Woonsocket High School - Quiver Yearbook (Woonsocket, RI)

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THE HIGH SCHOOL QUIVER 29 Early in our third year the college question became important. In the interests of higher education, a number of girls journeyed to Providence to hear an address by Dean King of the Women’s College at Brown University. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The girls of our class, at this time, set a new fashion of wearing bandeaux around their hair, much to the discomfiture of our Latin teacher, who could not recognize any beauty in the style. Toward the close of our third year, a happening of no mean significance occurred, the assuming of the ownership and management of the lunch counter by James, surnamed Murphy. Who can tell what might have been the consequences had it not been for the diligent work of the hope of 1913, through whose untiring efforts such appetizing odors have penetrated every room each day. No matter how important the recitation, Murphy left the room promptly at 11 :40, “in answer to the popular cry.” The last event of importance with which we were credited as Juniors was the Commencement Ball tendered the Seniors in Harris Hall, upon the occasion of their graduation. We worked long and diligently and were well pleased with the result of our efforts. In September, 1912, a new Senior class assumed the responsibility of upholding the dignity of W. H. S. and we have long since proved that we were thoroughly capable of discharging this duty well. During its time in Woonsocket High, our class has experienced a number of changes in the teaching force. At the end of our second year, Miss Marchant and Miss Potter resigned, and a year later Mr. Holden and Mr. Merrill left us to accept new positions. At the beginning of our Senior year, we welcomed a new principal, Mr. Spratt, and a new sub-master, Mr. Keaney, both of whom came to Woonsocket from Putnam, and we are sure that, not only the pupils of the school, but the people of the city also, have come to realize their worth and efficiency. At the end of this year, Mr. Hill, principal of our commercial department, leaves us to take charge of the Woonsocket Commercial School. We regret his going, but are pleased that he remains in our city. Of the large number who entered as Freshmen, 36 of us have plodded steadily on with untiring zeal and now stand triumphantly at the longed-for goal. Not only did Connecticut give to us this year a new principal and sub-master, but also a new class member, Miss Leclaire, who has shown herself a good companion and a diligent student. Events have followed one another in quick succession, the past year. The singing lessons, held every Tuesday, were a new feature.

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28 THU HIGH SCHOOL QUIVER They could not tell the difference between having a wife and being hungry and often when our teacher asked, “Quel temps fait-ilr simply wishing to know how the weather was, a few of our numbet, after inflicting terrible scowls upon the innocent clock, finally succeeded in telling her what time it was. Geometry, too, presented its difficulties and brought home to us the fact that there are more ways than one of looking at things. Often when we had succeeded in mastering a proposition according to the position of the figures in the book, our pride suffered a severe shock next day, when we were confronted by a figure on the blackboard so terribly distorted as to be beyond our comprehension. In “Bachelor Hall,” which was presented in our second year, a leading part was taken by Hazel Bethel, a member of our class. A certain seat in the rear of Room 11 acted its part nobly for several months, but finally refused to bear any longer the burden imposed upon it by our beaming David, he of the broad smile, for whom Blackstone is responsible. The seat was promptly repaired. Before long, the Fates had unrolled ten more folds of the scroll of destiny within as many months and, realizing all the word meant, we were Sophomores no longer, for by this time, we felt free to cross the threshold of the temple sacred to Seniors, walk bravely up to Minerva and stand before her with upturned countenances, while she, from her lofty position in her temple or, as it is better known to us, the study hall, beamed down on us her approval and recognized in us her earnest disciples, seeking after wisdom. During the year that had now passed, two girls had joined our class, Alice Willey and Marjorie Child, who are still with us. Lloyd Me Fee did not enter W. H. S. with us, but, recognizing the superiority of the class of ’13, returned to school to cast in his fortunes with us. Juniors! We now began to realize our importance, if not our dignity. We had succeeded in reaching the upper floor and were so far reduced in numbers that we were easily accommodated in one room; but though our numbers were fewer, our spirits were higher. For the first few months we failed, either to set an example for the Sophomores, or to follow the example of the Seniors. However, with the thought that ere long we should be Seniors, with none to question our deeds, we soon assumed our proper place. Not soon shall the remembrance of Room 5 fade from our memory. Many a time have the railroad trains interfered, by their puffing and ringing of bells and whistling, with recitations which were being conducted in this room.

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no THE HIGH SCHOOL QUIVER Miss Gleason has very capably acted as piano accompanist for the singing. Incidentally, Mae has also very cheerfully furnished music for dancing during the long recess each day, to the great delight of a number of our girls. Early in the second term a reception was given by the teachers to the parents of the three upper classes, who were given the opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Spratt. An interesting musical program was given by members of the Senior class, and the Senior girls acted as ushers. A few of the Senior boys attended, but whether it was to assist the girls or to taste Mr. Keaney s coffee, 1 do not know. On this occasion, the decorating of the building was in charge of Miss Merrill, assisted by Harold Freeman. The splendid appearance of the hall showed Harold’s artistic taste. 1 he school quartet, composed of Seniors McFee, White, Freeman, and Hudson, made its initial appearance at this time and has been in constant demand ever since. If it had not been for lack of room the parents of the Freshmen might also have been invited to this reception, as well as all the students, but, under the circumstances, another reception had to be given later in the term. However. Freshmen of the future need have nothing of this sort to regret, since we are to have a new High School, with a large assembly hall. About a week before Christmas, the Senior and Junior girls enjoyed another trip to Brown University and listened to an interesting talk given by Dean King. Recognizing the need of athletic exercise for the girls in our school, the school committee secured the services of Miss Florence Grant of Franklin 'for the winter term. We girls thoroughly enjoyed the Gym class and regretted the close of the course of lessons. In connection with our work, an afternoon dance was held and was a success, judging by the demand for another. A few of the brilliant wits of our class, feeling that they had held aloof long enough and, perhaps, growing more bold as Seniors, asked themselves, “Shall quips and sentences and these paper bullets awe a man from the career of his humor? No, the world must be peopled.” And forthwith, the editorial genius of our renowned class found expression in The Smile and we defy the grouchiest mortals to peruse its pages without softening their hardened features into a characteristic grin. Undoubtedly, the success of The Smile is due to the personal interest the editors have in one another. Let us not pass over the famous Virgil class of 1913 in silence. Hours and hours have we eleven girls devoted to the translation of the Aeneid and we have finally succeeded in mastering it, in spite of