Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1865-12-26

idly she seemed before US; her seat-mate looked
lonely and desolate without her, there was her
vacant scat, and the peg where she hung her
| bonnet and cloak was empty; but we hoped she
was transplanted to brighter sphere, whore she
would shine in perfected loyeliness.
| Others of the 'sgirls" have married--some are
still attending stockholders teaching, and q
large portion still with their ssmammas," receiv-
| ing lessons in housekeeping. Of the "boys"
many have grown to manhoods estate several
became merchants, some farmers, few printers,
and sprinking Of other occupations; but many,
many one, has been transferred "from the
known to the unknown world since we all assem-
bled, @ts
SO pore over the precepts by pedagogues taught"
large number fell in the din of battle, and q
great many died in prisons.
| cannot finish these remembrances of happy
school-days, without saying word about our
school-houses. The first was o small log struc-
ture in an original forest, where we saw nothing
but the green trees and azure sky over our heads.
This ancient pile of logs has been razed, and ono
of modern style fills its place The Academy Of
G. was the next in the list; this was truly 8
beautiful site il a large brick building
hill overlooking the village of c., mill with
It's merry sound lay at the foot of the hill, and
large dam invited skates in the winter, from the
most courageous. We loved to meander through
play ground. Here we played prisoners base, and
other rouIsing games, the boys joining US ia our
amusements. From this pleasant place, were
transferred to another more secluded situation,
but we loved this retired spot; it was situated in
quiet grove, s'far from the busy haunts OF
men :; the broad Greek wound its serpentine
course through the high cliffs and rocks and
green meadows, meandering until it united
with other streams to form the rolling Shenan-
doah here in the winter we would skate or guide
s.ice boats" down the stream until they would be
dashed to pieces over some mimic falls; dense
forest extended all around this school-house, and
we seldom saw any one, except those who
were concerned about the school-house still We
loved the quiet retreat. the scholars were oil
socable our school house with its own largo
ceiled room, its cupboard, black-boards, and
the comfortable desks were all enjoyed by aus
scholars :" but three years have rolled around,
with their many changes and variations, and in
that time we have given our places to youuger
followers of Cadmus.
My other school-house was situated in the town
of G., a large frame building, directly on the
street; this was exclusively female school;
but do not know whether we enjoyed ourselves
any more in the absence of the "sterner sex, ,, for
l am afraid there was many o stolen glance
the street; yet we were merry band cur lives
unclouded by sorrow no murky cloud ever passed
over our hearts sunshine and when our teach
ers mother died, she had to resign her situation
and go home tc take charge of young sister.
We were all very sad at her departure, and went
to our homes with heavy hearts
Thus ends the "reminiscences of happy school
days; I have often regretted time that has been
but these regrets are useless, for they
do not bring back the golden hours that have
flown on Tunes rapid wing but | wish every
child could see the Importance of close attention
and hard study and learn to
"Trust not future however pleasant"
but
"Act!- act in the living present
Heart within and g tod DER head