Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-07-15
school Festival In wilkinsonv,IIe

SChOOA H csStNul IN NllkInSOnV1lIc.
WILK1NsoNvILLE, July 18th, 18G2.-The
monotony of our quiet village was very pleas
ingly varied, last evening, by the exhibition
of our grammar school, assisted by several
young ladies and gentlemen, who had former
ly been pupils. The musical entertainment
was much promoted by the services of Mr.. j.
+. Bacon of Worcester assisted by Mr.. f. f.
Phelps, whose violin discoursed some most
pleasing strains. Mr.. Carpenter of Wilkin-
sonville, who aided in the singing, has voice
OF great sweetness and strength, which needs
only attention to make one of peculiar attrac-
tiveness and power. The whole programme
was arranged by Mrs. L. +. Pettengill who
has charge OF the higher department of our
school. She is graduate of one of our nor
mai schoolS-and we were pleased to observe
IN the execution OF her scholars, a common
dable attention 10 that branch of study much
neglected IN our country schools. This de-
partment OF culture is deserving of all the
attention 1t is now receiving in our normal
schools.
The exercises consisted of well selected
dialogues, declarations, and songs. inter-
spersed with appropriate and pleasing instru-
mental music from the violin and pianoforte
Inc dialogues were of an intellectual and
moral character, quite above those ordinarily
given on such occasions. "One hundred
years hence" would be listened to. any,
where, with pleasure and instruction. Miss
Rip Van Wrinkle will always produce that
good digestion which comes from a hearty
laugh which genuine good humor produces.
1.-The Wonderful One Hoss Shay of the dea-
con, by Holmes, was well given s'Thc Fairy
Queen" Sylvan scene of great beauty,
made us acquainted with messy glens, and
nymphs and fairy groves and lakes and 1owery
isles; the young ladies well performed their
parts, not as the practised actors of our cities
might, but in the pleasing, home.bred, modest
style OF sensible country girls.
"Ihe Haydn" especially "Jennie," was
rather charming. The Haydn has something
positive In her nature, which wise culture
and vlrtuous training will develop into
most admirable character. But, where the
parts were generally so well performed. il
would be lnvidious to speak of particular in
stances. "The Sympathizers' rave us n LITTLE
scene, quite true to nature; but we must deal
gently with the useful old maids of orr viii
lages; though, If they will be comical. we
must ENJOY little fun at their expense, and
even our dear grandmas must allow us to
SNi"Nh'uNo' IlOOu s Lost Herr was
acclaimed by Mrs. +. i. Pettenpill with croat
appropriateness, and elected much praise NJ
son OF Erin who has spark of genuine wit in
him but must have enjoyed it, even at his own
expense; the wild, mirth-exciting rawlings Of
the Irish mother in the dirty alley of London
at the supposed loss of her dear boy, SO lately
playing In the mud of the gutter-the deo,.
angelic boy, for whom she is ready IN do.
then he appears suddenly to brighten her ma,
ternal gaze through the mist and filth of the
streets. The quick transition of the mothers
feelings was well given, as she, who was mo-
ment before so loving, is now ready to break
every bone in his. "blissid body" for his tru-
ancy. The defamation Fate of Virginia"
was well recited, and all the other parts
eyinced careful preparation. The interest in
the exercises was undated to the end, and at
ten o'clock the audience retired, well pleased
and grateful for an hours innocent enjoy
ment. H.