The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1880-04-23
GRADUATION.
THE MAEKATO NORMAL
SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT.

THE MAEKATO NORMAL
SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT.
The graduating exercises Of the Nor
NAL School of Manksto, were never
more interesting than those held at the
Academy of Music on Thursday last
The vast room was filled with our best
citizens, while the stage was occupied
by many distinguished guests, among
which was the Governor of the State
A larger number of the State Normal
Board were present than ON any pre-
vious occasion. The general public in
terest in the occasion, the presence OF
distinguished guests, and the marked
proficiency and excellence of the class,
all contributed to tsignslize this COM
mencement as the most satisfactory in
the history of the institution. Prof.
John was fortunate in closing his con-
nection with the school under such aus.
picious circumstances. President John
will enter upon the duties to which he
has been promoted, with the proud con.
viction that he has left the Mankato
Normal School in the tide of success
full operation, and that the last gradual
ing exercises, were the best We have had.
His successor, whoever he may be, will
find the house in order, cleaned and gar
nished for his coming. President John
carries with, after seven years of con-
scientious labor in the Normal Shoot of
Mankato, the best wishes of every true
friend Of education in this community
His rare ability upon the platform, end
his polished pulpit efforts, will be great
ly missed in Mankato.
The following members OF the Nor.
NAL School Board were present
President Thos. Simpson, w. B.
Mitchell, Revs. D. Burt and G. W. T.
Wright and o. o. Pitcher.
There were twenty graduates in all as
follows:
John Van Hecke, Edith J. Taylor,
Lizzie Bierwslter, 3enj. d. Smith, Grace
Pitcher, Emma J. Merrill, Myrs Brooks.
Olivia II. Roberts, Nellie n. Gleason,
Mary Indiana Darr, Ida N. Holland,
Geo. .. Jefferson, John W. Stoneman.
Phebe II. Sutherland. Edna L. Wood,
Lillias \. Wood, VIM. E. Dacklns, En-
ma J. Melendy, Anna NJ. Gleason and
Lizzie NJ. Faddis.
GRADUATING EXERCISES.
The exercises opened with the ami
versary hymn, Miss McCutcheon presid
ing at the instrument. Prayer by Rev.
Mr.. Richmond. Then followed the ad
dresses and papers read by those Of the
graduates selected for this purpose.
Excellent piano solos were given by
Prof. Z. L. Bettinger. The papers read
were 10 tOIlONS
salutstory-speliingR Reform. John Van Hecke.
Virgil-Edith J Taylor.
Oliver Goldsmith-Lizzie bierwaltsr.
The Inter Ocean Capsl--BenJ amin ID. Smith
school GoVernment-Emmay J. Merrill.
William shskespeS-Myrab Brooks.
The Wreck OF Rlyernlouth-GrAce Pitcher.
PrOphecies-Sellie u. Gleason.
Push-Olliyil n. Roberts.
VLsdictory-Anna n. Gleason.
Prof. John then delivered very able
and appropriate address to the gradual
ing class After which the class was
presented TO the Board for authority to
confer the diplomas, which was given
by the President, ThOs. Simpson, of
Winona, in language very appropriate.
The diplomas were presented by the
resident member of the Board, o. o.
Pitcher.
State Superintendent Burt then made
some very valuable statistical
rs to the Mankato
School. He demonstrated the tidility
with which the graduates Of this school
had fulfilled their pledges. Out Of 600
Of the Mankato School graduates, not 10
exceed l2 had failed 10 teach the re-
quired two years, while those who had
made teaching life business, had made
up the deficiency with the grand excess
Of 1900 months. He also showed that
1880 persons have received instruction
in this school, and very many OF these
have been in various ways, engaged in
spreading the benefits Of Normal edu-
cation.
On invitation, Prof. Soaring,
ex.superintendent Of the schools of Wis.
addressed the audience, giving great
satisfaction by the excellent tone, and
taste Of his remarks. Gov. Pillsbury
surprised his friends by some clear and
practical remarks on Normal Schools,
and education in general, delivered iu
au easy and familiar manner, showing
that like Grant, the Governor lie improv-
ing in the art ofspeaking. The exercis-
IS were closed by Class Song, follow
ed with the benediction. These gradu-
sting exercises will long be remember
ed by all In attendance, and in the his
tory of the graduates themselves, April
10Th 1880, will ever be a notable day.
TIE ALUMNI REUNION IN NORMAL
HALL IN TEE EVENING.
A business meeting Of the old gradu
ates was first held, and Of the Alumni
Association, Miss A. J. Pattee is presi.
dent, Miss Lucy Bolton secretary, and
Miss A. A. Walker treasurer. Out Of
last years funds, twelve and half cents
remained. Seine ten or twelve dollars
was paid In. The old officers were re-
elected for the ensuing year. 1t was
resolved TO hold meeting of the az
ISOLATION next year, composed exclusive.
ly Of graduates and invited teachers
Committees were appointed to take
charge Of the exercises, after which
they adjourned to the Normal Hall
where variety Of interesting exercises
were had. Among the most attractiv,
Of these, were the very excellent rendi
tons by Miss Ida Flower; the Launch
ing of the Boat" "The Sleep at TIT
Switch" and the "Boot Black" were en-
| Enthusiastically receiyad Birdie Dicken