[Sidenote: School Clubs]
Miss Reynolds, teacher of the senior year high school, had long foreseen
the trend of the social impulse in the Lewiston School. Such notices on
the blackboard of the assembly room as “Meeting of the Adelphian Society
this afternoon,” and “L. A. C. business meeting tonight,” stood as
evidence that the club idea was growing into prominence.
When the subject was brought up at faculty meeting, Miss Reynolds voiced
her opinion as follows:
“This club idea is only a natural one with children. They get their
incentives from the social organization at home. Mother belongs to the
Mothers’ club or literary society; Father belongs to the Manufacturers’
Association or Industrial League. It seems to me the only solution is to
provide as many opportunities as possible for outlets for this social
instinct. It is our place to encourage the formation of societies along
literary, social and athletic lines.”
Heated discussion followed. A vote was taken on the motion: “We will
encourage the formation of literary, social and athletic clubs,” with
the result that it was carried.
But it was soon markedly noticeable that the clubs drew finer social
distinctions until the whole atmosphere of the school was undermined by
a spirit of snobbishness, ill-feelings and entire lack of coöperation
between pupil and teacher.