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

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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

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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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N 4 list lam l ill ff f ,rn 1 L! ff W l j li? -V ip. vp , l 1 A in X f .? 'I I-,N - fl I J K g fp :D 5 hi p K .f p 7 'W X 1 if 15,1 A I, Q ,,4' l cf' 1 li. 'f Mp!! 111,61 X in X 5 I ' g Q. gi- y -4-E 'ei?i2fiiiiYi it-gblmg l ' X FFFTTTTAT Q13 rm, lfci' .g gg +S:T'T:: f f M- f'llllllH . 1 I'QS IIIICIII QCII' CHAPTER TNVO: s'r1iANGE figure, the Freshman, recog- nized by his battered baseball hat, sag- ging earlaps, and an overwhelming curiosity, began his daily routine in T.A. Through his curiosity. he learned to avoid embarrassing in- cidents brought by taking advice from his upper classmen. Room 214 was not a swimming pool but a bathroom, and Room 213 was not the bath- room but the teachers, room. It was not safe to use the door marked 108 as a shortcut to the street, and the oflice of the registrar was not the little room near the telephone booths. As the days passed, the Freshmen adapted themselves to the school as the school adopted the Freshmen. Amazement and awe slowly turned to sarcasm and cynicism. Adventures and experiences became daily routines to them but a constant source of amusement to this old WALL. Each day, 1 would watch them enter the building. For many, the day began in the locker room. Still half asleep, they would grope their way down the dimly lit stairway and walk slow- ly down the dark hallway which led to the locker room. As they entered. they were greeted with loud shouting and the voice of Milty Pol- 16 lack rendering the latest hit song. The dilference between song and scream was barely noticeable. Before they reached their lockers they had suc- ceeded in enraging a Senior, getting a hot tip on the dayis test, and had overcome temptation by refusing to cut in order to go to the Paramount. After gathering their books, they headed for class. Meanwhile, in the dormitory, the rest of the Freshmen were being aroused unceremoniously by over-zealous counsellors. After several re- lapses, they dragged themselves from bed and hurried down to Blinyan. Some beds were still occupied by the more prudent who had Hgured exactly when they could absent themselves in order to keep their attendance above 512. After Minyan, Moish and Harryis or Sternis was the scene of wild confusion. Miniature Fresh- men were trampled underfoot in the rush to the counter. A glance at the clock sent everyone rushing out the door and, with empty stomachs and heavy hearts the Freshmen went to their morning classes. As the bell rang at nine, the two groups con- verged on the stairs. The Freshmen noticed the casual manner with which the upper classmen