The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-02-12
School Visits.


erected by volunteer labor and donation,
and this was the second term of school, the
former term having been maintained almost
entirely by subscription. 1t was pleasant
visit, and l left little thinking that it would
SO soon be the scene of so terrible a calamity
as has since befallen it. Through the kind
ness of Mrs. II. Bartlett good dinner was
duly relished, when | passed ON to school
No. II, taught by G. W. Hitchcock This
is a good school; the scholars are compare
! lively well advanced and everything seemed
to be working tremendously. The building
is frame, tolerably well arranged and pleas
antly located. Leaving there about o clock
| turned my steps homeward. The heavy
rains were telling on the streams, and the
swollen current had carried away the plank
that constituted the foot bridge across Lewis
river But Mr.. Hitchcock was fortunately
travelling the same way on horseback, and
on invitation the writer was soon on behind
him, and borne by the faithful animal
through the angry current The first branch
was safely crossed, but on stepping into the
second the pony was buried into the flood
and the astonished riders suddenly made
conscious of the depth and temperature of
the stream. But we crossed, and about
dusk my genial companion was comfortably
seated by his own side, and a few min
utes after the writer was under the hospita-
BILE roof of Mr. Downs
The next day was New Years, but there
was school in the Flatwoods district, and |
proceeded there quite early in the day. As
| passed the Slocum place l saw Mr.. Wiley
cutting down the timber standing near the
barn. He was evidently getting ready for
the storm. This school is larger than the
average. Enrolled 81, present 81. They
have fine frame school building that has
recently been erected. 1t is large, well
built, and well planned, and reflects much
credit upon the people of that district
Here the day was pleasantly spent and the
school seemed to be doing we'll Mr. Clark
is teacher After a walk of about three
miles, and a ride on fence about half the
way across Salmon creek, | was seated at
the pleasant tire-sde of Mr.. Curtin. Here
l met Prof. J. NJ. Dolany, our former towns
man, who has charge of the school in that
district. The people there seem to think
themselves very fortunate in securing his
services, and justly so, for it is seldom that
person of his qualifications is obtained at
the meagre salary there given. After spend
ing the night at the home of this pleasant
and generous family, |, accompanied by Mr.
Delany, set out in the morning to spend a
short time at the school, The weather was
exceedingly bad, and there We're but few
scholars in attendance. | remained but a
short time when | again set out, and was
soon at the school near Marbles mill This
is taught by \. j. Webb, who is managing
it in successful manner. The school house
is frame, is well arranged and pleasantly To-
Gated, but is not very large. They have a
debating society there, which holds meet
ings twice month, and is well sustained.
| was kindly invited to dinner at Mr.. Mar
ble's, and as he has Touring mill, readily
concluded it was just the place for me to 90.
1t was, and l shall return at tie next inyi-
tation.
The 9TH Of Jan. was spent in school No.
l6, taught by Walter Sparks. This is quite
a large school, there being upwards OF fifty
names on the roll They have a fine school
house in this district. 1t is frame large,
convenient and beautifully located. Mr.
Sparks has Il big task ON his hands, but is
proving himself quite capable OF performing
it. Considering the size OF the school the
order was remarkably good, and a more
than ordinary amount OF mental activity
was manifest. After spending the day here,
and with a feeling of gratitude toward MIR.
and Mrs. Merton, returned to Vancouver
that evening. On the Sth uit. l visited the
Lacamas district. Mrs. Graves was in
charge, and found her and her pupils bus
lily preparing for an exhibition to be held
the following evening. On that night was
present at a rehearsal and the peaces were
very appropriate and well rendered. | have
since heard that the exhibition was post
poned on account OF the one that nature
held that afternoon. The night was passed
at the home Of John Proebstel where the
hungry ever find relief, and the weary are
sure 20 rest. On the following morning | |
had intended to have gone to the Knapp |
district, but the weather was bad. The |
rain fell copiously, aud the wind howled |