The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-07-26
THE BLIND INSTITUTE.
Reunion of the Alumni of the In
stitution for the Blind.

Prior to 1881 no pupils had ever gradu-
ated in this institution. In June of that
year the following persons graduated, and
received regular diplomas of parchment,
beautifully engraved:
Glass Miss Alice Hamilton, Trinity
county; Miss Ora Simpson, Travis
county; Miss Mary Bingham, Hill county;
Miss Jennie Clopton, Bastrop county
Miss Eliza d. Allen, Travis county, Miss
Matte Mather, Burnett county; Miss Mollie
Stockard, Bell county; Miss Lula May
nard, Bastrop county; Miss Jane Garrett,
Rusk county; Mr.. John Dickson, Nueces
county.
Glass 2, 1SS3-Miss Geneva Mcdaniel,
Williamson county.
Glass 3, 1SS4-Miss Annie Michel, Ma
varro county; Miss Dora Schweers, Mar
ion county; Mr.. Frank Schweers, Marion
county; Mr.. Otis Rush, San Jacinto
county; Mr.. Asa Lewis, Limestone county;
Mr.. T. G. Mckenzie, Parker county.
Glass 4, 18S5-Miss Katie Johns, Bexar
county; Miss Tilla Peay, Bexar county;
Mr.. Walker Higgason, Burleson county;
Mr.. Stonewall Carroll, Henderson county.
Glass 5, 1S87-Miss Agnes Andrews,
Tarrant county; Mr.. E. D. Michel, Pamela
county; Mr.. Thomas Crunk, Wise county;
Mr.. William Clements, Ellis county; max
ing twenty six graduates in all.
Four of the alumni, Misses Maynard,
Michel, Hamilton and Mr.. Turner have
married since they graduated. All of the
graduates, with two or three exceptions,
are doing we'll. The present superinten-
dent suggested that the alumni should
meet this summer, and organize for future
reunion. His suggestion was acted upon,
and upon Monday, the 18th day of this
month, ten of the graduates, Misses
Hamilton, Simpson, Clopton, Mather,
Johns, Mcdaniel, Messrs. Mitchell, Hag-
gsson, Lewis and Rush, met in this insti-
tuition to remain four days, that they
might organize and enjoy themselves
socially. 1t proved to be inconvenient for
any other graduates to attend at
this time. Mr.. Ned Mitchell, of
Pauola county, was made perma-
nent president; Miss Ora Simpson
of Travis, vice president; Miss Jennie
Clopton, of Bastrop, secretary; Mr.. Otis
Rush, of San Jacinto, assistant secretary;
Miss Geneva Mcdaniel, of William son,
treasurer. Monday night DR.. Rainey,
perintendent, delivered an address of
welcome and advice. Tuesday, at 10
o'clock a. M, the graduates discussed the
relative merits of the piano and cabinet
organ for future practical use for the
blind. The discussion took wide range
and included the use of the violin and
guitar, especially in addition to the piano
and organ. Practical experience by two
of the alumni, who have met with con-
siderable success as teachers of
hoe ha hot
good knowledge of the violin and
guitar would be very useful arrows in the
culver of a blind music teacher. The
superintendent MT read from and commented
upon an article on "The Most Profitable
Avocatlons for the Blind"
On Wednesday morning, at 10 O'Clock,
Miss Alice Hamilton (of the alumni pres
ent), was united in marriage to the
steward and book-keeper, Mr.. f. o. Hef-
lin, in the chapel. The ceremony was
performed by their pastor, Rev. Wm.
Howard, d. D., and the bride and groom
were attended by five of the young lady
graduates present, and one of the young
lady pupils, an honorary member.
This reunion was specially appointed
to suit this happy occasion. The bride
is an assistant teacher, and was appointed
soon after her graduation. Both will
keep their positions, and will have charge
of the young mems department in the
handsome new building now being
erected. short meeting of the society
was held after the marriage, and a reso-
luton of heartfelt sympathy and con-
dOlence concerning the death of DR.. r. Z.
Grant was passed. He has been mem
Der of the board of trustees during the
last thirteen years, and was great friend
of the institution.
To-day at 10 o'clock Qast day Prof. R.
W. Lowry, principal of the literary de-
partment in this institution, will deliver
an address to the alumni After
the address the relative merits
of the point system and line letter will be
discussed by the society. An essay on
"The Usefulness of Physical Culture for
the Blind will be read. Ia the afternoon
of each evening the graduates meet in the
central hall for social chat and are served
with fruit and melons. This AFTERNOON
they will take a ride into the country.
These reunions will occur every two
years. 1t is a grand thing to see how
heartily the young men and young ladies
enjoy the reunion after so many years of
separation, and see how they appreciate
the cordial mauner of their reception by
the superintendent and his wife under
whose supervision they were educated.