The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1888-06-07
A Pleasant Day at Honea Path.

Last Friday was gala day in Honea
Path, the occasion being the annual pic
mic and che closing exercises of the Honea
Path High Sch ool, which, as is generally
known, is under the supervision of Prof. ].
B. Watkins. For several days preceding,
the pupils of Che school had been undergo
ing examination, and Of course they were
looking forward to this day with the most
pleasant anticipations.
+ We had received very cordial invita-
ton to be present, and on Friday morning
we boarded the sonthbound train and soon
landed in the quiet and pretty little village
of Honea Path. The place was alive with
people from the surrounding country, and
in a short time the crowd was vending its
way to the Baptist Church, where the
exercises were to be held. Rev. DR.. Manly,
of Greenvills, and Col. ]. G. Clinkscales,
of this city, had been invited to address
the school. When we reached the church
we found these gentlemen. there, and a
large crowd assembled to hear them. Rey.
D. W. Hiott, the popular pastor of the
church, opened the exercises with prayer,
and, after a short speech of welcome in
behalf of Prof. Watkins. introduced DR..
Manly to the audience. This distinguished
divine made most practical and eloquent
address, and was listened to very atten-
lively. Col. Clinkscales followed DIR.
Manly, and made very appropriate and
interesting address. Both the speakers
gave the pupils good advice, and at the
same time made some capital suggestions
to the friends and patrons of the school.
At the conclusion Of the speaking, din
ner was ann ounced. Quite number of
the crowd had brought their baskets,
which were opened out on the beautiful
lawn surrounding the church. 1t was our
fortune to fall into good hands, and we
dined at tbs hospitable home of Mr.. j. L.
Brock. where we spent an hour or two
very pleasantly, besides getting a most ex-
cellent dinner.
The afternoon vas spent very pleasantly
by the young people in various ways at
the Academy and in the grove surround
ing it. When. the northbound train ar
rived, We were not near ready to take our
departure, and as Lawn Party was to
take place in the evening in the Academy
grove, we determined to stay over and
enjoy its pleasures.
The Lawn Party was success, and was
one of the most pleasant occasions we have
ever participated in. At an early hour the
young people had assembled at the Acade-
my. The grove was illuminated by bon
fires, and here and there were to be found
comfortable seats, arranged especially for
those couples who desired to have private
chat or talk "politics." Everybody seemed
to be in their best humor, and if any one
present failed to have good time it was
his or her own fault. Honea Path and the
surrounding country has always been
noted for the beauty and number of young
ladies, and gallant clever young men, and
their reputation was fully sustained on
this OCCASION. 1t was after midnight before
the gay crowd dispersed.
The Honea Path High School is one of
the largest and most tlourishing schools in
this section of the State. and has at its
head one of the most proficient and pains
taking teachers to be found in the State.
During the past session the roll has num-
bered as high as one hundred and seventy
five pupils, of both sexes, large number
of whom boarded with Prof. Watkins
The good people of Honea Path appreciate
Prof Watkins worth as q teacher, and
manifest much earnest Interest in tie cause
of education. They are justly proud of
the school, and are determined to hold on
to Prof. Watkins as long as he will remain
with them. During the past session he
has been ably assisted by Miss Watkins
and Miss Mcdaniel, both of whom are
efficient teachers.
Our stay in Honea Path was so pleasant,
that we will take advantage of the first
opportunity to 90 back again.