Towson University - Tower Echoes Yearbook (Towson, MD)

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THE TOWER LIGHT This Vacation Business HAT was I to do with three months of vacation? I talked with the principals of five elementary schools about a tutoring job. It seemed that either there were to be no failures or that I was too late for the job, so my ultimate decision was that I would begin a business of my own. I organized a morning kindergarten. Nine pupils, ranging in age from two and a half to six years, enrolled at my place of business beneath a cool grape arbor in the rear of my home. My equipment consisted of a long table, nine chairs. fborrowed from friends who had long ago put them away as memories of child- hood daysj, a writing desk, a blackboard, large crayons, paper, pow- dered clay, and colored paper. The charge for six weeks per pupil was three dollars. I was rewarded at the conclusion of my business dealings by finding that I had cleared twenty dollars and ten cents in six weeks. Our program for the three hours consisted of drawing or coloring, cutting from magazines, manipulating clay, making articles from colored paper, and writing ffor the four pupils who were to enter school in Septemberj. At ten-thirty the children ate a sandwich or piece of fruit which they had brought and then relaxed while I told them a story. After this they played one or two active games and then went back into the class-room under the arbor. The greatest asset of the kindergarten was according to parental opinion, the occupying of the children in a quiet way during six weeks of heat. However, I felt that my pupils QI delighted in the pride of possessionj had accomplished a great deal. Little Herbert, who had been painfully shy, blossomed out to be an interesting, friendly child, Rita, who had stubborn tantrums, was partially conquered, Marie, who had been a tattler, had seen the light, Mardel, who had never heard the word Non, learned its meaning. On the last day of school we had a party. The children had cut and colored doilies and made the baskets which held their candies. The unanimous decision seemed to be that the kindergarten was fun -what more could I ask? ,I am now watching with interest my pupils who entered school this fall. Will any of my work be of value? I hope so. VIOLETTE V. HODDINOTT, jr. 6. 11

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THE TOWER LIGHT He relaxed a minute, then, I must get altitude to get over these moun- tains. Only have about five hundred feet clearance. Come on baby, climb. Slowly the plane staggered up and still further up-four thousand five thousand, six thousand feet. The plane levelled. This should be enough, thought Rawlins. We are within two miles of Kansas City anyway. Only have one more range to cross. Then, as suddenly as night comes in the tropics the motor stopped. Rawlins hammered on the throttle but could get no response from the dormant engine. There is only one thing to do, he thought. We've got to glide the rest of the distance. The only thing that troubles me is that mountain range. We might make it, though. We've got to make it. The plane tossed and went into a side-slip. The snow had turned to hail and now it beat a machine-gun tattoo on the metal fuselage of the plane. The plane in- creased its speed toward the earth. Rawlins fought for control. A mountain loomed up ahead of him snow covered and ominous. He pulled back on the stick with all his might. He flung his arm over his face. The plane quivered, strained, and rose over the mountain. He saw the landing field. Then everything went black. When Rawlins awoke, the sun was streaming in the window. Then he remembered. As he sat up in bed he yelled, The plane? The kid? What happened to them? Then his eyes found the nurse. She was holding up a paper. It read, Rawlins, Famous Flyer, Braves Storm To Save Life Of Boy, Governor Asks Citation For Rawlins, read another. Smiling, Rawlins relaxed against his pillow. He slept the swiftly healing sleep of those who dare the elements and win. EVANS J. RoB1NsoN. Fr. 5. QEZCYQQ End of Storm The wind rides high tonight And sends flurries of leaves Behind me on the street. I half turn as though Some unseen presence shadows me. The angry clouds like marching sentinels Flank an awaited guest. And lo, the moon breaks through. M. C. 10

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THE TOWER LIGHT Morning Stroll I have been exploring a new place-a strange place. I have inquired of old things-not a trace. I have seen a marvel unfold before my eyes, A transfiguration that all around me lies. Years PZLSI this place held ivy a poisonous thing to me And now that has disappeared and not a leaf I see. There used to be mosquitoes-who gave no warning fair. Scientific drainage has given them a scare. I remember how we used to scramble down the hill. And now sedately we meander at our will O'er steps, that lead us gently down into the dell- Where, incredible to us, stands an old-time wishing well. I saw a watchful mother with ducklings in a row, Out for a morning breakfast in pond where lilies grow. A crayfish scuttled fearfully behind a mud-filled nook To wait until I walked away before he took a look- For bread-crumbs-left by someone's hand- Who must have also seen the great important goldfish Who slid by gracefully, eyes so keen. And as I stood gazing at them there, The crayfish did emerge again from out his hidden lair. I left the pool and wandered,-back, where stood a lovely thing A bridge built by a mason's dream-under which a nymph could sing. But hark! I hear an alien sound! A giggle-shrill and clear. Methinks I'd best retire at once before she finds me here. But no-it's more than one I hear, as down the steps they dance- A whole darn class of Freshmen, around the glen to prance! E. BEAM, Sr. 12