Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

Page 28 text:

26 M. S. Ere the echo had died away, another sound burst upon our ears, for-; but we will leave its discussion to the poet. THE STRENGTH OF MATERIAL. Being a warning to all future Techs, to beware how they violate the laws of. With good intent, On pleasure bent, A Senior went A making cannon for a spree. For gnn, the mug Bestoppered snug, With wooden plug, The ends of gas-pipe ! Woe is he He law defied Known far and wide; And his weapon tied With sundry straps unto a board . ’Tis New Year’s eve. You may believe That in his sleeve The Senior laughs, for the time is near,

Page 27 text:

NEW YEAR’S EVE. ® N the eve of the 31st December, 1880, the class of ’81 met, that they might make ever memora¬ ble the going out of the old year, and their entrance upon the last year of their course. When the time for supper arrived, the class went to the Commonwealth Cafe, and partook of a hot one, to brace them up against the terrors of the raging el¬ ements. At 11 o’clock, the order of march was re¬ sumed, and on their way they collected whatever fuel they could “lay onto,” for the glorious bonfire on the Hill. Arriving at that spot, preparations for a bonfire were immediately begun, and soon the crowd were warming themselves and munching the doughnuts provided liberally by four or five of the class. The temperature was near zero. All went lovely till 12 p. m. ; no sound broke the stillness, save the crackling of the flames, as we wait¬ ed for the tolling of the hour. But no sound reached our ears. The clock, by carelessness, or precon¬ certed plan, had run down ! No sound from the tower! However at 12.10, something got into the clock, and as it rang out, every stroke was made stronger by the assistance of the assembled Techs., and a battery of field pieces, manufactured at the W. 3

Page 29 text:

27 When the aged year Shall disappear, And dying, hear The roar of his ordnance loud and clear. The blaze leaps high! The reason why? Wood-yard nigh! “ Unlirnber now,” quoth the cannoneer! The powder blew The gaspipe through Coat tails few. Ker-siam! bang! clash? and quick’s a flash The office sash Was knocked to smash! A five dollar gash! Next morn comes order : “Fork out your cash! ” Post-chapel discourse on the strength of material and the paths of projectiles. “Had there been occasion For deviation In elevation— Though it had been but one degree,