The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-07-04
Anniversary of Western Normal School.

nne hull views on the horizon, is VerltaDle
seat of the muses.. 1t abounds in literary in
situations, prominent among which is the
Western State Normal School, occupying the
grounds of the old Pennington Academy OF
time honored memory, The anniversary ex-
ercises of this year were of unusual interest on
account of the decennial celebration, and large
numbers of the alumni assembled from near
and far. The Trustees of the Normal Schools
and the Governor and Council were in attend
ance, representing the state, and many teachers
and educational men were among the visitors;
so that the streets of Pennington presented
very busy sight during the two days of the ex-
ercis5s.
On Wednesday the examination of classes
was made under the supervision of the trus-
tees. The students in general appeared very
well and evinced careful and thorough prepar-
alton. The model school, composed of supe-
rior class of boys and girls from the village
who are trained by Miss Kilbreth, one of the
Normal school teachers, with the assistance
and for the editication of the embryo teachers,
attracted much attention The examination
was diversified by teaching exercises, select
readings and music-the latter furns he'd in
part by Miss Luce, an admirable pianist, and in
part by Prof. Allen, the music teacher Of the
school.
In the evening lecture was given under The
auspices of the Alumni Association at The Old
South Church by Rev. DR.. Hill of Portland.
DR.. Hill treated of the order of studies which
should be followed, especially in primary in
struction, holding that they should observe the
natural order of mental development, viz:
perception, Imagination, reason. The lecture
was copiously illustrated and enforced by
statements of experiments made under the
speakers personal supervision, showing the
great practical usefulness Of his system. 1t
was directly pertinent to theifpurposes and
studies of his auditors and was listened to with
marked attention. 1t was good seed sown in
fertile soil prepared for its reception. After
the lecture reunion of the alumni was held
at Normal Hall, at which the Strawberries and
ice cream were followed by brief speeches from
the Governor and several other gentlemen, and
by the infinite chatter which naturally results
from the coming together of a large party of
old school friends.
On Thursday morning the skies were heavy
with clouds which dispensed abundant rain,
and the day and night following were cold, wet
and uncomfortable. In the morning the an
nual. meeting of trustees was held. all being
present, and the board was organized by the
choice of Gov. Dingley for President, S. I.
Pullen for Secretary, and Warren johnson for
Treasurer. The vote of the former meeting,
providing for three terms at the Western Nor
NAL School, was re-considered, and the system
remainsas hitherto. A model school at Castine
was authorized and a committee appointed to
investigate the subject of an advanced course
ard to make full report at the next meeting.
The teachers for the next year were elected rs
follows: c. G. Rounds, Principal; Roliston
Woodbury., Assistant Principal; and Miss
Jennie NJ. Hayden, Miss c. f. Allen, Mr. j.
W. Stetson, Miss Eta Kilbreth and Mr.
Charles A. Allen, Assistants. The employ
ment of an Assistant Principal for the school
at Castine was committed to the charge of the
Governor and Messrs Johnson and Dresser
The decennial exercises proper also occurred
in the forenoon at Normal Hall, consisting of a
business meeting for organization, history oil
the ten years of the schools existence, by
Messrs. Kelsey, the first principal of the school,
A9ouuuo, Uoououiy anu otueIS, anu paper Ou
''The Relations of Free High Schools to Nor
NAL Schools by f. e. c. Robbins of the class
of IT,
In the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, Normal Hall
was densely crowded with the friends of the
graduates, and others intereste in the school.
who came to witness the graduation. The
room was deliberately and elegantly decorated
with flowers, and the blackboard adorned with
devices aud notices, showing taste, skill and
industry on the part of the young ladies of the
school. The programme was as follows.
The Schools of Holland, Mary I. Leighton
Mary Lyon, Henrietta Howard
The Old and the New in Primary Teaching,
Ellen n. Parsons
Education OF the People, James o. Bradbury
Public Education in wurtemburg, Clinton D; TUFTS
Art in Education, Helen Thofne
The Country School ofthe Future,
The Child the Father of the Man, Mary L. Gliding
The School of Life, Lovina H. HAYNES
Inc Relation OF Physical to Mental Health,
Helen n. Bates
Comforting Diplomas.
The appearance of the class was very salts.
factory and they evinced in the tone of their
essays, style of delivery and general bearing an
earnestness of purpose very commendable.
Miss Bates, Miss Thorne, Miss Giddings and
Miss LoWHsenu merlleu specially favorable NEIL
ton for the excellence of their compositions
and the originality and force of their propo-
stions. The class was presented to the trustees
by Prof. Rounds in fitting words, and Gov.
Dingley, for the trustees, presented the diplo
mas with happy aud appropriate remarks of
congratulation, encouragement and counsel.
DR.. Hill also spoke to them kindly and wisely,
as he always does. The exercises were plentl-
fully interspersed with music. In the evening
the graduating class gave reception in Normal
Hall, which was fully attended and was a sea-
son of much social enjoyment.
The appearance of the school in all parts
indicates large quantity of good, hard, con-
scientious labor on the part of teachers and
pupils and the work there performed is hay-
ing potent influence in the advancement and
elevation of our educational system. The state
has good reason to take pride in and to cherish
its Normal Schools which are constantly i'm
proving, and which propose to be second to
none.