Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-12-28

CHRISTMAS AT THE HIGH ScHooL'-The pupils
of the Worcester High School did not suffer
Christmas to go by without appropriate recogni-
ton With the kind cooperation of the teach
ers, they had bedecked their schoolro with
notices, wreaths, and other ornaments, in beau
tiiul evergreen. The desks were removed, that
those who loved to "trip the light fantastic toe"
might find no obstacle to their enjoyment. Early
in the evening, the scholars and teachers, with
their friends, began to assemble, and spen. the
time in delightful converse and joyous games, I'M
til they were called to order by D. Henry Cham
berlain, who made an opening address, exceed
ingly appropriate and beautiful. In closing, he
called upon II. B. Hammond, who advanced and
placed on the table before the Principal, H. B.
Sprague, ESQ.,, four beautiful volumes, bound in
half-cal, Irvings Life of Washington. as an ex-
preston Of their high regard and appreciation of
his labors a teacher, and his worth as friend
Mr.. Hammond accompanied the presentation
with a finely written and well delivered address
in behalf of the giyers, to which Mr.. Sprague
responded, with much feeling, in some eloquent
remarks, accepting the gift an evidence of
their kindness, and promising to unite with
them in renewed endeayors to place the school
among the first in excellence and usefulness.
The chairman then called on Mr.. G. W Adams
who presented to P. W. Calkins, Esq, the head
Of the English Department, and great favorits
with khs scholars, six beautiful volumes Of the
works of William H. Prescott. also accompanied
with & neat speech, to which Mr.. Calkins replied
in terms of surprise ard gratitude, at times pro-
voking the smiles of all and again, by his fine al
lusions and touching pathos, eiciting the tear Of
pleasure.
beautiful volume, entitled "Poetry of the
Nineteenth Century," had been procured as a
present to Miss NJ. l.. Parmenter teacher in the
French Department, who has, much to the regret
Of all, been unable, by of sickness, to at.
tend to her usual duties during great part of the
term, and could not be present on that occasion
Her present will be Immediately forwarded with
short presentation poem written by Miss Emma
Taft, and which she then read, upon invitation of
the chairman
After the ceremony Of the presentations was
completed brief and pertinen remarks were made
| by Rev. Q. S. Taylor Of New Haven, DR.. Work
| man, g. Walter Allen, Rev. Horace James, and
| D. F. Parker. H 0'Reilly delivered a humor-
| Gus defamation, to the great amusement Of the
company.
| At this time, "Santa Claus having made his
appearance, the Christmas tree was illuminated,
and that notable worthy employed the time in
| warming himself and becoming acquainted with
his friends The presents, of which there was an
/ abundance, we're then distributed; after which
the company amused themselves in various ways.
TILL past "the hour when graveyards yawn,''
| which, however, they were kind enough not to do
on this occasion, when the company dispersed all
apparently having enjoyed themselves to their
hearts content, and the desire was frequently ex-
pressed that this might be annual festival Of
the High School. q atl aF
Let me express, in closing, the thanks Of the
pupils and Others for the b3untituI and unexpect-
ed, though welcome, supply of refreshments fur
nished by the teachers tae A.