Scituate High School - Chimes Yearbook (Scituate, MA)

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THE CHIMES 9 First in War, first in Peace, — a superiority rare in the history of great men, — Washington held the army and the cause together by his inexhaustible patience, courage and bravery. He had no fear. Washington was as great a statesman as he was a soldier. He was destined to become the Father of His Country, and his experience in war ripened his wisdom when he became President. He was not a great orator, but it is said that ' ' actions speak louder than words. Walshington was able to plan wisely for the future because when he had to choose or decide anything, he considered the country as a whole and chose what he though t would bring it the most lasting benefit, also because he was free from party favoring and strong in his nationalism. Wt, therefore, the citizens of the United States of Amer- ica, should all participate, young and old, in the coming cele- bration of the Bicentennial of George Washington ' s Birth- day. The least one can do is to read his biographies and to understand this ideal hero of the ages better than we ever have know n him before. OLD REMEMBRANCES Alan Webster, ' 33 Gone are the days of the spark and transformer radio amateur. In the good old days the blue flame used to shoot across the electrodes and throw a pale blue light on the drawn features of the Fiend at the throttle. The house lights for miles around were very perceptibly dimmed as the key was depressed in the sending of a thunderous O S T (meaning, If anyone hears this, for Pete ' s sake let me know,) on Allah-only-knows-what wave length. In those days beginings were attempted w ith a Ford coil. These little ether microbes caused more naval opera- tors and government inspectors to take to drink than any other known reason. Then, by fair means or foul, the Fiend must get his antenna erected. Many obstacles must be overcome, especially the father ' s refusal to allow his

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8 THE CHIMES THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF GEORGE WASHINGTON James L. Cohen, ' 32 A ' ashington — the Father of our country, First in War, first in Peace, and first in the hearts of our countrymen ' our first and greatest President who started the wheels of our government. Upon him fell the burden of putting into action our stal le government, and no man could have better taken his place. As a boy he enjoyed a reputation for bravery, a strong physique, and an ability to train rough horses. These traits were important in forming his character. AVash- ington ' s management and development of Mt. Vernon be- came so well known that he was hailed as one of the best farmers of Virginia. The basis of his prosperity was his honest and fair dealing with all. Washington ' s honesty and his unselfishness led people to respect him more than other men. Wahington had a rare merit, called ' ' the seeing eye which travel improved much. The most important fruit of his travels was the ability to see the need of a strong cen- tral government which he helped to bring about in time of need. The value of his guidance at th e Constitutional Convention can never be overestimated. His travels, there- fore, both in private and military life, aided him to under- stand the foundation of America and her people-

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10 THE CHIMES insane son to put nail holes in the root. In this case the only alternative was rubber nails, but as these were unheard of, the antenna was put up in the regular w ay (when the father was in town on business). Upon the father ' s home- coming, the antenna, proudly floating in the breeze, met his gaze. The lead-in was brought in through a hole in the window (made by an accidental push on the pane). Next came the set; alas, in those days the tuning coil stretched from attic to cellar, or kitchen to parlor depend- ing on the experimenter ' s aim of efficiency, and conden- sers were made from mother ' s preserving jars and tinfoil from tobacco tins. Variable condensers were attempted, but few indeed were the fellows who could make them. The galena crystal detector was cherished by the Fiend more than that precious yellow metal and was necessary, O Ether God, if Germany was to be heard on long waves. The next step of the Fiend was to get platinum contacts for his crystal. Acid spilled on the new rug was just an in- cident, slivers of galena in father ' s feet just an accident, :but! the disappearance of mother ' s platinum pin! Well, it must have fallen down the sink. Great massive switches of long ago w re procured by tireless trips to second-hand junk shops, converted into lightning change-over switches, and screwed under the w indow sill. But now when the amateur settles comfortably in his easy chair, puts his hand to his key interrupting a beam of light turning on his transmitter, and starts to C Q he wonders if everything is a dream (sometimes.) THE COMMON THINGS Skippy, ' 32 The day ' s common noises Thrown together make a song; The plain sparrows hunting For food, a happy throng; The busy droning, life ' s common happenings, Woven together make life ' s happiness.