Towson University - Tower Echoes Yearbook (Towson, MD)

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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

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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 Hazing HE school often points with pardonable pride to the fact that there is no hazing at the State Teachers College. This semi-bar- baric practice has no place in the activities of the Freshmen. However, the urge to tease sometimes overpowers the upper classmen and wild yarns are spun for the benefit of the new students. While no violence is committed and there is no public embarrassment on the part of the Frosh, much mental anguish is inflicted upon that benighted individual. For instance, take that story of the fire drill which has become a classic. Fire drill in the dorm is a very simple thing. The gong rings, people file to the basement where the names are checked, and they return to their rooms. But before the first drill that is not what the upper classmen tell the Freshmen. They tell them that the fire department is called, that at the signal for the drill the siren is heard in the driveway, that the firemen raise ladders to the windows to make possible a rescue and that sometimes even ambulances are sum- moned. The more gullible believe the story for a while but the majority realize the preposterousness of the situation at once. Another favorite is the tale of heavenly hash . Heavenly hash is a dessert. To be specific, it is a delicious concoction of whipped cream, marshmallows, pineapples, and nuts. Last week when it was served a Freshman sniffed, Hash! Why I always thought that had meat in it . This does , said a Senior. It is tiny pieces of meat covered with whipped cream . The Senior ate both her own and the Freshman's portion. These are but two examples of what dormitory Freshmen learn. Everyone takes the jokes in good faith and no one's feelings are hurt. Without a doubt the Freshman will tell next year's Freshmen the very same thing. M. Touchstone, jr. 7. CEN., A Faculty Note Please clear your card of summer books at your earliest convenience. We would like to have our files up to date. Also Miss Keys is waiting for Rats, Lice and History by Zinsserf' 13