River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-06-26
Reported for the JOURNAL.
THE NORMAL CoMMENoEMENT.

at this time the first class IN the 1uli
course graduate and go out into the
world as opponents of the training
that this school is able to give its pu-
pills. The examination of boil the
senior and elementary classes which
commenced on Monday and continued
through most of the day Tuesday, was
thorough and exhaustive IN all the
branches treated The most of the
work with the seniors was conducted
by Regent McAllister, of Milwaukee.
The class acquitted themselves i'll a
manner creditable both to themselves
and their instructors. Regent Chan
dler took charge of the elementary
class and found none wanting in the
requisite requirements. On Wednes-
day morning the Normal Chapel,
which was handsomely decorated with
evergreens and flowers, was filled by
friends of the school for the purpose
of witnessing the public exercises of
the Model Grades, i. e., the Grammar,
intermediate and Primary. The ex-
ercises consisted of class work, decla-
nations and recitations by members
of the different classes. illustrating
the usual school work. All present
were interested and pleased with the
various performances and especially
with the manner of conducting the
class work The music consisted of
singing by the pupils of these grades,
showing the result of the training of
Mrs. Potter, who with Misses Lord
and Mckay played organ accompani-
ments on three instruments. Both
the singing and the playing of the
young ladies were a credit to their
teacher. A noticeable feature of the
exercises were the calisthenics by pu-
| pills of the Grammar grade. The
speaking was good and even in the
smallest pupils the effect of thorough
ness and system in their instruction
was clearly manifested.
In the afternoon the graduating ex-
ercises of the Elementary class took
| place. The programme consisted OF
an Grafton, essays, defamation, prac-
| tice work and music. The written
| work bore evidence of careful prepa-
| ration and was well delivered; the
Grafton and defamation were each
good in its way and both speakers
showed the effect of good elocutiona-
ry drill. The music was a success
and all were well pleased with the
days entertainment. Certificates
were presented to the following:
NJ. Eva Blake, Brainard, MINI.
Willard w. Bartlett, Eau Claire.
Ezra A. Glover, Jr., Hudson
Alice Hitchings, Hudson.
William III. Lowell, River Falls.
Oril w. Newcomb, River Falls.
Kate J. Proctor, River Falls.
On Thursday morning occurred the
first regular graduating exercises of
the school, and it was Red Letter
Day to the institution, The exercises
were opened with singing the anthem,
They that go down to the sea in ships,
by the school, with organ accompani-
ments, on three organs. played by Mrs.
Potter and Misses Bailey and Parker.
After prayer by Rev. n. I. Blakes-
lee the school sang the Greeting Glee,
We come again to greet you. The
singing of both pieces was very
fine, both in execution and expression.
The first speaker, Froom Il. Watson,
had for his subject, Freedom of
thought, and claimed that while there
are certain fundamental truths that
we are compelled to believe if proper
ly demonstrated to us, still our means
of gaining information are so various
and the circumstances which modify
our reception of it 50 different, we
should exercise great charity in our
Judgment of the opinion of others.
The Grafton as whole was well consid-
cred, logically written and excellently |
delivered. The essay by Miss AIDA |
Wales was upon the subject, Progress
from Decay, showing by illustrate ons
that in man while the physical and
mental powers decay the moral per-
ceptons grow brighter and brighter. |
The paper was good in style and lam
guage. The chorus, From Shore to
Shore, was well rendered and was fol-
lowed by the excellent essay of Miss
Myrtle Bailey on Concentration. The |
reader showed by physical examples
the benefit of concentration of life
and energy, and then made the appli-
cation to mental growth. The paper
was read in clear and distinct voice.
The thesis on Renaissance by
Frank d. Ensign was review Of the re-
awakening of intellectual life and Gull
ture. The paper evinced the culture
and thoughtfulness of the writer, and
was read in a pleasant manner. The
singing of Rest in Peace, a quartette,
by Messrs. Chamberlain and Ensign
and Misses Westcott and Bolkcom
was very fine. The Grafton, Aim of
Education, by John Ulrich, was orig
inal and spicy, and was well received
by the audience. Miss Powell in her
excellent essay, The Seen and Unseen,
made very touching allusion to the
death of their class-mate, Mr.. South
worth, and also that of Pres. Starr, of
the Board of Normal Regents. Adj
dresses were then made by Secretary
Chandler, Reg emit McAllister and
Pres. Parker, after which the exer-
cises were closed by singing of Part
ing Whispers, by the quartette- All
the exercises were listened to with
the closest attention and all present
felt more pride than ever in our Nor
NAL school.
Excessive Heat.
An improper food at this season of
the year may speedily carry you to the
GRAVE parker'S Ginger Tonic should