The weekly Placer herald., 1855-09-08
Ophir Correspondence.

OPHlR. August Z tt1, 1000.
Mr.. Herald: On the evening of Saturday
last. the good people of Ophr enjoyed an en-
tertainment given by Mrs. r. A. Vandoren
and her pupils, in the form of a School Exhib-
itiOn; and though the performers were all
young. and the school has not been long in
operation, yet the affair so different in its
nature from those exhibitions which are gen.
orally served up for popular entertainment in
our mining towns-appealing SO directly to
the local pride and moral sentiment and re-
publican heart of our citizens, and exhibiting
such mental improvement and excellence ON
the part of the scholars, that indeed, no per-
tormance ever given at this place. afforded
tithe Of the satisfaction and pleasure of this
The exhibition was given at the Phoenix
Hotel. (Mr. Porter kindly rendering the use
Of his Hall for the occasion,) and was opened
with the following address from the teacher,
Mrs. Vandoren. copy OF which l have pro-
cured for publications:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: When we met here
last, some two months ago. promised on be-
half of the scholars, as a proper need of
thanktuness for the praise with which you
rewarded their young efforts at that time, that
they should struggle hard to improve-and
we are here tonight to redeem the pledge.
Although conscious that sufficient time has
not interviewed to allow us to stamp our eff
forts with that degree of improvement which
we ourselves might hope. or you anticipate.
We ask now. as we did then, your kind in
diligence; and we promise you now, as we did
then. that we will earnestly and honestly en-
deavor, by continued efforts in the future, to
deserve the appreciation which we hope to
gain.
And now, lest some individuals may feel
dispoeod to censnre these exercises, as occupy
ing too much of the time. and diverting too
much OF the attention of the pupils from the
ordinary studies and the common routine of
school, permit me to say word or two in
their vindicatiOn
Anything which eXcites the attention, stim-
uates the industry, or strengthens the memory
of the youthful mind, is universally admitted
to be commendable and praseworthy-a
who will say that these exercises do not ac-
complsh one and all of these? Confined to
the ordinary routine of common school stud
les. children are apt to become weared-tire-
someness breeds disgust with study; and idle
ness and Indifference effect an oftentimes ire
parable injury. Against these evils. who shall
say that exercises of this kind do not act as
an almost effectual preventive? Besides, ex-
ceiling in this. gives young scholars confidence
in their own capacities and powers, and is a
spur and stimulus to successful eXertion in
other studies, as well as in the ordinary pur-
suits and enterprises of life. But will not
y
tonight, are generally of higher literary
order than those of the last eXhibition-and
for their performance, let me again bespeak
your kind indulgence"
The pieces were generally well memorized,
the reading quite good. and the gestculation
appropriate Where allperformed their parts
so well, it may appear invidous to particular
ize: yet the tarthest possible from intending
to detract from the merits Of the rest. can
scarcely refrain a reference to the excellent
performances Of the Misses Mary E. Shofer
and Minna Schnabel, and Master Robt. Huston.
Two or three of the songs were very we'll
sung: and the dances, executed by the Misses
Mary E. ShOfer, Martha Shofer, Minna Selma
bel, and Susan A. Walker, (they having been
tutored by Mr.. Carder of Vireinia); were
much admired and applauded by the audience.
At the close of the exhibition a collection was
taken up for the pupose of procuring globe
and other apparatus for the use of the school.
A we'll pleased and satisfied audience dis
persed about the midnight hour.
Yours truly, J. W. S.