Plainfield High School - Hermiad Yearbook (Central Village, CT)

Page 18 text:

12 THE HERMIAD out of harm, moral as well as physical. It was compulsory that we carry a lantern for, because of the heat in the middle of the day. school began before dawn. In the middle of the day we took a nap after which there was a session. In school we were taught arithmetic, language and history. VVe also had to learn one motto every day. We used tablets and stili. The tablets were made of wood. with.raised edges around waxed surfaces. The writing was done by Stlll, pointed instru- ments. The teacher often held in his hand a Roman book: this was a long and unwieldy strip of papyrus which was kept rolled when not in use. A reader took the roll in both hands, unrolling columns with the right hand and rolling them with the left hand. These are the details of my life. ek? A BOY fHilliarcl H. Smith--19313 W'eak and irresolute is a boy: His purpose of today, Gotten up without much joy, Tomorrow rends away. Some habit tights 'gainst his intent. Finds out his weaker part: Studies may now gain his assent, But pleasure wins his heart. The schoo'boy goes to school each day, And then begins to workg He knows that shfrking doesn't pay: But he's still inc'ined to shirk. All day long he fools in school: He doesn't pay attention: Hut-at th' end of the month he's very sad, In a state of great suspension. And when his report card he does get. To him a great big kick, lt's the worst he ever got, as yet. And it makes him very sick.

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THE HERMIAD lf he then decides to work, If he says, I'll begin right now, Anil if he newer again will shirk, He'll surely have good luck--and howl Therefore, wise men decide 'tis best. Not to indu'ge in too much jest. T!-IE SOPHOMORE AUCTION fHelen Jarosz-19325 I dreamed a dream in the midst of my slumbers, And as fast as I dreamed it, it came in sad numbers. My thoughts ran along in such beautiful meter, I am sure I've not heard any poetry sweeter. It seemed that a law had recently been made, That a tax on poor Sophomores' heads should be laid And in order to make them all seekers of knowledge, The tax was so great that they'll soon be in college. The Sophomofes grumbled and said 'twas no use, That 'twas wicked injustice and horrid abuse. They declared that to save their heart's blood from On such a great tax they would not pay a shilling. liut the rulers determined them still to pursue, And set all the Sophomores up at vendue. A crier was sent through the school to and fro, To ratt'e his bells and his trumpet to blow: And to call to all he might meet on his way: I-Io! Fifty young 'Sophs' to be sold here today. And then all the Seniors and Juniors bold Came to carry away all the treasure foretold. The auctioneer then on his labors began, And called out aloud as he held up a man: spilling