Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-06-12
RICHMOND INSTITUTE.
CONFINEMENT EXERCISES.

EXERCISES ofthe Richmond Female lnsti-
'uie. The velvet circle was reserved for
the scholars, as was also other privi-
legged seats on the main floor OF the
| Theatre.
The galleries were packed with a
brilliant assemblage, which patiently
awaited the opening exercises.
Ihere. were any quantity Of flowers
more, said one Of the teachers. than
has ever been seen on any previous
occasion Of this sort. The sweet girl
graduates were very much interested
in these flowers, and found time before
the curtain went up to get behind the
scenes and examine them.
oh, amt these sweet" said a
rosy-cheeked graduate dressed in spot
less white.
Here is something that looks like
you could eat it," said another.
"Oh. am sure he wouldn't forget
me, T" proudly exclaimed another, Jerk
ing from the mass Of bouquets an enor-
nous one. She referred to her beau
and gave his name. This reporter will
not.
Miss Sally b. Hammer is the princi-
pal Of the Institute, and she has shown
that woman can successfully conduct
an enterprise Of this sort. II is'a sue
cess OF the most complete kind.
The stage scenery was very properly
and prettily arranged, the graduates
dressed in white mostly and occupying
the front row Of seats, which formed an
arc Of circle.
On the stage were Rev. Or. j. vii
liam Jones, Rev. Dr. W. W. Landrum.
DR.. II. A. Upper, Professor c. II.
Winston, and other distinguished gen.
tlemen.
DIDN'T SCARE AT ALL.
just before the curtain went up some
Of the flies overhead broke loose. aud
fell with a crash upon the top Of the
Suggesting. 1t made a loud noise
and sent down a shower Of dust, bat
1t was impossible for it to have fallen
down on anybody.
Everybody sat still and there was not
the least evidence Of fright. The fly
man, ont Of whose hands the fy-rope,
had slipped, pulled the fly blcS to its
place.
PRAYER.
At $50 o'clock the curtain went up.
ard the crowd applauded. DR.. Upper
stepped forward and announced that
the exercises would be opened with
prayer by Rev. Or. Jones. and askeI
the audience to rise during the prayer.
This was done. and Or. Jones offered
feeling prayer suitable TO the occasion.
THE sALUTAToRY.
DR.. Upper. after invoking silence.
introduced Miss Fannie Thornhill. who
read the salu,atory essay.
SCHOLARSHIP MEDALS.
Rev. Carter Helm Jones next award
ed medals for scholarship to Miss
Lille Briggs. Miss Fannie Alfriend, and
Miss Mary Dodson. In the discharge
Of this delicate task Rev. Mr.. Jones
acquitted himself 50 proudly as to win
deserved praise.
CERTIFICATES or DISTINCTION.
The scholars who were 70 receive
certificates Of distinction were invited
10 come on the stage. aud they fled in.
looking so pretty in their white cos
tunes, and with faces so happy. that as
they appeared on the stage and formed
in line the house broke into applause.
Professor c. II. Winston presented
the certificates in a most pleasant and
happy manner. after which the girls re-
turned to their seats in the auditorium.
Certificates Of proficiency we're also
presented by Professor Winston TO a
number Of young ladies.
MEDALS FOR MUSIC.
DR.. Tupper presented Miss Halle
Thurman and Miss Annie Griswold
with medals for music-Miss Thurman
for vocal and Miss Griswold for piano
music.
DISTRIBUTION or DIPLOMAS.
Professor Winston presented the di-
plomas to the graduates of the various
schools, the young ladies constituting
the same having come forward and
formed in line in front Of the stage
just as the others did.
MEDAL FOR LATIN.
Rev. DIR. ". ". Landrum awarded
medal for Latin TO Miss Birdie Jones.
This was the Steel IN edal. and its char
acter was explained By Dr. LandruA.
THE GRADUATES.
DR.. Upper presented diplomas to
the following full graduates Miss Hat
tie Thurman, Miss Lena Watkins, and
Miss Lula Eubank. Literary gradu-
ates Miss Fannie Thornhill, Miss
Mary Hunt, Miss Nora Phillips, Miss
Dora Norment, Miss Birdie Jones.
Miss Mamie Nottingham. Miss Ottawa
Ware, and Miss Mary Anderson.
THE vALEDICTORY.
Miss Halle Thurman read in clear
tones the yaledictory; after which the
benediction was pronounced by Rev. j..
T. Belts, Of Ashland. and the great
crowd poured out OF the Theatre and
went home.
Rah