The Portland daily press., 1886-01-23
coRHAM NORMAL SCHOOL.
The Graduation Exercises Yesterday.

A bad storm the night before, bad travel
ing and gloomy sky all conspired to render
the number of spectators at the graduation
exercises of the Normal school smaller than
usual at the close of the winter term. How
ever, when the exercises began the main
room of the Normal building was fairly well
filled yesterday, and before 10 O'Clock the
hall was well filled.
The room wore very pleasant and taste
full appearance with its blaekbOards filled
with specimens Of students drawing, the
pictures upon the walls and the busts of
Milton and Dante facing the visitor as he
enters. These busts are recent donation
to the school by the alumni, and are In
memory of former teacher, Miss KimbaL.
Following the opening exercises came the
first part on the programme reading
Shifting the Rock" by Miss Woodman, who
rendered the somewhat difficult selection in
manner to reflect credit on the teacher of
elocutlon, Miss s. f. LaughtOn.
After more singing by the school came an
0ther reading, The Schooimaster'S Guests"
by Miss Glew. She gave the piece, always
favorite, with excellent effect.
Next came the bete noir Of the graduation,
the examination of the outgoing class in didac-
tics by superintendent Luce. This is always
a. very embarrassing place in which to put a
class and they rarely do themselves full
justice before an audience because of
difidence. The present class, however, ac-
quilted themselves with credit, and betrayed
less nervousness during the ordeal than was
to be expected. Mr.. Luce has the happy
knaek Of inspiring confidence in his Victims
The examination was followed by the read
ing of the "Owl Critic" by Miss Higgins,
who received hearty applause at the con-
clusiOn of her effort.
After the song by the school, Hail to Our
Beautiful Queen" came the Chronicles by
sketched the origin of the school and the his
tory of the class. The part was well written
ana we'll reeeiVed.
The Sybil of the class was Mics Dorman,
who drew aside the curtain and gave usa
brief glance into the future and hint as to
the fortunes of her classmates. IL the Fates
have spoken through Miss Dorman, the pub
lie had better keep an eye ON this class.
Hearty applause greeted the conclusion Of
the reading.
Next came the poem by Miss Webb, who
took the music of st. Cecilia as her subject.
The poem was well written and well re-
ceived, and evidently gave pleasure to the
audience.
After few appropriate words by the prin-
eipal Gov. Robie conferred the diplomas
upon the class. In his remarks to the class
the Governor said: 'We have been State
now more than sixty years. When we first
was predicted by some that in compare
lively short time we should have . popula-
ton OF more than a million and half in
habltants. Though we have disappointed
that expectation, 1--we have made large in
crease in other directions. and noticeably so
in education" He congratulated the class
upon being so well prepared for their life
work, and the State npon receiving this new
accession to its teaching force. Some excel
lent advice was given as to future action and
success III life.
The Governor was followed by few part
ing words by the principal, and after the
singing OF tne class song py MISS Grant' tne
were over.
The names of the graduating class are;
Lucy E. Dorman, BolSter's Mills.
Agnes A. Glew, GOrham.
Melvina H. Grant Spruce Head.
Margaret Higgins, StandiSh.
Harriet L. Lincoln, Gorham.
Jennie E. Phinney, G0rham.
Fannie G. Renck, Kittery.
Lillian M. Webb, Saccarappa.
Lotta NJ. Woodman, Saccarappa.