Oriole and Tower-Light, 1922-1927, Part 140

Author: Maryland State Normal School (Towson, Md.)
Publication date: 1922-1927
Publisher: Maryland State Normal School (Towson, Md.)
Number of Pages: 1024

USA > Maryland > Baltimore County > Towson > Oriole and Tower-Light, 1922-1927 > Part 140

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"Could we but claim her as our very own", the student body re- marks-hut we cannot. She is a part of everything and everyone. We hardly know where to begin when talking about Miss Dowell. She he- longs to the student body, the Fifth Grade, the faculty, and is one of the headlights in our dormitory life. To save all hard feelings, we will say she belongs to our Alma Mater.

We are proud of her, and we can- not help feeling sorry for the school which she has left in Calvert county, even though their loss is our gain .- Helen lola Jones, Senior XI.

A BACKWARD GLANCE-TO BEGIN ANEW.

Another year has drifted by; another sun has set, and there come other moons in their mysterious way; other dawns of dazzling sunrise to gladden fainting hearts. The world cannot question these constant revo- lutions, for they are children of the Great Father Time, to whom the fate of man is hut one small cog in the wheel of uncertain destiny. The perilous eras through which we are so swiftly wafted should mean to us much, yet literally, they mean so little. The human mind seemingly has not the power to grasp, nor the ability to hold within the bounds of treacherous memory, that a yesterday can never be today; today can never be tomorrow, and past years can never be the future.

The act that was born in careless execution is safe from erasure, in- delibly stamped upon the record of infallihle time; the thought that burst forth in heedless utterance has passed the harbor of recall, and is tossing among waves of unscrupulous publicity. Like an unending thread, hourly spun history is woven each fleeting day, from the lives we live and the record we make in the cycle of human life.

And now, as we walk down the long halls of nineteen hundred twen- ty-seven, let us halt near the en- trance before a picture hanging

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February, 1927

there on the wall and read below its painted surface this inscription: "Your journey through '26." With what feeling does that masterpiece impress us? Is it one of deep despair, sad memories and bitter shame, or do we feel a rising joy, a drift of ten- der emotions and a touch of self- earned pride ? Conscience in this pensive moment plays a leading part, and gives to each individual the merited verdict. Be that, what e'er it will, for no painter's brush can now improve or mar, that living por- trait; its day is past, its task is done; but 'tis the future that is ours to mold, ours to conquer. It is, today, to-morrow, this year that counts. With the well learned lesson of the past, we may start ahead with a firm and sure step, ready to do our shart, no matter how small or hard it may seem. We will hope and try to make successful this year, not only for ourselves and our interests, but for our community, our school, and our fellowmen .- Lillian E. Sun- dergill, Jr. II.

THE UNLOVED LOVER.

(By Sidney Fishbein, Sr. Sp.)

A sudden jolt on the piano-the music stopped. Glimmering, exquis- ite shoes stopped their gay gliding. A short, obese man whose oleagin- ousness was enveloped by a lustrous tuxedo, elevated himself to a con- picuous height and began to address the gathering in effeminate tones.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "we have arranged a little treat for all of you and hope our efforts will meet with your most gracious ap- proval. Please clear the center of the ballroom as much as possible, for we shall begin immediately."

There was slight commotion, and soon enough space was cleared to provide ample room for the oncoming event. . A breath of silence, and then-a plump, little dancer, dressed as dancers dress, walked sprightly into the clear area. Most spectators smiled; some laughed audibly, some looked serious, and one shuddered as if a chill had abruptly gripped him. "And this is supposed to be a 'treat' for Medical Students," one could hear Sam Sekinsky mutter. A close observer would see a satiric twitch of Sekinsky's upper lip.

His friends, the few he had, dis- regarded his undertoned remarks as they would the barking of a dog out- side. Certainly they knew that he was a bitter opponent of modern dress and customs, but this was not the time to be grouchy and dissatis- fled. "If he dislikes abbreviated clothes, let him go! Who cares," they must have thought, for their faces plainly showed their disgust.

The dancer interpreted many of the current dances. Again Sam mut-

tered, this time, "Wild and worth- less." Martin O'Connor, long an ad- mirer of Sekinsky's mental capacity, became enraged. He could endure such a sarcastic attitude no longer. His lovely lined countenance with its sweet. unctuous smile, was trans- formed as if by magic into an abom- inable grimace. Had he been a dragon, his nostrils would probably nave exhaled fire at that moment. Such behavior on the night of the heralded Senior dance, "The Annual Skip," was intolerable!

"For God's sake, shut up, Pig- face!" he growled as he jabbed his right elbow against poor Sam's ribs. Although it did somewhat appease Martin and lull Sam, "Pig-face" did very well befit Sekinsky's physio-

gnomy. Sam was extremely ugly, indeed. The most noticeable of his unsightly features was his set of teeth-none were missing; they were all perfectly healthy and strong, but they bulged out in a most repulsive manner. The tops of his ears hung over so much that an impartial ob- server would easily have mistaken them for dog ears. That was not all -his aquiline nose almost coincided with an eagle's beak; his large deep- set eyes were nearly hidden by his bushy eyebrows, which in turn served as a striking contrast to the vast area left vacant on his forehead. The whiteness of his huge brow stood out against the redness of his face like a silver plate on an ebony tab- let. On the whole, he was a tall, awkward, unsightly, red-faced crea- ture.

Sam's mental characteristics, how- ever, seemed a remuneration for his hideous physical features-probably another example of the eternal law of compensation. But his mental capacity he would never ascribe to God, or any other supernatural force; he was a confirmed atheist, although constantly declined to discuss his stand. All his knowledge, all his thoughts, all his actions and reac- tions, he probably attributed to one thing-the book. He was unmistak- ably an intellectual genius, for his nineteen years of life, even though he had such tempeamental prejudices as that of denouncing the modern type girl. His unusual mental facul- ties aroused comment not only from the professors and students of the University of Maryland, where he was taking a pre-medical course, but also from every person who knew him.

Sam ceased concerning himself with the dancer. His wandering eyes, now indifferent, indolently glanced at the group of spectators. By chance he noticed a girl, who

greatest school event of the school year- The Annual Skip!

Of course, Sam was not a "social bird" (probably his face interfered), and naturally despised formalities. Why, then, was he here? He had no dancing partner and was incapable of securing one-what business had he on a ballroom floor? He had not the slightest idea concerning every- day dancing; he had only known of artistic, aesthetic dancing-the danc- ing that is so seldom seen on a mod_ ern dancing floor, that the ordinary dancer would probably be frightened by the mere sight of it, as a born hermit would be by a sudden glimpse of New York's commercial districts. The only perceivable reason for his presence was: either Sam wanted to see "the other side of life" (not through books as hitherto, but through actual personal observation), or, possibly he was assured that there would be "something good, something new" in the programme offered by the financial managers of the affair, who really were more concerned with swelling the class funds than bettering the aesthetic tastes of its members.

So here was Sam Sekinsky, stand, ing idly by, while the onlookers- Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors were all immensely absorbed in the "meaningless" dances of the little plump girl who seemed to imagine herself a modern terpsichore; yet who, in Sam's opinion, displayed but "the talent of an ordinary caba- ret dancer. Sam stood like a be- wildered, ostracized beggar. But Sekinsky was not bewildered; he was enticed and enamored with the elegant simplicity of that disinter- ested girl standing near Martin

O'Connor.

Why this girl had come to an affair that seemed to be uninterest- ing to her will perhaps forever re- main unexplained. This much only was known; she was brought here by an old friend of hers-but this friend had forsaken her (as good friends often do), for a male friend, whom she now heard laughing merrily and heartily as they mutually watched the whirling, and bending, and eyeing of the dancing coquette. Being estranged, she began to find herself -she seemed to be lost in an estami- net! She was one of those extra- ordinary ordinary girls. Beautiful- but dumb! One whose paint and powder are redundant, superfluous- one whose beauty makes you forget her ignorance. It is she who speaks with her muteness-her skin, fleshy ivory; her hair, human ebony. She -who pacifies the infuriated, stops the executor, transforms the cynic, converts the scorner, animates the torpid-and still she was one of those weaklings whose word is as strong as God's-sometimes stronger. She was the sole person who can operate without exertion, do things

seemed likewise disinterested in that part of the program, standing near Martin O'Connor. His momentary glance became a steadfast gaze-a gaze of profound admiration. Sam forgot the pains in his ribs and even i the fact that he was attending the) that require brains without brains.

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February, 1927

She could commit the greatest crime and go unharmed. She could be treacherous and yet evoke a polite apology from her victim. She had effeminate femininity. She accom- plished by sheer presence. She was one who does not understand-and does not have to-this was the girl who was not attracted by the dancer -not because the dancer was "rude," but because the male audience was a better attraction than the main at- traction!

When the entertainment was over, Martin O'Connor, who, as you know, was nearby, addressed the girl with his winsome smile.

"Er, a, ah, pardon me, young lady, but haven't I met you before You look so familiar-but I just can't place you."

"Why, my name's Mary Lee. I do not know you I've never seen you before in my life!"

"Ha, ha; that's quite amusing. But I-I just don't seem to under_ stand why on God's earth two human beings can not talk to each other without a formal introduction."

"Well, that's custom!"

"Indeed, but when customs inter- fere with the free, self-expression of human beings, customs should be broken, don't you think so, Mary?"

At first Mary Lee was astonished at being called by her first name; but he was such a "nice" boy that she readily remarked with a smile:

"Surely, especially on a merry day like this. Besides, we're all school mates."

Martin never lost an opportunity like this, for he was an experienced "sheik." But, strange to say, his whole introduction was body and soul the invention of Sam himself. Mar- tin had learned many things from this ugly Sekinsky.

As advised, Martin said: "By the way, Miss Lee, my car's walting out- side-it's just crazy to take you home!"

Mary's heart was crying to her with all its might, "Go-by all means --- go." But her father was a preach- er and her mother an ex-nurse, and she, the only child. She had been brought up within the tight reins of her foolish parents, who suppressed her every girlish prank in an effort to prevent possible immodesty.

"No, thanks, Mr.

"Martin O'Connor's my name," he smiled. "Please come, Mary, won't you?"

Waiting for no answer, O'Connor, grasping her dainty wrist, drew her outside. They entered Martin's bright green two-passenger Cadillac -Mary somewhat reluctantly yield- ing-and sped off.

(What happened to Martin-in March number).

VISITORS' DAY AT NORMAL.

(By Arthur Lichtenstein).

The clocks of the village had just struck six-for no good reason at all except that it was about six o'clock. In a blaze of glory, the sun was slowly sinking to rest in the Pacific Ocean, to rise next morning fresh from its overnight bath, and unwear- ied by the long swim from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Night was falling. . . Crash! Did you hear it fall?

Two weary travelers continued on their way, regardless of the falling of the night, except that Tony, the shorter of the two wayfarers, dodged slightly to make sure it did not fall on him.

"Say, Tony," said the short way- farer to his even shorter companion, "we ought to be in Towson shortly."

The short man did not reply. He only said, "Say, Shorty, if you don't close your trap, and stop using the small supply of wind you have left, we won't get to Wiltondale with its city conveniences and county taxes (drive in) in time for tea."

Thus, in silence, the two men con- tinued on their weary journey from Baltimore to Towson. Why were they going to Towson, you ask. Why should anyone go to Towson? We reply to your question with another. There are so many other places to go. . . As a matter of fact, though, the travelers were student teachers coming out for a conference with the director of practice. That is why they were walking; student teachers never hurry, least of all to a confer- ence.

An automobile approaching rapidly along the macadam of the York road, startled the wanderers. "Let's ask him for a lift," proposed Tony.

"Don't you know it's against the rules of the Maryland State Normal School to ask for lifts on York Road?" asked Shorty in amazement.

Shorty ?"

But Shorty couldn't. He only spoke Baltimorean, and that with an acute accent. He was thus forced to continue with his head on his shoulders, and had a hard time keep- ing up with his less burdened com- panion.

The tower of the Normal School soon became visible in the distance. The travelers were not deceived, how- ever; they knew it must be a mirage. "It's easy to tell that's a mirage," spoke Shorty.

"You can see that the tower is a mirage," he explained, "because the clock is right."

Tony nodded his head; a simple process, involving no use of the liga- mentum nuchae. "That's true," he assented.

His voice sounded a little peculiar to his pal, but the latter attributed it to fatigue, and to the great disap- pointment of the mirage. He tried to encourage the little chap. "Are you sure it's a mirage?" he asked.

"As many times as I've backed my car in and out of a mirage, do you think I could fail to recognize one on sight, or at least on second sight?" asked the semi-detached voice of Tony.

And So it proved to be. The prophecies of the generals were vin- dicated, and this battle became the turning point of the whole war. As soon as any of the armies reached this point, they turned around. To make sure, however, they had a traffic signal installed, with auto- matic lights, and nobody could get by, because all the lights were red.

But to return to our mustard; as soon as the travelers reached Towson, they' went into the Normal School. There Tony forgot all the English he ever knew, as is the custom of stu- dents entering the sacred precincts of the M. S. N. S. Immediately, his head deprived of its sole support, fell to the floor. With characteristic politeness, a flock of Normal students rushed to the head and hegan kick- ing it around, as soccer balls are season. scarce during the tennis Shorty was too quick for them, how- ever, and soon had the head where it belonged, in the trophy room, with all the other athletic awards won in recent years. If you see it, you may mistake it for a loving cup, but on closer inspection it proves to have eyes, and whoever heard of a loving cup with eyes?

At this juncture Tony stooped down and came up with something sharp and pointed in his hand. "What is it?" queried Shorty.

Tony hung his head in shame. He had managed to pick up a smattering of English along the road, and it was "Somebody's fingernail," answered Tony. on this he hung his head. "It's much lighter this way," he cried in glee. "Why don't you try it, "This is a . rough place," sald Shorty thoughtfully. "Deadly weap- ons left lying around in profusion." "Confusion," corrected Shorty.

"I said profusion, and profusion was what I meant," insisted Shorty. They sent Tony to Miss Tall's office to get a dictionay, and thus the matter was settled without blood- shed, as both admitted that Shorty was right.

Loud sounds were heard proceed. ing from the auditorium. They paid no attention to them, however; they guessed that it must be an argument ahout the respective merits of Pesta- lozzi, Mussolini, and Tetrazzini in a Pest-Normal debate. Other loud sounds proceeding from the respec-

Tony seemed to be having some difficulty in speaking, probably due to a lack of neuro-muscular coordin_] ation. Shorty, however, answered his | companion's unspoken question. ] tive graves of the three parties in

February, 1927

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dispute indicated that they were busily occupied in turning over and over in protest at the way their names were ruthlessly being taken in vain. . . What? Mussolini is not dead yet, you say? As often as he's been shot at, too! Think of it. He certainly deserves credit. Any large department store will be delighted to give it to him, if he can furnish satisfactory references, and wants to open a charge account. z

But, coming back to our custard: so Tony said to Shorty, "So this is the Normal School?"

And they both left and went to Sheppard-Pratt.

TIIE HIKING CLUB.

( Margaret Frere, Sr. 13.)

One day Miss Sammis came to our class, and, after calling the roll, said enthusiastically: "How many are go- ing to join the Hiking Club?" Al- most in perfect concert, the class ex- postulated: "Why, we don't know anything about it."

Miss Sammis then smilingly re- plied: "I know you don't, and for that very reason I want all who are interested to meet me Wednesday at 3 o'clock in the Auditorium.

Wednesday, 3 P. M .!- A small, but enthusiastic group awaited Miss Sammis in the · Auditorium. There we learned just what the Hiking Club meant.

The Hiking Club may consist of any number of members who are di- vided into squads of ten with a chair- man over each squad. There is a President and secretary appointed for the entire club. The secretary's duty is to write interesting accounts of our hikes. This club is counted among the electives.

If a member is present for 80 % of the number of hikes, he gains ten points as in Basket Ball.

A definite time was set aside each week for the hike. The group de- cided that Wednesday, 3.45 P. M. was the best time. A discussion of the distance for each hike was taken up. Miss Sammis suggested first tak- ing three mile hikes and then gradu- ally going on longer ones. The group adjourned with high anticipa- tion for the forthcoming hike.

Again Wednesday, 3.45 P. M .! A

group is seen standing in front of Newell Hall. The sun having given up the great battle of "light and rain" retired beyond the silvery sheet of clouds. A misty rain en- veloped the atmosphere. But this did not stop the hikers. Soon they could be seen walking along the road to Rodgers Forge. To the casual on- looker we might have appeared as a group of Fifth Avenue strollers, clad in fur-trimmed coats and spike heels, another group in a more conventional ning personality.

garb-the middy and skirt, and a third group of four, I hardly think I am stretching it too much, clad in knickers. The forty hikers gave vent to their joy by singing every- thing from "Alma Mater" to "Every- thing Is Gonna Be Alright."

Upon returning to Normal School, it was discovered that a distance of three miles had been covered in fifty- three minutes. Not at all bad on a rainy day! !

ACTIVITIES OF THE GIRL SCOUTS.

You haven't heard much about our organization since Christmas, but we've been busy.

The Christmas basket which we gave to the poor family in Towson was quite a success and was greatly appreciated.

The Scouts are going to give a St. Patrick's Dance on March 18th. We are depending on every one of you to help make this a real success.

On January 25th the troop hiked to Sheppard and Pratt. The grounds were beautiful and we certainly did enjoy our hike there.

We have passed off most of our Tenderfoot tests. At our last meet- ing two Scout leaders came out from Baltimore headquarters to talk to us. One leader helped the Junior Scouts with their Second Class work, while the other started her course on lead- ership with the Senior Scouts.

We are all looking forward to our sledding party and the week-end hike .- D. H., G. S.

GIRL SCOUT DANCE MARCH 18.

The Girl Scouts will hold a St. Patrick's dance on March 18th. The admission will be fifty cents a couple. All the faculty and students are cor- dially invited to attend. There will be card tables furnished for those who do not dance. Prizes will be given. We assure you a good time. All come.

WHO'S WHO AT M. S. N. S.

There's no better month than Febru- ary to introduce famous people, be- cause look at all the famous people which February has given to all of the world. Since this is the month of famous people we want to intro- duce you to two more of our Normal School celebrities.

As president of the "Pests" Miss Betrice Schlimme proves herself the energetic, capable young lady which justifies her election last spring. "B" has worked hard and falthfully for the "Pests," and the society re_ flects her efforts. Everybody knows "B" by her smiling face and win- "B" will not be

soon forgotten; her name will long be known-long after her class has passed on.

Hazel Gambrell, president of the Normal Literary Society, marshal and ardent class worker, needs no introduction. Ever since last year, if you ever wanted anyone to depend As on, you always went to Hazel. sure as the "Pest" Society is grow- "B" ing under supervision of Schlimme, so is the Normal Society prospering under Hazel's leadership. Hazel does her student teaching next term, and we're wondering what we'll do without her.

(You will hear from us again in the next issue).

JUNIOR CLASS BUSINESS.

"Class Business." Oh, what an interesting topic to write on, don't you think? I love to write on it. When they asked me I said I would do my best. This is my best.

On January the eighteenth I asked Miss Tall if she would come to our Junior Class meeting and tell us what she thinks of us as a class. Miss Tall indeed made us all feel very proud, that the Class twenty - Eight is the best class that will ever graduate from

Normal. This, according to psy- chology, is perfectly natural, and it is only instinctive on our part. So please don't criticise us for our loy- alty. According to Miss Tall, we have made great progress since we have already selected our colors, motto, flower and banner. After Miss Tall's talk, the officers who up to this time have held office only temporarily, were put into office per- manently. This business was not finished in one meeting, but was car- rled over until the next day, when it was completed. This, I consider, has been the greatest recent event.

All the temporary officers were re_ elected, and I, as spokesman for them all, wish to thank each and every Junior for his trust of confi- dence in us. Our re-election has not only shown us the confidence which the Juniors have in us, but also the thanks they have to give for previous services which we did in the best way we could.' With all this behind us and you on our side, our success is certain if we pull together, with all our might.

If this article hasn't been so in- teresting to you I hope you at least know a little more about the Juniors. -J. Karl Schwartz, Jr. 7.

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February, 1927

MAKE A DATE

MARCH FETE

CAMPUS SCHOOL AFTERNONN MARCH 8.

O Neill's

CHARLES ST., AT LEXINGTON BALTIMORE

CORRECT

FASHIONS FOR COLLEGE ·

With all the smart Accessories

The Street Car

The most convenient reliable, and Economical Means of Transportation

United Railways & Elec. Company OF BALTIMORE

FIFTY PEOPLE OCCUPIED O.N MONDAY AFTERNOONS BE_ TWEEN FOUR AND FIVE

O'CLOCK.

Do you recall the announcement made regarding dancing at the Ath- letic Association meeting in January? At that time the enrollment of the dancing class was the big sum of THREE. At present there are fifty or more girls in the class, all prog- ressing splendidly ( ?) ; so don't miss the demonstration that we hope to give soon. It promises to be spectac- ular .- Audrey Deppenbrock, Sr. 7.

Read's NUN RIGHT

For Your Drugs, Candy, Kodaks, Sta- tionery, Gifts, Etc. It's never cheaper elsewhere, hecause it's always cheaper here. 507 York Road, Towson

TOWSON BAKERY-THE GOODY SHOP

Fancy Cakes, pies, Pastries, Ice Cream, Sodas Sandwiches and Coffee L. W. HELD & SONS, Inc. Phone Towson 204 and 201

As A Patron of The Normal School THE TOWSON NATIONAL BANK (Court House Plaza) Invites You to Open An Account In Its Checking Department, Savings Depart- ment, Christmas Savings Club and Rent A Safe Deposit Box. 4 Per Cent. Interest on Savings. Open Saturday Evenings

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Oriole and Tower-Light, 1922-1927, Part 140

Author: Maryland State Normal School (Towson, Md.) Publication date: 1922-1927 Publisher: Maryland State Normal School (Towson, Md.) Number of Pages: 1024

Author: Maryland State Normal School (Towson, Md.)
Publication date: 1922-1927
Publisher: Maryland State Normal School (Towson, Md.)
Number of Pages: 1024