The Portland daily press., 1875-01-20
Letter from Farmin gtOn.
PENNINGTON, Jan. IS, 1875

EAnMlNUION, odu. 10, AOtO'
OUR NORMAL SCHOOL.
The examination and graduation exercises Of
this state institution, attendant upon the close
of the winter term, took place at the school
room last Thursday, in the presence of large
number of our citizens. The dignity of the
state was represented by the educational com
m;ttees from the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives, also State Superinte ndent Hon
Warren johnson. The school loom was grace.
fully decked in evergreen by the scholars.
The examination of the several classes in the
forenoon was, to use stereotyped phase, ''per
fectly satisfactory" As usual, the scholars
amount of knowledge was drawn out, com
mented on and criticised by Mr.. johnson, and
pronounced Sufficient The exercises were
interspersed wi tn teaching exercises by Misses
Emma S. Small and Juliette G. Haines, and
select readings by Misses Lizzie r. Ellis and
Julia S. Talbot. all of which were very fine in
deed. Several pieces of music were finely rem
dered by the school. under direction of Mr.. G.
A. Allen, teacher Of music
The graduation exercises took place in Nor
NAL Hall, in the afternoon, in the presence of
a large number of spectators and were con-
Quoted as follows:
Prayer by Rev. E. Adams of Farm ington.
Essay. 80. "The Developing Method in Education"
Martha b. Wyman of New Sharon.
Essay ...... :. Education through the Senses"
Juliette G. Haines of Livermore.
Essay. Educational Value of the Study Of Nature
Nellie A. Prescott of New Sharon
Georgia r. Holden Of Sweden.
Teaching Exercise...... ........................
Martha b. WymaD.
Essay. ."The Relation of Rousseau to Modern :.
Georgia A. Ellis of Pennington.
Essay......." Ths Free School the Nations Hope"
Emma S. Small of Waterville.
Comforting Diplomas by Rev. DIR. Teft.
Dox0logy and Benediction.
The essays were well written and finely deliv
ereb, especially may this be said of Miss Smalps
essay. Prof. Rounds, in his usual short and
TO- the.point style addressed the graduates. In
the evening social gathering was held in the
hall, at which time and place the customary
words of cheer were spoken, and adieus said.
OUR SLATE QUARRY.
Contrary to expectations Messrs Abbott &
Belcher are hard at work ON their slate quarry.
We learn that they have met with such success
that they have decided to continue work through
the winter They now have ten men at work,
seven blasting, two splitting and one cutting
the slate. 1 am unable to state the amount
thus far manufactured. In the spring great
additions will be made to the working force,
and powerful engine will be placed in posi-
ton. The quarry is now positive success.
ITEMS.
The great event this winter with us was the
"Old Folks Concert" held at the Old South
church last week. The church was packed full
Mr.. G. A. Allen conducted. The choir num-
a.
very finely rendered. 1T is hoped the concert
will be repeated.
Jacob Abbott, IL D., is living in retirement
at his residence called "Few Acres" in this
village He is looking very hale and hearty.
Rev Edward Abbott, nephew of Jacob Abb
bolt, is spending few weeks at Few Acres. !"
learn he is DESTROYS of writing history of
this. his native town.
The inquiry is often made: Where is the
Wendell Institute bell? A fine bell was pur-
chased for the school building year ago, but it
has never been placed in position; hence the
inquiry. JACK.