Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1850-11-27
For Tie Spy.
A VISIT TO GRAFTON.

DEAR SPY: After passing few days leisure, dur
the last month, in the country, visiting many pleasant
towns and villages in the Heart of the Old Common
wealth, being than ever tempted to wander, by
the unusually fine weather, and open travelling for the
season, few days since, visited the pleasant and
beautiful town of Grafton.
have not been pleased with any village have
ever seen, than the village in the centre of this
1t is situated on beautiful eminence, which is well
nigh covered with neat residences, exhibiting various
kinds of architecture from the neat and pleasant
tage to the large and splendid mansion, that will not
suffer in comparison with many richer village. The
buildings almost uniformly of wood and painted
white, and are surrounded by rich varieties ST fruit and
shade trees The scenery must be enchanting in
spring and summer when leaf and flower shall clothe
and beauty shrub and tree Among other things that
must then be beautiful, is the This is an en-
closure the centre of the village and near the
summit of the hill upon which it is situated 1t is laid
out, and lined by graveled walks and nearly filled with
variety of young ornamental trees; which, when
grown, must make quite little forest This enclosure
is faced on all sides around, with road between with
a neat circle of buildings, among which are three
churches one each of three different sides of the
commons the spires of which rise catch the first rays
morning, sooner, snd retain the light of the setting
sun longer than any object around. At the base of the
hill, on the west, wanders the Little Blackstone a
beautiful stream, and from the number of wheels it
moves, an industrious one Its waters are compelled
to form handsome pond at the base of the HILL short
distance from the village and in full view of it. These
are some of the prominent features that would be in
landscape of this village.
| On the day following my arrival here was an exam
inaton of the Grafton High School, From the name
of this school, | first led to think tn at it was
public school, sustained by the town, as free school
for instruction in the higher branches of English liter
AZURE than those commonly taught in the district school,
IN this was mistaken 1t is incorporatedIacademv
with which the town, as such, has nothing to do The
building in which this school is held snew, and con-
structcd, warmed and ventilated after the most APPROX
ed modern style.
could not refrain from accepting an invitation TO
visit this examination, which occupied part of two
days The scholars subjected to a thorough and
searching examination by the teachers, A. Wedge, A.
NJ principal, and officers of the school in the various
branches of study pursued by them during their last
term, commencing with the rudnents of English liter
ature, and passing creditably from them, through
most OF the branches of learning taught in academies
which prepare students for college.
There was degree of accuracy, thoroughness and
readiness, evnced by the several scholars that elected
and truly merited the appreciation of all present The
scholars showed and respect for their teach
er that led them to strive do his wishes in all things
From this there appeared to be most perfect disc-
pine in the school, 1t is said by ALL that the teacher
Is deaervedly POPULAR with his scholars and patrons
10 finish the term last evening, the school had a
public exhibition of defamation by the young men,
rehearsng selections of poetry and prose by the Young
ladies', and dialogues by both This was held in the
large Baptist church, which was so filled with sDecta-
tors that great numbers could not find seats Notwith
standing this, they conened to re main during The
whole evening This is one testimonial of the interest
excitedby the exhibition But this is not enough
For all must say, who it, that it was admirable
he speaking manifested that the scholars had not
been neglected in this important part of culture The
selections were made with good taste, and rehearsed
and spoken cooly, and deliberately, each scholar
speaking clearly, and distinctly so as to be heard by
all in the building, though large and crowded. The
number present could not have been less than one
thousand. The speaking would have done credit to
Older scholars. The music likewise, was delightful
The school frequently during the exercises, joined hei,
voices in most melodious strains that filed the cana
cious room.
lie whole, the examination and exhibition, evinced
that ability industry, and fidelity have not been want
ing IN the teacher or coars that these will make this
school well worthy of its location, of the patronage Of
this and other towns that if thus conducted will b
new attraction and beauty, in this already beautiful
place. and that the trspired village will not long want
Its altar for learning, only exceed in value by its altar.
for the worship OF the Most High
Worcester, Nov. %, 1850.