Quincy High School - Goldenrod Yearbook (Quincy, MA)

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Quincy High Schoo Bradford Library Tin: (iOLDKX.Ron. nose. If it were not a bogus scheme, why, I was the very girl for the place. I walked briskly down town into the commercial office, crowded already by those who were ahead of me, people of dif- ferent kinds and descriptions. “ Ah,” said a gray-haired, good looking gentleman, when my turn came, “ and so, my dear, you wish to help us in our wonderful air-ship scheme. Come right into my office and we will talk things over.” We talked steadily for over two hours, and the plan of action was that live people should enter millionaire Fiske’s air ship, make a journey to the planet Mars, and ascertain whether or not the planet was inhabited and what the nature of the country was. I listened with misgivings at first, but finally became en- thusiastic. I was extremely fond of astronomy and besides, I became convinced that the scheme was feasible, and ended in promising to be on hand the next day. He introduced me to the other four in the party, three gentlemen and one lady. There was one man of perhaps forty, stout, florid and jolly. He reminded me of my father. The second gentleman was tall, gaunt and cynical, and to him the stout one, whose nick-name was “ Bud,” always gave the name of “ Baby,” though I hardly saw the reason why. Whom did he make me think of ? Why, Uncle Henry to be sure. It is peculiar that entire strangers will resemble each other. The third was a young man. He smiled at me in a rather mocking manner, but his eyes were blue and pleasant, so that I did not feel disconcerted, yet I knew my cheeks flushed. That was the way Uncle Henry's second cousin had looked at me when we—but never mind that. I suppose the young fellow, whose name was “Sanky,” thought I looked too young for such an undertaking, but I turned away with as much dignity as I could muster and was introduced to a patient-faced little woman of perhaps fifty-five. It seemed a long journey for such a frail little body, but I said nothing. I walked back home in a state of exultation. I should be rich and famous at one throw 1 It seemed hardly five minutes before I returned, the next morning, and found the party wait- ing for me. All of us were in excellent spirits, and we entered the Fiske airship with no feeling of fear. The stout gentleman took charge of everything and every- bodj , and was very kind and comfortable, so I immediately made him my guardian and shunned the young fellow with the laugh- ing eyes, and the sharp-nosed cynical “ Baby.” I had been studying the face of my companions and had noticed our surroundings, but now I looked out and saw that— well, that nothing at all. Where were we ? A big star was right at my elbow. I saw then that we had left home and earth far behind, and I might never see either again! I began to tremble, but the stout gentleman’s face reassured me, and I began to enjoy everything. “ This is Venus,” said the gaunt man. “Isn’t she pretty ?” I nodded. My tongue seemed glued, but now my attention was drawn to what apj eared to be a bubble. Oh, what could it be ? It was coming right towards us, and even now the little airship began to wobble. The next minute a terrible rush of air seemed almost to upset us. It certainly was a miracle that we were not all tumbled out. The air was bitter cold, and I could not see my hand before me. A terrible crack caused me to jump, but a strong band pulled me down. Such a roaring and hissing! I shut my eyes, but opened them almost immediately, as a fearful lurid glow lit up the heavens. Sharp streaks of fire played about us, and again it occurred to me that the airship was still master. An awful gas seemed to stifle me. I fell, and then came to, to find myself lying in the bottom of the ship, the sweet little woman looking anxiously at me, and the tantalizing smile gone from Sanky’s blue eyes. “How, what—” I began. “Never mind now,” the little woman whispered. “It was a severe storm, but all is serene now. See, there it goes.” I took my former place and saw the big bubble going on its journey, the most beautiful colors playing upon its surface. I was numb with cold but the air was becoming warmer. The stout gentleman explained to me that the reason we had kept upright was because millionaire Fiske, being a chemist, had made his airship on an unusual plan. He had invented a substance, magnetic in property, which would keep the air-ship upright in all weather, on account of the great attraction. More- over, the ship was extremely light, so we need never fear any danger. For a time we sailed serenely on, passing many famil- iar planets but always steering for Mars. Once we saw a flock of little stars, turning round rapidly. They were very tiny and of different colors, and made a pretty showing. We were now approaching the object of our search. Mars looked promising, but how strange. The foliage was blue and the hills were composed of yellow dirt or perhaps gold. I was wondering how we could land and see more when we increased speed violently. Uh, what a shame! Mars was fast receding, and where were we going? I looked at the stout gentleman's face and saw that he had turned pale and seemed to have lost his presence of mind. Surely something serious must have happened for he was always tranquil. I saw “ Sanky ” looking at me with a pitying look, when suddenly came a terrible shock. Our magnetic machine was being drawn by the sun and soon we should be consumed. Already the heat was becom- ing intense and I felt sick. The glare was terrible; we were being drawn into a mountain of fire. Myriads of little imps seemed to mock me. In another second we should be dead. Nearer, nearer, just one stretch and all would be gone. Now tor it! Ah — “Why Bess, you poor child,” it was mother’s voice, “are you all right now?” she was saying. “You tripped and hit your head on the fender and your forehead seems to be burning up.” Oh, such a relief! I was lying in my own little room, in no horrible air-ship: I was back on the earth and had never been in a terrible atmosphere. “ Uncle Henry is here, Bess, and if you feel that you can speak to him, go down.” I went slowly down stairs. Uncle Henry met me with the words, “Bess, I’ve decided that you and Ted had better marry aud take a trip around the world.” I looked at him with amazement and joy. But then I thought: “Perhaps Ted would not care to,” I whispered aud looked for Uncle Henry. He had gone and there stood Ted in his place, the old defiant look gone and—need I say it, we eujoyed our wed- ding trip, and although it was not made in an air-ship, an Amer- ican liuer is highly satisfactory. Mabel Dokman, ’03.

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THE GOLDEN-ROD. had accomplished in heavy gymnastic work during the year. All of the difficult feats were done with no mistake. Swedish gymnastics by the juniors proved interesting, and serpentine ladder and rope climbing, free exercises, facings and marching were shown. The “bounding balls” by the seniors was done in perfect rhythm and grace. The special feats accomplished by six girls were fine. Their wand drill followed and was loudly encored. Then excitement galore! The competition vaulting and rocking races between the two classes ! Sixteen girls began the vaulting, eight from each class, but as the bar went higher and higher, they dropped out till only three were left, two juniors and a senior. The senior girl was short, only five feet, two inches tall, but she vaulted six inches above her head. She could not reach it as it was put up the next time and a junior Avon, vaulting five feet, nine inches. The rocking race with three girls in each boat was won by the juniors. Such wild excite- ment as there was when the senior boat stuck on the floor! The fencing, especially the assault fencing, was graceful and the seniors deserve great credit. The salutes were stately and grand. The relaxing and msthetic postures by the juniors were clapped as quite a little tragedy was acted out in the poses. Both the Indian clubs and aesthetic dancing by the seniors were done in an easy, graceful way, winning great applause. Last of all came the relay rowing race between the two classes. It was a tie ! Each class had four crews, and excitement reigned supreme as the crews changed. Two girls fell overboard but were rescued and the great event was over. The course is now a three years’ course ; before it has been only two years, hence the terms, seniors and juniors. Edna Lewis Smith, 1902. BOSTON COOKING SCHOOL. Few people realize what a wide field of study is opened to one who wishes to become a teacher of cookery, and a word about the work at the Boston Cooking School may give some new thoughts in that direction. In the old High School days we learned a few facts about Chemistry. Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon and Nitrogen seemed quite unsympathetic with our struggles for master}’. Now, our lectures in Botany, Physiology, Chemistry and general compo- sition of foods, incite our interest, for we learn that the most de- licious morsel of meat or bread, or confection, we have ever eaten was composed of at least three of the above-named ele- ments. Dietetics tells us how much to eat, while by a study of Psychology we learn how, as teachers, to present a subject to children. But all of this theory would not make a good cook, and practical work takes up a large part of our time, and we find that our results depend largely on the amount of attention we give, and accuracy with which we work. Perhaps, most impor- tant of all, we must remember that—to adopt Ruskin’s definition of cooking—“ It means that we are to be perfectly and always ladies ( i. e. loaf-givers), and as we see that everybody has some- thing pretty to wear, so we are to see that everybody has some- thing nice to eat.” Sarah Isabel Litch, ’02. A NARROW ESCAPE (?) Timely Assistance of Mathematics Teacher Saves the Lives of Nearly oOO Students—Submaster Narrowly Escapes Suffocation Under a Blanket. Quincy, April 10, 1903. There was intense excitement on the third floor of the Quincy High School this morning when a brisk lire was found burning in the waste basket in the drawing room. The waste basket and contents were a total loss, while the expensive furni- ture of the room was badly damaged, incurring a loss of upwards of $500. The drawing teacher discovered the fire at 11.13 o’clock, and at that time it had gathered so much headway that nssist- ance had to be called. Almost in a swoon, the teacher rushed madly to the physical laboratory, where the expounder of New- ton’s laws ct cetera was busily engaged with a class of juniors. When warned of the danger, he rushed like mad through the hall to tile chemical laboratory to get the blanket, kept there for fire purposes in the absence of the fire extinguishers, which were in Boston for repairs. It happened that in that room, the genial submaster was sitting directly under the blanket, but down it came, nearly cutting off au extremely long Greek verb. Taking it again in his excited hand, the disciple of Newton rushed through the hall, and without a moment’s delay the burn- ing basket was enveloped in the blanket. Many were the words of praise and thanks to the brave saviours of the five hun- dred pupils. During the fire there came near being a panic in Room 13, and had it not been for the cool-headed teacher, who safely guided her youngsters down the fire escape, the consequences might have been of a serious nature. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it is supposed that a mouse, escaping from the Turner Zoological gardens, carried a match to the basket and attempted to gnaw it. THROUGH MID-AIR TO MARS. PASSENGERS WANTED! A chance to earn $5,000.00 by taking a short {'ourney incurring great risk, but no expense. Only adies and gentlemen mentally and physically sound need apply to----, State sire -t, Boston, Mass., as early as possible. Such was the startling announcement that met my eye in a leading city paper. What was the object? I pondered deeply. I needed just that sum of money for carrying out a scheme that I had had in mind for two years. “Guess I’ll investigate it! It will do no harm, and no one need be the wiser,” was my next thought, so I immediately dressed for the street and set out. Here was a chance! I was, I flattered myself, sound men- tally and physically. Ever since I had left college I had wished to take a journey around the globe, visiting every place of inter- est and studying foreign cities and people. But my parents had said, “No, if your rich uncle were more generous you might have your wish.” But now I could manage myself, take my dear little mother and tweak Uncle Henry Reynolds by the

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THE GOLDEN-ROD. LOCALS. Lost, strayed or stolen—Brains from History IV class. Heard in History I—“Can justices of the peace marry?” Teacher—“Certainly if they get a chance.” W. B. wishes to know if anyone has an extra smile to lend him occasionally. Wanted—A hosiery department for the benefit of some of the would-be “ fussers ”—combination of blue and red socks, also pink ones, especially desirable. We advise the janitor to fulfil his duties in regard to the care of the fire apparatus on the third floor, or some day he may, to his sorrow, find a hair dresser’s bill awaiting his payment, as future victims may not be as lenient as the first one(s). The subject of putting a high board fence between the boys’ and girls’ side of the study hall is being seriously considered. Wanted by Mr. J-w-11—another companion with whom to walk at recess. The typewriters are very trying to the nerves of one of our “professerins ” who frequently has a language class in an adjoining room. The pupils on record at the High School number about 560, but numerous furry individuals, hungry for knowledge (?) ap- pear at intervals, to the great dismay of some of the feminine portion of the faculty and school. It carries us back to our primary school days when we hear the chorus obediently reciting “ Good morning ” to our music instructor. Will one of the teachers kindly give information as to the correct position of the chalk in the black-board grooves of Room 12 ? Our science teacher is also authority on the cause and effects of thunder showers. The assistant teachers, whose duty it is to clear up the type- writing room at the end of school, would like to petition for a waste-basket- It grieves us to find that one of our mathematics teachers has changed (?) her title to “ Mrs.”—or so it has been recently announced by the one in high authority. Congratulations are in order for a member of our last year’s faculty—the engagement of Miss Florence L. Ilayes to Mr. Justin Emery of Wollaston being recently announced. The classes of ’00, ’01 and ’02 held a reunion, Saturday eve- ning, January 3rd, at the school hall. The Tech. Musical Clubs gave a concert, over an hour in length, after which there was dancing until 11.30, in which all participated. The members are anticipating much pleasure at another reunion next fall. Memorial Day exercises were held at the High School, Fri- day morning, May 20th. They included singing and recitations by the members of the school, besides a splendid address by Major E. T. Bouve, followed by appropriate remarks by Col.C. H. Porter and representatives from the local Post,—Comrades Merrill, Seaver and Pierce. The annual May concert given by the school, under the direction of Mr. E. Landis Snyder, was up to the usual high standard. The reception given by the Juniors to the Seniors this year took the form of a May-day dance which was held at High School hall on the evening of May first. It was largely attended and everyone pronounced it a grand success. The upper classes gave their annual reception to the foot- ball team Saturday evening, December 19th. Progressive games were a feature, and refreshments were served at the close of an enjoyable evening. Miss Fish accompanied a number of the pupils to Richard Mansfield’s production of Shakespeare’s play, Julius Ca-sar, last winter. Miss Kennedy has given her scholars great pleasure by tak- ing them on several botanical excursions. H. I), was asked by one of the teachers to remain after school a few minutes for her, but “ he couldn’t possibly stay.” About ten minutes afterwards he was found by the same teacher, earnestly engaged in conversation with some pretty Junior girls. Three mice were found in the office trap the other morning —we wonder if they were attracted by crumbs from the editors’ luuch of the noon previous. French I. D. has a dog which “ agitates its tail.” I wonder if that is the only thing which is agitated. Cr-wl-y—“ What does it mean when a sign reads, “ All tres- passers will be persecuted to the full extent of the law ? ’ ” It must have brought back vivid memories of childish wrongs when one of our instructors was imprisoned for a short time in the dark deep depths of the supply room. We do not know whether to attribute this accident to the insignificance of the prisoner, or to the fault of the optician whom his jailor pat- ronizes. A member of French II is thinking seriously of going into the confectionery business. The following may prove useful to him:—“ For candy dates, see Mrs. Lincoln’s cook book, page 1001, or Huyler’s candy store, Tremont street, Boston.” In Junior Latin—Redolentgue thymo fragrantia mella, “And the fragrant honey smells like time.” H. M. A Senior youth taking French II has recently discovered a new addition to the human body—“ the right thumb of the middle hand.” We still catch dim glimpses of the new building through a dense fog, but whether it is advancing or retreating, we have not yet found out. The last week in May Miss Souther took some of her French pupils, who have been reading outside of school the play, Maitre Corbcau, into the French pension, Boston, where they enjoyed a delightful luncheon. Mr. and Mrs. Harper held a reception for the teachers of the High School, Thursday evening, June eleventh, at their home on Putnam street. Ask Brown, ’02, how he enjoys visiting Latin classes, es- pecially those in Room II.