Worcester High School of Commerce - Caduceus Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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lass Qhratinn, 1924-Z1 HARDING, THE GENTLE PHILIP VROSS H - HE grief that fell upon the country was one of genuine sorrow and deep sympathy, when the news of the death of Warren Gamiliel Harding, 29th president of the United States, was broadcasted through the world. Political differences were for- gotten and in the moment of his death President Harding's hold on the good-will and the affectionate esteem of the country became apparent as never before. A boyhood on the farm with some high school and college experience followed by country news- paper workg as a business, or a profession, has fitted - H many an American for a valuable career of national service. This was especially true in the case of Mr. Harding. He had never lost his fondness for farming and had only recently purchased the farm in Morrow County, Ohio, where he lived in his boyhood. Mr. Harding was born November 2, 1865, and was within 3 months of com- pleting his 58th year when he died. To a man who enters journalism and pol- itics at the age of 19 and continues stead-fastly and assidously at those pursuits public-mindedness becomes a second-nature. Apart from all his training which fitted him for public life, Mr. Harding had been endowed by nature with a fine presence, an excellent voice, and a most gracious, persuasive, and agreeable manner. ln 1910 his first venture into political life he met with defeat. Evi- dently President Harding believed in the statement that real success is founded on earnest, perseverance. He was not daunted but t1'ied again and this time met with greater success. ln order to form a just estimate of Mr. Harding's character and mental caliber it would be wise became president: HWhen to turn to a. statement which he made just before hc the mantle of responsibility falls upon a man, he is clothed with new power. Instantly he gathers new potentialities. new ca- pacities. How often have you seen an enterprise suddenly bereft of its leader gain a new and unexpected strength from the advent of a new leader dwelling theretofore in obscurity? In the untimely death of Mr. VVarren G. Harding the world lost a presi- 23

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High School of Comnzerrf their hair. Many fair locks were sacritied on the altar of fashion, but it can- not be denied that the girls looked more business-like. Returning' from our summer vacation, we buckled down to study for the last stretch of our Sophomore year. The third year, and we were Juniors, one year nearer to our goal. ln electing the class officers for this year, great wisdom was shown in choosing the following: President. Leonard Mort, Vice President, Christine- Stephanq Secretary, Linnea Vandlang Treasurer, Stanley VVhiting. Many of us. who had joined the Britomart and Assembly, attended the joint dance which is held annually hy these two societies in the gymnasium. New acquaintances were made, and this together with the general air of good fellowship, provided for a jolly evening. Vile also were heard from in the Glee t'lubs, lilackfriars, and other organizations. ln January the Blaekfriars pre- sented The Thirteenth Chair at Tuekerman Hall. Since the hall was filled to its capacity, there can be no doubt as to its success. This favorable re- sult was due to the cooperation of Mr. Moriarty, the coach, and every member ol' the cast. Again t'lass tlames were claiming our attention. t'ommittees were chosen to decorate the rooms, and prizes were awarded to the prettiest. ltlvery room was a riot ot' color and many were the oh's and ah's that came from the throats ot' the spectators. ln the Spring, 0 Hara, San, au operetta, was presented in Tuekerman llall by the Girls' and the Boys' tllee tllubs. This operetta was enthusiastic- ally received by those who attended because of the excellence of its perform- ance and the novelty of it. Much credit' is given to Miss tlraee Ellis and Mr. .lohn Oakes, who were untiringr in their efforts to make this operetta a success. At last February 1923 came, and we were Seniors. Our freshman ambition was now fulfilled. The officers chosen for this year were-President, t'harles Wartieldg Vice President, t'hristine Stephan, Secretary, liinnea Vaudlan: 'l'reasurer, Stanley VVhitingI. The Mercury speaks for itself as to the success of some of our literary l'l2lSSlll2ii0S. November twenty-third, class day officers were elected, as follows: Orator, Philip t'rossq Prophet, Katherine Doherty, Historian, Rose lVIassei5 Pianist, Edith llurkeeg Violinist, Goldie Kaufman, Soloist, Robert Prouty. November twenty-third also was the date set for Senior day. The N324 class wishing to be distinctive, and as Thanksgiving was so near, they decided to appear as Pilgzrims, instead of their younger sisters as was customary. The day was bright and sunny, and the quaint and picturesque costumes added to the festive occasion. Our class has not been represented very largely in athletics: but that fact did not stop us from attending in great numbers the games, and cheering for our school. XVe have all been greatly benefited by our gymnastic training under two such excellent coaches as Miss Anna T. Mooney and Mr. Ralph T. lVard. VVith many business meetings and social affairs came the close of our Senior year. To our principal. parents. and teachers we owe much of our gratitude for all they have done to help us realize our ambitions. XVc shall always re- member with fond recollections our happy years spent at the 'tSchool on the Hill and shall always try to bring her honor. 22

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Higll Svhool of CflllllIIFl'l'F dont, who, although ohsvure in his work was brilliant in his thoughts and kindly in tho intvrosts of humanity. Mr. Harding roalizocl that other leaders would come after him, that no breach in the ranks would remain long vacant, that some other would assumo tho grvat rosponsihility of the highest office of the stato. No word could he said of Pi-vsidont Harding that would more truly doscrilw him than to say hc was gentle. As ono liioggraplioi' says of him, Ho simply did not undvrstaud tho omotion of hatrvd. So profondly did ho desire that mon should dwoll in amity that whon ho lwoanio Prvsidont his grroatost art was tho calling of the Limitation of Arnianiont vo11foi'om'o in VVashington. This groat stop toward intl-rnational pvzivv, thougrli it did not hringr about all that Prosidvnt, Harding' had hopvd l'oi', it did l'l'Nllll in a lllSl'0llfllll12lllK'l' ot' a ral-o in naval construction that vould haw had hut ons- 4-ortain K'0Ilt'lllSlOIl-f.l'l'02ll war in tho pacific. Not hoastful, working' quit-tly, not stm-rn or ofiivious hui' amioahlo and kindlyg of whom it has lwvn said many timosg 'l'o know him was to lovv him. This man was tho man himst-If whoso inm-r naturo all tho powors ol' oliim- vould not vliangl-. Many grroat lc-allors wo havo had, warriors, and stalos- mon, hut tho spirit ol' Warm-n llardingx will long ahido in tht- afiuvvtionato mt-mory ol' his poopln- as tho kindly man, tho gronth- man, tho grri-at of lioart. 24