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

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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

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ART SOCIETY THE ART SOCIETY ' S SERVICE In the Art Society more than in any other club, is the ideal of training and experience faithfully combined with that of service. Although Harris ' manifold activities present an imposing array, the majority depend upon the accomplishments of the Art Society. A visitor walking through the halls would be compelled to remark how well advertised Harris is. The publicizing of various school, class, and club functions, is almost ex- clusively the Art Society ' s task, and to it, falls a large portion of the credit for the popularity of extra-curricular activities, and the participa- tion in them, of so great a percentage of the student body. The excel- lent illustrations and designs provided by this club are an important factor in the enthusiastic reception afforded the C. S. and the splendid support of clubs by the Harris student body. SIXTY-SIX