St Johnsbury Academy - Lamp Yearbook (St Johnsbury, VT)

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10 THE ACADEMY STUDENT revolutionary investigations been conducted in science. Who has previously even considered such a thing as “heavy hydrogen” and heavy water,” which are to cause a great advancement in chemical knowledge in the near future? What miracle such as the Boulder Dam has ever before been attempted? New ideas are necessary to carry out the aims of the Fifth Estate and continue the progress already started. In this graduating class there may be a budding scientist who will startle the world with some undreamed-of invention. Perhaps one of us may be the first to pilot a rocket ship to Mars, or to discover what is really at the center of the earth. The Fifth Estate may not offer wealth; perhaps not even fame. It does promise to its members romance, service, freedom of initiative, and the priceless thrill of the explorer. —Nelson McRae CLASS HISTORY Excerpt from an Obituary Column of St. Johnsbury Caledonian-Record The many friends and relatives of the class of 1935 will be saddened to hear of its tragic but otherwise timely death. In the fall of 1931 the class of '35 made his humble entrance into the world at St. J. A. But this class was destined for no ordinary experiences; for even in his early life he became so active and spirited in his conduct that “Holly,” his guardian, had to take a leave of absence in October. Then came Mr. Brown, who stood up a little better under the strain of 1935’s strenuous activity. ’35 will always remember Mr. Brown for his kind and helpful advice and his truly fatherly interest in the class. The second year was full of many changes. Mr. Brown had watched patiently and anxiously the rapid growth and de-

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THE ACADEMY STUDENT 9 gallery. However, without the least political influence or support, the Fifth Estate, through its study and application of the facts and laws of Nature, has recast civilization. By the use of its trained intelligence it has given man control over stupendous forces. Man brought nothing to the world, and added little until the Fifth Estate taught him that wealth is produced, not by labor alone, but by labor under the guidance of intelligence. For most of us the first consideration is: what return may we hope for in the profession of our choice? In the material profits of the world, the Fifth Estate offers little. The reluctance of the world’s population to change or accept anything new and strange has resulted in hardship and neglect for the enterprising member of the Fifth Estate who exerts his efforts and spends his money to perfect a new invention or to spread the knowledge of a newly discovered fact to an ungrateful and skeptical world. Lavosier. whose experiments and conclusions leading to the explanation of combustion and the shattering of the obsolete phlogiston theory are scientific history today, was guillotined by a country that “had no need for chemists.” Priestley, who was one of the first to prepare oxygen and to explain how this gas could be obtained by heating mercuric oxide, was driven from his sacked and devastated home. These are only two cases of mistreatment such as in early days was rather the rule than the exception. Even today geniuses live in poverty and often starve, long before they are appreciated and recognized. However, there is a much brighter aspect of this situation. He who has done any scientific research, however slight, and as a result has added a new truth to his mental storehouse, has experienced a thrill of pleasure and power. This is the real reward for members of the Fifth Estate, a reward more precious than any material gain. The real wealth of a member of the Fifth Estate, whose priceless value only he can fully appreciate, is in the Kingdom of the Mind. The Fifth Estate is an important agent in our life today, and is a factor to be reckoned with. Never before have such

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THE ACADEMY STUDENT 11 velopment of 1935, but after Christinas Mr. Oldham came ancl soon proved that he was very capable of supervising and caring for the robust young class. In fact, 1935 reached the zenith of his growth under Mr. Oldham’s guiding hand, and continued to develop power and fame until the end came, a tragic but fitting culmination to a life of gallant endeavor and accomplishment. Mr. Batchelder was initiated here that year and, in his singularly unique manner, introduced soccer and coached track. When Mr. Rowe returned in the fall of 1932, he brought with him that great old sport of baseball which received a hearty welcome after an absence of six years. Mr. Oldham introduced debating in the junior and senior classes and numerous members of the class of ’35 developed into very eloquent, effective, and convincing debaters. The honor point system was introduced and also the six week marking period. Many times the class was perplexed and worried at the end of a three week marking period when notices were sent out, but by diligent work and striving determination most of the difficulties of the three week notices were overcome. When three years old the class presented the play “The House of the Flashing Light” which was widely acclaimed. And then, as in the lives of all the distinguished, came a grand climax of his career. 1935 will forever be a famous year at St. J. A., for the football team had an undefeated season, and accomplished the defeat of Lyndon Institute for the first time in fifteen years. Everyone came home with a piece of the goal post to be put away among the other treasures and souvenirs of his school life. Debating, literary, artistic, and dramatic talents, besides ability and distinction in athletics made for 1935 a life rich and varied in interests and accomplishments. The funeral will be held Monday, June 10, in Fuller Hall at 10 A. M., when many friends and relatives will gather for a last, lingering view of the corpse before the class moves on into another life of greater glory (we hope!). Ameta Revoir, Chairman Ruth Bigelow Dolly Banks Dorothy Cowling