Watkins Glen High School - Senecan Oracle Yearbook (Watkins Glen, NY)

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10 THE PEPPER POT “I presume you are wondering what this room and cases are all about. Well, I will tell you. This is where all the high school girls get their things at Christmas. Because there are so many like you who do not believe in me, all of you will get nothing but books to study, no fiction among them. That will be your punishment Also you may not go home until the day after Christmas.” was the discouraging reply. I started for the door thinking that I could get out. Someone stopped me. A hand shook me. Wasn’t he ever going to stop? Maiv. for Heavens sakes, what has happened? You look as if you had been frightened or something.” said my mother, who had just returned. “Was it all a dream ? I certainly am glad. Oh, Mother nothing was the matter. I guess I was just dreaming.” I answered. M.L.T. ’30 -------------o------------ LOVE Love may have its pleasures, It also has its pains, And there are many losses As well as many gains. She may say, “He loves me!” And dream of him with joy, When maybe he is saying, “She’s nothing but a toy!” K. Pettingill ’31 -------------o------------ A REWARD Lady Morrison was about to weep. Never in her life before had anything happened to make her so unhappy. The beautiful diamond bracelet, which her son had given her as a Christmas gift, was missing. Although it was obvious that she could easily secure another one; nevertheless, this particular one had been selected by her son. and she treasured it greatly. Besides, she realized that the disappearance of the gift would disappoint the young man.

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THE PEPPER POT 9 A CHRISTMAS FAIRY TALE Outside the snow was falling fast, covering the world with a white blanket, the trees already heavily laden. It was such a cold night that everyone stayed at home. Inside our house, the fire in the fire-place was burning brightly, giving the room a red tint. All the lights were out as the fireplace gave sufficient light. The only occupants of the room were the dog and I. My folks had gone to a nearby city to finish their Christmas shopping, and had not returned. Christmas was nearly here—only two days away. “Just to think that I used to believe in Santa Claus. Who eyer thought of the idea of Santa Claus anyway ? I certainly must have been a fool to have believed it. Well, why worry? It will not bother me any more.” I thought aloud. The room became very hot. Mv book was so uninteresting that 1 did not know what to do with myself until my parents came back. “What’s that?” I exclaimed, as I heard a noise coming from the roof. “Is some one trying to get in?” Something came rattling down the chimney and before my eyes stood a fat man, dressed as the pictures of Santa Claus. Was I seeing things? I must be asleep. I rubbed my eyes, but still he stood there. “So you are the girl who doesn’t believe in me, are you? Well, we will see about it. Come with me and ask no questions.” he commanded crossly. He took me with him to the roof. A large airplane stood waiting for him. He placed me in the seat and we took off. After an hour or so of silence, we arrived on top of a mountain covered with snow. A few feet away from the plane stood a large solemn looking house. When we reached the house the door was opened by a small woman. She conducted us to a large room filled with show cases. In the back was a large bench. The cases were filled with vanity-cases, rouge compacts, lip-sticks, dresses, shoes and the like.

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THE PEPPER POT 11 A reward of one hundred dollars was immediately offered to whoever should return the jewel. A few days later a small lad from the orphans home called to deliver it to the lady. He explained how he had noticed a small package lying beside the pile of discarded Christmas trees. His curiosity had been aroused to inspect it and it was his fortune to find the bracelet. Mrs. Smith, the matron of the orphanage, found the description and the name of the owner of the jewel in the paper that day. It surprised Lady Morrison greatlv that the little boy was not eager to take the reward. “I’d rather have you for a friend,” he said. However, he soon became more than a friend. The family adopted him and gave him all the advantages that were given their own son. He began to realize what a real home with real parents meant. He received a splendid education, as well as the love and devotion of the entire family. This child was fully rewarded for being thoughtful and playing fair. May this be an example to us. D.B.E. -----------o----------- A CHRISTMAS STORY It was Nadine’s first year in high school. Because she lived so far back in the country she had to stay in town with her cousin Adele, who was a senior. It was the custom in Downington High School for the Seniors to entertain the Freshmen at Christmas time. This year, however, as there were so many of them going home', the Seniors decided that they would give a small informal party for those who stayed in town. It was to be held the’day after Christmas at Adele’s home. It had snowed continually for three days before the beginning of the vacation, making it impossible for Nadine to go home over the holidays. Adele decorated the living room in red and green, and had a beautiful tree set up. This she decorated and hung with presents. Nadine had been half fearful all day about meeting so many Seniors. Adele tried to quiet her fears but she was unsuccessful.