Vergennes Union High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Vergennes, VT)

Text from Pages 1 - 20 of the 1906 volume:

Vergennes Graded School. The city of Vergennes, Vt., received its charter in 1778- In 1779 it was divided into two school districts, and at a meeting of 1801, they were named Eastern and Western Districts. The early district records were destroyed in 1829 or 1830, but the above facts were found in the old city records. Several buildings have been used for school-houses; The old brick school house on North street was used for nearly a quarter of a century, there w as also a school house located where the Catholic church now stands, and the house north of the Congregational church is familiar to many, being known as the Seminary. There were several private schools in the early days of Vergennes, the best known of these being the one taught by Benjamin Allen. Many of the older people of the city have recited to “Uncle Ben,” as he was familiarly called, and as a testimonial of their regard for him, had, some years after his death, erected to his memory, a handsome monument in Prospect Cemetery. The records of the districts show that an effort to obtain a new school building extended through many years before they were successful. After a series of school meetings called at the brick school-house, for the purpose of selecting a suitable site, it w'as, in August 1857, voted to purchase the old lot belonging to Hon. F. E. Wood-bridge on the Westerly side of Green street. The Committee appointed to purchase the land and decide as to the plan of the building were as follows : John Pierpont, George IV. Grandey and W. White. There must have been some opposition to this plan, for we find there is no record of any action until 1863, when a meeting was called at the brick school-house, May 16, and the following resolutions were offered and voted: “That a committee of three he appointed to contract for, and superintend the building of a school-house for this district the present season, that said Committee be instructed to build tlie same in a good, substantial and w orkmanlike manner, and of such size and proportions as in their judgment will best supply the wants and interests of the people of the district, and have it completed, if possible, at any early time in December next, and said Committee are authorized to raise by loan, on the credit of this district, at a rate of interest not to exceed six per cent, and on the longest time such loan can be effected, such sum or sums of money not to exceed seven thousand five hundred dollars (§7,500), as may be required to erect, finish and furnish said school-house, and neither the cost of erecting, finishing or furnishing said school-house, nor the amount of 2 TIIE BLUE AND WHITE. money hereby authorized to be loaned, shall exceed the said sum of seven thousand, five hundred dollars ($7,500) and said committee are hereby authorized to sell on the best terms they can, the brick school-house and premises.” The following committee were elected, viz : B. F. Young, George W Grandy and F. W. Coe. Mr. B. F. Young was authorized to build the present school-house which was completed in 1863 at an expense of thirteen thousand dollars ($13,-000.) The Eastern or Graded School, as it is now called, is a large three-story frame building with a basement, and until recently contained only four good departments, while formerly a room for the accommodation of the smaller pupils was hired across the street. 1 he Eastern and Western districts having been united, measures had been proposed for increasing the school accommodations, when in 1885, the Catholic school was established; this diminished the attendance about one-half, so it rested here until an increased attendance, some years later, compelled the fitting up of two other rooms. This was done by taking part of the Upper Hall and using the stage and south side for rooms. This was done for several years, but at last it proved a failure, as it was not only a poor plan, but also a dangerous one. For little children to go up so far, not only ruined their health, but also endangered their lives in case of fire, so with the combined efforts of Mr. Rodgers, our present Principal, and Miss Sul ton, who was teaching there at that time, the people of the city were aroused to the conviction that a different arrangement must be made at once. The usual meetings were called and the following committee, Dr. G. F. B. Willard, A. W. Norton, G. F. O. Kimball, T. Mack and J. G. Ilindes were appointed to carry out the plan presented by Architect Austin of Burlington. The school opened Sept. 19 with the best facilities afforded by the new addition, a credit to its promoter, Mr. Rodgers, and the people of the city. The new part centres on the back of the old, being 52 feet wide by 38 feet deep. On the first floor, one enters the new part through the old hall, or from the outside by double doors on either side of the new hall, which runs at right angles from the old hall, and is 32 feet long by 8 feet wide. Behind the hall, on the lower floor, are two large rooms, each of which, is well lighted by five large windows and contains all the modern improvements for a class room. As one ascends the stairs, as formerly, he finds the rooms as he knew them, with the exception of a door opening on the West side of the old Grammar Room, which opens into the new High School, the main opening of which, extends from what was known as the Recitation Room, this having been converted into a Cloak Room. The High School is a modern room, being large enough to accommodate about ninety pupils. North of the High School Room are two rooms, one a Recitation Room capable of seating a class of thirty-five; this is fitted up with seven settees each one being provided with five tablet arms for writing, the other a laboratory in which a dozen students can work at one time. New blackboards of slate have been placed in each room of the new part, and the walls have been adorned with celebrated pictures and castes among which are the following : Guido Reni’s Aurora, Hoffman’s Christ, Watt’s Sir Galahad, Raphael’s three groups of Madonnas, portraits of Washington, Lincoln, McKinley and Shakespeare, Sargent’s Prophets, and photographs of the Plaza of St. Mark’s and the Bridge of Sighs, Venice, and the Arch of Titus, Rome. A facsimile of the Declaration of Independence (on parchment), framed and presented by the Seth Warner Chapter of the D. A. R. The following castes are now possessed by the High School : has relief of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, shield of the Cellini family of Florence, Italy, relief of the head of Homer, Trojan shield in imitation bronze, telling the story of the sack of Troy, statue of Mercury presented by Mrs. William Watt, and bas-relief of child’s head and bust of Charles Sumner presented by Mrs. Henry I. Booth. The entire building is heated by steam, and an electric signal bell has been placed in each room and is operated from the Principal’s room. The school is now under the able charge of Mr. Rodgers, to whom much of the credit for the present condition is due, and seven competent teachers. It has an attendance of about two hundred and fifty pupils. The most recent change to be noted is the addition of one year to the High School course, an arrangement begun under our present principal. THE BLUE AND WHITE. 3 The Blue and White. Editorial Board. We are sorry that some of the jokes and nicknames in the humerous section of the paper really did grind. However, it is only just to add that we are sure no ill feeling was intended. Editor-in-Chief, WM. II. CARTER, ’06 Associate Editor, JENNIE A. HARRIS, ’Oi Exchange Editor, ALICE S. MULLEN, ’06 Alumni Editor, GEORGE DAVIES, ’06 Athletic Editor, LEO E. PRATT, ’07 f ARCHIE S. HAVEN, ’08 Assistant Editors, ARLIE F. ALDEN, ’08 ( ERNESTINE BRISTOL, ’09 Business Manager, WM. T. MIDDLEBROOK, ’08 The Blue and White will be published once each term, or tri-yearly, Necessity compells us to again call at-N. B. tention to the financial needs of the “Blue and White.” We now ui gently request your support not only that we may succeed but also that we may exist. The expenses of this issue have been cut down as much as possible. Shall we or shall we not have a school paper? Other schools support one. Ii we fail in our attempt we admit that our neighbors and rivals outdo us. We do not wish to complain, but only to arouse enthusiasm. Can you not find or persuade some one to purchase a copy ? If so, our manager Mr. Middlebrook will supply such, both gladly and promptly. If we work together, success is assured. Terms. Price per copy, Twenty-five Cents. Von. 1. Vkrhew'ks, Vt., March, 1906. No. 2 Editorial. It is unnecessary to say that the FORMER blame for the errors or omissions in MISTAKES, our first issue rests entirely with the editor. First we wish to give tardy credit to Alden, 08, for his interesting story, “ A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” It may not be fully understood that all athletic reports are written by Pratt, 07, our athletic editor, and likewise that the alumni editor, Davies, ’06, has charge of the alumni department. Lest we claim to exhaust our sub-A ject we limit it. Our aim is to sug- SECRET gest material profitable for thought. Op Abstract principles are good as far SUCCESS. as they go. We should hold the principles sacred, which we think or know to be right. The force of habit is a powerful one, for good habits cling as well as bad. Do we ever stop to think that daily habits are forming our characters ? Good habits, then, go far toward solving our problem. Good habits arid intentions, however, must be seconded by ambition. This ambition should spur us on to something more than air castles, and inspire us to honest endeavor in work of the humblest kind for which we expect no direct reward. Work itself has often been called the secret of success but this statement must be broadened. In looking back over the careers of noted men, we are prone to sav that their success was due to particular characteristics, such as M ashington’s integrity or Lincoln’s humor. In this we generally 4 THE BLUE AND WHITE. err. No one quality makes the true hero. Virtue is necessary and honesty indispensible. Habit must be guarded and spirit oonta oiled. To balance work and pleasure, to diaw the line, to iind the “happy mean,” this is the secret. It’s discovery makes heroes in the common walks of life as well as in its crises. There is nothing so widely THE read to-day as the newspaper. VALUE Let us see what is the value of OF reading it. NEWSPAPER In the first place, the news-READ1NG. papers of to-day contain the history of our times. We read from books the history of past ages ; is it less important to know the history of our own age ? Again, newspaper reading keeps us in touch with the active life of the world. Political questions are discussed in them, and, especially for the men, an acquaintance with these is necessary. Newspaper reading is an aid to conversation. The news of the day is much discussed in intelligent circles, and if one neglects to read the newspapers, he is greatly handicapped. To be able to understand and speak intelligently of the important events of the time is a great advantage to one in social life. It is necessary for everyone to keep up with the times, and in no way can lie do this so well as through the newspapers. It is true that there is much objectionable and worthless matter contained in the modern newspaper ; but one must learn to read what is of value and pass over what is worthless. This in itself may be a valuable training for the judgment. Thus we see that no one can afford to neglect the reading of the newspapers. We have been compelled to shorten this issue to about two-thirds of the material on hand for financial reasons. On this account several articles will go over to the spring issue. Senior CJass Notes. ■Soon after the Christmas vacation the question arose as to how the financial resources of the class might be increased. After several exciting meetings the class finally d eided to give a play at some time after Easter. Therefore, when at length the play is ready, all sisters, cousins, aunts, beaux and general well wishers ■ f the c'ass are asked to ire present. Carter, while translating the speech of Anchises, said, “ and thus the Senior (vix ea fatus erat senior) spoke.” Miss Adams is convinced that “manifesta tides ” means only “plain insurance.” Several of the members of the class have been out of school because of illness for a few days but we are thankful that there have been no cases of prolonged sickness. Among those who have been on the sick list are Miss Burge, Miss Belle Parker and Young, who had a bad case of the measles. N. B. Prof, says that Young’s kind won’t work again. W anted : Now that he can no longer depend on Willis, Young wants a new prompter. Junior Opinions. Freshmen— We, the Juniors wish to say That your heads are very thick And that ’tis impossible For you ever to be quick. We just wish to tell you now That you take but little pains And that Latin is too hard For such wee, wee little brains. THE BLUE AND WHITE. 6 ■Sophomores— Will you hear to us once more What we have to say to you, That your heads are very big But there’s little in them too. Now in History one you know But little about the Greeks, And in Geometry you shbw Much less knowledge about the streaks. [lines;] Seniors— Now, we hope you did not think You would be left out by us For we know that you are large And can make a lot of fuss. J ust remember dear seniors That we’re here to give advice 'So don’t think that you are it For with us you cut no ice. Sophomore Notes. Harris, ’08, is still in pursuit of the future subjunctive of that Greek verb. Willis, ’08, in history 1. The greatest thing Alanandar the Great ever did was to marry the daughter of Darius, king of Persia. None of Haven’s classmates seem to have followed his example in taking cold water baths. Harrris, ’08, says, “ One of the soldiers was inflated by Ceasar.” Field, ’08, has a new printing outfit. He devel-opes interesting .pictures daily. Freshman Notes. A Fisher one Grand-day rescued two diminutive butterflies on his way to Bristol, which were flying over a Field toward Mars-shell. The Fisher sold these Millers to a naturalist for half-a-nickel, and with this money he bought a Bristol brick, a stick of Tafv and a baked poTat(r)o. It seems that Fisher considers himself an infant from the definition he gave in English the other day ; which was: “All are infants under the age of twenty-one!” Miss Reed :What is a hem ? ” Taft: “ A hem is a gathering on a piece of cloth.” Notes of and for the Alumni. Since our last issue, the movement for the organization of a strong Alumni Association lias gone steadily forward. On March 3, a preliminary meeting was held in the school house. Thomas Bartley, who has been throughout at the head of the movement, told those present his ideas concerning the value of such an association. Mr. Bartley said that the aim of the Association should be to aid in every way possible the Vergennes High School. He then went on to tell of a few of the ways in which much might be accomplished. In the first place it would be the duty of every member to secure as many new members as possible for the school. In the second place the members might greatly increase the Athletic strength of the school by their attendance at games when strong teams were here. And last but not least, they might encourage the members of the 6 TIIE BLUE AND WHITE. school in their efforts by subscribing to the “Blue and White.”' On the other hand the members would, he said, return from the annual banquet in June with a more kindly feeling'toward each other and toward the school which had done so much for all. They would also take up their work again with new courage after-having seen what some of their classmates were doing. After some general discussion, Professor B. C. Rodgers and Ii. W. MeCuen spi ke briefly on the increased size of the school, the work it was- doing and some of its needs. A general committee of seven was then elected to take charge of all of the preliminary work of organization. The committee consists of the following members : Miss Ada B. Crosby, ’91, T. II. Bartley, ’02, .Miss Mary T. Alden, ’05, W. C. Mid-dlebrook, ’05, Roy Spooner, ’04, Miss Edith McGovern, ’99, and Professor B. C. Rodgers. This committee was later subdivided, W. C. Middle-brook, Miss McGovern and Mr. Rodgers being assigned the work of drawing up a constitution and by-laws and the making of preparations for the banquet, while the other members are to take charge of the general correspondence. On March 10, a meeting of the committee was held and it was decided to publish, if possible, a leaflet containing the names and addresses of the alumni of the school. Let us all rally to the support of this movement and do what we can to aid the committee. The following notes may give one an idea as to what a few of the Alumni of the School are doing in1 the world. ’SO, Spencer W. Hindes is State Agent for the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co. with headquarters in Burlington. ’80, James Ten Broeke holds the chair of Philosophy in MeMaster’s University, Toronto, Ontario. ’84, William C. Fairbanks is now associated with his father who is Superintendent of the Connecticut State Industrial School. ’91, A. Bush Willmarth has become principal of the II. S. in Bennington, Vt. ’92, Ruth B. Fisher is teaching in the State Normal School at Johnson, Vt. 95, Samuel B. Botsford is a successful lawyer in Buffalo. 95, Dr. Charles X. MeCuen is connected with the Emergency Hospital, Haverhill, Mass. ’95, Frank Iv. Goss, who is connected with the A t. Life Insurance Co. was married on January 20 to Mrs. Agnes Belcher of Montpelier. ’90, Orvis Iv. Collins is principal of the II. S. in Valatie, N. Y. '99, M. Catherine Collins is preceptress of the II. S. in Liberty, N. Y. 01, Adolph C. Pilger graduated last year from Middlebury college, is now principal of the H. S. in Hart, Mich. At the banquet to be held June 18, all members of the classes of ’86 and ’90 are asked to make an especial effort to be present as this year is the 20th anniversary of the former and the 10th of the latter. All letters of inquiry should be addressed to Gkorgk C. Daviks, Vergennes, Vt. This article was sent in response to a request from the editor. Other schools will be heard from in our next issue. The Winter at Dartmouth. Winter is by no means the pleasantest season in Hanover. The tints of autumn or the green of spring far surpass the sombre brown of the past winter. From Christmas until Easter is the time when the most studying is done. The examinations, which make or unmake our fortunes, occur early in February and entirely All the minds of undergraduates as well as others. The social life of the College has been greatly increased by smoke-talks, concerts and the entertainments by Dramatic Club and the College Glee and Mandolin Club. The speakers at the smoke-talks have been men of large calibre from different lines of work. Mr. Paul Itedington, ’00, on Forestry, Mr. E. II. Baynes on The American Bison, THE BLUE AND WHITE. Pres. Lucius Tuttle, of the Boston Maine R. R., on Advice to Young Men, Mr. Chas. M. Jessup of New Yotk City on The Responsibility of an American Citizen, Hon. C. H. Prouty, ’75, member of the Interstate Commerce commission, on The Freight Rate. The basket ball season of 1905-06 has been a most successful one for Dartmouth. The team won every home game but one, losing only to Colgate. The home games were concluded with the astonishing victory over Williams, which was not able to score a basket from the floor, but made all her seven points from fouls. On the trips Dartmouth defeated Columbia, Princeton, Williams and Colgate. One game was lost with the Wesleyan team, concluding a series of four games with that college this season. Dartmouth, by defeating Columbia, Princeton, Yale and Williams, which has , won from Pennsylvania and Harvard, is acknowledged the champion among the Eastern colleges.. The relay team has lost the two mile race to Yale in a meet at New York. At the B. A. A. meet Dartmouth won the two mile relay from Pennsylvania. This coming spring wall have a dual meet with Harvard, May 5, and two weeks later will occur the New England Intercollegiate Meet. Among the non-athletic organizations, the Dramatic club took its first trip early in January, meeting with good success. Another trip will be taken after Easter. The Glee and Mandolin Club' enjoyed a very successful trip to different points in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, returning with many flattering comments of the Press. The Debating teams, however, were not successful in winning either from Brown or Williams, but nevertheless deserve great credit for the work they did. The team represented Dartmouth well and there is no disgrace in losing manfully. The Freshmen Debating society has maintained an existence during the winter and the team to represent us against the Sophomores has been chosen. Such an organization is very helpful and I think a debating society might well be established in V. II. S. Since there are no facilities for basket ball, the winter term could be devoted to debates both between classes and with other schools. Debating gives practical work that every one should take up in order to speak well. Probably the most important event of the winter was the opening of Dartmouth Hall for academic uses. The exercises connected with the opening were of the simplest character, the formal exercises attending the presentation of the building to the College trustees by the Alumni taking place at Commencement. I take from “The Dartmouth” a description of the building. “New Dartmouth Hall takes its place as the most elaborate and expensive structure in the group of buildings that comprise the new Dartmouth. The building is constiucted of red brick, and is trimmed with the Deer Island granite from Maine. The building is one hundred and fifty-six feet wide. New Dartmouth contains on its three floors forty-two rooms, eight on the first floor, fifteen on the second and nineteen on the third. The first floor will be devoted to the exclusive use of the English department. In addition New Dartmouth will be the home of the Latin, Greek, French, German, Philosophy and Art Departments. Each recitation room is twenty-five feet square and is fitted with convenient black-board accomodations. The desks consist of but a single heavy plank of birch with chair seating. The large auditorium corresponding to the Old Chapel occupies the center of the first floor. It is one story in height, seventy-four feet long and fifty-four wide. Sloping towards the speaker’s platform on the east side of the room, old-fashioned bench seats are used, except in the pit, where the revolving table armchairs are used. The beautiful and graceful belfry which surmounted the old building has been accurately duplicated in the new. The bell is the gift of J. W. Pierce, ’05, and the clock of Dr. W. T. Smith, dean of the Medical school. New Dartmouth is simply the old resurrected, but in more enduring material. As the old Dartmouth was the leader and the center of the College during the first century of its existence, so the new Dartmouth in beauty and sumptuousness assumes the position of leadership among the buildings of the Dartmouth of today.” Richard Dean, Dartmouth ’09. 8 Limericks THE BLUE AND WHITE. Another fond youth went to sea ; On an isle he long wished to be. And when he got there llis Ellen so fair Signalled, “Yes Doc it’s all skee.” Although Harris, ’08, Very often is late, He always does pass To the next higher class Even tho’ he does hibernate. There was a small girl named Jeanne, Her temper was calm and serene; But she set up a cry, And wouldn’t “ by by,” For her daddy was not to be seen. The minister’s son is a good looking chap (?) And he says that for girls he don’t give a rap. But although we ought not, we do doubt his word For on Comfort hill there dwelleth his Bird. At her in school time he often does glance And thinks of the pleasures which follow a dance. A studious fellow is Meigs And long are his nose and his legs. With the girls he’s in line, And spends all his time And is happy to be near that sex(tion). Stone, ’06. “Not one kiss more Did she say that to me? When the mistletoe’s gone There’s no fun 1 can see.” In this town there’s a girl named Parker And often a lad came to spark her. But she sat on high banks, And never said thanks, When the youth wished ’twould grow darker. Harris, ’07, is the best in Greek II And if you should ask why ’tis true I’d answer as simple as simple can be That the only one in his class is he. A wonderful hunter is Field, To his weapons the beauties all yield. With his box and his smile, Which he wears all the while, Yes a wonderful hunter is Field. Willis, ’06 is very prolix And brags of his sand When there’s none in demand. When his part comes to Belle He feels like well— His sand falls below The mark of zero. TIIE BLUE AND WHITE. 9 Stories. Harry’s Victory. With his heart full of anger and disappointment Harry Mason took down his hat and started for the potato patch. His eyes were flashing and his every movement showed plainly that he was very much out of sorts. “That’s always- the way, I never can go anywhere ! I always have,to stay at home and work. Uncle Henry always finds something for me to do if I ever plan to go anywhere and if he can’t, Aunt Minerva can. Now there’s Tom Clark, he don’t have half as hard a time as I do, and has a little fun once in awhile. I wished I lived some place 'else. These potatoes don’t need hoeing, it’s just an excuse for spoiling my good time.” Far down the road the lusty cries of a wagon load of boys were heard, which perhaps did not help Harry to bear his disappointment any the better. “It’s our nine, the ‘Crescents,’” cried Harry, watching them with eager eyes, “and they’ll stop for me. I wonder if there’s a ghost of a chance that Uncle Henry will change his mind and let me go, but no, he never does when he gets his mind made up and he won’t this time.” At that moment the load drew up at the gate and inquired where Harry was. “He ain’t going today, boys,” replied Mr. Mason smiling, “he’s got to hoe the potatoes, weeds are getting thick.” “Oh yes, do let him go this once,” came from all the boys in a chorus, but to no avail, and they soon drove on leaving Harry behind. The “Crescents” were to take part in a game of baseball with the “Invincibles” of Graniteville to decide the championship of the two teams. Each team had won a game in the series of three, which had been arranged at the opening of the season. The tirst game at Graniteville resulted in a victory for the Crescents by a score of four to three. The triumphant return of the Crescents and their midnight bonfire need not be described. Then preparations for a return game had begun. But more time had been spent in leveling the field and composing flaming posters than in practicing Fully two hundred people had gathered to witness the easy victory. Things had not gone just as had been expected. It is true Harry’s home run caused some excitement but the final score stood three to one. The horns and drums of the “Invincibles” were now busy, but “long and loud were the lamentations of the Crescents.” Stubborn faces gathered round while the coin was tossed which decided the scene of the next game. The result was that it should be in Graniteville. Harry was the most skillful player on the team and his excellent catching had played no small part in the first victory. He was very anxious that his team should win this especial game and every boy on the team was as sorry as himself that he could not go. As the load rolled away, our hero returned to his work with a heavy heart. Harry was not a lazy boy and generally liked the farm work but today it was different. Soon afterward he heard his uncle and aunt drive out of the yard toward the village and he knew that he would be left alone all day. What a chance to run away and join his friends after all! The temptation stared him in the face, but at last he put it away and went back to his work. At noon he ate his dinner of bread and milk in the lonely house and, after doing a few chores, went out to the potato patch again. After he had finished the fifth row he exclaimed: “Whew! it’s hot, I guess I’ll rest a few minutes.” Near by were some small evergreen trees growing close to an old stone wall, and it was into these that Harry crept out of the hot sun. Pretty soon he thought he could hear the sound of voices and raised nimself and looked through a crack in the wall. Yes, there were two tramps talking in subdued tones. “I tell ye, it’s the chance of a lifetime. The cashier has gone off fur his vacation and that greenhorn teller of his’n can easily be scared out of his wits. ’Member at eleven o’clock sharp though the side winder.” Harry straightened up and looked blankly into space for full five minutes. What could it mean? Were they plotting to rob the village bank? Yes, that was certainly it. But what should he do to thwart their plan ? Harry was not long idle but ran to the house to inform his uncle and aunt, but found to his dismay -that they had not yet arrived. No time must be lost, however, and a horse was quickly saddled. 10 TIIE BLUE AND WHITE. lie was soon flying at breakneck speed toward the village to inform the bank officials. After hearing his story, a police force was quickly summoned to receive the would be robbers when they should arrive. Promptly at eleven o’clock one of them crawled in through the side window and was suddenly seized and thrown to tne floor; the other one' was also soon caught and securely bound. Harry was then called before the bank president and bountifully rewarded for his timely assistance in saving the bank. Just then the news came that the game had been postponed a week on account of showers, which began in the second inning. But this is another story. Elizabeth Adams, ’06. [To be continued.] My Autobiography. When first I saw the fight of day, I thought the world was a black and dull place, and no wonder, for I was born in a coal bin. When I was a few days old, my mother carried me to the woodshed where I sported and played with a lot of other children about my age. I was then ushered into the kitchen, but met with a rather warm reception in the shape of a cup of hot water hurled at me by the cook. When about a year old, I was asked to participate in a concert to be given by a number of young bloods. Of course I at once joined the band. At our first rehearsal, on the gable end of the roof, where we had all raised our melodious voices in heavenly music, a comet came sweeping along the ridgepole, in the shape of a number eleven shoe. It struck right into our midst and hurled several of us from the roof; that is why I am now bobtailed. I lost the rest of it that night when it came in contact with the comet. My next experience was of a thrilling nature, One day while frisking about in the woodshed I was captured by two boys, who carried me to a field which bordered the house on one side. In this field was a large pond, now covered with nice glary ice. The little rascals then split two English walnuts in half and tied a shuck on each of my feet. They put me in the middle of the pond and gave me a shove. At every step I took, I slid in every direction, but finally with the aid of the wind I reached the shore, and in short order was home in the coal bin having mother take the things off. I was soon witness to one of the most shocking accidents, that ever happened in cat-dom. Of course you all know that when running we steer ourselves with our tails just as a ship is guided by the rudder. Well, poor Tom Scratch, who is a greyish color, was sleeping in the woodshed, where the hired man was chopping wood. Poor Tom looked so much the color of the wood, that the man mistook his tail for a small branch. He seized it, pulled it over the block and severed Tom’s tail close to the body. When Tom struck the giound, he bolted through the door, and started on a wild run, but alas, he could not steer himself and so cut all kinds of geometrical figures on the garden. At last he brought up against the barn cellar wall and dropped dead. Every time I recall this vision it stirs me to tears; 1 shall not be able to write any more this evening because of the scalding tears that are pouring from my eyes. Foster A. Young, ’06. TIIE BLUE AND WHITE. 11 What Part Should Athletics Have in the School? When athletics were first introduced into educational schools they were, no doubt, intended to be a secondary matter. The professors saw a need of physical exercise to counterbalance the great strain of mental work. But the love of American sports has become so firmly rooted in young men that athletics have been made in some schools the primary aim of the students and the instructors. Where it is possible, there should be athletic teams, so far as they do not detract the attention of the student from his work. Many reasons can be given to support the statement. Let us look at a few of them. A football team made up of hard, clean, square players, advertises the school which it represents and probably gives it a good reputation. A school .without a team of some sort is, nine times out of ten, a small, narrow minded, out of the way institution, with no standing whatever in the literary world. Again, a school which has an unruly, disorderly lot of fellows to represent it, will never grow larger or be influential among others. Such representation is often worse than no team at all and ought to be avoided. In college, athletic teams are quite necessary to uphold the school and promote its welfare. But the matter is being abused to a great extent, so much so, that some find it necessary to discontinue them. This, however, is not wholly due to the place which they occupy, but to the character of the game, and we would add, the character of the players. There are here in the New England states certain colleges where students go wholly and solely for the purpose of making the football and baseball teams. In nine cases out of ten these men have a very low standing in their work. In the December (1905) numbers of the ..“Colliers National Weekly” there was a series of articles by David Starr Jordan, president of Leland Stamford Jr. University entitled “Buying Foot Ball Victories.” Mr. Jordan considers the situation in the West rn and Middle states. He says that it is a demo sLz-mg fact that men are hired in an open way to attend college for its athletics. In one case a star foot ball man demanded $500 to return and this was granted. Mr. Jordan has looked up all the records of these professional men and he says on his own authority, that they are in no condition whatever to enter into the college work and that the professors give them what they term “special examinations ” The Captain of the University of Wisconsin’s, foot ball team,- Capt. V under boom, Mr. Jordan says takes oratory, sociology, constitutional law, and foot ball. This is only one of dozens of just such men. But we need not go West to see the evils of athletic graft. It. exists in Eastern colleges as well as in the Western. What we need is a Mr. David Starr Jordan to bring to light these evils. No one can deny that they do exist and yet no one has the sand, so to speak, to do in the East what Mr. Jordan did in the West. To understand what the attitude of an ideal college or a smaller school should be toward athletics, see what John A. Johnston, governor of Minnesota, says, in the December number of “Colliers.” He writes “I most severely condemn the practice in university athletics which cultivates the spirit of victory and victory alone. University athletics should be placed on the highest possible ground, and foot hall teams should lie truly representative of the student body rather than that the institution be subordinated to its athletic department. The encouragement of attendance for foot ball purposes is a vicious thing. It is very true that there are some colleges that believe in clean athletics. In one instance the very best of the foot ball men were ruled off the team because of deficiency in their work. We ought to be glad that there are some few men who oppose athletic graft. I think that the aim of the Vergennes High School is to have the foot ball and base ball teams truly representative as Mr. Johston says of the student body. This has been the sentiment of the instructors and I trust will continue to be. � Woodman, ’07. 12 Memory Pictures. THE BLUE AND WHITE. With fond remembrance turning To childhood's happy days, What pictures rise before me, What scenes ot merry plays. I see the winding river That flowed with rippling song, The alder-clumps and willows That marked its course along. What sweet delight it was to wade Where the shallow water ran Over stones so cool and smooth, Or soft and shining sand. I see again the quiet pool O’er which the low pine leaned, The broad, flat stone beneath its shade, From dazzling sunlight screened. ’Twas there I loved to sit alone In solitude secure. And gaze into the shadowed depths, So clear and still and pure ; Where straying sunbeams glanced and shone. And little fish at play Darted swiftly here and there, Black, red, and silver gray. I mind me of the wooden bridge, The great, black pool below, Where the waters moved so silently, And the whirlpool eddied slow. How oft with fearful look I viewed That pool so dark and dread, And wondered at what awful depths Might lie its sandy bed. On grassy hillsides just beyond, The first ripe strawberries grew, And through the nearest treetops tall The school house rose to view. In yonder green and shady wood, We sought for wild flowers fair, Or wintergreens with berries red. And fragrant maiden-hair. Oh many a merry game we played. And bright the hours did seem, And many a gallant boat we made, To ride upon the stream. Ah well! too soon we wake to find That life is not all play. That earth holds much of weariness, And many a darksome day. But life holds also much of jov, And sunny days there be ; God’s earth is full of beauty, If we have eyes to see. BARTER kh Hus hh mtu; IS AT KINGSLAND’S STORE EVERY FRIDAY. EYES EXAMINED AT PATIENTS HOME WHEN PREFERRED. THE BLUE AND WHITE. 13 HO“TEll_ LENOX, verqennes, vt. —— ;j—=G EO. F . KIMBALL, Proprietor. ■ ELECTHrC LIGHTS, Fl’KXACK HEAT, CARRIAGE MKKTS ALL TRAINS RATES, 0 PER DAY AND UP. Mow for Tfaseball Buy the best. The “SPAULDING” Trade Mark is a guarantee of quality. We sell this make and find it the most popular with the boys. We will order any goods not carried in stock. FISHING TACKLE A complete line at moderate prices. Our goods are all of reliable makes, to try your luck, call and get lucky tackle. If you are going Phonographs, CJraphophones and Supplies We are agents for the EDISON and COLUMBIA Machines. New Records Every Month. Our prices are as low as anyone’s. Call and hear a machine. WALL PAPER A new line with us. Every pattern and every roll is new. No old stock. Our stock consists of high grade papers. We have none of the cheap worthless papers. A few of the best ones are in one room quantities. ________ fancy and Staple China and Glass, Cut Cjlass. Semi-porcelain GROCERIES Our stock is fresh, our stores are clean, our prices are reasonable. 0. C. DALRYMPLE SON. 14 THE BLUE AND WHITE. The Bursting Buds of Spring Will soon be a thing of beauty and a joy forever. Manly Beauty can be enhanced by wearing apparel of the right kind. Haven keeps the superior sort. Haven’s guarantee goes with his goods and that’s something that people are beginning to value. Spring jtfppctrel of the JYobbier Sort We have received our Easter lines of fine Clothing,, Neckwear, Hats, Caps and Gloves. Give your Easter toilet a neat and finishing touch by a call at Haven’s. We can clothe the outer man from head to foot, increase the self-respect of our patrons and our prices are satisfactory to his pocket-book. Give Us a Chance to Quote prices and Display Our Caster Lines Before Buying. Jiaven. He (jlOif, [ 0Cfc |g tl? -T- Friends and Patrons I have now on hand a larger and better stock of ❖ than ever before and long experience enables me to make prices—quality considered—comparing with the best. Thanking you for past favors, I remain yours to command. JH. 13. SLACK, 33 Main St., Vcrgcnncs, Vt. THE BLUE AND WHITE. 15 EDWARD PILON, M. D. 16 Water Street, Vergennes erraont Office Hours: 8 to 9 a. m., 1 to 3 p. m., 7 to 9 p. m. Both Telephones. V. W. WATERMAN, M. D. Office across the park, Vergennes, ' - - ermont Hours until io a. in., 7.00 to 9.00 p. tn. DR. SHIRL. L. SPAULDING, Dentist. Vergennes, . . - ermont Office formerly occupied by Dr. J. C. Hindes. Hours, 8.30 to 12.00 a. m., 1.00 to 5.00 p. in. Telephone ring 34-4. CHAS. H. COLE, D. D. S., Vergennes, . - - 1 ermont Office corner Main and Green streets. Office hours 8-3o;till 12.00; and 1.00’till 5-oofp. m. Both Telephones. FRANK C. PHELPS, M. D. 103 Main Street, Vergennes, ... Vermont Office Hours: 8 to 9 a. m., 1 to 2 p. m., 7 to 8 p. m. Telephone 33-11. GEO. F. B. WILLARD, M. D. Vergennes, - - - Vermont Office and residence corner School and Water streets. Hour, 1 to 2 p. m. 3 JSew Departure Coaster Brahe makes cycling a pleasure. Complete line of Bicycles and Sundries. Cd. f). Bristol, jeweler, VERGENNES, - VERMONT ig Parlors MCO. Pipes Sundries. j O- H. OAIS8E, Prop. ply-Jite fa)indow Screens Qp-to-Date Jewelry Riu s, Emblems and Hat Pins. Also WATCHES and CLOCKS. Buy your CONFECTIONARY and FRUIT of tl� e base-ball and foot-ball J. A. Barrington Co. R. L. KingslancL SHOES and CABII FOR Butter, Eggs, Poultry RUBBER GOODS and Beans OF BEST (JUAUTV. ■SATURDAYS AND MONDAYS. W. R. BRISTOL G. I I ANNEMAN. Comer Main and Elbow Streets VERGENNES; - . - VERMONT .WHEN YOU WANT A .. AT THE .. r arnes8 or flagon VIENNA BAKERY GO AND SKB ADAM Bread, Buns, Rolls, Cakes, etc. Who also carries a complete line of FRESHLY BAKED EACH DAY. farm Coots, paints, Oils and Varnish. DESIRE RENAUD, Prop DES!