The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1860-04-05
Mr. Ely'S School.

10 THE EDITOR OF The ALLEGHANI-
AN Having had the pleasure of attend
ing the closing exercises of Mr.. Ely's
school, L thought that, as you were not
present, you would indulge me in some
what extended account of it, as it might
be OF interest to your numerous readers.
The weather on that day, to use the
expressive language Of another, was im-
n'eHse-indeed a more calm and lovely
morn is scarcely to be numbered among
the things that may be on the mountain :;
while the neat appearance and smiling fa-
ces of the scholars, as they danced their
way to school for the last time for the ses-
sion, was enough to tell all who saw them
that 1t was indeed gala day with them
The morning exercises consisted of a
close drill on the various branches that
had occupied their time during the past
winter, interspersed with rehearsals from
some of their public performances. In
the afternoon, the large room was filed to
the full, with not only the immediate
friends of the scholars, but with the young
and gay of both sexes, all seeming to feel
that there was a pleasure in the scene,
recalling wildly to each ones mind, sthe
schoolboy spo;,"
1--WE ne'er forget, tho there we are forgot"
The performances consisted in declama-
tions, dialogues, and some well selected
pieces Of music, which were performed to
the admiration of all present. The even
ing exercises were interrupted by the
crowd in attendance, which not only filled
the space devoted to the audience, but so
encroached upon the stage, that it was
found impossible to proceed. In the con-
fusion, some one suggested the courthouse
as more fitting place while others wish
ed the exhibition postponed until morn
ing. But as the majority were determined
to see It through, a grand rush was made
for the courthouse, which seemed to Eli
almost as soon as the door opened. In
the wildness of the excitement, every one
seemed to think only of themselves, and
we had the melancholy satisfaction Of see
ing ladies thrust aside by gentlemen, and
almost trampled upon by some of their
ponderous hoofs. After quiet was in some
measure obtained, Mr.. r. l.. Johnston
made some rather lengthy but felicitous
remarks, contrasting the schools and
schoolmasters of the past and the present
To notice the performers in detail would
occupy more space than you could well
spare; yet | cannot close without express
sing my delight on hearing the Salutatory
read by Miss Cornelia Myers, nor the
comical appearance of my young friend,
Master Ferd kittell, in his character of
"1 ankec Jonathan" or the rich uncle of
the fair but designing Julia Let it suf-
ice, however, to say, that the large audi
ence separated at late hour, we'll satisfied
that the entertainment was one worthy Of
the scholars and the teacher.
On Saturday morning, Mr. Ely and a
few friends met the scholars in the school
and after some exercises had
been gone through with, Mr.. Johnston
was called upon, and delivered chaste
and beautiful address on the subject of
Education. He was followed by our young |
md brilliant friend, Phil s. Noon, ESQ, |
who, in closing, introduced the "Nestor of
he Ebensburg bar" Col. Magehan-
Messrs. Murray, Wills and Singer then
poke few words, to the edi6cation of
he scholars and all present, after which
he school closed with few brief and well
hosen remarks from Mr., Ely. Votes of
hanks were returned by the scholars to
he gentlemen who addressed them, and
lso to Mr.. Ely, their much respected
eacher. y.