Somerville High School - Radiator Yearbook (Somerville, MA)

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Senior Class History The Class of 1935 began its illustrious career on September 8, 1932, as demure and unsophisticated Sophomores. After we were welcomed by Mr. Sears, and learned our way around, we became permanent fixtures in the school. The class soon realized its responsibilities and in March, 1933, an Executive Committee, consisting of Rita Mahoney, Archie Davis, William Fitch, and Ruth Duffy, was chosen to lead the way. We showed evidences of outstanding leadership in all activities, and a fine class spirit was shown by the prompt payment of class dues, and the large attendance at the Sopho- more dance held May 26. After a happy, but fleeting vacation we returned as the new Junior Class in Sep- tember, 1933, with renewed vigor and resolution to do our best in everything. Again on November 8, the leaders of the class were chosen: William Fitch, president; Rita Mahoney, vice-president; Archie Davis, treasurer; and Ruth Duffy, secretary. This year many Juniors gained prominence by getting on the Maximum and Credit Lists, being active in Athletics, Orchestra, Band, and Debating, and, toward the close of the year, twenty from our ranks were elevated to the National Honor Society. Then, to cap the climax of a splendid year, our Junior Night Committee, composed of Eleanor Grindle, Agnes Hayes, Edward Guthrie, and Robert Steele, gave us an enjoyable evening May 25, with an entertainment and dance. It was as dignified and serious Seniors that we returned the following Septem- ber. Still again, faith was put in the same four to hold office and to lead the way, with the goal being this time—Graduation. On February 8, the Senior Play Cast and Committee did a creditable piece of work, which was appreciated by all who saw the Play. In April, fifty-two of our classmates attained what they had been working towards, the National Honor Society. And now the Class of 1935 comes to its final activities—Class Day, Senior Night, and Graduation! Ah, they come and go all too swiftly, and we realize what we are losing. The members of the Senior Class thank their teachers for their wise and willing guidance through the past three years and hope their future attainments will prove their sincerity. As a final parting word, the Class of 1935 wishes the Classes of ’36 and ’37 the best of success. 16

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Senior Class Officers 15 ■ WILLIAM FITCH RUTH DUFFY RITA MAHONEY ARCHIE DAVIS

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Class Oration “THE NEW FRONTIER” At a time when our democracy is being attacked on all sides, the attention of every citizen should be directed toward his gov- ernment. When men speak of this gov- ernment, they say that it is inefficient; that it is corrupt. But since there is so much criticism, it would be well for us to examine the successive stages of the development of our government in this country. Starting as thirteen geographically dis- united colonies on the Atlantic seaboard, the United States declared their independ- ence of a tyrannical England and set about to establish themselves into a separate and independent state, severing all allegi- ance from the mother country and draw- ing up a constitution in which was em- bedded the principles of a democratic form of government whereby it is acknowl- edged, that all men are created equal, that all governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and that the greatest happiness of the individual is the true end of all government. It was indeed appropriate that the United States be chosen to be the prin- cipal exponent of democracy. Inhabited by a people who migrated to this country in order to escape religious, political or economic persecution, they left behind their European jealousies and animosities and co-operated in cultivating and civiliz- ing this new country and in permanently establishing their inalienable rights; the rights to which God entitles them, the per- sonal liberties of life, liberty and the pur- suit of happiness. Such a government and such theories of government, when presented to the world at that time, were considered im- practical. The rule of the people in the thirteen small, trifling, English colonies seemed far-fetched to the bigoted and haughty nations of Europe whose only avenue of political liberty was fast becom- ing a domicile of despotism. Thus, the small nation across the great expanse of the Atlantic was not recognized by Eng- land, but looked at with scorn and con- tempt. Ridiculed as it was, this seemingly in- significant country, whose principles of government were and ever will be secure, contained within itself the germs of such an industrial and territorial expansion as the world never before saw. No migra- tion of people has equaled the march of that great mass of humanity westward. Spurred on by a desire for adventure or for a place for a new home, the pioneers came upon sources of untold natural wealth: fields, forests, mines, rivers, and prairies; all ready for cultivation and de- velopment. By forest trail and horseback, by wagons and primitive railroads, hordes of men, women, and children passed from the eastern shores over the Appalachian barrier. Once over the barrier they spread in every direction, some going north, others south, and many straight west, but the outpost of civilization, the frontier, kept surging providentially west- ward. Crossing the Mississippi, they passed slowly and resolutely on to the great mid- west, filling the plains and valleys, stud- ding the prairies with farmhouses, peop- ling the vast expanse with a new civiliza- tion. Ascending the steep slopes of the Rockies and then down to the shores of the Pacific, the conquest of the wilderness was completed and civilization was substi- tuted for savagery at the cost of the extinction of the original occupiers of the land. Thus the immense wealth of this country was revealed. A wealth so great that in time it transformed the United States from the poorest to the wealthiest nation in the world. From the debtor to 17