Silver Bay in 1918 — Daylight Savings Time

The introduction of Daylight Savings Time in 1918 inspired a new tradition at the annual Young Women’s Christian Association college conference at Silver Bay Association on Lake George.

“On the quiet, sunny evenings, when the sun delays his sinking a whole hour later than last year, the girls gather on the Silver Bay lawn and sing special songs written for the different delegations,” The Lake George Mirror reported on June 29, 1918. “Boat loads of girls drift around the calm bay, from which vantage point the music sounds especially beautiful.”

Mount Holyoke won a prize for the delegation with the best original song.

Virginia Marshall wrote the lyrics and Elizabeth Wood the music.

Vs 1 — “A sunrise lighting at the hill, and we would start with fresh intent, to build a palace strong and fair — a day in loving service spent.”

Refrain — “Then Silver Bay your spirit give, and teach us how to rightly live.”

Vs 2 — “At noon, when we have worked a while, we learn of other mighty needs. So we must plan a bigger task, and turn our strength to greater needs.”

Refrain — “Then Silver Bay your spirit give, and teach us how to rightly live.”

Vs. 3 — “The glorious sunset comes at length, when we may pause our world to see. A wondrous place, where human lives are guided, yet forever free.”

Refrain — “Then Silver Bay your spirit give, and teach us how to rightly live.”

The conference had a record attendance of 720 delegates, including 50 delegates from foreign countries.

Forty colleges were represented.

“This is the largest conference we have ever had,” said Silver Bay Association President C. C. Michener. “It is also the easiest to handle.”

Click here to read my most recent previous Silver Bay history post.