Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-12-09
Goututiunal Nrpurtmsnt,

Mr.. EDITOR Il have the satisfaction to
learn that you have opened an educational de-
partment in your valuable paper, and cannot
refrain from complimenting you in this very
credtable and important movement. May 1t
be the means of infusing new life in the glo-
rious cause of education. We live in an age
of Improvement, and untiring progression
should be constant watchword. True, we
have a great many educational papers, jour
nails, and periodicals but how very few find
their way to the home OF the needy, especial
ly so in rural life. Then how necessary that
every opportunity should be embraced. and
every means laid hold OF to support the best
interest of our happy people. And believing
that column in our county paper, devoted to
the cause of education. will prove great aux
Hilary in rakiag up mind, and in eleyating the
standard of sound education throughout Clear
field county, l therefore cheerfully give it my
unqualified sanction. And now, fellow teach
ers and educationists, our column is open, aud
the field of labor before i glorious work
is to be performed, and we are to be its per-
formers. Delay not-s.wilat the hand fndeth
been battling with our antagonist (ignorance)
for some time, many of Us for years; but now
let US go to work with increased ardor and un-
tiring zeal, contribute freely and regularly for
our new gift, our highly priced column. 1t is
very encouraging, when we take into consid-
Grafton the improvement and advancement OF
education within the last few years. Educa-
tional Societies, Teachers Institutes, and Nor
NAL Schools have been formed in almost every
county. Teachers are materially better quail
flied for the arduous and responsible duties OF
the School-Room. Schools are in much bet
ter condition, and many in fiouFishing state
New and commodious houses have been erect
ed in many localities, and furnished according
to improved styles, with black-boards, maps,
charts, and every facility for the successful
operations of the teacher: desks and seats
adapted TO the wants of our children, so that
they may sit at ease, instead of our old prison
houses where their feet were forced to dangle
in the air; and in some localities they are pay
ing considerable attention TO school yards,
plowing them up and planting them with
shrubbery and flowers, and having nice gravel
or tan walks, so that the pupils may promenade
TO and fro, during hours of recreation.) in
quiring into, and admiring the beauties Of na-
ture in vegetation; and by this means the
school is made delightful spot fer the as
sembIage of our aspiring yOuth-a place OF ad-
miration and study. In some of our south
eastern counties, they are rapidly ascending
the rugged sleeps of the ''IIill of Science .
schools are in very prosperous condition,
and great attention paid to the cause of edu-
cation. In Lancaster City they have attained
quite degree of perfection; in the public
high school they study the languages, gradu-
ate, and receive diplomas-yeTy ereditable,
indeed, to the public school system. Then
why should be discouraged? True, our
county is yet in her infancy, but from her
great and almost endless resources we have
every reason to believe that we can equal, if
not surpass, any Of our sister counties. Then
may We arouse from our lethargy, put our
hands to the work, and keep our educational
ball rolling, and We must, and will succeed
More anon. ". B. 7.
CaTIceHsriIls. Pa.