Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1884-06-18
Communication.

Mr.. EDITOR As the ''latchstring"
of the columns of the SENTINEL AND
REPUBLICAN is always out for matter
of an educational charaetsr L will
venture to offer few lines relative
to the closing exercises of the Normal
School, at Richfsld, on Friday even
ing, June 9th. The school is con-
Quoted by Mr.. p G. Shelly, in whom
there is much ''stir and enthusiasm
The evening was very warm and OPP
presslve and the room overcrowded
with fine, select and attentive audi
ence. 1t will be uncommon news to
say that Mr. Shelly had his room
whitewashed, and in addition to this
scrubbed every two weeks during
the session. The walls looked fresh
and bright were handsomely decor
ated with pictures and notices, the
blackboard containing this significant
line: ''Stick toit-ive-ness is one
thing necessary to success. The
stalwart friends of education of the
vicinity were noticed by your cores
pondsnt to be there, and, without
being personal, such names as Page,
Deckart, Richart, Farleman, Weimer,
Haas, &c, were prominent while the
enemies of progress were equally
conspicuous, by their absence. Ex-
Co. Sup't Smith, Sup't Auman, Teach
er A. b. Wills and Clayton lands,
all from Miifiintown, were there and
gave encouragement by their pres
ence. The exercises opened at 8 O.
clock, with mastery salutatory, By
Frank Richart. An appropriate and
well composed essay.-by j. A. Sny-
der, was next rendered and received
with great satisfaction by the audi
ence. Next Was music by a select
choir, led by that skilled organist,
Miss Schafer, from Aaronsburg, Pa,
piece entitled, Sweet Rest at Home"
rhanatopsis was admirably rendered
by L. S. Hokinbrok. The house was
brought to a roar with a stump
speech by S. II. Graybill. Select
reading by Sadie Richart, and reci-
tation by Emma Grouse, were receiv-
ed with the greatest attention by the
house. Little Dog Tray, by Gertie
heathington, was pretty, and Nathan
Hale, by Annie Shelley, was truly af-
fecting. Bachelors at public auction,
by one whose name is not now ut
hand, was one of the star exercises
Victim of toothache, by Wilson Straw
der, made one feel as though this
world was not 80 pleasant a world af
ter all. After quite cute declama-
tions by sAiinnie Yeager and Aggie
Mitterling Bran Shaeffer gave
his select reading, side-splitting, We
may say, "What Eizabeth's opinion
Of Women was. This piece was in
Pa. German, and your reporter can
only say, ''lah me" Is 1t Yous by
Bessie Whitley, and Lincoln's favor
ite piece, why should the spirit OF
mortal be proud, by Minnie Winey,
were the last and crowninS pieces OF
the evening. EI-Sup't Smith was
called upon, who responded at length
by speaking of the advantages to a
community in fostering education
He paid handsome tribute to the
spirited citizens of Richfeld, and es-
pecially to Mr.. Shelly. Sup't Au-
man was next called upon, who re-
piled in a very happy speech. He
was favorably impressed with the ed
ucational status of that part of his
field upon which he Just entered to
labor. He assured them he would
do all his power to further the cause
of education not In that locality alone
but wherever duty calls him. He
asked for their kind co-operation.-
Both speakers were loudly applaud
ed. The Richfield Band discoursed
lively music during the evening and
the school rendered a number Of very
excellent pieces at intervals. The
order was perfect, and at half past
10 all went home in the happiest
mood. 1t was noticeable that there
was no running in and out, no noise
and not even any whispering. There
was no evening programme which
showed that the teacher was thorough
and knew that his pupils were ready,
to respond whenever called upon
The exercises gave evidence of great
success on the part OF teacher Shelly.
REPORTER.