Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 January 1911 — TESTING OF THE NEW BOY [ARTICLE]

TESTING OF THE NEW BOY

An Important Informal Occasion at the Edge of the Old Bwimmfno Hole.

The boys knew very well how to take the conceit or vanity out of their comrades. In the summer days all the boys of the village used to gather at a place on the river, known as Thayer’s swimming place, about half a mile from the town pump, which was the center from which all distances were measured in those days. There was a little gravel beach where you could wade,out a rod or two and then for a rod or two the water was over the hoy’s head. It then became shallow again from the opposite bank. So it was a capital place to learn to swim. After they came out, the boys would Bit on the bank and have a sort of boys’ exchange, in which all matters of interest were talked over and a great deal of good natured chaff was exchanged. Any newcomer had to pass through an ordeal of this character, in which his temper and quality were thoroughly tried. I remember now an occasion which must have happened when I was not more than eight or ten years old, when a rather awkward looking individual had come down from New Hampshire and made his appearance at the swimming place. The boys, one after another, tried him by putting mocking questions or attempting to humbug him with some story. He received It all with patience and good nature until one remark sbemed to sting him from his propriety. He turned with great dignity upon the offender and said: “Was that you that spoke, or was it a pumpkin busted?” We all thought that it was well said and took him into high favor.—Senator Hoar, in “Boyhood in Concord.”