Part 9 (2/2)

Moreover, in all school relations Mr. Putney has been not only ready but glad to co-operate. Whether for a social gathering of the teachers requiring a tax, for tickets to the many ball games, or for Thanksgiving baskets to be filled, Mr. Putney's purse was always open. Not many, indeed, know how often he overpaid his subscription so as to be sure to do his part.

But, of course, it is the personality of Mr. Putney, so elusive and yet so real, that has impressed us all. In the hurry and rush of modern days, he never failed to be truly kind, to be warmly sympathetic, and at all times to be wholly unselfish. So with the poet we say,

”And thus he bore without abuse The grand old name of gentleman.”

EFFIE MOORE.

The thing which impressed me the most about Mr. Putney was the way he saluted the flag in a.s.sembly every morning.

One could tell by his manner in saluting that he loved the flag and would fight for it again, anywhere, any time.

I. A.

Mr. Putney was a man who always found the best in every one; who proved himself such a sympathetic teacher that he inspired all to try to please him.

His name will always bring to mind most tender remembrances.

L. B.

Mr. Putney has always been to his students the highest ideal of man and of teacher. He has been a true friend. His generosity to faults and the encouragement he has given us all to live better lives will bear fruit.

He had a whole-hearted smile which none of us will ever forget. He is, and always will be, the outstanding figure in my school life.

E. C.

With the pa.s.sing away of this most venerable character Burlington High School has lost a s.h.i.+ning star,--a star that shone in the hearts of all his students and of all of those who knew him. He was a friend of all creeds and was always ready to lend a willing hand to them. Religious to the utmost and a real American in the full sense of the word,--such is the character of the soul which will no longer cheer us in our daily tasks, but which will remain in our memories forever.

A. F.

Of all Mr. Putney's most striking attributes, his smile always impressed me greatly. Every time he smiled we looked up and just naturally smiled, too. And when he laughed it was contagious--a ripple of happiness sounded through the cla.s.s. His smile always drove away the blues and encouraged us; not only in our Latin lessons, but in every way it made life brighter.

E. L.

Mr. Putney's love and friends.h.i.+p for the pupils and the respect which they had for him stand out most strongly in my mind. Never did he hesitate when asked to help some of his pupils out of hours. Never did a cross word pa.s.s his lips, and a nod was all that was needed to stop any disturbance in the hall or room.

He will be missed as the most loved, most able, and most respected teacher and companion that ever entered ”Old Edmunds.”

<script>