Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-02-09

CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY on THE
GREAT POET WHITTIER, AT THE
FIFTH WARD SCHOOL.
MARTlNsRuRG. February G. ,S4.

CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY on THE
GREAT POET WHITTIER, AT THE
FIFTH WARD SCHOOL.
MARTgNsBuRG, February 9, 'S4.
MeSSrs. Eds. Independent.
IL was the writer's pleasure to visit
the 9th Ward school on Wednesday last.
to Witness the very interesting feature
Of celebrating the birthday Of the great
poet, John q. Whittier, who was born
December II. 1907. 1t IL my purpose, IL
you will allow me, to give to the many
readers of the INDEPENDENT, briet
description, or programme of the exer-
cises carried out on this occasion, to-
gethcr with the names Of the partici-
pants who acquitted themselves so
crctlitably that every one is worthy Of
public notice. The quiet and good be-
hayior manifested in every feature of
the occasion, silently spoke how tho
rough and we'll these pupils had been
trained, not merely because 1t was an
occasion Of this kind, where the patrons
OF the school, and the public were inyi-
ted 20 come, but II was universal thro'-
out the whole school, convincing ut
once, that great care aud untiring en-
ergy and perseverance, were constantly
employed before such result could be
attained.
The opening address was made by
Master Willie schill, who acquitted
himself finely, thus encouraging his lit
tie comrades who were to folioS. Next
was a biographical sketch Of the great
poet by Master Albert Burch. which
was spoken in mastery way and well
received; then followed the followed
Rotations: ssThe Barefoot Boy BY
| Laura keedy, Alice McBee, Alice Bow
ers, John Long, Charles Hartman, Thos.
Rusler and Willie Barton. 'sSupper OF
81 Gregory BY George Watson. .rne
| Birds Question: by Miss Bertha SHAFT
| fer. ..Cobler kcezar's Vision" BY Ma
zee smith. Ella Watson, Bertha Shat
| fer, VILLA Gatrel, Albert Burch, Robt.
| Mcdowell, Miah Smith, Clarence smith,
Willie Scott and Leo Westrater. Fol-
| lowing which II Present Help was
sung by Laura Keedy, Alice McBee,
Mary Watson and Ida Anderson. This
piece was rendered very fine, showing
That their training III this direction was /.
not neglected. ssln School Days" spo-
ken by Miss Annie Custer. "Red Rid
! ing Hood, BY Miss Mary Watson. 1.-THE
Sure Reward, !" Il splendid piece, spoken
| by Miss Annie Smith, ~ ~ nna styiey
David Watson read by Miss Alice
Melee, Annie smith, Bertha Shaffer,
Lottie foutz, Charles Harman, Clar-
ence Smith, Willie Scott, Geo. Watson.
John Long and Willie Schill. The
reading Of this piece was done In a
scholarly manner, and the pupils de-
serve great creditor their efficiency in
this branch OF education. Recitation.
barbara Fritchie,v spoken BY Misses
Ida Anderson and Loltie Youtz, and
was well executed. All Of tho pieces
spoken were from the pen Of Whittier,
and from the thorough manner they
We're committed to memory BY the
speakers, her name will be remember
ed by them for long years to come. The
Principal. Miss Alice Wilson, next read
u letter received from the celebrated
poet himself, which In his ssthee'sv and
"thine's,o clearly shows the good Qua
ker persuasion. The following il a
verbatim copy:
DRAWERS, MASS, 1stm. IS, 1884.
"Dear Friend:
~ shall be happy to know that any
words Of mine can give interest or plea
thy kind letter, / am, with ali good
wishes for thee and thy pupils, thy
friend. JOHN q. WHITTIER
The reading OF this letter was u verv
interesting and enjoyable feature. The
sparkling eyes and smiling faces of the
children, plainly indicated their high
appreciation Of the encouraging words
and good wishes for their success. d.
rect from the author Of the beautiful
lines they had recited. The following
pupils took part in the exercises and
acquitted themselves so well that they
all deserve public mention: Alice Bow
ers, Bertha Shafier, Maize Smith, Ella
Watson, Annie Custer, Lottie Youtz.
Ella Drenner, Annie Smith. Laura
Keedy, Charles Hartman, John Long.
Thos. Rusler, Willie Barton, Geo. wat.
son, Miah Smith, Willie Scott, Willie
Gatrel, Robert Mcdowell, Clarence
Smith and Lee Westrater. Evening
Twilight . beautiful song, was then
sung by the class, which closed the ex-
sercises, and a very pleasant hour to
the visitors Of the school; and now.
Messrs. Editors, only a few more words
and / am done. The principal of this
school, Miss Alice ". Wilson, and her
able assistants, Mrs. Jenny Mann and
Miss Ada R0drick, are indefatigable in
their efforts to advance the pupils un-
der their care in the different branches
OF education, 1t only remains for the
parents and pupils to do their part, and
the rest Is assured. Let us, then, as
parents, thus endeayor to do our part.
and give these excellent teachers ali
praise, for they richly deserve it.
Orr