The Portland daily press., 1873-06-14
rxon,oation and Graduating Exercises
.ho western Normal school.

Examination ana Urauuaeihs
Of the Western Normal school.
a,o western Normal School at Pennington IS
49, o1dar of the two training schools for teach
-S sstahlisbed by the State. No more beauti-
s,l Mace could possibly be found for the loca-
zion of such an institution. The village is OF
the highest type, of fne thrifty, pleasant New
England towns. and art has improved 1.-THE
beauties which nature has so lavishly bestowed
on the place and all its surroundings. The
general culture of the inhabitants, and the in
fluence of the literary institutions there estab-
lished, give fine scholastic tone to all associa.
tions, which is of much advantage to the stu
dents. Beside the Normal school and the pub.
lie schools of the town, are two boarding schools
which are just objects of State pride. The Will
lows, school for girls, seems to enjoy very
deserved prosperity. The school building is an
elegant new structure of three stories, W ith
Mansard roof The rooms are high, we II VEN
tilated, neatly finished and furnished. The
building is heated by steam throughout, and
pure water in abundance is carried by pipes in
to all parts of the building Every provision is
made for the health, comfort and convenience
of the young ladies who receive instructions
from strong corps of teachers in all depart
ments under the general charge of Miss Lucy
G. Belcher, the accomplished principal
The Little Blue School for boys, was original
ly established by Jacob Abbott, who has en-
deared himself to all boys who read, by such
intensely interesting stories of boy life as were
never told before Here were large part of
the books written, with lively specimens of
boyhood under his very eye. 1t is said of him,
that when he had finished story,he would
call the reluctant boys from their play, aud re-
quire them to listen for fifteen minutes to the
reading of the first part. If, at the expiration
of that time, they wished to return to their
games the manuscript would go into the fire.
Nothing was printed, except what could sue
cessfully compete with play for the attention
of the bows. The grounds are extensive, and
are carefully and artistically laid out The
school has national reputation, which is well
maintained by Mr.. Blethen, the present effl-
cient principal.
The Normal School closing exercises began
on Thursday morning last, with the examina.
tion of classes by Messrs Perham, johnson,
Abbott, Pullen, Pattep, and Dresser, OF the
trustees. The young ladies and gentlemen ap-
peared to good advantage and showed signs OF
careful training and good discipline. The prin-
cipal of the school, Mr.. Rounds, is an enthusi-
asst, in his profession, and inspires all around
MIN with a share of his own energy and
vigor. Mr.. Woodbury., his first assistant.
is very capable teacher, and is
of great value to the school. They with their
earnest and faithful associates, Miss Hayd en-
Miss Morton and Miss Curtis, have brought the
school to high degree of attainment in the
practical knowledge needed by the teacher.
The gem however, Of the institution, in the
opinion of most of the visitors, proved by their
tendency to collect there, was the model school,
composed cf little boys and girls of the village,
who are instructed by Miss Gilbreth according
to the most approved methods, and who serve
to illustrate to the Normal School pupils, in ac-
tual practice the operation of tho theories of
teaching which it is the province of the Normal
School to inculcate 1t was really delightful
to see the bright pretty children dressed in
gala costume, go through the exercises OF the
various classes, exhibiting degree of attain
ment remarkable for scholars so young. The
examination continued through Thursday and
the forenoon of yesterday. Thursday evening
was devoted to an anniversary concert by Bal
lard's orchestra of Lewiston, assisted by Mrs.
Wiggin, vocalist, of Auburn. Yesterday after
noon at o'clock occurred the
GRADUATION EXERCISES,
with the following programme, the music sup
piled by Ballard's orchestra:
Music.
Prayer.
Music.
Enos f. FLOYD. ... Essay and Salutatory
The School House Factor in Education.
Clara F. Elliott ii,n:ions Essay
Music.
Abbie Sanders. Essay.
The Crusades.
Anna " Hunt. ..'.... Glass Chronicles.
''0s' fA'0A what shall she doq -'''A'
Study.
Music.
Music.
oA'''- ~ Transit Of Venus.
Nettie H. Cortland. valedictOry
Conferring of Diplomas.
In the evening very pleasant social assem-
bly, was held at the school building by invita-
ton and under the charge of the graduating
class. Eua Hu " .sfa.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES rgne
effected permanent organization by the adop-
tion of a code of bylaws, aid the election of
the following officers and committees:
President-Sidney Perham
Seeretary-Stanley I. Pullen.
Treasurer-Warren johnson. ro
Finance ommittee-Messrs. Perham, Pat
ten and Hanson rt.sr q.
Eastern Inspectory Committee-Messrs.J John
son, Dresser and Patten.
Western InspectOry Committee-Messrs.
johnson, Abbott and Hanson
Executive Committee--Messrs. Pullen, Abb
bott and Dresser.
Mr.. Dresser was appointed a committee to
consider the matter of the establishment of
post graduate course, and report to the Board
at the next meeting