The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1872-07-10
PUBLIC EXAMINATION AT MIS-, MAT
TIE WIDEMAN'S SCHOOL,

Editor A1beviNc C,'ess and Banner:
In the abse,,.cc of q better pen, I beg
leave to !.slve you few facts concerning
pleasant day spent by many in the
Community near theWideman Old Place,
Abbeville county, June 9th, Mt the
school-house of that wilely-known and
efficient teacher, Mrs. Matte Wideman.
It being previously announced thaton
this day public examination Of her
school would be given, at an early hour
quite large number Of both sexes were
comfortably seated beneath the spread
ing bows Of the giant oaks, which stand
in front Of the school-house. At nine
o'clock the examinations began. The
classes were we'll arranged and each one
was subjected to u rigid examination.
The audience were deeply interested.
Not single class failed to answer
promptly every question. I would like
just here to dwell personally upon each
class, but time and space will not admit
it. 1 may not, However, be considered
partial, if I mention the class in astron-
oIny and Roman history, which was
composed of two young ladies-Afisses
Matte Hiblcr and Mamie Patterson.
Their examination was very rigid. yet
no question was unanswered, thus re-
lectips great credit upon themselves
and their devoted teacher.
After the classes were examined, the
hiyh to,6lc (too high for the little fellows),
Which was lurdeued with meats, pics,
cakes and many other good things, came
in for its sl.arc of attention from those
present, who did ample Justice to the
delicacies spread thereon, after the COM
manding officer, friend "Ike," on
nounced that dinner was ready. The
only man who made anythinl like an
attempt 10 retreat was Mr.. John s.,
who is a very accommodating man, and
proved himself useful in waiting on the
ladies' and attending to their wants.
Dinner being over, the audience were
"called to order" by the aforesaid "Ike."
The compositions of the fetuales and
speeches by the males were then read
and delivered. Of the compositions,
Miss Mauie Boyd comes first; subject,
1.-THE Mocking Bird. Miss Gertrude
Puckett, pleasures of Memory -" Miss
Ida Sibert, "Amiable Disposition !" Miss
Nettie Boyd, "True Happiness )" Miss
Mollie Russell, "Modesty;" Mary Ed
munda, Education; Miss Matte Ward
law, "Nlarcl of Intellect;;" Miss Ada
Bell, "Flowers." ..
The composition of Miss Mamie Pat
terson OH the subject of "Woman's
Rights" pointed out forcibly woman's
sphere. Itwas not in the pulpit, III COLI
gress or in the Legislative halls, but in
the more humble sphere. It spoke Of
her influence as being first to mould i'm
pressiol.s OIL the mind, which were gen.
orally of a lasting character.
Miss Matte Hibler's subject was "No
Cloud without Silver Lining" She
set forth in glowing terms hope amid the
storm, and delicately, yet most beauti-
fully referred to the cloud now hanging
over the South, which she hoped would
yet be found TO have its "silver lining"
This was fine production, and.,as well
as tic others, were gracefully read.
The speeches from "Youug America"
were rich and rare, showing that these
boys had been drilled in oratory. Our
young frien'l "JeG::," though small in
stature, made 'loud" speech. ,
Thus ended q pleasant day. The pa
irons could not but feel they arc highly
favored in securing the services Of such
an experienced teacher rs Mrs. Wide
rlan. Long may her banner wave. May
long life be given her, and, in soo'l old
age, may she lass away, leaving behind
ber many who Will rise up and call her
blessed.
Yours, etc.,
e. NJ. BOYD.
T,,o 0SI1, 1870