The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1880-08-27
Alumni Reunion Of Keenan, Academy

Last Thursday, being a fine day, the
friends of Bceman academy to the
number of three hundred strong, as
sembled on the academy ground to ell
10y the exercises of the sixth annual re-
union. After the Bristol band had
rendered piece of music in their usn-
al skillful manner, Principal Cove
greeted the audience and introduced
the speaker, Professor Kellogg, who
gave one of the finest addresses ever
listened to in New Haven. The Pro-
fessor had just returned from the Adir-
ondacks, and seemed to have caught
| from these grand natural scenes
special inspiration for this occasion.
1t is impraclicablc in this hastily prepar-
ed report to give anything like tair
outline of his remarks. He adapted
himself most happily TO his audience,
and in his vigorous, earnest style utter
ed many vital truths which must strike
home TO the conscience and arouse in
to activity many dormant sentiments,
and lead to smoue thoughtful attention
to matters of education His contrast
| Q ween county city life, his eau
ton to farmers, and the dangers TO
which they were peculiarly liable were
so wildly drawn that they must have
made deep impression OH the minds
of his listeners. lie secuted the idea
that a man should be minister, law
yer, a doctor, a teacher, or a farmer
and nothing else. He dcplored the ten
dency of men to sink to the level of
their occupation and to have scarcely a
glimpse of the grand scenes beyond
the sphere of their own immediate ac-
ton. lie crystallzed his thoughts upon
this particular point in these words :
''No occupation, no profession is big
enough to hold good sized man.
Professor Kellogg himself, is one of
the many farmers boys who, by hard
work on the farm, and afterwards in
school and college, have fitted them
| selves for active usefulness in the
broader fields OF human action. His
case, like many others, shows what
may be accomplished by persistent and
continuous efforts in the right direction.
His words of encouragement TO strug-
Cling students, his appeal TO parents to
afford every possible advantage for
mental improvement and moral growth,
and his favorable estimate of the worth
and influence of such schools as Beeman
academy. were directly to the point,
and should influence to act wisely in
reference to the important matters
brought forward for their considcra-
| ton.
AT the conclusion of the address
Mr.. Cove read a highly interesting let
ter from Mr.. Fish, a former principal of
the academy, in which he stated that
among the leaders OF western society
and sentiment, many Vermontcrs held
conspicuous positions, and that there
were three graduates of MiddIebury
college on the faculty OF the University
of Minnesota.
Refreshments were then served, after
which tho assembly again assumed an
attentive attitude, as the chairman hap
PLY called upon several gentlemen
present for brief, Informal remarks.
The first to respond was Capt. A. l..
Leavcnworth, first principal of the
academy, Rev. Geo. w. Brooks, of
Woonsocket, II. L., Prof. D. H. Smith,
of the University of Alabama, and Prof.
Kellogg also favored the audience.
These gentlemen added much to what
had already been said, and uttered sem
timents worthy the occasion and the
interest manifested.
There were many felictious hits
which were heartily appreciated by the
| listeners. In conclusion Principal
Cove made brief, but stirring speech,
enforcing the remarks made by others,
and reminding parents that they owed
a sacred duty to their children which
could only be discharged by giving
| them as ample means for thorough
education as circumstances wond per-
nit. "Send yonr children TO Beeman
academy" said he, Cor. ii yop can find
better school, send them there, but
do not dwarf their intellects by keep
ing them at home, unless misfortune
imposes the necessity" nlt
Much credit is due to the friends who
assisted in the preparations, and espec-
tally to The ladies who furnished such a
bountiful supply of good things to eat,
and arranged the tables. They have
never yet failed to have enough on such
occasions.
Thus has occurred one of the pleas
ATTEST public demonstrations under the
auspices of the academy, and one which
will tend greatly to forlify 1t more
strongly in the affections of the people.
Long may Becman academy live and
prosper. Long may her benign infln-
ence be felt In our community. o. ti