Yeshiva University High School For Boys - Elchanite Yearbook (New York, NY)

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brightly through the window and the room had a bright, shiny appearance. Within a few minutes, they proceeded to make themselves at home and the Hoof was soon littered with scraps of paper, chewing gum wrappers, and quick-tempered Freshmen. The chaotic scene was soon dispelled as the door opened and the teacher entered. Immediately, there was a sound of rushing feet and scraping chairs. A memorial has since been erected in honor of those trampled in the rush for a choice seat. VVhile the crowd surged towards the front of the room. Mel Simon and Sim Storch slipped quietly into seats located conveniently out of sight of the teacher and started a game of pinochle. As the class settled down, the teacher proceed- ed to introduce himself. Boys, I want you to fill out these cards I am going to hand out. Just follow the simple instruc- tions. Write your last name first, first name last. Immediately, a hand raised and a slender Freshman with blond hair and a body that grew too fast for his shoulders stated shakily, I dont understand. First name first, last name last?i' The teacher stiffened but then said kindly, No, son, just the opposite. Now please write this in ink and print clearlyf' The same young man again raised his hand and croaked bashfully. But I don't have a pen. The teacheris patience was beginning to crack as he handed the boy his own pen, which he gave with a request that it be used carefully as it was given to him on his Bar Mitzvah, The youngster promised to be careful and took the quill from the teacher. The rest of the afternoon, the students were absorbed in writing their names, laughing at the teachers' feeble attempts to be humorous, and making new friends. During the fourth period, they were told to go to the study hall. They headed for the base- ment and by following the odor coming from the garbage cans, they finally arrived. Upon entering, they were greeted with the sight of long rows of tables, scattered chairs, well-stocked book shelves and a smiling blonde, Mr. Schnipper, the study hall director. The walls were decorated with a large Rand McNally map, several pictures. and the sentiments of demented students. Outside, the sun began to sink. The tempo of the city slackened. Twilight gave way to the night which came stealthily and silently. Dark- ness moved in like an oppressive blanket. The lights flashed on in the huge office buildings and soon, the streets were filled with tired people walking quickly in the brisk autumn air. At this fkk Study Hall 14

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Everyone rushed towards the 'ispacious , well decorated cafeteria where the famished student could sometimes lose his hunger but more often his appetite. Amid the soft music of exploding milk containers and loud remarks pertaining to the quality of the food. the young Freshmen fin- ished their large meals, and well satisfied, they waddled from the cafeteria and proceeded noisi- ly to the auditorium. Sterns Cafeteria As they arrived, the freshmen were attracted by a fiery, energetic speaker. He was pale and drawn but there was fire burning in his eyes, ignited by the ideals which consumed his soul. Comrades, we must unite. XVe must over- throw the bourgeois administration. Primarily, we must stand for equality of marks. Co-opera- tion in tests must be a basic principle of our doctrine of student rights. VVe must champion the cause of improving student life in this insti- tution. I have a brief program which would be a stepping stone in that direction: IQ In order to round out the education of the student, courses in ballet, social etiquette, and folk dancing should be established. 25 For a more lively atmosphere, a juke box should be installed in the study hall. Dr. Shapiro should have full control over selection of records. 82 1-1 ------ A hush fell over the auditorium. The young agitator scampered under a seat and all eyes turned to a diminutive but dignified figure who proceeded confidently down the aisle. He rose to the rostrum and, as the suspense mounted, he began to speak. Welcome to Talmudical Academy. I am glad to see so many bright, new faces eagerly await- ing their first day in high school. XVe here at Talmudical Academy are always willing to help you but you must reciprocate by showing your- selves as students worthy of this great institution. I would like to explain the bell system. At one-thiity, you hear a bell. This bell tells you that at one-forty you hear a bell which will sig- nify the beginning of the first period. At two olclock, you hear another bell. Disregard it. At two-eighteen, the period ends and you have until two-twenty to go to the second period. The next bell is at four minutes after three, or is it tl'11'E'S minutes after three? I'm not sure but some time after three you hear a bell signifying official class. You must report to your official class in order to be marked present for the day. You will be dismissed at three twelve from this class. Other bells are at three-eighteen, three-fifty six or is it seven? Uh, the bells will be explained by a mimeographed sheet to be passed around at four-fifty eight. I am sure you boys will enjoy your stay here at T.A. and we are glad to have you. You will now go to your first period classf' The mob pushed its way up the stairs and spilled out over the second Hoor. The Freshmen looked nervously for their classroom. tSeveral Freshmen were lost that day and no word has been heard from them since.j They finally found their class and entered timidly. The sun shined A -:ferret ' naar no 0 'D N2pf.AiRifFTAfri1l5 ' If Sai? fi W etf rg- as 'l qifatffffifi 5 y lfigfg .elif Qagblxya .gtg A5114 tfgtilllllp lllllxl if Hg. .1 v 1 25 -f' l lil E QW if eu ig Q QW li d f 0 A L J Sl 0 fo L j 67' 5' QW U 'MTNA I xl ' f 'tiff' f 1 f it I .tt Q t ie 6 I kk . JU f I X i W2 Mr. Abrams Before Assembly 1:3

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time, the Freshrnenis first day came to an end. They rubbed their eyes as they moved slowly from the classrooms. Some walked gaily to the streets and pushed their way into crowded buses and subways. Others climbed the five flights of stairs to the dormitory looking forlornly at the useless elevator passes in their pockets. After recovering their breath, they proceeded to their designated rooms. They entered the room and observed the spot they were to call home for the next ten months. There were two double- decker beds with the lower berths already con- taining a prostrate roommate, a sink in the cor- ner, and two closets. There was a bureau made of the finest cardboard and a large desk in front of the window. After hurriedly unpacking, he made the acquaintance of his roommates, who may have been college freshmen or fellow class- mates. The first night started off rather slowly, for the Freshmen had lumps in their throats and misty, far away looks in their eyes as they thought of home. A picture of Mama and Papa, sitting around the table eating silently and frequently looking at the empty chair came into their minds. Mama and Papa were thinking of the baby, the bris, the first case of measles, kindergarten and the protesting child, his first test paper. the night he spent in the hospital after his tonsils were out, Bar Mitzvah, and graduation. Now, he was no longer a baby. He was living far from home and he must take care of himself. He felt desert- ed. He needed his motheris soft shoulder upon which to release his emotions. This was a world which was completely new to him. The dayis events seemed chaotic and his father's firm hand seemed necessary to steady him. The Freshman was awakened from his nostal- gia by loud shouting. He opened the door and was doused by a glass of water. Within a few minutes, the whole fifth floor was up in anns, and a water fight had started. After being soaked thoroughly, they ran back to their rooms at the warning that Mr. Baer was coming. The injured received aspirins and everyone received a stem warning. Suddenly, without warning, the lights went out. The more imaginative dove under beds for this could have been a Russian attack. They held their breaths. The silence was broken by a key turning in the lock. The counsellor entered and immediately dispelled fears by explaining that the lights go out at eleven. This, however, incited the wrath of the more amature Freshmen. Protests were shouted accompanied by colorful language describing the students' feelings on the lights outv policy. Immediately, the agitators proceeded to stir up the student body Cwhich could then be found in a horizontal positionj. Upper classmen quelled the riot by explaining that to battle was useless. The Freshmen were not through. Instantly, schemes for revenge were started. Candles were soon decided upon as a means of supplying light. NVater guns were to be bought. The do1'mitory administration would rue the day they aroused the ire of these Fresh- men! Soon they became tired. Their heads nodded and their eyes blinked. They stifled yawns. They got into bed and after two hours of throwing the bull they finally decided to get some sleep. In the dormitory, in the apa1't1nent house on lliverside Drive. on Houston Street, in Bayonne and Hoboken, tired Freshmen closed their eyes. - - 15