Somerville High School - Radiator Yearbook (Somerville, MA)

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86 SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL RADIATOR. cease until the crippled vessel was honeycombed with shot, and not a man remained uninjured. Then the boats returned to complete their work of destruction. This time there was no resistance. The deck of the schooner was dyed a deep red—the life blood of many brave fellows. The scene was one of dreadful carnage. The dead and dying lay in heaps. Their bodies were mercilessly thrown overboard, and a few who were only slightly injured were put ashore. The schooner was then fired, and in a short time onlv a charred mass remained to tell of the act that had been committed, and the Alabama sailed away to continue her unhallowed work of destruction until that memorable nineteenth of June. 1S(! I. when she met the fate she so richly deserved. PUBLIC OCCURRENCES. Senior Social. On Thursday evening. January 10. the first joint social ol the senior classes was held at Guild hall. Central street. After an opening speech by C. L. Whitaker, president of the senior class of the English school, dancing was indulged in. nearly everybody trip- ping the light fantastic toe. An order of sixteen dances was prepared by the committee, and excel- lent music was furnished by an orchestra, for which we are greatly indebted to George Norton of the English school, who generously gave up his evening. During the first half of the order we were favored with an excellent corne» solo by Mr. Nor- ton and with duets by Miss l’iper and Miss Bacon, accompanied by S. Henry Wilkins. Intermission came after the eighth dance, during which refreshments were served and excellent solos were rendered by Mr. Wilkins, accompanied by Miss Bacon. The balance of the dances were then enjoyed, and the party, which was an unusu- ally large one for a stormy night, dispersed. Everybody seemed well pleased, and it is hoped that many another such pleasant evening may be enjoyed before we join the innumerable ranks of alumni. 1 fere's to the success of our future socials, which we hope will take place often, for.— Xaughtv-one is the only One! Rah! Rah! Rah! Kappa Phi Eta Banquet. The'''second annual banquet of the Kappa Phi Eta Fraternity. S. L. S.. ’02. was held at Voting’s hotel Thursday. January 3, 1901. The following were present: Ralph Temple (president). Clarence I). Proctor (vice-president!. Frank Currier (secretary and treasurer). James J. Hepburn. Alfred Saunders. A. Leonard O'Leary. Herbert E. Fleisclmer. Chester O. Fleischner. Frank J. Mulloncy. and Harold J. Bryant. The absence of Elbert Yorke and Harold Butters was noticed and regretted. After an cniovablc dinner, a business meeting was held. Allan Darling, late of Lexington, was ad- mitted as a member. After a sharp contest, the following were elected officers for 1901: President. James J. Hepburn: vice-president and editor. Herbert E. Fleischner, secretary and treasurer, A. Leonard O’Leary: members of the executive committee. Chester (). Fleischner and Frank Currier. When the business meeting adjourned, the fol- lowing entertainment was given : Piano solo. Frank Currier: mandolin solo. Ralph Temple; reading. Harold Bryant: song. James Hepburn; reading. Chester Fleischner; piano solo. Frank Currier. sottg. James Hepburn; mandolin solo. Ralph Temple. The reading by Harold Bryant was “A Black Forest Ghost Story.” Bryant proved a good elo cutionist. Given in absolute darkness, the eflfec: was so clammv and cold that a furnace was require 1 to overcome the air. which had become liquefied. Two short plavs were rendered, with the follow- ing cast:— • A RURAL RUSE.” Content Weston......................Ralph Temple Pansy Weston........................Frank Currier Solomon Slenkcr..............Herbert E. Fleischner Amos Burns.............................. . Leonard O'Leary This was wigged and costumed in full theatrical style, and, while no extraordinary talent was shown, vet it was exceedingly well rendered. 'flic second was:— “JOHNSON'S EMPLOYMENT OFFICE. Mr. Vanderbilt......................Frank Currier Pompev lohnson......................Ralph Temple Mike Raflfertv..................Herbert Fleischner Bridget Malone......................Frank Currier Herbert Fitz-Percv.................Harold Bryant Carl Sprctzel........................... . Leonard O'Leary E. B. L. The E. B. L. Club, composed of eight young ladies of the Somerville English High School, ten dered a most delightful party to their gentlemen friends on Mondav evening. December 31. at the home of one f the members. Miss Aline Hanscom, of 1 Webster street. The rooms were very prettilv decoratcd for the occasion with festoons of crepe paper, garlands, holly, and mistletoe. The punch- bowl corner in the hall, filled in with palms and ferns, was indeed tropically picturesque. After indulging to their hearts’ content in whist and other games, at which Chester Buttcrworth. William Wyman, Harry Jones, Ruby White, Blanche Hoi-

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SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL RADIATOR. 85 AN INCIDENT OF THE REBELLION. 44 Boz ' E., 'Oi. Nestled among: die rocky hills of Nova Scotia, the village of Old Canso slumbers peacefully in the rays ot the sun. the reflection of its small window- panes brilliantly thrown back from the waters of the broad Atlantic. From either side and at the back of the village the ground slopes gradually upward, forming a protection against wind and rain for the small vallev in which Old Canso is situated. The sombre nines and hemlocks make a delightful con- trast to the small white cottages of the fishermen. In the village there is little sign of activity, but far awav on the horizon numerous fishing craft are to be seen making their way to and fro. their sails only appearing to view, reminding one of huge birds of prey gliding o’er the sea in search of food. One would scarcely think that th:s quiet hamlet had witnessed one of the most tragical incidents of our Civil W ar. yet such is the fact. When political strife rent the sections of our country, and piratical privateers preyed upon our commerce, the Alabama, the most dreaded of them all. appeared suddenly on the banks one afternoon in the fab of 1SG3. and captured an unresisting fish- ing schooner The others immediately made for the straits of Canso and anchored before the village of that name. Semmes dared not follow, as he was entirely unacquainted with the locality, and the breakers over the submerged ledge of Roaring Bull restrained him. A fleet of fourteen fishing craft were anchored closely together, waiting for a stormy night to at- tempt an escape. Among them was the two- niasted schooner Clara Jane, of Boson. The vessel was partlv owned and commanded by Captain Dun- ham. After waiting six days, the long-lookcd-for opportunity arrived in the form of a bad storm. But even this could not force the privateer to lessen her vigilance. She was still in front of the harbor, and seemed resolved to permit none to escape. The word was passed for all to leave the harbor at mid- night, and it was thought that, in the intense fog which prevailed, nearly, if not all. would escape. At the appointed hour the fourteen vessels glided softly out of the harbor, the Clara Jane, being new and one of the fastest sailers, next to the last. All went well until they passed the spot where fhe supposed the Alabama to be. when suddenly the boom swung loudly over to starboard, and the sails flapped in the breeze, betraying the presence of a vessel to any seaman. It was the fault of the helmsman, who. being interested in keeping as far as |K ssible from the dreaded spot, had sailed too far into the “eve of the wind. consequently, when the wind struck on the other side, all the sails swung over. Thev were already congratulating them- selves on the enemy’s not hearing the noise, when a hail rang out across the water. “What ship is that?” Captain Dunham immediately mounted the taffrail and called back. The British brig Oliver Cromwell; who are you?” The crew held their breath in suspense. Would the trick deceive the enemy? Could they get beyond range under cover of darkness? They were still sailing on. But the command, Lay to, till we send a boat aboard,” shattered their hopes. The captain answered. All right, sir. and in the same breath and a much lower tone gave orders to swiftly and silently tack the ship. They heard a boat being lowered and the sound of oars, then another hail, this time unanswered. Semmes, sus- pecting a trick, was now convinced of the fact, and commenced firing, hoping to locate his intended prize. For a time they were unscathed, but an un- fortunate shot struck the foremast fairly, ten feet above the deck, and it broke off. carrying with it the foresail and topsails. They were twice hulled, and again a stroke of bad luck befell them. Even while clearing away the wreckage of the foremast, the main boom was struck by another random shot, and the mainsail carried away. The crashing of wood informed the enemy of their success, and loud cheers arose from the throats of the privateersmen. They were again and again struck, and the boats were rendered useless. They were now entirely crippled and unable to move, except by tide and sea. But still they battled against fate. There was yet one chance. The privateer, not knowing of their crippled condition, might sail away in pursuit, and in the morning they could obtain assistance from Canso. as all the inhabitants were friendly. But no, thev were doomed to disappointment, for. when morning broke, the fog lifted perceptibly, and there lav the Alabama, scarcely an eighth of a mile distant. On seeing the wrecked schooner, she sailed within hailing distance, and summoned the Yankee to surrender, but, receiving no reply, boarders were called away.” and left the snip in three boats, which simultaneously attacked the ves- sel at bow. stern, and amidships. No resistance was offered until the uniformed lieutenant cut down the Stars and Stripes.” which, up to this time, had been proudly floating from the masthead. Then the pent-up wrath of the captain broke loose, and. pulling a pistol from his pocket, he shot the officer dead. 'I bis act was as a spark to gunpowder. The sailors picked up whatever was nearest their hands, and. turning on the foe. forced them back into their boats. The loss of their officer and this unexpected resistance stupefied them. But the sue cess of the Yankees was short-lived, for at this moment the captain fell mortally wounded by a shot from the ! oats. The fall of their valiant leader mad- dened the crew, and they resolved to resist to the last, and pistols, and even shot-guns, were brought forth to fight against the guns of a man-of-war. The Alabama recommenced firing, which did not

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SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL RADIATOR. 87 man. and Allic Stodder won very pretty souvenirs. Hie party repaired to the dining-room, which was tastily decorated in crepe paper and holly. After having cnioved the bountiful repast which was spread before them, they went next to the library, and there, by the tire in the grate, watched the old century out and the new one in. It was in the wee small hours when the party broke up. and the young men were unanimous in voicing their sentiments that they had spent a most delightful evening, and were very grateful to the young ladies. Those present were: Misses Ruby White. Irene Horton, ('.race Wing. Ida Stodder. Alice Stodder, Aline Hanscom. Florence Bemis. Blanch Holman, and William Wvman. Chester Lutterworth. William Grieves. Edward Hell. Harry Jones. Percy Under- hill. Brooks Crosby, and William Eaton. Quindonian Club Challenge. The Quindonian Club desires to meet other clubs in the schools in basket ball, hockey, chess, o: checker tournaments, indoor athletics, or a series ot water events at the Brookline Xatatorium. The club wishes further that any and every organization in the High Schools would regard this as a formal challenge. Address all communications to L:s- (onib, English. 1901. 1901—1902 Reception and Dance. It was a great success! “A rousing success! So sav the class oracles and critics, when speaking of the reception and dance given by the classes of 1901 and 1902 on the evening of January 15 in An- thonie's academy. The hall was artistically deco- rated. thanks to the efforts of the committees of the two classes. After the reception, at which the pat- rons were Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb and Mr. and Mrs. Averv, about 100 couples gathered on the tlooi and enjoyed dancing until after the chimes of the Unitarian church had tolled the hour of midnight. Towne's orchestra was in attendance and furnished excellent music, as usual. The floor was in charge of Samuel L. Ware, who had as aids Misses Grace V. Frazer. Ruby G White. Giace M. Wing, and Frederic.E. Moore, G. Willard Patch, and Everett G. Stone. This is the first time that the Senior and Junior classes have ever united in a social affair, and we hope it is a precedent which will be followed, bind- ing together, as it will, those two organizations which bear the dignified title of Upper Glasses.” In a financial way the dance proved a very good investment, for it is reported that the receipts far exceed the expenses, and leave a very acceptable sum to the classes. Captain Graham. At a meeting of the football players shortly after the close of the football season. Alexander Graham was unanimously elected captain of the football team for 1901. Graham made his first appearance in interscholastic football in the Dorchester High, game of '99 With more than half the league sc- ries completed, he had been but a week before pre- vailed upon to don the moleskins. His natural fitness for the game was soon recognized by Coach Grav. to the end that Whitaker, who plavcd left tackle in the prior English High and first Boston Latin games, and who sub- sequently has developed into one of the best tackles of the league, was forced to give way to his stocky rival. By his work in that contest Graham's posi- tion on the team was secured. The grace and com- posure with which he shouldered the elongated Brayton out of the play for ten to twenty yards is CARTAIN GRAHAM. still a tender memory with the spectators. Despite his compact build. “Bailie, as he is best known, was the fastest man in the line last fall, and fre- quently outstripped the ends in getting down under kicks. 1 lis tackles were of the hurricane order, and were as reliable as they were hard. As a line- plunger he was the mainstay of the team, and in his position easily led the league. He is but eighteen vears old. and is the first captain from the Latin School since ’9ti. when Eddie D Almeida held the honor. In costume Graham weighs in the vicinity of ItiS pounds. Aside from his athletic ability, lie has many other qualifications essential to a success- ful leader.