Stoneham High School - Wildlife Yearbook (Stoneham, MA)

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THE STONEHAM HIGH SCHOOL AUTHENTIC desire for improvement, for, as we have seen, they immediately set to work to make New England habitable. Their visions have never ceased, for each gen- eration has received them to increase and to widen them. You have but to look around you in your daily life to see what those visions have produced for us. With that quality of vision, the ele- ment of perseverance must be coupled. Had the Puritans merely wished that their conditions were better, and had failed to attempt their self-improve- ment, their cause would have been lost. Quite to the contrary, however, they set out to conquer the unknown. When they had reached this country, their | spirits were high, and they set to work with a will. At the beginning of win- ter, however, when the food supply was diminishing, it was sheer pluck and perseverance that enabled them to win out. At the approach of spring they set forth with iron will to conquer the opposing forces of nature. The strug- gles of these people have proved to us iiow important is that quality of per- severance. When the Puritans succeeded in their endeavors, there came to them what might readily be called the joy of ae- chievement, a joy that kindled an ar- dent zeal to accomplish more. When success came, it enabled them to perse- vere even more, for they then realized i what success meant. It filled them with optimism, a splendid quality in itself. They soon found that optimism, makes a person indomitable, and so with the aid of optimism, the joy of achievement, and perseverance the Puritans progress- ed rapidly. As a step in their development they realized at once the importance of edu- cation. The lesson that the Puritans learned then is beginning t o be appre- ciated in our school of today. Educa- tion is not merely the acquiring of knowledge. It is instruction in the art of citizenship. W ' e are daily being taught that we may intelligently take our places in America’s great democra- cy. We haA e learned that success comes, not through selfish standards but through service to others. We are be- ing shown the great possibilities that America has for those v ho are soon to carry her responsibilities. Our history shows us the many examples so that we may be inspired, so that we may be filled with confidence to face our tasks. Thus we see that merely to sympa- thize with the Puritans’ vision and to laud their perseverance is not enough. It is our task to visualize America’s fu- ture and to persevere in that task of bettering America. America will bo just what we make it, and Avith the in- spiration that Ave have gained from our forefathers we surely can make of it a nation over greater as the years go by. Ollass istory Clare Walker Before you this evening is the first class to have completed the six years of Junior and Senior High School in the new building on William Street. As seventh graders this fact filled us with pride. Our eventful career really began when we became freshmen. We, how- ever, were seldom called freshmen. Our superiors in Senior High called us ninth graders; Avhile Ave, ourselves, selected Seniors of the Junior High as our title. During the first week of school the sen- iors could not carry out the usual cus- tom of sending “fresliies” to the third floor when they sought a room in the first; for Ave, having been in the build- ing two years, kncAv the location of every room. Being freshmen, we were privileged to elect our class officers. The folloAV- ing people received the honors: Presi- dent, Eichard Johnston; Vice President LaAvrence Buck; Secretary, Norman Downes; Treasurer, Fred Brouilliard; Chairman of the Social Committee, Nancy Patterson. Two socials were held that year, and with them Fred’s duties began. On the last day of the school year we regretted leaving our Junior High teachers and friends, but our hearts thumped for joy as the bell signaled us to our sophomore home rooms. Now we Avere “sophs” and had the tAvo largest rooms on the first floor, Eoom 4 with Miss Davis, and Eoom 7 with Miss Gar- land. There Avere several changes in [ 8 ]

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GRADUATION NUMBER known ocean was called. The charter also granted to the settlers the right to elect officers and to make laws not repugnant to those of England. It was to this new land that the thoughts of the Puritans naturally turned. Up to 1630 several attempts had been made to colonize America but most of these had failed because of lack of money and supplies. Plymouth in the North, and Virginia in the South were llie two most successful of these at- tempts. In 1630, however, a large group of Puritans decided to establish a new colony in America. During that year eleven ships, carrying nine hundred passengers, left for the new land. The first ships arrived in June of 1630 to leave that band of courageous settlers to establish themselves. All summer the settlers labored con- structing houses and a church. Their first settlement was at Charlestown, but early in autumn they transported their goods to Boston. During this year more settlers arrived to swell the ranks. After a verj ' - happy summer the first chills of winter drew on. Soon, in their rudely constructed houses, many became sick and died because these new set- tlers were unaccustomed to the compar- atively severe cold of a New England winter. The food supply steadily di- minished, for much of it had spoiled and some had been traded to the In- dians. The sea and the forest yielded little. Added to this settlers had arriv- ed after the planting season and there had been no harvest. The snow seemed never so deep and the cold never so bitter as it was that year. A ship had been sent to England but the starving settlers despaired of its return. One day in February, however, their pray- ers were answered, for the ship return- ed loaded with jjrovisions which were distrilmted equally throughout Boston. Tims it was that the danger of failure was overcome and the people were en- abled to start again to accomplish their high purpose. Wich the coming of spring the settlers began their task of making useful the land to which they had come. Many tiees and large rocks had to be remov- ed before the ground could be used for planting. As a reward for their stren- uous efforts the Puritans found the soil fertile enough to raise many necessary provisions. During the summer the ad- jacent waters yielded an abundance of fish. Although the harvest was fairly bountiful, so many more settlers had come to Massachusetts that again, in the second year, they were hard pressed for food. Each year, however, saw a bettering of conditions in the Bay Col- onies in matters of fiod and shelter. By 1640 over twenty thousand people had migrated to Massachusetts, and here in this new colony was established the first town meeting type of representa- tive government. Next to till educa- tional needs it was necessary to start a school system. Out of the first “dame” schools, at which religion was the im- portant study, there grew the Boston Latin School which was founded in 1635. Harvard College, established three years later, was primarily for re- ligious education. Religion was taught not only in the schools, but by the par- ents as well, who were urged to do so bj the legislators of Massachusetts. From these religious, governmental, and educational beginnings, our present conditions have resulted. Our school system, one of the most important fac- tors in the present day American com- munity, is a development of the high ideals set for us by these founders of American educational institutions. Our modern government still retains the in- fluence and much of the form of the first town meetings held in the Bay Col- onies. Out of the religious experiences of these hardy pioneers has developed the desirable freedom of religious thought and practice. Now that we have examined the early history of our forefathers, the Puritans, it would be well for us to draw from it some lessons that we may well re- member. When those far-seeing people were suppressed in their desires, they began to dream earnestly of a way to attain their purpose, — the betterment of themselves. Their ambition, that they might Avorship as they chose, first led them to attempts at purifying the Eng- lish Church. A failure to realize this ambition only met with the dauntless spirit, which increased their purpose to worship as they thought right. They foresaw the possibilities of that new land, America, to aid them in achieving their desires. Their dreams were so compelling, their ideals so high, that they were willing to brave a vast and hostile sea in their attempt to succeed. When those courageous Puritans reach- ed America, they did not cease in their [ 7 ]

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GRADUATION NUMBER our class officers. Richard Johnston still hold the presidency, while Ed- ward Bugbee was elected Vice Presi- dent; Dora Sheridan, Secretary; Phyllis Potter, Treasurer; and Ruth Brawn, Chairman if the Social Committee. This was our first year in varsity spoi ' ts. Several of our number receiv- ed letters, while others were well start- ed toward success in that direction. Class basketball was organized for girls, and many of the class of ’30 received tlieir numerals. It was during our sophomore year tliat we were pleased to welcome Miss Gladys French to the teaching staff. The longer we knew her, the better we liked her. In case you do not know of wliom I speak let me add that last June she became Mrs. Milton. Two more socials were held that year, and our treasury was swelled to some extent. Another June drew near,and our sopho- more year was over. The Junior year was our next step. Miss Reed and Mr. Al- den were honored with our presence ; or, if they weren’t, they should have been, for we really were something in Stoneham High now. Agai]i changes occurred in our executive board. Fred Corcoran became our President ; Ed- ward Bugbee, our Vice President; Ar- thur Theroux, Secretary; Norman Downes, Treasurer; and Phyllis Potter, Cliairman of the Social Committee. Tlie new football coach was the talk of the school that September. Before many days he had become one of the favorites, for “Doc” Gordon started tilings spinning in Stoneham High. He not only made champion teams and en- thusiastic rooters, but he supervised a winter carnival which, as you know, was a great success. We juniors were hap- py to have a part in carrying out “Doc’s” i)lans. The next important event was the Junior Prom; and, with the exception of our financial problems, this, too, was a great success. The closing of our junior year brought several changes in our faculty. We all regretted to see Mr. Frederick W. Porter, our superintendent, leave, and also our beloved French teacher. Miss Moore. Miss Reed, although she had only been with us a year, v» as also missed that following September. At last we were to occupy these im- portant seats in Room 13 with Mr. Thibodeau, who is an old favorite with seniors. There was not enough room for everyone there, however, so the classical boys went to Room 18 with Mr. Hoyt, while the girls in the business course had Miss Nesbit in Room 12 as their teacher. Fred Corcoran, once more, took the lead as senior class president, with Law- rence Buck serving as Vice President. Gordon Marston was elected Secretary, and Arthur Theroux, Treasurer. Phyl- lis Potter still held the social chairman- ship. We were pleased to welcome Mr. Var- ney as our new superintendent. Al- though our acquaintance has been a short one, it has shown us that Mr. Var- ney is a true friend of Stoneham Sen- iors. We leave him with best wishes for many happy years with other sen- ior classes. Miss Spinney, who filled Miss Moore’s place, has proved to be another favorite in Stoneham. Miss Johnson was also very welcome in Room 8. We mustn’t forget our own latest innovation. Bob Sheehan’s trio. If you haven’t heard them, you have missed some real music. They were publicly introduced at the theatre on High School Pep Night. Another big event of the year was the Senior Hop and shortly after that came the second winter carnival. This one was even better than the first. The seniors felt honored to have Mina Gray elected carnival queen. In the hands of the senior class the “Authentic” has not lost its position as a good school paper. We hope the class of ’31 will find as much pleasure in edit- ing it as we have during the past year. The class voted a change in the style of its rings. A very good looking ring has been selected and, we hope, it will remain as a standard in Stoneham High. In May, much unknown talent was discovered at the presentation of “Ap- ple Blossom Time,” the annual Senior Glass play. The crowning event if the year was our banquet at the Hotel Kenmore. We shall never forget that evening’s pro- gram in the Crystal Ballroom with “Ne- mo” Downes as our efficient toastmas- ter. This graduation and senior reception bring our history to a close. The class if 1930 will make no more history as a group, but each will go his own way so much the wiser and better fitted for life because of these four happy years spent together. [ 9 ]