Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1883-09-13
J. S. HALY, NJ. D.
A. B. PHILLIPS, NJ. d
The Teachers Institute.

Ed. NORTHwEsT:-Being particularly
interested in the educational work carried
on in this county, we made it point to
take in the feast of good things provided
for the teachers of this county at their an
nual gathering during the first week in
September. We arrived on the ground
early Monday morning, but owing to the
time upon which trains were running
teachers were unable to reach Liberty
Center from the West until near the close
OF the day, and yet about thirty names
We're enrolled the first day. the number
being increased from day to day until the
enrolment reached about eighty.
Prof. j. E. Safer, former Sdpt. OF the
Wauseon Schools, and at present chief
clerk in the Office Ofthe State School Com
missioner, had been employed to conduct
the Institute as principle instructor, and
was on hand and performed his part most
nobly, AMI fully as much to the profit of
those in attendance as any who have pre-
ceded him. His chief work was on the
subjects of United States history, arith-
metic and grammar. His digest of his
tory was extremely practical, and OF great
benefit to all present. Various subjects
in arithmetic of particular import were
ably discussed by him, also many of the
technicalities of English grammar, or
biography and reading were ably handed
by President ]. V. Cuff. w. T. Chapman
gave daily lessons in Penmanship, after
the Spencerian model, and Prof Poulson,
Principal OF the Liberty Schools, took up
geography for his special work, his pre-
sentation of the subject was admirable,
particularly his outline of oral teaching,
which was eminently suggestive, and
should have been heard and copied by ev-
cry teacher in the county.
Each evening of the week was credita-
bly, occupied. On Monday evening Prof.
Safer delivered an interesting lecture upon
the Geology of Ohio" On Tuesday even
ing DIR. D. E. Haag, of Liberty, lectured
upon the "Physiology of the Blood" and
the vital necessity of free air. Wednes-
day evening, Prof. Poulson, delivered an
address upon the "Duties of Parents to
the Schools" These lectures were all
listened to by appreciative audiences of
respectable size, showing that the people
of Liberty and vicinity are entirely out of
the woods in matters pertaining to educa-
tion. An elocutionary entertainment was
held on Thursday evening by MIS-. r. S.
McCann, who fully sustained her reputa-
tion as an elocutionist of no mean rank
Friday evening was set apart for a social
gathering conducted by j. V. Cuff, who
proved himself to he the right man il the
right place.
It would be unjust to close this article
without making honorable mention of
those youngpeople of Liberty, who fIrn-
ished music for the evening sessions. 1t
is fact we'll known to many people, that
Liberty Center is somewhat noted for fine
singers, but without making any particu-
lar distinctions, we desire to say that no
town of it's size in this part of the country
has pn0H mnSioa1 talant
generosity in furnishing it on public oc-
casions, "without money and without
price,"
Too much credit cannot be given to Prof.
Cuff Sec. Poulson and Execetive &c. o.nmit-
tee for their faithful and energetic work
in conducting the preliminary and other
work to successful termination. The
more is this due when we consider the
burden of responsibility which has always
rested on the officiary, where so little help
Is received from from teachers and school
officers generally.
A business session was held on Friday
at which officers were elected for the en-
SUING year, and other business transacted.
The result of this election was as follows:
President j. V. Cuff, of Liberty; Vice
Presidents-L. L. Fl. Austin, of Nar oleon;
Geo. Wilkinson, of Deshler; Miss Mae
oueliielu, ol NaPoleoti; secretary u. IL.
Poulson, of Liberty; Assistant Secretary
M. D, Rand, OF Ridgeville; Executive
Committee-W. T. Chapman, of Ridge
Vile; Martin Switzer, of Liberty; M. F.
Russell, of Liberty.
The next annual Institute is to be held
At Napoleon, at such time as may be fixed
upon by the Executive Committee, and the
first Bi-Monthly Session will be held at
Corners, on Saturday, Oct.
27th. w. 7. G.