Pittsfield High School - Yearbook (Pittsfield, MA)

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must 'face the future' with rational plans for social security was a widespread con- viction, the need for which was proclaimed in the pulpit, on the platform, in gatherings of 'experts', from business and professional forums, in conventions of the people, in the press. Due to such fervent national opinion, plans and laws for greater security went into effect. A policy of intervention by the government seemed to take the place of free enterprise. The Agricultural Adjustment Act of 193 3 endeavoured to raise the price of basic agricultural commodities by dimin- ishing production and controlling market operations. In 1936 justice Roberts of the Supreme Court declared the law unconstitutional on the ground that it was the right of the state, not of Congress, to regulate agriculture in the state. In trying to give security, Congress had overstepped the Constitution, the protection of our democracy. In 1934 the Cotton Control Act limited the amount of produc- tion of cotton in order to help the hardpressed farmer. Both of these acts, in attempting to render the people more secure, had rendered the government more powerful. Each was a step toward greater security, less liberty. Complete security can be granted only in a dictatorship. It can be gained through the interposition of the government in all fields of endeavour, and the re- moval of freedom of enterprise, both of which would destroy the very roots of democracy. The citizens of Russia, Italy, and Germany have far more economic security than the people of the United States. Yet George Counts points out, Although the ultimate course of Fascism defies prediction, and although a regime of 'law and order' has been indubitably established, there is every reason for be- lieving that Italian business men have been profoundly disillusioned and would give much to restore that freedom of enterprise which the Fascist State has des- troyed. In demanding one's liberty, security asks too high a price. Yet all men need some security. They should feel secure that in their country they will have the right to work and to succeed. Men must realize, however, the profound truth which Emerson advanced when he wrote, No kernel of nourish- ing corn can come to him fmanl but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till. A true American should till his oppor- tunitiesg he should challenge the Fates, hoping for the success of his endeavour, and if he fails, with fearless optimism and unflinching perseverance he himself should rebuild his world, without demanding or desiring the interference of the government. Because the great men who did the most to shape our democracy believed in men's own efforts for success, they wrote into the Constitution that every man has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Washing- ton, Madison, and Adams guaranteed the right to pursue happiness, not to acquire it. Security should not be a leading figure on the American stage. It is not in the American heritage, nor is it a part of the American dream, the dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with op- portunities for each, according to his ability or achievement. America is a young nation, and, like youth, should be brave and eager and daring. Let us preserve the American ideal of freedom, and let us fulfill the American dream by giving the opportunity to man, not the achievement. Sail, sail thy best, ship of Democracy, Of value is thy freight, 'tis not the Present only, The Past is also stored in thee ...... 77

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History of the Class of 1940 N irretrievable loss was suffered by the junior high schools of Pittsfield one beautiful day in june, 193 7, for it was at that time that the Class of '40 moved toward its new home, the million-dollar high school. But it was not until a marvelous ten-week vacation was succeeded by a delightfully cool, invigorating September that that memorable class of brilliant students, with radiance beaming from their faces, with chests swelled to the limit, with shoulders straightened - and with quaking hearts - marched up the wide staircase and entered the portals of Pittsfield High School. Immediately there was a tragic, amazing transforma- tion. The former lords of the junior high school succumbed to the trembling in their hearts. just a number of meek, insignificant sophies huddled together in that large auditorium, awaiting their instructions. With watering mouths the hungry juniors and seniors had looked forward to this day. This was their day, and they immediately took advantage of their supposed superiority. They scoffed at the very apparent bewilderment of the newcomers. And when the trusting youngsters who made up the sophomore class asked the upperclassmen for directions, you can well imagine what happened. However, as the noble juniors and wise seniors gradually came to realize and appreciate the abilities of our illustrious class - for, incredible as it may seem, this is a portrayal of our class - the scoffing and teasing ceased. With notice- able sighs of relief we settled down to enjoy the many opportunities that the school offered. Our activities were diversified indeed. Several of our classmates found room for themselves in the many athletic projects open to them. Others of us flocked to the Debating and Glee Clubs, the staff of The Student's Pen , and the newly organized Motion Picture Club. No matter what our individual talents, we found that there were clubs and activities for everyone. Time passed quickly, so quickly, indeed, that it was not long before the budding of trees and the twittering of birds heralded the coming of spring. Spring fever was upon us, and rare was the sophie who could shake off the inertia that benumhed his senses as the spring term slipped away. Thus, almost without the sophs' realizing it, the days ofjune, 1938, became history. Suddenly it dawned upon us that no longer would we be associated with the lowly worm - not at all - now we would be the monarchs of all we surveyed fexcept seniorsj. Elevated to dignified rank, the following autumn we returned to P. H. S. as juniors. Our most pressing and serious task was carried out when we elected class officers. john Grady was elected president. Robert Wood became first vice-president, Delores Dondi, second vice-president, Barbara Myers, secretary, and Mary Ann Carnevale, treasurer. At the same time, Mr. james A. Conroy was chosen class adviser. Soon after the election of officers we agreed upon monthly dues of twenty-five cents. No doubt it was our eagerness to cooperate which prompted us all Csome of us, anywayl to pay those dues regularly. 79