The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-11-29
beautiful Custom.

Yesterday was q day OF jubilee in the public
schools. In the afternoon the routine of study was
abandoned and exercises Of various kinds took
place. The day before Thanksgiving, for the
past few years. has been set aside as a time for
pleasure, and it has been given the name of the
Autumn Festival. The pupils are entertained
by singing, by recitations from different mem.
bers of the class. and in some instances the
teachers read some story or poem. A great
many Of the pupils have decided talent for elo-
cu,ion and their pieces are given with an in:
telligencs and emphasis often lack
iug in professional trained grown
people. In q few instances the
children seem nervous, but for the most part
they are entirely composed, and they take great
pride in learning their selections and rarely have
to be assisted or prompted. Each teacher is
obliged to understand music sufficiently well to
teach the rudiments and lead the songs. FIRE.
quently she can listen instead OF sing after
they are through the first few measures and can
carry it along without any help. Decorations
appropriate to the season were seen in nearly
every room, and other embellishments were
added simply for beauty. There were strinesof
popcorn, strings of cranberries. strings of buck
eyes, strings Of two of these and sometimes of all
three, festooned over the black boards and
windows. Popcorn not popped, in punches.
with ears OF red. yellow and white. was hung
up by the husk. Red and white onions, yellow
pumpkins. green cabbages, apples of every col
or and kind, potatoes and numerous knick-
knacks OF every description added their color to
the whole. In one room the children had brought
tissue paper and cut il in fancy patters aud fast
ened II to the windows like sash curtains, where
1t hung with a decidedly lacey effect-pink,
and freshness, and flags were draped here and
there, IN profusion.
The chief interest at this time centers in the
quantity of articles brought by the children for
those who are less fortunate than
they. 1t is understood that each
some vegetable, some piece of wearing apparel
or a few cents. Even one potato, an apple or a
cent IL just as welcome as n larger amount. By
the time each child has contributed the amount
is astonishing. Bushels of potatoes and bushels
OF apples are thus collected, and any quantity
Of other vegetables. Sometimes q turkey will
be brought, though this is not q common occur
renee. The clothing piled ND on a bench fills it
to repletion. and the money amounts to many
dollars. liz there are any families In the schools
that need care they are the first supplied. After
that the corps OF the Grand Army have every
thing edible. for distribution TO those under
their charge. On Friday all the clothing is
carried to Superintendent Joness room. and it
Is there looked over and apportioned. The most
OF this Is found useful for tho children of the
free kindergarten. The money is used where
1t will do the most good. and this is generally
for the purchase Of shoes. Many parents can
keep their children clothed. but fnd e difficult
TO buy shoes, and these are known TO the teach
or. and she sees that their wants are supplied.
The children take great interest in all OF this
WORK, aud it teaches them tho pleasure OF Civ
ing, and helps th-m TO a better manhood and
womsnhood. All the lessons tsughG are not ont
Of books. and these holiday exercises are a ju-
dieious interruption. A private library has
been started In one Of the schools. IL
was only begun last year. but they
have already thirty three volumes, wisely Sc
lected by the teachers. Voluntary contributions
are made by the pupils. Tho teachers recon-
mend a little sslf-denial, and The money thus
earned the children arc proud to pay into the
treasury. The books are for reference and