MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL THE MERCIAD

*

Published at Mercyhurst College, Erie, Pennsylvania

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

VOL. IX DECEMBER, 1937

Sodality Breakfagt Collegians Held On December 8 Felifcitate

President Prefect Welcomes iNew Members At

Yearly Affair Impressive Ceremonies Com­memorate the Feast of the ^Immaculate Conception The Sodality of our Lady is a

spiritual society working enthu-siastically for Christ, rendering service to His Church in its inter­est and in the quickening of the spiritual life of its members. It is the echo of four Holy Father's plea a or Catholic Action resound­ing in terms of life. Today, this echo is heard in every country of the world, for in every country there is a Sodality working for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, in the reign of Christ through Mary, Mother of the God-Man.

It is the Sodality of Our Lady and so we, her Soda lists, observe in an' especial manner her feasts and on December 8 we celebrated the most sublime of them all—her Immacula te Conception.

Fully aware of the spirit of this day, the Mercyhurst Sodality cele­brated i t in a singular way. Her members attended Holy Mass and Communion, and new members were received into the Sodality. There was breakfast in the stu­dents' dining room, followed by an appropriate program: H y m n , Christ the King, by the Sodalists; Welcome Address, Helens Gowans; Talk, Margaret Quinn; Our Lady in Art, Frances Malaney; Address, Father A. M. Watson and Father John Obendorpher.

| * —Rita Maley, '38 :-o-

Erie Novelist Is Guest Speaker At Assembly

The well-known novelist, Charles Dutton, of Erie, was guest speak­er at the Book Week Program held at Mercyhurst on Friday, No­vember 19.

Mr. Dutton, who writes detective stories and biographies, chose as the subject of his talk, "How a book came to be written." The book, his "Samaritans of Molokai," was a recent selection of the Cath­olic? Book of the Month Club. Ac­cording to Mr. Dutton, some of the statistics.'for the writing of the book were: two years' time, the reading of 3500 letters, over 3,000 corrections, and four stenograph­ers. But, said Mr. Dutton, "Be­hind every great man is a woman who does the research—his secre­tary." ® i n

The story of Father Damien and Brother Leo, who were the "Sa­maritans" was especially interest­ing to this author because of his relationship to Brother Leo who was the co-worker and successor of the Apostle of the Lepers.

Mr. Dutton reviewed the history of leprosy and the sacrifice and

Head of Charities

Reverend James M. Powers

College Entertains Former Chaplain

On Thursday evening, December 9, the entire faculty and student body of Mercyhurst were privi­leged to entertain at a testimonial banquet and reception for the Rev­erend James Powers, for four years beloved chaplain and professor at Mercyhurst.

The guest list included, in addi­tion to Father Powers, Rev. Alfred Watson, chaplain and professor of religion at Mercyhurst; Rev. John Keating of Sts. Cosmas and Dami-an parish in Punxsutawney; Rev. John Cooper, Rev. Lawrence Meko and Rev. Enis Connoly of Erie; Rev. Leo Anderton of St. Francis Church in Clearfield; and Rev. Jerome Maher, of St. Callistus Church, Kane. The three last named were classmates of Father Powers at St. Bonaventure's, Olean, N. Y. | |

Following the banquet, a recep­tion was given in the foyer. At this time the faculty and students were privileged to {present to Father Powers warm personal wishes in the form of testimonial speeches delivered by various members of the group. Music and song inter­mingled with words of sincere praise and gratitude for one, who, during four years, was a loyal and devoted friend to MercyhursteCol-lege, its facuity, and its students. JFr. Powers has been honored in

being made {Director of Catholic Charities of the Erie Diocese with chaplaincy at Gannondale and res­idence at the Bishop's home.

"Ave," dear Fr. Powers, but never "Vale" to such a fine and de^ voted friend.

—Rosemary McGee, '40

devotion of its two heroes on the island of Molokai.

The speaker was introduced by Anne Bough ton, '41, and the pro­gram was concluded by Edith Re­gan, '38. —M. O'SulIivan, '38

Mother Xavier is Guest of Honor at Shakespearean

Presentations

A very important and happy event took place at Mercyhurst College, Thursday evening, Decem­ber 2 when the student body took the opportunity to felicitate Mother M. Xavier, president of the college on the eve of her Feast Day. This is the first time (that the student body has expressed its homage and love for Mother Xavier in a public demonstration. Therefore, this occasion was dear to the hearts of the students all of whom participated in honoring our beloved president on the occasion of her Feast Day.

The opening song, dedicated to Mother Xavier, was sung from the lips and hearts of her loving as­sociates and collegians. The words, composed by Evarita Flaherity, '39, expressed the wishes of the singers: "On this day, O Mother^ Xavier, We sing to you songs of praise, To the one whose feast we honor, Glad hearts and voices raise.

(Continued on Page 4) - r » -

DR. BEHREND 1 ADDRESSES

S T U D E N T S Dr. Ernest R. Behrend, President

of the Hammermill Paper Compa­ny of Erie, addressed the Mercy­hurst students at a special assem­bly on Thursday, December 9. Edu­cated in the Univer. ities of 'Dres­den and Berlin, and with the de­gree of L.L.D. from Thiel College, Greenville, Pa., Dr. Behrend was especially interesting to the colle­gians as a representative of both the educational and business view­points of life.

Philosophy in life and business was the theme of Dr. Behrend's address. "There is no dividing line |between education and busi­ness," he said. "Education is for the 'purpose of giving you the in­telligence to: justify your duties in life.'" I I f, |

Dr. Behrend emphasized the point that a school is judged not by its buildings but by the kind of material it turns out. An obliga­tion, therefore, rests upon the stu­dent. Then, too, business could not continue to live in a healthy manner unless young people were coming! along to put new life into it; which fact makes a college education "not fa claim but an obligation."

In discussing the civic respond sibilities of the young people, Dr. Behrend emphasized the necessity of knowing history, economics and even biology in order that one may vote; intelligently.

Dr. Behrend answered the que­stion, so often in the minds of stu­dents, of what they may expect

NUMBER THREE

Bishop Gannon Honored At Annual Reception

College Guest

Most Rev. John Mark Gannon, D.D, .

Christmas Party? Is Scheduled

On Friday evening, December 17, at eight o'clock the annual Christmas^party will be given with the Freshman class as hostesses, the entire faculty! and student body as guests, j The usual mystery and delightful secrecy surround this party, while behind the scenes Carolyn Feeley and her committees work diligently in an j effort to make this the most brilliant and beautiful Christmas party in the history of Mercyhurst. The vari­ous committees and their members are as follows:

General Chairman, Carolyn Fee-ley; Program Committee, Elinor Mayer, Mary Alys Klinger, Doris Kellam; Refreshments, A. Stout and L. Ribsen; co-chairmen, M. Klampher, A. Nasoni, J. Senior, O. Reagle, M. Martini, B. Trippe, A. Cotter, M. Neuberger, R. McCann, B. J. Clark, M. Carroll; Song Com­mittee, A. La very,! chairman, M. Winston, J. Prendergast, J. Weir, M. Hutton; Decoration Commit­tee , D. Scalzo and A. Bough ton, co-chairmen, H. Liu, E. Dumitru, A. Crowley, J. Franklin, A. Lennon, V. Freir, R. Klos, C. Bellucci, B. Schutte, L. Blanchard, V. Connor, H. Sullivan| F. Gallagher, V. Ha-berberger, J. Kinney; Entertain­ment, C. Russell and M. .E. Mar-kel, co-chairmen, J. McClenathan, V$Guynes, M.| McGrath, B. A. English; Service, R. Brugger and B. Leahe. —Marion Weschler, '40

from business. First of all, em­ployment according to your quali­fications; and secondly, promotion —reward for effort. .(•

With reference to the philosophy of a beginner in life, Dr. Behrend said: J'Don't try to look too far into the future. | Meet only one difficulty at a|time.| Keep your goal clearly before you. Walk to­wards the sun and the shadow from the light will be behind you."

i ii —M. O'SnlUvan

Feature of Program For Bishop Day ] Is Choral Verse

College C h a n c e l l o r and Seniors Are Entertained!

At Dinner

Another red letter day in the annals of Mercyhurst has come and gone. Bishop's Day, the day on which the Mercyhurst student body formally entertains His Ex­cellency, John Mark Gannon, Bis­hop of Erie and Chancellor of Mercyhurst College, is a tradition at Mercyhurst.

Once annually this Ihonor be­comes our privilege, and this year the J happy f occasion was slated for December 13. On* that afternoon, the entire student body had the honor of being presented indivi­dually to our Bishop. Following this formal reception, an enter­tainment was presented in the auditorium for the pleasure of Bishop Gannon.

The program included the fol­lowing numbers:

Chorus — Seminarians; Welcome—Margaret Thompson; Verse Speaking Choir — Colle­

gians; The School For Scandal, Act II

Scene I—Mary Carroll, Carol Russel;

The House of Christmas by G. K. Chesterton — Eugenia Andreco-vich;

The Rivals, Act III, Scene III Ann Morin;

Chorus — Seminarians; & The March of Time — Colle­gians;

(Continued on Page 3) :-o- :•

Original Monologues Are Presented by

Noted Artist Miss Juanite Bauer, whose ori­

ginal monodramas delighted her audience on Wednesday night, No­vember 10, inaugurated the series of entertainments which Mercy­hurst will present during the com­ing months.

Offering a wide range of se­lections featuring the amusing "Company to iDinner" which de­picted a modern young matron who reared her children scientifi­cally; the pathetic and lonely fig­ure of the Pioneer Mother, who watched her daughter set out for the new frontier; and the hilarious younglgirl from Georgia, attend­ing a prom at Washington and Lee University, Miss Bauer kept her audience completely*captivated.

This talented young artist needed no properties or elaborate stage effects to convey her impressions. Her remarkably expressive voice and hands clearly portrayed'the characters she assumed, all with a generous insight into human•<?na­ture. ,;

—Rene Forquer, '38

Page Two THE MERCIAD December, 1937

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0 Come LetiUs Adore Him

With the approach of Christmas it|would be well for us to consider the significance of this f e a s t . To so many of us Christmas means only headache, tired feet, and bad temper resulting from shopping and sundry other material prepara­tions for the day. During this hub-bub the most important preparation of all is often forgotten—this is spiritual prepa­ration. . I

If we were preparing for the birthday of a friend or a mem­ber of our family there would be no end to this preparation. Everything would be put in order and no gift would be too good for him. The same preparation, in a spiritual s e n s e , would be appropriate for Christmas. Our s p i r i t u a l house should be put in order and we, too, should offer our prayers and good works as gifts. For we are celebrating the birthday of One who should^be the most loved member of our family, One who spent His life teaching us how to gain eternal hap­piness and then died that the gates between us and this hap-piness might be opened. £

The Greeks believe that 0] Christmas Eve the t r e e s and plants, especially on the banks of the River Jordan, bow in re­verence to the Savior. Let us, on Christmas Eve, like the trees, at least bow our heads in Thanksgiving and adoration, and our Christmas will surely have added significance.

Pauline O'Laughlin, '38

Father James M. Powers

In June of 1933, Father Powers came to Mercyhurst? to assume the duties of the first appointment in his priestly ca­reer. Here, during the next succeeding four years, he served as Chaplain and Head of the Department of Philosophy. In all his associations, he manifested the distinguished qualities of a scholar and a priest of God. Cordial in manner, liberal in self-sacrifice, lavish of his services, and learned in know­ledge, he is a personality truly representative of the Catholic clerical ideal. It is simply impossible to speak of him without remembering his numerous spiritual ministrations to the com­munity and the student body; his ardent devotion to an edu­cational ideal based upon God as the foundation bedrock of all learning worthy of the name; his insistence upon the indis-pensability of first principles and primary t r u t h s even in higher education which, in many places, ignores or rejects them; his unswerving loyalty to Mercyhurst upon whom he, loving her, laboring for her, serving her well, has left his im­press. He leaves us, as the newly appointed Director of Dio­cesan Charities in the Diocese of Erie. No one who has known him but regrets his leaving our midst. And no one who has known him but calls down upon him and his new work the blessing of God for a harvest fertile in its planting, rich in its blossoming, and abundant in its reaping.

:-o-:

Tuberculosis Association

Bisho Gannon's endorsement of the Erie County Health and Tuberculosis Association and his appeal to us all to buy Christmas Seals is of interest to us at Mercyhurst especially because statistics show that tuberculosis is much more pre­valent among young women between the ages of 15 and 25 than it is among young men of the same age. Although no one knows exactly why this is the case, there can be no que­stion about the fact itself. •;• .;•

The Erie County Health and Tuberculosis Association, sup­ported entirely by the sale of those cheery little stamps for | Christmas cards and packages, works tirelessly the year round to prevent the spread of tuberculosis. Science has found that tuberculosis is not inherited, as was once supposed; that it is not difficult to cure if discovered in time; and that it can be contracted only by coming in contact with it. Preven­tion, consequently, is the most effective way of combating tu­berculosis. I I

The money realized from the sale of Christmas Seals makes it possible for our Erie County Health and Tuberculosis Asso­ciation to isolate and treat infected cases in the best possible way. Protection of young people, and especially young wo­men, against the dangers of tuberculosis is one of the main objectives of this local society. They are working for us. Let's help them by buying as many Christmas Seals as we can.

SENIORITAS

Nov. 17.j Seniors did their part in the hockey game with Edinboro. . . better luck next time . , Anne

upheld the honor of the clan in the swimming meet .3.

S t Nov. 22 . . Study club arguments K . . flew thick and fast .1. decision, a draw, till next meeting . . Helen certainly had her decks cleared for action . . Hasn'tt Sister Angelica the most * adorable nieces and ne­phew?!. . Elizabeth d i s t u r b e d third this evening . . that'; man again! .f. Trouble in the Paradise of No. 59 . . not within, but with­out . . Poor Jack and Jimmy.

One mad scramble, to get pic­tures taken . . fwhether 'twere better to fphotograph \. . a f a c e weary of school work, or one tired from "vacation" .

|Nov. 24. The usual tumble for bags, taxis, trains . . and approval slips . . Pauline slipped out in time to be . . well, f to be a year older at home . . Rita Maley picks the most delightful trains . . In-cidently, she's going to get her Master's in Philosophy . | . And so, home to receive "the pep that we get from our college."

Nov. 29. Christmas seems to have "Fallen" early . . ('scuse it, Please) . . | Rumors . . of an ice-skating rink on third floor . . Wel­come back, Betty Gentleman . . Candid cameras could've done a rushing business when you an­swered present in Philosophy on Monday . . Adelaide's gone and gotten herself a man with depth, we hear .,_'; Bunny's card game in­vitations are not to be taken too seriously . . (Note, to B. J. H.)

(Continued on Page 3)

: -o- :

The First Christmas Two thousand years ago on such a

night God gave to us on earth a little

Child; tt| | He placed Him in a stable warm

and bright With Mary's love amid the winter

wild. And then Three Wise Men came

from miles afar With gifts for Him enthroned a-

midst the hay; They came led by the light of a

moving star Through winter's night into their

heavenly day. And in that glorious night to Beth­

lehem came The shepherds from their flocks of

grazing sheep. They came to see this B a b e of

wondrous name Close pressed to Mary's heart in

silent sleep— And hosts of angels there did loud­ly sing Hosannas to their Christ, t h e i r

Heavenly King. I —Elizabeth Milloy, '40

:-o-:

JAPANESE JOURNALIST DISCUSSES FAR EAST

Mercyhurst continued its winter series of lectures Thursday eve­ning, November 11, with an ad­dress by M. T, Yamamoto, Ameri­can correspondent for the Tokyo Mail. The lecture was sponsored by the International Relations Club. ;; I

Mr. Yamamoto's topic was "The Far Eastern Situation," in which

Noche Buena While the excitement of this holiday season rushes us on to

its climax—Christmas Eve, it is not irrelevant for usjto con­sider what meaning this great feast has for other peoples whose civilization has not been so definitely stamped with the mark of materialism. We modern Americans need not go to foreign lands to find thegreal spirifcof Christmas. Ellsworth Jaeger, radio and newspaper columnist and author of Wonder Trails, hasfwritten the following article for the Merciad:

Noche Bu^na (Christmas Eve) * "For three centuries in New Mexico, Santo Nino, the Christ

Child, has been welcomed into the world every Christmas Eve by myriad twinkling fires, shining like stars over the purple blackness of the Sangre de Christo mountains. Symbolic of the light of Christ, these beacons guide the Christ.Child to town, village and lonely shepherd's camp. The lights of^their flames leap and flicker upon family groups and turn old adobe walls|to gold and crimson, aminvitation to the Santo Nino to enter the hearts of men. f ^"Onfthis Night of nights what a glorious transformation is wrought in all hearts, when peace and love and good will dissipate the mists of evil and the Radiance of-Christ glows upon the faces of rich and poor and^the humble and exalted. This night let us, too, breathe our heart's beacon alight, so that our's may be the heritage of a Peace and a Glory Ever­lasting." -K |

M. O'S. :-o-:

Deo Gratias

"Many favors which God gives us ravel out for want of hemming." What artless creatures we are to so tamper with such exquisite handiwork! It is our dilletantic nature. We do not fully recognize the beautiful workmanship, the flawless material of the Giver . , . If we do, why then do we profess such apathy, such outright indifference? We a r e such practical, busy creatures, we dare not take time to be considerate. So grasping a lot we are! We request, we peti­tion, we plead, we beg. These attitudes characterize us. We are enthymematic, to invent a word for the purpose. We omit —by way of parallel—a most important premise. We ask, and we receive, but we stop short of completion. Our product is an imperfect one, for we neglect this important premise— and therefore, there is no delicate finish, no hemstitching.

Let us take a thought to self-reformation. It is an appro­priate time, now, for this month brings us God's gift to the world, the Babe of Bethlehem. Let us fashion for Him in the Crib a beautiful covering and make it downy and warm with our thankfulness for Oh, innumerable things, ever mindful of Him, the Greatest of all Gifts.

H } ^ I ) —Rita Maley, '38 : -o-: 'I

Post-Thanksgiving Reflections

Turkey-time, that unique American institution, has gal­loped across the calendar leaving in its wake a wealth of hap­py memories and material for many a day dream. The time of Thanksgiving, so dear to the heart of every true American, is particularly cherished by all poultry men for obvious rea­sons. %

It is my observation (I won't vouch for its veracity) that the poulterers have systematized their business to such an ex­tent that it now approaches perfection. This conclusion is based on the fact that the poulterers seem to have found time for thought on matters of national interest. ; The result of their ruminations was embodied in an article published in the Journal of American Poulterers.

They proposed to make the turkey the national emblem; to displace our present one, the well-known eagle. They protest that the eagle is not at all symbolical in that it is invariably delineated as a bird of prey swooping down on its victims. The history of the turkey has been b l e n d e d with that of the American people ever since the days of the Pilgrim Fathers. The bird is worthy of this great honor because it is peaceful, yet handsome and majestic. Then, too, the turkey has al­ways symbolized a time of prosperity. Would not this adoption make the whole year a time of prosperity ? ?&% $ \.

However there is one element that might mitigate against this proposal of the poulterers. When the turkey had been raised to such a lofty honor, would there not be many patriots who would consider it perfidious to come to gastronomical terms with the national emblem ? Perhaps these poulterers had better consider both sides of this question 1 jj The fiery promotion of this proposal by poultry men and meat packers might cause a definite drop in their business.

•Virginia Dooley, '39

he discussed the relationship be­tween Soviet Russia, China, and Japan from their earliest conflicts up to the present Sino-Japanese situation. Mr, Yamamoto pointed out the Russian j forces at work in China and theii

communistic

probable effect in the Far East. After the lecture Mr. Yamamoto

spoke informally to the members of the I. R. C.and answered the many questions which his interested lis­teners presented to him.

—V. Hileman, '40

December, 1937 THE MERCIAN Page Three

ALUMNAE - - --i- - NEWS

Since our | last Issue twe've had Alumnae Week-End and Thanks­giving; and we hope that}. both these occasions were duly enjoyed by our Alumnae.

This Alumnae week-end was one of the best in the history of the school. On Saturday evening the Alumnae attended the annual ban­quet. Jean Summers was mistress of ceremonies with Doctor M. J. Relihan. Mother Borgia, and Sis­ter Eustace as the principal guest speakers. Dorothy Mooney '34, Kathryn Harrington '35, and Rath­er ine Lechner '37 were the speak­ers representing the alumnae. Rev. James Powers and Rev. Alfred Watson addressed the group brief­ly. J I

On Sunday morning the alumnae attended Mass. After Mass the alumnae breakfast was held, and was followed by the business meet­ing. Miss Jean Summers, Buffa­lo, N. Y., was elected president; Barbara Wilbert, Erie, Pa., vice-president; Margaret McMahon, Erie, Pa., secretary; and Sister M. Victorine, treasurer.

On November 20 the Erie Chap­ter of the Mercy hurst Alumnae held a very successful! benefit bridge tea at Mercyhurst.

A son, James, was born to Mrs. Kenneth Carlson (Irene Dolon) on October 23. Margaret Clarke was appointed chairman of her local Commercial Institute which was held December 4. Inez Bellotti '37 was a speaker on "Safety Educa­tion" at her Institute.

During the Thanksgiving holi­days we learned that Mary Jo Cleary '36 is still working for Bradford Electric and enjoys her work very much. Mary Margaret Murphy '37 not only enjoys her work but thrives on it. She is teaching during the day at the Lockport Business school and in the evenings at the Kelly Business School in Niagara Falls.

Many thanks to Jane Uprich-ard '36 for her gift off Irish Lit­erature to our library.

—Pauline O'Laughlin, '38 :-o-:-

Study Club Under the direction of Father

Watson, the recentlyJrevived stu­dy club held its first meeting on the evening of November 22, in the South Parlor. The subject of dis­cussion was "Mixed Marriages". Arguments pro and con flew thick and fast. Added interest was sup­plied when the members divided according to opinions. Papers were read, and a debate ensued which lasted for the entire meet­ing. A definite date for the next meeting will be announced soon.

I I \ —Edith Regan, '38 :-o- :-

SOCIOLOGY CLUB

Plans made for the Sociology Study Club were very successfully carried out at the last meeting on December 7. The new ch airman -discussion plan, initiated at this meeting, proved to be an effective medium for dispensing informa­tion. | M

Anne Morin was selected to out* line material for and to conduct our next meeting.

The new year will find the var­ious sociology classes making field trips to nearby institutions.! '&

I I J —Betty Fallen, '88

A FIVE YEAR OLD ON CHRISTMAS EVE

Like the pal ter of the raindrops Came the sound of slippered feet, And a smile of cherub sweetness Lighted up a baby cheek; Softly, past the doorway In whose shadow, "Mum and Dad" Were dreaming of the Christmas They had planned for thei r own lad. Softly down the stairway, Through | darkened door He pattered, oh, so softly, Just to see what was in store. Softly through the kitchen—| (I'm almost there" he thought) And his blue eyes beamed as he

ipondered — What Santa might Ihave brought. And now, his heart was ^fluttering, And his thoughts like sheep they

flocked— But hope went out, like a falling

star, 'Cause that darned door was

locked! —Edith Regan, '38 :-o-

Bishop's Day (Continued from page 1)

Address—Most Reverend J. M. Gannon;

Mercyhurst, We Love You — Ensemble. J After the entertainment, the

Seniors were guests at a formal dinner held at Mercyhurst honor­ing Bishop Gannon. • The verse speaking choir, in­cluded on this program, represents a very interesting field of speech. The director, Miss Mulcahy, and the members of the class are to be congratulated for their excellent presentation.

Choral verse is communicative activity which may be approached from artistic, educational, social and physical points of view. It is by no means a new form of speak­ing, for it finds its origin in Greek drama and its preservation in the Church. Yet, it has only recently come into its own in the United States.

Antiphonal verse (poems with the idea of dialogue) was repre­sented in Kipling's "Big Steamers" and Christine Rosetti's "Uphill". Solo, that is, line-a-person type in­cluded Paul Shivell's "Exaltatern." "Mine Sweepers" by Kipling, "Foreboding" by Dan Blanding, and A. A. Milne's "The King's Breakfast" comprised both group and solo work. Unison choral verse was very capably represented in the "Hundredth Psalm" and "The Twenty Third Psalm." | \

—Prances Malaney, '38 -:-o-:

I. R. C. On November 11 the senior

*

History majors of the Internation­al Relations Club, accompanied by their adviser, Sister Mary Anna, and Sister Philippa, made a trip to Waterford, the site of historic Fort Le Boeuf. The State Histor­ical Department is, at present, con­ducting excavations in this section of the State. Dr. Warren in charge of the project at Waterford, kindly offered to explain the work to the students.

•The trip was of such interest that the members of the Club de­cided to give the student body an opportunity to enjoy the Doctor's interesting explanation. Dr. War­ren delivered a lecture illustrated by slides before the students at Mercyhurst on November 18.

—-Betty Harrington, '38

Mathematics Club IPubiishes Rosters

GOING UP

Every two years the Math Club carries on its tradition of publish­ing a Roster of the chool, contain­ing the names, addresses, and tele-phone numbers of every student in the school and also of the fac­ulty. The Math Club thisf year published a larger and better Ros­ter which is being sold before Christmas- so that the students will be able to use these Rosters during the holidays.

The committee |in charge of dis­tributing and publish ingithej Ros­ters includes: Marion Sullivan and Rita Brennan, seniors; Ruth Hayes and Ida vMoore, juniors; Beatrice Donaldson and Mary Matlehner, sophomores; Katherine Bellucci, Rosemary Klos, freshmen; and Olive Schroyer.

—Annette Miller '38 :-o-:

YOU ARE MY IDEAL

"Friend to all, foe to none, If this be your motto,|your

victory j is won."| You are so pleased withpife.

You joke and laugh about little things; but you are always quick to sympathize with those in trouble.

Your conversations include all, from your dearest ^friend to your newest acquaintance.

You are very near to God and very faithful to Him. By your example, you have influenced others. g You like people because you un­derstand them. You are thought­ful and considerate of everyone.

Because of your sincerity you are worthy of the office you hold.

You are my ideal A Freshman

FASHION FLASHES

December 10. 1937 Dolores dear,

I might just as well have ^re­turned from a Paris winter show­ing, I have so many fashion notes on what is being worn by the col­lege "gals" and, because fashion is so gloriously feminine this sea­son, everybody is either bedazzled with sequins or bewitching with veils.

With the first snowflake on their lashes came the desire to feel pampered and c h e r i s h e d in a lavishly furred coat—to turn the heads of women and the hearts of men. Adelaide and "Wally" have something in*common—they both preferred the pedigreed pelts of a beaver for jjthe peak of perfection in their winter coats: a boxy swag­ger of chocolate brown — Betty Fallen came backs, after Thanks­giving sporting a swanky kid lamb swagger, and with it she wears black accessories—Marg O'Donnell is the object of admiring glances in her flirt blue wool, one of those fitted silhouettes with opossum trim on the collar and lavishly bordering ^the slightly flared hem. Now that "Nell" Eisert has "un-hibernated" herself from the prac­tice house, we've had a chance to see her very neat black wool coat in princess style with a Peter Pan leopard collar. I wish you could see Florence Costello's f inger-tiped, fitted coat\ of Alaskan seal. It's stunning! fin her huddling collar of polar wolf, topping a fitted coat

Take this car going up. Please step aside And let the people out. Come out this way! Yes, toys on fifth. Here, Boys! You cannot ride: Take escalators up to fifth today. Yes, Madam, on the fifth floor you'll find the toys. Pyjamas? Negligees? They're up on three. On seventh Santa meets the girl and boys. He has a book for each of you: that's free. Don't push! Make way for people leaving car. No. Thisf car doesn't go to store downstairs: I guess you'll have to walk—it isn't far. All toys on fifth; Yes, dogs and Teddy Bears. Yes, Madam, this car stops onf every floor. Full car! Stand back! Turn 'round and face the door.

—Marian Gage, '39 :-o-:'

TIME OUT! Ahhh! (that was a deep breath)

this cold sparkle in the air is mak­ing confirmed walkers out of Didi and Mary Matlehner . . . and doesn't it make you feel just a bit comfortable to know that your hockeyv stick is resting placidly against the window? . . .

Sis Patterson did herJ bit of starring in the swimming meet . . . Jeannette Kinney, Collette Stegel-ske, Anne Morin and Anne Stout stroked forward in winning style, too . . . Katrina Quinn represented the seminary . .&. Thanks, Nancy Jean, was that all right? . . . That masculine touch proved to be both an impediment and a humor ele-ment . . .

The volley-ball popularity is still in the air, and won't someone do something about an intramural series, Miss Tierney? . . . The A. A. A. will sponsor one of their "not to be missed" entertainments, this one is in the form of a roller skating party . . .

That shrill, short whistle and the weaker one of the {practicing referee announce the thrill and sport of basketball . . .

Notice to the weatherman: Will you please arrange for a layer of ice on the peninsula pond? The Sophomore 1:40 gym class is wait­ing none too patiently . . | . This business of pulling a sled up hill and then coasting is "Nice Work If;You Can Get It" . . | . If you'd call a sit-down strike on a volley­ball court a sporting activity, you might refer to a Tuesday afternoon gym class . ,i. II has to do with a silent game with the referee on the opposing team . . . incidental­ly, nets |serve more than the one purpose of dividing a court, they help separate teams . . . Just a minute, here's a signal—Whee, it's "Game and you win" . . . I'll quit.

m —Gertrude Pletz, '40

of rust velour, you'd hardly re­cognize her, but on second look you discover it's Rita Maley and a very smart Rita, at that.

Black seems to be essential for a Senior— Edith Regan and Helen Gowans both have one of 1 those "don't dress" black crepes; Edith's has gold accessories and Helen's has the softly becoming draped effect at the bodice and black

(Continued on Page 4)

When most of you will be get­ting the feathers knocked off your hats, the skin*rubbed off your el-bows, and the revenue coaxed from your purses come pre-Xmas shop-ping days—you can glance en­viously in my humble direction, j for very early did I shop for my choice remnants of gossip— wrapped them in some brightly colored! adjectives, tied them with the strong strings of secrecy and labelled them "not to be opened until the next edition." But both my visual and auditory organs having (been strained in an effort to "get all"—I behested myself to anfinviting lounge and there re­clined. Sleep came on and with it —visions . . . Yes, t'was really Rita Maley head of the Lost and Found Dept. of "Lazigals" store. Her recent experience in finding and losing gave'her preference over ten others who had applied for the position . . . And near enough for even Rita to find was the Doll Dept . . . in which Katie Gill, Anne Marie Peters,.£<•',Mary Winston and f'Toots" modeled Doll clothes . . . Anne Marie featured Sonje Henie dolls and skated about on the ice furnished by Mary FROST . . . but in a very WIN­STON way did Mary assist Shir­ley at the three?, and four o'clock organ recitals . . . Chief clerk at this counter was Ruth Mary Mc-Carty who hurriedly fsupplied the laughing sound effects for some of the defective dolls which scrutiniz­

i n g customers had found . . . Over in the book section about five shelves up and just between the Russian History and English liter­ature books sat Marma on a lad­der arranging current novels handed her by Mary Eleanor who MARK-eled them as she went along . . . At the Information

(Continued on Page 4)

:-o- :•

Senioritas (Continued from Page 2)

Dec. 1 To Father Powers . . a volume of farewells . . moving day came early . . official good­byes on the ninth . . Well, well, MotherjBenedicta! . . There's only one way to get you to take a rest.

Dec. 2 Shakespearian program for Mother Xavier . . Proud Portia and Shifty Shylock . . well done, Marie and Adelaide . . Did you know that Sister Mary^Alice's hob­by is law? . . Florence Costello's constant surveillance of the mails

. |. plus the gleam in her eyes at a certain postmark . . all!add up to something . . I bet-cha . . Pau­line will never again bet against a deer . . she's afraid her hunting license will be revoked.

Dec. 3. Practice teachers . . va­ried experiences include everything

. . from correcting papers at six a. m. . . to aiding at Jumbo nights

. . Margaret's latest acquisition

. .a pearly grey kitten . . origin unknown . . Quote . j . What's an agnostic? . . One who neither af­firms or denies . . Nope . . That's a diplomat! . . Coming events . . another Senior milestone . , dinner with the Bishop . . The Freshman Christmas v party . . The Annual Christmas party for the children of St. Joseph's orphanage . . make your crib for the Infant . . and then, have THE M E R R I E S T CHRISTMAS EVER! If —Edith Regan, '38

Pace Four THE MERC I AD December. 1937

Mother Xavier PICKT-YOURS Christmas Candle * * * 1 ' ^ ^ ^ . i-m

(Continued from page 1) jjjfl You havejj watched a dream ful­

filling^ And you have helped it come true, So on your feast, 0 Mother, Please accept our love for you."

Rosemary Haule, representative of the student body, expressed the wishes of { the assemblage for a truly happy Feast Day. A program consisting of excerpts from Shakespeare and Sheridan then followed. Each class was repre­sented on the program by' one scene. The Juniors chose "Mac­beth," Jean Stamm acting as Mac­beth and Frances Hauser as Lady Macbeth; the Sophomores selected from the "Merchant of Venice," one fof Mother Xavier's favorite plays. Marie CallaniHelen Patter­son, and Janet Eichenlaub partici­pated. A sceneffrom the ^"Mer­chant of Venice" was chosen by the Seniors. It was played by Marie O'Malley aslPort ia and Adelaide Salisbury as Shy lock, and in inclu­ded Edith Regan, Irene Forquer, and Mary Mead. The Freshmen aptly chose a J scene from Sheri­dan's "A School for Scandal" with Carolyn Feeley as Lord Peter and Carol Russell as Lady Teazle.

It is the wish of every,s Mercy-hurst collegian that more oppor­tunities i f or honoring our beloved president, Mother Xavier, will be available in future.

^X£ —Annette Miller, 38

SOPHLY . . | . II l SPOK EN

"Turkey Day has come and past, but the memory of it will l o n g last." I'll admit the meter and rhyme may not be the best but a t least it expresses the sentiment of all. It seems the holiday was a complete success. The Big Apple has certainly taken Erie by storm, and is practically a ritual at every dance. After practicing diligently in the privacy of my boudoir, >I had at last gained enough confi­dence to venture my public debut, when I learned that the Big Apple is being' outdated by the Little Peach. So, now I'm on my second step of that and not progressing too well. Just another example of what we mortals will do to keep in style. And speaking of styles, I like those sequin-studded veils topped with flowers that one sees so much with formal dresses late-

ly. m I don't know whether these two

facts b e a r any significance to each other or not, but did you no­tice that Ann Sawdey's thumb was wearing a huge bandage the day after she had dashed down to the Dispatch—Herald fire (two hours late a t that) . Naughty, naughty, Ann—Musn't touch . . .

Story of the month is Marian Weschler's trip to Annapolis and surrounding points of interest — among them, Washington and Phi­ladelphia. Can you imagine all that in one trip ? I don't believe there's one of us so lacking in sporting blood that she wouldn't love to at­tend the gay, traditionally color­ful Army-Navy Game. And there in the midst of it all was our proud Sophomore, surrounded by a thousand midshipmen — not to mention the cadets. Of course, Army won, but even that couldn't dull such a perfect time . . . And Mary Frost's week-end at Penn State was all she anticipated and more, I guess.

Is Her eyes, dark and mysterious as night . /now bright as an angel's glance . . soft curly hair, black as ebony?. . small, I but sturdy M a very§ new-comer, but already like an old girl . . mi Ik-white! skin . . that flushes like the dawn at times .*. calm, yet enthusiastic . . there

is an alumna in her family. g^^BB "Blithe as a lark on sun-gilt

wings" . . but a* serious I and sen­sible mien . . e y e s , | "bluefas a patch of fallen April sky" . . hair like fdarkened honey ... slightly built, as a crescent moon atjtdusk

. . bridge, her pet diversion . . "Stay As Sweet As You Are." T5

Slightlylretiring, this one . . se­rene as winter night . . yet,f ca­pable beyond compare^. . soft ha­zel eyes, in which "her thoughts lay clear as pebbles in a brook" M determined dark brows,. . expres­sive mouth . . talent in many lines

.$. writer as well as reader . . loyal as lavender,land a heart o' gold . .

:-o-:

Fashion! Flashes (Continued from Page 3)

fringe edging the tunic—just the thing for the theater or d i n n e r . Anne Morin stepped out the other night in a black bengaline, pencil-slim job, fitted and buttoned from chin to hem—topped by a dazzling rhinestone pin at the neck. "M. J." Whitcomb almost succeeds in attaining height in her b l a c k crepe with a gold streak in the form of a zipper straight as a flash down the back—a gold kid bow is used as emphasis at the waist. "Bunny" looks s i m p l y scrumptious in her black crinkled crepe with draped bodice.

You should see Jeanette Kinney's red angora mittens. They stop traffic and, incidentally, I refer you to her for all "info" on the casual sport wear.

Marg Battaglia has been seen swinging along the corridors in a stitched and pleated beige wool af­fair.

Don't forget to add a little gla­mor to your Christmas wrappings —the objective is to be daring as well as decorative—try a d d i n g clumps of pine cones; or a straw reindeer and angel tied atop a par­cel will give your box a gleeful look. You might even ignore the conventional color scheme and de­vise one of your own—say, bur­gundy and turquoise ribbons on a box done up in black paper.

To complete the Christmas mo­tif, wrap yourself in the shining silver of health, wealth and happi­ness and tie it with a ribbon of bright good cheer for the coming year. f§

—Betty Harrington

Jannie Griffith has b e e n lun­ching with a strange girl lately. Anyone know her? Seems to me she's a bit familiar, especially her name . . . What Sophomore, the girl of the hearty, infectious laugh, has suddenly taken a liking to front-middle seats . . Well, Christ­mas is well nigh upon us, and for that girl who "simply doesn't know a thing she wants," there's a song simply made for her. She might try "I Want You for Christmas." It 's a good song and a good idea. Well, I hope she, as well as you, gets what she's after, even if it is only Christmas Spirit. So a Merry, Merry Christmas to you, and you, and especially you.

—Ruth WeberJ'40

The night, calm and still. ^ ^ H 9 A cold black shadow Upon the earth. f ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ f l ^ ^ ^ ^ H Crusty white s n o w ^ ^ B ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H Makingl grotesque pictures jHj^H Of tree, pump, and shed. ^ H B H Out of the window, a light H ^ H Burning a patch of f>r(-'^BIB^H On the white snow: ^ ^ ^ ^ R | ^ ^ H A Christmas candle,—bright, j^^m Steady flame of faith, a^M/^ttUi Burning the tallow of hope, H ^ | And lit in the heart of love. ^^^H A welcome to | t h e | Christ-child, ^H The Light of the world; ^ ^ ^ H g u The faith, the hope, the l o v e . K p The Light in Him, forever. |£wggl

—Annette Miller, '38 o-

EXCHANGE GLANCES

Some one once said that the best way fto make a beginning was to begin. And who is there to sug­gest anything better than a poem for a beginning? We've the Nia­gara Index fto thank for t his one: You can tell a. Sophomore by his

wide and vacant stare; You can tell a Junior by his high

and mighty air; You can tell a Senior by his caps

and gowns and such; You can tell a Freshman—but you

can't tell him much. And while we're on the subject

of Freshmen, here is the Notre Dame definition:

A High School S e n i o r who worked for four years to acquire an air of superiority and then took, a three months vacation to pre­pare for a relapse.

Is there anyone to better Notre Dame's answer to the question: What is the difference between a college and an asylum ? You must show an improvement to get out of an asylum.

And then there was the girl who thought the most outstanding part of the William Tell opera was "The Big Apple." i ;t

Even the dentists have their Hit Parade. The latest song is: "The Yanks Are Coming."

History is like grapefruit—there is more to it than that w h i c h strikes the eye.

—Col leg i ana * * • f

Too true—"Just about the time you make both ends meet, some­body moves the other end."

: -o-:

DAFPINITIONS ?

Bridegroom—A Bachelor w h o gives up good quarters to take a better half.

Modern Girl—a vision in the evening and a sight in the mor­ning, f;

A Book—a thing not half as cracked as it should be.

Co-ed—Just a matter of form. Iceberg—permanent wave. College Education —like a laun­

dry. You get out of it just what you put into it (sometimes)—but you'd never recognize it.

Hitchhiking—thum fun. * * *

If we can begin with a poem, why not end with one— Laugh and the teacher laughs with

you Laugh and you laugh alone. The first one is the teacher's joke The second is your own.

•—St. Mary's Collegian —-Pauline O'Laughlin, '88

VARIETIES - - -- -ByVEEDEE

Ntti U3

I With music effervescing around me, the murky atmosphere through which I have been groping for in­spiration becomes clear and de­lightfully I heady. Somehow that liquid, lilting melody that flows over {the je ther elucidates the thoughts that have been*tumbling over each J other in my head. It 's really remarkable what music can do—try it sometime! B But let us continue this melodic theme—while JanjCarter's orches­tra swung its syncopation in Roch­ester at Thanksgiving time, Nellie Eisert danced under expert direc­tion and ^with | just the correct amount of "Yumph!" "Quel fun!" says Ikey.

' [ want you for Christmas."— Margaret 'Mary Kavanaugh would like a pair of large rubbers—I think. She'recently faced the ele­ments with a very inadequate rub­ber perched precariously on the toe of each shoe. Maybe they gave her a | feeling of being well-protected!

Mary Alice Kuhn lis in dire straits due to her expanding beni-ficence at the approaching cheery season. She is so timid and obsessed with the thought of finan­cial stress and the rising cost of Christmas presents that she limits herself to one cup of orange pekoe tea for daily lunch! Shall we pass the cup after you're through, Mary Alice!

Warning—to the Mission Com-mittee—watch your contributions in the form of clothes, especially coats. The chairman of the com­mittee has expressed definite pro­pensities for rifling the supply in order to remedy her exigencies in that line. She has that gleam in her eye—!

The latest in bed-time regalia as originated by diminutive Marian Towne was given out to the fash­ion-wise public recently. Sun glasses worn in bed not only add a note of luxurious. langour but also keep out the glare of lights if your roommate wants to burn

the midnight oil. Ruth Hays and Marian Mc­

Laughlin, as guests of Mary Lou McGrann in McKeesport over the Thanksgiving vacation, indulged in a favorable balance of aesthetic pastimes and—well, just otherwise. They intermingled "Victoria Regi-na" and the International Art Ex­hibit at Carnegie Museum with parties in McKeesport and the high

. . .

spots of Pittsburgh. Green orchids to our Bertha who

extemporaneously composed that •song of which we hear so much lately! 1

But with Christmas bells and holiday music and joyful greet­ings resounding through the air, your columnist finds her mind wandering from the matter at hand. So, I'll join with the rotund gentleman of the white foliage and crimson topcoat in wishing you all the happiness of the season!

—Virginia Dooley, '39

•-0-;

To His Eyelids

Curved, opalescent, holy Flesh, Fringed with delicate, shadowing,

glistening mesh Of Lashes! Their this role: Shielding the violet Windows^>f

His Soul. I "J| Baby {Eyelids adorable!

Musical Program Delights Audience

Jerold Frederic, a young pianist who has attracted much attention in the musical world, gave a de­lightful concert at Mercyhurst on December 10. Mr. Frederic proved himself a spectacular, vividly imaginative and poetic player pos­sessing fine command of tone. The entire audience enjoyed every minute of his}:program which fol­lows:

Symphonic Etudes, J

I Opus 112 Grandes Variations' Etude—C Major Mazurka—A Minor Waltz—Opus 12 Nocturne—G Major Two Hungarian Dances

A Major D Flat Major

Hark! Hark the Lark

Schumann

Bach-Liszt Chopin Chopin Chopin Chopin

Brahms

Liebestraum Hungarian Rhapsody

Schubert-Liszt Liszt Liszt

Eugenia Andrecovich, '39 :-o-:

TALE LIGHTS

(Continued from Page 3) Booth Ruth Weber just flashed di­rections at people and was re­lieved on her lunch hour by the Ace of all Informants ..-. . "Trip­sin." . . . Jane barely missed get­ting COTT . . .inger elevator oper­ated by Pat Pusey (whose determi­nation alone would raise you off your feet even if the elevator failed . . . In the First Aid room Nurse Gowans gave assistance an old game with Helen who has always been and ever will be closely related to medicine and its practitioners . . . In the doorway Treasurer McGee passed out pam­phlets on "How to Get Well Eco­nomically" . . . To Toyland . . . and there was Mary Massello look­ing for material to further her apologetical arguments . . . Lined up waiting to see Santa Claus were Jean Prendergast, whose amazing smile can get her more than Santa could give her; Betty Blodgett, who is the most con­genial and prettiest chauffeur ever to order a Packard trailer from "Old Nick's" workshop; and Meg Wadlinger, who will surely get her request for she goes to "Math" at least three times a week. Over in a corner Marian was trying to GAGE the distance from the peak of Ruth Scobell's new hat to the top of the Dep't Store Tree. I should have awak­ened when Clara and Gracia started to get excited over who saw which Christmas card first, but on I snored . . . only to see "Ginny," the Dooley authorized demonstrator of "Make-up to match your eyes"—carrying on a retort-al with Director Ruth Hayes who felt that more attention should be given to business than to the lunch hour . . . Over at the cigar counter, dressed as an Indian Guyr

ne—Virginia poked a steady fin­ger at a Little Ben which "Cookie" was buying to let her know when the New Year was coming in—so she could go out.

No matter how original one might try to be, old forms and ex­pressions oftentimes cannot be im­proved upon; so I'm resigned to expressing myself in that famous couplet of words—Merry Christ­mas.

—Britta Marie Sullivan, '38