Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-02-24

loneliness disrobing it of impaSsive
grandeur, while clothing it with a not
untame beauty, which has made the
little village a favorite resort for tour
lists. The village is call over, up
hill and down. Then no monotony to
the pedestrian, neither to the vision.
The residences look new, bright and
cheering. denoting thrift.
We sojourned at the wager House
which is first class hotel. Having
finished our business in the early morn
ing, we paid visit to
THE HIGH SCHOOL
where Miss Hettie Mosher is engaged
in the Grammar department. The
school building is situated upon the
bluff affording view of the country
for miles around, SO beautiful that we
were 10th to bid it adieu, though we
tarried till nearly train time. The
school is under the supervision of
Principal De Lamatyr who stands at
the head of his profession in the state,
assisted by Miss Matte G. Burt. AS
an educator Mr. De Lamatyr has few
equals. The building is of brick,
three stories in height besides the
basement, with Mansard roof, and a
lofty tower midway, the building 'front.'
ing the village. The seating capacity
is about four hundred, though at pres
ent only about half that number are en-
rolled upon the several registers. 1t
is heated with hot air furnaces most
successfully. Four organs are used
and piano is shortly to be added.
In the upper story is the large hall
where is arranged a capacious stage
for dcclamatory exercises. From this
room, as also from the Principals are
cords. running to the several depart
ments, attached to little bells, by which
the Principal is enabled to summon
any class from any department. imme-
diately into his presence. The prima-
ry department is under the control Of
Miss Durrie and an assistant, who are
guiding one hundred and fifty little
ones toward decimal fractions and de-
clensions. Miss Durrie is extremely
aesthetic in her tastes, we judge; for
her room was most beautifully adorned
with pictures and flowers, valuable
auxi.aries in the development of little
minds. We wish our schools general
ly had more of these adornments. A
writing department under the direction
of Prof. Cummings is a marked fea-
ture of the school. The students will
prepare specimens for the Centennial.
A kindly invitation was extended
rs by Miss Mosher to attend the open
inc exercises of the school in the
chapel room. We needed no urging
to remain Immediately stirring
march, executed upon the organ in one
of the large halls, announ ced the be-
ginning of the exercises In order to
witness the assembling of the pupils,
we passed into the large hall. They
seemed to come from every direction,
from above, from below, from either
baud, in double file keeping time to
the music with excellent effect. Each
department was guided by a captain
who gave the word of command which
was obeyed instantly" and with the
most exact precision. The captains
were all little fellows, with no insignia
of rank save intelligent faces. After
all were assembled, the little ones
standing in the aisles at ''rest," Mr..
De Lamatyr gave the command,
Rise" in a low tone, all rising as one
person; Miss Mosher seated at the
organ struck the chords of beautiful
chant, when the whole body of pupils
inclining forward chanted softly the
Lords Prayer. The several parts
were we'll sustained and the execution
was admirable. The exercises were
beautifully impressive and will have
their effect in later years. After
singing exercises, written upon the
blackboard, in which all joined heartily,
and little advice and wise counsel by
the Principal, the teachers retired to
their several rooms, one of the pupils
took her position at the organ render
ing stirring march, when all march
ed out at the words of command, with
the precision of disciplined soldiers.