The Van Buren press., 1872-03-12
Black Oak Grove School Examination
and Exercises.
BY OUR SPECIAL.


examination of the Black Oak Cove School,
four miles East Of Van Buren,, came of on
Friday the sth inst, and proved much bet
ter success than We might have expected un-
der the circumstances.
Many of the most interesting parts Of the
exercises were dispensed with for want OF
time to go through with them all. The exalh-
nations in Primary Grammar, History, Rhet-
oric, Philosophy, and the rhetorical exercises
were among the parts dispensed with. How
ever enough was done to show that the pupils
have improved very much and to show, also,
that they have Thorough, practical and faith
ful teacher
During the interval between dinner and
supper. the exercises consisted of the exam
ination in Analytical Grammar, thorough
ly practical and well-directed speech by Col.
NJ. +. Locke, and a literary address, ertempore,
by b. A. +. Collins. of Van Buren-subject (:
"The Philosophy of True Greatness.
After these exercises the audience were in
vted out to partake Of the good things.
which had been so Hospitality and abundant
ly provided for tea" No pains had been
spared by the good people of the Oak Grove
and surrounding neighborhoods. to make all
enjoy themselves and the occasion. Dinner
and supper were prepared on the ground for
all who would partake, and the great desire
of our Oak Grove hosts was, that all should
get something to eat, and feel at home.
We noticed, too, that our friends from the
new town oil Alma. in this County, were not
behind in this matter, but freely opened their
baskets of good things, and by their genial
manners and pleasant conversation, contrbu-
ted in no small degree. to tho pleasant remi-
niscences connected with the occasion.
After supper the audience we're entertained
by the reading of fifteen original compost
titns; the delivery of thirty-right declama-
ton etc; the speaking of six dialogues, and
the singing OF one or two songs, together
with other things calculated to lend interest
to the occasion. The compositions, while they
bore the impress of originality, reflected muc
credit on the students and their teacher
Many of them suggested excellent ideas, and
contained worthy sentiments-aInOng which
we think. the essay on Fruit Culture. by
u dummy NcdI' uiSHh bV Noii1"i'SN Wv
profit by many Of our friends who are trim
ming orchards and prEnning vineyards lhe
dcclamaiions, etc, showed that the children
OF the school are rapidly acquiring the art OF
spanking in a cool and collected manner
There was much less embarrassment mani
tested than one might reasonably have ex
pcctel. Tho dialogues were pretty well Sc
lected and in some RESPECTS quite amusing
One dialogue, which WAS a dispute between
three persons in regard to the rotundity Of
the earth, was pretty ludicrous. 1t resulted
in |" hang jury, each one holding his own
opinion. and brought down the house. Then
a little dialogue introduced us TO a"home
sceue.n where the little ones were teasing
mamma for cake, sul from the perfectly natu-
raj manner in wLich those Hide ones played
their parts, it was EVIDENT they had Deseiged
mammals pantry before. An exhibition Of
bogus animals next claimed our attention
viz: the Elephant" and the Might Howl
cr." Mr.. Might Howler' was a novelty
and produced quite burst Of nerriment.
The city schools were we'll represented, and
seemed much pleased with the entertainment,
Mr.. b. A. +. COLLINS, of Van Buren WAS
then called en- the stage again, and delivered
the closing address. which was followed by
prayer by Rev. Mr.. BRowN the Principal of
the School. and the audience dispersed.