Somerville High School - Radiator Yearbook (Somerville, MA)

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RADI A T 0 R Y E A R BOOK 10 2 9 CLASS POEM WHITHER AWAY? One day, as I walked alone on the tide-swept sands Of a little beach, which snuggled deep into the land, I gazed down the long edge of the shore. Strewn with seaweed, and I saw a crowd of people I lauling massive logs of golden oak. Others, as the straining ropes were loosed. Cut them, planed them, fitted them in their places. And soon the mighty ribs of a vessel Pointed like fingers into the summer sky. Onlookers cheered, for the keel was laid; Soon the vessel was completed with towering masts. Huge, billow-white sails, and new tarred rigging. Sunbeams played on her fresh white paint With the brass transformed to gold. Then from the midst of the throng, I saw a Youth Come forward, a sun-browned Youth, eager, ex- pectant. And swing aboard. “Hammers knocked away the shores and spurs.” The keel quivered with life, trembling throughout. And like a seal, she plunged into the ocean, ’Til proudly she sailed out of the bay With a blue and white pennant on her mast. Then as I watched I thought How like to Youth is that same ship About to start on her long ocean voyage. And so I followed the ship in my dreams, And. as I watched through the streaming mist, I saw the dim outline of three figures robed in white Appear before the young man's eves, swaying in the fog. And one in a low quiet voice counselled him thus: Long miles of weary water stretch out before you. And restful islands will often tempt you. But by many hours spent in learning from books And through earnest endeavor three friends you’ve gained. First, Charity, who lends a willing hand To those who slip into Poverty, Ofttimes accomplished by the greed of men. Who, watching, themselves, forget all others. Next Patience, whose wondrous virtue you have learnt. Who, when difficulties and obstacles o’crwhclm you Curbs your anger, and, like a mother. Lifts you up faint hearted without thought of future gain. And I, whom men call Ambition, have always won Laurels for those who diligently follow me.” The floating figures faded, and died away — While the stanch ship onward plowed its way. Night hud fallen; the sea was velvet black. But a single star above cast on the ocean’s breast A flash of while light, tinged with blue — Colors with which the Master paints the clouds The sea and the sky: white for Purity, Blue for Loyalty. Now ahead the bright lights of an island flickered. And through swaying lanterns in rose-filled gardens People were walking and talking together. From one landing — for many ways led to this isle — I saw a silver-tinted boat push out Wherein a man was seated whose face changed Continually, deceiving everyone about. Whose body was wrapped in a silver mantle, Lined with golden cloth and edged with bells. On touching the ship’s stout side the figure spoke: “Pleasure am I. These gardens, my kingdom. Rich and poor love me and shower me with gold. Come, stay here with me!” The Youth, fearing the darkness, would join him. But Ambition held him. Pleasure, undaunted. Poured sacks of gold doubloons on the deck. “All these arc yours! What joy to cheat and rob That you may aid yourself, increase your pile of gold! Come, I will teach you the pleasant art.” “Nay,” cried Charity, and hurled the gold into the sea. That vision dimmed, but presently through a clinging fog. Which wrapped the moving ship in a thousand veils, 22

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1 9 2 9 R A I) I A T O R Y E A R B O O K Cla»» Oration—Concluded So too, blind party spirit, which ignores majority aims in worship of its own self-centered ideals, must be lought. If too widespread, it in itself may become a serious impediment to the promotion of that end toward which America strives, world service. But the most serious source of danger to the ideals of Patriotism is the ever growing spirit of lawlessness. Obedience to law is the very keystone of Democracy. How great the danger that this cardinal principle of Democracy be undermined! There exists today a tending to disobey or ignore the obnoxious laws, a tendency which has become so imbued in public opinion that newspapers actually glorify the breaker of the more odious laws. President Hoover himself admits that lawlessness has taken too firm a grip on the nation. It is the supreme test of moral courage to stand against public opinion in one’s respect for Law. John Bradley Winslow, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, says, “It is hardly too much to say that civilization is really law, or at least that it cannot exist in the absence of law.” So we see, disobedience of law undermines the safety, not only of Democracy, but of Civilization itself. All these evils — intolerance, class distinction, party spirit and disobedience of law — the true patriot must cope with that the ideals of the government shall not be lost. In the quality of the ideals of each succeeding generation lies the hope of civilization. High ideals have made civilization all it is; high ideals alone will make it all it can be. CLASSMATES: Our place in life now lies before us. Whether it be our destiny to fill a great position or a small one, let us carry our ideals of High School days into it that when the path is rough and smoother roads beckon the way which leads to inevitable oblivion, that star may mark our course and our ideals in life may be attained. Let us not make mere earthly reward or fame or praise the end of our life work. The satisfaction that comes from having done one’s best is a far greater reward. The truest satisfaction is that of conscience. The outward standards of morality may change, but there ever remains the immutable laws of Right and Wrong which must decide the course of our lives. Let us keep the ideals of Right before us that our self-respect may be ever preserved in all our relations with our fellow-men. Let self-respect be the crowning glory of all our achievements, for if a man loses self-respect he has lost all. Lastly, Classmates, let us cling to our ideals of Patriotism. The nation will soon grant us the privilege of citizenship. In the words of Webster, “The great trust now descends to new hands.” School life has prepared us for this trust and has instilled in our hearts noble patriotic ideals. Let us keep them ever before us as guides that we may justify our trust. The ideals we have set up we may not attain. But if our constant striving toward that goal but inspire another to take up the work, we may believe with William James, “The ceaseless whisper of the more permanent ideals, the steady tug of Truth and Justice, give them but time, must warp the world in their direction.” CHARLES QUINN. 21

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19 2 9 H A I) I A T O H Y E A K B 0 O K I saw another island, girt with rocky shoals. The Isle of Fame and Wealth with streets of gold, And turrets, lost in the dark, thick clouds. The Youth, delighted, landed, but the streets Gold paved turned to brass and stone. And the towers vanished, leaving the black ashes of Bitterness. I watched him embark again, and out of sight of land. The wind died, leaving empty, (lapping sails. The water casks swelled; and swollen, burst; Seams opened. Only Patience quieted his soul. But above the masts Disappointment, Grief, and Faithlessness laughed at him. And Fear swept her black, voluminous robes O’er his face, and his courage ebbed away. At last Fear compelled him to turn backward, But ere the ship had drifted its length, the leaden clouds Parted, revealing out of the heavens the Star Of Hope, of God’s universal love. Sending its gleam upon the green water To guide him. Three more clear stars Thrilled out. dipping through the cloud drifts. And from each, angel voices together spoke To him, and enraptured at the sound, he listened: “Honor thy father, and thy mother. Give them love, as to no other. Open your heart to those who call To you for aid. Be a friend to all. And keep through life, these maxims three. God’s Faith, Hope, and Charity.” The voices ceased. The ship now (lew with new speed; Far in the west, low on the horizon, land appeared. And then — the vision disappeared; Sea and land and sky dropped into shadow — Only my dream remained. Lloyd Hawes Class of 1929 ODE Music arranged by author r For us the final hour has come — The parting from thy care; We pause to lovingly review The golden hours, so fair. Alma Mater, now we leave thee; Accept our humble gratitude. The many friends that we have made The joy of work and play, Familiar scenes, and goals achieved Will stay in mind for aye. Alma Mater, now we leave thee; Accept our humble gratitude. Three years within thy friendly gates We’ve spent in quest of lore, And training to perform the tasks That Life will have in store. Alma Mater, now we leave thee; Accept our humble gratitude. 'Lhe payment of the debt we owe Is well within our power; ’Tis loyal service to our land; We pledge it thee, this hour. Alma Mater, now we leave thee; Regretfully we say, “Good bvc!” 23 Sumner Spalding Class of 1929