Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-01-18
Dedication of Winthrop Sc hool House.
WINTHROP, Jan. 16, 1873.

WINTHROP, Jan. 16, 1878.
To-day witnessed the dedication of the viii
lage school house, an event which had much
local Importance, and one that ought to at.
tract attention from many, very many towns
in our State, in need of better school build
ings. Winthrop may we'll be proud of this
school building. 1t is one any village in
Maine might be proud to own. 1t is two
stories high, built in very substantial man
ner and warmed by furnace situated in the
basement. Its ventilation is most excellently
arranged In the lower story, or on the first
floor are situated the two primary school
rooms; on the second floor the two school
rooms of the higher grade. These rooms are
provided with seats of modern style and of
easy capacity for the pupil. In word we
may express the whole appearance,-it is just
right. The assembly was ably presided over
by DR.. A. P. Snow, who richly deserves
the thanks of all present, and to whom we
especially tender our own for favors and IA
cilites furnished for reporting.
The dedication cerem onies were in the
Methodist church, which was tastefully dec
Grated With evergreen.
Music-"Beautful are Thy Towers"
| The report of the building comm ittee was
read 1t says;
| The house is not qui completed. The
money was raised partly by tax and partly by
loan. The house is 40 GO, IA feet in height
in each room. Began to build last August.
Mr. McIntire, Master Builder. Lot cost S645.
| The house has cost about $4,000. The un-
! favorable season has somewhat increased the
| nf hnil,1 Hhn bow 10
| placed in the hands Of the directors, who re-
sponded in an appropriate manner through
Rev. Mr.. Sylvester.
| Music-"Days of Youth and Days OF Pleas
ure."
| Prayer-By Rev. Mr.. Bosserman
Music.
Hon. Warren johnson, Supt. of Schools,
was then introduced by the President, who
delivered an able address. Gov. Perham was
unable to be present and sent his regrets. Mr..
johnson said
| Public education is 4 matter of growth. 1t
started away back in the Garden OF Paradise.
1t crops out all the way down through history.
Martin Luther said to the people "educate
your children" In later times in lG42 in Mass
: achusetts Bay Colony, public school was es
tablshed. 1t may be interesting to review a
little here. Read the old act then enacted, in
its quaint, an.iquated style. These old Pill
grims believed in a personal Satan, and pre-
pared to debar Kim from their households by
educating their children. For one hundred and
fifty years girls were not educated in the
schools. It took three hundred years to Grad
icate the rejudice against female teachers.
In 1870 the public schools were first opened
to girls in Boston. In New Hampshire the re-
cord is but little better. Schools were opened
to Indians, but not to women. These facts
show education is a growth. We are tending
toward the town school system. What ele-
ments are necessary to growth of educational
interest? The plant of education must be set
in the common soil of common interest. This
must be nourished by intelligence in the citi-
zens. You have done well, and made move
ment in the right dire ction. Let it not him
der demanding other things to go with it.
, Demand the right kind of teaching. You
must have the teachers here who are skilled
workmen. Demand executive ability. Many
fine scholars are very poor teachers. Teach
ers should understand the laws of mental de-
velopment. The teacher should be able to
penetrate the very soul being of a child for
good He should be able to discern the diff
ferences of temperament. 1t needs the finest
perception possible to appreciate. Shall we
, put the mechanism of child, the incest thing
given us from God, into the hands of incom-
petent persons to develop? We must have
school inspection. 1t behooves you as citi-
zens to look well to your school inspection
Only have the best men you have. Only
those should be appointed who will do the
duties well.
One point more, "boys and girls you must
go to school," We must educate our boys
and girls for better citizenship. Compulsory
attendance is privilege of the pupil. 1t is
his right and he has right to demand it.
You have a law that the father and mother
shall clothe the child, and should have one to
compel them to send them to share the privi
; lege you have provided. rejoice when see
new school house anywhere. l am happy
to be present at its completion. rejoice that
it is so near completion. Let us dedicate it
3 to the cause of education, and the best inter-
ests Of our youth. You have toiled for this
and it is yours. 1t is monument worthy of
you, and which you may be proud to leave
! to posterity.
. Music-'Theres no time like the Present
Time"
Remarks were made by President Allen of
the State College.
Hon. j. B. Walker ofConcord, n. H., was
called upon and happily responded.
Music-"America." In which the audience
Joined the choir with fine effect.
. | Board Of Agriculture Mt Winthrop.