Swarthmore College - Halcyon Yearbook (Swarthmore, PA)

Page 28 text:

And now, ere we lay down our faithful pen, we fain would say a word by way of introducing the volume to the readers it is so soon to meet. To those in whose strong armor of perfection we have found some flaw, however large or tiny it may be, and thrust therein our harmless spear of friendly banter, we would say, take the jest as we give it, in purest fun and without a single touch of malice or ill-will. To you, good Seniors, we would add, you have experienced your Halcyon days, a fact to which a few dents upon our own armor bear ample testimony. The year has passed and ours is the opportunity to wield the weapon, but better that it should never come than it should teach us to practice one ungenerous or unkindly thrust. Under- classmen, yours are the possibilities of the future, and may we all find enjoyment in your return of these pleasantries. The period since the last Halcyon appeared has been one of progress in every department of the college. The advent of the new executive is the central event around which are grouped numerous others of importance tending to the prosperity of our Alma Mater. Indeed, so thoroughly has this spirit permeated the college that the Halcyon has deemed it eminently fitting to recognize the fact by publishing a collection of the most popular Swarthmore songs so dear to every student ' s heart. To the kind friends who have assisted us in the ])reparation of this volume, whether in the artistic, the literary or the musical department, we desire to tender our sincerest thanks. Especially do we wish to acknowledge the art contributions of Prof. Milton H. Bancroft, Miss E. M. Hallowell, George W. Warner, ex- ' 93 (originally a member of our staff), Julius Staab, ' 93, and R. Caldwell Manning, ' 93, all of whom have labored earnestly for the success of our art pages.

Page 27 text:

IfiTHOlDUCTlOH. S we launch this bark of ours upon the sea of college life, we would beg leave to remind our readers of a few facts con- cerning its composition. It is entirely unnecessary, we know, to offer any explanations to our fellow students. They know how Halcyons are made, far better, they will tell you, than we ourselves. Those who are unfamiliar with Swarthmore we would inform that we are not excused from all class-room duties in consideration of our labors upon the Halcyon. In point of fact this work is the product of leisure moments culled from the first semester of the college year. Whatever of incompleteness has crept into it, kindly attribute to this cause, ' e claim for our little book, not the possession of a classic literary merit, but only the virtue ever most highly prized by all true-hearted wearers of the garnet- it is puiely Swarthmorean.

Page 29 text:

And now, ncjt without regret, do we relinf|nish our pens and our pencils, realizing that our work is finished and the ties that bind us to our 7V X ' ' 6 ' about to be severed, and with this tlioiight there comes a mingled feeling of satisfaction and of pathos. The work our classmates entrusted us to perform is brought, we hope, to a successful termination. The object of our labors is now about to leave our protecting care and face bravely and unaided the great world of college comment and criticism. Sanctum sanctorum, thou silent witness of our labors, our difficulties, and our successes, fare thee well ! And when another year rolls around mayst thou afford thy cheer and comfort to another band of literary pilgrims, who, like ourselves, will love thee and the happy associations that will ever cluster around thy name. 23