Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1883-04-05
Pittsville.

The citizens OF this village and
vicinity were pleasantly and proftably
entertained on Monday evening by the
enterprising school of this place, it
being the close of an Industrious
term Of four months
The building vas packed to its ut
most capacity at an early hour, and the
bright faces gave token of the expec-
tation of an unusually pleasant time.
Great credit is due to Mr.. Havenor,
the Woodworking and We trust highly
appreciated teacher, for his careful,
painstaking efforts to make a real
success of the occasion. The pro-
gramme was full of variety and
interest, consisting of Rotations,
original essays, dialogues, tableaux,
music etc.
Many of the exercises are deserving
of special mention, but wishing to
give due credit to ALL we will not
specify.
The children did admirably. The
tableau entitled "Woman's Rights"
was heartily enjoyed by all. Two
boys representing the sadly abused
Hege lords were seen engaged, the one,
with arms barred to the elbows, in
laboriously rubbing out the weekly
washing the other nursing the baby,
while the better half Of each stood by
watching the process with cool COM
placency.
The music with which the whole
was interspersed was given by members
of the Pittsville Band and was much
enjoyed. The following poem was
read by Mr.. Havencr, after which
music by the Band closed the pleasant
occasion.
PITTSVILLE.
Friends I'll tell you, but l suppose you all
krow it,
don't claim relation to any great poet;
Please, your criticisms, il you can, make
very lignt,
AS this poetry was mostly composed in the
night,
While the res. of the folks were in bed and
asleep
my place at the table did quietly keep,
And wrote, while the light made my eyes
sparkle and glisten,
ThaSa limos ,vhinb Til road sc N,o,, Iy;
listen.
1t may be that ofense to some may give,
That's not my intention true as live.
In the state of Wisconsin, and county of
Wood
Stands small village, and though not long
it has stood,
Has carved from tho forest, the dark frown-
ing forest,
home fer the weary, yea the sick and dis
tressed.
Yes. the village of Pittsville, for such is its
name.
Was founded by Newbery, who years ago
came,
To this land that was teemiug with riches
untold,
That lay in its forests and rocks full of gold
Those primeval forests 10 stately and grand
Had long been the home of the fierce savage
band
Not a thing had been done, not a word had
been said,
To harm the great trees from their roots to
their heads
The cold dreary winds of the winter had
Kissed
Through the tops, the zephyrs of summer
had kissed.
Our small winding river, from center to brink
Furnished Wild men and beasts its waters to
drink.
Yes, even birds from their nests in the trees
Drank of its waters whenever they pleased !;
The squirrel and rabbit went skipping along
Each trying to talk in his own mother
tongue.
Thus days, years and ages did circle away
Leaving most of these things as we find them
to-day.
This small busy village in days so remote
Knew naught what it is to make board or a
spoke.
Memo Ger split rail or single did shave.
Though much less than cutting a flour barrel
staye;
All Of these things and great many beside,
Were left for others who might drift down
the tide.
As it rolls and surges away us the strand,
Bringing wealth and great minds to people
the land,
And first among those whom now / must
mention,
Is that of one Pitts who claims our attention
Because of his name being used in this place
And he among others first of the race;
To make him q home and settlement here
In land full of wealth and mosquitoes Sc
dear.
Then there's J. Q. Severance, whom all o.
you know
As he came to this region many long years
ago;
With his compass and chain he'll mea surs
your land
And he'll show you the corners just as the,
stand;
Yes, he'll show you the lines and make then
so straight,
Ne one benz them, though his minds il
that state