senior of former days. With what surprise the compilers of the first catalog who wrote of the original building: The building is large, commodious and commanding, with room ample to accommodate all who will be likely at any time to attend, would view the fine new gymnasium, the splendid gift of Mr. George Newbegin! Probably no other change has contributed so much to the welfare and happiness of so many people in all the 50 years of the school's existence. The appreciation of the students and an active alumni body for this gift is very real. is а During all the years the school has maintained ап А rating at the State department and with the College Certificate Board. Pennell graduates have represented the school with credit at some of the largest and finest colleges in the country, and scattered over a wide area, are holding excellent positions of responsibility. Eva M. BISHOP, Class of 1914.

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The Whirlpool ü Editonials Guest Editorial An Historical Account of Pennell Р { rear of 1876, the main buildin Sixty-three GE a It ты WC Penne] Ноу еу ОШ Тш ене сотке, ' not opened until ten more years had expo lack of funds the school was р 930 00000 pited, or until Mr. Pennell's invested endowment o | : nad had time › соте. to Aer printed in 1887-8, or the second year of the school’, existence, shows a registration of 130 pupils and four teachers. Lee B. Hunt of Gray, and Bates A. M., was principal and teacher of Greek and sciences; Miss Emma Bickford taught modern languages and elocution; Miss Ida Brown taught mathematics and English: and Miss Clara B. Vinton (late Mrs. Lee B. Hunt) was special teacher of music and painting. Part of the time a fifth teacher for elocution was engaged, the first of whom was Mrs. A. M. Hawes. . Specific regulations for attendance at the new high school were made and remained in effect for about 30 years. They provided, in part, that the period between the hours of seven and nine each evening should be desig- nated study hours, during which time it would be an offence for a pupil to appear in public ог, in fact. to be seen anywhere but in his own home. Any student over ten years of age would be permitted to attend Pennell. The provision encouraged so many poorly equipped pupils to attend that a preparatory course of one year's studv, during which grade subjects were taught, was considered necessary preparation for entering the Freshman class. Earliest high school courses were: Higher English,” offering among other subjects German chemistry, and a choice of qualitative analysis or German physiology: a classical course requiring both Latin and German, also the study of geology, mineralogy, surveying, mental philosophy and political economy: and the college course with its three years of required Greek in addition to four years of Latin. The fall term frequently opened during the last week of August, and for more than 25 years, the year closed in the last week of May. Part of the time a fifth teacher for elocution was engaged, the first of whom was Mrs. A. M. Hawes. t In 1889 the first class of six members was graduated after three years шуш сык jus lady student wore any style or color of gradus i E ЛҮ. E E and black was often seen—also red and other co n dress might hr SM en pu оше nain Dn n xdi MIU mu son , and the young men were sometimes gf in parliamentary he a oe т proficiency of its members in Варва е к H SUEDE uU puce composition and public reading of еи two weeks during each € society held meetings at the Institute onc К 'ng each term and continued in existence over the turn of th century, T : , : : day ы Einem berment rhetoricals were popular 1n ra à pemoies. So much i i tions tha representatives of the h interest was there in declama chool were sent ll to Orono and to : annually for several years : ас сону College to compete in statewide interscholastic prize speaking

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8 The ‘Whirlpool Extra-Curricula Activities From a student viewpoint some of the changes and improvements in extra-curricula activities at Pennell this year have been noteworthy. We students particularly like the decreased emphasis on ranks alone, and the increased attention to more full participation in outside activities. For the first time this year students of average ability have a chance to be on an honor roll. This new honor roll is called the Good Citizenship List and has requirements that most students can meet: Passing grade and participa- tion in three or more outside activities. One of the most pleasing things to the writer is to see not only the large number making the list but also the number of students who have above average rank. To accomplish this change a much larger number of worthwhile out- side activities was needed. For the first time in years we have had extensive interclass and interschool sports, the musical organizations have been aug- mented, developed and put right in the regular school curriculum, and as a group we have participated in all school hikes. roller skating parties, visit to the auto show, and game periods. We students easily see that through the efforts of our faculty, Pennell is regaining its former rank in schools of its size. Let us, as students, cooper- ate with the faculty and work for the school by competing in activities and specializing in those in which we are best suited. In this way we can place Pennell first in sports and activities as it has been in the past. ANNIE THIBODEAU. Student Council Student council this year has filled a much-needed place in our school life. For a long time we have needed a student governing board to take up and discuss student problems, and to help govern the school with the fac- ulty. With this in mind we took particular care to see that the students we elected were truly representative of our classes. In this modern world of Dictatorships peoples are not only losing freedom, but all ability to govern themselves. To preserve our democracy we must not only be taught democratic principles but we must actually put them in practice. We must be able to choose good representatives, to carry responsibility, to learn to govern ourselves, and to abide by the majority decision. In closing we have one suggestion to make: We should have next year more student participation, we should carry more responsibility, and we should, through student pressure, either influence or abide by the decision of these chosen representatives. Bas: Senior Class In September, 1938, the Class of '39 started on its final year at Pen- nell Institute. We now have the main room to ourselves as the Juniors are housed in the new laboratory. At the first class meeting Ralph Sawyer was elected president; Everett Doughty, vice-president; June Hall, secretary; and Arvilla Humphrey, treasurer. Willis Hancock and Arvilla Humphrey were chosen Senior repre- sentatives to serve on the student council. Mr. Richards is our class advisor.