Westfield State University - Tekoa Yearbook (Westfield, MA)

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I AM MOUNT TEKOA. For ages uncountable I have been the silent guardian of Westfield and its river valley. From tl Bible was I christened. From my rugged summit the eyes of Indian chieftains scanned the surrounding lowlands. I have stood unchangeable while wild animal creatures and untamed human life roamed up and down the valley. Sternly I watched the invasion of the white man, and my heart could find no love for him. But he conquered impassable obstacles — dense forests gave way to his homelike houses; the red men became his friends; gleaming rails carried him fast across the miles; the power of the river whirled his mill-wheels; delicate wires flashed his invisible message to waiting friends; schools educated his children that they might work wonders in the ages to come. All this did I see the white man accomplish in the river valley. Slowly I grew to love the red man ' s white brother because of his mighty brain and creative power. Still I stand, the silent guardian of the valley and town. Suns rise and set again; flowers blossom and fade away; tides wash in and go out to sea; human life hums and is still; but I — I am steadfast — and in my heart dwells love for the well-being of my valley. I am Mount Tekoa — and the silent watcher. lilt even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa ' ' — II Chrom oab sent to Tekoa and fetched thence a wise woman. ' — II Samuel 14:2 Courtesy of Class of 1923 from the State Normal Sctu 4 • • «.. • ■www fi