Springfield College - Massasoit Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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THE MASSASOIT 1921 tied to trees or bathing in the muddy deep. Our class had been victors by secur- ing the totem and before dark our new possession was being swiftly carried out to the far West. Our class was decreased in numbers when vacation time drew near for many of our men had been called to the colors. So we separated, wondering what the future would be for 1921, but determined that wherever we went the spirit of Springfeld would go with us. VVhat few there were of us that returned in the fall of 1918 were filled with uncertainty and dismay. VVar had raised havoc with Springfeld. Our campus swarmed with strangers: a large group of older men were here for a short period of training for Red Triangle service and nearly two hundred new men had come to join the S. A. T. C. VVe surely felt alone for all the Seniors and juniors had gone and most of the professors were in camp service. Although few of our number came back from the service, those of us who were here determined to impress with the older classes the spirit that existed before the war on the large Freshman class. This was accomplished to a large degree with the assistance of lake and midnight parties. Our class banquet, interrupted by the kidnapping of a large number from the class, was sumptuously finished after a thrilling recapture from the green crowned youths of '22. Again in this, our Sophomore year, we won the totem for another year and also won a good place in the inter-class winnings. NVe returned for our junior year filled with consciousness that in a sense we were on the beginning of the home stretch of our college life. VVe met the old crowd returning, mixed with the new-old crowd who had been fighting on the various battle fronts during the war, and it was a glorious time of renewing old acquaintances.' Our class numbered thirty-seven this year but only eighteen were of the old original class of 1921, presenting a problem of organization for the interests of class and College. The College had arrived at a time when class consciousness was strong, and feeling that our time for evolving something new for the Junior class to do each year had come, the suggestion of the junior Prom was raised. The very sug- gestion was received with great enthusiasm and by Easter vacation plans were well under way for the first Prom ever held on the campus. The time selected was April 23, 24, and 25. Needless to say the Prom was a grand success. So, as we contemplate the pull of the strings of Fate on june 10, we feel that we are going to show Springfield our appreciation for what she has given us. VVe 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 usp and that in spite of doubt and uncer- tainty and war we are worthy to be called Sons of Springfield. 29

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THE MASSASOIT 1921 History of the Class of 1921 XYe had all taken that tortuous and winding ride on the famous King street line and passed inspection before the various faculty members. On looking around we beheld forty-eight of ourselves, all attempting to act natural in un- natural circumstances, but, alas, too green to hide the color of the new-born class of 1921. Friendly greetings by the old men put us at ease until that since well-known command came, issued early each fall to the Freshmen, Build ye paddles of con- venient sizef' This we did and after that memorable occasion, when in the dark- ness we were urged on by our well-made paddles along the shores and in the cool waters of our now appreciated Massasoit Lake, soft upholstery was most popular. Our wounds were soon healed, however, by the warm reception of King Massa- soit and the Faculty on the following evening at the formal initiation. We soon noticed the unrest among the older students for the call of war was getting into their blood. Practically all foreign students had gone the year before and all the classes were reduced in numbers. Great responsibility rested on those remaining to carry on student activities and spirit. Our class responded and suggested that even these days should be the beginning of new things and offered to start a tradition that Freshmen should wear a distinctive cap, which was accepted. Soon the season of sport was at hand and here we soon made our presence felt, for, beginning with early fall, 1921 attained victory in inter-class games in football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and cross country. Our friends of 1918 felt that the time for the renewal of totem battles had arrived and they had a box built in which was placed a link stamped with their class numerals. One day early in May, while at dinner, the cry of totem went up. After the mad exit by windows, for we found that the doors had been securely locked, we rushed to the banks of the lake and beheld a hgure struggling far out on the lake beside an overturned canoe. Two juniors were madly paddling toward the spot but we soon perceived that they were not intent on saving the Fgure in the water but the black object Hoating near by. Seeing their purpose from the shore, immediately everybody started up the lake either by the road or over the rail- road trestle. About four o'clock that afternoon the first of the stragglers started to come in telling of thrilling battles on land and lake, generally resulting in some being Z8

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THE MASSASOIT 1921 ILINIA MAE I'h'I'ERS IJALL.-XS ICIJWARIDS Ss-'Num CLASS Pinellas 313