West Chester University - Serpentine Yearbook (West Chester, PA)

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Published bv the Class of 1945 Editor-in-Chief SUSAN R. KAUFMANX Business JIanaijer ELAINE G. HUNN

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SERPENTINE State Teachers College West Cnester, 1 a. Volume XXXV

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FOREWORD Because we believe in the high aims and philosophies ol our prolession — Because we arc trvmy to become worthy of their excellence — Because we consider the human mind a most precious element which we are privileged to mold — our dedication is to an ideal: the sympa- thetic, vital, ins]-)iring teacher that each one ol us IS strnini: to become. OUR THEME For the many who inhabit the sections of our state where the culture we fondly call Pennsylvania Dutch prevails, our theme will be little more than a recapitulation of the familiar. To those who know little of the customs ol the lascinatmij, little group whose mores have so enriched our own, we may be the open sesame to a wonderful saga. Even those who have never seen evidences ot it have heard much of the loveliness of Dutch art, beautiful for the sources that inspired It as well as for its own charms. The histories of the ilower, bird, and star motifs so popular with these people, the mystical interjiretatlon of the hexerei symbols that decorate their barns tell the story, if we wish to read it, of the philosophy oi a grouji lamed as much for its masterly creations in needlework, i-)otter , and stone as lor its cul- inarv treasures that tourists will cross a continent to enjoy. Proud that they are part of our Commonwealth, we present to -ou the Penn- svlvania Dutch, with the hojie that your accjuaintance will be pleasant and long- lived.