Quincy High School - Goldenrod Yearbook (Quincy, MA)

Page 10 text:

THE GOLDEN-ROD. that neither the long devotion of Mr. Keith, nor the restless energy and well directed activity of Mr. Lull, nor the originality of Mr. Horne, nor the en- thusiasm and high culture of our pres- ent incumbent, Mr. Tupper, could make up for the lack of those material accessories, without which every en- deavor may be rendered in a measure sterile. Words are utterly inadequate to ex- press the satisfaction which we feel in the contemplation of this vast, com- modious and beautiful edifice; forming so striking a contrast to the ill-arranged quarters heretofore occupied by our JOSEPH M. SHEAIIAN, M. D., Sub-committee of High School. pupils, and I hope that the old building will be retained to serve for all times as a monument, both of the patience of the teachers, and the perseverance of the scholars. We dedicate this building today to the cause of education, and to the still higher principle of equal rights of man- kind. We know that all are not cre- ated alike, but we contend that every one is entitled before the law to the full development of his mental re- sources, and to the full fruition of any intellectual culture which he may have given himself. In the words of the great Napoleon, “ Every career should be open to talents,” or as Abraham Lincoln expressed it later in more homely phrase, “ Every man has the right to be the equal of another, if he can.” Here no race, no creed, no color shall form a discrimination, but united in a sacred brotherhood all our children shall learn to respect and esteem each other as citizens of this great Com- monwealth and of this glorious repub- lic. And we dedicate this structure to the common Father of us all, believing as we do, that in no other wav can a more worthy appreciation of His love and providence be acquired then through the study of His works. “ For we doubt not, through the ages, one increasing purpose runs, And the thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns.” And it is in that reverent spirit that we shall begin the exercises with a choral by the children, after which I will ask our kind friend, Rev. Daniel Munro Wilson, to invoke the divine blessing. flusic and Prayer. The school had but one brief rehear- sal in the morning, but such is the musical proficiency of High school pupils that the chorus was well ren- dered. Rev. D. M. Wilson’s prayer was ap- propriate to the occasion. Contractor Mellen was not present to announce the completion of the building. Commissioner Eaton, In delivering the building spoke as follows : Mayor Hodges, at the beginning of the year I was appointed Commissioner of Public Works by you, and with other duties, came the erection of this building. I have attended to my duty and the building is finished, and as commissioner; it is my duty to present you with the keys of the building.

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THE GOLDEN-ROD. THE DEDICATION. Quince’s Grand New Higl) 5dI)ool building For- mally Opened. —TI)e Governor of Common- wealfl) and Offers Address ci Very Ear ere Gathering. [From the Quincy J)a ily Ledger.] One of the largest indoor gatherings which ever assembled in Quincy was that on Tuesday afternoon at the dedi- cation of our grand new High School bui ding. The attractions were many —the tine building, of which the Daily Ledger gave a fine description on Monday, the presence of the Governor of the commonwealth ; the presenta- tion of a flag by the Grand Army ; and a band of music But many were there because they take a pride in our High School and the great progress it has made of late. Many of the alumni wished they might again be enrolled where there was so much to encourage one to strive for a high education. They noticed arrange- ments which were unfamiliar to them and were surprised at the grandeur of everything. All the conveniences of a modern High school are there. It was a popular gathering. No in- vitations had been issued except to the Governor and our city government, and seats were reserved for these only. The pupils of last June, however, oc- cupied seats on the right of the plat- form, and under the direction of Mrs. Smith led the singing, which was a feature of the programme. The main study room, although the largest hall in Quincy, was entirely inadequate to accommodate the crowd. Shortly after the appointed hour the exercises commenced and were carried out according to the following pro- gramme : President of the Day, Dr. Joseph M. Sheahan Chorus, High School Invocation, Rev. DanielMunro Wilson Delivery of Building to Mayor, Commissioner of Public Works William N. Eaton Response, His Honor, Mayor William A. Hodges Acceptance, Chairman of School Board Emery L. Crane Reception of Keys, Head Master Frederic Allison Tupper Remarks, Superintendent II. W. Lull Address, His Excellency Gov. Frederic T. Greenhalge Ode, “ My Quincy by the Sea ” High School Words by Frederic Allison Tupper Presentation of Flag, Paul Revere Post 88, G. A. R. I. M. Holt, Commander Star Spangled Banner, High School Soloist, Miss Mary F. White Joseph n. Sheahan, fl. D., Sub-committee of the High school, was introduced as president of the day, and spoke as follows : I have just received a letter from one whose name is familiar to us all, and who has served us faithfully many years in the capacity of superintendent, Mr. George I. Aldrich (applause), in which, regretting his inability to be present, he speaks of this as an im- portant event. It is, indeed, an im- portant event. It marks an era in the history of our High school. We of the school board have been painfully conscious of the defects of the former building and we recognized

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THE GOLDEN-ROD. flayor Hodges, In response and transfer to School Committee, said : Mr. Commissioner—In closing my association with you, so far as this building is concerned, I desire to thank you for the uniform courtesy extended to me during its construction. I also wish to thank you on behalf of the taxpayers and all the citizens for the care, energy and patience displayed in seeing that their interests were well guarded. Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the School Board—It is now my duty to transmit to you, who are its proper custodians, this building erected for educational purposes. To some of us who are familiar with the schoolhouses as they appeared scat- tered throughout New England fifty years ago, this elegantly equipped and well finished building may seem some- what extravagant. But if the results derived from it by our children and all others who are benefitted by it are as large in proportion as the cost, I think none of us will be dissatisfied, and from the well-known reputation of the Quincy school system, which extends beyond the limits of our city and is known and talked about outside the boundaries of New England, I feel as- sured that our highest hopes and ex- pectations will be realized. I now have the honor of presenting you the keys. we have been constantly in doubt. First when the location was in dispute, as to where it was to be, then when the plans were being debated, as to what it was to be, and during last summer when the date of completion seemed somewhat vague as to when it was to be. Happily now all our doubts are over. The building is finished and ready for occupancy and the Board for two or three years, at least, can cease from troubling about the High school. It only remains for us to make the best possible use of it and return to the taxpayers interest on the money in- emery l. crane, Chairman of School Committee. Chairman Crane of School Board, In acceptance of the building, spoke as follows: Mr. Mayor: The School Board glad- ly takes charge of this building which you have just turned over to them for the use of the schools. The erection of a building such as this has been de- sired by them for a long time, for as you well know the problem of provid- ing accommodations for the pupils of the High school during the last few years has been a most perplexing one. Siuce this building was first talked of vested, not of course in dollars and cents, but in the increased intelligence and the broad unsectarian patriotism of their children which should be the guiding spirit of all good citizens. Mr. Mayor, in behalf of the Board I wish to thank you for your courtesy to them in all matters connected with the erec- tion of this building. Mr. Tuoper: In placing you in charge of this building as Headmaster of the High school, the Board has the utmost confidence in your ability to make use of it in the best way. When we recall the results obtained by your