Springfield College - Massasoit Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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History of the Class of 1920 On June 12 the Class of Nineteen Hundred and Twenty passes from the por- tals of Old Springfield. The appeal of romance tempts us to contemplate the future careers of these men. What is to be their share in the world’s work? Where will they be in twenty-five years? But it is not our privilege to look forward. We are to look at the past, and perhaps there we may glean a sugges- tion as to what the future will be. In September, 1916, ninety odd men took the oath of allegiance to King Massasoit and the ideals which he personifies. At the impressive ceremony of the formal initiation, the desire in every man ' s heart was that he might live out these ideals. We looked forward to four years of college life in which studies, games, and school activities filled the horizon. We could not see beyond that horizon to where the clouds of war were gathering. And little did we dream of the part our class was to play in the storm so soon to break. Time went on. We won the class championship in football, basketball, indoor-track, gym., and swimming. We helped remove the hill behind the presi- dent’s house. We worked for normal credits, taught Sunday school, and cut chapel much the same as any other Freshman class. And all the time the war was coming nearer and nearer, until with the spring of 1917 came America’s entrance and the departure of men from all classes to join the forces. Perhaps those months of the spring and summer of that year were the most trying for the college men o f the nation. On the one hand was the desire deep in the con- sciousness of every man to fight for his home and loved ones. On the other hand the leaders of the nation were telling the men to stay in college and prepare themselves for the position of leadership which the greater need would call them to. Every man had to face the decision; some chose one, some the other course.

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3» Jflemoriam Robert C. Clarfce Born, September 26, 1894 Died, February 13, 1920 In Death a Hew As in Life a Friend

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The fall of 1917 found the roll of the class decreased to thirty. Pershing had reached France in August and even now Americans were taking their places in the trenches. hat was the effect on those at home? More and more answered the call and volunteered or were drafted. But Springfield struggled to keep its unity and spirit. The W ar Work Courses and Diet Squad were big features in that year. This Sophomore year gave 1920 more class championships. That spring, however, really marked the end of the class under the old regime, for during the summer nearly every man joined in the work of the war in some way. With the next school year came the S. A. T. C. And the Old Springfield came very near being washed away by the experiences of that fall term. But the armistice in November and the return of some of the old men in January brought back new hope. As rapidly as they were released from the service the sons of Old Springfield came back. And how glad we were to take up the task of rebuilding the college spirit and bringing back the lost atmosphere. Uniforms of all countries and all ranks dotted the campus, and hard it was for these men to settle down to the work of the class room. Canoeing, walking, and movies appealed much more to us all than class rooms and lectures. But there was enough of class spirit to produce championship teams. Then came the Senior year. A new class formed in the fall of 1919. Men who had been overseas, and so detained from joining their own classes, came to finish their work. Some of these men did not know the members of the class they were joining. There were men from the classes from 1909 to 1921. This made it difficult to get class unity and perhaps this class has failed in this re- spect. But we have worked together sufficiently to see that we have helped in the making of the new Springfield. Tradition and customs have been revived. New ideas and institutions have been inaugurated. And it is no mean bit of glory to have been champions of soccer and gymnastics. And so we have seen the beginnings of a new college. The human soul grows through strife. So in the evolution of a college a world war has its effect. No one doubts that the new Springfield will be finer than the old. So, as we contemplate the pull of the strings of Fate on June 12, we feel that we are going to show Springfield our appreciation for what she has given us. We are going out realizing that our greatest work for the Alma Mater lies before us. And as we felt at the formal initiation all we could do would be to the honor of Massasoit, so now the desire in the heart of each of us is that our work and our lives express the best that he has given us; and that in spite of doubt and uncertainty and war we are worthy to be called Sons of Springfield.