Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-06-13
sTRAsBuRa June 9th 1877.

i Dear Editor:
1t was may pleasure to b
present at the commencement exercises
OF the.sTRAsBURa GRADED AND oI4AssI
CAL SCHOOL the 9th, It'll and 9Th Of
this month.
| The examinations came of during
the days and when the shades Of evening
gathered round. the academy was crow
ded to its utmost capacity by the elite Of
the town and surrounding country,
eager to witness the dramatic, literary
and musical talents Of those who had
passed SO creditable IN examination, a
few hours, before.
The stage was tastefully decorated.
evidently revealing that ''woman's
hand, soft and fair'' had directed and
perfected the arrangement, and we feel
sure Miss Barr had something to do
with it.
The exercises began at $3.50 and were
kept up with unabating interest until a
late hour Of the night interspersed
frequently with melodious strains from
our string band, which reminded US of
Moore's line.
The faint exquisite music Of a dream"
The entertainments were of highly
enjoyable nature ; the pleasure of the
evenings only marred by rather an
unrully part of the audience, who were
incapable of intellectual enjoyment
themselves and by their continuous
whispers prevented those more blessed
by Nature, from appeciating to its full
extent the parts enacted on the stage.
The young ladies and gentlemen &C
! quilted themselves so admirably that
it would be lnvidious to mention few,
and we regret that we are unacquainted
with the names of many. In their ex-
aminations, they displayed degree Of
proficiency that reflects great credit to
their accomplished instructors who are
indeed worthy of the confidence and
high esteem in which they are held by
the whole community.
Professors McInturff have raised this
school from small and very obscure
beginning to its present state Of ex-
cellency, and to them all praise is due.
Now it is the duty of our people to
cherish it and who knows but one day
it may be the ''bright particular star"
in our beautiful Valley. Such is the
exalted aim of the McInturfs and we
will do well to keep them in our midst
for they, by their indomitable energy,
and usefulness, have rendered them
selves indispensable to the prosperity
of Strasburg.
It has been wisely said, we cannot
well appreciate anything until we are
deprived Of it. True it is and although
we have keen sense of the worth Of
our teachers, it is impossible to have
just idea oftheir intrinsic value until
the 'Divinity that shapes our end calls
them to another field of labor.
Then let us do our best to keep these
good and useful men with us, by en-
couraging and supporting them for We
may never have their like again.
Friday nigt the young men celebrated
the anniversary of the ''Ruffner Liter
airy Society,"" Robert E. Borden was
introduced to the audience as the orator
of the evening, and delivered himself
in a very pleasing manner. Mr.. Jesse
Perkey was then introduced, and his
beautiful grafton was replete with gems
of thought. He was followed by the
Rev. Mr.. Hollis who entertained us in
his usual happy manner.
Thus closed the most prosperous
year of our school; the per centage of
which, together with the average at
tendance, has never been equalled in
this county. Long live the Strasburg
Grade dand Classical School. K. I'm.