Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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ZELOTES WOOD COOMBS “Coombsie ’ AA$ BK “Coombsie” is a man of a remarkable personality, and it is one of our regrets that we have not seen more of him during our last two years. However, he never forgets any of us, for he has a wonderful memory for names and faces. His ability to spot a “Here” coming from an empty seat in lecture is uncanny. Unique are his pet expressions for illustrating errors in rhetoric, such as “turning the corner in Boynton Hall, the bulletin board ap¬ pears,” and his “with commendable regularity” is famous all over the Hill. Many were the exciting debates which he used to conduct, some of them nearly ending in physical violence. But he al¬ ways managed to restore order by tapping with his pencil on the arm of his chair. “Coombsie” is an ardent supporter of Tech and its activities, and has done much in persuading students to come here. HAROLD BABBITT SMITH “H. B.” B©n 2E Long before we had ever had H. B. in any class, we had heard of his fame and of his history; later when we did finally have him as a teacher, we, too, sounded his praises, for his knowledge of any branch of electrical engineering seemed to be in¬ finite. Next to his abilities, we remember his courtesy and his interest in the students. He was ready to offer his services, and his encouraging smile, as baffling as the Sphinx’s, will always be remembered by any student who has just finished a lecture. But always there was a word of encouragement and of explanation accompanying that smile, which left the student wiser, or with hopes of becoming wiser, but at the same time took away all idea that he, a prospective engineer, knew much about electrical engineering. Our last impressions are those of a friend. The knowledge of his pleasing personality coupled with the realization that he is an engineer not cramped by engineering, make him an enviable example. IN TEEN HUNDRED TWENTY— 29

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GEORGE HENRY HAYNES Jinny AKE E BK It was in our Junior year that we first came into contact with “Jinny” in the classroom, and signed our names as subscribers to the Independent. Al¬ ways will we remember those five-minute quizzes, when we strove to write as much as possible on subjects which we knew absolutely nothing about. “Jinny’s” first act on entering the lecture room is to pull up his drawing stand to its topmost limit. He then arranges an enormous number of papers in an orderly manner and takes attendance. Then perhaps he recalls some bit of humor, and before telling it to the class, he begins to stare vacantly into space, his mustache twitching in a peculiar manner. He succeeded in making his courses interesting, though most of us were pre¬ pared to detest them. “Jinny” has always been an active worker for Tech, and is often seen at social af¬ fairs. His work on the Tech Journal is something which every Tech man should ap¬ preciate. WALTER LOUIS JENNINGS “Hughie ’ “The Kaiser ” During Freshman year we saw very little of this gentleman, but when as Sophomores we took Qualitative we realized that many of his nick¬ names had deep and subtle meanings. His state¬ ment: “I shall ask some very searching questions on this examination,” proved all too true. During Junior year he led us through the intricate laby¬ rinth of Organic, and in his lectures on the His¬ tory of Chemistry, during Senior year, we dis¬ covered the human side of his nature. As a teach¬ er and lecturer, we can say that he knows his sub¬ ject and also knows how to present it. The notes we have taken in his lectures would fill a library. 28

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V ALEXANDER WILMER DUFF “A. Wilmer ” L2K 2= It was with truly just pride that we welcomed Prof. Duff back to W. P. I., on his return from leave of absence during which he added much to the name of himself and the Institute by his work at aerial bombing research for the Government. To hear him tell of his work and experiences, while away from school, is one of the greatest pleasures that a student may hope to enjoy. Again we hear the familiar “Eh, what?” and other eccentric expressions of this Scotsman re¬ peated by the Sophomores, and it takes us back to the most interesting lectures of our four years. The memory of our associations with this man will be cherished by everyone of us in the future. ARTHUR WILLARD FRENCH “Pa” The word “Pa” has, among the younger students of civil engineering, a rather awe-inspiring mean¬ ing, as a result of the descriptions handed down by the older students. One is surprised, however, upon coming under his guiding hand, to experience a feeling of assurance, for there never was a more thorough and practical teacher of near-graduates than Professor French. His sound judgment and advice, together with his tales of personal experi¬ ences, claim the admiration and respect of all his students, no matter how hard they may work in his courses. He has worked hard himself for our ben efit, tak¬ ing an active interest in our welfare, and we cer¬ tainly appreciate what he has done for us. His method of teaching is of such a type that the interest of the student is kept up at all times, no matter what the subject may be, and we cannot help feeling that he derives much joy and pleasure from his teaching and numerous other duties. The 1920 Civils will remember him as one of the biggest factors in their education -NINETEEN HUNDRED TWENTY —