Townsend Harris High School - Crimson Gold Yearbook (Flushing, NY)

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STUDYING CLASSICAL INFLUENCES by Kenneth M. Gang, President Classical Society To study Roman life and to compare it with our own is a fascinating and edifying subject. Analogies can be made between the governments, art, stand- ards of living, and languages of the ancient and modern civilizations. Regardless of our supposed progress, we find that in many ways, the Romans paralleled, and sometimes surpassed us. To one with a deep esthetic sense, Rom an architecture and art greatly surpass ours. Even to the more practically minded man, Roman architecture has proved its worth by withstanding the tests of time for milleniums. Its influence can be clearly seen in the ultra- modern new Supreme Court Building In Washington, a beautiful replica of classical temples and public buildings. The object of the Classical Society Is to prove that Roman in- fluence is alive in many fields of modern life. By means of lectures and contests, the members of the Society learn of these influences. Under the very capable direction of Dr. Standerwick, this Society attained Its goal of educating and amusing its members. Each student, however, contributed toward making the club as successful as it Is. Although lower classmen usually lose interest in the club activities upon reaching a higher stage of their climb in Harris, by far the greater part of the members of previous terms returned to the Classical Club this term, in attestation to the great appeal of the Society. To those boys achieving the highest degree of success in club work, valuable prizes were awarded. But these prizes were not the sole factors motivating the members. Even if no material rewards had been given, they would have labored lust as hard. President Kenneth M, Gang Vice-President Arden Perin Secretary Martin Rabinowitz Treasu-er Leo Spandorf Foculty Adviser Dr. Henry Standerwick SIXTY-THRGE

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THE FRENCH CLUB by Bernard Kalman Although the original inhabitants ot France, the Gauls, and their successors, the Franks, were both Teutonic peoples, France has adopted the languages and custonns of the conquering Romans, who con- trolled the land for several centuries. The French language is definitely of Latin derivation. The characteristics, the customs, and the philosophy of the French, too, are decidedly Latin. Nevertheless, France has a distinct and interesting civilization of its own, which is for the most part as advanced as that of any other nation. No matter what sort of esthetic sense one has, one cannot but be enchanted by the beautiful music of France. Many of the world ' s greatest composers have been French, hence many of the most beauti- ful songs are French. Many French dramatists have approached the greatness of Shakespeare; French poets have equalled Milton; great inventions and discoveries have been made in France; many schools of thought have had their beginning in France; French painting has always been in advance of that of other lands. Frenchmen as outstanding in their particular field as Moliere, Bizet, Pasteur, Descartes, and Corot can be named. In political matters, France has always been in the lead. Such men as Voltaire and Diderot had theories of government, some of which, when adopted, made France the well-governed land that it is. The French system of executive departementes is sometimes regarded as superior to our state system. The history of France from start to finish has been one of con- tinual conflict between Gaul and Roman, Christian and heathen. French- man and German. Through it all, the country has been able to retain its title of La Belle France. To appreciate the French civilization, its art and thought, and to gain facility in the speaking and comprehension of French are the aims of Le Cercle Francais. Under the direction of M. Courtines, these aims have been for the most part realized. W 6 51 SIXTY-FIVE