Charles Flowed Over Site of Freshman Dormitories 42 Years Ago--Library Guardian Says T. R. Was Bright Fellow

"Yes, sir. 42 years ago when I cam to Harvard College, the land on which the Freshmen Halls now stand was all covered with water, and you could cross the river only at low tide," declared John Skeehan to a Crimson reporter on one of his visits to not well-known, but in dispensable Harvard employees "In 1885 the then marshy ground where the Boston Elevated power plant now sits, was sold for half a cent a foot, and I'll tell you it was a bargain.

After expounding for a few moments o the change in weather conditions of New England since that time, John continued his story. "After working around the Yard for a few years, I was given the job of lighting the Yard lights. I used to carry a bottle of bensine and a torch around with me every night, and fill and light each lamp separately. Sometimes the wind would blow them out as fast as I could light them, and then I'd have o start all over again.

John's soliloquy took place in his little "Lodge" on the south side of Widener library where he now watches and protects automobiles of professors and instructors; and questions officious persons entering the Yard. During his talk several of his friends entered, but to interrupt him was out of the question. Once, while John was drawing a breath, one of the newcomers asked. "When you came here, was Sophocles, the great Italian Philosopher over there in Holworthy?" John cogitated a moment, and replied. "No, but Jim Slocum was.

"During my first few years here Theodore Roosevelt was here. He certainly was a great man. You know who he was don't you?

Asked if Mr. Roosevelt had been knows and well liked during his college days, John replied, "Oh, he was a bright fellow, all right, even when he was here. However, he kept pretty much to him-self and not many knew him."