National Republican., 1883-06-06
THE NORMAL KrNDnReARrEN.
seven Young Ladies who Have Adopted
Froobellian Ideas.


seven Young Ladies who Have Adopted
Frocbellian Ideas.
The graduating exercises of the Washing
ton Normal kindergarten institute we're
held at the Congregational church in the
presence of a very large audience. The
characteristic features of the kindergarten
were represented on tho platform. Back of
tho latter, on the outer wall of the organ
gallery, there extended like a series of
panels, representations of the work Of tho
kindergarten, little squares in arabcsquo and
mosaic designs the whole festoonod by gar
land Of flowers and trailing vines. On n
table at one end of tho platform was guam
tity Of other objects used in the kindergarten
work, objects especially calculated TO awaken
childish interest and fasten childish atten-
ton. In front of tho organ, above the rear
of the platform, marble bust Of Froebel
looked down upon the scene At first
glance the features seemed to be those of
a woman, but another look revealed the rare
union of strength and gentlonoss, of firmness
and kindness that characterised this lover
and benefactor of his race The front and
sides of the platform were banked deep in
flowers, noticeable among which were some
exquisite designs poems written in bud and
bloom, symphonies in fragrance, harmonies
in form and color, types Of the fair young
graduates whose presence lent additional
beauty to the j, overs
On the platform, besides the graduating
class, Mrs Louise Pollock. Miss Susie Pollock
of tho teachers corps, and Mamie Simons,
tho pianist, there were seated Gen. Eaton,
Rev. Dr. Rankin, Superintendent of Schools
! Wilson, Rev. DIR. Shippen, President Gallau-
det, Miss Nellie Boyden, Miss Emma Rowe,
and Miss Ella Reese, Prof Graham Bell and
father and Judge Macarthur
Tho graduating class numbered seven
Misses Fannie Crosby, of Fountaindale, ILL.,;
Anna Schmitt, Lille j. Stevens, Ida Hessel-
/ bach, Annie l.. Koones, and Maud Stillson,
of Washington, and Mrs. Phoebe Riddell of
Williamsport, Pa.
tatoran, read an essay on "Froebellian
| The exercises opened with an organ
voluntary by Prof. Bischofi, and DIR. Ran
class ' then N sang "The spTinstime of
Life" and Miss Fannie S. Crosby, the salu-
Principles" Miss Crosby is tall and
slender with dark hair, regular features,
a graceful carriage, and very agreeable elocu-
tion. She was dressed in nuns yelling,
trimmed with Spanish lace. A bunch of
crimson roses at her bosom reflected the
warmth of their rich color upon her pale in
tellectual face. The central thought of Miss
Crosby's essay was the far reaching sagacity
of Froebels intellect, the broad charity of his
soul, and how lofty would humanity reach if
all persons put his ideas in practice.
Miss Anna Schmitt Submitted her re1ec-
tions on Natures Method" Miss Schmitt
is blonde, with profusion of brown hair
and bright sparkling blue eyes. Her dress
was of light blue, trimmed with lace, with
| lace bertha around her neck. Her theme was
nature provides that the child should not be
neglected for want of exercise.
Miss Lille j. Stevens, slender brown
haired girl, in pink dress, with satin basque,
told story with q moral pointing to the
kindergarten that ELECTED rounds of applause.
kindergarten play was thon performed
by the class which illustrated to the audience
the relations between work and play as util-
lied by the kindergarten.
Miss Ida Hesselbach, n delicate, slender
| girl, dressed in albatross cloth. read an
essay on the A b G of the kindergarten. 1t
was q practical explanation of the tools en-
ployed and the methods used in the Froebel
| plan.
Miss Annie L. Koones, the belle Of the class,
about the medium size, with dark hair and
brown eyes, was voted the best elocutionist
Her dress was of nuns yelling, trimmed With
lace. In a distinct, musical voice she spoke
| upon Play us means of education" The
central thought was that play is an innate
desire for activity, which is born in every
one, and should be trained, not repressed.
Miss Maude Stillsons " Observations on the
| kindergarten, Seen With and Without Spec
tacles," was read by Miss. Susie Pollock, the
author being indisposed. II was n humorous
and breezy sketch, and took" at once with
the audience. After brilliant rendition of
rondo from Weber by Miss Mamie Simons,
Mrs. j. w. Riddle of Williamsport, Pa, de-
| livered the Valedictory, explaining why the
Poor Do Need the Kindergarten"
In conclusion she said: "And now before
we part allow me, dear teachers, in behalf of
my classmates and myself to express our sim
cerest thanks for the thorough instructions
we have received and for your conscientious
solicitude to give us clear insight into the
principles and philosophy of the kinder
garten system, both by theory and prac-
tice new life has opened before
us, which makes it far more valuable
to u.s. for our power for doing good
has been increased one hundred fold in
every walk of life, even if we never make a
profession of our kindergarten training.
The care of the Pensuaara free kindergarten,
which you so kindly allotted to us tho last
three months of our two years course, has
been blessed experience both to myself and
Miss Stevens, and If had my choice, would
prefer to teach the poor. 1t seems to give
them such new delights. The good results
seem so striking, while the parents are so
grateful for the help in their mater
nal duties | cannot conceive how
any true woman who studies into this life
giving philosophy Of child culture can help
becoming an enthusiastic disciple l recog-
nize it as the missing link in my experience
of teacher and cannot help expressing the
conviction that as to true rank the faithful,
noble teacher stands only second to the
mother"
Miss Louise Pollock then addressed the
class with some appropriate parting words"
Gen. Eaton then conferred the diplomas, the
parting song was sung, and then in a burst of
music from the organ the congregation dis