Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1870-06-24
FROM WINTHROP.


EDITOR Enthusiastically last was a
gala day in Byron Township. The schools
of the District Township met for their an
nual holiday, as noticed by the BULLETIN
some time ago. The Board Of Directors
was DESTROYS of meeting as early in the day
as practicable, SO shortly after nine o'clock
might be seen arriving from all parts of this
town and from towns adjoining happy com
panies bent on enjoyment. Schools with
fast four horse teams drove on to the grounds,
Immediately after four horse teams little
faster, and schools drawn by teams not num-
bering four, arrived some time before either
So that by the appointed hour some hun
dreds of the patrons of education were on the
ground. They who "teach the young idea
how to shoot" with they who shout their
young idea in the van. Each school filed
on to the grounds under banner with some
appropriate device, led by Teacher and Di-
rector. Eleven schools reported to the
Board, eight from Byron, two from FIRE.
mont, and one from Buffalo. The Chair
man called the meeting to order, when, after
music by the choir. the Rev. Mr.. kepford
invoked The Divine blessing, Mr.. A. L.
Flickenger followed with an earnest address
on the general benefits resulting from such
days recreation to both teacher and pupil.
Schools were then siugly called to the stand,
teachers making the required report, name
ly: Total enrolment, average attendance.
branches taught, and general department of
summer school. The eight schools of By
ron showed total enrolment of 2l9, an
average attendance Of l6l. The common
branches only are taught during this term
of school, Seven teachers reported the
general department of their schools good
one, "perfect." The same teacher gave
total enrolment of %; an average attend
ance Of II IS days taught and no punish
ment. One teacher from Buffalo and one
from Fremont reported much as those from
Byron. The exhibitions by the several
schools were (perhaps unavoidably) very
much alike. Each sang several appropri
ate pieces, almost all acclaimed great
deal, and dialogues were prominent fea-
ture. One teacher exhibited well trained
Geography class. another a we'll drilled
class in Gymnastics; but where all did we'll
it would be wrong to draw an inviduous
distinction. A little past noon Rev. KEEP
ford after short and very complimentary
address to the company, again implored the
blessing of God on the excellent repast;
After par,aking of the good things prepared
for the occasion, at the tap of The drum the
company again repaired to the stand
Seven schools remained to be examined.
The day was hot, and the children some
what impatient, yet good attention was Civ
en- to the close. A school from Fremont
closed this part of the programme. After
a musical treat from the Choir Rev. l.. W.
Brintnall occupied ten minutes in an eloquent
and elegant address on the American Free
School system. Capt. Miller followed with
a soldierly tribute to the American Flag.
The Chaplain, Rev. J. G. ker ford, summed
up the days doings and closed the proceed
ing with earnest christian eloquence. The
Board, in short conference, had ten reasons
for not awarding premium to any school
while here, each Director claiming prece-
dence for "my school, everybody was well
pleased, and in the word OF one of the Rev'd
speakers, "This School Picnic of Byron is
grand success
The Board rendered their thanks to VIM
throp Martial Band for voluntary services:
cheerfully rendered, enlivening the exercises
with excellent music. Long may they beat
double-quick to the interests Of education
throughout our County.